Gods & Men: The Ancient Myths: Chapter 1 IC Thread

[Johnny Blaze]

I'm now convinced that these travelers are the ones I seek. And while they deal with their friend, I wonder for a moment what's keeping Pyrist. Probably busy throwing a few extra names into his prayers.

Upon the Norseman's return, I continue our conversation.
"To answer your question," I say, once again getting their attention. "Yes. Despite my better judgement, I wish to join the quest against the Lich-King. You will stand little chance against him without someone who knows their way around magic."

"Fair enough", Rothgar nodded and smiled.
"Then I think it's time we left this tavern and got back to business."

"My name is Rothgar, son of Aðalvaldr, and this is my friend and countryman, Gunnar", Rothgar introduced himself and his ally.

 

[wiegeabo]

"Fair enough", Rothgar nodded and smiled.
"Then I think it's time we left this tavern and got back to business."

"My name is Rothgar, son of Aðalvaldr, and this is my friend and countryman, Gunnar", Rothgar introduced himself and his ally.

"I'm Xxymryx. It's spelled just as it sounds." I smile slightly at the look they give me.

I follow my new comrades, but stop for a moment on my way out. "My lady," I say to the one insulted. "I couldn't help but be offended by what that man did." I actually have no idea what he did, but I know an opportunity when I see one. "If you ever require the services of someone with my...unique abilities," I say with a slight wink, "Do not hesitate to summon me. I am at your...'service'." She tries to remain proper, but I notice a slight blush in her face as I give her my smile and small bow.

Got to admit. That friend of theirs has great taste. Too bad he has the charm of an ox.

I turn back to the others. "What?"

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"I'm Xxymryx. It's spelled just as it sounds." I smile slightly at the look they give me.

I follow my new comrades, but stop for a moment on my way out. "My lady," I say to the one insulted. "I couldn't help but be offended by what that man did." I actually have no idea what he did, but I know an opportunity when I see one. "If you ever require the services of someone with my...unique abilities," I say with a slight wink, "Do not hesitate to summon me. I am at your...'service'." She tries to remain proper, but I notice a slight blush in her face as I give her my smile and small bow.

Got to admit. That friend of theirs has great taste. Too bad he has the charm of an ox.

I turn back to the others. "What?"

"Nothing", Rothgar laughs, "you'll definitely fit right in."

The trio made their way out of the tavern to find Kelvamin and the Docktore.

"Gentlemen, I think we found another adventurer to join us", Rothgar said as he nodded towards Xxymryx.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***

While wandering the city of Thebes, moreso out of boredom than curiosity, Caed stumbles upon a small store with a man selling potions and elixirs. He really only walked into the store for his own amusement for Caed had no desire to purchase such a scam. He had never believed in the use of potions and elixirs to make a man or woman 'better' in terms of the battle field or daily hard-laboring work. In all these years that is perhaps the one thing about Caed that had not changed about him.

The clanging of swords of flying of bodies tells that this fight is starting to get our of hand. And when the authorities finally arrive, it'll just get worse. Bloodshed will be inevitable.

"ILLUMINIERUNG!" I slam my staff to the ground and a bright spark shoots up to the ceiling and explodes in a blinding light. The fighting stops instantly as everyone is caught by surprise and covers their eyes. They'll be seeing spots for a couple of minutes.

With typical perfect timing, the authorities burst in through the door, but are just as confused as everyone else. What they see is a trashed pub, with everyone standing around, yet no fighting.

"What happened here!" Their captain demands.

I just let the enchantment drop from my staff and turn back to my drink at the bar.

I look at the wench. "So...I didn't get your name."

There had seemed to have been a commotion somewhere within the town, because the sound of footmen and their metal armor clinking and clanking as they sped through the town was loud and thunderous. Caed walks out of the store and notices them heading for the nearby tavern, sighing as he starts to slowly walk his way.

Honestly, they did last a bit longer than I had expected. Ale and mead...it's going to be the end of Man I swear it be true.
​

Arming himself not with his crossbow, but in fact with his guitar for the chance of having to cast an enchantment spell over either the armored authorities or the very townspeople to stop a riot from ensuing, Caed starts to lightly play a tune.
​

The trio made their way out of the tavern to find Kelvamin and the Docktore.

"Gentlemen, I think we found another adventurer to join us", Rothgar said as he nodded towards Xxymryx.

Much to his luck, however, after the authorities leave the tavern peacefully soon after so do his comrades. The Docktore had returned to his wagon with his assistant Watts to gather more supplies, and it pleased Caed greatly that while it was apparent his allies were in some sort of a scruffle none were harmed.

However Caed's calm attitude soon fades away as he spots the wizard among them. Instantly he stops plucking the strings on his guitar, thus ending his once beautiful and melodic tune.

"The Demon Hunter...you guys walk in there, have a bit of a tussle with the locals and walk out only to hire The Demon Hunter into our ranks?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"The Demon Hunter...you guys walk in there, have a bit of a tussle with the locals and walk out only to hire The Demon Hunter into our ranks?"

"The Bard?! It would figure. First Pyrist convinces me to fight against the Lich-King, and then the group I'm to join includes the Bard."

I cross my arms and glare at him. "It's been a long time, Caed. Years...no, wait...decades. You look just the same. Funny that."

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***

It did not surprise really as to why The Demon Hunter whose true name almost at first escaped Caed's thoughts is in Thebes. Xxymryx. He must've heard news about the Lich-King, and thought what a delight it would be to add such an triumph as slaying a Lich-King to his reputation. Thus in the process of doing so his ill-mannered business would sky rocket and prosper.
​

"The Bard?! It would figure. First Pyrist convinces me to fight against the Lich-King, and then the group I'm to join includes the Bard."

I cross my arms and glare at him. "It's been a long time, Caed. Years...no, wait...decades. You look just the same. Funny that."

"Yes and it would seem that the years has not changed you a bit, either, Xxymryx. I suppose you have your father's side to thank for that do you not?"

There was a slight of confusion amongst the group as it was apparent that the bard and now wizard of their group had a past together. Much more confusion as to what Caed meant by his latest remark. However the bard soon continues as he circles the magician.

"Do not call me a bigot, my dear friends for while there was a time where I couldn't stand the presence of an elf, dwarf, or halfling I have grown much wiser in my years: dark elves never change. But I suppose you will all say I am being much too harsh on old Xxymryx here for he only bears half of that cursed heritage..."

Taking one of his arrows out of his quiver with lightning like speed, Caed stops and points his outstretched arm clenched with the arrow's tip at the magician.

"But then again you do not know about the dreadful fate of Calamdra thanks to this Demon Hunter and his adventures. How many died that day, Xxymryx? Why I believe nearly half the town of Calamdra was slaughtered as innocent bystanders as you did your best slaying that hordling. Still as reckless with your magick as always?"

 

[wiegeabo]

"Yes and it would seem that the years has not changed you a bit, either, Xxymryx. I suppose you have your father's side to thank for that do you not?"

My glare becomes a sneer. "...My mother's side. Thank you for that reminder."

There was a slight of confusion amongst the group as it was apparent that the bard and now wizard of their group had a past together. Much more confusion as to what Caed meant by his latest remark. However the bard soon continues as he circles the magician.

"Do not call me a bigot, my dear friends for while there was a time where I couldn't stand the presence of an elf, dwarf, or halfling I have grown much wiser in my years: dark elves never change. But I suppose you will all say I am being much too harsh on old Xxymryx here for he only bears half of that cursed heritage..."

Taking one of his arrows out of his quiver with lightning like speed, Caed stops and points his outstretched arm clenched with the arrow's tip at the magician.

"But then again you do not know about the dreadful fate of Calamdra thanks to this Demon Hunter and his adventures. How many died that day, Xxymryx? Why I believe nearly half the town of Calamdra was slaughtered as innocent bystanders as you did your best slaying that hordling. Still as reckless with your magick as always?"

I breath out slowly, working to keep myself in check. And thank you very much for letting that little cat out of the bag. I spare a glance at the others to see their reaction to my heritage.

"Calamdra was a long time ago..."

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***
​

I breath out slowly, working to keep myself in check. And thank you very much for letting that little cat out of the bag. I spare a glance at the others to see their reaction to my heritage.

"Calamdra was a long time ago..."

"53 years ago to be exact, my troubled...well I wouldn't call us friends now would I? It does not matter how much time has passed. One ill deed is still an ill deed. Unlike you, Demon Hunter, I have joined this campaign to slay the Lich-King to make up for my own past sins. Were you coming to do the same, I'd feel a need to apologize and commend you but I know that that cannot be the case."

Dropping his arm back to his side, and slipping his arrow back into his quiver, Caed turns his back to Xxymryx. He starts to walk towards the wagon, and stops in his place, back still turned to the half human, half dark elf, wizard.

"And, no, I meant your father's side. For it is your human side, halfbreed, that is what has kept you from plunging fully into the darkness of your mother's heritage."​

 

[Catman_prb]

"And, no, I meant your father's side. For it is your human side, halfbreed, that is what has kept you from plunging fully into the darkness of your mother's heritage."​

"Quiet," Kelvamin said clearly, glaring pointedly at the Bard.

"If i recall correctly the first time you met us you used magics to send us to sleep in the middle of a city at war. I will tolerate you here with us, but that does not mean that I have to like you. Kindly keep your prejudices to yourself," he hissed through gritted teeth.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***
​

"Quiet," Kelvamin said clearly, glaring pointedly at the Bard.

"If i recall correctly the first time you met us you used magics to send us to sleep in the middle of a city at war. I will tolerate you here with us, but that does not mean that I have to like you. Kindly keep your prejudices to yourself," he hissed through gritted teeth.

"My my..."

Caed turns to face the swordsman and smirks as he walks up to and past him.

"It would seem that for the first time in a long time, I'm actually in need of a drink. Oh but I won't be too long I assure you. I shall be back by the time Giovanni and Watts are back from gathering supplies. And I most certainly will not walk out with another little 'pal' to add to our voyage. Watch this one closely, my new friends...he is as surely to burn you as he is to burn the Lich-King. So long as the Glory of the Thrice-Damned Elf-Man is at stake, that is. Cheerio."

Walking through the group, Caed heads into the Tavern.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Never a dull moment", Rothgar exhaled a long breath as the bard trotted off.

"So...Drow blood? Dark Elves are plentiful in my homelands", the Norseman stated.
"They are a breed know for their treachery, cunning, and deceit. But, you are not fully Drow."

Rothgar paused briefly as he looked at the wizard, trying his best to get a read on the man.

"I make it a fair point not to judge a man based on his heritage. I prefer to allow their actions speak for them. But, this is a battle in which we will need to trust one another completely if we are to hope to succeed..."

"I truly hope you have noble intentions here, Xxymryx, and that you are able to prove to Caed that he is wrong about you. That you have changed."

 

[twylight]

Aithne again looked into the bag on her arm. It had been some time since she'd left the stall of the herbalist, but she could not stop peeking in, surprised at her luck. The gods really were with her, she'd been blessed with gifts from the old woman who'd been fascinated by Aithne's own fascination. While she was by far not the healer the Docktore seemed to be, she wondered if he could teach her a bit more than the basics she'd been trained with. Maybe he knew more about the amazing herb's she'd been given today.

The dark haired girl smiled and wove her way through the crowds, she'd been feeling increasingly dizzy as time had passed while talking to the woman. Finding a shady nook in a wall she put her hand on her heart and breathed deeply. Her heart seemed to be squeezing it's self out of her chest and her head felt like a thousand brownie's were jumping around inside of it. Blinking she looked around, she was only a street or two away from where she'd remembered the wagon being. It was way past time for her to be getting back. She pushed herself away from he wall, accidentally bumping someone.

"I am so sorry..." receiving no reply she continued on past a blacksmiths shop. The heat from the furnace's causing her to gasp as she felt as if a fit slammed into her chest. moving quickly she moved into a shady alley. Ahead she could see the wagon but... her body felt weak. Slowly searching her mind she could recall only a few times she'd felt like this. It never happened very often.. they'd had this man come through the village once in a wagon with pots and kettles. Going near the wagon had caused her to be a little dizzy, but nothing to this extent. Putting her hand out she braced herself against the wall before slowly sinking to the ground. Water gathered in the air around her, engulfing her in a tightly formed sphere as it slowly shrank around her making a thick form around her.
Blinking she curled up and let it press down around her as she tried to calm her heart.

 

[SuperFerret]

Aithne again looked into the bag on her arm. It had been some time since she'd left the stall of the herbalist, but she could not stop peeking in, surprised at her luck. The gods really were with her, she'd been blessed with gifts from the old woman who'd been fascinated by Aithne's own fascination. While she was by far not the healer the Docktore seemed to be, she wondered if he could teach her a bit more than the basics she'd been trained with. Maybe he knew more about the amazing herb's she'd been given today.

The dark haired girl smiled and wove her way through the crowds, she'd been feeling increasingly dizzy as time had passed while talking to the woman. Finding a shady nook in a wall she put her hand on her heart and breathed deeply. Her heart seemed to be squeezing it's self out of her chest and her head felt like a thousand brownie's were jumping around inside of it. Blinking she looked around, she was only a street or two away from where she'd remembered the wagon being. It was way past time for her to be getting back. She pushed herself away from he wall, accidentally bumping someone.

"I am so sorry..." receiving no reply she continued on past a blacksmiths shop. The heat from the furnace's causing her to gasp as she felt as if a fit slammed into her chest. moving quickly she moved into a shady alley. Ahead she could see the wagon but... her body felt weak. Slowly searching her mind she could recall only a few times she'd felt like this. It never happened very often.. they'd had this man come through the village once in a wagon with pots and kettles. Going near the wagon had caused her to be a little dizzy, but nothing to this extent. Putting her hand out she braced herself against the wall before slowly sinking to the ground. Water gathered in the air around her, engulfing her in a tightly formed sphere as it slowly shrank around her making a thick form around her.
Blinking she curled up and let it press down around her as she tried to calm her heart.

Brottor rode Vallond through the streets of Thebes, drawing a lot of attention as he approached the marketplace. He found a shop that sold the exotic bit, bridle and saddle that he would need for Vallond, masterwork quality of course. The gnomish shopkeep was excited upon seeing Brottor's feathered mount, yammering on and on in both gnomish and common, calling Vallond a "deinonychus", supposedly a gnomish portmanteau meaning "terrible claw". Brottor had to sigh loudly four times to get the gnome to leave him and Vall alone, though the shopkeep insisted that Brottor take a bag of six salted and preserved chickens that the gnome claimed was the best food for the "dinosaur" (another gnomish word, apparently meaning "terrible lizard" despite Vallond's bird-like appearance).

Shaking his head and leading Vall (who was happily chewing on one of the chickens) back into the crowd, Brottor had an uncharacteristic lapse of attention and bumped into a young human woman.

"I am so sorry..." she said, wandering back into the crowd before Brottor could apologize. The woman appeared very disoriented, and her apparent confusion seemed to increase as she passed a smithy and then rushed down an alleyway as if she were being chased. Brottor followed the woman, concerned about her health, both physical and mental.

Turning the corner into the alley, the dwarven paladin arrived just in time to witness the young woman envelop herself in a layer of water. A mage.

Brottor approached cautiously, one could never be too wary around a strange mage, particularly one under duress. He reached out his hand, gesturing as if to help her to her feet.

"Lass? Lassie, are ye well? Can I aid ye?"

 

[twylight]

Breathing slowly she could feel her heart steadying. It was probably from stress related to her extreme nausea. The water tightened around her. Her teacher had always told her that her habit of surrounding herself with water when stressed was a comfort reflex, her mother had told her it was because like her father her heart was in the sea. A tear ran down her cheek, merging with the collected water around her. Home...

"Lass?"

Aithne jumped at the voice behind her. Spinning she quickly stood up, the water sheeting off of her and onto the ground, leaving her clothes dry in it's wake. She blinked from the blood rushing to her head and looked straight ahead to see....nothing. Blinking again she looked around and down before seeing the dwarf. The feel of the water at her feet gave her a bit of comfort.

"Lassie, are ye well? Can I aid ye?"

"No, No I am alright. Just trying to get back to..." she trailed off trying to figure out what word to use. Home? No, it certainly wasn't.

"...My travel companions." She motioned down the alley where the Docktore's wagon stood next to the Inn.

Picking up her dropped bag she forced a smile.
"Thank you though." Turning she took a few steps. The pressure had alleviated a little and seemed to ease up a bit little by little. Still... She rested her hand against the wall.

Brottor rode Vallond through the streets of Thebes, drawing a lot of attention as he approached the marketplace. He found a shop that sold the exotic bit, bridle and saddle that he would need for Vallond, masterwork quality of course. The gnomish shopkeep was excited upon seeing Brottor's feathered mount, yammering on and on in both gnomish and common, calling Vallond a "deinonychus", supposedly a gnomish portmanteau meaning "terrible claw". Brottor had to sigh loudly four times to get the gnome to leave him and Vall alone, though the shopkeep insisted that Brottor take a bag of six salted and preserved chickens that the gnome claimed was the best food for the "dinosaur" (another gnomish word, apparently meaning "terrible lizard" despite Vallond's bird-like appearance).

Shaking his head and leading Vall (who was happily chewing on one of the chickens) back into the crowd, Brottor had an uncharacteristic lapse of attention and bumped into a young human woman.

"I am so sorry..." she said, wandering back into the crowd before Brottor could apologize. The woman appeared very disoriented, and her apparent confusion seemed to increase as she passed a smithy and then rushed down an alleyway as if she were being chased. Brottor followed the woman, concerned about her health, both physical and mental.

Turning the corner into the alley, the dwarven paladin arrived just in time to witness the young woman envelop herself in a layer of water. A mage.

Brottor approached cautiously, one could never be too wary around a strange mage, particularly one under duress. He reached out his hand, gesturing as if to help her to her feet.

"Lass? Lassie, are ye well? Can I aid ye?"

 

[SuperFerret]

Breathing slowly she could feel her heart steadying. It was probably from stress related to her extreme nausea. The water tightened around her. Her teacher had always told her that her habit of surrounding herself with water when stressed was a comfort reflex, her mother had told her it was because like her father her heart was in the sea. A tear ran down her cheek, merging with the collected water around her. Home...

"Lass?"

Aithne jumped at the voice behind her. Spinning she quickly stood up, the water sheeting off of her and onto the ground, leaving her clothes dry in it's wake. She blinked from the blood rushing to her head and looked straight ahead to see....nothing. Blinking again she looked around and down before seeing the dwarf. The feel of the water at her feet gave her a bit of comfort.

"Lassie, are ye well? Can I aid ye?"

"No, No I am alright. Just trying to get back to..." she trailed off trying to figure out what word to use. Home? No, it certainly wasn't.

"...My travel companions." She motioned down the alley where the Docktore's wagon stood next to the Inn.

Picking up her dropped bag she forced a smile.
"Thank you though." Turning she took a few steps. The pressure had alleviated a little and seemed to ease up a bit little by little. Still... She rested her hand against the wall.

Brottor frowned. She was a strong one, this one. Brottor recognized the trait well, as Diesa, his adopted daughter, shared it. He frowned deeper, both at the memory of his daughter, and at the knowledge that this woman wouldn't easily let him help her. She was also a traveler, with companions that were likely warriors, knowing mages. This could be the party of adventurers that Moradin had tasked him to protect.

Making up his mind, Brottor marched out in front of the woman as she leaned against the wall.

"Lass, let me help ye. My name is Brottor Balderk, I'm a paladin and I'll not let ye alone until ye relent and let me help ye." he smiled, pulling Vallond closer, "I know Vallond is a might odd-looking, but she's a good mount." Brottor nodded to the dinosaur and Vallond squatted, making her saddle more accessible. "Please, for your own good, take a ride and I'll get ye to your companions."

"They may well be the group that I'm looking for."

 

[wiegeabo]

"My my..."

Caed turns to face the swordsman and smirks as he walks up to and past him.

"It would seem that for the first time in a long time, I'm actually in need of a drink. Oh but I won't be too long I assure you. I shall be back by the time Giovanni and Watts are back from gathering supplies. And I most certainly will not walk out with another little 'pal' to add to our voyage. Watch this one closely, my new friends...he is as surely to burn you as he is to burn the Lich-King. So long as the Glory of the Thrice-Damned Elf-Man is at stake, that is. Cheerio."

Walking through the group, Caed heads into the Tavern.

I really, really, really would like to put my fist into his face. But, I doubt that would make the best impression. And it's just the thing the Bard wants.

Still...

"Fellur niður," I whisper. Caed promptly trips and slams against the door of the tavern before landing on the ground. I turn away, hiding a smile, and silently hoping he broke that damned lute of his.

"Never a dull moment", Rothgar exhaled a long breath as the bard trotted off.

"So...Drow blood? Dark Elves are plentiful in my homelands", the Norseman stated.
"They are a breed know for their treachery, cunning, and deceit. But, you are not fully Drow."

Rothgar paused briefly as he looked at the wizard, trying his best to get a read on the man.

"I make it a fair point not to judge a man based on his heritage. I prefer to allow their actions speak for them. But, this is a battle in which we will need to trust one another completely if we are to hope to succeed..."

"I truly hope you have noble intentions here, Xxymryx, and that you are able to prove to Caed that he is wrong about you. That you have changed."

"I work hard to keep those...tendencies subdued. Do not think for a minute I have any love for my mother's side of the family. But also don't think my actions are noble. The Bard is correct about that. They're purely selfish. I'm fighting to survive. I'd like nothing more than find some far away corner in this world and bed down with women and wine until it's all over. But I know the Lich-King will lay waste to everything, so I might as well fight."

They all look at me, trying to size me up. "At least I'm honest about not being heroic. Heroes will die for a cause. Me? I plan on avoiding that fate."

 

[twylight]

Smiled at his initial offer, trying to ease out of his help. However his last words cut into her. Forcing past into her clearing mind.

Forcing herself to be calm she straightened up a bit.

"No no, I am fine. It is a short distance." The water on the ground inched towards her.

"Why are you looking for a group of travellers?"

Brottor frowned. She was a strong one, this one. Brottor recognized the trait well, as Diesa, his adopted daughter, shared it. He frowned deeper, both at the memory of his daughter, and at the knowledge that this woman wouldn't easily let him help her. She was also a traveler, with companions that were likely warriors, knowing mages. This could be the party of adventurers that Moradin had tasked him to protect.

Making up his mind, Brottor marched out in front of the woman as she leaned against the wall.

"Lass, let me help ye. My name is Brottor Balderk, I'm a paladin and I'll not let ye alone until ye relent and let me help ye." he smiled, pulling Vallond closer, "I know Vallond is a might odd-looking, but she's a good mount." Brottor nodded to the dinosaur and Vallond squatted, making her saddle more accessible. "Please, for your own good, take a ride and I'll get ye to your companions."

"They may well be the group that I'm looking for."

 

[SuperFerret]

Smiled at his initial offer, trying to ease out of his help. However his last words cut into her. Forcing past into her clearing mind.

Forcing herself to be calm she straightened up a bit.

"No no, I am fine. It is a short distance." The water on the ground inched towards her.

"Why are you looking for a group of travellers?"

"Allow me to help ye walk then, ye don't look stable on your feet, lass." He offered his hand once more.

"As for why I'm looking for a group of travellers, that business be my own for now, though I'm sure to tell ye about it if ye are indeed part of the group I seek." Brottor hated being cryptic, but to lie outright was against the paladin's code, and he had not lied to the woman, he merely did not reveal the answer to her question.

 

[twylight]

The water pooled around her feet and she straightened up. He was being guarded, she didn't blame him because she was as well. If he wasn't going to budge and tell her she for certain wasn't going to give him the advantage of making this easy. Moving the water around on the ground she made it look like it was running along the grooves in the packed dirt, of it's own accord. Once she felt it touch his boots she made it denser to hold him back should he try to move.

Waving her hand absently she spoke;
"No, I can make it on my own. Thank you very much." She willed herself forward, her headache had almost gone except for it keep a constant pressure in the back of her mind as she walked down the alley.

"Allow me to help ye walk then, ye don't look stable on your feet, lass." He offered his hand once more.

"As for why I'm looking for a group of travellers, that business be my own for now, though I'm sure to tell ye about it if ye are indeed part of the group I seek." Brottor hated being cryptic, but to lie outright was against the paladin's code, and he had not lied to the woman, he merely did not reveal the answer to her question.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

They all look at me, trying to size me up. "At least I'm honest about not being heroic. Heroes will die for a cause. Me? I plan on avoiding that fate."

Rothgar shrugged.
"A sword is a sword, I guess. Just as long as you can be trusted to watch the backs of the rest of the party, I don't care about your motives to kill the lich. But, if you cannot hold to that, then you best leave now."

Out of the corner of his eye, the Norseman noticed a familiar face in the crowd a hundred meters or so away.

"Aithne", Rothgar spoke aloud as he saw the girl slowly moving towards them. She looked a bit off-kilter, and there was a dwarf that seemed to be bothering her as she tried to leave.

"Excuse me", Rothgar said as he jogged towards the Irish lass.

"Aithne? Are you all right", the Viking Prince asked when he finally arrived to stand in front of her. His eyes scanned her to make sure she was wasn't harmed, then his gaze fell onto the dwarf who was struggling as though his feet were caught in a thick mud.

"Is there a problem here", Rothgar asked as he rested his hand on the grip of Banahogg.

 

[twylight]

She saw him jog towards her, a worried look in his eyes and she smiled.

"Aithne? Are you all right"

Nodding she looked up at him as he approached her.

"Yes, I just... I had a weak moment. Is the Docktore around?"

She lowered her head and spoke softly.
"He is looking for a group of travelers, but I do not know his reasoning." She looked back briefly and slowly relaxed the water. Whatever he wanted Rothgar could handle it now. She glanced past the Norseman at the other members of the group and noticed a few new faces.

"Is there a problem here?"

Moving to the side she stepped behind him and made her way to her travel companions. As she moved away the pressure seemed to let up a bit but stayed pretty secure.

Rothgar shrugged.
"A sword is a sword, I guess. Just as long as you can be trusted to watch the backs of the rest of the party, I don't care about your motives to kill the lich. But, if you cannot hold to that, then you best leave now."

Out of the corner of his eye, the Norseman noticed a familiar face in the crowd a hundred meters or so away.

"Aithne", Rothgar spoke aloud as he saw the girl slowly moving towards them. She looked a bit off-kilter, and there was a dwarf that seemed to be bothering her as she tried to leave.

"Excuse me", Rothgar said as he jogged towards the Irish lass.

"Aithne? Are you all right", the Viking Prince asked when he finally arrived to stand in front of her. His eyes scanned her to make sure she was wasn't harmed, then his gaze fell onto the dwarf who was struggling as though his feet were caught in a thick mud.

"Is there a problem here", Rothgar asked as he rested his hand on the grip of Banahogg.

 

[Byrd Man]

Nodding she looked up at him as he approached her.

"Yes, I just... I had a weak moment. Is the Docktore around?"

She lowered her head and spoke softly.

"He is looking for a group of travelers, but I do not know his reasoning." She looked back briefly and slowly relaxed the water. Whatever he wanted Rothgar could handle it now. She glanced past the Norseman at the other members of the group and noticed a few new faces.

"Is there a problem here?"

Moving to the side she stepped behind him and made her way to her travel companions. As she moved away the pressure seemed to let up a bit but stayed pretty secure.

"I believe I heard my name," The Docktore says as he emerges from his covered wagon.

He flashes a small smile at Aithne.

"What seems to vex you, m'lady?"

 

[SuperFerret]

She saw him jog towards her, a worried look in his eyes and she smiled.

"Aithne? Are you all right"

Nodding she looked up at him as he approached her.

"Yes, I just... I had a weak moment. Is the Docktore around?"

She lowered her head and spoke softly.
"He is looking for a group of travelers, but I do not know his reasoning." She looked back briefly and slowly relaxed the water. Whatever he wanted Rothgar could handle it now. She glanced past the Norseman at the other members of the group and noticed a few new faces.

"Is there a problem here?"

Moving to the side she stepped behind him and made her way to her travel companions. As she moved away the pressure seemed to let up a bit but stayed pretty secure.

Brottor stood in silence as the Norseman spoke with the young woman, who was named Aithne. When the man looked to Brottor, tightening his grip on his weapon as he did, Brottor shook his head.

"Nay," he said, holding the man's gaze, "I was merely trying to help the lass, as she seemed to be in distress."

Brottor paused for a moment and stroked his beard, a habit he had not lost during his years of shame, and he smiled at the familiar feel of his chin-hair beneath his fingers.

"My name is Brottor, of clan Balderk, hailing from the Slavic Alps. I am a paladin of the Soulforger, Moradin. Pray tell, young warrior, do ye and your band gather here for purposes of good or ill?"

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"A paladin", Rothgar repeated, his stance relaxing a bit. His family had traded with Dwarves in Svealand, so he had dealt with the stout folk before. Dwarven paladins were few and far between, but he had heard tale of them. And this Dwarf seemed to radiate a...holy aura of good was the only way Rothgar could think to describe it.

No, he sensed no deception in this Dwarf.

"I am Rothgar, son of Aðalvaldr. My companions and I gather here to take the fight to the undead scourge that is sweeping the land, and kill the lich that drives it."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Charaun glided through the quiet streets of Dusseldorf, the red pin-points of light that passed for his eyes waving back and forth as he took in the scene.

The Rhineland had fallen to his armies in a matter of days. Now most of Germania was under his control. And word had reached his ear that the armies of the mortal creatures had started to gather together to organize a counterstrike.

Good. He'd be ready for them.

His bony feet clacked on the stone steps as he moved up to stand on the ramparts of the large wall that ran around the city.

Looking out over the wall of Dusseldorf, Charaun's dead gaze took in the rolling fields of grass and hills that stretched out for a mile around the city.
A perfect place to annihilate his enemies.

It wouldn't be long until the first army of mortals arrived, presumably a warband of Spartan warriors led by the king of the City-State itself.

Charaun chuckled to himself as the thoughts of adding a war party of undead Spartans to his ranks danced through his mind...