Dark Seduction Discussion Thread

[Ealasaid]

Baobab - 29
Painted Sands - 46

Total: 45

I think Pio means total: 75 smilies/wink.gif

[piosenniel]

Hard to believe I taught G.E.D. math for a community college, eh?!

[Nerindel]

hmm let me think!

14 crew (As Sammael killed one)
7 Warriors
2 Priestesses
1 priest

Total: 24

Hmm, this is not good even with the young ones we are out numbered/matched (24 Skilled Fighters + 30-40 youngster, who I assume are not as skilled at fighting as the tribal warrior, totalling 54-64)[not quite the oppressive, force portrayed] smilies/frown.gif

I could have Ghurdan disappear for a day, I mean it would be possible that he recruits his crew from villages already loyal to the eye [shrugs] what do you guys think?

I think originally we were supposed to recruit more warriors on the way:

Durelin
Oh, and we might pass through a couple villages already under the sway of Umbar. Perhaps we could pick up some more 'soldiers' or something?

Durelin
I was thinking we'd pass through towns or villages and such on our way away from Umbar. These would already be under Umbar's sway, so we might be able to recruit more warriors. We could have a cameo of a peasant sacrifice! I don't know...??

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I mentioned another woman, quite old and ugly smilies/wink.gif and two or three men, right back at the beginning. How about if we just add an extra 10 or so that haven't yet been mentioned? I could go and edit that post, and no-one has ever been specific. Then you could recruit in the village on top, maybe.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Sophia - Now's Khasia's chance to argue her way into the meeting that is to come. smilies/evil.gif

-Aylwen

[Nerindel]

Durelin

Were art thou o great and powerful leader smilies/wink.gif

I think we require a post from you before we can do more!

I have had an Idea that I am not ready to post on the discussion thread until I have spoken with you, I've tried to pm you but your postbox if full smilies/frown.gif pm me and I will tell you my thoughts smilies/evil.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

About the recruiting- I wrote this, Nerindel, I don't know how it would fit into your idea or anything. I'll post it here and then you can use it if you want. Or not, whatever. Or use bits of it. You see, I'm going away for two weeks so I won't be here to do it myself.
“Damodred”
Damodred turned with surprise at the sound of his name. Sammael surely hadn’t been let off his punishment? No, it was the Sea Captain, Ghurdan.
“Damodred, I want you to come with me. I understand you know this area?”
“Yes” Damodred replied uncertainly.
“Very well. I need to find a village which I understand is somewhere around here. We need reinforcements to fight the savages. You can show me the way.”

Oh can I indeed? Damodred thought privately. Would you talk to Sammael like this? Well perhaps you would, he recollected, but I have a feeling you think I'm just a useless old man anyway. Well, we shall see.
"I can show you the way, yes" he answered with little enthusiasm.

Luckily the village was not very far out of their way- only about 3 miles. The rest of the party continued their journey as Ghurdan, Damodred and one of Ghurdan's crew broke off over the sand dunes.

When they reached it they saw a dusty little desert town, slightly bigger than the last. At the sight of strangers, townspeople appeared, standing around egarding them or peeking out of doors and windows. Once they reached the central square, Ghurdan motioned to the crewman, who pulled a large bell from the bag he had slung over his shoulder. He rung it, twice then put it away and stood silent.

Curious townsfolk began to pack the little square, until Damodred estimated there were about 150 of them talking quietly.
"Friends before the Eye" Ghurdan began "I am here to tell you of an important mission. We are going to convert the heathen tribesmen of the South to the great Dark Religion. We call for your help as loyal subjects of the same master. You receive great freedom here, now it is time for you to repay your debt to the great Eye! Volunteers come and report to me."

Damodred looked up at him. That was a clever speech- the hint of a threat was inherent in the mention of their freedom. Yes, no doubt about it, Ghurdan had brains. But then, so did Sammael unlikely though that often seemed. Between the two of them, there was a good chance that this mission would go very well.



This is what I wrote to post on every discussion thread about going away. (I'm so organised!). See you in two weeks!
As I said before, I’m going away on holiday for two weeks, starting tomorrow. I’m hoping to be able to check in on the 2nd of August, and probably post. Please continue to use my characters, so that they don’t drop out of sight. You can do pretty much what you like, as long as it’s in character. Use them as much as you want!

[Nerindel]

ok,

I have finally posted and put up Lyra's post. smilies/wink.gif

I was thinking that the main host would camp at nightfall allowing Ghurdan and Damodred to return with 30 or so volunteers smilies/wink.gif

Then I thought we would meet up with the young converts the following day.

Let me know what you think.

[piosenniel]

So - do the math for me:

How many in each sections of the Army of the Eye after these additions?

Thanks! Pio

[Nerindel]

20 New Recruits (yes, I decided to change this to make us more evenly matched smilies/wink.gif )
14 crew
11 Warriors (this includes the four Lyra mentioned in her earlier post)
2 Priestesses
1 priest

Total:48

Then 30-40 young converts when they join us. ok smilies/wink.gif

[piosenniel]

Those 30 - 40 youngsters left are now down to 21 to 31. That original number included all the children left after the raid - then 9 were killed and hung on the tree, correct?

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

In the invasion, we lost a total of eight good fighters to stranglement and throat slitting. Not to mention all the children that were rescued.

Jasara, Khasia, Nasir, Najah, and Uri killed nine children who were worthless to them and carried them away.

So, most of the young left probably range in the ages from 14/15-25, as most of the youngest have been, shall we say, 'disposed of'. I suppose the group of rebel young have about 30-40 left, and most of them are at least semi-competent fighters.

The nine sacrifices were included in this count. smilies/smile.gif However, if it would make the numbers more even or if it is necessary, we could just say that there were a lot more children rescued in Pio's invasion (than originally thought/counted)?

-Aylwen

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Helky, you know I love you to bits and everything...but:
It was dead obvious that he didn't completely know the way
Actually he does. So smilies/tongue.gif . Also, you made Essenia smile. She doesn't smile. Ever.

[Ealasaid]

So, this is going to be a fair fight? Sorry to be a pain, but I don't think 40 or so children would match up very evenly against 40 or so trained warriors, regardless how bloodthirsty the children are. At the current odds, I would have to bet on the tribesmen here.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Even though the children will be with the army of the Eye?

Where is Durelin?

-Aylwen

[piosenniel]

Shall we agree on these figures, then:

Army of the Eye: (per Nerindel's previous post)

20 New Recruits

14 crew

11 Warriors (this includes the four Lyra mentioned in her earlier post)

2 Priestesses

1 priest

Total:48

Plus, let’s just go with that higher number:

40 young Converts
__________________________

For a grand total of 88

_____________________________________________


Here’s what we appear to have of the tribesmen:

29 Baobab

46 Painted Sands
____________________________

For a total of 76 Tribesmen

[Durelin]

Kill me now!

Okay, you guys are doing a lot better than I ever could...so, keep it up! smilies/biggrin.gif

Rahvin overhear? That'd be great. I was thinking about interrogating Thorgom, but...I missed my best oppurtunity to, and I'm gonna go with Sevora thinking it's a waste of time until Rahvin comes to her with the info, which turns out to be kinda interesting...

The odds are 88 to 76? That sounds good. Really, the tribesmen will have no advantage (except for age/experience when it comes to the converts), so, it seems to me that it would be realistic for the Army of the Eye to win. Plus, the Eye wills them on...

Okay, we will set up camp about a half mile from the tribe's camp. Then we will plan to send an envoy over to speak with the elder tribesmen on 'friendly' terms. Because, in truth, the Army of the Eye doesn't know anything about the split, except that there is one. (Correct...?) But, Jasara and Khashia arrive to speak to Sevora before the envoy embarks, and we avoid a nasty entanglement.

Nerindel - I'll just run off to deal with my PMs then...

Arien - Hmmmm...Dristi is not broken yet...we will just have to work on that... smilies/evil.gif

We also have to deal with who is going to die. I say we kill Naramarth. And I'm planning something to make it a more dramatic ending... I'll be PMing you, Aylwen!
So, who else wants to die?

Did all of that make sense? Did I cover everything?

Note - Never again will I be running an RPG, so don't you worry! smilies/biggrin.gif Well, I'll do more planning before hand if I do... Argh! I am not good at this...

[ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: Durelin ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

When should I post about the young meeting up with the Army of the Eye? Do you guys still need to get a post or two in or can I just post after Pio's last?

-Aylwen

[piosenniel]

Aylwen

The tribes are at this moment, just biding their time. So, it is fine with us if you post your meeting with the army, since we have already alluded to the fact that that's where we think you probably are already.

Since it took quite a while for the outriders to get back to the tribes, it is now night time in my last post.

Also, everyone, please be aware that when the Army comes to within 1/2 a mile of the tribes' encampment, they will be within the valley with the tribes at a large clearing east of them, at the valley head.

The valley is about an eighth of a mile wide with low, sloping, rocky sides. There is a small stream that runs through the center of it.

[ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Durelin]

I am going to stick a few saves in for anyone who needs them, and if they are not used, I will just delete them. Is that okay Pio?

Aylwen - Go ahead, I think we're ready to meet up. The Army of the Eye's little dramas can continue as we bide our time outside the camps of the tribes. Just know that Sevora will have sent scouts out to check out the camps of the tribe. She had a general idea of where the tribes would be from the start, but... You can let the scouts report back, or you can do as you like. smilies/evil.gif You can kill/capture them all if you wish, and the younglings can intercept the Eyelings...? Whatever you want to do!

Now, everyone agrees that this battle will be a fair match, right? Well, Pio and I are sure that the losses will be very high on both sides. We have a few options to attempt to make it realistic, or we could make it not realistic at all, if that's what everyone's heart truly desires. (But I will complain about it, mark my words!)

1. We can kill off just about all the 'extras' and just one or two secondary/carry-along/main characters.

2. We can kill many of the secondary/carry-along/main characters, and many of the extras.

3. We can kill everyone, or just about everyone (meaning one or two or three survivors on either side), to end the RPG with a sad, dark, twisted sort of end.

I would be happy with any of those, though I like 2 and 3 more than one, and for some reason, 3 appeals to me greatly... smilies/evil.gif

What does everyone think?

Oh, one more note - Naramarth is going to die regardless of the decision we make.

Such a happy discussion, eh? smilies/biggrin.gif

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

I guess I'll be using one of your saves, Durelin. I'll send it to you later today, then. Also, you don't mind if the young intercept and kill the scouts?

Also, I prefer option two. But three is good too, but I like two best.

-Aylwen

[Durelin]

You can just post it, those are just so that people can wrap up stuff before we meet with the younglings. Unless your post is before that...?

[Ealasaid]

Option 2 or 3 is fine with me. I am expecting heavy casualties on both sides, regardless.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I have been away for the weekend, and am expecting sporadic internet access for the rest of this week, however, as Khasia really wants in on that meeting, could we edit her post in as soon as I'm able to write it? That would be splendid! smilies/smile.gif

Sophia

[piosenniel]

This is to let all the players know that due to unforseeable circumstances, Helka will be unavailable to continue in the Game.

So saying, Durelin, we need to make some decision how his character will be handled.

~~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[Durelin]

Sophia - We will do our best to include Khashia. I understand 'sporadic internet access' all too well... smilies/biggrin.gif

Pio - I already have an idea. It will come up in my next post, but I will tell you anyway. I suggest perhaps a tiny mutiny within the 'Army of the Eye', provoked by Thorgom, and perhaps led, but not necessarily. I believe this mutiny should be a bloodless one, since we need all the people we can get for the final battle.

If anyone has any ideas considering the details of this, please let me know over PM. Thanks!

Also, I believe we will go with Idea 2 for who will die. Now we just need the actual characters who you guys are willing to sacrifice. I believe Thorgom and Naramarth should die...? And I will be having both Sevora and Rahvin die, so...no one else really has to sacrifice their character(s), though it would be nice...

Any questions?

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Number two sounds good to me too. smilies/smile.gif I want to get the OK from Sophia before we actually kill this lot, but she hasn't totally disappeared and I'm sure it won't be too much of a problem.

I really don't mind if Rijal and Tajir die, we never even mentioned the latter and the former is so young that he would be no match for any of the PS/B warriors. Umm...who else...Sophia, I really don't think that Najah would die, she's too fiesty/evil/strong. What do you think about Nasir and Uri? I think Nasir or Uri can die (one or the other), but I want to know what you think. What about the carry-along young you made up?

Oh yes! And it was Uri who came along with Khasia and Jasara, I'm sure. I'll be posting later. Unless Sophia gets there first (either way is fine with me) or has something in mind.

-Aylwen

[Ealasaid]

Sorry to hear about Helka -- I really liked Thorgom.

Also..I FINALLY filled my save. Sorry it took so long.

As far as who lives & dies in the big battle, of my carry-alongs, Ishak, Adhem, and Yusef all die. Yusef will first try to kiss up to the Priestess' side, so they should have fun killing him. smilies/evil.gif Ishak and Adhem will go down fighting. At this stage, I am thinking Ahmad will probably live, but I'm still thinking about it.

[ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[piosenniel]

Husam will die.

About the others, I am undecided . . . I'll see how the battle goes . . .

[piosenniel]

Will you be sending your envoy to the tribes soon? And if he/she is rebuffed, which he surely will be - will you attack immediately or . . .

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I am putting a save spot on the game for Khasia, her post is about half written and I will try to get it up tomorrow *glances at clock* er, today... but no guarantees smilies/frown.gif *sighs* due to unforseeable circumstances I have less internet access than I thought I would.

As for the final outcome, Aylwen, I believe that Ralah was one of the younger children killed or rescued by Jamilah. She was very young, in all likelihood she is no longer with the rebels. Narisa could live or could die. She isn't the best fighter, I wouldn't think, so it wouldn't be unforseeable for her to die.

I would think that Uri would live, he is rather like Najah in my mind. I would say Nasir dies, probably.

Khasia I would really like to live, apart from catastrophe. She will want to join the priesthood.

Sophia

[Nerindel]

ok, sorry about the wait, but my saved post is finally up.

I have saved a spot for Ghurdans return, I will have him return during the meeting of the converts. I should be able to get online tonight and put my post up, even if I have to physically kick my husband off. smilies/wink.gif

I am fine with Ghurdan being killed, as he would be a dangerous character to let live, smilies/tongue.gif plus it would add to the fact that Saurons promises are all empty. At the death of Ghurdan I forsee The great eye abandoning Ghurdan and switching to Zasfal as he overcomes his fear and finally prove himself in battle.


Durelin never mind my pm. It looks like we think alike, I was wanting Ghurdan to be a part of Thorgoms punnishment, but when I read Helka's post with Sammael the Idea of a mutiny occured to me aswell smilies/evil.gif. Zasfal might be useful here as he is loyal to Ghurdan and Thorgom has shown pity on the young man, and he would be more than pleased to get one up on Sammael smilies/wink.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Hey hey! I'm back- for less than a day- and I'll post later. Sammael wouldn't mutiny, BUT if you want the storyline just make it a misunderstanding and accuse him of it anyway. As for dying... killing Essenia, Damodred or both is fine. I have plans for Sammael. Of course since lots of people seem to be volunteering to die, killing neither of those two would be OK if you want.

[piosenniel]

In advance memoriam - does this look alright with all of you?

Lyra
Essenia
Damodred

Nerindel
Ghurdan

Aylwen & Sophia
Nasir
Narisa
Tajir

Pio
Husam – Qirfah’s husband
Ismat - elder of the Grey Parrot clan
Faruq – Baobab leader – elder of the Wind Scorpion clan
+ 12 of the unnamed Baobab tribesmen

Ealasaid
Ishak
Adhem
Yusef

Durelin
Sevorin
Rahvin
Thorgom
Naramarth

[Ealasaid]

Ealasaid


Ishak

Adhem

Yusef

You can add a percentage of unnamed Painted Sand tribesmen to my list. I haven't figured out exactly how many yet.

[Durelin]

Change of plans - Thorgom isn't going to die. Helka wishes has told me that he does not wish for him to die, and actually had a plan for him, so I will just toddle off to PM Nerindel about it.

The mutiny will still work, it's just that we can't kill Thorgom. I have an idea that might work well with Helka's, so don't worry! (if you even care...) smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

Anyways... Pio, I plan that Sevora will meet with the tribe elders after figuring out what these younglings are and where they stand. She will not listen to Jasara's assurance that the elders will have nothing to do with the Eye and the Priesthood, though she will doubt that they will willingly pledge their lives to the Eye. Still...she hopes to meet with them on peaceful terms, to sort of see what she is up against, among other things... Does that make sense? Really, I just want the Priestesses to sort of 'interact' with the tribesmen elders... How interesting that will be! smilies/evil.gif

Sophia and Nerindel - No worries with the posting! It is moving kinda slow right now...so you aren't missing much!

Lyra - Thankyou for returning so you could sacrifice two of your characters! You are too kind! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I know. smilies/wink.gif When will this mutiny be happening? I don't even know why I'm asking since I won't be back for a week and then it might have already happened. Sorry, I'm rambling but it's 1 in the morning. Could this go in one of the save spots please?

YOUR POST HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE GAME ~~ PIO

“…I never saw her again”

Sammael laughed loudly at the Thorgom’s story- perhaps louder than it deserved. The man was, to say the least, odd but certainly better company than Zasfal who was currently looking daggers at the pair of them. Essenia had not spoken a word for hours, maybe worn out by her uncharacteristic whole sentences earlier. The man sitting perched on the cart in front of him had helped to make the journey slightly more bearable, but now Sammael was ready to drop. His laughs were forced now, and came out in rasping gasps. It had been three hours since he himself told a story, and even Zasfal had stopped moaning as breath became more and more laboured.

With a jerk that knocked Sammael off his feet the cart stopped. Struggling to regain his feet Sammael felt himself pulled up by Thorgom. He smiled thanks at the tribesman, who grinned back then turned to Zasfal who was still trying to stand. Sammael panted quietly, hoping against hope that they had reached the end of the day’s march. Rahvin approached the cart, and instinctively Sammael tried to breathe quieter and more evenly, straightening his back and trying to look calm and collected. He did not know if he fooled the man- likely not- but the pretence made him feel better. Rahvin cut first his, then Zasfal’s ropes silently, sheathed his knife and began to walk away. Resisting the temptation to rub his sore wrists as Zasfal was, Sammael called out.

“Will the punishment continue tomorrow?”

The faintest vestige of a sardonic smile crossed Rahvin’s face as he turned back to face Sammael, but not a word passed his lips. Muttering, Sammael kicked the cart, unsettling Thorgom as he did so. Smiling he offered the man his hand, but winced as he grabbed it. Pain shot through his fingers to his neck. Gingerly he picked up his bags from the wagon and walked to a suitable tent site.

With a grimace he saw Thorgom follow him, but then felt ungrateful and welcomed him with a smile. Over his shoulder he saw Zasfal watching him malevolently, obviously still blaming him for being punished. As some sort of defiance- although he knew not what, unless it was to make Zasfal jealous of his contentment- he began talking loudly and cheerfully to Throgom.

Without the distraction of being dragged along by a cart, he began for the first time to wonder seriously where Damodred was. He hoped they had not chosen him for punishment, because he suddenly realised that that would upset him. It was far easier to appreciate the old man when he was not around looking sourly at him.

No wonder these people think I’m soft,
Sammael thought with a sigh.

Thorgom looked at him quizzically. The story he was in the middle of telling obvgiously had no need of a sigh. With a grunt of apology Sammael collapsed on the ground, where a sort of sleep washed over him.



[ August 02, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

I will be away from tomorrow until Wednesday. I realise that this will probably be during the whole fight, but if you could put in two or three SAVE’s in for me then that would be helpful, or I could just post them to Pio and she could paste them in. Whatever works.

Arien

[Nerindel]

Change of plans - Thorgom isn't going to die. Helka wishes has told me that he does not wish for him to die, and actually had a plan for him, so I will just toddle off to PM Nerindel about it.


Durelin I haven't got this pm,is their a problem, oh wait I'll just check that my box is not full smilies/rolleyes.gif

[piosenniel]

There are 2 weeks left to the end date for this game.

On August 19, Midnight, Pacific Time U.S., the Game will close.

So, we need to move on now to the Priestess coming to sound out the tribesmen. And then we need to begin the skirmish which will occur.

~~ Pio, Shire Moderator

[piosenniel]

The Game is set to end on 08/19 – 11 days from today.

Here is what needs to happen:

Durelin: Sevora needs to send an envoy to the tribesmen stating what she wishes from them – Preferably by tomorrow, real time – or by Friday, 08/08, at the latest.

Ealasaid and I will write posts considering the offer and refuse them ala Gandalf refusing the terms of the Mouth of Sauron. (I can do that this weekend and save a space for Ealasaid if needed.)

Sevorah’s troops should then withdraw a little and make plans to crush us.

The tribesmen in turn will make their own plans for the defense/counter-offensive.

The battle can then be waged starting Tuesday or Wednesday of next week and running through the weekend if needed with some wrap up posts on the 18th and 19th.

____________________________

Does anyone else have anything they want to make sure gets into the game before we start toward the wrap-up?

~~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

*Khasia sharpens her spears in preparation* I'm ready to go, Pio, and rather excited about it, now that I have a little more time on my hands smilies/biggrin.gif.

[Ealasaid]

Ealasaid and I will write posts considering the offer and refuse them ala Gandalf refusing the terms of the Mouth of Sauron. (I can do that this weekend and save a space for Ealasaid if needed.)



Sounds good! I will start working on my post, too.

[Arien]

I am back now, and fortunately I haven’t missed much. In my last post on the game thread I ended with Sevora saying:

“What makes you think I want to fight them…?”

Was that ok to put, I thought I could move it on a bit. And just to add Nerindel if you decide to post about any planning or tactical strategies ect could you please include Dristi?

And about the living or dying thing...I would prefer it if Dristi lived, so at least there will be one of the order able to give demands....

[Nerindel]

I'll have the first of those saves please Pio smilies/biggrin.gif

"What!" exclaimed Ghurdan, " we will crush them!" his eyes burned with silent rage, he and his men had fought the infidels of the north and survived time and time again, he thought this foray to be no different.

"Oh really," Dristi replied Slyly, " care to wager…?" Ghurdans lips twisted into a wry grin and his dark eyes twinkled letting Dristi know that he would take her wager and that he understood that she had indeed heard the wager that his young first mate had made with him at the start of their journey. But before he could answer Sevora intervened.

"Dristi.." smiled Sevora, "what makes you think I want to fight them?"

They both turned and looked to Sevora, Ghurdan did not understand, they had just been told that the Elders would not be converted and he had orders to Annihilate those who would not follow the path of the Dark Lord.

"We are here to Teach them the true path and we cannot do that if they are dead" her voice honeyed as she spoke. "But they will not turn! these girls have already said as much!" Ghurdan exclaimed indicating both Jasara and Khasia, "Yes, but they have not yet heard what we have to offer!" Dristi put in, nodding her head in understanding of what Sevora meant to do. Ghurdan turned and looked at the pair, his brow knitted in frustration, "Do not worry my friend, there may yet be the battle you crave, If what they say is true then not all will convert and if none convert We Will Crush Them!" But Sevora seemed to look as if she was sure that they would convert.

Ghurdan then saw Sevora's blindness, in her arrogance she really believed she had the power to convert these heathens, but he believed that they would not yield and if she was not going to be prepared then he would be. "We should at least scout out their camp, I will lead the scouting party myself !" Sevora scowled at him, but then something flickered in her ebony eyes and she granted the sea captains request.

"One of them should come with me, if my assumptions are right then they will know were the tribe might move their camp." Sevora's patience was growing thin, "Very well take the younger girl and the boy named Uri, Naramath will point him out for you." she hissed at him. Ghurdan bowed, ever his eye on the priestesses and bade for Khasia to follow him, she seemed reluctant to leave and glowered at her sister as if this was some how her doing.

Ghurdan did not ask the priest which of the children was Uri instead the told Khasia to call him. Ghurdan had seen enough in the meeting to know that his dark lord was both cunning and wise, he knew that if anything were to happen to Sevora or Dristi these sisters would be trained to take their place in the Citadel, they were already much alike the two priestesses and as the boy approached he wondered if this one was Naramath's replacement, 'And who is to be my replacement' he thought, laughing out loud and scanning the group of converts that sat together, never once thinking that any within his own group would be worthy of taking his place.

He then went to the Cart and started to unhitch the two sand coloured horses, "Can you ride" he asked Khasia and Uri as he heard them approach, "Of course" the boy scoffed, Ghurdan turned slowly to regard him, his young eyes flashed with malice and he stood tall with his chest puffed out in defiance. Ghurdan grinned at his defiance then turned to Khasia, "And you are...." "I am capable!" she put in before he could finish. "Here! you will have to ride together until we acquire more," he said passing the reigns to Khasia, he then mounted the second horse and looked eastward.

"They are horse riders then, your kinsmen" he asked Uri as they trotted eastward through the camp, "Yes, there is a village and a few farmsteads not far east from here that they trade with." Uri answered seeing were his line of questioning was leading, "the farmsteads are mostly goat farms and of little use to us, unless you plan to ride goats into battle" Khasia scoffed at Uri. "But there is a horse breeder that lives a little south of the village," he spat back at Khasia, "my Father took me there several times, he has at least twenty horses if my memory serves me well. He will not welcome us!" Uri continued turning back to Ghurdan. "Yes! it is likely that the elders have warned the farmsteads of your coming and of our rebellion." Khasia added. Ghurdan watch the pair , before him he saw children but hearing them speak he heard small warriors planning and contriving. He put up his hand to silence them, "First we will scout out the camp and on the return we will see if we can acquire some horses, ok!" He was a little relieved when they both nodded, and offered no more defiance.

They were just leaving the camp when a large and muscular man stood in Ghurdans path, "So where are you off to now Sandworm?" Thorgom hissed, "I am off to do something that you and the others should have done long ere I returned." he spat maliciously at the man that blocked his path, some of his pent up anger starting to escape. "But it was you that had two of our company tied up" he spat back venomously, "but that would not stop you from taking their place or did you fear running into one of your kinsmen" Thorgom reached for his axe, but Ghurdan just laughed and rode on with the two youngsters looking at him incredulously.

They rode in silence for some time. Uri was the first to break the silence "He could have killed you !" he whispered "Yes and I believe he would have if he believed that we did not need every man" "and woman," he put in seeing Khasia's cold look, "to crush the tribes warriors, he like you does not believe they will submit to the teachings of the eye."

"He is one of them, and I for one could never trust him" Khasia spat "I too have my doubt regarding him, but it is not my place to question who the eye deems fit to travel in our company, but you are wise not to trust people you have just met!" "even you!" Khasia hissed. "Yes, even me!" he laughed.

They carefully avoided the village and farmsteads as they swiftly made there way to where the two tribes had camped. As Ghurdan had expected the camp described by Jasara was deserted and from what he could see it had been for sometime, Ghurdan found many horse tracks heading back the way they had just come, "So where would they go!" he said aloud to the night air, not really expecting an answer. "The valley!" Khasia and Uri exclaimed together. "it is not far back the way we came" Khasia put in, "Yes I remember seeing it, but I saw no scouts " he said thoughtfully. They mounted their horses and headed towards the valley.

Hiding their horses some distance off, they climbed the rocky ridge to get a better look. They had narrowly avoided a few of the tribes scouts, but from the ridge Ghurdan could see the tents below on the eastern side of the stream, the numbers tallied with what Jasara and Khasia had all ready told them, they watch scouts coming and going and Uri even named a few he thought he could make out.

As they returned silently to their horses he took in the surrounding area for possible attack and defensive positions, of the latter their was not much, the Tribesmen were clever in moving to this location, he thought to himself.

They rode swiftly to the farm that Uri had told him they could acquire horses, he halted them a short distance from the farm, it was late and all the lights in the farmstead where out, "we must do this quietly" he told the other two "do you know were the horses are kept?" he whispered to Uri, the lad nodded "they are not stabled but penned to the rear of the building" "Good, then all we have to do is open the gate and lead them quietly out, do you think you can do that?" the pair nodded and like two small shadows they slopped off into the darkness. Ghurdan went to the door of the homestead in case the owners decided to awaken and interrupt them, he stood with his sword drawn and watched as Khasia and Uri successfully freed and lead the horses from the farm, without sheathing his sword he went to join them.

"Ten" Khasia said triumphantly, but Uri did not hear her he was staring raptly at the red stone that was the pommel of Ghurdans sword "Foaud" he whispered, Khasia turned and followed his gaze to the red stone shaped like an fiery eye that sat atop the hilt of Ghurdan's sword, she shrugged not knowing what Uri was getting at and turned to choose one of the horses for herself. Ghurdan too followed Uri's gaze to the hilt of his sword, "A gift from the great eye for services rendered" he grinned as he slipped the sword into it's sheath.

"Come, I wish to be back before daybreak!" It was just after daybreak when they returned, for the journey back was slowed with ten horses in tow and their efforts to avoid being seen. The company was awake and the camp was being broken and packed up. Ghurdan dismounted and headed for Sevora's tent, he heard the other two follow behind him. Sevora and Dristi were waiting for him when he entered the tent, "What kept you, my friend" Sevora asked sardonically, Ghurdan grinned and told them all that they had learnt, not omitting that together Khasia and Uri had acquired horses for them, "Ten no less" Ghurdan laughed.

He noted that Dristi eyed Khasia with a satisfied glint in her near black eyes, Ghurdan laughed internally 'if only she knew' he thought to himself. "Good" was Sevora's only reply, Ghurdan could she that she was working a plan. "go and eat" she ordered Khasia and Uri, who both started to protest, "you will be sent for when needed," Dristi assured them, though to Ghurdan it seemed that she spoke only to Khasia.

"We will camp just inside the valley then I will take an envoy to the tribe and spread the word of our great and illustrious lord" Sevora said as soon as the youngsters had left, "And who shall be part of this convoy?" Ghurdan asked

I still have no Idea what Durelin has planned so I am at a loss at to what to post next? smilies/frown.gif

Arien I hope what I have posted is ok with you? I have left room for Sevora, Dristi and Jasara to make their plans in Ghurdans absence smilies/evil.gif

[piosenniel]

Nerindel

Your post is placed.

I have left a space for the sending of the envoy to the tribes.

Durelin

You can either place your post for it here on the discussion thread, or put it on the game, and I will delete my SAVE.

_____________________________________________


Otherwise, if there is no post sending the Envoy by tomorrow, mid afternoon Eastern Time - I will do a short post for the Envoy.

All the forces of the Eye should now be making their battle plans either on the discussion thread or by PM - Arien you can speak for the Priesthood involved, Lyra and Nerindel can make plans for their groups to attack. And Aylwen and Sophia you will need to decide which force you are going in with.

[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Nerindel

Yeah that was great…thanks for leaving that space. I suspect that Durelin will fill it with a post, but if she does not I will post in her stead, anyhow I was thinking about putting a post in there. Is that ok Pio? And yes I will speak for the priesthood...finally the ball is in Dristi's court!!
smilies/evil.gif

[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[piosenniel]

Arien

Go ahead and speak for the Priesthood.

Also, if Durelin has not posted her sending of the Envoy by tomorrow afternoon Eastern Time, then go ahead and you can choose who the Envoy will be and get him/her sent to the tribes to make the priesthood's wishes known.

Once he/she has declared the intent/demands of the Priestess, we will reject the offer

If you don't have time to do this - I will do it as I stated above.

[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Durelin]

Sorry sorry sorry! Good, Dristi's going to head the envoy. Right, I'll post sending her. I'm sorry, but I got a ton of homework over the summer and I have finally started it...so...I haven't been allowed on the comp much...

Nerindel - Sorry, I had to think about it a bit after I realized how stupid my idea really was, and then...it all went down hill. So, I am going to PM you now. I promise!

Okay, we're going to send the envoy off, consisting of: Dristi, five of Ghurdan's crew, five of the younglings, Khashia, and Rahvin to oversee Dristi... smilies/evil.gif Is that okay with everyone? I am going to post it as soon as possible, but I can edit someone out at anytime.

Also, I think while they are meeting the tribesmen elders, it would be a good time for Thorgom to do something bad...just something to get him smacked around and tied to the cart.

Then, when Dristi returns with the news, her, Ghurdan, Naramarth, Jasara, and Khashia will plan with Sevora. The tribesmen plan, we fight, and then the game ends with the few people returning to the Dark Citadel. Since both my characters die, I will do a narrator's last post, unless someone else would like to have the last word. Arien - Do you want Dristi to wrap up the story? That might be well, since she is finally in charge, eh?

Okay. Okay? Okay.

And may I be cursed for the horrible job I did (am doing...still...) managing this game...

EDIT: Here's the post, to go in the save. I decided not to have Khashia and some of the young tribesmen go, since they didn't make much sense if Sevora knew about the 'relations' between the old and the young.

Sevora adjusted her black robes, which she, Dristi, and Naramarth had changed back into as soon as they had reached the tribes. She felt much more at ease in the familiar red and black garb, but, then, the frustration and anger were all too familiar, too. She was suddenly aware of the twisted metal around her head; a metal thorn was digging into her skin. There had always been one that scratched, hadn't there… She had been gone from the Citadel for too long. She was beginning to seem absent minded, of all things! She really couldn't keep her head straight for too long, especially in silence. Silence. No, it was not silent. There was the buzz of low conversation coming from just over there, and the occasional creak of one of those rickety chairs that could be folded up. But inside… No! she screamed inside. She gripped the arms of her chair till her knuckles were white, and her fingernails dug into the wood. She shook her head once, hoping to clear it. Clear it of what? The voice was cold and harsh, sounding so much like her grating fingernails she could have laughed, if she were not busy basking in it. But the bliss was gone as soon as it had come, and she cried out in her mind. But there was no more. It was silent. So silent.

A sharp cracking noise and a stinging pain made her jump. Which only made her angrier. Barely holding back a snarl, Sevora looked toward the source of the pain. She had broken a fingernail. Now she laughed out loud, a cold, mirthless laugh, hoarse with rage. That her finger could ever be a source of pain. Pain. But that was not the kind of pain she wanted, not how she wanted to receive pain, not where she wished it to be from. Memories haunted her, memories of a cold stone floor, of hot blood running down her arm, of the Eye…of him stroking her very being, mind and soul. She would swear before the High Priest that he had touched her as if petting a cat that had been good. But he had not touched her body. He had touched her. He had! But she knew, and knew that she was avoiding it. It made her wish to weep. He had. Ghurdan, and this Jasara, but not her. Not anymore. The Great Lord had almost entirely abandoned her. He neglected her of his presence, of even a few words. Except for a fiery reminder of the truth. Since they had left the Citadel, Sevora had been talked to…once. And she had received only a planted thought, after that. It seemed she was not worth sparing effort. Was she not a good cat?

Sevora barely stopped her hands from clutching at her heart. That had been her thought. She actually thought of herself as… Well, she did belong to the Great Lord, but…scraping and begging for little favors from him was far from…her. Dristi and Ghurdan were looking at her strangely. And who shall be part of this convoy? A voice floated across her mind. Of course…he had asked. For the love of darkness, she had lost so much! No! She would not let him take it all! She pushed away any other thoughts, getting a firm hold on herself. "I hope that Dristi would be willing to lead the envoy…" She paused slightly to give Dristi a polite look, but one that said she really did not have a choice, then continued in a much lighter tone. She was feeling better already. A cat…perhaps she did like that. And a cat that was quite capable of taking care of herself. "I also hope we can spare five of your men, Ghurdan…" Again, she made sure he was well aware that they could spare five of his crewmen. "And…Rahvin, to accompany you." She said Rahvin's name as if as an after thought, though she would never have considered sending Dristi without Rahvin to oversee. He would not step in at any time, but he always brought back excellent reports. The man had a good memory, and a very good eye.

"I considered sending Khashia and some of those young, but I belive, as the situation stands…it would provoke insolence from the start. They cannot refuse the Eye, but we must do everything cautiously, all the same. Human error is the downfall for too many of the Great Lord's plans." They cannot refuse the Eye… Those words, they had had nothing of her usual fervor and certainty in them. And the thought had been anything but certain. The Eye had abandoned her, after all. But it was with Ghurdan…and Jasara. Her hands tightened into fists, and she was vaguely aware of her nails digging into her palm. All but one nail. Ghurdan must have seen the anger in her eyes, and he rose, bowing slightly to both priestesses. "As you say, so it will be. I will choose five of my men and prepare." With that he left. Dristi was frowning slightly at his retreating back. At least Dristi was not blessed. Oh how that would have rubbed salt in the wound! "You will be…polite with the infidels…?" It was not truly a question. "We must hope they will see sense. But if they do not, I expect you will keep your eyes open?" Again, not any question about it. "The…scouting party was helpful in some respects, but not so in others. Also, I know you will not mention our little tribesmen allies. We will need every advantage still within our grasp. You were absolutely right, Dristi, it will be close. Very close, with heavy losses, if we are forced to action. And unless, of course, we make sure it is not." The cat can take care of itself. It must.


[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: Durelin ]

[piosenniel]

Durelin

Your post is on board.

Will look forward to your envoy post tomorrow.

[Arien]

Durelin

I would be honoured to wrap up the game seeing as how Dristi is finally in charge….well until they back to the Citadel.

Ok just to make sure I make no mistakes when posting, those on the envoy are as follows:

Dristi
5 of Ghurdan’s crew…..(including Ghurdan?)
5 of the younglings
Khashia
Rahvin

…am I right?

[piosenniel]

Arien

In Durelin's previous post (see her EDIT note) she decided against sending any of the young ones.

So, it is:

Dristi
Rahvin
5 of Gurdhan's men
and I believe she meant Ghurdan to go also

[ August 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Arien]

Pio,

This is from Durelin's last post:

Okay, we're going to send the envoy off, consisting of: Dristi, five of Ghurdan's crew, five of the younglings, Khashia, and Rahvin to oversee Dristi


that is why I got mistaken. I didn't read Durelin's actual post again.

I will post either tonight or tommorow. Tommorow would be more likely. But if anyone else who is amoung the envoy wants to set us off then they are welcome to do so.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Khasia has only one H in it... could you switch it in your post, Durelin... or someone?

Speaking of Khasia, I can post for her, if her input is needed now, but seeing as she's not on the envoy, is it alright if I leave her to herself for a bit? I'm sure she'll see plenty of action when the fighting starts. smilies/evil.gif

Sophia

[Lyra Greenleaf]

What will the people who haven't gone on the envoy be doing currently? Preparing to fight? Also, is the trouble with Thorgom and Sammael (the "rebellion" type thing) off or will it still go on?

[piosenniel]

Nerindel

I'm going to put up the tribes' reponse to the priestess demands, from Jamilah's point of view, later this afternoon. Do you want to put in a save for Ghurdan -- following Arien's recent post?

Lyra

Can you carry the Thorgom/Sammael rebellion interaction? Helky is banned from the site. And how far did the 2 of you plan to take this scenario?

This coming week we need to get into the battle - as the game ends on the 19th.

Once the tribes have rejected the Eye's demands, can the Eye's troops be ready to engage on Wednesday, or at least Thursday?

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Ealasaid]

I finally filled my save. Basically, it is just setting up Yusef to turn traitor. smilies/evil.gif

[Nerindel]

Pio
I've put up the save, and will try to post something later today/night smilies/wink.gif

Everyone
Helky's last request was that Thorgom would take a blow for Ghurdan during the battle, so I need a volunteer to deliver this blow smilies/evil.gif But helky has also requested that his character does not die smilies/eek.gif

Lyra
could you please in your next post have Thorgom do something treacherous enough to get him smacked about bit then tied to the back of the cart, I have planned with Durelin that Ghurdan will free Thorgom just before the battle smilies/wink.gif

Aylwen
Ghurdan is on this mission to protect Sevora and the others of the order, but as two of them are going to die I see the Great Eye ordering him to Protect Jasara, do you mind if Ghurdan dies protecting her?

Ok, Finally who whats to kill Ghurdan, Resistors only please smilies/wink.gif smilies/tongue.gif

[piosenniel]

Can we have Ghurdan mortally wound Husam who will go after Jasara. (He'll be alive enough to say a few last words), then Ahmad kill Ghurdan.

Ealasaid - you can also include the scene between Husam and Ahmad here if you wish.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Ghurdan is on this mission to protect Sevora and the others of the order, but as two of them are going to die I see the Great Eye ordering him to Protect Jasara, do you mind if Ghurdan dies protecting her?

Nope, don't mind at all. Sounds good to me. smilies/smile.gif

What will the people who haven't gone on the envoy be doing currently?

I think so, since the elders will definitely be rejecting the envoy's offers and there will be a battle. At least, that's what the young will be doing. smilies/evil.gif

-Aylwen

[Durelin]

Lyra- You said earlier that Sammmael would not rebel, that that was not his character. So I was just going to have Thorgom do something bad (perhaps spit on Sevora, or such...) and be tied to the cart as punishment. And, as Nerindel said, he will be set free by Ghurdan before the battle, so he can die and there is less chance of one of Ghurdan's crewmen dying. smilies/evil.gif

How does this sound to everyone?

Sophia- Sorry! It won't happen again.

Pio- Thank you for putting in my post, but...I have to ask another favor: could you edit the spelling of Khasia's name in the post? Sorry, I'd do it myself, but...

So, do you think we can start battle on Wednesday?

[piosenniel]

The offer/demands of the Eye have been rebuffed.

One of the warriors who accompanied Dristi is now dead, as is one of the Baobab tribesmen.

[piosenniel]

Because of the technical difficulties recently experienced by the forum, I am giving each game another week for its expected End Date.

The date now set for your game to close is:

08/26

Thanks! Pio

[Nerindel]

Nerindel's Post

Zasfal

After the envoy had left, Zasfal had joined the crew and set about making ready for battle, he had no need to make any orders as the crew were well trained and had already started making preparations. He and three of the others went to the cart and removed the large oak trunk that had come from the Fire Spray. A cloud of dust rose up from the ground as they let it down with a heavy thud, Zasfal wiped the dust from the lock and taking a small brass key from around his neck he quickly opened the chest.

Zasfal pulled out four black bows, each one bearing a fiery red ship at the top end. The three men that had helped get the chest each took one of these bows, then Zasfal gave each of them a bottle of strong smelling oils and a handful of back arrows whose tips were covered with white rags. He took the fourth nocked one of the arrows and lovingly pulled back on it's sting, closing one eye he checked the balance and sight line, once satisfied he eased the string and removed the arrow.

He went back to the chest and removed two Flags, one black and one blue. He carefully unfurled the Blue one first and tied it to the top of one of the spears that lined the camp, as it waved in the breeze the Black ship, the Emblem of Umbar could visibly be seen against the blue background. He then carefully unfurled the other and tied it to a spear at the other end of the camp, The Great Red Eye winking as it swayed in the breeze. A cheer and a waving of swords went up from the crew at the sight of the flags that usually flew at the topmost mast on the Fire spray.

With this done Zasfal put the bow on his back tucked the arrows in his belt and set about sharpening his curved sword ready for battle and his chance to prove that he was more than just a sneak and a cut throat pirate.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Nerindel's Post

Ghurdan barely registered Dristi's words, he was looking at the camp before him, which the night before had been populated with much more than what was before them now. Very clever, hiding their numbers and strength all be it to late! he thought to himself, glad that he had persuaded Sevora to let him scout the camp the night before.

Ghurdan then looked over the tribes elders and the warriors that were there to protect them, The mounted warriors all wore head scarf's so only their eyes showed, Ghurdan saw the burn of contempt in their eyes, as they listened to Dristi's words. He could see that they were all well armed and some of them wore bows, something that he knew they did not have enough of. He then thought of the trunk that he knew Zasfal would have already opened. Ghurdan had only four Archers among his crew but all of them had keen eyes and rarely missed their mark.

'There is no need for us to consider your terms . . . your demands. We reject them utterly.'

'Be gone, dark, faithless spirit. Your accursed message is given and death is near you.

Return to your slave-master! Let him listen to your words. We will listen no more.'

Ghurdan heard one of their leaders say, There came a bristling of spears and the rattling of swords as his men grew angry at the words spoken to the priestess. Ghurdan's eyes burned with silent rage at their stupidity. As the warriors of the tribe stood tall about the Elders and the mounted warriors of the Painted Sands moved forward, blades drawn, their faces filled with a fell light, their eyes deadly, Ghurdan raised his hand to silence his men then with a final evil glare at his new enemies he retreated with the others.

As they marched back through the valley he felt that they were being watched, he laughed out loud,Dristi might be right! he thought to himself. "They are smart" he said between laughs. "Yes, keeping their true numbers from us, was a wise move" Dristi laughed sardonically, "And they still watch us" Rahvin put in looking behind him.

"We will crush them like so much dirt beneath our boot heels." one of Ghurdans men scoffed and the other four men laughed at his words, but suddenly from out of no where one of the tribal warriors came rushing towards them. His eyes burning with rage he buried his spear into the heart of the man who had just spoken, Ghurdan instinctively unsheathed his sword and with both hands on the hilt he cut the warrior down, he did not deliver a second blow as his men recovered from their initial surprise now took care of the infidel.

Ghurdan and Rahvin with swords in hand scanned the valley for others that may try to ambush them as Dristi and the others enjoyed their kill. Satisfied that no other attacker were present they moved out, quickening their pace back to the camp.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

ok, Pio could you please put Zasfals post in the save right after my last post, and Ghurdans post... hmmm not sure if this should go before or after your post,I'll let you decide smilies/wink.gif

alrighty, once Thorgoms big mistake is up we should discuss our battle plans. Ghurdan has four archers that he uses on the Fire spray to fire flaming arrows onto his enemies ships, use them well smilies/wink.gif smilies/tongue.gif

Lyra are we spliting the men and converts into two groups and attacking as two units, maybe even flanking the tribes people some how?

Aylwen and Sophia if we do split into two groups we will need to know which of the young will be going with who?

[ August 12, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

I call Najah and Rijal! No, just kidding. Sophia, you can choose who goes with Khasia and who goes with Jasara. Doesn't matter really. But I think one group should get Najah and one should get Uri, just to make it even/fair. LoL. smilies/smile.gif

Also, I made a post for Jasara after the envoy leaves but before the envoy returns, so it can really go into any one of Pio's saves as long as it is in that time frame. If there isn't space or something, it really isn't a pivotal post or anything.

Jasara watched as the envoy left the premises of the encampment, knowing exactly how they would fare against the elders. The girl smirked and bit her lip, turning back to face the young before her. They were all bunched up in one group on the edge of the Eye’s camp, preparing their weapons for the inevitable skirmish that would occur. There was nothing anyone could do to save the situation and turn it into some negotiation, and Jasara knew this from her years living with the elders. They would be stubborn, and they would refuse.

“I heard they tie people to that cart by the wrists and let them starve if they disobey orders,” Jasara could overhear Rijal speaking fretfully to Najah. Jasara had found espionage use in the boy before the real troubles with the elders had began, but now it was beyond her why Rijal was still alive. They should have killed him with the other young and he should have been left hanging upon the tree with the rest of them. Rijal was lucky that Nasir was willing to stand up for him.

“We should have thought of that sooner. I would have enjoyed carrying out such punishment,” Najah replied, grinning wickedly. Najah was pulling out weapon after weapon from her pack, and it seemed that there was no end to the amount of blades she carried when Rijal began dropping the ones Najah had handed to him. Of course Najah would have enjoyed such a clever punishment, but then again there probably wouldn’t be a chance for that if the young and the Eye failed against the elders.

You will not fail. The Eye is with you.

Jasara’s lips turned upward in the slightest of smiles when she recognized the chilling voice. Jasara no longer feared it as she once had. It was with her always, and Jasara had come to enjoy its advice and help. When it told her something, she believed it. Jasara knew the Eye would never lead her astray. Jasara continued to meander throughout the crowds of young, and came to sit next to Uri and across from Nasir. Both were preparing their weapons and readying themselves for battle.

“Here. You almost left this at the last camp. You need to take better care of your weapons,” Nasir grumbled as he handed Jasara a long, curved knife. Jasara rolled her eyes at Nasir and snatched the knife, running her left index finger along its sharpened edge. Jasara smiled at the vision suddenly sent to her by the Eye: the blood of an elder dripping from the blade, and a momentary flash of a crumpled old body just between her and Nasir upon the ground.

“So what are the odds here? How many of us are going to be left, do you think?” Nasir questioned as he stood and began to practice with his sword.

“You of all people won’t need to be worrying about that, trust me,” Jasara murmured lowly, with a knowing look in her dark eyes. Nasir would not be around to see who survived. At least, he would not be among them. Nasir lifted a brow and stopped his practice with worry glistening in his eyes slightly. “Najah, Uri, Khasia, and me. Most of the leaders, no?”

Uri’s eyes lit with amusement as he looked at the suddenly anxious Nasir. Uri chuckled softly before taking his leave to find Najah to arrange a last minute practice for the children if there was time. Jasara continued to fiddle with her knife under the hot sun, feeling just a little sorry for Nasir and whoever else would not live to see another day. Then she shrugged off the notion and left Nasir to go find Khasia.

So if you find time to put that in before the envoy returns but after it leaves, Pio, that would be great. Maybe one of your saves on August 10 at 8:26 would work best.

Thanks,
Aylwen

[ August 13, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]

[piosenniel]

DONE

[Lyra Greenleaf]

My computer got a virus so I'm just back. OK, I'll write a post preparing for battle. As for flanking the tribes, I don't know. We could try it, assuming Sammael is still trusted to be co-leader? Ghurdan could lead one side and Sammael the other? Anyway. How long in game time until we fight? Will it be in the morning, or a day or two's time?

Pio- how many women will be fighting with the tribes?

[ August 13, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[piosenniel]

Only 1 woman - Jamílah

[Nerindel]

Ok, everyone!

Ghurdan and Co. are back at camp. I have set my post up for two events:

1/ Unexpected visitor! something that Ealasaid and myself have planned smilies/evil.gif smilies/tongue.gif

2/ And a War council early the following morning.

[piosenniel]

Excellent Nerindel!

Shall we try and start the battle next Monday or Tuesday?

Will that work for everyone?

[Nerindel]

Monday or Tuesday sounds good to me smilies/biggrin.gif

so let me see if I've got this straight: Ghurdan mortally wounds Husam protecting Jasara, then Ahmad kills Ghurdan smilies/evil.gif

So who is going to wound Thorgom when he takes a blow for Ghurdan? Ahmad??? [shrugs] or some one else?

[piosenniel]

Husam tries to kill Jasara

Ghurdan intervenes and mortally wounds Husam

Ahmad kills Ghurdan

Thorgom tries to intervene and is stabbed by Nasr, Jamílah's other son in law.

How's that sound? smilies/biggrin.gif

[Nerindel]

Excellent! Pio smilies/biggrin.gif

Where is the actual battle going to take place?

Is the army of the Eye going to bring the battle to the valley camp? or are your scouts going to report that we are heading your way and move the battle from the camp?

I would quite like for Zasfal to kill one of the elders, Ishak perhaps smilies/evil.gif (ie proving himself in battle and gaining the respect of the few crew that will be left)

[Ealasaid]

Nerindel -- that's fine with me! Zasfal can get Ishak.

[piosenniel]

The army of the Eye should advance on the Camp . . . 'crush the savages, so to speak' . . .

[piosenniel]

Ealasaid

Your post is on board - 8/12 2:27 pm. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Ealasaid]

Thanks, Pio! I also filled my save regarding Yusef.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Pio- Sammael has a big problem with women fighting, so I thought it would be interesting if he came up against Jamilah- either he refuses to fight her or he kills someone on his own side to protect her? But if this conflicts with your ideas that's fine.

[piosenniel]

Hmmm . . . Lyra, that could be interesting . . . let me think about it smilies/biggrin.gif

[Durelin]

Okay, sorry for being gone...again...but I wasn't allowed on the internet because of the virus, and only yesterday did my dad figure out that our system is too old to be affected. So...I will fill in that save and hopefully I will soon start the morning council.

How does Tuesday sound to start the battle?

Oh, and thank you thank you thank you for the extension! We did need that!

EDIT: Nerindel - I don't want to rush you, but we need your save filled as soon as possible so we know where you and Ealasaid are going with this 'unexpected visitor.' Just a reminder... And thank you!

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Durelin ]

[Nerindel]

Ok, my post is up and I decided to put it after Arien's smilies/wink.gif

Ealasaid if there is anything that needs changed just let me know.

[Ealasaid]

Nerindel -- great post! No need to change anything.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[piosenniel]

Durelin

Please get your troops started into the valley by tomorrow morning real time.

[Nerindel]

Ok everyone just to let you know I'm still here smilies/wink.gif and eagerly awaiting battle smilies/evil.gif

Durelin, Lyra, Arien: Ghurdan will suggest that Zasfal and other 3 archers take up positions in the rocky outcropping either side of the Tribes camp. (where I see them being attacked by bremah's large dogs, before firing on the camp smilies/evil.gif )

Aylwen, SophiaMaybe Jasara or Khasia would what some of their archer to go too?

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Najah could take a few of the better archers with her to the outcroppings. If Bremah's dogs attack, is Najah allowed to hack one of them to pieces? smilies/evil.gif Najah gets violent sometimes...And I don't mind if all the young archers die, so long as Najah doesn't since that just doesn't seem right for her. Also, this can happen as long as Sophia agrees, but I haven't seen her around this thread in a while so...

Are we still planning on sending out two seperated groups of the young (or the whole company?)?

-Aylwen

[ August 20, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]

[Nerindel]

Are we still planning on sending out two seperated groups of the young (or the whole company?)?

I have been rethinking this, I think we should just attack as one mighty force I got this idea from something pio said when answering Another question I had:

The army of the Eye should advance on the Camp . . . 'crush the savages, so to speak' . . .


I like that Idea smilies/evil.gif

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Aaah! I am here! I had to move *again*, but now all my stuff is in the same place, and will be until Christmas time, so I'm reliable again.

The battle plans have me massively confused however, so I'll have to read them and the game thread over (again) thoroughly before I can do/say much.

I do agree with Aylwen though, that Najah should live through the battle. She's not the dying type smilies/wink.gif.

Sophia

[Arien]

ok in my most recent post I have started Sevora & Co talking about the fight, I did not fully lay out the whole plan because Im not totally sure of it. I'll leave that to Durelin.

Although Nerindel I did include Ghurdan's plans for the archers. Well I can't wait for the battle to start....niether can Dristi smilies/evil.gif

[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Durelin]

Okay, I'll basically do the council in one post, then have the armies move. I'm going to have to do that tomorrow because I don't have time to do it today. Sorry!

Pio - could you place this post at the end of Nerindel's post posted August 18, 2003 12:14 PM? Thanks! I couldn't post it (and got behind!) because it took an HOUR to check out at stinkin Sport's Authority, so I didn't get home in time to post it yesterday. Sorry…but…

"We have a battle to prepare for!"

Who did this man think he was? Yes, he was blessed, but it gave him no right to even touch her. Sevora still stood higher than him, and she...she had been blessed. Her teeth ground as she collected herself, staring at the ground. After a moment, she placed a hand on Rahvin's arm. He took a step back, but did not relax, nor take his hand of his sword hilt. Staring at the ground for a few more moments, Sevora slowly drew in breath, then let it out, finding it a very calming thing. She thought about nothing in particular, but jumped from happy memory to happy memory, stopping at Dristi's punishment. Now she was able to smile. Looking up at Ghurdan, she grinned at him, mocking warmness and kindness, but their was happiness upon her lips if not in her eyes. She was defeated, she knew it well -- Ghurdan was blessed, Jasara was blessed, and she had been abandoned. But, she had just won two battles she had never won before. She had both controlled her rage...and she had accepted defeat. Defeat, of all things! It was something she had never been able to handle, and it had happened to her so few times. Besides, those few times had been so long ago, when she had just begun her life as a priestess to the Eye. And after she was blessed...she felt -- no, she knew that she could never be defeated. Then she was forgotten by her Master. Sevora did not understand it, but she accepted it. And that was an overwhelming victory for any of these people who now stood at least equal to her. They stood equal to her, and she would let them. Perhaps, after a time, she could let them stand above her. Yes, and then, when they thought...

"Indeed we do, my dear," she said almost cheerfully, taking a step toward Ghurdan to stand where he had pulled her only seconds before. "A very bloody battle, which you will enjoy, will you not?" Her hand moved forward to cup his chin in her hand, and Sevora received a pleasing flinch from him. "Please, darling, I wonder if you show more manners than that. You should be courteous toward a woman, should you not? You are quite an intelligent man, Ghurdan, and I know I do not need to instruct you in your etiquette." She paused for a moment, still beaming at him, but did not wait long enough for him to speak before continuing. "Now, after this interruption, we must all get as much sleep as we can. We have a busy day ahead of us. We rise early to give and hear wise counsel." She patted him slightly on the cheek, whispering "Good night," then she turned around and walked slowly back into the other side of her tent. It was divided into a sort of 'study' and sleeping quarters. Sitting on the ground, covered with finely woven rugs, Sevora began humming a tune. She remembered it from her early childhood and thought it might have been a lullaby, of all things. No, now she remembered: it was a song sung at marriages. She would have laughed if she hadn't been deep in thought.

…when they thought she was defeated, broken, ready to follow them humbly, then she would be in a wonderful position. The best position she could ever be in. Manipulation had always been among her greatest and most useful skills. Sevora could make sure they were not even aware of her manipulating; it was one of the ways she had worked her way up in the ranks of the Servants. Ghurdan would be one she would be able to manipulate. All she needed to do was shrewdly tell the High Priest that the man was blessed, and then he would rise in the ranks. She would bear his child if that were what it took to bring the man into her hands, while she remained invisible…low. And this Jasara, she would definitely be brought into the Order, and she would be an excellent one, for the most part. She would rise in the ranks just as Sevora herself did. But would she also be abandoned? For some reason, Sevora could not wish that upon the girl. No, woman. Young, but a woman. Perhaps it was because Jasara was so much like Sevora, in many ways, that the priestess actually liked the young woman. She could hardly be called an acquaintance, but there was a connection, and what Sevora knew of the tribeswoman…she was one to be respected. Perhaps she would not have to manipulate her. She did not wish to, at any rate. Perhaps she could be brought into her confidences, and Sevora could give her advice. Still, it seemed the woman thought much like Sevora. With luck and skill, they would get along well and, with Ghurdan's involuntary aid and perhaps Jasara's voluntary, Sevora would remain powerful. So many 'perhaps.'

Sevora looked up as Rahvin entered the 'bedroom' of the tent, looking down at her, showing as much emotion in his eyes as he ever had. He was concerned. "Why do you worry, Rahvin?"

"I-I just do not understand it, Sevora." The man sounded hesitant. He had never sounded hesitant.

"I do not either, Rahvin, most of it."

"Then why did you sound…happy."

"I have won several victories."

"Against…Ghurdan?" Rahvin filled the name with disgust, and Sevora smiled again.

"Yes. And I have just realized another," she said, almost excitedly, her smile growing. "He has shown me how tightly he holds on to his position. Too tightly, and the more power slips through his fingers because of it." Now Rahvin was smiling too. The man had changed so much in so little time. There was so much she did not understand. Sevora was surprised that realization had not effected her in the least. "Acceptance," she whispered, and Rahvin surprised her by nodding. Suddenly, words flew through her mind, almost too quickly for her to realize them. It was because, at them, her heart skipped a beat. You do not know! At first thought, it made her believe Ghurdan knew she had been…abandoned, but, after thought…she did not know. "You do not know," she said quietly, looking up at Rahvin again. "He said that."

"And you do not, do you?" he said quietly, sounding a bit sad and…was it sympathetic? The man was being compassionate!

"Do not soften at the coming of hardships, Rahvin. You soften."

"Forgive me, Sevora, but I--"

"Worry."

"Yes."

Sevora sighed heavily, then, arranging her bed made of various sheets and blankets, mostly woolen, and she lay down in her blood red robes. Rahvin only sat down, and Sevora could see his shadowed form on the edge of the tent long into the night.

Thanks again! And sorry everyone! I've fallen a bit behind! smilies/eek.gif

[ August 20, 2003: Message edited by: Durelin ]

[Nerindel]

Excellent post Durelin smilies/evil.gif

“Before we do anything we need position archers..” cut in Dristi.

“Is done,” said Ghurdan wearily, “They are positioned on the rocky out crops either side of the tribes camp.”



Does this mean they have already been dispatched?? If so I will prepare a post for Zasfal and the archers smilies/wink.gif

[Arien]

Nerindel: Yeah, I think it would make more sense if they were already dispatched. Anyways that is what I had in mind when I wrote it .

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[piosenniel]

The warriors are engaged. The battle is on! Write away, you bloodthirsty lot! smilies/wink.gif

[Nerindel]

Can this go into one of the saves please smilies/biggrin.gif


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zasfal had woken early, before even the sun had risen above the horizon. He was restless so he strapped on his weapons and picked up his bow and went to take a walk in the cool breezes before the sun rose. But before he had reached the flap of his tent, Ghurdan barged in the three other archers in tow. "You will leave at once and take up positions to the east and west of the infidels camp" Ghurdan ordered, not giving the young man a chance to protest the intrusion. "But there is only four of us" he said recovering from the initial shock of the request and not liking the odds if they were discovered. "do not fret my friend you are to take the teenage girl Najah and any she deems skilled in archery.
Ghurdan then drew a small layout of the camp from his previous scouting mission and pointed out the rocky outcroppings and how to get to them unseen, "You will take the east side and set light to the camp, hopefully that will be enough to spook their horses and disorient their riders enough for our charge, but if not then we have Najah and her archers fire volley after volley in their midst. the five of them laughed wickedly as they thought about the chaos and carnage they would inflicted upon their enemies.

Once Ghurdan had left, the Four archers went to Find the girl named Najah. As Zasfal approached the young ones camp he came face to face with Jasara "Can I help you!" she said staring at him suspiciously, "Yes the one named Najah is to come with us, she is also asked to bring those archers she deems ready for battle!" he answered evenly, looking about the youngsters to see which she was.

"Najah!" Jasara called without removing her gaze from the four archers before her. "Yes, Jasara" one of the youngsters answered, Zasfal watched as the girl no older than seventeen years walk confidently up to Jasara's side and waited patiently to be spoken to.

"Gather together the best archers we have!" Najah nodded then hurried off to gather those she deemed among their best. Time passed slowly as they waited for Najah's return, Jasara just stood staring at them, no not staring at them but through them! Zasfal shivered at the thought, bringing a slight satisfactory smile to the young girls lips, he returned her smile with a deep scowl. Just then Najah returned with fifteen archers most of them Zasfal was pleased to note looked over their fourtenth year. "we leave at once!" he told them nodding approvingly at the young archers before him. "And just where are we going?" Najah asked, "I will explain while we march, but the battle begins with us!" he grinned evilly. Najah matched his grin then they all set out together.

As they marched Zasfal explained, to Najah what was required of her and her archers. "My group will take the east ridge and await the arrival of our main forces, before the charge we will fire our arrows into the camp and among the horsemen starting fires, " "in the hope to spook the horses" she grinned finishing his sentence, "But I must warn you that the horses of the painted sands do not spook easily" she went on. Zasfal grinned, nodding as though anticipating her words and said "That is were you and your group come in, while their archers try to locate us, you will fire volleys from the west ridge taking down as many of their horses as you can, with their riders horse-less our army will have the advantage." there was a wicked gleam in her eyes as she perceived her role in the upcoming battle.

Before they reach the outer limits of the Tribes scouting parties they split up, Zasfal taking five of Najah's archers with him and one last time making sure that Najah knew what was expected of her. Then He and the other three archers from the Fire Spray along with five smaller figures silently climbed into the rocky ridge they had not gone far when the heard a soft growling, and the pad, pad of feet, "Shh!" Zasfal said raising his hand to halt the men, they listened intently, "Dogs???" one whispered uncertainly, "Three!" another said his ear pressed against the cool ground. Zasfal raised his index finger in the air to feel the direction of the breeze it was coming from, behind them! he thought. "Get ready!" He yelled but his words were lost to the loud barking and snarling of the Large dogs as they came Charging round the corner.

Zasfal was knocked to the ground by the first dog, he rolled on the ground trying to wrestling the great beast off, dodging his head to stop it's huge jaws from ripping off his face. After a few minutes struggle he managed to tuck his legs under the mutts underbelly and kick out sending it flying, he heard a crack as it impacted with the rocky wall. He slowly stood up breathing deeply, Sweat dripping from the ends of his hair and down the ridge of his nose. "It must have broke it's ribs" he sighed. But as he drew his sword to finish it off, he heard a snarl he looked up just in time to see its huge jaws coming towards his throat, he quickly banked right and raised his curved sword. The blade slide right through the dogs under belly, but not before it had clamped it's huge jaws around his left shoulder. He fell to the ground under the weight of the dead beast.

After a few seconds struggle he managed to heave the beasts corpse off, as he got up he saw two of the youngsters finish off another of the dogs, as he turned he saw that one of his men had not fared so well, Zasfal almost bulked as he saw the beast rip out the mans throat, the dog turn, blood dripping from it's maws, it growled at him then seeing it's dead companions it turned to flee. "We can't let it get away!" Ghurdan cried lifting his bow and taking aim, The others must have done the same, as a barage of arrows struck the beast, it gave a loud howl then fell, never to tend its herds again.

"Quickly!" Zasfal called to the other's "we have been waylaid far too long." They reached the high outcropping just in time to see the Tribes men fall back, now one archer short they began their attack. Zasfal Quickly lit the torch they carried and stuck it in the ground. Together they soaked their specially prepared arrows and fired into the camp setting the line of folded canvas tents alight, with their second volley they fired at the archers, who now rose from their hiding place and fired on them as predicted. Zasfal grinned as he heard the whistling of arrows from the youngsters on the opposite ridge and Ghurdan's cry as he signalled the Charge.


Or maybe not! smilies/frown.gif

Nerindel grabs Ghurdan's spear and pokes Pio with it, yelling stay out of my brain! smilies/wink.gif smilies/tongue.gif

but seriously Pio I've just read your post and it seems we think alike, I'll leave this post here and have a think about it and try to edit it some time tomorrow. smilies/redface.gif

But I would like to point out this:

Durelin, Lyra, Arien: Ghurdan will suggest that Zasfal and other 3 archers take up positions in the rocky outcropping either side of the Tribes camp. (where I see them being attacked by bremah's large dogs, before firing on the camp )

Aylwen, Sophia Maybe Jasara or Khasia would what some of their archer to go too?


This:

Najah could take a few of the better archers with her to the outcroppings. If Bremah's dogs attack, is Najah allowed to hack one of them to pieces? Najah gets violent sometimes...And I don't mind if all the young archers die, so long as Najah doesn't since that just doesn't seem right for her.

And this:

“Is done,” said Ghurdan wearily, “They are positioned on the rocky out crops either side of the tribes camp.”


[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[piosenniel]

Nerindel

When you do decide where you want the post - please tell me the exact location.

[piosenniel]

Lyra - your PM's are full! sent you this:

Pio- Sammael has a big problem with women fighting, so I thought it would be interesting if he came up against Jamilah- either he refuses to fight her or he kills someone on his own side to protect her? But if this conflicts with your ideas that's fine.

Jamílah is armed and charging into the fray.

Shall we have the two of them meet up?

If so - go ahead and write something and I'll respond smilies/smile.gif

[Nerindel]

ok, Pio I've edited my post I hope you don't mind that I left in the attack by the dogs smilies/tongue.gif

anyway can you please put it in the save spot dated August 21, 2003 09.17am

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

righty ho! everyone Ghurdan is on his way to save Jasara from Husam and Zasfal has just killed Ishak bin Ishak. smilies/wink.gif smilies/evil.gif

[ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

My save post has been filled. Najah is on a killing spree and Jasara is waiting for Ghurdan to save her. smilies/smile.gif

-Aylwen

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I hate the fact that I have to do this, but I guess that I'd better get it over with. I no longer have home internet access (I'm in an internet cafe), so I'm really sorry but I have to pull out of all my RPGs. There's just no way I could keep up with them. I'm sorry to let everyone down, and I'm disappointed for myself. If I'm really lucky it will get sorted in a couple of weeks, but it might be a lot longer. I've really enjoyed the BDs and this game.

Bye everyone, and use my characters how you like. Kill them or whatever.

[ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[Durelin]

NOOOOOOOO! Lyra!

*sniff* smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif

I think I will continue as Sammael, having him meet up with Jamilah, if it's alright that I do it, Pio? I just thought that was a really neat idea. *sniff* I just wanna cry! smilies/frown.gif

Well, on a happier note *sniff*... Okay okay, I'll stop! On a happier note, all the battle posts are awesome! We're doing great! Except...has the archer problem been settled? It has, right? Everything's good? Okay.

Sorry if I'm kind of spastic, but school is starting in two days and I want to DIE! So, anyways, I ask you again to stay with me and not to make fun of me too much. Thanks! smilies/tongue.gif A post for Sevora/Sammael will be up soon, I hope. Then I believe I will end the battle with Sevora getting mortally wounded, and the few people that are left alive try to help her, and then she has her final words! Just let me know when you need me to put that up, Pio, so we can then wrap up the game in a couple of posts. And Arien will do the last post since Dristi will be in charge finally!

Okay? Okay. And thanks again!

[piosenniel]

Durelin

Please do get something on for Sammael and Jamílah - and I will follow your lead.

~~ Pio

[Nerindel]

Ok, Husam is mortally wounded smilies/evil.gif

Ealasaid Ahmad can kill Ghurdan now! smilies/evil.gif


Husam tries to kill Jasara
Ghurdan intervenes and mortally wounds Husam

Ahmad kills Ghurdan

Thorgom tries to intervene and is stabbed by Nasr, Jamílah's other son in law.


[ August 23, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[piosenniel]

Nasr is running over even now to Husam's side.

Okay - Here is the count for the dead as of my last post:

Ishak

Husam
Faruq
Ismat

Nasir
Tajir
Narisa

[piosenniel]

If possible I would like to see your battle scenes on the game by the end of Sunday – Monday at the latest – leaving most of Monday and Tuesday for anyone’s wrap-up scene for their still living characters.

The game is scheduled to close Tuesday at midnight, Pacific Time, U.S. Let’s see if we can make that deadline.

Ealasaid – you are set up to kill Ghurdan who has just dealt a mortal blow to Husam (who will die requesting you look out for Qirfah and her children.) There is a SAVE place for you right after Nerindel’s post for Ghurdan setting him up for the kill.

Once you write that, I’ll stick in a little scene where Thorgom tries to step in and Nasr stabs him to death.

_________________________________________________


There are nine Farmers from the Village to the West with their 10 large dogs attacking from the rear – does someone want to do in say 3 of them and 4 of the dogs? The men are armed with bows, spears, cudgels, and longknives.

I’ll pick up the deaths for Essenia and Damodred (Lyra’s characters) Or does someone want to include them in the battle against the dogs and farmers and leave them dead?

Who wants to do in 1 of the Painted Sands people? Adhem – Ahmad’s cousin?

[Arien]

Pio, I will seeingas Dristi has nothing to kill yet but random tribes people.

Errr..PM me and see if we can sort something out.....

EDIT: My SAVE has now been filled.

[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[piosenniel]

New count for the dead:

Ishak
Adhem

Husam
Faruq
Ismat

Nasir
Tajir
Narisa

Damodred

Someone want to tske on a few dogs and farmers like I mentioned earlier? (Aylwen - Sophia is having internet access problems - can you include her in a post?)

I'll do in Essenia later today.

Durelin Please fill in your post.

Ealasaid Ghurdan awaits your deathly blade.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

No problem. I'll post later today and take a few of the young (Khasia included) off to fight some dogs and farmers. smilies/evil.gif

-Aylwen

Edit: Khasia, Jasara, and Uri have defeated four dogs. They found no farmers, and the rest of the dogs can be left for Essennia.

[ August 24, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]

[Durelin]

Okay, my save is filled. I hope it's alright. I did something wierd with Sammael, and my interpretation of Sammael's problem with women fighting is probably quite different from what Lyra had in mind. Just let me know if anything is a problem.

I hope to have Sevora's death post up soon, or perhaps later today. I will put some saves before it, since it ends the battle, and seems a lot of people still have battle posts to put up. So, in case anyone doesn't get their battle post up before I post, you can use the saves.

Thanks for a great game guys! smilies/biggrin.gif

-Durelin

[piosenniel]

In Memoriam:

Ishak
Adhem
Yusef

Husam
Faruq
Ismat
Jamílah

Nasir
Tajir
Narisa

Damodred
Essenia
Thorgom
Ghurdan – almost, but not quite yet . . .

___________________________

OK – looks like we need to get Sevorin and Rahvin (?) done in.

Durelin - I’m supposing you are going to do that. And I can’t recall – is Naramarth dead as yet? I think most of us have put up our battle scenes so you can go ahead and have the Priestess die.

Then brief wrap up scenes by those left alive if they wish. You can leave SAVES for these after Sevora’s death scene.

Then Arien can do her final post, and if you don’t mind I’d like to do a very brief epilog.

If Ealasaid hasn't been able to do her final posts for Ahmad, I'll do them last thing on Tuesday.

[Durelin]

Sorry I was late with the death post, but it took way too long to get my creative juices flowing. I just couldn't think of a good way to end it all. I like what I finally came up with though... smilies/evil.gif

I put up a save in case someone would like to post Naramarth's death, or someone could just add it to one of their other posts...? I could, if you'd like. I also put up an extra save in case anyone needs to do another battle post. And then I put three saves after my death post so that people can wrap it up but Arien doesn't have to wait to post the last post.

Pio- Wow! A beautiful death scene! smilies/eek.gif Oh, and thank you for being the moderator of this RPG, and for putting up with me. Who is slow and full of...junk... (replace with nastier word) smilies/biggrin.gif

Thanks everyone for playing! You all are awesome writers and are just plain nice! I will write with you all again most likely, and I look forward to it! smilies/biggrin.gif

Arien - Have fun doing the last post!

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Awwww, Pio! *sighs* Wonderful death scene, just wonderful, despite the fact that it is a death scene. Durelin, I also liked Sevora's death scene a lot. Wonderful posts, everyone! Whooooo!

-Aylwen

[piosenniel]

Naramarth has been dispatched. smilies/biggrin.gif

_____________________________________________


I'm going to write a final post for all the tribesmen.

By my count, and as was agreed on (at least for the Baobab) there are now 16 of them dead - Ismat, Faruq, Jamílah, Husam + 12 unnamed fighters. Leaving 13 of 29 Baobab left.

Bemah's 9 are intact, but he has only six of his dogs left.

For the Painted Sands' tally: (There are less dead, proportionately, since they are primarily horsed warriors and have the advantage over those on foot.) Still, Ishak, Ashem, and Yusef are dead, and say fifteen other of their warriors. Leaving them with 18 dead and 27 of 45 Painted Sands tribesmen left.

40 combined tribesmen still live
+ 9 farmers and 6 dogs.

Anyone care to do the stats for the other side?

[Nerindel]

Army of the Eye death toll: 12 village warriors, 8 crew, Sevora, Naramath, Rahvin, Essenia, Damodred, Sammael, Thorgom and Ghurdan.

so that leaves:

1 priestess - Dristi
8 village warriors
6 crew
And Zasfal.

Aylwen can you do the death toll for the Converts?

---------------------------------------------
Zasfal Pulls Back the Remaining Troops

Zasfal pulled his sword for his last victim and turned to meet the next, but this last fight had taken him away from the main battle and from where he stood he could see that this battle was lost. The only Leader he could see was the priestess Dristi, her blood lust driving her.


As Zasfal made his way through the mass of bodies he stumbled and came face to face with the lifeless body of his captain. His eye's fell on the red hilt of Ghurdan's sword "Take what is rightfully yours" echoed a cold voice in his head, Zasfal hesitated. "You have proved yourself this day, lead and they will follow!" the voice urged him. He slowly gripped the hilt of the large broadsword, it strangely felt right in his hands he swung it left then right. "Yes, this is my destiny" he grinned.

He then made his way to Dristi, wielding the sea captains sword. "We must fall back!" he shouted to her above the clashing of swords. She didn't look pleased but agreed with his assessment. "Fall back! Fall back!" he cried. Grimly the men and what was left of the youngsters fell back with their dead and wounded to the western end of the valley.

Once sure the Infidels did not follow, they tended their wounded and set up pyres for the dead, "Oh! great Eye these warrior's have served thee faithfully and to honour them we sacrifice their bodies that they may join with you in the Great Abyss" Dristi prayed nodding her head for them to light the pyres.

As the men and children broke away, Zasfal remained and watched the flames as they burned against the cold night sky. He heard someone come up behind him, "we are moving out at once, I wish to return to the Citadel as soon as possible" Dristi's cold voice whispered beside him. He afforded her a short bow and went to make the men ready. Within half an hour they where slowly moving across the darkness of the desert, there heads hung heavily at their defeat. Zasfal grimly hoped that what they brought back was enough not to incur the wrath of the citadel.


Pio can this post go in the save dated August 25, 2003 07:30 am.

[Arien]

I have started to write the final post, when I have the numbers for the amount of converts left I will post it.

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Narisa, Nasir, Tajir, and Rijal (he wasn't mentioned being killed, but I think we planned to have him die anyway?) plus maybe 20-25 unnamed young died.

This leaves:

Jasara,
Khasia,
Najah,
Uri,
+ 10 or so young.

Sorry it took me so long!

-Aylwen

[piosenniel]

Nerindel

Your post is placed.

[Nerindel]

Thanks Pio smilies/biggrin.gif

oooh it was close, those remaining:

Army of the Eye: 30
Tribesmen:49 plus 6 dogs smilies/cool.gif that looks just about right to me smilies/wink.gif

It's been great posting with you guy's and I'm looking forwards to seeing Arien's last post smilies/biggrin.gif

[Arien]

Ah the last post is done smilies/evil.gif....*sniif* smilies/frown.gif ...and is up. This has been a great RPG and I am glad I had such good writers to work with, you were all amazing. Thanks.....

Arien

[Durelin]

The last post it...up? *sobs*

Well, it's been a great game, though I think I need lessons on how to run RPGs. You guys were wonderful! So patient and you weren't ever mean to me, even though you had right to be! smilies/biggrin.gif But, besides that, you are all too good of writers!

All good things must come to an end...this was a good thing, right?

Thanks again!

-Durelin smilies/smile.gif

[Ealasaid]

It was a great game! Sorry I disappeared right at the crucial moment & missed the end of the game, but life is conspiring against me right now.
Thanks for letting me take part! I really enjoyed it.

[piosenniel]

I have to say, I abolutely loved writing in this game! Thanks to all of you!!

Ealasaid will be filling in the SAVE I left for her - the killing of Ghurdan.

Aylwen - there is still one wrap-up post space left on the game. Do you want to write something for the youngsters, or just leave the mention of your group in Arien's last post as enough?

If you do want something placed - just put it here on the discussion thread and I'll do that for you.
_____________________________________________

As I mentioned earlier, I would like to do one last post, an Epilog for the tribesmen, and follow-up on Jamílah's predictions when she cast the bones. It should be on board by late tonight. smilies/wink.gif
_____________________________________________

Again, let me say what a pleasure it was writing with all of you, and I hope we can do so once again!

~~ Pio

[piosenniel]

The Epilog is up.

I'll move the game to Elvenhome this coming Sunday night, along with the Discussion Thread.

[Ealasaid]

Ahmad kills Ghurdan

Riding among the mounted warriors of the Painted Sands, Ahmad spurred his horse forward with the first charge. The endless waiting had finally come to an end, he thought, as the blade of his sword connected with the first of the warriors of the eye. He brought his blade down in a fierce slash against the man’s collar bone, withdrew it, and ran the man through. He fell in a heap on the ground. Scarcely even glancing at the fallen man, Ahmad turned his horse to face his next foe.

For a while he could see Adhem fighting somewhere off to his right, but, after a time, lost sight of him. Somewhere to his left, Husam fought alongside the group of Baobab spearmen. Ahmad had seen him before the fighting started and, remembering his promise to Qirfah, now worked his way in that direction. He made slow progress as the warriors of the eye ceded no ground without first sacrificing life or limb. He had just caught sight of Husam engaged in fighting a Baobab girl -- was it Jasara? -- when he was clubbed hard from behind and knocked from his horse. Ahmad landed heavily on his left shoulder, but was able to roll with the momentum and regain his feet as the other warrior advanced.

The warrior raised his sword to drop a crushing blow that would have severed Ahmad’s sword arm, except that Ahmad was able to parry it with his sword. He then made a sharp feint to the right and moved in, smashing the pommel of his sword into the man’s nose. There was a sharp crack as the bones shattered in the warrior’s face. Blood spurted from the cavity where his nose had been, blinding the man. Ahmad finished him with a single thrust of his sword. Turning his attention back toward Husam, Ahmad saw that the girl had disappeared and been replaced by the scarred warrior he had seen earlier among the priestess’ envoy. Ghurdan, he was called. Jerking his sword free of the warrior he just dispatched, Ahmad leaped to Husam’s aid.

“For the eye!” growled the scarred warrior, raising his sword to administer the final blow to Husam. Ahmad’s blade intercepted the blow inches before it met its mark.

“Not so fast,” he growled in return. The two of them squared off, circling each other, swords at the ready. The scarred warrior smiled.

“Come on, boy,” Ghurdan taunted Ahmad. He lowered his blade slightly. “You dare to run up against me? You’ll shatter like glass against a stone.”

“Will I?” answered Ahmad. Testing his opponent, he made a quick feint with his blade. Ghurdan’s sword answered it with lightning quickness. Ahmad knew then that he would have to fight his best against this man. Anything less would mean his death. He made slash toward Ghurdan’s right side, which Ghurdan parried and followed with a thrust at Ahmad’s thigh. Ahmad dodged, knocking the blow aside with his sword as it passed. His left hand, which had been holding his reins, felt for the dagger he wore at his waist. Finding it, he and Ghurdan circled each other once more.

Again, Ghurdan smiled. This time, he beckoned to Ahmad with his left hand. Seizing the opportunity, Ahmad leaped forward, his sword raised. Ghurdan blocked the blow with his sword, and, for an instant, their hand guards locked and they stood nearly nose to nose. Sneering, Ghurdan drew his fist back to strike, but he had not seen the dagger in Ahmad’s left hand. He never saw it as Ahmad drove it deep at an upward angle under his ribcage into his heart. Ghurdan’s dark eyes glazed over, and his limp body dropped to the earth.

Disengaging himself from Ghurdan’s body, Ahmad ran to where Husam lay, bloody and still on the ground, yet still breathing. Ahmad bent over him, his eyes taking in the extent of the other man’s wounds. Blood poured from a stab in Husam’s left side. Taking off his head shawl, Ahmad pressed it to the wound in an attempt to staunch the bleeding.

“Is he dead?” whispered Husam.

“The scarred warrior? Yes, I got him for you.”

“Good.” Husam tried to smile, but his breath caught in his throat, changing the smile to a grimace, as a fresh wave of pain took him. Ahmad lifted him against his shoulder, still pressing the head shawl to the wound in Husam’s side.

“Ahmad, is it?” Husam asked after the pain had passed.

“Yes.”

“You know my wife, then.”

Ahmad nodded, a sudden dread entering his heart. “Yes, I know her.”

Husam raised his blood-caked hand and gripped Ahmad’s hand in his. “Take care of her for me. I know I am not long for this world. Go back. See that she knows I thought of her at the last. See that she wants for nothing.”

Gravely, Ahmad nodded again. He remembered another promise, the one he had made to Qirfah. As hard as he had tried, he had not managed to keep it. “I will,” he said grimly, giving Husam‘s hand a squeeze. “She shall want for nothing.”

Husam nodded, satisfied, and closed his eyes. “Tell her I love her.”

“It is done,” Ahmad reassured him, but it was too late. Husam’s grip on his hand had gone limp. He breathed no more. Ahmad laid Husam’s head back on the ground and with his fingertips, lowered his eyelids over the now sightless eyes. Finally, he laid Husam’s hands upon his chest and rose to go. The fighting still raged around him. There was no time to grieve or make his peace with the man’s memory. That would have to come later.

Nodding once to Nasr, who had caught his eye through an opening in the battle, Ahmad picked up his sword and returned to the fray.

[piosenniel]

Ealasaid - your post is on board!

[Ealasaid]

Thanks! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Nerindel]

Great post Ealasaid smilies/biggrin.gif

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Wow, great game, great posts everyone, thanks Aylwen for carrying Khasia for me. I apologize for losing internet access at such a crucial time. smilies/wink.gif

Sophia

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I'm glad I got back in time to say goodbye to everyone on this thread. I feel priveliged to have been part of such a great game and I'm disappointed and sorry that I missed the end. Thank you for "taking care" of my characters for me, I just wish I could have been here to do it- but you were great! Durelin, that's how I would have thought of Sammael feeling when facing a woman, thanks. And I'm glad Ahmad got his love story in the end...

[Tinuviel of Denton]

I was just a cameo, but I have to say that it was an honor to play even such a small role in such a great game. You were all awesome, and I hope to play with some of you again sometime.

Thank you once again for letting me have a part in this, however small.