Worlde Arcane: Outskirts of Seven Oaks

Worlde Arcane: Aniada: Seven Oaks: Outskirts of Seven Oaks

Outskirts of Seven Oaks

The Outskirts of Seven Oaks, starting from the foot of its walls, are an eclectic mix of forest, hills and pastures. The area is dotted with small farms which feed the town, and the dense forests provide wild game and wood for food, hides and construction. The tall pinewoods are in much demand for ship masts. As was demonstrated by a recently re-opened mine, the hills, though mostly unexplored, are known to be rich in various ores.

A large artery of the Lorimar Road carries trade and other traffic to and from Seven Oaks. Guardsman cavalry regularly patrol this route, though many strange creatures are known to surprise the unwary from time to time.

Art by Rosa Chavez

Outlying Farms & Residences August 15, 2008 - 5:27 pm

Forested hills north of Seven Oaks April 29, 2008 - 10:12 pm

Caravan Staging Grounds July 22, 2010 - 2:46 pm

The Lorimar Road 16: The Seven Oaks Mile December 7, 2010 - 11:07 pm

Grumblin-in-the-Wold October 10, 2004 - 8:48 pm

Via Ecclesia; the Reclaimer's Road September 14, 2009 - 3:27 am

Zorga's Hut August 14, 2010 - 2:33 pm

A Nearby Beach December 5, 2010 - 6:47 pm

Archive through January 2, 2005 January 2, 2005 - 4:15 pm

Archive through November 16, 2005 November 16, 2005 - 10:28 pm

Archive through August 18, 2009 August 18, 2009 - 3:19 pm

By Priestess of Arainrhod (Ainathiel)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 3:28 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Since none of this was news to her, Ainathiel stood by silently, hands folded behind her back, while the others posed their questions.

By Aeraelius Estevius Hermonicus III (Babb)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 3:36 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Upon Zoey's conclusion of her speech, Babb burst out laughing. "Haha, undead. That's really funny, Zee. She's always cracking jokes, yew guys. C'mon, Zee, this is serious business." Grinning his open-mouthed grin, he glanced about at those assembled to see whether anyone else had appreciated the jest.

By Anonymous

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 4:09 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Undead?" repeated Yungren, not sure what Zori meant by that.

By Aeraelius Estevius Hermonicus III, Assistant Librarian of Trinsic (Babb)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 4:11 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"I know, right? Isn't that hilarious?" nodded Babb, grinning up at the giant.

By Priestess of Arainrhod (Ainathiel)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 4:28 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Zombies, more specifically," interjected Ainathiel, giving Babb a bit of a sharp look. "And I'm afraid it's no joke. Daelows Navy patrols have sighted them in large numbers along the shores of the Dead Continent."

Gazing up at Yungren, she continued, "For those who were not aware, zombies are corpses--bodies of dead people--that have been reanimated, often through the use of evil magicks--sometimes intentionally, and sometimes as mere side effects. Though I should add that, once triggered, the malady has been known to spread by means of infection as well, overtaking the flesh of the living and converting them by means of a slow, painful transformation.

"Zombies retain nothing of the soul that animated them in life. They are automatons--mindless beings, driven primarily by the urge to feed." She hesitated, then continued--after all, they deserved to know. "They tend to dine on raw flesh--particularly that of other umanoids. That is how the contagious strains most often spread--through the creature's bite."

By Rayvenn Oni'Traidah (Rayvenn)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 4:40 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Necromancy?" hissed Rayvenn. He glanced in amazement at the Aeros for a moment before turning towards Yungren. He listened to Ainathal's explanation before adding. "It's the worst, most foul type of sorcery. It's where yew bring back to life someone or something that has died and force them to do yer will. Those things that are brought back are often called undead, though there are lots of other names for them as well." hissed Rayvenn.

He looked at Ainathiel for a moment, her inital lack of reaction indicated she already knew about the mission. Her inclusion in the group suddenly made more sense, especially given her knowledge of the undead, though he doubted very much if her goddess approved of necromancy or encouraged its practice. He had heard of some religious disciples who could really heal people, without herbs. Perhaps there were other things she could do. Ainathiel certainly did not appear to be one of the charlatans he had occasionally seen in one of the towns of Ufaeria, claiming to relieve all manner of afflictions as they relieved their patients of most of their coin. Still, he would feel better if she had an actual weapon to defend herself if needed--something more than a whispered prayer to an unseen diety.

He only had one question for Zoey as he returned her attention to her. Though he tried to keep the anger out of his voice, he could not conceal the rage that flashed in his eyes. "And when we have 'divined the underlying cause' and 'reported our findings,' what do we do then? Is 'exploratory engagement' code for search and destroy?"

He hoped they would have a chance to do something about such a foul plague, and based on Ainathiel's response, he suspected he would have an ally in taking more aggressive action if the opportunity presented itself.

Focused on his disgust and loathing of necromancy, Rayvenn did not realize that either his tone or his words could be misinterpreted by Zoey as a personal attack doubting her ability to lead.

By Priestess of Arainrhod (Ainathiel)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 4:44 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

Sorry for the simul-post, Rayvenn. Let's just say Ainathiel said her piece between yer first and second bits of dialogue--that way I think it resolves itself fairly well. )

By Rayvenn Oni'Traidah (Rayvenn)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 4:47 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

No worries, I tweaked it a bit and think it will work fine. Actually, probably better now.)

By Zorielle Draugrbane, Warlocke and Knight-in-Training (Zoey)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 5:36 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Zoey seemed to simply ignore Babb's outbursts, choosing instead to shift her gaze from the giant to the priestess while Ainathiel explained the finer points of zombiedom.

Rayvenn's hotheaded inquiry, however, was met by an unwavering gaze, as steely-calm as his was volatile. "What 'exploratory engagement' means, Oni'Traidah, is precisely that. I have absolutely no intention of needlessly risking the welfare of my squad executing actions that can be handled by better-prepared and better-informed incursions." Zoey didn't even seem to blink while she spoke to the redheaded half-elf. "And I expect my squad to have a similar consideration for the lives and well-being of their teammates. Is that clear?"

Her emerald gaze did not shift from Rayvenn's while she awaited his response, but out of the corner of her eye, she studied Rhys' reactions to all this. While she wasn't particularly fond of Sir Sunderland's overly altruistic service record, having another Daelows militaryman would be invaluable. And though Sunderland outranked her in terms of the Cavalry, Zoey's newfound Wraith status would put her unquestionably in command of this specific operation.

By Sir Rhys Lyon Sunderland, son of the Black Lion of Dealows (Rhys)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 12:32 am GMT | Edit | Link |

Rhys bowed to the giant in greeting tough of course he wondered why he was referred as metal-man, he wasn't about to make a fit over it either, a giant was a rare sight indeed.

"So yew mean to say my Lady that we don't know if there ARE people still left alive in Gning Nar? Finding what has been happening might be a tad more difficult, well yew know that it might not even be a Necromancer that's responsible" Rhys directed his question toward Zoe as she seemed to be the commander of this mission.

By Priestess of Arainrhod (Ainathiel)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 12:47 am GMT | Edit | Link |

"We of the Church have reason to believe that there are, in fact, survivors," cut in Ainathiel, looking at Zoey rather pointedly.

By Rayvenn Oni'Traidah (Rayvenn)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 2:59 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Rayvenn bit back a retort--what Zoey had said made sense. It was clear that she would be a very logical, disciplined leader. And she had proven herself flexible and open-minded enough to invite himself and Yungren to assist. She had good instincts.

But what was not yet known, and could not be until the actual moment arrived, would be how she reacted to the pressure of a battle. Would she stubbornly stick to preconceived plans and orders or take advantage of new opportunities and changing circumstances.

He maintained her steady gaze, nodded, and in a calmer voice replied, "Aye, clear as a bell."

He listened thougtfully to Rhys and Ainatheil's comments, noting in particular the edge in Ainathiel's voice and her obvious concern about survivors.

By Anonymous

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 4:57 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(FROM:

Seven Oaks)

A strange man cantered up to the collection of adventurers in the demeanor of a curious ape, his head cocked to one side and his dark eyes flicking from one warrior to the next. His thick hair was braided and knotted with all sorts of beads and bits of bone, and his clothing seemed like nothing more than sheaves of scraps of colored cloth wrapped around his reed-thin frame. Ainathiel, of course, would recognize him as Winter, the witch doctor and medic for the Lion's Shadow.

"A hundred pardons," he said to the group as a whole. When he spoke, he seemed to whisper, but he was always just loud enough to hear. He bowed deeply to Zoey. "A change of plans, Captain Stillwater has had, unfortunate, most unfortunate." The witch doctor shook his head sadly. "Set sail we must."

By Zorielle Draugrbane, Warlocke and Knight-in-Training (Zoey)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:07 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Rayvenn's response was adequate. Zoey nodded, considering the discussion closed. The man's temper was quick to rise, but it subsided just as quickly when properly addressed. She would have to take that into account when directing and communicating with him.

Zoey bit her lip in irritation at Ainathiel's response to Sir Sunderland's question. Again with the survivors. What was it that the children at the Academy would say? 'If you love the survivors so much, why don't you marry them?' No, that would be an inappropriate postulation for this setting.

Luckily, Winter's approach prevented the cadet from having to make any sort of interjection. The news was unexpected indeed, but oddly welcome. She had little idea how to occupy herself overnight in this town. "I hope you have all that you need with you," she said crisply to the ragtag group she had assembled. "Any supplies you're missing, I'm certain the ship's stores can provide. It appears we're moving ahead of schedule."

The cadet straightened, her only indication of the thrill of excitement of being on the move. "When does the captain wish to depart?"

By Anonymous

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:09 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

The strange little man had been peering up at Yungren, his expression a placid smile of fascination. "Now, Cadet Draugrbane," Winter replied as he turned back to the Wraith. "Come, come."

(TO:	A Nearby Beach)

By Aeraelius Estevius Hermonicus III, Assistant Librarian of Trinsic (Babb)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:27 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Babb, who had fallen strangely silent upon realizing that the undead remark was not a joke, piped up, "Hey, what about all the stuff I bought earlier? It's still at the inn . . ."

(OOC:

Following)

By Priestess of Arainrhod (Ainathiel)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 5:34 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Winter, hello," greeted Ainathiel, looking concerned upon seeing the medic of the Lion's Shadow so far outside the city. Something must have gone awry . . .

Winter soon confirmed her suspicion, and she nodded comprehension, moving to join him. She had not bothered to bring any of her belongings ashore, so she had no need of returning to Seven Oaks anyhow. "Is something amiss in the city, Winter?" she asked as she followed the hunched little medicine man to the ship.

(OOC:

Following)

By Anonymous

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:14 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

"Delays, delays," the witch doctor said with a dismissive shake of the head. "Inconvenience is slight."

By Rayvenn Oni'Traidah (Rayvenn)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 6:44 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Rayvenn glanced at Yungren and with a nod of his head indicated that they should follow their strange looking new guide.

(TO:	"A Nearby Beach")

By Sir Rhys Lyon Sunderland, son of the Black Lion of Dealows (Rhys)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 - 11:04 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

Follows the strange looking guide, it's not like there was more he could add to the conversation.

(TO:	A Nearby Beach )

By Terrance, Dark Swordsman (Terrance)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - 5:12 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

From Zorga's Hut)

The two horses carried their riders back along the dirt trail, though it seemed rather wider and well-worn in the daylight. Soon Terrance's and Sasha's mounts came out onto the stretch of road leading back down to Seven Oaks.

"We should be there within the hour, so there's plenty of day left. Did yew want to stop by any shops, pick up anything?" Terrance asked as he began leading his horse down the road.

By The Bitter ShaeFlawr (Sasha)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - 7:39 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC: From Zorga's Hut)

"Oh, I don't know..." Sasha glanced around at the shops as they passed. A dress shop tempted her; something durable for the road. She clutched her purse. No, she couldn't justify her only money on a dress when she already had one. And she already had her weapons, one of which magick was not.

A meat shop. "Should we bring some food of our own or trust the crew to cook for us?" she asked Terrance.

By Terrance, Dark Swordsman (Terrance)

Thursday, December 31, 2009 - 3:43 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC:

I don't believe we've actually entered the town yet, Sasha.)

Terrance shrugged. "Our passage will include meals I'm assuming, unless the captain is unreasonably daft. Normally the galley serves good meals...I'd not worry over it."

The pair rode on, at times making small talk while lapsing into companionable silence at others. Approximately an hour later, they arrived within Seven Oaks.

(OOC:

To Seven Oaks: The Main Gates)

By The Bitter ShaeFlawr (Sasha)

Thursday, December 31, 2009 - 7:55 pm GMT | Edit | Link |

(OOC: Whoops! We shall then say that Sasha was thinking about the shops instead of passing them. To Seven Oaks: The Main Gates)

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