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[[Category:Humor and stories]] | [[Category:Humor and stories]] | ||
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==[[User:MacGyvers_Mullet|MacGyvers_Mullet]]== | ==[[User:MacGyvers_Mullet|MacGyvers_Mullet]]== | ||
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The sword slid through the goblin's throat and the dying creature fell | The sword slid through the goblin's throat and the dying creature fell | ||
− | to the ground sputtering. Rognar had been born into a world of | + | to the ground sputtering. Rognar had been born into a world of |
violence, and he would not share it with these stinking beasts. | violence, and he would not share it with these stinking beasts. | ||
Striding upon their unnumbered broken bodies, the warrior reached the | Striding upon their unnumbered broken bodies, the warrior reached the | ||
− | summit of the corpse mound and surveyed the carnage. The siege had | + | summit of the corpse mound and surveyed the carnage. The siege had |
− | been broken. Here and there, a wimpering slave of darkness put up | + | been broken. Here and there, a wimpering slave of darkness put up |
resistance or simply clung to life, but soon they would all be | resistance or simply clung to life, but soon they would all be | ||
vanquished and the sun would bring a glorious dawn to the blood-red | vanquished and the sun would bring a glorious dawn to the blood-red | ||
− | battlefield. Rognar smiled. It was a great day to be a dwarf. | + | battlefield. Rognar smiled. It was a great day to be a dwarf. |
-Tarn | -Tarn | ||
Line 32: | Line 31: | ||
<pre>!!()!!,k,...@,..#######||</pre> | <pre>!!()!!,k,...@,..#######||</pre> | ||
− | He would never let the fiend escape again. That was what Neandar the | + | He would never let the fiend escape again. That was what Neandar the |
dwarf thought before he flung himself into the black air of the chasm | dwarf thought before he flung himself into the black air of the chasm | ||
− | after the skulking kobold thief. For many seconds they fell, time | + | after the skulking kobold thief. For many seconds they fell, time |
enough for Neandar to recall his short life and short career on the | enough for Neandar to recall his short life and short career on the | ||
− | Fortress Guard. Wet matter slammed into the dwarf's face and gave | + | Fortress Guard. Wet matter slammed into the dwarf's face and gave |
− | way. The dwarf smashed through a dozen giant spider webs and hit the | + | way. The dwarf smashed through a dozen giant spider webs and hit the |
ground running, hot on the trail of the kobold scum. | ground running, hot on the trail of the kobold scum. | ||
− | A huge standing ring of fire dominated the floor of the chasm. The | + | A huge standing ring of fire dominated the floor of the chasm. The |
− | kobold made for the hell portal with all speed. Neandar stopped in | + | kobold made for the hell portal with all speed. Neandar stopped in |
− | his tracks. It was one thing to plunge to certain death in order to | + | his tracks. It was one thing to plunge to certain death in order to |
− | retrieve a granite puzzle box. It was quite another to cast oneself | + | retrieve a granite puzzle box. It was quite another to cast oneself |
− | into a dimension of ultimate evil. Yet these kobold cowards could not | + | into a dimension of ultimate evil. Yet these kobold cowards could not |
− | be allowed to run about as they pleased. Lifting his axe over his | + | be allowed to run about as they pleased. Lifting his axe over his |
head, the dwarf charged into the portal of doom. | head, the dwarf charged into the portal of doom. | ||
-Zach | -Zach | ||
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==[[User:McDoomhammer|McDoomhammer]]== | ==[[User:McDoomhammer|McDoomhammer]]== | ||
Line 115: | Line 56: | ||
The three chosen warriors left the Citadel of Hope, strapped on with | The three chosen warriors left the Citadel of Hope, strapped on with | ||
all manner of magic weapons that the Council of Elders had presented | all manner of magic weapons that the Council of Elders had presented | ||
− | them. Shizenbubin was the tracker of the group, always hot on the | + | them. Shizenbubin was the tracker of the group, always hot on the |
− | trail of danger. Shizentubin was her sister, skilled in the ways of | + | trail of danger. Shizentubin was her sister, skilled in the ways of |
− | the blade so that no enemy neck was safe. Azoul Buck was the leader. | + | the blade so that no enemy neck was safe. Azoul Buck was the leader. |
She ran her fingers through her short blond hair, her muscular arm | She ran her fingers through her short blond hair, her muscular arm | ||
flexing, covered with the crude tattoos of her tribe. | flexing, covered with the crude tattoos of her tribe. | ||
− | This would be a short quest indeed. A party of goblins had ambushed | + | This would be a short quest indeed. A party of goblins had ambushed |
− | the prince on his way to the castle. All the heroes need do is return | + | the prince on his way to the castle. All the heroes need do is return |
− | him unspoiled. It would be easy to intercept them then on their way | + | him unspoiled. It would be easy to intercept them then on their way |
− | to the Black Fortress, given Shizenbubin's incredible skill. However, | + | to the Black Fortress, given Shizenbubin's incredible skill. However, |
− | time was not on their side. Goblins grew bored easily and might make | + | time was not on their side. Goblins grew bored easily and might make |
− | sport of the prince's bodily members. Azoul set the pace, a quick | + | sport of the prince's bodily members. Azoul set the pace, a quick |
− | trot through the woods. She smiled at the easily-won glory that | + | trot through the woods. She smiled at the easily-won glory that |
awaited her squad at the end of the journey. | awaited her squad at the end of the journey. | ||
Line 168: | Line 109: | ||
"That ought to keep 'em out," Doran said confidently, patting the granite | "That ought to keep 'em out," Doran said confidently, patting the granite | ||
− | block which he had just slid into place. Ever since the Baron had insisted | + | block which he had just slid into place. Ever since the Baron had insisted |
on mining out the gold vein in the wall, Doran had been dealing with the | on mining out the gold vein in the wall, Doran had been dealing with the | ||
− | rats. It couldn't be helped. Gold was gold after all, but it was just | + | rats. It couldn't be helped. Gold was gold after all, but it was just |
Doran's luck that the miners had broken through to a large chasm not far | Doran's luck that the miners had broken through to a large chasm not far | ||
from the craftsdwarf's room. | from the craftsdwarf's room. | ||
− | The dwarf laid down on his bed and began to think about the next project. A | + | The dwarf laid down on his bed and began to think about the next project. A |
− | puzzlebox, perhaps, something challenging. Just as Doran was drifting off | + | puzzlebox, perhaps, something challenging. Just as Doran was drifting off |
into dreams of the design, he heard a scratching on the block. | into dreams of the design, he heard a scratching on the block. | ||
− | "Ha! Keep trying you little demons," the dwarf chuckled. The scratching | + | "Ha! Keep trying you little demons," the dwarf chuckled. The scratching |
− | continued. It was irritating, but the dwarf could block it out. Then there | + | continued. It was irritating, but the dwarf could block it out. Then there |
− | was a grating scrape as the block moved an inch. The dwarf sat up and | + | was a grating scrape as the block moved an inch. The dwarf sat up and |
− | stared at the wall in amazement. Impossible, he thought. | + | stared at the wall in amazement. Impossible, he thought. |
− | The block slid forward further. Small, clawed fingers worked their way | + | The block slid forward further. Small, clawed fingers worked their way |
around the stone until a gray, furry hand grasped one corner of the block. | around the stone until a gray, furry hand grasped one corner of the block. | ||
The stone turned slightly. | The stone turned slightly. | ||
Doran seized his chisel from the nearby table and leapt toward the block, | Doran seized his chisel from the nearby table and leapt toward the block, | ||
− | stabbing downward. The tool grazed the hand, leaving a spatter of blood on | + | stabbing downward. The tool grazed the hand, leaving a spatter of blood on |
− | the stone. There was a shriek, and the bleeding hand disappeared into the | + | the stone. There was a shriek, and the bleeding hand disappeared into the |
dark crack. | dark crack. | ||
The craftsdwarf pushed the block back into place and backed away, chisel in | The craftsdwarf pushed the block back into place and backed away, chisel in | ||
− | hand. After a moment, the scratching began anew. | + | hand. After a moment, the scratching began anew. |
===(07 Jun 2007)=== | ===(07 Jun 2007)=== | ||
<pre>##.,.||%r%+@+|</pre> | <pre>##.,.||%r%+@+|</pre> | ||
− | "Leave me be, you fiend!" Doran yelled, his chisel held toward the stone | + | "Leave me be, you fiend!" Doran yelled, his chisel held toward the stone |
− | block. The scratching became louder and more persistent. | + | block. The scratching became louder and more persistent. |
Once again, the block moved, but this time no fingers poked through the | Once again, the block moved, but this time no fingers poked through the | ||
− | crack. The beast had learned. The slab of granite was being pushed | + | crack. The beast had learned. The slab of granite was being pushed |
− | directly from behind, and it glided slowly toward Doran. The dwarf backed | + | directly from behind, and it glided slowly toward Doran. The dwarf backed |
toward his bed. | toward his bed. | ||
− | The block stopped sliding. There was now enough space to allow something to | + | The block stopped sliding. There was now enough space to allow something to |
pass through the hole in the wall, but the block was large and Doran could | pass through the hole in the wall, but the block was large and Doran could | ||
− | not see behind it. For a long moment, nothing stirred. The craftsdwarf | + | not see behind it. For a long moment, nothing stirred. The craftsdwarf |
knelt and opened the chest by the foot of his bed, muttering. | knelt and opened the chest by the foot of his bed, muttering. | ||
− | At once, a creature leapt from behind the block and faced Doran. It was a | + | At once, a creature leapt from behind the block and faced Doran. It was a |
ratman, ravening, its long yellow incisors surrounded by froth, its | ratman, ravening, its long yellow incisors surrounded by froth, its | ||
− | patchy-furred flesh stretched tight over its starved body. The thing | + | patchy-furred flesh stretched tight over its starved body. The thing |
hungered and would have Doran for its meal. | hungered and would have Doran for its meal. | ||
− | The dwarf stood, a vial in his hand. The ratman lunged forward and Doran | + | The dwarf stood, a vial in his hand. The ratman lunged forward and Doran |
− | hurled the vial at the beast's face. The glass shattered, and the creature | + | hurled the vial at the beast's face. The glass shattered, and the creature |
− | clutched its black protruding eyes as they steamed. Doran rushed forward | + | clutched its black protruding eyes as they steamed. Doran rushed forward |
and stabbed the ratman repeatedly with the chisel until it stopped moving. | and stabbed the ratman repeatedly with the chisel until it stopped moving. | ||
− | "Pity about that. I was going to ask Mul to do some etchings for me." | + | "Pity about that. I was going to ask Mul to do some etchings for me." |
===(15 Jul 2007)=== | ===(15 Jul 2007)=== | ||
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"Yes, I'm sorry, Mul, it would have been a thrilling project," Doran said, | "Yes, I'm sorry, Mul, it would have been a thrilling project," Doran said, | ||
− | pausing to take another swig of whiskey. "I can't believe how much trouble | + | pausing to take another swig of whiskey. "I can't believe how much trouble |
we've been having with ratmen lately." | we've been having with ratmen lately." | ||
"Perhaps there's a larger beast down in the chasm riling them up," Mul | "Perhaps there's a larger beast down in the chasm riling them up," Mul | ||
− | replied. "Kogan's child was taken not long ago." | + | replied. "Kogan's child was taken not long ago." |
"Yes, surely something unusual is afoot." | "Yes, surely something unusual is afoot." | ||
− | Meanwhile, Kogan stood with his axe by the chasm bridge. Ever since the boy | + | Meanwhile, Kogan stood with his axe by the chasm bridge. Ever since the boy |
Aliz had been lost, the soldier had tirelessly patrolled the walkways along | Aliz had been lost, the soldier had tirelessly patrolled the walkways along | ||
the deepest parts of the rift, killing dozens of ratmen and a few large | the deepest parts of the rift, killing dozens of ratmen and a few large | ||
− | spiders. He would not be satisfied until the depths were devoid of life. | + | spiders. He would not be satisfied until the depths were devoid of life. |
− | A foul wind blew up from the chasm. Kogan leaned to the side and peered | + | A foul wind blew up from the chasm. Kogan leaned to the side and peered |
− | down over the edge of the bridge. The impact was sudden and the dwarf was | + | down over the edge of the bridge. The impact was sudden and the dwarf was |
− | knocked on his back in the middle of the bridge. Kogan heard the sound of | + | knocked on his back in the middle of the bridge. Kogan heard the sound of |
stone being scraped without respect, and he.found himself staring into the | stone being scraped without respect, and he.found himself staring into the | ||
rotten eyes of a giant decaying reptile. | rotten eyes of a giant decaying reptile. | ||
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==[[User:Midelne|Midelne]]== | ==[[User:Midelne|Midelne]]== | ||
Line 310: | Line 192: | ||
<pre>~~@~~X</pre> | <pre>~~@~~X</pre> | ||
− | They called him Fish-Dwarf. He was the only worker in the outpost willing to brave the depths of the cave river in order to service the floodgate mechanisms when they became clogged with the seasonal muds. | + | They called him Fish-Dwarf. He was the only worker in the outpost willing to brave the depths of the cave river in order to service the floodgate mechanisms when they became clogged with the seasonal muds. |
− | It was that time again. The farming gates weren't operational, and the planting had to begin immediately. Fish-Dwarf had his tools, and the special fins he had manufactured were secured to broad feet. Everything was ready. The frightened faces of the onlooking children would not dissuade him. Fish-Dwarf understood that this was his calling. He was the only one that could save the outpost. The dwarf inhaled, and his chest swelled to nearly double its original size. Clearing his mind, the dwarf dove into the water. | + | It was that time again. The farming gates weren't operational, and the planting had to begin immediately. Fish-Dwarf had his tools, and the special fins he had manufactured were secured to broad feet. Everything was ready. The frightened faces of the onlooking children would not dissuade him. Fish-Dwarf understood that this was his calling. He was the only one that could save the outpost. The dwarf inhaled, and his chest swelled to nearly double its original size. Clearing his mind, the dwarf dove into the water. |
===(8 November 2007)=== | ===(8 November 2007)=== | ||
<pre>~~~@%X</pre> | <pre>~~~@%X</pre> | ||
− | Fish-Dwarf swam down the narrow tunnel to the gate mechanism. The water was murky and even with his superior vision he could only just see his hands sweeping ahead of him. | + | Fish-Dwarf swam down the narrow tunnel to the gate mechanism. The water was murky and even with his superior vision he could only just see his hands sweeping ahead of him. |
− | The upper portion of the mechanism appeared suddenly before him. The dwarf inspected the machinery quickly, mindful of his air, yet confident that he had at least a few minutes left. The top assembly was clear, so the mud must have worked itself into the lower gears. Fish-Dwarf pushed his way down. | + | The upper portion of the mechanism appeared suddenly before him. The dwarf inspected the machinery quickly, mindful of his air, yet confident that he had at least a few minutes left. The top assembly was clear, so the mud must have worked itself into the lower gears. Fish-Dwarf pushed his way down. |
− | The swollen rotting face of a lizardman greeted him, twisted into the gears. Not again, Fish-Dwarf thought, dejected. It would take at least three trips to dislodge all of the chunks. The dwarf removed the chisel from his tool case and began working it into the sticking jam. | + | The swollen rotting face of a lizardman greeted him, twisted into the gears. Not again, Fish-Dwarf thought, dejected. It would take at least three trips to dislodge all of the chunks. The dwarf removed the chisel from his tool case and began working it into the sticking jam. |
===(10 December 2007)=== | ===(10 December 2007)=== | ||
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"Fish-Dwarf, you have saved us!" the children shouted as the wet dwarf | "Fish-Dwarf, you have saved us!" the children shouted as the wet dwarf | ||
− | pulled his way up on to the bank. He had finished his last cleaning | + | pulled his way up on to the bank. He had finished his last cleaning |
run, and already the floodgate was rising, ushering in the waters that | run, and already the floodgate was rising, ushering in the waters that | ||
would prepare the way for the summer harvest. | would prepare the way for the summer harvest. | ||
"Truly, Fish-Dwarf, your mastery of the murky depths never ceases to | "Truly, Fish-Dwarf, your mastery of the murky depths never ceases to | ||
− | amaze us. You are a hero," the Mayor Kogan said, offering Fish-Dwarf | + | amaze us. You are a hero," the Mayor Kogan said, offering Fish-Dwarf |
a mug of the outpost's best. | a mug of the outpost's best. | ||
"I am glad I could help," Fish-Dwarf said, draining the mug in one | "I am glad I could help," Fish-Dwarf said, draining the mug in one | ||
− | motion. "If only the river waters were whiskey, my life would be | + | motion. "If only the river waters were whiskey, my life would be |
complete." | complete." | ||
"I fear we would never see you again if that were the case!" the Mayor jested. | "I fear we would never see you again if that were the case!" the Mayor jested. | ||
− | Fish-Dwarf pondered a moment. "Indeed. Yet the search for the | + | Fish-Dwarf pondered a moment. "Indeed. Yet the search for the |
Whiskey River is a quest for the young, I'm afraid." | Whiskey River is a quest for the young, I'm afraid." | ||
"We here at Gladanvil are happy to have you," the Mayor replied as the | "We here at Gladanvil are happy to have you," the Mayor replied as the | ||
− | crowd dispersed. As the others left, the mayor pulled Fish-Dwarf | + | crowd dispersed. As the others left, the mayor pulled Fish-Dwarf |
aside. | aside. | ||
− | "-- and yet, I fear you cannot stay long. I've received word from | + | "-- and yet, I fear you cannot stay long. I've received word from |
− | King Dorazar. He has heard tell of your talents, and our liaison from | + | King Dorazar. He has heard tell of your talents, and our liaison from |
the Mountainhome has conveyed his request for your presence at the | the Mountainhome has conveyed his request for your presence at the | ||
capital." | capital." | ||
− | "My presence? Surely the engineers of the Mountainhome can manage the | + | "My presence? Surely the engineers of the Mountainhome can manage the |
mighty floodgates and channels of Steelpoint without my help." | mighty floodgates and channels of Steelpoint without my help." | ||
Line 365: | Line 247: | ||
Innumerable stalactites hung from the ceiling of the expansive gem-lit | Innumerable stalactites hung from the ceiling of the expansive gem-lit | ||
cavern, many dipping down through the still surface of the black | cavern, many dipping down through the still surface of the black | ||
− | waters. This was the Lake of Columns, the source of life for | + | waters. This was the Lake of Columns, the source of life for |
Steelpoint, and now a place of dread. | Steelpoint, and now a place of dread. | ||
− | Fish-Dwarf fit the blades into place on his fins. The citizens of | + | Fish-Dwarf fit the blades into place on his fins. The citizens of |
Steelpoint did not know what the creature was, but no fewer than seven | Steelpoint did not know what the creature was, but no fewer than seven | ||
fisherdwarves had been lost at the shore. No matter, thought | fisherdwarves had been lost at the shore. No matter, thought | ||
− | Fish-Dwarf. King Dorazar had charged him to slay the lurking threat, | + | Fish-Dwarf. King Dorazar had charged him to slay the lurking threat, |
− | and that is what he would do. Still, the nature of the creature | + | and that is what he would do. Still, the nature of the creature |
− | eluded him. It had been years since his last combat with an aquatic | + | eluded him. It had been years since his last combat with an aquatic |
beast, and then it was only the cave crocodiles and lizardmen that | beast, and then it was only the cave crocodiles and lizardmen that | ||
− | occasionally harassed his own community. Steelpoint would not have | + | occasionally harassed his own community. Steelpoint would not have |
− | sent for him over such a triviality. Hefting his mighty trident, | + | sent for him over such a triviality. Hefting his mighty trident, |
Fish-Dwarf nodded to the gathered onlookers before leaping into the | Fish-Dwarf nodded to the gathered onlookers before leaping into the | ||
lake. | lake. | ||
Line 384: | Line 266: | ||
Behind any of these formations, the beast could lurk. | Behind any of these formations, the beast could lurk. | ||
− | There! Nestled between three columns was a gigantic bloated form on | + | There! Nestled between three columns was a gigantic bloated form on |
− | the lake bottom. Fish-Dwarf swam closer, almost drifting. What | + | the lake bottom. Fish-Dwarf swam closer, almost drifting. What |
− | manner of beast was this? Great tentacles it had, and a toothy maw | + | manner of beast was this? Great tentacles it had, and a toothy maw |
which flopped open as it slumbered, surrounded by half-consumed bodies | which flopped open as it slumbered, surrounded by half-consumed bodies | ||
of the dead. | of the dead. | ||
Fish-Dwarf was almost upon it now, his trident lifted above his head | Fish-Dwarf was almost upon it now, his trident lifted above his head | ||
− | as he sank slowly toward the sleeping fiend. As he prepared to | + | as he sank slowly toward the sleeping fiend. As he prepared to |
strike, the lurid thing's lone eye flashed open. | strike, the lurid thing's lone eye flashed open. | ||
Line 400: | Line 282: | ||
Tentacles lashed out, looping around Fish-Dwarf's torso and pinning | Tentacles lashed out, looping around Fish-Dwarf's torso and pinning | ||
− | his arms to his chest. A force stronger than any he had ever | + | his arms to his chest. A force stronger than any he had ever |
experienced crushed his ribs and a stream of bubbles shot from his | experienced crushed his ribs and a stream of bubbles shot from his | ||
− | mouth as the breath was squeezed from his body. Fish-Dwarf | + | mouth as the breath was squeezed from his body. Fish-Dwarf |
desperately slashed at the tentacles with his fin blades and as his | desperately slashed at the tentacles with his fin blades and as his | ||
vision faded to black he saw that the water was thick with curling | vision faded to black he saw that the water was thick with curling | ||
− | purple ribbons of the foul beast's tainted blood. The monster's grip | + | purple ribbons of the foul beast's tainted blood. The monster's grip |
− | loosened and Fish-Dwarf was able to free his arms. His sight had not | + | loosened and Fish-Dwarf was able to free his arms. His sight had not |
returned, but when he stabbed his trident downward, he felt it sink | returned, but when he stabbed his trident downward, he felt it sink | ||
− | deep into the creature. The monster's body convulsed and it raced | + | deep into the creature. The monster's body convulsed and it raced |
into the open water, Fish-Dwarf still clinging to the imbedded weapon. | into the open water, Fish-Dwarf still clinging to the imbedded weapon. | ||
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Fish-Dwarf thought, though the beast continued on into the depths at | Fish-Dwarf thought, though the beast continued on into the depths at | ||
such speed that the diver could not maintain his bearings, and | such speed that the diver could not maintain his bearings, and | ||
− | suddenly in the back of his mind arose a strange sensation... it was | + | suddenly in the back of his mind arose a strange sensation... it was |
− | the need for air, such as he had not experienced for many years. A | + | the need for air, such as he had not experienced for many years. A |
tingling came to his throat and nose, and his head began to feel numb | tingling came to his throat and nose, and his head began to feel numb | ||
as he became more desperate for breath, and yet slowly, his vision was | as he became more desperate for breath, and yet slowly, his vision was | ||
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The beast slowed, its energy spent, and it settled on to the lake | The beast slowed, its energy spent, and it settled on to the lake | ||
− | bottom, unmoving. Fish-Dwarf jammed the trident into it a few times; | + | bottom, unmoving. Fish-Dwarf jammed the trident into it a few times; |
− | the thing was dead. Now, the surface! Fish-Dwarf pulled his weapon | + | the thing was dead. Now, the surface! Fish-Dwarf pulled his weapon |
− | from the monster and swam upward, but he stopped immediately. As far | + | from the monster and swam upward, but he stopped immediately. As far |
as he could see in the now-dark water, a smooth ceiling of limestone | as he could see in the now-dark water, a smooth ceiling of limestone | ||
− | greeted him. The monster had fled into a great crack in the lake | + | greeted him. The monster had fled into a great crack in the lake |
bottom, so far and so deep that the light from the gem lamps was no | bottom, so far and so deep that the light from the gem lamps was no | ||
− | longer visible. Just the endless water and rock of the submerged | + | longer visible. Just the endless water and rock of the submerged |
tomb of Fish-Dwarf, he thought, as he chose a direction and swam. | tomb of Fish-Dwarf, he thought, as he chose a direction and swam. | ||
Line 492: | Line 374: | ||
<pre>,..,.++U+,.+,.+U~U||</pre> | <pre>,..,.++U+,.+,.+U~U||</pre> | ||
− | Suffering blighted the land with cruel hunger. Wagons brought foul | + | Suffering blighted the land with cruel hunger. Wagons brought foul |
− | fungus from the dwarven mountains. It was barely enough to sustain | + | fungus from the dwarven mountains. It was barely enough to sustain |
− | those base enough to eat such filth. The rest died. Paldadar rested | + | those base enough to eat such filth. The rest died. Paldadar rested |
− | against the hilt of his great sword. He looked over his shoulder at | + | against the hilt of his great sword. He looked over his shoulder at |
− | the dark stone castle. Turning his back on mud brick huts, the knight | + | the dark stone castle. Turning his back on mud brick huts, the knight |
passed by the scraggly bearded guards and entered the keep. | passed by the scraggly bearded guards and entered the keep. | ||
From a high window, bright, mocking sunlight shone across the dark | From a high window, bright, mocking sunlight shone across the dark | ||
− | wooden throne and the troubled king that sat upon it. The old man | + | wooden throne and the troubled king that sat upon it. The old man |
reached for his cup, and after taking a sip, spat the vile dwarven | reached for his cup, and after taking a sip, spat the vile dwarven | ||
− | brew unto the stone floor. A herald in a mud-smattered tunic rushed | + | brew unto the stone floor. A herald in a mud-smattered tunic rushed |
to wipe up the spill, but seeing the knight, rose to confront him. | to wipe up the spill, but seeing the knight, rose to confront him. | ||
− | "You were not summoned, Sir Paldadar," spit the herald. "Go ask the | + | "You were not summoned, Sir Paldadar," spit the herald. "Go ask the |
peasants instead of begging the king for scraps from the royal table." | peasants instead of begging the king for scraps from the royal table." | ||
"Silence, Rodger," said the king. | "Silence, Rodger," said the king. | ||
− | The herald jumped away like a whipped dog. The king motioned the | + | The herald jumped away like a whipped dog. The king motioned the |
knight to come forward. | knight to come forward. | ||
− | "The gods have abandoned this place," said the king. "Only through | + | "The gods have abandoned this place," said the king. "Only through |
− | their glory will the days of bounty return. It is for this reason you | + | their glory will the days of bounty return. It is for this reason you |
must smite the heathen Farthlings where they dwell across the river. | must smite the heathen Farthlings where they dwell across the river. | ||
When their land is in ruin, the gods at last will favor us." | When their land is in ruin, the gods at last will favor us." | ||
− | The knight ground his teeth. This was obviously High Priest Igland's | + | The knight ground his teeth. This was obviously High Priest Igland's |
− | doing. But perhaps there was wisdom in punishing the arrogant | + | doing. But perhaps there was wisdom in punishing the arrogant |
− | Farthlings for their many insults. Death by the sword was much | + | Farthlings for their many insults. Death by the sword was much |
preferable to slow certain death by starvation. | preferable to slow certain death by starvation. | ||
Line 527: | Line 409: | ||
As Paldadar walked away from the keep, peasants averted their hungry | As Paldadar walked away from the keep, peasants averted their hungry | ||
− | faces. He was still a knight, even if he represented the most | + | faces. He was still a knight, even if he represented the most |
− | wretched of kingdoms. A frail sissy approached from behind, leading | + | wretched of kingdoms. A frail sissy approached from behind, leading |
− | two horses. Paldadar swung around, drawing his sword. There stood | + | two horses. Paldadar swung around, drawing his sword. There stood |
Rodger, wearing the snottiest of faces, his nose in the air. | Rodger, wearing the snottiest of faces, his nose in the air. | ||
"By the will of the king," he hissed, "I am to be your squire." | "By the will of the king," he hissed, "I am to be your squire." | ||
− | Paldadar prayed to the gods for mercy. Would that a Farthling's bolt | + | Paldadar prayed to the gods for mercy. Would that a Farthling's bolt |
− | find his heart soon that he be saved from further tortures. Together | + | find his heart soon that he be saved from further tortures. Together |
the pair made their way to the Temple of Love, where High Priest | the pair made their way to the Temple of Love, where High Priest | ||
Igland waited to bless their holy crusade. | Igland waited to bless their holy crusade. | ||
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The temple was built on a tall hill, a ring of marble columns | The temple was built on a tall hill, a ring of marble columns | ||
surrounding an enormous stone stele, pricking the sky with its | surrounding an enormous stone stele, pricking the sky with its | ||
− | majesty. All around the temple, peasants scrambled to snatch at the | + | majesty. All around the temple, peasants scrambled to snatch at the |
− | scraps donated by the monks that poured rotten food down the hill. As | + | scraps donated by the monks that poured rotten food down the hill. As |
Paldadar entered the temple, he was surrounded by fat priests and | Paldadar entered the temple, he was surrounded by fat priests and | ||
priestesses that danced around him in a grotesque, undulating display. | priestesses that danced around him in a grotesque, undulating display. | ||
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"You must put an end to the Farthling menace," said the priest, | "You must put an end to the Farthling menace," said the priest, | ||
− | growing angry. "If their God of Suicide spreads his faith to our | + | growing angry. "If their God of Suicide spreads his faith to our |
− | kingdom, none of our desperate peasants will survive. You must strike | + | kingdom, none of our desperate peasants will survive. You must strike |
the heart of their kingdom and burn their temple to the ground." | the heart of their kingdom and burn their temple to the ground." | ||
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The kingdom of the Farthlings was separated from the kingdom of Love | The kingdom of the Farthlings was separated from the kingdom of Love | ||
by the River of Sorrow, whose wide fast-moving waters could only be | by the River of Sorrow, whose wide fast-moving waters could only be | ||
− | crossed in one place. This was the Bridge of Destiny. As the riders | + | crossed in one place. This was the Bridge of Destiny. As the riders |
approached, Rodger twitched with fear and apprehension, for it was | approached, Rodger twitched with fear and apprehension, for it was | ||
− | said the bridge was guarded by an evil water troll. At the bridge, | + | said the bridge was guarded by an evil water troll. At the bridge, |
− | Paldadar held up his gauntleted hand. The horses stopped, and the | + | Paldadar held up his gauntleted hand. The horses stopped, and the |
− | knight dismounted. Paldadar drew his sword and walked out onto the | + | knight dismounted. Paldadar drew his sword and walked out onto the |
wooden planks. | wooden planks. | ||
Line 576: | Line 458: | ||
<pre>%,..%,.|%.,.UH,%..%%UH,,%.~%,..(%).,.%|,..%</pre> | <pre>%,..%,.|%.,.UH,%..%%UH,,%.~%,..(%).,.%|,..%</pre> | ||
− | Green flames shot up from beneath the bridge. Horrid laughter pealed | + | Green flames shot up from beneath the bridge. Horrid laughter pealed |
− | across the blighted landscape. The knight turned to see Rodger making | + | across the blighted landscape. The knight turned to see Rodger making |
− | tracks back to the temple with the speed of a spooked hare. Slowly | + | tracks back to the temple with the speed of a spooked hare. Slowly |
Paldadar looked over his shoulder to see the enormous bloated troll, | Paldadar looked over his shoulder to see the enormous bloated troll, | ||
dripping with slime and black pus. | dripping with slime and black pus. | ||
"You seek to pass into the land of suicide bearing the message of | "You seek to pass into the land of suicide bearing the message of | ||
− | love," said the troll. "What will you tell them, knight? Is slow | + | love," said the troll. "What will you tell them, knight? Is slow |
certain death by starvation superior than the final empowering | certain death by starvation superior than the final empowering | ||
choice?" | choice?" | ||
− | "Where there is life, there is hope," said Paldadar. "Love will | + | "Where there is life, there is hope," said Paldadar. "Love will |
overcome all obstacles!" | overcome all obstacles!" | ||
Line 593: | Line 475: | ||
As Paldadar cut the monster down, his mind was wracked with doubt. | As Paldadar cut the monster down, his mind was wracked with doubt. | ||
− | Was the nation of love superior? He hailed from a place where young | + | Was the nation of love superior? He hailed from a place where young |
people sold themselves for scraps of bread and yet he sought to bring | people sold themselves for scraps of bread and yet he sought to bring | ||
− | hope to a strange country. He found Rodger hiding in a nearby bush | + | hope to a strange country. He found Rodger hiding in a nearby bush |
and hauled him, protesting, across the bridge. | and hauled him, protesting, across the bridge. | ||
The land of the Farthlings was lush and green compared to the land of | The land of the Farthlings was lush and green compared to the land of | ||
− | love. Cherry blossoms rained down on the two riders as they wound | + | love. Cherry blossoms rained down on the two riders as they wound |
− | their way through the hills. Even in these pleasant surroundings, the | + | their way through the hills. Even in these pleasant surroundings, the |
− | demented nature of the Farthlings soon became evident. Bodies dotted | + | demented nature of the Farthlings soon became evident. Bodies dotted |
− | the road here and there, swords plunged into their own guts. Corpses | + | the road here and there, swords plunged into their own guts. Corpses |
hung in the trees from hastily-tied nooses, over eager to take their | hung in the trees from hastily-tied nooses, over eager to take their | ||
− | own lives. As the riders passed, skeletal bodies lifted themselves | + | own lives. As the riders passed, skeletal bodies lifted themselves |
from the grass to watch them saunter on. | from the grass to watch them saunter on. | ||
Line 610: | Line 492: | ||
reciting the Charm of Making. | reciting the Charm of Making. | ||
− | At last they reached the capital of the Farthlings. The wind blew red | + | At last they reached the capital of the Farthlings. The wind blew red |
− | rose petals through the cold, dead streets. Even the cheerful sun | + | rose petals through the cold, dead streets. Even the cheerful sun |
− | seemed dim in the vast tomb of a city. Rodger stared straight ahead | + | seemed dim in the vast tomb of a city. Rodger stared straight ahead |
as they made their way to the keep, careful not to look into the dark | as they made their way to the keep, careful not to look into the dark | ||
doorway, behind which ominous rustlings could be heard. | doorway, behind which ominous rustlings could be heard. | ||
Line 618: | Line 500: | ||
The flag of Farthlingland flew above the ramparts of the citadel. At | The flag of Farthlingland flew above the ramparts of the citadel. At | ||
the base of the wall lay the piles of bones of those who had | the base of the wall lay the piles of bones of those who had | ||
− | hopelessly thrown themselves over the side. A wide moat circled the | + | hopelessly thrown themselves over the side. A wide moat circled the |
− | castle. As the two riders approached, a draw bridge was lowered over | + | castle. As the two riders approached, a draw bridge was lowered over |
− | the water. Paldadar thought he could see a crowned figure on the wall | + | the water. Paldadar thought he could see a crowned figure on the wall |
− | beckoning them inside. As they crossed the bridge, Rodger made the | + | beckoning them inside. As they crossed the bridge, Rodger made the |
− | mistake of looking down into the water. The currents were filled with | + | mistake of looking down into the water. The currents were filled with |
− | the souls of those who drowned themselves in desperate sorrow. Eyes | + | the souls of those who drowned themselves in desperate sorrow. Eyes |
shut tight, Rodger hugged the neck of his horse, and followed Paldadar | shut tight, Rodger hugged the neck of his horse, and followed Paldadar | ||
into the gate. | into the gate. | ||
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==[[User:Onodera|onodera]]== | ==[[User:Onodera|onodera]]== | ||
Line 783: | Line 514: | ||
"Don't let the sun set on you in the Dark Wood," said the dwarf | "Don't let the sun set on you in the Dark Wood," said the dwarf | ||
− | crones. "Ole Brick-a-Branch will get you." Nonsense, thought young | + | crones. "Ole Brick-a-Branch will get you." Nonsense, thought young |
− | Davik as he rode his mule along the twisting green deer path. The | + | Davik as he rode his mule along the twisting green deer path. The |
− | darkness came quickly as the sun slipped behind the trees. As he set | + | darkness came quickly as the sun slipped behind the trees. As he set |
about making a fire, Davik pondered the dark tales of Brick-a-branch | about making a fire, Davik pondered the dark tales of Brick-a-branch | ||
and his mischief. | and his mischief. | ||
− | Not even the elves dared enter the Wood at night. Something older | + | Not even the elves dared enter the Wood at night. Something older |
than time haunted these cursed trees, but this valley was the quickest | than time haunted these cursed trees, but this valley was the quickest | ||
− | way to Port City, saving at least a month of travel. As the night | + | way to Port City, saving at least a month of travel. As the night |
grew darker and colder, Davik fumbled in his pack to retrieve the | grew darker and colder, Davik fumbled in his pack to retrieve the | ||
charms and idols he had nearly refused as the journey began. | charms and idols he had nearly refused as the journey began. | ||
− | A great shape emerged from the darkness. It was a gnarled troll, as | + | A great shape emerged from the darkness. It was a gnarled troll, as |
− | old as the hills. It picked up Davik by the ankle. | + | old as the hills. It picked up Davik by the ankle. |
"Not much meat here," it said. | "Not much meat here," it said. | ||
Line 811: | Line 542: | ||
<pre>=@()++@</pre> | <pre>=@()++@</pre> | ||
− | Doran stirred the bubbling pot of syrup. It was ready! "Pour, pour, pour!" the dwarf sang. Into the molds the syrup flowed. "Another batch," the dwarf said, satisfied. | + | Doran stirred the bubbling pot of syrup. It was ready! "Pour, pour, pour!" the dwarf sang. Into the molds the syrup flowed. "Another batch," the dwarf said, satisfied. |
− | Just then, he noticed somebody standing in the doorway. "Ah, Glornol. What brings you to the kitchens this early? Come to try a sticky treat? I have some Anvil Drops cooling now. Just a moment." | + | Just then, he noticed somebody standing in the doorway. "Ah, Glornol. What brings you to the kitchens this early? Come to try a sticky treat? I have some Anvil Drops cooling now. Just a moment." |
− | Doran turned to the tray on the table when he was startled by Glornol's shouting. "What is the meaning of this? Isn't there a war on?" | + | Doran turned to the tray on the table when he was startled by Glornol's shouting. "What is the meaning of this? Isn't there a war on?" |
− | "Even soldiers need sticky treats, Glornol!" Doran picked up two chocolate goblins and began to speak in a high-pitched throaty voice. | + | "Even soldiers need sticky treats, Glornol!" Doran picked up two chocolate goblins and began to speak in a high-pitched throaty voice. |
"Ooo, it's Glornol!" the first chocolate goblin said. | "Ooo, it's Glornol!" the first chocolate goblin said. | ||
Line 823: | Line 554: | ||
"Glornol's scared of the mean, mean goblins!" the second chocolate goblin observed. | "Glornol's scared of the mean, mean goblins!" the second chocolate goblin observed. | ||
− | "Let's eat the dwarf! Yummies for tummies!" the first chocolate goblin offered. | + | "Let's eat the dwarf! Yummies for tummies!" the first chocolate goblin offered. |
− | "The dwarf might eat me instead! Oh no!" the second chocolate goblin replied. Doran held the goblin out to Glornol. | + | "The dwarf might eat me instead! Oh no!" the second chocolate goblin replied. Doran held the goblin out to Glornol. |
− | Glornol was not amused, but he snatched the candy from Doran's hand. "Hrmph," he grunted, and biting the goblin's head off, he walked out of the kitchen. | + | Glornol was not amused, but he snatched the candy from Doran's hand. "Hrmph," he grunted, and biting the goblin's head off, he walked out of the kitchen. |
==[[User:Qwip|Qwip]]== | ==[[User:Qwip|Qwip]]== | ||
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Taking a break from their duty, the two guards sat at a table with a scenic view of the chasm. | Taking a break from their duty, the two guards sat at a table with a scenic view of the chasm. | ||
They did not notice as they drained their mugs that they were being watched from the shadows | They did not notice as they drained their mugs that they were being watched from the shadows | ||
− | by clusters of pale eyes. A table by the chasm?! | + | by clusters of pale eyes. A table by the chasm?! |
--[[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 05 December 2006 | --[[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 05 December 2006 | ||
Line 845: | Line 576: | ||
.......##### | .......##### | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | Dolan was chatting with Aliz about the health benefits of dwarven beer when Aliz disappeared. | + | Dolan was chatting with Aliz about the health benefits of dwarven beer when Aliz disappeared. |
Dolan sprang to his feet and saw that Aliz was being dragged toward the chasm, a thick rope of | Dolan sprang to his feet and saw that Aliz was being dragged toward the chasm, a thick rope of | ||
− | translucent silk wrapped around his left ankle. At the lip of the chasm, a bloated form slowly | + | translucent silk wrapped around his left ankle. At the lip of the chasm, a bloated form slowly |
− | reeled the line in with her spindly legs. | + | reeled the line in with her spindly legs. |
− | Dolan knew immediately -- it was the Wolf-Mother of Darkness. | + | Dolan knew immediately -- it was the Wolf-Mother of Darkness. |
He grabbed his axe and ran toward Aliz, who was now only a few more pulls from the beast. | He grabbed his axe and ran toward Aliz, who was now only a few more pulls from the beast. | ||
As he was hauling ore to the magma smelter, the peasant Kogarak saw the situation, screamed, | As he was hauling ore to the magma smelter, the peasant Kogarak saw the situation, screamed, | ||
− | dropping his load, and ran toward the barracks. As he heard the sound of an axe ring against | + | dropping his load, and ran toward the barracks. As he heard the sound of an axe ring against |
stone behind him, he wondered if he would make it in time. | stone behind him, he wondered if he would make it in time. | ||
:— [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 08:40, 9 February 2007 (EST) | :— [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 08:40, 9 February 2007 (EST) | ||
Line 862: | Line 593: | ||
.......##### | .......##### | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | The axe had scored the stone floor where it had severed the silk line. The Wolf-Mother chittered | + | The axe had scored the stone floor where it had severed the silk line. The Wolf-Mother chittered |
− | angrily and pounced at Dolan, moving with surprising quickness. Dolan was knocked to the ground, | + | angrily and pounced at Dolan, moving with surprising quickness. Dolan was knocked to the ground, |
− | the enormous body of the foul creature pressing him into the stone. His axe clanged some distance | + | the enormous body of the foul creature pressing him into the stone. His axe clanged some distance |
− | away. The blunt knobs at the end of the Wolf-Mother's forelegs dug into Dolan's ribs as her | + | away. The blunt knobs at the end of the Wolf-Mother's forelegs dug into Dolan's ribs as her |
− | dripping mandibles drew closer to his face. He grabbed her head with both hands, trying | + | dripping mandibles drew closer to his face. He grabbed her head with both hands, trying |
− | desperately to keep her at bay. A foul-smelling spittle dripped on to his cheek. | + | desperately to keep her at bay. A foul-smelling spittle dripped on to his cheek. |
− | Aliz, still dazed from his initial fall, slowly made his way to his feet. Seeing Dolan's desperate | + | Aliz, still dazed from his initial fall, slowly made his way to his feet. Seeing Dolan's desperate |
− | struggle, he drew his sword and hacked at one of the Wolf-Mother's legs. The bumpy skin was | + | struggle, he drew his sword and hacked at one of the Wolf-Mother's legs. The bumpy skin was |
− | incredibly tough, but the steel blade left the appendage hanging by tatters. The Wolf-Mother | + | incredibly tough, but the steel blade left the appendage hanging by tatters. The Wolf-Mother |
− | belched a grating rasp and rolled away from Aliz and faced the dwarves. Dolan crawled toward his | + | belched a grating rasp and rolled away from Aliz and faced the dwarves. Dolan crawled toward his |
− | axe, but the nauseating venom drenching his face and beard had left him almost powerless. The | + | axe, but the nauseating venom drenching his face and beard had left him almost powerless. The |
Wolf-Mother hesitated, her wound oozing white ichor as Aliz stood his ground. | Wolf-Mother hesitated, her wound oozing white ichor as Aliz stood his ground. | ||
There were several sharp cracking noises, and the Wolf-Mother crumpled, several iron bolts | There were several sharp cracking noises, and the Wolf-Mother crumpled, several iron bolts | ||
− | protruding from her many eyes. In the distance stood Bomtek and the other marksdwarves, | + | protruding from her many eyes. In the distance stood Bomtek and the other marksdwarves, |
− | accompanied by Kogarak. Aliz rushed to Dolan. The dwarf was breathing heavily. | + | accompanied by Kogarak. Aliz rushed to Dolan. The dwarf was breathing heavily. |
− | "My body feels like gravel. I need a drink," Dolan said. | + | "My body feels like gravel. I need a drink," Dolan said. |
− | "The Wolf-Mother is dead. Brace up. I'll bring you your mug." Aliz fetched Dolan's mug from | + | "The Wolf-Mother is dead. Brace up. I'll bring you your mug." Aliz fetched Dolan's mug from |
− | the table and brought it to the dwarf where he lay on the stone floor. The mug was almost empty. | + | the table and brought it to the dwarf where he lay on the stone floor. The mug was almost empty. |
− | "The brood," Dolan whispered. "The night brood will come." | + | "The brood," Dolan whispered. "The night brood will come." |
:— [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 12:28, 14 May 2007 (EDT) | :— [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 12:28, 14 May 2007 (EDT) | ||
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==[[User:Rewolf31|Rewolf31]]== | ==[[User:Rewolf31|Rewolf31]]== | ||
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<pre>.B@.~~~ | <pre>.B@.~~~ | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | And so Alor, a wrestler of renown, found himself between a great boar and the wide river. For six days they struggled, and as the sun descended behind the hills on the evening of the seventh day, Alor finally collapsed in exhaustion. The boar spoke and said, "I too am tired. The sun has fallen. Let us rest." And so Alor and the boar slept, and the sun arose on the morning of the eighth day. | + | And so Alor, a wrestler of renown, found himself between a great boar and the wide river. For six days they struggled, and as the sun descended behind the hills on the evening of the seventh day, Alor finally collapsed in exhaustion. The boar spoke and said, "I too am tired. The sun has fallen. Let us rest." And so Alor and the boar slept, and the sun arose on the morning of the eighth day. |
===(21 July 2007)=== | ===(21 July 2007)=== | ||
<pre>,.,B@~,~,~</pre> | <pre>,.,B@~,~,~</pre> | ||
− | "Whiskey?" Alor asked the boar, holding up his flask. The wrestler had not spoken for a week. | + | "Whiskey?" Alor asked the boar, holding up his flask. The wrestler had not spoken for a week. |
− | "Gladly," the boar said, taking the flask up in its mouth. "You block my path to the river, and now you offer me your flask. Strange are the ways of your people." | + | "Gladly," the boar said, taking the flask up in its mouth. "You block my path to the river, and now you offer me your flask. Strange are the ways of your people." |
− | "Your path? I was seeking to cross the river and found myself menaced," Alor said. | + | "Your path? I was seeking to cross the river and found myself menaced," Alor said. |
− | "The squirrels tell me I am a terror to behold when I am thirsty," the boar said as it drained the flask. "Do I menace you now?" The boar looked mild and plump. Indeed, the gentle creature reminded Alor of his daughter. | + | "The squirrels tell me I am a terror to behold when I am thirsty," the boar said as it drained the flask. "Do I menace you now?" The boar looked mild and plump. Indeed, the gentle creature reminded Alor of his daughter. |
− | "No, I am not menaced. I am reminded of home," Alor said fondly. At that moment his stomach growled, for he had not eaten in some time. | + | "No, I am not menaced. I am reminded of home," Alor said fondly. At that moment his stomach growled, for he had not eaten in some time. |
− | "Hopefully I do not remind you of your dinner table," the boar laughed, "though it remains to be seen who would have the final mastery in our contest." Alor smiled broadly and the boar guided Alor to the ford, where they parted as friends. | + | "Hopefully I do not remind you of your dinner table," the boar laughed, "though it remains to be seen who would have the final mastery in our contest." Alor smiled broadly and the boar guided Alor to the ford, where they parted as friends. |
===(12 September 2007)=== | ===(12 September 2007)=== | ||
<pre>++@a@+ | <pre>++@a@+ | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | "Daddy! Daddy!" the little girl cried happily as she ran toward the mighty dwarf where he stood under the archway. | + | "Daddy! Daddy!" the little girl cried happily as she ran toward the mighty dwarf where he stood under the archway. |
− | "I missed you, sweet pod!" Alor crouched down and lifted the child up to his shoulder, where she sat, beaming. "Have you been good while I was away?" | + | "I missed you, sweet pod!" Alor crouched down and lifted the child up to his shoulder, where she sat, beaming. "Have you been good while I was away?" |
− | "I made a puzzle box. See!" The girl held out a soapstone box. The master craftsdwarf always started the young ones with the material since it required little strength to carve, though it crumbled easily. Even so, the box was quite exquisite. | + | "I made a puzzle box. See!" The girl held out a soapstone box. The master craftsdwarf always started the young ones with the material since it required little strength to carve, though it crumbled easily. Even so, the box was quite exquisite. |
− | "That's beautiful. Now let me see here..." Alor pressed a button and the lid popped open. There was nothing inside. "Hey, where's my treasure?" he said in mock indignation. | + | "That's beautiful. Now let me see here..." Alor pressed a button and the lid popped open. There was nothing inside. "Hey, where's my treasure?" he said in mock indignation. |
− | The girl took the box and made a series of complicated motions along the inside of the empty compartment. A second lid opened, revealing a piece of dwarven sugar candy. The child giggled and smiled broadly. | + | The girl took the box and made a series of complicated motions along the inside of the empty compartment. A second lid opened, revealing a piece of dwarven sugar candy. The child giggled and smiled broadly. |
− | Alor scratched his head and laughed. Coren was only six, but she was already beyond him. | + | Alor scratched his head and laughed. Coren was only six, but she was already beyond him. |
"Did you win, daddy?" Coren asked. | "Did you win, daddy?" Coren asked. | ||
− | "Ah, the tournament? Yes, sweet pod, there hasn't been a dwarf born yet that can beat your father," Alor looked at the puzzle box. "At least not at wrestling. And you know what else?" | + | "Ah, the tournament? Yes, sweet pod, there hasn't been a dwarf born yet that can beat your father," Alor looked at the puzzle box. "At least not at wrestling. And you know what else?" |
− | "What else, daddy? What else?" | + | "What else, daddy? What else?" |
"I met a talking boar and we became friends." | "I met a talking boar and we became friends." | ||
− | "Again?" Coren complained. "I want to meet your animal friends soon." | + | "Again?" Coren complained. "I want to meet your animal friends soon." |
− | "I'll invite them over for your party next month. Until then, you have to work hard. Do you have a lesson today?" | + | "I'll invite them over for your party next month. Until then, you have to work hard. Do you have a lesson today?" |
− | "Yes. Mr. Goldlocket says he'll let me try marble today." | + | "Yes. Mr. Goldlocket says he'll let me try marble today." |
− | "Marble, eh? That's amazing. You really are your mother's daughter. I'll walk you to the shop." Together they strolled down the passageway. Alor admired the carvings and architecture, occasionally pointing an engraving out and explaining its history, though his daughter had heard it all before. It had been two months since he left for tournament, and the wrestler had missed his home very much. | + | "Marble, eh? That's amazing. You really are your mother's daughter. I'll walk you to the shop." Together they strolled down the passageway. Alor admired the carvings and architecture, occasionally pointing an engraving out and explaining its history, though his daughter had heard it all before. It had been two months since he left for tournament, and the wrestler had missed his home very much. |
− | "The three of us should have a feast tonight. What do you say?" Alor asked. Coren did not respond. | + | "The three of us should have a feast tonight. What do you say?" Alor asked. Coren did not respond. |
− | The dwarf looked down. His daughter was not there. She was not in the passageway. There was no sign of her. | + | The dwarf looked down. His daughter was not there. She was not in the passageway. There was no sign of her. |
− | "Goblins!" A scream echoed through the tunnels. "Goblins in the fortress!" | + | "Goblins!" A scream echoed through the tunnels. "Goblins in the fortress!" |
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"I'm sure she's in there," Alor said from his place behind the boulder where he looked down upon the rusted iron doors of Chatteltomb. | "I'm sure she's in there," Alor said from his place behind the boulder where he looked down upon the rusted iron doors of Chatteltomb. | ||
− | "We must act now, while there's still time," the boar urged. This was the same boar that Alor had befriended by the riverbank, and it now came to aid Alor in his time of need. | + | "We must act now, while there's still time," the boar urged. This was the same boar that Alor had befriended by the riverbank, and it now came to aid Alor in his time of need. |
− | "The door is locked. Even with our combined strength, I doubt we can force entry," the leopard observed. This was the same leopard that Alor had befriended in the high grasses, and it also came to aid Alor in his time of need. | + | "The door is locked. Even with our combined strength, I doubt we can force entry," the leopard observed. This was the same leopard that Alor had befriended in the high grasses, and it also came to aid Alor in his time of need. |
− | "Don't worry. The guards were drunk in the ravine below," the marmot announced as it scampered up the slope with the key in its mouth. This was the same marmot that Alor had befriended on the mountainside, and it came to aid Alor after promises of food. | + | "Don't worry. The guards were drunk in the ravine below," the marmot announced as it scampered up the slope with the key in its mouth. This was the same marmot that Alor had befriended on the mountainside, and it came to aid Alor after promises of food. |
− | "I've only challenged the depths of this black pit once in my life. It is a memory I have longed to forget, though it will serve me now," Alor said. "It sickens me that my daughter is kept there. The way to the dungeons will not be heavily guarded, as fear of this place keeps all but the foolish at bay. That said, the tower above is garrisoned with unnumbered horrors. If the alarm is raised, escape will be impossible." | + | "I've only challenged the depths of this black pit once in my life. It is a memory I have longed to forget, though it will serve me now," Alor said. "It sickens me that my daughter is kept there. The way to the dungeons will not be heavily guarded, as fear of this place keeps all but the foolish at bay. That said, the tower above is garrisoned with unnumbered horrors. If the alarm is raised, escape will be impossible." |
− | The group made their way down to the entrance. With some effort, Alor forced the key into place. The great doors swung open with a grating noise, exposing a palpable darkness that hung heavy in the stale air like a fog of soot. The thick shadows were penetrated from beyond by sinister red lights which gave vague form to the smooth obsidian corridors. | + | The group made their way down to the entrance. With some effort, Alor forced the key into place. The great doors swung open with a grating noise, exposing a palpable darkness that hung heavy in the stale air like a fog of soot. The thick shadows were penetrated from beyond by sinister red lights which gave vague form to the smooth obsidian corridors. |
− | Once all had passed into the tower, they closed the door behind them. "We can only hope it is not unusual for the doors to sound. Do you see anything?" Alor whispered to the leopard. | + | Once all had passed into the tower, they closed the door behind them. "We can only hope it is not unusual for the doors to sound. Do you see anything?" Alor whispered to the leopard. |
− | "Several doors down, a goblin is standing," the leopard spoke softly. "It has turned to face us. I don't think it can make us out yet, but its night eyes are almost as strong as my own. It is coming this way." | + | "Several doors down, a goblin is standing," the leopard spoke softly. "It has turned to face us. I don't think it can make us out yet, but its night eyes are almost as strong as my own. It is coming this way." |
− | Indeed, Alor could barely make out twin spots of crimson shining in the distance. The dwarf felt the leopard slip from his side. In a moment, the crimson spots disappeared from view. No sound accompanied their departure. Alor and the others padded quietly forward, approaching the stairway and the dungeons below. | + | Indeed, Alor could barely make out twin spots of crimson shining in the distance. The dwarf felt the leopard slip from his side. In a moment, the crimson spots disappeared from view. No sound accompanied their departure. Alor and the others padded quietly forward, approaching the stairway and the dungeons below. |
==[[User:Senso|Senso]]== | ==[[User:Senso|Senso]]== | ||
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<pre><+@?++&~~</pre> | <pre><+@?++&~~</pre> | ||
− | The wayward manager Aliz stepped quietly down the last flight of stairs into the lowest depths of the abandoned halls. The air of the room was stale and warm. The light of the dwarf's torch illuminated a stone pedestal, on which rested a gray book. | + | The wayward manager Aliz stepped quietly down the last flight of stairs into the lowest depths of the abandoned halls. The air of the room was stale and warm. The light of the dwarf's torch illuminated a stone pedestal, on which rested a gray book. |
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− | + | "The Tome of Suffering," Aliz whispered. In its blood-stained pages, the collected wisdom of countless outpost managers waited for his perusal. Never again would his charges starve. Never again would they complain for want of whiskey. Never again would Aliz have to consult the half-baked scribblings of his uncle Toran. | |
− | + | The ground shook and Aliz's ears were assailed by a deafening crash. When the dust cleared, the entire chamber was illuminated by a sinister red glow. In place of the far wall was a yawning pit filled with bubbling magma and flames. From the inferno came a betusked fiend, ravening, its slavering maw belching foul vapors through which stared its cruel bulging eyes. Its clawed hands kneaded the lardy folds of its corpulence as if it sought to make room for this latest morsel. | |
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− | + | Aliz was terrified. The dwarf clutched the Tome to his chest. The horrific beast crouched by the magma pool, muttering in a grating whisper: | |
− | + | "It will be eaten. It will be eaten, the dwarf. Eaten. Eaten alive." | |
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==[[User:Shanty|Shanty]]== | ==[[User:Shanty|Shanty]]== | ||
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<pre>@@+U@</pre> | <pre>@@+U@</pre> | ||
− | Rogar spun again and again, staring into the darkness. The scraping had begun all at once and it seemed to come from every direction. Nothing could be seen beyond the limit of the flickering torchlight. | + | Rogar spun again and again, staring into the darkness. The scraping had begun all at once and it seemed to come from every direction. Nothing could be seen beyond the limit of the flickering torchlight. |
− | There! A shadow moved slowly out of the darkness. It had the stature of a dwarf, but Rogar knew the outpost had been abandoned for decades. After a moment, the warrior could see clearly. The shuffling thing had no flesh. The bones of its feet clacked and slid across the stones. The dead were walking in this place. | + | There! A shadow moved slowly out of the darkness. It had the stature of a dwarf, but Rogar knew the outpost had been abandoned for decades. After a moment, the warrior could see clearly. The shuffling thing had no flesh. The bones of its feet clacked and slid across the stones. The dead were walking in this place. |
− | There were more, many more. Rogar was completely surrounded. He held up his sword and turned from threat to threat. The dwarves were unarmed, with tatters of cloth hanging over their skeletal remains. Bits of beard were still visible stuck around their garments and their skulls. The dead stopped short of Rogar's weapon and stood completely motionless. There was no way the warrior could pass without forcing his way through. | + | There were more, many more. Rogar was completely surrounded. He held up his sword and turned from threat to threat. The dwarves were unarmed, with tatters of cloth hanging over their skeletal remains. Bits of beard were still visible stuck around their garments and their skulls. The dead stopped short of Rogar's weapon and stood completely motionless. There was no way the warrior could pass without forcing his way through. |
− | The skeleton he had seen first raised its bony hand slowly, curling all of its fingers save one into its palm. Its index finger pointed toward Rogar. From somewhere within its skull, it emitted a long, low moan which ended in a hiss and faded into silence. | + | The skeleton he had seen first raised its bony hand slowly, curling all of its fingers save one into its palm. Its index finger pointed toward Rogar. From somewhere within its skull, it emitted a long, low moan which ended in a hiss and faded into silence. |
==[[User:Spelguru|Spelguru]]== | ==[[User:Spelguru|Spelguru]]== | ||
Line 1,817: | Line 731: | ||
..@.M.~~~~... | ..@.M.~~~~... | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | The adventurer, transformed into a ghoul by strange forces, crawls toward the Everlasting River of Curing, barely clinging to his life, such as it had become. Suddenly, from the ceiling dropped... Adamantine Man! Is there any hope?! | + | The adventurer, transformed into a ghoul by strange forces, crawls toward the Everlasting River of Curing, barely clinging to his life, such as it had become. Suddenly, from the ceiling dropped... Adamantine Man! Is there any hope?! |
===(19 December 2006)=== | ===(19 December 2006)=== | ||
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</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | Adamantine Man spoke and said, "Unfortunate stranger! You wish to cast off your affliction? Drink then, and be blessed." | + | Adamantine Man spoke and said, "Unfortunate stranger! You wish to cast off your affliction? Drink then, and be blessed." |
− | So the adventurer drank. The soothing warmth of the water spread from the center of his body, out to his deformed fingers and toes. Without pain, they shifted and were set in their proper places, along with the other marks of the affliction. All was well. | + | So the adventurer drank. The soothing warmth of the water spread from the center of his body, out to his deformed fingers and toes. Without pain, they shifted and were set in their proper places, along with the other marks of the affliction. All was well. |
− | The adventurer looked at Adamantine Man in awe and asked, "I am grateful, Adamantine Man, for I had been without hope. For years unnumbered, my people have deemed the River unapproachable. 'Adamantine Man is there', they said, and yet, I have found naught here but a generous host and the cure to all that ailed me. Tell me Adamantine Man, why are you so feared? I am humbled by your graciousness, but am I truly free from danger?" | + | The adventurer looked at Adamantine Man in awe and asked, "I am grateful, Adamantine Man, for I had been without hope. For years unnumbered, my people have deemed the River unapproachable. 'Adamantine Man is there', they said, and yet, I have found naught here but a generous host and the cure to all that ailed me. Tell me Adamantine Man, why are you so feared? I am humbled by your graciousness, but am I truly free from danger?" |
− | Adamantine Man spoke for a second time and said, "Indeed, be not afraid. Your people regard me with terror, for they do not understand me, and verily, who among you can understand Adamantine Man, who does not understand himself?" | + | Adamantine Man spoke for a second time and said, "Indeed, be not afraid. Your people regard me with terror, for they do not understand me, and verily, who among you can understand Adamantine Man, who does not understand himself?" |
− | The adventurer bowed his head and said, "It is true. Even now I am unsettled, for though you have granted me renewed life asking for nothing, still, even now, I wish to leave and never return." | + | The adventurer bowed his head and said, "It is true. Even now I am unsettled, for though you have granted me renewed life asking for nothing, still, even now, I wish to leave and never return." |
− | Adamantine Man spoke for a third time and said, "So it has always been. Go now in peace." | + | Adamantine Man spoke for a third time and said, "So it has always been. Go now in peace." |
− | The adventurer left without looking back. Overjoyed, his family accepted him, no longer an outcast, and soon all in the land had heard that he who had once been tainted was made whole by the River. | + | The adventurer left without looking back. Overjoyed, his family accepted him, no longer an outcast, and soon all in the land had heard that he who had once been tainted was made whole by the River. |
− | Some years later, a man, broken in body, came to the adventurer's abode. "I seek your aid, for it is said that you who were once tainted were made whole by the River. Tell me, where is the River, that I might be restored?" | + | Some years later, a man, broken in body, came to the adventurer's abode. "I seek your aid, for it is said that you who were once tainted were made whole by the River. Tell me, where is the River, that I might be restored?" |
− | The adventurer looked at the man, and he said, "Adamantine Man is there. Be content now, as I shall never be again." The man departed, and the adventurer remained. | + | The adventurer looked at the man, and he said, "Adamantine Man is there. Be content now, as I shall never be again." The man departed, and the adventurer remained. |
===(25 March 2007)=== | ===(25 March 2007)=== | ||
Line 1,850: | Line 764: | ||
@-***=.T | @-***=.T | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
− | The Pulson-9000 seared the sky trailing ion-energized purple lightning. The XZ-Trollmech Mk7 didn't stand a chance. Another contract, another payment. Rogar was the last dwarf of his village, and after many hardships had fallen into the tough life of a mercenary warrior. He had stolen his first fighting bot, but after three years he had enough money to build and repair his own. He spent his offtime tinkering, which soothed his still-dwarven heart | + | The Pulson-9000 seared the sky trailing ion-energized purple lightning. The XZ-Trollmech Mk7 didn't stand a chance. Another contract, another payment. Rogar was the last dwarf of his village, and after many hardships had fallen into the tough life of a mercenary warrior. He had stolen his first fighting bot, but after three years he had enough money to build and repair his own. He spent his offtime tinkering, which soothed his still-dwarven heart. |
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− | + | For now though, he was in enemy territory. True, the contract was complete, but he had fought his way deep into the personal citadel of the vile cyber-modded troll Vanquidor in order to blow his Mk7 body to pieces, and now he had to laze through the bodyguards and sentry droids he hadn't already obliterated. The dwarf had very little ordinance remaining. Rogar put on his shades. Things were about to get hot, but he was cool as a sonic-fan. Time to fire it up! Yeah! | |
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==[[User:SupSuper|SupSuper]]== | ==[[User:SupSuper|SupSuper]]== | ||
Line 1,916: | Line 772: | ||
<pre>+R@%+@+%</pre> | <pre>+R@%+@+%</pre> | ||
− | "Hya! Hya!" Kogan screamed as he careened around the corner astride Lomrin. He had acquired the giant rat from the dungeon master for a vial of liquid fire. It had been a barrel of laughs, especially after a mug or three. | + | "Hya! Hya!" Kogan screamed as he careened around the corner astride Lomrin. He had acquired the giant rat from the dungeon master for a vial of liquid fire. It had been a barrel of laughs, especially after a mug or three. |
− | As they passed the foodpile, Lomrin stopped suddenly to inspect a large plump helmet biscuit. Kogan flew over the rat's ears and landed on his beard, sliding to a stop at a pair of black leather boots. Kogan waited a moment for his head to clear, and then he rolled back on his bottom and stared up at the face of Mul. It had to be Mul. | + | As they passed the foodpile, Lomrin stopped suddenly to inspect a large plump helmet biscuit. Kogan flew over the rat's ears and landed on his beard, sliding to a stop at a pair of black leather boots. Kogan waited a moment for his head to clear, and then he rolled back on his bottom and stared up at the face of Mul. It had to be Mul. |
− | "On a bender again, are we Kogan?" Mul admonished. | + | "On a bender again, are we Kogan?" Mul admonished. |
− | "We? I swear I haven't given Lomrin a drop!" Kogan said indignantly. | + | "We? I swear I haven't given Lomrin a drop!" Kogan said indignantly. |
− | "I wouldn't be so sure..." Mul said, indicating the food stockpile with a nod of his head. | + | "I wouldn't be so sure..." Mul said, indicating the food stockpile with a nod of his head. |
− | Kogan turned his head. Lomrin had pried the lid off of a whisky barrel. Only her rear legs and tail were now visible. | + | Kogan turned his head. Lomrin had pried the lid off of a whisky barrel. Only her rear legs and tail were now visible. |
− | "She takes after her uncle Kogan!" Kogan beamed proudly. Mul knocked him down to the ground with a push from his foot. | + | "She takes after her uncle Kogan!" Kogan beamed proudly. Mul knocked him down to the ground with a push from his foot. |
==[[User:Syndlig|Syndlig]]== | ==[[User:Syndlig|Syndlig]]== | ||
===(18 May 2007)=== | ===(18 May 2007)=== | ||
<pre>oU++@@</pre> | <pre>oU++@@</pre> | ||
− | The man struggled against the chains. The dwarves stared at him, smiling in satisfaction. | + | The man struggled against the chains. The dwarves stared at him, smiling in satisfaction. |
− | "That should ward you off our treasures, human. Be glad we don't send for the Hammerer." | + | "That should ward you off our treasures, human. Be glad we don't send for the Hammerer." |
− | The human scoffed. "Ha! I may be a thief, but at least I'm not a dwarf. See how I tower above you! I may not have a trade, I may not have any notable achievements whatsoever, but I am still a man." | + | The human scoffed. "Ha! I may be a thief, but at least I'm not a dwarf. See how I tower above you! I may not have a trade, I may not have any notable achievements whatsoever, but I am still a man." |
− | The blackbearded dwarf turned to his companion. "You know, Mul, I suppose we could call for the Hammerer. The Baron will understand. After all, it was the Baron's goblet we found in his pack." | + | The blackbearded dwarf turned to his companion. "You know, Mul, I suppose we could call for the Hammerer. The Baron will understand. After all, it was the Baron's goblet we found in his pack." |
− | The dwarf named Mul considered this. "The Hammerer could certainly give him a new perspective on life. From two or three handspans lower down, at that. Start at the ankles, perhaps?" | + | The dwarf named Mul considered this. "The Hammerer could certainly give him a new perspective on life. From two or three handspans lower down, at that. Start at the ankles, perhaps?" |
− | "I always preferred the kneecaps, myself," the blackbearded dwarf said as they turned to leave. "It's really up to Rashok to decide though." | + | "I always preferred the kneecaps, myself," the blackbearded dwarf said as they turned to leave. "It's really up to Rashok to decide though." |
− | Mul hummed in disappointed affirmation. "Hmm, Rashok gets to have all the fun doesn't he?" | + | Mul hummed in disappointed affirmation. "Hmm, Rashok gets to have all the fun doesn't he?" |
− | "Wait! Don't leave, my little friends!" the man screamed as the dwarves disappeared through the iron gate. | + | "Wait! Don't leave, my little friends!" the man screamed as the dwarves disappeared through the iron gate. |
− | The blackbearded dwarf poked his head back into the dungeon. "We'll spare some whiskey, don't worry!" He disappeared again. | + | The blackbearded dwarf poked his head back into the dungeon. "We'll spare some whiskey, don't worry!" He disappeared again. |
"Watered down, of course..." Mul could be heard saying as their footfalls faded away. | "Watered down, of course..." Mul could be heard saying as their footfalls faded away. | ||
Line 1,959: | Line 815: | ||
Fiends pounded the trail, hunting Belmir and his thieving partner. | Fiends pounded the trail, hunting Belmir and his thieving partner. | ||
The two had stolen into the dark goblin tower in the dead of night and | The two had stolen into the dark goblin tower in the dead of night and | ||
− | taken the vial that held the demon king's essence. By destroying it, | + | taken the vial that held the demon king's essence. By destroying it, |
− | they could stop the war and put an end to the demon forever. Why | + | they could stop the war and put an end to the demon forever. Why |
− | destroy it, thought Belmir, when it obviously held so much value? He | + | destroy it, thought Belmir, when it obviously held so much value? He |
− | and Gal would be rich men. Or, he thought, looking at Gal with | + | and Gal would be rich men. Or, he thought, looking at Gal with |
murderous intent, perhaps just me. | murderous intent, perhaps just me. | ||
Line 1,970: | Line 826: | ||
The lonely cottage stood underneath a great hill of snow that had been | The lonely cottage stood underneath a great hill of snow that had been | ||
− | born of the great blizzard. Wind and sleet kept the pioneers indoors. | + | born of the great blizzard. Wind and sleet kept the pioneers indoors. |
That, and the promise of hated predators searching for meat in the | That, and the promise of hated predators searching for meat in the | ||
− | frozen wastes. But as his family grew hungry, Fram knew that he must | + | frozen wastes. But as his family grew hungry, Fram knew that he must |
join the hunters outside. | join the hunters outside. | ||
− | Almost immediately Fram saw the danger. Bloody footprints of a great | + | Almost immediately Fram saw the danger. Bloody footprints of a great |
creature circled the cottage as if a monster sought a way inside. | creature circled the cottage as if a monster sought a way inside. | ||
− | Grimly, Fram gripped his spear. He must persevere lest his family | + | Grimly, Fram gripped his spear. He must persevere lest his family |
− | starve. He followed the monster's tracks away from his home as he | + | starve. He followed the monster's tracks away from his home as he |
pulled his furs tight against the freezing winds. | pulled his furs tight against the freezing winds. | ||
Ahead he saw a shape, a black mound against an ocean of white. | Ahead he saw a shape, a black mound against an ocean of white. | ||
− | Cautiously, Fram approached. It was the half eaten body of a black | + | Cautiously, Fram approached. It was the half eaten body of a black |
− | bear. But what could kill such a large beast. As if to answer, a | + | bear. But what could kill such a large beast. As if to answer, a |
− | monster loomed into sight, its body covered with long icicles. A | + | monster loomed into sight, its body covered with long icicles. A |
blizzard man! | blizzard man! | ||
Line 1,992: | Line 848: | ||
With one mighty swing, Alfonso knocked away the prone elf's sword and | With one mighty swing, Alfonso knocked away the prone elf's sword and | ||
− | placed his boot on his wrist. Many moons had past since the vile | + | placed his boot on his wrist. Many moons had past since the vile |
− | creature had killed poor Jim and ate him. Even now the elf looked up | + | creature had killed poor Jim and ate him. Even now the elf looked up |
− | in defiance. Finally, in these haunted woods far from home, vengeance | + | in defiance. Finally, in these haunted woods far from home, vengeance |
− | would be served. Alfonso held the tip of his sword over the | + | would be served. Alfonso held the tip of his sword over the |
creature's heart, wondering vaguely if it had one. | creature's heart, wondering vaguely if it had one. | ||
"Back off, human," came a voice from behind, "this is my kill." | "Back off, human," came a voice from behind, "this is my kill." | ||
− | The human ranger turned to see a dwarf holding a crossbow. By the | + | The human ranger turned to see a dwarf holding a crossbow. By the |
state of his boots and armor, Alfonso could tell the dwarf too, had | state of his boots and armor, Alfonso could tell the dwarf too, had | ||
− | been on a long quest. The elf saw its chance and snaked its way out | + | been on a long quest. The elf saw its chance and snaked its way out |
from between the ranger's legs and was off into the brush in an | from between the ranger's legs and was off into the brush in an | ||
− | instant. Alfonso cursed and charged after him, the dwarf close | + | instant. Alfonso cursed and charged after him, the dwarf close |
behind. | behind. | ||
Line 2,013: | Line 869: | ||
The dwarven toughs stood around the curve in the corridor, taunting | The dwarven toughs stood around the curve in the corridor, taunting | ||
− | the dwarf lasses as they passed. A particularly vicious young dwarf | + | the dwarf lasses as they passed. A particularly vicious young dwarf |
fingered his crossbow as he saw a dwarf he knew. | fingered his crossbow as he saw a dwarf he knew. | ||
− | "Hey, Moody," said a thug. "There's the dwarf that owes you that coin." | + | "Hey, Moody," said a thug. "There's the dwarf that owes you that coin." |
"Yes," said Moody, stepping up to the dwarf, pointing his weapon. | "Yes," said Moody, stepping up to the dwarf, pointing his weapon. | ||
− | "You owe me," said Moody. "Hand over the purse." | + | "You owe me," said Moody. "Hand over the purse." |
"I don't have your money!" said the dwarf. | "I don't have your money!" said the dwarf. | ||
Line 2,027: | Line 883: | ||
"I'll be back," said the blood-soaked dwarf over his shoulder as he | "I'll be back," said the blood-soaked dwarf over his shoulder as he | ||
− | ran. "I'll be back!" | + | ran. "I'll be back!" |
"You're never coming back coward!" shouted Moody. | "You're never coming back coward!" shouted Moody. | ||
Line 2,036: | Line 892: | ||
The demon king rode high on his dragon as his vast army assaulted the | The demon king rode high on his dragon as his vast army assaulted the | ||
− | dwarf fortress below. Catapults smashed the battlements with huge | + | dwarf fortress below. Catapults smashed the battlements with huge |
− | balls of fire. Bolts and arrows filled the air in a deadly exchange | + | balls of fire. Bolts and arrows filled the air in a deadly exchange |
− | of fire. Armored trolls ran into the stone gates, smashing into the | + | of fire. Armored trolls ran into the stone gates, smashing into the |
− | rock and sending shards flying. Not one space above ground was safe. | + | rock and sending shards flying. Not one space above ground was safe. |
"How could it come to this?" cried Durkan, hands over his ears. | "How could it come to this?" cried Durkan, hands over his ears. | ||
Line 2,046: | Line 902: | ||
Pebbles fell from the ceiling as another bombardment rocked the | Pebbles fell from the ceiling as another bombardment rocked the | ||
− | fortress. Glamsfir stood and peered out of an archery portal. The | + | fortress. Glamsfir stood and peered out of an archery portal. The |
− | situation was fatal. He lifted his crossbow and put down a goblin | + | situation was fatal. He lifted his crossbow and put down a goblin |
archer in an act of defiance, though it mattered little. | archer in an act of defiance, though it mattered little. | ||
Line 2,053: | Line 909: | ||
"I told you not to call me that," said the dwarf hero. | "I told you not to call me that," said the dwarf hero. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Meto== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===(9th December, 2009)=== | ||
+ | <pre>UUUU/UU/U#+!++@@@@</pre> | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dwarves hurled boulders down on the invaders as they advanced by | ||
+ | ladder. Sharkra smiled, for this meant they had run out of ammunition | ||
+ | for their war machines. She dodged out of the way as a human invader | ||
+ | plunged down past her to a rocky doom. Sharkra grimaced. Machines or | ||
+ | not, these dwarves would fight the death to save their blasted | ||
+ | mountain. At last she reached the battlements. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Battle master Sharkra was an evil genius of combat. It was rumored | ||
+ | she had sacrificed everything she loved for riches and lost it all | ||
+ | gambling the same night. Her very aura smelled of the underworld. | ||
+ | Now she soldiered for anyone who would pay her. Pay her and her elite | ||
+ | troop of mercenaries, the Unholy Band. This time is was rat-lord | ||
+ | Gomra that hired her. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sharkra pulled herself onto the fortress wall. Members of the Unholy | ||
+ | Band leapt over the battlements, light on their feet. Together they | ||
+ | advanced on the dwarves. Sharkra wielded a giant mace, while the Band | ||
+ | pulled rapiers from polished sheaths. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "We have you," said Sharkra. "Throw down your weapons and die quickly." | ||
+ | |||
+ | Something sailed through the air and struck Sharkra in the face, a | ||
+ | glass flask filled with fuming liquid. The glass shattered sending | ||
+ | pain coursing through the evil woman's body. She put her hand to her | ||
+ | face and it came back covered in slime. She straightened up and | ||
+ | looked around. The Unholy Band was laughing at her. Sadly, this | ||
+ | wasn't the first time. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "What are you standing around for?" screeched Sharkra. "Kill them." | ||
+ | |||
+ | The vain and evil Sharkra pulled a mirror from her pack which she | ||
+ | carried at all times. Her face was never much to begin with, but now | ||
+ | it was utterly ruined. Gomra, thought Sharkra, it is all his fault. | ||
+ | The warrior woman whistled and the Unholy Band followed her as she | ||
+ | retreated from the fortress. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "It is said," intoned dwarf captain Duzelm, "that evil shall always | ||
+ | turn upon itself." | ||
+ | |||
+ | "What is your plan master?" asked Bally, the dwarven squire. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "We shall follow this villain back to Lord Gomra," said Duzelm "and | ||
+ | catch all the rats in the same trap. Go to the humans in Gelthtown, | ||
+ | they have the quick steeds we require." | ||
+ | |||
+ | Before the day was through, the men of Gelthtown had assembled the | ||
+ | horses, along with master rider Jorna. She was blond and lean, draped | ||
+ | in the leathers of a Gelthtown tracker. The dwarves climbed onto the | ||
+ | horses and strapped themselves in. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "Are you sure you can keep up with the Unholy Band?" asked Captain Duzelm. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Jorna laughed. "Just pray I don't reach Gomra before Sharkra does," she said. | ||
==Schmi== | ==Schmi== | ||
Line 2,060: | Line 975: | ||
Magic flying horses galloped through the sky carrying the elf warriors | Magic flying horses galloped through the sky carrying the elf warriors | ||
− | on bolts of enchanted lightning. It was war, oh war, that brought the | + | on bolts of enchanted lightning. It was war, oh war, that brought the |
− | warriors hence. The evil dwarf fighter stood atop the tower of the | + | warriors hence. The evil dwarf fighter stood atop the tower of the |
− | dwarf fortress waiting for them to come. In his arsenal were a dozen | + | dwarf fortress waiting for them to come. In his arsenal were a dozen |
− | flame-throwing catapults ready to spring into action. Giant trolls | + | flame-throwing catapults ready to spring into action. Giant trolls |
− | dragged the ammunition up from the mines. The dwarf raised his hand. | + | dragged the ammunition up from the mines. The dwarf raised his hand. |
− | A hundred marksdwarves aimed their crossbows. Rainbows filled the sky | + | A hundred marksdwarves aimed their crossbows. Rainbows filled the sky |
− | as the elves approached. With a final snort, the dwarf let his hand | + | as the elves approached. With a final snort, the dwarf let his hand |
drop. | drop. | ||
Line 2,072: | Line 987: | ||
<pre>~~/~~U~~~~</pre> | <pre>~~/~~U~~~~</pre> | ||
− | When it was over, not a good thing lived. With the failure of the | + | When it was over, not a good thing lived. With the failure of the |
− | sacred band all hope was lost. The trees of the forest were swept | + | sacred band all hope was lost. The trees of the forest were swept |
from the earth, and those luckless beings that lived were enslaved to | from the earth, and those luckless beings that lived were enslaved to | ||
− | the evil dwarf fortress. The dwarves delved deep into the earth and | + | the evil dwarf fortress. The dwarves delved deep into the earth and |
− | released onto it, the horrors of the underworld. Fed up with the | + | released onto it, the horrors of the underworld. Fed up with the |
world, the gods turned their back on it, leaving only Armok, the blood | world, the gods turned their back on it, leaving only Armok, the blood | ||
god, to rule alone. | god, to rule alone. | ||
Peasant farmer Alan heard a whistling noise from above and turned his | Peasant farmer Alan heard a whistling noise from above and turned his | ||
− | head to the blood red sky. He leapt to the side as a huge broadsword | + | head to the blood red sky. He leapt to the side as a huge broadsword |
− | landed at his feet. Alan scratched his head. The gods ask too much, | + | landed at his feet. Alan scratched his head. The gods ask too much, |
− | he thought. All of his ancestors had fought and died in elongated | + | he thought. All of his ancestors had fought and died in elongated |
− | wars. What can he give but his weak life? | + | wars. What can he give but his weak life? |
− | ==Robert ' | + | ==Robert 'Brightgalrs' Schultz== |
===(31 June 2010)=== | ===(31 June 2010)=== | ||
<pre>,.Wk,.. //####||@++>||###</pre> | <pre>,.Wk,.. //####||@++>||###</pre> | ||
− | No lock was safe from the kobold master thief, Macabis. The last year | + | No lock was safe from the kobold master thief, Macabis. The last year |
− | he broke into the thick-walled castle Varnus. And only two weeks ago | + | he broke into the thick-walled castle Varnus. And only two weeks ago |
− | he had robbed the goblin dungeon under the Blood Mountain. But | + | he had robbed the goblin dungeon under the Blood Mountain. But |
− | Macabis shared the failings of all of his kind. For to a kobolds | + | Macabis shared the failings of all of his kind. For to a kobolds |
there was no difference between a rough diamond and a piece of | there was no difference between a rough diamond and a piece of | ||
shattered glass. | shattered glass. | ||
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"You, go here," said the wizard, pointing at a map scrawled in the dirt. | "You, go here," said the wizard, pointing at a map scrawled in the dirt. | ||
− | "Bring me this." The wizard produced from his robes a metal cup. The | + | "Bring me this." The wizard produced from his robes a metal cup. The |
kobold blinked, its yellow eyes seemed to search for meaning and | kobold blinked, its yellow eyes seemed to search for meaning and | ||
− | quickly gave up. The wizard reached into his other sleeve and | + | quickly gave up. The wizard reached into his other sleeve and |
− | produced a drinking horn. The kobold screeched and grabbed it with | + | produced a drinking horn. The kobold screeched and grabbed it with |
− | both hands. The humans always had the best drink. Macabis knew what | + | both hands. The humans always had the best drink. Macabis knew what |
− | the scratchings on the cup meant. It was the dwarf fortress of | + | the scratchings on the cup meant. It was the dwarf fortress of |
− | Antguard. He yanked away the horn and slung it over his back. There | + | Antguard. He yanked away the horn and slung it over his back. There |
would be many more such drinks once the wizard had his cup. | would be many more such drinks once the wizard had his cup. | ||
Aliz still felt a little queasy as the sun broke over the mountains. | Aliz still felt a little queasy as the sun broke over the mountains. | ||
He had been on tower duty for two months, punishment for staring too | He had been on tower duty for two months, punishment for staring too | ||
− | long at the beautiful queen. Had they only know the true subject of | + | long at the beautiful queen. Had they only know the true subject of |
− | his avarice. It was the artifact cup from which she drank. It had | + | his avarice. It was the artifact cup from which she drank. It had |
− | the power to make any liquid taste like the finest wine. As he | + | the power to make any liquid taste like the finest wine. As he |
daydreamed, a shadow passed under the castle gate. | daydreamed, a shadow passed under the castle gate. | ||
Line 2,119: | Line 1,034: | ||
<pre>,""."".,UU,..,."",."||W+++||</pre> | <pre>,""."".,UU,..,."",."||W+++||</pre> | ||
− | Power. That was all that mattered. Evil wizard Marcon commanded a | + | Power. That was all that mattered. Evil wizard Marcon commanded a |
− | legion of vampires and all manner of night creatures. It was the | + | legion of vampires and all manner of night creatures. It was the |
− | daylight that was his greatest weakness. When all his creatures | + | daylight that was his greatest weakness. When all his creatures |
crawled back into their graves, there he was, nothing but a lonely old | crawled back into their graves, there he was, nothing but a lonely old | ||
− | man in a crumbling tower. The peasants of the village knew to stay | + | man in a crumbling tower. The peasants of the village knew to stay |
− | away from the ugly building. It was rumored you could see a mournful | + | away from the ugly building. It was rumored you could see a mournful |
eye staring out of the highest window, resenting all that lived. | eye staring out of the highest window, resenting all that lived. | ||
Line 2,132: | Line 1,047: | ||
"Where are we going, my love?" asked Mandy. | "Where are we going, my love?" asked Mandy. | ||
− | "To Marcon tower," said the boy. "They will never look for us there." | + | "To Marcon tower," said the boy. "They will never look for us there." |
− | "No!" cried Mandy. "A thousand times no! That place is haunted." | + | "No!" cried Mandy. "A thousand times no! That place is haunted." |
− | "What's a matter Mandy?" mocked Allen. "Are you afraid of the bogeyman?" | + | "What's a matter Mandy?" mocked Allen. "Are you afraid of the bogeyman?" |
===(18 December 2010)=== | ===(18 December 2010)=== | ||
Line 2,142: | Line 1,057: | ||
Shafts of light from the failing sun shone through the high windows | Shafts of light from the failing sun shone through the high windows | ||
− | and fell on the lovers as they lay on the grassy floor. As Allen | + | and fell on the lovers as they lay on the grassy floor. As Allen |
looked up at the inside of the crumbling building, he did so with the | looked up at the inside of the crumbling building, he did so with the | ||
− | eyes of a boy who knew he was now a man. Somewhere in the distance a | + | eyes of a boy who knew he was now a man. Somewhere in the distance a |
− | coyote howled. Night was falling. Not even Allen was stupid enough | + | coyote howled. Night was falling. Not even Allen was stupid enough |
− | to stay in Marcon tower after dark. He tried to sit up, but Mandy | + | to stay in Marcon tower after dark. He tried to sit up, but Mandy |
lay across his arm and would not stir. | lay across his arm and would not stir. | ||
− | With wondrous motion the tower began to transform. Torches appeared | + | With wondrous motion the tower began to transform. Torches appeared |
− | on the walls. Cold stones replaced the grass on which Allen lay. | + | on the walls. Cold stones replaced the grass on which Allen lay. |
Planks of wood sprouted from the walls and unfolded into a great | Planks of wood sprouted from the walls and unfolded into a great | ||
− | spiral stairway. Chill gripped Allen's heart as he heard steps | + | spiral stairway. Chill gripped Allen's heart as he heard steps |
− | resounding down the stair. He tried to pull his hand free but Mandy | + | resounding down the stair. He tried to pull his hand free but Mandy |
− | lay still and cold to the touch. With horror, the young man watched | + | lay still and cold to the touch. With horror, the young man watched |
as the wizard descended, cloaked and menacing. | as the wizard descended, cloaked and menacing. | ||
− | "All hope is for naught," said the wizard. "The fruit of your deed is | + | "All hope is for naught," said the wizard. "The fruit of your deed is |
death eternal." | death eternal." | ||
Line 2,164: | Line 1,079: | ||
Mandy rose from her place with the jerking movement of a marionette. | Mandy rose from her place with the jerking movement of a marionette. | ||
− | Allen cried out and crawled backward across the floor. Naked, he ran | + | Allen cried out and crawled backward across the floor. Naked, he ran |
− | from the tower, the wizard's evil laughter ringing in his ears. He | + | from the tower, the wizard's evil laughter ringing in his ears. He |
ran in fear, faster even than the bogeymen the wizard sent to chase | ran in fear, faster even than the bogeymen the wizard sent to chase | ||
− | him. Finally, his body cut up, bleeding, and exhausted, he collapsed | + | him. Finally, his body cut up, bleeding, and exhausted, he collapsed |
on the steps of the temple. | on the steps of the temple. | ||
Line 2,173: | Line 1,088: | ||
bring you to the temple of Domon." | bring you to the temple of Domon." | ||
− | The boy cried and told his tale of terror and woe. The priest shook | + | The boy cried and told his tale of terror and woe. The priest shook |
− | his head and told him there was little hope for Mandy now. He handed | + | his head and told him there was little hope for Mandy now. He handed |
− | Allen a small gem -- the Eye of Domon. It was said to pierce all | + | Allen a small gem -- the Eye of Domon. It was said to pierce all |
darkness. | darkness. | ||
Line 2,182: | Line 1,097: | ||
That night, Marcon was preparing for the ceremony, giggling like a | That night, Marcon was preparing for the ceremony, giggling like a | ||
− | little girl. Mandy was laid out before him on a stone slab. Just as | + | little girl. Mandy was laid out before him on a stone slab. Just as |
he raised the dagger for the death stroke, Allen kicked in the door. | he raised the dagger for the death stroke, Allen kicked in the door. | ||
Marcon made to spit out a curse when the boy raised up the Eye of | Marcon made to spit out a curse when the boy raised up the Eye of | ||
− | Domon. With a shriek, Marcon transformed into a barn owl and escaped | + | Domon. With a shriek, Marcon transformed into a barn owl and escaped |
through the open ceiling. | through the open ceiling. | ||
Line 2,194: | Line 1,109: | ||
Allen paced the length of the church, stealing glimpses of Mandy's | Allen paced the length of the church, stealing glimpses of Mandy's | ||
− | body splayed out on the altar. He remembered the wizard's curse. His | + | body splayed out on the altar. He remembered the wizard's curse. His |
− | hand gripped the jewel as he prayed to Domon for mercy. Mandy cried | + | hand gripped the jewel as he prayed to Domon for mercy. Mandy cried |
− | out. The priest put his hands on the girl's body and forced her down. | + | out. The priest put his hands on the girl's body and forced her down. |
Allen's eyes went to the windows where candles flickered and went | Allen's eyes went to the windows where candles flickered and went | ||
out. | out. | ||
− | "This girl is with child," growled the priest. "Where is the father?" | + | "This girl is with child," growled the priest. "Where is the father?" |
− | A knock came at the door. Allen looked to the priest, eyes wild with | + | A knock came at the door. Allen looked to the priest, eyes wild with |
− | fear. "Go," said the priest, turning back to the writhing girl. The | + | fear. "Go," said the priest, turning back to the writhing girl. The |
frightened boy picked up a torch and made his way to the front of the | frightened boy picked up a torch and made his way to the front of the | ||
− | darkened church. Behind him, the girl was screaming between gurgling | + | darkened church. Behind him, the girl was screaming between gurgling |
− | coughs. He dare not look now. | + | coughs. He dare not look now. |
− | The door swung open to reveal a terrible phantom. It wore a tattered | + | The door swung open to reveal a terrible phantom. It wore a tattered |
− | black robe and its head was a bare skull. "My master Marcon has sent | + | black robe and its head was a bare skull. "My master Marcon has sent |
− | me to take what is his," it said. Allen was paralyzed with fear. The | + | me to take what is his," it said. Allen was paralyzed with fear. The |
− | girl's screams had stopped. Allen turned to see the priest, covered | + | girl's screams had stopped. Allen turned to see the priest, covered |
− | in blood. In his hands he held a baby, squirming and alive, but | + | in blood. In his hands he held a baby, squirming and alive, but |
silent as death itself. | silent as death itself. | ||
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The air was still, and not an insect stirred in the cursed village. | The air was still, and not an insect stirred in the cursed village. | ||
− | It was here that evil was born, and it was here evil would die. Sir | + | It was here that evil was born, and it was here evil would die. Sir |
Ramet looked to the most pathetic cottage and made his way to the | Ramet looked to the most pathetic cottage and made his way to the | ||
− | door. When no one answered, he knocked the door off its hinges with a | + | door. When no one answered, he knocked the door off its hinges with a |
blow from his hammer. | blow from his hammer. | ||
He walked through a cloud of dust to see the body of a white haired | He walked through a cloud of dust to see the body of a white haired | ||
− | old man, half starved to death. Ramet put his foot on the man's | + | old man, half starved to death. Ramet put his foot on the man's |
− | shoulder and jostled the body. It was then that he saw that it was | + | shoulder and jostled the body. It was then that he saw that it was |
not a man, but a boy, his hair as white as snow. | not a man, but a boy, his hair as white as snow. | ||
− | "Allen?" said Ramet. "Know that your treason has cause many a soldier | + | "Allen?" said Ramet. "Know that your treason has cause many a soldier |
to lose his life, and while your son walks the earth, no one is safe." | to lose his life, and while your son walks the earth, no one is safe." | ||
− | "Son?" said Allen to the darkness. "I have a son? My poor Mandy." | + | "Son?" said Allen to the darkness. "I have a son? My poor Mandy." |
Ramet lifted his hammer and Allen seemed suddenly to come to life. | Ramet lifted his hammer and Allen seemed suddenly to come to life. | ||
− | "Wait!" shouted the wretch. "I hold something which is your only salvation." | + | "Wait!" shouted the wretch. "I hold something which is your only salvation." |
The knight watched as Allen held up a small jewel. | The knight watched as Allen held up a small jewel. | ||
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"The Eye of Domon?" asked Ramet, unbelieving. | "The Eye of Domon?" asked Ramet, unbelieving. | ||
− | The two left the cottage and turned toward Marcon's tower. The | + | The two left the cottage and turned toward Marcon's tower. The |
crumbling building cast a shadow across the village, the sun hiding | crumbling building cast a shadow across the village, the sun hiding | ||
− | behind its upper reaches. It was deserted, but both men knew what | + | behind its upper reaches. It was deserted, but both men knew what |
would happen after sundown, only a few short hours away. | would happen after sundown, only a few short hours away. | ||
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Once they reached the ruined tower, Ramet reached under his cloak, | Once they reached the ruined tower, Ramet reached under his cloak, | ||
− | behind his ample belly and drew a short, thick sword. He bid Allen | + | behind his ample belly and drew a short, thick sword. He bid Allen |
− | come closer and took the Eye from him. There was a socket in the hilt | + | come closer and took the Eye from him. There was a socket in the hilt |
− | of the blade and the knight drove the jewel home. A flash of | + | of the blade and the knight drove the jewel home. A flash of |
light blinded the two men briefly and when he opened his eyes, Allen | light blinded the two men briefly and when he opened his eyes, Allen | ||
saw Ramet holding the glowing sword before him. | saw Ramet holding the glowing sword before him. | ||
− | "Behold," shouted Ramet. "This is a weapon of Domon. Take it! For | + | "Behold," shouted Ramet. "This is a weapon of Domon. Take it! For |
the seed you have spilled now soils the land, and you must put it | the seed you have spilled now soils the land, and you must put it | ||
to right." | to right." | ||
Allen touched the sword as the last rays of sunshine faded from behind | Allen touched the sword as the last rays of sunshine faded from behind | ||
− | the hills. Once again, Marcon's tower rebuilt itself. Bats flew | + | the hills. Once again, Marcon's tower rebuilt itself. Bats flew |
out from the top as all manner of groans and scrapings came from | out from the top as all manner of groans and scrapings came from | ||
− | inside. Allen's courage failed him and he turned to run. Ramet put | + | inside. Allen's courage failed him and he turned to run. Ramet put |
his hand on the boy's chest and pushed him back. | his hand on the boy's chest and pushed him back. | ||
− | "Forget all that," said the knight. "It is time you understood the | + | "Forget all that," said the knight. "It is time you understood the |
− | consequences of your actions. I didn't loose the demon. You did. | + | consequences of your actions. I didn't loose the demon. You did. |
Take the sword, go in there, and slay the monster." | Take the sword, go in there, and slay the monster." | ||
The sword of Domon trembled in Allen's shaking hand as he opened the | The sword of Domon trembled in Allen's shaking hand as he opened the | ||
− | door to the tower. Calling on all his force of will, he stepped | + | door to the tower. Calling on all his force of will, he stepped |
− | inside. It was dark save for a single candle resting on the floor. | + | inside. It was dark save for a single candle resting on the floor. |
− | Beside it knelt a person in a dark colored robe. Silently, Allen | + | Beside it knelt a person in a dark colored robe. Silently, Allen |
stepped up behind and pulled back the hood of the robe with the tip of | stepped up behind and pulled back the hood of the robe with the tip of | ||
his sword. | his sword. | ||
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"I could be Mandy to you," said the girl, rising from the floor. | "I could be Mandy to you," said the girl, rising from the floor. | ||
− | Allen's sword fell to his side, a tear rolling down his cheek. The | + | Allen's sword fell to his side, a tear rolling down his cheek. The |
− | dark creature brushed the white hair away from his face. The shadows | + | dark creature brushed the white hair away from his face. The shadows |
− | dancing around began to take physical shape. Allen put his arm around | + | dancing around began to take physical shape. Allen put his arm around |
− | the girl. The world began to spin. In his mind he could see ghostly | + | the girl. The world began to spin. In his mind he could see ghostly |
− | armies marching across the land. His lips touched hers. | + | armies marching across the land. His lips touched hers. |
− | "That thing is your daughter!" cried Ramet. "Kill it!" | + | "That thing is your daughter!" cried Ramet. "Kill it!" |
− | With a jerk, Allen drove his sword through the girl's ribs. The | + | With a jerk, Allen drove his sword through the girl's ribs. The |
− | creature screamed. Red gas shot from its mouth and eyes. Allen | + | creature screamed. Red gas shot from its mouth and eyes. Allen |
− | backed away, disgusted and horrified. Ramet caught Allen in his arms | + | backed away, disgusted and horrified. Ramet caught Allen in his arms |
− | as the building shook and swayed. Then, all went silent, all but | + | as the building shook and swayed. Then, all went silent, all but |
Marcon's laughter. | Marcon's laughter. | ||
"This villain has lived long enough," spit Ramet. | "This villain has lived long enough," spit Ramet. | ||
− | Up and Up the knight ran, bounding three steps at a time. Marcon | + | Up and Up the knight ran, bounding three steps at a time. Marcon |
− | spotted him and quit his laughter quick. A pair of shadow demons rose | + | spotted him and quit his laughter quick. A pair of shadow demons rose |
from the floor, but Ramet barreled straight through them and met | from the floor, but Ramet barreled straight through them and met | ||
Marcon at the roof of the tower. | Marcon at the roof of the tower. | ||
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The wizard turned and leapt from the tower, transforming into an owl. | The wizard turned and leapt from the tower, transforming into an owl. | ||
− | The knight threw his war hammer with all his might. It struck the | + | The knight threw his war hammer with all his might. It struck the |
− | bird in an explosion of feathers. Marcon's lifeless body spiraled | + | bird in an explosion of feathers. Marcon's lifeless body spiraled |
slowly down to the earth. | slowly down to the earth. | ||
When Ramet reached the bottom of the stairs, Allen was on his knees, | When Ramet reached the bottom of the stairs, Allen was on his knees, | ||
− | staring at the floor. The knight lifted him up, leaned close and | + | staring at the floor. The knight lifted him up, leaned close and |
spoke to him. | spoke to him. | ||
− | "Listen," said Ramet. "We have something Marcon and your poor Mandy | + | "Listen," said Ramet. "We have something Marcon and your poor Mandy |
− | don't have. A future." | + | don't have. A future." |
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==suntorvic== | ==suntorvic== | ||
Line 2,466: | Line 1,240: | ||
<pre>s,.s.C,..@,.,//%%%%%</pre> | <pre>s,.s.C,..@,.,//%%%%%</pre> | ||
− | Dwarf hero Ulkram walked right up to the cyclops's lair. It was a | + | Dwarf hero Ulkram walked right up to the cyclops's lair. It was a |
− | shabby place, just a cave under a grassy hill. Here and there, stray | + | shabby place, just a cave under a grassy hill. Here and there, stray |
− | sheep wandered hither and fro, nibbling on the wet grass. Not a | + | sheep wandered hither and fro, nibbling on the wet grass. Not a |
− | stranger to herohood, Ulkram barged inside, axe held high. Inside, he | + | stranger to herohood, Ulkram barged inside, axe held high. Inside, he |
− | was met with all manner of foul smells. Dwarven skins lined the walls | + | was met with all manner of foul smells. Dwarven skins lined the walls |
− | and on the floor was a pile of bearded skulls. Ulkram was rendered | + | and on the floor was a pile of bearded skulls. Ulkram was rendered |
− | senseless by the unimaginable evil. He went outside to wretch. | + | senseless by the unimaginable evil. He went outside to wretch. |
"My home is not to your liking?" came a deep voice. | "My home is not to your liking?" came a deep voice. | ||
− | The cyclops was enormous. In its mighty fist was a shepherd's cane. | + | The cyclops was enormous. In its mighty fist was a shepherd's cane. |
− | The monster dropped to one knee. Ulkram could barely keep his axe | + | The monster dropped to one knee. Ulkram could barely keep his axe |
steady. | steady. | ||
− | "Tell you what," said the monster. "How about we play a game? You | + | "Tell you what," said the monster. "How about we play a game? You |
− | ask me what I'm thinking, then I you. If I can't answer, I let you | + | ask me what I'm thinking, then I you. If I can't answer, I let you |
− | go. If you can't answer, you go in my pot. Agreed?" | + | go. If you can't answer, you go in my pot. Agreed?" |
Having no other choice, Ulkran nodded his head in agreement. | Having no other choice, Ulkran nodded his head in agreement. | ||
Line 2,491: | Line 1,265: | ||
Like wild banshees, the calls of the coyotes went on all night, | Like wild banshees, the calls of the coyotes went on all night, | ||
− | disturbing the dwarf outpost and all within. Watch-dwarf Aliz took up | + | disturbing the dwarf outpost and all within. Watch-dwarf Aliz took up |
his torch and scaled the stairs of the wooden tower that stood at the | his torch and scaled the stairs of the wooden tower that stood at the | ||
− | gatehouse of their wooden palisade. Nothing. Nothing, but the hated | + | gatehouse of their wooden palisade. Nothing. Nothing, but the hated |
forest that stood upon the rolling hills on which their wooden | forest that stood upon the rolling hills on which their wooden | ||
− | fortress sat. It was risky to mine out in the wilderness, away from | + | fortress sat. It was risky to mine out in the wilderness, away from |
− | the mountains. But without risk there is no profit, and danger is its | + | the mountains. But without risk there is no profit, and danger is its |
own reward. | own reward. | ||
− | They kept sheep behind that wooden fence. Nali could smell them. The | + | They kept sheep behind that wooden fence. Nali could smell them. The |
short hairy man things look easy enough to outrun, but they were like | short hairy man things look easy enough to outrun, but they were like | ||
− | men, they would have weapons, and fire. But Nali's charge were | + | men, they would have weapons, and fire. But Nali's charge were |
− | hungry. A coyote nipped at Nali's hairy leg. Nali tussled the | + | hungry. A coyote nipped at Nali's hairy leg. Nali tussled the |
coyote's head. It would be tonight. | coyote's head. It would be tonight. | ||
The coyotes howled from the woods in front of the gate whilst Nali | The coyotes howled from the woods in front of the gate whilst Nali | ||
made his way around the back of the fortress, clutching a pair of | made his way around the back of the fortress, clutching a pair of | ||
− | spears. When he reached the darkest spot, he wedged a spear against | + | spears. When he reached the darkest spot, he wedged a spear against |
− | the wall and used it to lift himself over the side. He made his way | + | the wall and used it to lift himself over the side. He made his way |
carefully past the drunken dwarven guards to the place where the sheep | carefully past the drunken dwarven guards to the place where the sheep | ||
− | were penned. Just as he was about to open the gate, he froze. | + | were penned. Just as he was about to open the gate, he froze. |
"Coyote man!" | "Coyote man!" | ||
Line 2,611: | Line 1,385: | ||
Night and day were the same, months of black darkness, punctuated by | Night and day were the same, months of black darkness, punctuated by | ||
jets of fire from the many wingless dragons that crawled in the valley | jets of fire from the many wingless dragons that crawled in the valley | ||
− | below. Goblins were everywhere, picking off careless dwarfs with | + | below. Goblins were everywhere, picking off careless dwarfs with |
− | well-placed arrows. One dwarf remarked that it was like living each | + | well-placed arrows. One dwarf remarked that it was like living each |
waking moment in the shadow of the hammerer. | waking moment in the shadow of the hammerer. | ||
− | Alnar was not one to give up so easily. He vowed, though only a | + | Alnar was not one to give up so easily. He vowed, though only a |
− | blacksmith's apprentice, to save the fortress singlehandedly. He | + | blacksmith's apprentice, to save the fortress singlehandedly. He |
would build a tube from the lip of the volcano to the goblin horde and | would build a tube from the lip of the volcano to the goblin horde and | ||
− | fry them forever. If only he had the king's permission. Best to ask | + | fry them forever. If only he had the king's permission. Best to ask |
later. | later. | ||
Line 2,627: | Line 1,401: | ||
As the enemy surrounded the fortress and all seemed lost, the dwarven | As the enemy surrounded the fortress and all seemed lost, the dwarven | ||
king did an inexplicable thing by granting an audience to a lone idiot | king did an inexplicable thing by granting an audience to a lone idiot | ||
− | dwarf. A pair of royal guards dragged Alnar into the feast hall. His | + | dwarf. A pair of royal guards dragged Alnar into the feast hall. His |
eyes were blackened as the guards had beaten him up a taste for his | eyes were blackened as the guards had beaten him up a taste for his | ||
− | insolence. They dumped him before the king and he sneezed, spraying | + | insolence. They dumped him before the king and he sneezed, spraying |
blood onto the king's slipper. | blood onto the king's slipper. | ||
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As he heard the lock slide in, Alnar walked to the corner of his tiny | As he heard the lock slide in, Alnar walked to the corner of his tiny | ||
− | room. Silently, he slid his cabinet away from the wall, revealing a | + | room. Silently, he slid his cabinet away from the wall, revealing a |
second red lever. | second red lever. | ||
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Out of ammunition, the dwarves were reduced to hurling rocks at the | Out of ammunition, the dwarves were reduced to hurling rocks at the | ||
− | invaders now scaling the walls. The king locked himself in the throne | + | invaders now scaling the walls. The king locked himself in the throne |
− | room, forbidding all disturbances. Try as he might, he could think of | + | room, forbidding all disturbances. Try as he might, he could think of |
− | no solution to the mess he was in. Always he found his eyes drawn to | + | no solution to the mess he was in. Always he found his eyes drawn to |
− | the lever. Maybe the crazed dwarf was right. | + | the lever. Maybe the crazed dwarf was right. |
− | No, thought the king. No dwarf would make a fool of the king. He | + | No, thought the king. No dwarf would make a fool of the king. He |
seized the lever and ripped the whole mechanism from the floor in a | seized the lever and ripped the whole mechanism from the floor in a | ||
− | frenzied rage. A messenger ran into the room, finding the king | + | frenzied rage. A messenger ran into the room, finding the king |
wheezing, spittle dripping from his beard. | wheezing, spittle dripping from his beard. | ||
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released the fire of Red Mountain!" | released the fire of Red Mountain!" | ||
− | The king trotted up the stairs of the tower, his lungs burning. Once | + | The king trotted up the stairs of the tower, his lungs burning. Once |
− | at the top, he saw a sight like no other. Rivers of molten rock | + | at the top, he saw a sight like no other. Rivers of molten rock |
flowed from the mountain, burying the invaders or sending them | flowed from the mountain, burying the invaders or sending them | ||
running, on fire. | running, on fire. | ||
− | "An outrage," spat the king. "I will have that traitor Alnar skinned alive." | + | "An outrage," spat the king. "I will have that traitor Alnar skinned alive." |
− | |||
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− | + | ==[[User:Met|Met]]== | |
+ | ===(June 2011)=== | ||
+ | <pre>||~@++%||@++++</pre> | ||
− | + | "I am innocent of these crimes!" cried Fuglin as he was dragged away. Sitting in the dungeon cell, he could recall the cheers of the dwarves as the judge pronounced the verdict. It wasn't fair. The adamantine wasn't his. He was just holding it for somebody. Now in prison, he was left to rot. A guard stopped by his cell and poured a cup of gruel on the cold stone floor. Anger and despair were all he felt now. From now on he dared not hope. | |
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− | |||
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− | + | -- | |
− | + | It had begun as such a small thing. Fuglin and the goblin had known each other since the construction of the fortress. Fuglin was young then. | |
− | |||
− | and | ||
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− | + | One day Fuglin visited the goblin, this time locked in the stockade. | |
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− | + | "You know the path through the stone?" said the goblin. "The one we built as children? You must go there and bring me what you find. It is the key to my release." | |
+ | ===(July 2011)=== | ||
+ | <pre>,.,.,.,.,@|#######&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&</pre> | ||
− | + | The space was not built for more than a child, a narrow, twisting tunnel winding its way through the foundations of the fortress. At the bottom, Fuglin saw a light, a silvery glowing rock at the end of the tunnel. This must be it, thought Fuglin, a bribe to set the goblin free. Hastily, Fuglin took up his pick and chiseled off a piece of the silver metal. | |
− | |||
− | + | Something lay beyond the tunnel. A hole the size of a dwarf's fist opened where Fuglin struck. He could hear a strange howling within, no doubt another subterranean jungle. The dwarf didn't stay to find out. He squirmed as fast as he could, finally reaching the exit where he found the goblin, free from his bonds. | |
− | |||
− | "You | + | "You survived," said the goblin. "Keep the adamantine as a token of our friendship." |
− | |||
− | " | + | "Wait!" cried Fuglin, but the goblin had disappeared. |
− | |||
− | + | ===(October 2011)=== | |
− | + | <pre>@@@@@,.,o@,..##||#&#&#&&&&#&</pre> | |
− | + | What happened next was hard to say. There was a lot of smoke and fire. Dwarves ran screaming through the fortress. Captains shouted orders to soldiers they could not see through the clouds of burning vapor. Fuglin was scared beyond reason. He tried to follow the others, ducking when the monsters swooped down. | |
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− | + | It seemed it would never end, then Fuglin came rolling out of the fortress gate just as another fire blast rocketed overhead. As it was, the demons could not, or would not set foot outside the fortress. What few dwarves that were left gathered at the hills below. Fuglin recognized a blacksmith which with he had apprenticed. Before he could speak the blacksmith pointed his finger. | |
− | + | "He is the one!" the dwarf cried. "Look! He still has the rock in his paw!" | |
− | |||
− | his | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | Fuglin looked down, having until now forgotten the adamantine in his hand. | |
− | |||
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<pre>+++@@++++@||</pre> | <pre>+++@@++++@||</pre> | ||
− | Terror! Badru cried defiantly as he was shaved. The evil dwarves | + | Terror! Badru cried defiantly as he was shaved. The evil dwarves |
held Badru down as dwarven bandit lord Ukros worked his knife against | held Badru down as dwarven bandit lord Ukros worked his knife against | ||
the victim's beard. | the victim's beard. | ||
− | "You look better this way, Badru," said Lord Ukros. "More like an elf." | + | "You look better this way, Badru," said Lord Ukros. "More like an elf." |
The villain left Badru upon the hillside in the shadow of the dwarf | The villain left Badru upon the hillside in the shadow of the dwarf | ||
− | fortress. He was sore and beaten, and his leg was most likely broken. | + | fortress. He was sore and beaten, and his leg was most likely broken. |
− | The guards were sure to find him soon. He pulled his scarf up to his | + | The guards were sure to find him soon. He pulled his scarf up to his |
− | nose. The sign of his shame couldn't be seen by his underlings. | + | nose. The sign of his shame couldn't be seen by his underlings. |
− | "What happened to you, Badru?" asked the king. "And why are you | + | "What happened to you, Badru?" asked the king. "And why are you |
wearing that ridiculous mask?" | wearing that ridiculous mask?" | ||
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<pre>||+++@@|+++</pre> | <pre>||+++@@|+++</pre> | ||
− | "They are no more dwarf than you," said Badru's woman. "They may have | + | "They are no more dwarf than you," said Badru's woman. "They may have |
beards it's true, but they live outdoors, squatting in the grass like | beards it's true, but they live outdoors, squatting in the grass like | ||
− | rabbits. You will find them, and return them to the hammerer, dead or | + | rabbits. You will find them, and return them to the hammerer, dead or |
alive." | alive." | ||
− | Metal clanked against stone as Badru rose. His limb was now more | + | Metal clanked against stone as Badru rose. His limb was now more |
− | machine than leg. He scratched at the bristling hairs of his chin. | + | machine than leg. He scratched at the bristling hairs of his chin. |
− | From the wall, he took his trusty axe. As he walked from the room, | + | From the wall, he took his trusty axe. As he walked from the room, |
− | his woman embraced him from behind. "Kill them," she said. "Kill | + | his woman embraced him from behind. "Kill them," she said. "Kill |
them all." | them all." | ||
Badru strode before the recruits, his metal leg creaking, a scarf over | Badru strode before the recruits, his metal leg creaking, a scarf over | ||
− | his mouth. "Alright daisies," he said. "Our target is a worthless | + | his mouth. "Alright daisies," he said. "Our target is a worthless |
− | bandit named Ukros. If you see him, leave him be. That elf-spawned | + | bandit named Ukros. If you see him, leave him be. That elf-spawned |
toadstool is mine." | toadstool is mine." | ||
Line 2,785: | Line 1,532: | ||
The miners sat in a circle around the lava well, dipping bits of bread | The miners sat in a circle around the lava well, dipping bits of bread | ||
− | into a bowl of melted dwarven cheese. It was the end of the year, so | + | into a bowl of melted dwarven cheese. It was the end of the year, so |
Aliz stood up and announced that he would make the first prediction. | Aliz stood up and announced that he would make the first prediction. | ||
He said that in the next year the war would be over and the dwarves | He said that in the next year the war would be over and the dwarves | ||
− | would all come home. Then the miners would strike adamantine, with | + | would all come home. Then the miners would strike adamantine, with |
Nictat taking the first chunk. | Nictat taking the first chunk. | ||
Smiling, Nictat rose and looked over the glad faces of his friends. | Smiling, Nictat rose and looked over the glad faces of his friends. | ||
He said that in the coming year old king Ironboot would die and be | He said that in the coming year old king Ironboot would die and be | ||
− | replaced by his beautiful daughter. All rations would be doubled, and | + | replaced by his beautiful daughter. All rations would be doubled, and |
all the prisoners set free. | all the prisoners set free. | ||
− | Something moved in the shadows. The dwarves looked around anxiously. | + | Something moved in the shadows. The dwarves looked around anxiously. |
− | Aliz let out a sigh. It was only poor goblin Dusna. | + | Aliz let out a sigh. It was only poor goblin Dusna. |
− | "I have a prediction for you," said Dusna. "Not but one of us in this | + | "I have a prediction for you," said Dusna. "Not but one of us in this |
room will live to see the coming year." | room will live to see the coming year." | ||
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"What are you doing?" asked Sarvesh. | "What are you doing?" asked Sarvesh. | ||
− | "Giving my thanks to the trees," said Alan. "Isn't that what you people do?" | + | "Giving my thanks to the trees," said Alan. "Isn't that what you people do?" |
− | Sarvesh would never understand her new human friend. Why did he want | + | Sarvesh would never understand her new human friend. Why did he want |
− | to be like the elves? Elves have been talking to trees as long as | + | to be like the elves? Elves have been talking to trees as long as |
− | Sarvesh could remember, and they never talked back. She flipped an | + | Sarvesh could remember, and they never talked back. She flipped an |
apple into the air, but before she could catch it, an arrow struck it | apple into the air, but before she could catch it, an arrow struck it | ||
to a tree. | to a tree. | ||
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Alan came up from his knees and cut down a charging goblin with one | Alan came up from his knees and cut down a charging goblin with one | ||
− | swing of his sabre. Sarvesh dodged out of the way of a second arrow | + | swing of his sabre. Sarvesh dodged out of the way of a second arrow |
− | and readied her bow. She fired blind into the woods, praying to the | + | and readied her bow. She fired blind into the woods, praying to the |
− | spirit of the forest to guide her arrow. A strangled gasp echoed from | + | spirit of the forest to guide her arrow. A strangled gasp echoed from |
− | the darkness. It was over. | + | the darkness. It was over. |
"We live," said Sarvesh. | "We live," said Sarvesh. | ||
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The elf warrioress walked straight by Alan and looked at the dead | The elf warrioress walked straight by Alan and looked at the dead | ||
− | body. The armor bore the twisted mark of Darquan the snake lord. It | + | body. The armor bore the twisted mark of Darquan the snake lord. It |
had been many centuries since the evil one had shown his face in these | had been many centuries since the evil one had shown his face in these | ||
parts. | parts. | ||
Sarvesh tried in vain to remember the old days, the bad old days | Sarvesh tried in vain to remember the old days, the bad old days | ||
− | before she met Alan and their adventures began. There was a time when | + | before she met Alan and their adventures began. There was a time when |
− | the sun didn't shine, when life itself hung on a thread. So it was | + | the sun didn't shine, when life itself hung on a thread. So it was |
− | when Darquan ruled the world. If he had come back, he must be stopped | + | when Darquan ruled the world. If he had come back, he must be stopped |
immediately. | immediately. | ||
"Come," said Sarvesh, "we must track them back to their nest." | "Come," said Sarvesh, "we must track them back to their nest." | ||
− | "At last," said Alan. "Fate has grated us a quest." | + | "At last," said Alan. "Fate has grated us a quest." |
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==[[User:Peregarrett|PereGarrett]]== | ==[[User:Peregarrett|PereGarrett]]== | ||
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Following the king's orders like obedient slaves, the guardsdwarves | Following the king's orders like obedient slaves, the guardsdwarves | ||
− | dragged the victim to the flaming orifice. It was a square opening at | + | dragged the victim to the flaming orifice. It was a square opening at |
the base of the throne, surrounded by engravings of forest creatures. | the base of the throne, surrounded by engravings of forest creatures. | ||
Down through the hole was a huge cavern, a lake of magma under its | Down through the hole was a huge cavern, a lake of magma under its | ||
− | dome. As the prisoner disappeared in a puff of smoke the king clapped | + | dome. As the prisoner disappeared in a puff of smoke the king clapped |
− | his hands together like a gleeful child. He should enjoy himself, for | + | his hands together like a gleeful child. He should enjoy himself, for |
he didn't have too much more time on earth. | he didn't have too much more time on earth. | ||
− | "It's going down tonight," said Gekur. "Mabdug is going to the pit." | + | "It's going down tonight," said Gekur. "Mabdug is going to the pit." |
− | "Imagine a royal guard talking that way," said Oltar. "You could go | + | "Imagine a royal guard talking that way," said Oltar. "You could go |
to the hammerer for that." | to the hammerer for that." | ||
− | Gekur embraced his brother in arms. They had served in the royal | + | Gekur embraced his brother in arms. They had served in the royal |
− | guard together for the reign of three kings. Mabdug was by far the | + | guard together for the reign of three kings. Mabdug was by far the |
− | worst. The senseless killings were only a minor thing compared to the | + | worst. The senseless killings were only a minor thing compared to the |
− | rest. The kingdom was nearly bankrupt due to his wild parties. The | + | rest. The kingdom was nearly bankrupt due to his wild parties. The |
goblins sensed his weakness as was their knack and were spoiling for | goblins sensed his weakness as was their knack and were spoiling for | ||
− | war. But it was fate of the Ermis boy that moved the guardsdwarves | + | war. But it was fate of the Ermis boy that moved the guardsdwarves |
most. | most. | ||
− | "My poor son," said father Ermis. "You must have a tomb for him." | + | "My poor son," said father Ermis. "You must have a tomb for him." |
− | "The place is picked out for furniture storage," said Mabdug. "You | + | "The place is picked out for furniture storage," said Mabdug. "You |
will have to bury him in the dirt." | will have to bury him in the dirt." | ||
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Darkmaster the Evil brought his halberd down onto the dwarven knight's | Darkmaster the Evil brought his halberd down onto the dwarven knight's | ||
− | mule. The bearded hero hit the ground at a roll and came up with a | + | mule. The bearded hero hit the ground at a roll and came up with a |
− | knife, cutting a gash out of the evil ruler's breastplate. The battle | + | knife, cutting a gash out of the evil ruler's breastplate. The battle |
− | all around became silent as the fighters circled. None would | + | all around became silent as the fighters circled. None would |
interfere, for now it was a matter of honor. | interfere, for now it was a matter of honor. | ||
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<pre>g@gg@@@gg@g~~~%~@!@~~~gg@@g@gg@@</pre> | <pre>g@gg@@@gg@g~~~%~@!@~~~gg@@g@gg@@</pre> | ||
− | How is it, when all hope is lost, that the best of us continue to endure? So it was that the knights of Amador stood strong against the force of overwhelming odds. As the horde of a hundred thousand goblins belched forth from the underworld and town after town fell, only the dwarves of Amador stood before the dwarf fortress and against the armies of evil. | + | How is it, when all hope is lost, that the best of us continue to endure? So it was that the knights of Amador stood strong against the force of overwhelming odds. As the horde of a hundred thousand goblins belched forth from the underworld and town after town fell, only the dwarves of Amador stood before the dwarf fortress and against the armies of evil. |
− | "Booze," whimpered the fallen knight. "Give me booze." | + | "Booze," whimpered the fallen knight. "Give me booze." |
− | Dworn slid down next to his comrade as the battle raged all around. The knight was dying, struck through the gut with a spear. The goblin that killed him lay a short way away in a bloody mess. Dworn held his wine flask up to the knight's lips, who was dead before he took his first sip. | + | Dworn slid down next to his comrade as the battle raged all around. The knight was dying, struck through the gut with a spear. The goblin that killed him lay a short way away in a bloody mess. Dworn held his wine flask up to the knight's lips, who was dead before he took his first sip. |
"How did I end up here?" asked Dworn, as all around, the dwarves and goblins fought and died. | "How did I end up here?" asked Dworn, as all around, the dwarves and goblins fought and died. | ||
− | It was a full year before the war that Dworn signed on as a knight's squire. Those were the good days, the days before Morduk the Mad. Dworn didn't mind the rigors of military life, industrious as any dwarf. Happily he served the king and the mountain home. Time would test him, just as it tests all things under the eternal sky. | + | It was a full year before the war that Dworn signed on as a knight's squire. Those were the good days, the days before Morduk the Mad. Dworn didn't mind the rigors of military life, industrious as any dwarf. Happily he served the king and the mountain home. Time would test him, just as it tests all things under the eternal sky. |
− | "Excellent," said Alek. "Are you really a knight's squire?" | + | "Excellent," said Alek. "Are you really a knight's squire?" |
− | For a fortnight, Sir Kamag had lent Dworn to the marks-dwarves to build up his archery skills. Every dwarf should learn the ins and outs of a crossbow. Or so his master Kamag claimed. Dworn hit every target at fifty paces. Alek was so pleased, he offered Dworn a job. But Dworn was pledged to his master. | + | For a fortnight, Sir Kamag had lent Dworn to the marks-dwarves to build up his archery skills. Every dwarf should learn the ins and outs of a crossbow. Or so his master Kamag claimed. Dworn hit every target at fifty paces. Alek was so pleased, he offered Dworn a job. But Dworn was pledged to his master. |
"Do you really think Morduk will invade?" asked Dworn. | "Do you really think Morduk will invade?" asked Dworn. | ||
− | "They call him Morduk the Mad for a reason," said Kamag, putting a hand on Dworn's shoulder. "Come. Let's not talk of such things." | + | "They call him Morduk the Mad for a reason," said Kamag, putting a hand on Dworn's shoulder. "Come. Let's not talk of such things." |
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