Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 20:14 07 Jul 2003
Oisin backs away from the window, keeping low so that his head does not peek into their view. He gestures to Hermes as he moves down a house or two, putting enough space between themselves and their possible prey so that a
stray glance or favorable wind does not carry warning of their presence.
"That looks like the house. From what I could see, they fit the description: a cleric and a warrior, definitely. I assume the man cheating at cards would be a thief. The last must be the mage. However, I would kind of like to get close and see if we can hear any of their conversations before we burst in
on them. I'd hate to think that we charged in and killed the wrong people," he frowns and rubs at his chin. "I can't figure out why a priest of Umberlee would be involved in this....well, aside from a nice bit of gold, I'm sure. As far as I know, I haven't crossed any of their clergy."
Looking up at Hermes, he asks, "You said that a single scroll would be required if you were right. What scroll is that? What did you have in mind?"
Hermes chuckles slightly and leans close to Oisin, his voice low. "I do believe that we're dealing with utterly supernatural foes here, my boy. Did you notice Ann's wrists? The knife entered her flesh there to cover up something else entirely."
"She was bitten."
Oisin partially shrugs, not quite understanding.
"We're not dealing with ones who are entirely human. I believe that we're dealing with vampyres. Those that feed upon the blood of the living. Strange, considering how Kahabros was destroyed and it was not so long ago that his presence was upon this Plane. You seem to attract very similar foes, my boy."
Hermes then continues. "I think that, while it will not harm them, a timely casting of your Daylight spell will disorient them long enough for us to surprise them. It could be the time we need. Unfortunately, I don't know if there is a way for us to find out if these are truly the ones responsible
without tipping our hand. Do you have any ideas?"
Oisin ponders for a moment and sighs in frustration, "#### it, what I wouldn't give to have Yalee here right now. Those little, hin ears would be a great boon, at the moment." Tapping his chin, he says, "The only thing I can think of is to sit below the window and listen to see if we hear the
name 'Nedrin'." He shrugs, and then....he blinks. Why had it not occurred to him before? He can simply look using the amulet. You don't have to change anything to simply see what happened.
The priest says, "I can always use the amulet to check and see what they have done in the past day. That should give us the answers we need but it will mean not being able to use it for another seven days, should the need arise. That, and I will be stunned for a little bit afterwards."
Hermes rubs his chin and nods, "That would seem the most prudent thing to do. I'll leave it up to you. The looks of those inside match enough for my taste, to be honest." Oisin can almost imagine a feral grin under Hermes' mask. The former Oghmanite grabs the haft of his axe and sets the heavy, curved head in the snow. "I'll stand guard over you while you use your power."
Oisin nods and sighs, taking a deep breath before touching the amulet and letting his mind slip into the nether. Tentatively, he reaches for the closest of them... the woman warrior, her thread dark and thick. Unlike any life thread that Oisin has seen before, and most like the demon's. He reaches for it.
Cold and lifeless, the thread almost burns Oisin's hand, and he can feel the pain and terror of many other people, who seem to have been absorbed by this thread, and are... controlled... by it. He shudders and follws it back slightly, looking for any sign of his love.
He does find her, as violently and terro-filled as any of the others. There is a thrill within the dark thread, and a insatiable hunger and a drive to... procreate?
--
Hermes watches the boy enter his trance and Oisin grits his teeth, growling softly. Hermes wonders what he sees.
--
An urge, undeniable and base, fills Oisin through the thread. The urge to kill, to slay, to eat and fuck. The woman is... something else. Oisin has never seen anyone like this before. She is a woman, certainly, but a man as well, as evidenced by what dangles between her legs. She... he... is filled with hate and anger and violence... and wanted to spread such things into his Ann. To torture and slay her, to penetrate her, and to finally devour her. Ann was tasted, a sweet morsel off the street, watched, laughingly, as he turned his back on her, abandoning her. What better target.
And, Oisin knows.... he knows the name of the vile creature before him. Nedrin. Nedrin the Bloody. Bitch-Queen of all the vampyres in Waterdeep. Ruling with an adamantine fist over her charges, and taking what she wants, when she wants. For, she does think of herself as female, though she cannot bring herself to rid her body of those parts which indicate otherwise. Thos eparts had taken control of her, wanting nothing more than to taste the flesh of the young woman before her, as the others held her down. Ann. But the young, tender woman had fought. Fought like nobody Nedrin has encountered before, and she kept screaming for her love. The man who had walked away. Nedrin had laughed, sure that this one would make a wonderful soldier in her growing army... before a flailing foot had caught her between the legs, sending her world into convulsing pain... enough for the mere child to worm free and run. They had chased her, caught her again... but Nedrin was in no mood for the game now. She had drank, nearly to her fill, and nearly to the death of the child... but she was not finished yet. Nedrin had recognized the symbol upon the robes of this man that she loved, and sought to punish him as well. Slicing her arms open with her own dagger, Nedrin snuck her into the temple of the Golden Lady, leaving her in a corner to be found, dead. Laughing, they had departed... leaving behind the body of a street waif who would arise under Nedrin's control three nights hence.
---
Hermes frowns as Oisin grows slightly louder, his anger and revulsion at what he sees driving his body to its own unconscious responses. Afraid that he will draw attention to them, Hermes covers Oisin's mouth, and tries to get him to snap out of the trance. Slowly, Oisin responds.
--
Oisin's body shudders with revulsion and anger, his mind not wanting to comprehend what was shown to him, not wanting to accept the implacable evil and vileness of what was attempted upon his beloved...not wanting to accept the point of view that they had shown him of himself. He had not been
abandoning Ann; he merely needed time alone for a little while. But, that is not how it was perceived by this thing and it is not a way in which he ever wants to see himself. For a brief moment, Ann's innocence and courage burned ever more brightly against the blot that was his own soul....his own soul as it could've been back in the alley in Gromstead.
To think that this...this...thing..could touch Ann, could take such unholy pleasure in her, could make her it's own. The Waukeenar curls into a ball, fighting the need to wretch, to rid himself of the evil that he touched.
Ann...poor, sweet Ann. She is blessed that she does not remember, and for that Oisin thanks both Waukeen and Oghma from the bottom of his heart. Such things should never touch her, neither in life nor memory nor dream. Oisin
hopes that when this is over, he will be able to wipe the memory from his mind, as well. But, he doubts it.
Still struggling within himself, Oisin is only vaguely aware of a hand pressed against his face. Slowly, he opens his eyes, looking up. The night sky is blocked by a shadowed form, solid and massive. Snow swirls about him, lighting upon horns and helmet, frosting it. Hermes. Oisin's muscles relax, and he quiets enough that Hermes removes his hand.
Unable to hide the horror and disgust he feels, Oisin hisses quietly, "The female. That is the Bitch Queen...the leader of all the vampires within Waterdeep. I'm not sure...I'm not sure if we can take her....but I sure as #### am going to try. I will stake that bitch out and let sunlight purge her from the earth in a firey plume of demonic hatred, if I can. If not, I'll settle for her head."
Hermes looks hard at Oisin just as the Waukeenar finishes his statement and swoons. Ann's father catches him and sets hism gently upon the ground. He ponders their best route of attack. With the keen senses of the vampyre as well as a probably competent rogue, he doubts that there is any way in which they can sneak in. Which leaves only his favorite method.
A frontal assault. Hermes grins and waits for Oisin to wake.
It doesn't take long, for the cleric's body is full of nervous energy and raging emotions. Soon Oisin hoists himself onto his elbows. It takes him mere seconds to remember where they are at and what is going on. Hermes kneels beside him and whispers. "I think one of us should go through the front and the other through the window."
Oisin nods, and says, "Sounds like a plan to me. I think we ought to hit the female first and as hard as we can. We'll want to take out the leader as quickly as possible." He pushes himself up to where he is sitting in the snow, the cold crystals melting around him and slowly seeping into his clothing. Reaching into the sturdy scrollcase, he pulls out a copy of the
Daylight spell. "Let me get this off first. We'll need the advantage, I'm sure."
He smiles ferally and says, "So, which do you want? Door or window?"
Oisin gets the impression that Hermes is mirroring his smile under the helmet and Ann's father says, "Let's step around the corner here for a moment." The two men move to the side of the house with no windows and Hermes shrugs out of his black fur pelt. "I have an idea." he says. Oisin follows him as he crosses the street.
"Cast your spell upon the head of my axe. I'll then cover it with this pelt, hiding the light. I'll go through the window, attacking the bitch first. Then, once all attention is on me, you come in through the door. We'll catch them in a pincer move, making them think that I am the only attacker."
"Does that sound acceptable?"
Oisin nods, "Sounds good. Let me also go ahead and cast a few extra spells that may help." The Waukeenar pulls out the rest of his scrolls and begins to flip through them, judging which ones need to be cast first to be the most effective.
Oisin casts several spells in succession and soon they are ready. The axehead is covered by the pelt, and steam rises from Hermes' body in the chill air. He doesn't seem to mind. He firmly grasps Oisin's wrist and says grimly, "For Ann."
With that he heads towards the building, picking up speed as he goes. A cry of rage fills the air, sending shivers along Oisin's spine, just before Hermes jumps, crashing through the window. Oisin runs to catch up, lest Ann's father be beset by them all before he can act at all.
The small house suddenly flares with light, and Oisin can hear panicked screams from those inside. As he runs he casts the second Daylight spell upon his own weapon and can see Hermes through the window. His axe moves in sweeping arcs, keeping them at bay, though Oisin can hear chanting coming from at least one of them.
He makes his way around the house, the words of the Silence spell upon his lips as he reaches the front door. Adrenaline and anger fuel him as he kicks at the door, the wooden barricade splintering from his blow. Two figures turn as he bashes in the door, and with a smile he unveils his weapon. Once more panicked cries fill the air, and Oisin steps inside, finishing the Silence spell as he gestures at the hovering mage. Suddenly that corner of the room falls eerily silent.
Quickly assessing the situation Oisin can see that Hermes has engaged Nedrin, the Bitch Queen raking at him with claws and teeth. The rogue is climbing along the walls like a spider, moving to flank Hermes. Oisin takes another step... and his world changes.
His vision goes red and a primal scream of rage bellows from his lungs as he thinks of what these things did. Did to his Ann! The heavy mace grows lighter in his hands and his muscles bulge as they're engorged with blood. Everything seems to slow for a moment, and Oisin breathes easier and deeper than he ever has before in his life. He feels more... alive.
Then suddenly everything snaps back to jarring clarity and movement to his right sends Oisin's mace swinging that way. The rogue-ish man, fangs bared, leaps at him from the wall and Oisin's blow connects solidly with his shoulder, turning his leap away, but the vampyre landing deftly on the floor. The man dressed in the robes of Umberlee levels a bow at Hermes and lets fly, a black shaft flying true to imbed itself into Hermes' back. But the former Oghmanite seems not to notice, fighting toe to toe with Nedrin. But Oisin cannot watch, he has his hands full.
The rogue draws daggers, weaving them before him with practiced precision. Oisin does his best to dodge and deflect the cuts, but one gets through, opening up a deep gash along his arm. But the rage has taken him and he barely notices, his mace striking downwards to crash with all of Oisin's newfound might into the head of the vampire. It crumples under the blow and goes to one knee. Oisin steps forward, ready to finish the fight, when a searing pain in his back makes him whirl. The cleric has a bead drawn on him, and Oisin ducks behind the now overturned table.
From his new vantage point he manages to watch some of the fight between Hermes and Nedrin... and it looks like neither is able to gain a clear advantage over the other. Great. That means he'll probably have to handle the other three on his own. Nedrin opens great rents in Hermes' chest, and the blood flows freely. Her eyes alight with a feral hunger, and she throws herself at Hermes, looking to embrace him. He moves, the long haft of his axe slanting downwards to trip her up as she lunges at him. Seeing his opportunity, Hermes throws himself atop her, holding her and pinning her down.
Oisin rasps out another spell, the second Silence taking effect and once again rendering the mage usless as he has started to cast. The rogue makes his way to his feet, though wobbly, and Oisin sweeps at the vampire's legs with his mace, kneecaps giving way to the weighted and flanged head and dumping the rogue unceremoniously back to the floor. Glancing to the side Oisin can see that Nedrin and Hermes still roll about on the floor, looking more in the throes of passion than fighting for their lives. Two arrows imbedding themselves in the table remind Oisin that there is one other to not be forgotten and for some reason that escapes him, Oisin whirls and heaves his mace with all his might at the undead cleric. The heavy weapon, each end blunt and not made for throwing, snaps back the head of the archer at a sickening angle, but one which cannot kill what is already dead. Still, the cleric staggers and something strikes Oisin's leg...
He looks down to see Hermes' axe, the barbarian barely managing to pin down Nedrin and nodding at Oisin to pick it up. Oisin can see that he is being shouted at, but cannot hear the words as the area is still permeated with the magical silence. The mage flies out the front door and begins casting from outside, and Oisin knows he needs to hurry.
He bends, picking up the axe, and swings it downwards with all his might towards the neck of the bitch-thing who sought to take his Ann. Hermes rolls out of the way relinquishing his grip upon Nedrin, but leaving her no time to turn away. The axe bites deeply into her neck and her silent scream of agony and rage afixes itself ito Oisin's psyche. Such will be the demise of all who would hurt his beloved.
Nedrin bleeds out her last upon the cold floor of the building... which is soon filled with fire from the mage outside. His vampire brethren are caught in the flames as well, and Oisin screams in pain as the fire explodes, filling his vision with smoke and ash. Hermes slowly picks himself up from the floor, snapping a leg of the table and using this makeshift weapon, flaming as it is, to pierce the heart of the rogue, its chest smoldering as blood wells from the wound extinguishing the fire.
Oisin leaps over the fallen table and grapples the cleric, much as Hermes had done to him over a week ago. It does not breathe, and grins at his futile attempt to throttle it. Oisin grins back and grabs the now forgotten bow, thrusting the end of the recurve into its chest, piercing its heart with its own weapon. The cleric's eyes go wide as it slides off of Oisin and crumples to the floor.
Now bleeding from several deep wounds, Oisin feels the rage leave him, his strength leaving as well as his health. He feels suddenly weak and collapses with a smile onto the floor beside the cleric. "Sons of a bitch.." Oisin thinks, seeing Nedrin before he lapses into unconsciousness.
Oisin backs away from the window, keeping low so that his head does not peek into their view. He gestures to Hermes as he moves down a house or two, putting enough space between themselves and their possible prey so that a
stray glance or favorable wind does not carry warning of their presence.
"That looks like the house. From what I could see, they fit the description: a cleric and a warrior, definitely. I assume the man cheating at cards would be a thief. The last must be the mage. However, I would kind of like to get close and see if we can hear any of their conversations before we burst in
on them. I'd hate to think that we charged in and killed the wrong people," he frowns and rubs at his chin. "I can't figure out why a priest of Umberlee would be involved in this....well, aside from a nice bit of gold, I'm sure. As far as I know, I haven't crossed any of their clergy."
Looking up at Hermes, he asks, "You said that a single scroll would be required if you were right. What scroll is that? What did you have in mind?"
Hermes chuckles slightly and leans close to Oisin, his voice low. "I do believe that we're dealing with utterly supernatural foes here, my boy. Did you notice Ann's wrists? The knife entered her flesh there to cover up something else entirely."
"She was bitten."
Oisin partially shrugs, not quite understanding.
"We're not dealing with ones who are entirely human. I believe that we're dealing with vampyres. Those that feed upon the blood of the living. Strange, considering how Kahabros was destroyed and it was not so long ago that his presence was upon this Plane. You seem to attract very similar foes, my boy."
Hermes then continues. "I think that, while it will not harm them, a timely casting of your Daylight spell will disorient them long enough for us to surprise them. It could be the time we need. Unfortunately, I don't know if there is a way for us to find out if these are truly the ones responsible
without tipping our hand. Do you have any ideas?"
Oisin ponders for a moment and sighs in frustration, "#### it, what I wouldn't give to have Yalee here right now. Those little, hin ears would be a great boon, at the moment." Tapping his chin, he says, "The only thing I can think of is to sit below the window and listen to see if we hear the
name 'Nedrin'." He shrugs, and then....he blinks. Why had it not occurred to him before? He can simply look using the amulet. You don't have to change anything to simply see what happened.
The priest says, "I can always use the amulet to check and see what they have done in the past day. That should give us the answers we need but it will mean not being able to use it for another seven days, should the need arise. That, and I will be stunned for a little bit afterwards."
Hermes rubs his chin and nods, "That would seem the most prudent thing to do. I'll leave it up to you. The looks of those inside match enough for my taste, to be honest." Oisin can almost imagine a feral grin under Hermes' mask. The former Oghmanite grabs the haft of his axe and sets the heavy, curved head in the snow. "I'll stand guard over you while you use your power."
Oisin nods and sighs, taking a deep breath before touching the amulet and letting his mind slip into the nether. Tentatively, he reaches for the closest of them... the woman warrior, her thread dark and thick. Unlike any life thread that Oisin has seen before, and most like the demon's. He reaches for it.
Cold and lifeless, the thread almost burns Oisin's hand, and he can feel the pain and terror of many other people, who seem to have been absorbed by this thread, and are... controlled... by it. He shudders and follws it back slightly, looking for any sign of his love.
He does find her, as violently and terro-filled as any of the others. There is a thrill within the dark thread, and a insatiable hunger and a drive to... procreate?
--
Hermes watches the boy enter his trance and Oisin grits his teeth, growling softly. Hermes wonders what he sees.
--
An urge, undeniable and base, fills Oisin through the thread. The urge to kill, to slay, to eat and fuck. The woman is... something else. Oisin has never seen anyone like this before. She is a woman, certainly, but a man as well, as evidenced by what dangles between her legs. She... he... is filled with hate and anger and violence... and wanted to spread such things into his Ann. To torture and slay her, to penetrate her, and to finally devour her. Ann was tasted, a sweet morsel off the street, watched, laughingly, as he turned his back on her, abandoning her. What better target.
And, Oisin knows.... he knows the name of the vile creature before him. Nedrin. Nedrin the Bloody. Bitch-Queen of all the vampyres in Waterdeep. Ruling with an adamantine fist over her charges, and taking what she wants, when she wants. For, she does think of herself as female, though she cannot bring herself to rid her body of those parts which indicate otherwise. Thos eparts had taken control of her, wanting nothing more than to taste the flesh of the young woman before her, as the others held her down. Ann. But the young, tender woman had fought. Fought like nobody Nedrin has encountered before, and she kept screaming for her love. The man who had walked away. Nedrin had laughed, sure that this one would make a wonderful soldier in her growing army... before a flailing foot had caught her between the legs, sending her world into convulsing pain... enough for the mere child to worm free and run. They had chased her, caught her again... but Nedrin was in no mood for the game now. She had drank, nearly to her fill, and nearly to the death of the child... but she was not finished yet. Nedrin had recognized the symbol upon the robes of this man that she loved, and sought to punish him as well. Slicing her arms open with her own dagger, Nedrin snuck her into the temple of the Golden Lady, leaving her in a corner to be found, dead. Laughing, they had departed... leaving behind the body of a street waif who would arise under Nedrin's control three nights hence.
---
Hermes frowns as Oisin grows slightly louder, his anger and revulsion at what he sees driving his body to its own unconscious responses. Afraid that he will draw attention to them, Hermes covers Oisin's mouth, and tries to get him to snap out of the trance. Slowly, Oisin responds.
--
Oisin's body shudders with revulsion and anger, his mind not wanting to comprehend what was shown to him, not wanting to accept the implacable evil and vileness of what was attempted upon his beloved...not wanting to accept the point of view that they had shown him of himself. He had not been
abandoning Ann; he merely needed time alone for a little while. But, that is not how it was perceived by this thing and it is not a way in which he ever wants to see himself. For a brief moment, Ann's innocence and courage burned ever more brightly against the blot that was his own soul....his own soul as it could've been back in the alley in Gromstead.
To think that this...this...thing..could touch Ann, could take such unholy pleasure in her, could make her it's own. The Waukeenar curls into a ball, fighting the need to wretch, to rid himself of the evil that he touched.
Ann...poor, sweet Ann. She is blessed that she does not remember, and for that Oisin thanks both Waukeen and Oghma from the bottom of his heart. Such things should never touch her, neither in life nor memory nor dream. Oisin
hopes that when this is over, he will be able to wipe the memory from his mind, as well. But, he doubts it.
Still struggling within himself, Oisin is only vaguely aware of a hand pressed against his face. Slowly, he opens his eyes, looking up. The night sky is blocked by a shadowed form, solid and massive. Snow swirls about him, lighting upon horns and helmet, frosting it. Hermes. Oisin's muscles relax, and he quiets enough that Hermes removes his hand.
Unable to hide the horror and disgust he feels, Oisin hisses quietly, "The female. That is the Bitch Queen...the leader of all the vampires within Waterdeep. I'm not sure...I'm not sure if we can take her....but I sure as #### am going to try. I will stake that bitch out and let sunlight purge her from the earth in a firey plume of demonic hatred, if I can. If not, I'll settle for her head."
Hermes looks hard at Oisin just as the Waukeenar finishes his statement and swoons. Ann's father catches him and sets hism gently upon the ground. He ponders their best route of attack. With the keen senses of the vampyre as well as a probably competent rogue, he doubts that there is any way in which they can sneak in. Which leaves only his favorite method.
A frontal assault. Hermes grins and waits for Oisin to wake.
It doesn't take long, for the cleric's body is full of nervous energy and raging emotions. Soon Oisin hoists himself onto his elbows. It takes him mere seconds to remember where they are at and what is going on. Hermes kneels beside him and whispers. "I think one of us should go through the front and the other through the window."
Oisin nods, and says, "Sounds like a plan to me. I think we ought to hit the female first and as hard as we can. We'll want to take out the leader as quickly as possible." He pushes himself up to where he is sitting in the snow, the cold crystals melting around him and slowly seeping into his clothing. Reaching into the sturdy scrollcase, he pulls out a copy of the
Daylight spell. "Let me get this off first. We'll need the advantage, I'm sure."
He smiles ferally and says, "So, which do you want? Door or window?"
Oisin gets the impression that Hermes is mirroring his smile under the helmet and Ann's father says, "Let's step around the corner here for a moment." The two men move to the side of the house with no windows and Hermes shrugs out of his black fur pelt. "I have an idea." he says. Oisin follows him as he crosses the street.
"Cast your spell upon the head of my axe. I'll then cover it with this pelt, hiding the light. I'll go through the window, attacking the bitch first. Then, once all attention is on me, you come in through the door. We'll catch them in a pincer move, making them think that I am the only attacker."
"Does that sound acceptable?"
Oisin nods, "Sounds good. Let me also go ahead and cast a few extra spells that may help." The Waukeenar pulls out the rest of his scrolls and begins to flip through them, judging which ones need to be cast first to be the most effective.
Oisin casts several spells in succession and soon they are ready. The axehead is covered by the pelt, and steam rises from Hermes' body in the chill air. He doesn't seem to mind. He firmly grasps Oisin's wrist and says grimly, "For Ann."
With that he heads towards the building, picking up speed as he goes. A cry of rage fills the air, sending shivers along Oisin's spine, just before Hermes jumps, crashing through the window. Oisin runs to catch up, lest Ann's father be beset by them all before he can act at all.
The small house suddenly flares with light, and Oisin can hear panicked screams from those inside. As he runs he casts the second Daylight spell upon his own weapon and can see Hermes through the window. His axe moves in sweeping arcs, keeping them at bay, though Oisin can hear chanting coming from at least one of them.
He makes his way around the house, the words of the Silence spell upon his lips as he reaches the front door. Adrenaline and anger fuel him as he kicks at the door, the wooden barricade splintering from his blow. Two figures turn as he bashes in the door, and with a smile he unveils his weapon. Once more panicked cries fill the air, and Oisin steps inside, finishing the Silence spell as he gestures at the hovering mage. Suddenly that corner of the room falls eerily silent.
Quickly assessing the situation Oisin can see that Hermes has engaged Nedrin, the Bitch Queen raking at him with claws and teeth. The rogue is climbing along the walls like a spider, moving to flank Hermes. Oisin takes another step... and his world changes.
His vision goes red and a primal scream of rage bellows from his lungs as he thinks of what these things did. Did to his Ann! The heavy mace grows lighter in his hands and his muscles bulge as they're engorged with blood. Everything seems to slow for a moment, and Oisin breathes easier and deeper than he ever has before in his life. He feels more... alive.
Then suddenly everything snaps back to jarring clarity and movement to his right sends Oisin's mace swinging that way. The rogue-ish man, fangs bared, leaps at him from the wall and Oisin's blow connects solidly with his shoulder, turning his leap away, but the vampyre landing deftly on the floor. The man dressed in the robes of Umberlee levels a bow at Hermes and lets fly, a black shaft flying true to imbed itself into Hermes' back. But the former Oghmanite seems not to notice, fighting toe to toe with Nedrin. But Oisin cannot watch, he has his hands full.
The rogue draws daggers, weaving them before him with practiced precision. Oisin does his best to dodge and deflect the cuts, but one gets through, opening up a deep gash along his arm. But the rage has taken him and he barely notices, his mace striking downwards to crash with all of Oisin's newfound might into the head of the vampire. It crumples under the blow and goes to one knee. Oisin steps forward, ready to finish the fight, when a searing pain in his back makes him whirl. The cleric has a bead drawn on him, and Oisin ducks behind the now overturned table.
From his new vantage point he manages to watch some of the fight between Hermes and Nedrin... and it looks like neither is able to gain a clear advantage over the other. Great. That means he'll probably have to handle the other three on his own. Nedrin opens great rents in Hermes' chest, and the blood flows freely. Her eyes alight with a feral hunger, and she throws herself at Hermes, looking to embrace him. He moves, the long haft of his axe slanting downwards to trip her up as she lunges at him. Seeing his opportunity, Hermes throws himself atop her, holding her and pinning her down.
Oisin rasps out another spell, the second Silence taking effect and once again rendering the mage usless as he has started to cast. The rogue makes his way to his feet, though wobbly, and Oisin sweeps at the vampire's legs with his mace, kneecaps giving way to the weighted and flanged head and dumping the rogue unceremoniously back to the floor. Glancing to the side Oisin can see that Nedrin and Hermes still roll about on the floor, looking more in the throes of passion than fighting for their lives. Two arrows imbedding themselves in the table remind Oisin that there is one other to not be forgotten and for some reason that escapes him, Oisin whirls and heaves his mace with all his might at the undead cleric. The heavy weapon, each end blunt and not made for throwing, snaps back the head of the archer at a sickening angle, but one which cannot kill what is already dead. Still, the cleric staggers and something strikes Oisin's leg...
He looks down to see Hermes' axe, the barbarian barely managing to pin down Nedrin and nodding at Oisin to pick it up. Oisin can see that he is being shouted at, but cannot hear the words as the area is still permeated with the magical silence. The mage flies out the front door and begins casting from outside, and Oisin knows he needs to hurry.
He bends, picking up the axe, and swings it downwards with all his might towards the neck of the bitch-thing who sought to take his Ann. Hermes rolls out of the way relinquishing his grip upon Nedrin, but leaving her no time to turn away. The axe bites deeply into her neck and her silent scream of agony and rage afixes itself ito Oisin's psyche. Such will be the demise of all who would hurt his beloved.
Nedrin bleeds out her last upon the cold floor of the building... which is soon filled with fire from the mage outside. His vampire brethren are caught in the flames as well, and Oisin screams in pain as the fire explodes, filling his vision with smoke and ash. Hermes slowly picks himself up from the floor, snapping a leg of the table and using this makeshift weapon, flaming as it is, to pierce the heart of the rogue, its chest smoldering as blood wells from the wound extinguishing the fire.
Oisin leaps over the fallen table and grapples the cleric, much as Hermes had done to him over a week ago. It does not breathe, and grins at his futile attempt to throttle it. Oisin grins back and grabs the now forgotten bow, thrusting the end of the recurve into its chest, piercing its heart with its own weapon. The cleric's eyes go wide as it slides off of Oisin and crumples to the floor.
Now bleeding from several deep wounds, Oisin feels the rage leave him, his strength leaving as well as his health. He feels suddenly weak and collapses with a smile onto the floor beside the cleric. "Sons of a bitch.." Oisin thinks, seeing Nedrin before he lapses into unconsciousness.
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 19:12 08 Jul 2003
Slowly Oisin regains consciousness, and he becomes aware of somebody shaking him. He opens his eyes, the lids feeling heavy, and looks into the face of a young man, a Praetorian by the looks of him... and he seems very familiar.
"Suttack?" Oisin says, finally putting a name to the face. "What are you doing here? Where's Hermes? What happened?" The questions tumble from Oisin's mouth as he does his best Yalee impression.
Suttack chuckles softly and gestures to the side, where Hermes leans against the interior wall of the house, breathing heavily, his helmet off. He smiles and waves at Oisin, though it seems he is too out of breath to speak. Just outside the door the mage lies dead, several javelins protruding from his body while his head lies a few feet away.
"We just happened upon the battle, and I recognized you from the street." Suttack says. It is then that Oisin can see three more Praetorians just outside, poking curiously at the bodies of the vampyres with their remaining javelins. "Your friend there was taking a beating as the mage rained down spells upon him, though he was able to attack every few seconds by throwing his axe... it just wasn't killing the mage fast enough." He hands Oisin a vial with a clear, blue liquid. "This will close your wounds and give you back your strength. You should feel lucky. You almost died." With that, Suttack goes outside to stand with his comrades, leaving Oisin and Hermes alone.
Slowly Oisin regains consciousness, and he becomes aware of somebody shaking him. He opens his eyes, the lids feeling heavy, and looks into the face of a young man, a Praetorian by the looks of him... and he seems very familiar.
"Suttack?" Oisin says, finally putting a name to the face. "What are you doing here? Where's Hermes? What happened?" The questions tumble from Oisin's mouth as he does his best Yalee impression.
Suttack chuckles softly and gestures to the side, where Hermes leans against the interior wall of the house, breathing heavily, his helmet off. He smiles and waves at Oisin, though it seems he is too out of breath to speak. Just outside the door the mage lies dead, several javelins protruding from his body while his head lies a few feet away.
"We just happened upon the battle, and I recognized you from the street." Suttack says. It is then that Oisin can see three more Praetorians just outside, poking curiously at the bodies of the vampyres with their remaining javelins. "Your friend there was taking a beating as the mage rained down spells upon him, though he was able to attack every few seconds by throwing his axe... it just wasn't killing the mage fast enough." He hands Oisin a vial with a clear, blue liquid. "This will close your wounds and give you back your strength. You should feel lucky. You almost died." With that, Suttack goes outside to stand with his comrades, leaving Oisin and Hermes alone.
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Arislyn on 19:49 08 Jul 2003
Oisin nods gratefully and takes the vial, downing it part of it. The familiar, foul taste of healing potion washes over his tongue. Unable to help himself, the Waukeenar pulls a sour face, scrunching his nose and twisting his lips at the flavor even as he feels healing warmth spread through his body. Oisin gets unsteadily to his feet and wobbles over to Hermes' side where he sits down heavily once more, still exhausted.
"You would think," he begins as he gestures with the vial, "that we could make this stuff taste better. How are you? Did Suttack give you a vial, too?"
Oisin nods gratefully and takes the vial, downing it part of it. The familiar, foul taste of healing potion washes over his tongue. Unable to help himself, the Waukeenar pulls a sour face, scrunching his nose and twisting his lips at the flavor even as he feels healing warmth spread through his body. Oisin gets unsteadily to his feet and wobbles over to Hermes' side where he sits down heavily once more, still exhausted.
"You would think," he begins as he gestures with the vial, "that we could make this stuff taste better. How are you? Did Suttack give you a vial, too?"
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 20:13 08 Jul 2003
Hermes manages a grimace as he holds up an empty vial. "Yup. But it didn't heal me completely. You don't, uh, have any healing you could dispense with, do you, my boy?" He gestures to his right leg, which is blistered and red. "Caught me with one of his arcane bolts, he did." Hermes says, watching as several of the blisters ooze and run.
Hermes manages a grimace as he holds up an empty vial. "Yup. But it didn't heal me completely. You don't, uh, have any healing you could dispense with, do you, my boy?" He gestures to his right leg, which is blistered and red. "Caught me with one of his arcane bolts, he did." Hermes says, watching as several of the blisters ooze and run.
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Arislyn on 20:30 08 Jul 2003
Oisin nods and hands him what he has left in his vial, "I saved some of mine. After what Suttack told me, I thought you may still have need of some healing." The priest then calls to mind what scant few spells he has left that were not used to heal Ann and converts them to healing as well, adding them to the potion's effects as he lightly touches Hermes' leg, praying.
Once that is done, Oisin leans back against the wall beside Hermes and simply sits for a moment. He grins, despite the fact that both of them were beat to a bloody pulp and nearly died. The bastards that hurt Ann will never again hurt her....or anyone else, for that matter. He chuckles and says, "D@mn...that felt good." And, honestly, it still does. Oisin finds that in the aftermath of the rage he feels peaceful and free. All the worry, anger and fear of the past few weeks have been washed from the priest's soul in that one, liberating act of simply giving in to the emotion rather than bottling and holding it tightly.
Shaking his head, he chuckles and braces himself against the wall, using it to help lever him to his feet. As he comes to stand upright, he grunts and winces, his body still sore even though his wounds have closed. Reaching down, he offers Hermes a hand up and says, "Let's get back to the temple. We can get some real rest there."
The massive fighter clasps Oisin's wrist, accepting that small bit of aid in coming to his feet. Hermes grimaces, still not fully healed, and Oisin offers him a shoulder as support. As they make thier unsteady way out onto the street, Oisin says to Suttack, who stands but a few feet away, "Thank you for your help. We would not have lived had you not shown up. We owe you one." He smiles and asks, "What have you been doing with yourself since you got to Waterdeep? It's been awhile since I've seen you."
Oisin nods and hands him what he has left in his vial, "I saved some of mine. After what Suttack told me, I thought you may still have need of some healing." The priest then calls to mind what scant few spells he has left that were not used to heal Ann and converts them to healing as well, adding them to the potion's effects as he lightly touches Hermes' leg, praying.
Once that is done, Oisin leans back against the wall beside Hermes and simply sits for a moment. He grins, despite the fact that both of them were beat to a bloody pulp and nearly died. The bastards that hurt Ann will never again hurt her....or anyone else, for that matter. He chuckles and says, "D@mn...that felt good." And, honestly, it still does. Oisin finds that in the aftermath of the rage he feels peaceful and free. All the worry, anger and fear of the past few weeks have been washed from the priest's soul in that one, liberating act of simply giving in to the emotion rather than bottling and holding it tightly.
Shaking his head, he chuckles and braces himself against the wall, using it to help lever him to his feet. As he comes to stand upright, he grunts and winces, his body still sore even though his wounds have closed. Reaching down, he offers Hermes a hand up and says, "Let's get back to the temple. We can get some real rest there."
The massive fighter clasps Oisin's wrist, accepting that small bit of aid in coming to his feet. Hermes grimaces, still not fully healed, and Oisin offers him a shoulder as support. As they make thier unsteady way out onto the street, Oisin says to Suttack, who stands but a few feet away, "Thank you for your help. We would not have lived had you not shown up. We owe you one." He smiles and asks, "What have you been doing with yourself since you got to Waterdeep? It's been awhile since I've seen you."
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 21:00 08 Jul 2003
Suttack smiles. "Well, the City Watch seems to have their hands full.. so we help out where we can. It doesn't pay much, actually, nothing... but we're helping the community. That's good enough for us." He shrugs.
Oisin remembers the reason the boy wanted to join the Praetorians, and why he had helped him. He simply wanted to help people. It seems that his desire to do so has not waned in the past months.
Suttack smiles. "Well, the City Watch seems to have their hands full.. so we help out where we can. It doesn't pay much, actually, nothing... but we're helping the community. That's good enough for us." He shrugs.
Oisin remembers the reason the boy wanted to join the Praetorians, and why he had helped him. He simply wanted to help people. It seems that his desire to do so has not waned in the past months.
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Arislyn on 21:16 08 Jul 2003
Oisin smiles and nods as they make their way back towards the temple, "I'd imagine so. With the influx of people from Gromstead, I'm sure things have gotten hectic." He eyes Suttack with a kindly critical eye and asks, "Nothing, though? While I admire your desire to help people, a man can't live on good intentions alone. Are you doing okay? If not, I may have something for you to do that will pay a bit more." Pausing, Oisin chuckles a bit and says, "I'm not sure exactly what, yet...but I know I'm going to have to think of something for my other dilemma...and you may be able to help me with that."
Oisin smiles and nods as they make their way back towards the temple, "I'd imagine so. With the influx of people from Gromstead, I'm sure things have gotten hectic." He eyes Suttack with a kindly critical eye and asks, "Nothing, though? While I admire your desire to help people, a man can't live on good intentions alone. Are you doing okay? If not, I may have something for you to do that will pay a bit more." Pausing, Oisin chuckles a bit and says, "I'm not sure exactly what, yet...but I know I'm going to have to think of something for my other dilemma...and you may be able to help me with that."
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 21:22 08 Jul 2003
"Oh?" Suttack says, as he falls into step beside Oisin and Hermes, his three comrades trailing behind. "You're in a dilemma? What might that be?"
Hermes also looks to Oisin, wondering what the cleric might have in mind.
"Oh?" Suttack says, as he falls into step beside Oisin and Hermes, his three comrades trailing behind. "You're in a dilemma? What might that be?"
Hermes also looks to Oisin, wondering what the cleric might have in mind.
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Arislyn on 21:38 08 Jul 2003
Mentally smacking himself for even bringing it up, Oisin goes ahead and plows on ahead. Perhaps the two men will have some idea of how to deal with this....because the priest is certainly lost.
"Well, uhhhh....." he chuckles and shakes his head, "It's like this. I was walking back here from Cleric's Clearing a couple of weeks ago and, during my journey, I met a caravan headed north. As I got closer to them, I saw that they were Fire Knives. Now, I was just going to walk on past them. However, as I walked by the wagon they guarded, I saw that it was full of women...women who were to be sold into slavery. I couldn't just let them take those women....but, the odds were against me. There were many Knives and only one, armorless, weaponless me. Fighting did not seem prudent so, I did what any good Waukeenar would do. I bought them."
He shrugs and looks a bit distraught as he continues to explain, "I thought for certain that these women had been abducted and, as soon as I freed them, would want to be returned to their families. Not a problem! I just buy the wagon and their supplies, too, bring them back to Waterdeep and go about getting them all home. But no."
He sighs and chuckles despite himself, "Never let it be said that Waukeen does not have a sense of humor. These slaves were not abducted. They had served a single master in Thay for years, until he died and were being shipped off to be auctioned off. They had been slaves their entire lives and, instead of wanting to be freed, they immediately accepted me as their new master!"
"I have no idea what to do with them, now. I can't send them back to Thay....I've tried and tried to convince them that they are free, but they just aren't ready to accept it. I've put them up at one of the inns, for now, but I can't do that forever. I've got to figure something out. I keep asking them what their dreams are and what they would like to do, hoping that I'll be able to coax them into chosing a life of their own, but no luck yet."
He ponders and says, "They talk about wanting to travel since they haven't seen much of the world as slaves. Also, one of them has a good healing touch, another is versed in alchemy...an another is good with a bow. There has got to be a way to make all those qualities come together to form something that will allow them to be independant. I don't think they will separate from each other...they're fiercely loyal to each other."
Mentally smacking himself for even bringing it up, Oisin goes ahead and plows on ahead. Perhaps the two men will have some idea of how to deal with this....because the priest is certainly lost.
"Well, uhhhh....." he chuckles and shakes his head, "It's like this. I was walking back here from Cleric's Clearing a couple of weeks ago and, during my journey, I met a caravan headed north. As I got closer to them, I saw that they were Fire Knives. Now, I was just going to walk on past them. However, as I walked by the wagon they guarded, I saw that it was full of women...women who were to be sold into slavery. I couldn't just let them take those women....but, the odds were against me. There were many Knives and only one, armorless, weaponless me. Fighting did not seem prudent so, I did what any good Waukeenar would do. I bought them."
He shrugs and looks a bit distraught as he continues to explain, "I thought for certain that these women had been abducted and, as soon as I freed them, would want to be returned to their families. Not a problem! I just buy the wagon and their supplies, too, bring them back to Waterdeep and go about getting them all home. But no."
He sighs and chuckles despite himself, "Never let it be said that Waukeen does not have a sense of humor. These slaves were not abducted. They had served a single master in Thay for years, until he died and were being shipped off to be auctioned off. They had been slaves their entire lives and, instead of wanting to be freed, they immediately accepted me as their new master!"
"I have no idea what to do with them, now. I can't send them back to Thay....I've tried and tried to convince them that they are free, but they just aren't ready to accept it. I've put them up at one of the inns, for now, but I can't do that forever. I've got to figure something out. I keep asking them what their dreams are and what they would like to do, hoping that I'll be able to coax them into chosing a life of their own, but no luck yet."
He ponders and says, "They talk about wanting to travel since they haven't seen much of the world as slaves. Also, one of them has a good healing touch, another is versed in alchemy...an another is good with a bow. There has got to be a way to make all those qualities come together to form something that will allow them to be independant. I don't think they will separate from each other...they're fiercely loyal to each other."
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 21:53 08 Jul 2003
Suttack chuckles a little, but Hermes actually laughs, though Oisin does not feel that he is being made fun of.
Hermes says, "Well, tell you what, let's go meet these new women of yours, my boy. I need to see what kind of competition my daughter has." He grins and winks, obviously kidding, though Oisin blushes.
They head towards the Hunting Hound, and soon arrive outside. Going in, the keeper sees Oisin and waves. Oisin waves back, and they all head up to the rooms where the girls are staying. Upon knocking, the door is almost immediately answered by one of the human females, whose eyes go wide at the sight of the men outside the room. She bows, quickly averting her eyes, and throws open the doors of the room.
The men with Oisin gasp, and as the Waukeenar looks in it appears that all of the women are congregated in this one room. All nine women smile demurely, their minds obviously going along different paths for the reasons that Oisin may have brought these other men with him. The Waukeenar can already feel himself blushing, and before he can say anything Hermes steps forward.
"Hello, my dear ladies. I hope that the accomodations here have met with your approval." They remain silent and Hermes continues, "We are not here for pleasure, nor to give abuse. Unlike many men that you have encountered in the past, we only desire what is best for you." He suddenly remembers that he is wearing his helm, for as he talks the faces of the women, despite his comfortings, fill with dread. A property of the mask, Oisin has noticed. Hermes quickly snatches it from his head.
"My apologies, ladies." he says, his voice normal.
None of the women say anything, but look at Oisin questioningly.
Suttack chuckles a little, but Hermes actually laughs, though Oisin does not feel that he is being made fun of.
Hermes says, "Well, tell you what, let's go meet these new women of yours, my boy. I need to see what kind of competition my daughter has." He grins and winks, obviously kidding, though Oisin blushes.
They head towards the Hunting Hound, and soon arrive outside. Going in, the keeper sees Oisin and waves. Oisin waves back, and they all head up to the rooms where the girls are staying. Upon knocking, the door is almost immediately answered by one of the human females, whose eyes go wide at the sight of the men outside the room. She bows, quickly averting her eyes, and throws open the doors of the room.
The men with Oisin gasp, and as the Waukeenar looks in it appears that all of the women are congregated in this one room. All nine women smile demurely, their minds obviously going along different paths for the reasons that Oisin may have brought these other men with him. The Waukeenar can already feel himself blushing, and before he can say anything Hermes steps forward.
"Hello, my dear ladies. I hope that the accomodations here have met with your approval." They remain silent and Hermes continues, "We are not here for pleasure, nor to give abuse. Unlike many men that you have encountered in the past, we only desire what is best for you." He suddenly remembers that he is wearing his helm, for as he talks the faces of the women, despite his comfortings, fill with dread. A property of the mask, Oisin has noticed. Hermes quickly snatches it from his head.
"My apologies, ladies." he says, his voice normal.
None of the women say anything, but look at Oisin questioningly.
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Arislyn on 22:07 08 Jul 2003
Oisin nods and says, "He's telling the truth, ladies. No one here has come to hurt you or take you in any way against your will." He pauses and says, "Here...let me introduce you. This is Hermes, Ann's father. And this gentleman is Suttack. He was a guard in Gromstead before the city was destroyed."
The priest pauses, in all honesty not having a clue what Hermes may have had in mind for this visit. He smiles warmly, though, and the ladies can easily see that whatever it was that he was so distraught about earlier has obviously been lifted from his shoulders....though there is a sight more blood upon him.
Seeming to suddenly recall his own disheveled state, Oisin explains, "Uhh..you will have to forgive our appearance. Ann was attacked earlier today but that matter has been resolved. What we actually came here for was just to talk with you and see what it is that you would like to do now that you are in Waterdeep." He gives the ladies that same, slightly awkward grin that they have come to associate with their kind, new Master as he explains, "We can't just have you live in an inn for the rest of your days and we all want for you to be happy and well."
Oisin nods and says, "He's telling the truth, ladies. No one here has come to hurt you or take you in any way against your will." He pauses and says, "Here...let me introduce you. This is Hermes, Ann's father. And this gentleman is Suttack. He was a guard in Gromstead before the city was destroyed."
The priest pauses, in all honesty not having a clue what Hermes may have had in mind for this visit. He smiles warmly, though, and the ladies can easily see that whatever it was that he was so distraught about earlier has obviously been lifted from his shoulders....though there is a sight more blood upon him.
Seeming to suddenly recall his own disheveled state, Oisin explains, "Uhh..you will have to forgive our appearance. Ann was attacked earlier today but that matter has been resolved. What we actually came here for was just to talk with you and see what it is that you would like to do now that you are in Waterdeep." He gives the ladies that same, slightly awkward grin that they have come to associate with their kind, new Master as he explains, "We can't just have you live in an inn for the rest of your days and we all want for you to be happy and well."
Cormyr Bound and Waterdeep Waltz - by Haruchai on 22:20 08 Jul 2003
Hearing that Hermes is Ann's father, many of the women look up and smile, coming over to almost shyly introduce themselves. They also greet Suttack, and it is extremely obvious that they have no idea how to carry a conversation with a man. Except for Oisin, who they feel rather comfortable around, they hardly speak at all, and seem almost intimidated by Hermes' size and Suttack's armor. Both proclaiming that these men are probably warriors of some sort. Especially the bloody axe across Hermes' back.
Cshann'el speaks first, as Oisin thought she might. "We don't have many skills which you would deem appropriate, Master. We are willing to learn, certainly, but those of your ilk," she gestures to the human females, "are a bit old to learn a new trade. Perhaps you could take them as wives and give them some children to keep them busy. As for the rest of us, we have spoken and would be willing to learn anything which you would teach us."
Hermes bites his lower lip as she speaks, and Oisin can see he is trying not to laugh. He turns to the cleric, "Yes, Oisin. Why don't you give them some children?" His eyes twinkle with mirth, but Oisin wonders if Hermes might be testing him in some way.
Suttack, wisely, stays hidden and forgotten by the door.
Hearing that Hermes is Ann's father, many of the women look up and smile, coming over to almost shyly introduce themselves. They also greet Suttack, and it is extremely obvious that they have no idea how to carry a conversation with a man. Except for Oisin, who they feel rather comfortable around, they hardly speak at all, and seem almost intimidated by Hermes' size and Suttack's armor. Both proclaiming that these men are probably warriors of some sort. Especially the bloody axe across Hermes' back.
Cshann'el speaks first, as Oisin thought she might. "We don't have many skills which you would deem appropriate, Master. We are willing to learn, certainly, but those of your ilk," she gestures to the human females, "are a bit old to learn a new trade. Perhaps you could take them as wives and give them some children to keep them busy. As for the rest of us, we have spoken and would be willing to learn anything which you would teach us."
Hermes bites his lower lip as she speaks, and Oisin can see he is trying not to laugh. He turns to the cleric, "Yes, Oisin. Why don't you give them some children?" His eyes twinkle with mirth, but Oisin wonders if Hermes might be testing him in some way.
Suttack, wisely, stays hidden and forgotten by the door.