Legend of the Dragon Spiritmasters RP

[The Jeffinator]

Legend Of The Dragon Spiritmasters​

Chapter I: The Saga Begins​

Click Here for the OOC and info thread.

It was a peaceful spring morning in Mist Forest. The clear blue sky overhead, the sun shining upon the treetops, the light breeze rustling the leaves, and the cool, crisp sound of the nearby stream branching off from the Ethral River. All was calm, the inhabitants of the nearby Twin Spires were still fast asleep. The birds were just beginning to chirp, and the young deer and elk just waking to drink from the stream. However, suddenly, the animals scattered as they heard the steady beat of hooves coming down the dirt road that led to the Spires -- It was a man on a horse, his face hidden by the hood of his dark blue cloak. His pace and aura seemed to be rushed, as though in a frantic hurry to get where he was going. His cloak flapped behind him, and underneath he seemed to be wearing a blue and white uniform of sorts, with the coat of arms of Urmordia on his chest.

As the man approached the Spires, the enchantment that had been placed upon them ages ago detected the presence of an intruder, covered the Spires in a magic barrier, and sent a mental message into the thoughts of all seven Spiritmasters, informing them of the situation.

Hiroku sat up in his bed immediately, jumped to his feet, and ran to the window. Seeing the uniform of who was waiting outside the barrier, he sighed and pulled on his kimono and sandals, then walked out of his room, and down the spiral staircase to the bottom floor. Out the front double doors, and to the edge of the inside of the barrier. The man pulled back his hood, revealing a calm yet concerned face of a middle aged man with light brown hair and full beard.

“Master Hiroku,” the man said as he dismounted his horse.

“It’s okay, he’s a friend,” Hiroku told the other Spiritmasters as they appeared. “This is General Glenn Murdock, he’s the commander of the Urmordian Army.”

“I wish the circumstances for my appearance here were on peaceful terms, but unfortunately, this is not the case,” he said with a strong seriousness to his voice. “We have reason to believe that an evil force is gathering in the southern deserts of Padashan... But worse than that, we have reports from field agents that suggest these forces are being led by the Dark Spiritmasters...”

Hiroku’s eyes grew wide, but he shook his head. “That is impossible. The spirits of the Dark Dragons were destroyed for good centuries ago...”

“I know of the lore,” Murdock said calmly, “but isn’t it possible to resurrect a spirit from the Netherworld if enough necromancers join together? Our field agents believe they were resurrected in this fashion, but we can’t be sure without getting a closer look, and I’m afraid any troops we send back there would be going on a suicide mission if the Dark Ones really have returned...”

“So, you want us to go find out ourselves...” stated Hiroku simply.

“King Tristan wishes an audience with you in Arcanum. he will give you more detailed information and provide you with all the supplies you’ll need to get there and back,” explained Murdock. “Please, we must be certain of the intentions and leadership of these dark forces in the south...”

“As a Dragon Spiritmaster, I cannot refuse a direct request, however, my comrades have yet to complete their training. It will be undoubtedly difficult for them, if we do indeed meet face to face with the Dark Ones...”

“You’re the only ones we can count on...” said Murdock slowly.

“Well,” he turned to the others, “I’ll leave it up to you. I am leaving for Arcanum after breakfast. If you decide to come with me, meet me at the stables before I leave.” He then turned to Murdock, “If not them, I can guarantee my presence at the Palace in two days’ time.”

“Thank you, old friend.” Murdock bowed slightly, mounted his horse, and was off. Hiroku sighed and headed for the hot baths in the basement of East Tower.

(OOC: The Twin Spires are made up of East Tower and West Tower. East Tower is the living quarters, with the baths in the basement, the kitchen and dining room on the first floor, a lounge on the second floor, rooms on the third and fourth floors for six of the Spiritmasters (3 on each), and a bigger room on the fifth floor for the leader of the group. The West Tower has baths in the basement as well, but these are used for washing clothing, materials, and some equipment. The first floor is the armory, the second floor is the physical training room, the third floor is the magical training room, the fourth floor is the library, and the fifth floor is storage. There are stables in between the Spires, and a few yards away from them lies a small hut, which hides a set of stairs that lead down into an underground chamber with stalls of stone commodes (toilets that lead to an underground cave where waste falls to -- I know, ew). By the stairs are several wash basins, each placed under a pump that uses water from the stream. Afterwards, the water can be dumped from the basin into a commode).

 

[impish_pixie]

Frellya (ice)

Lost in her dreamless sleep, Frellya received the mental warning that an intruder approached the Spires. With unhurried efficiency, she rose from her bed and dressed to face the unknown. She put on a robe and slippers and still unfamiliar with the ways of SpiritMasters she picked up her mundane weapons, as well. She carefully placed the twin Kamas at her belt where they are easily accessed should she want them. She walked out of her room, her long legs quickly carrying her around the spiraled steps to the ground floor. Her hands deftly braid her nearly white hair into a lengthy, single plait that swings gracefully against her back as she moves down the stairs.

Exiting through the large doors, she sees Hiroku speaking to man who is unfamiliar to her but obviously no stranger to him.

“It’s okay, he’s a friend,” Hiroku told the other Spiritmasters as they appeared. “This is General Glenn Murdock, he’s the commander of the Urmordian Army.”

Frellya nods a politely cool greeting to the General and acknowledges the arrival of the other Spiritmasters as they join to listen to the General’s message. Her sleep disturbed by his arrival, she feels no qualms about remaining to listen to what he tells Hiroku and her features remain cool and still as they speak of the dangerous forces led by the Dark Spiritmasters.

“Well,” he turned to the others, “I’ll leave it up to you. I am leaving for Arcanum after breakfast. If you decide to come with me, meet me at the stables before I leave.” He then turned to Murdock, “If not them, I can guarantee my presence at the Palace in two days’ time.”

As the General rides off, Hiroku turns to walk away, and Frellya speaks, “Thunder Master, may I have a brief word with you before you begin your preparations for our journey?” Her voice is quiet; it is not to be heard by the others. "You give a choice that is, in fact, no choice. To do our duty, we must go with you. It would have been wiser to command us and inspire courage, than it was point out our lack of experience and give a choice. The others will go but their hearts will be heavier unless you do your duty, take command, lead not only by example but by words of faith."

Having spoken her mind, Frellya looks at him for a moment before turning to head back to the tower.

 

[dragonrazor]

Shirow woke up to a strange mental voice. He didn't recognize it at first, but knew better than to ignore such voices. He also heard hoofbeats approaching the tower. He found that odd, and so he got out of bed, and looked out his window. Seeing their leader talking to some guy he thought looked familiar, he shook his head. He stepped out the window, and a tree caught him, setting him down on the ground slowly. He listened to the briefing, and sighed. Once that was done, he went back up to his room. He started to do his morning exercises, which took him about ten minutes. After that, he went to the bathroom and took a quick bath. Once he was clean, and had shaved and brushed his teeth, he pulled on his usual clothes, and walked downstairs. He walked out to the stables, and looked around for a bit before spotting anyone.

 

[Fizzter43]

<deleted>

 

[FenixZero]

Leaning over the balcony, Jin watched the exchange between the general and Hiroku, bending the wind to carry their words to to him. Something intresting was definatly going on.

Pulling his favorite black vest over his slim torso, Jin planted his hands on the railing and vaulted over. As his feet left the ground, Jin was greeted with the feeling of weightlessness. The wind howled in his ears as he plummeted like a stone, the unforgiving earth rushing up to meet him. Grinning like mad, Jin tucked his arms to his sides, pushing the wind behind him to speed up his descent.

"WAAAAAAAAHHHHOOOO!!!" He screamed defiantly at the forces of gravity. Sucking in a deeb breath, Jin threw an air cushion down on the ground below him. Tucking his body into a roll, the Wind Dragon righted himself, landing like a feather on the ground below.

 

[The Jeffinator]

Nobody paid very much attention to my starting post. I can see we're going to have many problems here down to road. This game is canceled.

 

[The Jeffinator]

I am willing to restart this game if if everyone rereads my post carefully and make sure your posts do not conflict with anything said in my post. For instance, I made it quite clear it was the crack of dawn and that everyone was supposed to be asleep, even the animals, just waking. Pixie was the only one who had her character sleeping. Everyone else took it upon themselves to write something that conflicted with what I had posted, creating a plothole. Thus, someone has to edit, and it's not going to be me. I posted my part first, and you all must edit your posts so that they comply with it if you wish to play.

 

[The Jeffinator]

Hiroku turned to Frellya, “Your words are very wise, indeed... However, you underestimate the power of the Dark Ones. None of you possess the power to defeat them. I’m not even sure if I do. If they truly have returned, this may indeed be a suicide mission... Against ordinary odds, I would indeed command you to do your duty. But these are extremely extraordinary odds, and none of you have yet to complete your training. We are possibly facing a threat that no Spiritmaster has faced for over seven hundred years, and I am not about to force any of you to stand before this. Then again, any who turn away are not worthy of the spirits they hold, but it has to be their choice.”

 

[impish_pixie]

Frellya (ice)

She stands still and silent as she listens to Hiroku. Only her eyes move as she watches him closely, scrutinizing the language of his body and emotions in his eyes. Gauging the meaning and the weight he hold his words, does he speak His Truth. She nods her head as he finishes speaking. Whether she agrees or not, he is sincere, his words were His Truth. Until she understands him, his honesty will suffice.

“Thunder Master, none will turn away. We will not fail in courage, only in skill and experience. The Spirits have not chosen unwisely, the danger simply comes too soon. Leaving us with nothing to do but face it together, bravely but ill prepared. If we are lucky we will set back the Dark Forces just long enough for our successors to grow strong and defeat them”.

She politely bows her head, “Thank you for taking the time to listen to my thoughts. I will not keep you from your preparations any longer and I too have much to arrange.”

 

[The Jeffinator]

Hiroku smiled and laid a hand upon the young woman’s shoulder. “I agree, the Spirits chose the right hosts. You are wise beyond your years, Frellya. You may find my decisions peculiar at times, but know that I act with the best interest for all of us... I admire your courage and your loyalty.”

Hiroku smiled and nodded, then walked off to the baths.

 

[The Jeffinator]

After descending the stairs to the basement of East Tower, Hiroku turned and entered one of the bath chambers. In front of him was a section of stone floor, and then a four foot drop to a pool. Along the other wall was a large cauldron over a fireplace, and next to it a pump for the river water. He pumped water into the cauldron and lit a fire, then pumped cold water into the pool, but didn’t quite fill it up. Once the water in the cauldron was boiling, he dumped it into the cold water, and it evened out to make a comfortable warm water. Removing his kimono, sandals, and undershorts, Hiroku stepped into the hot relaxing bath. He reached for a bar of soap and a washrag, and began to bathe.

About twenty minutes later, Hiroku ascended the stairs from the basement, having drained the pool via the hole that led to the same underground cave as the commodes; it had been plugged while bathing.

Once in his room, Hiroku once again removed his kimono, and pulled on a pair of dark blue pants that were loose and slightly baggy, for maximum agility and versatility during a fight. He put on a white long sleeve shirt, tucked it in, and slipped on a different kimono -- this time one that matched the dark blue pants. He slipped on underleggings and black boots, and then tied on a black belt that had his sheathed katana attached to it. Normally he would wear only the pants, kimono, and sandals, but since this would be a long trip that could go on for weeks if not longer, he decided to dress appropriate.

He gathered traveling supplies and rations from the kitchen into a large wicker basket, then walked out to the stables and emptied the contents into the saddle bags that he placed upon his black horse, Blackbolt. Walking back up to his room, Hiroku placed the basket back at the foot of his bed, and grabbed his dark bluish-black traveling cloak. He tied it around his neck, then returned to the stables, and mounted Blackbolt, looking around to see who all had come down.

 

[The Jeffinator]

OOC: Come on people.

 

[The Jeffinator]

*bump*

 

[impish_pixie]

Frellya (ice)

Freylla left the tower and allowed her long legs to carry her to the stables while she checked off her mental list of supplies and provisions. It was difficult to prepare for a journey with so little time before departure and so little information about the destination. Frellya preferred cold calculation and detailed arrangements; she was not at ease with acting rashly or impulsively. She tried to comfort herself; perhaps once in Arcanum there would be time and information enough to suit her need for order and organization.

She had taken most of her things to the stable on a previous trip and now she carried only a lightweight pack that blended in to the ice blue and white of her traveling clothes. At her back was a pair of matched double-edged kamas, always within easy reach of her hands. Her eyes grew cold as she considered her weapons. While her brothers learned from great men to use the finest weaponry of the nobility, her training started under the watchful eye of a servant as her taught her to use a simple farmer’s implement in defense. Her bitter determination to excel soon had her surpassing her brother’s abilities, if only with her weapon of choice. Her mother’s brother, not her father, gave her the beautiful pair she now used, designed to kill and useless in a farmer’s hand.

Inside the stable, she whispered a few encouraging words into the ear of her mount, Tyrnt. The pure white stallion, of a breed native to her homeland, was strong and sturdy, breed for harsh conditions and difficult terrain. She checked her gear and his, one last time, before mounting the big beast. She directed him with ease to the other side of the stable.

She saw Hiroku astride his mount, obviously ready to leave. She lifted her hand in greeting.

 

[The Jeffinator]

Hiroku smiled and lifted his hand as well. “Lady Frellya... I knew you would come.”

 

[dragonrazor]

Shirow had finished his preparations, then returned to the stables. He was carrying his sword, and a few pouches, as he wasn't quite clear as to how long they would be. He had stuffed some food that would never spoil, dried fruits and nuts, and such.

 

[impish_pixie]

Frellya (ice)

Hiroku smiled and lifted his hand as well. “Lady Frellya... I knew you would come.”

Frellya nodded, as she brought her mount to a halt at his side, "Yes, Thunder Master, I believe I made my intentions clear."

Never one for idle chatter, she was silentl until etiquette demanded she speak. She sat upon Tyrnt, her face giving nothing away, there was no expression visible to reveal her feelings, or even indicate that she had any. Frellya gave little thought to who among the Spiritmasters would be joining the Thunder Master, she did not look around to see if someone was coming.

The others were either worthy or they were not.

 

[dragonrazor]

Shirow nodded, making sure he had everything, then mounted his horse. The creature had a way of understanding him, or the other way around. The horse had been skittish, and calmed down immediately when the familiar weight was on its back. He spurred the horse forward, and let the horse guide him to the others. Once he came up behind them, he gave a long, low whistle.

 

[The Jeffinator]

Hiroku did not turn around, but he spoke, “Sir Shirow... I am pleased by your courage.”

 

[dragonrazor]

Shirow shrugged, pulling out some smoked jerky for breakfast. "What makes a man truly courageous? Does it take Courage to do Duty?"

 

[The Jeffinator]

“The definition of courage is not someone who faces danger without fear -- Courage is facing danger regardless of fear, and in this case, given what we may be facing, a great deal of courage is required.”

 

[dragonrazor]

Shirow shrugged again. Facing danger was nothing new to him. What bothered him was that his life was no longer his own. "You fight with courage. I'll fight with indifference. After all, it's not like we'll be fighting the undead."

 

[The Jeffinator]

Finally, Hiroku turned and faced him. “The Spirit of the Death Dragon can animate fallen warriors. So yes, we may indeed be facing undead.”

 

[dragonrazor]

Shirow raised an eyebrow, then sighed. "And here I thought I was done facing walking skeletons."

 

[impish_pixie]

Frellya (ice)

"Greetings, Forest Master." Frellya lowers her chin in a polite nod.

She quietly listens to their converstion on courage and indifference.
Her feelings and her thoughts she keeps to herself.