thaygar & khore tell storiesThis log was _severely_ edited, down to about 1500+ lines from close to 11,000 lines originally. I took out everyone getting organized to hear the stories (which seemed to be a major feat ;), unrelated ftells, and lots and lots and lots of spam of people eating, drinking, voiding, returning, entering/leaving, casting, etc. But the complete stories are here -- thaygar's historical allegory, and khore's story about the wemics -- from the point of view of durin.
Cordir says, 'I ask that you fall silent, and heed the words of Master Thaygar.'.
Someone says, 'This One was asked to do a story. A knowing individual hinted to this One, knowing His tendencies, that it be a short story'.
Thaygar has granted you the ability to see him when he is invis.
l thaygar
Before you stands a tall giant, stoicly bearing constant, searing pain.
His right hand is sheathed in black, flickering fire, giving Him great
insight, but also making His eyes dance with the faintest glimmers of
insanity.You realize that He must have carried that burning flame for decades,
if not centuries. You wonder what that much constant pain would do to
you, but refrain from contemplating the thought for long.Thaygar is bathed in the essence of charisma.
Thaygar is in perfect health.Thaygar is using:
[used as light] (Glowing) the Soul of the One Dwarf
[worn with pride] (Glowing) the Medallion of GodhoodThaygar says, 'are any in this garden unable to perceive this One?'.
Cordir says, 'Khore did suggest that if He and You were to speak on one evening...'.
Cordir says, 'That it might take eight hours.'.
Nyx looks around, a trace of a smile flickering over his face.
Thaygar says, 'hopefully, this shall require less than an hour. Significantly less :)'.
Grundle takes another swig of vodka and sits back.
Cordir gestures, and the garden stills, the night sounds fading into silence.
Rath shifts under the tree,resting his vambraced arms across his chest.
Tien grins happily at Rath.
Thaygar says, 'this One pondered what story to tell, what mode of tale would be most fitting'.
Dazzle , for lack of a wall, stands resting lightly against a tree.
Arianos listens intently, shushing all those not silent.
Thaygar says, 'finally, He settled on allegory as the type ... and let history be his subject'.
Thaygar opens To Serve Man.
Nyx coughs lightly.
Thaygar turns a page with His non-fiery hand.
Arianos floats a little higher and rests at brach level.
Thaygar says, 'The Story of Great Spider'.
Grundle shows his approval by clapping his hands together.
Harmony is so excited that she cheers just for the hell of it.
Dazzle smiles happily.
l
A Moonlit Garden
[Exits: none]
You stand quietly in the midst of a nearly silent garden, afraid
to move. This is clearly no normal, natural place. Lit only by
the oddly shimmering light of a full silver moon, this tiny glade
is no more than twenty paces across, and a still, unmoving pool
of water is its silent heart. The trees all around are hung with
intricate spiders' webs. None by itself is sturdier than any
ordinary web, but the layers upon layers of them combine to seal
you off entirely from the world outside. There is no more than a
hint of breeze, and the leaves rustling overhead are a barely
heard subliminal murmur. The air is strange; somehow, everything
seems to be rippling slightly, and a thousand subtle scents drift
by your nose and are gone again. This garden, you realize, is
not real. Perhaps it is waiting to be real, or perhaps it once
was, or perhaps it is beyond such things as real and not-real
altogether... A pattern, a place, an idea, that you are holding
in your mind for a few moments, and nothing more.
( 6) (Token magic) A magical spring flows from the ground here.
( 4) You can hardly wait to sink your teeth into this dessert.
( 3) Those halflings manage to put loganberries in everything!
( 2) A delicious fungal truffle lies here.
(Intense Aura) [GS] Thaygar is here.
Mong is resting here.
(Light Blue Aura) Tim is here.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.
(Light Blue Aura) Grundle is here.
(Dark Red Aura) Rath is resting here.
(Dark Blue Aura) Abaddon is resting here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Balia is resting here.
(Dark Purple Aura) Vorax is resting here.
Ptarchyzk is resting here.
(Light Cyan Aura) Tien is resting here.
(Light Blue Aura) Athorne is resting here.
(Light Blue Aura) Clue is resting here.
(Light Blue Aura) Victoria is here.
(Light Blue Aura) Arianos is resting here.
Kaern is here.
(Light Cyan Aura) Trevor is resting here.
(Light Cyan Aura) Dazzle is here.
(Light Cyan Aura) Harmony is resting here.
(Light Cyan Aura) Nyx is here.Harmony shushes herself.
Arianos inclines his head.
Trevor smirks at Harmony's saying.
Thaygar says, 'Somewhere in a realm once wandered an eager Spider'.
Thaygar says, 'curious and eager was she, inspired by the world around her and those who inhabited it'.
Thaygar says, 'but most inspired was she by the Jungle Beyond the Plain, a magical place both a part of yet beyond the mortal realm'.
Thaygar says, 'the Jungle held great and powerful spirits, and was renown for its majesty ... all creatures of the Plain obeyed and honored Those From the Jungle'.
Thaygar says, 'Spider revered, most of all, however, the Flame of Darkness, a spirit often seen in conjunction with the Mist of Night'.
Harmony listens intently.
Trevor raises his head.
Thaygar says, 'she considered the Flame inspired, and tried to live her life on the plain according to the Flame's example'.
Cordir sits down abruptly, a slight blush flowing over her features.
Harmony giggles at Cordir's actions.
Harmony blushes.Trevor checks on Cordir.
Thaygar says, 'in time, all things die, and this relationship did as well, as the Mist of Night departed, and the Flame left soon thereafter'.
Dazzle blinks in mild surprise, yet does not pause long to reflect, so entranced he is by the weaving of the story.
Thaygar says, 'the Spider wandered, confused'.
Thaygar says, 'she sought out and befriended a Knight of the Passionate Heart, but did not manage to bind herself to him'.
Arianos drifts slighty, but pays no notice to it as he listens to the story.
Thaygar says, 'for before such could be done, she was captured by the loyal Fly-Children of the Flow of Maggots, and induced to worship that Jungle spirit herself'.
Thaygar says, 'in time, this soul bondage ended as well, and the Spider drew closer to the Winged Lion flying above the Jungle, and that, too, in time passed'.
Thaygar says, 'the death and rebirth of such bonds is the nature of mortal existence in the Plains of Life'.
Thaygar says, 'but all such is prologue, for what the Spider most desired, from all these experiences, was to be able to enter the Jungle of the Great Spirits herself'.
Thaygar says, 'such was barred to the merely living ... only those who had transcended their frailties could pass the great mists at the Jungle's edge'.
Thaygar says, 'so the little Spider worked and spun and traveled and suffered and did all that the Insane Bird of the Jungle required of her'.
Thaygar says, 'until at last the Great Jungle Spirit recognized her efforts, and deigned to grant her the right to be Her'.
Thaygar says, 'she walked into the mists surrounding the Jungle, and pierced them, and became a Spirit Herself ... Great Spider'.
Thaygar says, 'for a time, Great Spider was happy'.
Harmony smiles happily.
Thaygar says, 'she was joined to the Wandering Fang in the Plains beyond in matrimony'.
Thaygar says, 'She was served by Her own Night Shade, spun and rewoven to Serve Her'.
who 37 players. Hel [ Ma:13 Th: 9 Wa:15 ] Galithandril: Minion of the Storms *Wind* Elf [ Cl:29 Ra:25 ] Qithlorien Varheeith, Warden of the Black Conclave Hum [ Cl:24 Wa:24 ] Armalag Blackflame, The Rock, Warlord of Pain Hum [ Cl:18 ] Caspian Marquise, the Unaligned Hum [ Cl:10 ] Cyrix, the Forge Rekindled Aar [ Sh:26 Wa:30 ] Seyton Del'Roh, Imperial Knight of the Conclave Elf [ Ra:20 Th:18 Ma:18 ] Boromir Favored of Fate .. Taoiseach .. Cassandra Elf [ Ma: 5 ] Rayna the Elf Maiden Elf [ Ma:11 Wa:16 ] Kethran Would appreciate a tell from Tynian, please. Gno [ Aggelos Abussos ] Nemick, ChAoTiC GnOmE Hum [ Wa: 2 Cl:14 ] Levron Distributer of -=Pain=- Hum [ Wa: 4 ] Lysander, Adjutant of the Midgaard Regiment Dwa [ Cl:25 Wa:24 ] Durin: Honor, Truth, Integrity, Seeker of Fate. Aar [ Wa: 8 Sh:25 ] Abaddon, Guardian of the bottomless pit WARD Hum [ Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Rath, Wicked Judge of the Black Conclave Hum [ Wa: 3 ] Xena the Girl Gno [ Wa: 4 Cl:14 ] Luvela is un-dignified and all-around nasty Hum [ Sh: 5 Ra:15 ] Arianos Sh'Leya Morgannen...Insane Shin'a'in TIGER... Gia [ Retired ] [GS] Thaygar: Ebon Ruler of Death and RitaetimeHum [ Ra: 8 Ma:15 ] Darkstarr Peacekeeper of Life's Blood Gno [ Cl:19 ] Grundle Gnome *Wind* Elf [ Cl:18 Wa:10 ] Tien, Chosen Elven Cleric of Fate. Waah! Ogr [ Sh:17 Wa:30 ] Mong the Barbarian -BOC- -Nashite- Hum [ Wa:24 Th:26 ] Ptarchyzk the Atheistic Muggle Dwa [ Wa:20 Cl:20 ] Athorne Battlehammer, *Tiger* Elf [ Ma:14 ] Serinda can i chain you up? you'll enjoy the pain! Hum [ Lesser Goddess ] Cordir, Lady of Fate. *D* Hum [ Sh:23 Ra:21 ] Harmony Skylore: Nash, Life, *FATE*, & Newbies oh my! Hum [ Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Daelin, Grand Knight of the Black Conclave Gia [ Sh: 4 Wa:12 ] Trevor the Reborn newbie-helper of *Fate* Hum [ Wa:16 Cl:18 ] Dazzle, Novice of Fate. -all except auc Hel [ Weaver's Shadow ] Nyx: Ebon Messenger of Fate. (Taoiseach) Hum [ Ma: 8 ] Nick the Boy Ogr [ Sh:12 ] Balia, Black Cauldron of Pain NASH BOC Hum [ Wa:27 Cl:30 ] Clue: Sentry of the Southern Zephyr /WIND/IPS/KGB Hum [ Ra:30 Ma:30 ] Kaern floats on a cloud of bananas -+-iPsdtudle--> Elf [ Th:18 Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Vorax the Dark Elf, Har'luth d'naubol [Pain]
It is 9pm on Ozymandiut the 26th, the month of Celebration,
in the year 2428.TFC started up at Tue Aug 29 14:54:41 2000
The system time is Thu Aug 31 19:45:51 2000Cordir smiles quietly and glances over at Her Shadow.
Nyx steps a little further into the shadows.
Thaygar says, 'She gathered Her own Brood of Hatchlings in the Plains outside, and set to guarding them as once the Flame had guarded Her (minus the bloody mopping)'.
Grundle bows deeply.
Rath shifts slightly,weaponry reflecting dim light
Cordir nods to Grundle, and gestures at the Pool.
Grundle thanks Thaygar heartily.
Balia giggles.
Cordir fingers Her long silver locks, smiling in memory.
Thaygar says, 'she consorted with the Other Spirits of the Jungle, and learned of many She had never before seen'.
Tien smiles happily.
Cordir ftells, '..... I did not know the tale Thaygar was going to spin tonight, Chosen... I swear that.'.
Nyx shudders ever so slightly in memory.
Nyx ftells, 'Walking to a Void, no worries, and _someone_ has mopped the place with blood.'.
Nyx ftells, 'It's not the world's most comforting sight, let me tell you.'.
Thaygar says, 'she clashed at first with Shafts-of-Light, but later reconciled due to the efforts of a Kinght of the Light'.
Thaygar says, 'she was amicable with the Bloody Claws, sharing Their reverence for peace and Life'.
Nyx ftells, 'I'm glad that someone was able to find their way past that particluar bit of their life...'.
Dazzle has found the ground beneath his tree to be a more comfortable resting place than the bark itslelf.
Dazzle rests.
Thaygar says, 'she was, at best, cordial with the Lantern Holder and His mystical brood, or the Fly-Spawn of the Maggot Flow'.
Thaygar says, 'Her life was measured, it was whole'.
Thaygar says, 'she worked with the Lord of the Scales to craft a new portion of the Plains fitting in the eyes of the Blue Monkey who oversaw such things'.
Cordir coughs.
Thaygar says, 'she watched Her hatchlings grow, shielded them with Her webs, and was happy in Her work'.
Thaygar says, 'as with all things, however, this arrangement too, in time, died'.
Dazzle looks at Cordir.
Thaygar says, 'not in the particulars ... but in the contentment'.
Trevor beams a smile at Cordir.
Cordir stills, tears running silently down Her face.
Thaygar says, 'the Bloody Claws departed, the Lord of the Scales sought higher things'.
Trevor hugs Cordir.
Boromir beams a smile at Cordir.
Arianos sniffs sadly.
Thaygar says, 'the Lantern Holder moved on, and the Glinting Coin that had been the Winged Tiger was obliviated altogether'.
Dazzle looks long at His Lady, a quiet sigh escaping his lips at the poignant sight..
Arianos winces. Ouch!
Thaygar says, 'this last Ending had, in its own way, a special depth for Great Spider'.
Trevor slowly nods at the truth in Lodr Thaygar's words.
Arianos finally realizes the true meaning of the story with a gasp.
You hear a deep throated snarl from somewhere near Tripper's hip.
Thaygar says, 'for the Knight of Shafts-of-Light, an ally of Great Spider, was consumed as well'.
Someone absently scratches the neck of the invisible beast at his elbow.
Arianos winces. Ouch!
Thaygar says, 'and the Fly-Children of the Maggot Flow beset Her children with fierce vigor'.
Arianos sniffs sadly.
Thaygar says, 'and She Herself wandered the Jungle not always in contentment, sometimes clashing with the other Spirits'.
Thaygar bows before someone.
Someone hugs Thaygar.
Someone bounces onto Thaygar's lap.
Someone purrs contentedly.Dazzle blinks lightly.
Thaygar says, 'the Spider found Herself uncertain of Her future, but wandering through the Jungle, she found Herself, one night, at a crossroad She had never before seen'.
Thaygar says, 'for the terrain of the Jungle is mutable and shifting in a way that the solid Plain never is'.
Clue purrs contentedly.
Thaygar says, 'as She entered the Crossroads, she immediately recognized it'.
Thaygar says, 'even though She had never seen it'.
Arianos prks up, as the story appears to take a more joyous note...
Thaygar says, 'this was the Square of Decision ... with Paths leading forth from it and One leading in'.
Natas hugs someone.
l
A Moonlit Garden
[Exits: none]
You stand quietly in the midst of a nearly silent garden, afraid
to move. This is clearly no normal, natural place. Lit only by
the oddly shimmering light of a full silver moon, this tiny glade
is no more than twenty paces across, and a still, unmoving pool
of water is its silent heart. The trees all around are hung with
intricate spiders' webs. None by itself is sturdier than any
ordinary web, but the layers upon layers of them combine to seal
you off entirely from the world outside. There is no more than a
hint of breeze, and the leaves rustling overhead are a barely
heard subliminal murmur. The air is strange; somehow, everything
seems to be rippling slightly, and a thousand subtle scents drift
by your nose and are gone again. This garden, you realize, is
not real. Perhaps it is waiting to be real, or perhaps it once
was, or perhaps it is beyond such things as real and not-real
altogether... A pattern, a place, an idea, that you are holding
in your mind for a few moments, and nothing more.
( 3) You can hardly wait to sink your teeth into this dessert.
Athorne is resting here.
Cyrix is resting here.
Tien is here.
Arianos is resting here.
Martok is resting here.
Ptarchyzk is resting here.
Boromir is resting here.
Balia is resting here.
[GS] Thaygar is here.
Mong is resting here.
Cordir is here.
Rath is resting here.
Abaddon is resting here.
Vorax is resting here.
Clue is resting here.
Kaern is here.
Trevor is resting here.
Dazzle is resting here.
Harmony is resting here.
Nyx is here.Thaygar says, 'the way in was now barred ... but she could continue across the Square and out the other end, walking the same Path She had before'.
Thaygar says, 'or she could turn to Her right, and take the Road of Departure, as so many Spirits had'.
Trevor faints, falling into a heap on the ground.
Thaygar says, 'or She could turn to Her left, and walk the Trail of the Unknown, forging a new path for Herself, whatever that might be'.
Dazzle blinks at Trevor, seemingly stunned.
Balia blinks.
Trevor gathers himself up.
Harmony waits in supsense.
Thaygar says, 'the Spider knew She was not content with the way things were'.
Arianos wonders what path 3 is...or if it exhists.
Thaygar says, 'the Past was dead to Her, the present fading ... She could not walk across and continue as She had'.
Dazzle subconsciously bites at the inside of his cheek as the story progresses..such wonder in this, the telling..
Thaygar says, 'the First Path, the Path Ahead as Behind, was not to be Hers'.
Thaygar says, 'that left the Road of Departure, and the Trail of the Unknown'.
Natas drops from the ceiling! How long was he up there??
Thaygar closes To Serve Man.
Rath grins evilly at Natas.
Natas grins evilly.Harmony shushes natas.
You ftell, 'to be continued!'.
Thaygar says, 'this One knows not the future of this tale'.
Abaddon gasps in astonishment. Harmony is left hanging.
Thaygar says, 'He only knows the Path that He chose'.
Abaddon nods in recognition to Harmony.
Arianos sighs loudly.
Boromir smiles quietly to himself.
Thaygar says, 'and offers His guidance on what the Paths entail'.
Clue agrees with Harmony 100%.
Cordir stands and curtseys deeply, formally, before the Ebon Lord, tears still falling silently.
Cordir says, 'As always, Revered One... Your guidance is welcome.'.
Thaygar says, 'this One walked into the Road of Departure, and whatever people might claim ... there is never a true Return'.
Harmony nudges cordir for the outcome.
Abaddon hugs Thaygar.
Cyrix coughs.
Clue thanks Thaygar for a very interesting tale.
Arianos wonders what path the Great Spider will take, knowing it will have great repurcussions if things change as the way is.
Boromir nods slowly.
Tien agrees with Clue 100%.
Dazzle rises to his feet and bows formally to Thaygar.
Arianos bows before Thaygar.
Boromir bows before Thaygar.Someone curtseys gracefully to Thaygar.
Balia curtseys gracefully to Thaygar.
Tien bows before Thaygar.Someone beams a smile at Thaygar.
Trevor bows before Thaygar.
Arianos floats to the ground and lands on his feet.
Arianos stands up.Martok says (in common), 'that was the end?'.
Martok giggles at himself, he must be nervous or something.Cyrix bows before Thaygar.
Dazzle frowns at what Martok did.
Dazzle bows before Thaygar.
Tien thanks Thaygar heartily.
Harmony lets a single tear fall down her cheek.
l
A Moonlit Garden
[Exits: none]
You stand quietly in the midst of a nearly silent garden, afraid
to move. This is clearly no normal, natural place. Lit only by
the oddly shimmering light of a full silver moon, this tiny glade
is no more than twenty paces across, and a still, unmoving pool
of water is its silent heart. The trees all around are hung with
intricate spiders' webs. None by itself is sturdier than any
ordinary web, but the layers upon layers of them combine to seal
you off entirely from the world outside. There is no more than a
hint of breeze, and the leaves rustling overhead are a barely
heard subliminal murmur. The air is strange; somehow, everything
seems to be rippling slightly, and a thousand subtle scents drift
by your nose and are gone again. This garden, you realize, is
not real. Perhaps it is waiting to be real, or perhaps it once
was, or perhaps it is beyond such things as real and not-real
altogether... A pattern, a place, an idea, that you are holding
in your mind for a few moments, and nothing more.
( 2) You can hardly wait to sink your teeth into this dessert.
Ptarchyzk is resting here.
Natas is here.
Cordir is here.
Cyrix is resting here.
Tien is here.
Arianos is here.
Martok is resting here.
Boromir is resting here.
Balia is here.
[GS] Thaygar is here.
Mong is resting here.
Rath is resting here.
Abaddon is resting here.
Vorax is resting here.
Clue is here.
Kaern is here.
Trevor is resting here.
Dazzle is here.
Harmony is resting here.
Nyx is here.Cordir reaches for Her Shadow's support with a trembling hand.
Boromir thanks Thaygar heartily.
who 40 players. Hum [ Wa:20 Cl:20 ] Claw, Priest of the Black Conclave Gno [ Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Marco, Crimson Knight of the Black Conclave. Dwa [ Demigod ] Natas, Lord of Chaos Elf [ Th:29 Wa:30 Ma:30 ] Dalaran is just another brick in the wall Dwa [ Th:21 Wa:20 Sh:30 ] Kilrath, Shamanic Shadow Knight of the Conclave Elf [ Ma: 6 ] Legend'Aerie Hum [ Th: 3 Wa:20 Cl:22 ] Falcor Dragon Knight of Life's Blood {NASH} Hum [ Sh:11 ] Martok. Dwa [ Wa:28 Cl:30 ] Mordith, Malevolent Cardinal of the Black Conclave Hel [ Th:15 ] Qiziquiment just making a living Hel [ Ma:15 ] Radagast is closed Hum [ Cl:18 ] Caspian Marquise, the Unaligned Min [ Ma: 1 ] Llubyzarc the Minotaur Hel [ Ma:13 Th: 9 Wa:15 ] Galithandril: Minion of the Storms *Wind* Hum [ Cl:10 ] Cyrix, the Forge Rekindled Aar [ Sh:26 Wa:30 ] Seyton Del'Roh, Imperial Knight of the Conclave Elf [ Ra:20 Th:18 Ma:18 ] Boromir Favored of Fate .. Taoiseach .. Cassandra Elf [ Ma: 5 ] Rayna the Elf Maiden Hum [ Wa: 4 ] Lysander, Adjutant of the Midgaard Regiment Dwa [ Cl:25 Wa:24 ] Durin: Honor, Truth, Integrity, Seeker of Fate. Aar [ Wa: 8 Sh:25 ] Abaddon, Guardian of the bottomless pit WARD Hum [ Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Rath, Wicked Judge of the Black Conclave Hum [ Sh: 5 Ra:15 ] Arianos Sh'Leya Morgannen...Insane Shin'a'in TIGER... Gia [ Retired ] [GS] Thaygar: Ebon Ruler of Death and RitaeNyx offers a hand in return.Elf [ Cl:18 Wa:10 ] Tien, Chosen Elven Cleric of Fate. Waah! Ogr [ Sh:17 Wa:30 ] Mong the Barbarian -BOC- -Nashite- Hum [ Wa:24 Th:26 ] Ptarchyzk the Atheistic Muggle Dwa [ Wa:20 Cl:20 ] Athorne Battlehammer, *Tiger* Elf [ Wa:20 Cl:30 ] Shorn, Unholy Crusader of the Black Conclave. Hum [ Lesser Goddess ] Cordir, Lady of Fate. *D* Hum [ Sh:23 Ra:21 ] Harmony Skylore: Nash, Life, *FATE*, & Newbies oh my! Hum [ Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Daelin, Grand Knight of the Black Conclave Gia [ Sh: 4 Wa:12 ] Trevor the Reborn newbie-helper of *Fate* Hum [ Wa:16 Cl:18 ] Dazzle, Novice of Fate. -all except auc Hel [ Weaver's Shadow ] Nyx: Ebon Messenger of Fate. (Taoiseach) Hum [ Or:29 Wa:30 Ma:29 ] Maldobar, Dark Minion of the Arch-Lich. [Nash] Ogr [ Sh:12 ] Balia, Black Cauldron of Pain NASH BOC Hum [ Wa:27 Cl:30 ] Clue: Sentry of the Southern Zephyr /WIND/IPS/KGB Hum [ Ra:30 Ma:30 ] Kaern floats on a cloud of bananas -+-iPsdtudle--> Elf [ Th:18 Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Vorax the Dark Elf, Har'luth d'naubol [Pain] Trevor raises his head towards his Lady Cordir.
Cordir again curtseys deeply before Thaygar.
Thaygar didn't intend that to be so dramatic ...
Arianos holds back his emotions for further pondering later.
Harmony crys softly.
Cordir gestures and the waters of the Pool part.
Thaygar nudges the roommate ooc.
Cordir unlocks the pattern-pool.
Cordir opens the pattern-pool.Thaygar coughs.
Nyx raises an eyebrow slightly.
Qiziquiment sighs loudly.
Clue offers her support to her friend.Martok has much to think about.
Nyx says (in common), 'You, Lord? Not dramatic?'.
You chuckle.
Boromir chuckles, evidently amused.Qiziquiment grovels in the dirt before Thaygar.
Dazzle beams a smile at Nyx.
Nyx coughs lightly.Trevor says (in common), 'A finely crafted tale, Thaygar'.
Trevor grovels in the dirt before Thaygar.Thaygar says, 'this One knows what He chose'.
Abaddon nods in recognition to Trevor.
Cyrix says (in common), 'seeing you has stirred memories Thaygar I thought buried and dead...'.
Boromir keeps to himself ... lost in thought.
Nyx's eyes twinkle slightly.
Ptarchyzk says (in common), 'The day that the Old One looses his drama is the day I cast spells.'.
Kaern nods in recognition to Boromir.
Nyx says (in common), 'A common error, Cyrix'.
Dazzle looks briefly to Boromir, casting a smile of greeting in his direction.
Thaygar says, 'the Road of Departure, once walked upon, can never be trodden back, whatever the claim'.
Nyx says (in common), 'The Lord has had some... experience... in avoiding such matters.'.
Thaygar says, 'the Return only reminds one of the Departure, and the Reasons for it'.
Cyrix says (in common), 'perhaps for some Nyx....but she was mine once...'.
Thaygar says, 'and the Departure beckons all too soon once more'.
Thaygar says, 'for This One, it mattered not unduly'.
Clue thinks she understands Thaygar's reasonings.
Thaygar says, 'there was regret in the passing, but also necessity'.
Thaygar says, 'and most certainly never pain'.
Boromir glances up and then returns to his thoughts.
there is a pause while people leave, create food eat, spell up, etc. and then khore sneaks in
Khore steps up behind you from the shadows.
Cordir says softly, 'Thank You, Ebon Lord.'
Thaygar says, 'if you take that path, Spider ... it will not be good or bad in its own right ... but may be good or bad for You'.
Clue curtseys gracefully to Cordir.
Cyrix says (in common), 'perhaps you are right Thaygar....perhaps you are right...'.
Ptarchyzk looks for this mysterious lock in this pool thingie..
Arianos says (in common), 'greetings Lord Khore'.
Arianos bows before Khore.
Khore says, 'Quite a crowd in here.'.
Khore bows deeply.
Boromir bows before Khore.Someone tweaks Khore's nose.
Tien bows before Khore.Thaygar bows before Khore.
Clue curtseys gracefully to Khore.
Dazzle bows before Khore.
Arianos snickers softly.
Cordir says, 'It was larger, earlier, Lord Khore.'.
Cyrix bows before Khore.
Abaddon says (in common), 'theres AC in here'.
Boromir says (in common), 'Good Evening Lord Khore '.
Balia curtseys gracefully to Khore.
Ptarchyzk says (in common), 'heya Fanged one..'.
Dazzle says (in common), 'A fine evening to you.'.
Qiziquiment says (in common), 'heya'.
Cordir says, 'Lord Khore...'.
Qiziquiment says (in common), 'i was a latecomer'.
Cordir closes the pattern-pool.
Cordir locks the pattern-pool.Qiziquiment says (in common), 'they locked me out'. Qiziquiment sniffs sadly.
Boromir returns to his thoughts.
Cordir says, 'You have a captive audience.'.
l
A Moonlit Garden
[Exits: none]
You stand quietly in the midst of a nearly silent garden, afraid
to move. This is clearly no normal, natural place. Lit only by
the oddly shimmering light of a full silver moon, this tiny glade
is no more than twenty paces across, and a still, unmoving pool
of water is its silent heart. The trees all around are hung with
intricate spiders' webs. None by itself is sturdier than any
ordinary web, but the layers upon layers of them combine to seal
you off entirely from the world outside. There is no more than a
hint of breeze, and the leaves rustling overhead are a barely
heard subliminal murmur. The air is strange; somehow, everything
seems to be rippling slightly, and a thousand subtle scents drift
by your nose and are gone again. This garden, you realize, is
not real. Perhaps it is waiting to be real, or perhaps it once
was, or perhaps it is beyond such things as real and not-real
altogether... A pattern, a place, an idea, that you are holding
in your mind for a few moments, and nothing more.
Khore is here.
Rath is resting here.
Qiziquiment is here.
Mong is resting here.
Cordir is here.
Ptarchyzk is resting here.
Cyrix is resting here.
Tien is here.
Arianos is here.
Martok is resting here.
Boromir is here.
Balia is here.
[GS] Thaygar is here.
Abaddon is here.
Vorax is here.
Clue is here.
Dazzle is here.
Harmony is resting here.
Nyx is here.Someone grins evilly at Cordir.
Thaygar says, 'the Trail of the Unknown would be very, very hard as well ... much would change ... the only difference being that the Jungle itself will not die to You'.
Khore says, 'Oh?'.
Dazzle raises an eyebrow at Cordir.
Khore says, 'You think I came to usurp Thaygar's audience?'.
Cordir shakes her head.
Arianos looks at Cordir.
Cordir says, 'No, Lord.'.
Boromir rests.
Ptarchyzk says (in common), 'Khore the usurper..'.
Arianos nods.
Ptarchyzk snickers softly.
Harmony smirks at Khore's saying.
Khore says, 'Well, I did, but I may not be able to take advantage of it.'.
Khore grins evilly.Clue greets the Vamp Lord.
Dazzle smiles happily.
Nyx says (in common), 'If you intend to try, you had best be Dramatic.'.
Nyx says (in common), 'We react better to that.'.Nyx smiles happily.
Khore snickers softly.
Thaygar says, 'This One has no recommendation other than to consider, again, why You firsst walked the Plain, why You first entered the jungle'.
Boromir gathers in the himself... returns to his thoughts.
Abaddon sighs loudly.
Cordir nods, grief plain on her features.
Dazzle nods in recognition to Thaygar.
Thaygar says, 'and to see if those reasons still hold'.
Nyx helps steady the Lady.
Cyrix says (in common), 'heheh....even as mortals, I always thought you more complex than I Thaygar. That was the only thing which softened Siren's betrayal.'.
Cyrix says (in common), 'verily, you are worthy of the highest respect.'.
Thaygar says, 'perhaps You would most enjoy walking the Plain again ... perhaps the Jungle can court once more'.
Someone nods in recognition to Cyrix.
Qiziquiment chuckles, evidently amused.
Thaygar bows before Cyrix.
Cordir holds tight to Her Shadow's hand, Her thin frame trembling.
Martok says (in common), 'shouldn't Cyrix be a retired god?'.
Ptarchyzk goes looking for an old-english thesaurous..
Thaygar says, 'perhaps not'.
Cyrix says (in common), 'I am reborn to this mortal coil for reasons I do not know...'.
Thaygar says, 'this One wishes You the best in Your decision'.
Clue says (in old-common), 'not if he chooses not to be'.
Cyrix says (in common), 'it is, perhaps, my path, to learn the Plains again'.
Martok nods in recognition to Cyrix.
Boromir glances up to see how Lady Cordir fares and sees Nyx is there .. he returns to his thoughts.
Cordir sinks into a deep, fully curtsey before the Ebon Lord.
Thaygar says, 'if You ever desire advice, He is willing to give it to You, His most devoted walker on the Plain'.
Ptarchyzk says (in common), 'aye.. much has changed to be relearned.'.
Cordir nods in recognition to Thaygar.
Cyrix nods.
Cordir says, 'Always, Lord.'.
Thaygar bows before Cordir.
Cordir says, 'Always.'.
more things deleted while people wait for others to arrive
Khore says, 'Is Thaygar's tale complete?'.
Thaygar says, 'in a sense, no ... but the ending has not yet been written'.
Clue says (in old-common), 'only as fav as it goes'.
Cyrix says (in common), 'his Telling is, Lord Khore....but the tale continues'.
Khore says, 'Ah, of course.'.
Someone says (in common), 'the tale resonates until an ending has been given'.
Khore says, 'I am sorry to have missed it.'.
Rath says (in common), 'are you going to speak,Khore?'.
Cordir says, 'I believe My Shadow's everpresent gaze caught all.'.
Thaygar says, 'this One imagines that a Great Spider likely recorded it :)'.
Khore says, 'I think so, if no one objects.'.
Khore says, 'I have lived a long long time.'.
Khore says, 'I have many tails.'.
Khore says, 'Well, just one tail.'.
Khore wiggles his bottom.Mong smiles happily.
Khore says, 'But many tales.'.
Rath reluctantly settles his bulk back down.
Harmony looks at khores tails.
Cyrix grins happily at Khore.
Dazzle remains rooted in his place 'neath the tree.
Cordir ponders the many shark-bite marks on said tail...
Khore hugs someone.
Someone bows deeply.
Cyrix says (in common), 'there is still amusement to be had :)'.
Cordir beams a smile at someone.Someone beams a smile at Cordir.
Cordir says, 'welcome, dear lady.'.
Someone says (in common), 'Thank you, Lady Cordir.'.
Khore says, 'What tale would you like to hear of?'.
Arianos floats up to the branches and rests.
Thaygar nods in recognition to someone.
Rath says (in common), 'betrayal...war...death'.
Khore grins evilly.
Khore says, 'Ah...'.
Rath says (in common), 'what the best tales are made of'.
Someone bows before Thaygar.
Someone hugs Thaygar.
Someone curtseys gracefully to Cordir.
Khore says, 'Lady Cordir, are you logging the events?'.
Someone is, if she's not.
Cyrix says (in common), 'one day I shall write of the ancient heroes for you Rath '.
Rath nods in recognition to Cyrix.
Khore says, 'Many ages past...'.
Boromir raises an eyebrow at Cyrix.
Khore grins evilly.
Khore says, 'Does anyone know the tale of the Wemics?'.
Tien shakes his head.
You nod.Cyrix says (in common), 'I think you would find Starfire and Godzilla amusing characters :)'.
Khore says, 'The stand at the Maelstrom?'.
Martok says (in common), 'Please enlighten us'.
Saphyre smiles quietly.
Khore nods.
You say (in common), 'heard second hand from one who heard it'.
Khore says, 'This tale has been told.'.
Khore says, 'But, there is more that is yet untold.'.
The lighting dims.
Khore says, 'Perhaps you would be better served, seeing through their eyes.'.
Khore utters some magic.Your vision shifts.
Rath mutters at the incantations,looking around suspiciously.
Harmony ftells, 'hmm ive got shifty vision'.
The plains are smooth, the grass a purple tinge unknown to you.
In the high sky, two moons, one silver, one red dance in the celestial waltz.
You do not know this place.Off the west, a bird warbles a song you have never heard.
And a beast rises from the grass.
Tall, catlike, with woven clothing...
His twin eyes scan the horizon before he crouches down into the sea of grass and disappears again.
You catch the barest movement of the grass... he is on the move.Your vision shifts again, this time through the eyes of the cat-man.
You see nothing but grass, but the scent of the world overwhelms you.
And something... something particular disturbs you greatly.
And then the scent of a familiar friend. Your movement stops."Tyrphus, this way."
You turn your head to the voice.
Of course, there's nothing there but grass...
And, then, on all fours, you bolt through the grass, the stalks whipping against your face.
You come upon the clearing.Harmony looks around.
Your vision shifts, you watch from high above now.
The plain is charred here... there was no clearing.
But around the edge of the clearing, small fires still burn.
Two wemic warriors stand over an umoving shape.
One drops to his knees and buries his face in his hands.
The other looks straight up at the sky...
And the scream echos throughout the night.Your vision shifts again.
You are tending a stove as there is a knock on the door.
You go to open it.
Tyrphus stands there holding a bundle in his arms, his face tear streaked.
You feel a paralyzing fear.Harmony shivers uncomfortably.
Cordir gives a silver weaving shuttle to Khore.
You peel back the blanket and barely recognize a child you bore not four years past...
Your vision shifts as anguish fills you.
You are returned to your self.
Khore says, 'Those were the first days, when the children went missing.'.
Khore says, 'And the crops died.'.
Arianos whines annoyingly. Why don't you slap him?
Harmony bursts into tears.
Khore says, 'And the warriors who were want to fight could not find an enemy to fight.'.
Boromir nods slowly.
Arianos wimpers, and bite his lower lip...
Khore says, 'Only, there was a strange mis-presence in the world.'.
Arianos thinks of the history of his own peoples...
Khore says, 'To understand, you must have a little background.'.
Khore says, 'In the beginning, there was only the Voice who called itself the Darkness because it knew no other name.'.
Khore says, 'It was pure.'.
Khore says, 'Only afterwards would Chaos come, and twist that purity.'.
Arianos winces. Ouch!
Khore says, 'Changed it into something that was called the Maelstrom, the consciousness of chaos.'.
Khore says, 'There were three sons of Vlad.'.
Khore says, 'Dracul, Khore, and Lestat.'.
Khore says, 'The eldest, Lestat betrayed his brothers and father.'.
Khore says, 'And joined forces with the Maelstrom.'.
Khore says, 'It was his presence in the land of the Wemics, his need for blood to sate his hunger...'.
Khore says, 'It was he who murdered children.'.
Khore says, 'But at this point, the eldest and brothers did not know.'.
Khore says, 'They only knew that this pristine land was dying.'.
Khore says, 'This land they had been charged with guarding.'.
Khore says, 'And knew not who had let that chaos in.'.
Khore says, 'To rend what had been so carefully built.'.
Khore says, 'They did not yet suspect their own.'.
Khore says, 'But someone did know.'.
Khore looks upwards and chants again.
Your vision shifts.
You stand on the tree, looking down at the sleeping village.
There is the faint tug of hunger, the need and want for blood.
But you have already killed today, and another sacrifice is not yet necessary.
You drop down, land solidly, but silently.
And begin a slow walk into the village.The doors are open. The people trusting.
The scent of bread and food fill the air.
There is a peace here you miss.You walk casually into an open house, and watch two wemics eat what they have made.
They are oblivious to your presence.Harmony's stomache turns.
"The crops do not do well."
The other looks up and replies, "All will be fine."
You sourly think to yourself that all will not be fine.A lancing pain draws your attention away from the wemics.
It started again...
You glance down at your arm, the throbbing black puscular mass...
You grunt in pain and leave as the Wemics glance around unsure of what they heard.
Kneeling on the ground outside, you do your best to dull the pain...
... by biting into your lip, blinding yourself into a rage ...
But it does not work.... "Lestat." ...
You do not reply, your eyes shut tight, straining to be kept shut.
... " You do not do my bidding " ...
"I AM NOT YOUR SLAVE!!!" You barely recognize your voice as all around you, alarmed Wemics shut their doors.
But the dull throb of pain from your arm makes you believe otherwise...
You race out into the night as fast as your legs can carry you...Your vision shifts again.
You are in a small, humble house.
There wells inside you a sense of pride.
Sleeping on the couch, your wife...
Still shaken, drained from the ordeal through which she has been put.
The burial did not go well this morning.
You carried her home.Now, there is a sense of restlessness inside you.
Something needs be done.You reach up, take the sword of your fathers from its place above the hearth, and walk outside.
The air is crisp tonight, for once in a long time.
The scent of the cornplants wafts up and fills you with nostalgia.
You remember a time when swords were toys for children, and the scythe was the tool of a man.
Now, the children work the fields and their fathers spend their days hunting for shadows they cannot catch.There is a familiar scent from behind you.
"Hail there, Tyrphus."Kaern swivels around.
"Hail, Rhufus."
You turn and see your old lieutenant.
Harmony bites her lips.
He is grizzled, gray, but strong. His arms are like the trees of your youth.
He clasps you on the shoulder."I see sleep escapes you as well, my friend."
You nod. "Let's hunt."
Something passes between the two of you that does not have a need for words, and you begin walking out into the plains.
Your vision shifts.
You are in the middle of a lake.
Your arm is buried up to your shoulder in the mud, a futile attempt to dull the incessant pain.... "Lestat" ...
... "Make this world for me. Give it to me." ...
"It is not yours for the taking, damn you."
Your eyes are shut again, they know what they will see if they open.
But against the will of your body, your head raises up and gazes.In front of you, twin spirals of darkness and light intermingle.
In a helical dance, the curved shapes mix and intertwine... but never completely.
There is chaos here, and in the heart of the Maelstrom, a dull glow of stolen life...
Your stolen life.The wind blows menacingly from the west north west.
The maelstrom fades, and the pain subsides.Harmony the pain recurses through her nerves.
Somewhere, off in the distance, you sense two wandering souls.
Your hunger is increasing.
And you are too weak to allow yourself to starve to death like you would like.You gather yourself and race to meet them.
Your vision shifts.
You are neck high in the plains of grass.
Tyrphus bounds in front of you.Kaern smiles happily.
You study the movement of the general you knew as a cub.
There is a father-like pride and a brother-like love that flows between you.
And to shoulder the burden of a single loss child alone, you would not allow him that.Something is amiss.
A dark shape crashes into you.
You sink into an inky black darkness.
Your vision shifts.You whirl around, sword drawn and fling yourself upon Rhufus's assailant.
Only to swing at empty air.It hovers now...
You crouch, sword ready.
Something tells you this is a fight that you will not win.
In your mind, you make yourself at peace.
As you level the sword and prepare to lunge.
The dark shape does not move.
You lunge.
And again, strike nothing but air.Kaern frowns.
From behind you, the feel of daggers entering your neck...
Saphyre shivers uncomfortably.
Then a scream.
You whirl, hand on your wound, stemming the flow of crimson blood.
And see the shape writhing on the ground, clutching its arm.
You feel very very weak...
But see those red eyes, gazing in that pitch black mass...
Pleading for you to kill it...
That fills your mind as the ground lunges up to meet you.Your vision shifts.
You watch, concerned.
Harmony almost passes out.
Down below, the wemics are both unconcious, and Lestat is recovering rapidly.
"Should we move yet?"
You raise your hand to your young friend.
"Not yet."
"Lestat will kill them both."
"Watch."Your vision shifts again.
You gaze down on the wemics.
Something has dulled your pain.Khore says, 'Your thirst and hunger are powerful, but not yet overpowering.'.
You walk over to the one that attacked you.
And pick him up.His eyes flair open.
You gaze into those crystalline eyes...
Nobility, and subdued fear.
You release him and watch him crumple to the ground.
He stirs, and kneels on a single knee.You say, "I cannot save you.
You say, "Any of you."
"I can only kill you all at once, or one at a time."
He replies, "I do not understand. Are you the killer of children, and the killer of crops?"
You chuckle.
"I am fire that burns, but I did not set the fire."
Tyrphus looks at you and then at Rhufus.
Tyrphys places his hand on the fang marks on his neck.
He looks confused.Cyrix looks around.
His anguish is apparent when he says, "But... you are... I did not believe you were our enemies!".
He refers to your father, of course, and your brothers.
He does not yet know about the thing that hides over the horizon that will destroy all of this place.
The pain is growing stronger again, as is the thirst.Your vision shifts.
"Look at that, Lestat hasn't killed them yet."
"No... not yet."
"The other wemic is waking up, look!"
Your vision shifts.
Stars dance in front of your eyes.
You smell something disturbing.
Gathering your strength, you lay motionless."No, my name is Lestat. I am not he of whom you speak."
The thing is speaking with Tyrphus!
Your energy returned, you rise and in one swift movement stand and plunge a dagger into the thing's back!
Kaern grins wickedly.
You are flung back with incredible energy!
You hope Tyrphus has taken the advantage and killed the thing as you land heavily and the darkness embraces you again.
Your vision shifts.
Rhufus lands with a heavy thud behind the creature Lestat.
You raise your sword again, and prepare to strike down the beast as it pulls the dagger from its back.
You swing the blade with all the might in your body!
And it is flung away, plucked from your hands like a feather.Lestat lays on the ground, covered in a shimmering white shield.
Two figures stand before you.
One is tall, ancient, and proud.
You recognize him as the liason of Vlad, one called Bezil."Lestat is ensorceled, he cannot know we are here, or the Maelstrom too will know."
"He is beyond our saving."There is a pause.
"As are you."
You do not understand these feelings that you feel... loss? Betrayal? You can only utter, "Why??"
Bezil responds, "The war is not going well. The Maelstrom grows stronger and our forces are losing ground."
You look into Bezil's eyes and say, drained of emotion, "Why have you come here?"
Harmony sighs at the misfortune.
He nods his head.
"I can save only one."
"I do not understand," comes your reply.
Bezil looks at you and says, "Your wife carries another child. Her lifeforce is not yet known to the Maelstrom."
You do not know what to say.
"You know, Bezil, I would give everything I own to save my child, but I have lost one already, why do you tell me of another that I must lose?"
Harmony stares blankly.
Bezil shakes his head.
Bezil says, "She will be saved. We will save her. Forget that we were here."
Bezil says, "You needed to know. The battle will come, flee when it comes. We will save all we can."
Bezil and Khan disappear into the darkness.Your vision shifts.
Dimly, you awaken.
The wemics are gone.
So is the dagger from your back.You are alive.
Such is the price of immortality.
Your arm is throbbing.
You must have blacked out.
You shrug, bend your head to the night, and race off to feed.Your vision shifts.
The sun is high in the sky.
The light feels good on your face.I am the wind. I am the stars, the moon, the sky.
I am the leader of my people...
... and I lead them off to die.
The grim thought buries itself into your head.You turn around and face your army.
Every wemic in shining battle armor.
Every soul understanding the sacrifice...
And every heart united.You turn back around as the horizon darkens.
A huge black Maelstrom dances on the horizon.
Beneath, the warriors of Chaos.
Mishapen monsters on mishapen steeds.
In tight formation, marching slowly.
The army of Chaos.You turn around and face your warriors.
"I AM TYPRHUS, YOUR GENERAL!"
"YOUR FAMILIES ARE AT HOME!"
"WE CANNOT WIN THIS BATTLE!"
"WHOMSOEVER WISHES, GO HOME! SPEND THIS TIME WITH YOUR FAMILIES!"Not a man stirs.
Then a voice from the assembled, "EVERY MINUTE WE STAND IN BATTLE IS A MINUTE THEY STAY ALIVE!"
The cheers flood through the army.
Such bitterness and joy, pride and envy flood you as you have never known.
You choke back tears and turn to face Maelstrom.Lightning strikes and Bezil appears between the two armies.
Arianos remembers what chaos did to his people...
He turns towards you and shouts, "FLEE! YOU CANNOT WIN THIS BATTLE."
You lower your helmet, level your lance, and charge to meet destiny, knowing your newborn daughter will live to see another day.
Behind you, a million wemics do the same.Your vision returns.
Khore says, 'Lena did survive.'.
Khore says, 'But that's a story for another day.'.Kaern smiles happily.
Cyrix claps at Khore's performance.
Kaern is so excited that he cheers just for the hell of it.
Nyx gives a round of applause.
Saphyre beams a smile at Khore.
Kaern enthusiastically cheers Khore to victory.
Cyrix says (in common), 'BRAVO!!!!!!!!!'.
Boromir nods slowly ... puts his pen down and
Boromir claps at Khore's performance.Cyrix says (in common), 'my god....that was heart-wrenching :)'.
Boromir claps at Khore's performance.
Harmony hugs Khore.
Boromir claps at Khore's performance.
Khore bows deeply.