It was a sudden shriek that awoke the two magnakai in their tent; Rain Feather was wrapped in her own blanket and Sun Snake had dazed off while sitting in a meditative position, but the sound was so unnatural and reeking with malice and menace that it sharply assaulted their Kai senses, pratically forcing them awake.

And while the two recovered, they could hear the hurried steps of the Drakkarim who moved in what sounded like a very frantic, if surprisingly disciplined, pace outside of their tent - as if taking defensive positions.

Maakengorge team, welcome back to the game! Sun Snake, Rain Feather, I do hope you've recovered as adequate for your sleep - you're about to need those resources.

Sabre, you will wait to post until both Snake and Rain are out of the tent - since you already know what's going on and I'd hate for you to spoil the surprise. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:00, Tue 07 Aug 2012.

The shriek shattered the sense of calm that had settled over her, and immediately she was out of the tent, Breakwater in hand.  Her black spear was not on her, and she charged out of the tent to see what was going on.

"You know, the first time I have a good dream, and it gets interrupted... what's about to get on the wrong side of several sleepy Kai and Drakkarim?"

Sun Snake wouldn't be inside the tent. I was never going to take the tent restoration bonus.  He is supposed to be outside monitoring for this exact thing, and the only reason he fell asleep instead of report things right away was I'm making him sleep, and helping preserve the thread continuities, etc. I feel like I've said at least twice he'd fall asleep accidentally meditating, exactly as has happened before.

He would not have fallen asleep willingly knowing what he knew...he wasn't going fall asleep when the only supposed danger was the acolytes coming at them in the night, why would he deliberately go to bed now!

So, I presume I can post as if just startled awake in some corner of the outside?

"What the..." said Sun Snake, startled awake, and then suddenly filled with terror. "By the Darkness, why did you let me fall asleep, Sabre!" the Kai snarled, leaping stiffly to his feet from him dazed hunch. He staggered as his legs, crushed from their cross legged pose, protested at such instant movement.

"Get away from the lake! Over two hundred creatures are comign this way! We can push them back from the vantage of the camp if needed, but attacking them is suicide. For Kai's sake, whatever idiot went in to the lake, pull them back...now!"

As she left the tent and turned to the lake, Rain Feather had her answer - a multitude of swimming creatures were surfacing over the lake surface and were swimming toward the beach, although they seemed to be barely half an hundred. They were strange creatures, with a long, scaly muzzle filled with curved fangs, two powerful arms that ended in clawed, palmated hands, and four fins at the back that, alongside their powerful tails, they were using to proper through the water incredibly quickly.

In fact, some where already reaching the beach, but there, the mud slowed down their movements - alhtough it did not stopped them completely.

At Sun Snake's words, the Colonel, who alongside Sabre Fox was standing on the beach, sword in hand, to repel the first wave, motioned to the Magnakai swordman that stood at his left, drenched from head to toe, and said, smirking:

"Don't worry Lord Sour Snake, your idiot is already back on the shore again... the main problem is that these things seem to want him back!"

And with that, he charged forward, easily cutting into two of the beasts, while the other two tried to drag themselves through the mug and assault Sabre.

Sabre Fox, feel free to post again whenever you want! Your two current opponents are as such:

Lake Creature (trapped in the mud): CS 17, END 19
Lake Creature (trapped in the mud): CS 18, END 18

To clarify, the things have a -3 CS penalty for being in the mud - if you'd stopped on a more rocky shore, they'd have been able to propel themselves out of the water like projectiles, and on the rocks they'd be somewhat faster as well.

Of course, fighting underwater they would get a +6 CS bonus, and then there's the several penalties to whomever is fighting for: being underwater, being unable to breath, being unable to see... really, it'd be incredibly hard to face them if they'd been able to push or drag you in the water, which would have been plausible with a camp put near the rocky shore - but thank to the mud, that's impossible for them. :)

So, Rain and Snake, until there's more opponents to attack, you're free to do anything that you believe would give you some form of advantage on the incoming attack - the soldiers, for example, seems to be preapring torches around the campfire.

"Yea blame me the lot of you why dont you??!! But believe me when Im gonna tell you after this is over it was worth it!!!"

Taking his two swords back from thier scabbards, Fox was ready to meet the oncoming enemy.
This message was last updated by the player at 21:13, Tue 07 Aug 2012.

Sun Snake looked around for the sergeant he had taken watch with last night. "You! Do we have oil? We need to create a choke point left and right with fire before we get swarmed. Is that what you are doing?"



Edit: Double posted with you, Sabre, but don't know how Snake would react to that revelation. I'm intrigued :)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Tue 07 Aug 2012.

Sabre Fox jumped forward as the monsters attacked, offering himself to the beasts' grasping hands; however, it was but a way to get them to open, for in the follow up the Magnakai slashed downward, cracking both of their heads open.

As he and Vyctar took a step back to recover their breath, they could see that six more creatures were advancing through the mud, and many more were swimming behind there in a furious urge to reach the shore...

Meanwhile, the Drakkarim turned toward Sun Snake, the soldier he'd took his watch with nodded and said, in a very neutral, pratical tone:

"We have enough oil to create a small cordon of fire, yes - it would be enough to block the beach, probably. But that wasn't our original intention; we were preparing the torches to use them as proyectiles - these are water creatures, they're sure to have a strong reaction to it. The Colonel and your friend are supposed to old the ground until there's enough bodies that the advance of the others will be hard and that they'll be all pressed togheter and unable to escape back to the wather, using the beach as a chockepoint. Then, once that's accomplished, we'll flung all the torches at them, and hopefully burn to death a big enough number that the others will retreat."
Sun Snake seemed deep in thought, when Zahira emerged from her tent, completely armoured, and glanced to were Vyctar and Sabre Fox fought, smiling wickedly as she prepared herself to run headfirst into the battle - perhaps even flung herself into the lake.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:59, Tue 07 Aug 2012.

"Whatever you guys are doing back there do it fast!" Fox shouted out

Not really knowing whats going on, he is simply urging you forward ;)

"...Sabre, this had BETTER be worth it. We're going to have to find a nice, defensible place and hope to anything that we can survive this... what did you do, anyways?  Snake and I both told you the lake was dangerous, for Kai's sake..."

She really, really wished they hadn't abandoned Sun Fox and Sun Feather.  A nice dose of magical fire is exactly what they could use...  She'd try to find them, wishing fervently that she hadn't neglected her Divination training, even as she brought up her mental defenses. There were plenty of them, and not so many of them... so she began to think.  She held out her hand, and focused her power into one of the rings on her finger, and prayed the power would prove useful.

"Colonel! Maybe you should show us off that lighting blade of yours? Zapp those snakes!"

Looking over his shoulder at Rain, he shouted back

"I didnt mean too! But I got us a good lead! Just trust me on this one! Either way hurry up and lets kill these things!"

"And all Darklanders cower from the sun! There are sixty out there right now, and over two hundred in the river underground waiting to swarm. Unless you can pile bodies hundred high and surround the lake with fire, it won't work! Sabre picked us a defendable point, but hey can come out of the lake elsewhere and surround us in our nice fiery coffin if we trap ourselves in it."

He looked to the sergeant from before. "Hundreds of acolytres died here. Yet they didn't shut off this passageway, The creatures won't follow us if we fall back."

Sun Snake pointed left and right. "Instead of a haphazard defense and praying to our gods for luck, we place controlled breaks of fire to block them from swarming in the direction of the entrance tunnel, we pull back methodically, and make them pay for coming through those specific breaks until we can get out of here." He then looked to the other sergeants. "Then you can have the slaughter you wish, and you," he said, pointing to the outspoken sergeant from the previous night, "if you want to stay trapped with something I do not wish to, then go ahead."

Sun Snake then noted the mage rushing in to battle. "Colonel! Keep your mage restrained and out of the lake! If they are doing this because Sabre took a dip, imagine what they will do against a deliberate assault in their own home. What would you do to someone like that?"

Before Sun Snake's words, one of the monsters seemed to suddnely explode in a ball of blue fire, schorching the nearest two; that provoked Zahira to clap her hands at the show.

However, once Sun Snake's words echoed through the chamber, the three soldiers looked at him with surprise, while the dark haired girl was clearly annoyed.

Vyctar, however, slowly backing away from the beach and raising his hand in a clear gesture to command Zahira to wait, asked the Magnakai, even as he kept his eyes onthe creatures emerging from the beach:

"How do you know how many there are? If you're right on the numbers, then your plan is sound, but if there's less than one hundred in total, then my plan would work better - if we retreat, we'll be losing this defensive position, and beside, a retreat is only acceptable when the enemy forces are really overwhelming."

Rain, Sabre, if any of you two wants to speak in favour (or against!) Sun Snake's plan, now's the moment; otherwise, once the Colonel is certain that Sun Snake isn't just scared and actually has the means to verify the enemies' numbers, he'll follow Sun Snake's suggestion.

"Colonel! If Snake say's there are two hundred out there then there are two hundred! Believe me when I say he is the one to trust in this situation!" Fox shouted

One of the snakes lunged out of the mud at him and Fox retaliated by slashing in an X shape cleaving it in three.

"He knew about the Agarashi earlier before we even had a chance to react! Believe me Colonel that he will be right on the money!"

In favour of Snake......... suprisingley 0.o

"It'd be suicide to go in that water, not unless you could set it to boiling or chill it to freeze them out.  We'd best break camp and move on, maybe finding our way to a quiet place so that we can plan the attack on the main encampment."

Zahira seemed clearly annoyed at the decision of retreating, and she made that opinion known with a huff.

"Come on, it's not that hard! You just wait here while I kill them all; it surely can't be that difficult? As long as you can hold the camp and kill any who manages to escape me, there's really no reason to run away."

Befroe she could say anything more, Vyctar raised a finger, which silenced the girl; he looked thoughtful, and was still waiting for Sun Snake's answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Wed 08 Aug 2012.

"Colonel, Sabre is a one man army, and Rain Feather is a psychic rock, unbreakable and deadly. It is just how our gifts manifest. Believe me when I say that I can sense the minds of others so strongly at times of high emotion that it echoes in the land as if a written scroll, so strongly that I can see everyone's actions as if they had already happened before my eyes. Sixty minds are in the lake, and two hundred more are in the river that feeds this lake. And all of them - all of them - are joined in wishing the death of Sabre for the intrusion, and anyone else foolish enough to be close. The acolytes fought these creatures and were slaughtered mercilessly for the arrogance of trying to attack them directly. So soundly that I know the acolytes will not come here to look for us. There may be a buffer zone between the beasts' domain and the acolytes' fear where we can regroup, but we've stirred up too many to push them back now staying here."

Awww, thanks Sabre! This is the start of a beautiful bromance...until we find Sabre just spotted a shiny weapon in the lake, and that was his 'lead'.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Wed 08 Aug 2012.

After hearing out Sun Snake's words, the colonel nodded, and adressed Zahira in a tone that broke no argument:

"I told you already, stop acting foolish and being so reckless, or you'll end up getting killed, which would ruing everything."

The woman looked ashamed at the rscolding, but Vyctar ignored her, now in a decisive fashion.

"Alright, then we'll follow your plan, Kai Lord; the closer exit is the one we still have to explore anyway, so we'll be going in that direction. Men, follow Lord Snake's instructions, and prepare to retreat."

He paused, then glanced to Sun Snake, and added:

"Do we have time to recover the tents, or would it be better to run faster?"

This is exclusively up to Sun Snake to decide - the Colonel will follow his suggestion, as he's the man with the plan - but you might want to discuss it out of character, because if you leave the tents here, that's the same as retreating immediately, so anything you left inside them (backpacks, items, weapons - everything not currently on your person) will be lost to the creatures' rampage.

However, if you escape now, you'll get a small window of tolerance on any mistake you make in the retreat - that means, if you retreat now, mistakes who would otherwise be deadly might be survived with lesser consequences. You won't know how much more attempts you get - so you would want to think that over carefully before deciding...

"It would be wiser to leave the tents- perhaps the Acolytes will be stupid enough to disturb the water themselves, and invite the wrath of these foul creatures. If there is anything that you absolutely cannot live without, then go grab it- otherwise, we'll be better suited to run and try and outdistance them."

She knew full well what she was leaving behind, and thought herself the better for it. Though she'd have to have a chat with Sun Snake sooner or later about what she'd seen...

"The acolytes won't come back here," said Sun Snake to Rain Feather.

To Vyctar, sun Snake only said two things. "Go. Now."


Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeg iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!

Alright - escape time!

For this section, each of you will be rolling for both yourself and one of the Drakkarim, as well as making any necessary decision on resource use and such. How I assign them is not important; I'll just tell one of you to roll if there's the need, and your results will determine your failure or success.

Also, you who had anything in the tents, make certain to delete it from your sheets; it's now officially lost.

Also, if any of you took any of the torches that were being light near the fire (there's about two dozens lighted torches) are free to - but remember that those can only be kept in your hand, with all the consequences that might entail.

As soon as the group started to retire from the encampment, the creatures from the lake seemed emboldened, quickly scrambling and trying to make it out of the mud and reach their target, clearly eager to push them away faster.

One of the soldiers though, fished a small bottle of oil from the harversack at his side, and seemed to be measuing the content to decide how much he could use at this point...

Sun Snake, this is the soldier you'll be controlling through the escape - in character, you do this by shouting him instruction, I'll have him act on them.

He has two vials of oil on himself, each one containing 10 "units" of it; you need to decide how many of these oil "units" the soldier will be using. Spend too much and you might find yourself lacking in it at a later point, but spend too few and you might find it less effective in containing the creatures than you hope to.

Good luck!

"Use a third now and spread it far!" yelled Sun Snake, deciding to gamble and flexing his fingers.


Sorry, it's hard to have a sense of how many units. I was going to say 5, so not sure if going to 3 is conservative. Sun Snake will use his gloves to ignite the oil quickly and also put in some extra flare. Hopefull a big start will ensure a pause so we can intelligently place further units of the oil, and also have more time to run!

Can he flare one glove at a time? Will it be a big flame?

You can flare one glove at a time, yes. And yes, if you use the gloves, that will create quite a lot more fire, and a more powerful one, than would be created by the soldiers carrying the torches.

That said, do consider that two of the sergeants are carrying a torch, the third one is carrying two, and even Vyctar has grabbe one - Zahira, on the other hand, is already the one closer to your point, staying both as far away from the fire as possible and not carrying any torches at all despite having her hands free.

So, what I'm saying here is, you don't necessarily need to use the glove - but using it do will create an advantge; specifically, I'll treat the quantity of oil units used as three times the actual number. (And yes, using both would be a 6x modifier).

If, considering all that, you still want to use one glove on this first oil line, confirm so in the OOC thread, and I'll update this post with you doing just that. I just wanted you to be aware of exactly what you're doing. :)

EDIT:

As soon as the oil was set, Sun Snake gestured for the soldier to retreat, then pointed his hand toward the oil, and willed the fire to come out.

It was all very sudden; a moment, the air in front of Sun Snake was empty of everything but darkness, the next, it was filled with a cloud of roaring fire that could have safely enveloped two people without the slightest problem.

The moment the flames reached the oil, then, they literally exploded, spreading into a devastating fireball that reduced the three closer creatures to ashes, and set fire to any other in its range, making them retreat and causing chaos and confusion among the pursuing beasts.

In his peripheral vision, Sun Snake noticed Zahira's eyes widening in fear and she actually started to run for real, her speed almost tripling as her heavily armoured form easily let behind the whole group, while one of the three Drakkarim - who was carrying a torch in each hand and had two knives attached to his belt - was cackling at the show of distruction.

Vyctar, on the other hand, didn't showed any emotion other than ordering to his men, in a dry tone:

"Run while they're confused!"

The explosion had clearly stunned the beasts, and the line of oil had been turned into a very real wall of fire, which seemed made of rotating columns that roared mercilessly to showcase their power.

Everybody, gave me two Hunting rolls for running, at DC 4. You can only improve, add modifiers and/or use FP on the roll you use for yourselves, so label them - that way I know which rolls you can improve, and which one you can't. The second roll, of course, is for each of your very own Drakkarim.

Vyctar has a +4 modifier, and Zahira has +23, so they're both ok.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Thu 09 Aug 2012.

"Wooooohooooo!" Fox bellowed at the raging inferno that had been created, but he didnt need to be told twice as he began to run for dear life when he had the chance

"Move," yelled Sun Snake to the Drakkar beside him the moment the oil had been thrown. It was not clear whether the effect caught Sun Snake by surprise, or he was simply staying behind to assess the situation and ensure everyone else cleared out first, but he stopped to look around left and right of the effect.

No matter what his conscious mind was doing, his subconscious seemed to reacting perfectly, Sun Snake backing up wth a sure footed purpose, moving in the direction of the group wthout even looking to them, though on an odd path.

He turned his head around swiftly towards Rain Feather and the Drakkar by her, as if awoken from a daze. His words died on his lips as he saw his fellow Kai quickly move form the danger, and instead twisted his attention to the Drakkar. "Idiot! Move! Go that way!" said Sun Snake to the man, indicating an equally odd parallel path and then started moving in a direction of interception ... if the Drakkar could actually could get there in time...

The group seemed to be following the retreat plan accordingly, with all of the Kai proving their superior agility as they quickly outdistanced the fire; the Drakkarim where following with a grim determination, but it still seemed like they would not have any problems.

Then, suddenly, just as Sun Snake was telling him to change his path, the Drakkarim that was further back in the group stumbled on something, and fell down, his armour clattering loudly and the torch escaping his fingers.

Even as he fought to put himself back togheter, everybody could hear the sudden sound of water being moved by something swimming through it at high speed, and even as they turned, the Kai could see a creature suddenly propelling itself out of the water, like a projectile aimed directly toward the prone Drakkar's form...

If you want to save the Drakkar, you need to take out the beast while it's flying in midair. Of course, this will make you lose time, but then again, having an extra soldier to "spend" should things get rougher might be useful.

You're the protagonists; the decision is yours!

Oh, and if any of you want to use melee attack: CS 20, END 18. I don't think any of you can inflict that much damage with a single melee attack, though... and starting a fight here would most definitely not be in your best interests.

You've been warned...

Seeing the Drakkar fall to the floor and the creature flying through the air, Fox focused on the surrouding air around him to convelese together almost into a ball shape and quickly he launched it at the creature. Even if it was enough to knock the flight of the creature away from the Drakkar to give him time to recover, it would be sufficient

Using the push then :)

It wasn't a very well known fact that affecting the movement of a flying projectile even slightly would cause wery wide and noticeable changes in its trajectory.

In this case, Sabre Fox's powerful push completely changed the path of flight of the approaching monster, sneding it straight through the wall of fire - which burned it to a crisp - and then sending it to crash admist the other creatures, sowing some more chaos and confusion among their ranks.

Meanwhile, the Drakkar had managed to get back up, and was now running as fast as he could toward the rest of the group, what few of his eyes that was visible through his mask showing the deep, primal terror that was filling him.

Despite the creature behind the first wall of fire and inside the camp still being thrown in disarray, now more monsters were following the example of the one Sabre Fox had just twarted, and were emerging at high speed from the lake, ignoring the camp entirely and clearly aiming to intercept the running group of preys that the Drakkarim and Kai were to their eyes...

Sun Snake, give me another measure of oil units - this one is meant to cover your flanks from attacks and cut down your opponents from completing their interception path.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:39, Fri 10 Aug 2012.

Ah, the pressure! Why can't the others decide :(


Sun Snake almost ran back to sae the man, and then saw Sabre's swift action. He recovered from the shot, and strated moving again the moment he saw the Drakkar move.

"They're smelling blood! Two units of oil over there to stop them getting ahead of us towards the exit! One unit to our side and rear to make the pause!" Sun Snake pointed them out, hoping the Drakkar had enough wits about them to do it - or that his fellow Kai could make them understand.

Sun Snake flexed his hand, ready to make another large explosion to hopefully deter their exit from being cut off.


The idea being the pattern is:

-X-
-X - Snake ignites this one
-
-X-
-
-X-

Basically make a large explosion ahead and to our side so the creatures hopefully either lose time running to our rears, or run on a parallel path and lose time that way. And then one to our side and one just behind our side to deter the pack.

Sun Snake, the oil is all on one person - you can't have him running circles around your group.

You have the lake on one of your sides, and the camp to your back, with your destination in front of you; you can either throw the fire to your side to cover it, or to the back, but not both, Sun Snake - the Drakkar would physically be uncapable to obey. You need to pick only one option.

Side, two units. I thought I was asuddenly commanding all three, and I was confused!

Will still ignite the two units with the glove for some extra 'oomph'. Anyone good at counting may realise that's two uses, two hands, and I am now stuffed to defend myself quickly in close quarters :)

The Drakkar dropped less oil than before, a rather short line; however, once again, after Sun Snake released a jet of fire from his hand, the oil exploded forward, the short lenght of the wall of fire compensated by the sheer heat and raging fury of the flames.

While most of the beasts tried to retreat, some were clearly trying to move around the fire - the move had earned the group only a small reprieve from the chase they were facing.

And everybody give me two run rolls again. You're doing surprisingly well so far... I need to find a way to make things harder for you all! ^_^

Rolls Of 6 and 7 :)

Rolls of 9 for Rain and 4 for Drakkar here.

Nice! And Snake improved his roll, so his Drakkar is the only one that falls.

As such...

Even as he quickly moved away from the fire, it was clear that the Drakkar who had spread the oil that was keeping it up was still too close. Perhaps this time the explosion of fire was simply more violent, or perhaps the soldier had expected a less powerful one, having used less oil; whatever the case, the shockwave caused by the oil igniting sent the Drakkar tumbling to the ground.

The man was back on his feet, but as he was about to start running, he noticed his harversack had fallen and, without even a moment hesitation, his movement precise and controlled, he was on it, grabbing it and running back.

However, the diversion had caused him to move away from the fire too much, and he was now dragging behind the group; so, two creatures more reckless than the rest, who had been moving around the fire, suddenly used their powerful tail to start jumping after the Drakkar, and it was clear they would reach him if they weren't slowed down somehow...

That's the same as with the last Drakkar, but there's two beasts to neutralize - and you still have only one turn to do it.

Also, in case it wasn't clear, this one is the Drakkar who's carrying the oil - losing is much worse than having one less meathshield. :)

He's also the practical guy who can probably get us down the precipice out of here, and in general won't run away/stab us in the back for fun, so might be worth keeping this guy alive!


Also, I'm confused - I thought all the Drakkar had oil...or is it just he has all of it right now? Do we have 10 unitsi n total then? Or three flasks, ten units each?

A Nexus push on the cards here again? lol

The push is alright, but it only takes out one enemy, Sabre Fox. And not permanently this time.

Sun Snake, the soldier with the harversack is the only one with any oil, and he had two full vials, each one with 10 units of oils, so you had 20 units of oil total at the start - you're now used up 5 of them, producing two walls of fire with a power of 9 and 6, respectively - and now you have 15 remaining; half a vial plus another full one.

Does that answers your question?

Before we go any further- is this timed?

Anyways, if Sabre wants to tag one with a push, Rain can tag the other with a stun.

That'll work. As for timed, well, if you screw up enough times, the monsters will eventually catch up with you - but your head start has given you a wider margin.

One of the two monsters suddenly fell, letting out a painful shriek of pain, while the other was pushed back into it, creating a mess of tangled limbs that stopped the two creatures long enough that the Drakkar could regain his footings and let them behind once more.

However, even as they managed to move closer and closer to their goal, the group could see that the creatures were starting to appear in great numbers, and seeking to manouver themselves around the fire...

There's a big group of creatures that is readying themselves to chase you; you need to disperse them. Any of you can suggest how you're trying to do it - I do hope you realize you'll need a ranged attack again, and one that'll be able to take down / scare away a great number of enemies at once. Of course, one of you charging into the midst might scare them all away... but it'd be suicidal. And you all do want to survive, yes? ^_^

Blast it, why do I think the only thing that's really going to stop them is a scream?  I have another of those bursts I can set off, but I don't know how effective it would be...  I'll leave it up to you two.  Would I have to stop if I was going to scream, or is it something I can do on the run?

Sun Snake turnewd and regarded the creatures for a seocn,d as if seeing them through the flames. "Too many of them - they'll just swarm around us and overrun us. We need to bottleneck them! Teach them a greater lesson in fear!"

Sun Snake moved quickly to get behind the Drakkar he had been calling orders to, making sure the man escaped towards the group.

"Rain Feather! I need you here! Sabre, Colonel, we're going to give you a confused target, take advantage of it if you can! Or just run!" yelled Sun Snake, even he he bent down and seemed to be come more...present... Certainly the most tempting target to the oncomign swarm.


I can assume Rain Feather's coming forward, yes?


"Rain Feather," said Sun Snake quietly and quickly, "I still have an echo of the Agarashi's mind in mine. You better than anyone know the terror of that thing. If I let you into my mind, can you pull those alien thoughts out and throw them towards the c oncentrated mass of the swarm? That and your own...feelings...on the agarashi may buy us time."

Sun Snake bowed his head. His jewelled sword was in his hand, having appeared from the folds of his cloak, and he dug it in to the sand and closed his eyes, ignoring everything.


I've made my rolls already. Good luck Rain!

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:01, Sun 12 Aug 2012.

Snake... was putting his life in her hands?  That was kind of a strange feeling.  It was almost like her path was forking...

"...I understand, Snake.  I hope this won't hurt, but prepare yourself.  It may be a weird feeling."

She opened her mind and placed one hand on his shoulder, then drew Breakwater, planting it in the sand to steady and focus herself.  She'd link her mind to his and locate the echo... and then poured her power into their plan, issuing forth the echo that Snake had been planning.  She'd pour plenty of power into it, hoping to disorient the enemy, and at the same time, prove something to herself.  She pushed her own experiences forward- adding everything she could remember of the Agarashi- the three heads, the needle-tipped tentacles, the acid-spit... every bit that she'd have bored into the surface of her mind when she looked death straight in its faces.  She'd try and add that to the seeming as well.  Then, she'd amplify the power through his Divination skills, and suddenly the fish-things would be presented with a snarling, angry, giant Agarashi.  She would try to help push forwards the rage, the fear, and the terror she'd felt upon being in that thing's tentacles and almost killed by its poison. She wanted the fish-things to skid to a stop, mess themselves in the corridors, and then run back home to the lake where they wouldn't bother them again, so that there might even be a chance to get a further lead upon them.


"I'm not going to lose you, old man.  I need your advice to help me keep the Second Order from tearing apart the Kai."  The simple statement might even shock Sun Snake.  What was she thinking, anyways?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Sun 12 Aug 2012.

Suddenly, the first line of beasts - more than a dozen - stopped, forcing those behind them to crash into them, creating a confusing mess in the creatures.

Then, in a repentine change, rather that trying to keep up with the chase, they suddenly turned, trying to scramble away from the Kai while letting out desperate cries of fear. And when their fellows stopped their advance, trying to go through them and keep up the attack, the beasts that had been influenced by Rain Feather's and Sun Snake's combined psychic attack started to attack their brethen, tearing into the other creatures and soon starting a cruent, bloody battle among the monsters, tearing each other apart in the mixed frenzy of those who were trying to destroy the invaders and those who would do anything to avoid the wrath of a terror more ancient than the world itself...

And that was a successful way to defeat a mob! You might want to keep it in mind. :)

I think I should get Run rolls now, but given this great success, the DC will be 1 for this round only - you're really going to have an easy time of it. ^_^

Sweeeeet! Still want to see if Sabre or the Colonel's going to do anything, that's a frenzied mob paying no attention to us right now :D


The echo inside Sun Snake was not simply that of someone peering in. It almost seemed as if everything Rain recalled - the tentacles and spiked and malice - were being viewed from the inside, as if wearing the Agarashi like a skin. Sun Snake lurched as it was pulled out, and he bellowed in a low, deep scream even as Rain threw the full force of her psychic might at the creatures.

He seemed surprised at both the effect, and then looked to Rain as if recalling something she said. "Later. Run!" he said quickly, quickly placing his sword back to his side, and helping Rain even as he himself staggered, quickly righting himself and moving forwards towards the exit once more.


4 and 6 for running this time.

She'd slam a hand to her forehead and wince.  Dropping that much power always gave her a headache.

"Promise me we'll talk." she breathed, and then was off running again, carrying Breakwater in her hands as she pressed forward.

"Come on!  We'll make it- just keep moving!"

"Count on it," said Sun Snake, moving with confidence, perhaps spurred on by Rain Feather's certainty.

Seeing the mob starting to fight amongst itself, Fox didnt need to see anything else

"Thats good enough for me! Lets leg it!"

5 and 6 from me. I dont see the need to do anything else if its worked that well! lol

The group was closing to their exit by now - Zahira already there, waiting for the others to reach her - but they could see that, even if they'd stopped a great mayority of them between the fires and the psychic attacks, another small group - about a dozen - had manouvred to exit the lake as close to the exit as possible, and were now charging to reach it, some of them even using the powerful arms and tail to move along the wall itself, rather than on the ground. And the area, rocky but slimy, made their progress much faster than any of the other groups had...

Well, this is the last group, then you'll reach the exit... assuming you don't screw up with this one, allowing the rest to recover! ^_^

Sun Snake, how much oil do you want to spend on this? Consider that you'll need a very powerful fire here, for you don't need to just create a line on the ground - it must be a wall high enough to stop the ones moving along the wall, as well.

And you might want to leave at least some to protect your escape into the tunnel, unless you're willing to risk being assaulted when you're climbing down... :)

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:11, Sun 12 Aug 2012.

Five units I think, and perhaps persuade Zihara to do some flashy pyrotechnics.

:) Zahira doesn't like fire.

When Sun Snake gestured for the man to do so, the Drakkar carrying the oil emptied his first vial in front of himself, so that the line of oil reached to the wall, and then threw the torch to it, immediately setting the liquid on fire.

The closer of the charging monsters were going too fast to stop, and ended up set on fire; four, however, who'd been running so high up on the wall that they were practically on the ceiling, managed to move above the flames and, in a moment, were upon the the the group.

Vyctar snapped an order to his soldiers and, while they surrounded and started to attack a creature, he took on one by himself, leavhing the two remaining ones to the Kai - Zahira was too far away to charge toward the battle immediately and, for some reason, her eyes were wide with a flicker of fear as she looked at the flames.

So, combat! There's two opponents:

Lake Creature 1: CS 20, END 18
Lake Creature 2: CS 21, END 16

If you want to continue without others monsters joining the battle, you need to kill both of these in two rounds of combat only... how to do that is up to you! ^_^

Sun Snake cursed that some of the creatures got through, and appeared to rush towards the two creatures unarmed. However, he pulled out the small power dagger from the folds of his cloak as he closed the gap, turning to pull the focus of one of the creature off to the side, away from the second. He tried to fill the creature's mind with any residual feelings of the agarashi, knowing he was not really equipped to push his mind as Rain Feather could.


Rolled 8 and 1 for combat rolls. Will Mindblast (hence the flavour text) for -1WP, and also using power dagger. Sun Snake would assume it's Sabre and Snake taking one each, but he's backing off a little so if Rain is taking out one, then Snake will be placed to attack second after Sabre and so gain the +2CS ganging up bonus.

Drawing his swords quickly, Fox cursed as they horde kept coming, but he could see that the exit was in sight and hopefully this would be the last encounter.

5 and 6 combat rolls for Fox. Using Mindblast to boost his CS again! Going for the stronger one first unless Rain takes that one out, in which case he will divert to the weaker one

She would turn and find her target, and would hold out her fist and will the power that was inside the ring at one of the fish creatures.  They were so close... and she wasn't going to lose anyone to a bunch of fish creatures.

"Sabre, whatever you picked up, it'd better be worth all this trouble.  Kai help me, if we're doing this because of a few gold crowns..."

Hitting the creature with higher CS.

As Rain Fether pointed her fist toward the enemy further back from the group, the monster exploded in a globe of bluish flames.

Meanwhile, Sabre Fox and Sun Snake were onto the other one. Sabre Fox was faster, his swords cutting away the monster's arm and ignoring the scrapes their claws opened into his hands, so that Sun Snake's could thrust his dagger straight into the creature's face, easily dispatching it.

One moment later, they could see Vyctar moving away from his kill and offhandedly behading the monster that his men had cornered, before sheating his sword and nodding to the Kai.

"Good work there - you work well togheter."

He eyes Sun Snake's dagger for a moment, and also noticed that the Kai was nwo carrying a sword, but didn't commented and instead pointed to the shoreline:

"It seems that we've gained enough of an advantage, right? Still, we need to move fast."

The Drakkar motioned for the Kai to follow and moved to the exit, looking at the waiting Zahira in a questioning tone; she smiled and pointed to the tunnel, explaining:

"There's a precipice down there; we'll need to descend it as fast as we can."

The Colonel sighed.

"Which means that we haven't the time to check for traps. Alright, go ahead."

She grinned, then, without losing even a second, turned, sprinting, and then just plummeted downward, letting out a scream that was clearly not one of fear or panic - it was the excited shout of a person who's enjoying herself.

About thirty seconds later, they heard the tremendous sound of metal smashing against rock, and two seconds after that, a energetic cry from the bottom of the well that claimed, in an entusiastic shout:

"It's alright, there's no traps! The landing is a little rocky, but I think I'll manage to pulverize enough of it to make it safer for any of you who falls; the descent is long enough that I should have the time."

One Drakkar had already took some climbing equipment from his harversack, and was preparing it for the descent  - but if everybody wanted to climb down before the monsters caught up, they'd likely need another one.

Sabre Fox, you got scraped for a total of 2 END damage.

Sun Snake, you should tell me how much oil - if any - you're going to use to keep the exit from the cave secured.

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:24, Mon 13 Aug 2012.

Sun Snake gave the Colonel a strange look. "You really did trust me..." he said, shaking his head for a moment. "Your sergeant did not debrief you about anything we found, did he?" pressed Sun Snake. Sun Snake shook his head again. "I was waiting...I assumed you would..." Sun Snake shook his head again. "Yes Colonel, my group work well together. I'm used to trusting those around me implicitly. I suppose that needs to remain an aspect of my dealings, no matter who are around me."

Sun Snake then winced as Zahira leapt down without checking further, breathing out when she found nothing.

Sun Snake seemed genuinely consternated that the Colonel had picked now to decide to be tactically unaware. "Your sergeant and I explored here as best we could yesterday - while the conditions were not ideal, and I was distracted looking to the signs of our new friends and the acolytes' history here, we found no traps. And as I said, the acolytes were so soundly thrashed by those creatures they have never come back here, and never will. This is an unexplored area. It might be the perfect place for someone to hide something under the noses of the acolytes, but only a fool wouldn't further trap the way to ensure any curious fools died, presumed claimed by the creatures here."

Sun Snake looked the the Colonel closely. "So unless you have a further part to your own mission you are not telling us of, the power source you seek is not this way. Even if the Deathstaff is buried here in this place they were forced to abandon, it cannot be the source of power used to conduct the experiments."

Sun Snake pointed down the exit. "Everything we have told you regarding our own activities and discoveries was true, but you probably suspect that is not the entirity of our mission here." Sun Snake pointed down the exit tunnel and onwards. "What is thta way might be something my group needs, and as long as you have been true in your own words, then nothing we do to recover it needs affect your group."

Sun Snakle looked back to the lakeside. "What do you say, Colonel? Clearly we are far stronger working together for a common goal, we have just proven we could do somethign a hundred acolytes could not. And clearly there can be near fatal lapses in our tactical situation when we are dancing around each other. So are we of one goal, or do you have your own needs you have not shared?"

Sun Snake spared a glare at Sabre. "And after Rain and I warned you something was wrong with the lake, why did you let me drift off, let alone dive in there. What did you find - this might be our last chance to so somehting about it before we close off this passageway from pursuit."

Regarding the oil, awaiitng Sabre's input on what he found before almost sealing off access t othe lakeside.

"If you want to see, then I suggest both you and Rain come and look" Fox said seriously. "I GUARENTEE, that its something you will want to see"

Nodding towards the Colonel, Fox continued

"And for the record, I wasnt going to check across the lake, it was infact the Colonel that helped me decide I should go, and for what I found, im glad he did"

"Look where?" asked Sun Snake, looking back to the lake confused. "We're not going back near there, let alone in there!"

The Colonel seemed surprised at Sun Snake's question, then shrugged.

"My man had not the time to report to me at the end of your watch - he would likely have told me come morning. It's less a matter of trust and more a matter of circumstances - the same ones that forced me to have Zahira jump into that pit to check for traps."

Then, seeing that the Kai were starting to discuss their own matters, he concluded:

"What I'm doing here is just as secret as what you're doing here, Kai Lord; I didn't asked for specific, and you won't get anything more out of me than that I have to recover some magical source of power. Be fast with your discussions; those things will be on you soon if you dally too much."

That said, the man moved to the rope that all his men were already descending, and quickly he too was out of sight of the three Kai.

Specifically, you have a grand total of 8 posts before I make the Lake Creatures precipitate on you - and if that happens, you die. This is your fair, only warning... you want to be on the ropes quickly! ^_^

Gathering the two Kai Lords together and being out of earshot, Fox took out of his backpack his prize. He held the pieces of a broken silver bow out infront of him

"The thing I saw glinting was this bow.......... the Bow the Grand Master won so many years ago. I found his backpack too, there were spoilt meals and various potions there and his wolf brooch" Fox said, showing them the brooch he now wore.

"I tried to investigate where it had come from. I arnt exactly a tracker, but I was able to see that the water that was flowing from the small cave managed to bring it through the caves to that point, but I couldnt find out where it exactly came from. I was going to wake you in the morning for you to both investigate, but the creature attacked me on the way back"

Looking at the bow infront of him, he managed a smile

"Ive heard that masters of Divination can sense the aura of the person with thier personal belongings. Perhaps one of you can use his bow or the brooch to lock onto his aura and find out where he is? Or at very least what happened to him?"

Looking back at the Colonel's exit descent, he finished

"But we best be quick"

Lets do this asap! If you can do as Fox asks then be quick! Lets not waste time asking questions!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Tue 14 Aug 2012.

Can I used Invisibility to speak to Rain and Sabre quietly?

"There is a magic so powerful it can only be the Deathstaff or the Sommerswerd down this tunnel. Sun Feather and Sun Fox have gone down already to investigate, and haven't had the time to come back."

Sun Snake looked to the items with restraint, perhaps realising he needed to focus on the dangers around. "If the Grandmaster does not wish to be found, I probably cannot lock on to his mind... and you are right, we must hurry."

Still, Sun Snake rested his hand on the pommel of his Jewelled Sword, and even as he told the sergeant to deploy a large amount of the oil to cover their retreat - three spots of two units - he focused his attention on the items.


Can Snake use Divination that way? Hopefully Snake has at least established an emotional connection to the Grandmaster, if that helps :)

Rain didn't really need to hear any more.

"Check for any other signs of magic- because if she's really going to do what I think she told me she was, I'm going to strangle her myself...  But hurry up and get down here- I'm not going home with a bunch of Drakkar!" she growled as she began to climb down the rope, trying her best to avoid skinning her hands.

Sun Snake shook his head as he tried to focus on the items. "I can't focus, unsurprisingly, with out friends below and friends above. I'll need to try when we have a better environment for such attempts."

Sun Snake then made a pained and frustrated face at Rain's comment, settling on his usual frown. "One of these days we will actually share all the information we have with each other at the right time," he said meaningfully to Rain Feather, and then started bustling around.

Says the person who doens't tend to share informatioon. I blame the plot or metagame circumstances 6 out of 10 times though :D

"Sabre, check the route the Drakkar took, and get your gear out," said Sun Snake, setting up three oily spots on the ground close to the precipice, and then setting them alight with a torch. "Look out below!" he yelled, throwing donw some of the torches as far as he could.

Sun Snake then looked down at the precipice himself.

"Well lets go before those creatures catch up" Fox said

Using the climbing equipment :)

So, with these rolls, everybody will make it! Nice.

Once Sabre Fox had secured his climbing gear, it was easy going for the Kai to descend along the vertical wall of rock, and with Sun Snake setting on fire the oil, a barrier of flames kept their retreat safe from the creatures coming from the lake.

As they reached the ground level, they found that, indeed, there was a small litter of smashed grey powder to end their descent onto: Zahira had been true to her words, and they could see it had to be her doing, for otherwise, the entire area was littered with only stone, and there wasn't any soft earth or anything of the like that she could have moved from other places to the landing spot. Also, while she was evidently completely alright - in fact, the girl was grinning in satisfaction - the armour around her legs was clearly dented and somewhat damaged, sign that she did had landed on rocks.

The Drakkarim had reached down before the Kai, and one of them was returning the climbing equipment they'd used to the harversack at his side with the - clearly expert - help of another, while the tird one was apparently bored, as he was absentimindedly playing with the two knives in his hands.

All of a sudden, though, the three Kai felt a powerful, brilliant push of light passing through them, warming their bodies entirely with a pure, undiluted energy that felt so right and appropriate, they couldn't deny it being a purest form of the one that ran through their body. It was the magic strenght of the sun itself, and their bodies were rejuvenated and empowered as they felt themselves, for a moment, pulsating with the true strenght of the Sun. It didn't take any effort for them to recognize that power - for it was one that they'd felt many other times, in the presence of the Book of Magnakai and of the Lorestones; and even if it was but for the barest of moments, they all knew what it meant; for a fraction of a second, the purest of powers had been exposed to the darkness of the Maakengorge, its pulsating power like a beacon they all could easily pinpoint, about five miles in front and downwards from where they were. And even if it had been but a brief moment, it was calling, wanting for them to reach it soon, longing for the ones carrying the same power it was.

For a moment, in the dept of the chasm of doom, a true Kai had unseathed the Sommerswerd, revealing its power to send a clear message to them all.

At the same time as the Kai felt the pure energy of the sun flare through their bodies, Zahira fell to the ground, grabbing her head with both hands and letting out an inhuman shriek and crying in clear, unbelievable pain; and as soon as the magic passed - as soon as the Sommerswerd was back into his scabbard - she was on her feets again, her eyes wide in a level of desperation and terror that were so raw they were painful to watch, and the words that flowed out of her mouth as she spoke to Vyctar were giak, and exalted, even as she pointed in the very same direction they knew the sword was, her tone clearly trying to persuading the man of something, tears in her eyes.

For his part, the Drakkar Colonel limited himself to listen to her, than put an hand over her shoulder and spoke some words - clearly calming her, as her answer to them was much more subdued - before looking toward the direction she was still pointing towards, a satisfied smirk now on his lips.

You can recover all of your WP, END and CS to their current maximum; that includes any item you have that might grant extra WP pools too... the power of the Sun has a beneficial effect on Kai lords and ladies, it seems. :)

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Wed 15 Aug 2012.

"Thats our cue" Fox said quietly towards Rain and Snake. "I think we best go after it"

She shivered and for a second, allowed herself to relax, stretching as she felt the energy pass through her.  Even an initiate knew what that was, but for her, it was a sign of a personal victory.  She was still up, feeling the sun sword's power wash through her- and not collapsed upon the ground like Zahira was.  Apparently, at least the sword still felt her redeemable.

"Sounds like a plan.  It might be a good idea if we moved what we could of the Grandmaster's things into mine, or we could clear out the ruined stuff and one of you could carry it.  I hope we can get away from these Drakkarim for a while- we need to link up with Sun Fox and Sun Feather again and head towards the sword.  We just need an excuse to break away..." she whispered to Sabre and Snake.

Can I use the 'inverse-Invisibility' technique to pull focus on to Sun Snake so the other two can move quickly forwards?

"Go, now," said Sun Snake to the others. "I will try and reason with our friends here and draw their attention."

There was an odd joy to sun Snake's face and a tallness to him. He actually gave a half-smile rather than his usual frown.

"Colonel?" said Sun Snake, drawing his wiry frame up to his full height, his cloak flourishing and his voice booming more than it usually did. "You perhaps understand my words now. Do we have a problem? Or do you still trust us...me...enough to fight by our sides, realising what we now possess?"

I don't think any of you can sneak about - the Drakkarim are looking at your group, and the tunnel you're into is not big enough for you to move through if they don't want to - they're in front of you, blocking it.

The Drakkar turned to Sun Snake with a momentary surprise on his face, but then an astute smirk appeared on his face.

"Ah, you sensed it too, not just Zahira. I should have expected it."

He paused, then asked, his tone clearly inquisitive:

"Would you like to explain what you mean, Lord Snake? I don't really fancy making suppositions here... I'd really prefer for you to be as clear as possible; if you want us to stop pretending and say the truth, you'll have to do it first - I'm not going to endanger my mission without appropriate reason to."

"Plainly our mission was to recover our missing members. What I did not say was that one carried the Sword of the Sun with them. Circumstances have presented us with the fact that something moves against us all, using magics culled from all our nations, and raising creatures against us. That second fact only clarified by your words, thoguh we had enough circumstancial encounters to know it ourselves. The Deathstaff, as Rain Feather said, could be the power source that is being used against us all. Clearly, it is a dangerous artifact of Naar's no matter. And clearly all are scrambling for it. Therefore, our mission has...adjusted. We knew we needed to find our members, but also we needed to destroy the Deathstaff. And the only thing that could guarantee that was recovering the Sommerswerd.

"I deliberately told you that we were the only ones tasked with the mission - which is true - but that I would not tell you how successful we had been so far, and what state any of those recovered were in. The Sommerswerd just reacted to a true Kai unsheathing it. A member of the previous expedition whom we managed to find, and who split from us again, has just drawn it. I told you when we can near here that something of powerful magic was here. Now we know it is the Sommerswerd."

Sun Snake then pointed down the corridor. "Our mission has not changed just by fulfilling one objective. Instead, all that has happened is that now we have increased our chances to succeed. If something powerful works here to fool and test all of our nations, then my group can now offer to wield one of the most powerful weapons on Magnamund against it by your side." Sun Snake raised his eyebrow. "Presuming you trust we won't just turn the blade on you. And presuming you are not hiding a need to acquire the Deathstaff for your own nation."

Sun Snake's eyes flicked to Zahira before returning to Vyctar. "We are not zealots. We have a simple mission, and everything else is...most likely not our concern."

After a small pause, Vyctar smirked, clearly impressed.

"I appreciate your honesty, Lord Snake, so let me reply in kind: until you spoke of it, I didn't knew of this Deathstaff existence, and I've no interest in it - but I'll be glad to help you destroy it, if that's what you need. In exchange, you should know I'm actually perfectly aware of what kind of power source I'm after, and that I'm here to retrieve it, at all costs."

He paused, letting those words sink for a moment, then continued, his tone slightly more serious, the smirk now completely absent from his face.

"If you want us to keep collaborating, Lord Snake, than you will, now, vow on your honour and that of the Order you serve, that we'll get to keep what we want - and I ensure you, it would only have a symbolic value for your Order, but the Hammerlands need it - and in exchange, you'll have my own promise, on my own Drakkar pride, that I will not obstruct your mission in destroying this Deathstaff, and I'll even collaborate with you, using the full resources I have at my disposal."

His hand moved to rest on the pommel of his sword, and then he continued, grimly:

"Because, should you not be going to give me that promise, Lord Snake, then we will have to fight; for you already know too much, and I'm not really keen on letting you add the Sommerswerd's wielder, whomever they might be, to your forces, when it's not clear whether I'll then have to fight those forces eventually."

Behind him, his men had lined up, ready to draw their own weapons if needed, and to his right, Zahira was sizing them up, fists closed, although her eyes lingered on Rain Feather the longer, seeming almost sorry.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Wed 15 Aug 2012.

Sun Snake looked surprised, but perhaps more that Vyctar was putting his hand to his weapon. "I would be a hypocrit if I refused, give that the Sommerswerd could be described by myself to you in the same way, and I am already assuming there will be no attempt to gain it as a trophy by you."

Sun Snake looked to the other two, to see if they had any reservations. He looked back towards the Colonel.

"I'm not a fool, this may well be something my superiors do not agree with. However, they are not here. You have my word that no matter what the item is, you will be allowed to leave with it." Sun snake shrugged. "If I realise or am made to realise my mistake, then I will promise I will have the decency to let you get back to the Hammerlands, and we can 'discuss' the matter further it on the field of battle at a later date."


Posting to not leave everyone hanging, but OOC would like to hear if Rain or Sabre have any objections, even if Snake's going to naivly going to trust the Colonel for...reasons.

The colonel smirked at the comment, but he did moved his hand from the sword, crossing them on his chest instead - though his men, on the other hand, didn't relaxed at all, nor did Zahira.

"That's an interesting proposition, Lord Snake, but I'm not sure what do you mean, when you speak of being made aware of mistakes... that almost sounds like you're already planning on going back on your word. Surely, your god of Sun wouldn't be happy to know you value the honour of His Order less than a worshipper of Naar values their own?"

It was pretty clear that the man was not going to let Sun Snake get away without making a true commitment, one that he could not weasel his way out of at a later date.

:) Well played, Sun Snake, but you'll need to do better to trick Vyctar - he's pretty smart.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Wed 15 Aug 2012.

Lol, I've played Snake long enough that you hopefully realise he's actually not trying to trick Vyctar. :) He actually means what he's saying...you know, right now. Let's see what his word is worth when we see what the power source is :D

"Don't be coy yourself, Colonel. I would be a fool to not trust your assessment. You clearly think this power source might be so important that I would need to be bound by an oath, that it is so tactically important that you would need to fight us now and risk death backtracking passed those creatures again rather than gambling on us living."

Sun Snake shook his head. "I thought I had been quite plain. I am not naive. I could be agreeing to something my order would explicitly order me not to do. I could be agreeing to something that when I see the source I realise I have made a mistake. I thought I was being quite plain, Colonel, by saying I will allow you to take the power source back to Hammerlands. If you truly feel that this is at odds what my order would wish, what Sommerlund would wish, what I would decide when I know what it is, then you have my word you need not fear a betrayal or knife in the back Colonel. You can take the item back to Hammerland, and if I need to correct a mistake then I will have the courtesy to come and take it from you in the Hammerlands rather than betray the trust built here. I will not promise you will see me coming if I do, but I do promise you I will at least announce my presence and fight you face to face if needed."

Sun Snake actually gave a small odd smile. "Yet I do not think it ever needs to come to that, even if you may. Our people are not so dis-similar, are they? We both came to Magnamund from the small islands in the void nearly at the same time. The only difference is that Kai chose us to be his champions, wheras your people shackled themselves to Naar's champions. Do you know what that means?" Sun Snake raised an eyebrow. "It means that the Drakkar people are the ones with power. Naar and Kai have fought since our legends began, placing champion upon champion in Magnamund set against each other. I will fight for Kai with everything I have, and yet I fail to see how this war between the two will end. Is there some mangical number of champions that must be defeated before one set finally stops?" Sun Snake shrugged. "Or is it something else. Do we champions fight each other, destroy each other, protecting Magnamund from the others' influence long enough for a choice to be made?"

Sun Snake looked directly to the Colonel. "You want my oath, you can have it, but perhaps your trust is better established, one warrior to another, by a logical, tactical decision. This mission may be important, but I hold it more important to keep whatever fragile trust we have established here. Meeting you has shown that your people are not just ones who destroy. Enemies who need to one day be defeated. That you share our...respect...for life. You value it enoguh to test yourself against it, you value it enoguh to not destroy it out of hand. That it is worth fighting for and with, not just fodder to be ultimately destroyed and consumed such as Naar clearly wishes. There is an endless war being fought, and it is more important to me to prove that there is a chance for our people to - not live in peace - but live in respect. To live in a world where the lines in the sand are drawn from our choices, not because of some cosmic endless game of Samor. Your view of the Sommlending is wrong, Colonel. We cannot build. We will always be Kai's champions until we cannot be. We do not have the power to end this puppet war and live in a world of our own choosing. You can though. Your people, and the others of this world not constantly set against each other. They are the ones that can make that choice. Do your people really worship Naar? I had thought your people had better gods than that, lost in your past."

Sun Snake himself crossed his arms and looked to the Colonel.

For a moment, there was genuine surprise on the Drakkar face, then he closed his eyes and offered a very shallow bow to Sun Snake - one from which he exited immediately, but still a bow nonetheless.

"I see that I misjudged you, Lord Snake; your words were more hnourable than I gave them credit for. If you indeed are willing to let us have what we seek, with the clause that you'll then be free to come after us in battle if you want to take it back... that's an agreement I will not only accept, but one whom spirit I can condivide, for it speaks of your nature as a true warrior. Your oath is taken Lord Snake, and mine is given; we'll help you in your mission in exchange for not being obstructed in our own."

He paused, then added, the usual smirk coming back to his face:

"As for us worshipping Naar or not, I was just generalizing; some of us do, others don't, and as long as one knows how to fight, we don't really care one way or the other."

And with that, the man turned, motioning for his men to follow, and poked Zahira in-between the shoulders, pushing her forward so that she could lead the group forward, and letting the Kai walk behing them all - which showed a level of trust in their not backstabbing them well beyond what he'd had until now.

He's also giving you the chance to discuss in whisper with each other, if you want to; otherwise, you all can just make a post where you say you've nothing to comment, and I'll push you forward.

By the way, in case you were planning on attacking the Colonel, his three soldiers are standing between him and you, covering his back - you'd be unable to get to him or Zahira without having to strike down the sergeants first. He's more trusting now... but he's not become stupid all of a sudden, either.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Thu 16 Aug 2012.

"Well this certainly wont end up biting us in the arse" Fox whispered to the others sarcastically. "But at the very least, they dont want the Deathstaff, and I think that whatever they want certainly isnt as powerful as that, so in a sense we have a victory here"

"I just hope you know what you're doing. This could be very good or very bad, and we still don't know what he's really after.  I hate not knowing everything... he could just say whatever he wanted, and you'll be forced to honor it..." she whispers to Sabre and Snake.

"But anyways, let's check the pack we found.  We might be able to use the supplies inside..." she whispers.

"Can either of you tell who just unsheathed the Sommerswerd? Was it Alyne or Sun Fox? Or perhaps even the Grand Master?" Fox whispered

Sun Snake tried not to show it, but his shoulders eased at the Colonel's words. Although surprised by the Colonel's gesture, he quickly bowed too in time with the man. Certainly no lower, but no less either.

Sure I've used that line somewhere before :)

Sun Snake looked to his two fellows as they made their comments, nodding. "I am certain this is not a good idea. Then again Rain, your unordothox actions have led us this far. If we are to gamble on seemingly foolish decisions, let them be ones we can look at ourselves in the mirror for afterwards. It seems to be working so far." Besides, we have an enemy that likes to test us as individuals and use our cracks against us. Let them hear about what their methods have achieved, and start to fear the unexpected instead."

To Sabre's question, Snake lowered his voice further. "Your namesake I believe. I can feel their minds, certainly Alyne's awe."


Sun Snake can take Lone Wolf's backpack fully, since he has no pack of his own for the moment.


Also, it's funny to see relax and think there's a chance now, when in reality the real tricky bit is still to come - convincing Sun Fox to honour this bizzare treaty...

We're dead, aren't we? :(
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Thu 16 Aug 2012.

There's no Lone Wolf's backpack - Sabre fox wouldn't have been able to fight underwater while holding onto it. He simply took everything that ws in it - the broken bow, the potions which he drank, and the brooch - and left the backpack with the spoiled meals back where he found it.

Also, you aren't dead at all - in fact, I'm pretty sure your current healt is even better than it was when the mission began, isn't it? ;P

That's before we end up fighting Sun Fox though, right? :)


Ok, Sun Snake can't help regarding re-distribution of stuff.

"Well lets get after them then. If Sun Fox has found the sword then that might mean she found the Grand Master.......... dead or alive"

Sun Snake raised his eyebrows, having clearly never thought the implication through.

"We have to get to them, and fast.  If we move at a snail's pace, I fear for what we'll find.  When we return to Toran, we're going to go have a chat with your little mage friend, Sabre. He's been talking with some people he really, really shouldn't be- and he's almost been responsible for the death of at least two of our Order so far..." she whispered, looking back at the Drakkar.

"I hate not being able to talk freely.  Can't you just convince the Colonel to let us 'scout ahead' so we can actually talk instead of having to worry if the stone hears?"

"Valador?" said Sun Snake, and then shook his head to clear it away. "Later." He looked to the Colonel, and nodded.

"Colonel," said Snake out loud, "my comrades have just pointed out something I should have foresaw - one of our missing members may be ahead. And our recovered member has no idea of our agreement. Would you agree the first thing they see should perhaps not be a group of Drakkar?"

Sun Snake pointed ahead. "My group are better scouts in case the area is unstable. Besides, we are both not without secrets. I agree to share what I know if you need to know it, and I trust you to do the same," Sun Snake's glance then deliberately flicked to Zahira, "however I think we might both welcome a chance to speak to our respective groups privately?"

Sun Snake gesured ahead again. "If you station one of your sergeants between our two groups, we can signal if a danger is ahead, of wave you away if we need to ... calm... an enthusiastic member of our order."

Sun Snake's frown returned, as he suddenly realised the implications of Sun Fox and potentially Sun Fox being ahead of them aswell.

"If its ineeded Valador your talking about ill take great pleasure in putting him on the end of my boot if he has caused a lot of this" Fox sneered

Looking towards the Colonel, Fox also shouted

"Id go along with the Colonel!" Fox smirked. "The last thing we all want is her to turn that sword on you!"

Vyctar seemed to be thoughtful at Sun Snake's request, but when Sabre offered to stay behind, leaving the scouting to only Sun Snake and Rain Feather, the Drakkar smirked.

"That sounds like a well though-out plan, and you're right, it'll be better if your companion, whomever she is, has no reason to aim your god's formidable sword at us."

He paused, the motioned to one of the sergeants, the one which was carrying two knives:

"Damon, you will act as connection, as Lord Snake wishes."

The man nodded, and then the Drakkarim parted to let the two Kai pass through their group and move ahead.

Interesting strategy. Sun Snake, Rain Feather, you two can move ahead of the group and speak with each other through private lines; Sabre Fox, you will stay with the Drakkarim as you just say you want to, and you're free to make normal posts as you speak with Vyctar or the other soldiers.

Nodding to the Colonel, Fox lowered his voice slightly for Rain and Snake before they departed up front.

"We can hook up later with information, you pretty much have all the info that I can give you, so you two get your heads together and we can work it out later with me"

Striding alongside the Colonel, Fox smirked as if it was a day by the seaside.

"So then Colonel........ are you gonna spill the beans on what this 'power source' you want is? After all, we are gonna see it at some point"

Fox at this point motioned to his eyes

"You know I have better visual and instinctive capabilities than most and can see in complete darkness. I might spot it for you incase you miss it" Fox offered

Crafy Foxy ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Vyctar seemed amused by Sabre Fox's words.

"Don't worry, Lord Fox, is not something we're likely to miss."

He paused, then asked, his tone more curious:

"You shouted earlier that crossing the lake had been worth it. Might I ask what did you found that you thought would make awakening the wrath of almost three hundred monsters worth it?"

"So that means its either really big or something you will know by sight? Sounds lovely" Fox smirked

Thinking about the Colonel's question, Fox responded

"It was a lead towards our charges, but clearly we have a better lead now since we have literally honed in on them like the sun. One of them must have passed through this area and lost some equipment that I found, and I was intending on trying to use it to pinpoint them psychically"

Smirking in regards to the creatues, Fox smirked

"Well it did attack me after all, and should it not be said that the creature that attacked me deserved to be shown it was wrong to attack me?" Fox winked
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Sabre Fox's words made Zahira chuckle, while the Colonel simply nodded.

"Yes, you're right, and you indeed do proved at least some of them to be wrong."

He smirked, then asked, his curiosity clearly unabated:

"So, what kind of lead did you found? After all, it mustn't be too easy to tell that a random piece of equipment belonged to a Kai just by looking at it, right?"

Sun Snake seemed to hesitate about leaving Sabre Fox behind, but mostly due to the interruption it might cause to the Colonel's own discussions. Seeing Vyctar had no issues with the addition, Sun Snake nodded and moved forwards. He gave a reserved glance to the Sergeant called Damon, but otherwise moved onwards with Rain Feather.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:17, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

She would advance forward with Snake, sweeping the area ahead for traps, just in case.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Oops, yeah, meant to for checking in on those ahead of us, and also looking at the way ahead too!

A Tracking roll with a DC of 4 will suffice to know if anything dangerous is on your path.

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

You need a roll for the trap-finding?

Rolled an 8 for it naturally, so that's cool!

The tracking is not for traps - Sun Snake's Divination would warn him of those, if there was any - the tracking is to see whether there's any natural dangers ahead.

Also, I think you two double posted. :)

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:43, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Edit: Indeed! Just noticed the double post - am away to reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Made my roll- had to burn an FP to do it, but I did it...

You can take that back if you want - Sun Snake had rolled before you and already succeeded, so if you're willing to trust his words on what kind of dangers lie ahead, you don't need to take the tracking roll yourself.

"Well it was a weapon that the person held. You may have noticed by now that we all seem to use different equipment and weaponry and most Kai can be identified as such by this due to its unique nature. Plus you know I have my eye for good equipment. It doesnt really matter now since we can at least pinpoint now where our charges are, but it would have made a good lead"

Looking the Colonel up and down, he continued

"Incidentally Colonel, you made a vow to fight with us to destroy this Deathstaff also. Arent you the least bit curious about that either? I mean the name itself must be enough to at least give you an inkling of what it does"

Vyctar shrugged.

"It's not really important; I'm guessing is some kind of weapon crafted by the Nadziranim, and they Acolythes likely planning to use it to empower some futile attempt to resurrect Vashna, whereas the original owners wanted to use it to empower somebody, like some uber-powerful Doomstone. But, you surely remember what I said to your friend Lord Snake about Magnarn, do you?"

The Drakkar paused, clearly waiting for the Magnakai's answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

"Thats about the size of that thing" Fox chuckled. "And I do remember what you said about the Warlord" He added with a wink.

"Either way I ask you because you need to be ready. I mean, this thing is supposed to be evil central, so I dont want you walking into it blindly thinking its a childs play toy or something"

Vyctar smirked in amusement at Sabre Fox's comment.

"Lord Fox, I fought on the same battlefields as seven different Darklords, on their own side; I think I have a reasonable understanding of what you call evil. Nevertheless, your warning are appreciated."

He paused, then explained:

"We're in no need of this Deathstaff, and in fact, it's destruction will be benefical to my side."

Vyctar turned, and continued:

"You see, once we'll have the source of power we're seeking, our goal is not to use it against you lot; we're going to conquer the Darklands. Your so called free kingdoms are stronger than ever, your leadership solid and your armies composed of victorious veterans who are still riding the emotional high of the victory your Wolf caused. The Darklands, on the other hand, are in disarray; the Nadziranim scheme against each other, conspiring and fighting among themselves. The armies that were once of the Darklords are now leaderless, reduced to ravaging bands with the lowest morale possible. And beside, there is the matter of these new abomination they're crafting, or this Deathstaff they're looking for - they're clearly grasping at straws, trying to one-up each other in the hope of establishing a new pecking order."

The Drakkar closed his fist, and continued, his voice deadly:

"They're weak, so they don't deserve the control over the Darklands; hence, it's only proper for us to take it from them. We've estimated it'll take a long time, but if we recover this power source, eventually the Darklands will bow to the Drakkar nations, as it was always meant to be."

Then, he turned toward Sabre Fox and added, with a smirk:

"So, I hope you can see, Lord Fox, why helping you in destroying this artefact will be a pleasure for us? We're doing it out of self-interest, so you can be sure that we'll do everything in our power to help you. Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

"It does" Fox said, unable to hide his suprise. "But it brings up even more questions"

Looking at the Colonel, he continued

"I had no idea that you intended to retake the Darklands. It is a worthy goal Colonel, and as you may know the Crystal Star along with several other herbwarrens have attempted to reclaim the Darklands and deduced it would take centuries, plus there would be no resistance by the time they reached the walled Darkland cities for they would have wiped themselves out"

Fox sighed before finishing.

"Im sorry to say that chances are it will never be accomplished in my life time......... unless possibly I become a Grand Master like our leader, but even then, it would be a long and hard task. I saulte a people who would take on such an endevour. It just then depends on what you would do after you take them? Attempt to conquer the rest of the world?"

Vyctar smirked at Sabre Fox's comment.

"Why does it matter, Lord Fox? It will be centuries before it's done either way, so it's not going to be your problem, is it?"

The man chuckled, then turned more serious, and continued to explain:

"As for your Brotherhood efforts: they'll fail. They're not trying to retake the Darklands - they're trying to heal them. A stupid sentiment, and one doomed to fail. And as for the infighting and the darkspawn self-destroying... I had no idea you had that level of whisful thinking among your ranks. While there is fighting, no doubt about it, the infight would never reach the level of self-destruction; when one of the factions will have reached a decisive prominence, the others will submit, rather than being destroyed. For them to self destruct, there should be a perfect balance of power among all the factions... and, as I think the hunt for this Deathstaff and the creation of these monsters demonstrate, that's not the case."

He looked back to Sabre Fox, and explained:

"That's why we need to get them under our heel before they regroup and find a new leader to unify under... and given the intelligence I have, that might be a closer danger than you would think, Kai Lord. As for the Hammerlands conquering the world... are you really going to say me that for your people it would be worse to have us in command than it would be to have a monster from the frozen night ruling over you all? For that's what you'll end up facing if our plan fails."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Mon 20 Aug 2012.

Yup, save the FP, I rolled well for my own check!

And wow, perhaps Snake wouldn't not have been so quick as to agree with Vyctar if he knew the Darklands conquering plans :D

"Well like I said, it depends entirely on if I become a Grand Master......... I might be around to see it, I dont know"

"Well thats the Brotherhood for you, they want to turn the world into a place for all to live. Whether its doomed to fail or not, its a well intented sentiment so that the future milleniums of this world dont have to avoid a large section of the world due to what the destroyed Darklords did to it"

In regards to the last comment, Fox smirked

"Id much rather have things where they are now, all the separate nations living relatively peacefully rather than any trying to subjegate the others. Maybe thats part of my Kai training coming out" He said

Ill be happy to move on btw when Snake and Rain are finished. lol

They've yet a lot to discuss about, Sabre Fox, don't worry. :)

Vyctar raised an eyebrow at Sabre Fox's comment.

"A pacifist, are you? Wouldn't have said so... yet, it's clear you are a warrior. You're built for it, and I saw you wield your weapons - fight is the reason you exist, it's what you enjoy most. It fullfills you. Yet you would renounce it for... peace?"

He spoke the word as if it was alien to him - as if it did not even existed in his native tongue, a stranger term for an uncomprehensible concept - and then asked, genuinely curious:

"Why?"

"A pacifist in my eyes Colonel is someone who avoids fighting at all cost, yet you know for a fact that im willing to fight even if its not always the best option"

Thinking about it, he continued

"Maybe im a paradox in that regard. I mean, I enjoy fighting, it is indeed something that thrills me and I enjoy. Yet I dont enjoy killing, not other humans anyway. Put a legion of Helghast infront of me and id slaughter them all without a second thought, but other people? It doesnt always sit well with me"

But in regards to the last question, Fox was resolute

"Of course I would renounce my willingness to fight Colonel for peace. To fight and fight and fight and never give up is a never ending cycle of pain and hardship. It effects everyone around you even if you manage to protect them. Its not something I want to do for the rest of my life, or until the time comes when an opponent bests me"

Looking at the Colonel he continued

"Tell me Colonel, is it not something you have ever thought about? What if the Drakkarim subjegated every nation upon this planet under thier boot and they bowed to your will. What would you do then? There would be no world to conquer and no need of armies. Sure there may be occasional trouble, but there would be no war. What would you do in that instance?"

Just making it known since I cant see how far along they are, haha

Zahira had shuddered at some point during Sabre Fox's speech and put an hand on Vyctar's shoulder, as if to stop him, but the Colonel just smirked toward her before turning toward the Magnakai and answering:

"I would, Lord Fox; each new battle, each new victory, make me stronger, better both as a man and as a fighter. And to fall in a fight, under the blade of a fighter on my same level... that do would be the perfect way to close my life."

There was a pause, then he continued, with a chuckle:

"As for your question, Lord Fox, let me answer with one of my own. Do you really think your side, the side of light, can ever win your fight for Magnamund?"

"Id like to think so" Fox said. "No matter how long it takes, Id think that right now we could........ but like retaking the Darklands that is your goal, it would be something that would take centuries"

Looking at the Colonel, he continued

"Then again, in a way we have already won. After all, our goal is to have the nations of this world in peace without tyranny of a agent of Naar trying to destroy them. Right now, Naar has no Champion on this plane. Of course that can and probabally will change, but for now we have the upper hand."

Fox's face did not show satisfaction to that last comment, he was simply speaking from his own opinion and not with any intent to show superiority

"Thats why our definition of 'to win' is different. As Kai, we dont intend to simply route out and kill everyone who is evil. People can always be corrupted and will argue, but as long as thier is relative peace in the world, that is our goal. Your goal would be to rule the world, which is a rather impossible task in comparison"

For a moment, the Drakkar was speechless with surprise; he recovered quickly, but there was no denying that what Sabre Fox had said had left him truly dumbfounded.

"I must say, when I asked the question, an affirmative answer was not what I expected."

However, the man quickly recovered his composure, and continued, seriously:

"Even so, this peace you speak about... it's not true, you know? And as you say, Naar will get another champion, eventually. Watch at what the others have done so far... they all wanted to conquer the world, too, but they didn't went about it like warriors, did they? The Ceners and their plagues, Nyxator crafted monsters... even the Darklords spent more time squabbling among themselves, and destroyed the lands they ruled on. Wouldn't it be better for everybody if, instead of some other abomination, my people were the next champion you had to fight?"

He smirked, and added, as an afterthough:

"Beside, I must say that a man like you, while interesting to talk with... would be even more interesting to face on the battlefield. You're the kind of opponent any Drakkar kid dreams to fight against, Lord Fox - and if the Hammerland will conquer the Darklands, then you'll be the kind of opponent the next Drakkarim generation will fight. Up to today, the Kai Order has never seen as true opponents - we were always the Darklords' tagalong nation, despite the fact that their armies were superior to our own only in numbers. But if we become your true enemy, the one you have to face... you are honourable warriors, the kind of adversaries we deserve. And a man is defined by the enemies he faces, by those he defeats; forced to grow up fighting the Kai Order for real, not only in wars, but as true, equal enemies, will strenghten the Drakkar nations, make our future generations all the more powerful, greater. Can you understand what I'm saying, Lord Fox?"

There was a clear hunger, both in Vyctar's sword and in his smirk, which was by now almost predatory.

Okay, saving the FP, then.  A full heal kind of makes me think I'm going to need it, because I suspect a big battle is heading our way.

The following statement's about 'war' in this post is from real world history that i learned in school that I think is quite appropriate to this situation and of course im adapting to the LW world, whether it is true or not

Sighing, Fox nodded in reply to one of the Colonel's comments

"I know true world peace is not true" Fox said. "Naar will never roll over, he will never give up to take this world for his own, but as long as the Kai are here we will rise to stop him every time, and at least the world has periods of relative peace every time he has to retreat to lick his wounds and create his next abomination. A conflict against the Drakkarim would probabally be a welcome breath of fresh air believe it or not"

Thinking about the next statment though, Fox gave a slight smile

"Up until today, the idea that any Drakkar did anything apart from simply slaughter was beyond my interpreation of your race. The Drakkarim were tarred with the brush of the Darklords for centuries and it is probabally a association you will never be able to break. But to see your unit spare those who surrendered rather than simply slaughter them was a suprise to say the very least. Starfire's words about your unit, giving them respect and honour does now seem to resonate with me"

However, it was at this point that his own eyes seemed to go feral in nature

"I do understand" Fox breathed. "To fight against men on equal ground where it is simply down to a sword to resolve a conflict would be magnificent. Rather than simply face down Naar's creatures, it should be the warriors of this world that decide its final fate, and not be intervention from the gods sending spawn after spawn against us............ to find out, who is truly 'right' to this world"

His eyes seemed to return to normal for a moment more

"You know Colonel, I read a lot of war history, and I remember reading about times countless centuries ago, when war between neighbouring states used to be fought with honour and by men alone. The two sides would dispute, most likely over land, and they would go to war. But the war would be civilised and honourable. They two nations would agree where and when to fight and would march to the battlefield, with even children waving the flags of thier nations and using the drums to signal thier advance. When the battle started, they would fight each other to the death, and if there was a signal of retreat, the winning nation would not purse, they would let them go, as a sign of honour for them to clash again. Yet now we fight with assasins during the night, using magic and underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand. Where is the thrill of simply fighting against an enemy and loosing because they were simply better than you? Rather than how many tricks they could bring to the table"

Taking a breath he concluded

"From the way you speak Colonel, I hope that the type of civilised war would be what you would have for us when the time came. Where we fight on equal footing and decide things how they should be...... by a sword, and not by cheap tactics"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

Vyctar's smirk widened a bit.

"That would be a world worth living into indeed."

He paused, then asked, his tone now curious:

"So, can you see why we need to make it our goal to conquer the world, Lord Fox? For that's what the next abominations will want to do as well, and if we are to take over, to change the ways this was is fought, we need to force them to submit first... and they'll only do so if our plans are as grandiose as those of all the others possible leaders."

There was a clear sense of pride in the Colonel's voice, showing how important this idea of the future was for him.

"I can understand the logic, but you know you will be hard pressed to do so. Your ancient enemies of Lencia still grapple against you to this day, and should you attack and ally of the Kai, you know that the entire Order will come to thier defence to stop you"

Fox couldnt help but let out a smirk

"Then again, I kind of hope you do attack us or an ally, to see this type of fight first hand myself. Perhaps it order to complete such a plan as this then your nation needs a worthwhile leader.........."

It didnt take a psychic for anyone to figure out who Fox was referring to

At that comment, Vyctar laughed, and then he answered, in an amused tone:

"Ah, Lord Fox, I see myself as more of a battlefield leader - I don't think I'd be a good Baron. I do bargained to be on the frontlines, in command of our full army, in exchange for succesfully completing this mission... so, who knows? Perhaps we'll have that chance to face off against each other at some point."

He paused, then added, his smirk disappearing for a moment and his voice turning serious:

"That said, I appreciate your words and take them as compliments, but I have to ask you not to repeat them again. Treason and conspiration are serious crimes among my people - they're the most dishonourable sort of actions, to strike at your own leader is the very opposite of the discipline and loyalty required in a warrior."

There was a moment of silence, and then the man amended, with a smirk:

"Unless you challenge your leader to prove his right to lead in a duel, of course - after all, a leader worthy of the title has to prove he's right in holding it. But that kind of fight is one for warriors - a open confrontation, an agreement between warriors, and not the plotting of politics to weak to lift a balde, unwilling to risk their life on the battlefield and thus unwhorty of ordering others to do it."

He glanced at Sabre Fox.

"Don't you agree, Lord Fox? Or do you think is there a better way to find a leader than to leave that command to the one who more strongly can lead the soldiers on the battlefield?"

"Well I cant deny that the leader should be the best among us" Fox said. "After all, even without the Sommerswerd, the Grand Master is more than a match for a large majority of the Magnakai even if they all attacked him at once. I myself have no aspirations to be a leader in that reagrd, but if I did, I would not try to overthrow the Grand Master in an underhanded fashion just to size power. As you say, that is for a politician, and not for warriors who settle thier disputes and grievances with actions rather than words"

Vyctar nodded, clearly satisfied that Sabre Fox had agreed with him on that point, although Zahira let out an huff, clearly not as happy as the Colonel.

After a moment of silence, Vyctar then asked, smirking:

"So, you said that your fellow Kai is carrying the Sommerswerd... yet, you also stated it's a woman, so I'll have to suppose I'm not going to have the honor of meeting Starfire. How come that your leader left such a symbol of your Order in the hand of somebody else?"

"She is his personal protegee" Fox replied. "There are not many that he would gift to wield his magnificent blade. And he needs to at least entrust his blade to someone else in the near future, as he is not immortal, and despite his advanced skills, he cannot but eventually subcumb to old age"

That made Vyctar's smirk of satisfaction almost turn into an outright grin.

"Oh, are you saying I'm about to met Lone Wolf's heir, Lord Fox? I'm very honoured. Is she a better fighter than you are?"
This message was last updated by the player at 11:33, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

"We are all his hiers" Fox chucked. "Its just a matter of degree........ and she likes to think she is" Fox winked. "But ive not actually had the chance to test myself against her one on one yet"

"Really? So, you have no measure of her skill in battle whatsoever? You will forgive me, Lord Fox, for saying that I find that hard to believe."

There was amusement now in Vyctar's smirk, clearly showing that he meant not offence to Sabre Fox with his words.

"I never said I had no measure of her personally! Just not her one on one against me is all" Fox said.

Smirking, he continued

"Put it this way, ive seen her waste about half a dozen Gourgaz without so much as trying.......... does that help?" He offered

Vyctar nodded.

"It does."

He paused, then added, still smirking:

"It would help even more if you were to tell me how many you could take down in the same time."

"Well it depends on if you get me mad or not" Fox winked. "But under the same conditions I could probabally do the same........ it might take me a bit more effort though"

Before Vyctar could answer to Sabre Fox's comment, Zahira suddnely spoke up.

"Lord Fox, you say that we're about to meet Lone Wolf's heir, and that she's currently carrying that... your leader's sword... so, I wonder, how much do you know of its powers? I mean, have you ever seen it in use?"

"Infact no I havnt" Fox replied looking towards Zahira. "But put it this way, I would imagine the storys that you may have heard about it are probabally true"

Thinking about it, he continued

"The Grand Master never wielded it as a simple weapon, only when it was neccassary did he unsheathe it, for it was effectively a beacon that would draw all eyes to his location........... As im no doubt you are aware. After all, we had a positive reaction to when it was just unsheathed......... yours was more than a little negative........ which leads to the question of why"

The girl was taken aback by the question, but Vyctar, who was still following along, answered for her.

"Zahira is very sensitive to any display of magic, but especially the ones your light side produces. It's one of her many quirks."

He paused, then asked, his tone neutral:

"If you've never felt the power before, though, Lord Fox, how can you be sure it do was the Sommerswerd you felt, and not some other artefact of Kai making?"

"I dont know" Fox said simply. "But I do know that Im certain it was the Sommerswerd as im certain of the air that I breathe. The sword was made for the Kai and the Kai alone to wield, and its that feeling that it gave me that makes me sure that it was the Sommerswerd"

The question about Zahira had not vanished from Fox's mind though

"In that case, I would image that your associate is how your tracking the power source you seek?"

Looking at Zahira, he continued

"Tell me, if your sensitive to magic, perhaps you can feel the power of the Deathstaff?"

The girl looked suprised at Sabre Fox's question and glanced at Vyctar, only answering after having received a nod from him.

"I suppuse I would, if I knew what I was looking for, which I currently don't. As for our power source, I can tell we're in the right area, but not which direction we have to go - I'm better at detecting agressive rather than static magic."

She paused, as if considering something, and then added, with a chuckle:

"Why, are you planning on using me as a compass to tell you were to go, Lord Fox? I'll let you know, I can do much more useful things!"

There was an underlying teasing tone in the girl's voice, as if she was hoping to get some form of reaction out of the Kai Lord.

"Well I was planning on having you close your eyes first, doing a few spins then telling us where to go" Fox smirked. "Because a talking compass sounds like a fun and useful thing to have"

However the smirk then left his face

"Then again ive seen some of the useful things you can do........ like contorting flesh and bone like it was nothing. Some kind of magic I gather? Or do you care to tell me some of your 'abilities'?" Fox asked

In response to Sabre Fox's question, Zahira showed him her tongue, in a childish gesture of disrespect.

"No, I don't care to tell you; it's my own secret."

She paused, then smiled and added in a conspiratory way:

"Do you have any secret? We could trade!"

And then she giggled, clearly amused by the exchange.

"Now thats not fair" Fox replied. "You know Ive got sharp eyes........" Smirking devishly, he continued. "Infact, they can even see through clothes" He winked.

"Besides, I suppose finding out first hand each others secrets is part of the fun! Then again I doubt the good Colonel would be pleased if you were divulging your secrets" He smirked

Vyctar smiled at the comment, and Zahira pouted.

"Now that's unfair! You can't call in Vyc to support your arguments - he can order me around, that makes it too easy!"

She paused, then chuckled and tapped her darksteel plate and asked, in a joking tone:

"And beside, you can't just say something like that without proving it, now can you? If you can see through my armor, then tell me what I'm wearing under it, I challenge you."

It was clear that the girl was having fun in teasing the Kai Lord.

"Hey, I said through clothes, not armor. There is a difference" He smirked.

"Then again, I can see for miles with my sharp eyes....... Maybe ill have to peak when you think im not looking once we part ways" He added with a chuckle

Zahira laughed at Sabre Fox's answer.

"Am I interesting enough that you'd check on me from that far away? I'm flattered!"

She smiled for a moment, then asked, tapping one of her armored fingers on his chest:

"And what other amazings things can you do? You make it sounds like you have dozens of these hidden talents..."

The girl trailed off suggestively, before starting to laugh again at herself.

"Quit pro quo my dear" Fox smirked. "You cant let me tell you something without something in return"

I feel all hannibal lecter ish ;)

You sure? I honestly thought you were the Clarice in this discussion. :D

Zahira smiled wickedly at that.

"Ah, and what do you want to know? Ask the question... and who knows? I might even answer, if I feel like it!"

And she giggled again.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:59, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

Should Rain and Snake and Vyctar just leave Sabre and Zahira alone, then? :p

  Only if he wants a really bad headache, perhaps? :)

I think Sabre's proved that such minor considerations won't stop him from trying :D
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

That much is true...

Hey Shadow, can anyone down the corridor hear us?

No, nobody was able to hear you at all.

Suddenly, the long - and somewhat animated - discussion that was going on between Sun Snake and Rain Feather was interrupted when the tunnel they were walking through turned and had them end up in a very vast, very empty cave.

It was a circular area made of rock, cut in two by the small stream running through it; it started in a waterfall that originated somewhere near the high ceiling, and on the opposite end, the water filtered through very minimal cracks into what appeared to be a natural dam formed by the rocks the stream was carried, some as big as a man's arm. After the dam was what looked like a well, and that was where the water ended; however, it was a bottomless well, or it looked to be so to the Kai's sight, at least. And, as they looked into the never-ending darkness of it, they could almost feel the power of Vashna coming from it, raising even stronger than it has when they'd been above the chasm...

Outside of the rumor the waterfall made, the cave was deadly silent, and nothing resembling a living creature could be seen in it - nor where there any possible visible exits, other than jumping into the blackness of the well.

Sabre Fox, you're not in the cave yet but you can describe yourself and the rest of your group entering it in your next post. Rain Feather, Sun Snake, feel free to explore the empty cave that leads nowhere - you could swear the glint of the Sommerswerd power you felt was coming from here, but you can't feel it anymore right now.

"Well lets start with that pretty little head of yours" He winked. "You seem to have formidable psychic abilities. Are those natural, or learned talents? And how did you hone such a skill?"

It was as they were speaking that they entered the wide open cave. It almost didnt seem right.

"Well this is certainly cosy"

Well it was Dr Lecter that first gave her the quit pro quo option. haha, so Zahira is Clerice ;)

Zahira looked around at the cave with a smile and answered Sabre Fox, absentmindedly:

"Being tortured. It's the best way to hone one's psychic defenses."

Then, suddenly uncaring for the discussion, she sauntered toward the bottomless well, kneeling near the border with closed eyes and breathing deeply, as if taking in the smell coming from it - except no smell was coming from the dark pit.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:12, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

This place was full of things she didn't want to peer into, didn't want to even look at.  Her legs threatened to buckle as she saw the well- was there an Agarashi in this one, too?  She'd close her eyes and stick close to the wall, sweeping the room with her mind.

Sixth Sense to sweep the room, Rain is pushed up against the wall to the right of the doorway.

"Charming" He said almost as if she had said something remotely pleasant

The well is a bottomlessh one - it likely leads back into the chasm itself. Inside there's nothing but darkness.

Your Sixth Sense doesn't feel any danger in this area, as well.

Zahira seemed to notice Rain Feather's worry, for she turned and made a beckoning gesture.

"Lady Rain! Come here, you can feel the magic on your skin raising from the chasm! It's wonderful!"

Kneeling down, Fox noticed something and pointed towards the dam in the river

"Theres tracks going that way, near the dam. But it doesnt look like anything is hiding there"

Sun Snake turned a cold face back to the noises as he realised that the group behind had caught up so quickly, and moved quietly to the left of the cavern, far from Rain Feather.

He stayed back from the well too, looking around the caves as the group made an entrance. He did not pay much attention at first, slowly scouring the room himself.

"Colonel, keep your mage back. In fact I would all stay back. You were all faster than expected...we have not made contact with our comrade yet." Sun Snake looked o the mage, and said with an odd tone of coive, "unless she is determined to meet her maker."


Sun Snake moved towards Sabre Fox, but seemed to be looking around rather than immediately address Sabre Fox's comments.

Zahira stilled at Sun Snake's comment, but then pouted and shouted back to him, quite loudly:

"That's not a very nice thing to say, Lord Sour!"

Then, as if to prove that she wasn't at all scared by the Magnakai comment, she sat on the border of the well, her legs dangling over it, and then arched her back so as to be able to look at them upside down, and added:

"And beside, I'm not going to fall if I don't want to!"

Vyctar shook his head at the woman's antics, then moved closer to Sun Snake while gesturing for his soldiers to get back - the three obeyed immediately and retreated, but in such a way that now they were blocking the cave's entrance with a linear formation, so that nobody could leave without passing through them.

Then, the Colonel nodded to Sun Snake's words and said, in a more polite tone:

"Then we'll wait, Lord Snake, for your fellows to reveal themselves - if they're here and watching, they'll have seen by now that our interaction is friendly enough."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:49, Fri 07 Sept 2012.

"That depends upon your view of your maker," said Sun Snake without really looking to the mage. Sun Snake then gave a ghost of a laugh. "And who said anything about falling? If I wished to hide with a blade of pure goodness, beside a well of such evil would be my first choice."

Sun Snake shrugged, and turned to engage Vyctar. "Is there a reason you wish to stay here any longer? This place is a dead end. Unless this is a lead to your power source, we need to start planning how to get back to the rest of your men. I assume the High Priest or the temple is our next destination?"

Sun Snake gestured around the caverns. "Our interaction may be friendly, but if you wish the bearer of the Sommerswerd to reveal themselves, I think you will need to fight - metaphorically speaking - for that yourself."

"Check the walls.  They've tried to hide passages like that before, why should here be any different?  I'd... stay away from the well, myself, though.  You don't know if anythiung is living in it.  Nobody deserves to go through what I did... maybe Snake, but only if he really deserved it."

It was tempting to check the room... but she pushed those thoughts away.  It was just more temptation, and she had to be strong.

Vyctar shrugged.

"It's not going to be that hard; I assume the fire you created to stop the lake creatures from pursuing will disappear eventually, and if those beasts are still there by then, we'll just wait safely at the end of the precipice while Zahira slaughter them all. Opening the way back might take a while, but it's not going to be hard."

Sun Snake's head turned at the mention of his name, and his eyes narrowed, though his expression became thoughtful as if trying to work something out. He shook the thought away and turned back to the cavern.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

Zahira pouted at Rain Feather refusal to come closer to the well.

"Lady Rain, come on! I won't let you fall, I promise!"

"Unless you have spotted everything hidden in this place, perhaps you should be quiet and allow us to concentrate," said Sun Snake to zahira, giving a sidelong look to Rain Feather without acknowledging her otherwise.

Quietly, she'd probe the walls, using the bone sword at her waist instead of Breakwater, which was returned to her back. She'd push on various rocks, working her way around the room, keeping an eye on that waterfall.  If she had some crowns to bet, that's where she would wager there being an entrance.

On the way back to the door, to restart the search from the other wall (and mostly to keep away from Sun Snake), she'd pass by the well to see what had Zahira all up in a frenzy- at the very least, it would irritate someone she wanted to irritate...

Zahira smiled, dragging Rain Feather to sit near her and whispering excitedly to her.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

She cautiously leaned over the well, slowly looking into it.

Rain Feather could feel the power of the darkness radiating from the well, a whisper that almost froze her bones, but she could also feel Zahira's strong hand over her hand, keeping her grounded - and she could also feel that, even is she tried the jump, the other girl's strenght would be more than enough to keep her pinned in place, just by helding her hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

Sun Snake seemed to be ignoring the mage and Rain Feather, as if lost in his own thoughts.

He looked to the Colonel. "Still no intention to announce yourself?" he asked. "That could be considered rude."

Sun Snake then pointed to the waterfall, and upwards. "There is a disruption of air up there - as if a hole leading to the outside. And I believe the water has eroded the wall to be quite climbable to reach there."

Sun Snake looked to Sabre as if to confirm it with his keener eyesight.

She stood by the well, peering down into it.

Zahira seemed fascinated by Rain Feather's interest in the well, and moved closer to her, looking down herself with joy clear on her face.

She looked away from the well, over at Sun Snake, and sniffed once.

Whatever Rain Feather had said, it made Zahira shudder suddenly in clear fright.

Sun Snake looked around the room speculatively, especially the Drakkar. He noted both Rain Feather and Zahira looking at him, and gave a grim half smile. He made a small becoming gesture at Rain feather, for her to come across to where he was.

"Lets have a look then" Fox said in reply to Snake

Eyes on to look where Snake said then!

She would walk over to Sun Snake, scowling at him.

Vyctar looked at Sun Snake with confusion and an hint of annoyment over his face.

"Who, exactly, should I introduce myself to? There's nobody here."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Thu 23 Aug 2012.

If Sun Snake noticed he was becoming the attention of multiple dark looks, he did not show it on his face, which had a relaxed if neutral expression. However, he did give a small nod to Vyctar.

"I apologise if I sounded glib. You may have guessed that one who would take the Sommerswerd away may be of a higher rank than myself. You might appreciate that while I have given the support of my group, I can neither assure the support of the wielder, nor will I betray their position if they have decided not to reveal themselves to you. Trust me, they will hear you if you speak. Whether they are simply watching this place from afar through...certain means...or are standing right in front of you in plain sight, is not my place to tell you." Sun Snake shrugged. "If you wish to leave as a sign my group is under no co-ersion, we can speak to them. However, I did not wish to put too much pressure on the trust we seem to have built here. And besides, you strike me as a man far preferring to keep control of your tactical situation. You might trust your ability to secure a powerful ally above mine. Especially if the result of failure is to have an unknown and powerful warrior moving with their own agenda. A warrior even your mage apparently can detect no sign of." Sun Snake then turned to see how close Rain feather was. "Forgive me, there is something I need to ask my companion."

Sun Snake moved forwards to intercept Rain Feather. He partially turned his back on the Colonel, and spoke to Rain feather in a quiet voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Thu 23 Aug 2012.

She kept the scowl on her face as they exchanged some words, and she kept looking around the room.

Sun Snake's demeanour did not appear to chance, neither concerned nor any warmer.

"Why do i suddenly feel like im the only one who has no idea whats going on here?" Fox said to no one inparticular.

"But its getting boring" he moaned "Cant we all get just get together and move on?" He said with a smirk
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:38, Thu 23 Aug 2012.

"Can we?" asked Sun Snake over his shoulder. "Is there visible signs of the water being moved from the outside? Can we use your climbing gear to scale the waterfall's back and move on?"

Sun Snake half gestured back to the least emotional of the three Drakkar sergeants, without disengaging from Rain Feather. "That man can help if you ask nicely, I am sure," he said with a disrtacted air.


Aww, sorry Sabre! You decided to speak to Vyctar and so missed out on the 'fun'. If we can ditch the Drakkar for a few moments, I'm sure we can make it far more interesting for you!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Thu 23 Aug 2012.

"Well I could have a climb" He said looking up to where Snake said. "Its worth a look at least"

So Fox will have a look to try and scale it then!

She tapped her foot impatiently, as she looked to the hole in the ceiling.

Sun Snake still kept his back top the others as he spoke to Rain Feather, though there seemed to be an air of a conversation comign to an end.

Just in case you guys were worried and wanting to move on...

Is there a DC for this climb? Sounds like Snake is hinting for Fox to climb it. lol

Her eyes flicked around, studying the walls.  One hand came up to grip her spear, and she held it fast.

Sun Snake looked to Sabre's movements and the Colonel again, having finished speaking to Rain Feather.

"I was not trying to make you look foolish in front of your men," said Sun Snake to Vyctar, "I understand you may not wish to speak to seemingly nothing, but I am beginning to fear agreements where I am the only linch-pin. Our task is dangerous, and I would hate to see it fail because I fell in battle and this entente did not hold passed that."

Sun Snake gestured to Rain Feather. "As Rain Feather actually caused the original ceasefire, and knows the ...wielder...best, I think perhaps she should stay behind. If she can relate best what caused her to seek this truce, perhaps you can speak face to face with the wielder yourself."

Sun Snake then turned around, pitching his voice loudly to echo around the cavern,

"I know you can hear me, where-ever you may really be," yelled Sun Snake to the cavern at large, turning around speculatively to various places. "This is Colonel Vyctar, commander of the Hammer of Blood of the Hammerlands army. His men are not here for the Deathstaff, they seek a different power source that has been causing the strange creatures that have plagued Sommerlund, and elsewhere. The Gourgaz we have seen would also be an example of that," said Sun Snake meaningfully.

"He has agreed to aid us in gaining the Deathstaff without contest, if we will not stop his own mission to secure that power source. I have agreed. We will move on from here, but Rain Feather will stay behind if you wish to contact her. She can fill you in on the details, and you can dicide if you wish to join us."

Sun Snake let his voice die down, before shrugging to Vyctar and turning his attention to Sabre Fox. He walked across.

"Any luck?" he asked, peering up at the wall and the top of the waterfall himself, although his eyes did not seem to be focused on it, as if he was looking through it.

"Not really" Fox sighed. "Its gonna take a hell of a lot of acrobatics to even get over there, yet alone climb it. I really dont think its a wise choice to start scaling"

Vyctar seemed surprised at Sun Snake's words, and eyes Rain Feather speculatively for a moment, before nodding.

"Alright, then we'll let Lady Rain to negotiate; I agree that she is the best suited for the task."

He gestured to Zahira, who tore herself away from the well with a pout, then seemed to cheer up as she waved entusiastically in Rain Feather's direction, and joined the group as Vyctar and the three Drakkarim escorted Sun Snake and Sabre Fox back into the tunnel, so that they could not see what was going on.

She watched as the others left the room, and steeled herself.

Sun Snake settled without much emotion to the block from leaving the cavern by the waterfall.

"we should secure the precipice then, and ensure the creatures have not used their su[erior numbers and agility to close the gap. Alone or not, Rain feather should find her way back to us."

Sun Snake looked to Sabre Fox and Vyctar for agreement.

Vyctar raised an eyebro at that comment.

"Wouldn't it be better if we waited to see if your associate might help?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Tue 28 Aug 2012.

"We should prepare for the worst case situation. It may be good to show we can work together. There is no point in standing around and losing a tactical advantage to a gamble - or find ourselves swarmed by an enemy when our only other means of escape is difficult."

Vyctar shrugged.

"Very well."

Then he looked to Zahira and simply nodded in her direction; the girl grinned and started to run toward the precipice, shortly disappearing from sight after a bent of the tunnel. Then Vyctar nodded to Sun Snake:

"That should suffice; all we have to do now is wait - Zahira will tell us when she's done."

"Im enough of a gentleman to simply not let a lone woman run off into battle without offering her assistance. So if neither of you object, ill go and help Zahira"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Wed 29 Aug 2012.

"Probably better to stay out of her direct way and simply watch her back if you insist," said Sun Snake without really looking to Sabre Fox. His expression gave no indication if he was reassured or concerned by Vyctar's casual dispatch of the mage to fight a lone battle against the masses of creatures they had evaded.

"Well in that case excuse me Sun Snake, Colonel" He said, before nodding at the pair and heading after Zahira

Before Sabre Fox could take more than a few step, Vyctar stepped into his path.

"I'm afraid, Lord Fox, that I can't let you go forward. Zahira has the means to win that battle; you would only die. If that was my only concern, I would let you go - dying fighting a losing battle is not the most honourable of death, but it does still is a death in battle, something I can accept. But... you're good enough that you could, with great luck, survive. And, things being so, I am not going to let you see how Zahira is going to win her fight; it is a secret that I'll make her keep to herself, for her own security. She might be reckless, but I am not."

There was an edge to Vyctar's tone - it was pretty clear his order was not a negotiable one.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Wed 29 Aug 2012.

"Can we guess at her secret, or would you prefer us to keep our specilations to ourselves?" asked Sun Snake with the same neutral tone as before - as if asking an idle question to pass the time, and nothing more.

Despite the way he'd acted toward Sabre Fox, Vyctar smirked at Sun Snake's question.

"You're free to guess, but I will not answer, nor will my men, and certainly Zahira won't tell anything either. So, if you want to make supposition aloud, Lord Snake, I don't see how I can stop you; it won't change anything, though, in that I won't let Lord Fox go to check what Zahira can really do."

Sun Snake shrugged. "If I had to guess, I think it safe to assume Zahira is no ordinary mortal, certainly no Drakkar. I would say  a Helghast or a Nadziranim. One clinging to her human shell for some reason beyond a disguise."

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar. "I do not say safe to assume because I have any reason to think I am right, nor disagreeing that it is a fanciful notion. I just find it safe to assume because those are the two possibilities that would make Zahira directly opposed to the Sommerswerd. Either as a denizen of the plane opposite to the one the Sommerswerd was forged, or as the reason that blade was crafted. So my assumption would ensure I take all reasonable precautions to keep those two elements seperated until I could be sure that bringing them together was...safe."

Sun Snake raised a dispassionate eyebrow. "Would you care to deny my guess, or would you prefer me to keep acting with such extreme...caution?"

Sabre Fox returned an equal glare to the Colonel as well as the tone of his words

"Colonel, we have pledged to each other to be allies in this endevour. There is no need to take a such a tone with me, you should know by our fellow warriors code that I would have accepted even a recommendation from you, yet alone, what you just basically gave me..... and order which I has no authority over me"

A second later he winked, his usual manner returning

"Its a good job I enjoy our philosophical discussions isnt it?" He smirked

Vyctar smirk didn't moved.

"You can of course act, Lord Snake, in whichever way you prefer. All I can say is that Zahira will obey my orders, and that I will not let her take any action toward the Sommerswerd - in fact, she'll take only the actions I will authorize her to take, as you should have seen. For our collaboration to work, all you need to do is believe that I am in command; everything else is accessory to that."
Then he turned to Sabre Fox and added, in a surprised tone:

"You didn't stopped when your superior office asked you to, Lord Fox - I would not have expected you to carry my words in higher regard than his. Now that I know, I will remember that."

"Well good old Snake didnt tell me not to go, just to simply watch her back. Thats exactly what I was going to do. Honestly Colonel, you really dont have much stock in me following orders since I mentioned it do you?" He said with a wink

The drakkar allowed himself to smirk again.

"I am just being cautious, Lord Fox; I'm sure that, if you had to stop me from doing something in order to keep Lady Rain safe, you too would prefer to act first and question later, isn't it?"

Sun Snake gave a small bow to Vyctar. "Obviously, with my assumption Zahira would be outside of your normal chain of command, and bound only by a different relatonship. I did not want to assume that such a relationship could trumph any deep seated fears. I apologise for letting caution doubt your word."

Vyctar nodded to Sun Snake.

"No offense taken; even if we've agreed to collaborate, only a fool would not be cautious in a situation such as this one."

Sun Snake again nodded in a distracted and neutral way, with a wan smile at the agreement.

Vyctar seemed satisfied by Sun Snake agreement, and turned back to Sabre Fox.

"So, Lord Fox, tell me, why were you so keen in going to help Zahira? You should know by now that I would not allow her to do something that would risk her life."

"Because as with Rain Feather, I simply wouldnt let a lone person run head long into battle if I had the means to help. Its simply not in my nature to not at least watch thier back"

Vyctar raised an eyebrow at that.

"You would rush into battle to help even when you knew that the other person needed no such help?"

He seemed to condire that, before smirking.

"I must say... you really have the call of a warrior. But, believe me, in this instance, you would only be an indrance to Zahira, not an help."

"Of Zahira's ability I had no doubt after seeing what she did to those Acolytes" Fox said. "But having someone watch your back is never a bad thing, but if you say so, then ill trust have to trust that she'll be ok as you say"

The man simply nodded, accepting Sabre Fox's apology, before going back to waiting against a wall, apparently deeply in thought.

Sun Snake seemed to be considering something himself. "Colonel, I think you forget the metaphor I used when we first met," said Sun Snake to Vyctar. "I did say I was the guard, if you considered our group like a sword. I am more the balance of Rain Feather and Sabre Fox's gifts and instincts, someone to look for the unexpected. As a group we are equal. If Sabre Fox's instinct are to help a fellow warrior, I would trust those even if I did not see the value myself. There is indeed no reason to ignore aid, no matter how little it seems needed. Not unless there was absolutely no quetsion of its necessity. So I'm going to continue with my assumption of Helghast. However, that would not be reason enough to deny Sabre Fox seeing her in battle. Tactically if there was an unexpected danger, allowing my group to potentially lose our most powerful warrior to save yours seems obvious. And so I'm going to guess - since she has been augmented - that it has something to do with your own mission. Have our common enemies began experimenting with more than Doomwolves and Gourgaz? Can Zahira aid in your quest because she has an intimiate knowledge of the source?"

Sun Snake shrugged. "I would not expect you to answer, I just want you to know where my mind is, to ask this next question. More importantly, you specifically said you would not reveal detail of your own mission. If Zahira can indeed take care of those beasts, I am not sure what has changed between now and our last enounter with them. Unless you wished to see our skills and so had her hold back. Does that really mean your men were willing to give their lives for Zahira's secret to remain so, to ensure we did not see her in battle rescuing them - and us? If that is the case, you can see how our own instincts to work as a group will be at odds with your mission. Had you not been here, would Sabre Fox's journey to help zahira met with an unfortunate end, the need for his silence overriding your word?" Sun Snake did not seem to treat what he was saying as anything more than a mental puzzle to work out, with no tone of anger nor concern in his voice. "Do we need to keep a necessary distance at times, even if it compromises our tactical effectiveness?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Thu 30 Aug 2012.

Vyctar looked at Sun Snake with a very serious expression.

"You seem to think yourself undefeatale, lord Snake? I am not. If we'd stayed and fought, then Zahira would have survived, much like she will do now - and all of us would have died. How much do you know of tactical warfare? If we'd stayed, it would have been the equivalent of a field battle, and when the numbers are those overwhelming, a field battle will be lost, no matter the individual value of the warriors involved. What we're doing now is the equivalent of sabotaging the enemy's camp while under siege; none of us is in danger here, and thus, Zhaira can remove the obstcle however she see fit. I do value my men, and I value your collaboration as well; and I also value my life, despite being ready to sacrifice it should the situation call for that. So, you see, it's not Zahira that I protected by ordering that retreat - it was the rest of us."

He paused, and then added, with a smirk:

"And as for your inquiries, you might be interested to know that you and your companions are probably more familiar with our target than any of us would be."

Sun Snake did not seem bothered by the correction. "Undefeatable? To a Drakkar, would that make the person always right?" Sun Snake said it as if a passing thought, then moved back. "We would still have moved on, however it might have been useful for Zahira to have been the focus of the inital attack, allowing us to set greater firewalls for our retreat."

Sun Snake shrugged. "I presume you the master of tactical warfare, and so I'm interested in decisions that precluded using an asset. I suppose no one is all powerful."

To the second comment, Sun Snake again did not seem to display any real emotion at the information. "A symbolic gain for the Drakkar, yet something that could be the power for those trying to attack us, and one that the Kai have more knowledge of?" Sun Snake again shrugged. "It almost sounds like the corpse of..."

Sun Snake suddenly look around as if he had heard something, then turned back shaking his head. "...Vashna," he finished with a wan smile to Vyctar. "Your clues are doing their work, and you point is taken. I will stop guessing upon something you have explicitly said you cannot reveal."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Thu 30 Aug 2012.

There was a triumphant smirk on Vyctar's face.

"I see you are learning, Lord Snake; yes, if you're undefeatable, you're by definition always right. Of course, that's not an easy title to earn..."

He paused, and turned toward Sabre Fox to add:

"Perhaps you now understand why we allied ourselves with the Darklords, Lord Fox?"

He seemed to completely disregard Sun Snake's comment on Vashna's body, but then he added, clearly making a point:

"And as they taught us, it is a title whom meaning is relative; the Darklords were undefeatable to us, but not to your leader. Zahira is undefeatable to those monsters... but she would never be able to best me, and we both know it. Not that she would ever try... but that's another matter entirely."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Thu 30 Aug 2012.

"All I know is that you two are addling my brain with all this subterfuge and double talk. I dont do those sorts of things that often" He sighed.

But he looked at the Colonel and smiled

"But I can appreciate your point........ If I understand it as such"

When Vyctar mentioned the rightness of the Darklords, Sun Snake did something akin to a cough, slightly turning his head. However, it seemed to continue, and by the time Sabre had finished talking there was a slowly growing sound coming from the form of Sun Snake.

He was laughing.

It was the same as when Laughing Shark had caught him by surprise, although it seemed to be tinged with a hysteria. Sun Snake actually had to brace himself against the wall, and with difficulty brought himself back under control, having to wipe a tear from his eye.

"I'm sorry, but don't you see? When the Darklords became their most undefeatable was exactly the moment they began to forge their own defeat. Twenty immortals conquering the world, and yet when Vashna then claimed Archlordship is the moment they turned inwards and stopped. Set the path for Darkord killing Darklord. They drew the Nadziranim to themselves and forged weapons and created the instruments of their own demise. Legend even has it that the Sommerswerd was only gifted to the Sommlending to defeat the threat of the Helgasht, Vashna's own undefeatable creations - a weapon that slew every Archlord that took the throne."

Sun Snake still seemed to be chuckling, and it was with extreme difficulty he put himself under control. Apparently even acknowledging the surroundings and the inappropiateness of the situation was more likely to cause it to happen again. With the occasional crack, his neutral and detatched expression returned. "If this is true, then it seems a paradox, that to be truly correct by the Drakkar philosophy one must always be challenged away from complaceny. That one must always have an opposing view of equal power to contend again. Or else, it is too possible that one loses ones rightness the moment it becomes unassailable."

Sun Snake shrugged. "I'm sorry, I do not know why I found that so amusing."

Sun Snake lapsed in to a quiet contemplation, sinking down on the ground in a hunch.

Vyctar looked perplexed by Sun Snake's sudden hilarity, but then nodded to his words, and said:

"While I'm not sure what you find so amusing about it either, Lord Snake, what you say it's true, in my opinion. The Darklords grew complacent of their power, whereas your leader kept gaining more and more, until it was enough that they fell to it. This strive for self improvement, this ability to focus and grow... it something, I found, that none of the Darkspawn have. They'ren crafted, much like tools, and each one has their own powers, their own strenght and weakness; and they never improve. It is a peculiarly human trait, that to change our strenght as we gain in years; something that make us superior, more versatile - and what's more important, better warriors, for each battle we live through make us stronger than we were before."

He looked around idly, and continued, not looking to anybody in particular:

"You see, when a Vordak and an Helghast meet, there's never any question over who would be in command of them - the Vordak is subservient by virtue of being weaker. And the same applies at all levels of the darkspawn scale, from the lowest undead to the Darklords themselves; that's why they lost themselves when Vashna fell, I believe - they were used to be lead by superiors, and so tried to craft themselves a new superior without understanding the true meaning of leadership."

There was a smirk of clear satisfaction as Vyctar considered that weakness of his former allies, and then continued, now looking at Sun Snake:

"So, you see, I agree that being challenged, constantly, is one of the most important means to keep oneself right - and why this alliance is so interesting to me: working together with Kai Lords is a new challenge for me, and I'm certain that what I'll learn through it will more than pay for itself."

If Sun Snake felt embarrassed at his previous outburst, he did not showing, instead finally falling back to a neutral if politely interested expession as he listened to Vyctar's words. He nodded subtly.

"In my experience, Colonel, devoting oneself to one path blocks off others. To be perfectly balanced in all apects is to be exceptional in none, mediocre at best. To be exceptional is to by necessity have a flaw, whether by choice or by inattention. The order would not be what it was were the Grandmaster alone. Our strength is that we can compliment one another. We are surrounded by those who challenge us, and yet also surrounded by those whose own focus compliments our own."

Sun Snake looked around. "It goes back to what you said before - undefeatable is a relative title. That is why I am interest in this alliance. Your ways are not our ways. I am interested to see how we may compliment each other an achieve our goals. After all, one day Naar may grow weary of the adaptability and fickle nature of humans..."

Vyctar seemed intrigued by the concept.

"Is that so? And what to you think He would do, when that happens?"

"Most likely turn our natures against ourselves, and then await us all being so weak his next champions can finally achieve domination."

Sun Snake then looked to Sabre Fox. "Sorry, perhaps we should be taking this opportunity to discuss more than philosophy. How do you think we should re-integrate ourselves back in to the camps? The acolytes should give the cavern a wide berth, but otherwise the camps will be on high alert now."


Lol, a chance for Sabre to weigh in and also get us back on planning :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Fri 31 Aug 2012.

Putting his hands across his eyes, Fox sighed in sheer exhaustion

"Why do you two insist on sucking me into these sort of conversations?" He said with a heavy sigh.

However thinking, he realised that at least it wouldnt be that bad of a conversation after all.

"Well the way I see it we actually may have an advantage. The Acolytes we met consider us to be Helghasts, and as such an agent of thier lords and an ally. They know the Colonel and his men are around too. As such, we might be able to enter the camp on that basis and the Colonel and his men can then attack, at that time, we could strike at their flank in a multi pronged attack and take them by suprise"

"You managed to pass yourself off as Helghast? That's impressive. How sure are you the ruse would work again?"

There was genuine interest in the Drakkar's voice.

Sun Snake was clearly considering the matter Sabre Fox had brought up, because he took a moment to answer the Colonel's question and still had a distracted air. "We managed to intimidate our way passed a group who were already fleeing from the Drakkar. We could do so again, I am sure, however I am not sure how well we could pull such a thing off against a more formidable mind without the ability to...prove our claims"

Sun Snake looked to Sabre then the Colonel. "Last time we attempted to pass for acolytes, and used the Helghast discussion as a fallback when we failed to pass. Rain Feather has a certain...way...about her, and I have accecced enough dark minds. And the acolytes have worked wtih Helghast to retrieve the Dagger of Vashna, as a contingency against the Deathstaff remaining undiscovered."

Looking back to where Rain fetaher had been left, sun Snake said enigmatically, "when Rain Feathe returns, hopefully we may gain more information on our mistakes to pass for Acolytes. That would still seem the safer of the options."

Sun Snake looked to Sabre Fox. "If the Acolytes fear Drakkarim, perhaps your build is a little...close...for them not to be suspicious of infiltration. The plan seems sound, but perhaps Rain Feather and myself are better suited to pass for ...not Drakkar...and you should aid the Colonel in any surprise assaults?"

"As long as we can get into the camp one way or another I dont mind where I go. Just give us a holler when the fighting starts and we can be in the thick of it"

She stood apart from the others, glancing at the walls every so often.

Rain, the others left the cave - you and them are in different rooms. They can't see nor hear you at all.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Tue 04 Sept 2012.

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar. "What are the standing orders for your men just now? Are they engaging the Acolytes, or are they using more stealthy means to move around and invstigate the other avenues. Where were you to meet with them or know what they discovered?"

Vyctar looked surprised at Sun Snake's question, then smirked.

"Starting to think tactically, are you, Lord Snake? My other men are to avoid battle as much as possible, unless it is necessary to recover anything of value - be it the Deathstaff you want to destroy, or the power source we're looking for. In that case, they are to engage and exterminate any opposition."

There was a pause, and then the man continued, more serious:

"Once they've retrieved anything they found, or else verified the gallery assigned to them to be empty, they have to hide and send out a single scout to check with the other groups, until I receive perfect information over the situation and can organize a second coordinated attack to the side camp of the Acolytes again."

He looked up at Sun Snake, and concluded:

"Do you approve of this plan, Lord Snake?"

"I always consider other options, I just feel that the time for speaking seems over, and it is time to...consder our position. The plan is sound. I would prefer not to directly confront Acolytes, though that is my personal desire not to kill fellow Sommlending and others who may take the attack as a reason to continue generations more aggression." Sun Snake shrugged, apparently back to the odd disconnected neutral expression. "That is something I would not press upon you. Although perhaps there is one who might be better placed to speak to that with you."

Sun Snake looked to Sabre again without further explanation of his previous comment. "What do you think? Are we missing something with those approach?"

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar. "If any pretending to be acolytes of Helghast were to be disconnected from the rest of you, and met up with one of your squads that had been cut off, is there a secret code or message that would allow them to know we were still alllied to you?"

Vyctar smirked at that.

"Well, you seem to think that Zahira would have an easy time passing for an Helghast - after all, that's what you think she is, isn't it? Then, I think I could live with sending her alongside, oh... let's say Lady Rain, which seems to work well with her, and beside has her own means to pass off as a darklander, right?"

There was a certain mocking tone in his voice, but also an undercurrent of steel - which was enphasized when the Colonel added, more serious:

"And that way, we would both have somebody out there, and somebody still here - what better way to build up trust than to keep working together?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Thu 06 Sept 2012.

"I dont mind staying with the Colonel and his men" Fox said. "Theres no point in us splitting up when Zahira will do a better job at infiltration that I can, so it would be a pointless endevour for me to go in her stead"

Sun Snake did not seem to react more than a courtious wan smile to Vyctar's comment regarding Zahira's true nature.

"True trust comes from either naivity or long experience, neither of which we possess. I believe we have both offered enough to warrant some amount of it, but I am happy to have other ways to build it if you are, Colonel." Sun Snake did not seem to register concern nor comfort regarding the mixing of the two groups, there simply seemed to be a wary detachment, as if contemplating a Samour move.

Sun Snake nodded to Sabre Fox's words. then lost himself in his own thoughts again.

Fox hadnt registered the Colonel's words at first, but with a smirk, decided to bring them up

"What better way to build up trust than to keep working together?" Fox echoed. "It sounds like you dont want to loose my good company Colonel" Fox chuckled

The Drakkar smirked.

"Of course I don't want to, Lord Fox - in fact, having you around is one of the more entertaining things in this whole mission. Tell me, have you ever considered the chance to trade that green cloak of yours for a dark armour? You would look stunning in it... or, so Zahira told me."

It was pretty evident that the Colonel's words were meant to be in jest.

"What can I say? I bring some merry cheer wherever I go" Fox smirked.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Fox continued

"Nah, I wouldnt be as nimble and flexible if I was clad in heavy armor......... despite the fashion implication benefits it would give me"

Vyctar chuckled.

"Ah, but it would make you much more sturdy against attacks, don't you think? Surely, that's an added advantage a warrior like you could use?"

"That it would" Fox nodded. "However, I prefer simply to not get hit at all. With my elegant speed and grace enabling me to avoid attacks rather than take them, the enemy expends far more energy when they miss attacks than when they connect with them, and I can easily outlast them"

The Colonel nodded.

"That's a good point, I suppose - and of course, you would be more comfortable with the kind of equipment you're used to."

There was a pause, and then he continued, clearly curious:

"However, isn't life as a Kai a bit limitating for a man so full of life as you are? You already proved discipline is not your biggest virtue; surely, the strict rules Kai have to follow cannot all be to your liking?"

"Sometimes" Fox said. "But when your the rank of Magnakai at my level and are in with the leaders of the Kai Order it does have its perks to preserve your relative freedom. I mean, its not like im confined to the Monastaries, and missions take me far and wide to enjoy myself along the way"

The Magnakai's words seemed to catch Vyctar's interest.

"Oh, so you're allowed things that other aren't? That's interesting. What are then, Lord Fox, the benefit of rank within your organization?"

He paused, then added, with a smirk:

"Because I hardly think they'll compare to the ones it gives in my own."

"I wouldnt so much as try and compare Colonel, for you are exactly that, a Colonel" Fox smirked.

"Although you forget Colonel, Sommenlending children are sent to the Monastary at and early age to develop their Kai abilities. This becomes thier home, and they have to be nurtured and educated as such. Upon becoming a Magnakai, you have earned the rank and privalage of your own room within the Monastary rather than Dormitorys, being able to come and go as you relatively please as well as use your own equipment. It is probabally not much different in concept that a military academy in how you were no doubt trained Colonel, and of course, the higher the rank the greater the privalages"

Vyctar smirked at Sabre Fox's comment.

"I'm sure, Lord Fox, that you would take no time to reach a rank pretty closer to the one I have, were you a Drakkar. However, I'm curious... you peak of the Kai as a military force, which I believe is appropriate. But if so, then tell me: what about the code of conduct? I'm... intrigued, at the thought of learning more about what kind of rules shapes your worldview. And let's be honest, is not like I'm very likely to have another chance of learning the Kai's belief from one of your own anytime soon, isn't it?"

"Code of conduct in what respect Colonel? General or did you have something more specific in mind?"

The Drakkar made a vague geture with his hand.

"Whatever you want to tell me, Lord Fox; prohibitions, general rules on how to act on missions, how much autonomy you're allowed while on mission... everything you'll find worthwile to say, I'll find worthwile to hear."

Don't want to interrupt the flow of Sabre and Vyctar's comments, so imagine this slots in when the exchange has died down :)


Sun Snake kept a passive face, watching lightly the interplay between the two. If he had any direct comment about Vyctar's questions, or even the implications of answering them, he didn't bring it up. Instead, he said at length with a simple tone, "Colonel, what of the matter in reverse? What would you ever do if you discovered one of your blood had Kai's gifts? Would they be welcomed? Would they be used? Would you allow them to seek their own path?"

Sun Snake also looked to Sabre Fox as he said, "An interesting question regarding hard and fast rules. We joined the order when Lone Wolf was the one left who knew the old ways. His decisions to uphold traditions or create new ones perhaps makes an official code fluid." Sun Snake looked to Sabre for support, as if happy to engage in a distacting but ultimately banal discussion. "I suppose one Kai taking arms against another would be a line. There are rogue Kai who are dangerous, but I cannot that, for example, taking up arms against a loyal Kai such as myself, or Rain Feather, or Laughing Shark, would be in line with any tennet of the order." Sun Snake then looked to Vyctar. "What of the Drakkar. Orders are to be obeyed without question, but can one of lower rank challenge one of higher rank to prove their correctness through combat? Can a Drakkar take up arms against another with impunity?"

"Well since you mentioned missions Colonel, I suppose I can start with that, since the old sour one here has already given you some insight" Fox said winking towards Sun Snake

"Once we are given a mission, we essentially have complete autonomy on how we are to complete that mission, whether it be through subterfuge or direct force. Of course there are common sense rules, such as massacaring a room full of children in order to reach out target would be completely unnaceptable as you could no doubt understand"

Thinking further, he continued

"We try to also remain out of conflicts that we are not directly involved in if neccassary in order to prevent us from taking sides with a country that has not sought our aid. This way gives the Kai more of a mercenary style than an actual military force as it were."

Something seemed to spring to Fox's mind

"Take the recent incident your aware of with the Warlord and the Doomstone. The Grand Master was contacted by Lencia which is our ally in order to destroy the Doomstone, yet he never actually took up arms against your Drakkarim in the conflict except when it was needed in order to reach the goal of the Doomstone. After all, he believes that wars between countries should not be influenced by those that are not needed"

He concluded

"But as you can imagine Colonel, the forces of the Kai are duty bound to help innocents around them. If during the mission there was an opportunity to stop bandits murdering defenceless women and children, we would be honour and morally obligated to assist them if we could"

The Drakkar colonel smirked at the two Kai's explanation.

"Indeed, your code is about what I expected it to be. Very interesting."

He paused, and then continued, looking at Sun Snake:

"Of course a lower ranked office can take arms against their superiors - but it need to be done publicly, in an open challenge; we frown upon assassinations as the act of cowards, not warriors. That said, a superior officer do has several advantages over their opponent - if they're challenged, then they're allowed to pick the kind of challenge, the field of battle, the time of it, and any other such details. And while the challenger's victory usually results in promotions... when the challengers loses, which is most of the time, then they're guilty of insubordination."

There was a meaningful pause at that, before the man concluded:

"And the penalties for insubordination are very harsh, Kai Lords... oh yes, very harsh indeed. Suffice to say, it's not often that such challenges are issued."

The menacing way the man's smirk widened a bit was not lost on any of the onlookers.

"You either make a successful challenge or die is what I see" Fox said matter of factly. "Then again, its not like the Kai have this sort of issue for power plays and such"

Did Vyctar deliberately avoid the first question?


Sun Snake did not react to Sabre Fox's comments, seemingly agreeing by his contemplative silence. He only had one thing to say to the Colonel's words. "If the challenge fails, then it was incorrect, and so insubordination would seem a logical conclusion. If the challenge was correct, the challenger would have won. Yes?"

Vyctar nodded, quite seriously.

"Yes, Lord Snake, that's exactly it. Remember, one who is an higher ranking officer has already earned that position through combat as well as showing their ability to lead on the battlefield - it's really not probable that they would be wrong about something."

Then he turned to Sabre Fox, and added:

"As for what you say, Lord Fox... there are many ways to die. Some, like a proper death by fighting, or a calculated sacrifice of soldiers to allow the greater victory of the army, are noble, and worth remembering. Others are not, and some are shameful. So, while what you say about dying is essentially correct, in that losing the challenge would result in death either way... the death of a Drakkar guilty of insubordination is as shameful as it can get. We take these things seriously."

"Im glad to say that the Kai have never really had to deal with these matters. Of course we are all people after all. We argue and disagree, but it never goes to the point of being killed, either in a fight or by execution......... I think its been many centuries since anything close like that even happened"

Sun Snake again sat without really taking on the words around him other than a vague acknowledgement of those speaking around him. If he had any insights that Sabre Fox did not regarding matters of in fighting or excecutionn, he did not show it.  After a pause, and after a tiny look to one of the sergeants behind Vyctar's back, he said, "You did not answer my first question regarding a Kai-blessed Drakkar. It is truly beyond possibility?"

Vyctar looked at Sun Snake with a calculating glance, and then answered, in a very neutral tone:

"If we ever managed to get a Kai in our ranks, they would reach the rank and position that their skill would deserve. We wouldn't do them any favoritism, nor discriminate them; that's not the Drakkar way."

He paused, and then added, his expression clearly curious:

"Why do you ask that, Lord Snake?"

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar. "One starts with an extreme case, to get a feel for the boundaries of a situation. So, that would apply erqually to one whom, say, had merely been raised by and affiliated with the Acolytes of Vashna?" Sun Snake said it lightly, as if he did not mind if Vyctar believed him or not. Or more likely, as if the discussion was simply as inconsequential and time-passing as it seemed.

Vyctar seemed perplexed by the question.

"Of course. Why would it be different?"

He paused, then amended, in a thoughtful tone:

"Obviously, before enlisting somebody not native of the Hammerlands into our army, we would have to both make sure they meet our standards, and that they're not spies, but other than that, I can't think of any other difficulties."

"There you go Snake, if I ever feel like a career change, then im pretty much a shoe in from what the Colonel has been saying!" Fox said smirking

Sun Snake gave an approximation of a genuine smile at Vyctar's first comment. "It shouldn't be any different, but sometimes a person will give an idealised answer to something that is fanciful, compared to something that is feasable. I would assume you not one of them, but assumptions are never a firm basis for gathering informaiton."

Sun Snake went back to his detatched pose. "So have you lost any Drakkar to the Vashite's cause in the past? I am surprised you have smashed in here as an enemy to the acolytes, given you could loosely be said to have been on the same side once. Is there no hope of the Hammerlanders establishing such links once more, then?"

Sun Snake gave another smile at Sabre's words, and even managed a wink in return. "I think the Colonel might be more interested in you than me for recruitment," he said at length. After a pause, he then said, idly to Sabre Fox, "Do you recall the ornamentation on Alyne's sword?"

Vyctar chuckled at Sun Snake's comment.

"Unluckily, my goal and the Acolyte's goal are, at the moment, quite antitetical - differently from you, Lord Snake, I would not be able to work with them to any reasonable degree."

There was a pause, and he nodded amicably to Sabre Fox quip, answering in a manner that was partly serious:

"And we would gladly have a warrior of your caliber among us, Lord Fox."

His interest, however, was piqued by Sun Snake's last words, as he leaned forward to hear better - but he didn't said anything more.

Thinking about it, Fox rubbed his chin

"Not sure. Why? I'd probably remember if you say why knowing how my awkward mind works" he sniggered

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar. "Perhaps the Colonel could hazard a guess?" he asked, again lightly as if passing the time with a child's game.

The man shook his head.

"I have no idea, although the name is clearly not a Kai one; in fact, it sounds more Hammerlander than Sommerlending, and as you're speaking of swords, I was wondering if you were discussing somebody I knew. Though I can't really remember any Drakkarim with that name... unless it was somebody you fought in the Wars? I wasn't yet as high ranked as I'm now back then - I wouldn't know the name of all commanders dispatched on the Sommerlending border at the time."

"Is the crossed hammers a common adornment on a Hammerlander soldier's blade?" Sun Snake then detailed Alyne's father's sword, though keeping careful to never indicate Alyne's connection to the sword, nor even give a single hint at who Alyne was.

The only hint Sun Snake gave was to say, "And by my previous question, you might guess that the owner may not have been assigned to the Sommlending border but somewhere...closer."


Sun Snake's face was nothing but neutral and disinterested, and he flashed Sabre a quick look and a shake of the head, as if trying to indicate that he too should not react.

Post is here!

At Sun Snake's comment, Vyctar seemed downright intrigued.

"Hammers are everywhere in our heraldics, of course, but crossed hammers specifically are only the symbol of my own division; we all have it on our shield, and each officer get the honor of having the symbol engraved in the pommel of their sword as well."

He tilted his weapon without drawing it and tapped the pommel so the two Kai could see it, before letting go of it and assuming a thoughtful expression.

"So, closer to you than the border, you say? Then I suppose it would have been one of the platoons that were added to Darklord's Taaktal invasion force, or those serving under Kragenskuul, as they were the only two Darklords who actually led attacks deep into Sommerlund territory. I wasn't yet in command of the division at that time, but I do was already part of it, and I remember at least three of the main groups, of which this Alyne of yours might have been part."

The Colonel looked at the two Kai closely, trying to see what their reaction to his words was, and then started to explain.

"A group was assigned to the Darkfleet, and I believe they were holding the heart of the blockade to your northern ports until your leader smashed through it - they were one of the most successful forces throughout the war. Then there was the main forces associated with the field army, which I believe were murdered during the Route of Shadow Pass for the most part. Either of those would have been easier for you to fight in the wars; is there that you met this person that caught so much of your attention?"

He paused, tapping his sword in thought, and then went on:

"And then there would have been the raiding parties, the mixed forces of Hammer of Blood and Rekenarim troops that conquered several small villages in your southern province of Ruanon and kept them for about two years before they were took back by your forces; it was at the beginning of the Wars. I seems to remember that several of the villages were burned to the ground from the sky by Skyship attacks of the Toran mages; they said that even the commoners who had consorted with the enemy were murdered... some men who survived reported back to me that the mages didn't appreciated your people mixing blood with ours, that it was a betrayal of your nation. I know some survivors escaped to the Stornlands rather than fleeing back to the Hammerlands; perhaps this Alyne who so much impressed you was one of those survivors, and that's how she ended up being more inside your lands at a time when no Drakkarim should have been there?"

Vyctar stopped again, and then smirked, looking at Sun Snake with much more interest than he had since ever - almost as if, for the first time, he was sizing him up as an actual opponent.

"And of course, as you surely know, the rest of the villages were reconquered by your legendary kin... I have not the pleasure to know his name, but I know that he killed some of our finest officers - the men called him the Walking Nightmare. It was said that he entered some villages alone, and when he left there were no survivors; like a wraith of vengeance, the legend went, if you fell in one of his ambushes, you would not survive. I know for certain that he led one of our main attack forces into a trap, luring them with the promise of a weak Sommerlending regiment, a couple hundreds at most; our force was two-thousand strong, sure that it would manage to defeat any opposition... and then they disappeared, and we never again heard of them - but we did found the burned village with their remains turned to ashes when we sent our scouts to check, a couple of months later. He's the only Kai whom head is worth more than Starfire's in the Hammerlands - if one was able to prove they'd killed the Walking Nightmare, we would make him Baron. I guess that man would have had the chance of meeting many, many fighters from the Hammer of Blood... are you that man, Lord Snake? Is that how you met this Alyne of yours?"

The smirk had clearly turned as hungry as that of a predator, and there was a burning flame of eagerness in the Colonel's eyes; as for his sergeants, they were holding their breath, and their helmeted heads were all turned in Sun Snake's direction.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Mon 10 Sept 2012.

Vyctar called Alyne 'she' but Sun Snake did not reveal anything about Alyne. So unless it is an obvious female name or this is a hint, should he be calling Alyne 'she'?


Sun Snake politely listening, registering no reaction to the comments.

"I meant closer to us here, actual Colonel," said Sun Snake at large, looking off in to the distance. He seemed to take his time to respond to the question, as if oblivious, or as if considering something more important.

"That is a odd question to ask," said Sun Snake, looking to Vyctar as if still distracted, and not noticing the worrying focus that the question had created in the Drakkar. "If I was this 'Walking Nightmare' of yours, I cannot imagine I would confirm any suspicions and put you on your guard."

Sun Snake focused on Vyctar, though his eyes did glance one at a time to the sergeants behind. "I am not your prized Kai, Colonel."

Vyctar smirked at the answer.

"Perhaps not, Lord Snake, but who knows? You're the one who'd like for our cooperation to be based upon more solid foundations - as such, it would be in your best interest not to lie. I gave you my word we wouldn't fight you unless attacked first; I would keep it even if you do were that legend."

He paused, then added with a smile:

"Although I'm happy to know you aren't. Honestly, I expected him to be somewhat more treatening, and with all due respect, while you're clearly a skilled leader, you don't have a fearsome presence."

Sun Snake seemed to give a small distant smile at the Colonel's words. "Thank you," he said, nodding slightly to himself but not elaborating on exactly what he was thanking the Drakkar for.

Sun Snake looked to Sabre Fox, as if to see if the man had any reaction to the tales himself.

Fox had no idea what Snake was going on about, however as the story began to unfold the gears in his head were turning until he realised what they were talking about. He did not show his reaction to the Colonel, Snake had given him 'the look' as he now dubbed it that it wouldnt be wise.

However something else stirred his memory

"I was at the battle of Shadows Pass Colonel serving with Master Starfire, were you not there also? It appears we may go further back than we realise" Fox smirked

But he added something else

"Who is this Walking Nightmare? I like to keep my names up to date, but Ive no idea who you speak of. The nearest I can think of is the Grand Master, but I hardly think he deserves such a description in that manner"

I might be going mad, but Ive no idea who that is off the top of my head

You're not supposed to, Sabre Fox - that's foreshadowing and adding details to things other players' already knows to make what's going on clearer to them - and I might be speaking of players in the Toran thread who are following along. Don't worry about it too much - they'll find a way to inform you eventually. Meanwhile, you just note down the information so that you can act on them should it be needed! ^_^

Vyctar shook his head sadly at Sabre Fox's words.

"I'm sorry to say, Lord Fox, that I wasn't dispatched on the Sommerlending front at the time - my platoon was busy trying to conquer and then hold Illion. The area was supposed to be softened up by internal strife before the Wars, but in the end it wasn't, so most of us had to be dispatched there because the opposition was much stronger than planned, and it slowed us down enormously. Still, that just meant my skills were more evident as a result and I raised through the ranks faster, so it wasn't an overall bad deal."

He shrugged, then looked at Sabre fox and added, with a smirk:

"As for your supposition, I have my doubts that your leader could have been the one freeing those cities - unless, of course, he was able to somehow send his spirit here from the Daziarn to fight against us. I know that your leader powers are supposedly unlimited, but surely that's not actually true?"

There seemed to be genuine curiosity in the Drakkar's voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:55, Tue 11 Sept 2012.

Ok, I love 'the look' so much I'll use it fom now on :D

Sun Snake gave Sabre Fox 'the look' again, although there seems no urgency nor malice behind it. "We should pehaps not speculate, as all that naming the Kai can do is effectively sign someone's death warrant." Sun Snake did not seem to feel the need to elaborate on whose warant it might be, although he did flick a gaze to one of the segeants before regarding Vyctar again.

"Once more, you might suspect I would not tell you if I knew, but I shall say it anyway - I have no idea who this 'Walking Nightmare' might be. We Kai were spread thin during the war." Sun Snake was about to say more, but clearly thought better of it and the small spark of interest and engagement seemed to die again.

Vyctar nodded to Sun Snake's comment.

"That's understandable - and I'm not surprised to be informed that those were secret missions anyway; it just make sense to have plausible deniality, doesn't it?"

The Drakkar didn't seemed particularly surprised, nor in any way offended, by Sun Snake clear reticence in speaking.

"Well that explains it. If it was during the war, then I was that busy on the front lines that I wouldnt really pay that sort of thing much attention. If you came at me with a sword in the wars, you got killed, so names were not at the top of my list" Fox said

The conversation went on.

Vyctar nodded at Sabre Fox's words.

"Understandable; and as I said, I wasn't dispatched to your front, so we would have had no chance to meet, anyway."

Then he turned to Sun Snake, and continued:

"So, which were the conditions in which you met this Alyne? And why is her sword so important?"

Sun Snake was lost in his own thoughts, and came back to the conversation distractedly. "I do not think those questions are mine to answer, just as you will not answer for Zahira. If you meet Alyne, perhaps she can answer them herself."

Sun Snake looked to the distance.

Vyctar raised an eyebrow.

"So she's currently alive, and you consider her enough of an ally that you keep her secrets? That's interesting."

He paused, then asekd, with a grin:

"If what you say is true, then tell me... why did you brought up her sword in the first place?"

Sun Snake was still looking down the corridor back to where they had come. "A confirmation, a gamble, an enticement," said Sun Snake lightly and distractedly. He then looked back to Vyctar. "You might think back on my questions before the sword was brought up. Whether you would accept an acolyte to your ranks. You may well be able to ask Alyne the questions yourself. Indeed, I hope you may be able to, if you are suitably invested in her existance now."

Sun Snake then looked back to where Rain Feather was. "Although we can go nowhere until Rain Feather has finished." Sun Snake said it with no real emotion of hopefulness nor expectation, although his look was thoughtful looking back that was, and a slight crease in his brow.

The Drakkar raised an eyebrow.

"So, you're tell me that this Alyne is a Drakkar who deserted to serve the Acolytes, but now she's your ally, and you are trying to get her reinstated into our forces?"

There was a pause, then the man smirked in amusment.

"You're a man resourceful and full of surprise, Lord Snake... and I find that intriguing; indeed, I am not sure on your actual skills in combat, but I want you to know that I aknowledge the fact that you would be a worthy opponent to face."

"Her choices are hers, and I would not presume to say how we are regarded. I am just making sure the possibilities exist for her. And to further that point, I would say that she was most likely deserted rather than the deserter."

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar. There was the ghost of a smile on his face, as if intellectually acknowledgeing something amusing. He nodded. "Thank you. Especially if by that logic you must also entertain the possibility that some of the thigns I say could be right."

Sun Snake looked away again. "I would far prefer to not have to prove them across a field of battle, of course. I hope that's not seen as a weakness, but rather a manifestation of my believes." Again the ghost of a smile as he quickly looked to Vyctar. "And of course, an acknowledgement of your own skills. And by no means limited to those of combat."

Vyctar nodded, aknowledging Sun Snake compliment, before speaking again.

"So, Lord Snake, you seems to have a lot of knowledge about this woman - and what's more, you seem to care about her fate, even if she's part of two factions that both are enemies to you. I must admit my curiosity... what did she did, that gained so much of your interest?"

Sun Snake again gave a wan smile. "I gambled to get your interest. Perhaps you can forgive me for not satisfying your curiosity so soon without you encountering her yourself. Although you can answer the question partially yourself - what reason do you think think I am so keen to ground our own alliance? Do you believe my previous words?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Tue 18 Sept 2012.

The man was clearly intrigued by Sun Snake's words.

"So you're trying to prove your point, isn't it? That's interesting... the more I hear you speak, Lord Snake, the more fascinating your opinions become; I think I can see why, if you have personal knowledge of a Drakkar who is on friendly term with you, you would consider the possibility of a long term alliance with us."

He smirked.

"Now I'm very curious about this woman that made you think such an alliance was possible... I look forward to meeting her."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Wed 19 Sept 2012.

Sorry, I'd left a gap for Sabre Fox to inteject before we got too far ahead, and then got busy enough to forget the ball was in Snake's court!


Sun Snake nodded, even the ghost of his humour seemingly retreating back behind the detatched expression on his face. It was as if he was trying to puzzle something out.

"Words without actions are merely words. I could hardly test the faith of my own opinion if I did not pursue an opportunity. Be assured, it is your own nature more than any that makes me think...perhaps not a permanent alliance, but certainly co-existance - is possible. We are all human, and too often the battle lines drawn are not of our own making."

Sun Snake looked to Vyctar, but almost through him, as if trying to move pieces around in his head. "I am curious how that meeting will go aswell." He looked beyond Vyctar towards one of the sergeants, giving the same odd look.

Well, since Rain hasn't had the chance to post this week, is not like we are in a hurry, so there's no need for you to apologize, Sun Snake. :)

Vyctar smirked in clear amusement at Sun Snake's words.

"You know, Lord Snake, before meeting you, I had a different image of the Kai as well, and never would have considered the change of an alliance with them a believable one. But now, I'm actually starting to consider it... who knows, when we're done with this mission, I might ask for a diplomatic one, to see if there's any way we can work together toward, find a common ground."

He nodded slightly, although there was a certain smugness to his expression as well, as if his words were also a concession of a certain magnitude.

"You never know, it may even be worth trying to form an alliance to take the Darklands. After all, the beasts that dwell there are a common enemy after all" Fox said with a wink

Vyctar nodded at Sabre Fox's words.

"Indeed, they are a common enemy - and having the Kai help with sorting out the choas there will surely be very useful for our goal."

"Thats if neither of us are hanged for treason for merely suggesting the idea of course" Fox chuckled. "Although, you would realise that you would have to make one concession for our support dont you Colonel?"

Vyctar raised an eyebrow in clear interest.

"You think so, Lord Fox? And what would such concession have to be, in your opinion?"

Sun Snake had slowly raised an eyebrow at the mention of a diplomatic request, and his expression had the polite air of one trying to work out if what had been said was true. He slowly looked backwards and forwards to Sabre Fox as the man spoke and Vyctar answered, also apparently interested in the consession Fox was speaking of.

Raising an eyebrow Fox spoke

"Do you really have to ask?...... But if you insist, how about having the Darklands as your own empire and stopping there, allowing the rest of Free Magnamund to remain exactly that. After all, its only the agents of Naar that seek total domination. Would the Darklands simply not be enough?"

Vyctar chuckled at Sabre Fox's words.

"Ah, that's an interesting proposition, Lord Fox - and one, I'm afraid, I can't really answer right now... but, who know? As I said, subjugating the Darklands is going to take a very long time; and who knows, if our people work together for so long to accomplish the same goal, perhaps one day what you just said won't sound so outlandish as it does now."

"Well if it was a case of deciding now then chances are we would be hung for teason as I said" Fox winked.

"But either way its a noble goal, and probabally most of Northern Magnamund may even join in the endevour if it meant wiping out the last of Naar's hordes"

Sun Snake's expression had faded to even more disinterest once the consession had been announced, and he lapsed back in to his thoughtful staring, this time at the wall. His gaze only turned back when Sabre mentioned joiningforces to wipe out Naar's hordes.

"A necessary goal, perhaps. Yet the Darklands are not where Naar's first champions spawned, and unless something changes they may not be the last stain upon Magnamund. The Doomlands of Naaros, now the Darklands - slowly but surely Naar makes this place a wasteland even if his champions fall. Perhaps all Naar needs do is wait until there is nothing left uncorrupted - not Sommerlund, not the Hammerlands - not even Southerm Magnamund."

Sujn Snake looked off. "Anyway, that is perahaps a flight of fancy. I am sure there are more pressing and real matters to test the idea of alliance, ones that may well flirt with treason."

Sun Snake did not look to the rest, seemingly focused on the air infront of him now.

Vyctar smirked in amusement at Sun Snake's words.

"Oh, Lord Snake, I'm sure that having our help in accomplishing your mission cannot really be considered treason, can it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Thu 27 Sept 2012.

"Old man sour strikes again!" Fox chuckled. "Always have to put a dampener on a nice chat dont you?" He sniggered

"But in your sense Snake, it would be illogical and rather impractical to try and take the Doomlands first which are across the Tentaris. We should focus on our own corner of the world first before moving onto the rest" He said, all scholar like

"Indeed, it is far more likely your own mission is the one that skirts with danger," said Sun Snake apparently to Vyctar. "And I daresay helping it is not action that could be the treasonous one." Sun Snake did not expound upon what the action could be, having said the comment almost as if voicing a passing thought out loud.

He instead actually looked to Sabre Fox, although clearly the words were for Vyctar just as much as his fellow Kai. "I was more thinking of it being futile to try and retake one blasted land when history has shown that Naar will continue to generate them in his slow yet pervasive way. Another small attempt to say that perhaps Magnamund would be best served free of the overarching war forged by Naar. However, perhaps such comments can be seen as being one note, and reeking of a certain religious zealotism."

There was a ghost of a smile to Sabre at both the previous comments from Sabre and Sun Snake's response now, but they seemed too easy to fade fom his face, as if passing across briefly rather than flowing from the man himself.

"Snake, you know we fight side by side, but I couldnt disagree more there. Im totally with the Colonel here on retaking the Darklands, perhaps for different reasons"

Taking a breath he continued

"You said to retake one land would be futile, and that Naar will just make more. Retaking them now stops that, I mean, what if he keeps taking them and we do nothing? In the end he will win by pure attrition because too much of the world will be wasteland because we didnt bother to do anything in the time that we were able to. We have to be proactive here. Even if its not in our life time, we have to make sure Naar doesnt win even if it takes him milleniums"

Sun Snake did not seem to notice the disagreement for a moment, perhaps thinking it was speech to Vyctar and then realising his name had been mentioned. He came back to the discussion without any real investment. "Silently recount to yourself, of the four major incidents the order has reacted to in the past years, how many were masterminded by those remainign in the Darklands? Indeed, how many even touched upon that land? Concentrating on the Darklands denies Naar an established set of tools, nothing more nor less. I do not deny its importance in that regard, yet I do not see it yielding to an ultimate victory. A body ravaged by disease cannot be allowed to grow too weak, but only trying to fix that which is weakened without destroying the disease is futile. That was my only point."

Sun Snake seemed ready to lapse in to silence again, but slowly looked to Vyctar. "And tactically in that regards, conquering the Darklands is therefore no more than us ensuring the keys to the armoury are safe, and that our patient is stable. All the while taking focus from predicting and preventing the rise of Naar's next champions. Whereas to the Drakkar, and correct me if I am wrong Colonel, the Darklands represents a significant increase in powerbase, a bountiful land that no one else can meaningfully invade. would you really wish to be no more than caretakers and caregivers?"

Sun Snake did not seem to have a conclusion, and faded out of the discussion.

Vyctar seemed intrigued by Sun Snake's comment.

"Indeed, lord Snake, I never denied that conquering the Darklands would be a mean to increase our powers - and I'm sure you'll agree that us bringing the monsters that lay in hiding there under our control is going to be better for everybody, but better for us than for anybody else."

He made a vague gesture with his hand, and then continued, clearly curious:

"However, do tell me, what do you mean when you talk of caretakes and caregivers? I'm afraid I am failing to grasp the meaning of your words."

Gonna wait for Snake's response to Vyctar first before Fox responds

"Millions of Giaks and Kraan, significant amounts of more talented spawn, the remaining factions of the Nadziran, the devices of those creatures... are you simply going to provide a good home for those not slaughtered in the taking of the Darklands? Are you going to attempt to heal the wound of that place to purge the twists the Nadziran inflicted on your own race to breath the air of that place? It seems to be a significant tactical advantage you would lose in healing that place. And a waste of a warrior race to be no more than a permenant occupying force in a blasted land otherwise."