Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

Vierrae · Lore Master Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 1188

A plot was brewing within the darkness of night, several men gathered in the murky swamps near the roads that split in multiple directions leading to Yew or Britain. Each one gathered there awaiting orders from the creature that masterminded the plot that would soon be carried out this eve. Slowly, the humanoid man clothed in dark robes and a hood made its way towards the gathering. "Welcome, my brave soldiers..." It's voice almost echoing as if all around. Briefly in the darkness, guided y moonglight one could see brief tentacles which obviously gave away that it was far from human.

Each of the men, stared ahead at the creature not speaking a word; there the creature continued. "This evening we will be scattering ourselves across the land... take moongates and roads to every city. Seek out their water supplies, and pour these vials I've assigned to each of you within. We should see some interesting developments soon enough..." The creature held no smile or frown, as it turned away from the men. "Now be off..." It commanded; the men quickly dispersing in different directions. Each man assigned to various townships and cities in Britannia. Each man sneaking towards the water supplies across the land pouring the vials in.

(I apologize that this story was short. I tried to leave most of the story in mystery until time progresses forward. Enjoy!)

Jaana · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 4:51 pm Post subject: A Nearby Wanderer..

Jaana and her horse were walking along the Yew road to Britain. Since Jaana didn't like bringing the mount to Felucca as she had been killed there once on her way home, she had her training against harts instead now.
Jenna, the white-furred horse, stopped next to Jaana and nuzzled her backpack. Snorting, realizing that Jaana wasn't carrying any water for her, Jenna started to head off toward Britain. Jaana, always worrying about leaving Jenna alone for too long ever since she first was killed by human brigands, was forced to follow.
Once they got to a lake that flowed into Britain, Jenna sniffed the water and then disdainfully tosses her head to the side.
"Jenna!" Jaana groaned. "Must yeh be so picky?"
Jenna simply nickered in response.
"Eh.. Fine." Dipping a hand into the water, Jaana made a point of glancing back to the horse and then slowly draining the retreating water out of her hands. After finishing, Jaana gagged and pushed Jenna away from the water. "Point taken."
Jenna snorted haughtily and started trotting toward town with Jaana in her wake, blocking out the human's whining about how disgusting water naturally was and rambling about Britain's poor management of the water they stole from the world.
_________________
"Forrest, a woman of many words.. Though most of them result in saying, 'You're wrong!'"

Anya Noire · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:43 am Post subject:

The days had passed since Vahn left for his quest. Many nights of cuddling up with his robe, that retained his scent, and reading his letter a few times over, only left a dull ache in her heart. She wondered how he was doing and when he would be back. The day came for her barding lessons at the Bard School in Brit. She got up and dressed for the day. She grabbed something to eat, only because Shiela made her take something. She then recalled to the school..and enterd the building. The practice was long. She felt she plucked so much on the harp strings that her fingers would fall off. The teacher was not impressed with her today, but she didn't care, her heart was not into it. Right now, her heart was somewhere..at some shrine or on a road to a shrine. What shrine she didn't know. All she knew was that she was not in the mood to do anything. She was also missing her father. They kept missing each other. He would be busy when she was home or she would be off doing something when he would be home. After several hours of torture, the teacher finally let her go home. She gathered up her notes and the songs that he wanted her to practice and headed out the door. She stopped by a tavern to get her some water for the road. She had to make a stop one place before heading home.

Her first stop was at Vahns'. She wanted to leave him a message in case he came home before coming to the Garden. She left a message on his board and then recalled to her home. By this time she had drank half the water before realizing that it didn't taste right. Never having drank the water from the city before; she figured that it was how all water tasted in the cities. She dumped the rest of the water out in the trash and went to her room. She had missed her father again and figured she could take a nap and catch him in the evening time. When she awoke, the evening time came and gone. It was late in the eve..or early in the next morning. She woke up sweating. Her clothes were wet and Vahns robe was soaked. She shook her head, feeling that the room had suddenly become quite hot. She went downstairs to get her some cooling water. She drank it up and felt abit better and changed her clothing. Perhaps her father had gone else where. To another tavern night and is about hitting on some lass that had stayed behind to comment on his performance. After recalling to all the taverns with Darkbane casino being the last one, she gave up on her father being at any of the known taverns. By this time, she was feeling really hot. She started to see things out of the corner of her eye. She believed it was just the heat making her eyes play tricks on her. She returned home, once she did..she felt a coolness. As she walked up the stairs to the main floor of the Garden, she started hearing her mother's voice. She would turn around to see who it was playing a trick on her, but yet noone would be there. Her mothers voice started off as a soft whisper carried on a breeze and slowly grew into normal conversational tone. She put her hand to her ears shaking her head.

"no..no..you are gone...dead..I can't be hearing you."

No sooner she said that..she turned to look at the one of the dancers..instead she was looking at her mother. Anya just blinked and gazed upon the figure of her mother. The voice she was hearing continued..telling her that she should join her. That everyone left her and that she was not wanted there anymore. Soft purple tinted tears rolled down her cheeks as she continued to block out the voice of her mother, while she gazed upon the form that looked like her mother.

"No..father loves me..just as you said he would..Vahn loves me...I..know this..please...why are you doing this..who are you?"

The voice softly said,

"Dear Anya..I am your mother."

Anya backed herself into a corner of the tavern shaking her head.

"No..my mother is dead...you..you can't be her."

The voice then turned into a chilling laugh. Anya's fever started to increase abit more as she lowerd herself down on the floor holding on to her legs shaking her head crying til she went to sleep.
_________________

For some life is just another day, for others it's a journey awaiting the worthy adventurer.

Sadira Reflov · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:05 pm Post subject:

Naissia just returned from her trip to the dungeon fighting the earth elementals. She went to the nearest tavern to get a drink. She thought about ordering an ale but then decided against it. She was going to meet her son and his fiancee later on and did not want the smell of ale on her. So she ordered a water and some soup. She had not eaten in a while. The waiter brought her the soup and pitcher of water. Naissia poured herself a glass and drank it straight down. She was so thirsty the taste didn't seem to register at the time. She ate her soup with the roll that came with it, and taking drinks of water here and there. The pitcher was empty and Naissia felt full. She got up and headed off to go back to the place she was staying at. She tried to keep the place as neat as possible. After all it was Rufus' home, though he was off on his trip..and when he would come back to the lands..he was in Nu'jelom with his wife. She sat on the chair and started to read a book from his library. It was then she noticed the air seemed warmer and thick. She patted off the sweat beads from her brow and shook her head. She looked outside to see the sun starting to set. She could not figure out why the breeze from the water wasn't cooling off the day as it usually does. She sighed and then kicked back to take a little nap. As she started to doze off..it was then the voices hit her. She opened her eyes quickly and looked around. Putting her hands to her head..she yelled out.

"Stop IT! I conquered you...you should not be there.."

Voices grew louder as she grabbed her sword and stood in a defensive manner. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something moving. As she turned it was a serpant..large serpant. She hacked away at it. It was the hardest one she ever had to fight. No matter how many times she hacked at it, it kept moving and wasn't bleeding.

"Die Damnit Die!"

Finally as the serpent falls and stops moving, she smiled with a victorious grin. She looked about on her and had trouble figuring out how come ther was blood all over her yet the serpant didn't seem to bleed. As her head cleared for a moment, she found out why the serpant didn't bleed. It was one of Rufus tables that she had hacked to pieces. She dropped her sword on the floor putting her hands to her head.

"GEt OUT of my HEAD!"

She went up to the rooftop..and was looking over the edge. The voices continued..

"He doesn't love you..he left you..your son and daughter doesn't need you..might as well jump...but not yet..not now..we have plans..things to do..but for now you rest."

She shakes her head and falls to her knees. After a few long moments of repeating what Rufus had said to her..she finally passed out from exhaustion.
_________________
"Nature gave man two ears but only one tongue. A gentle reminder that he should listen more than he speaks."

Jaana · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 4:28 pm Post subject: Failure to Fight

The usually traffic-free bridge that connected the two seperate Luna and Umbra continents had a new frequent visitor. Jaana leaned on the rail, staring off into the void as usual. The presence of a certain white horse was absent, and Jaana's face was tinted with an unatural pink. For once, it wasn't simply sunburn.
Sometimes, Jaana would get so lost in her hopeless stargazing that she'd lose her balance, but fortunately for her, an emerald-colored ostard would grab her by the collar and pull her backward or kick her before she got too lost. If it hadn't been for the once-orphaned creature, Jaana probably wouldn't still be standing there.
Once or twice, she'd falled asleep on the bridge. Her stomache was howling with hunger, but she didn't notice.
More than often, she'd suddenly start talking to herself, and even curse at wanderers who walked past her.
Jenna was sick. She'd left her at the vet in Britain, but she was constantly worrying about her. Little did she know that her horse had come down with the same thing she had, but she was too delirious to realize that she herself had also gotten sick. The worry was wearing her down more quickly then the cold, and she was starting to hear voices that only she seemed to notice. Cricket, the ostard, would just stare at her and sometimes kick her. It was confused and hungry, though she didn't notice it. She didn't notice it standing there right next to her, keeping her from falling into the void.
_________________
"Forrest, a woman of many words.. Though most of them result in saying, 'You're wrong!'"

Anya Noire · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 4:09 pm Post subject:

Several more days had passed. Not a word did Anya hear from Vahn..and her fever only seemed to increase. Her delusions/hallucinations came and went, only returning each time more fierce. She remembers the other eve..when her father first saw her. She recalls the worry look in his eyes. She looked down upon the robe she had puton the other evening. It was the robe that Vahn gave her. His scent was slowly fading from it. Her mind felt like a puzzled mess. She had terrible dreams each night that only got worse. A voice in her mind kept taunting her in the evening. Almost as if a battle were being fought within her. One night she had a horrid dream of Vahn. He needed her and she knew it. She had to help him. But she did not know where he was. Each night the dream kept offering more of a glimpse of Vahn. Her mothers image kept haunting her, the mix up of Sir Robert for Vahn. She felt as if she were losing her mind. The visions of Vahn somewhere dead..the little things that she would see that would disappear soon after. What was the matter with her? She then quickly got up and dressed replacing the robe back on her and she took off. In search of answers and in search of her beloved.
_________________

For some life is just another day, for others it's a journey awaiting the worthy adventurer.

Sir Robert · Honored Member Joined: 29 Dec 2003 Posts: 1139

"Ah.. Sir Robert, how can I help you?"
The Duke of Trinsic looked at the barkeep of The Keg And Anchor Tavern in Trinsic and smiled a bit tired. "Just a pitcher of water." He looked around at the Waiters. "One from everyone that is." The looks he received could be just described as confused, and they became even more confused as the Duke stoppered each pitcher with burned clay and sealed it with wax, before he put them into a bag that already held a book with a note where they had been gathered.
"What.. are you doing?"
"Just something I have to investigate," Sir Robert smiled, paid them and left, heading to the Inns of his fair towne.
While he did so, he let his thoughts wander. It was the weekend, as he met young Anya, a nice young lady had been a bit illusional and feverish. At first he had thought nothing about it, knowing how easily one can get afflicted with a food poisoning and he more or less had forgotten about it. Until today, when he met his friend Naissia in the Hanse's Hostel. Feverish and illusional as well. And both told him they had drunk water about the same area. Talking with a nice man named Walter, a member of the Britannian Guards they wondered if something was in the water.
The Duke offered to gather samples of every tavern and inn of a town, while Walter said he would try to find someone to examine those samples.
_________________
Reality, the refuge of those who fail in RPGs

Though this be madnes, yet there's method in't

Vierrae · Lore Master Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 1188

After the men had loyally poured the poison in various wells, and other drinking water areas - they had all headed back towards the direction of the swamps in which they had came. However, there was now a price to be paid. As they approached the murky swamps, voices in their mind began to ring. -Your job is over, now it is time for you to take your own lives.- They stared in complete shock at their next order... as if they were unable to control their bodies; each one moving towards the dagger they had carried and without any hesitation; they plunged the daggers into their chests. Each one falling into the swampy floor, only to be swallowed up.

"Good, there should be no worries to connect me yet to the poison..." The creature chuckled amused, as he anticipated. The toxins surely would be reaching many victim's minds by now, and it would benefit him. He would be able to enter their dreams, manipulate those dreams, and convince them to do things that would be unthinkable to most. The first stage to the poison had been the victim who had drank the water, would break out in fever. The poison was just then spreading from the heart to the mind. The mind would then be attacked while the fever had came out; creating hallucinations.

Next, phase 2 of it's plan. The mind would start to weaken, the poison itself striking the aggressive center of the mind in which would cause one to lash out for no reason, as the fever continued to weaken the person. Finally, the last stage of plan - the poison would break the mind, and allow him access into the minds that were broken. Yes, he would sneak into their dreams; unseen to those who view these dreams. The form it would choose in the dreams would be someone close to each individual, it was their dream afterall. It had no plans to give itself away, not until it had secured it's plans. From it's lair the creature never moved, it's mind reaching out to those in the third stage; that he was the only one who cared and he would be the way to salvation.

The creature would soon be prepared to test those in phase 3 to begin doing deeds for its own gain. The deeds themselves were yet a mystery to those infected and uninfected but it was making all the preparations possible. Time was drawing closer to it's victory; the poison itself would continue to baffle anyone who tried to find a cure...

(Once again, a great big thank you to all those who participated in this plot! Sorry I was a little behind on a follow-up post)

Vierrae · Lore Master Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 1188

It had been two weeks since the creature had sent forth men to do it's dirty work. It was drawing closer to the time, that he would soon be able to invade the minds of those within the third stage. The poison and the creature's blood itself were relatively the same; which had established that link. That evening when night time had drawn closer, it reached out to those infected; toying with their dreams... the dreams would now become nightmares. All friends, all personal ties - they would almost seem unreal. -They are all against you...- It would rasp within their minds, taunting to confuse the victims. -I am your only friend...- It would speak in that raspy tone once again. Each dream would be different for those infected but yet it generallywould try to invade.

The situation itself would only continue to escalate. (Side note: I do not know who is in the 3rd stages cept for one person. PLEASE let me know, so I can get you orders from the creature) The creature would then instruct Naissia in her sleep; - I need you to go to Vesper, you must break into the bank vault and still the gem that glows like the sun. It's warm to the touch, and if gazed upon too long it can bring temporary blindness. It was brought there for protection; because of it's unique properties and power it radiates. I ask you to get it for me... and deliver it to the abandoned guardhouse near the swamps at the fork in the road to Yew or Britain...-

The voices were then gone; and depending on if Naissia fulfilled it's request it would have one of the first stepping stones to it's project.

Jaana · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:18 pm Post subject:

Jaana was searching the land furiously for a veterinarian who could help her horse that was now residing at Trammel Britain's resident vet, Una. She was a decent woman with a knack for animals, but lacked any understanding in the arcane arts, and both she and Jaana had agreed that Jenna's cold was not a natural one.
Una had asked about Jaana's health as well, though she was quick to back off when she found the master of the horse as snappy as the sick horse herself, if not even worse. She brushed it off as grief for her pet.
Although Jaana wore her brimmed hat which shadowed her face which her blood seemed to be rushing to lately, Una could not help but notice that whenever she passed by her, Jaana seemed to radiate with an uncomfortable heat. Jenna also seemed to radiate with the same heat.

Since Jaana came three to four times a day to check up on Jenna, Una finally offered her a cot to sleep on, insisting that Jaana was not in a good state to do so much travelling. This comment spurred a long rant about how she was fine and how Una hadn't been helping Jenna, though Una was accustomed to her customer's short temper now.
Regardless, she held out her offer, mentioning that she could also keep a better eye on Jenna. That got her to stay.

Though Jenna's fur covered up her flesh, Jaana's face was now speckled with small green 'freckles'. The fever and headache that came with it was gone, though their moods had only worsened.
Una, unable to sleep through the noise in the other room one night, walked out to find the two 'shoving' each other around, Jenna snorting and nickering, headbutting Jaana whenever she started yelling, and Jaana quite efficiently sending Jenna stumbling back a few steps.
Una's welcome was revoked in fear that they'd destroy the house at the rate they were going, or cripple someone. Jaana and Jenna walked out, both shooting glares as best they could over their shoulders.
Seeming to forget why they had been kicked out, they walked and trotted side by side towards the inn down the street. The manager eyed Jenna disapprovingly as they walked in, but said nothing. The person with the bow, well armored with a stiff, confident stance, looked quite dangerous and he could feel the tenseness in the room. He feared that if he asked the person to put their horse outside that he might not survive, being no more than a simple innkeeper with not a single article of armor on.

Jaana and Jenna fell asleep quickly, though not to a dreamless night...
_________________
"Forrest, a woman of many words.. Though most of them result in saying, 'You're wrong!'"

Anya Noire · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:54 pm Post subject:

Anya had awoken once again. The nights previous played outin her mind. The belief that Cat and Vahn were having an affair stil lingered in her mind. Who was she to trust? What was real and what was hallucinations. Everything seemed to bind together that it was hard to see where fantasy and reality seperate. Her dreams becoming nightmares. Her body was no longer heated but was breaking out in..little green dots. The days passed had seen her violent and agressive. Two things that were completely against her nature. These alone were like a disease tearing at her body. It was seen by the way she was shaking. Days had passed with her having nothing to eat. She had lost a good amount of weight and almost looked near dead. The main voice she heard during her restless sleep..remained with her eveninthe morning hours. She slowly started to trust this voice with a realization that everyone was against her. Though what she did to Vahn hurt her deeply in her heart, her mind, or what was left, was in control. She knew she only had one friend, and he talked to her often in her dreams.
_________________

For some life is just another day, for others it's a journey awaiting the worthy adventurer.

Vierrae · Lore Master Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 1188

Excellent, several more had succumbed to the poison that had continued to attack the mind; in those dreams it would whisper to not just Jaana, but to Anya as well. It offered soothing relief from the outside world, never assuming shape but only the soft whispers in the dreamstate. With the gem resembling the sun being delivered soon enough, should Naissia succeed...

Anya would continue to get those dreams, those soft whispers until it finally gave a gentle plead. "Please, my friend. I ask that you do me a favor in secrecy. You must do it swiftly, and be wary of who you talk to or mention this of. I want you to head towards the city of Britain. There is a mage in one of the houses to the north of the east bank. I ask you break in and steal this staff. The staff is obsidian with old runic markings upon it. The tip of the staff looks as if it could fit a gem of sorts upon it." The creature had paused for a moment. "Upon success, I ask you deliver it to the abandoned guardhouse near the swamp between Vesper and Britain. You cannot miss it. Good luck, my friend." The words deceitful as ever.

Jaana would end up getting the same dream state, a voice whispering and calling to her. It gave a soft whisper. "My friend, we have much work to do. Before our enemies decide to find a way to stop my plans. I ask with great haste; that you journey to the city of Umbra. Once you arrive, head towards the stairs leading to the old and wise necromancer. While he is distracted with training those apprentice necromancers; steal a circular object resembling a buckler. It is made of shadow iron with runic markings decorated around it and upon the middle of it is a circular hole where a staff might fit. Bring this back towards the swamps between Vesper, Yew, and Britain. There is an old guardhouse there... Leave it in a corner and one of my men will pick it up. Do not fail me."

(Yes, the creature is cooking up more than just the poison. There is more to come! Your characters can go there and steal the items, and then make a post about it. Someone may happen to see your characters doing this, or may not. It's up to you all. )

Sadira Reflov · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:37 am Post subject:

Naissia found herself in Sanctus. She gazed about til she found a few people. She proceed to walk towards them. I the most polite voice she could.

"Pardon me, could one of ye gate me to Vesper?"

The kindness of one came through then as a gate appeared before her. She nodded to the man and thanked him. What luck did befall on her as she entered the gate, she was in the back room where the gem was said to be held. The guards must have been outside the door. She moved to the only chest within the room. Taking out her sword she slashed at the lock. The magical sword gave off a fireball that melted the lock enough to where once the sword hit it, it would break. The noice made the guards alert as they unlocked the door to enter. BUt it was too late, after they unlocked the door and managed to open to enter it, Naissia had the stone in her hand and was placing it in a pouch. She looked up at the guards offering a nod and a smile then she was gone. She found herself at the Regency meeting. She had to attend but wasn't sure why. Then she remembered, voting time. She was impatient about the whole thing. People never changed bickering and bickering. She fould feel their eyes on her and knew they probably knew. She waited til the time had passed then left. After she left the meeting she went to the old guardhouse as instructed by her friend. Placing it where she was sure his man would find it and noone else. After dropping it off she was feeling herself getting very tired. She returned to the only home that had been her home for a while. Once there she stripped off her boot, sash and bandana and settled back in one of the chairs falling asleep.
_________________
"Nature gave man two ears but only one tongue. A gentle reminder that he should listen more than he speaks."

Jaana · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 11:21 pm Post subject:

Standing in front of a wrinkled pale man with somewhat blue skin was a tall woman with long knee-length silver hair and a light tan. She was dressed in the typical gray-blue necromancer uniform and her large chestnut eyes were staring questioningly down at the skull helmet that had been thrust into her hands by the elderly robed man.

".. Thank you, Master Mardoth. I shall use it well.." Hesitantly, she lowered it on to her head and Mardoth watched her approvingly. They both failed to notice a woman cloaked in black slip behind Mardoth's back, tucking into a corner near a small black shield that was mounted as decoration on the wall.

The younger necromancer looked around and fiddled with her helmet to adjust it into a somewhat comfortable position whilst Mardoth continued to observe his apprentice as if the equipping of a helmet was one of the greatest arts of Necromancy on its' own.

Grinning like a maniac, the cloaked Jaana ripped the shield from the wall with ease though none too silently. As soon as the two turned to look at her, Mardoth notably surprised and the girl letting out a gasp, she bolted out down the road without a second glance back.

She ran until she reached the dark public moongate, and an almost white furred horse greeted her by impatiently pawing at the ground. As soon as Jaana hopped onto her back, they bolted off, reappearing in Yew.

They frantically dashed through the familiar lands, making their way towards the break of roads that lead off to Vesper, Britain, and Yew. When she got to the guardhouse, it was not uninhabited. A caravan lay on its' side a short distance off along with a dead horse and coach, surrounded by a group of bloodstained men and women carrying whatever weapons they could get their hands on.

Jaana notched an arrow in her bow. They were quick to join their victims.

Jaana's horse, Jenna, usually made an attempt to gingerly step around the corpses. This time, hoofprints were engraved in many a carcass. Admiring the work that she had made out of these humans with the 'cute' touch of 'autographs' from arrows and hooves, she headed into the building and hid the buckler under one of the cots.

Jenna trotted off towards Yew with Jaana on her back, humming lightly and cheerfully a tune she had heard Poet sing once at the Garden about a beautiful land.
_________________
"Forrest, a woman of many words.. Though most of them result in saying, 'You're wrong!'"

Vierrae · Lore Master Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 1188

One of the men had reached the guardhouse in time to claim the circular object that resembled a shield, and of course the gemstone. He fled quickly from the place to avoid being seen. With the success of 2 of the 3 requested items; the creature was now awaiting Anya to return the staff to him. He decided since he was pleased this evening to allow the two who succeeded a day of rest.

(Sorry for the shortness of the response, I was out of town all day)