Worlde Arcane: Saghane Swamp

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 9:42 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC: from seven oaks outskirts)

Yushi had been treking across the ground for a few hours when he realised that what he had percieved to be a village was infact a swamp. Strange how he had not noticed it from far away but the swamp gave off an aura that made him uneasy. He looked for a path around it but where ever he looked he only saw the mirky waters of the swamp land. His mind raced with thoughts of trepidation as he did not understand how he had let himself get into this predicament. Not seeing any other way through he began to trudge heavily through the shin deep waters. His cloak began to sink behind him as the thick liquid absorbed itself into the light woven fabric on his back.

As he moved he caught glimpse of a bright light through a gap in the twisting trees ahead. He did not enjoy being in this swamp and so changed direction towards the light. As he came closer he noticed that the light had been a reflection from a large brass tower. Its warm glow invited Yushi up from the damp waters and without thinking, as if in a daze he walked onwards towards the tower.

By Anonymous

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 9:43 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(ooc: to Qu'Velder [outside the wall])

By the Drulen Riiyi Faeher Faeharreth, of House Woud in Botharel (Rii)

Thursday, May 6, 2004 - 10:09 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC: from the tower walls
------

Yushi stalked slowly from cover to cover as he checked for any weakness' in the swamp, he thought that if this elementalle was as clever and dangerous as it was meant to be it would definatly not come through the rough pathways trodden by the lorks.

After a few hours scouting Yushi found a dense patch of trees which would suit someone not wishing to be found perfectly. He did not have any formal traps on him but slowly he set a crude wire alarm using thined out bark from one of the trees in the grove. After laying the long strips across the floor and rigging them up to a small bush yushi covered the broken bark of the tree with moss to disguise his alarm.

He went and sat on a small stump and relaxed watching through the trees with a clear view of the tower and the crack in the wall. From the corner of his eye he was sure he could see Riiyi in the top window of the Tower, although he had all confidence in catching this Ellementale he could not help but wonder if she would truly come to his aid if he was in dire need. Relaxing back against the stump Yushi took a tiny sip of moddly and set about watching the swamp for any movement.

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 12:43 am GMT | Edit | Link |

~ YUSHI ~ where are you!

By the Drulen Riiyi Faeher Faeharreth, of House Woud in Botharel (Rii)

Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 4:03 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC- Sorry for not posting for ages i thought this place had gone inactive for a while :-)

Yushi woke with a start as he realised he had fallen asleep in the swamp. He looked at his side and breathed a sigh or relief as he saw the bottle of moddly still strapped to his belt. His gaze quickly darted around the trees in search of what he though was Riiyi's voice.

Slowly lifting his weight off the stump he wandered over to his trap, it was still in place but he could see that some of the moss covering it had been eaten by a small creature that was lazing inside the knot of the tree closest to Yushis face. He cursed it and poked it with his long finger before replacing the foliage.

Smiling at the fleeing creature he turned to check all was clear around him and in his somewhat suprisingly booming voice called out

"Riiyi!! Are you there?!"

Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 9:45 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(ooc) Welcome back, no I am not in the swamp but maybe Rii can talk to Yushi by magick.

By the Drulen Riiyi Faeher Faeharreth, of House Woud in Botharel (Rii)

Monday, May 24, 2004 - 1:21 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC- I don't see why not, i think the whole world of imagination can handle that (just :P)
-------

Yushi began to wander the swamp in boredom. He was beginning to get quite fired up at the prospect of fighting an elementalle, although he had never met one he (for some reason)thought it could not be a huge challenge.

He started whistling a tune and was unsure of where he got it from but it reminded him of his childhood in Botharel. Slightly confused he carried on wandering the swamp whistling as he went. After a good 30 seconds of whistling he once again got bored and stared up at the Brass tower through the tress.

"Riiyi, you albino hoare, why can't you keep me company? I may be under the influence of this drug.. i mean, nah whatever.."
Yushi stared at the floor, then took a rather large sip of moddly and began to go rather hyper and prance around the swamp like a young imp.

"Anyone? HELLOOO"
Yushi continued his mad anticts as he ran from tree to tree and steeped on many a small lizard

Monday, May 24, 2004 - 2:40 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Yushi," came Riiyi's voice. "I assume you said Hoar and not *****, so I shall not strike you down with a lightning. And by the way, it is redundant to say 'albino Hoar.'"

Her voice came from very nearby: there was a small silver spider hovering on mothy wings, following Yushi as he pranced about the marsh. "Stop that drunken cavorting and concentrate!" the spider said in Rii's voice. "The Elemenetelle is coming closer. You had best prepare your ambush now. If you die in the swamp, that's where you'll lie forever. I won't come out after your body."

By the Drulen Riiyi Faeher Faeharreth, of House Woud in Botharel (Rii)

Monday, May 24, 2004 - 8:28 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Yushi Frowned as he stared at the spider, his eye contorting in strange ways the likes of which no respective Drow would be seen doing.
He reached for the spider but he missed it with his misplaced hand.

"Listen whatever you are, i can call her what i like im Matsumoto! and somewhere im sure that means something" *Hick* he began to hicup like a drunkard and fell backwards into the swamp water, his clothes became drenched in the stinking water and Yushi stood up and with something between a roar and an adolesant huff he stared back at the spider.

"If that is you Riiyi where are you? I've waited long enough for this darne elementalle i could just about burst with my lack of action. Is it ok if i slay a few of those lorks whilst im here?"

Yuhshi was now truly under the influence of the moddly his every action slured by its vile poisons coursing through his veins. This once courteous and gentlemanly Drow was now turning into nothing but a spitting shell.

Monday, May 24, 2004 - 8:54 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"I can see you through my flyspider, you half-wit. I am atop the Brass Tower. Obviously the Elementelle will destroy you, or ignore you as harmless ... if it even notices you. Likely it will march right past you. I shall have to deal with it myself, when it gets here. Meanwhile I shall offer this view of your pathetic self to the Master, who will deny you further moddly for your unworthiness. I can only hope you amuse him more than you amuse me, which it not at all. If you live, enjoy the throes of wanting moddly but having none."

By the Drulen Riiyi Faeher Faeharreth, of House Woud in Botharel (Rii)

Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 12:13 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"By Loth's hand you can be an annoying B**ch can't you!"

Yushi turned away from the spider and laughed to himself over the strangness of the creature. Although he believed Riiyi to be a bitter elf due to her extensive period without friendship he could see she had a point; his reliance on the moddly was consuming him and he desperatly needed to release himself form its grip.

He recalled Rulluses words and was sure that there had to be some sort of loop hole, he had witnessed countless mages spells backfire in his years wandering the worlde and he was certain this spell was not unlike the rest. His father had once told him that the power of the mind can overcome anything and although his father was no longer with him he still felt that this statment held true.

"I'll make you a deal Riiyi, you keep this from Rulluse for the time being and i shall prove to you that i am not the Lork you think i am, and let me ask you this...when was the last time you smiled through joy?"

Yushi stood facing away from the Flyspider staring at the tall tower attempting to catch a glimpse of Riiyi atop its structure.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 3:15 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

A long silence followed Yushi's words. Then at last the little silver moth-spider (a work of surpassing craftsmanship and subtle enchantment) again spoke in the voice of the Drulen Riiyi: "I will not disturb the Master with your images, for now." Yushi's last question went unanswered.

Then: "The Elementelle approaches on the river."

Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 4:52 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Yushis dry attitude turned to liquid as he heard the words uttered from Riiyi's, well the spiders, mouth.

He immeditatly stood to attention and ran towards the Brass tower leaving the spider alone in the swamp. His first port of call would be the Lorks so he could inform them of the development then Yushi himself would scout near the river to await the Elementalle's coming.

"Thank you Riiyi, you are not nearly as bad you try to be" Yushi shouted bakwards as he neared the Walls.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 4:53 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

OOC - To outer walls of Qu'Veldar

Friday, June 4, 2004 - 10:31 am GMT | Edit | Link |

As Yushi and the elementalle wandered into the darker waters of the swamp the young drow ran off infront of his two 'companions.'
He had remembered the alarm-trap he had laid before and with the upmost haste had gone to remove it. He was not worried about the elementalle but he was nervous for the Gryphon chick which may accidently set off the alarm and alert the lorks (far to early for yushis liking) to their presence.

Friday, June 4, 2004 - 9:55 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Xerestal, who had been leading the way, was caught unawares by Yushi's sudden burst of speed, as the ranger bolted away into the swamps ahead. His first thoughts were of treachery - Yushi had led him into some sort of ambush, and was now fleeing hastily before battle broke out amidst the marshes.

But, no battle came. No arrows, no swords, no screaming eldritch flames. Aside from the Elementelle, and Zephyr, and Yushi, and the buzzing drone of the biting flies, the swamps were empty. It was clear that there was no ambush. What, then, was Yushi's reasoning? Why run posthaste into the depths of the swamp, towards Qu'Velder?

There was only one way to see. So, with fleetness to match the drow, Xerestal set off after Yushi, following him mere paces behind as the ranger led him to the alarm-trap that had been laid to obstruct his path.

"More Bramble-vines?" The Elementelle said, staring down at the alarm-trap with distaste. "Deciet and trickery - appropriate for a place such as this."

Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 12:07 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"mmm, this is be no means deciet and trickery it is what I was brought up on; and although you may look down on my methods we do not all share you talents, so if you wouldn't mind please do not talk of my alarm with such distaste. Your command of the elements or whatever it is you seem to be able to do could be classed as a kind of trickery if we are going to be this honorable."

Yushi turned from the elementalle but gave a small smile to the Gryphon, out of the two he seemed to prefer the less talkative bird. He continued towards the Brass Tower keeping note of the wind and the direction in which their smells would travel.

Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 7:15 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Xersetal walked along beside Yushi in complete silence for a long moment, contemplating what the drow had said, before breaking out quite suddenly with a laugh. It was a full, melodious sound, an amalgamate of Five voices, and it rolled over the swamp flats far and wide; it was the sort of sound that had not been heard in these locales for many an age, if indeed it had ever been heard here at all.

"By the One, your edge is as sharp as Argentalis'." The Elementelle said, slapping his hand on the drow's back as he walked along beside him. Zephyr let out a merry Sqwrack at the ranger, then crawled from Xerestal's shoulder down into the crook of his arm, nesting there and falling quickly asleep. "May Fate and the One carry the three of us to happier times. Perhaps we might even become friends."

The moon was rising, casting its crescent light out over Saghane and drowning the mysterious, prismatic luminescence that glimmered across the Elementelle's ebon skin. Were it not for the glowing, multicolored clouds that were his eyes, he might have disappeared into the shadows altogether.

In the distance, a faint glimmer marked the Brass Tower of Qu'Velder, partially obscured by the swamp-muck mists. As the small party marched on, it grew ever closer, bringing with it the hatred and malevolence of Rulluse, and whatever Fate held in store for them.

Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 8:30 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Yushi smiled as Xerestal spoke to him, so quickly it seemed the barrier between the two of them had faded. The young Drows mind felt refreshed and for the first time Yushi felt a break in the moddly's grip. As they approached the outskirts of the Tower Yushi stopped the elementalle.

"Wait a second"he whispered into the night.
"around 150 paces from here the swamp thins and we shall be next to the outer wall of the tower, there should be two teams of two lork guarding the perimeter wall, one on top and one scouting. Once we sneak past these,which should be easy enough, the only entrance into the tower grounds is through a crack I prepared in the wall. Now i don't know if the lorks know of my betrayal but I say we see if I can get them to go elsewhere before we try anything else. That is unless you have a contribution?"

Yushi continued to walk at a slower pace this time, awaiting Xerestal's reply.

Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 1:56 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Xerestal matched Yushi's pace, though he did not reply to the ranger's plan for a time. He was considering his options, and what the drow was intending, and the nature of Rulluse, of Riiyi, and of the Lorks, all of which he had met before.

"I just might." The Elementelle said in a lowered voice, stopping short. His gazed shifted from the Tower to Yushi, and his thin features slipped into a smirk. "Deceit and trickery. Do you have a flint?"

Quickly, he outlined his plan for Yushi, using a stick to scratch out a suitably accurate diagram in the swamp mud. The diagram showed the ruins surrounding the Brass Tower, as seen from above, with a mark for Yushi's breach in the muckstone wall. Opposite the crack, he marked a large X, explaining that at that position he would draw the attention of the Lorks. Since the brutes were expecting the Elementelle's assault, they would rally there to defend Rulluse's Tower, which would allow Yushi and Xerestal the opportunity to slip through the ranger's breach undetected.

He explained, as well, that his hope was to draw the attention of Riiyi away to that place, for she was the truest danger they faced before they met the Warlocke himself. He did not hold much faith in that happening, however - Riiyi was crafty, and would expect treachery.

"With a flint, I can set a fire of suitable size for a distraction."

Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 5:21 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Yushi had accepted this new role as ranger, he felt that by revealing his true assasin barb, Xerestal would not trust the Drow anymore than he already did.

"Why of course, what self respecting Ranger would not have a flint" Yushi pulled the roughly scraped rock from his belt pouch and held it out for the elementalle. "Every minute im with you it seems something new comes out of that void you have in your head" Yushi hoped Xerestal would not take his humour to heart but simply accept its jest towards the elementalles wonderous eyes.

"Nice map by the way" Yushi grinned as he turned towards the tower is search of a glimpse of Riiyi, he felt he had got to her once, he may just be able to get to her again. At these thoughts a surge of moddly raced to his mind but with a tight heart and strong will he managed to quell its desires to a minor grimmace.

By bitter, old drow mage (Rulluse)

Sunday, June 6, 2004 - 12:53 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Xerestal grasped the flint and smirked at Yushi's comment.

"You have not yet seen the half of it." He said, before setting off into the darkness, slipping up to the muckstone wall of Qu'Velder.

Monday, June 27, 2005 - 11:21 am GMT | Edit | Link |

From the depths of Qu'Velder's basement, Rulluse, two of his Lorks - dead - and the entire contents of his chambers were suddenly and violently forced into the sunlight.

He had, since the Planar burned him, shunned all light - the sun's most of all. In its presence, his body, already in constant agony, was beyond words to describe, and all thoughts left him but retreat.

Monday, June 27, 2005 - 11:37 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Xerestal came with it all, in the very middle. He glanced around, then up, then smiled - free again! His body still burned with Magick, but Rulluse seemed to have forgotten him for the nonce. The Warlocke was a cowering black mass, seeking refuge from the sun by sinking into itself.

With Rulluse incapacitated by the sun, and the Elementelle in no condition to finish the feud, it seemed the pair had reached stalemate.

Rulluse's Magick torture had not lessened, and every moment flared white-hot within him, yet still, even after all that had been done the Elementelle could not bear to see such a thing in pain. Xerestal unhooked his cloak - which had somehow survived the ordeal - and threw it over the Sorceror, shielding him from the sun. It was a small mercy, and the Elementelle expected no thanks as he turned away and scanned the things that had come up with the chamber. He did not recognize any of them, nor did he want to - he sought only one thing: the silver hilt of Argentalis. He was so involved with his search that he did not notice his motion become less painful, or feel the tortuous Magicks falling away - another small, unthanked mercy.

It was an eternity before Xerestal found his blade, scabbard and all - though the eternity had only taken a few moments. He unsheathed enough of the blade to see its color. It was clear: empty. What had become of his mother's soul, he would likely never know.

There was nothing that could be done but mourn, so with a heaviness in his soul he carried the empty Argentalis with him as he left the stone floor of Rulluse's chamber. Turning back, Xerestal pushed a hand downwards, letting the chamber sink back into the domain of the Delving Spirit, and began to make the long trek out of Saghane.

From behind him, somewhere, a voice wafted up from the depths.

"Trinsic. (hhhe)" Another exchange of small mercies.

By Anonymous

Monday, June 27, 2005 - 11:42 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Elsewhere, unbeknownst to the two that had parted ways, a fleshy ball rolled into the swamps, finding a comfortable spot amongst the reeds.

A sea bird, after a long and tiring journey, spotted the ball and landed atop it, sinking a hungry beak into the flesh. It tore a hole, attempting to eat.

The attempt left the sea bird dead, and a hole torn in the Womb of Yearning. A hole large enough for the soul within to escape.

By Four and One (Xerestal)

Thursday, June 30, 2005 - 10:08 am GMT | Edit | Link |

The sun was setting, far off over the sea beyond the swampland. Clouds drifted lazily about, and swarms of biting flies sought anything at all to feast upon. Not one dared come near the tall, dark figure walking across the murky waters.

Xerestal had been walking for what felt like ages. He was still not sure where Qu'Velder was in relation to the Lorimar road, and it made the trek out of Saghane an ordeal - even for one who needed neither food nor water. In spite of his unique body (rather, someone else's unique body), he was getting weary of all the walking.

The decision to rest was hardly made; it simply came about when the time was right. The tall Elementelle stopped his trudge and picked out a dry spot of land amidst the reeds, sitting down on the mud and stretching himself out on his long back. He stared upwards, his nebulous, multicolored eyes searching the stars for compassion, thinking about all that had been lost.

He was alone now - Kael was gone, Dryn was gone, Argentalis was silent. Even Erulgor, who had helped him into the swamps, and Yushi, who led him to the Brass Tower; both were gone. There was nothing but the Elementelle, his empty sword, and the biting flies.

And a rustling in the bushes beside him. Curious (and thankful that he was given an excuse to think of something else), Xerestal leaned his lanky frame forward, scanning the clumps of swamp plants for signs of movement. Something caught his eye, and he reached a long-fingered hand out to part the reeds.

"Zephyr?" He plucked Dryn's pet gryphon from the cold water, amazed. The gryphon was hungry, and freezing, and wet, but he let out a happy Sqwarawk all the same. The gryphon was in a pitiful state, having spent who knows how long on the marshes by himself, but in spite of it his reemergence made Xerestal supremely happy. It seemed that if the yearling gryphon could survive in this horrible place, there was still hope.

Xerestal busied himself with a small fire (which took the extension of a his bandaged left hand at the driest nearby bush), then slid close to it, letting Zephyr form a nest in his lap and get warm by the firelight.

"I am truly sorry I was not there, Zephyr." The Elementelle whispered. "I had an ordeal all my own."

By Four and One (Xerestal)

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 10:46 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Progress halted, as instead time was spent in recuperation. Xerestal made himself a dry place amongst the swamp grasses, let his small fire continue to burn, and nursed himself and Zephyr back to health. The two had been through much, and the Elementelle felt that they deserved some rest.

To give himself something to do, Xerestal leeched the water from some of the swamp-reeds, drying and weaving them together. He made a lean-to from the reed nets he made, large enough for him to sit comfortably underneath. He didn't need it - he had never been sunburnt, and he preferred warmth to the coolness of the shade, but Zephyr was not an Elementelle, and he was thinking more of the gryphon's needs than his own.

So he spent the first part of the morning erecting his little bit of shelter, setting the nets in place along a frame he made of some nearby logs. He packed moss in to reduce the play between the joints of the frame, and soon had a decent cover.

He spent the rest of the morning hunting frogs and lizards, while Zephyr rode in the protective crook of his arm. He wasn't sure if that was what yearling gryphon's preferred, but none of the swamp-plants looked appetizing, and he recalled something about gryphons being predators from one of his mentor's teachings.

It was simple, and somewhat dull, but compared to the vast and incomprehensible things that lay behind, it was heavenly. The Elementelle-who-wasn't truly felt that this would be a fine existance for any; living only to live, without anything else to be a burden.

But, for all of that, Xerestal still had his burdens. And one in particular weighed upon his mind always. It had been so long since he'd last seen her.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 4:49 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"Arrg, stupid swamp, stupid flies why did I come this way, me bloody feet are killin me."
Kolgrin the dwarf waved the flies violently away from his face as he tried to navigate his heavy feet through the muck and water.

The Armour that he wore and the heavy axe he had strapped across his back wasn't making it any easier as he trudged through the nightmare he had brought upon himself.

He looked at his surroundings which consisted of dead trees, mud and dead flora in every direction. He had been walking for three days straight and all he felt like doing was sleeping and getting on the old ale.

He knew it would be a miracle that anyone else would be stupid enough to find themselves in the predicament that he was in but he though...what the heck

"Oi if ye can hear me voice shout back...anyone!!!" he bellowed.

The only voice that came back was the voice of silence. He cursed himself silently before sitting down on a slippery log to rest.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 7:20 am GMT | Edit | Link |

He was only asleep for what seemed like a minute or two when a loud splashing noise woke him so suddenly that he lost his placement and fell off the log and into the mud below him. With a bit of flailing and cursing Kolgrin found his feet again and rose towards the direction of the noise.
Ahead of him was an unusally large batch of swamp water which could be considered as a small lake.

Kolgrin made his way over to the small lake. He could see the ripples on the surface which made him reach for his weapon. He got to the bank and studied the murky lake. He took the end of his axe and started lowering it up and down through the water in hope of finding something.

He was suddenly swept right off his feet and pulled straight under the murky underworlde by an unseen force. Kolgrim kicked and swung his axe wildly in hopes of getting free. He was able to pull himself to the surface with a lucky kick.
He could feel the toxic and dreadful air go down his throat giving him the strength to pull himself free and crawl to the bank.

He lay there for a moment to catch his breath before he rose to his feet and began walking once again, making sure not to go too near to any more creeks or ponds.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 1:17 am GMT | Edit | Link |

His legs felt like lead, his muscles were numb and the toxic disgust that kept going in and out of his lungs was becoming unbearable.
Kolgrin had had enough of this place. The only thing keeping his feet going was the pleasant memories of long naps and strong ale.
His vision had become blurred due to the toxic air that he had been inhaling for the past four days straight.

He had pretty much given up all hope of getting out of the predicament brought on by himself, there was nothing left to do but to curse and grumble.
He had been walking with his head lowered for quite a while. He knew what was in front of him so there was no need to stare at the obvious.
It was when Kolgrin lifted his head that he saw change for the first time in his journey and the change was simple to see.
Over the past hour fog had made itself welcome on his route. He came to a halt and stared at this new element that lay before him.
"Well," he began, "that's somethin different."
With that said he began his blinding journey through the fog unknown.

By Anonymous

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 3:27 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Nearby was a toad (of the Great Gray variety). He was fat and squat as are all toads, and he was staring at Kolgrin even as the Dwarf made his way through the fog*. The toad blinked, then winked, and then blinked again.

Stuck through the toad's right leg -- right through, protruding from both sides of the muscle -- was a gold needle with a bit of black thread still looped in the eye.

*It's a little known fact that Great Grays have vision that extends far past the Uman (or Dwarf) norm: through fog, or darkness, or the smoke of forest fires. It's not "infravision" -- nobody knows what it is. Some wizards occasionally use the smarter Great Grays as lookouts. But even the smarter ones are not very bright.

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 12:46 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Kolgrin stopped and looked dead at the toad that had made itself present before him. He was about to move on thinking that a toad was probably feeling right at home in this disgusting place until he noticed something.
In the side of the toad's leg was a gold needle with thread attached yet the toad showed no signs of pain.
Out of everything in this worlde, Kolgrin would never of believed that a toad would have been the most interesting element he would ever find

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 9:03 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Kolgrin, feeling somewhat sad for this toad for reasons even unknown to him, reached down and gently pulled out the gold needle from the toads leg. He pocketed the needle in his small money pouch and began walking through the fog once more.
After a while of walking slowly through the fog he squinted his eyes forward to see three familiar shapes in front of him.
Up ahead he saw what looked like three pathways that bent outwards in different directions then came back to join in one.
A small smile crept on to the dwarf's face as he knew what this was. It was the way through the Festing Lanes, only a three day hike to the civilisation of Seven Oak's, the town where he could rest his heels.
He quickened his pace and began a sort of stumbling jog to gain more ground as he made his way through the path.

By t�ff (T�ff)

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 6:30 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

[ooc- Actually that post rather violates Rule#1, to take the needle. Better would be that yew REACH FOR the needle, and then let the toad's player react by, say, grimacing as the needle gets pulled out (which would affirm that yew were successful in yer attempt to take the needle) or maybe hopping away with the needle still in his leg (which would be his way of saying yew can't have it). Either way, it should be up to the toad, because the needle is his. If the toad had leapt up and swallowed the family signet broach off yer cloak (with no chance for yew to resist! just as yew gave the toad no chance), yew wouldn't be happy about it, would yew? That is the concept of property under Rule#1.]

By Effeminate Oriental Vampire (Takumi)

Friday, February 3, 2006 - 7:26 am GMT | Edit | Link |

As the fog cleared Kolgrin could see the pathway twist and turn until he saw a sign which gave him a small smile allowing him the thoughts of food and drink.
Stuck in the ground was a torn and moldy sign that Fest... Lane... he didn't care what it meant but he knew that he was getting closer to Seven Oaks so he proceeded once more this time at double pace.

(To Festering Lanes)

By Kaijun Sands (Kaijun)

Friday, July 28, 2006 - 12:30 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC: From Festering Lanes)

"Wha..?"
Kaijun's head snapped up in a shot, causing a brief splitting pane running down his spine. Morning had arrived.

"Sod! Fell asleep in the saddle again... Where?"
Kaijun looked around wide eyed, there was something missing. The Lorimar road.

Kaijun scratched his head and wetted his dry mouth with the water flask. He was too busy scanning for direction to be mad at his mount. He would have to sell it later.

The mount stood munching a young green shoot quite unphased at the unpleasantness of the scenery. It really was dumb. Though a slight kick in the flanks got it moving again.

Map in one hand and reigns in the other Kaijun made for the direction of the Lorimar Raod, or what he thought was in that direction. Though he surmmised that as long as he kept moving the road would simply come to him, eventually.

Three hours later and many degrees of adjustment in bearing, Kaijun managed to see first sight of the Lorimar Road. He grinned despite himself. The unhappy ordeal was over, he was no longer lost. He would definitely sell the horse first chance he got.

(OOC: Festering Lanes)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 9:15 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

North of Saghane Swamp)

(TO:	Aniada Sea: Off H'jek Daru)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 4:32 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

Lorimar Road 14)

Therul squelched into the swamp, although he was well used to the feeling of the waters surrounding him sometimes up to his lower torso it didn't mean that he particuarly liked it. Fortunately his clothes, although clearly dirty and stained fro mthe swamp, were also very well designed to keep as much of the water away from his skin. This was something that those following him would not share, trouble is that currently there was no other way of reaching the city, Therul was sure that this would change in time if the Council intended to open up the city, but for now swamp and bog it was.

"Watch out for the water snakes, they're the hardest danger to spot in the water!"

Therul continued onwards, heading east deeper into the swamp.

Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 12:15 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

Sorry for the delay, completely missed this! :s )

(FROM:

The Festing Lanes)

Colt took a deep breath and wondered what he'd got himself into but he wasn't backing out now, especially as Halja had also decided to follow. He moved forward, easing himself into the edges of the squelching mass and moving in, screwing up his nose in distaste. He could feel the filthy, smelling water soaking into every part of his boots and trousers and was only glad that it wasn't like mud or he'd barely be able to move. This was going to be an interesting journey.

"Snakes? And when we found you it was toads... what else should we be looking out for? Leeches? Other blood-sucking parasites? Do you have any... sort of deterrent for those things?" It just seemed logical that for those who lived in and around the swamp, they would have concocted something from herbs or the innards of a swamp creature that might deter the less savoury beasts that might find Umans somewhat appetising. Colt didn't relish being slowly eaten to death.

By Sophisticated Woman with Marked Face (Halja)

Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 9:03 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

I was starting to wonder :-D)

Therul scooed his hand through the stagnant water and came out with a couple of long black leeches.

"Umm....yes, we have those too, not really much yew can do to tell nature to go away and it's part of the reason why Galvomore has remained hidden for so long, it's not exactly in a hospitable area, but don't worry, once we get yew to the city yew can have a nice bath and a massage."

Therul said with a grin, he then pulled the leeches off his hand and threw them back in the water, apparantly not worrying about the 2 little cirlces left. It may be noticed that although his outfit was smelly, it was also tight and didn't appear to leave any gaps between his leggings and tunic.

Monday, March 8, 2010 - 7:51 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

The Lorimar Road 14: The Festing Lanes)

As they headed off the relative fastness of the road and into the swamp proper, Halja wondered how long they would have to traverse a terrain like this before they would reach wherever they were going. Halja had relatively sturdy travel clothes, but her leather was no match for no match for constant wetness, and before long her lower body was drenched. At least the leeched had little space to latch on.

For Saber it was different. Although the beast was quite sizeable, he had trouble keeping his head above water in some of the more difficult places. Halja and him gave each other some meaningful glanced and after a short while, she just nodded to him and mouthed "Why not...". At that, Saber suddenly reared up out of the swamp and started trudging along on his hind legs in the manner of Umanoids.

By The Deranged Prince (Ezekiel)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - 3:20 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Colt kept looking towards Halja and Saber to make sure they were coping so he noticed fairly soon when Saber changed the way he was moving through the swamp. He could hardly blame the cat-boy for that. He drew a breath and surged onwards... well... as best as one could surge through the water and the sucking mud and the roots and other things that constantly tried to trip him up.

He tried not to think about the leeches but he didn't doubt that by the time they stopped he'd have a nice little collection to get rid of. "Halja... yew haven't got any salt in yer supplies?" he asked. That would help... and then a thought occurred to him.

"Therul... are we going to get there in a day? If not... where do we sleep?" He supposed they could climb the trees but what about Saber? Most of the trees in here wouldn't hold a cat his size and weight... unless he completely changed. Still, Colt didn't relish sleeping in a tree and falling out in the middle of the night.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - 5:29 am GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

Hibernation)

Ezekiel had been fairly passive so far about everything that was happening. When the party had split, he had opted to go with the...less brash ones. Although now, what with the trudging through the swamp idea, he was wondering if he had actually picked the less brash ones. Why were they going this way anyway? Who was that guy leading them? Huh, he really ought to start paying attention.

When it came time to trudge through the water, Ezekiel made several noises of discontentment to himself, tucking his cloak carefully over one shoulder so as not to wet it. Then, though he was quickly being left behind, he paused to focus on some psychokinesis...and...tada! Soon he was sloshing through the water after them, the swamp muck and all that being repelled an inch from his clothes. Practical it was.

Until Colt mentioned sleeping. Guh. How were they to sleep in this...place? Gingerly, Ezekiel pinched his nose and held it, not looking too happy as he tried his best to balance his cane and umbrella over the shoulder with the cloak.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - 6:39 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"It's only half a day's travel to get to the Old city, once we're there the swamp won't be an issue, don't worry, yew'll be sleeping in comfy beds tonight."

Therul stared at the tiger for a moment.....were Tigers meant to be able to do that? he wasn't sure, he'd never even heard of a tiger before today, but it resembled a very large cat and cats didn't often walk around on their hind paws.

The third person to join them was one who's name he hadn't caught yet, like Halja he was well dressed but seemed.....Therul couldn't put his finger on what was wrong with the man, but he definately had an unusual air about him and an odd way of doing things too....no matter once he'd got them to New Galvomore he doubted that they would be his responsibility any more.

Friday, March 12, 2010 - 8:36 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Colt hadn't realised Ezekiel had decided to come with them until he looked around at Halja and Saber. He would have thought the 'Prince' would prefer following after the others on the road but it looked like the boy had found a way to avoid the consequences of swamp travel. Lucky him.

"Half a day?" He wondered how much closer this city would have been if they'd not had to wade through this horrendous swamp. "I'll be looking forward to a hot bath if that's possible." Colt couldn't remember the last time he'd actually bathed in hot water. Most times, when he was travelling, it was in whatever stream or pond was convenient and when he'd been working in the stable in the town, the only way to wash involved grabbing a pale of water from the troughs or water barrels and bathing that way. A hot bath would be an indulgence for him; a luxury.

By Sophisticated Woman with Marked Face (Halja)

Friday, March 12, 2010 - 10:45 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"That's what I'm told, all part of the service for New Galvomore's very first guests!!"

Therul said with another smile, this was kind of fun, leading these people to the city he called home, still there was the old ruins to get through and then the underground of the old city, THEN he has to decide which method to use to get these people to the new city.

"Hey, ummm... how are yew people for ladders stairs or slides?, the slides are the quickest way, but there's no light on the journey down, the stairs take the longest and the ladder is kind of in-between, but can take quite a toll on the arms....plus I'm not sure they'd be suitable for Saber."

Sunday, March 14, 2010 - 9:39 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Halja listened intently as Therul laid out their options for entering the city. The sooner they got there, the better, but she couldn't help being intrigued by the prospect of travelling below ground. Just what kind of city was the man talking about?

"Perhaps, sir, yew ought to tell us a bit more about where we're heading and why, before we indulge in any sliding, climbing, and/or descending. Don't worry about our tiger friend, by the way. I'm sure he'll be able to handle our way down."

Monday, March 15, 2010 - 10:26 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"New Galvomore...uhhhh....yeah, founded about 400ish years ago, aroudn the time that the war against the Underlord was going on.....odd that, hide underground from a threat from the underneath, but there's always been something about the cavern, being of an evil tendancy have trouble getting in like it hurts or something.....meh"

Therul shrugged, clearly not understanding an important facet of the city he lived in.

"The city is well hidden and protects under an awful lot of rock, our eath-mages have also employed their skills to turn and swamp water to our advantage by feeding our plants, the cavern itself is pretty deep, it's quite some sight to look all the way from HighTower right down to see the river below, roughly 3 miles drop. The city itself is built aroudn the walls of the cavern with 4 main roads winding their way down from the top to the bottom, long way to walk too....oh and the Duvals, they're great they are, something between a giant spider and a monkey, they very friendly, highly curious and do a lot for us that we couldn't do ourselves."

Quite suddenly the swamp gave way to rocky and weedy pathways, and almost as though it grew out of the swamp itself they found themselves wandering through over-grown ruins.

(TO:	Galvomore Ruins)