[open] Mas

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Katharina Brightrim
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[open] Mas

Post by Katharina Brightrim »

((4th Mas forum RP, for anybody who's interested or does not have time to log like me :P))

Slowly getting back to consciousness, the first thing Katharina notices, is a pain in her throat. Clumsy hands reach up to her neck and she winces as they touch the bruise-marks the invisible hands left there. Hesitantly, the memories return to her and she frowns, allowing her hands to fall back to her sides. As her eyes glance around, she recognizes the hospital. Her armor weights her down, when she tries to sit up and she stays laying in the bed, taking some time to recover. Outside the hospital, the town seems to be quiet for now...
Last edited by Katharina Brightrim on Fri Jun 12, 2020 11:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Brightrim »

The quiet of the town is briefly interrupted by the sound of shattering glass. By the alchemy room, a batch of half finished healing brews are left behind in a careless manner, the turned over chair and a broken potion bottle nearby signifying the rush whoever left them behind was in. Having heard news of Katharina's current predicament, Amanda's hasty footsteps are audibly heard heading for the hospital, burdened by the weight of her armor.

Ignoring any others in the room, a look of pain flashes briefly across Amanda's eyes as she spots Katharina, instinctively reaching out to touch the bruise-marks on the woman's throat. Quickly withdrawing her hand upon realizing the pain it might cause, her first reaction to bombard Katharina with questions, before she rushes off again with a few words, not even allowing Katharina the time to speak.

Heavy footsteps once more rush in upon her return, bringing along a jar and some clothes as she enters. Moving the nearby dividers to ensure the utmost privacy, she turns her attention back to the woman. She finally listens to what Katharina has to say whilst preparing the jar of salve she brought with her upon her return, all the while eyeing her neck.
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Sand Papers
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Sand Papers »

At a distant graveyard, Eleanor sighed. She hated this month every year, when the dead and undead around her start to act weird. Not that any of them ever attacked her, she learned how to care for their likes many many years ago and in the end, she even married one. For her, it was just annoying when they started to go up against each other. From her small cottage, she watched the agony and the madness and felt sorry for these poor creatures. Everywhere else in Illarion, they were hunted, killed (again) and feared. She shook her head: A long time ago, she had given up on convincing people of the fact that these creatures were misunderstood. Most of them did not even choose to be resurrected and yet were considered an evil power, willing to kill every living creature. Shaking her head slowly, she turned away from the window. Once Mas was over, she would have to clean up the graveyard again, bring some of these poor creatures back into their coffins and likely replant some of the flowers. That was something she was very angry about; every Mas, the undead would stomp down all the flowers she had eagerly planted over the year. The undead really lacked empathy sometimes.
Custodio
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Custodio »

As with every year, it had been a quiet Mas for Neia. Sitting by the fireplace in her recently renovated home, Neia was taking it easy with a book and a glass of elven wine. One did not get as old as her by taking needless risks with their lives at stake, she reminded herself. Maybe in her younger days she had been more passionate about these things, but these days she left most things up to destiny. To the will of the gods above.
Yet a nagging voice at the back of her head gave her no rest. Was she having a change of heart in her old age? First with Letma, and now this. Perhaps she was growing to care for her new home, at least more than she'd like to admit. The nagging voice, she soon recognized it had taken the familiar tone of the man named Oxiana, was relentlessly keen on disturbing her peace. It was unlike her to care so much about the lives and troubles of the other more short-lived races, but here she was...
After dwelling on the matter for some time, she finally stood up with a sigh, grabbing her coat.
"Fine... I guess we will find out what use I can be then, won't we, Oxi..." the old elfess muttered under her breath, as she locked the door behind her, pulling her coat closer around herself. Leaving behind a barely touched glass of elven wine, and a chimney with smouldering flames, she ventured out to see what aid she could be.
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Kraex'Ju
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Kraex'Ju »

When not getting reports from the rogue he hired, Kraex called Queen's Lace, a Cadomyrian merchant ship, home. Over the years he'd traveled, he'd grown accustomed to the ebb and flow of the sea beneath his feet. Now, though, the coming of Mas left Queen's Lace hard docked for repairs, and Kraex ashore at the Harbor of Cadomyr. He'd been tempted to return to the town but sought the Temple of Sinari for guidance. He'd never prayed to the goddess of love before but after bringing her a tithing, he felt at peace for the first time since his private return to Illarion.

He prayed for Katharina and her safety, and that she would need him once more. Kraex was no stranger to the power and presence of the gods, but little did he know how quickly his prayer would come to pass.

Fire streaked the sky, when it struck near Cadomyr, Kraex was within earshot of the ripple it sent across the sands and dunes. Equipped with only a drum over shoulder, a lute in hand, noble worthy doublet and tights, and of course the wide brimmed flopped mage's hat Katharina hand tailored for him, Kraex sauntered toward Cadomyr. He intended to give the town moral support, perhaps write a song about the new heroes of Cadomyr.

Beneath the cover of his periwinkle blue hat and ablaze in red cloak and doublet the orc navigated his way to the gates of Cadomyr, strumming his lute and banging his drum. He needed more practice, but the orc never lacked confidence. He imagined the ballads he would write, songs he’d sing, and the look on Katharina’s face when she witnessed how educated he’d become.

No undead, no wailing and screaming, only a dense red mist blocking the gate to Cadomyr and an armored orc he didn’t recognize. He greeted Kraex standing in the red fog, reminding Kraex of himself long ago— maybe one of Cadomyr’s new heroes.

Kraex was about to yell out to the city when the red vapors caught in the wind just right to reveal Katharina. When he saw her nothing else mattered, she became his single focus. She didn’t smile or nod, no gesture of friendliness at all. Kraex felt deeply hurt, until his sharp eyes saw both her hands grasped around her throat.

Things were happening all around him, he could sense danger, but old instincts, the kind that never fully leave a warrior, drove him forward casting his lute aside. Into the misty unbound he leaped to close the distance between Kat and him. The foggy mist was thicker than anticipated and his landing was off the mark.

Coughing and unable to see, he lost his balance. He felt his right shoulder plow into the edge of the portcullis, the momentum sent him flailing forward and into a heap at the feet of the gathered troop defending Cadomyr. Dazed, but too resilient to remain embarrassed or idle he crawled up to Kat, who’d fallen over clutching her neck.

He assessed, she wasn’t choking herself, looked more like she was trying to stop some invisible force from choking her. He called for a mage, they did little, decades of war and he’d never felt so panicked and helpless. No one was tending to her, so he did what he thought best. He pulled at her hands to have a better look.

She had blue finger marks on her neck. Panic grew, he called for the mage again. Nothing. The town was in an uproar, danger afoot, bones rattled, screaming, the idle shuffle of armed combatants, all things his keen ears could not block out.

Finally, someone said take her to safety. That’s all it took, a command and he was scooping Kat up and carrying her to the closet table, The Unicorn Lion. He was swift, they were there in no time, but Kat managed to say “hospital” and pointed. Kraex scooped her again, carefully, deposited her fully armored self into a bed at the hospital.

He intended to stay right beside her but Oxiana came in. He checked on Kat, but looked expectantly at the orc.

“The best thing you can do for her is to not let Cadomyr fall.”

The words were true, Kraex knew Kat well. Long ago he wouldn’t have hesitated, but he’d laid down his arms long ago and gave his entire armory to the woman unconscious before him. Oxiana assured him, they’d arm him. Kraex warred with himself, Kat was asleep and looked at peace for the moment. If the undead broke the town defense she would be in grave danger.

Again, no thought required he was out the hospital door in stride. Merchants, peddlers, guards, and the whole of the city saw their oddly dressed hero of old returned, back into the fray, once more, once again on their behalf.

To the depot he went, out came auxiliary armor and on it went, someone handed him quivers of arrows (once his chest plate was on he shouldered three), the same person handed him a bow. He sat the weapon down, latched the remainder of his armor, put on his gloves, and the re-killing of things that ought to be dead commenced.

He’d arrived late, others were giving orders, two soldiers were guarding the gate. He flanked them and unfurled arrows in rhythm to help down his comrades’ foes. They broke apart with ease under the joint effort, but the town’s guard wasn’t formed properly. Everyone amassed in the center, fortifying the gate, but they couldn’t see the unholy mages of the damned bolstering the undead warriors.

Too late, magic cast, the center of Cadomyr’s defense caved in. Kraex watched in horror as a sea of red undead bones washed over the two defenders at the portcullis, converged on Oxiana and began to maim him. Ruthless ire hit steel on steel and blood spoiled the market. Kraex as an archer remained at a safe distance from the onslaught. He sent as many arrows as he could before the undead marauders flooded into the city.

Only the two orcs survived the breach well enough to fight. Cadomyr screamed for mercy, the Queen’s guard only able to protect critical areas. That left Kraex to save the rest and the other orc unable to stand toe to toe with the Blood God’s servants. Once he corralled citizens into barred buildings, the stalking began.

Systematically and with ruthless intent the knight of Cadomyr cleansed his Queen’s city. He roared, he cursed, and savagely he reminded the foes of Cadomyr what a knight really meant. When the last bone ceased to move any longer, the city cheered and echoed a victor’s delight. Onward he pressed the undead army with the help of reinforcements until the joint effort allowed Horatio to reestablish order.

Covered in blood and fragments of red bone, Kraex claimed a battle’s victory and washed himself at the tavern before going to Katharina.

Upon reentering the hospital he stops short of where he left her. There were more dividers than before, closing off the space and he could hear Kat was not alone.

“Kat, joo alrights in thur?”
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Katharina Brightrim
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Katharina Brightrim »

Having just changed into a clean set of clothes with the help of Amanda, Katharina frowned upon hearing the voice. Somewhere, in a far corner of her brain, she recognized the voice, but she could not tell who it belonged to. An orc, that was obvious, but as much as she thought about it, she could not come up with any orc being close enough to her to call her 'Kat'. Sitting up on the bed, now with less weight on her and some support from Amanda, before she answers with a rather rough, rasping voice, confirming that she's alright. The salve had helped, but her throat still hurt when talking. Limiting her answer to a few words, she asked for some privacy. She did not want to be seen like that, sitting on a hospital bed with her reddened eyes and the marks around her neck, by anybody but Amanda.

She had told her everything about the invisible hand, and about what she saw before passing out eventually. About the voice she had heard. She did not really feel like telling any passers about voices in her head, even if it was Mas. Laying back down, she grabbed the blanket and pulled it over herself. She could head back out and take care of the protection of Cadomyr, once she had rested a little more. In her head, she already prepared for the discussion to come when she would tell Amanda that she would go out again.
Aswe
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Aswe »

Stroke, Stroke, stroke

It was stuck in her head, it was all she'd heard for 4 days. 4 days of galleymen pulling the oars

Stroke, Stroke, stroke

Even now, two days away from the boat, and indeed the ocean, she still heard it in the back of her mind incessantly.

Stroke, Stroke, stroke

Hopefully, time in the forest, or what counted for a forest in a post necromancer world, where everything was either a corpse, or a corpse eater. Even here, what they used to call the pearlwoods was gone. Naught but dead trees. All this was good for was the grubs.

Stroke, Stroke, stroke

She shook her head. Mas was here. paradoxically the best time to explore these places. All of the assorted beasts, monsters, horrors and Albarians were assaulting population centers. Emboldened by the month, but even still. Tarrying would not serve her. She needed permanent shelter.

Stroke, Stroke, stroke

What would be the best spot to look for? It had been some time since she'd done this. Centuries at least, and the sun was setting, judging by the position of the sun, she had about- wait, what are those?

Stroke, Stroke, stroke

Shooting stars hanging in the sky? impossible.. Perhaps a... what were they called? Meteors. That is the name. A lot of them. And they were off in the direction of Illarion, by Aswe's reckoning. She sighed gently.

"Ushara, mother under all. Let them land on Cadomyr."
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nathi
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by nathi »

At first she was hit in the side, but she staggered and could use the momentum to pull her flaming sword through two skeletons. A noise let her turn around so she noticed Brassius who was about to push a front of skeletons with his shield to the side of the bridge. At that moment she realized that it was a mistake to turn around. The blow hit her in the side with such force that she was hurled into a bow. She tried to get up, but was immediately run over by a horde of skeletons. The last thing she noticed was the demonic grin of the Lichs skull, then it got dark.
Brassuis called out for her, but got no answer, he saw pieces of armor flying out of the crowd of skeletons. He couldn't intervene any more, it seemed as if all Demons were throwing themselves on the single fighter. He ran into the city to Cherga's cross and huddled against one of the columns. The noise in front of the city stopped, it seemed as if the flocks were retreating. He looked at the cross for a long time before he got up and left.
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Katharina Brightrim
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2nd Mas 60

Post by Katharina Brightrim »

Katharina sighed relieved as she got out of the armor. It was around midnight between the 1st and 2nd Mas and she already have had enough Mas for another year. Her body ached and she looked over the bruises and burning marks all over the body of her reflection in the mirror. She wiggled her toes and a grin forced its way onto her lips. At least they did not ache, that was something. Amanda's words echoed in her head and she had to agree with her. She wasn't a warrior. She had no business out there. But despite that knowledge, she had went out again and fought, pretending to be one. Silly her. Touching a bruise at her side, she made a face. She had no clue what exactly caused that one, but it was nasty, right under the ribs. Of course, examining those bruises was her way to distract herself from what really bothered her.
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Tyan Masines
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Re: [open] 4th Mas

Post by Tyan Masines »

'The pillars! They are burning now!'
'This column is ablaze! Aye!'

Tyan and Exelous shouted in unison, both of them panting from exhaustion after having fought so many undead another night. They were accompanied by countless others, good souls protecting their land, their loved ones, their lives. It was Mas. It had been bad. And it was about to get worse.

Exelous charged at the column, attempting to smash it with his hammer. 'Let's destroy this blasphemous creation!', he shouted. Tyan did not exactly object to the notion, but to the execution of it. Since when they had brought down the large Corrupted Fire Column in that mountain fortress, he had been thinking of better ways to bring down such structures. From his bag, he pulled a sturdy rope. It would be fixed near the head of any column, if possible, to create greater friction at the base of any structure. And so they pulled, while others hacked away at the base of the dark column. It was slowly coming to a fall.

The rest of the night was fire.

Being honest, the night before had been as well. And the day during. People being sent visions of the past, attacking friends as a result. Portals bursting into flame, spawning true legions of foes. Something had to be done, anything. Later, Tyan would tell Eli, 'A bad plan is better than no plan. And this was a pretty bad plan', grinning at the man. Despite everything, he saw a sense of achievement in Eli's eyes tonight. A few days ago, he had asked to be locked away. Now, he had managed to close a few demonic portals during Mas of all months. It had come at a price, as all things do. But it had been achieved nonetheless.

Not knowing the elf much, but missing him and his insight all the same, Tyan thought of the demon hunter Avaroth who had gone missing some time ago. Apathy, Avaroth had told everyone during his lectures, was the enemy, no, it was the will of the demon even. Perhaps, Tyan and all the others had been pretty stupid tonight in their endeavors. But also, they had been decisive. That was a win in Tyan's books. They were not just reacting any longer, hiding. They were acting.
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HaselNuss
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Sein erster Mas in Runewick

Post by HaselNuss »

Der Mond ging auf, Jakob saß wie so oft in den letzten Nächten in seinem Zimmer, eine Kerze funkelte und die Flamme tanzte, ein heller Schein erleuchtete die Wände. Er saß dort um zu arbeiten, die Rüstung für Lennier war noch nicht so wie er es wünschte, ein neues Projekt stand an und mit seiner eigenen Robe war er auch noch nicht weiter gekommen. Viele haben zu ihm gesagt er solle endlich eine Feder benutzen, doch Jakob bevorzugte dieses Stück Kohle, etwas in Form geschlagen mit einem spitzen Ende, war es perfekt zum Schreiben und skizzieren, mehr brauchte er nicht.

Seufzend blickte er in die Nacht hinaus, am Marktplatz vorbei über das Dach der Taverne bis zu den Feldern konnte man an sonnigen, klaren Tagen schauen, heute sah er nur schemenhaft die Beleuchtungen in der Ferne.
Mas steht vor der Tür, auch wenn er schon einige hinter sich hat wusste er nicht wie es in Runewick sein würde. Immer wieder hörte er von Geschichten, Dämonen, Drachen, Jefferson Grey, dämonische Drachen mit Jefferson Grey drauf. Alle Varianten waren für ihn die ersten Tage nur Schaudermärchen, doch so langsam glaubte er die Geschichten. Viel zu vieles sah er in den letzten Monaten, einiges wollte er gar nicht sehen.

Ein Kälte machte sich in ihm breit, es war Winter klar, aber diese Kälte kam nicht von draußen, sie kam von innen. Die Robe zog er etwas enger, die Decke vom Bett legte er sich um die Schultern und widmete sich seiner Zeichnung.

...

Quälende Schreie, Klirren von Waffen und Rasseln von Knochen weckten ihn aus seinem Traum. Er schien am Tisch eingeschlafen zu sein, die Kerze war schon längst ausgegangen, der Mond schien so voll wie noch nie in sein Zimmer. Etwas rote hatte der Schein, rot und dickflüssig wirkte der Mondschein, fast wie Blut welches sich an den Wänden breit machte.
Die Nacht war gekommen, der unausgesprochene hatte seine Kraft, die Untoten erstiegen aus den Gräbern, eine Armee der Toten formierte sich.
Seine Rüstung hatte er griffbereit, die letzten Tage wiesen ihn dazu an. Erst vor einigen Tagen nähte er im Akkord Seile für die Barrikaden, stabiler als jedes andere Seil sollten sie sein. Später sollte er seinen Anteil am errichten der Barrikaden leisten, mit seinen Muskeln diente er als Träger, der Hammer war ihm fremder als die Nadel, er wollte nicht schuld sein, wenn die Untoten die Barrikaden durchbrachen nur weil er den Nagel nicht richtig traf oder die Palisaden nicht richtig fixierte. Die Begabten sollten das machen, er würde die Muskeln zum halten benutzen.
Ab heute würden diese Verteidigungen zeigen wie stabil sie sind.

Er nahm die Rüstung um sie sich fest um den Körper zu schnüren, nur für diesen Monat hatte er sich Handschuhe genäht welche eisenbeschichtet waren, sie sollten nur die 5 Tage überstehen. Die Stiefel schnürte er enger, fest und trotzdem bequem war das Ziel. In der Ecke stand ein runder Schild welches er in die Hand nahm. Tyan hatte ihn noch mit Heiltränken und genug gutem Essen ausgestattet, es ruhte in seiner Tasche, eine extra Tasche. Er wollte unter keinen Umständen seine blaue Tasche verlieren, dafür war ihr Wert zu hoch. Gelb war diese Tasche, nicht aus modischen Gründen, nein er hoffte, dass man im schlimmsten Fall das leuchtend Gelb zwischen den Kriegern der Unterwelt erkennen konnte.

Die letzten Woche trug er einen verzierten langen Dolch am Gürtel, auch dieser musste heute ruhen, er durfte ihn nicht verlieren, unter keinen Umständen. Ein rot funkelnder Dolch war seine Waffe, überreicht von Kraex war ihm auch dieser wichtig, doch mit irgendwas musste er kämpfen.
Zum Schluss zog er den Helm fest, ein golden strahlender Helm, aus Hoffnung hatte er zwei Hörner angebaut um damit vielleicht die Kreaturen der Dunkelheit abschrecken zu können. Doch im Spiegel sah er seiner Meinung nach eher lächerlich als abschreckend aus.

...

Nachdem er das Zimmer abschloss wandte er sich nicht der Treppe nach unten zu, nein er ging hinauf aufs Dach. Der Mond reflektierte an den Rüstungsteilen, fast glitzernd stand er einen Moment nur da und beobachtete den Mond.

„Sie brechen auf der Westseite durch!“

Hörte er es schreien, die Bewohner machten sich bereit, doch eins musste er erledigen.

Der Wind schmiegte sich an sein Gesicht, lächelnd schloss er die Augen und zog die Luft ein. Ein Gemurmel kam von ihm, Gemurmel mit spitzer Zunge, die Worte waren scharf gesprochen und zischende Worte kamen von ihm, fast wie ein Sturm der sich aufbaute klangen diese Geräusche. Er streckte die Arme von sich und bewegte sie passend zum Wind, fast wie ein Tanz wirkten die Bewegungen. Das Gemurmel stoppte und eine Melodie kam als Summen von ihm. Er summte diese Melodie immer und immer wieder. Der Wind pfiff durch jede Ecke und die Flöte und Harfe fingen an Töne von sich zu geben. Sie lagen aufgebart neben einem einfachen Altar.

„Stehe uns bei... ich bitte dich.“

Sagte er zum Schluss und legte etwas auf den Altar vor ihm, ein reines Element. Er spürte die Kraft dieses Elements, mochte es immer bei sich zu haben, es war aber nicht seins, es gehört „ihr“. Ein Lichtschein blendete ihn, woraufhin das Element verschwunden war, der Wind nahm ab und die Töne wurden wieder zu Kampf Geräuschen.
Es wurde Zeit. Nur knapp nickte er zum Altar, er behandelte ihn fast wie eine lebende Person.

„Stehe uns bei... ich bitte dich.“

Wiederholte er um dann seine Sachen zu nehmen um die Treppe runter zu trampeln und im schnellen Trab Richtung Stadttor zu gehen.
Es wurde Zeit, die Übungen der letzten Wochen mussten sich jetzt beweisen.
Ein letzter Windzug flog durch sein Gesicht, es war ein Zeichen für ihn, auch wenn es nur seine Haarsträhne ins Gesicht fielen ließ.
Sie stand ihm bei, da war er sich sicher.

...
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Katharina Brightrim
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Getting some rest

Post by Katharina Brightrim »

It was already morning when she dragged herself back into the shelter of her villa. Her ribs on the left side burned, her skin around them felt way too tight and her knees wobbled under the weight of herself and the armor combined. She felt like curling into a ball and just sleeping on the carpet right behind the door, but fought that urge and took the stairs down to their flat. She was too tired to take off her armor, too tired to even realize whether or not she passed Amanda on her way to the bedroom. Just a few hours, she said to herself, I can rest some hours and then still be out for the rest of Mas. She slipped out of her boots and then rather fell than lay down on the bed, already asleep before her head hit the pillow. She drifted off into a thankfully dreamless sleep.

The sun rose over the desert, wandered the sky and perished in the west again and in a cellar deep under Cadomyr, Katharina still slept, missing out on almost a full day.
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Alytys Lamar
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Re: [open] Mas 5th

Post by Alytys Lamar »

Standing on the walls of Cadomyr, keeping watch, sorting her thoughts.

The demon had nearly broke her mind, she was on the brink to kill Eli and Tyan.
Both did help her to break free from this madness, Tyan with his courage and Eli with his friendship, dare to share this burden with her.

Returning to Cadomyr she just wanted to drink herself to death, but then all changed.
The Dragon, a being she did adore deeply, granted her to speak. Erdhal and the elf spoke words which grounded her again.
She offered her service to Bragon's son ... as she did in the past to Anchalargos, his brother-

I am sure others seek your service, they likely need your help more. They will need you.

I doubt it - the demon has a far to strong grip over my mind... I'm a danger to my friends she answered in return.

No matter their strength or your perceived weakness, kinship will prevail. Kinship can be the family you choose, just as I chose Tarias.

After one single drink and pouring some cold water over her head she was heading back to help her friends. The wall inside her was whole again, no demon would breach it.
Scouting Galmair he made a last attempt with a vision, but she did wipe it away, closing herself off like Silas long ago trained her.

The shame about all the happenings did still wash over her, frequently.
She heard Tyan speaking It's not a failure. It's Mas. Hey don't let it get to you! Could have happened to any of us
Tyan Masines did smile "Still waiting for my turn.."

Keeping watch on Cadomyr and fulfill her duty after Exe was heavily injured, she did straighten herself, mumbling into the desert nightwind

Time to took the advice you gave out to Eli for yourself, right ? Forgive yourself !
Last edited by Alytys Lamar on Fri Jun 12, 2020 3:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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HaselNuss
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His first Mas in Runewick

Post by HaselNuss »

The Moon was rising, Jakob was sitting in his room, as often lately. The candlelight did glisten and the flame danced, illuminating the walls. He did work, the armor for Lennier wasn't still satisfying, a new project was coming up and his own robe did just lay in wait. Many had told him to use a quill, but he still did favor this piece of coal, shaped in form with a pointed end.It was just fine and perfect for his layout, he didn't need more.

With a sigh he looked outside, night has fallen. His gaze traveled over the marketplace, the roof of the tavern - you could see the fields on a clear, sunny day. This night he could only see the shadowy outlines.
Mas was almost here, he had no clue how it will be in Runewick, despite his experience in the past. He did hear stories of Demons, Dragons, Jefferson Gray, demonic Dragons with Gray riding them. First it felt only
like scary stories, but slowly and steady he started to believe it. He had seen too much during the last months, some things he wanted not even see.
Cold did spread out in his vein and it wasn't the cold of a winterday.He wrapped his robe closer around himself, covering his shoulders with the blanket from his bed and consecrated himself to his drawing.

...

Screams of horror, clanking weapons and the sound of rattling bones did wake him.
He was fallen asleep on the table, candle long ago burned out and the full moon did brighten his room. There was a reddish glow, like blood, on his walls.
The night has approached now, the unspeakable was full of power, undeads rose from her graves, the army of the Fallen did march.
The events during the last couple of days had let him store his armor in reach.
Some days ago he had sewed many ropes for barricades, resilient like any others.
He did help to build the barricades, his muscular strength was used to drag the materials out. A hammer wasn't his tool and he wanted to avoid that a barricade broke apart as a result of his failure to set a nail straight.
This was the part of others, he would help just with his muscles.
As of today this defensive line has to show stability.

He took his armor on, especially the iron gloves. It was enough if they would just hold during Mas. He laced his boots, firm and comfortable, that was the goal.
He grabbed the round shield from the corner, examine the food and potions Tyan had give to him. All resting in a new bag. He didn't want to lose his blue bag, it was far to precious for him.
The new bag was of a bright yellow, he hoped that under the worst circumstances this color was to seen, between all undeads.

Looking over his weapons he chosed a red dagger, given by Kraex, not his adorned one. Tighten up his golden helmet, two horns on top of it, maybe the undeads are scared ?
Looking in the mirror he found it rather laughable then daunting.

...

Locking up his room he turned, not to the stairs, instead he did go up to the roof.
The moon did reflect on his armor, glittering, as he simple watched the moon.

" They breaking through the westside ! "

The soft breeze did caress his face, he smiled and closed his eyes with a deep breath. Starting to murmur, a murmur with the tip of his tongue, words sharp and
hissing, it had nearly the sound of an upcoming storm. Spreading his arms wide open, nearly dancing with the wind. He stopped his murmur and a melody took place.
He hummed it over and over again. The wind whistled through every corner, flute and harp started to join this chorus. They did lay beside a simple altar.

" Help us ... I beg you."

After this final words he did put a pure element on the altar. He felt the power of this element, wanted to keep it. But it was not his - it did belong to "her".
Light did spread, the element vanished, the wind did slow down and the surroundings did resonate the fighting sounds.
It was time, gazing the altar quickly like he would be a living person.

" Help us ... I beg you. "

He did repeat it before grabbing his belongings, running down the stairs and moving fast toward the townsgate.
It was time to reap the fruits of his training from the last couple of weeks.
A last strong draught touched his face, for him it was a sign, even if only a strand of his hair did fall into his face.
She was with him, about that he was sure.

...
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TiaSarah
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by TiaSarah »

Era smiled, fixing the blanket on the "fort" built under the meeting table. The Chancellors' office had been a good choice for entertaining children during Mas. As the kids defended "Galmair" against one of the teenagers playing dragon, she moved to check on the food and water. Later, when she went to wash dishes, she allowed the facade to fall.

She hated Mas. She hated feeling useless, because she couldn't help defend the gates. But most of all, she hated Jefferson Gray. He had taken so much from her, nearly broken her body and soul. And now, because a handful of idiots had given him shelter and strength, he was back to try again.

"A snake is a snake." She mumbled to herself, scrubbing the plates with a bit more force than necessary. "Feed it, care for it, watch it shed its skin and convince yourself it is a new creature. It will strike the second your guard is down. Fools."

Noticing the odd look Groktan gave her, she finished her work in silence. When the last dish had been dried, inspiration struck her. Rushing to Oxi's office to write it down before it vanished, she hummed a soft tune to herself. When she was done, she went and posted a copy in The Winged Sow, paying Hagar a few coins to learn the song and pass it on to his patrons.

Jefferson Gray, head full of hay.
A scarecrow throwing tantrums, 'cause he can't get his way.
Prea will not stay, laughing she'll say:
"You know a man with no backbone was easy to sway"
Jefferson Gray, duped by her play.
When she gets bored, his corpse she'll fillet.
Jefferson Gray, again will decay.
The jester is forgotten by the end of the day.


Singing the tune softly to herself, she went to write more copies. When the land was clear in Elos, she would visit all the taverns, making sure everyone had a new drinking song to celebrate with.
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Kugar
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by Kugar »

Across Illarion, red skulls have been left by the bridges of the towns and on the road to the Hemp Necktie Inn. Passers by may hear a rise in tumultuous voices whilst approaching these skulls as they proclaim the following words...

We offered you peace, yet you rejected our hand.

We gave you the chance to bend the knee, yet you stood in arrogance.

We now allow you to lick your wounds and think on upon your inadequacies.

Consider this final mercy wisely.
Mirai Belisai
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by Mirai Belisai »

In the last night of Mas, when things seemed to have calmed down and the people of Runewick were tiredly resting at home the city guard stumbles over an elder mage, lying in a dark corner near the temple of Bragon. With some difficulty they wake him and inquire what he is doing out there, thinking him to be a beggar.

But he is no big help, just that he remembers being bowled over. The only thing remarkable is, that he - at least at that moment - is not capable to create even the slightest light by means of magic.
The guards take him home, making sure the dolt does not go amiss. Propably just a drunkard that drunk of his brain due to fear of Mas.
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Alytys Lamar
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Re: [open] 6th Mas

Post by Alytys Lamar »

Her back felt like minced meat, nor could she count anymore how often mages had target her back to bring her down.

So, so many did fall... but in the end Gray failed, again.
He had failed last year, he had failed in murder the Druid and he had failed to conquer Cadomyr.
Drathe, Drugar and she did stand the ground 'til the last breath.
Closing countless times the gates again, removing the dragons on the walls, then ones which did swoop down ...

Tired so tired, no potions left, arrow supply scarce, Katharina heavily wounded, Inara, Kyre...
Gray will pay for every little thing and hurt he did to her friends.

Taunting Gray, over and over again, making him angry, buying time for her comrades to recover, to get maybe more supplies.
Now - he wanted her head on a pike - the sand girl's head... Oh well one foe more or less in her life, didn't bother her much.
Her life was always a dangerous one.

As some fresh warriors arrived she tried to make a quick run to get the arrows...
Another of this unholy mages did spot her ...
Why always my back ??? her last thought, before she found herself at the cross.

Inara was there, did help her up. She did send her with arrows to Kraex ...
Aly wanted to see Katharina, making sure she did survive.
A last time stagger through, keeping her teeth gritted, one step after the other.
Oxiana did look like shit, but he also made his way, obviously on his last leg.
Katharina did babble happily in the bed, Sibanac Aly thought, but she couldn't even grin.

Back in her Villa, removing the armor slowly, watching Inara, seeing her bleeding a little ....
No, no bed for her - she chose the chair to rest her head on her arms, falling into a light sleep.

I swear Gray... you , Prea and your mindless minions will be defeated, once and for all !!!!!
she muttered barely audible before the exhaustion took over.
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TiaSarah
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by TiaSarah »

"Legion! Give me the head of the insolent long'ear!"

Jefferson's shout echoed in her mind as she sat tending to the burns on her arm. She should have reminded him that he'd had his chance, and didn't take it. Shouldn't have been taunting him in the first place, Era. You should have been watching Oxi. Glancing over to where he lay, she bit her lip, urging the tears to at least hold off until she was sure he slept soundly.

"He needs you." Several voices echoed in her mind, all urging her to find him. She had tried, but failed until dawn was breaking in the mountains. The whole battle, he had made his way back to her side, always aware of where she was. He would charge out to take care of anything that made it in the gate, then right back to protect her as she tried to aim arrows over and around flames. He had kept his focus on her, and she had failed to do the same. In the chaos and flames, she had let him stray from her sight and he had fallen. It had been Saran who had told her to go find him, and Katharina who had first uttered the words "He needs you."

Somehow, she had missed him. If she had been a bit quicker to follow, she could have gotten him home... But Jacob. She shook her head to clear the thought. Jacob would have been fine. Fergro arrived shortly after she did, and he would have ensured that the needed care was found. And Drugar would have helped Amelia get Bidukan to the hospital. Everyone would have been fine without her. Except him.

By the time Reyor escorted her back to Cadomyr, the battle was over, and Oxi was nowhere in sight. They had searched for him, then waited for him to seek them, to no avail. Upon returning home, she had perched herself on the wall above the gate, determined to wait until next Mas if needed. When he finally appeared at the teleporter, she had wanted to cry with relief and worry. Instead she had run to him.

Now, safely locked in their private fortress, she fought the tears again. His wounds were tended to, but she wasn't sure how well. Her own, that she had promised Amelia would be seen to, sat half cleaned. "Care for yourself, so you can care for him." she whispered, willing her hands to resume their work. She would not cry today. She would see to her wounds, then lay with her love, and thank the Gods she still could. When she could no longer fight sleep she would dream of the day when Jefferson fell for good, and pray she was there to watch the final blow.
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Kugar
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by Kugar »

The great battle at the gates of Cadomyr would last for several hours, luring all too many heroic souls, that would stand against the forces of darkness, into Cherga's embrace. The newly united, unholy alliance of the Letma legion and the undead servants of Salavesh brought about destruction in its wake. The undead lord and the sorcerer Khuth had taken advantage of the power vacuum that had sewn Cadomyr's enemies together. Had the Axtblatt's of Hammerfall not refused to fight under the terror of the so called 'blood days' of Mas, god-fearing as they are, Cadomyr could very well have been taken. Yet, despite the relentless hordes that continued to swarm their gates and the ferocious dragons of Salavesh breaching their walls, the few heroes of Illarion still left standing and the medicos attending to the wounded would hold their ground, retaining the realm whilst living to fight another day. What remained troubling, however, was that the now enormous army of Letma, Salavesh and Hammerfall would find this time to regroup as well.

Later, in a place where mortal eyes don't roam, the undead lord gathered with his two battle-worn minions to declare their apparent victory.

"Today, my minions, we have tasted victory. Yet this was merely a preamble for the new world. It seems the prophecy is merciful... Chsk... And so the mortals must choose. For their time is running out" lord Gray declared, raising his bloody sword above his head as Valherian and Mogh mirrored his actions.

"Nobodieh goteh harm!" Chimed in Mogh the orc, gleefully dribbling down his chin as he grinned foolishly.

And so they would agree to set out and destroy the legacy of the younger gods that the heroes of Illarion held so dear, piece by holy piece, making room for a new altar. She that these three would hold the utmost loyalty for.

Prea's.
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Alytys Lamar
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Re: [open] 7th Mas

Post by Alytys Lamar »

So - it was over again, Mas had ended.

She sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Inara, who was holding a restless and painful slumber.
Inara had fallen late - but in a ball of fire. Thanks to Amelia's tailoring skills, the armor had held off a lot.
Still, the wounds were painful - Aly knew that from her own experience.
Aly herself was still very tired and worn out. This Mas had demanded the last of her. She had managed to kill the remaining dragons in Runewick
with Deanna and Bidukan - then she felt that the energy, to do even one step, left her more and more. Sir S'rrt, Guir and the others did fell on the bridge to Runewick
In the end only this three persons did remain to defend this realm - unbroken, not wavering a moment.
Bidukan and she had worked surprisingly well together, her bow - and the one of the wounded Deanna - did the rest, while Bidukan attacked the dragons head-on.
It was a distant, aloof interaction. They spoke only what was absolutely necessary.
Aly did it for Runewick, for Kyre, and all the others she cared about there.
Besides, Deanna had been unselfish in helping to free Cadomyr from Prea's grip.
As a knight, she felt it was her duty to return the favor.

The teleporters were still under Prea's fire and inaccessible - so the only option was the arduous journey back by ship.
She was glad that Oxiana was by her side, because Cadomyr's surroundings would not be cleared of all the undead yet.
A casual conversation also helped to keep her on her toes.
Too many undead had to be lured away so that Katharina could close at least one portal - now they were roaming the desert.
Sir S'rrt did close the last remaining ones, with more of the precious silversand, and the fires seemed to dry out - as a brutal thunderstorm raged over the heads of the small group.
Maybe it wasn't even natural - Prea was surely infuriated - not only had she lost the mental battle - no - she had also suffered the loss of an arm thanks to Inara's quick action.

*Let me think about it tomorrow. First we need rest*
that was the last thought before Aly fell into another sleep, this time somewhat more peaceful.
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Katharina Brightrim
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by Katharina Brightrim »

The left side of her face hurt as if she had been slapped. Several times. With a gauntlet. She was so done with this. The pain, the injuries. She wasn't a warrior and she had no business out there and she found no answer to why she found herself in self-destructive situations like this over and over. Pulling the hemline of her shirt up a little, she looked down at the scar on her belly. Was she really that eager to throw her life away? Katharina had talked to several knights and warriors in the past and they all talked about being willing to give their lives for others. She chuckled, as she thought that she was likely no hero-material. What good would her death do? Who would benefit from it? Was this selfish? She had no answer, but she knew for sure, that she didn't want to die. Not for anybody else, not in general. And yet, she still somehow managed to get into fights, she still managed to get herself injured. And there was this question again: Why?
alidamara
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by alidamara »

Mas…
Time of reckoning for our immortality…
Gods of that world spared us this time, but… Is such immortality a gift or a most cruel kind of curse – who knows?
Undead hordes, leaded by damned renegades, appears again on the threshold of our house. It means one - it's time to die again. Again. And again. All that damned road to victory woven from enemies bones and filled by our blood.

Charge, ladies and gentlemen, death has been waiting for us!

Thrust
Falls lady Ara, her back was pierced with spear…
Swing
Falls master Caswir, cutted by number of hits in a crowd of undead…
Ssssshhaaahhhh
Falls master Bidukan, unable to evade from next spell of undead archmage…
Blam
Skeleton’s hammer crushes through chainmail and break my ribs, I fall to sand. Again…

Then there comes a painful feeling of powerlessness after rebirth, but not today – we didn’t paid enough. Nauseous taste of potions, a few deep breathes and charge forward. To pay and vowe that road to victory. And not forget to pour it with blood. Your blood.

Death… Death… Death… Death… Death…

Victory! At least...

I see all of that. Many and many times. My chain and my axe remembered all of it, as I am and as you.
Gods of that world spared us this time, but… Is such immortality a gift or a most cruel kind of curse – who knows?

((a bit more atmosphere for reading that - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm7ctGs ... 0%B8%D1%8F))
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Drathe
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Re: [open] Mas

Post by Drathe »

Mas had been brutal as always. Mortal flesh and taught muscle against undead brittle bone and rusted steel. Blood, sweat and tears were shed by the quart as clubs splintered bone and swords cracked through skulls. In reply, corroded cleavers lacerated through living skin as boney hands clawed at the grimacing faces of those that opposed, pulling them down.

Gone were the days of the undead simply returning to wander about the land with little aim, other than what seemed like vengeance and spite for their passing. They were greater in number, the beasts more fearsome and the overall feel was that of a more coordinated, a more unified front. It had been this way for the past few Mas’

Drathe and Kaeyln had found each other and had stuck together. Escaping the fires and portals fuelled by magic that had erupted around the gates of Cad. They rose with a beautiful anger, flicking glowing tongues at the early evening sky. Skeletons poured forth then from the portals, their boney hands casing out wayward blots of mana or brandishing weapons tainted and pocked with rust. The Desert Wind and the Rogue had stood with other fighters but they had all been rushed, caught off guard by the sudden charge. She had been lost to him in the fighting, the blur of battle.

Drathe had fought his way out, making a break for an opening. There she was, Kae. Wounded but having done the same, along with the Lady Katharina. He had been impressed at that. A noble of Cad having been in the thick of something she had no place to be. Fighting for her land, with and as one of her people. Alytys and the other knights, that was different, they chose and were bound to do so, others had no choice if they wanted to see their home again. But that rich bitch could have just stayed in her comforts. She had chose not to.

Respite, potion soaked bandages, the catching of breath and reassuring of worried hearts. Then back to the fighting, back to people both brave and foolish. Mortals of all races could be such stupid creatures. Cowering from risk when surrounded by the support of the brave and strong yet throwing their lives away in a moment of solo reckless abandon, fueled by either the bolstering of the rush or the stupefying of fear.

He and Kae had watched the struggle, aiding where they could. They helped the skirmish push back and forth like a wave rolling up the sandy shore only to ease back down, building up for the return. The fires having cut them all off from the safety of the town. It was time to make a choice, see if they could make a difference, cause distinction, something, anything but watch the sweat and action of people turn to blood and stillness as they fell.

The two had turned from the clashing of weapons, screams and shouts of man and woman alike and moved away into the night. She leading him and he trusting her to do so. Such weight upon their shoulders in the choices to be made, the game to be played with a half deck of cards. Sirani would either have been proud or upset at them that night as they stood before her alter, it tainted with an insidious presence. A dark humor to it being there. Love and death, what a game.

And so it was played and concluded for a time, Inara having thrown silversand and closing the portal. An arm for an arm was the unintended conscience. A lucky escape for two? Or a galvanising to unification? Did Sirani have a hand in any of it? Nah! He though looking back on the events. He didn’t believe in gods, and if there were such things they did fruk all for morals anyway.

What he did believe in was Fooser. Such a magnificent beast, he was a god made mortal standing alone on the bridge of Runewick. Bow in muscular arms and letting loose arrow after arrow, each one true to aim. Around him broken bones and fragments as he bellowed at the top of his voice. 'Waaaaar!'
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