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Post by wanderingmagus on May 9, 2014 21:27:48 GMT
OOC: innofwanderers.freeforums.net/thread/168/myths-thalassana-cursed-stones-lightSign-up: innofwanderers.freeforums.net/thread/167/myths-thalassana-cursed-stones-lightInfo: innofwanderers.freeforums.net/thread/169/myths-thalassana-cursed-stones-lightQuesters: The Custodian (Clockwork) - Centaur, Knight, Rakazath's Folly (east of Orod Khazad) Silentium (Wavelength) - Human, Elite Knight, Thalassana Fides (Wavelength) - Destrier Earth Pony, Squire of Silentium, Thalassana Tienasha "Asha" Thundercloud (Midnight_Aurora) - Pegasus/Human Hybrid (Anthro), Mage-Knight, City of Wonders Varius Paragonis "The Blue" (wanderingmagus) - Human, Wizard, City of Wonders Petronella "Nellie" Brown (wanderingmagus) - Earth Pony, Assistant Wizard and Geomancer, City of Wonders Bane Lionheart (Bane Emural) - Human, Mercenary/Adventurer, the Kingdom Beyond the Great Sea. Bingo Fallowfoot (Wavelength) - Halfling, Landlord, Fairfields It has been many ages since the end of the Great War with the goblins, and the mighty realm of Thalassana enjoys peace and prosperity under the wise rule of King Leonard. Most recently, our lord and King has send messages to all our allies after receiving a request from the High Council of the City of Wonders. Now, healers, fighters, tinkers, and adventurers of all manner of history come from all over the known world in answer to requests from the King for aid in this glorious quest for a mysterious artefact of the ancient world. However, though the adventurers are hopeful, the journey may be perilous... Setting: It is a clear evening as the sun sets on the city of Thalassana, and torches are being lit all over the streets. The familiar smell of moist earth and many crowded people floats through the streets with the sound of singing and music, shouts and grunts and whinnies of horses. After many hours of travel, the travellers arrive at the designated location, the Fair Maiden. The perfect spot for exhausted travellers needin' some good ol' ale and a good nights rest. This is where our story begins...
Varius Paragonis, called Paragonis the Blue by the common folk of Thalassana, smiled tiredly as he finally approached the walls of the fortress, passing beneath the enormous portcullis and dismounting to walk his horse on the cobbled streets. It had been a long 57 miles all the way from the City of Wonders to come here, a two-day journey over hill and valley and fen and moor, bordered occasionally by hurdle, hedgerow and stile. Still, it was a safe journey, something which still came as somewhat of a surprise to the old man years after the last battle of the Great War had ended. He wore a slightly dusty hooded robe over a worn tunic and sturdy trousers, good riding boots that went all the way up to his knees, and a wizard's pointed hat, all originally dyed blue but now fading to a dusty and pale version of what they once were. His staff was tucked in the saddle of the Earth pony next to him, Nellie, a beautiful chestnut colored mare with a gentle and calm demeanor that made her both dependable and comfortable on long journeys. She was helping to carrying some of his substantial load of supplies from the City, generic wizard materials and potions as well as maps and rations and other useful items. The pair stopped at the little stairwell just outside the Fair Maiden, and the wizard gave the servant waiting there a tip for getting some rooms ready and making them comfortable as he slung the straps of one of the smaller bags over a shoulder and took his staff in hand. Nellie waited a bit for the servant to take her bags for her as well, though she kept her purse and some essentials. When the servant had gotten their things, the pair sighed with relief; smiling in satisfaction, the cheerful old man patted the mare for her hard work, and they made their way up the steps of the inn. As he passed through the wooden arch of the door, he politely took off his hat and robe, hanging them by the racks just to the side of the entrance as the mare took of her own cloak and hung it also on the rack. They looked around, then saw some prospective questers in friendly conversation with some of the other guests and travelers. Intrigued, and feeling both hungry and a bit thirsty, Paragonis smiled to himself, motioned to Nellie, and walked over to the counter, paying for a pint and taking a seat nearby, listening to these conversations. " So remind me why we are here in Thalassana again, Paragonis?" asked the mare. " To search for recruits," replied the old man. " We need many capable hooves and hands on this journey. Two thousand miles is no short distance, and we'll be traveling through long stretches of abandoned wilderness and desert. It's best to travel in a herd." The mare snorted. " Forgive me if I don't put much faith in men and ponies who sometimes can't even read," she muttered under her breath. The wizard's sharp ears picked it up, and he simply shrugged. " Say what you will about them. They've been a great help before, and I foresee that they shall be of even greater help soon."
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 10, 2014 21:00:26 GMT
Asha was in a huge chamber easily two hundred meters tall, long and wide, in the shape of a sphere. The ceiling arched high above, displaying images of past events, while hundreds of assorted ponies, humans, and combinations of both sat in consecutive rings of formal desks starting a little beyond a flat central area and going up the sides to almost the halfway point. It was one of the largest halls in the known world, barring some demonstrations rooms for explosion magic and some Chambers in Orod Khazad, and the most important in the City of Wonders: the Council Chamber.
Assembled were the High Council, a select group of the City's wisest and most powerful wizards chosen by merit and integrity. Many here had witnessed the Plague firsthand, and all were intimately acquainted with the inner workings of magic.
Up in the ceiling, light crystals inset into the enchanted stone illuminated the room with soft colors that made the somewhat imposing architecture feel slightly more welcoming, an embellishment that had been requested by the older members of the Council a few centuries ago.
Now, the mare took to the stand, in the presence of the entire Council, as the Merlin stood and raised his hands for silence.
"The meeting will please come to order. Merlin Silvian presiding. Archmage Lord Penicillium, begin taking Minutes. Ladies and gentlemen, fillies and gentle-colts. We are gathered here today to discuss the status of Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud, and the motion to send her to accompany Archmage Lord Varius Paragonis on the campaign dubbed Cursed Stones of Light. Also to be discussed: the motion to remove neural memory seals concerning the situations surrounding the death of her parents. Both motions have been moved by Archmage Vindictus Judicium. Do I hear a second?"
"I second both motions," called out a voice.
"Motions have been moved and seconded. The question is, Shall Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud Be Sent To Accompany Archmage Lord Varius Paragonis On The Cursed Stones Of Light Campaign. In the interests of time, by the consent of the High Council, an additional question shall be appended. The appended question is, Shall Neural Memory Seals Concerning Incident 2515123 B Be Removed. The floor is open."
"Merlin Lord Silvian."
"Yes, Archmage Lord Filius."
"Motion to skip the debate. I think we all know the current situation and have our own opinions?"
There were nods all around, and the Merlin sighed, raising his hands again.
"Very well. There is a motion to skip the debate. Do I hear a second?"
"I second the motion."
"Motion has been moved and seconded. Dame Thundercloud, do you object to the motion to skip debate?"
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 10, 2014 21:13:28 GMT
Asha knew they chose to skip debates only in emergencies and she also knew that the quest is question was important. she says to the council, "Fillies and Gentle-colts of the council. I, Tienasha Thundercloud, do not object to the decision of the council to skip the debate. I also know that to take on this mission, I must also relinquish my command of the 4th gate guard brigade. I have made my second in command commander of the brigade until this council had come to a decision. If approved, I request that my second be given full command of the brigade until a time when it is not longer needed of them to perform their duty to this city or its beings or the mission is complete and I return." Asha waits patiently for the council to consider her words.
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Post by Wavelength on May 10, 2014 22:09:32 GMT
The entrance of two visitors from the great City of Wonders didn't go unnoticed by a pair of armored figures who had been told to await their arrival here: a man and a destrier earth pony. The human took his attention off a halberd he was polishing and beckoned for the earth pony to rise with him. The pair approached Paragonis and Nellie with their helmets off, revealing a man with a light tan, experienced blue eyes, and black hair walking beside an earth pony with a tan coat, brown eyes, and a moderately short black mane. With the exception of the eyes, the two didn't look very different in color... but their footsteps were certainly character traits. The earth pony's gait consisted of a slightly metallic rhythmic one-two one-two pattern, whereas the man's stride consisted of a steady thumping sound--most likely due to the rather large titanium greatshield slung across his back. Their armor had the polished shine of royal guards, and their disciplined posture complimented the sheen.
The pair stopped a respectful pace from Paragonis' and Nellie's table. After an awkward pause, in which the earth pony's eyes involuntarily flickered to the mare, the man--with a barely noticeable smirk--elbowed him in the side. The pony cleared his throat. "Merry meet, wizards! We have been stationed here to await the arrival of Paragonis the Blue from the City of Wonders," he began. "I am Fides," Fides continued while holding a hoof to his chest and giving a polite bow, "the squire of Silentium, elite knight of Leonard's royal guard." Silentium smiled and bowed as the earth pony finished. "Our task, given by Leonard the Wise, is to ensure your safe retrieval of the cursed stones of light--as per the High Council's request."
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 11, 2014 6:06:50 GMT
The Merlin nodded. "Dame Thundercloud does not object to the motion to skip the debate. Are there any objections to the motion."
There was silence.
"No objections to the motion. The Question is, Shall The High Council Skip Debate And Vote On Previous Two Motions At Hand. All in favor, please indicate Aye."
All the markers lit up unanimously.
"All opposed, please indicate Nay."
No markers.
"Very well. The High Council has unanimously voted in favor of the Motion to Skip Debate And Vote On Previous Two Motions At Hand. Motion is passed. The Questions are: Shall Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud Be Sent To Accompany Archmage Lord Varius Paragonis On The Cursed Stones Of Light Campaign, and Shall Neural Memory Seals Concerning Incident 2515123 B Be Removed. All in favor of BOTH Motions, please indicate Aye."
Again, a unanimous vote.
"All opposed, please indicate Nay."
No votes.
"The High Council has unanimously voted in favor of the Motion to Send Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud To Accompany Archmage Lord Varius Paragonis On The Cursed Stones Of Light Campaign, and Remove Neural Memory Seals Concerning Incident 2515123 B. Motions are passed. Dame Thundercloud has submitted and moved a new Motion to Relinquish Command of the Fourth Gate Guard Brigade And Transfer Full Command To Second In Command Until Service Is No Longer Required OR Mission Is Completed And Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud Returns. Do I hear a second?
Archmage Lord Filius raised his hoof. "I second the motion."
"Motion has been moved and seconded. The floor is open."
"Merlin Lord Silvian."
"Yes, Archmage Lord Filius."
"Ditto, please."
"Motion to ditto. Do I hear a second."
"Seconded."
"Motion moved and seconded. All in favor."
Unanimous vote.
"Opposed."
None.
"Ditto Motion passed. All in favor of Motion to Relinquish Command of the Fourth Gate Guard Brigade And Transfer Full Command To Second In Command Until Service Is No Longer Required OR Mission Is Completed And Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud Returns."
Unanimous.
"Rare that we're this unanimous, everyone," chuckled the Merlin. "Opposed?"
None.
"Motion has passed. Mage-Knight Dame Tienasha Thundercloud has been relieved of her responsibilities regarding the Fourth Gate Guard Brigade and authority is transferred to her Second until the previously specified conditions are met. Fillies and Gentlecolts, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for attending this important session. The Session is Adjourned. Dame Thundercloud, would you please approach the platform so that the neural memory seals may be removed?"
The wizard turned and smiled at the stallion, nodding in affirmation. "Yes, that is my name. Archmage Varius Paragonis the Blue, of the City of Wonders, at your service, sirs."
"Wizard Petronella Brown, of the City of Wonders, at your service, sirs," added the mare with a smirk at the other earth pony. "You can call me Nellie if you want."
The old man said nothing, but there was a distinct twinkle in his eye that only the very observant could spot to indicate his amusement.
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 11, 2014 6:39:25 GMT
Asha knew not why they sealed her past from her but she feels she is about to find out. Asha steps forward to the platform to have the seals removed. For the duration of the meeting her mana shield and saber, as well as her storm katana were removed from her for the safety of both her and the council. She feels that it was a good idea. If the events were bad enough to warrant sealing then she will soon find out why. She actives the only ability besides her minor shifting, her emotion control code. This code trained and engraved into her wings when active prevents her emotions from controlling her actions. only emotions of the highest strength both light and dark could get threw the fields suppuration, but the powers released would be made non lethal and she would feel all of its effects as well. Asha knows the Pegasus core within is the source of her mana and her nano-healers have direct access to it so she shuts them down temporarily to ensure the darker effects of them can't be activated.
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Post by Wavelength on May 11, 2014 6:45:37 GMT
Fides spoke again, with his face barely showing a hint of red at the cheeks. "As of this moment, we are now under your command, sir; ma'am," he said to Paragonis and Nellie. "What are your first orders?" he asked.
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 11, 2014 7:07:48 GMT
Each of the wizards of the High Council drew their tool of choice, be it talisman or staff or wand, as they prepared to carefully undo the neural memory seals. Asha could feel magical dust turning into vines gripping her body gently but firmly to prevent thrashing about and injury to her being during the process. The Merlin nodded gravely as he looked over the Mage-Knight's condition and made a motion over her head. Sparks appeared, becoming a ghostly image of the interior of her mind, ethereal lines tracing the outline of the seals.
"Ready yourself, Dame Thundercloud," warned the Merlin. "Three, two, one. Now."
She remembered... EVERYTHING.
Paragonis smiled and nodded again. "Well, I, for one, am honored to have such upstanding warriors accompanying me on this journey. But first, of course, we will need to bring together a few more travelers for this quest. I also have an additional matter to take care of beforehand, a quick journey east of Orod Khazad and then back through to the City of Wonders and beyond to the Snowy Mountains and the temple. There is an orb I am tasked to retrieve, which may be helpful on our journey, and a certain golem as well, to seek the assistance of. Hopefully, all will go as planned. I am also expecting an additional Mage-Knight to arrive in a short time. If you will accompany us and guard us during these journeys, you will have helped above and beyond the call of duty."
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Post by Wavelength on May 11, 2014 7:42:07 GMT
"We are here for that very purpose, milord," Fides replied. "We will be ready to move out the moment you are."
With that, Fides stepped to the side of the table and stood at the ready to take any requests the wizards might give. While they sat and ate, he took the liberty--and their pints--to bring them refills.
Silentium quietly leaned against the wall beside the wizards' table and began polishing the blade of his halberd; though its gleam was almost perfect, the observant eye would notice that it had experienced combat before--a lot of it, by the looks of the handle's faded stains--and his armor showed a very faint trace of having been repaired around the collar.
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 11, 2014 17:33:23 GMT
At first it seamed as if the 'magic?' within was going to win out, but about ten minutes later she looks over and says, "I am fine. You can let me go now." There is a looks of deep sorrow and loss In her eyes but it seams she is able to hold it in check for now. Her training for this day was not wasted. Once she is let go and able to move now she says, "Now that the nearly hard part is taken care of, where am I to go to meet with the expedition? If they have already set out where did they head, so I may catch up to them."
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 11, 2014 23:01:23 GMT
The Merlin looked over her body, waving his hands slightly as various ethereal figures and runes materialized in the air before him, then nodded, lowering his arms. The vines that held the Mage-Knight down vanished into dust and nothingness as the various members of the High Council stood back, allowing her some room to move about.
"Archmage Lord Paragonis and Wizard Petronella Brown will be awaiting you in the Fair Maiden tavern in central Thalassana. It is hoped that the three of you will be able to recruit some helpers there to accompany you on your quest to the Snowy Mountains, and the Repository. Before this, there is a certain orb that we would like for the three of you to retrieve for us, from a certain location east of Orod Khazad. It will be guarded by a... golem. Bring him back with you, if you can. When you have returned here with the orb, we will replenish your supplies and send you on your way. Somewhere between here and the Repository, in the same mountain range, should be a relic called the Clock of the Long Now; we would like for you to inspect it for damage, and to wind it if need be, and record the current chime sequence. It should tell us some important information about the state of the world."
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 11, 2014 23:49:12 GMT
Asha nods in understanding, " The mission is in safe hands and hooves. I have control of it for now, but I will need to vent in order to maintain control. To make it easier on others and so I may vent without incident, I will head out alone. I believe this will be the safest course, so no harm would come to those who are innocent to the cause. On another note, I do not think many are able to fly are they? With the speed of flight, I should be able to make it there in half the time it would normally take those who are grounded. Of course this is barring any air trouble along the way. I think, in my current state, not much will be willing to chance an encounter with me. Even if they do not know of why I am going to be currently traveling alone. I will head out as soon as I am able. I be thou a good day and a long life still to come." she waits for their response. When she gets their response, she bows respectfully before turning to head out. She retrieves her weapons and items at the door and proceeds to gather her remaining needed belongings the final items she buys at the market before heading out. {Standard Adventurers Kit}
This kit contains all the items needed for a long adventure.
Items listed are as follows.
1. Backpack
2. Fresh Water flask
3. Bed Roll (adjustable for both equines and humanoids)
4. A polishing kit
5. 4 sun rods (for lighting)
6. A weapon sharpening kit (grants improved critical strike chance for 8 hours)
7. 7 days worth of trail rations.
(water proof sealed)
8. spare changes of clothing (water proof sealed)
9. Portable Alchemist Crafting Kit.
10. various herbs and items (for making basic potions)
11. 3 healing kits
12. 2 health potions
13. 4 mana restoration potions. With all of her needed items final gotten she heads out to her destination stopping at a nearby abandoned location to vent the sorrow and mourning of losing her parents, when she was a child. (Insert random destruction and strong magic usage here. If goblins are near by, choice either run or fight and possibly die.) |
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 12, 2014 18:16:57 GMT
The High Council bowed politely and gave their regards to the Mage-Knight as she left.
Grubznag hadn't been expecting a shiny-wing to show up out of nowhere, but he sure knew when to start running.
"RAHN UHWAYYYYYYYYYY!!!"
They had been feasting on the unfortunate remains of some unlucky traveler, and even as stupid as they were, the goblins could recognize a displeased face and mortal danger when they saw it.
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 12, 2014 22:40:18 GMT
Asha vented as much of her sorrow and mourning as she could but also knew that time was of the essence. She vents about 75% of it in the area and then heads off to her destination. Her face, until she grooms herself, has the signs of one who has been crying a lot. there is also a lingering trace of the dark type magic she had been resealing. She has some scrapes and bruises but nothing that won't heal given time. Her heart she knows will take much longer to heal.
=== Time skipping to her arrival in town ===
After a bit of exploring the town and seeing its minor sights, she soon finds herself as the door to the tavern, The fair Maiden. She takes a few calming breaths and reinstates the emotion control code. At this time she is in her hybrid form. For most of the time when traveling she was in her Pegasus form. After calming herself and clearing the starting to develop sleepers she enters the tavern. She looks around and soon comes to see the two she was looking for. She goes over to them and says to , "Good tidings to you and well met. I am Asha of the city of wonders. I was told I would find you here, Archmage Lord paragonis. How goes the recruitment? May I join you?" she stands as a gate guard normally would when waiting for a superior to speak. ((Asha knows when to lead and when to follow and, right now, she is meant to follow.))
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Post by Wavelength on May 13, 2014 0:25:57 GMT
When Silentium noticed Asha approaching the wizards, his pose shifted discreetly to make himself more prepared to jump into action. When Asha greeted Paragonis as a fellow wizard from the City of Wonders here for the expedition, he returned to a passive state. Fides would have asked her what she wanted to drink, but he was currently retrieving another plate of biscuits for the small company at the table.
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