These followers of Illuminatus exhibited anything but enlightenment!
Once again, Barrett found himself having to determine whose leadership was true. And once again he was suspicious of all options. He did not want to repeat the mistake he had made in not trusting Asran.
Thean was acting quite unlike the solid confident leader. Even if he disagreed with Helen and Galliban, shouldn't he be acting instead of ranting? His rank as Prism implied that he was prone to better judgement. Nor was Barrett inclined to be swayed by Helen's pronouncements. Such a large-scale attack should have meant an immediate council of some sort if not an immediate search party. And there was her friendship with the Red order as well as the fact that she had been alone with the prone Thean in the garden.
Galliban seemed unable to think for herself. Did she not see how strange her superiors were acting? And why had she ignored Barrett's hint? He thought he had seen recognition in her eyes. Perhaps not.
Or perhaps she simply did not have such training as would be useful.
Her assertion was ridiculous: Barrett was no follower of Lumi and she certainly was not in a position to give him orders. He ignored it, focusing instead on the problem of Thean's behavior since the attack.
He had spoken candidly, almost with warmth, when they had first come to the room. Now he seemed manic. And feverish, which was odd as he'd had no such symptom earlier.
A slow-acting poison that resisted his purification? Something administered afterward? By whom? Helen, or Nima? The tea? Or is there something else at work here.
He stood very still, trying to concentrate on even the most minute details of the past half-mark. He slowed his breathing in an attempt to fall into a meditative state. If there were strong magic at work... he had no experience except what he had perceived in the cave... but he had to try...
Where was the flaw in the pattern?
Searching... - Galliban Tyren and Barrett
Moderator: Mods
Thean observed the pair as a mad dog: his head going from Galliban to Barrett, to Galliban and back again...
Thean started trembling, his eye twitching in a truly awkward way.
"Enough!" he yelled to shut the two up. He squeaked a bit, as his voice jumped in overtones. He bolted the door.
From the corner of his mouth, foam was dripping down again. His eyes displayed nothing but sheer madness. His voice , however, was calm and in control. "Perhaps you are right and we shouldn't go just yet. I will go later. First there is one thing to arrange here.
His sword sang as he pulled it out. "All was quiet and well on our sacred Isle. None without a calling landed here, so the Isle was always safe. But now, it is desecrated. It is roamed by ordinary thugs and murderers. This is intolerable. I hate to say it like this, but it is true: this has started since YOU arrived here!" The tip of his gigantic sword pointed at Barrett.
"There is hence only one easy way to rid us of this infestation." He screamed and charged Barrett, his sword heaved high.
Thean started trembling, his eye twitching in a truly awkward way.
"Enough!" he yelled to shut the two up. He squeaked a bit, as his voice jumped in overtones. He bolted the door.
From the corner of his mouth, foam was dripping down again. His eyes displayed nothing but sheer madness. His voice , however, was calm and in control. "Perhaps you are right and we shouldn't go just yet. I will go later. First there is one thing to arrange here.
His sword sang as he pulled it out. "All was quiet and well on our sacred Isle. None without a calling landed here, so the Isle was always safe. But now, it is desecrated. It is roamed by ordinary thugs and murderers. This is intolerable. I hate to say it like this, but it is true: this has started since YOU arrived here!" The tip of his gigantic sword pointed at Barrett.
"There is hence only one easy way to rid us of this infestation." He screamed and charged Barrett, his sword heaved high.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
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The instant Thean moved to bolt the door, Barrett began backing away from him, looking for something to keep between the maddened giant and himself. The bed seemed obvious and easy. The young Thinker spent a flicker determining if the bed was movable.
Barrett only half-listened to the mad ravings, but the snick of a sword being drawn drew his full attention. If the bed was movable, he would attempt to send it sliding towards Thean to trip him up. Otherwise he would use it as a barrier. If Thean came at him over the bed, Barrett would throw himself out of the way. If his former escort came around the bed, Barrett would fling himself over it.
Secondary to evading Thean was the thought that he should keep Galliban's movements in mind, trying not to get in her way should she choose, at long last, to act.
In the meantime he found himself screaming an alarm for the second time that night,
"Help! Murder! Madness!"
Part of him wondered if he'd be able to trust any help that did come. Part of him wondered if he'd survive that long.
Barrett only half-listened to the mad ravings, but the snick of a sword being drawn drew his full attention. If the bed was movable, he would attempt to send it sliding towards Thean to trip him up. Otherwise he would use it as a barrier. If Thean came at him over the bed, Barrett would throw himself out of the way. If his former escort came around the bed, Barrett would fling himself over it.
Secondary to evading Thean was the thought that he should keep Galliban's movements in mind, trying not to get in her way should she choose, at long last, to act.
In the meantime he found himself screaming an alarm for the second time that night,
"Help! Murder! Madness!"
Part of him wondered if he'd be able to trust any help that did come. Part of him wondered if he'd survive that long.
-
Galliban Tyren
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Galliban listened carefully as Thean raved. His tone did not seem strange, but his body language definately showed that he had temporarily lost his sanity. As he went on, started to feel that something was very wrong. It was the same feeling that she always got when she felt that the situation was about to go bad. When he started referring to the Isle's troubles, she was sure that situation had started to speed downhill.
As Thean reached for his sword, the half-elf could feel a chill shoot up her spine. She couldn't believe what was happening. How could a Prism of Illuminatus be turned to insanity so easily? His mind was likely being affected by a very strong poison. If not, perhaps he was being affected by magickal means. At that point, it didn't matter. All that mattered to Galliban was dissolving the situation. She drew her own sword before she even spoke and positioned herself directly in between Barrett and Thean. If he was going to kill Barrett, he would have to kill her first. She raised her sword to a position where she could defend herself. In truth, she knew that if she tried to fight Thean head on, she would lose. She had to try snap Thean out of it, or at least distract him long enough for help to arrive. Galliban could only hope that someone had heard Barrett's cries for help.
"Thean, stop it! Think about what you are doing! You must resist the madness!" she shouted as she stepped between him and Barrett. As she looked into Thean's eyes, she prayed silently to her god.
Illuminatus, please see all of us through this safely.
As Thean reached for his sword, the half-elf could feel a chill shoot up her spine. She couldn't believe what was happening. How could a Prism of Illuminatus be turned to insanity so easily? His mind was likely being affected by a very strong poison. If not, perhaps he was being affected by magickal means. At that point, it didn't matter. All that mattered to Galliban was dissolving the situation. She drew her own sword before she even spoke and positioned herself directly in between Barrett and Thean. If he was going to kill Barrett, he would have to kill her first. She raised her sword to a position where she could defend herself. In truth, she knew that if she tried to fight Thean head on, she would lose. She had to try snap Thean out of it, or at least distract him long enough for help to arrive. Galliban could only hope that someone had heard Barrett's cries for help.
"Thean, stop it! Think about what you are doing! You must resist the madness!" she shouted as she stepped between him and Barrett. As she looked into Thean's eyes, she prayed silently to her god.
Illuminatus, please see all of us through this safely.
Last edited by Galliban Tyren on Wed Sep 08, 2004 1:17 am, edited 2 times in total.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."- Mark Twain
Even before Galliban could speak to the raving paladin, his sword landed on hers. He struck with enough force to split an ox neatly in two, but luckily it lacked all coordination and purpose that could be expected from a veteran.
Her wrists hurt of the impact; a wonderful rain of orange sparkles colored the air. Thean's huge sword was deflected, and landed in the sturdy woodwork of the bed. This made him even angrier. There was no doubt that he had lost his senses.
The following blow came surprisingly fast. Galliban didn't really feel it landing on her head, but she was down on the ground all at once. Thean had left his sword alone, jumped at her, growling, closing his old but strong hands around her neck. He started squeezing, totally ignoring the young Querist of Aurelius.
Her wrists hurt of the impact; a wonderful rain of orange sparkles colored the air. Thean's huge sword was deflected, and landed in the sturdy woodwork of the bed. This made him even angrier. There was no doubt that he had lost his senses.
The following blow came surprisingly fast. Galliban didn't really feel it landing on her head, but she was down on the ground all at once. Thean had left his sword alone, jumped at her, growling, closing his old but strong hands around her neck. He started squeezing, totally ignoring the young Querist of Aurelius.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
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Why had she tried to reason with someone who was obviously fever-mad?
No matter. Galliban had at least managed to disarm the lumbering man. But the close quarters left her more vulnerable. Thean's mass gave him a definite advantage, and it looked as though he would use it to crush the life from the younger paladin.
There didn't appear to be a nice heavy club handy, so Barrett had to improvise. He grabbed the small table that was in the room and brought it down full strength, aiming for the back of Thean's head.
Please don't let me kill him.
No matter. Galliban had at least managed to disarm the lumbering man. But the close quarters left her more vulnerable. Thean's mass gave him a definite advantage, and it looked as though he would use it to crush the life from the younger paladin.
There didn't appear to be a nice heavy club handy, so Barrett had to improvise. He grabbed the small table that was in the room and brought it down full strength, aiming for the back of Thean's head.
Please don't let me kill him.
The table shattered on his head. The man didn't seem very impressed. Blood was dripping on the floor, though. There were some wooden parts stuck in the skin on his skull too. Thean didn't stop turning his victim purple.
Last edited by Finodborn on Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
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Well that wasn't very effective.
Barrett's eyes widened and his mouth formed a small, worried "o".
Apparently, the madness that had taken Thean was not to be overcome with pain. Was it possible that some outside force had control of the paladin's body? Perhaps the man was simply too tough to be brought down by a flimsy table. The young priest's eyes scanned the room again for anything else that might be of use. If he left to get help, Galliban might well be dead by the time he returned. Time... was running out.
A sick feeling caused Barrett's stomach to lurch as his eyes came to rest on Thean's sword.
Could he kill one in order to save the other?
Please, Thinker, don't let it come to that.
Barrett's eyes widened and his mouth formed a small, worried "o".
Apparently, the madness that had taken Thean was not to be overcome with pain. Was it possible that some outside force had control of the paladin's body? Perhaps the man was simply too tough to be brought down by a flimsy table. The young priest's eyes scanned the room again for anything else that might be of use. If he left to get help, Galliban might well be dead by the time he returned. Time... was running out.
A sick feeling caused Barrett's stomach to lurch as his eyes came to rest on Thean's sword.
Could he kill one in order to save the other?
Please, Thinker, don't let it come to that.
-
Galliban Tyren
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Galliban quickly fell to the ground under Thean's weight. As his hands wrapped around her neck, Galliban struggled against him in vain. While it was true that she was very strong indeed for a female achadhiel, she was no match physically for the towering paladin.
Galliban could only look on as Barrett unsuccessfully tried to knock Thean off of her. If she had not been in the midst of a life and death struggle, she would have wondered about Barrett's common sense. Even if she had been in a condition to fight, it would have been likely that Thean could have taken the both of them on. Of course, that was not what Galliban was thinking about at the time. Her eyes darted frantically between Barrett and the door, hoping that she could somehow get the message across that he should run for help. However, she could not wait for Barrett to take further action. She could already feel herself falling into daze. Her instinct had taken over, and she was running on pure emotion and the will to survive. Galliban dug deep within herself, down to her very core, to summon as much strength as she could. She used everything she had left, all of her strength, anger, and will to live, to send her knee as forcefully as she could to Thean's groin.
Galliban could only look on as Barrett unsuccessfully tried to knock Thean off of her. If she had not been in the midst of a life and death struggle, she would have wondered about Barrett's common sense. Even if she had been in a condition to fight, it would have been likely that Thean could have taken the both of them on. Of course, that was not what Galliban was thinking about at the time. Her eyes darted frantically between Barrett and the door, hoping that she could somehow get the message across that he should run for help. However, she could not wait for Barrett to take further action. She could already feel herself falling into daze. Her instinct had taken over, and she was running on pure emotion and the will to survive. Galliban dug deep within herself, down to her very core, to summon as much strength as she could. She used everything she had left, all of her strength, anger, and will to live, to send her knee as forcefully as she could to Thean's groin.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."- Mark Twain
Time slowed down for the achadhiel as the influx of air became slower too. Things looked awkwardly clear in this condition. She found her inner source of energy without an effort, as if it were a bag dangling carelessly around her waist. Upon opening it up, she didn't only find the light of Lumi but also the blazing fire of survival instincts. Her knee landed against the armored shell that protected Thean's groin, but she didn't feel any pain.
Only half a fraction of a flicker later -though it lasted a long time in her perception- the shockwave of magical energy followed, throwing Thean off her as if he were a puny piece of draft paper. He smashed against the thick cupboard, almost crushing Barrett in between.
The cupboard was blown apart. Galliban had passed out. Barrett felt the sensation of his skin being burnt once more. There were noises in the hallway. The big paladin moaned, and got up his feet. His armor was partially molten and his face only vaguely recognizable. His eyes spotted the sword. And Barrett. He started moving yet again. Luckily most of his zest had left the building.
OOC: I'll let you wake up again in one post, Galliban, promise.
Only half a fraction of a flicker later -though it lasted a long time in her perception- the shockwave of magical energy followed, throwing Thean off her as if he were a puny piece of draft paper. He smashed against the thick cupboard, almost crushing Barrett in between.
The cupboard was blown apart. Galliban had passed out. Barrett felt the sensation of his skin being burnt once more. There were noises in the hallway. The big paladin moaned, and got up his feet. His armor was partially molten and his face only vaguely recognizable. His eyes spotted the sword. And Barrett. He started moving yet again. Luckily most of his zest had left the building.
OOC: I'll let you wake up again in one post, Galliban, promise.
Last edited by Finodborn on Sat Sep 11, 2004 2:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
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As Galliban regained consciousness, she saw Thean removing his sword from the bed. He looked a bit... ruffled. In the mean while, Barrett had opened the door and ran away. Thean turned to her. "Why have you obstructed me?" he asked, a tear dripping from his burnt eye. "All troubles could have been over." At that point, Thean released the weapon and had it in his hands again.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
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Galliban Tyren
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Once Galliban had regained consciousness, she started to get up as quickly as she could. She was rather dazed, but thankful that she was alive. She did not have time to completely regain her senses, but she rose to her feet in spite of herself. As she got up, she could see that Barrett had finally managed to escape. Galliban felt a brief twinge of relief, for that had been the aim of her actions. Her goal had been to keep Barrett alive. The achadhiel's own well-being came second. Unfortunately, Thean would not be beaten so quickly.
When she saw Thean rise and go for his sword, Galliban immeadiately retrieved her own sword. Once she had it firmly in hand, she backed up a step. It looked as if Thean was going to go after her again. She lifted her sword and tilted it so that she might have a chance to deflect a blow if one was indeed coming.
"You are not yourself. You have been poisoned. Put down your sword, Thean. You do not want to do this." Galliban replied to Thean, who was obviously still convinced that Barrett had been the cause of all this misfortune. She remained as calm as she could, not wanting to upset Thean further. Perhaps she could still snap him out of it, but she was ready to defend herself if he was going to persist. She only hoped that Barrett would be quick about finding help.
When she saw Thean rise and go for his sword, Galliban immeadiately retrieved her own sword. Once she had it firmly in hand, she backed up a step. It looked as if Thean was going to go after her again. She lifted her sword and tilted it so that she might have a chance to deflect a blow if one was indeed coming.
"You are not yourself. You have been poisoned. Put down your sword, Thean. You do not want to do this." Galliban replied to Thean, who was obviously still convinced that Barrett had been the cause of all this misfortune. She remained as calm as she could, not wanting to upset Thean further. Perhaps she could still snap him out of it, but she was ready to defend herself if he was going to persist. She only hoped that Barrett would be quick about finding help.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."- Mark Twain
With an easy strike, Thean disarmed Galliban. He heaved his sword to part her head from her chest, when suddenly she saw an iron spike sprouting from Thean's throat. The man fell to the ground, dead at once. A guardsman was revealed behind him who pulled loose his spear. Many of the others that had come to the noise filled the room.
"Are you two alright?" a lieutenant of the temple guard asked, addressing both Galliban and Barrett, who had been taken in by the stream of warriors. At which point Nema entered, dropping her things to the ground. "By the Light of Lumi, what has happened here!"
"We were just about to find out." "Then you stay here, the others, OUT!" the normally kind healer yelled. She looked at Galliban first, but the achadhiel looked more or less unharmed, except for the bruises on her neck. Barrett was burnt. So was most of the interior. At a signal of the lieutenant, the guards took position outside, in the hallway.
Nema pushed Galliban down in a chair, then put Barrett on the slightly damaged bed. "We will get you two to other quarters, naturally, but these burnings need attention right now." Most of Barrett's clothes were scorched, and the healer removed all clothes that were hindering with trained hands, without caring much for the privacy of the young man. Nearly all those left-overs were hindering. Then she started smearing salve on various locations.
"What has happened?" asked the officer, a slight smile on his face despite the horrendous condition of the room.
"Are you two alright?" a lieutenant of the temple guard asked, addressing both Galliban and Barrett, who had been taken in by the stream of warriors. At which point Nema entered, dropping her things to the ground. "By the Light of Lumi, what has happened here!"
"We were just about to find out." "Then you stay here, the others, OUT!" the normally kind healer yelled. She looked at Galliban first, but the achadhiel looked more or less unharmed, except for the bruises on her neck. Barrett was burnt. So was most of the interior. At a signal of the lieutenant, the guards took position outside, in the hallway.
Nema pushed Galliban down in a chair, then put Barrett on the slightly damaged bed. "We will get you two to other quarters, naturally, but these burnings need attention right now." Most of Barrett's clothes were scorched, and the healer removed all clothes that were hindering with trained hands, without caring much for the privacy of the young man. Nearly all those left-overs were hindering. Then she started smearing salve on various locations.
"What has happened?" asked the officer, a slight smile on his face despite the horrendous condition of the room.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
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Help was fortunately close at hand, but the manner in which it was delivered was less than satisfactory. Why had the guard - with no real idea of what might be happening - simply killed Thean instead of trying to restrain him?
At this point, suspicion and sheer horror competed for prominence in Barrett's mind. He fought not to succumb to the effects of shock he wanted to maintain a clear mind. The fact that he was being undressed, yet again, in the presence of others was of little consequence. The pain of his wounds was harder to ignore, but he was determined to let none of these things distract him from the events at hand. Besides, he was still in danger.
How could this be happening? Another protector dead. And in the very Temple complex of Illuminatus. There was definitely corruption in the order. He eyed carefully the actions and expressions of those who were first to respond. Particularly he watched the guard who had killed Thean - and Nema. Finally, he found his voice and began a summary of events. He watched carefully for any reactions that might show in the officer's or Nema's eyes and body language.
"Thean was insistent on getting up and going after the attackers. Both Galliban and I tried to dissuade him. Then he began acting strange. A hot sweat broke out on his forehead and he seemed ... not himself. At that point it seemed prudent to agree with him rather than upset him further. Clearly something was very wrong. Either it was some toxin or... perhaps magic? Does his reaction make sense to you, Healer?"
"He started raving about me being the cause of all the Isle's problems and drew his sword. His words did not seem strained but his eyes were a little confused and his movements were choppy, without his normal level of control. I called for help. Galliban disarmed him. He then knocked her down and seized her in a stranglehold. I err, well, I'm afraid I've ruined your table trying to knock him unconscious. I hit him square on the head but he completely ignored it. Then Galliban did something - called forth energy to save herself. The scatter of it caught me as well as most of the room. Thean continued speaking throughout. I'm afraid he was quite deluded."
"Could someone please bring Helen."
At this point, suspicion and sheer horror competed for prominence in Barrett's mind. He fought not to succumb to the effects of shock he wanted to maintain a clear mind. The fact that he was being undressed, yet again, in the presence of others was of little consequence. The pain of his wounds was harder to ignore, but he was determined to let none of these things distract him from the events at hand. Besides, he was still in danger.
How could this be happening? Another protector dead. And in the very Temple complex of Illuminatus. There was definitely corruption in the order. He eyed carefully the actions and expressions of those who were first to respond. Particularly he watched the guard who had killed Thean - and Nema. Finally, he found his voice and began a summary of events. He watched carefully for any reactions that might show in the officer's or Nema's eyes and body language.
"Thean was insistent on getting up and going after the attackers. Both Galliban and I tried to dissuade him. Then he began acting strange. A hot sweat broke out on his forehead and he seemed ... not himself. At that point it seemed prudent to agree with him rather than upset him further. Clearly something was very wrong. Either it was some toxin or... perhaps magic? Does his reaction make sense to you, Healer?"
"He started raving about me being the cause of all the Isle's problems and drew his sword. His words did not seem strained but his eyes were a little confused and his movements were choppy, without his normal level of control. I called for help. Galliban disarmed him. He then knocked her down and seized her in a stranglehold. I err, well, I'm afraid I've ruined your table trying to knock him unconscious. I hit him square on the head but he completely ignored it. Then Galliban did something - called forth energy to save herself. The scatter of it caught me as well as most of the room. Thean continued speaking throughout. I'm afraid he was quite deluded."
"Could someone please bring Helen."
Last edited by Barrett on Sun Sep 12, 2004 4:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Galliban Tyren
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"NO!!" Galliban shouted in her native tongue when she saw the iron spike protrude through Thean's neck. She looked on in horror, time seeming to slow as Thean's body fell to the ground. She stood perfectly still, as if frozen on the spot, as people filled the room. Her head was bowed and her eyes fixed on Thean's body. Her mouth remained slightly open, but she did not breath nor move. She did not analyze the situation as Barrett did. All she could think about was the fact that Thean, her comrade, was dead and it was partially her fault.
It seemed like hours to Galliban before Nima pushed her down into a chair. She did not resist. She could not resist. Not only did feelings of shock and horror swirl in her mind, but she was still dazed and drained from the attack she had unleashed on Thean and Thean's assault on her. As she regained her senses, her head rose slowly and her eyes moved to the officer who had questioned them about the events that had recently taken place. Her pupils constricted and her dark eyes stared directly at the officer. She could not believe that the officer had a smile, albeit a small one, on his face. Galliban inhaled deeply then exhaled almost totally. She did not reply to the officer's question, as Barrett seemed to have the explanation under control. She remained totally silent, as she could not bring herself to say anything. Her eyes moved away from the officer and to the floor. She did not wish to talk about what had happened. What Galliban really wanted was to talk to her mentor, then go somewhere where she could meditate and pray without being disturbed.
It seemed like hours to Galliban before Nima pushed her down into a chair. She did not resist. She could not resist. Not only did feelings of shock and horror swirl in her mind, but she was still dazed and drained from the attack she had unleashed on Thean and Thean's assault on her. As she regained her senses, her head rose slowly and her eyes moved to the officer who had questioned them about the events that had recently taken place. Her pupils constricted and her dark eyes stared directly at the officer. She could not believe that the officer had a smile, albeit a small one, on his face. Galliban inhaled deeply then exhaled almost totally. She did not reply to the officer's question, as Barrett seemed to have the explanation under control. She remained totally silent, as she could not bring herself to say anything. Her eyes moved away from the officer and to the floor. She did not wish to talk about what had happened. What Galliban really wanted was to talk to her mentor, then go somewhere where she could meditate and pray without being disturbed.
Last edited by Galliban Tyren on Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:16 am, edited 3 times in total.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."- Mark Twain
Nema listened intently to Barrett's description of the facts. She exchanged a look with the lieutenant, then nodded.
"We should have known. Folium Furorum, or Rageleaf. Used by Throthgardian berzerkers to take away pain, fear and common sense. Never saw the plant myself though, and I wouldn't know how or where to get it. But the symptoms are exemplary. The only thing I don't get is why it wasn't purged out of his system."
"I'm afraid Helen is not in." Replied the officer. She has gone with an entire regiment of paladins to follow the trace of Lana of The Red Warrior to that den. It was about time to get that scum of our Island."
Not much later, Nema commanded some of the soldiers to take the two wounded novices to other chambers. She did so with an authority in her voice that wouldn't have looked bad on the Empress of the Eastern Empire. She personally took care of Galliban and Barrett, starting with drugging them to sleep.
They both woke up in a comfortable bed with clean sheets.
Galliban
Helen was seated next to Galliban's bed when she woke up. "Hi there. How do you feel? I've heard you did such an outstanding job, Galliban. I can't stay for long, for the High Priest will be here in a flicker to talk to you. Considering your recent behavior, I think he will tell you your Ceremony of Swords will be held early."
"Perhaps you are interested to know what has happened yesterday. We rode out to end the infestation on our Isle. We found a den indeed, and more than fifty foreign thugs. Sadly, we also found Lana." Helen swallowed a big chunk of nothing.
"Moreover, we found a transportation portal and extensive documentations and logs about their activities. It appears we effectively destroyed most of the organization after the mess we made at Hattark Öçal's. Years of careful infiltrations have been countered then. The few remaining spies have been arrested today.
Impatient as they were, they decided to use plain direct violence. The plan was to move a small army into the Isle, transported here by magical means. Only incredibly potent mages can have managed to create such a breach in our defences without us noticing. There is little doubt that even some form of divine intervention has been needed for this, which is a very worrying thought.
For now, they are gone though, and hopefully things will return to their normal state here. We may even be able to continue your training in a more regular way, if Lumi wants." She winked.
"I knew Thean would have wanted to come along if he had known we were riding out. And his aura was.... disturbed, somehow. Furthermore, that dirt stirring Aurelian would have wanted to come along too, putting him in danger, and hence you too. Therefore, I have lied. I hope you understand. I normally don't like lying to my students. In any case, I'm very proud of you. We'll only need to find a way to temper that magical power of yours, for frankly.... you scare me a bit.
So tell me, is there anything I can do for you right now?"
Barrett
"Barrett... Barrett!" Nema poked him. "You have a high visitor. He calls himself 'Aurelian Tutor.' He's here to teach you, I believe. Well? wouldn't you get dressed? There is time for chit-chat and loitering later on."
"We should have known. Folium Furorum, or Rageleaf. Used by Throthgardian berzerkers to take away pain, fear and common sense. Never saw the plant myself though, and I wouldn't know how or where to get it. But the symptoms are exemplary. The only thing I don't get is why it wasn't purged out of his system."
"I'm afraid Helen is not in." Replied the officer. She has gone with an entire regiment of paladins to follow the trace of Lana of The Red Warrior to that den. It was about time to get that scum of our Island."
Not much later, Nema commanded some of the soldiers to take the two wounded novices to other chambers. She did so with an authority in her voice that wouldn't have looked bad on the Empress of the Eastern Empire. She personally took care of Galliban and Barrett, starting with drugging them to sleep.
They both woke up in a comfortable bed with clean sheets.
Galliban
Helen was seated next to Galliban's bed when she woke up. "Hi there. How do you feel? I've heard you did such an outstanding job, Galliban. I can't stay for long, for the High Priest will be here in a flicker to talk to you. Considering your recent behavior, I think he will tell you your Ceremony of Swords will be held early."
"Perhaps you are interested to know what has happened yesterday. We rode out to end the infestation on our Isle. We found a den indeed, and more than fifty foreign thugs. Sadly, we also found Lana." Helen swallowed a big chunk of nothing.
"Moreover, we found a transportation portal and extensive documentations and logs about their activities. It appears we effectively destroyed most of the organization after the mess we made at Hattark Öçal's. Years of careful infiltrations have been countered then. The few remaining spies have been arrested today.
Impatient as they were, they decided to use plain direct violence. The plan was to move a small army into the Isle, transported here by magical means. Only incredibly potent mages can have managed to create such a breach in our defences without us noticing. There is little doubt that even some form of divine intervention has been needed for this, which is a very worrying thought.
For now, they are gone though, and hopefully things will return to their normal state here. We may even be able to continue your training in a more regular way, if Lumi wants." She winked.
"I knew Thean would have wanted to come along if he had known we were riding out. And his aura was.... disturbed, somehow. Furthermore, that dirt stirring Aurelian would have wanted to come along too, putting him in danger, and hence you too. Therefore, I have lied. I hope you understand. I normally don't like lying to my students. In any case, I'm very proud of you. We'll only need to find a way to temper that magical power of yours, for frankly.... you scare me a bit.
So tell me, is there anything I can do for you right now?"
Barrett
"Barrett... Barrett!" Nema poked him. "You have a high visitor. He calls himself 'Aurelian Tutor.' He's here to teach you, I believe. Well? wouldn't you get dressed? There is time for chit-chat and loitering later on."
Verum et factum convertuntur.
Avatar by the Artist Currently Known as Eira.
Avatar by the Artist Currently Known as Eira.
-
Galliban Tyren
- Tazlure Supporter
- Posts: 436
- Joined: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:12 pm
- Location: Oracle's Isle
- Contact:
Galliban's eyes opened slowly as she awoke. For a moment, she was unaware of her surroundings. She looked around the room and spotted Helen. It was then that the memories of the previous night came back to her. She sighed heavily, then looked over at Helen. Galliban nodded in response to her greeting. The stiffness in her neck brought her mind back to Thean's attack, but she tried to remain focused on what Helen was saying to her. The young achadhiel turned onto her side propped herself up on one elbow as she listened to her mentor speak. Galliban patiently waited for Helen to finish before she replied.
"I am very sorry for your loss. I know that Lana was a close friend of yours," she said in Elvish, seeing no reason to speak in Human. She bowed her head briefly as she spoke. It was clear that she was sad to hear of Lana's passing. Lana had saved her life, and Galliban felt that if she had been stronger, she could have helped Lana fight off their ambushers and the Red Warrior priestess might have lived. "As for my actions last night, I thank you for your words, but I fear that I do not deserve such praise. Perhaps I could have saved him had I been more skillful." she continued.
"Yes, that is indeed a worrying thought," Galliban replied in response to Helen's statement that there was likely some kind of divine power that had been aiding Hattark's organization. "Dark times are these, and foreshadowed does the future seem to my eyes. We can do naught but press on and pray that Illuminatus lights our path and guides us in our efforts to fight the evil that comes forth." she said, finishing her thought.
"I do not fault you for deceiving me. You did what you believed to be best, and I would likely have done the same had I been in your position," Galliban replied to Helen's explanation of her actions. "I believe that Barrett, the Aurelian, has good intentions. Unfortunately, he appears to lack patience and the ability to understand how his behavior affects others." she went on.
"I do concur on the point that I do need to learn how to control my abilities. I believe that I passed out while defending myself last night." Galliban agreed.
"I will be fine, but I thank you for your consideration." she finished.
"I am very sorry for your loss. I know that Lana was a close friend of yours," she said in Elvish, seeing no reason to speak in Human. She bowed her head briefly as she spoke. It was clear that she was sad to hear of Lana's passing. Lana had saved her life, and Galliban felt that if she had been stronger, she could have helped Lana fight off their ambushers and the Red Warrior priestess might have lived. "As for my actions last night, I thank you for your words, but I fear that I do not deserve such praise. Perhaps I could have saved him had I been more skillful." she continued.
"Yes, that is indeed a worrying thought," Galliban replied in response to Helen's statement that there was likely some kind of divine power that had been aiding Hattark's organization. "Dark times are these, and foreshadowed does the future seem to my eyes. We can do naught but press on and pray that Illuminatus lights our path and guides us in our efforts to fight the evil that comes forth." she said, finishing her thought.
"I do not fault you for deceiving me. You did what you believed to be best, and I would likely have done the same had I been in your position," Galliban replied to Helen's explanation of her actions. "I believe that Barrett, the Aurelian, has good intentions. Unfortunately, he appears to lack patience and the ability to understand how his behavior affects others." she went on.
"I do concur on the point that I do need to learn how to control my abilities. I believe that I passed out while defending myself last night." Galliban agreed.
"I will be fine, but I thank you for your consideration." she finished.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."- Mark Twain
Barrett awoke with a start.
"Ow! No need to be poking about, woman."
His earlier manner of ease with the healer had returned, though not all of his questions about Thean had been answered.
"What-?" his waking question was stifled by a rather potent yawn.
"Oooh. Sorry about that. Aurelian Tutor? Are you certain it isn't some manner of joke?"
Barrett roused himself and considered his clothing options.
"I'll be happy to get dressed..." which he did as he continued speaking "... if I have anything left worth wearing- oh, these leggings are still clean. And my old work tunic. At least I'll be comfortable although I daresay a trip to the tailor will be in order. There how does that look?"
"I suppose my face is a fright again."
"Ow! No need to be poking about, woman."
His earlier manner of ease with the healer had returned, though not all of his questions about Thean had been answered.
"What-?" his waking question was stifled by a rather potent yawn.
"Oooh. Sorry about that. Aurelian Tutor? Are you certain it isn't some manner of joke?"
Barrett roused himself and considered his clothing options.
"I'll be happy to get dressed..." which he did as he continued speaking "... if I have anything left worth wearing- oh, these leggings are still clean. And my old work tunic. At least I'll be comfortable although I daresay a trip to the tailor will be in order. There how does that look?"
"I suppose my face is a fright again."
Skilled as follows:
Barrett:
Language Elven +*
Conversation +**
Meditation +*
Pray+*
Logical Analysis +***
Calligraphy (New Skill)
Seduction/Woo (New Skill)
Demon & Darknesslore (New Skill)
Etiquette (New Skill)
Vestment (Aurelius) (New Skill)
Galliban:
Language Human +*
Conversation +*
Logical Analysis +**
Swords, Short +*
Inner Calm +*
Resolve +**
Persuade +**
Armor (Chain) (New Skill)
Running (New skill)
I had both of you down for more, but this is already much for a five-pager. Feel free to sk clarification if anything is unclear.
Barrett:
Language Elven +*
Conversation +**
Meditation +*
Pray+*
Logical Analysis +***
Calligraphy (New Skill)
Seduction/Woo (New Skill)
Demon & Darknesslore (New Skill)
Etiquette (New Skill)
Vestment (Aurelius) (New Skill)
Galliban:
Language Human +*
Conversation +*
Logical Analysis +**
Swords, Short +*
Inner Calm +*
Resolve +**
Persuade +**
Armor (Chain) (New Skill)
Running (New skill)
I had both of you down for more, but this is already much for a five-pager. Feel free to sk clarification if anything is unclear.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
Avatar by the Artist Currently Known as Eira.
Avatar by the Artist Currently Known as Eira.
Vestment is the degree of how you implement your deity's ways in your life. Solo, it isn't incredibly useful (it might -through Embodiment- enhance those capabilities that you share with your god.) In combination with Manipulation of Energy, it is even more powerful.
As for the Seduction: you've been rubbing against Nema on several occasions.
As for the Seduction: you've been rubbing against Nema on several occasions.
Verum et factum convertuntur.
Avatar by the Artist Currently Known as Eira.
Avatar by the Artist Currently Known as Eira.