IC: Meagre Beginnings

[Screech]

Nearly Twenty years ago a war had been faught that had engulfed the entire world. It was not for any one power to try and secure total conquest but rather a point in history when the many races, growing tired of racial predjudice, began to loose sense of the core values of life and preferred the hard truth of death. Humans, Elves, Dwarfs, Orc, Goblin, Dragon, Giant not a race was sparred from the fighting. Not long after the War had begun, a few of the smaller races began to die out and became exstinct. Gnomes and Halflings were among those now no longer living. The populations of all races were serverly cut, some managed to escape with only half their population killed the races of Human, Elven and Dwarf were among these. Other races such as the Dragons and Lizard Men along with the Ogres have nearly been decimated only a tenth of their population remaines. No one remembers what caused it or who the only truth that is realized by all is that their once beautiful world now lies in ruin.

Not only did the races of the world suffer but the planet as well, permantely scarred by the fighting, as the whole world begins to heal......

On the main continent, where some of the greatest skirmishes were faught, a smal cluster of villages surround a mountain range called the World's Talons. Curiously, these villages each sit on the boarder of a number of race's lands and, as such, were often seeing battle. However, now that peace has settled, these small villages will see local heroes of their own spring up, as word has started to spread that something dark is growing...

 

[sodalitas]

Oren

For the first few miles, freedom was my companion. I had left my town in the past, but this time I knew in my heart that I was leaving for good, and somehow it all looked different. The trees, the road, all of it seemed to beckon me on, to promise adventure and glory, to promise a life.

Eventually I was joined by another companion - boredom. After the initial euphoria wore off, I realized I was just a lost man walking alone down an empty road, with no idea where I was going or what I was going to do when I got there.

What did I expect, that when I crossed the old bridge I would be greeted by someone saying "This way to your destiny!"? Of course I didn't. That would be stupid.

Still, I paused at the other end for a while, catching my breath.

Walked into the day. Not a soul crossed my path, nothing but empty road and empty hours. Funny, how I spent most of my life trying to avoid people, but right now I would gladly suffer their stares just to have someone to talk to, someone to face the unknown with.

My pack grew heavier as the day grew darker, until I decided I would have to start looking for somewhere to camp before the night stole my vision and I ended up sleeping in the road. I started watching the sides of the roads for signs of a good area to bed down in when I noticed the camp site. Just off the road there was an area that seemed to be well used, a clearing created by traveller after traveller reusing the same location.

I suppose it made sense, it was a day's walk from town and other travellers would have had to make this journey.

Problem was, the site was occupied. I saw a lone figure tending a fire, though there might be more in the area. I glanced around but saw no one. I shifted my pack to my other shoulder and unhooked the strap from my scabbard, just in case someone decided I looked like an easy target.

"Well met, friend" I grunted as I strode towards the fire.

 

[Optimas]

Well met

I had traveled for eons, When you are immortal its seems to travel so quickly. I have had friends and foes all die whilst i took one heart beat. For I am a vampier, the last of my race. I have almost died on many occasions, from the attacks of vampires or werewolfs. Both can kill me with my throat torn form me. Many humans think I am an evil vampire king, lost is my heritage of vampier riders that have protected mankind.

Vampier, it sounds so like vampire, it makes me smile sadly. Was a bit stupid really being so closely related to vampires. Then they choose a name not so unsimilar to the evil vampire race.

I ponder while I stoke the camp fire, I smell blood. Fresh blood. I can hear him before he is close enough to see me. I sit feeling the warmth of the fire against my skin. My pale skin, well you cant really tan when your a vampier. During daylight I am a wolf, no more no less. Quite a handsome beast but wolf none other. However the fur doesnt compliment tanning.

'Well met, friend', The man moved warely to the fire.
'Please sit, make yourself at home it is not much but traveling is so tiring in this age. I am night thorne, and a vampier. And before your jaw dropps to the floor. I said vampier not vampire, I am nice sugar and spice and They are pure evil.'

It has always paid me well to straighten out my origin at the beggining of a conversation. However usually I have to stop them trying to slit my throat or ramming wood through my heart(I am sure that would hurt). Then I beat them up showing my true strength. I flash a bit of fang then say 'what would you like roast meat or stew?' I usually get a scared look, the smell of the piss steaming in their trousers and the dust in my face as they sprint off. This newcommer has a different smell about him, he smells like a hero. I motion him to sit and put away his sticking blade.

 

[sodalitas]

Oren

I looked the man over, trying to get the measure of him. I didn't notice a weapon, yet the man was obviously not worried that I was armed and only a few steps away. He also didn't flinch or stare at my maimed face, I got the impression this was a man not unfamiliar to distubing sights.

"Sugar and spice, eh? Somehow I doubt that. Still," I said as I flung my pack to the ground and unslung my scabbard, "you could be the Lord of Death himself and I'd still welcome your company this night. And your stew."

With that I took a seat across from him at the fire, my sword leaning on a stump beside me.

He watched me position myself and let me continue. "Night Thorne is it? An ominous name. A man has to be careful when he has an ominous name, I imagine. It's almost a challenge in itself, is it not? I can't imagine your mother named you Night Thorne, so it says either you're a man deserving of an ominous name, or a man aspiring to an ominous name. Either way, it must put a lot of people off." I smiled, made a motion with my hand towards my face. "As you can see, I don't need any help putting people off. My name's Oren."

 

[Optimas]

Initial meetings - and dark garb

'Oren, I am sure your mother called you that. It does. . . not have a ring to it. . . but for now it will do. I suppose', He looked at me strangely while I stirred the stew that bubbled invitingly over the camp fire. I poured some stew in a bowl and handed it over to Oren with some bread. He took it gratefully.

'I mean no offence about your name, but you will find a greater name, of that I am certain.' He looked at me while playing with the stew gingerly, he eyes never leaving me. I was getting nervous until I realized why he looked so uneasy (ahhh stupid me). I leaned over in a flash and put my hand in his bowl and took out a piece of meat and ate it so he could see.

'You have nothing to fear in this camp you will only find a friend.' It must be said He began to eat like a horse, he asked for more which I gave him. I had already eaten that night anyhow.

'So where are you heading, such a desolate place this land has become and yet you travel alone.' I stood up and let my black cloak flutter in the slight breeze. I hooked out my long dark hair (Now I know how it looks, I have already said I am a Vampier however I do love the dark clothes the dark Vampires use. The white robes of the Vampier are so boring)

I stood looking out towards the east I could feel Oren looking at my back. He was still not sure of me. Well I would let him make up his own mind. I braced myself (looking great in black though it has to be said).

 

[sodalitas]

Oren

"Where am I heading? A better question would be where am I leaving," I said as I pushed my bowl away, sighing. "I am leaving one life and heading to a new one."

"I figured I'd follow this road as far as Ardensdale and decide from there whether to head out towards Fort Groen or over to Fayers town. In other words," I smirked, "I have no idea."

"You must have come from Ardensdale, right? Any news up that way?"

 

[Optimas]

The choice

I sighed in relief, he had a good view of my back and had not attacked - But what if he slits my throat as we sleep. I gulped and rubbed my hand over my neck.

'Oh sorry, yes I have come from Ardensdale. The building is slow and it is nothing of once it was.' (Damn why did I say 'once was' I should not have seen it before. People are scared of old generations, most scarcely older than twenty years of age.) Time to move on swiftly and hope he doesn’t realize my slip of the tongue.

I move round the camp fire and place items in my bag. 'I was going to travel up to Fayers town, as I have a meeting with a grand tailor. You are more than welcome to travel with me.' I looked at Oren and his burnt flesh; I felt a pang of pity, then let it wash away. Oren was too proud to be sorry for.

I will let Oren decide before I tell him that he will be traveling with a wolf - A wolf that has a mind of its own. One day I will be able to control the beast but for now he better have a bit of meat and a nice temperament - and that is just the wolf.

 

[Screech]

A new figure...

It had been a few days since Zogrunt had left his village. He had become tired of getting bossed (and kicked) around. He wanted to be his own boss! And, more importantly, find some of those fabled relics from the last war. Getting hold of Gurkurl's Wizbang Staff should put the rest of his tribe in the place they deserve - grovelling at his feet! And, with the destructive capabilities of such an artifact, he could blow up anyone who disagreed!

Of course, there was likley going to be a big dungeon, and all manner of traps between him and any big powerful artifact. What Zogrunt needed was bodies. Lots of bodies. And lots of bodies need lots of coin. And where better to get lots of coin, than off of weary travellers like the pair resting in a clearing just beyond the trees he now passed through.

Once again, Zogrunt gave thanks to the night, for in the day, the image of a short Goblin holding a rusty knife probably wouldn't strike fear into even the ost dim-witted halfling...

 

[sodalitas]

Oren

I sat there, absent mindedly throwing pine needles in the fire and listening to them snap, considering the offer.

I didn't know much about Fayerstown, but I knew it was at least as large as my village. Of course, the fact that it has any kind of tailor in it, especially someone calling himself a Grand Tailor, meant that it was in fact probably a great deal larger. If that was the case, I thought, it might be beneficial to have someone with me who understands the place, as this Night Thorne seems to.

That, and travelling with someone else seems as if it would be safer than travelling alone. Never know when someone was thinking of robbing you blind. Of course, it was not clear whether this man could be trusted. Out wandering in the woods alone was pretty suspicious. And yes, I got the irony.

"I'll travel with you as far as Fayerstown," I replied. "But if there's anything you should tell me, like you're being chased by someone or anything else that might put me in danger being around you, then tell me now."

"On second thought, tell me in two minutes."

With that I stood and walked into the woods about ten or fifteen feet to piss behind a tree, keeping my eyes on the clearing where I had left my pack and sword to see whether he would attempt to touch any of my belongings.

 

[Optimas]

A Wolf Problem

I looked down at his bag as he left and laughed inwardly. It was obviously a test, Oren was not the trusting type then. I thought about playing with it and see him question me, but I thought better of it.

He returned from the undergrowth - having a good sense of smell made other peoples toilet trips a little uncomftable. He looked at me, waiting for my answer. 'Ah, . . .w-well I have no one chasing me. . . but,' I paused, he was giving me the strangest glances. 'Well let us just say I cant continue as myself in daylight,' I pushed on with a gulp of air, 'I change into a wolf.'

The whole clearing went deathly silent, I gulped. Even the beasties and the animals went silent, all waiting for his reaction. I put on my best smile ( It melts womens hearts by the way, but more on that later) and waited.

 

[Screech]

Zogrunt stayed in the treeline, watching the pair in their conversation. One of them stood up and moved toward the trees himself, causing Zogrunt to stay very still. Well, apart from the shaking with fear that he had gotten noticed already!

He breathed a sigh of releif when the man moved back, and continued on the conversation. Zogrunt had no idea just what they were talking about but, whatever it was, there was a fair chance that there was profit to be had by following these two men.

Deciding that revealing his presence right now would probably put him in the same league as Gobdar Funguswort's "armour of fire" for stupid ideas, Zogrunt settled down in the treeline, and watched

 

[sodalitas]

Oren

I stared at Night Thorne for a full minute, my single eye boring into his back as I heard this last bit of fancy. "Of course," I thought sarcastically, "he turns into a wolf. Obviously. Because an ancient, sugar and spice immortal who can't stand the sun would have to find another way to travel during the day. A wolf. Problem solved."

It started as a "hrmph" of disbelief, turned into a chuckle, then it became full fledged laughter as the absurdity of the whole thing struck me. Catching my breath, I managed to say, "I don't know who you really are, friend, but one thing is for sure, travelling with you is going to put an end to my boredom! See you in the morning."

And with that, I scooped up my pack, unrolled a rough-spun blanket on the ground, and laid down near the fire, tucking my pack under my head and laying my sword across my body, my hands snugly grasping the hilt.

Chuckling, I fell asleep.

 

[Optimas]

They never believe! Even when I look the PART!!!!

I Laughed inwardly. How could he not believe me? These clothes make me look like a vampire. I looked down at my majestic (yes majestic) cloak and red ruffled shirt. I was looking good, but I will just let him see me in the morning. The one problem is that I have no control over the beast, it is as if I become feral.

However I have warned him. . . What is that smell, I turned and looked around the clearing - Something was watching us, I looked but saw nothing.

I climbed a tree and hooked my legs over a branch, I then lowered till I hung upside down (now I know what you are thinking, how cliche. A vampire sleeping upside down, but I have told you I am a Vampier and as such do what I want and anyway. . . it's comfy) As I yawn I fall asleep - yes with my arms folded.

 

[macmillian]

IC: Meagre Beginings

Shandler the Elf had travel to the main road passing through the edge of his Tribes Domain. It was a long treck.....and little to interest me on my travels. No one had been in this part of the woods since I hade did an extensive search a while back. I would wait near the road and see what was moving.