Author Topic: Sapphires and Rubies  (Read 666 times)

Offline Narissa

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Sapphires and Rubies
« on: June 25, 2008, 05:53:19 PM »
Backstory: I d/c fighting India. Lost the Sapphire. Narl unoathed me. The story unfolds further...

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Thakrian City Board
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From: Shadow Mistress Narissa, Princess of Miracles [Baroness].
To  : Everyone.
Subj: sapphires and rubies.

I will address Narl's little "statement" in a moment. First a story...


Once, many decades ago, I was a young and ambitious Thief - overly so, for I grew bored with the plunders of storerooms and treasure chambers, and tired of the easy pilferings I achieved on my weak foes. I turned my gaze outwards, and upwards, and set my sights on that which no mortal should see: the Treasure Vaults of the gods themselves.

I plotted, and schemed, and worked my mind in devious twists of unholy thoughts, traversing treacherous grounds as I pondered a path to a goal beyond mortal touch. My plans wormed and writhed past the limits of human form, snaking their way to a full stretch of the body and the limits endurable by a sane mortal - reality itself seemed to hold its breath as I pushed the shadows to their full might, nearly rending them asunder in my goal.

And I stood upon the plane of the Divine.

A quick action and the very cache of godly gems were in my hands. Another dash and I was at the Rock Pinnacle and with a triumphant cry I stole the gifts of Olympus for my own - pain and pleasure
mingled in a tumultuous, deafening cacaphony of sensation, as my body struggled to control the sudden surge of power at my command.

But power always has its price.

It began as a babbling murmur, bubbling forth from the lips of a madman in Krempton - disregarded as foolish slander until the low chant of Orestes chimed in disonant concord. From the west, reluctant, Pangyron's sibilant hiss slunk, rasping the quiet proclamation: "Cursed."

Dismissed no longer, the proclamation proved true, as the powers were ripped from my frame, leaving me weak and broken, as vulnerable as a child, and bereft of ability. Time and strife ebbed the pain of divine wrath, and all thought the curse overcome.

We were wrong.

Many recall the quest for the coral, and how a litany of confused words sent the prize to the noble Kodiak, when victory was thought to be mine. Others remember the fight for the topaz, and how glory
was pulled from my hands with mere seconds left. Many quests, and I stood at the end of them all, a fuming second to others. Raging, I sequestered the seer Orestes to learn why.

"What have you done to me?" I railed, demanding to know the cause of my misfortune.

Orestes merely shook his head, his eyes reading his own death in the rigid, raging expression on my face. "It was your theft," he whispered, his hands tightening on his stone. "Fate Himself has marked you, and Lady Luck turns Her face aside from your deeds." In a flash of defiance, he met my gaze fully, the truth in his words leaving him nakedly vulnerable before me.

"No." I refused to believe I could be haunted by such a ghost, not when I had forged the future itself to reshape Thakria. Arrogance is a dangerous power, with its own price, however.

"Yes," the frail man rasped, finally unable to meet my gaze. Staring at the floor, he mumbled quietly, "The stars dance in true harmony at this prediction - rarely in a lifetime do we see such a prophecy." Glancing upwards, he continued quickly, seeing my snarling reaction. "It is ordained and so it shall be - you shall not touch the holy gems again by honest, earned prowess, until your deeds are atoned for. Thus is the decree of the Heavens."

A moment passed, and then, stepping over his lifeless and bloodied corpse, I considered his words. A madman, nothing more. And it seemed I was right - I gained the emerald through guile, desperate
deals and dangerous bargains; clutching it tight at the pools of the divine before relinquishing it with a slow toss into the clarion waters, I instantly knew something was amiss - the power was sluggish, and only haphazardly responded to my call. And time went on, and another quest was lost.

And then came today, and the sapphire. Confident, I was certain I was finally free of the failures which had dogged my steps. I entered, in force, hammering India with my attacks. Yet something was wrong, and soon a wracking, devastating pain consumed my body, blanking my mind - and then the desolate emptiness of sheer nothing as my soul was rent from my body by the terrible power of the very curse, rising up from the depths of my past to haunt me again. For a moment which stretched to eternity it held me, suspended in mindless, empty absence, until almost sardonically it released me, and as the numbing touch melted away I knew again victory had defied me.

And so we come to defeat, and Narl's action. My story ends here, for now - I stand before you exposed finally to the citizens, and, finally acknowledged, to myself. I am cursed, and a sham, and Narl has done right. The Princess of a city such as ours must be free of any such taint.

Everything has its cost, but everything also has its downfall. Even the mighty Gods were tricked by one small Thief. This curse shall be removed, but my atonement shall not come from appeals or by
begging for forgiveness. I shall achieve absolution through a true Thakrian ablution. As gems are priceless, so is another rich, colorful treasure - blood itself shall cleanse me, and I shall stand at the gates of the Underworld itself and banish this demon from me.

Until then, I remain solely Narissa. Until then, Thakria has no Princess.
« Last Edit: June 25, 2008, 06:22:59 PM by Narissa »
Apollo, the God of light tells you, "It's always the loud ones..."


Offline Narissa

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    • Thakria - simply the best
Re: Sapphires and Rubies
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2008, 07:56:51 AM »
Inside the Halfway Tavern. You are able to see by the light of the lantern. Perhaps more comfortable than the inn's exterior might suggest, this tavern is decked out with a splendid arrangement of furniture all carved from highly prized timber. Each chair to each table has incredible carved artwork not only on the chairs' backs and seats but on the legs too and with equal precision and care. All the tables are polished clean as if they had never felt the rough scrape of a metal tankard on their surface, but then you have already noticed that some of the tankards are carved from wood too. Above the bar is a price list for the various ales and spirits; beside the bar is a small wooden stairway that leads up to another floor, a sign next to it informing you that it leads in fact to the guest room. A sign stands here, reading "blah". A flag bearing the emblem of a pair of crossed cutlasses has been raised proudly here. A burly sailor stands here, puffing a wooden pipe. A blonde barmaid works nearby, her hair shining in the light. A white bearded oracle sits cross-legged and meditative nearby. The Parrius flag, that of a pair of crossed cutlasses, flies here. You notice a single exit, north.
Apprentice Jammond follows you.
 
 He is hooded, concealing much of his face, although you notice he has a high-domed forehead, a forked beard tucked into his robes, and silvery hair. The back of his robes bear the symbol of the hourglass. An oracle is not holding anything. An oracle is not wearing anything.
 
Narissa turns her stare to the oracle, sitting unobtrusively in the corner of the tavern. A small wooden pipe is firmly clenched in his jaw and he seems rather oblivious to the world about him.
 
Narissa frowns sharply, striding across the tavern to the mystical man. Standing before him, she stares down at him with a stern, cold glare. "Oracle," she says quietly,  although a thread of steel underpins her tone.
 
Narissa watches in silence as the oracle glances upwards, staring at her with a clouded, muddled stare. Blinking rapidly, the seer fumbles with the various talismans and charms of his trade as he jerks upwards in shock.
 
Narissa raises an eyebrow, still wordless. The oracle scuttles away from her, holding a crucifix up high in the air with desperately shaking hands, his fingers clenched in a white-knuckled grip around the coarse balsa base of the crudely crafted item. "Stay away..." he moans, hands crossed before him, as if to ward off a blow.
 
Apprentice Jammond blinks.
 
There is a great blaze of elemental light and a shimmering gateway forms before you.
 
Heavenly Katie appears before you through the black screen of a magical portal.
 
The shimmering gateway melts away.
 
Narissa steps closer to the oracle, her stare rather flat and blandly unemotional. "Why?" she says in a simple, deceptively mild tone.
 
(sailor bashing peeps, I kill)
 
You seize a burly sailor by the throat and squeeze away the life force with your bare hands.
You deliver the killing blow to a burly sailor.
 
Narissa turns away from the lifeless corpse, smiling disconcertingly, her lips curved in a rather cruel smile. "You were saying?" she asks sweetly.
 
Narissa peers at the oracle, as he visibly shudders. Shaking his head, he merely mutters, "Cursed, cursed..." as he strokes his talismans, as if in a sign of warding.
 
Narissa rolls her eyes in frustration, grabbing a handful of the mystic's tunic and roughly pulling him towards her with a surprising amount of force for one so small. "What curse!" she snarls, giving the man a shake for emphasis. "What curse?!".
 
Adaryn says, "Now now- he might be more keen to talk under more pleasant conditions. False sense of security, if you catch my drift.".
 
Narissa scowls in frustration, releasing the man with a rough, arrogant shove. The oracle cowers in the very corners of the tavern, eying her nervously. "Yes, yes, I like pleasant conditions..." he says, his voice dripping with oily hints at pleasing and cowardly notes of fear.
 
Someone eyes the oracle, and responds, "But you'll get no accomodation from us unless you cooperate also.".
 
Someone lets a musical laugh fall from her lips.
 
Narissa exhales slowly, nodding at Adaryn. "A fair point," she concedes. "We will treat you fairly, as befits your station as a seer of the land.".
 
Narissa narrows her eyes sharply, her glare akin to pointed daggers. "But lie not to me, oracle," she hisses. "What curse!".
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Or I will kill you".
 
Apprentice Jammond glares at an oracle in a menacing manner.
 
Someone looks on in a pleased fashion.
 
Narissa crosses her arms across her chest, watching as the oracle nervously smoothes down his robes, each movement stilted and jerky from agitation. "It was not my prediction!" he says in a whining tone, shrinking away from the Thakrians. "I only report what is known... Please...".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Yes, yes- "kill not the messenger"- we get that bit.".
 
Apprentice Jammond sits down.
 
Apprentice Jammond stares at an oracle. S
 
omeone sighs in controlled exasperation, replying, "But your life is running on a constrained timer, my friend. It would be best to listen to the woman.".
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Aye".
 
Someone lets out a pained sigh.
 
Heavenly Katie steps away from the crowd, moving to the trembling man and flipping open the latch on one of her herb pouches. She quickly passes him a small grey fruit before murmuring her encouragement that it would be better to cooperate. .
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Call off your your friends or watch the price they pay".
 
Apprentice Jammond bends over and picks up a burly sailor.
 
Apprentice Jammond hurls a burly sailor into the soupy mists of his cauldron.
 
Narissa snorts, as the oracle smiles broadly. "Yes, yes, I'm just a messenger!" he crows, nodding enthusiastically. "I didn't cast the augury, you must understand..." Peering at the herb, he stares at Katie with a trusting gaze. "What is this?".
 
Someone chuckles from within the corner of the Tavern. His face obscured by the black, you see only the ivory of a sardonic smile from within the shadows.
 
Heavenly Katie pats the man on the shoulder, quickly assuring him that the healing herb will do him no harm before reopening the pouch and eating one herself. She gives him a commiserating look. "No one needs to hurt you. She just wants answers.".
 
Apprentice Jammond lets out a pained sigh.
 
Someone scoffs with disdain and turns toward the animist. "You really shouldn't give him false hope, Katie.".
 
Narissa silently clenches her hand on the hilt of her knife, staring at the oracle with a piercing gaze. The man dubiously stares at the small fruit, before whispering to Katie, "I think I might need a few more...".
 
Heavenly Katie urges the fellow quickly, looking a bit nervous herself. "Go on. Just answer her question.".
 
Someone rolls her eyes in exasperation, and in one swift motion, force feeds the fruit to the struggling old man.
 
Apprentice Jammond chuckles long and heartily.
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Need any help?".
 
Someone pats Apprentice Jammond in a friendly manner.
 
Narissa growls lightly beneath her breath, clearly unnerving the old mystic. Nodding shortly, his breath comes quickly. "It was a prophecy, you see," he explains, wriggling away from the hostile stares. "He said that you were cursed, that the stars themselves declared it - you know it to be true...".
 
Narissa listens silently as the oracle hurridly adds, "You do! Don't you..." His posture shifts a bit, becoming more fluid as a sly smile flits across his features.
 
Heavenly Katie prods the old man quickly and gives a curt shake of her head. "Best not get cocky , friend.".
 
Narissa narrows her eyes, her lips drawn in a taught line. "Orestes." Her word is a statement, accusatory and rough. "Orestes..." she repeats, her tone growing thoughtful.    
 
Eagerly, the oracles nods, almost fawningly.
 
Inside the Halfway Tavern.
Apprentice Jammond of Thakria is here.
Octafino Rahl, Bardling Extraordinaire is here.
Rynn, Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know is here.
Heavenly Katie, Plantfood Pirate is here.
Slinking about nearby, you spot the figure of (Apprentice Seer Adaryn, The Ephemeral Eidolon).
Apprentice Sabrelon, the Prodigal is here.
[And Endyamon]
 
Narissa turns her gaze aside from the cowering man, clenching her fists into rough, angry balls at her side. "Orestes..." she repeats, her tone bordering on dangerous. Beckoning sharply to the crowd, she barks, "Follow me now, if you wish.".
 
Conan whispers softly to Apprentice Jammond.
You overhear the words, "I sort of want to follow her now".
Your rune-bug picks up words; Conan tells Apprentice Jammond, "I sort of want to follow her now".
 
(made me giggle)
 
Apprentice Jammond nods his head emphatically.
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Aye".
 
You shout ORESTES! You and I have a score to settle
 
Someone cheers on narissa.
 
A mighty voice booms, "Go Narissa Go!!!".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon peers around, noting every minor detail.
 
A mighty high-pitched voice shouts, "Get him!".
 
Rynn says, "What's Orestes got to do with anything?".
 
(the start of a tiring series of questions from her)
 
You shout this "prophecy" you claim - I refute the curse you've auguried - I demand to know the truth!
 
Someone throws a stick at the oracle and shouts, "SPEAK THE TRUTH NOW, OR THIS BECOMES YOU FOR ETERNITY!" waving about a waxen figure in the process.
 
Orestes the seer intones, "If that is the mind you are in, come not before me for the answers you seek.".
 
Apprentice Jammond tells Conan, "Orestes is responsible for the curse".
Conan tells Apprentice Jammond, "Curse?".
 
You shout are you denying your prophecy, Seer?
 
Rynn says, "Oh dear...".
 
Apprentice Jammond whispers softly to Conan.
You overhear the words, "on Narissa".
 
Orestes the seer intones, "I need not exert my powers to see you are a fool.".
 
You shout You risk much, old man...
 
Rynn says, "Oh no he didn't...".
 
(oh yes he did)
 
Apprentice Jammond chuckles long and heartily.
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Still...".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Oh, ouch, it seems orestes has a dated book of insults...".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Follow now, lest you miss his death".
 
Someone scoffs arrogantly.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon lets out a sneaky little smirk.
 
Orestes the seer intones, "And you risk success with the gems of the gods.".
 
Conan tells Apprentice Jammond, "What is her curse?".
 
You shout I -will- find the cure to this bane I suffer under
 
Orestes the seer intones, "Or perhaps you enjoy having them slip through your normally sticky fingers.".
 
You shout if your blood is the cure, then I will gladly take it
 
Apprentice Jammond tells Conan, "Not sure...".
 
(la la la travel to Orestes)
 
« Last Edit: June 26, 2008, 08:05:45 AM by Narissa »
Apollo, the God of light tells you, "It's always the loud ones..."


Offline Narissa

  • The Woman Who Stole the World
  • Sexy Thief Mistress of Moderator Mojo
  • ******
  • Posts: 699
  • The only way to a man's heart is with a knife...
    • City: Thakria
    • Guild: Thieves
    • Order: Magical Maven
    • Thakria - simply the best
Re: Sapphires and Rubies
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2008, 08:17:33 AM »
The Study of Orestes.
Apprentice Jammond of Thakria is here.
Octafino Rahl, Bardling Extraordinaire is here.
Heavenly Katie, Plantfood Pirate is here.
Slinking about nearby, you spot the figure of (Apprentice Seer Adaryn, The Ephemeral Eidolon).
Apprentice Sabrelon, the Prodigal is here.
 
Orestes the seer bashes Sabrelon.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Bah, and you bring fools with you I see".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "Damn orestes".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Katie, peace".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "We wish only to talk".
 
Heavenly Katie dances a dainty jig of brightening and her spirits whirl about to do her  bidding. Calm descends upon you.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "God damn".
 
Conan says, "May I try to sing a pease song to him?".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon glares in a menacing manner.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Coward!".
 
Narissa narrows her eyes sharply, peering at the seer. "Here I am, old man," she scowls.
 
"Your prophecy called me, and my curse lingers.".
 
Apprentice Jammond stares about him.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "Son of a bitch".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon glares at a squire of Orestes in a menacing manner.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Silence. We are here for answers".
 
Someone nods her head emphatically.
 
Conan seems to be muttering something under his breath. You can't hear what it is, but you notice that Orestes the seer seems to be listening intently.
 
Orestes the seer chuckles.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Do you need all these to threaten me?".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I am not here to threaten, Seer".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I am here for answers".
 
Vaash says, "I bear you no ill-will old man. I am here to witness only".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I've slain you once for not liking your predictions - my lesson has been learnt".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Your mindless bellows across the land told a different story, wench".
 
Apprentice Jammond blinks.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Oh? And what know you of wenches?".
 
Someone chuckles long and heartily.
 
Apprentice Jammond chuckles long and heartily.
 
Narissa glares sharply, but does not deny the accusation. "I seek answers," is all she says.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "No, answer her questions. You will do this".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Well, your mother for one Jammond".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon lets out a pained sigh.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "I expected more from a seer".
 
Vaash lets a musical laugh fall from her lips.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon shakes his head.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "I agree, sabrelon- he's insulting the wrong person!".
 
Apprentice Jammond shakes his head.
 
Someone laughs outright.
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "He's annoying".
 
Orestes the seer says, "True, none of you are really worthy of insulting".
 
Orestes the seer says, "You are nearly all enemies, allies to that dark hearted  Pangryon".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon shrugs his shoulders casually.
 
Apprentice Jammond raises his left eyebrow and glances at Orestes the seer.
 
Conan slinks to the back of the crowd.
 
Vaash says, "Pangyron is a genius. Never forget that".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Orestes- you are old and wise. Why do you lower yourself to such petty attacks when you should be solving the problems before you? We are in need, and we ask for assistance".
 
Orestes the seer says, "But of course, you can't go to him for answers can you?".
 
Orestes the seer says, "He knows not the mind of the gods".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "We merely defend ourselves from your attack".
 
Narissa watches Orestes steadily, biting back insults. "Pangyron proclaimed the curse as well," she finally says, her tone rough and heavy, evoking a shocked silence from the listeners.
 
Apprentice Jammond jumps back in surprise.
 
Heavenly Katie gapes openly at Narissa.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Of course he pronounced the curse. Any fool can see when a person has been cursed".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon gives a cough.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Then why is it you can't seem to tell the answer?".
 
Vaash puts her finger over her lips and hisses for silence.
 
Orestes the seer says, "The solution, ah well, there is another story".
 
Apprentice Jammond raises an eyebrow tentatively.
 
Apprentice Jammond says, "Pray tell it".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Do tell- we have time, I'm sure".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Pangyron has his attention turned to darker places than Olympus".
 
Vaash says, "Be silent younglings".
 
Someone takes a seat in a nearby chair and listens intently.
 
Narissa holds back a response, although color rises to her cheeks. "What can you tell me of the solution?" she says, her voice shaking in a combination of restrained anger and
repressed emotion.
 
Apprentice Jammond sits down.
 
Apprentice Jammond tilts his head and listens intently.
 
Orestes the seer says, "He can not perceive how to regain the divine good graces".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "He has his own goals...".
 
Narissa nods slowly in acknowledgement.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Well, I know there is a way. What I don't know is if it is in my interests to point the way to you.".
 
Orestes the seer says, "And please".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Do not bore me with your tired threats of violence".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "By all means, we're all just here for the solution".
 
Narissa nods steadily. "Pain did nothing to you before," she says coldly. "You are close with your secrets.".
 
Orestes the seer says, "What reason would I have to want to see your empowered with divine gifts".
 
Narissa glances sideways, her eyes narrowed in thought. Finally she says, "For balance.".
 
Someone nods her head emphatically.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Balance?".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Usually Thakria dominates the contests, much to my dismay".
 
Orestes the seer says, "And the games have just begun".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "The good can never win if there is a cloud of taint over their opponents - would you have them achieve victory through such aims?".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Victory and winning are, afterall, not quite the same".
 
Narissa grins wryly.
 
Orestes the seer says, "There are others who can give them the challenge they need to validate their wins".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Yes, but tainted succession by any means would make you no winner."
 
Narissa stiffens, pursing her lips. "What price do YOU ask, Seer," she hisses.
 
The Study of Orestes.
Apprentice Jammond of Thakria is here.
Vaash The Devourer is here.
Octafino Rahl, Bardling Extraordinaire is here.
Heavenly Katie, Plantfood Pirate is here.
Slinking about nearby, you spot the figure of (Apprentice Seer Adaryn, The Ephemeral  Eidolon).
Apprentice Sabrelon, the Prodigal is here.
You can discern no hidden presences here. (lies, Endy is here!!!)
 
Orestes the seer says, "You speak of balance, but are you truly willing to tip it?".
 
Conan silently nods in agreement.
 
Orestes the seer says, "I have no interest in it myself. If good rise victorious, I will  be pleased".
 
Narissa exhales sharply, her amber eyes mere slits of golden glints. "While I remain cursed, the balance is skewed," she asserts.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "'Good' is purely subjective, mind you.".
 
Vaash looks around herself, stroking her chin.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Hardly, my dear. You were cursed last go round and a Thakrian rose to the divine".
 
Narissa smiles wryly. "Had I not been cursed perhaps that would not have happened," she says slyly. "Don't you recall who I supported?".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Yes, well there is that".
 
Someone grins in an amiable manner.
 
Orestes the seer says, "But would you turn over all the Long Night items to the keeping of the Mercinaens and their allies?".
 
Someone raises an eyebrow.
 
Orestes the seer says, "And prohibit thieves from aiding in their retrieval?".
 
Apprentice Jammond frowns uncertainly.
 
Narissa casts her eyes to the ground, her shoulders slumping slightly as she considers the question before her. "I will serve those I am loyal to," she responds, her voice clear and sharp, although she does not glance upwards.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Hmm, I don't know if you should be commended for your loyalty or damned for your lack of committment".
 
Narissa pushes her hair back from her brow with an impatient hand. "I will not play petty games," she says sharply. "I will not betray mine or abuse my power for something that only hurts me.".
 
Orestes the seer says, "But if the curse is lifted, it will not hurt you".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Does it hurt you to walk under the sun?".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "If it shines too harshly".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "We're not all out for ourselves, Orestes.".
 
Orestes the seer says, "The absence of the Long Night hurts you very little day to day".
 
Someone eyes the seer warily.
 
Narissa warily eyes Orestes. "I admire your attempts to achieve a goal, sir," she snorts, "But I do not have control over those items.".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Well, if you do not like my idea".
 
Orestes the seer says, "What price do you offer me for my guidance?".
 
Narissa bows her head in thought, considering the question.
 
Narissa finally glances up at Orestes, her eyes flashing in defiant pride. "Break me," she says shortly. "Find my limits - I am Thakrian.".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Call all your champions, and give me a challenge".
 
Someone watches on in surprise.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon lets out a sneaky little smirk.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Apparently I already have found your limits. You will not give up the items".
 
Orestes the seer says, "I have no interest in beating you to death".
 
Apprentice Jammond shakes his head.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "They are not mine to give".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Yet you will not even try to acquire them".
 
Narissa snorts arrogantly. "It is a personal curse. I will not rob my guild for such," she barks.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Very well then".
 
Orestes the seer says, "At least you have character".
 
Orestes the seer says, "In this case at least".
 
Narissa raises her eyebrow in silent, sardonic amusement.
 
Heavenly Katie glances from the seer to Narissa and then strides quickly away, shaking her head.
 
Heavenly Katie is no longer following you.
A pink piglet bears Heavenly Katie off to the southeast.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Hear me now, Narissa. You are accursed of the gods for your impunity".
 
Cadmus tells Shadow Mistress Narissa, "What madness is this?".

You tell Cadmus, "Come".
 
Orestes the seer says, "The physical punishments you endured were only a fleeting sign of their displeasure".
 
There is a great blaze of elemental light and a shimmering gateway forms before you.
 
Cadmus appears before you through the black screen of a magical portal.
 
Cadmus cries, "Hail!" to all present.
 
Apprentice Jammond bows respectfully to Cadmus.
 
Vaash nods her head at Cadmus.
 
Orestes the seer says, "The spiritual curse you now endure is the price you must pay".
 
Cadmus hisses like a snake.
 
Orestes the seer says, "If you do not make amends, you will never join the gods beside the treasure chamer you once looted".
 
Narissa narrows her eyes, shaking her head. "There is a way," she insists, her tone dangerous and deadly. "Thakrians do not ask forgiveness.".
 
Cadmus tells Shadow Mistress Narissa, "You listen to the words of this thing? His nemesis would tell more truth, and that so unlike him".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa tells Cadmus, "He is a prophet, and I am listening. Merely listening".
 
Conan nods his head towards Elmak.
 
Orestes the seer says, "I sense that the tasks required are not pleas for forgiveness, but rather doing honor to those you have offended".
 
Orestes the seer says, "And as you say, you are just listening".
 
Orestes the seer says, "If you do not like what I have to say".
 
Narissa raises her eyebrows skeptically, but remains silent, biting her tongue as she listens.
 
Cadmus glares at Orestes the seer in a menacing manner.
 
Orestes the seer says, "You dont need to do any of the tasks".
 
Cadmus says, "There are such things as false prophets, Narissa, my friend".
 
Orestes the seer says, "But the curse will not be lifted".
 
Narissa laughs dryly. "But then the curse would not be lifted," she agrees.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Go on".
 
Orestes the seer says, "At the very least, you will have to find a way to circumvent the curse".
 
Cadmus says, "This curse you speak of, in my eyes, is nothing but purest coincidence".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Which is not guaranteed to bring success".
 
Orestes the seer says, "The gods being clever and subtle".
 
Cadmus says, "Your skills are well-known, both with the blade and the larceny of tongue you so adeptly demonstrated".
 
Someone silences Cadmus with a wave of her hand, saying, "At least let him finish, and then we can examine all the evidence.".
 
Rynn blinks.
 
Cadmus nods his head at you.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Though I will freely admit, if they doubt your sincerity, nor will the tasks set before you bring success either".
 
Orestes the seer cackles.
 
Narissa stares at Orestes as if enthralled. "What tasks do you speak of?" she asks quietly.
 
Cadmus tells Shadow Mistress Narissa, "As you wish, then, but remember - this man is our enemy, sworn against Pangyron's Cult, which we serve".
 
Orestes the seer says, "Hear now, Narissa, the tasks the gods set before you".
 
a great armoured bear tells Cadmus, "I spoke to this prophet a long time past, and his words held truth- even if I refused them when they were spoken.".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For your arrogance in thinking you could wield the power of the gems unearned, you must make amends to each gem patron".

Orestes the seer says, "For Light, Compassion and Wisdom, you must be the primary force behind the rituals of each god being enacted".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For justice, you must present a letter of thanks to you for justice served to Castigere".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For Vengance, you must avenge someone and sprinkle the blood of the offender in the temple of vengenace".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For magic, you must convince mages of each magic guild to come together in the temple of magic and call up an Avalon ritual".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For Life, you must bring life to the dead forest of Bedillam by watering the earth every month for a year".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For War, you must fight 25 challenges in a row without a loss".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For Fate, you must change the Fate of a newborn by guiding his or her life to success".
 
Rynn says, "Wow, this is going to take a while...".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For the sea, you must make every location of Moonstone Lake salty".
 
Vaash says, "She has much to make up for".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Define 'success' for the fate one".
 
Orestes the seer says, "For Forest, 300 denizens of Goblin Town offered to the Hunter".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon winces, obviously in great pain.
 
Cadmus says, "Narissa, this is madness".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "And what if she's already done some of this?".
 
Rynn says, "This will take 10 mortal lifetimes".
 
Vaash says, "Be silent!".
 
Conan tells Vaash, "Is she still receiving punishment for the gems still?".
 
Cadmus raises his left eyebrow and glances at Vaash.
 
Narissa glances upwards, shaking her head. "I could do all this easily," she smirks, chopping her hand downwards in a rough gesture for silence.
 
Someone nods her head emphatically.
 
Orestes the seer says, "Chaos, you must foment chaos in some event in the land".
 
Rynn says, "Well that one will be easy".
 
Vaash tells Conan, "There are more things she has to atone for.".
 
Narissa smiles slowly, her eyes narrowing. "I have a better solution, Seer," she says. "I have a far better solution.".
 
Cadmus tells Rynn, "Not least to say, already completed".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Thakrians".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Kill the prophet".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "My pleasure".
 
Conan has just gone southeast. <---- Octafino goes bye bye
 
(Thakrians go bash happy)
 
Apprentice Sabrelon scythes his weapon at Orestes the seer.
Apprentice Sabrelon bashes Orestes the seer.
Apprentice Sabrelon delivers the killing blow to Orestes the seer.
Apprentice Sabrelon has slain Orestes.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon cheers wildly!
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "I've wanted to do that all night".
 
Rynn says, "That was a bit extreme".
 
Someone shrugs her shoulders casually.
 
Cadmus says, "His prophecy is false".
 
Conan has started to follow you.
 
Narissa laughs harshly, regarding the broken body, as her eyes glaze over in thought.
 
Rynn says, "Do you think the death of Orestes ends the curse?".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "It's only the begining.".
 
Conan shakes his head in shock, eyes squinting in disbelief .
 
Cadmus says, "Apollo's mark here pains me".
 
Rynn says, "One thing I've learned is that bloodshed very rarely solves anything".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "It wasn't meant to solve, he was just an annoyance".
 
Rynn says, "He was attempting to offer a solution".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "And there is most likely a better, quicker solution".
 
Cadmus scoffs arrogantly.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "An inane solution that was highly unrealistic".
 
Cadmus says, "His words were empty".
 
Vaash says, "No one here can say what will or won't appease the divine.".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon says, "His Solution would have taken years".
 
Vaash says, "Orestes' propsal may or may not have worked".
 
Someone takes a deep breath.
 
Vaash says, "However, I would not wish such a foul curse upon anyone - friend nor foe".
 
Rynn says, "What exactly is this curse?".
 
Cadmus clutches his chest in agony.
 
Cadmus says, "The pain of standing in this spot is too great to bear any longer".
 
Cadmus says, "I must away, back to the darkness of my coffin".
 
Cadmus says, "Fair fortune, Narissa - you would do well to ignore his words".
 
Narissa raises her hand, shaking her head. "Orestes has failed us," she sighs.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I expected him to - come, we shall seek a truer prophet".
 
(walk to Pangyron)
Apollo, the God of light tells you, "It's always the loud ones..."


Offline Narissa

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Re: Sapphires and Rubies
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2008, 08:25:11 AM »
Pangyron's chamber.
You are able to see by the light of the lantern. You enter this room and suffer immediate distortion. You sense reel as you try to establish bearings, for it seems you are floating in space. A million stars wink at you from the heaven around you, and you
recognise none. You appear to be moving rapidly, galaxies and planets drifting past as you try to stand up. The surface underneath feels solid, but although your rational mind tells you this is an magical illusion, your subconscious fear blocks it out all logic. A blue green planet shoots past, spinning rapidly around a bright yellow sun, and the nausea returns as you realise you too are orbiting this burning giant. Pangyron stands
before you, wreathed in starry robes and shimmering with magical power. There are three star-spangled guardians here. A black panther snarls from the shadows.
You notice a single exit, out.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer greets you wholeheartedly.
 
Apprentice Sabrelon bows respectfully to Pangyron the Astrologer.
 
Narissa bows her head to Pangyron, regarding him soberly.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I seek your wisdom, great Seer".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "What do you wish? I am busy".
 
Apprentice Sabrelon scoffs arrogantly.
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn narrows her eyes at a black panther.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer glances at Adaryn.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Beware lest he bites your hand off".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Well, why have you brought all these in here to interrupt my studies!".
 
Narissa stares steadily at Pangyron, two dots of color appearing high on her cheeks. "I am cursed," she says shortly. "As you know.".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I would see this lifted".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Yes, yes, of course you are cursed".
 
Conan tells Apprentice Sabrelon, "You have changed my friend, I had not seen it fully until now.".
 
Narissa silently raises an eyebrow in question.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "But I do not know how to lift it. The power that binds it to you is that of the gods.".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Do you not have the vision?".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer scowls and growls under his breath.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Of course I have the vision!".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "But you do not know. Orestes claimed to".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "I have never chosen to align my vision with the worship of  the gods".
 
Conan tells Apprentice Sabrelon, "That is not what I mean, but I am glad that you are loyal to her.". <--- interesting side conversation
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "WHAT!".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "You consulted with him!".
 
Narissa regards the sorcerer flatly, her stare flat and demanding. "I do what I need to," she says sternly.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Bah, and if you are here, I imagine he chose not to help you".
 
Apprentice Seer Adaryn says, "Patience, wise pangyron! This is a delicate situation. Hear her out first".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "He bored me. I had him killed".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "I do not need vision to know that".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Well, the first wise thing you have done".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "As I was going to say".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "I do not use my powers in the service of the gods".
 
Conan tells Apprentice Sabrelon, "I am not noting as good or bad, just saying I hadn't realized it and that is all. ".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "As a Thakrian, you know the route to power is not service to others".
 
Narissa nods sharply.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Power is taken, not requested".
 
Your rune-bug picks up words; Conan tells Apprentice Sabrelon, "Take care and I hope you find what you desire on your path".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Victory does not come out of negotiations---except when one is the victor".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "This is true".
 
Someone nods her head emphatically.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Thakrians, true Thakrians, at least, are born knowing that obedience is owed only to those who are strong... And only while they remain so".
 
Narissa nods slowly, her stare trained on the Sorcerer.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "And a Thakrian who oppresses does not apologize for his or her actions when they are overthrown".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "This, also, is true".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "And no Thakrian looks to exact an apology".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Indeed".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "It is expected that the strong rule by controlling those who will allow themselves to be controlled".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Orestes may have been able to tell you how to remove the curse. But I imagine the path would have been distasteful to you".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "Indeed".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "I can tell you how to negate the effects of the curse".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I would appreciate that".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "It will not disappear, but its power over you will be diminished if we are successful".
 
Narissa nods slowly in trepidation.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "A charm must be fashioned".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer begins to pace.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Hmm, but what shape must it take".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Yes, it must be something that amplifies your positive qualities, Narissa".
 
Narissa grins wryly.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Boldness".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Ruthlessness".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Domination".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Borne of terror and sorrow".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Slay Takoriki and bring her body here to me! Her blood and bones will provide the shape of the charm for you".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Bring darkness and fear to Azrili".
 
Narissa nods sternly, her stare rough and cold.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "It shall be done".
 
(run to Azrili)

You deliver the killing blow to Takoriki, old Azrilite woman.
 
(run back)
 
Pangyron's chamber.
Pangyron stands before you, wreathed in starry robes and shimmering with magical power. A black panther snarls from the shadows. A guard wearing the star-spangled armour of
Pangyron stands here.
 
Narissa pants slightly, saluting the sorcerer.
 
A golden eagle nods and drops Takoriki, old Azrilite woman.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Quickly, good!".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I bring you the offering requested".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer mumbles to himself.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer begins chanting over the corpse of Takoriki.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer gestures and vile liquids begin to ooze from the corpse.
 
There is a great blaze of elemental light and a shimmering gateway forms before you.
 
Someone appears before you through the black screen of a magical portal.
 
Someone bows respectfully to you.
 
Narissa inclines her head politely to Furion.
 
The corpse begins to twist and buckle.
 
Furion says, "Greetings, Mistress".
 
Narissa watches Pangyron and the corpse closely.
 
Moving with great speed, Pangyron begins to twist the limbs of the corpse while chanting in a dark tongue.
 
Someone looks around, surveying the scene. "What's going on here?".
 
The bones of the corpse crack and splinter as Pangyron works.
 
The air becomes icy cold.
 
Putrid gasses explode from the corpse.
 
Narissa stiffens her body, resisting a shiver.
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa tells Furion, "We are mitigating the curse against me".
 
Pangyron shapes the corpse into a ring and begins to bind it in shape with the hair of the slain woman.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer chants faster and faster as he works.
 
Someone nods his head emphatically.
 
Narissa watches, enthralled, as the sorcerer twists the broken body with his lurid, crude enchantments.
 
Furion tells Shadow Mistress Narissa, "Excellent, what must be done, Mistress?".
 
The room becomes unbearably cold.
 
Narissa begins to convulsively shiver, her body shaking uncontrollably in the icy chill.
 
A shrieking sound tears throughout the room.
 
A bellow of anger and sorrow sounds from beyond the northern mountains.
 
Narissa struggles to maintain a dispassionate stare, although her body jerks occasionally in the freezing cold.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer begins to yell out the words of his dark incantation.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "You can not resist!".
 
There is a crack and explosion which throws you from the room.
 
Octagon.
There are two star-spangled guardians here.
You are no longer mounted - you lose your steed-sense.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer tells you, "Return and see what I have wrought".
 
Pangyron's chamber.
A black panther snarls from the shadows. There are four star-spangled guardians here. A huge, golden eagle flaps its majestic wings before you. Pangyron stands before you,
wreathed in starry robes and shimmering with magical power. An amulet lies here, a disc formed of glass as black as the night itself. The amulet has been engraved with the inscription "dominance boldness despair ruthlessness".
 
Comprehension flashes across your face.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer points to the amulet.
 
You pick up a black amulet.
 
You show a black amulet to everyone present.
The amulet bears no markings, attached by a simple leather thong. The amulet has been engraved with the inscription "dominance boldness despair ruthlessness". It belongs to you.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "So none will know the source of your power".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Or at least suspect".
 
Narissa stares at the amulet, her eyes flashing with eager delight. "It is a worthy and powerful gift, Lord," she says, falling to her knees.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Keep it safe".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa says, "I certainly shall".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "It should fortify you against the curse of the gods".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer slumps back exhausted.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "Needless to say, you owe me a great favor".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "I shall call upon you to deliver at some future time".
 
Narissa bows her head, pressing it against the amulet, as a stern look crosses her face.
 
"Power shall be ours," she says quietly, nodding. "Call on me when you wish, Lord.".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "I promise you will enjoy the execution of whatever I ask".
 
You nod your head at Pangyron the Astrologer.
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "If you remain true to the Thakrian ideal".
 
Pangyron the Astrologer says, "But now I must rest".
 
Narissa dips into a low, respectful curtsey. "Thank you again, Lord.".
 
Shadow Mistress Narissa tells Furion, "To Thakria".
 
Centre of Thakria Square.
 
You stroke a black amulet lovingly.
 
You swear your oath of Princely loyalty to yourself, for it is in yourself that you trust most of all.
 
You will now be known as "Shadow Mistress Narissa, the Blessed".
Apollo, the God of light tells you, "It's always the loud ones..."


Offline Narissa

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Re: Sapphires and Rubies
« Reply #4 on: June 26, 2008, 08:26:31 AM »

From: Shadow Mistress Narissa, the blessed [Baroness].
To  : Everyone.
Subj: rubies.

I have oathed myself again, as the curse has been mitigated.

Long did I ponder the task before me - how to resolve a punishment of divine proportions? Gathering citizens about me, I traveled to the Halfway Tavern to seek help of the oracle there. Adaryn, Jammond, Endyamon, Vaash and Sabrelon all stood menacingly as we teased out details from the sage, using pain, punishment and sly manipulation to finally learn that Orestes held our answers.

A series of shouts ensued and we quickly pinned down the wily sage, demanding his knowledge on the stars. Rude, hostile and demanding, we eventually found him tiring, and his body failed before a
Thakrian onslaught.

Onwards we went, gathering more Thakrians, such as the Sorcerer Furion, stopping only when we stood before Pangyron himself. A quest was demanded - and met. Grotesque sorceries and dark magicks were wrought, and the true power of Thakria shone through. Imbued with the blessing and gift from the true star sorcerer, I emerged from his caverns, fully prepared and guarded against the pains of my past and prepared to meet the future with a slate wiped clean of past weakness.

Protected by such magicks, I oath myself again. If you deem me unworthy to take on the title again, share the discontent, and publicly. I hold no ill will against those who do - I merely demand they have the courage to state such. This is how Thakrians behave.

Written by my hand on the 29th of Midsummer, in the year 1213.
 
Apollo, the God of light tells you, "It's always the loud ones..."


Offline Algernon

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Re: Sapphires and Rubies
« Reply #5 on: June 26, 2008, 09:38:38 AM »
Nice.
 
Did it win Narl's vote?

Offline Narissa

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Re: Sapphires and Rubies
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2008, 10:19:50 AM »
Dunno, haven't been online since :P
Apollo, the God of light tells you, "It's always the loud ones..."