Current
Wont be around today, too busy dying from this massive hang over. Sorry guys!
10 yrs ago
This is asking for an RP in which the Southend-on-Sea furniture bots battle for control with the Korean casino bots, in an ultimate struggle that will destroy the world.
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10 yrs ago
Suddenly building some kind of wall doesn't seem like a bad idea. Vote Frengo 2016 for RPG President.
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10 yrs ago
Is it sad that I bought a 10yo Netbook from Ebay with the sole intent of using it just to write my RP posts?
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10 yrs ago
Sea Gorillas are not a "personal" issue, and affect the entirety of mankind. It's morons like you that prevent social and cultural progress.
This sounds fun. If I remember right, there's now an overcast of a storm coming? I'm also assuming it's day, right?
Yup, storm + day time. I don't think we ever established an actual time, so just keep mentioning day light until someone starts their post with "night was drawing in fast", I guess?
@Sessamaru Accepted and added, welcome aboard. Looks like you've arrived in time for a party in Actium.
Some dragon whelp disguised as a young girl just went nuts and revealed itself. Chaos has broken across the streets. Soldiers are moving in, and things are about to get messy.
A girl wailed within the bustling city centre, drawing little concern from patrolling soldiers. Children screamed all the time in Iron Coast; some because they had been wronged by a sibling or a parent, some because their bellies had swollen with hunger, and some because they had nothing better to do. Actium was the Jewel of Iron Coast simply because it was the only town left in the region, not because it was a place of happiness and prosperity.
However, a great explosion abruptly rocked the city's inner districts, causing shanties to collapse and cracking pavement. Mass panic broke out shortly after, and patrolling legionnaires took little time in fighting their way through a screaming crowd of horrified onlookers. Indeed, they took even less time in discovering the source of the commotion.
A dragon had taken to the skies! By the Emperor, a dragon!
The beast was small, larger than a work horse but smaller than a griffin; gleaming red scales betraying its obvious rage. Confusion hit the soldiers, followed shortly by fear. None present had seen a dragon in the flesh, and tales of the terrible damage they wrought suddenly exaggerated themselves within the minds of the legionaries. Some turned tail, and vanished into the fleeing crowds, but others stood their ground; the pride of the Empire thick in their guts.
A score of soldiers, their tower shields held high and their swords drawn, broke through the crowd and formed a loose circle around the dragon, knocking any civilians aside with little regard for their well being. They looked up at the monster, determined to slay the evil, but lacking the means. A gladius could only reach so far.
And then an arrow whizzed by, followed shortly by another, as a band of the garrison's auxiliary troops stormed down the roadway. In the distance, bells started to ring, echoing across the city. More would come, and soon.
There would be no diplomacy with the beast, nor would there be any mercy.
If you guys love this RP as much as I do, but wish you could post more, then here's a little something I've been working on. Set in the same world, and during the same time as this RP, we look to the faltering borders of the Empire:
It's a WIP, but as you can see, it flows in the same vein as this RP - but this time, with a backdrop to total war as opposed to fantastical adventure mayhem. Characters will be fighting for an Orc/Goblin rebellion, the Imperial Sixth Legion, or a neutral party in the form of Mt. Khadrim, a Dwarven-Halfling alliance.
I understand if you've all got enough on your plate, and I'm not entirely sure I will actually go through with it. I like the idea of two RPs going on, distantly connected, but then I also like Mars bars and sometimes they give me indigestion.
Anywhos, for those curious:
Blood, Riches and Glory
The Fall of Redoak
The Imperial Province of Redoak has fallen to an Orc and Goblin insurrection! Through years of dwindling military strength, corruption and mounting losses along the frontiers, the Empire has finally lost control of the entire province after Imperator Sorrowsong committed an act of genocide against the native population. Fort Maxim lies in ruins, and the 17th Legion has been broken - ten thousand irreplaceable soldiers feeding the carrion.
Even now, War Master Redscar, the leader of the Orc and Goblin rebellion, is marching on the remaining Imperial settlements within the region. Fired up by Sorrowsong's murderous cull, he will spare no non-Orc/Goblin citizens. Thousands will die, if he is not stopped, and with this in mind, the Emperor has dispatched the 6th Legion to quell the troubles.
A Timeline of Capitulation and Revolution
I.R 461, Summer: The Orc and Goblin warbands of Redoak are decisively routed at the Battle of the Grimspires, forcing the survivors to surrender themselves to the Empire's rule.
I.R 470, Summer: Nine years of Imperial occupation turns Redoak into an industrial powerhouse, with logging camps marring its expansive forests. However, Goblin and Orc tribes are forcefully removed from their ancestral lands to make way for Imperial settlements and business ventures, causing wisespread resentment.
I.R 470, Winter: The Orcs and Goblins, displeased by their treatment, rise up against the Imperial occupation. However, they are decisively beaten at the Battle of Skulltor. The ring leaders of the rebellion are rounded up an executed, causing further outcry amongst Redoak's native populations. The Imperial forces crack down on all native settlements, hanging any of those suspected of planning further trouble.
I.R 475, Summer: A Dwarven-Halfing mining expedition reaches Mt. Khadrim, with Imperial approval. Operations begin immediately, and the area becomes renowned for Mithril production. Mt. Khadrim pays a 30% toll on all that it sells.
I.R 481, Spring: Emperor Axis III perishes in Iron Coast at the Battle of Emperor's Folly, taking with him the majority of the Empire's military reserves. With the heart torn out of its war machine, the Empire begins to pull back legions from stable provinces and redeploys them to the beleaguered frontiers.
The Sixth Legion is withdrawn from Redoak, leaving the Seventeenth Legion to handle the occupation. It now falls to ten thousand soldiers to police a population of half a million.
Mt. Khadrim is granted independence as its own functioning realm, in return for providing the Imperial army with assistance in maintaining peace and order in Redoak. This was done mostly because Mt. Khadrim threatened to leave the Empire, and the Imperial army would have been hard pressed to oppose it.
I.R 530, Spring: Imperial administrators, such as governors and mayors, become the target of assassination. The perpetrators are quickly discovered, and found to be Goblin and Orcs. In response, Imperator Sorrowsong orders the 17th Legion to kill 1 in ten of every Orc and Goblin in the entire province. A mass culling begins, and thousands of the creatures are put to the sword without trial or mercy.
On hearing of Sorrowsong's hideous actions, Emperor Galaxin recalls him and instates Imperator Gladix in his place. Gladix is a kind man, and a soldier's general, with a pure understanding of justice and compassion. He attempts to ease the escalating tensions in Redoak by pulling the 17th Legion out of all native settlements.
I.R 531, Spring Self proclaimed War Master Redscar, of the Orcish Redscar Clan, riles his countrymen into open rebellion. Having suffered at the hands of Sorrowsong's cull, thousands were more than willing to join Redscar's cause in the name of revenge.
By the time Imperator Gladix received reports of Redscar's actions, the coast of Redoak was already ablaze. All non Orc and Goblin imperial citizens had been put to the sword, and a vast army was preparing to launch an assault on Fort Maxim. The Imperator quickly gathered the 17th Legion to oppose Redscar at the Battle of West Redoak.
However, the Imperial Legion was ill suited for forest fighting, and denied the use of its tightened and disciiplined fighting formations, was routed by the Orc and Goblin horde. So many soldiers were lost, that the 17th simply ceased to exist. Imperator Gladix died as he fought a last stand to buy time for the few survivors to flee.
I.R 531, Summer - Present Day: The Redscar Rebellion refuses diplomacy with the Empire, despite vows of clemency and independence. It now represents a significant threat, capable of penetrating Imperial heartlands. In response, Emperor Galaxin has deployed the Sixth Legion.
Headed by Imperator Simo Silanus, a hardened and ruthless warrior, the Sixth Legion is tasked with defeating the rebellion and slaying War Master Redscar. They have arrived at Fort Axis, and are preparing to launch a series of defensive operations across the entire front, with the aim of preserving Imperial settlements from Redscar's imminent invasion.
Mt. Khadrim remains quiet throughout, and has so far refused to send assistance. It is rumored that the Royal Court has lost confidence in the Empire's ability to provide protection, and may be establishing its own agenda. If true, the Sixth Legion will be hard pressed to fight both the rebellion and an army that matches its own in terms of discipline and tactical excellence.
Map of Redoak
Battle Lines
Green represents Redscar's territorial holdings, Red represents the remnants of Redoak's Imperial presence.
Places
Mr. Khadrim is a gigantic, solitary mountain with a height of 7,00 feet. Several Dwarven and Halfing settlements dot the mountain side, and are composed of hard stone structures of excellent and robust design.
The Dwarven-Halfling Alliance was originally an expedition sent from the Realm of Gorthor, but has since thrived into its own Kingdom. It is led by a Dwarf, King Ghansin, and his Halfing Queen, Amibela. They are said to be a kind and wise couple, both reaching their fiftieth year. Under their twenty year reign, Mt. Khadrim has seen rapid militarization in preparation for what they saw as the eventual fall of Redoak.
Several expansive mining shafts exist within Mt. Khadrim, which churn out tonnes of raw Mithril every year. A single vast subterranean settlement, known as Khadrim City, is located in the center of the mountain (aprox three thousand feet up), and is considered the realm's nucleus.
Fort Axis is a sprawling Imperial fortress, consisting of several concentric walls and studded with impressive towers. It is garrisoned by thousands of troops, and is considered to be an impenetrable bastion of Imperial might - perhaps the last of its kind in this part of the world.
It also serves as an internment camp for all Goblin and Orc citizens deemed at risk of joining Redscar's rebellion. The dungeons are full of them, and it is said that their screams of torment can be heard from the courtyards.
It is governed by Imperator Silanus, the commander of the Sixth Legion.
A typical Imperial town, with a century of heritage. Paved roads, perfectly maintained villas, neatly trimmed gardens and exorbitant markets form its streets. It has a population of ten thousand, and is considered the last jewel of Imperial Redoak.
Recently, a wooden palisade has been erected around the settlement, which is patrolled by a homegrown militia. The militia is highly critical of all Orc and Goblin citizens living within its walls.
It is governed by Governor Milixian, a fat former merchant with a taste for orgies and fine wines. Rumours of corruption surround him like a heavy cloak, and he has been accused of stealing taxes.
A vast sprawl of red leaved oak trees, with minor hamlets and logging camps dotted throughout. The forests of Redoak are considered beautiful, and are full of all kinds of dangerous wildlife, such as wolves and bears.
Gangs of bandits also inhabit the woods, and are known to be particularly ruthless and desperate during these times of upheaval.
A small quiet town, made up of wooden structures and a few more permanent administrative buildings. It is circled by a wooden palisade, which is manned by a squadron of Sixth Legion soldiers. Five thousand souls dwell within.
It was built to house and supply the various logging camps that surround it, and deals primarily in animal wares and tools related to the logging trade. However, good and strong steeds can also be purchased from breeders who focus on producing working animals.
Foreman Gordin Frekman leads the settlement, and is said to be a conservative individual with a dislike for flamboyance and progressive attitudes.
Threatened by the march of the Redscar Rebellion, this small market town has been transformed into a hastily prepared fortress - at the locals' expense. Two concentric rings of wooden palisade and ditches surround the town, and its market square has been transformed into an Imperial barracks. The local population who are fit enough to fight, have been conscripted into a town watch.
Centurion Apollo commands the settlement, and keeps his men on a tight reign. Order rules the day, but there are hushed whispers of widespread desertion by the town watch, and if true, he will not hesitate to put them all to the axe.
Elsten is a hunting encampment, that has grown a village around it. Strong individuals, used to a life in the wilds, occupy the settlement and refuse to leave. Before the Sixth Legion had arrived, the inhabitants had already set about establishing a palisade, pit traps and stakes in preparation for Redscar's arrival.
Despite the preparations for war, it has kept an air of regularity within its wooden walls. People go about their business as they usually would, under the watchful gaze of Imperial troops who have been unwilling to press them into service.
Centurion Helford leads the Imperial continent here, but Huntsman Sprew is the man to see if one wants to involve themselves with the settlement's business.
Perevium is a refinery town, where mithril is smelted down into wares. However, Mt. Khadrim has recently stopped shipments of mithril, and the town has fallen into depression. Many are unemployed, the taverns are empty and the markets are deserted. Add to this the arrival of an Imperial century, and the subsequent deployment of defensive fortifications, and you have a great eye sore.
The people here are bitterly miserable, and rely on the Sixth Legion to provide them with food relief.
Centurion Felix commands here, and he is said to be a fair and charitable man, who often donates his own rations to the town. However, he is an inexperienced officer, and it is quietly feared that Perevium forms the weakest point in the Imperial defense.
Jagged teeth jutting from the earth, black and unnerving to the eye. They are rich in iron, and have been mined relentlessly by the Empire until only recently. Several abandoned mining camps and shafts have been turned into makeshift Redscar outposts and settlements, and heave with Goblin and Orc soldiers.
They form one of Redscar's key staging posts, and the center of his industry; their capture would cut him off from his iron supply.
An expansive subterranean shanty town of crude structures, housing over a hundred thousand Goblins. Giant stone gates guard its entrance from the surface, and hundreds of soldiers man these defences daily. Before the rebellion, it was considered a market town that benefited from its proximity to the coast.
Now however, it is a great city in an emerging regional power. Only Orcs and Goblins are admitted, unless those who seek entrance are willing to pay a hundred gold denarii. Even then, their safety could not be guaranteed.
Redscar's answer to Fort Axis, Skulltor is a gigantic fortress built into a mountain, and forms the jewel in his military crown. Thousands of soldiers pass through its huge subterranean networks each day, and it is riddled with internal defensive mechanisms. Storming it would prove suicidal unless the attacker brought great numbers; starving it out however, would be the key to victory. Little grows underground, though water is plentiful.
An expansive subterranean shanty town of crude structures, housing over a hundred thousand Goblins. Giant stone gates guard its entrance from the surface, and hundreds of soldiers man these defences daily.
It was the flashpoint of Redscar's uprising, in which the Goblin mayor secretly arranged the creation of a private army under the noses of Imperial administrators. Upon discovery, the mayor ordered his troops to purge the settlement of non-Orcs and Goblins, and thus, the uprising began.
The Redscar Clan's ancestral heartland, nestled on some jagged mountains. Several large towns with stone walls dot the slopes, and tens of thousands of Orcs dwell here. The heads of Imperial officers and generals line the mountainous roadways and passes, as a warning to those who would seek to attack.
It is here that, from his iron throne, War Master Redscar plots his rebellion.
The once lush crimson forest of West Redoak has been reduced to scorched wasteland - a lasting reminder of the 17th Legion's defeat. The corpses of the Imperials have been left to rot in the sun, and most are now just skeletons, having been picked clean by carrion.
It is a monument and testimony to the Empire's impending doom.
Galogtor was the staging area of Redscar's army before it launched an assault on Fort Maxim, but now it has emerged into a gated settlement of its own right. Crude wooden structures, arranged in chaotic order, form the many hovels and homes of its Orc and Goblin inhabitants.
Smith fires rage through the night, and escastic alcohol fueled parties rule the twilight hours. During the day, drums beat and Orcish captains belch their commands to new recruits.
Broken walls, a scorched keep and mass graves are all that remain of Fort Maxim, the base camp of the 17th Legion. It was besieged and destroyed shortly after the legion's defeat in West Redoak, and now stands as a monument to Redscar's comprehensive victory.
Orc rangers maintain a presence in the ruins, and use it as a staging area to launch forays into Imperial territory.
Bestiary
Imperial Legionaries are professional soldiers, who have sacrificed a civilian life to serve in the Emperor's armies. They are skilled, well disciplined and extremely loyal to the Empire. A towershield and short sword forms the mainstay of their armory, but they are also excellent employers of cavalry and archers.
In the last fifty years, the Empire has seen several reverses across its vast frontier, and the quality of soldiers is starting to slip a little. As Campus Magnus is seen merely as a buffer zone between the Empire and the ruined Province, you will tend to find older and less healthy recruits manning the outposts.
They are formed from a multitude of races, from humans to Elves, Orcs to Dwarves, and are brave warriors. They will gladly give their lives for the glory of the Empire, and will pursue enemies relentlessly - foreign or domestic. Watch yourself around them, for few criminals escape the long arm of the Emperor's justice.
Imperial Magi is the organizational name given to all mages aligned to the Empire; they are a scheming lot, kept in constant check by the Emperor's spies and enforcers. The strength of Imperial Mages ranges drastically from individual to individual, and one only needs to be slightly gifted in the magical arts to attain the rank of Imperial Mage.
They are headed by Bishops, who are usually powerful spell casters with a taste for the divine. Aside from acting as the Emperor's magical military might, they also serve as inquisitors who seek out renegade magicians, wizards and witches. They usually have unbridled authority over standard Imperial troops, and often clash with Imperators when it comes to devising strategies.
WIP
Rules
1) Redoak is your war-riddled oyster, and I have provided as much background for it as it reasonable. Go wherever you want, do whatever you want - but keep in mind that the overarching plot concerns the success or defeat of Redscar and his rebellion.
2) Do not attempt to kill other characters without permission of their owners. Simple as that. No agreement, then no death. In an event where a fall out occurs, I will intervene and bitch slap the lot of you to Kingdom Come.
3) The NPC combattants are not defenceless, and so I'd ask you refrain from scenes that involve your character striking down mobs of them at a time - give your guy/gal some flesh, by showing that they are not invincible bad asses.
4) Only the most absurd custom races will be turned down when it comes to Imperial troops or non-aligned characters.
5) Balance your character; their strength must be equaled by weakness.
6) The roles of Imperator Silanus, War Master Redscar and the King and Queen of Mt. Khadrim are open to players, and will be customizable to a degree.
The Fading Might of the Empire
Take on the role of an Imperial soldier, commander, mage, assassin, ranger or other such role, and fight to save Redoak from Redscar's Rebellion.
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race: The Empire is composed of many races, humans being just one of them.
Race Overview: A brief overview of your race, not required for humans.
Rank:
Appearance: Picture or text.
Weapons: Anything enchanted or otherwise un-ordinary is going to need explaining. Don't just put "Flaming Sword", because I'd wanna know what makes it so flamey.
Steed: If applicable; does your character have a horse? Or something similar? If so, what's its name? What does it look like?
Abilities: Anything unnatural that your character can perform, but is not strictly magical in nature. An example would be a vampire's various traits i.e hates sun light, has enhanced strength etc.
Talents: Mortal skills, if you will. Skilled in herb lore, an excellent marksman, a great sword fighter - that stuff.
Magic: What kind of magic can they use? And how does their school of magic work? There is no overarching magical mechanic at play, so there's room for different kinds.
Backstory: Who are they? Where they from? Been a soldier all their lives? Recently enlisted?
NPC Companions: If your character leads a troop or other such unit, detail them here. An example would be a Centurion, who commands a hundred soldiers. You would simply detail the kind of armour and weapons they used, as well as their appearance, and mention any key officers that you and others may need to interact with.
Starting Location: Any Imperial settlement, or if an assassin type, then any Redscar settlement.
POST IN OOC FOR APPROVAL.
To Repay the Many Wrongs
Your ancestors call out for blood and vengeance! The Empire is on its knees, and War Master Redscar is leading you to glory! Play as an Orc or Goblin, and wreak havoc on your faltering oppressors for their brutal transgressions.
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race: Orc, Half-Orc or Goblin.
Race Overview: There are many breeds of Goblins and Orcs, so be as creative as you want, if you'd like to add your own flare to them.
Titles: If applicable, an example would be Bone Breaker, or Imperator's Bane, or The Black Fanged.
Appearance: Picture or text.
Weapons: Anything enchanted or otherwise un-ordinary is going to need explaining. Don't just put "Flaming Sword", because I'd wanna know what makes it so flamey.
Steed: If applicable; does your character have a horse? Or something similar? If so, what's its name? What does it look like?
Abilities: Anything unnatural that your character can perform, but is not strictly magical in nature. An example would be a vampire's various traits i.e hates sun light, has enhanced strength etc.
Talents: Mortal skills, if you will. Skilled in herb lore, an excellent marksman, a great sword fighter - that stuff.
Magic: What kind of magic can they use? And how does their school of magic work? There is no overarching magical mechanic at play, so there's room for different kinds.
Backstory: Who are they? Where they from? What drove them to rise up and join the rebellion?
NPC Companions: If your character leads a troop or other such unit, detail them here. An example would be a war lord, who commands a war band. You would simply detail the kind of armour and weapons they used, as well as their appearance, and mention any key officers that you and others may need to interact with.
Starting Location: Any Redscar settlement, or if a spy/assassin, then Imperial Settlements too!
POST IN OOC FOR APPROVAL.
The Mountain Watches, and the Mountain Acts
Play as a Halfling or Dwarf in service to Mt. Khadrim. You will have full freedom here to direct the foreign policy of your peoples. Do you help the Empire? Or let them fall to the Redscar rebellion?
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race: Dwarf, Halfling, or a mixture of the two!
Half-Race Overview: A brief overview of your half-Dwarf or Half-...Halfling. What traits have they lost or gained from the mixing of the races?
Titles or Rank: Prince, Captain, War Maker - or even King and Queen. Mt. Khadrim provides the most freedom here, though if you wish to be the king or Queen, then run things by me so that you don't break anything.
Appearance: Picture or text.
Weapons: Anything enchanted or otherwise un-ordinary is going to need explaining. Don't just put "Flaming Sword", because I'd wanna know what makes it so flamey.
Steed: If applicable; does your character have a horse? Or something similar? If so, what's its name? What does it look like?
Abilities: Anything unnatural that your character can perform, but is not strictly magical in nature. An example would be a vampire's various traits i.e hates sun light, has enhanced strength etc.
Talents: Mortal skills, if you will. Skilled in herb lore, an excellent marksman, a great sword fighter - that stuff.
Magic: What kind of magic can they use? And how does their school of magic work? There is no overarching magical mechanic at play, so there's room for different kinds.
Backstory: Who are they? What has led them to this point in their lives? What are their plans?
NPC Companions: If your character leads a troop or other such unit, detail them here. An example would be a Captain, who commands a detachment of Halflings/Dwarves. You would simply detail the kind of armour and weapons they used, as well as their appearance, and mention any key officers that you and others may need to interact with.
Starting Location: Mt. Khadrim or an Imperial settlement with GM approval.
I had to God mod slightly, to get Gripus away from that lol. He wasn't going to stay with the other three, and that would have made for some awkward progression. So I teleported him to the road west of Actium. I think it'll be for the best.
"Then I bid you all farewell," Gripus managed, refusing to grasp the arguments of his short lived companions. "I hope you all find whatever it is you are looking for, out there, where only the dead walk and where a great evil is about to unleash a permanent nightmare across half the known world."
He reached into his robes, and pulled out a parchment. The Mage scribbled frantically on it, rolled it and wrapped it with a red string. He uttered some arcane words, and the the parchment turned into solid gold. Holding it high, he fixed the one known as Ellasapet with his glowing eyes.
"I still hold great sway in the Imperial Magi. There is one that you should seek, in Fort Octavius. He's a Dwarf by the name of Bishop Ogloid, a kind fellow; he and I worked tirelessly on my age retarding projects for some years. I could not have made the advances that I have, without his assistance. He specializes in the science of biology, and his knowledge of the intricate workings of all things might avail your research into your own illness. Present this scroll to him, and he will give you whatever help that he and his laboratory can - only he will know the password to return it from gold to parchment," the Mage said, his tone devoid of emotion. "If you survive your ordeals in Iron Coast, I would urge you to consider my offer." He let the golden scroll fall, and it hit the mud with a wet thud.
Turning to the Drow, he smiled. "You are certainly a powerful woman, Tsabal, and I thank you for confirming my suspicions as to who you really are. However, I think simply telling me to 'fuck off' would have been more prudent. I know you aimed to hurt me, reminding my flesh of its former comfort, but in truth you merely allowed me to see into your heart, and what I see troubles me. Behind such intelligence, behind such knowledge, is a blackness. As equals, I wish you well with your endeavors, but know this: should I triumph over Magnor, then I will be returning to find you... I'd hate to see one evil replaced by another."
And then the Mage lingered on Liliana, and for a moment his face betrayed sadness. "Watch yourself, my lady. You walk among giants, and when all is said and done, see that you are not crushed underfoot. I pray that the God of the Sun continues to watch over you, and that you will come out of this nightmare unscathed."
Not wanting to stay a second longer, Gripus thrust the Staff of Morven towards the sky, and the green gem pulsed brightly. "Amath kiera tor, alan shan!"
The Arcane Void was exactly that; nothingness. A blackness that continued forever. For someone not versed in its workings, it would truly be a terrifying place. Though Gripus had intimate knowledge of the Arcane Void - it was after all, the dimension that he and many like him, drew their strength. By focusing his efforts, a pathway lit itself for him - a purple streak of magical energy, buzzing underfoot.
Gripus urged Shadowmere onward, following the pathway, and as he did, images flashed by him. They were locations. In one, he saw Campus Magnus, and the three of his short lived companions. In a second image, he saw trees and shambling figures. A third image crossed him, revealing an empty and decrepit roadway. He focused on the roadway, and saw that it was a place ten miles west of Actium. He hesitated, for traveling a hundred or so miles through the Void would kill many, even one such as he if he blundered.
Teleportation was not a forte of the Arcane. It had severe limitations in accuracy, and traveling only short distances took their toll on the user. It was also easily susceptible to disruption from other arcane users, who would sense someone traveling in the Void nearby. With a few words, they could hide or destroy an image, forbidding him to come through. Still, despite its vulnerabilities and limitations, it offered a convenient passage of escape in pressing situations - such as the one at the gate. And with the Staff of Morven, Gripus could double the distance he would normally be able to travel.
He lent over in his saddle, and touched the image with the Staff of Morven.
Dead and dying trees lined the decrepit roadway. The smell of decaying flesh was thick in the air, though no undead minions presented themselves. There was a brief crash of thunder, and an even briefer flash of lightning. Rain started to fall, and Gripus pulled his hood over his head. Sweat lined his brow, and he breathed heavily, feeling as if he'd missed a night's sleep. Traveling so far had drained him, and it would be some time before he could hope to call on the Void for such swift deliverance.
Shadowmere stirred uneasily, but Gripus calmed the beast with a brief stroke to its neck. "Easy, my friend. Come, let's see what folly awaits us."
And so Gripus Probus, Hero of the East and Bane of Morven, started his journey, following the road that lay between Corpsewood and the Iron Forest.
Well, Gripus' pessimism and cavalier attitude are no doubt inspired by the fact that he is a human, who relies on magic to keep him alive and young. Humans aren't meant to live forever, and though 91 isn't ancient, it's longer than most humans could be expected to last. I'm of the belief that long lived races, such as Elves, are mentally suited to their long lives, whilst humans who are but a flash in the pan, might struggle with never-ending existence. I mean, we get bored real quick, don't we?
A Drow might find itself disgusted by a long lived human, as it is entirely unnatural, and they may even just dismiss Gripus as a man lost to lunacy because he's not supposed to be alive anymore.
I don't know, I'm just idea fishing. To be honest I love the conflict, it's been an unexpected treat.
I Own Cows
