In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 704):

OOC:  Glad it checks out but I have to admit....  the verbal sparing with the Puma was starting to be fun.  I was really looking forward to the answer to the pet or Druid friend question...  Grin.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 705):

OOC: Yes, it would have gotten interesting.  Although the puma would have shrugged it off as Shorty being naïve on world 'politics'.  I was looking forward to the next move with Shorty interesting is just around the corner.

;)

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 704):

"I would like to speak, if I may," says Warwick.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 707):

Alannon responds "Yes Friend Warwick, the field is open to all at this moment, speak your mind."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 708):

Warwick bows to Allanon.  "Thank ye.  I've known Shorty for a number of years.  Given yer requirements for a Green Knight, I believe that Shorty can be said to exemplify those qualities."

Warwick begins to tick off the requirements on his fingers.  "He has put himself in harms way to save a companion times than I can enumerate despite all of us being adventurers, willing to do the same."

A second finger and third finger goes up.  "He has raised a baby dragon, teaching it to be good showing that nurture can overcome nature, an often debated topic in what determines personality and behavior, something that can also be said of Shorty himself.  And, he has protected that dragon from those that would kill it, just because of what it is, rather than judging it on its character, thus defending its life."

Warwick raises a fourth digit and a thumb, "This isn't the first world that Shorty has strived to protect, and we along with him.  Before this, we were known as the Defenders of Calator, for saving that city from destruction more than once, from those that would destroy it and protecting the innocents within."

And finally, Warwick raises a finger on his other hand.  "And, finally, let's talk about Shorty's awe for Nature.  I can't claim to understand his rapport, but yer recent argument about the statue of kitty goes to the heart of it.  I've met kitty a number of times.  In all the times, he has summoned Kitty from wherever it resides, he has never ordered the cat to do anything.  Each time, he asks Kitty for help and tells Kitty the situation.  The same with his Mammoth.  And his reverance of trees isn't anything I can begin to explain, but he might have made a good druid."

Warwick clears his throat.  "So, if that's yer criteria for a Green Knight, then ye seem to have found it in Shorty."  Warwick bows and falls silent.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 709):

Shorty looks a tad embarrassed at this point.  He mumbles quietly, "Tank youse.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 709):

"Thank you for your insight in this matter." Alannon says

"Any others?"

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 710):

Warwick pats Shorty on his forearm.  "Of course, lad.  It's only the truth.  Besides, I haven't had a chance to debate in quite a while."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 712):

Morteft steps forward. "I will vouch for Shorty as well. He is true of heart and strives to do what is best at all time. I cannot say what this knighthood means or if it is a wise move for him, but if he feels it is the proper step for him to make, then I support him fully and I have no doubt of his commitment and willingness to do his duties."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 713):

Alannon nods: "Thank you for your candor Friend Morteft."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 714):

Trysk clears his throat and raises his hand, "If I may. I have not known Shorty for very long; however, his willingness to fight for a world not even his own against foes that have the capability to raze this planet to ashes reveals his true character and nature."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 715):

"We are gratified for your view as well Friend Trysk."  Alannon extends his hands in front to indicate your group.  "Your loyalty to each other does you credit."

He looks to the assembly again.  "Any others who wish to share?"

Unless the 4 of you have something else, there are no others who speak up.

"Very well, the Council shall deliberate."  Alannon will wave his arms in a scooping motion and in conjunction with his arms a gray mist will rise concealing the entire council.  No sound can be heard and nothing can be seen within the mist.

A low murmur of animal noises comes from the stands on the right.  The man in the robes on the 3rd level of the left stand is writing something down in a small book.  Dualis and Kaine appear to be chatting.  Trinny and Know-Man scan around the whole area, once in a while meeting your gazes .. Trinny waves, Know-Man will nod his head.

The deliberation goes on for a few minutes ...

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 716):

After a few minutes the mist lifts and all the council members are in their places.  The crowd silences their chatter, all look toward the council.

Alannon stands up: "The World Council has reached a decision."  he steps 2 paces forward and says "Shorty of Delith come forward."

Assuming Shorty does so.

"The World Council has decided that the mantle of The Green Knight of Arcturus is to be granted to you.  Prior to the ceremony we shall invoke the Cleansing Purge and then, this evening, at High Hour we will bestow upon you the blessing of the World Council and the power of the Green Knight!"  Alannon takes another 2 paces forward then he booms

"Shorty of Delith, what say you?"


--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 717):

Shorty straightens up to his full height and replies so that all can hear.  "Me berry happy accept to be Night., to pertect dis place, and serve da Lady.  Me have home now.""

Shorty looks worriedly at his friends and whispers, "Whats me posed to do now?  All peoples be staring.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 718):

Warwick chuckles quietly.  "Just stand proud, lad."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 719):

Shorty says. Ökie Dokie, buit seems silly.  Not gonna turns inta nuthin.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 720):

Alannon smiles at Shorty's response.
"Very well, let preparations begin for the coronation ceremony."

The crowd of animals 'cheer' at this and it lasts for a couple of minutes.  Kaine, Dualis, Trinny and Know-Man stand and applaud while the robed one in the back continues to write in his book.

After the cheering ends the animals in the stands begin to disperse as the animals continue their 'conversations'.

Alannon calls out to your group.  "Please come forward my friends, we have some things to do before the coronation ceremony."  All the council move forward.  The others, led by Dualis, except for the robed figure in the back - still writing, come down to join you all.

As everyone settles in Alannon announces "Now for the Cleansing Purge."  Alannon addresses Shorty directly.  "In everyone there are some things that taint our spirit.  Some things affect us more than others and could lead to a dark path.  The Cleansing Purge is meant to remove the most dire bits and in your case most of it comes from the handling of your dark items."

He waves his hand in a spiral type motion and one of the trunks that came with you rises in the air and speeds forward, up over the assembly to land gently between you all.  The trunk then opens and a slight breeze seems to pick the dark items out from the trunk and again lay them on the ground before you all.

"Before the Purge a little explanation is in order. I know a little of the history of these items and their origin; so I shall defer to Dualis and his knowledge of the subject."

Dualis will take a step forward.  The council acknowledges him, he does not seem to be a stranger to them.

Dualis clears his throat ... more to come.

OOC: Please feel free to add anything to the above.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 721):

I was really hoping the cleansing ritual would be more like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvQ0v4G18CU

:)

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 721):

Dualis continues after a brief cosmic interruption of a vision of an octopi in someone's face.

"The dark items you see before you are actually pieces of a disembodied demi-god.  A demi-god of war to be exact.  Part of minor pantheon whose sphere of influence is very very far away.  This demi-god was very good at what he did.  So much so that he would instigate wars on all the inhabited planets in their region, even persuading planets to attack other planets.  When that was not enough he started going everywhere to instigate wars.  He was beginning to destabilize regions of the multi-verse.  Getting the notice of other pantheons, more powerful pantheons, the minor pantheon was given a choice, dismissal or deal with their wayward 'brother'.
    They decided to revoke his powers and disband him and so split up his essence into pieces, pieces that are typically part of war .. armor and weapon .. full plate mail and a sword in this case.  Each piece was an actually part of the demi-god; where he was neutral, each piece would be a different alignment sort of all the alignments making neutral.  For instance, Shorty had 3 of the items, sword was Lawful Neutral, Vambrace was Neutral Good, Gauntlet was Lawful Evil.  The Death Knights breastplate was Chaotic Evil.
   Each piece also had a bit of sentience with a burning desire be be reunited with the other pieces.  The more pieces someone had the greater the pull became to find the others.  Once all the pieces were gathered, the demi-god would be sort of whole again but instead of a deity he would be a warlord with the same desire as before make war everywhere.  The unlucky individual who claimed them all would be subsumed, basically eliminated."
  Dualis then looks at Shorty "That would have been Shorty's fate.  He had actually acquired more pieces then anyone previously with help of the sword, part of its powers."  Dualis then looks at you four.
   "To make matters worse.  Remember back on Delith, the battle with the trolls near the comet impact site.  That is where Set's avatar completely disenchanted the gantlet, well it completely removed the essence from the gauntlet, destroyed forever.  The other pieces noticed and began to adjust.  Just like the body compensating for the loss of a sense, the pieces started to lean toward neutral evil to make up for the loss.  Not completely, just bits.  This would actually cause the reunited pieces to be a little unhinged, to become more barbaric, less calculating.  The individual pieces themselves would be more assertive in getting reunited.  Shorty was in danger of being lost." He turns back toward the items.

"These things can only be destroyed in a rare and special way.  Fortunately Alannon here knows of one who can help."  Facing the druid and gesturing "Alannon."  Alannon nods "Charles will be here momentarily and he can deal with these items."

More to come ...

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 722):

OOC: With friends who wish ceremonies like that on you who need enemies.  ROFL

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 723):

Shorty whispers again to his friends as he nods towards Dualis, "Him still like talks much an use big words." Shorty grins at his own joke

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 723):

As you all wait for this Charles person to show up ..

Dualis addresses you 4.  "Now, I hear that you have some items that you would like more information, yes.  This is why we have brought with us, and the World Council has so graciously consented to allow him to be a part of this," he motions toward the council "is Sir Joshua."  who he indicates with his hand, the man sitting in the stands still writing in his book.
   Dualis continues "He hails from the world of Remulac.  Its sister planet was Babyl, laid waste with the help of Sets minions.  Remulac was able to prevent its own destruction. Sir Joshua has made a study on a number of the minions and has information on the group who attacked Arcturus and their items.  We shall take care of that after the Purge."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 726):

Warwick bows.  "Nice to meet ya, Sir Joshua.  And sorry for yer loss."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 727):

Morteft also bows. "Well met, Sir."

In reply to Morteft (msg # 728):


Sir Joshua does not appear to notice the greetings as he sits in the stands and scribbles.

--DM2