Curse

NinjaKai · Apr 08, 2006, 09:28 PM // 21:28

"The Tomb of Primevil Kings is not a place even I dare venture. To go there is to invite death. The tomb I speak of is somewhere within these woods. The reason for it being sealed away was because even though it gave the wielder an amazing boost in power. However the weapon slowly ate away at their soul. It is written that once an evil sorcerer used its power and fed of the souls of others so that he would not be effected by its side effect. However on closer inspection, the weapon is incomplete. That is until I find it." Nekra said with confidence in his voice. "Ironically the only weapon my ancestors every truly perected was the scepter of Orr." Nekra looked at Mylena. "You must find all of this curious. Exspecially what new skills I could have learned, let me put it this way. Ritualists are truly a unique people just as assasins are."

Allanon Dark · Apr 09, 2006, 11:45 PM // 23:45

Do you guys mind if I jump in. I have read what you guys posted and have an idea as to what I might write.

Character:
Relyana Creel
Age: 21
Of slight build (I can better describe in my writing)
Proffesion: Assassin who disdains the use of daggers and prefers short swords and the use of a bow.

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Relyana watched from the safe haven of a small wooded area as a fight between some Zaishen soldier thugs and an innocent traveler took place. She had learned long ago to not meddle in other people's business and found that she would live longer doing so. Relyana watched as the two slowly encircled the traveler, preparing to come in a pincer move. She didn't give much hope to the stranger. When the attack commenced Relyana watched as the stranger skillfully parried the attacks of her adversarys. He was doing a good job. She was surprised to see the stranger doing so well against two members of the Zaishen. However, she knew that he could not hold up for long. The Zaishen soldiers, all discriminations aside, were well trained soldiers and knew how to effectively use their skills to compliment one another. Relyana watched as the stranger tired and the Zaishen gain the upperhand.

Relyana's eyes flickered quickly to a small disturbence in the woods directly to her west. It seemed as though another Zaishen patrol had responded to their beleagured friends battle cries. So it came as a surprise to her that the arrow fired from the trees hit a Zaishen soldier and erupted into flames. A second shot from the unseen warrior caught the Zaishen full in the face. These two shots from the trees gave the stranger some valuable time to get inside the soldiers defenses and land a fatal blow between the armor joints. This stranger knew how to fight, but so did the remaining Zaishen warrior. The remaining Zaishen slowly circled the stranger until he became a meat shield from his unseen assailant in the woods. She wondered what he would do know. Relyana suspected some form of cowardice to come forth from the soldier and was not disapointed. After a mad dash to knock over his immediate threat, the Zaishen warrior spinted down the road. Not bothering to duck or weave he made a easy target for he sniper in the woods and fell dead to the ground with an arrow sticking out of his gord.

Relyana watched as the stranger on the ground heralded his unseen help from the woods. The strangers unseen helped was a women. Relyana could not get a good read on her because of the distance that seperated them but could tell that she was a master marksman by her skillful shots and was not to be crossed. While the two strangers were exchanging greetings, Relyana's heightened senses alerted her to the presence of two more Zaishen still in the distance. Relyana knew that the previous encounter with the two slain Zaishen had tired the slayers and that they could not be well prepared to fight again so soon. Relyana watched and waited for the Zaishen to avenge their fallen comrades.

Waiting for the Zaishen to engage the two travelers, her senses picked up a third life form in the distance. Another Zaishen she presumed. It seemed to not be another Zaishen though due to the reaction of the two in the distance. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, a warning of magic in the air. After a slow build up the magic that she knew was coming came. Though she could not see from whom the magic emaneted from she could tell that it was powerful and it would be prudent to not be on the recieving end. The first of the second Zaishen patrol was dispatched quickly as a yellow glow surrounded him as he charged the third presence and was thrown against a tree, breaking his back and neck. The second of the Zaishen, a mage by the way she glowed and floated above the ground was dispatched just as quicky and mercilessly. After having her spell interupted and her bones broken, the cloaked form of the powerful mage came and quickly killed the other with a confiscated blade from the other dead slain soldier.

"Smart", thought Relyana. "Show no mercy, expect no mercy. You'll live longer"

Relyana was getting tired and sore of waiting on her belly. She had patience though and was willing to wait a little while longer for the strangers to leave so that she could raid the dead corpses of any valuable loot.

Symeon · Apr 12, 2006, 07:29 PM // 19:29

OOC: I'm still here

, just waiting for Ristaron to reply first before I do a reply.

Ristaron · Apr 12, 2006, 08:16 PM // 20:16

(TS: Roger)

The ranger RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GOed a fine eyebrow at the nature of her quest. In his experience, such relics were best left buried, and out of the knowledge of those foolish enough to hunt for such raw, primal power. His midnight eyes now scanned her skeptically, pondering what may come to pass should she find the tomb.
"And what do you intend to do with this boost of power, once it is completed?"

edit: real nice... my professional-looking piece is defaced by some censor that makes the reader get the wrong meaning because the word is blotted out.
c-o-c-k-e-d, as in 'raised'. RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GOin' word censors not scanning the whole word...

NinjaKai · Apr 12, 2006, 11:00 PM // 23:00

"Mesmer are also known for there mental abilities. I can feel that you doubt my words. In truth I don't plan to use the weapon at its full power. I created this." Nekra said as he pulled out a golden orb. "The Orb of Souls. Using Orr spells of weapon forgery and a little ritualist spirit tuning. I created this as a seal to limit the staffs power. I will be able to utilize atleast one tenth of its full power, which is all I require. I'll gladly explain how it works if you wish. However, I assume my reason for using it is more important to you." Nekra looked into Ristarons eyes. "All the staff will do at such a low level will simply increase my energy two fold and allow me to manipulate the spiritual energies easier that are required for certain ritualist spells. Provided I created the orb correctly, the second the two magics react the staff will implode destroying it forever."

Ristaron · Apr 13, 2006, 01:37 AM // 01:37

"A noble goal", the ranger answered, "to destroy something that could be extremely dangerous in the proper hands". Ristaron took to heart Nekra's empathic abilities, forcing himself to maintain a placid demeanor. The ranger hated, above all else, when someone else knew his thoughts... even if it meant the person knowing of his appreciation for them.

Symeon · Apr 13, 2006, 08:21 AM // 08:21

OOC: Ristaron, why not just write 'raised' instead of 'RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GOed'?

Other words that people use which have the same problem: peaRED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO, RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GOroaches, RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GOtail... I don't know if it could be fixed or not...

IC: Mylena listened to Nekra describe the tomb, but as Nekra and Ristaron talked, she found herself looking over at the dead bodies of the Zaishen again.

She walked over to one of the bodies, and knelt down beside it, examining the clothing and the armour. These men are fighters of Balthazar through and through, Mylena thought, but what are they doing so far from their own isles?

Abruptly, a gust of wind blew over her face, and she shielded her eyes for a few seconds. When she looked down again, she saw a scrap of parchment on her lap. What's this? Picking it up, she smoothed it out and held it with both hands. It was covered in scruffy writing that was barely legible, but Mylena's careful eyes could just about read it. Must have blown out of the Zaishen's pocket, she thought, and began to read.

Remember the words of Balthazar in the sixth scripture: 'Have no fear, for you are my soldiers, and you shall conquer those that stand in your way. Do not stop fighting your enemies until they are satisfyingly defeated.' The dark-skinned people have already been to the unearthed tomb in the woods, and stolen the artifact. Find them, eliminate them, and retrieve the artifact.

Mylena's mouth had opened half a centimetre with each sentence. She turned to Ristaron and Nekra, holding out the parchment.

"You must read this. It has implications for both of you. We are certainly not safe here."

NinjaKai · Apr 13, 2006, 08:28 AM // 08:28

Nekra went over and looked at the parchment. "Fools seeking a weapon of such power with no knowledge of how to use it." Nekra gave the parchments message little worry.

"Those Zaishen are so foolish. That tomb was made by the ancestors of Orr. They'll be lucky if they even survive the gate keepers. Let alone the pit of one thousand lost souls. There are creatures and magic down there far older than they could ever imagine. But to be certain I must hurry to the tomb before they do. Follow if you wish, but be warned once you walk the same path as me there is no leaving till it ends."

Nekra said as he became engulfed in a pinkish aura. He ran North in the direction of the tomb. His speed increasing to unatural portions. This was obviously the effect of a spell.

Ristaron · Apr 15, 2006, 02:01 AM // 02:01

(OOC: Symeon, when it ruined my perfect post the issue became personal. And I make no exceptions when something is personal.

)

Ristaron looked up quickly as Nekra began to depart. But for all his protest he could not get her attention before the mesmer was speeding off.
"Fool!" the ranger hissed, "there are probably a dozen Zaishen there already!"

Though Ristaron would never have admitted to such a bold accusation, it was true that there were few in the entire realm of Tyria who could cross blades with the intrepid ranger. But Ristaron knew his limits, though, and even with the help of a mage a dozen trained soldiers would easily outmatch him.
As if in response to the doubts of the party's capability, a howl resounded throughout the woods. It was the most comforting sound to the ranger, for this particular pitch he recognized.
"Morgan!" he called out. A few moments later, the travelling partner he had briefly parted ways with a day earlier burst through the foliage.
Five hundred pounds of gray fur tackled the ebony-skinned ranger, pinning him on the soft earth so he could not escape a barrage of affectionate licks on the face.
Unable to shove off his amusement, the ranger chuckled as he tried to get his faithful companion to cease her playful kisses.

Symeon · Apr 15, 2006, 06:50 AM // 06:50

'Wait!' Mylena shouted to Nekra as he moved off. 'If the dark-skinned people the note mentioned -' she broke off, and glanced at Ristaron. 'Would your people do such a thing as steal an artifact from an ancient tomb? And if so...' she turned to look at Nekra who was still running, 'Then it wouldn't make sense for us to head to the tomb. If the Zaishen know the artifact has been taken out of there, surely they will be looking around the area in general and not just gathering at the tomb.'

Mylena jumped as a large creature rustled through the bushes and threw Ristaron to the ground. Then she realised it must be his pet.

'Ristaron, if the dark-skinned people the note mentioned are your own, then the Zaishen are certainly after them. They are trying to eliminate them, and retrieve the artifact.'

NinjaKai · Apr 15, 2006, 10:19 AM // 10:19

Nekra stopped to see that they had not followed him. "Good." Nekra held up his staff and chanted a spell in a language that was chilling to the bone. Slowly from the ground undead slowly rised. "Without the Sceptre of Orr I can't control them. But atleast it will give me some time." Nekra said as he headed back in the direction of Ristaron and Mylena until he was near them. "We must hurry. The undead now awaken in these woods. A large amount move upon the staffs location."

(OOC: Symeon, next time think before making a post. Because changing it right after i've made a post in response to it makes my character look like a fool.)

Ristaron · Apr 16, 2006, 04:11 PM // 16:11

At last managing to free himself from Morgan's girth, the agile ranger slipped out from underneath his faithful companion* and stood. He stroked the enormous gray wolf behind her soft ears as he digested Mylena's point.
"That would give the Zaishen an excuse for having been hostile. The war between our peoples has not been open conflict for decades". Further contemplation of the issue was halted with the return of the eager-footed Mesmer.
"We must hurry", she declared, "the undead now awaken in these woods. A large amount move upon the staffs location."
"The undead?" echoed Ristaron, "why would they awaken? And why should we go so quickly to the tomb if the note says 'the dark-skinned people have already been to the unearthed tomb in the woods, and stolen the artifact'? It sounds to me like I should be better to go in the opposite direction!"

NinjaKai · Apr 16, 2006, 04:41 PM // 16:41

"Ristaron there is are many things the tomb conceals that are not written on parchments or scrolls. But knowledge given through magic to each Keeper of Knowledge. And within the tomb is the method to track the staff. So none will have known about the tombs other secrets but me. We must hurry if we do not recover the staff and it awakens in the hands of someone who is foolish enough to use it. It will unleash a wave of power killing all in its wake. It will make the Searing look like childs play. Besides do you really think your people would hand over such a weapon to you, unless there is some information that you would with hold about yourself." Nekra said as he headed in the direction of the tomb.

Ristaron · Apr 17, 2006, 02:01 AM // 02:01

"You're not understanding me", the ranger said irritated, as Nekra turned. Quickstepping in front of the man, Ristaron turned to face the mesmer, locking him in his midnight blue gaze.
"If my people already have the artifact, they will be gone, and there will be a dozen Zaishen there, looking for someone like me!
And I would beg an explanation on why only you know of this mysterious information. If these dark-skinned people are the mountainfolk, I can assure you that they have access to countless ancient secrets from any of the major continents - though the rumours of their dark intentions are greatly eggagerated. One single mesmer would not have access to secrets that have escaped the minds of the leaders of the many mountainfolk societies.
Added that I barely know you, why would I willingly throw myself into a most-likely fatal situation for the chance of you finding what is probably already in the hands of experts in handling such magic?"

OOC: I don't mean to be delaying the story... it's just not sensible from my character's position to trapse off after some long-lost artifact that, by what we currently know, is long-gone -- in the possession of people who know what they're doing (mountainfolk archeologists).

Symeon · Apr 17, 2006, 07:53 AM // 07:53

OOC: Eh? What exactly did I change that made you 'look foolish'?

IC:

Mylena watched Ristaron move up to Nekra, talking to him, and looked down at his huge pet. The expression on the animal's face looked to be aggressive, but he was standing back, away from his master.

Stroking the pet and looking into the trees as the cool wind washed over her face, the ranger wondered what she was getting herself into. She had come out into North Kryta Province with the intention of heading west into the jungle in search of adventure. Now, in the middle of the Westerling Woods, she had met two strangers from far-off lands both involved in a confusing mix of events.

She turned back to the other two and listened to them speak. When Ristaron had finished, she nodded. "Ristaron's right. These Zaishen are probably all over the place, not just at the tomb. If the dark-skinned people have already taken the artifact, then what exactly is the point of us going to the tomb? Besides, these Zaishen are looking for people like Ristaron. If we run into a group of them, they would probably stop at nothing to annihilate him. If you are after that artifact, Nekra, I suggest we look elsewhere, to see if we can find these dark-skinned people that have taken it...and, to try and stay away from the Zaishen."

NinjaKai · Apr 17, 2006, 05:38 PM // 17:38

"There is one way to find out if it was your people. I'll simply drag one of the souls of those who died at the tomb recently." Nekra said as his hand glowed an eerie blue. Holding his arm high hand with his palm facing the ground.
A spirit in clothing that matched the style of Ristarons came from the ground with a translucant spirit chain in his chest binding him to the earth.
"Ristaron you and I are both eager to know the truth. Ask this tainted soul what questions you wish." Nekra said as he looked at the spirit. "Answer truthfully spirit and you will spared the eternal torment of being trapped inside the belly of that tomb."

Nekra walked over to Mylena and stood in front of her. "I wouldn't worry about the Zaishen. Because..." Nekra said as he disapeared into vapor.
"What they can't see." Nekra said as though his voice came from no where. "They can't attack." Nekras voice spoke as he reappeared behind Mylena.
"Mesmer illusions can fool all the senses. I could make a person think they have had their arm cut off and they would feel the pain as though it we're real. So avoiding the Zaishen need not be a concern." Nekra disappeared once more in illusion reappearing next to the spirit.

Ristaron · Apr 17, 2006, 08:50 PM // 20:50

More than a little perturbed at Nekra's ruthless, conscienceless manner of doing things, the ranger looked briefly at the spirit the mesmer had summoned.
"He won't speak to me", Ristaron said matter-of-factly, "not even death can overrule the tradition of our people". The ranger turned to Nekra, a veritable wildfire in his midnight eyes.
"I'm an exile of that land, he is risking himself by being in my presence alone. I will not put further dishonour on his soul".
Ristaron turned and went off in the direction opposite to that of the tomb, his pace almost a jog. Morgan, seeing her dear friend abandoning the situation, didn't need to spend any time making her choice. Though she was not his pet, she was his companion through travel and battle. Her loyalties were with the otherwise ronin ranger. In a mere three steps, the five hundred pound wolf had caught up with him, and was matching his stride.

NinjaKai · Apr 17, 2006, 09:32 PM // 21:32

The chain that held the spirit disappeared along with it so did the spirit. Nekra ran to catch up to Ristaron.
"Ristaron what dishonor did you do that was so great it's enough to make you run off like this. And more curious how could it have been so bad that it got you exiled." Nekra thought to himself.
"Ristaron at this rate your going to destroy yourself." Nekra said with a sympathetic tone.

Ristaron · Apr 17, 2006, 10:28 PM // 22:28

"Destroy myself?" Ristaron echoed emphatically, "if I wanted to destroy myself I would go with you headlong into an army of Zaishen all intent on having the head of a mountainfolk for the loss of their relic! There is no sense in me going that way!"
A low growl from Morgan made it clear that she understood the implications of the argument.

NinjaKai · Apr 17, 2006, 10:50 PM // 22:50

"I've changed plans since running of before. However, I will need your help in tracking your people. If not the alternative is unfavorable." Nekra said as he looked at Ristaron.