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Topic: a dying world
Subject: Here... but not...
Wrapped up in RL right now. I'll try to crank out something this weekend. If you wish to update (which is fine, I can backpost), Marianna will follow after the halfling girl, with something like a "Hey! Wait for me!" line.
Posted on 2010-01-07 at 07:13:11.
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Topic: New Spores of Itanlok Q/A ~ 1
Subject: A couple questions
Almerin,
1) Is the goo falling from the Stinkhorn cap hitting any of us or any of the hippogriffs? If yes, what is the reaction?
2) Can I command the hippogriffs to grab hold of one of the entangled khords and attempt to pull them free?
Thanks
Ayrn
Posted on 2010-01-06 at 09:28:21.
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Topic: Save the Princess Q and A
Subject: I am your EGO speaking
Wow! Did you just post that for everyone to see? Inside voice, dang it! When are you going to learn! I-n-s-i-d-e v-o-i-c-e! Silence that ID!
Posted on 2009-12-22 at 17:26:27.
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Topic: SW: Dawn of Defiance Q/A
Subject: And so the chapter ends!
Hey gang, sorry for my flakeyness as of late. As I stated before, things have gotten busy for me in RL.
I've posted up the grand finale for you. Feel free to post up your final reactions/responses. I know I would greatly enjoy it! 
I wish that we could collaborate more together, but this is where I will have to end it for now. I may pick it up again in May 2010, but we'll see what RL has in store for me then.
Let me say that it has been a real pleasure gaming with you all! So much fun! Your creativity in dealing with the situations presented was very enjoyable to read!
If it works out, it would be my joy to GM another game with you all!
Thanks for the experience!
Ayrn.
Posted on 2009-12-18 at 04:38:33.
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Topic: Dawn of Defiance: The Traitor's Gambit
Subject: THE GRAND FINALE!
From Karra’s perspective, the scene in the hanger was a desperate one. Ithiria was having the life choked out of her by the officer’s dark power. Ara’ala was still no where to be seen. And Hak’ob’s form lay still on the floor, not more than thirty feet from her.
Looking at him from this distance, her feline eyes narrowed as she studied the Twi’lek for any signs of life. His chest still rises! she thought. There still might be hope!
With cat-like grace, swiftly and silently, the Cathar medic crept up to Hako’ib and gently made her move to drag him behind the cover of the storage crates. Hako’ib boots scraped against the floor, however, alerting the officer to their presence. With lightning reflexes, he brought his pistol to bear on the Cathar, all the while continuing his invisible grip on Ithiria.
Pzizzoo! The blast hit the floor where Hako’ib’s body had once lay, Karra’s reflexes proving to be quicker than the Imperial’s. Now behind the protective cover of the crates, Karra wasted no time in trying to heal her companion. She could feel the dark presence of the officer. “Come on, Hako’ib!” she whispered as she jammed the needle into the Twi’lek’s major vein. “I need you up, right now!” But Hak’ob did not awaken! While his breathing leveled off, his eyes remained closed.
In the hanger, the officer focused his attention back on Ithiria. “I’ll deal with them in a minute,” he said menacingly as he stepped purposefully towards the Jedi. “You know, your death is the perfect example of what is happening to your pitiful order. All over the galaxy, the Empire is choking out the last remnants of the pathetic, weak Jedi.” The officer, now a mere five feet away, chortled.
“Let’s see you laugh at this!” came Ara’ala’s defiant voice from behind. The officer turned his focus to the Arkanian, releasing his grip on Ithiria. The Twi’lek fell to her knees as her lungs tried to suck in the much missed air.
With perfect aim, Ara’ala’s pistol fired off a bolt of energy at the officer’s head. Pzizzoo! What was supposed to be a glorious moment however, quickly turned sour, as the bolt seemed to be absorbed by some kind of invisible barrier.
The officer laughed all the louder. “You can not hurt me, rebel!” He returned fire with his own pistol. Pzizzoo! The bolt hit Ara’ala in the side of her ribs, her armor absorbing most of the damage.
Having caught her breath, Ithiria took advantage of the officer’s confidence. Gathering the Force around her, she pushed outwards, sending the officer flying back towards the storage bay.
But the man was not down for long. Angry and frustrated at being caught off guard, the officer sought to find cover. Rushing into the storage bay, he found the Cathar still bent over the body of the Twi’lek male. Karra when to raise her pistol at the approaching foe, but found some invisible force disarming her, sending her weapon flying out of reach. Now, only ten feet away, the officer went to raise his own pistol at the helpless Cathar. “Die!” he simply said, his voice dark and menacing.
But fate was not on the side of the Imperial officer. The man, in his pride, had missed the rouse. Even as he spoke the word “Die”, Hako’ib’s pistol was out and aimed at the man’s head.
[OOC: Loki! Here’s where you get to insert your great one-liner! ]
Phzoo! The energy bolt from the Twi’lek’s pistol ripped through the man’s unprotected head, splitting it and splashing brain matter against the durasteel crates behind him, before he fell to his knees and then to the ground.
Ithiria and Ara’ala cautiously approached the storage bay. All four held their breath for a moment, waiting, almost expecting fate to send in another wave of troopers. But, for a moment, all was quiet.
The four unlikely companions regarded at one another. They had done it!
The silence was abruptly interrupted as Ithiria’s comm link came to life. “Clear the area! We’ll be there in less than thirty seconds.”
The four moved quickly into action. Ara’ala sprinted to the repulsor sled, fired it up once more and moved it in front of the hanger doors, making space for Maya’s ship; Karra rushed back to the control room to grant Maya’s ship access into the hanger; Ithiria and Hak’ob made their way to their precious cargo, the carbonite sheet carried by the repulsor lift, and prepared it for transport.
Sure enough, within seconds, a light freighter entered into the hanger. As the ship’s hold’s doors opened, Maya greeted Ithiria and Ara’ala with her pistol drawn. “Where’s Mars?” she yelled over the thrusters. “And who are these two?”
Ara’ala yelled back to the security officer, informing Maya that Mars hadn’t made it and that Hako’ib and Karra had assisted in the mission, and needed a lift off the station.
“Alright!” Maya called back, waving everyone on board. “Let’s go, we ain’t got much time!”
Only a minute later, with the carbonite sheet secured in the ship’s hold, and everyone else on the ship’s bridge, the four companions watched as the ship’s captain (not Maya) and R2 co-pilot quickly maneuvered the freighter out of Blue Deck’s hanger and, Ara’ala noted with surprising speed, made her way to a nearby hyperspace lane.
The sensors and warning systems suddenly blared to life. “We’ve got Imperial fighters fast approaching, Sirona!” Maya called out to the Captain.
“In moment, they’ll wish they weren’t,” replied Sirona calmly. The R2 unit seemed to almost laugh at the Captain’s comment. Sirona’s hands continued to move deftly over the controls, almost as ifthey were dancing. “You all probably want to sit down and strap in,” she suggested over her shoulder, as she looked with a grin to her co-pilot. “Things are about to get a little fast and furious.”
The companions had about five seconds to follow Sirona’s advice before the ship’s hyperdrive kicked in and sent them hurdling through the stars.
MEANWHILE… BACK NEAR/IN THE SPACE STATION…
>>Commander!<< came the wing leader’s voice over the station’s bridge’s speakers. >>The terrorists are preparing for a jump. Shall we pursue them?<<
“Of course, you fool!” demanded the rather large commander. “I want that cargo returned. And those traitors to HANG!”
>>Understood, Commander!<< replied the leader crisply. >>Preparing for jum… No! No! Son of a..!<<
A sudden explosion of light flared up through the main window.
“Commander…” the voice of one of the crewman broke the silence. “We’ve lost them.”
“I can see that, you fo…” The commander was interrupted by a sudden rumble that shook the station.
“Commander…” the crewman spoke up again. “There’s been an explosion on Blue Deck as well.”
The commander merely narrowed his eyes as he looked out towards where the traitors’ ship once sat, a grim smile on his face. “Your time will come, rebels,” he said softly. “Your time will come.”
“Commander?”
“Put the station on lock-down!” the man commanded. “I want a full damage report now!”
Posted on 2009-12-18 at 04:16:50.
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Topic: a dying world
Subject: Undead?! Eeww! Icky! They'll mess up my hair!
…
"It seems that you are looking for someone. Am I right?” asked Marianna.
“Yes, I was sent here to help my people. By the way I’m Levanna Amaker from the woodlands. What’s your name and where are you from?” the words came tumbling out of the halfling’s mouth.
"My name is Marianna, from the city Durkon. Do you mind if I wait with you?" Marianna asked, though she did not wait for a response. "I, too, am waiting for someone… a bit silly to be looking for someone when you don't know what you're looking for."
“Sure.” Levanna said with a grin
"May I ask who you are looking for?"
“I’m looking for a nature man and a dragon man to help me find some sort of scroll.” Marianna’s ears perked up at the halfling’s mention of a scroll. “Oh I do hope that they know where it is, ‘cause I have no idea. It was so confusing when my mommy sent me though the portal to here.”
Marianna wanted to hear more, but was interrupted by another patron looking for a seat.
"Excuse me, are any of these seats taken?” asked the hooded man. “It looks like the table I was sitting at is full now."
“Oh, how rude!” exclaimed Levanna. “No, these seats aren’t taken. You may seat with us. This sweet young lady and I were just looking for some people. Maybe you have seen them? I’m looking for a dragon man and a nature man, and she’s just looking for someone and doesn’t know who.”
"I don't know about a dragon-man...but..." the hooded man lifted back his hood revealing his flesh to be covered in scales. The young priestess could not help the small gasp that escaped her lips. A kobold! While she had never been in one’s presence before, she had seen renderings of the draconic creatures. The beast pulled his hood back, obviously concerned about Marianna and Levanna’s reaction. Sitting down, he quietly went to eating his stew, trying hard not to draw attention to himself. Marianna suspected the creature was afraid and somewhat ashamed of it’s heritage. "I couldn't help overhearing, I’m sorry” he said softly. “You're looking for a scroll and some others? I know it's none of my business, but maybe I can help!"
With child-like abandon, Levanna embraced the kobold with joy. “Oh! I found you!” she exclaimed. “Yes! I’m looking for a scroll the elders of my people said that I must find it to save my people. I just wish I knew where it was and where the nature man was.” The sad, pathetic look on the halfling child’s face was hard to resist.
“I’m sure you’ll find this nature-man soon enough,” Marianna reassured the halfling. “Maer has already seen fit to light your path to the dragon-man, righ…” The young priestess was interrupted by a towering man taking a seat at their table.
The unkempt man, his long hair greasy and matted in places like the animal skins he wore, sat down quietly with his meal in hand. The conversation at the table went silent for a moment, as Marianna noticed the tall man avoided making any eye contact with her or anyone else at her table. Watching him with some interest, the young priestess watched as the man was just about to take his first bite of the meal…
When, suddenly, a man burst in from outside. “Help! The dead have arisen! The town is under attack!”
The nature-warrior -- Nature-man! Marianna was caught off guard by the thought – sat motionless for a moment, his head hung low, while other men rushed out of the tavern. Letting go of his fork, the nature-man stood slowly, anger and frustration painted on his face. Marianna thought the warrior would lift a war-cry to the heavens, but instead surprised her with his simple complaint.
"Is it too much to ask for one simple meal!?!" he bellowed. Then, slinging his shield across his back, he took up his staff and ran out to join the other men. Marianna wanted to call him back, to ask his name, to know if he was the one Levanna was searching for -- if he is the help I am searching for -- but the man’s cursing kept the holy priestess’ mouth shut.
Surely not him, m’Lady? she thought, still blushing at the stream of obscenities that had come out of the man’s foul mouth. Surely not! And, yet, Marianna could not shake the thought that it was indeed likely to be him. “These are desperate times indeed… the young woman thought out loud, her eyes still on the door where the man had just left.
As she did, Marianna noticed the elegant, winged creature get up and make it’s way for the door. Graceful and fair as an angel of light… she thought. That is more likely the help I am searching for.
Marianna turned her attention back to her company, looking to gauge what their response would be to the trouble outside. She, herself, was more than a bit frightened, for though she had read numerous books on the topic of the unholiness that would at times rise forth from the ground, like the kobold, she had never come face-to-face with any.
Turning to Levanna, “I think it best, child, if you stay here with me. Perhaps, we can prepare a place for when the wounded arrive… Yes! I think that would be best. Outside is no place for young lasses like ourselves. We would be better help serving in here.”
[OOC: I’m stopping here, though I imagine one of two things happening:
1) If Levanna agrees with Marianna, then Marianna will look to find the tavern-keeper, request that she, Levanna and the serving girl(s) begin to prepare space to lay the wounded. If the tavern-keeper cannot be found, Marianna will “instruct”/ assist the serving girl(s) to prepare space on her own.
2) If Levanna decides to go out and face the undead, Marianna will chase after her, looking to protect the “innocent child”.
Ion, if you would like us all to be out there, no big deal for me… just have the bar-keeper say something like “Hey! Taverns closed! You don’t have to go home… but you can’t stay here!” and off she’ll go… still looking to protect Levanna. ]
Posted on 2009-12-18 at 02:13:39.
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Topic: New T-shirt design announcements
Subject: Wow...
That image shall haunt my sleep for the next week, I suspect. 
So icky!
Blah!
Posted on 2009-12-17 at 21:23:43.
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Topic: New Spores of Itanlok ~ 1 ~ A Short Adventure in Audalis
Subject: The help of the gods to help fight off the gods...
Berodin watched the little mushroom sizzle and cook in the forboding pool. Like in a a frying pan, the khord thought grimly.
His thought was interrupted by the sound of one of his kinsmen gasping for air. Turning his attention back to the giant Stinkhorn, Berodin watched in shocked awe and fear as the hand of Khorax himself reached down from the abyss above. "By the gods!" were the only words to escape his mouth.
The stoney hand plucked the khord from the Stinkhorn's stalk with little effort and then disappeared into the abyss above from which it came. "Lord, have mercy!" came the priest's cry, trying to push away the fear which sought to chill his very heart.
From beside him, Berodin heard Niaou’li's voice. "You can continue to try and make this bridge out of mushrooms, I’m going up there to try and find out what just happened."
Still shaking the fear away, it Berodin a moment to comprehend what the druid had said. When he turned to caution her, he found himself staring in awe at a beautiful bird, the creature already launching itself into flight.
"Wait!" the Cleric of Light called out. But it was too late; already the eagle was moving out of range of his vision.
“By Khorox’s beard!" the unkempt mage called out. "Where.. What.. How did.. We’re UNDERGROUND!!! If someone tells me we’ve been living our lives blind to a mountain sized golem o’er our ’eads I’m going to just drop dead ‘ere and now...."
Courage, my child, the voice of his Lord resounded in Berodin heart. Not all is lost...
The priest took a deep breath -- a breath of resolve and courage to dispel the fear. "Thank you, my lord."
Turning to his remaining companions, Berodin spoke truth. "It shall be difficult work felling these mushrooms with the weapons we have on hand. I fear our kinsmen may not have time to wait."
He paused for a moment, looking to the unseen sky above, "Lord Solanis, in the midst of this dark hour, send us help from above that we might rise up against our foe."
[OOC: Casting Summon Monster IV... looking for the hippogriffs. Preferably three.  ]
Posted on 2009-12-17 at 19:43:12.
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Topic: Loaded Dice #38: So Much for that Romance...
Subject: Editor note...
In your script section at the bottom, you attribute the punch line to Tim, when I believe it should be Ray.
Definitely not a big deal.
Like Alacrity, loved this one!
Posted on 2009-12-15 at 15:31:36.
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Topic: Save The Princess recruitment
Subject: And how does mana work with Specialist Wizards?
If I have a 2nd level Conjurer with an Int of 17 would I have 5 mana points (2x1st lvl spells +2 for int +1 for bonus spell), one point which must be spent on a Conjuring spell?
Posted on 2009-12-14 at 16:28:44.
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Topic: Save The Princess recruitment
Subject: Mana points?
Alacrity,
How does your mana point system work again?
Thanks!
Ayrn
Posted on 2009-12-14 at 08:46:28.
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Topic: Save The Princess recruitment
Subject: Nope...
No preference. If you want the rogue, go for it, man. Meri and I can sort out the cleric and / or mage slot.
Posted on 2009-12-14 at 05:53:41.
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Topic: Save The Princess recruitment
Subject: Same be true for me...
I have character concepts for any of the following:
- Human and/or Half-elf Mage or Conjurer (possibly going with my name sake)
- Cidal Bard or Fighter/ Thief (with Traveller Kit)
- Cidal Thief
So... generalist, dedicated rogue, or dedicated mage. Makes no difference to me.
I'd like to avoid a Cleric-type character, though I could probably whip up a Khord Priest of Rydor.
And I have some fighter ideas, but it looks like we got them covered.
Finally, Alacrity, if you are finding you have too many players, I am also able to step aside. I don't think I've been in one of your games before, but I have lurked a bunch of them, and really enjoyed them. Still, I am in a few games already and I'm sure there will be other opportunities.
Is Nomad D2 on your list of players yet? Nomad, you here?! I know he was looking for a game!
Anyway... peace!
Ayrn
Posted on 2009-12-14 at 05:15:48.
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Topic: Interregnum: Q/A
Subject: Just checking...
Just wondering where we're at with this game? I know you are without a computer, Shaithis, so your access is limited. Any timeline on when you might be back with fuller access?
I also know Christmas is around the bend and life is likely to get a bit busy for everyone. Wondering if it's time to shelf this for a bit as we seem to be losing momentem.
Let us know what's going on, man!
Ayrn
Posted on 2009-12-13 at 07:37:02.
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Topic: New Spores of Itanlok Q/A ~ 1
Subject: Another option...
Hey! Where's everybody go? Kaelyn? Gboy? We could use your input for sure!
Was thinking about our scenerio here a bit more. Cutting down the mushrooms might be a little tricky for all saves the Druid, as my PC only has blunt weapons, Gboy's guy only has daggers (which Almerin has already stated don't cut through these shrooms well), and Kaelyn's PC has a combo of blunt and daggers.
One thought I had was having my guy cast Summon Monster and summon some hippogriffs for us to ride over the pool of black gunk. I can only summon 1d3 of them and they only last for 8 rounds, so there's a good chance of us getting stuck over there.
Of course the Druid could wildshape into a Dire Bat and take us back, one by one... Could also take us there one by one.
What are some of your guys' thoughts?
Ayrn
Posted on 2009-12-13 at 07:30:27.
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Topic: New Spores of Itanlok Q/A ~ 1
Subject: I think cutting down shrooms might be it.
Time to wildshape into a dire beaver and get busy!
Posted on 2009-12-10 at 03:38:29.
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Topic: Interregnum: Q/A
Subject: Yay for update time!
Looking forward to the update!
Posted on 2009-12-10 at 03:34:37.
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Topic: New Spores of Itanlok Q/A ~ 1
Subject: Sorry for the silence...
I've been busy trying to push through my "Honey-do" list before baby arrives. 
There is lots to talk about! But no words to capture it... except for... maybe... "Holy $#!%, Batman! What the &#*^ just happened?!?!" 
Nice post, Almerin! Always good to put the players in their place with a clear warning off the port bow -- Mess with the DM and this can happen to YOU!
I will say this... the little pale blue star thingy we saw is probably important. Tuck it away for later.
Posted on 2009-12-09 at 02:10:57.
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Topic: Tome of Battle
Subject: Not all classes are created equal
I like Tome of Battle, and I am one of the people who believes that the material does not break the game... or rather, does not break the game more than, say, a spellcaster does.
Let's face it... not all classes are created equal. The truth is the Druid, straight out of the box, is the most powerful class around with Wildshape being the most broken class feature.
The monk class, straight out of the box, is the weakest. While flurry is cool, the BAB of the class doesn't progress fast enough that even PHB2 noted that it can become a flurry of misses. The other class abilities are easily covered by relatively cheap magic items (i.e. a ring of feather fall is actually better than a 20th level monk's slow fall ability). Magically equipping the monk is ALWAYS an expensive ordeal. Finally, the poor martial artist suffers from MAD, required high stat scores in multiple attributes.
So, if I compare the Tome of Battle classes to the core monk, paladin, barbarian and fighter ... yes, they are more powerful (I still wouldn't use broken).
If I compare them to the core Druid, Wizard, Cleric, Psion, and Sorcerer... no, they are not more powerful. In fact, I'd argue that Druid, Wizard, Cleric, and Psion still come out on top.
Is it tricky to learn a whole new set of classes which give martial characters more flexibility in combat than "I hit it with my two-handed sword again" or "I charge again" or "I trip 'em again"? Yes, it is.
Is it annoying to have to look up information regarding manuevers and stances to see whatthey actually do? Yes! But no more annoying than keeping track of a wizard's spells or all the forms the Druid can wild shape into.
Is it possible to abuse the material in ToB? Yeppers! But I'd argue that it's WAY easier abuse Wildshape and Polymorph and Alter Self and Divine Metamagic.
Yeah, personally, I say it's about time the Martial Classes had their day.
Ayrn
Posted on 2009-12-08 at 20:48:49.
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Topic: a dying world
Subject: Originally posted by TUS in the game thread
OOC: Ion I noticed that your intro doesn't mention a cleric for my character does she know of the cleric. Tus
MOD Note: Moved this post from the game thread as requested by the DM.
Posted on 2009-12-08 at 17:32:32.
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Topic: a dying world
Subject: Enjoying the ordinary... looking for the extraordinary...
As the food arrived, Marianna thanked the lass for her service. And, while she enjoyed the simple food, the music, and the sound of the villagers gathered, the priestess rehearsed the vision given to her and continued to scan the room for the "first clue".
Over the course of her meal, Marianna found that her roaming eyes continued to come back and rest on the child-like person seated at the tavern's counter, who also seemed to be waiting, looking for someone. Perhaps she is looking for her mother, the cleric thought dismissively.
And yet, even as she finished the last of her meal, Marianna found her eyes draw to this youngster at the bar. Not one to brush aside her intuition, the young woman pocketed the room key given to her, and made her way to the young child. Perhaps she is in need of some help, Marianna reasoned. And, if nothing else, I may be able to provide her with the comfort of companionship whilest she waits.
Taking the stool next to the young child, Marianna had her sight corrected -- while young, the person next to her was no human child, but one of the slighter folk. A halfling! The realization did nothing to deter the priestess of Maer, however.
Looking at the halfling, Marianna smiled warmly. "It seems that you are looking for someone. Am I right?"
[OOC: Tag TUS. I'm assuming you'll say something like "Yes", though if not I will edit what follows...]
"Do you mind if I wait with you?" Marianna asked, though she did not wait for a response. "I, too, am waiting for someone, though, I am not sure what they look like." She grinned sheepishly at the halfling. "A bit silly to be looking for someone when you don't know what you're looking for."
With a gentle, warm smile, Marianna turned the question to the halfling, "May I ask who you are looking for?"
[OOC: Again, tag TUS. I'll leave it here for now.]
Posted on 2009-12-08 at 17:27:43.
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Topic: What good is my education in England?
Subject: Master's Degree
What about picking up your Master's Degree at a university in London? Or, perhaps, attending a "Teacher's College"?
Posted on 2009-12-06 at 03:26:10.
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Topic: SW: Dawn of Defiance Q/A
Subject: Hey! Ginafae!
Congrats on your 1200th post! Way to go!
Posted on 2009-12-05 at 08:20:18.
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Topic: Interregnum: Q/A
Subject: Good point...
Sorry! 
Though, are Sui and Luthor not playing anymore?
Posted on 2009-12-05 at 08:04:20.
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Topic: a dying world
Subject: Light in a dark world
My child…
Marianna’s lithe form lay still on the firm bed, only the slight movement of her chest giving sign to her sleeping form.
My child! Awaken!
The young woman took in a sudden gasp of air as her eyes snapped open, and she would have likely gone back to sleep if her sparse room had not been bathed in beautiful, holy light. Turning over and sitting up straight, Marianna found herself face to face with her Beloved. The light cast from her goddess seemed brighter than the sun itself, yet the girl (for Marianna was little more than that) found herself able to look directly into it without going blind.
A heartbeat after realizing whose presence she was in, Marianna was on her knees in worship. “Oh, my dear Lady!” she exclaimed in adoration.
“My child,” Maer spoke tenderly to her faithful priestess, gently lifting her face so that she could look into the girl’s eyes once more. “I must ask a favor of you.”
“Ask, my Lady,” Marianna replied, trembling a little. “For your handmaiden is willing.”
Maer smiled softly. “There is an artifact I have need of. And you must retrieve it for me."
Maer stepped back away from Marianna and her image began to fade away into the glorious light. In her place, the image of a pyramid appeared, quickly replaced by the image of a scroll. And then… the holy light simply faded away, and Marianna was left alone in the darkness of her sparse room. There was an ache within her spirit as she knew she had been in the presence of her goddess, and it was likely to be the most beautiful experience of her entire life. There had been nothing so beautiful before, and there would likely be none after.
And Marianna wept…
She wept, tears of utter joy that she should be so blessed to have been chosen from amongst her order for such mission mixed with tears that longed to once again be in such sweet communion with her Beloved.
Without a doubt, the girl knew that the scroll was the desired artifact of her mistress, and that Maer had given her specific insight into where she would find it – the pyramid. Rising from the floor, she began to gather her few belongings – her journal and her writing kit; her knitted blanket and her flute; her pouch of healing herbs and salves… It wasn’t until she put in her most prized possession – the ever-bright crystal of Maer, a symbol of her order – that the questions began to arise… What are you doing, girl? You don’t even know where you’re going? Do you even know where to begin? Doubt taunted her.
“Be still!” Marianna scolded herself. “You know where to go when you need to find answers.”
The Library.
Pulling the drawstrings of her pack together, Marianna said a simple prayer to her Lady as see picked up her staff and headed out of her room. “Lady of the Light, let every step I take lead closer to the desires of your heart.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++
The Library of Durkon – Marianna had spent much of her last five years in this place. With reverent familiarity, the young priestess made her search on the only clues she had been given… pyramids with sacred scrolls. But, it seemed her own strength and intelligence would not be enough this day for, though she searched through texts on sacred temples and mage towers, Marianna found none that looked similar to the image Maer had impressed upon her mind.
Frustrated and agitated at her inability, Doubt once again came to taunt her. Why can’t you find it? The Lady showed you clearly what you needed to look for. And yet, here you are, unable to see what should be plain.
“Be still.” Marianna commanded her inner thoughts
Perhaps you are not up for the task? Perhaps Maer should look to someone els…
An attendant, younger than Marianna herself, interrupted her thoughts. “Can I help you find something?”
“No!” snapped Marianna. “No, I do not need…” She stopped mid-rebuke, her words caught in her throat. And then… then she laughed. Silly girl! she chided herself. Why have you let pride take hold of you? You’ve been given a vision and a sacred task. Why would you think that you must go it alone?
Turning back to the attendant, Marianna apologized, “Forgive me, dear sister. You have already helped me more than you know.”
Pushing herself away from the table at which she had been studying, the young priestess sought out Mother Elise, one of the high priestesses responsible for her discipleship and a woman known for her deep wisdom. And upon finding her, Marianna shared with her Mother the vision she had been granted, leaving out no detail.
“Well, then, my child,” Mother Elise said gently, her eyes moist with holy joy. “we shall consult the Seer to see where you must begin.” Immediately, the Holy Mother led her daughter down a corridor Marianna had long been told to avoid. Unlike most of the sacred spaces of Maer, it was dark here and arcane sigils were etched into the walls. Marianna knew better than to trifle with the mages; they were a temperamental lot with a power not given to them by the gods. She could feel Fear growing in her bones.
“Fear not,” Marianna whispered to herself. She comforted her mind with the truth that her Lady was not mortal such as these mages, and Her presence would allow the faithful to stand up to even the Emperor Mage himself if it should be required.
As they entered into the mage’s study, Mather Elise said a prayer, “May you enlighten your faithful, fair Mother.”
And Marianna concluded with, “and may your truth be revealed.”
Even as she finished her sentence, the Seer spoke. “I have foreseen your coming.”
He was an elderly man, mysterious and wizened. On his table, were three wine glasses, each filled, as though he spoke the truth and had indeed expected company. Following Mother Elise’s lead, Marianna sat down at the table with the Seer.
There was a pause as the man took a pull from his glass, savoring the taste. When he set down the glass, the Seer was all business. With a crooked finger, he pointed at Marianna, as he peered into her face with squinted eyes. “Yours is a mission most important,” he stated harshly, as though attempting to test the young priestess’ resolve. When he found Marianna unmoved, his hand went back to the glass for another drink before he continued with a more gentle tone, “Though I do not know of all the details. Your journey begins in Krichton, where you will meet the heroes you must take with you and where you will find the first clue to your lost artifact.”
Again, the Seer paused, taking another drink. “Come now,” he said with a slight smile. “I have given you what you seek. Give a lonely old man some company.”
Marianna smiled graciously at the Seer, and bowed her head. Together, the three drank together as Marianna shared her vision with the old man. After a time, the Seer abruptly stood up, with Mother Elise and Marianna following suit. “Thank you for blessing an old man with your graceful presence,” the Seer spoke gently to Marianna as he clasped her hand. “But you must not tarry any longer.” Looking to Mother Elise, he continued speaking encouragement to the girl, “I am sure the church shall provide you with what you need for your task. Now, make haste to Kritchton. And do not worry – you shall know the first clue when you see it.” He gently kissed the young priestess’ forehead before giving his blessing, “And may the Fair Lady lead you every step of the way.”
“Thank you,” Marianna spoke reverently as she bowed and exited the room
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Trotting Horse? Hmmm…
Marianna stood outside the tavern with a bit of apprehension. While the journey to Krichton had been rather uneventful, the young priestess still did not know what exactly she was looking for, nor even where to begin. The six hundred gold coins she carried did not make her burden any lighter either. The weather itself seemed to capture her mood, the clouds hiding the sun reflecting the distance Marianna felt from her Mistress.
But it was the rain that finally pushed Marianna beyond indecision, and the young woman pushed open the door. Mother of mine, light the way.
As she stepped into the tavern, Marianna pushed back her hood. The woman stood at about five and a half feet, her figure slender though not skinny. Her form was graceful, her skin fair, and her face a bit red from the cold.
Finding a table that gave her a good view of the whole room, she set her pack and staff aside, undid her cloak and hung it on the chair to dry, and finally sat down. Running a slender hand over her pinned up hair, she pushed away some of the raindrops her cloak had notprotected her from.
A serving girl approached her with a wide smile, "What can I getcha, sweetie."
"A simple meal, if you please," replied Marianna. "A warm stew, perhaps, and a bit of bread if you have it." The girl turned to leave, but Marianna continued, "And, if you have any, I believe I shall need a bed for the night, ma'am."
The girl gave Marianna a curtsy before leaving the young priestess alone again.
[OOC: Ion, not sure if I should be taking this further? I figure you'll be pushing the story along towards introductions, but if not, I can continue... well, I want to wait for the others to find their way into the tavern first, I suppose. (hurry on up, folks! it's nice in here!)
For everyone, if you want to get a sense of what I envision Marianna looking like, check out this link...
http://www.tudordressing.com/images/PRS1028_other2.jpg
Enjoy! 
Ayrn ]
Posted on 2009-12-05 at 04:46:49.
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