Subject: R: R: Eye of the Storm
Posted by:QuiGon On: 08/18/00 09:08 PM

Standing beside Giantkiller, I look in amazment at this magic door. I have never seen such a thing before. Looking at everyone and seeming happy that we have a good amount of people willing to defeat this. Signing I follow behind to watch and learn from these knights and ladies. But first making sure that Terror is well taken care as well as the other horses.

Subject: Under the Cover of Night I
Posted by:Lothar Kesh On: 08/19/00 04:55 PM

The sun dipped below the treetops that surrounded castle Winterbrook, bathing the land in rich purples and reds. A slight breeze tickled the leaves of a birch and made the dead leaves that covered the lush green country, dance to an unseen beat. Only hours earlier, a huge procession flying the banners of Tannisbury entered the castle. It seemed that the country of Winterbrook it’s self gave out a sigh of relief. More farmers were coming out of their hiding places with their families; the local market came to life as the sun set and even more forest creatures came out to drink from cool babbling brooks. As the sun slipped behind the country and darkness covered the land like a thick comfortable blanket, sounds of celebrations could be heard coming from the castle. The smell of a huge feast would fill the nose of anyone that happen to be out on this night or atleast this is what the inhabitants of the castle lead everyone to believe………..  ………Lothar knew better. He sat atop his undead war mount, in his ancient armor and huge two-handed half moon battle-axe and chuckled. Right behind him, his elite personal guard. Ten mounted undead knights…loyal to him in life and in death…but of course their loyalty to him was only at his masters will. Lothar raised his axe and to his left a sea of hideous, deformed creatures swelled forward. Their long arms with huge claws scraped against trees, rocks the ground and even each other trying to get to the front of the ranks…hungry these ghouls were for human flesh and they knew that inside the stone walls there was plenty for them. Lothar gave the command to hold and he called forward the ghost he found only days before. Selouas floated across the ground and through the ranks of the ghouls like a moon shadow moving over the forest on a fall night. “Yes, Lord Lothar” The ghost asked.  “Open the drawbridge. Do it without raising alarm.” Lothar’s otherworldly voice commanded. He couldn’t make a mental link with this creature…most ghosts and banshees could force this out of their minds. Not that they had a stronger will…just different.  “As you command.” She said and floated away like a mist over a river. The ranks of the ghouls swelled again and then calmed down. To his right….hundreds of zombies and skeletons clutched at old, broken weapons or rakes, field picks or even just simple logs. Behind these troops were two hundred heavy armored skeletons dressed in chainmail armor and holding long pikes and spears. Lothar commanded them to form up and prepare for the attack.  Kesh could see the guards from the castle walking their assigned routs and stopping to talk to one another. He “saw” the ghost enter the wall and with in a few moments the drawbridge came slamming down. The alarm went up and screaming form inside let him know it was time.  Two dozen of the castle guards came flowing out the font gate and on to the bridge, forming a single huge shield wall. Kesh laughed. Lothar sent out the command. Hundreds of Zombies rose form the depths of the moat and covered the drawbridge clawing at the guards, grabbing at their feet and ankles, trying to pull them down into the murky waters. With in a span of three breaths every human on that bridge was gone, pulled under those waters. The castle fell silent with what they had just seen. The shock was all the time Lothar needed. He attacked.  The huge pack of ghouls pour forth and into the castle, hundreds of gray creatures clawed, bite and chewed at anything. Lothar laughed and commanded the skeletons and zombies to charge into the gates………

Subject: R: Eye of the Storm
Posted by:Muralla On: 08/19/00 05:08 PM
Knight of Tannisbury - Squire Program Leader

 Muralla listened as Raven spoke. He needed a horse or a lift. Before she could respond, a guard approached and handed her a letter. Reading its contents, she excused herself and went to deal with the issue at hand. After having seen to it, she returned to look for Raven, but found that he had disappeared. Knowing that the time to leave was upon them, Mura made her way into the stables and picked out a swift mare for Raven to use on their trip. Calling over a page, she instructed her to prepare the mare for Raven and the coming battle. Having done so, Mura went back out into the courtyard and seated herself atop Smoke. Patting his neck, she smiled at the page as she brought over the mare and handed the reins to Mura. "Thanks, you have done a fine job."   Raven approached, after having changed into more appropriate attire, and stood beside the mare. "Here is a horse which should be suitable to your needs and wishes for the trip to Winterbrook. If ye like her, I am sure that ye can probably keep her after we make our way back to Tannisbury." She handed him the reins, just as the company move forward towards the woods surrounding the keep.   They soon found themselves transported magically to the field just outside the keep in Winterbrook. After having made the journey through, Mura listened as Fel gave her instructions to ready the camp. Mura quickly moved into action and assembled the guards, giving them instructions on what needed to be done. She spoke with Gerard, leaving him to handle the final details. Satisfied that all the preparations were well underway and in good hands, she headed into the castle to join the rest Fel and the others.

Subject: R: Eye of the Storm
Posted by:Cali the Cat On: 08/19/00 11:37 PM
Felena's Notorious Feline...AKA Excalibur

 Cali watched from the rafters of the barn as the two legged beings hurried from place to place. He had seen this many times before. They would soon be riding off to right some wrong. He lifted an orange paw to clean the dust from it. "And that means goodies to eat," he thought to himself. Movement at the base of one of the stalls caught his attention, and he paused in mid "lick".  He he had gotten bored with the smaller rodents inhabiting the castle. They were barely enough to whet his appetite, and the two legged ones squawked too loud when he allowed any of the larger, more juicy ones in. It was this boredom which had led him to the barn to watch the ordered chaos in the courtyard from a safe distance.  "Now that is what I call dinner," he thought. He moved along the rafters quietly, stalking his prey, and was just about to move in for the kill when enough noise to wake the undead erupted just below him. A low growl of exasperation escaped the feline's throat as he crouched on the rafter just above the human's head. The man turned recognition registering at once. Cali snorted, thinking, "Oh great...BirdBrain's back!" His thoughts drifted to the adventures they shared saving Camelot from El Presidente's siege and his eyes twinkled. "I hope he learned something while he was gone. Still walks like an elephant though, scaring everything away and stuff." He began to clean his "shirt front" in preparation for his thwarted dinner, as he watched Raven don his armor, all the while, staring daggers into the back of the bird named man.  Raven looked around, then looked up finally sensing he wasn't alone. He knew from experience he had perturbed the cat. Two beings could not share the small spaces they had shared for the length of time they had, without learning something. Spotting the plump rat peeking from his house in the floorboards, he chuckled, then reached into his pack for something. Cali watched him closely, wondering what he was up to this time. "Probably gonna scare all my dinners away for the next year," he thought with a grunt. His ears pricked forward when Raven pulled a small piece of cheese from the pack and placed it on the ground a good distance from the rat, giving him ample room to pounce and still make it fun. A small, almost imperceptible nod from the cat told Raven he approved of his apology.  And then...as loudly as he came in, the one with the name of the bird left him to his meal.

Subject: The Center
Posted by:FawnWiz On: 08/19/00 11:46 PM
Tannisbury Wizardess

 The children had begun arriving one by one and given a hug and taking a seat at the large table. When the last of them had arrived, FawnRe took a position in front of the table, facing all the children.  "Children, I am FawnRe and this is Lady Gynger" she said pointing to Gynger.  Gynger smiled and curtsied.  FawnRe looked at all the sad faces, some still red from crying when they were dropped off. The older ones with a look of bravado, that was just a mask.  "We are all sad today as our parents and all of the army go to fight the undead. It is something that they must do to keep you safe. If they did not go and destroy the undead ones they would be here sparing no one.  "Children we are going to learn alot here at the Center and we are going to have some fun times too." FawnRe smiles.  Gynger goes into the small kitchen and brings out a tray of cookies, which she gives to Seanessy to pass around the table, as she goes back into the kitchen to get the pitcher of milk and some mugs.  Today, we are going to get to know one another. So we will begin with Seanessy and go all around the table and you will each tell us your names.  "My name is Seanessy" she replies happily at being chosen to be first.  "My name is John" "My name is Susan" "My name is Katrina" "My name is Zack" They all shyly proclaimed as each took there turn around the table. "My name is Jewel" "my name is Casandra" "My name is Dametrius" "My name is Steven" "My name is Joseph" "My name is Joel" on and on around the table. "My name is Star"  "My name is Sandy, and she hold up 4 fingers, and I am this many." This is my baby sister Gwen, she says pointing to the chair beside her and she is this many" she says as she holds up 2 fingers.  Most of the children were between 9-12, Sandy and Gwen being the youngest. FawnRe immediately loved all of them and knew she had quite a task ahead. Again under her breath she thanked Astalder for sending her Gynger.

Subject: A call to arms
Posted by:Lord Ian On: 08/20/00 10:59 AM
Lord of Winterbrook

  Ian’s smile widened, yet he wore a look of worry on his delicate features. The bags under his eyes told of the countless sleepless nights, but his mother’s arrival helped raise his spirits. Although Winterbrook’s army was a force on its own, the undead general had strategically struck, weakening Ians forces before the battle had even begun. All had gathered in the War room, only the highest ranking generals from Winterbrook, as well as Tannisbury, were inside. “My lord Murtano” Ian embraced his step father with a handshake before turning to hug his mother. How long had it been since they had last seen each other? “I wish we could be meeting under better circumstances, but I’m afraid we do not have much of a choice. And then he saw him, standing with a red haired beauty and another gentleman he had never seen. It was like looking in a mirror, the years that had passed raced through his mind. Ian couldn’t believe it, Mallagant was in Winterbrook for the first time since his exile. Mallagant lowered his head as his brother moved to him. “Mallagant” Ians voice was like a whisper. All the eyes in the room moved to watch the brothers Macrorie.  “My brother, when I heard you were in Tannisbury, I couldn’t believe it, to be honest, I’m not sure I still believe your here. Mallagant’s head raised as his eyes met with his brothers. “I have returned brother on the path of the light, no longer do I harbor anger for you or our mother, nor do I care of our grandfathers decree on who was to rule. Its obvious to everyone, as well as myself, that you are a capable leader. And I will follow you till the end. Felena’s hand squeezed Murtano’s as she watched the scene unfold, Mallagant offered his hand to his brother and the brothers shook, and in seconds they embraced in a hug. “I always knew you would return Mallagant, it certainly took you long enough.” Ians began to laugh, followed by the laughter of his brother, this time the hug was more fierce, all was forgiven.  Once the emotional scene had ended, Ian moved to the center of the room and addressed those gathered. “M’lords and ladies, Winterbrook welcomes you in these dark times. He turned to his mother. Giantkiller and Quigon’s help has been immense. As Ian began to speak again, a voice could be heard outside the hall, getting louder as it moved to the war room. The door busted open and Wedge came inside, A Winterbrook captain was on lookout. “M’lord, a ghost...in the castle! It lowered the gates, we are under attack! Ian nodded and looked to those gathered. “Your timing was perfect, turning to his brother Ian smiled. “Its time for you to honor your vow” Turning to those in the room for the last time, Ian shouted out. “To Arms”!

Subject: R: R: R: R: The Box
Posted by:Gynger On: 08/22/00 08:56 PM

OOC--- I am very sorry this is out of order. I've been working on a project and doing some research.

 I watch Seanessy as she looks at each of the daggers and the small throwing blades. She loos up at FawnWiz who nods to her, then she moves one of her little hands over the tops of the knives until it stops over a plain looking mythril dagger. "I choose this one, Lady Gynger" Taliesin is puzzled and asks... "Why did you choose that one, milady Seanessy? The others are much more beautilful." "Cuz I think there might be a surprise on it." Seanessy smiles and continues... "Inside it, like the boxhad a surprise inside. Inside where it is sharp." They both look at me expectantly.   I reach over and pick up the sheathed dagger and look at it. I smile to myself as I remember the occasion when I received this dagger. "Yes, this dagger is special, but so are the others. This one is special because of the blade and who gave it to me." I start to pull the blade out and a faint bluish-white glow comes from the sheath. I look at Seanessy and Taliesin, their faces show excitement at seeing the glowing color. I pull the sharp 6 inch blade all the way out to show them the unique shape and color. "Ooooooooooo" says a wide eyed Seanessy. "Wow!" says Taliesin whose eyes are just as big. He starts to touch the blade, then stops... Lightning Blade? Will it hurt me if I touch it?" he asks. "Yes, it will. I can touch it and not be harmed. That's because it has my name on it. This was given to me by a Drow Elf." I look at them and see the interest in their eyes. "Would you like me to tell you the story? Or shall I wait until later after all the children are settled. I don't want to tell everyone the story tho... it's a secret and you can't tell anyone either."

Subject: R: A call to arms
Posted by:Felena On: 08/22/00 11:54 PM
Lady of Tannisbury

Felena watched her sons' meeting with bated breath. So much had happened to cause terrible bitterness between the two. However, Ian welcomed his brother back with open arms. She never thought she would see the day when they would all be together again as family. Perhaps now they could begin anew.  Ian began filling them in on the current situation. It appeared things were worse than she had feared. She was about to speak when a guard came bursting through the door, informing them that their defenses had been breached. The war room emptied within moments, and as they approached the hall and burst into the courtyard they could hear the sounds of steel upon steel. Ghouls and skeletons were pouring over the drawbridge in droves, and they entered the fray without a moments' hesitation, the warriors' thought process taking over.  Though small in stature, Felena had proved her mettle many times in battle, although she much preferred to fight on horseback. There, her size didn't matter as much. Here however, they she hadn't been given a choice. Sweeping her enchanted longsword in a wide arc, she cut through an advancing skeleton, then brought it back around to take down another. Get that cursed drawbridge up!!!" she shouted over the din as she took down another skel. As she glanced in the direction of the drawbridge, she could see the still hovering form of the ghost who must have lowered the bridge. Jumping onto a nearby barrel, she shouted to several guardsman who were near to watch her back.  Sheathing her sword, she began mouthing a spell, feeling the tingling in her extended arms and hands as a ball of fire appeared between them. Moments later it was hurling through space in the direction of the ghost. The impact was a glancing blow, the ghost having moved seconds before the fireball arrived, but at least it bought some time for them to raise the bridge. Several of Tannisbury's guard moved to offer additional protection to the one attempting to get to the wheel house. Forming a human wall against the onslaught of arrows by skeleton archers, they were able to buy enough time for one of the guards to reach the crank. The ghost floated away on the wind, though Fel was sure it wasn't due to fear.  Precious time passed as the bridge inched up, finally cutting off the free entry of undead. The battle continued within the courtyard until the last ghoul fell, clerics chanting spells to keep them and the skeltons from rising again. Once they were sure the enemy was pushed back, they began taking stock of damages.

Subject: R: R: A call to arms
Posted by:ErdrickKE On: 08/23/00 12:42 AM
Knight and Lord Mayor of Tannisbury

  Erdrick takes in the details of the meeting with Ian and just watches the exchange.  Upon hearing the alarm and reprt from the guard, Erdick was quick to follow all from the War room. entering the courtyard and drawing his sword in a fluid motion, each swing cut down either a ghoul or skeleton. it was like a dance as he moved through the enemy and destoyed as many as he could reach. He heard Fel call out for the drawbridge to be closed and caught glimpses of the cast, the fireball and the ghost as it moved off. Soon the drawbridge was up, the breach stopped and in short order all the undead were down and destroyed.  Erdrick wiped the gore from his blade and returned it to its sheath. he quickly set out assaying the damage lending a healing hand to those who were wounded.

Subject: R: R: R: A call to arms
Posted by:Giantklr On: 08/23/00 04:06 PM
Knight Captain of the Royal Guard - Tannisbury

 After the initial conflict in the courtyard was over, and order was momentarily restored, Giantkiller gathered his sergeants. First informing them to prepare for a full out assault, he then dispatched them to take command of their respective units within the army. Watching as they went about their duties, Giantkiller then turned and found Quigon at his side. "The waiting is over. I fear that this is only the beginning of what is to come. I want you to stay close...your training will best be accomplished at my side for now." With that being said, Giantkiller turned and started off to find his sister, noting as he did so that Quigon fell into step with him.   Walking across the courtyard, Giantkiller spotted his sister along with Lord Ian and a few others atop the castle wall. Quickly climbing the stairs he approached them. Coming to a stop, he first looked out over the land and took deep breath at what he seen. Shaking off this initial shock, he clears his throat to gain the others attention. "As a matter of formality to the Lord and Lady of Tannisbury, as your Knight Captain, I must caution against you being in such a vulnerable position. It would serve no one here any good if either of you...or Lord Ian for that matter....were injured." Giant then allows a small grin to cross his face. "Now with that out of the way and knowing you are all able warriors, I will let it slide this time." Turning his head slightly, he looks once again at the creatures that were still lurking around outside the gates... "So, where do we go from here.......in all honestly, I would prefer a quick counter strike, but from the looks of what we are against, that may not be the best possible course of action."

 
Subject: Re: The Dagger & The Center
Posted by:Seanessy Laorte On: 08/23/00 11:19 PM The
Little Lady of Tannisbury

 Seanessy grinned from ear to ear as her suspicions about the dagger were confirmed. The blade glowed ominously before them as they watched. The odd shape of the blade was just as beautiful as the bluish white glow it gave off.     Turning to Taliesin as he reached toward the blade, she said, "No,no...Mum says never touch sharp things...especially those that are different looking. Even if they don't cut you they might hurt you in other ways." Looking toward Fawn and Gynger for confirmation, she heard Taliesin ask if it was a lightening blade. The explaination that followed confirmed that she had learned her mother's lessons well.     As Gynger offered to tell the story of the drow elf who gave her the blade, Seanessy nodded eagerly. However, knowing that the other children were waiting for them, she stood up tall. "Milady Gynger...I would most like to hear your story. But the other chilrin are prolly scared and we should go take care of them. Speshly since I am the Lady of Tannisbury while Mum and Da are gone. Will you please tell us when they take a nap?"     Gynger nodded and took Seanessy by the hand as they all made their way back to the room where the children waited them.     Seanessy waited as Aunty Fawn introduced herself to the children, and then took the lead as she was asked to tell who she was. "My name is Seanessy." Each of the other children said their names, and then she passed out the milk and cookies. Once that was finished, she went to a small girl who was still crying and sat beside her. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Me Da's gone away to fight, and me Mum's gone to help with the healin'. And I'm scared!" Seanessy put a chubby little arm around the child, not much younger than she. "My Da and Mum are gone too...the place they went is where my Mum used to live. I miss them, and I'm scared too. But you know what? I know they gonna come home soon. The gonna make it safe again. And Aunty Fawn gonna take care of us good. And see that other Lady there?" She indicated Gynger as the girl dried her eyes. "She's real nice too." The girl smiled up at Seanessy and asked, "Will you be my friend?"
 

 
Subject: R: R: R: R: A call to arms
Posted by:Murtano Laorte On: 08/24/00 12:38 AM
Lord of Tannisbury

 After the perfunctory greetings, and the subsequent interruption, Murt enters the courtyard as Daemonbane howls out of it's sheath.  Lightning quick, the awesome two-handed sword whistles almost effortlessly through the decaying bodies of the first few ghouls it meets. It's unearthly hunger awakened, a pure white glow begins to spread along the length of the blade as crackling energy fills the fist-sized orb on it's pommel. (Kinda like one o' dem plasma balls ya can buy at a novelty store. hee hee )  Wading into the battle with the 'regular' troops, Murtano rallys the uneasy warriors to push the fiends back through the gates when he hears his wife call out the plan. Surging forward at key points in their formation, they drive the undead back and slaughter those left inside. Cut off from their main forces and the evil that drives them, the undead quickly become chopping blocks for the guards of the keep.  Seeing Captain Giantkiller, Murtano calls out to him. "G-man!", and he grins at their secret joke, "I want full reports from the drawbridge watch and damage assesment reports from all the sergeants ASAP! Also, get the clerics to blessing water for siege cauldrons around the keep, if they try an assault again some holy water poured down on them will make them pay dearly! Make sure there are clerics safely hidden around the keep for emergencies, and find out how this happened!"  Turning and heading to Fel and Ian he looks briefly around, then calls a sergeant, "You! Get this undead piled up and have the clerics dispose of these things properly, I'll not have more added to the enemies forces. Especially inside the keep!"  Striding to where Felena and Ian are at, Murt removes his helm and says, "We're in need of a plan for counterattack as well as seige, I do not like sitting in here waiting for them to make the first move. Let us hurry our plans and perhaps we can catch them off guard, also have all reconnaissance and the high priests meet with us in the war room."