Tuesday, September 10, 2013

9/7 & 8 recap

Toranaga's Day:
As the broad and powerful greenskin sat before the campfire, honing his Choppa and listening to the screams of those poor and unfortunate souls under the "loving" ministrations of his master and waagh boss, the Lady Malicity; an amused sneer appeared, giving the scarred and tattoed visage of the drow priestess's personal murderslave/bodyguard a beastial quality.
"Gods an' daemon we 'ad a goo' day di'n' we My Pet?" The butcher cooed to his blade lovingly as he worked the sharpener against his blade in a keening rasp as metal met stone.
"Dem fellerz down dere at dat Hollow got put ta dem waz wot! Harhargh, we gotted dey flamey sword, we did a whole lotta smashin', an' dey did a whole lotta doiyin'!" Raucous laughter filled the air, a stark counterpoint to the tortured screams of the dying.
"Dat Nocdurnid feller wont too bad eiffer, specially dem boyz 'e brought ta 'elp da boss, still Mah Pet, i'z early yet, an' we oughta get ta killin more dem Rommy fellerz, I needz more teef an'shoiney bitz."
In a quick motion the orc rose, sheathin his blade in a quick flourish, showing a deceptive amount of skill and grace for one of his size and power.
The greenskinned murderslave now moved away from the campfire and into the darkness, whistling a horribly offkey yet jaunty tune. Hmm, perhaps his boss would require his assistance, and perhaps she'd let him keep a trophy or two? Gods knows he didn't get -nearly- the amount he wanted for this venture...!  
Nocturnus' Day: 
Through the fire and flame, he takes the field, removing his mask for the first time and years. He gets stairs at his black skin and pointed ears. "Wait, your a Drow?!" "No, a Dark Eldar, I do not live below ground, I ravage the lands." With a quick steal he robs the lands of a flaming sword, and pushes the formations, even though hordes of undead. He realizes it has been a while since he has lead a line, and remembers the time as an Archon, and once again takes on the role.

Minnie Mo's Dreaming: 
I sit by my bed with a cup of warm milk and a book to read. My eyesight recently returned, I have these unsettling images of carnage and mayhem. It seems so close but is it a vision of the future, the present or the past. I cannot see the full story. Perhaps reading a bit will settle my nerves and I'll be able to rest. 

Pelt's Day: 
The clash of battle heralds the call, our raiding party charges, cutting down roman and barbarian alike. The call is made "Charge and kill them all!" giving the dwarf his chance, he wades into the heat of battle only to find the enemy break and scatter, afraid to attack a single dwarf with less then four men at a time. He continues on killing those brave enough to attack and shouting the rest into retreat, becoming so enthralled in battle he finds himself on the other side of the field, turning around the roman empire to his right the barbarian hoard to the left and on the other side through no-mans-land his raiding party. He bellows a hearty laugh and simply walks through the center. None oppose his crossing.
 
Rath Chiana’s Day- 
Traveling the many miles with the band of raiders. We arrived at the underground keep of Hellstrom Hollow. We spotted to armies clashing in battles and took a quick route around to a flanking position. Shortly after they clashed and the two sides weaken each other we rushed the rear of the roman lines and broke through both armies sending the sides scrambling to regroup. Our band of raiders regrouped and negotiated the relic in return for a truce on the battle field. With this new company led in tactics by Nocturnus we crushed the roman legion. After the Romans where crushed we through a under dark party with this company and slaughtered what was left of them and walked away with their relic. We returned to the maze of the tunnels and found the trail of undead. We attacked the swarm of undead skeletons and was about to kill a necromantic priest but was halted and he bowed before us and vowed to not raise the dead. We spared them for now to use them for fodder against the undead swarm. We followed the scent of death and fought the legion of ghouls. The clash of dead against our shields and swords. We found a tent and spotted a lich teleport away before could destroy the abomination. Ending the day with tales of our victory of battle and plan for our next fight.

8/31/13 – A filler by Minnie Mo

“I am no babysitter. The sooner you put your affairs in order the sooner your brood can leave me in peace,” grumbled Ursunid the Bear. It took much coaxing by Sheriff Thornwood to convince Champion Nocturnus that, since the attack on Regent Luna and her newborn girls, the bear’s lair was the safest place from the Smurfy Gnome. Strangely enough he did not need to do much coaxing with the bear. While Shiyotso Twilight Bakku and others scoured the countryside searching for the Smurfy Gnome, Champion Nocturnus remained in the lair with Regent Luna and their girls.
After the attack by the goblins and the Dark Specter, Uni made the rounds in the village healing everyone she could and grieving with the families of those she couldn’t. At least a week had passed since the attacks and, although she was not in the town proper, she brought word that the Smurfy Gnome may have been spotted in the neighboring town of Lorenia.
“Good Sherrif, would you please convince him that we will be okay? Nocturnus you must return to your duties. The Harbour of Rhye cannot be without its Champion,” pleads Regent Luna.
“And I cannot be without you,” replies Nocturnus. “Besides, the bear may regret his hospitality and eat one of the children while you sleep.”
Ursunid the Bear growls, “Grrr. I do not eat children. They will be safe in my lair, I give you my word. None shall pass.” The bear’s last words echoed in Nocturnus’ head. None shall pass. He recalls the scene of Ursunid the Bear grappling with the Dark Specter as it tried to gain entry to the lair and harm Regent Luna. With a heavy sigh Nocturnus knew the bear would keep his word.
“I will even allow that blind old crow to hold onto my club to defend your family in case the need arises.”
“I heard that,” pounced Minnie Mo. “I may be blind but I can hear just fine. Who do you think you’re calling an old crow, you old goat.”
“I am not a goat. I am a bear!”
“I am blind, remember. I don’t see a bear. I smell a goat, you old goat.”
“Grrr!”
“Enough,” states Nocturnus. I am convinced, if only to escape these two who bicker constantly. With Sheriff Thornwood’s permission, I shall leave Rathalos and some men outside the lair if only for my peace of mind.”
“This is not Mishmosh Manor,” grumbles Ursunid the Bear. “I am not running an Inn.”
“My men are warriors and can take care of themselves. If an attack comes they will be the first line of defense.”
“Aye,” agrees Sheriff Thornwood before another argument begins. “Before returning to Harbour of Rhye we should investigate the sighting of the Smurfy Gnome at Lorenia.”
In the few quiet moments while Champion Nocturnus says farewell to his family Minnie Mo takes the opportunity to thank Ursunid the Bear. “Thank you for your sanctuary. Luna has been in my care since she was born. Her mother was left on the footsteps of Mishmosh Manor. Before the week was out Luna was born and her mother passed away. Luna’s mother was beautiful and her manor depicted she was from high society but she never mentioned who was her family and was always so distant and sorrowful when asked. I raised Luna as my own but with the respect due to that unknown family. She ran across the fields into my arms as a toddler; I tended her wounds when she fell; she cried on my shoulder when her heart was broken; and I shared her joys as well.”
Still sightless, a bandage covered Minnie Mo’s eyes as they were still the blue black of the Dark Specter's lightning which struck her. She turned her ear to the sounds of Nocturnus and Luna with the babies. “I was very proud of Luna when she became Regent. She has much to offer the Harbour of Rhye. I was grateful when she asked me to help care for the children as I had cared for her. She is the light of my life and I would do anything to keep her and her little ones safe.”
Ursunid the Bear towers above Minnie Mo, a solemn expression on his face. “I was not born a bear. I was born a man. As a man I too had a child; a little boy who should have grown to manhood and battled by my side,” visions of the handsome baby boy, swaddled in his human arms assail the bear. He envisions the little boy playfully flailing its arms and legs. “Alas, he and his mother were taken from me when he was very young.” He breaks off unable to continue.
Minnie Mo pats his hand resting on her shoulder. “I do not need eyes to hear the agony in your heart. Regent Luna has asked you to be the children’s protector. Have you decided?”
A single tear slowly rolls down from his right eye, “How can I protect her children when I could not even protect mine?”
“You are not indestructible and yet last week you risked all to protect her from the Dark Specter. I believe you can protect them and so does she or she would not have asked. Those little ones will need your strength. You can see the dangers my useless eyes cannot.” Minnie Mo clenches her fist. Ursunid the Bear sense her frustration.
“You . . . have given much . . . to keep her safe,” he recalls the image of Minnie Mo charging out of the lair wielding his club in defense against the Dark Specter. The Dark Specter struck her with its blue black lighting. It was all Uni could do to mend her broken bones but Uni could not heal her vision.
“And I would do it again. But what good am I to her now, blind as I am. I’m useless.”
“It has been centuries since my son was taken from me. In all that time I have not come across any who would give so much of themselves, none that were so self-sacrificing. I can understand the pain and frustration you must be feeling. I will be their protector but I cannot be with them all the time. Regent Luna will need my help to protect the little ones and I will need yours.”
All within the lair prepare to leave for Lorenia and as they turn they become witness to a most unusual sight. Ursunid the Bear raises his paw to his right eye. With the barest grunt of pain he removes his eye and holds it to Minnie Mo’s forehead. The other paw on her elbow he urges her to rise and escorts her to the cradle.
Minnie Mo feels warmth on her forehead. As they swiftly cross the room the eye in the bear’s hand begins to glow. The pain in her eyes slowly subsides. The bear removes the bandage covering her eyes. Slowly Minnie Mo opens her eyes to see . . . .

A tear flowing freely Minnie Mo exclaims, “They’re beautiful.” She leans over and gently touches each child’s tiny hand and brushes a kiss on their foreheads. Elated she turns to the bear just in time to catch a glimpse of the gaping eye socket as he covers it with a patch. Stunned she asks, “What have you done?”
“I went off to battle and left my family alone. I will not make that mistake again. If I must do battle to protect these two you will be by their side to guard them against a secondary attack. You have shown you have a heart as fierce as any animal. I would be honored to have someone so self-sacrificing fighting by my side . . . old woman. Besides, fret not, in time my eye will regenerate itself.”
“I am in your debt, Ursunid the Bear. You have given me back my sight. I can now care for and protect Regent Luna’s offspring. And who are you calling old woman you old goat.”
A shocked grin on his face, Sheriff Thornwood slaps Champion Nocturnus on the back, “There, you see. Your family will be safe here at the lair with their protectors Ursunid the Bear and Minnie Mo. Let us be off to Lorenia to see if we find the Smurfy Gnome and put an end to this troublesome ilk.”
As they leave Nocturnus looks over his shoulder. Regent Luna stands just inside the entrance with Uni, a baby in each of their arms. Just outside the entrance is Ursunid the Bear, staff in hand, and Minnie Mo, the bejeweled club a heavy on her shoulder; Rathalos and his men standing guard in the clearing.


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

8/24/13 – A recap by Minie Mo


After the visit to the Shire of Lorenia the citizens of the Shire of Harbour of Rhye were filled with good humor. It was decided that a celebration should be had!

 The beauteous Regent Luna announced
an Arts & Sciences tournament to be held
so craftsmen could display their ingenuity. 


  
Champion Nocturnus proclaimed
a War Tournament so the warriors
may display their prowess. 


People from all corners of the shire came forth to celebrate. Hearing that Aldfalric would be serving his famous Short Mead, representatives from neighboring Helstroms Hollow trekked across the lands to join in the festivities.




Orrochi won the Arts & Sciences tournament for his skillful chain & scale maille craftsmanship. 

Dragon Puncher won the War Tournament, even besting the mighty Rath (a rarity for sure). 





Aldfalric and the Giant Deraxel traded battle stories . . .



 A drunken Dragon Puncher joined Cow Kicker and Orrochi in song . . .
... before passing out.
 
Unbeknownst to the good people of the Shire, the Smurfy Gnome heard of the festivities. His rotted heart began plotting an evil scheme. He tried enticing Ratholos, the Bar Bar, “Honestly, I can get you a good deal on travel arrangements to the Shire and a decent Inn.”

 When that did not work the Smurfy Gnome convinced a tribe of goblins to attack the Shire. They summoned the dark Specter to distract the people while they surrounded the village. The dark Specter slowly glided across the cloudless sky sneaking up on the unsuspecting populace.





Once spotted the Specter randomly shot blue black lighting from its tentacles. The people ran for cover. Buildings burned from the strikes and the ground exploded. The goblins burst from their hiding places and attacked. Everywhere they turned the villagers were besieged.

The valiant warriors battled the goblins while the casters focused on the Specter. A handful of warriors, including Champion Nocturnus and Sheriff Garret Thornwood, guided the women and children away from the village. It was paramount for Nocturnus to keep Regent Luna safe as she was pregnant with his child. But where could they all be safe? Sheriff Thornwood new exactly where but that in itself would be a tricky thing as well.
With some coaxing and motivational speaking, Regent Luna kept the small group moving until they reached their destination. With trepidation Sheriff Thornwood and Champion Nocturnus approached the lair of Ursunid the Bear. Although he owed them nothing they would ask him to protect the women and children while they dealt with this latest threat.
Ratholos explained that he believed the Smurfy Gnome was behind it all. With warriors doing battle in the village, this small group would hunt down the elusive Smurfy Gnome and put an end to this once and for all. But the bear would not relent. He was no baby sitter; he was meant for battle.


Across the clearing Ursunid the Bear spotted the very pregnant Regent Luna place a hand on her back as she leaned over to comfort a crying child, the barest hint of discomfort on her face. Behind her, knowing glances were exchanged between Uni, Lady Pheonix, and Minie Mo. They were running out of time. Ursunid the Bear’s heart softened. “Go and hunt down this vile Smurfy Gnome and put an end to his machinations. I will protect those dearest to you. None shall pass.”
The small group hurried back to the village. The Smurfy Gnome had to be nearby. At the village the battle continued to rage but was turning in their favor. The Smurfy Gnome could see his plans falling apart. Satisfied with the current state of calamity he decided to retreat. The small group spotted him and gave chase.
Through the woods to the shore line did they chase the Smurfy Gnome until he was finally surrounded by the group. “Would you rather dispatch me or save that which you hold most dear,” proclaimed the gnome. From within his robes the gnome pulls out a black orb. Its smoky interior churned until the image of Regent Luna’s pained face came into focus. With the women huddled around her she wailed in agony.
The Smurfy Gnome hurled the orb into the air where it was enveloped by the dark Specter. The group stood stunned as the Specter turned inland and flew away. As one the entire group turned and raced through the woods. The Specter was flying towards the lair of Ursunid the Bear. “None shall pass,” was what the bear had said but could he defeat the Specter? Shiyotso Twilight Bakku used his vampire/werewolf speed to try and reach the lair and warn the bear.
Panic stricken, the group reached the lair to find Shiyotso’s broken body smashed against a bolder. Ursunid the Bear was grappling with the dark Specter at the entrance. “NONE SHALL PASS!”  Regent Luna’s agonizing screams could be heard from within.
Frantically, Nocturnus uses his druid spells to contain the Specter now that some of its tentacles were touching the earth. Sheriff Thornwood and the other warriors battled with the other tentacles. Minie Mo races from within the lair with one of the Bear’s bejeweled clubs. With two hands she raises the club to strike at the Specter. Her battle cry is cut short as the Specter's blue black lightning strikes her. She’s thrown back several feet and about to hit the rock wall when Shiyotso miraculously catches her.
The spell's complete, the Specter is encased in the trunk of an oak tree which grew around it as the battle took place.

The group gathers around Shiyotso as he places Minie Mo on the ground. “We thought you were dead,” inquires Sheriff Thornwood.
“I’m part vampire. I was already dead. Just needed some time for my bones to mend is all,” replies Shiyotso with a sheepish grin.
“I’m going to go hunt down that Smurfy Gnome. I’ll be away for a while. He has lots of hiding places.” And with that he was gone.

A moan escapes Mine Mo. “Foolish old woman,” declares Ursunid the Bear. “What were you thinking? Battle is a man’s job.”
“Our kingdom has women as fierce as any man in battle. Though my battlefield days are far behind me, I still hold an amazon’s heart. And who are you calling old woman?” Minie Mo’s response brings forth a chuckle of relief from those gathered until she opens her eyes. Her eyes have turned the blue black of the Specter's lightning. “I cannot see,” she proclaims.
A noise at the lair’s entrance causes everyone to jump. With the aid of her ladies, Regent Luna staggers forward. “Champion Nocturnus, you are late. I hope you do not teach your offspring such ill manners. Allow me to present to you your daughter.” Lady Pheonix steps forward with a baby swaddled in her arms. Flanked by Sheriff Thornwood, Nocturnus gazes at the precious newborn. “And your other daughter,” declares Regent Luna.” Dumbstruck, jaw open, Nocturnus looks up to behold Uni stepping forward also with a baby swaddled in her arms.
Sheriff Thornwood starts to laugh and smacks Nocturnus on the back. They look at each other and everyone starts laughing. They each take a baby from the ladies and walk off making little baby noises to the girls. The ladies look at the men and then at each other and declare, “Men, how simple they are.”

And that night, the citizens of the Harbour of Rhye gathered to drink a toast to Champion Nocturnus and Regent Luna on the birth of their twin girls.
A bottle of Aldfalric’s Short Mead was set aside for Shiyotso’s impending return.
Long life and safe travels.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

08/18 The visiting to a newly discovered land

     There are times during a kingdoms reign when it becomes necessary to expand.  The population has grown through immigration or we have enough resources to claim a new area.


    Today we were able to finally claim a new shire for our brothers and sisters.  Many from our own shire, and visitors from further afield, gathered together in a show of support upon the ground breaking of a new village for our kingdom.

    The day began well.  We started with a contest of arms. The winner gathered much support from his own new shire and ours as well.  One man had been exhausted from the excitement and had to be dragged from the fields as we all stood by laughing.
     Next we teamed off in a game of strategy and captured flags in turn.  One team came out for the better, but it was critical to show all the peoples how power and strategy need to be balanced.  This game exhausted most of our forces and so we planned to rest and play individually for a time.


    It was then that word came to us.  An old abandoned castle had been discovered near-by.  If we were to clear it out of any monsters or bandits then it would make for a fine hall for our new friends.  The battle that came after was fierce and long.  The screams of the dying and the clashing of swords rang through the fields, bounced off the walls of stone and tumbled through the dusty corridors of the ancient edifice.  The monsters were terrible things, the magic we employed hardly powerful enough to overcome them.  The minions were tough to dispatch, and we lost good fighters to the cause.
  
  As the dust settled, the castle was taken and the day won.  Several fighters had to be mended.  Others would never see home again.  But a new neighbor has appeared, and the kingdom continues to grow.

8/17/13 A recap as told by Minnie Mo

Good day to you. Hope you rested well. I know the voices from the past echo in the halls of Mishmosh Manor. I hope they didn’t disturb your slumber. I see you’ve met some of the residents who have regaled you with their stories. As I said before there are lots of stories to be told. Why, I remember a time when. . . .
She extends a cup of tea for you to drink. You take the tea all the while avoiding her eyes remembering her last story telling that seemed so vivid. Instead you take tea and walk to the fireplace.
Oh, but maybe you don’t want to hear a story. Please forgive an old fool for living in the past.
You turn to encourage her to tell the story and quickly return your gaze to the fireplace. You sip your tea. You feel it’s warmth.
Very well. There was a time when the heat of passion was lost at the Harbour of Rhye.
Suddenly the flames in the fireplace explode and your body feels like it’s on fire.
A spell had befallen our healer. She created a mighty sword to slay the men and she called this sword. . .
The flames of the fireplace seem to engulf you. The heat seems unbearable. You feel the heat of anger and your eyes open wide to behold. . .


KINDNESS
The healer had succumbed to some evil doer’s conjuring. She spread this evil from house to house until many of our women were beguiled into believing their men had done them some kind of wrong. Together, with their champions, battled ensued and lovers fought.




Where ever there was battle you would find a feminine hand orchestrating events. The amazons had the men enthralled. They would do anything to win their lady’s favor. Brother against brother. Friends became foes. All men became puppets to the sweet sirens calls. And the fair maids themselves were puppets to some evil conjurer.




Only the few on the hunting trip had not succumbed. Gentle Freya took up her bow in defense of the party only to find it pointing at her beloved Alethkar who had under the spell. Confounded at the state of the town it was up to the few in the hunting party to investigate and resolve the situation.



As lovers became fighters the hunting party found themselves on the trail of the evil Smurf Gnome for he was known to for his anger of anything to do with love. Gentle Freya lets loose her arrow to slay the gnome but alas he vanished. His last word echoed in the breeze, “With the passage of time all love fades and is forgotten.”


As the hunting party become the hunted the gnomes words keep coming back to them, “all love fades and is forgotten.”
Breaking through their lines the mighty Alethkar confronts his gentle Freya. Anger emblazons his eyes and he seems to have no recollection of the woman he faces.


Instead of fighting, Freya begs him to recall the life they had together. She reminds of the day they met, the battles they fought together, the times they laughed. It seemed to have small effect but the hold of anger was too strong.
Again the gnome’s words whisper in the wind, “with the passage of time. . . .”



The true meaning is finally clear. On her own, Freya dodges one battle group after another in search of the only ones who can break the spell. As with Alethkar, she reminds them of what they mean to each other and of the vows they made to each other just a short while ago. Not much time had passed since they declared their. . . True Love.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

8/10 recap and more :)

Clouds parted and four figures descended upon the earth. Mounted upon great steads, destined to bring upon the apocalypse when the time came. Till then they are to uphold the order and execute the will of God.
War is seen across the land in countless battles. Every battle in a different "face". Always in the forefront of the conflict. He would feast off the heat of battle. Many Depict the face of war to be scared and battle torn. What many do not know is that "War" has a name. Wyrmwud was the name bestowed upon him by the heavens.
Many are unaware that war is a servant of light and a devout follower of the Christian God. Or that he is a member of the clergy. That his face is empty and void of emotions. Stone-like as if it was pure like the visage of an angel. All the followers of his church, are ignorant that their beloved father: is the apocalyptic horsemen of War.
On the early morning as sun-light breached the horizon a bright light shone through the window of Father Wyrmwud. Thus manifested Micheal in his holy grace delivering a message of God.
"Devout servant of our gracious father, The Call has been sent. Ride off and spread War across the land."
With this Wyrmwud became the blade of God. As Micheal Ascended back into heaven Wyrmwud's eyes cried blood. Suited for combat mace and shield ready. Wyrmwud Mounted his fiery red steed and embarked to bestow War into the realm.
Wyrmwud's journey brings him to The Harbour of Rhye. The scent of strife fresh in the air. Heavy odor of Death blanketed the land. The water turned blood and the inhabitants struggling for survival. Lights gleamed from the heavens upon the land. Revealing that this land is where Wyrmwud would serve his lord.
After a harsh battle and the defeat of the Lich who ravaged the Harbour, Wyrmwud could feel that the land needed his service. That God would want him to keep the Harbour a safe haven from the evils that will follow the apocalypse. A Land destined for man to grow and reclaim earth after the purge of evil.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

8/3/12 Recap :)


On the outskirts of the town,

there you can hear the clang, clang, clang, of the smith that works his forge, with the occasional curse, as a hot ember hits him in the leg.
The aforementioned smith is relatively new to the town, as can be deduced by his thick Scottish accent, and the kilt he wears.
Today, you here more cursing than usual, and barely any smithing going on, due to the resent dragon problem.



"Dang, blast'et, dragon, come out of nowhere and knock over me forge, burn me bellows t' ash!"
Luckily he is able to get his forge back up and almost as good as new, minus the bellows the dragon destroyed. At least he can get back to work. He was gonna be busy today that was for sure.


"Well, what do ye' unt? Armor? Fresh out at th' moment. Weapons? Not anything tha's ready. But I can make your armor and weapons stronger for ye. 10 silver an dint try to negoate'ate or it'l 'e double." He says to a few of the fighters that make there way to the smith's shop. Then he works quickly to improve the weapons and armors that are brought to him, with the speed of a master that enjoys his craft.


After his customers leave, its quiet for a while, until this hard woman runs into his shop and yells at him about hitting something she throws at him that he catches. "Au' be your head I should be hitt'n las." Then he sees what it is that has her in such a fit. Undead, and a lot of them, and they are after whatever she just tossed him. With a mighty blow of his hammer on his anvil, shattering the item, the undead walk no more. "Can I ge' back t' work now?"