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Post by Kaber on Feb 29, 2008 15:41:45 GMT -5
Very nice, Everyone. As you have each added a little bit more to the mysterious Jade Empire. And such drive, would a small party of adventurers and an army of Orc's take the Jade Empire?! Topple an entire empire!? Lo, brothers, do ye ken the winds of war?
It has been nearly four months since you were exiled Yak and even before then the Empire kept its distance. Fear and Paranoia are powerful motivators and even then there was talk of the Emporer making a pact with the forces of evil.
You know the rumor that the Demon Emporer who had slain 1000 Samuri was propeganda to instill fear in neighboring nations but perhaps it has become a self fulfilling prophecy.
Tusk must do what Tusk must do but are you willing to pay the concequences? Setting upon this path starts a new chapter and a dark one indeed. Epic as it may be, the implications are far reaching and will effect the Conclave as well as the rest of this land and perhaps... even the world.
"He who controls the spice........"
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Post by pigdish on Mar 3, 2008 20:54:02 GMT -5
Tusk listened as those gathered provided information and personal stories regarding the Jade Empire. The Yak folk told a very personable tale and his offer of aid was appreciated.
Jer experience wid da Jade Empire will be of great use for the battle to come Frost. I also welcome with open arms your allegiance to me. Of all the rest me knows ju the least but wut ju give dis day means much to me. For now led us eat and talk of udder tings.
Me ask ju to select 100 orcs to train in ways of yer people and the Jade Empire soldiers. Ju may try yer skill wid one of my black scaled guards. Me orc warriors gud fighters but always cin become better. If ju accept ju gotta work hard and fast fer we no gonna hab much time to prepare.
After several hours of talking, eating, drinking, and smoking a strange pleasant smelling pipe most of the party retires.
Solinar had already departed the gathering soon after Tusk had revealed his plans. Solinar was to ride upon Brightscale and investigate Brightstone Keep, while Silverthorn would stay with Tusk to offer any aid she could provide.
Tusk spoke to Mara, me knows ju cin do great magiks and me ask if ju cin hep me warriors wid sumting extra in combat? Maybe ju cin make potions, or salves or sumting else me not know 'bout.
Tusk asks Seamus to stay behind. My friend me wud like ju to do something fer me. Now wid yer dragon friend wud ju go ahead and see wut just can see from the skies above the main city? Me wud like first hand information about it. Not take too much risk and git too close but see wut ju cin learn.
Tusk waited for Seamus to consider the matter and called a serving female to bring Aramil to him. The orc woman tells Tusk that the large elf was with Urmekla. Tusk laughed and told her to summon him.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 3, 2008 21:14:34 GMT -5
After the meeting Seamus feels something move and a chime sounds from his pack. Recognizing the sounds he knew who and what it is.
Opening the pack the small silver mirror glowed a bright silvery light. The surface reflected his face and for the first time Seamus noticed the subtle changes he hadn't noticed before. His jaw seemed to be more pronounced. His eyes seemed to be more angled at the corners. His nose tip was a bit sharper and his mouth was more pronounced. Seamus shrugged off the oddities and pressed the buttons he had been shown to press to activate the device.
The mirrored surface cleared, his reflection faded, and in its place was the image of Max. Max's face looked even harder than it normally looked. The signs of annoyance was clearly evident in the furrowed brow and blazing eyes. Seamus had explained the situation to Max a few days ago and Max had not taken the news well.
So does Gizgard...Tusk or whatever name he is going by now still planning this madness of overthrowing the Jade Empire? What is that blasted Solinar doing about it? I was hoping that even that arrogant do-gooder would have had the common sense to talk Gizga...Tusk out of this. I have sent a trade envoy to the Empire. In three weeks time there is to be some celebration at the Empire and I ...nevermind. Tell Tusk that if he continues on with this madness he will find only death for himself and those that follow him. As for you and the others stay close to Tusk and find out what you can but when and if he goes to war I do not want the Conclave to be brought into it. It is bad enough that those associated with the Conclave are involved this much already. Bah! I must tend to other matters. Keep me informed when you have more news.
Max's image faded away to be replaced by the mirror.
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Post by Davey on Mar 3, 2008 22:39:35 GMT -5
Aramil enters the grand tent that is Tusks' lair. He walks across the lush carpets distrubing the aromatic incense that is hanging lazily in the air, selecting some choice tid-bits of food from a platter nearby, Aramil sits down across from Tusk. Aramil is 'normal size' and swathed in cloak and robes. Seeming very much at comfort, Aramil speaks, "You called for me?
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Post by pigdish on Mar 3, 2008 23:39:30 GMT -5
Tusk watches as Aramil lazily enters the tent. Tusk's keen sense of smell easily picked up the scent of Urmekla on him and the sweat on his neck and unkempt hair were also clues to what Aramil had been busy with. It always amazed Tusk that this fellow before him was the same old friend he had met seemingly in another life back in the swamps. Even in his smaller form he had the telltale signs of those beautifully exotic iridescent blue scales on the neck and parts of his forehead. A stark contrast to the flawless dark skin and thick knotted hair which Tusk assumed Urmekla had braided in orcish fashion.
My friend I am sorry to have disturbed you but what we must speak of cannot wait. I am in need of your particular skills to help me in overthrowing the Jade Empire. Tusk studied Aramil's face but it revealed nothing as he ate things from the large platter. Even though Aramil looked aloof Tusk knew that Aramil heard every word he spoke. I would have you infiltrate the capitol city and do what you feel is necessary to ensure their downfall. If you are able to find a way to grant us easy access into the city, or kill key tactical persons then so be it. This is obviously not an easy task and there is a great chance that you will be discovered if you are not careful but if you are successful it will be the greatest asset to this endeavor. And of course you will be handsomely rewarded for the task.
Tusk sat back and looked at Aramil. He waited for the rogue to think things through.
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Post by Davey on Mar 4, 2008 0:14:17 GMT -5
Bushing aside on of the white locks of hair from his face, Aramil replies with a glint of excitment in his eye, "I am up to the task." Aramil thought to himself, times HAVE changed. Tusk has risen as high as the moon above and just as bright. Then Aramil reflects on when he was back at the tent when he was washing his face. The water dripping off his dark, scaly face, he barely recognized himself in the mirror. Looking deep into his eyes he recalled all the adventures, the action...the deaths. He has never quite gotten over it. The cold feeling of deaths icy fingers clutching at his heart.
Shaking those dark thoughts away, he focused his attention back to the present. Always the opportunist, Aramil was eager to infiltrate the jade empire. The rewards will be more than he can imagine. Already prosperous, Aramil can think only of accumulating more power, influence, and more gold. How simple it would be: A few clean kills, and he would be in.
"I will infiltrate the city and contact the rogues guild to see if they are friendly to our coup, then having gained their support, we will have more spies on the inside, and will gain more information as to the cities defenses, army, and magic that they posess. Also, I will find out if they have any allies who would act swiftly and aid to the defense of the city. With information in hand I will report back to you. Any who stand in my way will receive the red-smile (a rogue reference to having ones throat slashed.) Then you can begin to plan an invasion party."
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Mar 4, 2008 8:06:53 GMT -5
Mara and Ivellios nod at Tusk's request for aid. Mara agrees to brew up some potions/oils. And Ivellios stays to hear Tusk's discussion w/Aramil. Before Aramil can get too far away, Ivellios speaks up...
"Great Warchief Tusk, I would wish to accompany Aramil. He, Mara and I would be the least conspicuous. And wouldn't three attract less attention than one?"
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Post by Davey on Mar 4, 2008 10:39:21 GMT -5
Aramil nods yes, in acceptance of the two volunteers. "Though our numbers will be greater, Ivellios is a fine scout, and will be a great asset. Mara will be able to blend in as well."
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Post by pigdish on Mar 4, 2008 11:31:36 GMT -5
((Actually Tusk's discussion with Aramil happens in private after everyone had dispersed. But I'll figure out a way to make your post fit.))
In the morning after the meeting in Tusk's tent Tusk is speaking with Aramil regarding his needs for the mission they had discussed the night past. They are soon joined by Ivellios the ranger who notices that Aramil is preparing to leave.
"Where are you off to? Trying to escape that orc woman you've been entangled with?" Ivellios smirks at Tusk and Aramil.
"Him off on a personal task for me. Him shud return soon." Tusk brushes off the newcomer, returning to have a few last words with Aramil.
After a pat on the back from Tusk, Aramil nods to Ivellios and spreads his wings. Before he leaps into the air to take off Ivellios speaks up.
"If he is going where I suspect you are sending him Great Warchief Tusk, I would wish to accompany Aramil. He, Mara and I would be the least conspicuous. And wouldn't three attract less attention than one?"
Aramil waits.
Tusk looks to Ivellios and Aramil then speaking to the ranger he says, "Me wud tink dat three wud hab more chance of geding spotted den one, since dare be more of ju. It also gonna make ju more noticeable wid dat big cat of yers. Also, Aramil hab skills me knows dat gud at foolin' people. But most importantly me still tink of ju as stranger. Me knows bout Mara frum her being slave gurl frum my tribe but ju hardly me know and dis mission be very important. Not worry me likes both of ju and know ju not enemy or ju not be breathing right now. " Tusk laughs a deep frightening laugh. "But stay and hep Tusk wid udder matters here. Ju unterstand? Dare be lods to do here and me sure thar be sumting fer yar keen eyes to look at."
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Mar 4, 2008 12:58:20 GMT -5
Ivellios is just a little perturbed.
"Now, wait just a minute, Tusk. Aramil may be a half this and half that, but at the heart is Elven. One man alone is a tactical nightmare. Especially if he just flies in out of the blue sky. Tarquell and I are adapt at getting into tight spots. Mara, Aramil and I could be a family displaced by war, stife or whatever. I have lost enough kin, close and distant," argues Ivellios.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 4, 2008 14:55:25 GMT -5
Tusk turns to Ivellios with a confused look on his face.
Tell me den ranger wut ju know bout infiltrating an unknown city covertly? Ju may know how to ged into tight spots but can ju do it in a hostile city? How many cities ju know dat allow large cats such as your pet to enter without question? Fer ju, the cat, and the wizard to ged into the city ju will have to enter frum one of da gates and when ju ged stopped ju will be noticed and remembered because me sure not too many people gonna be traveling wid a large cat. Tactically dat wud be a nightmare to move around city and gedding noticed is wut we tryin to avoid.
Aramil on da udder hand cin enter a city without being noticed. Him cin blend into da crowd, hide, sneak, lie, and cheat. Him not stoopid enough to just fly over da city and go in whar he cud be seen. Him tell me dat he ged close and den shadow jump into the city unnoticed. When him ged in he knows how to ged information frum people and places dat most of us not know how to especially in a big city.
Now dat not mean me doubt yer skill or Mara's skills. It just mean dat fer dis mission thar be a need fer a specialist. In time thar will be mission dat we be needin' yer skills.
As me say before dat me needs to ged to know ju better also. Me meet ju short time ago and me need to be careful bout whom to trust wid plans fer war. When we meet ju we also meet nudder person (Tobias) and him turn out to be traitor. Me not sayin' ju dat type but me gotta be careful.
Me hopes ju unersand dat dis requires special skills which Aramil hab and not sumting bad sayin' bout ju, and Mara's abilities. Bottom line is Aramil cin be wherever and whomever him want to be in da city and nobody wud know. Such specialized skills none of us cin hope to match. We wud only disrupt him frum doin his job.
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Mar 4, 2008 15:17:08 GMT -5
Ivellios is fuming, but composed, as befits an Elf.
"Fine have it your way, but if your actions or orders get him killed, I'll not soon forget that. And as for trust, how do you think others will take your domination of the Orc Tribes and then taking the Jade's, if this crazy endeavor succeeds. And if it fails, what's to become of the Dormommu and the Kurjans. You'll plunge the whole region into a state of unrest it's not know since before the Deadlands and The Conclave and the Jade's."
Mara strides toward the two of you, anger clearly on her face.
"Ivellios, stand down, what is going on here?! Chief Tusk, my appologies, for my friend. We have been away from our lands and kin for sometime now and out here in the barbaric wastelands, it wears on a soul."
You can hear a little bit of smugness and arrogance in both, but genuinely concern for Aramil.
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Post by Davey on Mar 4, 2008 15:47:30 GMT -5
*Bampf* Aramil disappers, then *Bampf*, re-appears behind Ivellios. In a blink of an eye Aramil grabs Ivellios and draws a wicked, some-what orcish looking dagger from out of nowhere, and with lightning speed places it next to his neck and whispers, "Can you do this my elven brother? I do not doubt your prowess as a tracker, but for this mission one needs to be...oh, what is that old saying..."cut-throat." Chuckling to himself, Aramil spins Ivellios around face-to-face, sheaths his dagger and clasps his left hand on his right shoulder. "Brother, I appreciate your concern, but I must go it a lone on this mission. If I fall....it won't be the fist time! -HA! Then you must pick up where I have left off. Do not worry, Tusk is somewhat skittish right now, especially after our encounter with Tobias. In time we will trust you as we do Mara."
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Post by pigdish on Mar 4, 2008 17:06:44 GMT -5
Tusk nods too Mara and puts a hand on Ivellios' shoulder.
Me not offended or bothered by your protector's words. Him showing passion for a fellow brother is sumting me unersan fully. For my people I have killed many of my own so that they may enjoy the glories that shall come once we are a united people. If me am to fail then the alternative is far worse than what I do for my people and the world. Kurjan will bring a reign of terror that will tear this world apart. His alliance wid the Black Covenant is such a proof as to the dangers we face.
Tusk keep faith in the Spirits, those who started me on this path, and I shall be victorious. But Tusk knows that with friends and allies the journey will be easier traveled.
When ju have time wizard Mara I would speak to ju bout some magikal aid my shamen have brought to my attention.
Turning to Aramil. The spirits bless ju on yer mission friend and me see ju returned here unharmed. Or else Urmekla might think to put knife to my throat.
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Post by Davey on Mar 4, 2008 18:10:41 GMT -5
Aramil smiles at the thought of Urmekla. "I will return in a fortnight whith the information you need. Till then my friends." With that, he withdraws.
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