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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Follow the Light... or the Drink
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Main Highway
Five and a Quarter Hours before Twilight
So there they were; one circle returned to its start and another began. The boy, who gave himself the name of Qin, pretty much attached himself to Tristan, and so the duo (trio if you include the bunny hiding in Tristan's bag) wandered off.
"So... how did you get to be so good at punching and kicking dust bunnies?" Qin asks
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 22:47:46.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: The Battle Chamber
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Chamber B
Five and Three Quarter Hours before Twilight
Whoever did the decor of Fahinn's office certainly did not do the decor of this room. Archetectural worksmanship line the room with furnishings of maple wood, marble stone and even golden trim. Along one side of the room is a wide shelf supposedly for the long-term gladiators to keep their weapons, and indeed, there are universal stands within the shelves to hold all manner of weapons. Along another side is a wardrobe, specifically designed to hold armour and even shields. A well-made four poster bed lies in the corner of the room, and in the center of the room lies a beautifully carved table and set of chairs.
An attendant stands at the door, ready to help Manalagna with setting up armour, weapons or anything else. The man, named Tenarr, seems to be very knowledgeable of weapons and armour, and admits that he had some experience as a blacksmith.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 22:23:26.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: The Last Answer
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Arena Main Office
Six Hours before Twilight
The elderly man smiles at Manalagna's request for introductions, despite it being so late in the conversation, "I don't mind; when emotions run high, the only thing that matters is the moment, not the details. I am called Fahinn Wencor, and we all just call the announcer Ken. He does a very good job at what he does." Fahinn chuckles.
"Thank you for your kindness and patience in answering my naieve questions sir! Now if you would be so kind as to direct me to my battle chamber so I can prepare to entertain the masses ... and prove myself a worthy opponent against your champion Xira!"
Fahinn nods solemnly, "Your chamber is on the western end of the arena. You can't miss it."
"But one last question if I may ... would Xira be your daughter?"
Fahinn breathes in sharply, "One time, long ago, yes, I knew her as my daughter. Her name was Morganna. Who she is now..." Fahinn's hands shake, and he quickly steadies himself in his chair.
Taking in a deep breath, Fahinn finishes, "To answer your question, no, Xira is not my daughter."
In this single statement, Manalagna can truly see just how old Fahinn is.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 21:56:43.
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Topic: Forgotten Realms: The Unsung Heroes
Subject: The Dancer of the Moon
(Later on, in Linnix's room)
Linnix still wears the dress, even as the moon rises towards its peak, giving her gown the shimmering appearance reminiscent of that of a ghostly figure. She had taken off the eyeshadow and lipstick; the blush had disappeared with Linnix's tears. She sits cross-legged on the floor in front of the window, staring at the moon above.
"Aelistae," Linnix says, "When I first saw you dancing, under the moon, it reminded me of my sister's dancing. That woman that appeared when we danced held the same likeness as my sister, even her favourite gown. Her name is Caera."
"Caera loved to dance. If she had a choice, I honestly believe she would dance forever if I let her." Linnix says, chuckling slightly.
Linnix turns to Aelistae, "She wanted me to dance too, and I promised her I would try. It is a promise I only fulfilled just now."
Linnix smiles, "I wish Caera got to meet you; you two would have connected quite well."
Linnix turns back to gaze at the moon, "Caera loved dancing in the shadows under the moon. I would ask her why it was always the moon, and she told me that there was a lady that liked to watch people dance in the moonlight. She said that the Lady felt everyone was equal, if not the same, in the rays of the moon, uncoloured by the sun. Caera called her the Lady of the Moon."
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 21:44:31.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: The Truth of the Matter
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Abandoned House
Five and a Half Hours before Twilight
The boy averts his eyes again, this time out of sorrow than actual embarrassment.
"Parents... I don't have any." He says.
His apparel matches his statement, consisting of a worn shawl and torn, baggy pants.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 21:15:37.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Answers from the Elderly Cleric
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Arena Main Office
Six Hours before Twilight
"What can you tell me ... or are willing to tell me ... about this gift that Xira offers?"
The man shakes his head, "Don't speak of it lightly. I'm afraid I won't tell you much right now, seeing as Xira will likely use it in your battle against her, but if she does you will definitely see what it is. You cannot mistake its dark aura."
"Thank You! I Understand Completely! Now what can you tell me ... or are willing to tell me ... about Xira's hands ... and why they are wrapped in bandages?"
The man winces visibly, "That child bears a lot of pain when she fights, and both weapons she uses hurt her as well as the one she uses them against. Her hands are just where she is hurt the most by... that one weapon.
"I See! Now what type of reward ... if any ... do I receive if Xira defeats me in the arena ... not that I intend to let her win just to gain a reward from anyone!"
The man smiles, "Of course, of course. You do attain a consolation prize consisting of five hundred golden crowns."
"Are there any battle rules in the arena I need to be aware of ... and what battle gear am I allowed to employ in this Sand Dance?"
The man grimices, "So many fighters have different fighting styles that all follow incoherent rules and regulations. Given this circumstance, I technically cannot ban anything in the arena. The one thing fighters are commonly consistent with though is they do want a one-on-one battle, and so that's the only rule in place. As for gear, you can use anything you have."
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 21:11:54.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Typical Answer
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Abandoned House
Five and a Half Hours before Twilight
"Huh?" The boy says, "There was?"
His look of innocence is so terribly fake that he even sheepishly realizes and averts his eyes.
"There was a rumour that there was a bunny statue in that house worth quite a bit." The boy says simply, "No one bothered to check, so I thought I would..."
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 20:47:22.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Calming the Bunny
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Abandoned House
Five and a Half Hours before Twilight
Somehow, the small life-size bunny statue seems to understand, or perhaps something else happened. Either way, it no longer showed fear. It still seemed lonely though.
Stepping outside, Tristan notices the doormat for the first time. It is rather plain, with a pattern of bunnies running around the edge of it, but written on it in dirt can be made out the following, provided you can read bad handwriting: 'The Bunny's House, Please Don't Disturb!'
The boy had stayed true to Tristan's instructions, and was hiding, albiet not all that well, in the tall grass down the road.
"Oh! Did you get them?" The boy asks eagerly, almost too eagerly...
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 20:09:13.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: The Spell Revealed
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Arena Main Office
Six Hours before Twilight
"I have accepted the challenge to fight your champion Xira ... your announcer told me that my reward for victory ... was a special gift from Xira ... and two thousand golden crowns ... from you sir!"
"Yes, that is true, and I strongly recommend you don't accept what Xira will give you... it is a terrible thing, and I wonder if it is what made her that way. The poor girl... However, I don't believe that's the only thing you came here for, am I right?" The elderly man says intuitively.
"I was also informed that a spell over this arena ... apparently created and maintained by you sir ... will spare both your champion Xira ... and myself ... the indignity of dying in battle ... is this true?"
"Ah yes, the spell... yes, it is true. I have managed to keep even those ones that stay fighting until their last breath from dying. I'm afraid I cannot offer any proof of the spell's existance, since it is not a physical thing like the hourglass I use, but if you have the capability and you feel with your mind's eye, you will find that there is a strong magical aura on the field. It took me several years of my youth to develop it, this spell. You see, what it does is it senses for when a person is dying, and then it infuses them with wholesome positive energy, keeping them alive. They remain unconscious for an hour or two, but they will not die. Simple, but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to form and maintain. I personally take care of the fallen as well, using my healing abilities. I can heal any person." The elderly man says, exuding a strength of spirit found in those who look after other people's lives.
The man then winces, however, and adds, "Well, not any person... Xira is the only exception I've encountered. Her hands, and perhaps her mind, I cannot seem to heal. Don't get me wrong; I have tried my hardest, but it just doesn't do anything for her." The elderly man says bitterly, shaking his head.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 19:56:55.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: The Talking Bunny Statue... In a Way
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Abandoned House
Seven and a Half Hours before Twilight
Tristan picks up the bunny statue, and as soon as he does, he just senses a feeling resonating from the bunny. It is fear.
(provided you still search)
Apart from the large dust pile on the floor and a few other things, the house is actually spotless and perfectly clean. Only from outside does it look run-down and abandoned. There are also what look like dust carrots and other such bunny-related items lying scattered around the place, but nothing really of interest apart from the statue.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 19:43:12.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction: The Linsemptus - Q/A
Subject: Not particularly
The office is a rather plain, small building tacked onto the side of the arena, maybe in comparison to real-life it could be considered like a slightly enlarged cubicle of an office building.
As for the chamber, it too is rather plain, but I'll describe that when you get there.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 19:26:15.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Manager of Conflict
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Arena Main Office
Six Hours before Twilight
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" The man behind the wooden desk is an elderly man, and he looks kindly towards the dwarf as he enters the small office.
The office looks rather plain, but hardly run down. It is as though the decorator strived for, and achieved, an oversimplification that provides only what is required of an office. In front of the man on the desk there is a crystal orb, presumably so he can witness the arena matches without having to be put into the often-rowdy audience. The man himself is dressed in a style reminiscent of a higher-order cleric, with a robe similar to that of a priest's.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 19:21:54.
Edited on 2008-05-18 at 19:32:38 by Reralae
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Topic: Forgotten Realms: The Unsung Heroes
Subject: "Until you are with me, together in this place"
"We will honour her, as we honour all those who are dear to us and have been taken away,"
Linnix ends her dance as Aelistae does, slowing her movements, moving just slower and slower, until she stops. She returns the embrace given by Aelistae, the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. The image of Caera vanishes from the sight of her eyes, but remains in her mind's eye.
"There's... something I should tell you." Linnix says, "But not here... will you come by my room?"
Feeling very nostalgic, Linnix wanders off to her room in the inn, unsteady, and very much like someone who is daydreaming.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 19:15:26.
Edited on 2008-05-18 at 19:38:53 by Reralae
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Staring Contest
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Arena
Six Hours before Twilight
Xira returns Manalagna's stare, her dark brown eyes so nearly black and void that it is unnerving.
The announcer coughs once more, drawing the attention back to him, "If you wish to hear more about the spell, the manager can answer your questions, as he is the one who cast and continues to maintain the spell. He is inside the main office just outside the arena. You'll also find that your chamber to prepare in is on that side of the arena, as for time, you have until the sand in the hourglass falls." The announcer points to the respective arena end and to the hourglass that somehow appeared unbeknownst to Manalagna in the center of the arena. It appears to be actually made of sand, and is slowly draining from the top down.
Xira turns and walks towards her chamber, "Until later then."
The announcer shakes his head at Xira, "Honestly, why she has to be so... strange... I have no idea." he mutters under his breath.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 19:07:01.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: The Lonely Bunny
Between Hylon Forest and Honhinqann
Deserted House
Five and a Half Hours before Twilight
It had actually taken some time to locate the source of the crying sound, and when Tristan does, it is so bizarre he wonders if he even heard right.
Now silent in the house, Tristan stares at a small, bunny statue, hidden in the dust of the now felled Dire Dust Bunny. Dusting it off, it can be seen to be very very lifelike, despite it being marble. It looks so lifelike that it actually looks like it is very sad; very lonely.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 16:36:44.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Run For One's Life
Outer Regions of the Hylon Forest
Unmapped Area
Six Hours before Twilight
Things did not bode well. Despite Deunan's improved speed, somehow Renshiir saw them coming, even through the trees, and evaded them yet again, dashing away.
Not willing to take any chances, as soon as he could, Armand weaves a spell through the air to catch her, but even as he gets line of sight to her through the dense foliage, something goes wrong, and the magic fails. Renshiir stops for an instant, looking back. In that glimpse, you can see green hair, eyes and even skin tone.
"If you're going to kill me anyway, why should I stop? That's what people like you tend to do to people like me who are in the wrong place at the wrong time." Renshiir's voice comes back, sounding terrified beyond belief. Perhaps there was more to this than just simple employment by a shady organization.
Suddenly, she changes her course of movement, now running to the West, to the cliffs.
(BTW, this Twilight is dusk, so it is still in the afternoon, but with the thick foliage and forest canopy, it might as well be night)
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 16:30:31.
Edited on 2008-05-18 at 16:41:50 by Reralae
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Cold Woman
Fonhinqann
Gladiataor Arena
Six Hours before Twilight
"I salute your arena prowess ... oh Champion of Champions ... the Mighty Xira ... I am but a stranger in a much stranger land. The world where I come from revels in the granduers of arena combat. The loss of life is common in those arenas, but immortality is granted to those who graduate from the ranks of the arena gladiators! I have forsaken all that glory and promise to make a new life and destiny here. What ... pray tell ... are the arena rules in this place ... and is this a battle to the death ... or do we spare one another's lives?"
The announcer coughs to redirect the question to him, "There is a spell placed over the grounds of this arena that ensure that while unconsciousness is unavoidable, our battles never result in actual death. As for house rules, unfortunately the manager is in constant debate about such rules with all the competetors and so none ever get laid out. As such, besides the 'one on one' rule, anything goes."
"Why?"
A simple question, but the intonation is unnerving. Perhaps Xira's bizarre nature was also another reason why she wasn't often challenged.
"Why do you try to flatter me? There's the truth, and then there's the twisted truth, and you make it sound like I did more than I did."
The announcer's face goes a bit pale, then he whispers to Manalagna, "I've been trying to explain that to her for some time now; she just doesn't get it."
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 16:05:01.
Edited on 2008-05-18 at 16:05:32 by Reralae
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction: The Linsemptus - Q/A
Subject: *Yawn*
I think that's enough for tonight... wow, a lot has happened.
Well, I'd better get some sleep before I lose all capability to post tomorrow!
Later!
Reralae
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 07:35:25.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Run-Away Bunnies
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Main Highway
Six Hours before Twilight
The bunnies all scatter, and even Tristan's keen eyes cannot track all three hundred bunnies as they run in all directions. The small creatures run and run and run, and at most Tristan can only catch thirteen before he cannot find any trace of the others.
A soft sound comes from the open door of the house. It is faint, and Tristan has to strain his ears in order to hear it, but it is there. It sounds vaguely like something crying.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 07:28:26.
Edited on 2008-05-18 at 07:29:40 by Reralae
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Misunderstanding
Fonhinqann
Gladiator Arena
Six Hours before Twilight
"So then... to the victor belongs the spoils?"
To this, the charismatic announcer lets out a boisterous laugh, and claps the dwarf on the shoulder. "Oh no, my friend, your belongings are not in any danger of being taken by Xira; she shows little interest in such things. I said my part, it's up to you to decide whether you listen to me or not."
"What Is My Reward for Defeating Your Defending Champion ... This Xira?"
The announcer nods, "That has been decided mostly by Xira. When she first became champion, she had said she would give a gift to the person who could defeat her. It is something that no other person has in the world, and considering what it is, I'm surprised anyone would even want it, much less use it. Taking this into consideration, you can also collect your prize from the arena manager, who will give you a sum of two thousand golden crowns."
The announcer's eyes look across, spotting movement, "Oh, it looks like you are going to be fortunate enough to meet Xira before the battle; here she comes now."
A human woman walks slowly towards the two standing in the center of the arena. She wears a black ornamental gown, and a few strands of her long black hair can be seen from her hooded face. Her bleak appearance is rather peculiar, but not as much as her hands, which are heavily bandaged.
"Is there a fight today?" the woman, Xira, asks of the announcer. Her voice is, like her appearance, slightly bleak and somewhat empty.
The announcer puts his other arm around her, holding onto both Gladiators, and proudly says, "Yes! Today Manalagna Hammer shall meet you head on in battle! That is this fellow here!"
At this close range, Xira's bandaged hands can be seen in their entirety, and Manalagna cannot help but wonder exactly how in the worlds the woman manages to do anything with her hands in those near-casts.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 07:19:06.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Something's Wrong with This Picture
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Deserted House
Six Hours before Twilight
The bunny weakly raises its paws, but just lets them drop, hardly requiring the energy to dodge. However, its head snaps up sharply, catching Tristan in the chest and drawing blood. (-8 hp)
Tristan swings his stand in response, but the bunny actually manages to duck under it this time. Not so for Tristan's second strike though, which catches the bunny on the head, and causes it to disintegrate into a large cloud of dust.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 06:54:13.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Not Quite
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Deserted House
Six Hours before Twilight
The Dire Dust Bunny looks at Tristan, then suddenly opens its mouth and unleashes another shower of hits upon Tristan in the form of a new dust bunny swarm. Tristan manages to twist his body to avoid the worst of the attack, but it now felt like he had a few golf-ball like divets in his body. (-3 hp)
The new dust bunny swarm completely ignores Tristan, and runs out the open door, running away from him as fast as possible.
Tristan shows no mercy and whacks the Dire Dust Bunny hard on the back, causing it to crack just a bit more. However, the second hit, and it is a hit, just glances off of its hard body.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 06:35:47.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Nearly There....
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Deserted House
Six Hours before Twilight
The bunny goes to strike again, but this time its movements are predictable, and evading it is easy. Once again, Tristan whacks it thrice, once on the side, and twice in the head. Now the cracks extend over its entire body, and the rate in which dust seems to be drawn in and out of the cracks is far greater. One red eye has gone out, and the other is rather dim.
The creature almost seems to want to run, but something keeps it from doing so. A desperate look appears in its one eye as it looks at Tristan for perhaps the final time.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 05:57:45.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Rival Swords
Aqinarr's Soldier's Barracks
Training Hall
Six Hours before Twilight
Yin raises his blade, but Willow is the first to react. Running forward, she slips her blades around Yin's, and twirls him around as she slices, but both hits glance off of Yin's armour. Encouraged by this, Yin twirls around and strikes with his blade, the blade passing through the junction in Willow's armour at the elbow point. The blade passes through, but no blood is drawn, despite the fact that Willow felt her strength wane just slightly from the attack. (+6 nonlethal)
Yin's eyes light up as he successfully strikes the first hit. Perhaps this time would be different...
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 05:42:00.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: This is Taking a While...
Between Hylon Forest and Fonhinqann
Deserted House
Six Hours before Twilight
The bunny again rears itself back, but this time catches Tristan in the arm with one of its paws. (-3 hp) This time as well, its head bobs from side to side, and it strikes true, drawing blood from Tristan's leg. (-7 hp)
This beast is dangerous, but not so dangerous as Tristan when he puts his mind to it. Twirling his deadly umbrella stand of doom, he whacks the bunny on both sides of its head, the cracks from the strikes traveling a bit along its body. One part of the crack severs the beast's eye, but the redness of the eye remains intact, and doesn't go out. From the cracks now, little puffs of dust trail out in a set rhythm, almost like the beast is breathing in and out, maybe even panting slightly. Not yet finished, Tristan brings the umbrella stand to hit it on its raised back, causing another crack to form.
Posted on 2008-05-18 at 05:27:23.
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