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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 4, 2008 18:14:20 GMT -5
Taking part in the great feast in the War Chief's great tent, Seamus does so in moderation. There is something in the pit of his stomach that is not sitting will with this plan.
Turning to face Tusk when spoken to and listening to his request, Seamus nods his head "I will leave before first light. Please excuse me as I make ready." Seamus stands up, give a respectful bow to Tusk and exits the great tent.
As he was walking back to where Annasphinx is camped to in form her of the task that was requested of them. He hears that all familiar sound. With a slight hesitation and taking a deep cleansing breath before answering Max's call.
"Solinar is doing what is asked of him at this time. As am I. I can not say what Solinar's intentions are with this invasion. But as for now, Solinar is on his way to Brightstone to investigate. I have been just asked to do aerial re-con over the main city. I will keep that in the back of my mind about the celebrations and the trade delegate. With any luck, I will be able to convince Tusk not to go through with this invasion. Just not sure how to convince him of a different course of action. I will keep you informed when I can, but I must prepare to leave with Annasphinx before first light."
After they disconnected 'Gees that's one grumpy person.' was a the thought that crosses his mind.
The next morning Seamus is woken up by Annasphinx's gentle nudging. 'It's time Seamus' are the words he hears in his head. With that Seamus makes final preparation to leave with a quick but light breakfast. 'I'm ready' he states to Annasphinx and climbs aboard her back. Once in the air, they did one quick circle of the Orc encampment before climbing higher in the sky and headed toward the Jade city. Keeping close to the clouds for some concealment.
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 6, 2008 13:39:55 GMT -5
As the first rays of the morning light hit our pair high in the air, Seamus sits up a little straighter, stretches a little and enjoys the first light of the day.
'Ah! A start of a nice day. We should have a good day in our site seeing tour.' Seamus states to Annasphinx with a chuckle in his thoughts. Trying to mask his concerns about recent events.
'Seamus what's wrong? You have been rather quit. What's troubling you? Annasphinx's reply.
Leaning forward and patting Annasphinx on her neck 'I was hoping I could hide these thoughts from you. It's nothing you should be concern about.
'Come on, out with it. If it concern you, then it concern me too. Since we are now a team, we need to keep the communication open. So out with it or off my back you go.' Annasphinx gives a little bucking motion as a playful warning.
'All right, all right dear. Behave yourself. I would have told you.' Seamus leans forward again and pets Annasphinx neck as he begins to explains his thoughts. 'I just feel like I am caught between to loyalties. One with Tusk and one with Max. Who you still have to meet. Anyway both of them have goals they want to obtain with the Jade Empire. Max is looking to re-open trade routes with the Jade Empire since the Black Tower is no more and is sending diplomatic trade envoy to the Jade Empire within 3 weeks time. Tusk on the other hand, is looking unify all Orcs tribes under one banner. Which for the most part he has done. I just do not understand why he must take control of the Jade Empire. Tusk could protect the trade routes between the Empire and Conclave. I have traveled with Tusk for along time and will do what I can in assisting him in reaching his goals. I just do not totally agree with this course of action and not sure how to express myself to him. I am thinking this power his has come into is starting to corrupt his thoughts. Returning him back to a more basic barbarian in his way of thinking and actions. That all he wants to do is conquer. That he might become what he seeks to destroy, a tyrant ruler. I would rather see a more peaceful solution versus what Tusk is currently planning. Plus Max has threaten to drastic actions against Tusk if he goes through with his plans and fouls up Max's plans for trade. Which I do not want to see two people I respect be in conflict with each other. For I am sure I would be asked to choose a side between them and I would rather not have to choose between the two.' Seamus thoughts trail off to silents again.
'Then if you are forced to choose between the two, then choose neither. We'll just go on our way and not worry about them. Let the two of them work out their differences.'
'I wish it was that simple.'
'Why wouldn't it be that simple? You respect both and do not wish to be drawn into the conflict. Should it come to that. But for now we will do as Tusk ask. For we are here.'
Talking with Annasphinx had past the time as they traveled to their destination. For now on the horizon is the Jade city. Also know as Khedesh. Conversation between the two go silent for now.
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Mar 6, 2008 20:58:43 GMT -5
Ivellios stomps away from Tusk and Mara, grumbling beneath his breath..."Thrice cursed half breed, thrice cursed Orcs, and thrice cursed Aramil and his Orc who-re."
He breaks into a run for the nearest forest, intent on hunting and killing something. Tarque (pronounce Tark), the jet black panther, bounds after his friend and companion.
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Post by Kaber on Mar 7, 2008 6:19:32 GMT -5
As the chill morning air of the higher altitudes, warms somewhat and the misty haze of low lying clouds dissipates you can see below you the approaching rim of the Wyst canyon walls. You note a narrow, steep and winding road, if such could be called a road, making it's way from the desert floor up to the lands beyond. Old towers just at intervals along the switch back path. You count a total of 8 towers but only 5 appear kept. The other three are little more than ruin. Partially collapsed walls, sunken roofs and sparse vegetation herald the state of decay and neglect. Beyond the Rim....another world.
You can see the carpet of green that is a seemingly endless expanse of forest. Ragged peaks jut from the greenery like snow capped talons. and low clouds nest in numerous valleys, etched deep in the land like the claw marks of some enormous beast.
Narrow and winding roads carve their way across steep ridges, dipping now and then into a shadowy vale. You can spot strange, angular buildings with peaked roofs dotting the landscape near the roads. Some seem to shine as though painted in gold. Bright red tiles and small gardens can be seen even from dragon back. Others appear to be made of sticks in a primitive fashion. You can just make out the scattered dots of people traveling. Many pulling large carts by hand.
All roads lead to Penheligon they say, well the same can be said here. Not far from the Rim (as the dragon flys) the heart of the Jade Empire gleams. The Jade City is an awe inspiring site, even from this altitude.
In the kingdoms that you are familiar with, there are walls surrounding the castles and noble estates, beyond that the village thrives. Sometimes they build a wall around that. But nowhere have you seen such a feat as this.
The walls seem made of a single block of stone, towering 20? 30 feet in high? maybe more. The wall stands wide at the base, with footings two carts in length and at the wall, easily two carts tall. It tappers in and then abruptly widens again at the top. This would make grappling a challenge in its own right.
A 30' foot wide, Green tiled "road" sits atop the wall encircling the entire city. The wall is broken regularly by intricately carved monoliths of Jade. All of this forming a perfect, massive square that surrounds an incredibly complex and dense city.
Masses of people move below, going from one place to another. You see giant temples with red and gold statues of a many armed woman and of serpentine dragons. Of fire gods and wind gods. All with tall ribbed roofs. You see stone and jade, red and even blue tiled bridges going from one nub encrusted building to another above the streets. You note water in canals, being channeled through the city. Arched bridges join sections and small gardens dot their edges. but for all the splendor the people seem oblivious. Thin, sickly.
A smog hangs low in the air from greasy cook stoves and backyard campfires. Large squat building thrust black smoke from slender chimneys. Chaos, disorder, oppression.
You note few gaurds that you can see. They wear bright red, leather armour.
(Note: my perportions are probably not exact. It is a relativly small area but densly populated. The Emporers castle rests 5 miles away from the densly populated area in a forested estate sourounded by bamboo and jade walls. Also note that the city is divided within but only marginaly with smaller stone walls and buildings. There are four sections at each corner and a large "Court" at the main gates.
The city is very old and buildings have been built on top of other buildings. The population....probably between 90 -100,000 people. young, old and in between. I will have to check my map to determin if it is land locked or if it is a port city.
Note that the statistic given here may change as Farhan and I develop the particlulars of the city. This is just a guide. For now think of Oriental and Indian (That's India) influence. Old bangkok/ Thailand type of architecture)
Near the far end of the city you see a small mountain like peak nothing like the jagged mountains outside the city. This piece of land is divided by a large channel through which water flows. Three gated bridges span this man made river with ornate towers connecting on either side at the middle of each of the bridges. Beyond that a massive area of tiled stone through a beautiful and complex garden that spans a steep hillside leading to several small ornate houses and what can only be a castle at the top.
The castle could perhaps better be described as a very tall and ornate villa. An estate of such beauty and complexity. Several buildings seem to have been built in such a way as to create a perfectly simple design. Seeming part of the garden with small water falls and little pagodas the whole of the place is a series of concentric circles with outer "circles" interlocking.
Were the builders, emporers so wealthy? The city could well hold all the wealth of the land and yet the people starve.
And suddenly the clouds around you move in ways clouds do not move.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 7, 2008 7:47:13 GMT -5
((Beautiful narrative Roy, I love reading your description of things. I'll post something later in this post so this post isn't just an OOC post.))
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Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Mar 7, 2008 8:26:32 GMT -5
Frost approaches Tusk waiting patiently until the argument about the mission to the main cit is resolved, he is a little reluctant to speak with his friend. He had been asked to form a unit and train them in his ways of fighting. To that end he had scoured the tribes looking for the largest and strongest of the orcs that followed Tusk. Once the candidates had been selected some 100 orcs he had brought them out at the first light of dawn and delivered the entry tests for the training of the warhulk, they had failed to a man, three of them died trying to accomplish the relatively simple (by frost standards) tasks. It seemed that the orcs lacked the sufficient bulk and strength to accomplish the training.
“ Tusk I have some bad news, I have tested the strongest and largest of your warriors and found none that could survive the training to become a warhulk. I had hoped to provide you with a nearly unstoppable front line force to lead the fight on the Jade Empire, but looking in the ranks of your orcs i now know why all of my comrades came from the larger races.” Frost looked down at the ground, he knew that his next suggestion would not be well excepted, the half-ogre he had seen were viewed as little more then beasts of burden by the orcs. “There is one group of people that you have under your command that could become warhalks,” Frost looked directly at tusk, “the half-ogre orcs could survive the training.”
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Post by pigdish on Mar 7, 2008 10:27:39 GMT -5
Tusk looked at Frost with a disappointing look at the news he brought. But the most disturbing of the news was the use of the "bulls" to be trained as warriors.
Tusk had learned about the "bulls" after he had taken over the Ragtooth tribe. The shamen there had been experimenting on breeding orcs with other races to make a stronger, hardier beast of burden to survive the rigors of the Dead Land. They had some experience with breeding Orcs with Ogres and come other races but there had been many failures also. These failures were killed before their madness overcame them or they died on their own due to their faulty bloodlines.
After careful consideration Tusk turned to one of his black scaled orc guardians. The massive bulk of blackness stiffened as his master addressed him. "Tell Shakti to come." As Tusk spoke the words the entry flap of the grand tent moved aside.
The large muscled figure entered the tent. The disturbing metal plates grafted into his thick skin glinted the sunlight. In this tent stood five of the largest individuals in his Horde, with the exception of some of the "bulls". The black scaled Orcs were somewhat larger than everybody else due to their armor. Shakti and Frost being heavily muscled while Tusk lacked their definition of muscles he was the bulkiest of them.
"Frost say only bulls cin be trained in his ways of fighting. Ju find sum fer him."
Shakti saluted and knelt before his master. "I shall do as you command master. Shall I deal with the shamen if..." He glanced at Frost before stopping short of finishing his sentence.
Shakti turned to Frost and nodded his massive head. "Let us go and find those that you need."
"Before ju go, Frost will yer people at Khedesh (Jade City) defend the city to da end or can dey be persuaded to change alliances? And cin dey be trusted if dey ally wid me?" Tusk asked Frost trying to gauge how he would present himself to those in the city. Tusk had been honing his skills at using his skills to be intimidating and diplomatic, as it was proven by his overthrow of some of the orc tribes. But he also was realistic of the fact that a lot of blood was going to be spilled in the coming battle. His concern was how best to avoid death of his people and those he would conquer.
The words of the strange child Tusk had met now so long ago, in the swamp, echoed in his mind. "Do not replace fear with fear. If you are to liberate the people you must be better than their current rulers and win in their hearts." Tusk shook the image of the event in his mind. He knew what must be done and he knew what he did it was for for the better.
Shakti and Frost moved through the camp and selected 50 bulls that met Frost's requirements. Shakti was impressed at the keen eye with which the Yak folk possessed in his selection. Shakti had also seen Frost fight and was satisfied by his prowess.
"There you have the bulls to train. If there is something else you need find me." Shakti salute Frost and departed. His large rounded feet clopping up dirt as he left.
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Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Mar 8, 2008 4:36:49 GMT -5
“They will stand with the emperor if he can make it worth their while, and even then they will abandon him if the fight goes badly.” Frost looked down ashamed of his people, "And you can never trust them they are only interested in the “lesser races” as slaves. Dealing with them requires a position of unassailable power and even then they have ways of getting what they want.” Frost fell silent, he didn’t want to reveal the body melding but it was necessary that Tusk know what he would be facing if the Yakfoke chose to stand with the Emperor. “You see a Yakfoke has the ability to take control of anyone of weak will, we need simply touch them and then meld with them, once that is done all their knowledge becomes ours along with memories abilities, even mannerisms. It is nearly impossible to detect one of my people in this form, you must be careful of whom you trust when you fight the Yakfoke anyone could be a spy and you would never know.”
Once Frost had gathered his 50 bulls he, returned to the tent of Tusk. “I will keep you abreast of the progress they make, but before I begin this I must tell you what I will do. The training to become a warhalk is brutal, I will break them to a man and rebuild them from the ground up the will be taught the ways of combat, it will be all they know, all they are and on top of that they will be trained to the creed of the wahalk Victory or death, those are your only 2 options in battle. Also the training of the warhalk will instill in them the loyalty to their commander, you, and it will be fanatical. Now I must take ,y leave of you, I will take my recruits into the depths of the wastes, the training takes 3 months, but I must skill these bulls in the basics of combat so it will take longer, can your conquest be delayed by a half a year or must it proceed at once?”
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Post by pigdish on Mar 8, 2008 8:32:46 GMT -5
Tusk watched as the handsome and stately Yak folk entered his great tent. He spoke of selecting the 50 bulls and the nature of his people. Tusk stood and walked over to Frost and put a meaty hand on Frost's heavily muscled shoulder.
"Frum the furst day dat me ask ju to hep wid dis endevour ju hab been honest and been unersanding. Tusk feel much honor in having ju as a trusted soldier and proud to call ju friend." Tusk squeezed the shoulder in confirmation. "If the Yak Folk in da city choose to be against us den we will do wut must be done. Now, leds see dese bulls ju gonna train. Ju realize dat dis a big gamble on me part fer letting ju do dis. Dun make Tusk look bad in front of Horde." Tusk laughed but the seriousness was sharp under the humor.
((I'll post more later.))
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 11, 2008 11:11:18 GMT -5
'Did you take notice of the road? It's no more then a cart path then a road. It would be very difficult to get an army through this winding mountain passage way. Hmm, wonder why not all the watch towers have been kept? One would think they would have been good tactical positions in case of invasion and first line of defense.'
'Yes. That is a good question why those towers have not been kept in good conditions. This is a beautiful country side. It seems to be your normal country side with your rich landlords and the peasants working the lands for the fat lords. They should not pose a problem for Tusk. They might be a good source of information thou.'
The two go silent again for a short time.
'Impressive'
'What?'
'The wall around the city. It would be very difficult to bring down those walls. With walls like that a city could last for a very long time against a siege. Hmm? That's odd. Not many guards on the wall. I guess they're that confidant that nothing will penetrate the walls.'
'Yes very impressive walls, but have you taken notice of the people? Something doesn't seem right. For a city of this size, there should be more trade and business happening within the city walls. Plus the conditions of the homes of the common folk, in very bad repair. The only places that seem to be doing well are those places.' Seamus points to the temples. 'Wonder what Gods protect this city? Those temple looking places may cause a lot of problems.'
Annasphinx and Seamus fly over the city a little longer. Making notes of the run down condition of what looks like a very productive and prosperous citadel at one time.
'I don't see the Emperor's Palace. Do you see it Annasphinx?'
'I do not see it. It might be further north. Wait, What's that? Over there. Could that be it?' Annasphinx points in the direction of a small mountain peak that seems to be out of place within the city walls.
'Lets go see what's over there.'
The two fly in the direction of what they believe is the Emperor's Palace. Taking note of the well maintained gardens. Fresh water running around. What seems to be only way in and out.
'Beautiful. Very impressive.' Annasphinx comments on the architecture and landscaping of this place.
'ANNASPHINX !! Did you just see that? The clouds! They moved!'
Seamus
Spot Check
[dice=20] + 13 = 25
Annasphinx
Spot Check
[dice=20] + 7 = 18
Listen Check
[dice=20] + 18 = 28
Search Check
[dice=20] + 16 = 35
Seamus has Annasphinx change their course of flight while he now readies himself for combat. Shield and spear now held at the ready.[rand=5549398074496118262357072433816561786310364739846510368033440339352]
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Post by pigdish on Mar 11, 2008 11:54:04 GMT -5
Seamus, a deep growl vibrates the massive body of the dragon under you. You then hear Anna's voice in your mind..."Be careful and hold on to me tightly, there is another dragon here."
"What is your business here?" The deep voice rumbles through Anna's mind and into your mind Seamus. It sounds like a mountain collapsing onto your head.
Roll Fortitude or Will save. Failure means you will faint.
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 11, 2008 19:55:38 GMT -5
Seamus
Fort Save
[dice=20] +11 = 31
Will Save
[dice=20] + 15 = 31
(OOC: is it just Seamus making the saves? Since I am "soul bonded" with Anna, do I gain her bonus for saves? If so add the following to what I have already rolled Fort = +10 & Will = +9. If this is a frightful presence check, I am immuned to frightful presence since I am on Anna's back (within 10' of her).)[rand=976950773763360613791486103262997475108387341594374890292557292]
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Post by Kaber on Mar 14, 2008 12:13:39 GMT -5
I would allow you to add her bonus to will saves but not fortitude and only within 60' or her.
The reverberation in your head makes you squint and you feel as though your very own thoughts would be physically pushed from your skull by the invasive mental attack. You manage to shake it off .
Anna banks to the left and down, swooping out of the clouds as you catch a glimps of a blue-white, serpentine body moving silently through the fluffy white blanket above.
Roll Ride Check.
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 14, 2008 14:43:46 GMT -5
Ride Check
[dice=20] + 12 = 22[rand=48891059812479326462611474211289737003359675553923680641156562654]
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Post by pigdish on Mar 14, 2008 18:28:38 GMT -5
Seamus your head throbs as if being slapped upside the head by a stone elemental. Feeling dizzy you slide out of the saddle. Falling through the air you cry out to Anna.
Save me!
The ground far below is approaching fast but the silver snake-like dragon snatches you into his claws.
You really should take better care of your rider. The dragon tells Anna. This time Anna shields her thoughts from you to protect your mind.
Take him, I have no time to hold this fragile creature in my claws. The dragon's body bends into a "U" shape as it playfully tosses Seamus high into the air.
The fear in Anna's thoughts wash over Seamus and remembering her training with Brightscale she performs some aerial maneuvers to catch Seamus onto her back again.
Whatever you are leave us be or state your business. You almost killed Seamus with that stunt. Anna screams at the other dragon with fury. Are you alright my dear?
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