::Dala, to this point has been silent. Looking around at her companions bickering, she finally speaks up.::
"Everyone assumes too much. Imoak, we've already argued about this, and I believe you see only one path, one that shuns the gods, shuns the ways not of our people, shuns change. You mistrust that which you cannot control, but sometimes progress comes at the cost of a leap of faith. You mistrust the learned, but they have both wisdom and knowledge that can benefit all peoples, including our own.
Aine, my views are much as yours, but you give Imoak too little credit. Stubborn though he is - and yes, legends will likely tell of it - his nay saying has some merit. Our people tell tales of the contrary Sabian, and how her chaos and willful defiance serve to show the other gods the error or their ways, or how the wily dune cat disrupts the lives of the other animals, keeping them on guard and showing them the error of their ways. There is value in having a voice of dissent. Further, it is his right to do as he wishes; we can't rightly expect he must bed this woman, nor do anything else that he doesn't wish, just because it will make us happy.
Rachnar has the right of it I think. We need information, we need to know who this new creature is, and what she wants in our lives. And after we know that... Imoak, you should consider your actions once more, in light of the information we find, and your own concerns with being a pawn. Because you're still acting like one. You're just reacting, not acting. You were played like a piece in a game of stones, and now you refuse to act in accord with the wishes of others... Yet that very obstinate single mindedness will make you a perfect pawn.
Is she pretty? I've never seen you have a problem bedding a woman before. Would she make a good ally? If so, make her concede to terms to have you in her bed; it is no more than a tribal alliance, or a political marriage. You could even barter for the child and take it back to our people, add to our people's strength with the blood of dragons. This could be a good thing, for you and for others... and what, are you going to take a vow of chastity now? Seriously? Will you refuse every pretty woman that comes to your bed? ::raucous laughter:: That hardly will suite you. And with shapechangers and other creatures running around, the only way you could be sure you weren't being 'taken advantage of' ::more raucous laughter:: would really be just to never sleep with a woman again... Imagine that, Imoak celibate... ::light chuckles:: At least this woman came to you honorable, informed you of her intent, and offered to negotiate."
-
Liquidprism
- Lost Soul
- Posts: 1509
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:40 pm
- Location: Behind You...
As he listened to Dala his demeanor took several striking turns. He got angry of course, but was she spoke of a vow of celibacy, and laughed, Imoak too found the idea amusing. He suddenly began to laugh beside her, a full rowdy laugh.
"Perhaps there is some of the Dala I once knew inside you.", he said wiping tears from his eyes, "You always have an answer. Even If I don't like it. I will do as you ask. I am still unhappy with the lack of concern these others show in certain aspects of our affairs, but I will listen for now. I listen because you asked. You are the only one so far to see merit in my actions, and I will reciprocate that respect. Hell, I have been caught up in the talking so much at this point, what's a bit more going to hurt anyway?"
Imoak sat down, and awaited his companions to do what they needed to, to get the silver woman to them.
He contemplated what Dala had said, as he waited. The woman was pretty, and yes a strong child could be made to strengthen the tribe through the coming hardships. She had made hinted at an exchange of some sort. Dala may also have been right about taking actions, instead of reacting. He had been doing this he thought, but not well enough perhaps.
"Perhaps there is some of the Dala I once knew inside you.", he said wiping tears from his eyes, "You always have an answer. Even If I don't like it. I will do as you ask. I am still unhappy with the lack of concern these others show in certain aspects of our affairs, but I will listen for now. I listen because you asked. You are the only one so far to see merit in my actions, and I will reciprocate that respect. Hell, I have been caught up in the talking so much at this point, what's a bit more going to hurt anyway?"
Imoak sat down, and awaited his companions to do what they needed to, to get the silver woman to them.
He contemplated what Dala had said, as he waited. The woman was pretty, and yes a strong child could be made to strengthen the tribe through the coming hardships. She had made hinted at an exchange of some sort. Dala may also have been right about taking actions, instead of reacting. He had been doing this he thought, but not well enough perhaps.
All things in moderation...Except syrup.
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::Dala nods a reply, and walks away from the group, wearing the face of night and moving with serene grace. She whispers to herself as she walks.::
"A part of me will always be the Dala he knew, but so much of me has changed, even before becoming this new person. I no longer have a people to return to, they are his now, not really mine..."
"A part of me will always be the Dala he knew, but so much of me has changed, even before becoming this new person. I no longer have a people to return to, they are his now, not really mine..."
Threading the Gerbil since 1982
[A character with sufficient Knowlege: Arcane can recall certain information about an entity calling itself "Oristyx"]
Oristyx is known to be a Silver Dragon who ascribes to the utmost ideals and virtues, and has proven this dedication in certain events, seemingly beyond refute. She has particular markings on her body and wings that have been used to identify her with certainty in various silver dragon sightings, notably an inscription of a sword through a rising sun on her right flank, and several scars across her back of a particular nature.
The first known sighting of Oristyx was about 300 years ago, or so, when she appeared before a group of paladins fleeing from a horde of Ice demons, far in the north of the eastern continent. They had been backed against a river, and the demons were closing in, when Oristyx came in from the sky, froze a path across the river, and held off the demons until the paladins could cross, then broke the ice bridge and escorted them to safety. At their behest, Oristyx revealed her name, and offered them direction to safety, and then departed.
About 200 years ago, a great battle waged between two rival kingdoms, now long gone, in the north, near where Seborrah is now. The kings were brothers, estranged by greed, and their war threatened to destroy both their cities. As the two armies lined up to fight a climactic battle, Oristyx swooped down onto the battlefield, and demanded that both kings come before her. They did, and through her mediation, the contentions were resolved peaceably, the armies returned home to their fields, and the two kings lived out their lives in peace, with each other.
Nearly 100 years ago, a powerful wizard opened a gate to the nine hells, to summon an archdevil from the depths to do his bidding. Overpowered by this great being, the wizard quickly perished and the archdevil held the gate open, and hordes of fiendish creatures poured forth, and began to devour the land. Oristyx appeared in the sky and met the archdevil in battle. Though decisively outmatched, she faught valiantly, and was able to push the great devil back into the gate, which closed behind her. Accounts of her punishment for this are related by those few brave scholars that take residence in the city of Dis, for she was strung up over the city and whipped with chains of flame for several years, before finally breaking free and escaping the hells.
There are many other accounts of her joining battle against evil, or demonstrating great virtue, in the last 100 years, perhaps the most notable of which is her intervention in a distant city, on the far side of the world. Plague had crippled the city, famine added to this calamity, and then war struck. The invading army conquered the city, and enslaved the already dying people. The strongest of the conquered city were eventually taken as slave chattle, the treasury was looted, and the invaders left the city, the people still in chains and resolved to their fate. Oristyx again appeared from the sky, unexpected, and unchained the people. She saw their plight, and was eventually able to find the last heir to the throne, a young man, spirit nigh broken by his enslavement, and unable to bring any measure of rulership or relief. Oristyx questioned him in depth on how he would lead the city, were he able, and his virtue was proved by this, though with the field burnt, the granaries sacked, and the city looted, the young king felt that nothing was to be done, and was prepared to lead his people from their city as refugees, begging shelter from rival kingdoms. Oristyx told him not to worry, that all that is needed would be provided to the righteous, and to take his throne. She returned in three days to find the king inspiring his people, organizing repairs, and working himself to tend the wounded. Oristyx, pleased by this display of virtue, poured out her dragon horde into the coffers of the poor of the city, who in turn poured it out into the treasury of the young king. With the might of gold the king rebuilt his city, under the watchful eye of Oristyx, perched atop the palace, and ushered in a golden age for his kingdom, of reason and health. To this day the city still flourishes, and is a bastion of craftsmanship and scholarship. After ten years, Oristyx left her perch atop the city to pursue other benevolent undertakings, and in thanks for her patronage, the people crafted a likeness of her, made of silver, and placed it atop the palace, as a reminder of her strength and all seeing eyes.
Some scholars claim to have knowledge of Oristyx' heritage, and of a great battle between dragons, silver and red, that may have happened a great many years ago. While this is debated, and admittedly vague, it is largely accepted by draconic scholars that Oristyx has often sought out Erinypsyche, Scourge of the World, and never found her. Oristyx has been confirmed to have slain several red and black dragons over the years, primarily when they directly prey on innocents, particularly when the establish dominion over a city. A few believe that Oristyx' father and Erinypsyche first came into conflict when Erinypsyche took dominion over a human city which was built over a gold mine. Erinypsyche was forcing the people to mine gold night and day for her horde, and ate those who could not. Oristyx father, largely accepted to be named Bruthyx, attempted to purge her from the city, but failed. He suffered such serious wounds in that battle that he was not seen again, but is believed to have survived for several centuries afterwards. Erinypsyche, enraged by the attack, incinerated what was left of the town, and made away with a tremendous horde, but soon went into the hiding that draconic scholars still believe she maintains. Oristyx has, in her rare encounters with scholars or men of divinity, confessed that her father's dying words were spent to bestow a quest upon her, to slay Erinypsyche once and for all.
Draconic scholars have continuously debated Oristyx actual age. Though the first definite sighting was 300 years ago, the accounts made by those paladins were inconclusive as to her size. It is certain that she is at least 300 + years old, probably 400 years old or older, but certain texts, disputed hotly by historians, claim that her name is mentioned by Bruthyx during a crusade he participated in over 800 years ago, though infidelity of translation have him saying that he "will name his daughter Oristyx" or that he "has named his daughter Oristyx." As she has never met with draconic scholars to relate her story, and these texts are too hotly disputed to be considered reliable history, it is still unknown just how old she is.
Oristyx is known to be a Silver Dragon who ascribes to the utmost ideals and virtues, and has proven this dedication in certain events, seemingly beyond refute. She has particular markings on her body and wings that have been used to identify her with certainty in various silver dragon sightings, notably an inscription of a sword through a rising sun on her right flank, and several scars across her back of a particular nature.
The first known sighting of Oristyx was about 300 years ago, or so, when she appeared before a group of paladins fleeing from a horde of Ice demons, far in the north of the eastern continent. They had been backed against a river, and the demons were closing in, when Oristyx came in from the sky, froze a path across the river, and held off the demons until the paladins could cross, then broke the ice bridge and escorted them to safety. At their behest, Oristyx revealed her name, and offered them direction to safety, and then departed.
About 200 years ago, a great battle waged between two rival kingdoms, now long gone, in the north, near where Seborrah is now. The kings were brothers, estranged by greed, and their war threatened to destroy both their cities. As the two armies lined up to fight a climactic battle, Oristyx swooped down onto the battlefield, and demanded that both kings come before her. They did, and through her mediation, the contentions were resolved peaceably, the armies returned home to their fields, and the two kings lived out their lives in peace, with each other.
Nearly 100 years ago, a powerful wizard opened a gate to the nine hells, to summon an archdevil from the depths to do his bidding. Overpowered by this great being, the wizard quickly perished and the archdevil held the gate open, and hordes of fiendish creatures poured forth, and began to devour the land. Oristyx appeared in the sky and met the archdevil in battle. Though decisively outmatched, she faught valiantly, and was able to push the great devil back into the gate, which closed behind her. Accounts of her punishment for this are related by those few brave scholars that take residence in the city of Dis, for she was strung up over the city and whipped with chains of flame for several years, before finally breaking free and escaping the hells.
There are many other accounts of her joining battle against evil, or demonstrating great virtue, in the last 100 years, perhaps the most notable of which is her intervention in a distant city, on the far side of the world. Plague had crippled the city, famine added to this calamity, and then war struck. The invading army conquered the city, and enslaved the already dying people. The strongest of the conquered city were eventually taken as slave chattle, the treasury was looted, and the invaders left the city, the people still in chains and resolved to their fate. Oristyx again appeared from the sky, unexpected, and unchained the people. She saw their plight, and was eventually able to find the last heir to the throne, a young man, spirit nigh broken by his enslavement, and unable to bring any measure of rulership or relief. Oristyx questioned him in depth on how he would lead the city, were he able, and his virtue was proved by this, though with the field burnt, the granaries sacked, and the city looted, the young king felt that nothing was to be done, and was prepared to lead his people from their city as refugees, begging shelter from rival kingdoms. Oristyx told him not to worry, that all that is needed would be provided to the righteous, and to take his throne. She returned in three days to find the king inspiring his people, organizing repairs, and working himself to tend the wounded. Oristyx, pleased by this display of virtue, poured out her dragon horde into the coffers of the poor of the city, who in turn poured it out into the treasury of the young king. With the might of gold the king rebuilt his city, under the watchful eye of Oristyx, perched atop the palace, and ushered in a golden age for his kingdom, of reason and health. To this day the city still flourishes, and is a bastion of craftsmanship and scholarship. After ten years, Oristyx left her perch atop the city to pursue other benevolent undertakings, and in thanks for her patronage, the people crafted a likeness of her, made of silver, and placed it atop the palace, as a reminder of her strength and all seeing eyes.
Some scholars claim to have knowledge of Oristyx' heritage, and of a great battle between dragons, silver and red, that may have happened a great many years ago. While this is debated, and admittedly vague, it is largely accepted by draconic scholars that Oristyx has often sought out Erinypsyche, Scourge of the World, and never found her. Oristyx has been confirmed to have slain several red and black dragons over the years, primarily when they directly prey on innocents, particularly when the establish dominion over a city. A few believe that Oristyx' father and Erinypsyche first came into conflict when Erinypsyche took dominion over a human city which was built over a gold mine. Erinypsyche was forcing the people to mine gold night and day for her horde, and ate those who could not. Oristyx father, largely accepted to be named Bruthyx, attempted to purge her from the city, but failed. He suffered such serious wounds in that battle that he was not seen again, but is believed to have survived for several centuries afterwards. Erinypsyche, enraged by the attack, incinerated what was left of the town, and made away with a tremendous horde, but soon went into the hiding that draconic scholars still believe she maintains. Oristyx has, in her rare encounters with scholars or men of divinity, confessed that her father's dying words were spent to bestow a quest upon her, to slay Erinypsyche once and for all.
Draconic scholars have continuously debated Oristyx actual age. Though the first definite sighting was 300 years ago, the accounts made by those paladins were inconclusive as to her size. It is certain that she is at least 300 + years old, probably 400 years old or older, but certain texts, disputed hotly by historians, claim that her name is mentioned by Bruthyx during a crusade he participated in over 800 years ago, though infidelity of translation have him saying that he "will name his daughter Oristyx" or that he "has named his daughter Oristyx." As she has never met with draconic scholars to relate her story, and these texts are too hotly disputed to be considered reliable history, it is still unknown just how old she is.
-
Liquidprism
- Lost Soul
- Posts: 1509
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:40 pm
- Location: Behind You...
"As I said, she told me that the casters would be able to find her. I just figured you had ways of sending her a message or something to let her know when, and where to meet. Magic isn't my area of expertise however, so I don't really know how you would do that."
All things in moderation...Except syrup.
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"I'll work something out," Aine asserted. "Given our activities up to this point, my repertoire is somewhat limited. This is a good chance to have a visit with Master Vuun and talk shop."
Once the group began to split up, Aine left to seek out Nalo Vuun and spent several hours generally talking shop and trading spells (see Wizard Spells thread for specifics).
After that was complete (and she'd had a night's rest), Aine needed a place to be alone. The Arcanopteryx was out of the question, and she didn't think any of the temples were appropriate. She instead ventured to the city wall and found a decently sized deserted section atop the ramparts from which to cast the hour-long scrying spell.
Once the group began to split up, Aine left to seek out Nalo Vuun and spent several hours generally talking shop and trading spells (see Wizard Spells thread for specifics).
After that was complete (and she'd had a night's rest), Aine needed a place to be alone. The Arcanopteryx was out of the question, and she didn't think any of the temples were appropriate. She instead ventured to the city wall and found a decently sized deserted section atop the ramparts from which to cast the hour-long scrying spell.
Though the attempt to scry out Oristyx does not succeed, it draws her attention. In a flash of arcane light, the beautiful figure of a woman in a silver dress appears before you.Avilister wrote:"I'll work something out," Aine asserted. "Given our activities up to this point, my repertoire is somewhat limited. This is a good chance to have a visit with Master Vuun and talk shop."
Once the group began to split up, Aine left to seek out Nalo Vuun and spent several hours generally talking shop and trading spells (see Wizard Spells thread for specifics).
After that was complete (and she'd had a night's rest), Aine needed a place to be alone. The Arcanopteryx was out of the question, and she didn't think any of the temples were appropriate. She instead ventured to the city wall and found a decently sized deserted section atop the ramparts from which to cast the hour-long scrying spell.
"Thou hast called upon me?"
She reads you for a moment, and then presents her suit.
"Thy boon companion, Imoak Stormdrinker Khanthkali of the Duneshadow Cat tribe, bears a tie into the strands of fate. This world faces apocalypse which comes nigh all too quickly, and mine sworn enemy, the Red Dragon Erinypsyche, hast through carnal relations and bearing child tied her own fate in with that of Imoak, the brave barbarian. As Imoak is fated to survive this coming cataclysm, so is she. Erinypsyche is my sworn enemy, her brutal acts have terrorized the world for aeons, and the last wishes of my father were that I might bring her rein of terror to a close. She is vicious, cruel beyond reason or limit, and vindictive. She delights in destroying her foes or those she is connected to, she would burn the village of an offending lord but spare him, just to torture him by making him watch his people die in fire. Thine allied barbarian has, by virtue of his indiscretion in the tavern, cemented this being into time and space, such that fate would conspire the fall of any that attempt to end her. By knowing this we art blessed in seeing the future, though it is a terrible one. We know that in the aftermath of the apocalypse, what few people remain alive will fall under the lash of one of the most cruel beings in existence, we know that whomever survives the disasters, that they must, having buried the dead and destroyed, in their lamentations at the end of their world, must then burn alive or worse at the hands of Erinypsyche. We know not when this shall happen, or who else might survive, nay, we know not even the design of the apocalypse, only that those who have tied themselves to Imoak will see the other side of it. Why him I know not, I wish it were some other way, as having witnessed the abandon with which he slaughtered a crowd far beneath his skill I bear no love for him.
I wish but one thing, fair Aine, and that is to join battle against Erinypsyche after the apocalypse, and to guard the survivors from whatever other threats may surface. The only way I see to do this, is to.... ::she blushes::....do as my foe did, and become tied to fate as she is.
I am no harlot, my virtue is not to be bought and sold for the cost of a meal and a room for the night, the price Imoak accepted for the gift of immortality. I would pay a prince's ransom, or work hard labor for many years, to ensure that I might join my foe in battle, as is my chosen quest. I offered the brave barbarian my services guarding this city, which methinks he cares about in some way, for a time, ensuring an age of peace in which it can grow. He scoffed at me and insulted me, insults I would normally not tolerate and which would normally earn my hard won ire, but such is the importance to all peoples of the world that those with power use it to protect them, even after the world as we know it is ended, that I would endure such insult.
This is my suit, that Imoak attempt to make amends to fate by cementing a foe of the one he so flagrantly aided. I have learned that Erinypsyche is researching methods of carving her hide and ascending to power by eating her treasure, I too will seek out such methods, and I will do whatever is necessary and possible to prepare myself for battle with her. Should I do all that, and then fall in the cataclysm, whose nature even I do not know, or should Imoak make attempts to spare the lives of those who survive, at least by gesture by cementing me to fate, as he did my foe?
My case is presented, and I hope you see it's virtue. Tell me fair one, what further explanation can I provide? What more information do you desire?"
"Thy boon companion, Imoak Stormdrinker Khanthkali of the Duneshadow Cat tribe, bears a tie into the strands of fate. This world faces apocalypse which comes nigh all too quickly, and mine sworn enemy, the Red Dragon Erinypsyche, hast through carnal relations and bearing child tied her own fate in with that of Imoak, the brave barbarian. As Imoak is fated to survive this coming cataclysm, so is she. Erinypsyche is my sworn enemy, her brutal acts have terrorized the world for aeons, and the last wishes of my father were that I might bring her rein of terror to a close. She is vicious, cruel beyond reason or limit, and vindictive. She delights in destroying her foes or those she is connected to, she would burn the village of an offending lord but spare him, just to torture him by making him watch his people die in fire. Thine allied barbarian has, by virtue of his indiscretion in the tavern, cemented this being into time and space, such that fate would conspire the fall of any that attempt to end her. By knowing this we art blessed in seeing the future, though it is a terrible one. We know that in the aftermath of the apocalypse, what few people remain alive will fall under the lash of one of the most cruel beings in existence, we know that whomever survives the disasters, that they must, having buried the dead and destroyed, in their lamentations at the end of their world, must then burn alive or worse at the hands of Erinypsyche. We know not when this shall happen, or who else might survive, nay, we know not even the design of the apocalypse, only that those who have tied themselves to Imoak will see the other side of it. Why him I know not, I wish it were some other way, as having witnessed the abandon with which he slaughtered a crowd far beneath his skill I bear no love for him.
I wish but one thing, fair Aine, and that is to join battle against Erinypsyche after the apocalypse, and to guard the survivors from whatever other threats may surface. The only way I see to do this, is to.... ::she blushes::....do as my foe did, and become tied to fate as she is.
I am no harlot, my virtue is not to be bought and sold for the cost of a meal and a room for the night, the price Imoak accepted for the gift of immortality. I would pay a prince's ransom, or work hard labor for many years, to ensure that I might join my foe in battle, as is my chosen quest. I offered the brave barbarian my services guarding this city, which methinks he cares about in some way, for a time, ensuring an age of peace in which it can grow. He scoffed at me and insulted me, insults I would normally not tolerate and which would normally earn my hard won ire, but such is the importance to all peoples of the world that those with power use it to protect them, even after the world as we know it is ended, that I would endure such insult.
This is my suit, that Imoak attempt to make amends to fate by cementing a foe of the one he so flagrantly aided. I have learned that Erinypsyche is researching methods of carving her hide and ascending to power by eating her treasure, I too will seek out such methods, and I will do whatever is necessary and possible to prepare myself for battle with her. Should I do all that, and then fall in the cataclysm, whose nature even I do not know, or should Imoak make attempts to spare the lives of those who survive, at least by gesture by cementing me to fate, as he did my foe?
My case is presented, and I hope you see it's virtue. Tell me fair one, what further explanation can I provide? What more information do you desire?"