Chapter 5 - ???

It's been a while!  I know there hasn't been much going on with Christmas and School Finals, but I was wondering what the status was on this chapter?

It would be nice to have some of the other characters introduced as well, but let's focus on keeping the story rolling!!!

Helios - Dark Sun Character

This is one of my Dark Sun PCs I want to use whenever I end up in a Dark Sun world.

I usually stick to humans... but the Shardminds always caught my eye!  Here is a sneak preview at his character sheet!

There is some back story to him... since Shardminds don't usually appear on Athas.  If anyone has any character's they've made and want to share, feel free!

Chapter 4 - The Men in Red

Nausico heard a loud crash echo down the side-street.  Something was going on a few buildings away, but he had to remain out of sight.  He pulled the hood of his tunic over his head and tried to relax.  No one had past by yet.  There was time to recuperate and plan his escape.  The shadows of the alley were tense as the air suddenly grew quiet.  There wasn't much time left.

The blast of a second crash filled the alleyway.  There was some shouting and the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.  Nausico quickly began to walk in the opposite direction.  A few figures hurried past Nausico in the alley.  He caught a glimpse of two men, skinny and pale.  They were laughing.  Neither bothered looking twice at Nausico as he past in the dark.

Maybe I have a chance with all this commotion...

At the end of the alley was a few small store houses, and beyond the wood where he'd spent the night.  With a long sprint he'd be out of the town and back into the wild.  He could find a better place to hide there.  Nausico waited a moment to be sure no one was looking, and started to run for the store houses.

Half-way across the street he froze.  Standing just beyond the edge of the wood, barely visible, was a yellow robed man wating for him.  Without thinking, Nausico turned right and bolted up the street.

"THERE HE IS!"

Within seconds, Nausico was surrounded by a large group of men in dark stained, yellow robes.  They were the Men in Red.  He didn't even have time to react.  They grabbed him by the arms and legs and carried him down the street.  Before he knew what was going on, Nausico was thrown to the ground with the sound of people all around him.  He was in a clearing of a large crowd.  They were jeering and yelling at him while some of the Men in Red held the rioters back.

"Here's the demon!", someone shouted.

Nausico heard a cacophony of voices.
"Let me go!""
"Put the farmer down!"
"Whoever you're looking for isn't here!"
"Out of our way!"
"Get away from me!"
"Bring out his accomplices!", commanded one of the Men in Red.

Two people were shoved into the circle of townsfolk and Men in Red.  Nausico recognized the red-haired girl from earlier and a man who seemed to look more like an animal in a tight corner.  Saffron looked anxious while the wild man bared his teeth agressively at the crowd.

The man turned and grabbed Nausico by the scruff of his collar.

He barked, "What did you get us into?!"

Nausico's face went ghost white.  He didn't understand what was going on.

"I... I don't know..." Nausico stuttered back.

Saffron touched the man on the shoulder and said, "Ysbry, let the boy down."

Ysbry relinquished his hold on Nausico and returned his attention to the crowd.  Fenwick seemed to appear out of thin air on Saffron's shoulders and continued to monitor the crowd nervously while Saffron approached Nausico.

"Nausico," said Saffron sternly, staring him directly in the face, "What do these men want?"

"I... They..."

But before he could answer a loud cry erupted from the crowd and they began to part.  A large man in a particularly worn yellow cape with terribly rusted pauldrons wielding a large, double-sided axe loomed before the trio.

He spoke deep and heavy.

"The penalty for evading the Men in Red is," he raised his double-sided axe and took his stance, "DEATH!"

Saffron looked uneasy, taking her tambourine in hand.

"Nausico," she said, "Be ready!"

Suddenly, Ysbry let out a bloody roar as he launched himself at the large man.  A heavy swing of the axe whistled through the air barely missing its' mark.  Ysbry's smaller axe tore through the man's arm, causing it to droop slightly.  He yelled and batted Ysbry away with the blunt side of the axe, sending Ysbry flying through the air.  He crashed through the crowd, sending the people into a panic.  The Men in Red advanced forward quickly.  Chaos filled the air as screaming townsfolk rushed in panic into their dwellings.

None of this seemed to phase Saffron.  She weaved her way as though in a trance through the jumbled mess of people, batting helmets and slicing limbs with her razor tambourine.  It was a cold, but beautiful scene.

Nausico was suddenly surrounded by Men in Red.  He reached out, sending a wave of frost that covered the nearest soldiers.  They froze for a moment.  It gave Nausico nearly enough time to evade a leathal strike from behind.  He sent another wave of frost, saving him another moment of time.  He had to get out of here.  He had to escape.

Then, he heard a terrible cry.  He turned to see the nearest soldiers break free of their icy prison and charge him.  There was no time to react.  Within moments he would be pinned to the ground. 

"NAUSICO!" called Saffron, just a few steps away.  She reached out with her tambourine, which transformed in mid-air into a giant, circular blade.  The war hoop sliced into the knees of the soldiers.  Saffron twirled the giant weapon with her arm, shouting, "Nausico!  Get behind me!"

Nausico managed to get back to back with Safforn.  Nearby, Nausico could see Ysbry twirling wildly with bodies surrounding him.  The area was beginning to clear, and Nausico saw they were standing in the center of town.  Then, Nausico saw the endless number of soldiers pouring into the center of town.

Ysbry hurried to join Saffron and Nausico.  He looked uneasy to see so many soldiers approaching.

"Your magic- got any kind of large blasts, Red Eyes?" Ysbry said gruffly, spiting some blood from his mouth, "We sure could use a bit more force."


Nausico nodded.

He began to focus all of his power, concentrating it into a large bubble of icy wind above them.  The soldiers paused as the bubble grew larger and larger.  They gathered around in awe as the sky began to darken.  The air grew frigid and the wind bellowed.  Nausico adjusted his stance and struggled against the growing orb.

"Get ready," Nausico shouted above the wind, "This is going to be big."

Saffron and Ysbry braced themselves.

Will - Chapter incoming?

Will, I saw you attempted to draft the next chapter but it hasn't been posted yet...

Were you planning on posting it soon?  Just let me know so we can get an idea of what's to come!

I'm really pumped right now from the last few chapters and can't wait to see what happens.  :-D

Chapter 3 - Dreams of Red Things

Cardinal by StormPetral0509 on deviantart

It was the first day of winter. At least, here in Dun, winter was just starting. It must have started snowing in the westward mountains Ysbry called home. The air was just a bit more crisp than that of the morning before. It had been nearly eight months since Ysbry left GlenRock, but he'd accomplished so little. How could so much time have passed so quickly? He realized this last thought was something of a trick question, and stiffly got up from his bed. It wasn't yet dawn when he woke, a hold over habit from taking turns watching the home tents as a guard. Unprepared for the cold, he stretched, and wrapped himself in his oldest woolen blanket which always still smelled a bit like sheep liniment. Rather than face the cold to reach the outhouse, Ysbry grudgingly used the chamber pot he thought so unsanitary. "You're supposed to do this business away from where you sleep and eat, not right under..." he gruffed to no one. It wasn't nearly even five in the morning, and, true to his ursine ancestry, Ysbry just wanted to go back to bed and sleep the cold away. With a heavy sigh, and a heavier mind, Ysbry laid back down wrapped in his worn, old blanket smelling faintly of sheep medicine. "Eight months, and I've done nothing but get by on odd jobs.." Ysbry mumbled, turning onto his side. "Oh Nunyinini, my great matron, send me a sign, what should I do with myself?" he prayed. As he drifted back to sleep that morning, he lay unaware of the commotion of yellow robed men bounding through town disrupting the early risers.


Those few hours of sleep, however, were tumultuous, for YSbry dreamed deep. A red cardinal was flitting about him in the trees, trying to get his attention. He followed it through a wintery land of red rowan berries hanging on leafless branches. He could see his breath, and ran as quickly as his legs could take him towards the bird. He eventually stopped in a clearing where a red fire burned. A red haired woman, with a foxes tail, and hands dyed red danced circles around the fire, and beckoned him to join. They danced a strange dance together, something a mix of twirls and spins, and running and hopping on all fours. A man with long dread locks joined the dance, his hair red like it had soaked in blood, and Ysbry realized his own face had red markings on as well. The new man had teeth like a boar, and then they were joined by a very small man, or else a child with white hair, and glowing red eyes. The girl danced like a sly, hungry fox, cautious, and beautiful. The large man danced like a warrior fights, bold, quick motions, never ceasing. The small man danced like butterfly, blind and dying, flittering and darting about nervously. Another two persons were waiting in the shadows to join this red dance, but Ysbry woke before he could see them. "Great Mother, you never disappoint, thank you."

Ysbry got up for the second time that morning, though it was rather late now. He asked for a warm kettle, so he could shave his face and head, had some honeyed fruit and warm milk for breakfast, and was soon on his way. Downstairs, in the tavern, some men were gambling with dice, and attempted to sucker the nomad out of his cash, but he paid no mind to their jeers. He wrapped himself in his favorite fur, and braced himself for the day. He hadn't yet left the inn when a woman with a shock of red hair and colorful clothing poured into the room, a small red animal concealed partially in the ends of her skirts.
“My that is quite a fearsome looking bear pelt you have there, I’m rather sure I’ve only seen an animal of quite that caliber of majesty once before, when I was traveling in the mountains as a girl…” said the woman cheerily.
“The Starry Mountains.” Ysbry replied.
“Yes, I do believe that sounds familiar. Say, you seem like a rather fascinating fellow and if you are not in too much of a hurry I was turned down by someone this morning and I had quite assigned myself to dining with company. Would you care to join me at the inn? I’d love to buy you a beer and listen to any tales you have to share.”
Breakfast had only been three hours ago, but he couldn't pass up the offer.

Ysbry had nearly forgotten about his dream until the food arrived at their table. The small animal accompanying the woman hopped out from under the table. It was a fox... a red haired woman with a fox tail! Ysbry mentally smacked himself for being so dense. Fenwick the fox stood on his hind legs, and did a quick spin, begging for food.
"Fewakewa..." he said almost under his breath.
"Actually, his name is Fenwick, but that was very close indeed, friend! Say, are you one of those great shamans that come from the mountains to calm the angry nature spirits and teach people right and wrong? I know a great and exciting tale about the vengeful spirit of an apple tree, but perhaps I'll wait until I've acquired a grander,larger audience? Oh, please forgive me! Always thinking about work, I do humbly apologize.Yes, Fenwick is..." the woman went on, and Ysbry tried to follow her train of thought. He isn't dense, just singularly focused.
"Do you believe in signs?" Ysbry interrupted. "Fewakewa, means Red-Handed. She is a trickster spirit, and a fox. I saw her this morning, wearing your face. I am no shaman, but the spirits of the earth are my allies, and I revere them. Today they have given me a sign. I don't know you, I never caught your name, but I believe I am meant to be with you." Ysbry blurted out his thoughts to the best of his ability.
"Well, sir, you are not the first suitor I've had,perhaps the most outwardly blunt, but not the first. Usually though, my traveling lifestyle isn't to the taste of most men. I am greatly flattered by your proposition, kind stranger, but really, don't you think you ought to get to know me before making such claims as destiny would have us together? Perhaps you ought to pay for lunch, sir, and I would consider this your first courtship attempt? Though, you are terribly silent most of the time." the stranger said playfully, though Ysbry was just feeling embarrassed now.

"Oh...I...I didn't mean it like that... I'm sorry. I'm not so crass...I...Curanda Yolo give me strength." Ysbry sighed out, and he could see his new acquaintance open her mouth to speak again. "What I mean is" he started before she could "... I am on a journey in my life, and I have pleaded the primal powers for a sign, and I believe perhaps we are meant to travel together for a time; you a nomad like myself. I am not normally so forward, I just feel strongly compelled to you. There will be others too, but please understand I believe I was meant to meet you for lunch today. And I do not think we should part ways after lunch either." As he said this last bit, he hung his head a moment, and tossed a scrap from his plate to Fenwick. This last gesture seemed to touch the stranger, and her bright smile softened a moment and she sighed contentedly.
"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship..." she said at last.

The two exchanged names finally, and recent history. They continued to speak as they wandered through the town. Saffron explained she'd been looking for a sign as well, and found her own that morning. The pair were engrossed in their dialogue when a small troupe of men in disgusting, stained yellow robes, and weather worn armor accost a man selling his wares from a wagon. He couldn't hear too well, but Ysbry caught snippets of exchanged words as the locals tried to flee the trouble.
"We're looking for a young man, we are going to search your cart."
"Be careful with that, the harvest is almost over! This is my livelihood!"
And then blows were struck...

Mr. N!

You're up!  :-D

Crinoline!

You're up!  You got 3 days to make it work!  :-D

Think you're up to it?

Chapter 3 and Fragment Part 7

Hey Spanky, I know you are busy but do you think you'll be able to post Chapter 3?  If not, that's OK just let us know.

Once Chapter 3 is posted I will be posting the next part of Fragment as well.  Think you guys can handle double story building? :-D

Comment below!

Saffron Look Alike?

Here is a video that gives you a good idea on Vanille's personality.  I think she reminds me of Saffron!  :-D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olpZIV9LDGk&playnext=1&list=PLD82FE63C877F92F4&index=5

AND Here is a full picture!!!

What do you think?!

Chapter 2 - Slightly Squishy Strangers

It all happened in the flash of a moment, the ticking of a clock.

What is a clock, really?

It tells time, yet time itself is such a meaningless word.

But does it help to explain what has happened?

Saffron was suddenly struck with paralyzing grief, immobilizing fear.

These feelings caught her rather off guard, they are not usually in her repertoire of expressed emotions.

It had been two years since she last felt this way. Two long years spent searching for a sign.

This was it.

Saffron came back to her senses with a jolt. But it was too late, the boy was gone and she hadn’t caught which direction he had sped off in.

She climbed up the drain pipe of the cobbler shop she had found herself next to. From the roof she could see around the town square and some of the surrounding streets. She strained her eyes against the light of the sun which still hung low in the sky.

It was no use, she could not pick him out of the now bustling crowd that had formed in the square.

She sat down for a moment, and then decided that it was no use fretting over the lost boy. She was certain it was in the stars that they should meet, and therefore their paths would cross again soon.

She could see Fenwick bouncing about in front of the shop, begging her to come back down.

“Yes, I am rather hungry too, Fenwick. What do you say to a warm meal at the inn with our newly earned cash?”

She leapt down from the building into the ally way without bothering to check if there was anything… or anyone beneath her.

She landed on top of something slightly squishy… Something squishy with a voice… The voice spoke…

“Would you mind getting off of me?”

The voice was calm, but Saffron could detect it was slightly peeved.

“Oh my gosh! I suppose I should have looked before I leapt!” Saffron said as she stood up, lending her hand to help this slightly squashed stranger. “I’m so sorry, are you alright?”

“I am fine.” The owner of the voice spoke as she declined Saffron’s outstretched hand and stood up on her own. She brushed herself off and started to walk away.

“Oh wait! You can not just leave! I believe my actions have lead to me owing you a refreshment of some sort.” Saffron smiled brightly. “ Fenwick and I were just about to head off to the inn anyway, would you care to join us?”

“I do not care to join you, I have urgent business to attend to and must be leaving now.” The woman was strangely cold. This alarmed Saffron, but she tried not to show it.

“Well then I do apologize for consuming your time in such a frivolous manner, and I do hope your day is ultimately more pleasant for you than this morning has made it appear to be.” Saffron added, “and thank you for offering your services to me as a pillow, you should perhaps look into it as a career, as you are amazingly talented at breaking falls.”

Saffron’s last attempt to be playful was lost on the woman, who turned and walked away without a word.

Saffron had never met anyone like this before, so completely and totally devoid of happiness and emotion…

What a terribly strange morning…

Saffron jolted again.

She looked down.

“Fenwick my good lad! What say you, shall we be off for a Sheppard’s Pie at the inn? I have heard tell they have the best in all the land, although... I’m quite sure I’ve heard that claim made by many an inn....”

Fenwick’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

“You are correct sir! We can only know for sure if we go forth and discover the truth for ourselves! We must continue our quest across the perilous town square. Only then do we earn the chance to conquer our most fearsome enemy yet… HUNGER!”

Saffron snatched Fenwick up in her arms and they jaunted off together towards the inn across the square.

Saffron was passing a rather large man leaving the inn, and she couldn’t help but notice…

“My that is quite a fearsome looking bear pelt you have there, I’m rather sure I’ve only seen an animal of quite that caliber of majesty once before, when I was traveling in the mountains as a girl…”

“The Starry Mountains.” The man replied.

“Yes, I do believe that sounds familiar. Say, you seem like a rather fascinating fellow and if you are not in too much of a hurry I was turned down by someone this morning and I had quite assigned myself to dining with company. Would you care to join me at the inn? I’d love to buy you a beer and listen to any tales you have to share.”

The mention of a free beer seemed to entice the man, who nodded in agreement. Saffron was excited about the prospect of hearing about the Starry Mountains again, she remembered it as being quite a beautiful place.

And with that the three walked into the inn and Saffron ordered the inn’s “world famous” pie and a round of drinks. Today was looking like yet another beautiful day.

The Virtual Table BETA is LIVE.

What everyone thought was never going to happen... is happening.

Enjoy this first look!

http://www.weebeegamers.com/2010/11/22/dd-insider-virtual-table-first-look-video/

The Next Chapter

Lauren, are you ready to post Chapter 2?

If not, I think that it might be Spanky's turn now to work on Chapter 2.

The next Chapter awaits!  Let's keep the story going!!  Other people await their turn to post!!!

But are people even reading this blog anymore?   

:-(

Are you there Dungeon Master's Graveyard Bloggers?

Are we going to be a graveyard... literally?

Comment on previous post to prove you read this message... and to prove you want to keep this thing ALIVE.

Thank you!  :-\

A Word on Activity and Commenting

Where are my bloggers?  :-(

Chapter 1 - The Boy and the Grimoire

The first day of winter. Even those without a common calendar could tell by the smell in the air that the time had come. The last of the colorful autumn leaves had gone. Those that were left clinging to the trees were rattling reminders of the freeze soon to come. As the sun broke between the trees, light began to stir the small town of Dun.

The morning started just the same as the past few week had. Townsfolk began to start their daily chores, opening their shops, cleaning the inns, starting the cooking fires, waking the children, tending to the animals, and so on. Within merely an hour the whole town had suddenly come to life and the first day of winter had begun without a second glace. Only a few of the townsfolk seem stand out amidst the rest...

A lone farmer approaches the town in his wagon on the horizon.

A tribal nomad prepares himself to leave an inn near the center of town.

A changeling waits silently in a dark alley between two shops.

(INSERT SPENCER'S CHARACTER PLACEMENT HERE – TBA)

A gypsy and her fox find the perfect spot to entertain in the town square.

A boy rests his head on a large grimoire in the wood just outside of town.

***

Nausico awoke abruptly. He was suddenly aware he was resting his head on the grimoire, but he didn't move a muscle. He listened carefully for anything that might have stirred him in his sleep. He could only hear the sounds of the fowl around him, singing softly in the trees and stirring the leaves on the ground. He felt a soft blanket of leaves that had fallen over him in the night creating a soft cover. Perhaps whatever had stirred him awake hadn't see him yet. Cautiously, he opened his eyes.

A soft orb of light was gently disturbing the leaves nearby. It floated slowly, but with purpose as it twisted the air around it to send the leaves scattering across the clearing. It worked its' way across the clearing in a sweeping-like motion.

Nausico relaxed a little. He closed his eyes one more time, trying to retain the dream he had been having just moments before... but it was no use. It was gone. After listening to the orb sweeping across the ground for another minute or so, he rose himself into a sitting position.

Immediately, the orb rushed over to Nausico, circling him rapidly.

“Yala...” Nausico sighed, speaking in a slow whisper, “I was having another one of those dreams again... and you woke me up before I could finish it. Again.”

The orb's orbit around Nausico slowly began to settle down. Squirrels in the trees above began to chatter rapidly at him, now that he had made himself visible.

“I know... I know... but just for once I'd like to have my dreams have a beginning and an ending...”

Nausico stood up and began brushing the leaves and twigs from his brilliantly white hair and his earth-toned tunic. There was a sharp crack and Nausico looked down to see the grimoire had disappeared in a puff of smoke. He wondered how it had gotten there in the first place, but decided that wasn't the most important thing to worry about. He'd given up wondering where it kept disappearing too a long time ago. At least this time he had a pillow to rest on.

A soft breeze rustled trough the trees past Nausico, sending a chill up his spine. He was suddenly aware that the squirrels had stopped their chattering. An ominous silence had filled the wood.

“Yala... do you think-”

But he was cut short when he realized the orb had disappeared too. He was alone in the wood.

For a few moments he just stood there, listening to the silence. There was something different about the stillness. He thought he could hear something, a whispering coming from above. He strained to hear it, but the sound remained inaudible.

Then he heard different voices. They weren't in whispers, but in loud voices. Voices of men. Along with the voices came the sound of cracking twigs and the crunching of leaves beneath their feet. They would be in his clearing within moments.

Nausico swept himself quickly behind a tree, careful to make as little noise as possible. The voices grew louder and louder until they were in the clearing were Nausico had just been. They paused for a moment.

“Over there, by that pile of leaves.”

Nausico heard them brushing the ground. They were looking at something.

“Yes, yes... look closer here.”

He decided to risk it. Nausico slowly peered around the tree, hoping it was just some local travelers... but it wasn't. Standing in the clearing were two tall men leaning over to examine the ground. Their backs to Nausico, he could see their dark yellow capes and rusty iron pauldrons. Each had a long sword sheathed to their sides and wore an iron helm with silver decorated horns... everything seemed covered in dark, spattered stains.

Suddenly, they rose up and Nausico hid behind the tree again, barely eluding their eyes.

“He must be nearby.” 

 

“Summon the others.”

“He won't escape this time.”

I can't let them get the others or I'll never make it out of these trees. Nausico thought to himself. 

I've got to get out of here! There's a town nearby... Dun... a haven of travelers... I can lie low there for a while until they pass...

But as Nausico turned to escape, he shifted into some leaves making an obnoxiously loud crunch that seemed to echo for miles. He heard the men on the other side of the tree suddenly tense and draw their swords.

Nausico fled for his life.

He heard the men shouting to him, but he ran on without looking back. He had to make it to town... he just had to make it. He didn't want to know what would happen if he didn't.

Within moments he was at the edge of the wood and the town was only a few hundred yards away. He rushed down the main street, weaving between people, alley ways, and dark corners never looking back to see if the men were even still in pursuit. As he approached the end of an alley near the center of town he stopped to catch his breath. Looking back, panting furiously, he saw that he was alone.

After a few minutes of rest, he noticed that the center of town was just ahead. He put up the hood of his tunic to hide his hair and he began to blend with the crowd. The day was alive with smells and shouting and trading. It would easy to blend today. Nausico moved down the street, taking in all the shopkeepers and blacksmiths, grocers and weavers, dancers and fortune-tellers. As he neared the center of town, a particularly large crowd had gathered around a woman spinning wildly.

Nausico decided to take a closer look. There was a lot of commotion coming from the crowd. 

 

It would be good cover if the men decided to come into the town... he reasoned. Slowly, he worked his way into the dense crowd to get a closer look.

On a small stage in the center of the crowd was a woman with deep red hair, dancing elegantly with her tambourine. At first glance Nausico thought it was just another Gypsy, but as he watched he noticed that she wasn't alone. As the woman bounced across the stage, a small red animal was preforming its' own routine in front of the crowd. It looked like a small dog at first, until Nausico realized it was a fox.

I've never known anyone to tame a fox before... thought Nausico.

With a final shake of her tambourine, the woman posed elegantly and fox jumped on her shoulders, signaling the end of her dance. They both seemed to shimmer slightly as the tambourine’s magical song came to an end. A large applause rose from the crowd and the fox began to carry a small collection pouch around, silently begging for a reward.

The woman in red began to shout, “Thank you, thank you! May the stars shine favorably on this town and its' inhabitants! Fortunetelling and Palmistry to come for those seeking love or fortune! For today only, may your readings be favored by the gods themselves for only 10 silver pieces...”

The fox stopped short in front of Nausico, begging sharply. Nausico reaching into the folds of his robes and found only 3 copper pieces. He silently dropped one into the small pouch. As the fox hopped back to it's owner, Nausico began to walk away.

“Hey you, boy!”

Nausico turned slowly as the crowd slowly dissipated around him. The woman was walking toward him with the fox over her shoulders. She had a light spring in each of her steps.

“I see you haven't got much, but I do appreciate your business! I wanted to personally thank you.”

Nausico stared down at the ground, wishing she would go away. If she saw his hair she might think-

“My names Saffron,” She interrupted, whipping her hair a little when she said this, “And what's your name sir?”

Nausico just continued to stare at the ground. Maybe she would just go away...

“Not the talking type huh? Well, for your information Mr. he-who-has-no-name I was going to give you a free palm reading for your generosity!”

“I'm not interested.” Nausico said softly.

Saffron looked at him quietly for a moment. He couldn't take it for much longer. Any time now she would notice...

“Hey... you remind me of someone... have I seen you somewhere before? You name's Joe right? Or was it Jacob...” She chuckled to herself. “If you're worried about that promise, I forgot about it years ago.”

It was hard to tell if she was being serious or trying to break the tension in the air.

“I don't know who you are talking about,” Nausico said softly, looking up into her eyes as he spoke, “But please leave me alone.”

Suddenly Saffron's face grew stern.

“You're eyes... and your hair...”

Nausico turned and fled down a back alley.

He heard her cry, “Hey! Wait up! I want to talk to you!” but he didn't stop. He began to run wildly, not noticing where he was heading and not caring that the hood of his tunic had fallen. Suddenly, he rounded a corner to find Saffron standing in front of him.

“Didn't think you could escape me, did you?”

Nausico backed slowly down the alley, unsure of what to do.

“Listen, just tell me your name and-”

“My name is Nausico.”

“There that wasn't so hard!” Saffron beamed brightly, “Now let me see if anyone in town can-”

But Nausico turned and fled in the opposite direction. He had only taken a few hurried steps before he felt a strong hand grip his wrist, pulling him back.

“Wait just a minute! I'm trying to-”

Saffron stopped short. Nausico turned and saw a soft blue light illuminate the alley. It reached out from Saffron and circled Nausico, weaving between them like a hunter stalking it's prey. The ghostly shape then rushed into Saffron's eyes, causing a flash of light. Saffron released Nausico and he fell to the ground. Her eyes were staring into space, glowing softly for a moment before the light disappeared completely.

Saffron blinked, and stared at Nausico.

“You... you are...”

But Nausico didn't waste any time. He turned and ran from her, certain that something terrible was about to happen.

Template and HTML Update!!!

Using my super awesome internet skills, I discovered how to not only center the title... but also the image used!!!

What do you guys think? :D

Updates! AND a new author!

Hey guys!  We are BACK ON SCHEDULE!  With Spanky's permission... we can start without him!

:-(

The only part that I will have to change later is in the first chapter... which reveals where everyone will be starting in the town.  I can just edit it later when Spanky does complete the bio.

ALSO... we have a new author!  SimplyStranger is Nicole's blogger alias.  I was talking to her about a certain DnD character she had come up with and suggested she introduce her into the story!  Even just a bio would be cool... I REALLY liked her character idea!  Do you think you can do a character bio for us SimplyStranger?  Even if you don't want to write in the story, I'm sure we will certainly include her somehow!!!

Get your creative writing back into gear because Chapter 1 is coming VERY SOON!  Stay tuned!

Prologue

Fate. The inescapable future we all dread and long for. Not merely a word to be used unceremoniously. It is a question in question. The ultimate question. The results of our trials and tribulations. It leads us to wonder if fate is more than just the end of our mortal lives... could it be more complex than this? Is our fate to be predetermined or is it created by our own choices throughout our lives?

Unquestionably, it is this small link in the chain of events that bring together those seeking an answer; that goes beyond the questions of fate to confront destiny itself.

Lost away, lost in time and lost in legend lay a magical land in discord. Humans were merely a pawn in the ongoing battle of the various races. This was the time of magic and elves, blood and spells, warlords and sorcerers. Out of this humanoid soup of existence stretched various conundrums and beasts ranging from the beautiful, the deadly, and the terrible in between. They spread across the world in conflict, guided by the ever silent hands of the gods in search of their own fates and destinies.

It is in this complicated world that six individuals came together to challenge their own fate and destiny. Throughout their adventures, they would discover more about themselves and their destinies than just a single story by the fire can unfold...

Video Overview of the Online Character Builder!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-1_3VCEyG0

Tried to embed it but the frame went wayyyyy out of bounds.

Enjoy!

Coming soon to a post near you!

Don't be fooled by the lack of posting... I've been working diligently on the first post of the Graveyard Tales!  Included is a PROLOGUE to start off the tales and gives everyone a general 'starting point' that will bring our characters within a generally close proximity to encourage interaction between each other.

After we get the tales going, Fragment will continue onward!  One more character bio to go and I'll get the story started!  Great job everyone and I look forward to seeing the adventure unfold!

The New Character Sheets

They've posted new screenshots of the character builder's new character sheets!

Here are the screens!  First is the 'regular' character sheet...

and now... the 'essenitals' character sheet... (the first page is the only difference)

Woot!  This makes me want to play with Nausico even more... <(;_;)>

Character Bio - Florence

Character Name / Nicknames / Aliases:  

Florence Alanna Wright

Birth Date: 

1^st of April, Twenty-Seven years ago.

Place of Birth:

She was born in the city of Thalis. Since the fall of The Order ten years after the burning of the library, the remnants have gathered in this city. The fall was caused by great distrust among the people, and the sorceress Page who helped to destroy them. Still keeping a hold on the political figures as well as other high ranking officials, The Order has stayed in secrecy for the past years, awaiting the perfect time to invoke their new regime. Florence and her brothers were born just for this purpose, to help dispel and destroy the greater forces of magic, and then reemerge once again to control the world and its people.

Residence:

Thalis, with her family, though she is rarely at home.

Race:

Changeling

Height:  

5’ 8”

Weight: 

115lb

Measurements:

She has a smaller frame, but is muscular to a point. She was built for speed rather than strength.

Clothing Sizes / Styles:

Florence prefers lighter fabrics that are easier to move in, but are heavy enough to be some sort of shield from the elements. She prefers to show very little skin with her clothing, all that really shows is her head, neck and fingers.

Hair Color:

Silver with yellow-green tints.

Hair Length:

Wispy hair that reaches about midway down her back.

Eye Color:

Ice blue, dead almost lifeless looking eyes.

Handedness :  

Left Handed

Jewelry:

A serpentine silver ring on her right hand, middle finger. It’s the ring of The Order’s assassin’s. It is usually covered by her gloves, out of sight.

Tattoos:

Up her left arm, to her shoulder and around her neck and left leg is a tattoo of diamond back snakes.

General Appearance:

Florence almost never takes her true form as a changeling, but usually stays in the same human female form. Standing at the same weight and height, but in the form of a human, with shorter, black cropped hair. *See Picture*

Relationship with Family:

She has a rather complicated relationship with her family. All of them are still living. But, they don’t hold much feeling for each other. If you saw the way they interacted, you would think they were only talking business, rather than as a family. All of them are like her, cold, uncaring, lifeless in tone, except her older brother who left the area entirely to go pursue his dream of becoming a scholar, wanting nothing to do with the family.

Key Family / Relatives:

Mother – Diana Steph Wright [ Living ] Human – A follower of The Order, she was arranged to be married to Geard to bear his children and raise them in accordance to tradition, she lacks any real emotion or feeling.

Father – Geard ( Gey-ard ) Jay Wright [ Living ] Changling – A part of a small sect of the order, called the Serpentine, assassin changelings raised from birth to follow The Order and kill for them. Since the decline of The Order, The Serpentine’s numbers dwindled to just him, and as in tradition, he was to choose a wife from one of the order’s women and bear children. He chose Diana, having secretly fallen in love with her, since Love is forbidden, along with any other emotions that can hinder their faith.

Older Brother – Emery Mark Wright [ Living ] Changeling – Hates his heritage and the order, always stays in the same human form. Instead of doing as the rest of his family, he cut all ties and left. He is 32 now, much closer in age to his sister. He has a wife who is expecting a child, whether it be changeling or not is still a mystery.

Younger Brother – Lionel Dwayne Wright [ Living ] Changeling – Is much like his sister, and is even more so focused on fulfilling the order’s wishes, it being his soul guidance and authority in his life. He is 19 years old, born much longer after his sister.

Relationship with Friends:

Just like with her family, any sort of friends are more like business relationships to her. You help her out, she will help you out.

Key Friends:

Gareth Nikolia – The closest person she could consider a friend. They talk when they need to, both of them understanding the business aspect of the relationship. They don’t tell each other much of anything but they know they can rely on each other when the need comes. As for his description, he is in his mid thirties, tall with scruff dark hair and deep set eyes, though they have a lightness about them. He always has this deep, bellowing laughter, and is much of a joker. In D&D terms, he is a human fighter.

Key Enemies:

She has no real key enemies other than those who oppose the order, as well as those she is told to kill.

Educational History:

She was taught only the laws and beliefs of the order, and how to read their scriptures, as well as Geography and a distorted recount of history. She learned little of science and none of magic, but learned basic math from her father.

Work History:

She has worked as an assassin for the order since the day she could first take on a mission. She has held no other jobs, except maybe as a spy as well.

Skills:

She is a master liar, as it comes with her job and her race. She rarely does lie, however, unless she needs to. Her other skills lie in her stealth, and acrobatics, as well as keen perception and athletics. Florence has learned how to read other’s emotions, and be able to incite certain ones in others if need be.

Phobias / Fears:

Ataxophobia - Fear of disorder or untidiness.

Ornithophobia - Fear of birds.

Somniphobia - Fear of sleep.

Unlike others, she does not fear things that most do. She lacks a fear of death, as well as a fear of pain, as taught and instilled into her brain by The Order, believing that to be killed is to have served your purpose. A fear of death only hinders your ability to follow the Lady Palas-Homonay. She also has blocked out a fear of failure, knowing that it can hinder performance, as well as she believes she cannot fail. And also, even though she does fear, it doesn’t show, but on the inside it affects her.

Quirks:

She counts. She counts everything. The only thing that is predominantly running through her mind is the same numbers, over and over and over. 1, 2, 3, 4. She counts everything in sets of four. Sometimes she will count out loud. But it’s always a steady, even pace, never rushed, never slowed. The fact she is actually able to remember how many times she has repeated the same sequence and then there how many of what she counted there are, is just incredible. An example of which would be if she was just walking around a town. When she was done, she could tell you how many steps she took, how many buildings there were, the number of windows, people wearing leather shoes. Anything. She counts everything and has numerous sequences of counting happening in her head at the same time.

Best Qualities:

She has a level head, and never rushes into thing, always thinking things through before she does them and with her lack of emotions, it doesn’t get in the way of her judgment. She also doesn’t see much point in lying, so she never does. If she isn’t going to tell you, she just isn’t going to say anything at all.

Worst Qualities:

She does things without consenting others. If she is going to do something, then she isn’t going to come to you and tell you. If you ask, she will, but she doesn’t think she needs to check in with anyone before doing something, and she doesn’t feel the need to ask permission either. She also isn’t very loyal in many respects. She does things that best interest her

Key Childhood Experiences:

Training to become a Black Serpent of The Order of the Lady Palas-Homonay. It was all she could remember, was being taught the customs of the order, how to fight and defend herself using the stealth and shadows, as well as her other educational knowledge.

Key Teenage Experiences:

At the age of thirteen she was initiated as an official member of the order, and as well as a Serpentine. When she was fifteen, he brother decided to leave home, sick of The Order and it’s lies after being opened to external media. He was excommunicated from the group, though still sworn to secrecy. Florence had been close with her brother, well, as close as she could be, but his traitorous actions to The Order gave her distaste and dislike towards him, They were full well ready to kill him, but the Order Elders decided to let him go, because he would see the light soon enough and return.

Key Adult Experiences:

She has no key adult experiences, but continued her work as an assassin for the order.

Sexual Background:

Florence has never seen much point in having sexual relationships, and doesn’t bother with them. She’s never really even had much of a relationship before. She just doesn’t care.

Favorites:

She doesn’t have many favorites, but she does really enjoy flowers. She doesn’t know much about them, but she loves their beauty and scent, though doesn’t let anyone know of her enjoyment.

Personal Goals:

She has no real personal goals other than to fulfill her service to The Order and help bring back about its resurrection. These are the same as her professional goals.

Morality / Ethics:

Florence has a respect and love for the life of any creature, plant or humanoid, despite how she may act outwardly. She will not destroy or kill unless absolutely necessary. And in accordance with The Order, she sees Magic as a sin against nature.

Style of Speech:

Slow, even tone. Her voice distant and unrelating. She never uses contractions or shortenings of any words, and always uses the most proper of grammar, saying out every word in a sentence. She also rarely makes eye contact with you when she is talking to you, but will seem to be staring at the empty space beside your head, or off somewhere else. The only time she will really ever look someone in the eyes is when she is trying to get something, like a point, through to someone. She speaks bluntly, and not often unless she has something to say or is talked to first. Also, every time before she speaks, she breathes out a little through her nose. Not hard, but just a short, slow, light breath. Though, if under a guise, she is able to change her speech habits to fit the person.

Commonly Used Words / Slang / Jargon:

“I take your life in the name of the Lady Palas-Homonay”

“The Order shows the true path to enlightenment.”

“You may believe that if you wish.”

Lies / Misinformation:

Her entire knowledge of the world has been distorted to fit the order, as was everyone else. Their histories are skewed and show only favor to the order and their sects, showing everyone else, especially magic users, as abominations and defilers of nature. She blindly follows this faith, not questioning.

Fighting Style:

She uses knifes as her main weapon, many of them concealed on her person of all different sizes and lengths. During battle, she relies more on speed and cunning rather than brute strength or magic. Florence uses her stealth and the shadows to surprise her enemies and catch them off guard, not foreign to using underhanded tactics to gain her victory.

Other Important Details:

She understands the position The Order is in now, and it is the one thing she will not reveal is that she works for them unless talking with another member of The Order. Though she believes in it strongly, she knows it is not something that should be brought up in conversation. Her missions are secret, and the reasoning behind them she will not tell.

Character Bio - Saffron

(Sorry for the poor quality of images, my scanner didn't work so I had to photo them. I'll repost the images when I can get it to work)





Name: Saffron (Named for her bright red hair that looked like strands of saffron at birth) Her mother and Grandmother lovingly call her Saffie.

Birthdate: She is 23, and was born sometime in early Autumn. (Around our October 19th)

Place of Birth: The gypsies had made their yearly stop in one of their favorite Nord Villages in the high mountains. They always travel here in fall as the colors of the trees in the mountains are unbelievable. (and the fur trade is at it’s best, in preparation for the cold weather ahead.) Saffron was born under the loving arms of a great oak tree, it’s ancient bows glowing with leaves of the brightest orange and yellow cheerfully dancing in the sun. She was delivered by her grandmother, Tallulah. Most of the other gypsies in their group were also present for the occasion.

Height: 5’5”

Weight: 120

Measurements: She is very thin and limber, but she is also very strong.

Clothing Sizes: She makes all her own clothes, but I would suppose a size small would do.

Hair: Bright red hair that seems to float behind her, and gleams brightly in the sun. Her hair falls down well past her butt.

Eyes: They are a bright, very saturated blue, they always seem to sparkle like stars.

Handedness: Through all her training, Saffron is 100% ambidextrous

Jewelry: She wears Bangles on her Wrists and ankles, as well as a chain around her waist. She wears earrings that are made from Blue Dragon scales and can be used as small daggers, these were given to her by Akeem. She also wears a necklace that was given to her by her grandmother, it depicts a sun and moon together. Unknown to Saffron, her grandmother cast a spell of protection on this amulet. (In D&D terms it increases her AC, and would give her a healing surge if ever mortally wounded) Her grandmother told her never to take it off, so she does not. (see picture for jewelry close-ups)

Tattoos: Has a tribal-ish tattoo resembling vines traveling up her left side and back. This represents the tree of life and the bond she shares with her family and her belief that everyone she has ever met has in some way touched, shaped, and changed her life; as so she has changed theirs, no matter how small. She has a strong feeling that everyone on earth is connected as one larger living organism. (see pic)

General Appearance: See picture. Saffron is always cheerful and pleasant, and is very light on her feet, she seems to float rather than walk into a space, and is always able to light up the room. She loves to dance, jump, and flip to get from place to place.

Relationships, Relatives: Saffron’s mother Mirabelle (Mira) was always a kind and loving mother. She was always there and taught Mira the art of dancing and acrobatics. However, from the moment she was born, Saffron has always had a stronger than steel bond to her grandmother Tallulah (Tula). As a child, Saffron would cry uncontrollably in the arms of anyone but Tula and Mira, but would only smile and laugh when in the arms of Tula. Saffron spent all her spare time with her grandmother, and Tula is her greatest role model and mentor. Saffron’s father was a mysterious man with whom Mira fell in love with. He only came at night and only to her, no one else ever saw her mystery man. One night he told her he would no longer be able to be with her but would bestow upon her a great gift. Shortly afterwards, she discovered she was pregnant, and she never saw the man again. She was devastated for the duration of the pregnancy, but once Saffron was born she seemed to forget all about him. Saffron was told all of this by her grandmother, and was told never to mention it to her mother, for fear she might fall into a depression again. In Saffron’s caravan community, everyone is as close as family though, and she loves them all.

Relationships, Friends: Generally Saffron is kind and warm to everyone she meets, She treats everyone like family and is quick to help others.
Akeem has been Saffron’s best friend and confidant since they were babies, He is tall and muscular with dark skin. He keeps his head shaved and wears a scarf around it most of the time. He also wears an open vest and loose pants and typically does not wear shoes. He is very warm and friendly despite his intimidating appearance, he doesn’t like to fight and would much rather “kill them with kindness.”
Fenwick is Saffron’s pet fox, he has a brilliant bright red coat, closely matching Saffron’s own hair. She rescued him from a hunters trap when he was just a baby, and since then he travels with her everywhere. She has trained him to dance with her and do so many tricks, that many forget he is a fox at all, and treat him just like another in the family.

Enemies: Saffron has no real enemies. Though she is friendly to everyone she is NOT naive, and knows when someone is no good. She will still be kind to them but will not be taken advantage of. She only fights in defense. Despite her intense social and moral views, she is no activist, and will not meddle in the affairs of others.

Educational History: Saffron’s Mother taught her the arts of dance and acrobatics. Saffron’s grandmother taught her the arts of mysticism, Palm reading, fortune telling, as well as some minor magic spells. (the equivalent of D&D wizard cantrips (Ghost sound, Light, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand))
Through living in a traveling caravan, Saffron has seen a great deal of the world. Also with her being very friendly curious, she has spoken with many people learning the history of things and places. She tries to pick up a new bit of information or a new skill in every place she visits.

Work History: Saffron has never held a real job, but has made money by dancing, and doing acrobatics and contortion shows. She has also helped out in places she has traveled to, In restaurants, inns, shops, forges, carpentry shops, etc. anywhere she was able to help a person or learn a new skill.

Skills: As stated before, Saffron is incredibly talented in the art of dance, acrobatics, and is very flexible so she can do some contortionism. She can use cantrips, read palms, tell fortunes, mix potions, and read tarot cards. She knows some blacksmithing, carpentry, cooking, foraging… she basically knows a little about everything. She can hold a basic conversation in many different languages.

Phobias/Fears: She is afraid of those with no love in their hearts, as she cannot understand how someone cannot hold anything dear to them. She is also afraid of dying before she finds a higher meaning to life.

Bad Habits/Vices: As a result of her upbringing, Saffron hates staying in one place for very long. She usually doesn’t stay in one place longer than 3 days.

Quirks: Saffron tends to dance while she walks and is always moving. She can be perfectly still if necessary, but it pains her to sit still for long.

Best Qualities: Saffron is very friendly and cheerful, and seems to always lift everyone’s spirits. She is quick to tell a joke and is very witty.

Worst Qualities: Inability to settle down… basically many acquaintances, few actual friends.

Key Childhood/Teenage Experiences: Traveling the world in a caravan, learning skills, meeting people. Saffron has connections in many towns and villages because of her friendly attitude and talkative behavior.

Key Adult Experiences: When Saffron was 21, her grandmother was stricken very ill. Saffron did not leave her side for a whole week before Tula passed away. At the moment she died, a great blue glow filled the room and seemed to flow from Tula into Saffron. At that moment Saffron had a vision of a great fire, and many people being killed by soldiers emanating light. Of a girl who ran, filled with so much pain in her heart. She knew for some reason that she must find this girl… That this could lead to answering her questions about the meaning of life. And the morning after her grandmothers funeral, she set out alone (but with Fenwick) on her new quest.

Sexual Background: Akeem has always been deeply in love with Saffron, however she was never much interested in such things and has always politely refused his advances. She is open to romance, but she has met so many people without feeling a connection that she figures there is no one out there for her. She is not overly sad or upset about this, she doesn’t really think about it much.

Favorites:
Food: She likes all kinds of food, and will try anything once!
Clothing: She wears clothes that are non-restricting and flow. She loves bright colors and patterns.
Art: Saffron believes that even the smallest blade of grass is a beautiful work of art and should be admired. She finds beauty in everything.
Music: Saffron loves any music that is played with emotion from the heart. When the artist pours his soul into his music you can really tell, and to her those are the best pieces.

Personal Goals: To find the girl from her vision and discover the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. (And it’s not 42)

Professional Goals: She has no profession, so there are no goals there.

Morality/Ethics: Saffron is a hippie, she believes everyone and everything is important and has great worth, and everyone has a role to play in a plan greater than any one person. She does her duty to be kind and to always do the right thing. She lives life to the fullest and does not take a single instant of it for granted.

Style of Speech: Saffron is not especially loud nor quiet. She always uses proper grammar and speaks clearly despite coming from what many would think to be an uneducated community.

Commonly used words/ Slang/Jargon: She often smiles with her eyes, and always tries to look on the bright side of things. She kind of talks like a hippie though, referring to everyone being connected and the importance of love and how beautiful the world and it’s wonders are. She tends to notice small details and points out the beauty in them to others.

Lies/Misinformation: She does not know of the mystical properties of her amulet.
Unknown to everyone her father was actually the God Corellon, he was taking the mortal form of an elf so he could be with Mira at night. He was forced to stop seeing Mira when his wife, the goddess Sehanine discovered their love and grew very angry, threatening to kill Mira if he ever saw her again. Corellon was able to give Mira a mortal baby before vowing to never go to her again. Corellon desperately wants to be near to Saffron, as she is the embodiment of all he stands for, so much that he will take on the form of everyday people just to interact with her. Despite his love for her he does not reveal his true form or act on his feelings for fear of again invoking the wrath of Sehanine. But he does watch over her longing to be with her. However Sehanine did put a curse on Saffron where she can never feel romantic love for anyone, which is why she has never felt a desire for a romantic or sexual relationship with anyone. (Just to be super clear, Saffron is mortal, she is NOT a demigod)

Fighting Style: Saffron carries throwing knives, smoke bombs, a variety of poisons and potions, her magical tambourine (described below)

Saffron’s tambourine is always with her, it was a gift from her mother and also belonged to her great-grandmother. It’s cymbals are actually very sharp and it can be used as a weapon. Saffron can also change it from a tambourine to a war hoop with a single motion (think Tira from Soul Calibur) and attack with it like that.

Saffron is very agile and is always moving during battle, she can kick and punch from every angle and her attacks seem to come from out of nowhere. She can easily weave throughout the battlefield without provoking attacks as she can dodge attacks effortlessly. She doesn’t do much damage but she is nearly impossible to hit. She also uses her smoke bombs and bursts of magic to distract opponents as she maneuvers around them.
Fenwick, Saffron’s fox, is also quick to defend her and is her loyal companion in and out of battle.

Other Important details: Though at the time she was devastated by her grandmothers death, she is calmed by the fact that a part of her grandmothers spirit now resides within her. She no longer grieves for her, but strives to complete the quest her grandmother laid before her.

Time to get the ball rolling!!!

So after many comments, posts, and eagerness of awaiting the character bios... and an attempt at a goal for a full week to complete the bios...

We got 3/6 bios.

:-(

I am working on both Fragment and Chapter 1 of the tales at the moment, but I don't want to continue until we can get those bios in.  They are an important part of the story building process and are quite challenging!  I know this is not an easy task I'm asking you guys!

We are all terribly busy and have lots to do... believe me.  I KNOW.  But do you think you guys need more time to complete these bios?  A few more days?  A month?  What do you think is reasonable?  Please comment your opinion.

Just let me know so I can have some sort of time line for the future of the Graveyard. 

Our readers await!