Holloween Blog Fest: Superstitions and Men

Holloween Blog Fest !
Three weeks had passed on the ocean it seemed like three years. The scenery never changed and even I was about to question if we were actually moving. Kozak and Raddect stayed on the bow as they where a little too tall to go below deck without destroying the walls and doorways. Croff was always sitting in front of a stump that was carved into a game board of sorts. He would spend hours laying pieces onto the board then rearranging them.

After about a week at sea I approached Croff and asked him what he was doing. This might have been a mistake, yet I did ask the question. Croff explained the game of stones and the strategy of the game to create area by creating life or taking life out of the stones. The rules were simple enough to the game of stones and now daily I awake and join him in a few games. It took about two weeks to understand what Croff was saying about the flowing of stones and there relation to life and our feelings. Needless to say he is a good teacher and I was a fairly good student I learned pretty quickly.

It was the evening of the fall festival as me a Croff where sitting on the stern of the boat in the mid game of a fierce battle of wits. My play style was referred to as fire as it spread across the board attempting to burn up all the living space. Croffs play style was water and it flowed purely across the board. Croff would always point out arrogant moves by some proverb or insightful fire extinguishing remark. But on this game he stated something at the beginning of the game that made this game probably the best game we played against each other, or should I say the most balanced.

“Coridan while you play stones today use your style to its fullest fuel the blue flames inside your style with sharp bursts of flames instead of trying to fuel a wild red fire you can’t control.” Croff said in a very sincere tone knowing that he had gotten the point across clearly.

This was such an amazing game I was finally making the dwarf think with each play I would make. Let it be known with his wisdom of the game and experience each play he made kept me looking for a balancing move.

It was when Croff played a Defensive attack on one of my strongest groups when we both noticed that thick fog we where rolling into. The ship started to hustle and bustle with the ship hands lighting lanterns and tightening up the rope from the ballasts. The Captain strung together both ships with thick elfish woven rope to keep us from getting separated from the other ship.

The fog was getting dense making it hard to see more then two feet in front of me. To make matters worse the night had crept in making the sea darker then any cave I had ever been in.  The boat was calm as it moved through the dark waters towards the Younfeelpe Island. All you could hear was the waves crashing off the haul of the boat until one of the deck hands screamed in panic “help!” With his screaming came the sound of something plunging into the water.

I turned to the direction of the noise. The only thing I could make out was what appeared to be glowing yellow eyes. Then the wailing started. The sound was worse then a banshee’s scream. I quickly asked Croff “what’s that wailing?”

As I was awaiting the answer from Croff you could hear the panic aboard the ship. The crew was running around blindly in the fog trying to find safety below deck.  Every so often the screams of pain would be louder then the wailing this only made matters worse. “Myth says the keeper of those that die at sea gets revenge for those who had been wronged by someone on another ship that crosses her path.” Croff said quietly.  An hour had to have passed and there was still the wailing and crying for help. This had to be getting on Croff’s nerves as he was helpless to move in this fog.

“Bah, most myths are made up from delusional men trying to rationalize a tragedy.” I said as I was getting frustrated with the whole situation. I started to cast a flame arrow towards the wailing that was killing my ears and causing such a fuss. Croff promptly deterred me as we where still on a wooden ship it might sink us.

Croff and I could here the clatter of hoof steps was getting closer to us as we heard the crashing of the board and the stones hit the deck of the ship. Before us laid Raddect unconscious, with four wounds on his face. Now I was mad, the game was just getting good. What ever is out there was going to pay.

Croff started a divination to put those that are lingering in death to rest. This had no effect on the wailing, it might have even made it worse. As the chant ended a huge crash shuck the ship and Kozak roared in pain. Then another crash and another roar of pain but this time it was not Kozak it was more feministic. Kozak screamed “Uah Hu nowz me gotz joo.” As the sound of his ax hitting the ships deck and wrestling across the ship incurred. This lasted for a good twenty minutes both Kozak and this other entity could be made out in the struggle.

Then all was silent. To silent. No more wailing and the wrestling had stopped. “Kozak! Are you all right?” Croff said with concern in his voice. Impatiently Croff yelled again “Kozak answer me!”  More silence as time seemed to start passing slower. Had Kozak won the fight, had what ever was out there after Kozak and won?  

“Damn it Kozak, Answer!” I Screamed. I was beginning to get worried we had lost our tank before we even made it to the damn island. Not the way this needed to start off. Raddect down and Kozak out there would be no way we could finish this journey.

Morning approached as the sun started to crest over the horizon. With the daylight the fog started to lift. Croff franticly started towards the bow of the ship to check on Kozak. I wasn’t too far behind. As we came around the captain’s tower we could see Kozak laying on his side with his back to us. “Nooooo!!!!” Croff yelled out as he ran towards Kozak.

I quickly Grabbed Croff, “Wait, WHAT is that around his arm. See it right there?  What ever that is might still be alive. Let’s act cautiously, let me go around first for I can blast what ever it might be.”

“Coridan, Kozak is still breathing look! I have to get to him.” Croff said determined. Before I could reason with him he was already running towards Kozak with both hands glowing. At this point what ever was in Kozak’s arms started to wiggle.

“Croff Watch Out! It Moving!” I shouted.

“I Can See that!” Croff stated as a tail swiped at Croffs feet. Amazingly he jumped then tumbled towards Kozak placing both hands on Kozaks back.

Kozak Quickly rolled up to his bottom and in his arms was a Giant Swamp Rat. As he started to lecture Sam-u-ell “Now how did youz get out  yur  cage? Danke Croffz I hope Sam-u-el was not much problems for youz. Ill mak shur he stays in da cage from now on. Aint dat right Sam-u-el?”

Kozak had no idea what that rat had caused to all of us on this ship last night. I wanted to murder him and that rat. Croff chimed in at the right moment with “That’s your pet Koz? Hahahahahaha.”

“Shut up Croff it’s not funny.” I said as I walked back to the back of the ship to pick up all of the stones that Raddect had knocked over. “Hey don’t forget Raddect played with Sam also Croff!.”

Holloween Blog Fest !

Not So Gentle Introductions Part II

After the council finished I headed directly for Arch Magus Balthzeer’s tower.  What the hell was he thinking sending me on this venture? The King wanted this creature alive not in an urn! I found it hard to believe Arch Magus Balthzeer was this stupid after all these years I have been under him. This time I didn’t care who knew I was coming. As I approached the tower I had my magma sphere cast which kept those pesky vines at bay.  I was completely incased in flames and molten rock. The gargoyles melted and became part of my shield as they attempted to subdue me. I walked into the main floor study and chanted words of demonic orgins to erase all the rune traps on the floor walls and ceiling.

Balthzeer sat behind his desk calm as ever and spoke forcefully. “I knew you would be mad Arch Magus Coridan but I would really watch the spells you go throwing around during your trip as Croff is as religious as they come. And I’m sure he would have a hard time working with someone who spoke such vile words.  Come now old friend let us chat over some tea shall we?”

“You think a chat over tea will fix this underhandedness? If you wanted to get rid of me I sure you know a million other easier ways then sending me to this death trap of an isle with a quest about as possible as taming a phenoix or ruling the heavens!”

“Now, now, Coridan would I the one person who has covered up your indistretions and took your side every time your temper blew as a kid really send you to your death?” I was hoping you thought more of me then a teperary ally by now,” Balthzeer said with a nuturing tone.

“Let us sir and discuss this trip and why I chose you over every other Arch Magus shall we?” Bathzeer gestured in front of the fire place to a seat next to his.

I walked over and mumbled the incarnation to disperse my shield as it retreated into the fire place. It caught Balthzeer off guard as he leaned back in his seat. “What an interesting shield. Was that Fire Giant and Draconic you spoke? Balthzeer squinted his ears as to hope to hear it better.

“Umm never mind to the topic at hand. It is quite simple you see Coridan your job is not to capture this beast it is to bring Kozak, Croff, and Raddect back alive with you. I knew the only way this quest had a chance of success was if each Master of their respected art sent their most skilled and valuable men. And the only way that would happen is if someone could garentee their safe return. Since you are the only one I know capable of this in the entire kingdom I told the king I would make it so for his wish would be fulfilled. I knew you would come directly here with the will to burn down everything around you.”

“You old fool, has your age given you a wish to meet death sooner? Next time why not ask me before hand as you know I still owe you a great debt for buring my parents for me. One we will now considered paid in full I might add. Well I best be heading to gather my gear and supplies as three days is barley enough time to research what all might come in handy!” I stood up and started walking towards the door.

“You youngsters are always in such a rush. Coridan I insist you sit back down and finish your tea as I have already prepared the four books you would need as well as some other items I will be loaning you on one condition; you bring them back to me.”

As we sat there and drank our tea I have never noticed how much the old man enjoyed my company until this moment. It was like he was savoring each minute as it would be his last moments with me. And for good reason this could rightfully be our last chat for he knew what he had gotten me into and was worried. So worried in fact he had made a brand new enchanted red robe for me. It was enchanted with the highest of physical protection spells along with magic enhancing inscriptions down the sleeves and the inscriptions where in an old tongue that I even had to ask about.

“Don’t worry about the words Coridan maybe on my death bed ill pass you a hint, an old man can’t give all his secrets away now can he? Oh and one last thing. By request you should appear at the practice grounds tomorrow at day break to, let’s say learn how to interact with your party.” Balthzeer said as we stood up and walked down the stairs to the tower.

“Is there any other surprises I should know about old man?” I chuckled but im sure he could tell that I still wasn’t all to pleased with being thrown to the wolves like this.

That night seemed to fly by before I knew it I was standing in the practice grounds next to a nine foot ogre, a two foot dwarf, and a Centaur of eighteen hands. The king was so kind to capture us an armored belguwin to hone our skills on. This massive creature was close to a giant beetle with plant like tentacles. Needless to say not an easy catch, and at the same time not too much of a threat either. That is if you leave it alone.

Croff walked forward and started casting protective wards on the two melee types and him self, making sure not to catch me inside of his area spell. Kozak inherently stepped between Croff and our prey and Raddect took up Croff’s left flank. I was where I was supposed to be a few steps behind Croff. It was a relief that no one was still wet behind the ears and it appeared each already knew the part they where to play in this party. Which is something we all noticed as was made apparent when Kozak turned his head and nodded to me.  That being said at this point there was no need for this little exercise.

We quickly confounded by my flaming arc wall cutting off any retreat. Raddect had entangling barbs wrapping around its eight legs and torso. And Kozak knocked it out with the blunt side of his axe in one blow.

“Well I don’t guess anyone is hurt?” Croff said with a joking tone.

Kozak finished cracking his knuckles then holstered his giant great axe across his back. We all stood there for a few moments staring at each other till Kozak broke the silence and informed us that he would be leader of the group and if there where any objection now was the time to settle it. Croff shrugged, I cared less, and you could tell that Roddect was hesitant to settle the leadership role the way the Ogres do. I mean Kozak stood eye to eye with Roddects a feat not many could attest to.

After I made it back to my home I finished looking over the contents of what Balthzeer had prepared for me and added a few touches of my own to the spells and tactics that might come on handy. Then I started to look over the lore of the isle. Before I knew it, it was time to depart.

That morning the King bestowed us all with a charm of safe travels. He had the finest ship in all his armada accompanied by two of the fastest war ship awaiting us at the Harbor.

“Captain Rumstow make haste on this journey and bring back my ships in one piece.

Kozak, Croff, Roddect, Coridan, Let the Captain command his ships and all of his men. But do no hesitate to tell the Captain if you need support he is here for you as are MY SHIPS. Understood?

“Yes M’lord.” Most of us answered in unison. But you could tell that the statement was directed towards the Captain.

The last of our goods where loaded on the ships the Captain approached us at the aft of the ship and said “you might as well make your self comfortable. It will be a full cycle plus one to the outskirts of the islands. One rule for you lot if your sea legs are weak puke over the edge and not on my floors. And one last thing feel free to anything aboard this vessel except the RUM got it?

Skin Art

Late one evening the proctor of the Great Library came to the table I had something shy of fifty books stacked on. “Magus Coridan sir, would you mind if we closed early tonight as my daughter is getting married in the morning and I would love to give her moon tip lilies from the mountain.”

“Sure Proctor Castrum, may I borrow this book here for the night to keep me occupied?”

“Why yes Coridan, but a book on tribal inscriptions is a little out of the norm for you isn’t it?”

I laughed, “It’s a book in your library what is not normal about me with a book?”

As we walked out of the building Castrum rushed towards to western gate. I headed to a new acquaintance I had made in the shady part of town. His name was Lenar Stempel; he had a hand for body art. We had been discussing the different lizardmen tribes and their shaman tattoos that summoned their spirit companions just with a touch. If the ink used was magical or the person doing the inscription was binding the companion to the tattoo. We had covered most of every topic concerning magical runes and inscriptions. I even pulled in some draconic markings on scales we had in the library to explain how the elder dragons protected themselves from dragon hunters with similar inscriptions.

Lener finally agreed he would do the tattoo if I could aquire everything needed to do it. His list was extensive at first glance impossible. I mean where all of HADES was I to aquire fire mephit blood?

It took about two total years of research and bargining to finally acquire the ink and needles needed. The Arch Mage gave me a lot of help aquiring the items needed for project. I might even said his connections where invaluable to getting this project completed. But he was getting curious why I needed the items I had requested. I had held him off for the two years it took to aquire everything and get the patterns drawn for the tattoo.  I had told him in three days to visit me at Leners place.

I had the needles made in the dwarven lava mines, the hottest kilns of all of Keldar. The ink had a crushed red dragon scale, claw, salvia gland, elvish fire water, blood of a fire mephit, and the ink base from Galentula the giant octopus of the western sea.

We were to start the inscriptions on my hands that night. The process was going to last three days and nights. When it was over I would have sleeves cresting onto my breast and back. The knotted flames with inscriptions written in draconic where going to be a first of its kind. I had only tested it on a few mice most of which would die due to the heat of the ink.

Lener put the neddle into a cedar handle to protect him from how hot the needle would become. As he dipped the needle in the ink Lener said, "Lets begin shall we?" As the needle crossed over my skin for the first time the ink burned deep into my body at times it felt like my soul was being assulted. This is what the men I have burnt to dust must have felt in their last moments. As the needle started to glow from the heat of the ink I relized  I had to bare this pain for three days. I dont know if i was prepared for this, but its to late now lets just hope I can endure this smeldering pain.  

Lenar was amazed at the lack of blood, but it seems the ink was innately sealing the wounds with its heat. He was amazing during these three days his hand was as steady as it was on the first day. Although he has a very small grasp of what he is marking my body with. He grew  attach to the project as though it was his very own. And this simple attachment to his own work made my piece of art even better due to his heart and soul being poured into it.

When the third day dawned the Arch Magus visited me in Lenar’s shop to see how close the final result was. And the look of fear came across his face. “Coridan, do you realize the depths of what will constantly grow on you body now?” He said as he backed up estonished.  

Weakly I said “Yes I do, not only will this grow across my body as I grow. It has the power to amplify my power by the same increment.  Hence the reasoning of why I did it. This will be one of the only things in my life time that will ever be able to keep pace with my level if I can survive the rest of it."

This night was the night the Arch Magus knew how far ahead of him in the realm of magica I was. He took me into the council the next week and showed them my work. Explained it to those who where completely lost. Some where amazed, others frightened. To add to the ordeal he then he put my name into the the air to be promoted to Arch Magus. With all the responsibility and status that come with such a title.

One thing the Arch Magus Balthzeer always will have over me will be the foresight of wisdom.   This status upgrade would seal my alliance to the Kingdom and put me in my place as a protector. A wise move on his part.

For a Good Cause!

* * * W A R N I N G *  *  *

!!! >Out of Character ON<!!!

If you happen to stumble across my blog over the next few days I figured I would post this as its for a good cause. UNICEF is holding a Halloween blog party  in hopes to raise donations for this great cause. So swing by and join in the fun.

Next through a mutual friend another All Hallows Eve Blog fest will be happening at My Literary Jam & Toast. I Demand you get all dolled up for the occasion and join in the festivities. Oh, well I guess I could extend the invitation to the gents also.... Please no tights or spartan costumes gents, thanks no telling what might set me off into a raging inferno.

>out of character off<