| Planar Labyrinth: Prologue; Farewell, Rogrest. Enter the tear. | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 31 2014, 01:00 AM (1,149 Views) | |
| Ryan | Aug 31 2014, 01:00 AM Post #1 |
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![]() It is an late summer afternoon in the bustling city of Torn: once the forefront of what many thought would be the apocalypse. Now, in the years since Mrzfdpnk's apparent death, the various nations of the world banded together to study the dimensional tear's left behind in his wake, and the former human city became a paradise for cultural blending, the resources of various nations of Rogrest putting all of their efforts together for the sake of planar studies. And since that day, after years of contact between Rogrest and various other cities and settlements across the material plane, a legend has been spread across the continent, telling of how countless adventurers have braved the planes seeking glory and riches as they all strive towards a single goal that is believed to be at the end of the seemingly endless road of dimensional paths that work their way through the multiverse. Mrzfdpnk was not one of a kind, and his people, the Zyx, are believed to be the creators of the labyrinth, all routes commonly extending from their original plane. The thoughts of what wonders the plane of reality-benders could offer has encouraged thousands of people, of all races and backgrounds, to leave their planes in search of this prize. Now, the legends have reached Rogrest, and being the newest member to the planar community, its own denizens of valor are preparing for their chance to enter the infinite expanse of the Planar Labyrinth. In the central plaza of the city, outside of a newly built, large temple that now encases the tear, a crowd of hundreds await the opening of the gates inside. In the meantime, they either spar with each other for practice, double check their packs and provisions for the long journey ahead, sit around circles sharing tales, or bidding farewell to loved ones... Kioko Fawks waits standing near the front of the gates, accompanied by her master Kesis Was. Kesis double checks her backpack for provisions, then sadly sighs as he closes it up. "You are prepared." He bows his head, adding, "I wish you well upon your journey, Kioko: my heart feels no small amount of grief knowing you will not be able to continue your studies with us at the Monastery... but the Way of the Elements is rare. We cannot teach what we do not know." Gripping hold of a set of prayer beads around his neck, he turns towards the gates. "You will be careful, won't you? I hear that the Labyrinth is full of wonders, but just as many dangers. It is not too late, Kioko: surely given more time, we can find a Master for you here in Rogrest." He takes a deep breath. "Hmm, forgive me, Kioko: it is not my place to choose your destiny. I just feel your mother would be more at ease if you were not entering alone." Meisu Colara, none too far away, also stands ready in the plaza, gripping a letter in his hands. It reads, 'By the authority granted to me as Head of the Order of Neube, for various incidents related to or resulting in the destruction of priceless artifacts representing his Sliminess' divinity, you have been hence-forth banished from the Croaking Tower. Your re-entry will only be admitted following the retrieval of the final treasure of Neube left in all of the universe: the Divine Water Skin. May Nuebe Watch Over You, -Master Crokus'. Looking up and away from the temple, you can see just the top floor of the Croaking Tower outside of the city limits. It is impossible to see at this distance, of course, but there's just enough of a shade that someone may be watching. James Harrington the 7th sits upon a balcony over-looking the plaza, playing a jaunty tune on his violin to entertain his aristocratic socialites accompanying him. In the years since Torn's evolution into a cultural melting pot, the former small town had acquired its very own 'upper class' that James was only too eager to infiltrate when he arrived. You have been searching for Vanessa, alias Rachelle Cache, within the sprawling city for weeks, but no sign has come up of the mercenary's name or location as of yet. Lord Abadir, the son of an Elven high noble whose contributions to Torn led to several expanded segments of the city, sits on the balcony with you as you play for the others. "Look at them down there, James. Who can you possibly imagine wanting to be involved in such tribulations? I mean," he points at one of the sparring circles, "Just look at these barbarians..." Theodore Odin Roosevelt, stands triumphant over a recently defeated opponent in one of the sparing circle, a shirtless dwarf panting for breath as you pin him under your foot. The other brawlers cheer and jeer at your victory, the next pair of fighters about to enter into the middle to start another round. You warned him of your Asgardian might before starting, but did he listen? Well, no, but few do: anyone whom you've told that you have lived other lives before this tend to mock you openly. Unwise, but true. The gates still stand closed at the temple as you wait to enter the tear, hoping to find the answers of your final path to Valhalla within its corridors. "Can you get off?!" the dwarf comments from underneath. Herschel Pierce and Battleforged Meleke are in on the outside ring of the crowd, checking their equipment and gear before they have a chance to open the gates. To Meleke, the massive crowds and newly erected structures of countless origins around him must still seem a sight: after all, he was living in Torn back when it was a backwater human settlement. The fact it has grown in such a short amount of time is one that many natives of Torn find hard to swallow sometimes. However, the past is not of concern for these two today. Today, they begin their journey to find Tabitha Pierce, Meleke's battle partner of the famous mercenary group Winged Company and Herschel's beloved sister, who disappeared through the tear in Mrzdfpnk's initial attack. They have been preparing for this journey for years, and now that a means of travel through the labyrinth has been found, they both have steeled their resolve to enter it, and won't return without her. Seeing them off is Herschel's father and Meleke's benefactor, Rotimer Pierce. His eyes are heavy, and you can tell the last couple of years have been hard on him. He always wished Tabitha would choose a safer profession. "My son," he holds his hands on Herschel's shoulders. "I understand, you and Meleke want to do this, and there's nothing that I can do to stop you, but..." he pauses, "Just, please, Herschel. Be careful." Rotimer's eyes are a tad red, as he pulls you into an embrace. "Your mother and I don't want to lose our only child left." His hug is long, and it's hard for him to let go. "Meleke," he adds, "You take care of my boy. I'm counting on you, old friend." Edited by Ryan, Aug 31 2014, 01:05 AM.
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| JML | Aug 31 2014, 06:53 AM Post #2 |
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M. Hershcel Pierce Herschel pulls himself out of his father's embrace, fighting hard to keep his own eyes dry. Don't worry about us, father. Take care of mother while we're gone; don't make her manage the estate all by herself. He manages a weak grin. Take care that you don't get too used to an empty next, we'll be back with Tabitha before you know it. Herschel turns to Meleke, readjusting the straps on his rucksack for the umpteenth time. Well friend, I suppose we should get in line. |
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| Tyler J Pineactupus | Aug 31 2014, 07:52 AM Post #3 |
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Meleke stood from his contemplative and meditative position. "Listen Rotmore, I'll make sure they both return in whole. Plus think of the time Master Hertchl will be spend away from Lucy (Lucretius). Good for his vigour." He extends his hand for a brotherly grasp and nods his head sharply. "You're right Hertchl, time to go before the good spots are gone." The two men turn away from the well respected ex-venturer and set forth towards what fate has to bestow. "So, brains-a-plenty, what you think rift looks like inside?" |
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| JML | Aug 31 2014, 05:34 PM Post #4 |
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M. Herschel Pierce Herschel shrugs. Maybe it doesn't look like anything. Maybe you step through and immediately come out the other side, like a magic portal. On the other hand, maybe it's like a tunnel with many branching paths. I don't really know. As they get closer to the temple entrance, Herschel begins to scan the fighting rings scattered around. You know, maybe we should try and find a couple more people to go in with. Safety in numbers, right? He points at the shirtless dwarf currently standing over (and on) his defeated opponent. What about him? He looks tough. |
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| XononoX | Sep 1 2014, 02:09 AM Post #5 |
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Theodore "Hammer" Odin Rooseveldt Ted looks down at the dwarf and raises his eyebrow. He realizes his mistake and helps the small man onto his feet, grins at him, and makes his way to the portal. He checks his equipment and looks over his checklist: "Step 1 - Find band of merry men to crush enemies with. Step 2 - Crush enemies, steal power Step 3 - Enter Asgard" Ted looks around and frowns at his failure. He considers revising the order in which he will get these things done. He makes eye contact with two men nearer to the entrance to the Labyrinth. Or perhaps he won't have to. Ted makes his way over to stand in line for the portal. Edited by XononoX, Sep 1 2014, 05:49 AM.
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| EmperorRachelle | Sep 1 2014, 03:55 AM Post #6 |
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James Harrington . I put away my violin. . "My Lord, take caution, we may be in the presence of a hero who captures the power of Zyx."Sarcastically spoken . "At least they are making good sport of it. After all we could use it, the day has been lazy and slow." . I look out to the crowd for Royal Black Sentinels. According to the poor and the courtesans of Torn, The Royal Black Sentinels have a solid lead on Vanessa and are working with Torn guards to find them both. James needs to find Vanessa before both of the get arrested and executed. . "So Lord Abadir, how goes the manhunt for Mrs. Cache? I hear a large number of Black soldiers arrived in the city looking for her. I have hardly seen such a show of force in a long time." |
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| Tyler J Pineactupus | Sep 1 2014, 05:04 AM Post #7 |
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As soon as his compatriot commented on the mans strength he turned and gave the pair a steely gaze; then swiftly turned on his heel towards the Temple. "I like him. But I do not think he like us. What ve need is a sneak." Maleke puts four ruddy, stubby fingers to his forehead and scans the crowds and surrounding area. His eyes search for any lithe creatures. Possibly those in hard to reach places. Perception Roll: [result]10&7,d20,3,10&d20+3[/result] |
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| Eliseo Francis Doomwaffle III | Sep 1 2014, 07:06 AM Post #8 |
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Existence is incomprehensible. To most mortal minds, with possible exceptions being made for those with an appreciation for minor drops in mental stability, trying to establish an understanding of one infinity, let along an infinite amount of infinities, is a near impossible feat. The mind recoils and tries to put the seemingly improbable into base terms, which simplifies it. The truth of existence, with planes and realities coalescing into a veritable maelstrom of constant destruction and creation, cracks and breaks even the strongest minds into nothing more than gibbering remnants. None of this however had any impact on one mind in all the great city of Torn, or probably farther away than that. Some of the most single-minded or driven minds possess enormous powers of stability, determination, and incredible ignorance. To Meisu, the humble servant of his most powerful croakness Neube, the world was very simply divided into two categories: All the 219 followers of the one and only truth in all of creation, and all the heathens, who was everyone else, doomed to wallow for a small amount of time in the Tadpole depths of the afterlife before being reincarnated as minute beings ready to start again and make the world a less infidel-infested plane of existence. "All things in due time," Meisu said to himself, breathing a heavy sigh. Before the eventual, natural pull of the world pool would right all things, he had a job to complete. Behind him lay his past, and that is what drove him. Around him, the pull of the crowds moved him steadily towards the great gates - and beyond those forbidding constructions lay The Tear. The Planar Labyrinth itself was inviting him, encouraging him to share it's enlightenment and treasure. Was it not said, he thought to himself as he wandered among the unenlightened, that all the greatest souls in the world started out as tadpoles in a sea of liquid wisdom? Meisu smiled. He would be ok. Ahead, a scuffle drew his attention. A great beast of a man, a paragon of rippling muscle that would make even the stingiest member of the faith raise an eyebrow in appreciation, was standing over an opponent, who was seemingly beaten and scraped from their conflict. Maybe that man there would be able to provide some assistance. Surely this journey should not be taken alone. |
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| Ryan | Sep 1 2014, 08:50 AM Post #9 |
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Kioko, whenever you get a chance to post, just respond to both the opening post and this one at the same time Meleke/Herschel Rotimer dries his eyes, smiling weakly as you assure him of yours and Tabitha's safe return. "I'm certain your mother and I will be perfectly fine compared to what you're planning on doing. But yes, I'll be returning to Darrowdale as soon as I've seen you safely off, Herschel... I'm certain you'll find Tabitha. I just know you will. Remember everything I taught you," he puts a hand on Meleke's shoulder as well, "And watch each other. Bring us back good stories to tell your children about one day. And, Herschel," he sighs. "It's been five years, son. You must know you are welcome home, regardless of what happens." Meleke scans the crowd to seek those of a roguish persuasion: he doesn't need to look far. Several of the adventurer's gathered appear to have an air of stealth about them, donned in cloaks and light equipment with quiet daggers and knifes. But none stand out as particularly worthy of joining the cause. You two both spot the man standing over the dwarf (now helping him up to his feet) looking back at you, the mustachioed gentleman staring you two down. James Your friends sigh as you cease your playing, and Abadir stirs his wine in his class with a magical wave of his finger. "Hm, perhaps, they are certainly taking longer to open the doors to the tear than I would have thought." As you look out to the Black Sentinels on the streets, there is certainly something to be said for their tenacity in locating you for them to come so far. Concerning knowing they seek the heads of you and your partner. Abadir nearly jumps as you bring up the subject of Rachelle, "Oh, yes, I had only recently heard. Forgive me for not reminding you sooner." Looking out over the crowd, he explains, "As you know, since you've asked, I've had my father's men checking around all of Torn seeking her. One should think finding a mercenary in this town should be simple, but she seemed to have vanished as of a couple of days ago right when they were about to finally locate her." He takes a ginger sip of his wine. "Since then, we've heard no sign of her... until last night, I overheard my father discussing a breaking and entering." He gestures towards the temple, "In their, ironically enough. My father helped to construct it, and apparently a woman was caught somewhere within. One of those 'Black Sentinels' that came to our city seeking a pair of criminals supposedly recognized her, and gave chase. However, after making her way inside," he shrugs. "She never came out: Torn's guards and the Sentinels of the Royal Black family had the place surrounded for hours. She may still be in there... or perhaps having entered that terrible tear." "I only bring this up, dear friend, because the description I received of the woman sounded terribly similar to that of your Rachelle... I've kept quiet about it, of course, but I fear the mercenary you seek may have somewhat of a sordid history. Possibly best to let it go at this point, wouldn't you say?" Ted The dwarf mumbles his thanks as you lift him up, "Well, can't say it wasn't a good fight at least." You pay little heed to his words as the two men you looked at earlier look at you from close by, marching towards the front of the line. The gates are slowly beginning to open up as the restless adventurers eagerly await. Meisu As you stand contemplating the truth his omnipotent froginess had waiting beyond the imposing gates, the large man you spotted from earlier begins moving towards the front of the line. Seems he pays you no heed himself. All The doors to the temple, each fifteen feet apart, open up slowly, but only slightly: it's a tight fit for most men. The adventurers begin to march towards the open doors, but before they can, an imposing, red-headed human with scars along his face, decked head to toe in a shimmering silver plate mail with only his head exposed, steps out, holding up a hand high as he makes a call for peace. The adventurer's slow their progression towards the doors, as another man (shorter, balding gnome in an elaborate grey robe) steps out behind him, the doors closing shut as the adventurer's already begin to voice their disapproval, demanding to be let in. The red-headed knight, signified by his two swords on either side of him, holds up his plated hand. "Okay, okay," he shouts in a booming voice, "Everyone please, settle down, settle down. Things will be moving on shortly..." you can't help but hear a large amount of uncertainty to his voice. "Wow. There, heh, sure are a lot more of you than I thought there'd be." He awkwardly shifts between his armored boots, as the gnome mumbles something inaudible to him. "Anyways, uh, welcome adventurer's all. It is truly an pleasure to see so many courageous souls come to Torn's central plaza today, willing to brave the unknown in search of glory. You all do Rogrest a great honor, and I wish every single one of you the best on your journey." The crowd, though still impatient, gives a slight cheer. "My name is Sir Reginald Shaun. I am Torn born, was raised by a strong mercenary company here, and I have only recently returned to my home plane after exploring the Labyrinth myself for about a year: I'll leave out the details, but my compatriots and I decided it a good time to return. Now, I'm eager to begin sending you all along your way as soon as possible..." his face turns almost as red as his hair, "Only, I'm... I'm afraid that entry into the tear is going to be quite impossible for... well, more than a handful of you." The crowd is silent for a few moments, but then the riots begin anew as the countless warriors, archers, thieves and mages all shout questions at once to Reginald... "What are you talking about?!" "Do you know what I had to do to get here?!" "I'd better damn well be one of those 'handful'!" "You advertised that the portal was completely open! What gives?!" "That goes to show you: humans can't keep their promises from their lies!" "I've been preparing for this my entire life!" "The labyrinth hasn't been here your entire life, you fool!" Reginald holds up his hands and tries to calm the crowd by shouting, "Now, now, please, everyone! If you'll let me explain, there's a very good explanation for all of this! Just... will you all please be quiet?!" The adventurers do not lower their protest, and they seem just about ready to snap from all the waiting alone. Edited by Ryan, Sep 1 2014, 08:54 AM.
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| Reic | Sep 1 2014, 09:22 AM Post #10 |
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"Master, I have already stayed longer in the monastery than my family arrange and I appreciate the extra training to prepare for this but I must do this. My family has been protect the people for years. I do not intend to be the one to stop." I look around at the various people here. "It would seem this Labyrinth draws all types of people, " I look to the balcony with the aristocrats, "I get why scholars and in turn mercs and bodyguards." I say noding at the fighting circle. "Even the poor have some reason, but the social elite?" I shake my head. "I hope I can enter soon." |
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