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You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> Recent posts by Almerin
Topic: This was hell
Subject: This was hell


Disclaimer: this is an open game. Still, there are some requirements concerning characters. Though fantastic and horrific in nature, this is not a d&d game, nor a vampire gore-fest. Try to fit the theme, please.


The streets of the city were drenched in blood. It poured off balconies and bubbled up from the sewers below. It ebbed against the garbage and clung to the bodies that lay strewn across the cobblestones.
They were deserted, these streets, at least for now. In the ever setting sun the golden liquid reflection almost made it look like a paradise rather then the birthplace of an apocalypse.
Tall broken buildings lined the streets with Victorian posture; mahogany doorposts and iron railings bearing organic patterns wept in the reality of their existence. There was not even a memory of salvation. How long had they stood there, eternally deteriorating, but never breaking down completely? Their recollection of ages had been eroded by the grainy gusts of wind that always roared, yet always came unexpectedly. They were numbed; had even forgotten that their current state was one of sorrow. Joy had left them so long ago that in comparison to the bleak reality of repetition there was only ‘being’. And ‘being’ was a form in which emotion and hope had no place.

This was hell

One of the broken forms that had once been a man moved. An arm was raised and snapped painfully back in its original position. A cry was smothered into a gurgle by the wash of blood against the man’s face.
Slowly he managed to get up, unseeing where he was or where he went. His eyes had been bound by a dark cloth, now soaking red. He had no recollection of ever seeing. It was as if he had been born in that very instant. The stone cobbles underfoot felt cold, slippery, and after taking one step he fell back against a pile of bodies.
Unknowing and blind, he rested against them for a moment as a soft refuge in a hard world.
Panting from pain and the strain of being the man lay there for a few moments. Slowly a feeling began to form in the tips of his fingers. He brushed the smooth and cool surface below him, unknowing that it was a woman’s calf. Then, with the recollection of sensation, other memories returned. He remembered being able to see, he remembered hearing and lov…

…a hard, sandy wind struck him in the face. He shielded it with his hands as in a reflex, then felt the cloth binding his eyes. With some difficulty the man pried the blindfold from his face and slowly opened up to the world. His vision was blurry, the diffuse orange glow from the sky even too much to handle. It would take many hours before he could see as he once did.


Posted on 2009-02-07 at 18:47:55.
Edited on 2009-02-10 at 18:21:06 by Almerin

Topic: Happy Birthday You Bugger
Subject: happy


Happy Birthday dude!

Posted on 2009-02-07 at 11:52:39.

Topic: Shucks
Subject: true


but if you're talking about activity, faster means more. And you're right, that doesn't make it better, but at least something happens.

Maybe I'll start a new freeform game or something... that doesn't involve the waiting for character generation etc.

Posted on 2009-02-07 at 11:51:40.

Topic: Shucks
Subject: well


I haven't been too active lately myself. There are some RL issues that cause this, but I also find myself annoyed by the slow pace some games have. I only run one game, and play in one, so maybe I should get involved in another.

I think I would be more motivated if things moved faster. Maybe this low activity causes more low activity?

Posted on 2009-02-06 at 20:39:13.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: another group


The innkeeper stared helplessly at the adventurers. Did they not hear his plea, or understand his words?

"There is a reason I ask you to leave, and it is for the sake of this village but also your own. My grandfather told me that when he was a young boy, a group of heroes came, and learned about our problem. They tried to solve the situation then, even attacked the monsters and followed them back into the ocean. They were never seen again, and our town had to pay for their attempt."

There they had his reason. If they were smart, and clung to their lives as much as he hoped, they would leave now. He surely wouldn't want to see any harm come to them.

Posted on 2009-02-06 at 20:34:52.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: short reaction


The bartender walked over to their table. Initially he was doing so to stop Ocyari from retelling the situation the town was in, but he was too late for that. Now, all he could do was go along with the ride, however much he dreaded the outcome.

"No, they're certainly not ghosts, m'lady. They're monstrous men, with skin like a snake, and heads like them foreign lizards. But never before has any of them attacked without a reason. We haven't given them any reason to be angry, for many years now. And they never come early either."

He eyed them all nervously, and mumbled: "Please leave this village. I know you intend on doing good, but nothing but harm can come from this."

Posted on 2009-02-04 at 18:39:11.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: don't have much time... but


The innkeeper gasped at Ocyari's remark, his eyes wide, and eyebrows raised high.

"They cannot know about this, young miss." He hissed under his breath, so that only she could hear him. "They're adventurers. They'll try to intervene! I asked you not to intervene. I know I can trust you on this.... right? People will get hurt."

(OOC: There is no way he's ever going to give his ok for you to tell your friends. So if you want them to know: you're going to have do so without his concent.)

Posted on 2009-02-03 at 20:14:27.

Topic: A Local Legend - Q/A
Subject: wow


much fuss about nothing. I could've changed the user-ID so that Kil's original post was not by Wyrm, but in fact, by him.

Reralae! We need a post from you, if you want to inform the others of what transpired between you and the bartender. If not... we still need a post so that we know you're not telling.

Posted on 2009-02-03 at 18:19:21.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: the next morning


When they woke up the next morning, there was a buzz in the air. Either that, or this little village was the most excited town in the history of small fishermen’s settlements.
In the common room, people were feverishly talking with the innkeeper, who looked pale as a ghost. The adventurers were stared at, and voices hushed as they descended the stairs further.

“We’ll see you later, Jim.” A strong looking man stated, and left the building. The other villagers followed suit.

The innkeeper wiped his forehead with his sleeve and turned to the group at the bottom of the stairs.

“One of our people has been attacked last night. Berko, one of our sheep herders, was going for a late-night walk. While taking the air, he was knocked unconscious. This morning he was found, spread across the sands of the beach. He is alive, but very much weakened. They’re trying to find out who might’ve done this, and why.”

Through the windows of the inn, they could see the townsfolk walking or standing about in groups. People seemed excited, alerted or angry. But on all their faces was a hint of fear. Children clung close to their parents’ legs, the fishermen kept to the beach and refrained from taking the boats to the waves. This was a small town, and a matter such as this was everybody’s business.


Posted on 2009-01-31 at 10:29:29.
Edited on 2009-01-31 at 10:35:12 by Almerin

Topic: A Local Legend - Q/A
Subject: yep


me too.

I added a map of the village on the first page of this Q/A.

It will come in handy.

Posted on 2009-01-29 at 17:51:31.
Edited on 2009-01-31 at 23:02:53 by Almerin

Topic: A Local Legend - Q/A
Subject: saturday


saturday = updateday, so I posted again.

Also: jjmiker messaged me about not being able to continue this game with us. We'll just continue without him for now. If somebody else drops out, I'll find replacements.

Posted on 2009-01-24 at 16:28:08.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: the story


The innkeeper had been waiting behind the bar, wiping glasses aimlessly. The establishment was deserted, save for the guests that were now upstairs in their rooms. The man had been lost in thought, focusing on what to say and how to bring the information he was about to disclose. He was also pondering over why it was that he felt so familiar to this young woman. When she had looked at him it was like he had known her all his life. Was it true that full friendship could form in a heartbeat?

The man startled a bit when Ocyari spoke, for he had not seen her coming nor heard her footfall on the stairs. He eyed her for a moment. She was wearing a black dress. That was unexpected.

“I’m sorry for the secrecy, miss, but the other townfolk cannot know that I am telling you about what’s bothering this village. Will you promise not to tell anyone about this meeting? If people ask questions, just tell them I was trying to make a move on you, or something like that. You do look lovely in that dress, if you don’t mind me saying.”

He put away the glass that he had been holding, and sighed. After a moment of silence he turned back to her, and she could read the hesitation in his eyes. He sighed again, and swallowed loudly.

“Alright then. Since as long as I can remember our town has been visited by creatures from the sea. They come each month, demanding supplies and sheep, threatening to kill somebody if we don’t obey their wishes. This town used to be much bigger, but some people moved away, others died fighting these monsters. And I must tell you that the ever present shadow of the creatures’ existence doesn’t really make people happy. Families have been growing smaller and smaller, with less children in each generation. The people who live here cannot afford to go anywhere else, or do not know of anywhere else to go. They fear the outside world more than they do the creatures.”

“This may all sound like insanity to you, but I swear on the Meaty Haring this is the truth. They will come again tomorrow night, when darkness covers the shores. Your coming has stirred the townsfolk, for they do not wish for outsiders to know about their problems. I’m so glad that I finally talked to somebody about it though. I want to thank you at least for listening to me. Now I bid you and your friends go on about your journey tomorrow, and leave us with our problems. Trying to interfere will only result in more sorrow.”


Posted on 2009-01-24 at 11:33:04.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: there then


The innkeeper nodded at Isilimiri’s request for a bath.

“Yes, of course m'lady. I’ll let Abaldo put up a tub in your room. He’s my little helper around here. Does all sorts of jobs that my back won’t allow me to.”

He smiled politely and was ready to turn away from their table, when Ocyari piped in. She was not yet ready to let the matter of the haunting go, and inquired a bit more about his awkward mentioning of haunted paths.

“Look, lass,” he replied sternly and loud enough for the other patrons to hear, “Forgive an old man his silly jests, and let the matter as it is. A joke is only funny if it isn’t drawn out for too long.”

He leaned in to give Ocyari a hard look, but as he came closer he whispered:
“Meet me behind the bar in an hour, lass, when the guests have left.”

The message was clearly directed at Ocyari alone, and the innkeeper gave the rest of the group an inquiring look, as if he was making sure they had understood what he had just stated.

(OOC: You can move the night along if you want to, conversing some more, or skipping to the bath or even until later. Your choices.)

Posted on 2009-01-19 at 18:08:43.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: I even gave you a +5 bonus, but...


As brother Perrin further inquired about the remark made by the innkeeper, the man looked about the common room uneasily. But when he looked back he seemed more self assured.

"I can tell you that there is no haunting going on in these parts, good sir. You can sleep asured and safe. And tomorrow you may continue your traveling and recording of your fine tales. If you wish to share one with the villagers, I would be much obliged. We haven't heard a good story in quite a while."

(OOC: Perrin may still be suspecting something, but at least he thinks the innkeeper is telling the truth.)

Posted on 2009-01-16 at 22:47:26.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: the innkeeper's reply


The innkeeper looked at brother Perrin while wiping his hands on his apron.

"Oh, I was merely joking, young sir. The paths haven't brought us many travelers lately is all."

(please remember that if you want to use skills such as Diplomacy or gather information and the likes, you have to tell me you're actively using the skill. Otherwise I'm just giving off hints for free, which is not how the game works. )

Posted on 2009-01-16 at 22:25:33.

Topic: A Local Legend - Q/A
Subject: hey


despite an early update, I have had only one response yet. Is something wrong? We're too early in the game to be having this kind of posting problems.

Maybe I should host a vampire-lycanthropes kind of game, they move at the speed of light.

Posted on 2009-01-16 at 16:58:01.

Topic: You say it's your birthday.....
Subject: yeah!


Congrats on lasting another year in our midst!

Posted on 2009-01-15 at 17:22:41.

Topic: Favorite Super Hero Movie
Subject: well


In fact, I would say that the first Hulk was better than the second one. But only by 1%, though.
Though the fight at the end of the 2008 one was better, it didn't have any closure... so now what? That abomination was choked but still alive... does that mean that they can contain him now? that was odd.

And I like Hellboy I. The second was pretty alright, but pretty alright doesn't compare to other great movies like the Dark Knight or Spiderman 2.

And one of my favorites is of course The Incredibles.

Oh, and in my opinion, Superman Returns sucked really really hard.

Posted on 2009-01-14 at 13:20:42.
Edited on 2009-01-14 at 13:21:37 by Almerin

Topic: Feeding The Undead Q/A
Subject: so...


posts and updates

Posted on 2009-01-12 at 18:14:25.

Topic: Bon Voyage Hammer
Subject: Yes


Be safe! We'll await your return.

Posted on 2009-01-12 at 18:12:07.

Topic: A Local Legend - Q/A
Subject: there


update is in, early, but that's not a bad thing. At least now you guys can go ahead and actually write something.

Posted on 2009-01-09 at 17:28:49.

Topic: A Local Legend - An Audalis Short Adventure
Subject: longish update


When the epic song of the battle for Sylvaria and the world of the Khords was done, the monks were silent for a while. The abbot sat with closed eyes, and the only sound that could be heard was the scribbling of brother Josop’s pen on dry paper.

“I have heard this story before.” The abbot finally said. “Though it was quite some time ago, and from a different angle. The fellow that told it here was a Khordaldrum cleric named Geimiedefher. He said he had been one of the heroes in the tale. We didn’t know if we could believe him or not, but we had heard rumours of this apparent invasion. His story provided us with information to fill in the gaps. I’m glad I hear you seconding his words. It will be a valuable addition to our library.”

He stood up with a groan of stiffness.

“Well, after such splendid story telling we can’t possibly let you go with just a drink as payment. Of course you are all welcome to visit our library any time in the future, but such a thing is hardly a reward for your services.”

He whispered something inaudible in Josop’s ear, to which the other monk nodded and turned to leave the room. The abbot held out an inviting hand in an indication to follow him.

“Please walk with me. We will go see how your horses are doing. They should have had a very decent rest, and will be eager to move you further up the path.”

He guided them out of the monastery, and around the back to where the horses were waiting. They looked refreshed indeed, and ready to leave. As they mounted their steeds, brother Josop joined them again. He was carrying a sack and a leather waterskin. The abbot took them both and handed them to the adventurers.

“Here. Inside the sack you’ll find some bread, dried fruit and a bottle of our homebrew. The waterskin contains a very special potion that you’ll find quite refreshing, though it only comes in a single dose. Use it wisely. I’m sure a group of adventure seekers like yourself can use this better than we do.”

With that they said their goodbyes. Their horses started their slow trod through the loose sand, and brother Perrin walked alongside his new companions, seemingly fine with the pace.

The path curled further through the dunes, weaving up and down through sandy patches and high, sharp grass. When night began to fall they made their camp, in the shelter of the grainy hills, and enjoyed the warmth that had soaked into the earth all day and kept them comfortable through the cooler darkness.
At dawn they returned to the path, that led them all the way to the top of the first dunes. At midday they mounted the last dune. A full blast of strong, salty wind was their initial reward, but what came next made all the heat of the plains worth the trouble.


Farreus paused for a moment to let the anticipation of what would follow rise in the minds of the children. They were all silent, a few gaping at him with their mouths dropped in total focus on the story. Most of them had never left the city. Hearing about places far away and living the sights they would never see were as much entertaining as a dazzling combat scene. He continued his story with a wide gesture of his hands.

“An immense ocean spread out before them. Waves rolled up on a sandy shore and carried whispers of far away islands. Sea gulls shrieked in the distance, crying out in flying freedom. The water was a rippling desert; a void and eternity in one. The pace of the tide was peaceful and wild at the same time, working their minds in different ways.
The beach was deserted, but the breathtaking sight of the ocean was enough to occupy their thoughts. Nobody disrupted them in that moment, except for the occasional wandering bird: aimlessly pecking at shells, feathers ruffled in the breeze. Did they pause long before continuing? I do not know. But eventually they continued north, following the path that had carried them through the dunes so far.”


It was two days later that they encountered a small settlement. They had been travelling through dunes without any sight of the sea for at least half a day. Then the path sloped down again and ended in a wide stretch of sandy beach. There they found a small village, built of no more than twenty wooden houses. This village was located on the beach that was like a valley in between the dunes. High tide would carry the waves of the ocean just a hundred yards from the first doorsteps. Boats lined the shore, and sheep dotted the surrounding hills. These people were obviously farmers and fishermen.

In the setting sun, the townsfolk were on their way to their homes, and did not spot the adventurers yet. It was later, when the group had taken their stay at the town’s tavern/inn that word began to spread that strangers had arrived.
The Meaty Herring was more of a community centre then a real establishment for housing guests. With only three upstairs lodging rooms it was quite small, but then again: it did have an upstairs, which could not be said about most of the other buildings in the town.

The bartender brought them their drinks that evening under the watching eye of most of the community. People had come to see the newcomers, and the owner of the Meaty Herring was doing good business. But people didn’t buy too many drinks, it seemed. This was a small town, with not much coinage going around. People dressed soberly and acted soberly, eyeing the adventurers with curious glances, but without the open desire to actively learn what had brought them to their village.
The bartender broke the secret interest and shyly inquired: “So, travellers. Where have you come from, and what is your destination? We don’t get many passers by lately. You would think the coastal paths were haunted. Haha!” he laughed, a little to loud for comfort. But he eyed them in expectation of an answer.

(OOC: I need a reply first of all, but more importantly I need to know what your intentions are for the rest of the remaining time.)

Posted on 2009-01-09 at 17:27:52.

Topic: A Local Legend - Q/A
Subject: well


In fact, the story went quite differently: The Chakran Khords were indeed wiped out long ago. Some were left in spirit form to haunt the halls in the deepest of areas, but that's it.
The Goblins took Chakranna as their own, and have inhabited it ever since they attacked the Chakrandrum. The Chakran Portal was going to be used to plan an invasion into Khordal, but also there was a second agenda. The Portal had not been found by the goblins. Only a select group of dedicated goblin followers of a demon called Avesaath knew its location. They were going to unleash that demon through the portal into the realm of men, to become a new God on Audalis. Bits and pieces of that demon were already manifested into the material plane and were used to create the poison that infected the trees, which in turn infected the animals.

It was a wide-spanned plan to dominate the world.

Posted on 2009-01-07 at 07:10:02.

Topic: Hey Guys
Subject: hah


Welcome, welcome!

Posted on 2009-01-06 at 21:38:36.

Topic: Fantasy Artist Wanted!
Subject: ehm


Perhaps it would be better to give a bit more information about what the story is about... what kind of style you want, and just maybe who-ever Christina is?



Posted on 2009-01-06 at 21:33:14.

 


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