Stories
A Question of Honor.
The job was done quick, precisely, and professional. Nobody asked why he bought the potion. Nobody found the composite bow parts and the long dagger he was carrying. Noone quite recognized that his noble clothes were not in the perfect shape they should have been, and not exactly suiting like they should. Well, that's what a winning smile can be useful for.
The guards were coming in just a moment after he left. The used noble clothes he had worn in the evening, were found in a dirty street the next morning. When the guards asked the people for a young, unknown noble who was seen in the evening, he was already looking like someone different. Like a lower class person he was, who never would have been invited to a feast like that. But the mages would know.
Noone was willing to do the job. Noone, except for him. But he was given no choice. After finishing, his master sadly gave him the money, and the advice to leave the city immediately. Not an advice. It was a plea. But he had already chosen.
The victim was a known rich one. A rich one with many enemies - but no assassin would have taken the risk. Everyone who would kill such a person, a person with that much influence, would be on the big run for the rest of his life. Some old ones, doing their last job, or feeling that every other job could be the last, sometimes take such a risky job. He liked to call it a job. Others called it murder, but he always made it quick and clean, without much pain, even this time. These ones are on the big run. They move from city from city, always fleeing from the guards and the mages, from the letters with their face and the bounty on it. Some manage to survive two or three other years. Few others must have been hidden by Ronagan himself - they were never heard of, or seen, again. The most flee for months, never finding a quiet place for the short rest of their live. Nothing for him.
He never cared much for the money. It was a necessary thing to survive - and the pass for the rich ones to own the poor ones. And he earned money this time. Much money. Blood money as a pass to freedom, when he gave it to his sister. A cure for her husband, who will be able to work again afterwards, as skilled as he was before. A good living for years for a family. Of course he promised he would meet them later, when things have calmed. Perhaps all three knew he lied. But leave them their hope.
It was getting light outside. He took another piece of bread, and looked out of the window. It would be a sunny day. Many people would be outside. The wine was not bad at all. Best from his father's own cellar. Someone had a sense for humor here.
The man he killed, had much influence. And this influence would be his doom soon. But who else, in this situation, would have rejected?
He had stolen, and killed. He lived in the city streets for years. He came a long way from the country side to live here, to follow the way he had chosen. And he had to care for his sister back then. They may soon take my life, but they can't take my honor.
His stepfather, he could remember him, never liked nobles. But he cared for him as if he were his own son, and never treated him like the bastard he was. His mother liked his sister the most, but she never really made him rcognize. And she had protected him when his real father kicked down the door and wanted his head. That was the problem in society. The firstborn may be a threat to the wanted heir. And the first night can result in unwanted people.
When he and his sister fled, his parents were simply killed for resisting a noble. They were poor people and had no influence, and nothing would threaten the privileged murderer. Too bad Ronagan had not protected his parents back then, only the children were led down the streets. Far, far to the city.
He had sworn revenge back then. He had sworn to kill his own father, who wanted him dead when he was a boy. But he had totally lost his trace. He lived in the streets, caring for his sister, always stealing enough to ensure a poor living. He never begged for anything.
One day he tried at the full purse of a neat looking man. No noble, but a merchant perhaps. As always, he quickly cut the leather, and was pretty puzzled when stones fell out, stones made in the shape of coins - and green dust. And he was even more puzzled when suddenly he could not move anymore... The kind man took him into a bar. The type of bar rich mothers scare their children with. he was brought into a back room, and down into a cellar, where he had to show the men how he "organized" money. He did not tell about his sister. An hour later, he was a proud young apprentice of the thieve's guild.
His career was like many others on the streets. He found out, that stealing was quite easy. And when he found out his real destination, it was a small step. He became an assassin. One of the best in town. But he never took such a stupid kind of job ... until he recognized the face.
He packed his things, and sold away what he would not need anymore. He bought worn, but still good looking noble clothes. He bought a potion and poured it over some arrows. The best opportunity was the feast. A merchant was giving it, inviting all nobles in town. And the major was there. Since many unknown young nobles, cousins and friends of those in town, were coming too, it was easy to get in.
The target person sat next to the major. Quite a honorable place, bought with much money and influence. The young man next to him seemed to be his other son. When he hid in the shadows and prayed that noone would recognize the movement, he saw he was covered in darkness. I owe you another one, Ronagan.
The arrow directly hit his father's heart. He just lived long enough to hear the words, shouted through the room, and saw him when he left the shadows for a moment. Greetings from your bastard, that one's for your victims. Then he jumped out of the window.
As he returned to his master, he asked him why in all world he took such a stupid job. He quietly smiled, and whispered, a question of honor. He ran off and gave the money to his sister.

The early sun outside is shining. Footsteps outside. The key turns in the heavy lock, the door opens, and the people are waiting. Showtime.
The young man pours the last bit of whine, and whistling, follows the guards towards the executioner. The crowd will see a smiling face.
Recorded by:
Damien, Dominus Major of the Order of the Grey Light
((~Moonsilver’s Realm))
Desecration of the Lizard Temple
((RPG Jul. 23, 2006))
~A story related in the Fluffy Sheep recently by a lizard~
Early in the twilight of the setting sun, a dark shape emerged from the horizon off of the shores of Zzyathis. Barely visible in the dim evening twilight, the ship became invisible as Starlight failed to illuminate it.
A slight splash, grunts of men and the counted strokes of oars hitting the water were all the single Lizard scout on the shore heard as he strained his ears against the darkness.
A 'crunch' of brush, someone said, "Damn Fish-eater!", exploding stars and a warm liquid trickle running down his head were all he felt before he hit the ground. His eyes half-closed, all he could make out were six humanoids brandishing Rapiers, smelling of rotting apples and beef, they left him for dead. They surged forward toward the newly completed Temple.
Try as he may, unable to stand, the guard could do nothing but watch from the shadows.
The 'humanoids' broke into the sacred place. The guard heard sounds of crashing plates, ornaments and statues as they were obviously broken and carried off. A spark illuminated one man, and a torch was lit. From one torch, five others were lit. They moved about the temple as light-bugs in the warm summer breeze. Once thrown upon the temple, they grew, inflamed in anger the fires seemed as they connected, and engulfed the Temple roof.
The dancing light of the fire illuminated six Humans, one of which towered a full foot above the others and seemed to be 'leading' them. As the Flame of the Temple grew, the men regrouped, carrying many things from the Temple, departed for the shore. The guard could see faintly, that it was a boat, as the men clambered into it. They produced oars and began to row out to sea. They rowed in unison, as if they were experienced and unrepentant. Damn them!
The guard vowed to the Mother that he would seek revenge. He crawled as best as he could, as his vision blurred and his balance settled, toward the sacred sea. He knew, if he could reach the water, he would be safe. Agonizing hour after hour, he slowly crawled, until finally, he made the watery safety of his element.
The next Morning, 'Taliss' arrived at the site, saw the ruined temple and finally, the guard was able to relate his tale before he fell unconscious.
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An average sized lizard slips out of the water and onto the muddy bank, his much scarred body glistens in the morning sun.
His green brow furrows as he notices grey smoke billowing across the sky and he stops in his tracks hissing softly to himself "This cannot... must not... be".
He starts forward again, his large, flat green feet easily finding purchase on the mud, then slows to a standstill as he see's the temples door hanging askance, the beautifull pillars broken and the roof smouldering still.
A single tear leaks from his eye as he remembers the hours of back breaking labour he and his brothers had put in to restore the temple to it's former glory, the joy he gained when he knelt and prayed in Mothers presence, and the pride he took in instructing the temple guards.
He sinks to his and hisses "I have failed my brothers, I have failed Mother, I have failed them all!"
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A weary lizard clambers up onto the mud, his dull yellow eyes darting about as he examines the defiled temple. With a hate-filled hiss he steps over the rubble and into the shrine. The Lizard moves straight to the altar, his scarred tail curling up into his awaiting claw. Mazrian bends down, scooping up the remains of several broken artifacts and laying them gently upon the altar. Hanging his head, he hisses and clicks a curse upon the landlings before turning to survey the rest of the temple, hissing as his dull yellow eyes are drawn upon an approaching lizard.
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An average sized lizard dressed for war watches his brother by the altar. He breathes deeply taking in great gulps of air through his long green snout and fights down the berserker rage that is threatening to engulf him.
"What is mothers will prophet?"
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Pulling his mucky black cloak tight about his shoulders as he replies,
”First, we would cleanse Mother's temple, wash away these dark trails of sin” The lizard continues, his long, scarred claws wrapping tightly around his staff ”And then brother, we cleanse the land of the sinners, one landling at a time.”
The lizard turns back to the altar, allowing his scarred, dark grey tail to flick violently as he mutters some inaudible yet savage words. The hisses and clicks most likely addressed to Zelphia.
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The average sized lizard grins wickedly at the prophets words.
"Yes brother, first we rebuild.. then revenge!", his hisses raising in volume as finishes talking.
He then reluctantly strips out of the armour that glows with a green hue and walks over the hidden chest, taking out some much abused trousers, shirt and finally tools.
He gives one last lingering look to the armour and hisses in frustration, then picks out a chisel, holding it awkwardly for a moment knowing he is no craftsman.
His strong claw tightens on the chisels handle and he eyes the destruction around him.
"I have done this work before and with mothers will I shall do it again...."
Finis
The Long Ride Home
((RPG Oct. 7, 2006))
Baurus looked out to the sea from the harbor. he smelled the fresh ocean air and the wind blowing through his long goldon brown hair. he counted just a enough coppers for the boatride and he sat against a barrel waiting for the ship. he watched out to the horizon and hummed softly to himself. he waited for the moment when someone would come to stop him as they always do, but no, it would not come. he did not tell anyone this time. he would be gone without a trace. his hair flowed down into his eyes as he watched for the boat, or anyone to come along the harbor. he fliped a coin in his hand as he waited, thinking "this is it".
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The morning was going well upon the "Ghost". The sails were close-hauled on the starboard tack, making about 12 knots. The crew were busy with light repairs and swabbing the decks.
The captain stood on the quarterdeck, holding the rail and thinking how nice it was to be at sea again. Most of the time spent in Greenbriar was spent scraping the hull and reprovisioning. Thanks to that Mayor fellow, we were out to sea again and it felt good. The men were getting slack.
"Sail Ho!" cried the lookout.
The captain peered to the horizon, and spied a lone merchant boat, undoubtedly headed for the docks in Gobiath.
"Beat to Quarters!" the Captain ordered.
With precision, slightly slowed from their shore leave, the crew scampered up the ratlines, and hauled in sheets to match the new course.
"Our first catch of the day,"the Captain mentioned to his first mate. "I hope no-one was expecting that ship" the First Mate replied. They both chuckled as they awaited the coming capture of the easy target and it's cargo.
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The battle was over before it began. The merchant boat, hopelessly outclassed, surrendered without a fight.
Of the crew, only three volunteered and the rest were set adrift on a dinghy. In the cargo were about 100 bricks, some fur and some horns. There was two passengers on board, and they were offered passage to Gobiath as well....for a fee.
With the spoils taken aboard, and the crew satisfied with their shares, the small boat, barely sea-worthy as it was, was scuttled, and sent to the depths. "No need wasting a prize crew on that old tub," the Captain said.
"Alright Lads, fun is over! Resume course and lets see what else is out ther!" the Captain told his crew.
With that the crew cheered, spirits high, and old skills returning. The Captain smiled.
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A small dinghy of 5 surviving sailors arrives at the Docks. They clamber out and look a little tired and thirsty. They look for anyone at the docks they can tell their story to, for a little bit of fresh water.
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Baurus met up with Cyndil and Azuros on the dock, the ship in the distance faded away, he talked with them for a while after going to vanima, then leaving later to trollsbane. he seemed to have a sword with fresh blood apon it, he continued to walk and completely ignored the ship, but as he noticed it did not come he turned at look out at the water for any trace of it.
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The surviving sailors clamber up the shore and see a man, waiting at the docks. They scamper over and plead for water.
The former captain says to the man, "We are from the merchant boat 'Prosperity', bound for here , but we were attacked by pirates. They took our ship and our cargo. Please help us. My men need fresh water."
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A man cloaked in a blue robe walks up to the docks just as the men clamber out and hears their story to the other man. He does not pull off his hood. He speaks in a cold slightly raspy voice that echoes slightly as if emanating from an empty space, "You men wait right here I will return shortly." The man walks off and returns a few minutes later carrying a bucket of water each for the five men. He sits down on a tree stump and watches the men slake their thirst. He then glances at the man with the bloody sword but does not seem bothered in the least by him. His gaze returns back to the other five.
Finis
The Heist of the Year
((RPG Apr. 24, 2007))
~This story is pieced together by witnesses and what the thief chose to brag about during a drunken night at the Greenbriar Tavern~ Those involved may feel free to add to the tale~
A lone cloaked figure walked into Trollsbane. Nothing out of the ordinary. The day had been good to her. Yesterday, she had nicked about 25 leathers and 180 nails, and had been doing well in the 'Dark' trade of "redistribution". (Thievery).
As she walked the road though, she overheard a conversation,
"I got about 180 gold nuggets to sell"

The word "Gold" caught her ear. What if....
She strolled up to the couple and smiled.
"You have gold nuggets to sell?" she said very innocently.
"Yes, are you interested?" the lady said.
The cost was 3 nuggets to a silver. Naturally you never take the first offer, so she pressed it to 4 per silver. After a little haggling, the price was agreed. She said she'd buy them all, and waited for the nuggets.
The lady said "show me the silver". Ohhh, she thought, I have a cautious one here. I better play this safe. She said, "will you take coppers too, I have about 2000?" as she looked in her paltry depot of 26 coppers and 10 silvers, she thought "How am I going to get her to trust enough to pass that gold over?
The lady then asked, "How many silvers is that left" The repsonse was 25. Then the anxiety increased when the Lady said "show me the silvers"
Ahh!!! What was she to do? Think fast.......ok, how do I turn 10 silvers into 25? .....how about this.....
She took her 10 silvers out in her palm....
She put 10 on the ground behind her for the briefest of moments.....
Bending over, she palmed them and placed them down again in a spot next to the old one......
then she palmed them again and put only 5 on the ground.....then she quickly picked up those 5.
When she rose up, she smiled innocently as if she had just put down 25 silvers.
Relief!! The Lady was satisfied, and said "Let's trade then". It took everything she had to not 'jump for joy' as the Gold nuggets were taken out and given to her care for the supposed 25 silvers and 2000 coppers.
After the transfer was complete, the lady asked for her money, and for a moment the stranger looked in her depot and simply said...
"You won't believe this....."
"You've been robbed...."
Then she ran away for her life as she never did. The last glimpse she had of the lady was that she was in so much shock, she simply collapsed in a chair. Her partner had no such 'shock' though and gave chase. He chased her though the streets, and out the southeast gate. Need a quick getaway, she thought.....ahh!!! She ran for the teleporter, ready at a moments notice to pick a random destination to evade her pursuer. As she gained distance from him, he yelled "Stop!!" presumably to cut her down. Fool. she thought as she entered the portal and magically whisked away.
Her last sight of the man was of anger and resentment as he turned away from the teleporter.
She arrived safe, rich and able to tell her tale. After a heist of 180 Gold Nuggets, she goes by the title of....
"Princess of Thieves"
Slipped Away Again
Dash walked into the dwarven market thinking how easy it would be to steal from them. "Stupid dwarves, little stumpy legs." He walks up to a few vendors, seeing which of the ones had the best goods.
"Armors! I got Armors," he hears.
"Hmm..."
"Got any elven silversteel?"
"Well of course, a very good one too."
Dash smiles slightly, pleased with what he hears.
"Sure, ill take one."
"What will ya pay for it?"
"I'll give you... 30 silver."
"Make it 35."
It didn't matter to Dash, but he should appear like her cares...
"32 and you got yourself a deal."
"32 it is."
The dwarf the sets the armor on the table and Dash takes it and puts it on. He tells the dwarf, "my money is in my depot i will be right back."
As he looks in his depot, thinking of what to do he sees a bag of copper, maybe...
He head over to the dwarf and throws a closed bag of coins at him and quickly walks away saying, "its all there." As he is nearing the exit he hears the dwarf yell, "this isn't silver!" He quickly climbs a ladder and hides behind a pillar.
He sits and waits, and unfortunately the dwarves quickly find him, knowing there territory well. He says, "whats the matter boys?"
"You gave me copper."
"oh did i? My mistake, i will give you the silver."
They all walk downstairs and Dash states once he gets to the depot, "oh im sorry, i guess i don't have the silver after all..."
After some useless banter of it being an accident and the dwarves not believing him he is locked up. What to do, what to do...
"My wife is pregnant! She will have her baby today! I need to pay the doctor! Let me out or the baby will die!"
"Shut up ya idiot!"
"Baby killer! Murderer! ABOMINATION!"
As the king walks into the room where he is locked, he fakes sobbing and tells them to leave, that the already made up there mind. So they do. A few minutes later, however, a different dwarf enters and says that he is free to go.
"I should be an actor..." he later brags to a friend of his