The Legend of End

[Xultanis]

Deep in the mountains of Karaz Karas, an ancient legend is becoming a reality. Passed down by the ancient monks of Terra Dur, a quickly fading group, the Legend of End is known to the region, but few elsewhere know of it. Some say, the Legend foretells of the Day of Judgement. Others say it is the rise of a Dark God. Still more say that the Legend harkens a tremedous event of divine proportions, one that would result in the rise of Grana, Lord of the Underworld. The prophets of old had only left a few vague clues as to what the End was, or when it would arrive. Only one was clear, and that was a crimson moon on the night of Summer's Eve.

The purpose of the monks was gradually losing itself to time, despair, and a lack of faith. It was harder to find recruits, harder to maintain the ways of old. A few monks left the monastery to find people of intellect, strength, and courage, to fulfill or stop the prophecy. One of these monks is in a bar, near the base of Mt. Misoln...

The various bar patrons marvel at the patience of anyone who listens to him. The bruises on his face, from being beaten away, scare some folks away. His wide raving eyes, intense tone of voice, and his jittering drive more away from him. In a last desperate act, he shouts out that he will take a handful of inquisitive souls to the monastery, to read the ancient scrolls, and to see the first sign of the End. His blue eyes grow moist as he looks around. His world is falling apart, the only life he ever knew coming to a painfully slow end. The way he lived soon to be lost to time, a mere pinprick in history, a footnote in the books. The End about to come, perhaps for the worst...

Please...I beg of you, anyone, someone...

[Truce]

'Prophets' were not uncommon in this day and age, there was always some insane person shouting about some sort of armageddon that was on the horizon or something wherever you went, and he, the one called Ravioli, usually ignored those personalities.

However, he couldn't help but pay attention to the vague ramblings of this particular 'prophet'. Call it Fate or Destiny or whatever, but regardless of the reason he found himself drawn to this man.

Feeling a little stupid after a while, he turned to leave; he was no different from the others afterall, and Ravioli had better things to do than listen to someone's preposterous tellings. That was when he heard about the scrolls.

Spinning around and almost knocking someone to the ground, he turned to the fellow he had just written off as another maniac. "I'm interested. Count me in."

[The evil one]

"Another guy rambling about the end of the world. He probly has nothing to back it up with." said a young and cynical man by the name of Tolda. He decided to tay and enjoy his drink when he heard the man mention scrolls"They never meentions scrolls.....this guy might be saying the truth and if not I can expose him for a fraud." After one guy joined Tolda said "I would like to see these scrolls count me in."

[RangerAidan]

"Damn this, why am I such a nice guy..." Grumbled the newly 18 years old Aidan as he walked towards the monk, careful to avoid a falling drunk, crashing plate, and to catch the half-empty mug ["shaddap, you crazy hack!"] thrown at the intense, robed man. It was a strangely long walk, his thoughts drifted from one end of the bar to another, settling at last on the girl who he was now quite sure had been watching him from the corner for the past 5 minutes. Have I met..?
A hard yet gentle hand stopped his thoughts and movement. "So you will come, too, and see?" The monk spoke quickly.
"Yeah, can I help at all?"

---------------------------------------
Can I have 2 characters?
---------------------------------------

Devon took the last of her mead through her cowl and, confident the boy with the shocked-white hair had noticed her watching as he moved to meet the monk, tightened the grip on the oak shilleleagh in her right hand and stood out of the corner where she had sought a bit of refuge, taking a slight bit of pleasure from watching the monk's ravings, but slightly pained by pity, and slightly moreso by a foreboding sense of unease. That little prick with the bow had better remember me... Her thoughts read as she offered her aid to the monk and studied the look of vague recollection on Aidan's face as her slate grey eyes stopped on it for the first time in several years.

[Xultanis]

The clasped his hands together, smiling slightly.

Thank you! Thank you all so much! We'll leave as soon as you're all ready. The monastery is just a ways up the mountain, little more than couple hours journey.

He pulled his cloak tightly about him, and walked outside. The monk returned a few moments later.

We'd best leave soon. It looks like a storm is coming in, and it'd be horrible to fight through one this time of year. Oh, I'm Taruk by the way.

He smiled at them warmly. It seemed that a little hope went a long way with this man.

[RangerAidan]

Aye, and well met, Taruk of the Terra Dur. I am Aidan of the clan MacBoon, I hail...
...from the midland province of Caledonia, yadda yadda, bowmen of legend, blah blah blah. And does he care a shyte about sayin hello to someone he hasn't seen nary a wink of for 7 years?
Devon stands there with her hood still on, fuming, tapping the shileleagh on a nearby table.

[Truce]

To tell the truth, he didn't really care who the others were or what there agendas were. However, this sort of situation was to be handled delicately, as the monk, Taruk, was the key to his goal-the scrolls. Rudeness would probably ruin any chances to see them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a bow. "My name is Ravioli."

Straightening up, he looked towards the outside. "The place we're heading is up on the mountain, right? I'll meet you there. I've got things to do, but I'll arrive shortly."

With that he left bar, to prepare his things.

[RangerAidan]

Perhaps if she would take her hood down and not be so damn mysterious she would recieve a greeting!
Well ye don't have to yell
You're crazy
That's why you love me
...*ahem* please forgive my friend, Taruk, she's slightly strange, but a loyal companion of mine through many a trial.
Sorry, I just get a wee bit emotional at times. I too seek the wisdom of the scrolls as a student of the arcane, I am Devon, of the O'Flaghertie magi. Hoping she had not offended the obviously well intentioned monk, but not truly believing he would take umbrage.

[The evil one]

"Nice to meet you Taruk but I'm ready to go now" Tolda bowed slightly to the monk *he seems a nice chap and deserves and hand* Looking around to see who else was coming he nodded his head*please please may this not be compltly nuts group*

[Xultanis]

Well, if everyone is ready now, I guess we can begin.

He warmly shook everyone's hand, bowing slightly to Devon. Then, he tightened his cloak once more and walked out of the bar. He stood outside, watching his breathe form clouds in the air.

[RangerAidan]

btw, what does everyone look like?

[The evil one]

I'm blond with puppy dog eyes. Avrege looks so nothing much.


Steeping outside he felt the cold "A good day to walk maybe but only if you wrap up"thinking about what he said"I'm turning into a mother figure"

[RangerAidan]

Aidan is taller, about 6'2", with a lean, muscular build from a hard, nomadic lifestyle. Straight, shocked white hair kept short and messy, but not messy in a bad way. Green eyes. He speaks with a slight scottish brogue.

Devon is around 5'9". She shuns the use of physical combat, but is quite vain when it comes to her body, which is slightly athletic, but considered stunning by most. Though it's often obscured by a travelling cloak, subtle suggestions of beauty manage to show through. Slate grey eyes and black hair preside over an intense, but pretty face. She speaks with a delightful Irish accent.

[Truce]

ooc-Ravioli is a cloaked figure, and about 5'8'' in height. From what can be seen, his black hair goes down below his neck, and eyes are dark brown which almost seem to be glaring at times when he's not focusing on anyone.

ic- There was nothing like a stroll up a mountain just as a storm was settling in, which is a good thing as it's not very fun. However, I wasn't complaining, as each step was another one towards the possible end of my search.

Of course, it occured to me as I began my climb that I should've asked for directions to the monastery.

The going was slow, and having left on his own he had no guarantee that he was going in the right direction. Still, moving was better than standing around, at least he was going somewhere.

Besides, how big could this mountain range be? He was calm, he was relaxed, and he had no doubt he would find his destination.

"WHERE AM I?!?!?!"

Or not.

[stuper of thought]

walking out of the of the shadows your on the path to the rogue camp and the monastery of terra dane. the path you wanted is the right fork back a ways.

[The evil one]

Rolling his eyes Toda wondered how many times this monk would do something stupid like get lost. muttering "Why did I do this again" he prepared for anything which might happen duee to the monk's stupidity


OOC: my charcters view not mine so don't kill me

[Truce]

ooc-I'm not the monk. I'm the guy who decided to go on his own cause he was an impatient idiot.

There were some things that easily surpise/frighten a person, and someone coming out of shadows (which, I might add, I don't remember being there before...creepy) is one them.

At least I knew then I was on the right track. Wait, nevermind, no I wasn't. Oh drats.

It took him by surprise when that man appeared so suddenly, but after taking a moment to make a noise that was both very loud and at a high pitch he regained his composure. Sort of.

His head looked quickly around to see where the man had come from, and if he had any company, but had found nothing. He then took a deep breath to calm himself.

"WHO ARE YOU?!?!?!"

Okay...so he's not the most composed person that is, but maybe the monk and the others would show up to help him. Of course, since the new guy just told him he was off track, what were the chances of that happening?

Well, it's not like anything bad will happen anyway, right? Right?

[stuper of thought]

"Who I am should be the least of your concerns." looking up and down the path "What's more important is that you get to the hidden monastery that's deep in this range unharmed. for theives travel this path."

[Truce]

I managed to control myself this time, and he didn't seem like a bad guy now that the shock had passed. In fact, he was helping, and he wouldn't ignore free advice.

Ravioli calmed himself and smiled. "Thanks...and sorry for yelling so loud."

"Down back this path and on a right fork you said?" he asked looking on where he had come from. "Well, at least I know the directions now. Again, I thank you, my name is Ravioli. I take it you too are heading for the monastery?"

[RangerAidan]

Don't be silly, all manner of lawbreakers fear the name MacBoon. Why I've got at least 21 murderous heads to my name. And who you are makes much difference to me. Please, if it is to your benefit, give me an account of yorselves, good Tolda and Ravioli

aye, and don't ye' be lyin. I'll burn ye so good if ye lies to me. hell, look at Aidan's ribs, I did that m'self. Aidan lifts his cloak and jerkin, showing a squarish burn scar.

[stuper of thought]

"yes, but not immediatly. I have some business with the rogues right now but i'll be heading back to the monestary after i'm finished." starts walking to the rogue camp "By the way, my name's luthanos and i'm one of the last of the monasteries defenders."

[Truce]

"It's a pleasure to meet you Luthanos!" yelled as he waved his arms in goodbye. "I guess I'll see you later."

With that he nodded, and quickly turned around and ran. He did have to get back to the others at the monastery afterall. Unfortunately, even at this pace, he might be later than they were. Plus, there was this storm to be worried about.

Oh well, that was his fault afterall.

[stuper of thought]

"Perhaps you will. I don't know how long it's going to take me to finish the business." yelling as he's going to the rogue camp.

[The evil one]

OOC: I'm always getting so confused


"You want an account of myself? I had a moment of insanity and am following ravolli here. I'm going to regret this arn't I."

[RangerAidan]

ooooh, lordy, can you forgive that goofy post? I was sooooo drunk last night when I typed it, i barely remember turning on the computer.

[stuper of thought]

ooc:what kind of christian would i be if i didn't forgive you?

[The evil one]

OOC: The firsy forgiving christian. I am a christian so don't sue me :p

[RangerAidan]

ooc: let's suppose you weren't christian, would you still forgive me?

oc:

This storm is a big one. And the Red moon shining brightly through the dense clouds jsut helps oh so much with the mood. Dev, when's the last time we had a Blood Red moon?
y-you kn-n-n-ow d-d-damn wellll. Cripes it's COLD!
Mage robes aren't exactly cozy, are they?
When you do what I do, you'd blow yourself to pieces or end up with a flower stickin out your arse if you wore that clunky shyte of yours. she shivers
Aye, but they are rather *ahem* low cut. The most seductive warm weather comfort in the land, I'll agree. As he hands her his cloak, revealing a fine chain mesh, its links so small to be barely visible to the eye, and making not a sound as he walked. It fit his form perfectly seeming to magnify any light that hit it, moving as a second skin with a pack, fine looking bow, quiver, utility belt, and lethal looking knives strapped over it. The knives themselves were strapped in a way that if he crossed his arms becasue of the cold, his hands would lay on their handles, ready to draw in a fraction of a second. The bow still across his chest, a good 5 feet long, well ornamented and having a faint hum emanating from it when observed closely.

[stuper of thought]

ooc: probably.

[Daxece]

NC: ok...im having fun reading this thread so could we please get on with it and stop with the forgiving stuff...youre confusing me! :D have a nice day :p

[stuper of thought]

ic: he's still a ways off from the rogue camp when he notices that the storm is threatening to downpour and throw lighting everywhere

"I better hurry and get to the camp before the storm sets in"

he mutters to himself while he starts running up the path.

[Xultanis]

The monk leads the group to the Monastery just as the storm starts to break. The wind howls through the few fir trees that grow in the rocky terrain, while snow flurries cover the ground in a thick white blanket. He pushes open one of the large oaken doors. The door is intricately carved with various designs, some familiar, others completely alien to you. Inside the anteroom is a large fireplace, with a cozy fire, and several comfortable chairs.

If you would just wait here, I have a few things to attend to. Someone will be with you shortly.

With that, he hurried off through a door, nestled between two large bookcases laden with books.

[Truce]

"Atchoo!" Having been caught in a slight shower, with nothing to keep him warm as he walked down the paths to the monastery, he had now gotten himself a slight cold. At least he made it to the monastery.

The doors were not really opened, it could only be described as them being swung nearly off their hinges and into the walls as Ravioli made it to the entrance. Obvious from the stance he was in that he had kicked the doors open, he relaxed and walked slowly in.

"Sorry," he said, with a sheepish smile on his face. "I had a little trouble with the door. I hope I'm not late."

[stuper of thought]

In the mean time, Luthanos recruits a rogue to fill his place within the defenses of the monastery of terra dur.

"we better hurry since the storm has already set it" he says.

upon arrivle to the monastery, he instructs her to go see the second captain and tell him the story. after leaving her there, Luthanos enters the monastery and sees a group of people, one of which he remembers.

"Ravioli!" he says as he runs to him, "I see you have made it safely. About me walking out of the shadows back there, sorry about that. it's just that I always hide when i hear someone come in the distance."

[Truce]

"Luthanos?" No, don't get him wrong, he wasn't sad to see him again, it was just...

"How did you get here so soon after me?" He sighed, he just wasn't good with directions. "Oh well, it's good to meet you again, and at least I know it wasn't completely my fault that I didn't see you there."

[stuper of thought]

"It's kind of a strange explanation, so here's the base of it. the rogue camp was about 40 fathoms from where we met so shortly after we went our seperate ways, i started jogging to the camp because the storm was going to set in soon. by the time my business was done, the storm was just setting in so i ran faster than i normally do."

[The evil one]

Walks in cold and annoyed"this better be good"

[stuper of thought]

as luthanos looks at you, he can't help but wonder if he has seen you before at some point of his life. "what is it this thing you're talking about?" he asks.

[RangerAidan]

Devon hurries straight to the fire and hunches in front of it, extending he arms and spreading her fingers in front of it, a smile of pure satisfaction spreading across her face. She removes her hood to reveal raven black hair extending just to her shoulder blades, with several strands braided, with inscribed beads along their length.
I wonder...the markings on the monastery door are strange, but there is a strange familiarity in some of them, though I can only remember seeing anything like them in...he trails off and Devon pipes in quickly
...best keep that to yourself, Aidan.
Aye...Luthanos, you have served this monastery long?

[stuper of thought]

"I have served this monastery long. But I have always served it hidden." he replies, "the monks do not know of me yet, but now is the time that they will".

[Xultanis]

You'd do well to not assume to know what we do.

An old monk stood in the doorway to the room. Behind him, a youner one pushed a cart laden with food, and a bottle of wine.

I am Garadur, head of the monastery. I've long known about your aid to us, Luthanos. I kept this knowledge from most of the others, and you, for a reason.

The other monk pushed the cart into the middle of the room. He bowed slightly, then walked away.

After you're done eating, you can find me in the study, two rooms over.

He walked back through the door he came from, leaving before any questions could be asked.

[stuper of thought]

As Luthanos watches the head monk leave the room, he decides to take his cloak off, revealing a full suit of mithril plate mail.

"please excuse me for a couple moments. I have a question for Garadur."

he says to the others while going to the study.

[RangerAidan]

Aidan walks up to the cart, takes a small loaf of bread, studies it for a minute, breaks it in half, and fills a glass with wine. He grabs two pieces of fruit and, tapping Devon on the shoulder, sits down to face the others, his back to the fire.
Devon turns around, taking the wine and bread he offers. She studies the faces of the other curious folks, wondering if they too were adventurers of a sort.
So, as we may not all have met, I'm Devon, and if you intend to, answer quickly, as Aidan and I are heading into that study as soon as I finish this wine.
She says, with an air of hurried, excited curiosity.
Are we, now?**Aidan's new color**
Aye, we are she says, very matter of factly
she looks at him and smirks, making a quick movement with her hand, drawing one of the grapes off the bunch in Aidan's hand, and levitating it to her own mouth. So, your names?

[stuper of thought]

In the mean time, Luthanos enters the study and asks "What is this reason you have spoken of in the first room?", hoping that he has not disturbed any activities of importance.

[Xultanis]

I shan't speak of it now. We have more important matters.

He reached up to a shelf, pulling down a long scroll. Garadur walked to the large comfy armchair near another fireplace, and sat down.

I have in my hand, a record of every deed you have done for us since I learned of your help. I hope I will not have to write more.

He sighed, gazing into the fire. An odd silence permeated the air.

Luthanos, in all your years, how much of the legend have you heard?

[stuper of thought]

"Very little, if anything" he replies, "all I have heard is that a dark lord will come if it is not stoped"

[Truce]

Ahh...the legend...the reason he called us. You know, if I knew that there would be a demon involved I would not have come...well, actually, I probably would've, but I would've been more reluctant.

"And here I thought this was going to be a happy tale." Ravioli sighed. "Oh well...anyway, you were going to show us scrolls? It...uhh, might help us understand the legend you're talking about."

He tapped his foot, his impatience showing. The scrolls were why he was here in the first place afterall.

[stuper of thought]

"i've heard of these scrolls as well," luthanos says, "but not by any monk. one of my scouts reported that he had heard of them by this very mountain."

the steps sure are quite here. I wonder if nature has some special magik running through this monastery

[Xultanis]

Garadur looked towards a door on the far end of the study as a man in a dark cloak stepped in.

Ah good to see you're awake. These are Ravioli and Luthanos, they are here to help with the legend.

He looked over at Ravioli.

The scrolls, as you may have heard, are vague in their prophecies. He studies them, writing down as many possibilities as he can think of. The man is skilled at what he does.

The man bowed, his dark brown ponytail falling over his shoulder. His blue-green eyes held an intelligent, devious look. They were slightly sunken, overshadowed by a thick brow.

Well, I suppose you're anxious to get started?

He walked to a dusty shelf, and pulled at a torch beside it. With a barely audible creak, one of the other shelves slid back, into the wall. It moved to the left, grinding along hidden tracks. The passageway had dark wooden walls, with a marble floor. A small rack of unlit metal torches sat near the entrance.

[Truce]

This is it! Anticipation filled his body, and he couldn't wait to get one of those things in his hands.

Though it did creep him out that they were being led down a dark corridor. Oh well, he thought with a shrug, What could happen?

Grabbing a torch, he followed the man.

Edit: I hope this is better. :)

[stuper of thought]

Following the other three, Luthanos becomes ready to work

"Ravioli," he wispers, "we need to be ready to start work shortly if needs be"

[RangerAidan]

Aye, and we would be glad to help, and at least have our existence recognized.
Devon said impatiently as they entered the room

[Xultanis]

The man grabbed a torch, lit it, and walked briskly down the corridor. He didn't even bother to look and see if anyone was following him.

From what I can tell, the End is most likely a creature. The Scroll of Tos hints that the creature hates demons, devils, angels, and anything even remotely humanoid. Including humans.

The floor had begun to slope noticeable downward. He kept going, until the corridor ended in a room filled with dusty scrolls. Many of them were on a table, clean of dust, even open.

Be careful. One scroll already broke. It's being treated and restored as we speak. Don't touch the ones with red ribbon on them. The blue ones are in the best condition, and the green ones are the most relevant. The yellow ones...just leave them alone completely.

He pulled a scroll off one of the few shelves, untying the blue ribbon holding it closed.

[stuper of thought]

"what's on the scrolls with the yellow ribbons" Luthanos asks while looking at the wall of scrolls and with an aura of curiosity flowing around him

[Truce]

Ravioli shrugged. "Maybe they have curses open them," he thought purposefully out loud, trying to scare the others away. "In any case, if the man says don't look, don't look. I guess."

He wouldn't admit it, but the yellow ribboned scrolls intrigued him as well. He shrugged off his curiousity and gently picked up a scroll. "Let's see..." he said to himself after unrolling the scroll. "What have we here?"

It was covered in dust, and some parts were smugged, but he could clearly read it for the most part. Word by word, he read silently until he reached something about a red moon. Red moon? Wasn't it giving off a red aura this evening?

He called to the guide and asked him about it. Well, this has definately gotten more interesting, he thought as he waited for the explanation.

[stuper of thought]

As Luthanos puts a set of white magical gloves, he notices a scroll that doesn't have any ribbon on it.
"What have we here" he mumbles as he picks it up. "Sire, what language is this," he asks the monk, "I can't read it"

[Xultanis]

The man took the scroll, looking over it and frowning.

First, don't call me sire. Second, it's draconic. Dragnul the Green, a dragon strangely enough, was the most obscure of the prophets.

He stared at the scroll for a few minutes, lips moving as he silently sounded the words, stopping every so often to ponder their meaning.

Hmmm...It says, "Red moon, black sky, gone the diamond dust old. Thousand tailed walker of many paths...

He shook his head, and sighed.

I can't make out any more than that. I'm one of only three people who know draconic. One lives far away, on in the swamps of Nazdran. The other, the one who taught me, disappeared years ago. No one knows where he is.

He carefully rolled the scroll up, and placed it among the ones with yellow ribbons.

[stuper of thought]

"What is the possability of somesone finding the one in the swamps and showing a copy of the scroll to him," Luthanos asks, "I have a roc i ride on from time to time. Perhaps it will not be as far as the crow flies than by foot or horse."

[RangerAidan]

Aidan met the man with the torch's eyes
I'd prefer to see what you intended to show us.

[Xultanis]

Xul gave Luthanos an amused look, and smiled slightly. There was something unnerving, something just wasn't right about his smile. It just didn't seem to belong on his face.

You mean what is the possibility of you finding the right swamp, alive? Slim to none. Flying to Nazdran is suicide, the clouds are toxic. There are wraiths and harpies all over the Limdul plains. No fresh water for three days through the Dosnar range, not to mention the active volcanoe where a dragon lives. She's very territorial, and ill tempered. I met her once, when I myself tried to find him. I was in a coma for two weeks, and too injured to even sit up in bed for another. It took me about... 2 months to recover enough to return here. A total of 4 before I was back to normal. And that wasn't her doing either. Oddly enough...the dragon seemed to like me.

The monk from the bar walked in, smiling, freshly shaven, and smelling of cedar. He walked over to the as yet unnamed man.

Ah, Xul! I'm glad you've already shown them the scrolls. Have they made any progress?

The man called Xul looked at the monk, in a very unappreciative way. He frowned deeply, and spoke in an unfriendly tone.

One of them found one of Dragnul's scrolls. The ribbon was missing. Luckily it was an ordinary one.

He pointed at the shelf of yellow ribboned scrolls, as Aidan asked his question. The monk set his torch in a holder on the wall, and approached Aidan.

Well, this is what I intended to show you. These are the scrolls of the prophecies. All were written by prophets themselves, we have no duplicates. Every one in here, is relevant to the Legend. And please, don't touch the yellow scrolls.

[Ultima the Black Mage]

Can I join??

[Xultanis]

Of course. Just enter the monastery, introduce yourself as a late comer or something.

[RangerAidan]

Ah, well then, we'll have a look.
said Devon as she reached for and took two of the blue ribboned scrolls. She handed one to Aidan and they read for several minutes in the torchlight before they looked up at each other and Aidan muttered.
This is seeming all too familiar, Dev...

[stuper of thought]

"Perhaps you're right," he says "but then again, perhaps my chances will be better than you think."

luthanos recognizes the other monk. "I think i have seen you before, but going done the mountain."