Final Final Fantasy Abridged IIIXVV

[Lord_Arkaine]

Once upon a time in a faraway land
There was a realm of castles and kings.
Heroes had conviction
Monsters were still fiction
And there were all sorts of magical things.

The mages prophesied the end of the world
A time when evil would return with a plan
But a band of champions would save the day
And restore order and peace to the land.

Well armageddon happened and the world was broke
The people thought their champions had failed.
The apocalypse arrived
Countless people had died
And that promise of peace ship had sailed.

When all hope was lost the champions returned
With the power and protection of the gods.
Their quest had led them to the edge of heaven
In search of weapons that would even the odds.

Darkness was challenged and it lost the fight
Just as the dark god had done in the past.
With their leader dead
The evil army had fled
And the world was restored at long last.

The heroes fell into obscurity, lost to the ages
Their tale history has failed to keep straight.
The artifacts of power that vanquished despair
Were never seen or heard of to this date.



Night is rarely dark in Ulmecia, magic lamps adorning every corner keep the city streets bathed in light. The shops are all closed now, their owners resting comfortably in their beds, along with most of its sprawling populace. It was by no means a small city, second largest in all of Terra with only Alexandria being larger, so there were still a number of folk up and about doing what needs doing between days. But not everyone as either asleep or hard at work. The inns still glowed with activity, their guests merrily singing and enjoying rounds of the local brew. One particular inn, the Red Dragon, was best known for its firewine, an enchanted beverage that had the drinker spouting flames! The strongest and bravest would come to challenge it, and many regretted having done so.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the wheel of fortune had started to turn, and its threads had led fated individuals to this particular inn at this particular time. Looking upon them, one would laugh in disbelief or call the teller mad had they been informed that these individuals were chosen champions destined for greatness that would usher in a new age... in a manner of speaking.


Each of you has arrived at the Red Dragon Inn at some point, perhaps with very different motivations for being here. Because of its fame, the inn is packed full of all manner of burly men and travelers, so even the oddest of you don't quite stick out amongst the lot of them. Describe what your character is doing currently and why you are at the inn.

[ArlEammon]

Ergun
Ergun, the Black made his way to the lounge of the Red Dragon Inn. There wasn't much else to do, really. He literally lived here at the Inn, hoping to not be discovered by Rashid's men. He lamented in silence of how it seemed that his life had been taken over by the betrayal of his former mentor. He remembered that dreaded day. Rashid had persuaded the Sultan that Ergun had been sent by the nomads as a spy to perform an assassination on his majesty. Ergun sipped his coffee, content on remembering the past and not living in it. He looked around the lounge, looking for anything or anyone new.

[Hellfire014]

Gil game into town, with a bundle of furs on his back, planning to sell them for a decent price. As it was late, He decided to go to the inn, and hoping he could get there without his magic stealing things. Alas, by the time he got there, he had acclimated enough money for a drink, a meal and a nice warm bed for the night.

[daelrog]

Cirelle smelled of piss and something very stale. A few wondered what the beggar was doing in a place like this, but she had paid her coin to stay the night. She had even paid for a bath, though she had not gone up to take it yet. The young woman had found the money is a cloth bag, its owner dead with his throat slit. His attacker too had a large cut from his naval to chest. The two men had killed each other for so little. It was a lucky day for Cirelle, and despite her mission, she couldn't resist to have at least one night of relative comfort. Too many had tearned away from her from the scent of the streets as she called it.

She was talking to a pair of large soldiers of fortune, both appeared to have been through several campaigns, each with an array of scars on their arms, one with several on his face.

"Listen to me! The priests are corrupt! They serve the darkness, and all will be consumed! You can help me though. What is gold compared to justice?"

[meemaas]

Wenda

Wenda slipped into the inn quietly. pulling her hood over her head and ducking into the crowds, as two armed guards came in behind her. Looking for her for a few minutes, they give up and leave, sure she must has snuck out the back. She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't mean to attack that guy, but he had it coming. How was she supposed to know he was the captain of the guard?

[Balthazar25]

Mikhail

Mikhail d'Viskay sat at the bar, trying to talk up some of the local maidens with tales of his most recent thrilling exploits.

"I barely managed to get back to my ship--only to realize that my first mate had betrayed me! We clashed blades for the better part of an hour before I stuck the traitorous pig where he stood!"

He really wished he wasn't lying about that last part; sure, maybe he'd been exaggerating a bit, but Marko was a great first mate. Now, without much by way of a crew, he was stuck until he could enlist a few more hands to take up the work that needed to be done around the ship. Taking a brief moment to take a drink, he continued on.

"So, there I was, piloting my ship by myself, when I see a veritable armada of law men chasing after me..."

[Hellfire014]

Gil takes out a pen and paper -neither stolen- and wrote down his order as he took his seat. After he put down the heavy furs, he hailed the owner (or whoever was at the front), tapped his throat to say he's mute, then handed over the note, which asked for a drink, a meal, and a room for the night.

[Lord_Arkaine]

The din of the merriment is blaring, bards strumming their instruments to the tune of a well known drinking game, laughter echoing throughout the tightly packed lounge, and the sounds of mugs slamming against tables as the tavern wench makes her rounds. Voices can now be heard over the clamor, two men have stood up and started shouting.

"Twasn't by purpose, ye bleedin' mongrel!"
"Who ye callin' a mongrel, ye backwater bilgerat?!"

The men are dressed in outlandish garments of varying colors, a haphazard costume no tailor would make. The short chubby man who started the commotion wears a striped shirt two sizes too small for him, a handerchief on his head, and a pair of short cut trousers. The larger bearded man has a gruff sound to him and wears a red gold-laced coat, green undershirt, a black bicorn hat, and blue trousers.

"Shutup, you spiteful oaf! I be meaning no disrepect, twas an axydent!"
"Is that so now? Ye be making a lot of those now? When ye see the fortune teller fer a mind-readin', does she give it to ye fer free?"
"I dun need no teller to know my future. I be seeing it mee-self, it ends with me foot sailed straight up yer arse!"

Tankards clang loudly as they drash on the floor, the table the two men were sitting at overturned violently, landing against the other men nearby. The music stops as the whole room turns to stare at the specticle. One of the men who was struck by the table slowly gets up and meets the stare of the arguing men.

"You want sum too, ye big ugly goat herder?!"

The man in the red coat is sent sailing across the room with a single punch from the newcomer, landing amid some very annoyed burly men. Someone picks up a chair and swings at one of the men, but the shattered fragments land into still other men's path. More and more people rise to join the fight, the music begins replaying louder than ever, and a bedlam ensues as the entire lounge room begins to riot.

Mikhail gets stopped midstory by an airborne stool that knocks him from his own.
Wenda's back is turned to the whole mess, but fighting men keep getting knocked into her.
Gil stares at the red helmet he's recently acquired, while a tall man in red armor ponders at the loss of his missing helmet.
Cirelle is still preaching to the crowd when the ruckus begins, but hardly anyone is paying attention now or even able to hear over the clamor.
Ergun, being a squishy wizard, continues to sip his coffee staring at the events as they unfold. It was certainly something.

A bar fight has broken out and you are caught in the midst of it. How will you deal with the situation? Will you get involved or attempt to pull out?

[ArlEammon]

Ergun simply hurries as fast as his feet will carry him back to his room in the Red Dragon. "This is no time to be sitting and sipping coffee while a bar fight is spiraling all around me." Ergun speaks silently for himself as he makes his way back to his expensive, but easily maintained room. Hm. . . Ergun thinks for a moment. I hope that nothing horrible happens while I'm in my room. "Oh, well, none of these ruffians better risk my ire, I will show them it's no coincidence it rhymes with FIRE!"

[Hellfire014]

Gil looks around, trying to see if there is an obvious owner of the helmet nearby. Seeing the *tall* red man in armor makes him shudder a little, big guy in armor against a little guy with none generally doesn't end well when there's no magic involved. He judges the distance between him, the wall, and the armored guy and ceiling, then tosses the helmet at an angle, hitting the ceiling, the wall, then landing right in front of the now confused warrior.

[meemaas]

Wenda

After the second one bumps into her, and her drink that she picked up to help her disguise spills on her, Wenda twitches once. Those nearby her hear what sounds like a miniature sonic boom, as she turns around impressively fast, whipping her scepter out from under her robes and slams it into the man's back as hard as she can. Forcing the man forward with the limited strength of her blow, she growls towards the others fighting. "Who threw that man at me!?!?" She snaps, ready to attack that one next.

[Lord_Arkaine]

The black mage manages to blink through the crowd of brawlers, and soon after he retires to his room, a woman's shout of anger and the crash of an overturned table are heard. Never had any man watching seen a white mage break a man's jaw in a single blow. The fighting intensifies as the remaining tables are used as weapons, against the poor innkeeper's pleas. Even the red armored man has joined the fight after recovering his helm from the floor, fisting an armored gauntlet into the face of any man he can reach and demanding to know who threw that.

The melee continues for a long while, till the door to the inn bursts open and in pours thirty shining plated soldiers, armed with halberds and stony stares. One such soldier roars loudly, demanding attention, and the fighting simmers down as men turn to acknowledge the arrival of the city patrols. The room is almost silent when the Red Dragon's door opens once more to allow in a regal man with flowing black hair, whose armor was far more adorned than the rest of the guards. The blue lacing and golden chocobo crest upon his breastplate marked him of the noble house Magaron. All who catch sight of the crest fall deathly silent, and in no time at all the lounge of the famed nightspot was quieter than a cemetery.

The large soldier who shouted earlier carries in his arms the plumed helmet of the city watch captain, and once again addresses his audience.
"Attention! You are now in the presence of his greatness Lord Thane! Any man who so much as flinches will be answering to me!"

The man called Thane quietly surveys the crowd, visibly pausing on some men longer than others. The pirates who started the commotion nervously shift and attempt to look away from his stare, but none can escape it for the man seems incapable of blinking. His gaze rests a moment on Wenda before continuing to take in the rest of the room's inhabitants, pausing momentarily on Mikhail, and gives a look of disgust to Cirelle's appearance. He stares at Gil as though perplexed, but nods and resumes his rounds.

Ergun, still in his quarters, can hear all the commotion through the inn's thin floors. The faint sound of the lord's decree would be lost were it not for the pervading silence that had befallen the establishment.
"Arrest them, all of them. We'll sort them out at the palace."

The city watch has arrived and they are none too friendly. The entire den has been placed under arrest and will be escorted to the palace for questioning. The guards are trained soldiers keen on following orders, it is unlikely they will entertain resistance. The question is whether you will go with them...

Ergun has escaped the clutches of the guardsmen.

[meemaas]

Wenda

She sighs, having calmed down a bit with the sudden interruption. Choosing to simply submit herself to the guards, she holds out her hands and waits for the apparent arrest.

[daelrog]

Cirelle has stopped her preaching during the fight, and though defending herself against anyone who came too close, she was more concerned with observing the fight, seeing who within the bar was worthy, was strong enough to stand beside her.


It was no surprise to Cirelle to see the guards. Wretches holding up a corrupted temple.

"I will not step into the palace willingly, Lord Thane or no, unless there is an army behind me, and a a weapon in my hand!"

[Hellfire014]

Gil picks up his pack of furs, and backs away slowly from the deranged woman, while still appearing as non-threatening and cooperative as possible.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Thane sneers at Cirelle's defiance, "Traitorous wench," he begins, but pauses a moment to contemplate on her words. "An army... I wonder--"

"Oi! It's you!" The captain of the guard shouts, snapping out of the blank stare he had for a moment at Wenda's outstretched hands. "You're that witch who knocked me out!"

Eyebrows rising slightly, Thane turns to the man. "Are you saying the captain of the nightwatch, Regulos the Ironfist, was bested by a woman? How has she eluded your capture this long?"

Whimpering, Regulos begins to mumble incoherently. "W-well, she er ***** when I came too she ***** my guards ***** lost her ***** AND ANYWAY, she's a mage, she must have cast an evil curse on me!"

"A white mage does not curse," Thane replied turning back to examine Wenda. "Nor does one normally have the strength to defeat one of my men. Impressive."

"Sir," pipes up one of the guardsmen, "Isn't that him?" He is pointing to Gil. "That moogle people's been complainin' about?"

Captain Ironfist eyes Gil with new light. "He fits the description. Been making a mess all over town taking things what don't belongs to him. Five reports just this morning, bastard has us buried in paperwork to our ears." He notices the fur bundle. "Hey, you stole that there too? Well, speak up!"

Looking around for a moment, Thane turns to Mikhail with disdain. "Your face is known to me. You're the captain of that blightful shipwreck occupying our airstrip. House Viskay?" He adds with a wry grin, "I believe I knew your father."

Another guardsman adds, "Seen him too, milord. Wanted posters back at the station, bounty larger than any I've seen before. And there be at least seven of them."

Thane simply chuckles. "Innkeeper! A fine lot you keep here. Traitors, troublemakers, thieves, and outlaws. But no matter... I may have a use for them..."

The guards are just about finishing up arresting the remaining people in the room. All that are left are the four speaking with the lord, his captain, a few soldiers, and Ergun quietly listening to every word upstairs.

"Captain," Thane says to his officer. "Fetch the prisoner. We're putting the plan in action immediately." Still stammering a bit, Regulos acknowledges the order, makes a quick bow, and exits to bark orders at men outside. "Now then... I have a proposition for each of you... each of you are enemies of the state in one affair or another, but a lord has certain advantages. I can erase your past... transgressions... and start you off with a clean slate. No more getting hunted and you're clear of all charges. But only if you do me this one task..."

Drawing open a map, Thane points to a spot in the center of the Hybian Woods. "Our scouts have spotted an Alinese encampment not far from the city, here at this location." He taps the map in that spot. "Their leader is a man by the name of Rashid, a powerful black wizard. I cannot send my men to disperse them without risking open war, one that Ulmecia would not have the strength to fight. I require talented travelers with no ties to the city for my investigation. Find out what they are planning, steal the information if you must, ask them to leave, and if they refuse... encourage them."

A man stumbles through the door to the inn with hands tied, followed shortly by Captain Regulos. "I've brought the prisoner, milord. Argoth Bismark the Butcher."

Thane thanks the man. "Oh yes, and you'll be taking him with you."

The devious yet noble lord Thane has offered a bountiful reward and amnesty from the state's persecution. He has even offered to make any bounties disappear, at least in this city. But he needs strong warriors unaffiliated with Ulmecia. Will you answer the call?

[ArlEammon]

Wondering what happened, long after the others were gone, Ergun was glad to see that the building was all in one piece. He looked around the inn, and for some reason it seemed unusually empty. Could the Captain of the Gaurds really have taken in the entire lounge into custody? Wow. Ergun was glad he managed to elude the guards. He looked around again to the bar owner. "Is this really as bad as it looks?" Ergun asked.

[Hellfire014]

Gil would growl if he could. A thief? Him? He tries so hard to stay away from theft. And how is it that he was blamed? His magic is usually pretty discrete.

Gil will do the task, begrudgingly. He quickly writes out a note, saying, {I am Gil, a mute hunter who has recently started traveling. I apologize profusely for any trouble my curse has wrought on your city, kupo. My untrained magic tends to take everything shiny it likes.

I shall do this task for you, if only to apologize for it's crimes. The furs are mine, harvested from some beasts I have slain on my journey to this city, with the intent to sell in the morning, kupo.} He glares at Ironfist after he hands over the note.

transcribe my what now, kupo? (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0305.html)

[daelrog]

Cirelle folded her arms. "In one moment you curse my defiance, in the next you would have us do your own dirty work as you flaunt your authority. Why should we help one as you? We don't need your pardons or your recognition."

Somehow she had decided she spoke for the others, lumping them all with her.

I'm pretty sure Cirelle will come along. Figure she just needs a little bit more push.:smallwink:

[Dramesh]

Argoth

As the guard enter with the prisoner, he push Argoth forward. As he make his first step without be grappled by the guard, he fell face front face on the floor. He then stand up, let a complaint in his whisper. He was a human with black hair and a bard that wasn't shaved since several days. His blue eyes looked around him to analyse the group. He wear a simple Red Coat with a black Shirt and some black pants. Sturdy brown boots are in his feet and a belt and conception let people believe that usually something big is in his back. He then look at Thane and says: "Finally, I'm getting out of this hellhole, whereever we're going is better than rotting here and eating this infected crap that they say it's food."

[Lord_Arkaine]

Still wholly depressed at the state of his bar, the innkeeper nods wearily to Ergun. "They been at this for some time. My daughter ran off to alert the watchmen. I told her to leave it be but she insisted. Now they done took all my best customers." The innkeeper pours himself another mug of mead and buries his face in it. "Second time this month, it is. First I reckoned the notice was good for business, but it keeps drawing the wrong sort of attention."

------

Never had the young lord been spoken to with such disregard for his title. The last man who had come close ended up in the stockade for a week. Visibly vexed, Thane addresses the unruly lass. "I'll have you know my recognition is worth more in this city than a cauldron of gold. I can make your lives easier - or harder - with but one word. If my generosity does not please you, then the gratitude of Ulmecia must! I do not ask personal favors of peasants, what I ask is for the good of the entire realm. Left unchecked those savages from the Kingdom of Alin would see us all butchered. My men stand between them and this city, but I cannot defend the land and fight our enemies at the same time."

Regulos hands the lord a piece of paper. "Sir, from this moogle."

Thane reads the note quickly and smiles. "Well, it seems at least one of you is brave. A woodsman is good for the terrain, but a mute may have difficulty with diplomacy. What of you Viskay? Your father at least was a diplomat of worth."

Mikhail will be an NPC till the weekend as Balthazar is busy.
Mikhail considers this offer for a moment. A chance at redemption. He could finally get his old life back. "Very well, Magaron. I agree to your terms. But we take MY ship and that makes me the captain."

"Have it your way, I was not about to spare a ship anyway." Thane steels himself and addresses Argoth, "Now remember our bargain. If the Alinese resist, you are authorized to wipe them out. Put your 'skills' to use on the enemy, not our countrymen. Afterwards be on your way, you are never to step foot into Ulmecia again."

The white mage is still silent, obviously considering what has been said. Clearly it is her services as a medic that have prompted her inclusion in this offer, and Thane is not pushing a response yet.

"Your opposition has been noted, but I have those who do not agree," Thane says to Cirelle. "They seem strong enough for a brawl, but this is war. They could use the protection of a runic guardian. Yes, I have seen tattoos like yours before. Will you let them march to their deaths?" Thane awaits a response, but Cirelle is unable to focus on him. Images flash before her eyes; the forest is aflame, strange men with white scarves butcher livestock and burn houses, a man in black robes stands over the charred bodies of Gil and Argoth, while an image of the city gates shows the still crowned head of the king and his noblemen on pikes... including Thane and Mikhail.

Captain Ironfist notices the newcomer and is startled by Ergun's appearance. Those features... they were not Terran. "Halt! You there! You are from Alin, are you not? Men, sieze him!" Three armored guards approach cautiously toward the black mage...

Half are in, and half are swaying, the party is forming for an assault on the woods and Rashid's men...

[ArlEammon]

Ergun
"What? I'm Alinian so you're just going to arrest me. I don't mean disrespect but don't you have a law against arresting people just for being from another country?" Ergun asks rhetorically as the gaurds suddenly grab his arms. "Keep in mind I could have roasted you all alive quite easily if the inclination set in."

[daelrog]

Cirelle collapsed to her knees. Her eyes wavering. It was plain to see to any onlooker that something was amiss, and that it was no act. Her breathing turned shallow, and she looked up to Lord Thane.

"I... would to like to bathe first. It has been sometime since I had the coin, and I have already paid for it."

She wanted to get away from the others, even for a minute to consider what she had seen, and she truly wanted that bath more than anything.

"White scarves... burning forest... black robes..."

[meemaas]

Wenda

Wenda shook her head meekly. "I apologize. I didn't mean to..." She shook her head again, and cleared her throat, speaking more authoritatively. "I would gladly lend my magic to your cause. If it means that my transgression would be forgotten."

[Lord_Arkaine]

"I'll be asking the questions here!" the captain roars at the black mage. "Our laws aren't for the likes of you!"

Thane is preoccupied with Cirelle's curious reactions even as he watches her retire to the bath house, wondering why she suddenly looked so pale during their conversation. He reviewed what he had said and nothing stood out as odd. She had gone from belligerent to timid in the blink of an eye, and was now looking rather ill. Awakened by the commotion, he snaps out of the daze and asks, "What's going on now?"

"Nothing to worry about, milord," Ironfist replies, puffing up his chest and beaming a grand smile, "I've just caught a spy is all."

"A spy..." Thane looks over Ergun, clearly not impressed by his meek stature. "If there's one thing I have taught each of my spies, Regulos, it is that spies are not to allow themselves to be caught so easily. They know too much to get caught."

The captain shrugged, unsure how to respond. "It may all be part of the plan, milord. Coincidence him showing up just as we got Alin scouts creeping on our walls. I say he must be in league with them."

Thane ponders over what to do. His thick-headed captain believed the man to be dangerous, and although the stranger appeared weak and unlike any spy the lord had used himself for secret missions, he couldn't definitively call the captain wrong either. What to do... ah ha! "Let's send him back to the Alinese."

"Beg your pardon, milord?" Regulos is completely thrown off guard by this. He had been sure the lord would praise him for quick-thinking and apprehending a dangerous foe before he could execute whatever nefarious assassination plot he had in mind against his master. Then he would receive a medal of honor and be promoted to commander of the garrison and get married to a princess and have children by the--

Thane interrupts his delirium and elaborates in a low whisper, "Don't you see, captain? If he truly is a spy, he can be used as a bargaining chip in negotiating their withdrawal. If he isn't a spy and they are aggressive, having one of their countrymen among the group will force them to hesitate before firing upon them. Even if he proves to be uncooperative, he would make a good hostage."

The captain actually giggles at what he's hearing and whispers back, "Ah clever clever, milord. That's a good plan indeed." He barks new orders to his soldiers, "Men! Release the prisoner, but keep a close watch over him. He will be going with this lot to the woods. Let him prove he's not a spy, and if he is we'll be rid of him."

Thane looks over his band of misfits. A small woodsman with a barely noticeable presence, the perfect scout. A bloodthirsty killer who could take on twenty men, the perfect weapon. A ritually inducted guardian with fearless audacity, the perfect sentinel. A house-trained nobleman versed in tactics and diplomacy, the perfect leader. An ordained white mage who can defend herself with inhuman strength, the perfect medic. An exceedingly valuable Alinese black mage, the perfect insurance. The lord could not have picked a finer lot of specialists himself.

The party is set and everyone has accepted the mission, or is being dragged along. Captain Mikhail is busy preparing the airship that will land you just outside the woods for the march on the Alinese encampment. Take this time to announce any plans or strategies you have in mind, they will be used when the ship has landed to determine how you make your approach.

[daelrog]

Cirelle sat alone in the tub, the lights turned out. Only the light shining through the wind giving shape to the steam rising from the water illuminating her outline. She clutched her knees, rocking back and forth. She was helping the very kingdom she had come to despise. Had she been wrong all this time?


She had no preference ot their mission. She was reluctant to come along in the first place, and did not feel the need to help with the planning. If asked, Cirelle would simply shrug and say it sounded good to her.

[Balthazar25]

Mikhail

"Be warned, Thane. The Dark Horse is my ship. Go back on your word? Hurt any of my new friends here? I smell even a hint of a trap? I'll leave you and your men with the Alinese...without the benefit of your weapons and armor."

He had heard Thane agree to his command, but Mikhail didn't think for a second Thane would keep his word for much longer than he had to. But for now, it was nice not having to be hunted; at least the protection of the crown would give him a respite for a few days.

"Come on, you louts. Get your arses on the ship and let's get this errand over with."

On the ship, Mikhail goes about making sure it still flies, setting its course while meandering its decks, checking in on his new crew. He keeps out of the way of guardsmen, going to where the black mage was bunking to get his story.

"So, you're one of the Alin, eh? Any insights that might get us back from this mission in one piece?"

[ArlEammon]

Ergun
"Avoid Rashid like the plague's all I know. He makes my powers look like dust sparkles in comparison to an ice storm. One thing I do know, is that I don't know about any of you, but I've just been drafted for a suicide mission." Ergun said pessimistically. He didn't want to bring up the fact he was Rashid's former apprentice.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Back! Had to visit the computer doctor.
The airship lands just outside of the woods not far off from the city limits of Ulmecia. You would venture further, but the brush is too thick and an aerial surveillance found no clearings you could land at. Finding the Alin camp will be simple, as Thane's scouts have already provided you with directions.

Setting off from the floating vessel, you make your way into the thicket. The men warned you all to be on your guards as the woods are home to more than just men. The warnings were true, as you are attacked several times by mutated plant life, but they are weak and effortlessly dispatched by your mighty warband. Soon the denizens of the woods learn their lesson and you are free to travel to the Alin camp.

Did I say camp? This was more like a fort. As the trees thin out to allow a better look, you see a large hastily built fortress. The entire thing appears made of wood from the trees, and the canopy has been disguised with leaves preventing the structure from being easily visible from the air. Smoke rises into the canopy above the massive walls, but does not go beyond that. There must be something keeping the smoke from rising past the tree level. The Alinese went through extensive work to keep this camp a secret. The guards on duty are not at all pleased to find travelers have discovered them.

The doors to the makeshift keep draw open and two lines of men rush out to quickly surround your party. They are dressed in strange red outfits with inflated leggings, no sleeves, and red scarves hiding their faces. Each man carries a spear aimed at one of you and they stand stoically poised to strike waiting for any sign of movement. From the gate, a large beast approaches with a man riding atop it. The man looks as the others, though his apparel is far more decorated and he wears no scarf. Bright, shimmering golden necklaces (several) adorn his neck and he bears a ring on each finger. He is dressed in fine silks, not the cloth of the other men. The beast he rides upon is unlike anything seen before in Terra.

Ergun recognizes it as a basilisk, a native creature to the deserts of Alin. It's scaly skin and long tail portray it as some kind of giant lizard, but it has massive sharp teeth and countless spikes run down its back. The tip of its tail looks more like a stinger and its yellow eyes glow eerily even in the bright daylight. Its rider takes one look at your group before breaking into an angry fit.

"Who are you?! Why have you come here? And how did you find this place?! Speak quickly! You would have already been dead had our watchers not spotted the robes of our homeland."

Your first encounter with the invaders is off to a rough start, and the guards are more than ready for hostility should the situation call for it.

[meemaas]

Wenda

Wenda stepped forward, and bowed her head, speaking calmly and evenly. "I speak not for my companions, but solely for myself, when i say that i am naught but a simple traveler, caught within a whirlwind of fate to do what needs to be done. How we found your camp is of no concern to you, and i come with no wish for hostility. The others i cannot vouch for, but i wish only to speak and learn, as fellow inhabitants of this world and its grand plan, where allegiances mean nothing. May i be allowed to witness and learn of what fate might have planned for you?"

[Lord_Arkaine]

The beast rider looks over Wenda from head to toe and smiles sheepishly. She had quite the pretty face under those simple robes and her body had to be quite slender to fit into them. Her companions were strange though. Two were armed to the teeth, guards perhaps? The other two wore extravagant clothing befitting men of power. Wait, there was another too, he had barely noticed the moogle. A servant? A guide? Returning to the white mage's blissful beauty, he wondered how many months had it been since he last groped a woman. "Forgive me my lady, I do apologize for my rudeness. I am called Drakar of Fah Majul, I am warchief of the Bloodmist clan. This area has been made off limits to outsiders until our business is done, but I will grant you safe passage as my guest of honor. You have a noble air about you, you and this ... fine gentleman." Envious eyes narrow at Mikhail. "You spoke of fate, and I welcome you because I feel it too, our crossed paths was no turn of fortune, our meeting was destined. Come, you must be weary from your travels, rest a while in my tent and we shall discuss what fate has planned for us."

Drakar signals to the guards and they raise their spears, but do not move from their positions encircling the party. Wenda is extended a hand of invitation to join the warchief atop his basilisk.

[daelrog]

Cirelle steps forward, the only a short step. "I will not allow the fair lady to sit alone with a stranger. I am her protector, and would not be doing my duty, with your pardons." The last word came out awkwardly for her. She meant it, but it had been a long time since she had been civil with one such as Drakar.

She did not trust him, and could see the hunger in his eyes.

[ArlEammon]

Ergun
"Fellow Alinian. . . I am glad we could find you here." Ergun says politely. "I would thank you for your hospitality should you choose to offer it, desert brother." He sits comfortably in the tent. "However, I am curious. Why are the other desert brothers so far away from the Sultanate? Such a large company of Alinians is not common even of large merchant caravans. This company of soldiers and others is at least several times larger than most."

[meemaas]

Wenda

"If i may ask a request, could perhap you allow my companions within the camp too? I do not ask that you leave them alone, but simply that you do not leave them out here to wait for myself and.." She gestured to Mikhail, "Him." After that, she took the mans hand, accepting his help onto the basilisk, while waiting for a response as to her request.

[Hellfire014]

Gil frowns and sarcastically rolls his eyes. Then man confronting him seems to think only with his pants. If he was able to talk, he might have spoke up, but he's seen the white mage in action at the bar, and it wasn't pretty, so he wasn't too worried. Gil also didn't like the way the man just skimmed over him like he was unimportant.

The man also appears quite vain, and therefore somewhat well-off. He'll be sure to nab the man's horde of trea- no, bad thought, bad thought! No stealing!

[Dramesh]

Staying back while the man tried to close on the white mage, Argoth was not saying a word. He let the others talk to the lusty man. He was kinda happy when the little white mage ask than even the others were to enter. But for now, silent and discretion are the best weapon he has.

[Balthazar25]

Mikhail

Mikhail is more than a little impressed, but a he supposed a pretty girl like her had little trouble communicating with any man of any nation. Although, having one of his comrades be the object of a warchief's attention was better than having those spears any closer to his person. Still, he didn't trust much of the situation at all: surrounded by strangers, all of whom had pretty good purpose to make his life very unpleasant. For now, it was just easier to not rock the boat and try and blend into the background...

[Lord_Arkaine]

The warchief begrudgingly nods to his guards and they open a gap to allow the party into the camp. Drakar assists Wenda in taking her place beside him and issues orders to his men in a foreign language. Making note of his native tongue, Ergun is aware that while the party is entitled to entry, they will be guarded closely in the mess hall with orders not to allow them to leave. "My lady, the loyalty of your swords is remarkable. It would not be my place to dismiss such passion. I will allow this one to stand guard outside my tent," he states, pointing to Cirelle. "A lady needs her protector. Do not worry for her, my men will keep her company."

Drakar's smile widens as he addresses the group. "Please, make yourselves comfortable in our dining hall. All of your questions may be answered in time, and I will send my best men to escort you and ensure your stay is without any trouble." With that, he leads the group through the gates, the band of spearmen following closely behind.

The outside walls were of impressive stature, but their splendor was dwarfed by the interior. Towering tents as high as trees extended throughout the visible areas of the camp, the largest stood in the center and went straight up to the canopy. The canopy itself was at least a hundred feet high and woven entirely of leaves, with long catwalks encircling and crisscrossing through the camp just beneath it, each manned by patrolling guards watching over events on the ground level. Trails of wispy gray tendrils rise into the canopy and are funneled to the top where floats a massive airship that seems to be holding the whole thing up. The craftsmanship of this warship was superior to Mikhail's floating wreck and the vessel was equipped with at least thirty cannons per broadside. Hundreds of men bustled about the narrow lanes with barrels of weapons on each corner, there's not a woman or child in sight anywhere, though some of men might be young enough to qualify. The smell of smoke invades your nostrils, from the ashen acridness of a forge to the sweet smelling scents of a spiced stew simmering. For such a busy place, it was awkwardly quiet, everyone scurrying about doing their duty without so much as a peep.

Drakar's escorts lead the group to the center tent and as they enter beneath its flaps, air temperature drops considerably and the size of it becomes fully realized. Countless tables decorate the middle-ground while several stands can be seen at the far side. At least twenty men stood in lines at the stands and walked away with steaming hot plates of supper, only to join the half empty tables of feasting soldiers. To the left and right of the entrance, red-clad warriors were gathered around small luminescent spheres half-buried in the ground telling stories and laughing, until they notice the strangers walking into the tent and grow silent staring. There must have been two hundred men in the tent easily and none appeared too fond of the newcomers.

Hurriedly issuing orders to a man who had risen from around a campfire, Drakar directs the group to follow the man. "This man is called Fasod, he will see to it that you are well taken care of." The man's smile is less convincing than Drakar's, he is plainly displeased at the meeting but makes a quick bow nonetheless. "Now if you'll excuse us, I have business to attend to and would welcome my lady to her desires for knowledge." Hoping to casually leave the knight behind, he kicks the basilisk and it turns to make its way back outside the tent.

-------------------------------

As the sight of the beast and its riders disappears beneath the tent flags, Fasod looks to his new responsibilities with frustrated submission. "Find a seat I suppose, you can get something to eat over there if you're hungry. Try not to upset any of the soldiers, none of them are pleased with strangers mingling with Bloodmist, the warchief's vices have brought trouble before we want none of that here. Burn me that was quick!" The man stares shocked at the plate of warm spiced beans in Gil's hands. The little moogle must have been famished.

Ergun repeats his question to Fasod and is met with a blank look before the man answers coarsely. "None among us knows why we are here. The warchief and his wizard keep the plans secret until we are to act on them. But I have survived many blood feuds and this my friend is no scouting trip. The black wizard brought many contraptions with him and we have been here for over a month with no orders. Scouts go out and report directly to the warchief. It has the men uneasy, you could say."

--------------------------------

The white mage and the warchief approach the finest tent in the camp, where he helps her dismount and enter past the two armed guards stationed stoically just outside. "My lady, after you." The interior is decorated with silky pillows and rugs, a table sits under the center support beam with a map of Terra sprawled across it. A golden globe sits next to the table depicting the whole of the world, a tiny sun and three moons circling it. In the back of the tent sat an extravagant purple silk bed, the smell of violets emanating from its direction. Drakar goes to pour two cups of a hot red liquid into golden chalices he pulls from a supply chest. "It is tradition that any guest of the Bloodmist partake of our firewhiskey. We brew it ourselves with an ancient recipe from my homeland, it keeps the men placid and releases our inner selves. Come, share a drink with me," he says, offering the gleaming cup to Wenda.

[Hellfire014]

Gil sighs, he should just give up trying to control his unruly magic, for the moment, that is. He stares at the stew and decides not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

[daelrog]

Cirelle was non too pleased by Drakar's fast exit. Truth b told, Cirelle was not overly concerned about the man attacking Wenda. No, she was afraid of Wenda attacking him.

"Pardon me, I was granted leave to stand outside Drakar's tent." She spoke quickly and matter-of-factly, and tried to move quickly outside to try to catch up.

[meemaas]

Wenda

She bows her head softly, and shakes it back and forth. "I apologize, but my white mage oaths forbid me from drinking an intoxicating beverage. I recognize it is tradition, but i cannot break the oaths of my order, i would never again be able to show my face comfortably among my compatriots." She shook her head again after she finished talking, and then looked up and smiled at him. "I hope you are not offended by that, if it weren't for my oaths i would gladly partake of it with you. But i could not allow my honor or purity to be tainted by such, as i'm sure you understand."

[ArlEammon]

Wenda and Ergun
"So tell me, Wenda. I am as you know a Black Mage, rather than the White. What has driven you to choose the white cloth over the black? I'm curious. Since we may be spending some time together I find it essential for us to get to know eachother. I, if you wish to know, was brought up in the black arts by my gaurdian, who found me in the street." Truth be told, Ergun had wanted to see what Wenda would say. He had taken a liking towards Wenda for a little while now, although this was more of an Academic interest than a romantic one. He was also curious if there was much of an advantage of the Black or White art over the other. Sure they served different purposes, but he had found that an Academic discussion over magic may serve to be entertaining and informative.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Warchief Drakar hides his disappointment well as Wenda's refusal is made. Still smiling he says, "Such devotion, you are a rarity my lady. I could not do the same. We have one life to share and lives are short, more so for soldiers." He pours Wenda's cup into his own and downs the goblet in an instant. "There exists a thrill to coveting the forbidden, a certain ecstasy gained from breaking with tradition. What other delights are you forbidden from..." He moves in closer to the white mage while from the flaps of the tent Cirelle spots the warchief's hands circling hips and venturing south.

------------------------------------------------------

The warriors in the grand tent were starting to whisper more, the presence of foreigners unnerving some and angering others. With the ladies away, there was not much for the men to do, and the looks they were getting were anything but welcoming.

While the moogle consumed his meal, the commotion at the tent opening they had arrived through caught the party's attention. A man had arrived and was now encircled by several Bloodmist warriors and was speaking very rapidly. What stood out was that unlike the red scarves who listened intently to his words, the newcomer wore a white scarf around his face. Snippets of the conversation carried over... "We found it due east of here, in a cave by that waterfall we saw." "You are certain it is what Rashid seeks?" "He himself sent me. I am to return with more men, the shrine is guarded by demons!" "What manner of demons?" "I do not know, only that it was horrifying. We did not see them take our scouts, but we could hear their screams." "Ifrit be merciful. We will pray for their souls."

The conversation continues but awareness of it has been cut short by the large man who has approached Argoth. He seems made entirely of muscle, a mountain of meat, which he flaunts openly by not wearing his vest. Behind him follows two shorter men, both looking healthy and strong. The man-mountain stares unblinking into Argoth's eyes without saying a word, his face twisting from indifferent to hateful. All three men only seem interested in Argoth, ignoring the rest of the group as if they weren't even there. The behemoth then places one treetrunk of an arm on the warrior's breastplate and gives it a sharp sudden push.

[daelrog]

Cirelle had grown up homeless, and without a roof over her head. The visions she saw were of little help either, showing her things that were to come, or possibly were to come. After so long of being ignored and threatened for speaking the turth, her truth, some would have learned to stay silent. However, failure had only spurned her on to preach even more.

There was that, and her second curse. She was a truthsayer. Though not always right, she spiritually could not lie purposefully, even if she desired so. Sometimes, she was able to hold a unwise truth back by being silent. However, sometimes it came spilling out.

"Step away from her, or I will kill you!" She stepped into the tent, her rusted weapon raised. "You will tell us what your business is here, foreigner, and then you and your army will be on your way."

[Hellfire014]

Gil hastily hides under the table, and brings up his hood. After putting the stew down, of course. No need to waste perfectly good food. He also grabs one of his knives and boomerangs as a precaution.

Time to put my sneak skill to use.

just in case, I'm bringing my "character sheet" over here so I don't forget.

'Gil' the Moogle
Thief
Strength: Has what he needs at the right time. (non-gold, mundane, relatively cheap and common. also reasonable sized)
Weakness: Mute
Flaw: Kleptomaniac (or at least his magic is), also has bad luck outside of gambling.

Gil was born mute, and to a somewhat normal family. He lived happily outside his small city, learning his father's trade: hunting. As he was coming home from a successful hunt, he found that his home -with his parents inside it- was destroyed by the crashed airship of a roving band of monstrous kitten sky barbarians. Yes, it was THAT randomly specific. Gil's luck just got worse after that. Traps came up empty, his targets moved at *just* the right moment, and winter was coming in. He was practically forced to move into the city, and start stealing for money.

After a time, his latent magic -sensing his distress- started helping him out. Sometimes a few gold appeared, so he could get that nice stew at the store, or maybe that pie on the windowsill two blocks over appeared in his hands. By the time spring came around, and Gil could start hunting again, his magic would not stop stealing. and it stole things he didn't need OR want. This got him into quite a bit of trouble, like the time a pair of underwear appeared in his hands, and it's owner came around the corner (who knew the Captain of the Guards wore crotchless lace?). Eventually, he had to flee from the town, as the stealing habits were becoming *quite* noticeable, and he didn't want to have to deal with it.

And the classes

Thief
Attribute: AGI - Agility
Attunement: Lightning
Strength: Physical
Weakness: Support
Job Change: Ninja
Main Weapon: Knife
Alt Weapon: Boomerang
Passive Defense - Evade - Nimble and surefooted, the thief is great at dodging physical attacks and projectiles, potentially negating them.
Passive Offense - Dual Wield - Carrying two weapons and being ambidextrous, the thief may make two attacks and is immune to counters.
- Flurry - Focuses on a single enemy to quicken strokes and attack four times instantly.
- Steal - Steals a small item from an enemy or area with a chance to not be noticed (100% when sneaking).
- Sneak - Fades into the shadows; enemies cannot attack directly, improves Steal chance, attacks while sneaking can backstab for double damage.
LIMIT - Zantetsuken - Electricity surges through the thief as he gathers it to his blade for one fatal attack of such blinding speed that it there is no defense from the enemy being sliced in half.

* Ninja *
Same as Thief, but gains:
Main Weapon: Katana
Alt Weapon: Shuriken
- Smoke - Throws a smoke bomb that conceals the party and causes confusion among enemies for a short duration.
- Flash - Blinds one enemy, causing all physical attacks to have a high miss chance for a short duration.
- Blitz - Rapidly teleports and attacks all enemies in the vicinity with a series of lightning strikes once per battle.
Guardian - Ramuh - The ninja is protected by the God of Thunder and can call upon him in dire times to destroy foes with ravaging lightning.

[meemaas]

Wenda

She shook her head softly, at Cirelle's intrusion, and smiled, pushing her chair back to put a bit of difference between herself and the Warchief. "The mages of my order are expressly forbidden from partaking of any pleasure of the flesh. One must maintain her purity if she is to be able to retain her power over healing magic. Cirelle here and her outburst are merely her way of helping me protect my purity, although she can be a little violent in the process."

[Lord_Arkaine]

Drakar makes no move to retreat. The guards standing watch outside the tent have entered, but Drakar waves them off and addresses Cirelle in a flat cold voice. "I am Bloodmist, a hundred men have met their end by my hand. Be careful who you threaten." He draws his blade, a long and curved foreign style, and casts a cautious eye to Wenda while casually pointing the tip towards her, "A pity that such a beauty had to spurn the mighty Drakar. Your servant demands to know my affairs, but I feel it's time you told me yours. This facade has gone on long enough and I will know now what your purpose is in coming here."

The tent flaps part as a man interrupts the warchief's tirade. He wears a white scarf that stands out from the rest of the warriors and he speaks hurriedly. "Kaleem, we have found the shrine, warchief. Rashid requests reinforcements to clear out its guardians."

The warchief dismisses the scout's report, "Can't you see I am in the middle of a situation, Aron? We have spies in the camp, warn Fasod and return in a moment, this will not take long."

The warchief has not taken rejection kindly and suspicion has arouse towards the party. A scout has been ordered to warn a tent full of warriors about this deceitful band of travelers.

[meemaas]

Wenda

She smiled sweetly, pushing the blade to the side so it was no longer pointed at her, before she started to speak. "I did not misspeak when we met. I and my companions have indeed been caught within a whirlwind of fate, which deposited us directly upon you. Whether you accept it or not, my being here was meant to be. If you wish to know though, we have been requested to visit, peacefully, preferably. Although i'm sure if you did stoop to violence, those of Ulmecia would gladly and quickly use that excuse to strike you down. I think i can agree, being a protector of the natural order, that you would be better off not getting involved in a battle, uneven as it may be. Now please, sheathe your sword, and sit down, so we can speak in detail of what has happened and what will happen, and how we can prevent unnecessary bloodshed." She pursed her lips softly, hoping to contain her temper, his violent outburst shook her inside, even though she expected just as much.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Would like to have more to go on here so just waiting on a few people to chime in.

[Dramesh]

Argoth

Seeing the muscleman heading toward him, Argoth continue to do nothing, he wouldn't want to cause trouble here. After a little game of gazing, he saw the man becoming somewhat agressive. To his surprise, the man push him. ''It will not be unpunished'' he tough. He put his feet into a combat position and put his hand on his greatsword, ready to draw it. ''What's your problem big boy? Jealous of a real man are you? Wanna get me? Sorry you're not my type so get lost or else''. His eye were filled with determination, he was ready to kill him if he attack him.

Sorry for the delay, the thread didn't appear to me in my User CP.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Drakar grimaced at the mention of his enemies. "I suspected there was something you were not telling me. That you would aid that putrid city of demons is unthinkable. Their king has slaughtered thousands of peaceful men in his reign of conquest, and for what? To honor the name of a fallen dark god? My lady if you are situated with such filth, you will see no mercy here." Drakar spat. "How can you call yourself a protector of the natural order and ally yourself with savages and villainy?" Sword still in arm, the warchief tightens his grip on it and looks between Cirelle and Wenda, uncertain who to strike first.

-------------------------------------

Back in the tent, a brute and his friends laugh at Argoth's boastful retort. Three against one was surely odds in their favor. "This one speaks like a dog, barking loudly and afraid to use his teeth." He opens his arms and reveals his palms. "No weapons here. Just fists and manners, and I'm about to teach you a little of both." He swings hard at Argoth, clocking him in the chin, a bit surprised at how the warrior still stands, but this only gets him more excited. His two lackeys begin to circle Argoth until he is now surrounded.

[Dramesh]

Argoth

While the two men surround him, he then look at the muscleman: ''You'll be sorry for that hit''. He then decided that the lesser ones were those who would have to be dealt with first. He then channel his hate and went berserk. He quickly step to the one on his right trying to hit him under the jaws and with his right arm hit his chest. He then say out loud :''If you continue, you'll suffer even more''. This was a warning to the other two.

[Hellfire014]

Gil, still hidden, sneaks around trying to get to a good position, while also trying to lighten the pockets of anyone within reach.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Argoth enters a berserker's fury, power emanating from him with a shout that reverberates through the tent and startles many of the seated warriors. Something interesting was happening and they needed to see. Men begin to rise from tables throughout the tent, donning their red scarves and moving to the source of the disturbance. Seeing the red warrior face off against three men has them eyes open and watching amused. Some even begin to take bets on a winner. So preoccupied are the spectators that none notice a moogle stealthily making his way to one of the tent support beams.

The left uppercut from the raging warrior narrowly misses its target, the force of it threatening destruction and alarming the small man, but he doesn't get a chance to react as the force of a right hook digs deep into his stomach, sending him flying into a table. His partners give Argoth a sharp glare and threaten, "You'll pay for that, savage!" and charge the warrior. The smaller man lunges to grab Argoth's right arm and while attempting to restrain him, the large man throws his full weight into another blow aimed at the warrior's shoulder. The force would have shattered an ordinary man's arm, but Argoth Bismark the Butcher was no ordinary man...

Meanwhile, Gil had made it to his new vantage point atop a thin crossbeam section that extended directly over the dueling combatants. A quick count of the gold he had lifted from the now cheering crowd assured him that whatever damages occurred here were not beyond bribery. He had even managed to nab a pinch of Blinding Powder.

[meemaas]

Wenda

Wenda growled, slipping her hand into her robes, to take hold of her scepter. "Fate leads me to do what i have to do. That i am here now, is proof that my god wishes me to do what i am doing. Whether i do the right thing or not, only my god can know. Where there is light, there must be darkness. Now, sheathe your blade, and i shall pray for you. All i wish it to limit the bloodshed, and this meeting is the simplest way. You know it as well as i do, for if you remain much longer, you know full well that there will be casualties. What your business here was, matters not to me. All that matters is the bloodshed is lessened as much as necessary. Call me what you will, but if i had not been sent here, then more violent men would have. And no matter how good your men are, there will be casualties in that position. After this job is over, myself and my companions are all free to do what we will, and have nothing more to do with this business. Would you deny us our freedom from the very kingdom you oppose, simply because we do a job for them beforehand?"

[Lord_Arkaine]

Drakar tilts his head at the white mage with a brief moment of puzzlement. "You mean to say you are mercenaries? That you are not spies of the Black King?" He shakes his head vigorously. "That noble-born, he tried to hide it but I knew him for what he was, he is of Ulmecia, I am certain of it. You are in league with him, do not deny it. Spare bloodshed? You would have us all fed to the wolves." A masked warrior strides into the tent to see raised weapons and is startled, but the warchief shouts at him, "What is it?!"

The masked man regains his composure and announces, "Kaleem, I bring news from the pit, warchief. Some of the men have begun fighting the strangers. No weapons have been drawn, but one of our men is out cold."

Drakar shouts louder, "Blast it! Who started the fight?!"

"The men say it was Josiah of Kalimah and his followers, kasir."

More spitting. "Ifrit burn him, there's never any peace around here!" He motions to the women with the tip of his weapon. "You two, outside, let's go. We'll settle this after I've put out this fire. You can tell me on the way how you came to serve my enemy, and for your sake I better believe you."

[daelrog]

"My cause against Ulmecia is unfinished." She strode forward to put herself between Drakar and Wenda. "I challenge you Drakar the... mighty?" She smirked and pointed her weapon towards his pants. "Unless your nation only claims to be one of honor."

[Hellfire014]

Up at his vantage point, Gil silently watches the fight, waiting for an opportune time to strike. The blinding powder he will save, It may come useful later.

[ArlEammon]

Ergun gave a look at the fighting going around him. Finally, she shook in anger at what was happening. "ENOUGH!! LET ME ASSURE YOU ALL IT WAS UNWISE TO RAISE MY IRE!!! Let me assure you it's no coincidence this rhymes with FIRE!!!" Ergun quickly cast a flaming spell on the table, which quickly enveloped the entire tent. Quickly Ergun attempted to then make his way into escape while the flaming mass fell on the soldiers and party members.

[Dramesh]

Argoth

Argoth has entered his berserk state, all distraction were cut off and only his enemies was on his mind. After the blow he received, only muscle-guy was in his mind. He only noticed the flaming table from a flash and didn't care. He used the that instant to kick the right knee of the muscle-guy inward and just after, give him another shot.

[Lord_Arkaine]

The warchief gave an amused look to Cirelle, it was rare that someone openly challenged a kaleem. "No man who has challenged me has survived unscathed. But you are also not a man... a trial by combat then. You will prove your innocence on the battlefield. But first... I have skulls to bash."

The three make their way to the large center tent, but nothing could possibly have prepared them for what awaited them, which compelled Drakar to cover his face with his hand to keep from seeing what he thought he was seeing. A bedlam had erupted amidst the flaming interior, wildfire spreading throughout the pit. Countless men were running about fetching water pails and attempting to put out the fire, lest it spread to the outer walls. Whose idea was it to make the fort entirely out of wood and flammable cloth??? More men were screaming and attempting to flee the burning debris raining from crossbeams, while others were circled around a red armored warrior and the man known as Josiah. The two were engaged in some sort of brawl as the warrior had just kicked the large man and floored him with a right cross, to which the crowd around them cheered, oblivious to the hellish nightmare surrounding them.

A small Alin man in robes rushed past where Drakar, Cirelle, and Wenda were standing, but they were too busy staring at the chaos to care. The warchief simply stated quietly, "I'm going to kill someone."

Argoth stood over his downed opponent, who was now nursing his injured knee. The smaller man was nowhere to be seen, he had taken off running the second the place became engulfed in flame. The grounded man was begging, "I yield, I yield! No more!" He clutched his leg tightly, fearing and certain that bones had broken, and with the fire raging around them he didn't want to be left to die.

Gil's perch was growing smaller as the flames raced up the beam he had used to climb, threatening to consume the entire platform. The heat and smoke rising from the ground was making it difficult to see, but he was sure he had caught sight of the trio entering the tent, the two women among them.

Mikhail was a noble man, and a ship captain to boot. Bar fights, mutinies, war, he had lived through it all and taken it par for the course, nothing surprised or worried him any more. So he continued to remain calm and take in events as they unfolded, curiously pondering who would end up footing the bill for this fiasco.

- Argoth's opponent has fallen and begs him for mercy.
- Gil's safety away from the fighting is reaching its limit.
- Cirelle has been granted a duel when this ordeal is over.
- Ergun has fled and watches his handiwork from the yard.
- Mikhail sees no reason to get too excited over the chaos.
- Wenda's temper restraint has finally reached its LIMIT.

> LIMIT UNLOCKED <

* Wenda may use LIMIT: Tsunami while her anger is at fever pitch.

[Hellfire014]

Gil is beyond annoyed at the pyromaniac. however, annoyance doesn't help with his current predicament. He can exact revenge later.

Gil looks for a source of water -or a soft object not on fire- within jumping range, takes a deep breath, and jumps.

I'm assuming that I'm not getting the moogle's ability to fly, or at least glide

[meemaas]

Wenda

"Like HELL you are" Wenda snapped suddenly, her temper finally snapping, and her composure lost. In that instant, after hearing the man speak of murder, she whips out her scepter, slamming it as hard as she could into the back of the mans head. As she did, her rage coalesced into power, and, from nowhere in particular, a massive tidal wave crashed down over the entire camp. Once the water cleared, she was seen breathing heavily, a slight growl in her voice as she stared down the warchief in particular, waiting for his next move.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Gil lept into the air hoping something would cushion his fall and was greeted by a rushing river that did just that. His magic had never stolen a lake before!

The fires died out instantly upon coming in contact with the massive wave of water, which ripped through the camp with tremendous force, hurling about everything that wasn't tied down including the warriors themselves. Damp red scarves hung loosely around the necks of a hundred shocked spearmen as a few more beams snapped from their twice over abuse. The only thing keeping the tent up at this point is the massive airship overhead.

Ergun expected to watch as his fires consumed the insufferable lot of them. Getting flushed back into the tent by a surprise avalanche of liquid was not on the to do list, yet there he lay, drenched from head to toe, at Cirelle's feet. Oddly the knight had not been affected by the water at all, her proximity to its conjurer granting protection from its effects. Wenda's robes were still dry too.

Mikhail picked up his drenched feathered hat, grimacing at the damage to such a fine piece of outerwear, then made his way over to where the rest of the group had now gathered, all save Argoth who had stood his ground against the limitless gallons that toppled feebler men. The man he had been fighting with was out cold, he had already been on his back when the tide came in and had suffered the worst of it. He may not even be breathing.

Warchief Drakar nursed his head wound and stared in disbelief at the damage to his camp. "How in the world- who *are* you people? My camp..." He stood up and attempted to regain his composure. "Nevermind, I apologize for everything's that happened," he stammers. "If I had known this was the extent of your abilities..." He turns to Cirelle and shakes his head. "Our duel will have to wait. I was coming here to qualm the fighting and send guards to help our expedition, but after seeing this..." The man bows as low as he can. "I am sure you possess greater strength than any company of men I could offer."

He clears his throat and continues softly, "You asked what we were doing here, and I think it's time I answered. If you were already capable of this power and did not use it, then I trust your intentions were of peace. But I cannot explain much, this was all that wizard's idea, he knows more than I do. We're here looking for something -- something said to be of great power that might aid us in our defense against the Black King. The shrine of Ifrit was said to hold this power, and as the scout reported, it has finally been found. The wizard requests aid clearing monsters in the shrine. If you go to him, help him clear out the demons and recover the lost relic, then we will have no further business being here and my warband will be on its way. Any questions you have you can even ask of the wizard yourself." He gives a wry smile to Cirelle. "And upon your return, I will take up your challenge. I owe a debt for the devastation done to my camp, one I intend to repay."

[Hellfire014]

Gil somehow managed to find himself face-first in the compost heap. Dazed, he finally pushes himself out of the mess, most definately not smelling of roses. [This is not my day.] he thought, before turning to join the rest of the group.[At least the furs were left on board the airship.]

[Dramesh]

Argoth

Argoth magane to restrain the desire to kill, he exit his trance and look around. Advancing at the dead man at his feet, he quickly draw his greatsword and cut the head of the soldier, : "May you never come bac kto hunt my sleep". AFter sweeping off the blood, he head to the rest of the group.

Even if muscle-guy is alive, Argoth still cut his head off.

[Savior]

Jason Throne

In little to no breath for talking, Jason stumbles upon the group as a replacement for his strung-out predecessor. Jason holds onto his knee, gasping for the ill air to enter his longs. On his look down, he notices that women are amongst the group, and instantly becomes chipper. Steadily pacing himself to the group, he bows when entering their presence."'Ello all. my name's Jason Throne, replacement to Captain Mikhail." Along his speaking, he notices every little texture on their clothing, and memorizes their stature, especially the ladies. He smiles brilliantly, and extends a hand to everyone, however, he first extends his hand to the woman in long white robes. Taking her hand, tilting it, and placing his lips against the back of her wrist, he straightens back out with a nod.

[meemaas]

Wenda

She turns on the newcomer and in an instant, beams him in the head with her scepter. Once he's on the ground, she turns back to the warchief and smiles a little. "We would be delighted to help you in your cause, for the sake of preventing further bloodshed. If you could arrange for the rest of my companions to be gathered up, we can meet with your wizard for more details."

[Lord_Arkaine]

After watching his teammate gruesomely decapitate a half-dead gorilla, to which no man dared object, Mikhail was thankful that his apprentice had arrived and slightly amused watching him get knocked unconscious. He had originally left him behind to oversee the ship's preparations, and him being here now meant it was ready to take off again. Glad to be rid of this madness, he bid the party farewell. "This trip.. it's been..." He doesn't finish his statement, merely shakes his head and walks off towards the gates, his ruined hat and soggy red suit drooping miserably, leaving onlookers puzzled.

Drakar tries to ignore the bleeding corpse nearby, he never liked the man anyway and he was quite fond of his own head. He gives a small bow to the white mage in assent. "At once my lady. We will even provide transportation." He signals to two men who come over to carry Jason and Ergun and has the rest of the group follow him, holding his nose when the moogle draws near.

The warchief leads the group outside and approaches a ramp that circles the exterior of the tent. It rises high to the catwalks above, reaching to the top of the canopy where the massive airship rests. It is of Alin make and quite unlike the Dark Horse, sporting many cannons and made entirely of steel. Drakar throws out his arms and exclaims boldly, "Welcome to the Ragnarok."

The interior of the warship is as impressive as the view. It holds three decks and a sublevel where the cannons lie, the highest deck being the bridge. It is there that the Alinese warriors go, where a blond man who is clearly not Alinese greets the party cheerfully. "At ease, men! We have guests on board!"

Smiling back at the captain, the warchief introduces him to the group. "This man is Cid, he will be your pilot for this mission. They are going to assist us with the monster trouble."

Cid looks over the group thoughtfully then sticks out a thumbs up. "You got it, boss! I know the coordinates, we've been waiting for that scout to get back for a while. The ship's ready to cast off whenever you're ready!"

"Then cast off, captain. We've wasted enough time."

-------------------------------------

The Ragnarok lands in a brush of trees, easily crushing them beneath its weight. The entrance to an underground ruins is visible nearby. "That there is the Shrine of Ifrit," Cid explains. "Monsters have been coming out there right after the crew made a big discovery of some kind. The wizard sent us to fetch help. Guess you're it!" He beams a smile. "Me and the crew will wait here, we're no fighters, just technicians."

Drakar also chooses to stay behind. "I must hold the ship with my men. If anything should happen, we must be ready to move at a moment's notice, and the crew can't protect itself from the dangers of this forest. I wish you luck, we may finally be able to leave this inhospitable country."

Cid turns to Drakar inside the airship, looking around to ensure no one can overhear. "What are they here for? I was expecting more Bloodmist."

"Don't ask... with luck the monsters will finish them off, and that accursed wizard too."

Waving the party off, the Alin warriors return to the warship. The entrance to the shrine looms ahead. Who knows what horrors await?

> LIMIT UNLOCKED <

* Argoth may channel his bloodlust to use LIMIT: Meteor Strike after decapitating a foe.

Time to decide a party formation. Who's going to be the first in front and who's going to bring up the rear? Three in front and three behind. Choose carefully.

[Lord_Arkaine]

The party lines up with the warrior, red mage, and knight in front and the white mage, thief, and black mage in the rear.

The group enters the ruins to find a grand hall with a towering ceiling. The entrance was no more than a small cave opening so the size of the interior is quite shocking. Large pillars support the massive structure, wider than any man can reach his arms around. The ceiling itself features painted images of hideous beasts, but the majority of it is concealed in shadows. From out those shadows, two large beasts drop from the sky to land in front of the party and behind, trapping them between deadly fangs and claws.

The group has encountered two Mysterious Beasts.

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/write.ign.com/74314/2012/01/IfritFXX-2-600x658.jpg

[Hellfire014]

Gil springs into action, jumping into the shadows, moving around behind the beasts, preparing to unleash a flurry of attacks.

[ArlEammon]

Ergun
"STOP!!" Ergun believes he has recognized Ifrit. "Master Ifrit!! We are pleasured and honored beyond measure to meet your presence. Forgive us for our presumptious drawing of our weapons. We are on a mission of servitude from the Ulimecians. I, your humble servant Ergun, petition you to give us your awesome words and let us hear from your wise mouth, to hear and listen to the Master of Fire."

[Hellfire014]

Hearing the pyromaniac's words, Gil immediately jumps back into the shadows, remaining on his guard. If this truly was Ifrit, then why is there 2 of them?

[Dramesh]

Argoth

Argoth stand ready on a defensive position, he let his comrade talks with the supposed Ifrit.

OOC
Ready action to double hit a beast if they charge them

[daelrog]

Cirelle was in no mood to play diplomacy. Her arms were up and ready, and would strike at the closest at the smallest sign of aggression. She would not relax because a black mage was using his serpent's tongue.

[Lord_Arkaine]

The "Ifrit" closest to the black mage stares straight at him with glowing yellow eyes. It pauses for a long while continuing to stare, then begins to pace on all fours, back and forth, ever staring. Soon it is fraught with impatience, lips curl back into a snarl and it roars loudly. The other Ifrit returns the roar as both dig into the ground and pounce.

Ergun is mauled by the rear Ifrit, taking a large physical hit from the creature. Injured and caught offguard, the black mage actions are delayed.
Ifrit A uses Pounce on Ergun for 346 damage

Gil lunges from the shadows to return the favor with a flanking flurry attack, striking the rear Ifrit four times with his knife for critical damage. The shock caused by the attack reduces the beast's magical defense. The beast still stands healthy.
Gil uses Flurry on Ifrit A for 72, 84, 76, 80 damage
Critical Hit! Ifrit A had its SPR reduced!

The front Ifrit lunges at Jason, but Argoth is ready for it, connecting with a cross slash swing of his greatsword. The cuts are deep but the beast is massive and fights on.
Argoth uses Double Attack on Ifrit B for 252, 314 damage

Cirelle follows up with a sword slash that further injures the beast and completes the attack chain by bashing its head in with her shield. Slightly injured and dazed, the creature pounces awkwardly toward the red mage, missing its target.
Cirelle attacks Ifrit B for 179 damage
Shield Bash! Ifrit B had its accuracy reduced!
Ifrit B uses Pounce on Jason, but misses!

< Jason and Wenda still have a action this turn >

{table=head]Player|Hitpoints
Argoth|1860/1860
Jason|1230/1230
Cirelle|2340/2340
Ergun|514/860
Gil|950/950
Wenda|1080/1080
[/table]

The guardians of the shrine have engaged and they are not too friendly. They have attacked the group after some hesitation, though for what reason remains a mystery.

[meemaas]

Wenda

Staying back, Wenda raises her scepter and calls out a spell, causing the powerful magic of her order to strike down the same beast that Cirelle and Argoth had attacked

Casts holy on whichever beast that is

[Savior]

Jason

Jason cricks his neck, and begins to do his magical thing. Getting a clear decision on who is the most worthy of his talent, he uses two of his spells at practically the same time. He notices the danger, and then readies his rapier.

Use Haste on Cirelle, and Dispel on Ifrit A.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Shining spears of Holy light pierce the front Ifrit.
Wenda used Holy on Ifrit B for 183 damage

Quick as a whip, the red mage swift casts a hastening wind on the knight Cirelle and a purging gust on the rear Ifrit.
Jason used Haste on Cirelle
Jason used Dispel on Ifrit A
Ifrit A lost Warcry

Round two!

[daelrog]

Cirelle sees that the other are targetting the same beast as her. She glances back momentarily to see the second Ifrit. Feeling the swiftness of haste she tries to push towards the monster and get it away from diplomatic black mage.

[Hellfire014]

Returning the the shadows after his initial assault, Gil sneaks into a good position, then lunges towards an Ifrit's back, painfully stabbing it, then grabbing it's horns, holding on for dear life.

[Dramesh]

Argoth

Seeing as the Ifrit is still standing, Argoth analyse the beast and then dash toward it, aiming at his throat with a thrust from his blade. If the attack hit, he then slash from the throat to the right side, rippin off the beast.

[Lord_Arkaine]

Initiative:
Black Mage
Cirelle
Gil
Ifrit A
Argoth
Cirelle
Ifrit B
Wenda
Jason


Cirelle moves to the cover the black mage, magical swiftness accelerating her movement.
Cirelle used Protect on Ergun. Ergun is protected.

Gil slips into the shadows to prepare his next backstab.
Gil used Sneak. Gil is now sneaking.

The rear Ifrit rages at the multiple strikes its suffered and seeks out Gil for revenge, but Gil cannot be located. The Ifrit settles on the closest enemy and strikes with a claw swipe.
Ifrit A attacks Cirelle for 112 damage.

Argoth attacks the beast he struck, attempting to kill it outright with a throat slice, but the tough hide and natural instincts of the creature avert a lethal cut.Argoth attacks Ifrit B for 279 damage, 1 miss

The front Ifrit is showing signs of being wounded after multiple attacks and begins to cast a spell on the warrior that wounded it.
Ifrit B used Hellfire on Argoth for 458 damage (138 resisted)
Argoth guarded against an attack

< Cirelle, Ergun, Wenda, and Jason still have an action this turn >

{table=head]Player|Hitpoints|Status
Argoth|1402/1860
Jason|1230/1230
Cirelle|2228/2340|Haste
Ergun|514/860
Gil|950/950|Sneak
Wenda|1080/1080
[/table]

[ArlEammon]

Oh god. Diplomacy was out. What had brought the Ifrits to act so hostily? Ergun had thought these monsters were capable of concious thought and were non-violent, at least towards those who were non hostile. Nevertheless, he had to act with violence now. "ICE!!!" Ergun shouted, as he attacked the enemies with magical spells.


Ice spell divided onto the two Ifrits

[meemaas]

Wenda

Wenda focuses on her magic now, exerting her power to heal the wounds of her ally who was attacked first.

Cure, targetting Ergun

[Savior]

Jason

Jason turned attention ot the other beast, and let loose yet another spell. From there, he clamored up his blade, and prepared for another strike.

Use dispel on Ifrit B

[daelrog]

Cirelle clenches her teeth to get over the pain and tries to strike at the rear Ifrit, hoping to crack its skull, or at least disorient it.

[Dramesh]

Argoth

The beast were more robust that first thought. Seeing as both of them begin to have taken a couple of hit, he stretch out his arms and just toward the Ifrit in front of him, plunging his blade into the beast and try again to rip him open.

[Lord_Arkaine]

The room grows momentarily freezing as the heat from the area is drawn out by the black mage. Frozen shards form in the air and with a flick of the wrist, Ergun sends them to stab the Ifrits. Reeling from the frozen winds, the Ifrits enter a burning rage.
Ergun used Ice
Ifrit A takes 614 ice damage
Ifrit A has gone Berserk!
Ifrit B takes 465 ice damage
Ifrit B has gone Berserk!

Wenda quickly mends Ergun's, restoring some of his health with holy magic.
Wenda used Cure on Ergun restoring 421 health

Jason breaks through the magical aids of the second Ifrit.
Ifrit B lost Warcry

Round three!

Next turn initiative:
Black Mage
Cirelle
Gil
Ifrit A
Argoth - Readying to attack again
Cirelle
Ifrit B
Wenda
Jason