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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 2:40:24 GMT -5
Marilee in Falling
Hierophant of Chislev Talidaar, Marilee, and Las were created by DCR
The Inciting Incident
Story One
Marilee in Falling
Chapter One: Falling Summer Home South West Ansalon The occupied Qualinesti Forest Marilee Arbagon is in shock. Her life flashes before her eyes. Minutes ago, she was a leader at a table of leaders deciding the plan to attack. She thinks of her twin sister, who was always by your side, but now isn’t. You don’t blame her; she couldn’t keep fighting at my side as a mother. Though feather fall would be nice about right now. She opened a fighting school in New Ports and led the Sun Hawks Mercenary company. She says goodbye to her Sisters and her brothers, her dead mom….. Marilee and her griffon are falling from the sky. Her Griffon Avros was impaled by a ballista bolt from nowhere. Her life-partnered Griffon is dying, but flaps its wings and catches up to her lifelong friend, Marilee grabs hold, the griffon tries with all its might, and begin to rise, and then crashes into the ancient forest. Marilee tumbles past trees and rolls in the leaves and comes to a stop. She knows her Mount Avros is dead. The life beat they shared; she is alone… She moves, pain. She is not alone. She thinks she can stand… She stands but is in terrible pain, she doesn’t know what’s broken, how she is still alive. She thinks…. Through the pain…. She holds up her arms – pain She says the only thing she thinks will get her out of this alive. She looks at her dead Griffon Avros one more time. Hundreds of Goblins and some Hobgoblins race to her location. They see her standing- She speaks in Goblin “I surrender, my father is Talidaar, the Hierophant speaker of Chislev!!” Marilee is knocked unconscious- |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 2:41:46 GMT -5
DM Note: I will take this opportunity to describe the Twins- First, they are identical, Second, they are two very beautiful young elven women. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Both were gifted young griffons when they were young. They bonded with the Griffons early on. The twins ran a mercenary company called the Sun Hawks. Their services have been used against the Goblins since the War of Souls. Though they had long stayed together, combining sword and sorcery for many years. On a voyage to the Dragon Isles, Las fell for a mariner and they fell in love. This one stuck, as they were soon married and sailing the seas. Baby number one came along. Nothing can fully prepare you for parenthood, but they have tried to make it work and are still in love these many years later. This has led to some separation anxiety at times, and a fair helping of guilt, especially after today. Hierophant of Chislev
Story One
Chapter Two The Twin
Las was created by DCR, Mikal created by Stephen D. Sullivan South Central Ansalon Southern Abanasinia Coast of New Sea New Ports (Port City) Las is currently at port, in New Ports. visiting her school, seeing that it is still being run smoothly. Her Husband is buying supplies for their next voyage, so she has baby Kira with her today. 10 months old. She looks forward to seeing her family. All of a sudden, she feels terrible pain, it is everything to just put the baby back in her carriage and she falls to the ground. Kira sits there in her carriage for a few moments, and then climbs up and looks for her mom, who must be hiding and playing with her. Las sees flashes of Marilee's griffon, laying on the ground, not moving. and then Marilee was knocked out. Las feels a tenth of it. She staggers up and walks to a teacher at her school and asks her for help. Soon she is out the door and yells for her husband Mikal. He comes running. She tells him to watch Kira, and that she will be back. He sees panic on his wife's face. He tells her he has her, go, do whatever you need to do. She nods her head to him and then she is off. She calls her Griffon Adami to come in from the sky. Her mount relents and lands and birds and fisherman get back away from the beast. Las runs and climbs on her faithful mount's back. Las whispers a few words in sylvan, and Adami launches from its powerful hind legs and launches itself into the sky. They veer North and climb to a safe height and fly for Merwellyn forest. |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 2:42:32 GMT -5
Marilee Falling
Chapter Three: Translated from Goblin Translated from Goblin “Wake up!” Marilee’s eyes focus in and out and then out again. “This won’t do! Dar! you hit this one too hard!” The Goblin King Agog complains to the Hobgoblin Sgt. “I’m sorry Boss, she’s an elf. I hate elves.” The brutish Hobgoblin answers “Honest, but not helpful Sargent. Try to wake her again” The King tells the Shaman. “Hey-Ho you wake.” the shaman pushes on her ribs. Common “OW, OW, What the holy flippin hells!! DON” T DO THAT AGAIN.” The Elf yells menacingly at her captors. Goblin- “We have questions for you, listen!” The Shaman barks at the elf “Elf, these goblins say that you said you are the daughter of the On the High Druid of Chislev.” King Agog states. “He’s the Hierophant of Chislev, the highest of the high ones. His Name is Talidaar.” Marilee answers. “He knows you are here?” The King asks. “We disagreed on me coming here. But yeah, he knows I’m here.” “Why don’t we just kill her?” The Hobgoblin Dar asks. “Sargent, leave. No, no you’re done, out. As you were saying miss” The Goblin King says. “The reason we disagreed, is because I told him he could end the war if he came here. He could find a way for the Elves and Goblins to make peace.” “What makes you think he could do that.” The King asks “Because he could step out from that tree and join us right now if he knew where I was,” Marilee answers. “He can step through Trees. What else can he do.” The King asks He can wake the forest and run you from here in a day.” Marilee answers factually. “Why hasn’t he already if he can just do this with the wave of his hand.” King Agog asks, growing more agitated “Because, because… I, I think he feels like he can’t do everything for people who, though they have suffered, and lost everything, have to fight and find a way for themselves and not have it handed to them. I argued and argued. I argued for the lives that could be saved and spared. But he said it was Porthios that presses the war, and he can’t get behind it. He felt peace could be achieved, but he doesn’t think either side is at that point yet. He’s cynical like that. We haven’t suffered enough to sue for peace.” Marilee thinks of her dead griffon. “I want something to drink… please.” |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 2:42:59 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Story One
Chapter Four Dad Central Abanasinia (The closest town is Digfel) Dire Wood (Merwellyn Forest) Dae Dyrnastaerynfalos (Family Keep, hidden deep in the Forest) The Shelter's walls are made from living wood. Each of the five "points" of the Pentagon are Redwoods. The walls are formed from roots that start roughly 40 feet up the sides of the trees, and angle down to 36 feet in the middle, merging with the neighboring tree's roots, in all, constructing a keep nearby to the Main House where Talidaar had lived since arriving in Merwellyn 65 years ago. The pentagon-shaped structure, to serve, as his family's keep is 500 feet per side, each floor is 420,000 sq. foot. It is three stories in height, plus 1 basement, and 1/2 subbasement, thus the total sq. footage of the Keep is 1,890,000 sq. feet. Talidaar is 6', with long brown hair with a medium-growth brown beard. Some grey has sunk in in his hair and beard. His eyes are green. Talidaar is a Half-Elf, born in the Time of Darkness. Men invaded the realms of elves. Even as he aged very little with his elven heritage from his mother. His rank as a druid has brought him to a point where he does not age anymore. Simple brown robes and his staff are his usual daily wear. He has just finished dinner with his family when he hears his wife Lashia say something. Talidaar walks back into the Kitchen to see what she was saying. “I said Las just landed, alone.” Talidaar looks out the window to see Las running toward the keep. “Somethings wrong.” Talidaar and his wife walk outside and catch Las as she collapses in her father and stepmother’s arms. Las catches her breath and says “Lee, Marilee is hurt, her Griffon is dead, she’s been knocked out.” Las feels her father hug her a little deeper and then takes and knee and asks Las if Marilee is still alive.? In a small voice, Las says “Yes, I think so.” Talidaar stands up and walks past his Wife and Daughter to his supply room. Lashia brings Las into the Kitchen and gives her a drink of water. Las’s hands are shaking. Lashia goes to the Bar and pours a shot of the fire whiskey. She brings it to Las, who downs the shot, and says “Thanks” Lashia proceeds to start packing some food for Las and Talidaar. She prepares a cooking kit. Time elapsed: Seven Minutes Talidaar comes out prepared with a satchel bag and takes his staff from its place by the Door. He looks at Las, who is calming down. “Las, get some Spell Components, let's go” Las gets up and runs her laboratory. Talidaar’s children with Lashia -Daera elf girl (in honor of Damara) Born in 377 AC and is Forty-Five. Sator, a boy (named in Hornor of Rotas was born in 382 AC and is Forty. (The elves of the World are considered adults when they reach 80 human years.) Talidaar calls his children to him and tells them to mind their Mom and he kisses them in turn on their heads and then steals a quick kiss from his wife. She tells him to “Be careful.” He takes in her face and hugs her deeply. She hands him the food bag and Talidaar walks outside. Elapsed time: 15 Minutes Las comes out and hugs her dad. “I’m going to see what I can see. If I can grab her, I will. I just need to see what I’m dealing with. Why don’t you try to find the Elven Command and tell them to back off until I find my daughter? “Las nods, she runs to her Griffon Adami, and it gets a good running start and leaps into the air and orients south, by the west. Talidaar finds a good solid oak and steps into the Tree and travels to Qualinesti. |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:26:28 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Marilee in Falling
Chapter Five: The Table Marille awakes with a start. She is strapped to a table, with some sort of headgear fitted on her head, and a dragonman finishing surgery on her. “Where am I? Who are you?” The Elf asks. The room is empty but for the stitching up her mid-section “I am called Cruyl little one. You passed out, I examined your wounds. Some internal bleeding, and broken ribs. You are very lucky to be alive. You are lucky that you were given to Cruyl, or you would have died hours ago being questioned. Maybe that’s what you wanted yes?” “The drink was drugged? I should’ve seen that coming.” Marilee concedes. She knows she is in danger. The Black Brood was some of the vilest Draconians to ever draw breath. And have been in league with the Goblins for years now. This is a Bozak, spellcaster. Damn. “Now that little one is no longer in danger of death, we should continue the questioning yes. I’m told your father is a very important follower of Chislev. At least that is what you have claimed. Will he come to Qualinesti looking for you?” Marilee questions if she said too much earlier. “I think he will, yes.” Marilee eyes a box that the Bozak is digging in. He pulls out the most wicked torture implements she has ever seen. “What’s that for?” “Oh, this? This is in case I don’t believe you.” |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:26:55 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Story One
Chapter Six: Qualinesti Elapsed time: Twenty-Two Minutes Talidaar reaches Qualinesti. He steps from a large Maple and into the land of his birth. He looks around, seeing and hearing that he is alone, he communes with the Forest. He begins shifting through the information, he looks for his daughter. Collecting information, using blades of grass, leaves, birds, squirrels, fungi… looking, looking… Goblins… Hobgoblins…Bandits…Draconians? |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:27:18 GMT -5
War to Retake Qualinesti
Story One
Chapter Seven: Orexas Southwest Ansalon Northern Qualinesti Las locates the Elven Camp and she and her griffon Adami circle and lands in the Griffon staging area. She hurriedly looks for the closest officer and asks to be taken to Alhana. Once her identity was confirmed, she is taken to Alhana Starbreeze. She tells her that her sister’s griffon went down in Qualinesti and has been captured and is being held alive, for now. Alhana sees her husband, who has recently returned from a sortie. Las carefully watches his reaction. She has always shared her father’s dislike for Porthios Kanan, or whatever he is calling himself these days. Orexas sees Las and that he being observed gives no outward reaction for her to be able to discern. Las's sister Marilee understood him much more than Las ever did. Marilee came down here to help the elves reclaim their home. She felt it was a duty much more than Las did. She walks to him and says, “I want you to pull back your army until my sister is found.” Orexas says “The attack is over. Our Forces have pulled back. We were testing their defenses. They have built and employing Ballista now. That’s new.” “Yeah well, my sister got shot down on your attack.” “You have my condolences; many have died this day; the Lioness has not returned yet…” “Due to another one of your psychotic plans” He walks away from the confrontation, leaving his wife to calm the situation. Orexas/Porthios keeps walking and inwardly smiles. |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:28:06 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Story One
Chapter Eight: Help Qualinesti- Talidaar is still looking for his daughter. He has found the downed griffon. He pats the griffon’s head and says a prayer. He is still connected to the forest and he sees an elf in the forest. He has to make sure whether it is Marilee or not. The Lioness moves through the forest, following from a distance where she says she saw where they took Marilee. She’s alone, but it’s a matter of respect. A Tree comes alive to her right and she startles, then walks to the tree. The face says “Queen Kerianseray, it is Talidaar Druid of Chislev. I am looking for my daughter Marilee.” The Lioness has seen stranger things in her life, she knows of Talidaar. “Yes, the old Ergoth fort. That’s where the Brood has been based. It will be very dangerous. I hoped to grab her and call in my griffon to escape. That was the optimistic plan” “Exceptionally bold, foolhardy, and I love you because of it. But how about we do it smartly.” “I’m listening” |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:29:04 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Marilee in Falling
Chapter Nine: The Black Brood
Southwest Ansalon, Southern Qualinesti The first session was over. The questioning was extensive. The Testimony is fantastical. What could easily be lies, rings true in her words. The Bozak leaves the Room and goes to see his boss, the Aurak, Ortaz to get his opinion on the matter. Ortaz is one of the old guards that grew unsatisfied with his rank and position in Teyr. He left and took eggs and females with him and left with his Brood of Draconian followers. He took his Brood’s services to the Dragon Overlord Beryllinthranox (commonly called Beryl), who from observations from afar, seemed the sanest of the Overlords. Beryl accepted the Black Brood into her service gladly. She was most tired of goblins, though she had found a few that were exceptional strategists, like General Galzin. The Black Brood and Galzin worked together very well in the war against the Greysword's Mercenary company. Ortaz is an Aurak Draconian with a sadistic demeanor. The Bozak Draconian Cruyl comes in and asks if they can speak. Ortaz was awaiting this report. “Yes, come in. What is your impression of her?” Cruyl hands Ortaz the Testimony. “A most unique subject. Filled with contradictions” “Are you trying to tell me she is telling different stories or that her family is complex?” Ortaz asks. As the Draconians discuss the subject. Is Talidaar really that powerful? Ortaz says that Beryl was afraid of him, what does that tell you? Back in the room, on the table, Marilee is steadily losing hope. She hopes they can reach her in time. Marilee begins to feel something begin to tickle her hand, she begins to feel vines freeing her hands and her feet. Thank Chislev! That’s all fine and good, but she doubts she will get far. She feels she has fractured bones. The vines came from underground. She thinks she is in a ruin of some kind, but she can’t think where she is. The Door opens- Marilee readies to fight tooth and nail to her last breath. She looks- She sees a familiar face-The Lioness-A wild elf of some renown, and infamy among her enemies. The Kagonesti Queen Kerianseray! |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:29:54 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Marilee in Falling
Chapter Ten: The Lioness The wild elf known as the Mighty Lioness comes into the room and helps Marilee up. Hands her a flask. “From your dad.” Marilee downs the potion and it at least gets her on her feet. “Ok, we can’t get out this way, back into the hall. They sneak into the hall, the Lioness is wielding an elvish long sword, and she gets them away from the room’s runes. “Marilee asks how we are getting out?” “I ran into a Wizard on the way to see you.” The Lioness slides a silver ring on her finger and takes Marilee’s hand. They teleport from the old Ergoth ruins and they end up in Merwellyn Forest. Where the Lioness and Lashia get Marilee into a bed. Lashia thanks Kerianseray for saving Marilee. Lashia flies Kerian on Lashia’s Griffon to catch the attention of Kerianseray’s Griffon. They land in a safe place and the elves hug and the Lioness is back in the air and heading to the command post. |
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Post by Dungeon Master on Apr 22, 2024 12:47:14 GMT -5
Hierophant of Chislev
Black Brood Credit to Weldon Chen
Continued from Chapter 10 the Lioness
A candid look inside the enemy forces currently occupying a sizable portion of Qualinesti.
The Black Brood Chapter Eleven: The Enemy Lord Ortaz and Doctor Cruyl are discussing their prisoner’s fantastical account of her family and her father. “So, what do you want me to do with her? Cruyl asks. “We hold her as a hostage until we contact this Druid. We will forgo the torture of this elf as she is very valuable to us. Not a hair on her head should be disturbed.” Lord Ortaz declares after giving the matter some thought. Cruyl screws up his face and is disappointed, but obeys. He rises and bows to his leader and walks back to the interrogation room. The Door is open… Cruyl moves inside the room and sees no discernible way she could have escaped. He sniffs the air; besides the other smells, he detects the earthy aroma of a second elf. He walks down the hall toward the exit. At the far end, by the doors, Cruyl finds scattered rubble, the remains of the guards. He turns back down the hall to his Lord, to inform him that they have been infiltrated and the elf prisoner has been extracted. Ortaz is incensed. Then he considers. The elf girl was telling the truth. This Talidaar could strike with impunity if he wanted to. We must figure out his angle. Something tells me just because his daughter is back, doesn’t mean he’s gone. “ Send a message to Galzin, tell him, The Druid is a player in the game.
End of Story One
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