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Post by markocross12 on Dec 15, 2012 9:50:20 GMT -9
<> = Flashback <Longshot and corporal Jars walked down the long rows of tents that made up the 10th armies nighttime encampment. They had been called to a meeting with their commanding officer, Lieutenant Mattox, as well as Sergeant Bear and Corporal Hairraiser of the 9th squad. Jars had a scowl on his face that seemed oddly out of place when mixed with his elven features. [Jars] "I don't like this." [Longshot] "Ay, so you've said. But orders are orders and we've no reason to believe that these are any different." [Jars] "Precisely what I'm worried about. Maybe you forgot but most of the orders lately have seen our arses left flapping in the wind a half mile from the main colum with no support. I tell you that new Lt. of ours is such a..." [Longshot] "That'll be enough of that. We're here besides." *Longshot pulled back the flap on the lieutenant's tent and walked inside to see both Bear and Hairraiser seated in plain wooden chairs at a table in the center of the tent and Mattox seated at the far end of the tent in an ornately carved chair that was no doubt from his family manor in the empirial capital. That chair and his hand servant, whose name Longshot did not know, where privileges that most officers did not have, but the Mattox had been allowed in recognition of his noble birth. Not to mention the extra money he had payed to formalize the exception. Mattox motioned for Jars and Longshot to sit. They did.* [Mattox] "Well then now that 8th squad is finally here we can begin. As you surely know your performance at Hiker's Hill was terrible..." *Bear visibly stiffened and the hair on her massive arms bristled. For a moment, Longshot was sure she would reach out and strangle Mattox for it had been by his order that the eighth any nineth squads had given up their position on the armies right flank and chased fleeing native out across the plains. Leaving that flank virtually undefended. Mattox seemed not notice Bear's glare as he continued.* [Mattox] "As such, we are being reassigned to General Gaunt's personal guard.">
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 15, 2012 21:53:54 GMT -9
*slightly tilts head.*
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Post by markocross12 on Dec 16, 2012 18:26:32 GMT -9
*Longshot takes no notice of the gesture as he continues his story.* <*Longshot and Jars had just finished telling 8th squad about they're reassignment. Longshot reflected on the words he had shared with the surly female sergeant of 9th squad after the meeting with Mattox had ended.* [Bear] "Longshot, you watch your back. Hairraiser has had one of his 'itches' and as much as I'd hate to encourage him, he's rarely wrong. Something... bad is coming." [Longshot] "Thank you for the warning." *Bear scowled, or perhaps it was a smile?* [Bear] "Don't thank me yet. And one more thing, when the time comes, just look the other way." *She had left before Longshot could ask her what she meant but he had a feeling it had something to do with their noble born lieutenant. He wasn't sure how he felt about that thought, after all, idiot or no, Mattox had been assigned by the empire to lead their squads and as such was the emperors will... but this thought line was getting him nowhere.* *He looked around at the men under his command. Jars was sitting by his bedroll carefully unwrapping, examining and then rewrapping 4 small metal containers. Nobody knew what was in them, but from the gentle care with which he treated them Longshot thought it had to be something fragile.* *Across from Longshot sat the young handsome lad who could not be more than 16 known as Striker. The lad was by far the younger person on squad 8 and he was a lesser noble to boot. The boy was smart but naive and Fidget, the squad healer, had taken the boy under his wing. Even now the cutter was showing a disgusted Strider how to safely roast a rat. Fidget's name was more a joke than a reflection of his surgical skill, but it still made Longshot nervous when he would find himself under Fidget's care.* *The last three members if squad 8 were off to the west playing cards. The 7+ foot tall half giant, Stretch, sat awkwardly on his knees as he leaned over the stump they were playing on. Matches, the squad wizard, shouting about how he had been cheated and demanding that Wings let him shuffle, or else he'd "reduce the whole camp to a pile of ash" a common enough threat that Longshot had decided it must be a joke, at least he hoped so. Wings was ignoring the wizards protest saying that last time Matches dealt they had lost most of the deck to a 'rogue' burning hands spell.* *Longshot had only been sergeant for a few months, but he had grown to like his men. They were his family, the only one he had in fact. And their safety was his responsibility, a responsibility that, until this very moment had not been so difficult to bear, bur after Bear's warning, it suddenly felt like the weight of the world...*>
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 16, 2012 21:57:32 GMT -9
*...*
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Post by markocross12 on Dec 20, 2012 11:54:21 GMT -9
*Longshot hesitates in his story, as if not quite sure what part to tell next. Finally he seems to come to a decision.* [Longshot] "I am going to skip ahead a week or more, to the battle that changed my life, and sealed the fate of every man under my command. I don't remember who it was we were at war with, funny how that seems such a little thing now... We had been suffering through nightly raids for some time, but this was different... This time we faced an army twice our own number, lead by a warlock of terrible power..." <*The air hummed with the continuous singing of blades, shields, and bows, the ground seemed to scream a chorus of the dead and dying. The battle had been of unexpected scale and the entire camp had soon been overrun with the keening sounds of battle. General Gaunt had ordered the 8th and 9th squads to clear him a path to the nearby hilltop, so that he could use the high ground to observe and direct the battle.* *Wings had been the first mounted and Mattox had ordered him and Lightwieght, the halfling scout of 9th squad, to begin clearing the path immediately. Bear had pulled them asside to add that they should avoid any major engagements until the rest of the unit could lend support.* [Bear] "Don't get yourselves killed, you great pair of idiots. We may yet need you on some other day." *It took only 30 heart beats for the other 13 riders to be mounted and in formation, Mattox was struggling to control his mount as the horse he had brought with him from his family stable had gone missing a few days before. Longshot had his suspicions, but for now he was content to give it no further thought.* [Mattox] "Right then, you 8th squad, you go up the middle. 9th guard the flanks on both sides..." [Bear] "Would it not make more sense to concentrate our effort on the side from which they approach... Lieutenant." [Mattox] "No. and interrupt me again and I shall have you thrown from the baggage train of this army in chains, you unsightly boar of a woman. If you are in fact a woman..." *Bear's rage was palpable but she held her tongue in check.* [Mattox] " Now then, 9th squad with split to guard the flanks and I shall lend support where it is needed." *Longshot well knew what that meant. 'I will be nowhere to been seen should the fighting start.' Just as well, if he could be found then the men of 8th and 9th would be honor bound to defend his hook-nosed hide.* *They made it most of the way to the hill with only minor engagements, as most enemies seemed unwilling to face 12 heavily armed soldiers on horseback. In the last up hill stretch they encounter their only real resistance. A heavy infantry squad had set up in their path and had planted shields to blunt the impending charge. Longshot wheeled his horse, and his squads horses followed with practiced grace. They change their approach angle with such speed as to easily overwhelm the sluggish heavies.* *In the ensuing chaos, their was a low deep rumble that seemed to emanate from everywhere at once. Then a scream, but not just any scream, a scream of such power and rage that it shook Longshots skull and caused him to clamp his hands over his ears. But it was too late, the noise was already inside his head and it seemed to claw at his brain. Something had arrived.* *It took all of Longshot's strength to look up and see the beast, a hideous thing made of shadow, fire, and, most horrifying of all, gore soaked chains. These chains seemed to tug at Longshot's soul as he saw them snake out in all directions and reap a terrible slaughter. He saw it grasp and squeeze the life from men and women of both sides with terrible glee. Then, the beast seemed to shudder as a figure rose atop the hill to face it. The man was short and squat with great hairy arms wielded a sword that, against a normal foe, would have seemed more than adequate, but in this case it seemed little more than a tooth pick.* *The beast, seemed to hesitate, as if unsure this was a fight that it wished to see through, but then it lunged with it's chains to ensnare the man on the hill. The man swung the sword in a mighty arch, metal rang against metal as the sword sundered a number of the chains which fell to the ground with a clatter. The figure lunged with the tip of the blade and was soon engaged in melee with the beast. It was impossible to tell who was winning as neither one ever seemed to take a solid hit. The battle had migrated dangerously close to Longshot and his men. He knew he had to give the order to retreat to somewhere safer but his limbs were as lead and his mouth could find no words. He heard the man engaged with the beast shout that he should run, take his men and flee. The voice was... what was that voice... a woman's voice?* *In a moment the battle would be right on top of him and his men, Longshot prepared himself for his end, then the man dropped his guard and lunged full boar... no bear... it was Bear! She was struck by many chains, several piercing her through and through as she plunged her sword deep into the beast. Their screams of death intertwined as the beast erupted in a shower of shadow and flame.*>
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 21, 2012 10:34:27 GMT -9
*the clerics eyes are darting back and forth across Longshot, as if trying to line up facts and suspistions in his mind.*
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Post by markocross12 on Dec 21, 2012 21:52:58 GMT -9
*If Longshot notices the clerics observation it does not show. His face is twisted with pain as he tells of his own failing... and a tear escapes his eye at Bear's untimely demise. He sighs heavily.* [Longshot] "On that day, cleric, two important things were revealed to me. The first being that my measure as a leader had been taken, and I was found sorely lacking... The second, I see only in retrospect, I had witnessed the death of a hero beyond measure..." *A pause of complete silence, his expression unreadable.* [Longshot] "But for all that you will note that Bear's name was not among those I asked you to pray for. Her death was of her own making, and, while my hand in her fate is undeniable, her life was not mine to guard. But again you will see that I gave you twelve names on my prayer list, and thus far I had lead only 6. And so I will explain..." <[Bear] "Protect them. They are your charges now Longshot, and I know you are equal to the task. Protect them." *Longshot could still hear the dying words of his companion and friend echoing in his ears. The fight with the beast had not left her dead, at least not immediately. She had been swarmed by healers and surgeons and all had done their best, but the wounds had been deep and the gore on the chains had proven toxic in someway that no one seemed able to explain. In her hour of death Bear had asked of the General that he allow Longshot to command both 8th and 9th squad. The General had agreed and now Longshot sat with the bleak looking group. He had just given them the news of their sergeants death, and his 'promotion'.* *Corporal Hairraiser was a stalky man with haunting features on a normal day he was the loudest man in the 10th army, today his voice was little more than a wisper.* [Hairrasier] "I knew it..." [Verdan] "You knew no such thing!" *The shrill tones were not uncommon for the half elf healer, but the undertone of compassion was fairly unique. The lanky man in the back with a pair of hook blades on his back, a sword strapped to one hip, and an axe strapped to the other was next to speak, his tone uncommonly even for the man claimed to have taken a lightning bolt on three separate occasions.* [Bolts] "Are we to be reassigned then? What about Hairraiser? You already have Jars. Don't need two Corporals... Is he to be demoted?" [Longshot] "No. He will however be junior to Jars. Not to belittle Hairraiser, he has many years more of service, but I know Jars and that familiarity can make all the difference." [Cauldron] "And what about me? I refuse to serve as second to that hair-brained wizard of yours. Matches is a mad man and I'll not take orders from him." [Lightweight] "Why would you? He's a squad wizard." [Cauldron] "As am I! Or have you forgotten." [Lightweight] "In title perhaps, but if memory serves me you have yet to use anything more potent than minor cantrips. Indeed the only 'magic' you seem to have any skill with is rituals and those have hardly been helpful on the battlefield." [Cauldron] "Now you listen here, half-pint, my magic skill is not for you to question!" [Lightweight] "Half-pint! I'll show you..." *He got no further as he found the hulking half-orc body of Heater step between them. The man said nothing but his growl demanded a stop to the argument.* [Longshot] "Thank you Heater, on that note you are all dismissed. I will see you tomorrow and give you the details of any rearranging of squad duties." *As he watched the men wander off towards their beds, he felt a weight settle on his shoulders. A weight that was becoming all too familiar.*>
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 22, 2012 0:37:00 GMT -9
*his eyes settle on longshots eyes, every slight bop, weave, and reajustment that moves them the clerics follow wit out fail.*
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Post by markocross12 on Dec 22, 2012 16:44:06 GMT -9
*Longshot finally seems to be returning to the moment after having been so absorbed in the telling of his story that his eyes seemed as windows into a different time and place, reflecting every thought and emotion from yesteryear with an ease born of thought paths well wondered and memories burned in the mind. He only now notices the intense study he is being subjected to.* [Longshot] "Apologies cleric, I was... elsewhere... But alas I once again feel a chill, though whether born of the nights late hour and the dulling of our fire, or from the ghosts who now circle in my minds eye it is hard to say... None the less, I shall once more tend the fire and attempt to bring the fires heat to this chamber, if not its warmth." *He stands and walks to the hearth and pokes at the fire a minute, satisfied that it can be rebuilt from the coals he places more wood on the dying embers.* [Longshot] "Do you think me blind to the questions in your eyes cleric? I should think not. A man so well versed as you are, and with as many years, must surely know that his looks have not gone unnoticed. But I have told you what I know. As I said when I began, I shall not abridge my tale. Thus you are free to ask, but I'm afraid I can tell you little more than that which I have already told." *The fire began to come back to life, but its growth was slow. Longshot reached into his pouch and pulled out some kerosine, to speed the fires recovery. The result was a small burst of flames, from which Longshot recoiled with a fear born of visions not there. He stumbled on the floor and began sweating, his eyes filled with terror and lost in the fire, as it slowly burned.*
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Jon
Member
Admin
Posts: 251
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Post by Jon on Dec 22, 2012 21:15:53 GMT -9
*The Door to the private room opens up. Will enters the room with 2 large Mugs of Dwarven Fire Ale* [Will] "Let me just leave these here." *Will sets the Mugs in front of Longshot and walks out the room closing the door behind him."
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 22, 2012 21:49:15 GMT -9
"why do you fear fire."
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Post by markocross12 on Dec 23, 2012 9:33:46 GMT -9
*He turned panicked eyes to Will when he enters, then to the cleric in responce to his words. He seems to visibly shakes himself free of his memories. His thoughts seem to clear slowly as he speaks.* [Longshot] "What!?... Fire... Yes, or no. Not fire... Not this fire anyway... The fire I fear is one that died a long time ago... But before we get to that, how about we drink a little. I need the chance to gather myself. Else I shall risk being lost in my memories as if they were occurring now." *He grabs the tray of drinks and carries them to the table on the other side of the room. He grabs one of the glasses for himself and sets the other glass in front of the empty chair on the opposite side of the table. He takes a deep drink of the ale.*
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 23, 2012 12:23:30 GMT -9
*He gets up off the floor, straightens the sash and sits at the other end of the table. He picks up the mug, but dosent drink, he just kinda looks at it like Ugh.* "Is, is telling me this helping you or hurting you young man?"
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Post by markocross12 on Dec 23, 2012 14:41:59 GMT -9
[Longshot] "Hard to say... Perhaps I can answer your question after you answer mine. What do you think of the tale I have spun thus far?" *He looks up from his drink and his eyes have become clear and focused. He appears to be listening intently for your reply.*
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Post by roxisvaskon on Dec 24, 2012 2:23:01 GMT -9
"... Well I think, that the roll you played in this event was very small compared to its intirtey. I think that what you saw and what you lived through was but a scratch on the surface of a plan so dark and wicked it makes gods look over their shoulders in fear... But perhaps i am just paraniod." * Dips his finger in the ale and tastes it, recoiling and wiping off his finger.* "I apalojize for my bluntness."
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