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Subject: Lodoss Wars: Dark Night Disaster Turn 1-2
Character Info:
The sharpest moments of my childhood are those of
the Goblin raid
that destroyed my family and the following years as a tough thief on
the
streets of Alan. We where part of a wandering people, some called
us
Gypsies, we disliked violence and loved to travel. My mother
was
beautiful...she loved to sing and dance and was the local healer for
the
caravan. She was dark of hair & eye, Raif has her looks and
charm,
where I think I must be a model of my
father. My birth father was a
giant of a man in my memory. Tall & strong, often soft spoken,
with
light sandy blond hair and gray eyes. He was a stern teacher,
who
insisted on education, justice, and peace as a way of life. I
am sorry,
I must be an disappointment for him, for violence has been a part of
my
life since that fateful day!
It was a clear morning when the raid took place, the goblins
where
fats in the attack. I took refuge with Raif in an abandon foliage.
He
was only two at the time...I had just hit my seventh summer.
I kept his
eyes averted and kept him quiet as I watched the goblins slaughter
my
people. I watched as the Goblin Lord raped and killed my mother.
From
that day on, I swore that one day justice and vengeance would sweep
the
land clear of the beast that preyed on men! The goblin race must and
will be exterminated!
Somehow, after the carnage was over, I found a horse and
some
supplies and proceeded to Alan. I sold my horse when we got there,
hoping to feed my hungry sibling. It wasn't long until we were
broke and
hungry again...so I stole and was caught not by the law, but by the
Thieves' Guild. The said that they needed someone with my particular
talents. For the next five years we trained. I was never
a really a
good pickpocket or locksmith, Raif excelled in those areas, but I was
an
exceptional scout and new security systems like few others. Myself
and
Raif could get in and out of anything! Except for the time he
got
arrogant and was caught by Baron Mendal's men. Damn his hide,
I had no
choice but to rescue him. I snuck into Baron Menial’s' estates
with ease
and found Raif sound asleep in a huge bed. I didn't know that
it was a
trap!
I saw the baron step out of the shadows and smile at me.
Oh shit I
thought, they can't catch me. My dagger was out of my sheath
and in the
air before I realized it. The Baron wasn't expecting it easier,
but
guard Captain Sharock was. He knocked the blade out of the air
with a
sweep of his sword. I was a big lad for my age, but at that point
I
knew that I was in over my head.
"I just want my brother back," I replied, "he is the only
family I
got, and I'll be damned if you are going to throw him in any prison!"
"Boy, I am not going to throw you or your brother into
any prison. I
want to help you. Falis knows that I could have you both thrown
in...for trespassing and attempted murder. But something stops
me.
Stay here, and I'll protect you."
"You can't protect us from the Thieves' Guild."
"Just try me lad."
I know now why he did it. He had just lost
his son in the falling
sickness, and was unmarried. He saw his son and wife in Raif,
and
himself in me. Maybe that is why he puts up with Raid’s' tirades.
After
his last ten years of kindness, and him adopting us. WE both
love him
like a father. I would do anything for him and this family, I
swear it
on my honor as a Mendal.
My youth there was spent teasing Leean. She
was the ugliest girl I
knew! Who knew that a transformation would take place.
And she would
grow into a lovely young woman.
I quickly picked up on all things military and came
quiet adapt with
a sword, impressing even Guard Captain Sharock to the point that he
called in a new teacher. Dhorgar was a tough Dwarven warrior,
who beat
me senseless for the next few years. Between him, Sharock, Father,
and
a priest of Falis named Nathan, I was trained and become a warrior
who
appreciated justice and mercy above all things. I still have
a burning
hatred for goblins, ogres, and kobolds and will still see them driven
back to hell where they belong. I have been successful in many
a battle
against them, and am good at tactics.
I have been acting as a Lord Protector for my fathers'
estates
recently. With Dhorgar gone back to the mountains and Nathan
recently
passed away with old age, and his young protégé Mihkail
(one of my only
true friends besides Dhorgar, Leean, and Raif.) gone to the main temple,
it has been hell!
Now I am at a party dancing with one of the loveliest
girls in the
ballroom...yet something is amiss. I tell her she looks lovely
and she
actually blushes. I didn't know Leean could blush. This
from the girl
who used to beat up Raif as a kid. I guess we aren't children
anymore.
Anyway I tear my eyes of her and look back at Father, I see a look
in
his eyes as he smiles at me. Then I blush damn it ain't fair.
I have
been through more than most, and here I am blush like a wee girl...or
perhaps Raif!
How do you like that Dave. Picture Parn with blond hair,
gray eyes,
and a little bigger. His armor is silver instead of bronze, and
his
undercoat is red instead of green. With a black scarf around
his
shoulder, and black gloves and boots with white trim. Some stats
from
fusion Str 8, Ref 7, Int 6, Dex 8, Tech 4, Wil 5. The rest
are up to
you. He is both strong and fast. carries a long sword (again
look at
Parn, with a black hilt. And a long dagger on his belt behind
his back,
plus on in a boot sheath. Carries a Long spear when mounted.
Some
talents or whatever: Handsome, High Pain Threshold (Dwarven made),
Light sleep (thief made), and combat reflexes lvl 1. Maybe one
or two
other you discretion. Plus an expert in Law & Security, with
stealth,
and streetwise. His name is Jonas Mendal. If this is a
heroic
campaign, and I am the only player, then how about one fine weapon
made
by dwarves, a gift from Dhorgar. My sword, and I’ll either name
it
Justice or Lawgiver.
Subject: Lodoss Wars: Dark Night Disaster Turn 1-3
You forget about your worries and concentrate on the dance. A
small
orchestra is playing "The Waltz of Surien" and well no less for the
nobility. The deft and subtle tones of the music almost sound
like the
wondrous miracle of magic being crafted in some adventurous labor.
As
the song winds down and the audience begins to clap the waif-ish handmaiden
of Queen Celia , Rhia Nicolo, approaches.
She has the dark complexion of a girl from the Flame Kingdom and a
long
and slender waist. She is almost as beautiful as Leean and for
some
reason you smell a trap.
"Excuse me Jonas, I must be off to the powder room. Rhia, would
you be a
dear and keep Jonas company? Thank you." and off she goes before
you have
a chance to protest.
You feel somewhat nervous since you really haven't known Rhia for a
long
time and she never looks so radiant, usually she looks rather plain.
You
feel set up.
1-4 > "You look very lovely tonight," I say with a
slight smile, "and my
thanks tonight for keeping me 'company'."
Just as the orchestra begins another waltz you hear the distinctive
sound
of flesh on flesh (a slap) followed by a commotion on the other side
of
the ball room. The orchestra dies down as you rush over.
You see Raif to
one side of a large crowd that has gathered around him and Rofel Wiegrief,
son of Lord Agrias Wiegrief. He is cupping a rather large hand
shaped
welt on his cheek while Leean restrains him from launching himself
at
Rofel. Rofel on the other hand is cupping what appears to be
a broken
nose and being restrained by a few of his "cronies", one a tall skinny
beanpole named Del and the other a short stocky pasty faced lad named
Balk. Rofel points at Raif and says accusingly "Watch your slanderous
tongue. I'm going to have to teach you a lesson you'll soon not
forget."
"As far as lessons go, why don't we meet at the Muddy Watering Hole
around
six-ish to see who will do the learning" spat Raif a look of anger
crossing
his already darkened face. "Maybe we can discuss how it came
to happen
that mister Volmer died in that wagon accident yesterday afternoon".
You reach Raif just as you see your father descend on the crowd.
"Let's
be civil, if there is any wrong doing we can discuss it in private.
Let's
get back to enjoying the festivities everybody. I'm sure Fararis
wouldn't
appreciate any hostilities on his day."
Subject: Lodoss Wars: Dark Night Disaster Turn 1-4
> "Yes," I say rather pleasantly, "why don't we discuss
this in the
adjoining chamber. In fact I INSIST on it. Don't worry
Father, I can
handle this I am sure."
> If my Father walks away, I make sure know one else moves.
"Now boys
we can discuss what is going on or I can beat it out of you one by
one...oh yeah and Rofel before we start, if you ever threaten my brother
again without a challenge first, you will answer directly to my boot
in
you arse! And Raif, if you embarrass this family again at this
party,
I'll see that Guard Captain Sherok has enough night shift of duty for
you
to pull for a long time. Leean will you please excuse us.
Now boys let
us have that talk."
Subject: Lodoss Wars: Dark Night Disaster Turn 1-5
Your father steps away, a look of worry furrows his brow. As he
leaves, he pulls you close and says in your ear, "watch out for Rofel,
I
fear this has the mark of his father upon it."
You take charge of Raif from Leean and hustle him away to the
antechamber with Rofel and his mob.
"This has nothing to do with you" says Rofel
as he shakes of his
lackeys, "I plan on settling this with that bastard brother
of yours
tomorrow."
You notice that while Rofel had your attention
with his little speech
that Del, the lackey to his right, begins to ready a spell and
that Balk
seems to be reaching for something behind his back. You
sense that
they're tensed for action but you know they wouldn't try anything
with
Leean around, She tagged along with you after you hustled into
this room.
"Gentleman please, why must you persist in this?" asked Leean
as she
steps in between you. "Can't you just forget it?">>
>> "I have three things I want to happen now...first
off is you had
better call off your cronies Rofel before I get aggravated.
I am not
here to trade blows with any of you lads, and I would hate to
spill
blood in front of this fine lass here wouldn't you?" If
they back off
I'll be mellow; if not I tense a little and give Raif one of
those
follow my lead looks. (Be advised Dave, I doubt that I am wearing
my
sword; but I alway s have at least two daggers ready.
Once at my belt
and another under my sleeve. >>
Rofel's two cronies seem to back down but they stay on guard.
>> "Second, I want to know what Mr. Volmer's death
has to do with
this. And finally I want to know what is really going
on?!!">>
"Volmers was just a simple farmer who had an accident last week
and your
feeble brother seems to think that I had something to do with it.
I can't be
responsible for every peasant who gets thrown from a wagon and breaks
his
neck, can I?" Say's Rofel with a mock look of innocence plastered
across
his face.
"Raif has insulted my honor and for
that he must pay" says Rofel.
>> "Is this true Raif?" But before he can answer
I simply shake my
head and reply softly, "Yes, it probably is...so Rofel how do
you want
to respond to this. One, we can forget this incident or
two we can
solve this on the field at the Old Barracks. You were
just knighted,
right lad?" I say while pulling my glove & hurling
it at his feet.
"You have been challenged tomorrow at noon, in the name of Holy
Falis &
Marfa, do you accept or is your honor forfiet?">>
Raif almost goes into a fit "you have no right butting in, this
is my fight,"
he rages. He breaks free of your grasp and whirls on you.
"Rofel is mine and
I plan on setting this right without your interference." He begins
to stalk
off. As he does he reaches down and retrieves your glove and
throws it back
at you. "Save it". He steps into Rofel and says barely
loud enough for you
to hear "Remember your appointment at the Watering Hole."
1-6 >> I look quietly at my brothers' retreating back and think
to myself
'Lad you can't protect him forever. He is a grown man...this
is his
battle. You can give him your support, but Rofel IS a good
fighter...damn it. Let the boy win his honor.'>>
As your brother stalks off Rofel softly claps his hands together
"bravo, I
hope your brother puts up more of a fight then you."
1-6 >> I glare contemptuously at Rofel and say to him, " You arrogant
fop, I
was trying to save your hide! I WILL get to the bottom
of this though &
when I do, if murder is involved not even your family can help
you.
Laws bind both high and low in Alania, isn't that what the Canon
says!">>
Rofel then says "I wonder how you shall settle this, maybe you can
fight
each other for the honor of meeting me on the field. I do so
hope you invite
me to such a fight." His laughter taunts you as he moves away.
Lodoss Wars: Dark Night Disaster Turn 1-6
>> "Be advised Rofel before you go, if you get lucky and win and
Raif
is in any way harmed...I will kill you. As he moves away
I look at
Leean and say, "if you don't know what is going on, find out
from Raif,
he doesn't tell me much anymore...but he seems to be friendlier
towards
you. I know he trusts you. I will speak with Father
and my friend
Lord Judge Tolwyn and check a few things out. Tell him
Rofel is his,
but he will have to meet with me. I trained with Rofel...I
know his
weaknesses." As she walks out with me and we separate I add
"thanks for the intended hook up, but I haven't got enough time
for
much of a social life anymore..."
1-7 "I understand, it's not like when we were younger," says Leean.
"What about
Raif, he seems to be acting strangely as of late. He looks
different too,
leaner and a little harried."
You say noticed it also but haven't had a chance to say anything.
Any time
you've brought it up with Raif he'd just laugh it off and make
a joke. She
then goes off after him and you watch her retreating form as
she walks off, the
ball gown swaying like the limbs of a willow tree. Almost
hypnotic.
>> I look annoyed, and first look for my Father &then
look for the young
Lady I abandoned to apologize that I cannot dance tonight.
You see your father winding down his little meeting off to the corner
of
the ballroom. The whole room is abuzz with what just happened
between
Raif and Rofel and you feel your cheeks redden from all of the
attention
your getting on your way over to Kerik. He waves you over
and asks "So,
what's all of this about? Raif knows not to stir things
up with Weigrief
especially now." You know that things have been touchy
with Lord Weigrief
and of the delicate balance of power amongst the courtesans.
Fortunately the kings father bestowed his favor on Kerik during
the Demon
war years ago, so much so that he served with the 100 Brave who
fought the
Demon King in the ancient Endless Labyrinth. He was raised
up to the
position of a Baron amongst the Alanian court and given lands
and titles
as a reward for his service. Before then he was just an
upstart fighter
who joined the military to earn his keep. Since then he
has been somewhat
of an advisor to the Kings of Alania but it has always been a
rough battle
to sway the king's opinion towards a virtuous path.
1-8 >> "I am not sure what in the hell is going on, but
from what I
gathered it isn't anything new. They intend to meet at the Watering
Hole to settle this...I am at a lose on what to do about it!
I know how
precarious our position is, and I will see what I can do...I have Leean
talking to him, maybe she can get something out of him. He is
acting way
to strangely lately.">>
You look for Rhia but don't see her amongst the courtiers at
the ball.
You ask one of your friends who's attending, a young gallant
with the
Lightning Net troops named LT. Jad Kelso, what happened to her.
He tells
you that she was called off by the queen on some errand and goes
back to
trying to entertain a couple of young lasses with some tales
of his
military exploits while he sloshes down some champagne.
1-8 >> I leave him to pep talk the lasses, and make sure the guards
are
properly watching my Father. Back to being his Protector.>>
Lodoss Wars: Dark Night Disaster Turn 1-9
>>> I leave him to pep talk the lasses, and make sure the guards
are
properly watching my Father. Back to being his Protector.
Well, nothing interesting happens for the rest of the evening.
You
do see Rhia later on in the evening and ask here to dance. She
moves so
smoothly, like a cat. You ask her where she was off to but she
tells
you it's a secret and that she can't betray her ladies' trust.
>>> " I understand completely milady, thank you for the dance."
Later on that evening Duke Gilcrest and his wife
Sarmin bring out
their little baby girl Pearl for all to see. The crowd hushes
and
everybody seems to forget about the troubles that evening for just
a
moment as they crowd in to get a better look at the baby. The
night
wears on and you loose interest in the ball. Your thoughts are
troubled
and you keep thinking about the your brother, the duel, and how badly
timed it is. Damn Raif, why do you have to make things so difficult?
You pardon yourself from the rest of the festivities and leave for
the
manor with your father who is simularly troubled.