Crystal of Cindel

:: For the last couple weeks, there was a dark and gloomy mist surrounding Cindel. No one really knew since when this mist has somehow begun to show itself, but some of them knew why it happened. The Miridia Council asked Darian to investigate on the subject, to which he replied that he will take a look while he is going to Brandon, located approximatively 10 miles away from there.

Darian, followed by some henchmen and city guards, walked towards the teleport tower while he asked them if they knew anything more about that strange mist than what he was told. They replied back saying that all he wanted to know will be answered when he will be safely teleported to Cindel. People in town were curious of what was happening, the only noises made during his route was horses neighing and some group of peasants murmuring. The huge golden scarlet doors opened before Darian's presence, revealing an extended Hall leading to various stairs and doors. They followed the hallway until they reached the exact same doors Darian saw before he entered the tower. It was a marvelous and god-like tower. Even in the darkest era, there would still be light raying from the tower, as it consumed very little energy and could produce lights and magic powers They finally reached an empty room, with a glass ceiling, white walls and a glossed black floor. Darian only entered the room, with the wooden doors closing behing him. He placed himself in the middle of the room, closed his eyes, and waited for the sun to show its light to the tower's energy beacon.

He felt his energy leaving his body little by little, and he sensed like his spirit was splitting with his body. He reoppened his eyes, revealing a replicate of the room he was in. Walking to the doors, he observed that the sun was not shining, and a mysterious aura was blocking the way. Opening the door, he saw the council leader, Theradra, waiting for him. ::

Theradra : Welcome, Darian, we have foreseen your presence here. Let me explain to you the reason I called you and some other adventurers here. Follow me to the council room, where most of the adventurers are waiting.

Darian : I'm not sure if I properly understand the task I have to do. They told me I had to investigate, but that's not the only reason why I have been brung here, is it?

Theradra : Unfortunately, no. The others are still unaware of what I am going to tell all of you. I will make it simple and quick, because we are running out of time.

:: They reached the tower's basement, where the council room was located. Two guards opened the council room doors, revealing a round table, with various people. As Theradra and Darian entered the room, the silence was brought into the room. They looked closely at the new arrival, most of them only glancing a moment and declining their sight to another part of the room. Darian didn't take time to look at every one of the adventurers, but some of them was awfully familiar. He sat down between two empty chairs, and waited for the Council leader to talk. ::

Theradra : Darian will join your party. I am sure it will be a great addition and a great help. I will now explain to you the reason I asked you all for your help.

:: No one was talking, we could hear a fly passing by, and all the eyes were watching Theradra closely. ::

Theradra : You see, long ago, this city was an humble settlement for explorers, used to rest and regain strength. This city's growth was phenomenal, or so the legend says. Do you believe this kingdom had to rebuild itself 3 times? This has cost many, many lives, and much pain. The reason is that the monsters roaming the land here destroyed it. Upon the last processes and steps of the third rebuilding of the kingdom, the great Archmage Hillius and his fellow wizards and mages gathered here, and offered us a protection crystal. This crystal would repel the monsters in a determined radius, depending if the crystal was properly maintained. Thus it was, and very well, I must say. You now understand the whole story. I will now explain the reason I brought you here. Three moons ago, a red lighting flew down from the sky and hit the crystal, releasing his magic in the air. We don't know from where this lightning bolt came from, or why this has been done. All we know is that it is the act of a wizard, and a powerful one on top of that. We were said that nothing could tear down this crystal, from a single air blow to a devastating fire. We suspect only one person capable of doing this : Hyiriadus. We are uncertain of why he did that, some followers of Cindel informed us that a pact was made between him and the demon himself, and his spirit is now in the hands of a powerful devil. This probably lead him to insanity and to multiple mental disorders. I want, from all of you, to retrieve a new crystal for our beloved kingdom, and to check on Hyiriadus. That is, before the monsters get here. The mist that usually englobes the land started to reappear, so that means the monsters are coming here soon. We will be able to defend ourselves, but not against all the hordes of monsters capable of defeating a bull single-handedly. I ask for your compassion, and know that if the kingdom is saved, you will be rewarded greatly.

:: Theradra sat down, exhausted from that speech. A servant brung him a cup of water, which he swallowed the content immediatly, in a single mouthful. He watched the adventurers in the eyes, one by one. It was now time for them to stand up and accept the challenge and face the danger ahead. ::

Darian : I, Darian, Lord of Miridia, accepts your request. Know that I will do my best, but I will need a full inventory of various items.

Theradra : Very well, I shall accept a list and give you what you ask before your departure.

:: Theradra watched the other adventurers, hopefully waiting that more than one of them follow Darian and retrieve the object that safely protects this kingdom. Darian watched every single of them, closely, while he waited too for someone to stand up too. ::

Theradra : You will depart in several hours, so use this time to prepare yourself. the tower's facilities are in your disposal until then. I will retire now.

::Aramis stands up from the chair and looks at Darian and the others.::

"So you're here as well, that's excellent. This party is already looking like overkill just to eliminate some demonic wizard-type. the Tower is a great piece of arcane culture, so i'm of course intrested in this. I'll go look around now, see ya later."

::He exits the room and walks around the halls of the tower, and bumps into the entrance of a narrow corridor with several heavy gates unlocked.::

"This would be the armory...maybe I could go check on it."

::Voices are heard from the direction of armory as he walks closer, and soon also the clinging of blades and other sounds of fighting. As he reaches the end of the corridor, a large storage room opens to the right, and an open room with weapons and armor displayed on the walls to the left. Two people are training in the middle, switching between different sorts of weapons. Up ahead is a room with furnaces and anvils. An older man exits the room and comes to Aramis::

???: Hello! I'm the master smith of this tower for fourty years now. You must be one of the adventurers that're going to be sent out there soon. It may not look bad, but you're bound to be attacked by monsters constantly as you try to get past the mist. You intrested in some equipment?

"You have any weapons that'd suit me?"

::The smith observes the small mystic magician, puzzled::

Master smith: Your kind are very limited when it comes to weapon use. There isn't many choices for you, but come take a look at this.

::He walks up to a chest, opens it, and takes a beautifully oriented sheath out, then reveals the thin, short silver sword inside.::

Master smith: There was once a squad of elite magicians of your sort serving here. These weapons were planned for their use. It can absorb, contain, and strenghten itself with mana. In other words, it's very suitable for Magic sword techniques. You could say this is the prototype.

"That's...special. How much would it be?"

Maste smith: Oh, I could give it to you for this mission. Cant make it official, but I would appreciate if you returned it afterwards.

"Right. Thanks a lot, this will be most helpful. By the way...you said there was magicians of my sort here. What happened to them?"

Master smith: Oh yes, the nordic mages were a great addition to our forces. I do not know the details, but last time this place was put in ruin, most of them fell in battles. The rest fled further south, or were taken prisoner.

"I see...I'll be going now. See ya when i return."

This post has been edited by Aramis on Jul 18 2004, 12:47 PM

As Aramis leaves the room, a hooded figure rises from the chair opposite of Darian, eyes never leaving him as if he was studying the black mage.

Darian: You, too, wish to join the mission?

Nothing is heard for a moment as the adventurer seems to ponder his answer. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally answers with a simple "Yes". As he does so, he removes his cloak and reveals a somewhat scrawny figure that looked very much mismatched for his equipment, just like the mismatched pieces that made up his equipment.

Indeed, he looked ill-equipped. Nothing but a chain-mail under a ridiculously well-polished breastplate. Under the watchful eye of Darian, this stranger re-adjusts his chain gloves and proceeds to stretch. As he did so, Darian notices a necklace with seven arrowheads. Not thinking much of it, Darian dismisses the observation. When the stranger was done, he spoke up again. Through the entire ordeal, Darian kept on studying him as if trying to learn something about him.

Jerm: Yes, I'm joining up with you and the mystic as well. ... You must be thinking that I'm ill-prepared for such a mission. Don't let appearances fool you.

He finishes talking and is about to take a step to leave the room when he turns back to Darian.

Jerm: Darian, is it? I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Jerm.

As he exits the room, one could see the handle of a sword-like weapon protuding from the neckhole of the cloak. On a closer look, some realized that the cloak was wrapping around it and its shape lead many to wonder just what kind of sword it was.

Once outside, he starts wandering around with seemingly no destination. He suddenly stops and his sensitive ears picked up a familiar sound.

*Sounds of weapons clanging against each other are heard. Coming to the conclusion that it must be the armory, he makes his way there, not realizing that Aramis also went down this way earlier.*

As he enters the room, he doesn't notice Aramis and the master smith in a corner of the vast room pouring over the contents of a chest. Seeing all the armors and weapons, he decides to take a closer look. After a short while of inspecting the lot, he loses interest and proceeds to leave the room when a light reflection at the far end of the room catches his attention. As he draws closer, his eyes widen and stares at a long sword unlike any other in the room.

Jerm: *in a barely audible whisper* It... It can't be... Every attempt at reproducing this sword ended in nothing but death!

As he removes the sword from its sheath, he realizes that only the hilt bore a ressemblance to the legendary Heaven Sword. Losing interest once again, he puts the sword back.

Turning around, he notices the master smith for the first time. As he catches up to him, he notices Aramis turning a corner at the end of the corridor. Not thinking much of it, he starts talking to the master smith.

Jerm: I see armors and weapons of different sorts here, yet I couldn't help but notice the lack of shields.

Master Smith: Shields, you say? They're over here in the adjoining room, let me show you.

The sight of the next room was nothing short of astonishing. Rows upon rows of shields could be found. Round wooden shields, iron shields and even heavy Orc shields (as rare as they are to find) were seen. As he looked over them, he picks a sturdy-looking iron shield and turns around to face the smith.

Master Smith: Why, I thought a knight like you would pick a shield more fitting of your stature.

Jerm: The chances of me actually wielding this on my arm in battles are slim to none. I doubt anybody here would understand the uses I have of a shield. I do require that this shield be modified slightly. What is your price?

Master Smith: Oh think nothing of it. Shields of this kind are as abundant as insects in the summer. Take it. As for the modification, what do you want done to it?

As Jerm gives the specification and watches the smith go to work, he momentarily sits down on a chair and thinks back to a battle a few years back.

::Flashback::

Jerm: RUN! Get to the boat and get it ready! When you see me running down the hill, cast away from the dock! I'll be able to make it!

??? #1: NO!! There's too many!

??? #2: She's right! You'll never survive this on your own!!

Jerm: There's no more time!! *looks around frantically* You three! Go with her! You two stay with me and your master... We're going to teach them a lesson. Those murdering dogs are going to rue the day all this started!

As the battle rages on, they slowly retreat down the hill towards the docks. Having killed off a small battallion of soldiers, the way was clear for a short time while everybody jumped on board the boat.

Jerm: This isn't finished yet...

??? #2: Remember what you told me once!! He who runs away today lives to fight another day!

Just as Jerm kills off two more soldiers, three dozen archers materialize at the crest of the hill. Seeing this, he jump on the boat when seven arrows find their mark and bury themselves into Jerm's back, piercing his chain-mail.

::End of flashback::

Awaking from his stupor, he notices the master smith putting the finishing touches to the shield. As Jerm slips the shield onto his back and secures it there with the help of the newly acquired shoulder strap, he reaches into a pouch and pulls out a gold coin. Flipping it to the smith, he leaves the room without saying anything.

Cid got up from his seat, Darian eye'd him and was about to speak but Cid just held up his hand.

Cid: I Cid Winters of Cidia castle, hear by state that I will help as miuch as I can on this mission, for this has to do with the whole world.

Cid then walked out of the tower's basement and started swinging his hammer outside, it seemed as if he has something else on his mind besides this mission, Cid already has the armor and weapon he'll ever want, and his spells are Legend.

::Flash back::

Guard: You're a prince! you can't do this, you're also the last of your blood line!
Cid: I don't care! what good is being a price when I can't protect my people!?
Guard: ..Cid.....
Cid: you have no idea what it's like to watch your family die!
Guard: and you have no idea how hard it is to train a brat Prince like you!
Cid: How dare you! *Wacks Guard very hard with his hammer*
Guard: That's it get out!
Cid: I'm gone! *runs out*
Guard: If he trains anymore he'll be more powerful then me......

::End Flash back::

Cid swung his hammer really hard making him fall on his back he then laughed and put his hammer away even if he had a few tears going down the side of his face.

As the departure for the mission draws near, Jerm was pondering what he should do about his ... unusual weapon. Sure, it was a sword (of some sort) but he was wondering if he should actually use it during this mission. In the past, this sword has saved him many, many times but he also knew that death was a certainty everytime that it made an appearance.

Jerm: *to himself* If the mission is as dangerous as Theradra's briefing, it just might be a good idea to bring it along. Better safe than sorry but... I'd rather not use it unless I absolutely have no other choice. That also means that I'll have to drop by the armory again for a sword...

Having made up his mind, Jerm carefully wraps his sword in a spare cloak that he picked up on his journey here. He made sure to wrap it so that no one could clearly make out the shape of it. Having done so, he ties it to his back. When it was properly secured, he straps on the shield that he acquired earlier. Finally, he puts on his cloak to complete his attire.

Jerm: Good... With the cloak AND the shield in the way, I have difficulty accessing the sword, therefore discouraging me from using it. Let's just hope that I will not have reason to actually take it out.

Making his way back to the armory, he once again finds himself in the sword and armor room. Looking around, he can't seem to make a decision. So many different swords, each requiring its own technique in order to exploit its full potential. After narrowing his choice down to falchions, sabres and scimitars, he proceeded to test them out. He certainly seemed at ease with swords as he was twirling them and juggling them as if they were mere toys. As he tried out more and more swords, his mind started to wander back to his training days...

::Flashback::

???: Remember this: Do not view the sword as something that can potentially hurt YOU. Overcome this fear of yours. Instead, consider the sword as nothing more than the equilavent of a brush used for writing. Without the brush and the ink, you cannot write. Without the sword and the skills, you cannot fight. Now continue your exercises!

Jerm: But Master... All that you've taught me in the past 5 months is not of any use! What use would I have of twirling and juggling these sword? I came to train under you with the hopes of -

Master: Fool!! Have you not heard what I just explained to you? If you cannot master the sword, you will never be able to acquire the skills needed! Look at me! *starts to twirl and juggle swords* Do you think I learned this by complaining?

As Jerm looks on, the swords seem to become nothing but blurs when all of a sudden, all but one sword seemed to fly away from his master only to impale themselves on various fatal points of the practice dummy. Recovering from the awe of seeing one of the rare display of his master's vast array of skills, Jerm resumes his training.

:End of flashback::

Jerm: I guess all that training DID come in handy after all... Hm. This one should do. Seems good enough.

As Jerm examines the sword more thoroughly, looking for any flaws that might put him at a disadvantage in a fight, the master smith looks on from the doorway. Having seen the adventurer's display of skills, he could not help but be amazed. Seeing Jerm looking over one of the more mundane blade, the master smith picks up a particular falchion that was lying on a rack.

Master Smith: That sword will cost you a fortune in repairs and maintenance. It may look good but don't its appearance fool you. A good many mercenaries have brought it back to me complaining that it did not live up to its looks. Take this one. Though not as fancy as the one you're holding, this particular falchion will save your hide. I should know... It saved mine more than once.

Jerm: I'm not really in the market for a sword.. wait.. Actually, I am but I merely need something that will allow me to hold my ground in a battle. I do not plan on using the sword on my back unless I have no other choice. I'd rather keep it hidden until the right time comes.

Master Smith: Still, do not take that sword which you are holding. This one would be much better. Do not under-estimate it for the damage it deals is quite extraordinary.

Jerm: I'll go with your word on this one. How much do I owe you?

Master Smith: That gold coin you gave me earlier was actually more than enough to cover the shield and the sword. Oh but you should take a look at this particular one... Now if I could just find it.

When the master smith emerges from his search, Jerm was no longer in sight. Scratching his head, the smith replaces the swords which Jerm was trying out earlier. Jerm, in fact, had quietly slipped away while the smith was busy and was slowly making his way back to the council room to see who else had decided to join. Examining the sword while walking, he rapidly reaches the basement. Taking a last look at the sword, he stows it and is about to enter the room when he suddenly decides against it.

Jerm: Think I'll just go get myself some supplies while those slowpokes make up their minds.

With that said, Jerm walks off in search of a potions shop...

This post has been edited by Jerm on Apr 29 2004, 01:44 AM

::Aramis heads away from the item shop, continuing further down the merchant's lobby, and finds a large window board in a wall to sit on and deploy his bag. It reveals some bread and cheese, some fruit, and a jug of wine. Also three extra-strong ethers in small vials, and six empty vials. He sits down and eats, observing the hall. There's the oddly outfitted person he saw on the briefing room entering an item shop, and an older man cleaning up a shack nearby. Once he finishes eating, he turns into his other purchases, distributing the remaining wine and raw ether into the empty vials. As he proceeds to pocket them, the old man comes to him.::

Old man: "Hey there, youngster. You shouldn't be mixing drugs and alcohol, you know."

::Aramis turns around, looking perplexed::

Old man: *laughs* "Ha ha! But, I do understand, that stuff tastes really rotten. Mind if i sit here?"

::He sits there, not even giving a chance to respond::

Old man: *heaves a sigh* "Sheesh, there's so much junk I doubt I've ever even seen...You're to be sent to examine the crystal case, then? If something isn't done about the monsters, we will have to abandon this place.

Aramis: "Must be tough for you. But this is not a place they can defile. We'll kill every last one of them if nothing else can be done."

Old man: "You sound optimistic. But it's different for the folk living here. After nightfall, you can hear their savage screams and them banging on the castle walls. They break in every now and then, too. Item caravans come under attack every time. The latest one should be here by now...Everyone thinks something's happened to them. And they're too scared to go look."

Aramis: "I thought many fairly strong warriors were based here."

Old man: "There are some, yes. They were full of guts, too. But the crystal died out quite long ago, and there seems to be no end to this."

Aramis: "I see....by the way, what's your trade? you're surely selling something, being located here."

Old man: "Oh, I can tell you would have no use for my services..."

Aramis: "So you're like me."

Old man: "I wish."

Aramis: "It's time to go for me soon, i'll be heading to the gates now."

Old man: "Good luck for your quest."

This post has been edited by Aramis on Jul 18 2004, 12:47 PM

As the last adventurers leave, a hooded figure appears from out of the shadows. His face was cloaked, and his figure, was disguised by old dirty rags. He carried a white staff, on which he leaned on while he walked. The staff was bounded with a silver stripe that ran all the way down to the bottom. Its top was covered in another rag, which striked Darian as odd.

Darian: "You appear to be the last one here, will you join our party?"

The man slowly walked towards darian, revealing his young and small appearance. He had belt with several vials, and a pouch woven with strong silk. The belt also carried two small books, one white, another silver.

He replied,
"yes, i am here for this kingdom."

As he turned, he gave a grin to Darian, and slowly walked towards the exit of the room.

He sat down on a chair in the long hall just outside the entrance to the armoury and quietly thought to himself.
He began to mutter to himself, bearly audible

"I cannot fail this time. I wont go back empty handed to my master."

He got up, and headed towards the armory. He glanced towards the Master Smith, and asked:

"What armour have you for a mage?"

Master Smith: I have a lot of armour, from all places of every kind. Is there anything in particular that interests you?

He laughed heavily,

Master Smith: Take a look around!

The man looked once around the room, and headed towards one of the corners. He asked:

"What is this?"

Master Smith: It is one of the finest armour you will find around this room, it was made back in the black age. It was silver mesh, with strange markings on it. Many say those times were the bloodiest of all age's this world has come to see. There are very few survivors from that time, and what was left was weapons and armour of great power. This however has some strange markings on it, no one has yet to understand what it does, and what it protects against. I will tell you what, if you can find out what it does, and how to wield it, i will let you have it free. Otherwise, if you come back in one piece, do return it. For there is no price for this, I could not find anything to compare it with, and i believe it is very rare.

The man simply smiled, and walked away with the armour. He paid the Master Smith a good sum for his help, and for a small pointed cap he found in another corner. He left with his strange armour.

As he walked outside, he saw the sun begin to set, and quickly hurries towards the gathering of the party. Slowly, as the sun sets, a faint glow appears over the castle, and howls were heard in the far distance all around the party. They were all outside the main gates, to their immediate right was a vast forest full of very old and twisted trees. Thier limbs stretched out towards the castle, as if wanting to grab something. The color of the tree's were dark, and bwrown. Not many trees had thier leaves left on them, which made the forest appear more menacing. Amongst the entangled branches, and thick underbrush, was a narrow path leading into the darkness of the forest. On each side of the path, small rodents scurried busily making haste for the approaching winter and owls were swooping down amongst them, slowly picking off the unwary rodents. There had been a sign posted at the edge of the woods, impossible to read from where the party was located. The moon crept up, and sat above the tree tops, where not a single ray of light had passed into the forest. As the wind passed through the forest, the branches swayed and crashed amongst each other, battling for the little space left.

Along the left side, in the distance, was a large lake. It was dead silent, not a splash of the fish, or the cry of an eagle hoping to catch a late meal was heard. The mist surrounding the lake made it very difficult to see. Towards the banks of the river were several eyes peering straight at the brave party. They moved quickly from side to side, and would dissapear without a trace.

Ahead of the castle was where the great lake and the twisted forest met. Between them was a a small marsh, where once again, nothing could be seen or heard. The long grass that sticked out of the marshes were swaying elagantly from the calm winds. The trees beside the swamp did not reach out towards it, but curled its limbs back towards the forest as if afraid of something inside the swamp. Looking back at the castle, the Tower of Cindel looked magnificent, glowing radiantly. There were only three paths away from the castle. Each of which appeared to be hiding something, something waiting for them.

Travelling merchants, with large bags and horeses could be seen, they were equiped with many weapons, and large numbers of wizards and warriers. For what they were for, one could only guess they were preparing for something out there.

Gazing amongst the stars, the man began to speak.

"Hello all. This will not be a safe night, keep your eyes open, and your ears peeled. Let us find the crystal of Cindel, and return it safely to its rightfull place. Now, where is Darian? And what path shall we take towards the terrible lands of which Hyiriadus lives?"

The man still leaned on his staff, and still, no one knew what he did nor his actual name, for he kept quite everytime someone asked. He simply called himself a Ranger.

It was getting dark and Jerm was nearly done with his purchases. Nearly... He couldn't afford to be ill-prepared for this mission. Then again, he couldn't afford to be ill-prepared. Period. Too much was at stake and he couldn't allow any mistakes, however small they may be. Looking into his pouch, he surveyed the contents of it and was satisfied to know that he was only missing the food. He only had a few morsels left and with the situation that they're in right now, it couldn't hurt to have a bit extra.

As he spotted the food stand, he noticed that the owner was about to pack away the things for the night. Walking faster, he stopped the merchant just as he was about to pull a tarp over his merchandise.

Food merchant: I'm closing! Come back tomor-

Looking over at the stranger that interrupted him, he knew right away that he was one of the many adventurers that were congregating today. Studying him further, he noticed that this cloaked knight had a rather odd attire but decided not to comment on it. Noticing the stranger's belt, he saw that he had several tonics and potions attached to it.

Food merchant: Oh I'm sorry. You must be one of warriors that volunteered to get another crystal for us. Do forgive my earlier outburst. I thought you were someone else.

Jerm: Think nothing of it. I know that you're closing for the night but I'd appreciate it if I could make a few purchases. I'm down to a few morsels.

Food merchant: Oh of course! Help yourself, uhh.. Sir.

Having filled up his food sack, he paid the merchant and made his way towards the main gates of the city. He was not surprised to see the size of the party, given the choice of their task. He saw Aramis sitting on a discarded building stone and the white mage that he noticed earlier, leaning against the wall. As he approached the gathering, he heard someone speak and could only catch his last sentence.

???: [...]terrible lands of which Hyiriadus lives?

Looking around, Jerm notices that Darian is still missing. Seeing Aramis, Jerm begins to walk towards him but stops short when he realizes that Aramis seemed to be inspecting some of his belongings. Not thinking much of it, he turns around and walks up to the white mage and introduces himself.

Jerm: I noticed you earlier in the meeting room. I'm Jerm but I presume that you heard it when I introduced myself to Darian.

Cid: Cid Winters here. I suppose this is a well-rounded party. With Aramis being a mystic; Darian, a black mage; yourself, a knight and myself being a white mage, I should say that we're prepared for anything. My only concern is that shady fellow over there. I haven't heard him speak a word since I've laid eyes on him.

Jerm: *looking around* What shady fel-

Jerm notices him for the first time. He was indeed shady. Despite his young appearance, his clothes did not seem to do him justice. If anyone was to compare, the stranger looked to be even more ill-equipped than Jerm. He knew better than to judge by appearance but still, he could not help but to be intrigued by this recent addition to the party. Pulling himself out of his reverie, he looks up in time to see Darian joining their ranks.

Jerm: Alright. Let's get this show on the road.

This post has been edited by Jerm on May 16 2004, 10:31 PM

:: Darian waited some more until all the recruited left the council room. He was left all alone with the council leader Theradra and initiated a conversation :

Darian : "What are you exactly trying to prove here? You know that some of them won't stand a chance against any monster we'll encounter! This is pure assisted suicide! Why don't you..."

Theradra : "Shhhh! Not too loud! What are you trying to do, warn everyone in the whole city??? Let me explain... I know that some of them doesn't look experienced, but you are wrong. They accomplished great things in the past, I didn't pick them at random. You'll be needing a mass of people to do that quest, I can't let you go alone."

Darian : "If you say that they will survive, then I believe you. Now, I need a map and some artifacts... is my list ready?"

Theradra emptied his inner pocket of a rather large map and got rid of the ribbon wrapped around. As he unrolled the map, he told Darian what all he wanted on his list was ready and waiting for him at Rouge's Merchandise shop. Theradra showed various locations and paths to Darian, clearly warning about what could lie ahead. After a while, he overheard some conversations at the other side of the door, where all the other adventurers were impatiently waiting. They babbled about Darian taking too long, one of them even threaten the group to leave if Darian didn't arrive soon.

Darian : "I think I should get going, they are getting impatient. I'll keep this map just to make sure, and I'm sure your indications will help greatly."

Theradra : "Good luck, and take care."

Darian took the map and wrapped it with the used ribbon. He hid it in a large pocket in his cloak before he proceeded towards the council room entrance door. The guards opened the large wooden door, clearing the way to Darian. All of the adventurers were there, except the ones who decided it was way too hard of a challenge and already left the city.

Darian : "Sorry for taking so long, I just wanted to put things straight before we all leave... let's go to the Rouge's merchandise shop to get our supplies and then we are off to find that crystal. If there are any questions about the mission or anything related to it, say it while we are leaving, time is important in this quest."

They left the building hastily following Darian in a one-person line. He looked at the surrounding buildings in case of seeing the shop faster than he would have thought. He stood still, closed his eyes for a second and murmured some words. "That way!", he exclaimed while pointing the northeast direction.

They walked for a bit until they arrived to a small hut; they wouldn't believe that was the shop Theradra suggested, but they went in anyway. An old woman was waiting at the other side of the counter with a cotton bag laying next to her. Various exotic artifacts stood on the rotten wooden walls, at the exception of small beaded weapons behind the counter, protected behind a glass. Unknown items where hung on the ceiling, tied up with tiny cotton yarns. Darian was intrigued by a small beaded dagger, which he asked the woman its properties.

Old Woman : "This one? Oh, no no no... you can't take this one.. it doesn't even do anything! I swear! Please choose another, you won't be able to do much with this one..."

Darian : "What is the magic bead in it do? I've heard about them, I'm sure you can tell me what the one in that dagger is made of, or what exactly is the magic it contains!"

Old Woman : "No no no no... nothing! Nothing! Take the bag and leave!"

Darian suspected something. He asked the woman that he is going to take another red leaf for another remedy he wanted to prepare. As she turned around and went into the backstore, Darian quickly put his hand behind the counter and took the dagger he was so interested in. He also took a small box, probably containing other beads too. He put both items in his right pocket and waited for the woman.

Old Woman : "I only have one red leaf left, you better not waste it! I tell ya, you'll regret it! Get out now, get out! Take your bag and leave!"

Darian took the bag and threw a glance at the woman. The others were probably looking at her too, disgusted by her attitude. They decided it was time to leave and went through the entrance.

Darian : "Thank you madam, I'd love to see other people as gentle and fun to talk with as you are!"

The group was ready, and walked to the entrance of the town. As they approached it, they saw the mysterious mist from afar. It seemed like it was alive, as if it was devouring the light trying to forge a way in its dense composite. Before leaving the town, he emptied his pocket from the dagger and the box. He glanced at the dagger for a moment, examining it. It was never used, or so it looked like. The bead's diameter was about an inch, and was forged into the small green handle. We could see a small blue aura coming out of the bead, and since it was transparent, we could see a mysterious blue storm in it. He put it back in its belt and opened the box, revealing various beads.

Darian : "It's for you to take, companions! Take the one you want, put it on one of your piece of equipment and let the magic do its thing. You better examine correctly the one you take, because it may contain a magical power too strong for your equipment; choose it wisely. The following beads are for you to take :

- Dark red bead
- Mauve bead
- Light red bead
- Green bead
- Blue bead
- Black bead

Remember, it may be dangerous to take a too powerful one, so don't choose it by the color... I don't want any of you to be hurt before we even start the quest..."

Darian waited for his companions to choose a bead, add a magical power to their equipment and leave finally leave the town. A large danger lies ahead, he wanted to make sure to optimize their chances of living before going in that mist.

Darian : "Oh, one last thing. I may sound harsh, but I'm not. Keep in mind that I know what's waiting ahead, and you probably all are. Just be ready and we'll be able to communicate easily."

::Aramis' eyes widen as he glances at the strange items Darian is presenting, studying them before making his pick. He's been dealing with item enchantments a lot, and deemed the beads as any other magical essence. The purer the colour, the more power they would hold.::

Aramis: I'll take the blue one. I was told this sword has a great magic containment ability, so there shouldn't be any problems.

::He took the blue bead from the box, and pushed it on the bottom of the hilt as was done with the dagger, and uses his mana to attach it. The silver bands of the hilt extend over the bead, taking it inside. The blade flashes, and then starts glowing with a dim, blue aura. He grins in awe::

Aramis: See?! A perfect fit....

::He slashes the blade a couple times, and watches the bluish traces it leaves in the air::

Aramis: I've never seen such a brilliant item before....these things really have some potential. Now, let's see how it turns out with you guys!

This post has been edited by Aramis on Jul 18 2004, 12:42 PM