Classic-Castle Roleplay: January 2006

LEGO gaming, including group role playing games
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Formendacil
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Post by Formendacil »

Grid: P-10
Location: Hemmerington
Formendacil wrote:As the MacDouglasses left, Babs turned to Katha and Roberta.

"She's got a temper, that little Merina girl. Makes me wonder if Maeve's words didn't strike too close to home."

"Of course they struck too close," said Katha. "They were striking at Thomas."
A few hours later, Thomas and the Korvalt boys returned to the Korvalt residence, several hours after they had originally planned to be back.

"Ready for supper?" said Mistress Korvalt, as they arrived at the house. "It's still piping hot!"

The boys dug into their meal with gusto, famished. After the meal, the Korvalt boys helped their mother clean the kitchen, while Thomas was shooed out.

Finding Merina in the front of the sitting room fire, he joined her.

"How was tea?" he asked.

"Not bad," she said. "I didn't stay for supper."

"How did you like everybody?" asked Thomas.

"Katha, Roberta, and Babs were nice enough," said Merina, "but I can't say I cared too much for the MacDouglasses."

Thomas's eyes widened in surprise.

"Really... I've always found them to be charming, open people."

"Mrmm," said Merina. Thomas had no idea what emotion lay behind it, and thought it wiser to say nothing.

They were silent for a while.

"Thomas," said Merina. "Which do you prefer? Redheads or brunettes?"

Thomas's eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and he stuttered as he replied.

"Wha... what?"

"It's just a silly question that came up at tea," replied Merina.

"Oh," said Thomas.

"Well?" asked Merina. "Which is it? Redheads or brunettes?"

Thomas took a deep breath.

"Well..." he said. "I don't really judge a woman by her hair colour... but, I'd have to say that when I was younger, I did prefer redheads."

Merina's face hardened ever so slightly.

"And now?"

"Well," said Thomas, "there's this one girl I know, and the fact that she's got brown hair makes brunettes ever so much more appealling, if you know what I mean."

Merina gave him a wide smile, and stood up, noticeably more cheerful than when he had come into the room.

"Goodnight, Thomas," she said, "I think I'll be off to bed."

"Goodnight," said Thomas. "If I don't see you tomorrow, it's because I've gone off with Arvey to see this Fright Knight camp. The Korvalts can help if you need anything."

Merina nodded, and left the room.

Redheads and brunettes? Thomas shook his head at the things women talked about over tea. Unbidden, the thought of Maeve MacDouglas hovered in his mind, her bright red hair prominent. What that what this was about?

Thomas pushed away Maeve's image, and stood up. He needed some sleep, and this was no time to be thinking about Maeve. Maeve had always liked him, but he'd never really had a crush on her. Still, Merina didn't seem to know that.

Heading to bed, he decided to forget the whole matter. He was here to stop the Fright Knights, after all. Once that was done, he and Merina would be gone, and that would be it.
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Post by E of Alshire »

E of Alshire wrote:“Hail Three Hungry Travelers!” Traver shouted.”
D-10
Fire Breathing Fortress


The rough guards quickly ‘escorted’ the trio into the dark Fortress. Still unclear as to whose control the fort was under, Aethen was still looking for any clue as to Void’s - or other - presence in the fort. The more evidence he saw as he was escorted through the dank corridors, the more he suspected his information had been entirely and completely incorrect and Ajax - potentially the most dangerous enemy they now had - was the Master of the very place they had thought to seek refuge.

Traver was seemingly ignorant of all this; as he kept whispering to a grim-faced Aelain about feasts and foods; her face gave in to an -if possible- even more worried expression.

Aethen began to feel as if the Fire breathing Fortress was a giant Dragon itself- ready to swallow them after a light toasting that would even so incinerate them. They passed rooms that seemed to be on fire inside- or perhaps that was the glare of the wicked-looking torches - before they finally reached a massive set of doors.

A sharp rap with the guard’s spear had the doors open and before them was the light of a massive fire pit, glowing in its unwitting evil; not knowing, thought Aethen with an almost inaudible sigh of despair, the next bodies to fuel its fires. Traver had an entirely different reaction:

“Oi!”

Oi indeed, for just beyond the flaming pit that had until now concerned Aethen more than an army of Kings Ajaxx, a massive table laden with food was before them. A freshly slaughtered baby dragon lay amid the bowls of food and drink, exotic imports from the faraway Dragon Master and Falcon isles. Large tankards of mead and plates piled high with fruits and meats lined the edges of the table like so many statues, framing the sharp, commanding face Aethen immediately recognized as The King himself: Ajaxx.

Tyco, Aethen thought, Traver was right about the dragon. His attention soon turned to the expressions on his compatriot’s faces. Traver hadn’t seemed to notice anything but the food, but Aelain was staring straight at the hard, bearded, and perpetually frowning face of Ajaxx with a dismayed expression.

Aethen was certain, somehow, that he could manage to talk his way out of this…
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Post by Robin Hood »

Robin Hood wrote:When he was done, they both sat there for a while under the stars. They might have stayed there all night, but Nina sneezed, waking them up to cold temperature. Apologizing for keeping her in the cold so long, Aiden walked Nina back to her room.

After a short goodnight, Aiden went to find a good ale. He had many questions, most of them nobody could answer.
Grid: G-8
Location: Castleton

"My, my, what's the occasion?" asked Kae-Os as he and Aiden walked down the tower their rooms were in. Aiden was wearing some lord's cloths, had combed his hair and put on a red cloak rimmed with fur.

"I'm taking Nina out for some supper. The food's okay here, but I wouldn't mind eating out of the castle once in awhile."

The elf raised an eye. "I see."

"What? Something wrong?"

Kae-Os smiled in a most unconvincing manner, "not at all."

"Elves," muttered Aiden under his breath. "And were are you going?" The elf was dressed in usual armour and body suit. He had both his katana and spear sheathed on his back.

"Sparring down in the courtyard. I'd ask you to come, but you seem to have other plans." Since arriving at the castle, Kae-Os had spent several hours each day sparring with the soldiers. It was nothing much more than a way for the elf to keep fit though. Every soldier he had fought he had beaten, even groups of them. So, in an effort to defeat him, the soldiers had convinced Kae-Os to have a go at twenty of them. Aiden privately pitied the soldier's prides.

"Well, I bid thee farewell," said Aiden, and he turned to Nina's door. "Tell me how the match went."

Kae-Os nodded.

"All set?" asked Aiden as Nina closed her door.

"Yes," she replied. "Where are we going?"

"Oh, to a little place down the street."

He offered Nina his arm, and quite to his surprise, she took it. They then walked through the castle, and to a carriage Aiden had borrowed. He whispered directions to the driver and then got beside Nina.

"Your a hopeless romantic, you know that?" said Nina.

"I try," replied Aiden grinning.

"I can't believe some ladies fall for all this."

"Well, some ladies can be rather foolish."

Soon the carriage stopped in front of a tavern. Though tavern is hardly the word. In our modern day and age it would be called a fancy restaurant. Here, it was called a wealthy tavern.

And wealthy it was. Only rich or important people could afford a booking here. The food was prepared and thought of a by the king's old cook and no better wine was to be found in the city.

A well-dressed waiter brought them to a table and requested their order.

"Your finest wine, and some turtle flambé."

Nina raised her eyebrows. "That’s the most expensive thing here. The turtles are imported all the way from Boranis Dracis. This meal must be at least two hundred gold marks."

Aiden smiled his roughest smile. "I can afford it."

"I'll bet. After that reward."

-----------------------

Kae-Os and the soldiers he was about to fight were reading themselves. The elf had discarded his spear in order to have the most amount of freedom with his katana. He was swinging practice swings.

The soldiers had taken off all their heavy armour and were stretching as well. The twenty men were the best to be had. All veterans of the war, they were in their thirties, each as strong as an ox and clever to boot. It would be quite a sight to see.

And see it many people would. Apart from most of the off-duty guards who had started the thing, many servants and residents of the castle had come to witness the fight. Among them were Sir Theodore and Sir Valric.

"This should be very interesting Theodore, mate." Said Valric as they observed the elf and soldiers warming up.

"Aye, I heard this Kae-Os fellow is quite the fighter. Though I doubt he'll last long against twenty of the best men here."

"Oh, don't be too sure. I think I could do it. If I had my special sword."

Theodore laughed. "I don't doubt it Valric. But you’re the best fighter I ever clapped eyes on. I doubt this elf is as good as you."

"We'll see old friend."
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Post by Lord_Of_The_LEGO »

Formendacil wrote:"Saul?" said Adrian.

"Yeth! That's my name!"

"Okay, Saul," said Cate. "Adrian'll boost you up in front of Hans. Then you'll have to tell us where to go."

"Fo'ward!" said Saul. Obediently, the three horses did just that.
Grid: N-10
Location: Denderham


With Saul leading, Hans steering and Adrian and Cate following, they continued down the road until Denderham was in sight.

“Hmm.” said Cate, not wanting to opening criticize Denderham with Saul in earshot. Denderham was a port city, and port cities maintained cleanliness and order in varying degrees of successfulness. Port Crowne did fairly well. Denderham, on the other hand, did not. Shouting (consisting mostly of curses), filled the dingy streets, and a constant smell of decaying fish and animal feces assaulted the air.

“Where now, Saul?” asked Hans.

“Dat way.” gestured Saul, toward the docks.

Reluctantly, they went onward. Saul directed them through the windy streets until they came across a rather new-looking building, identified by a slightly crooked sign as “City Orphanage.” A fierce-looking woman, clad in blue, was standing at the door, hands on hips. She shook her short, cropped hair out of her eyes and snapped, “There you are, Saul!”

Saul slid of Han’s saddled reluctantly, hanging his head.

“Hello, Mith Rotha.”

Hans, Adrian and Cate also dismounted, careful to tie their horses.

“Decided running away into the dead of winter wasn’t for you, hmm?” said the woman, taking hold of Saul’s shoulder in a rough but protective way.

“They caught me.” said Saul, still staring at the ground.

The woman looked up at Hans, Adrian and Cate.

“We found him on the northern road just outside Denderham.” offered Cate.

The woman nodded tartly.

“Inside.” she said to Saul, pushing him in behind her. Saul obeyed.

“Thank you.” said the woman, somewhat stiffly, turning back to the trio, “He was the second escapee today. They may not like it here, but they’ll be thankful someday. They have a lot more than I when I was their age. I’m Rosa, and I’m in charge here.”

The trio made their introductions. Hans glanced at a plaque located above the door.

“Be known this place be now a place of healing, and not of hurt.” he quoted, “What does that mean.”

Rosa was tart in her reply.

“There once was a inn here called the Broken Mast. I grew up here. I was abused, raped and scarred. Then the inn burned down. After I did a favor for King Robert, I bought this property and founded this orphanage. No children in Denderham will ever go through what I went through again.”

Hans, Adrian and Cate stood, silenced.

The voice of Saul broke the awkward pause.

“Mith Rotha! Kathy’s fallen through the floor again!”

Rosa sighed exasperatingly.

“Tyco underground passage.” she hissed, “I should have it filled in.”

And without further ado, she turned and rushed inside.

Hans looked at Adrian. Adrian looked at Cate. Cate looked at both of them.

“Underground…passage…?”

Curious, they followed Rosa.
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Post by TheOrk »

H-7 Doufwuden Castle

It was just another day for the county of Doufwuden. The cozy little town was nestled in between a network of steep, heavily wooded hills, to complete the scene, the graceful spires of Doufwuden castle soared overhead. As far as Black Falcon settlements go, Doufwuden could be considered well off. It’s main source of work, was wood cutting in the surrounding countryside, that and it was home to a large branch of one the Black Falcon’s banks.

The sun began to climb high into the sky, making the day feel like spring. Even this early in the morning, the market was bustling. The sounds of a forge echoed from one end of the valley to the other. Today, the menfolk of the town who served as lumberjacks would be setting off for a new job in the neighboring hills. One town over the edge of the horizon had been attacked recently. Apparently a band of monsters came out the depths of the Thick Forest. They wanted to build a wall around the town and the other settlements in the area.

As two wagon loads of minifigs began to depart, a small band of horsemen emerged out the trees. Many minifigs stopped to stare as the six riders thundered past. All wore the livery of the Black Falcon army. One young lad who was on his way to his first job almost got trampled by the lead knight, but an older lumberjack yanked him backwards just in time. Once the two lead figures rode past, he let out a heated oath. Nobody really cared much for Sir Brickel, the captain of the Doufwuden Guardsmen.

The lead knight wore a suit of ebony euro armour topped off with a ragged plume. The shield at his side seemed to be warped from a number of blows from a blunt object. The sheathed sword on his left side also bore signs of battle, although hidden, it had enough notches in it to break. The knight riding along side the leader, wore a grilled helmet and a less grand suit of armour. The other four men bringing up the rear were all regular men at arms, armed with a variety of weapons.

Sir Gunther Von Brickel eyed the terrified boy with amusement through the slits in his helmet. If he was expected to work to protect them, was it a crime not expect something fun in return? How he loved this little town, the people were so spineless and lazy. He had it made and all he had to do was act like himself. The heroic knight of the Queen, who protected the borders of the United Kingdom from the vile orcish invaders.

It was not very long afterward that he and his men rode through the raised gates of the castle. With a twist, he gracefully leaped off his saddle and threw the reigns to a stable hand. His attention was entirely fixed on the man who was standing under an archway, staring at him intently. Gunther broke into his trademark swagger and pulled his helmet off with a flourish. There was a slight rent in his image as he hastily brushed a mop of sweat and grime covered golden hair out of his eyes.

“Sire.” He said with a deep bow.
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Post by Formendacil »

Grid: N-10
Location: Denderham
Lord_Of_The_LEGO wrote:Hans looked at Adrian. Adrian looked at Cate. Cate looked at both of them.

“Underground…passage…?”

Curious, they followed Rosa.
About four yards into the orphanage, Rosa turned around and faced them.

"Do you three have nothing better to do than follow me, or do you have something to ask me about?" she demanded, hands on her hips.

"We... uh... kind of came to Denderham because of the catacombs..." said Hans.

"Did you now?" said Rosa. "Why on earth would you do that?"

"Well... we, uh, are on a quest," said Adrian, "and the next stop was the catacombs of Denderham."

"The catacombs, as you call them," said Rosa. "Are dark, dank, and rather claustrophobic, but if it'll get you out of my hair, by all means go down there! And while you're there, you can get Kathy out of there for me."

"Sure," said Cate. Rosa led them to a room in the back of the orphanage, where three of the floorboards were missing, revealing a dark hole.

"It's just a short drop," said Rosa, "don't look so scared. I'll even give you torches."

"Um... yeah," said Adrian, thinking of their last experience with torches in tunnels.

Cate jumped down in the hole, and soon the head and shoulders of a dirty little girl was lifted up. Rosa grabbed the errant child, and then found torches to hand down to the three companions, who were now all in the hole.

"I'll leave the floorboards where they are," said Rosa, "but if it takes you more than a day, I'm nailing them down, whether I know you're out of there or not."

Hans and Adrian looked at each other and grimaced. Fun.
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Post by TheOrk »

“Sire.” He said with a deep bow.
H-7 Doufwuden Castle

Count Lupin grunted irritatedly “Where did you go?” he asked simply, his anger barely held in check.

“Hunting a band of orcs mi lord. We left at sunset last night as the Lady Dryna commanded.”

“Will she ever tell me anything? I think I have the tyco right to know why my top knight and so many of the guardsmen with horses disappear!” He scowled, his arms flailing with the last few words.

“Just following orders mi lord.” Replied Gunther distastefully, there were very few people in the world he had to let live and sadly, the good Count was one of them.

“Very well then.” Lupin muttered, scratching his receding hairline. “Did you actually kill any of the green buffoons?”

“Yep, of course mi lord, I always get the job done.” He said with a smirk.

The dirty look Lupin was giving him just got dirtier, “well how many?”

“Eleven mi lord, most of ‘em were filthy little blighters armed with clubs, but there were some big ones. There were four clad in full metal armour with real weapons. One of them almost took my arm off it did. Anyway, I was able to cut a swathe through them while my counterparts handled the ones who ran away from my furious steel…”

Lupin cut him off “Good for you.” He turned and walked away.

“Well hm pf!” Muttered Gunther. With no one else to talk to, he went in search of the Countess.

Gunther’s companions watched him vanish behind a pair of doors in the keep. One knight who did not come along turned to one who did. “You really ran into a party of vile orcs?”

The other knight laughed “If you say so. It was really four goblins, the Captain bent his shield when he fell off his horse in shock.”
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Post by TheOrk »

P-19 Karond Kar,
The Tower of Dispair,
Former Kingdom of Ankoria

Throg and Sklob had been wandering around the encampment for the better part of an entire hour. They had made their way around most of the orcish contingent, but Throg stopped to look at other things. Various types of ramshackle fortifications had gone up everywhere. Plus several other extracurricular structures. Several fighting pits and breweries had been built but Throg deemed them all second to be third rate. Too much blood in the brew for his liking.

“This place ain’t not very interestin’ boss.” Grumbled Sklob.

“Ye don’t say Sklob, ye don’t say.” Replied Throg.

The two orcs wandered around aimlessly for a little while longer. Although they never found anything entertaining, they did find out a number of useful things. Vermicus and some of the Shadow Knights under his command were trying in vain to mould the orcs into a real fighting force. On an a small scale they were organised into little bands, some bands were willing and smart enough to work with others, but most were unable to follow the basic commands that would be given to a group the size of a battalion or more.

If Vermicus successfully “started” a war, he would need these orcs for catapult fodder, but they weren’t even smart enough for that. Most were armed with the standard orcish weapons. Axes, spears and ten thousand random objects of a stabbing or clubbing nature. There were a lot who had bows, but not effective enough. There was supposed to be a contingent of wolf riders, but the word going around was, that everyone of them with experience was dead.

Throg was about to turn around, to go back to their camp., but then he noticed something. While Sklob was arguing with a clump of orcs, Throg noticed several minifigs in black robes snaking their way through the camp. Dozens of orcs slithered out of their path while more simply jumped out the way.

Interested, Throg began to follow them. There were three of them, two were hidden by hoods, while the other had his down, revealing a shaved and scarred head. Visible in some places there shined a metallic crimson colour.

“Eh Sklob wait here for a moment!” He said before slipping off.

Most orcs were not quiet, they usually groaned and grunted with each step and their armour clattered louder then a legion of cavaliers. Throg was no exception, but he could move as silently as a corpse if he needed to. The others around him melted away from the trio like they were giant poisonous scorpions. They didn’t seem to notice anyone was stalking them.

Throg didn’t seem to realise it, but he followed them straight out of the camp. By several miles. It was hard going for Throg moving through the jagged terrain, but the three little minifigs in robes moved over it like it was polished marble.

Twice, Throg got the impression that someone was stalking him, but after snooping around for the next ten minutes, assured him that there were only four people here for a mile or two…
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Post by The Green Knight »

"Should I try sending Targon a teleharm?” Caimlin wondered. Well, why not? After all, what harm could there be in trying?"
In the end it did take longer then anticipated for the professor to finish his work, but the stowing away part went off without a hitch and soon Targon was out to sea, unnoticed, in the belly of the Sea Serpent.
It was then, as he sat nestled between and behind the professor’s luggage and barrels of sand, that Targon received Caimlin’s teleharm.

“Yeah, what do you want?” the stowaway bellowed back across the connection before he even knew who was contacting him. “Hello?” He said again after getting no answer.

At last there came reply. “Targon? I…I don’t believe it. Is it really you?”

“Well now, if it isn’t my old, back stabbing friend, Caimlin. And how are you keeping yourself? Exiled anymore Sergeants lately. Oh wait, I know. You heard rumors that I was dead and wanted to make certain of it, right? Figures. Well I’m not dead, got it! I’m Targon the indestru—

Targon cut off as a the hatch opened and in came the captain.

“Wait just a minute, Caimlin.” The Dragon Master teleharmed back silently. “I’ve got a ship to take over.”

Whatever errand had brought the captain below deck, Targon never found out because she was interrupted by the startling bulk of the Dragon Master emerging from the luggage.

“You’ve got a ‘what’ to take over?” Caimlin’s voice echoed unheeded in the back of Targon’s distracted mind.

The captain was startled at first until she recognized who it was. “Well if it isn’t the man from the Knights Kingdom Rigging and Sails Inspection Comity.” She smirked coldly. “Changing our focus to holds and luggage now are we?”

But her expression changed when Targon revealed his sword and stepped between her and the hatch. The captain’s dirk was out in a second and held at the ready in her defensive stance. This buffoon wasn’t so harmless after all it seemed. But Targon didn’t stay to fight.

“Hold right there woman. I’ll be right back.” And fast as a blink, he slipped out onto the deck, closed the hatch behind him and thew the plank across the latch. “Now for the professor.” Targon marched off, too one minded to notice the blade of the captain’s knife, lifting the plank through the crack lining the hatch.

“Targon!” It was Caimlin’s voice in his head. “What’s going on? What are you doing?”

“Shut up, Caimlin. I’m going after my rock! You know, the one you told me was magical.”

“What!? It’s not really magical, Targon. I explained all that.”

“Hah! Sure you did, Caimlin. You have no idea what it is! Heh, and yet, you’re more right then you know.” Targon burst open the door to the passenger quarters and found the professor standing behind it, calm and collected.

“Stand down little man. I’m taking over the ship.”

The ningaran spoke not a word, but quick as a wink, darted around the Dragon Master’s sword and shot his fingers up into Targon’s neck and around his esophagus. Instantly Targon couldn’t breath and plummeted to the deck. Then, just before he could recover, the captain appeared above him, brandishing the plank from the hatch. This would not end well.

“How did she get ou—

That was the last thing Caimlin heard before the teleharm connection was painfully cut.

Not one minute later the first sorcerer of the isle found himself being rudely interrupted from his work, by a strangely worried Caimlin. “Drock. I think Targon needs help.”
~
Nine days later the governor of Boranis Dracis found himself staying at a upper scale inn in the middle of Mainland Ninjara with the three officers he’d chosen to accompany him. On the table before him was a map of the region and the instructions from Lord Void. By his calculations, he would reach the village in another days march. Right on schedule.
Let us stop for a moment and ponder the signiture...





Ok, enough of that!
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Post by TheOrk »

H-7 Doufwuden Castle

Sir Gunther slowly trudged up along through the halls of the castle. Every five seconds, he felt it necessary to look in one of the numerous mirrors and wipe off any and all grime he saw on himself. Luckily for him, the Degelsteins employed a huge number of servants. While Gunther walked up the winding staircase to the Countess’s personal study, another came to visit her.

Soaring gracefully through the skies came a black falcon. If anybody down below happened to be looking in it’s direction, they would have stared. It’s one thing to be a Black Falcon, but to see an actual black falcon was not very common. The falcon flew over the valley and began circling the spires of Doufwuden, before locating a small window, high up.

Dryna was having a regular day, it would have been good, but events outside of her control had forced her to awaken well after midnight, but well before dawn. Her quill, from a rare crimson falcon flew over a tiny piece of parchment. Creating a neat and tidy spiderweb of markings, most people would need a magnifiying glass just to read the first line, then the letters seemed to merge together.

Just as she was signing her name at the bottom of it, a black falcon in a cage in the corner awoke with a start and began fluttering about excitedly. Dryna turned to see another falcon outside her window. Smiling, she got up and opened it. The falcon obediently perched itself on her writing desk, not even close to tipping over ink or sending papers askew.

Bending over, she untied a piece of parchment from it’s leg and replaced it with the one she had just written.

The bird chirped once and took off and disappeared over the hills in the space of a minute. Dryna walked over to her padded high backed chair and began to read the message.

Blue Falcon

I can’t tell you where I am at this moment, even if your birds seem to know. Everyone who has a use for me is dead or believes I am dead, except for you, still I will not go about in public, even under a new name. I know what you would have asked of me even before you sent your bird. My answer is no. I have seen this madness first hand and I tell you, you should stop before it is too late.

An Old Friend


Dryna crumpled the parchment in her hand. “Tyco fool!” She threw the ball into the dying embers of her small fireplace.
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Post by Robin Hood »

Grid: G-8
Location: Castleton

Dinner progressed in a most uneventful manner. Aiden kept mentally trying to think of something other than small talk to say. In the end he gave up and asked her something that was on his mind.

"So Nina, can I ask you something?"

She looked up from her food. "What?"

"You say you grew up in a port village right?"

She looked a little uncertain, but answered, "right."

Aiden plowed on. "and that after running away you got picked up by a noble."

Nina said nothing, but nodded.

Aiden took a breath. "And after you ran away there, you stayed no where long."

"Yes," she answered slowly.

"Then, umm, if you don't mind me asking, where did you learn to move like you do?"

Something had struck home, for Nina's eyes suddenly widened. However, she said, "what do mean?"

"Well, uh, you move with grace and fluidity. You have the grace of a dancer, and the agility of a fighter. How, exactly, did you learn to do that. That stuff isn't inborn."

Something had defiantly struck something, for Nina suddenly looked wary and alert, as if expecting a trap. "I don't know what mean."

Though he didn't wish to pry into things probably best left alone, Aiden felt that there was something he should know about Nina. In fact, he reminded her of someone else, someone else who was connected to trouble. But he couldn't figure it out. "Nina," he began, "I don't mean to pry into personal matters, but I think there is something you aren't telling me. Something that perhaps I should know. Your background isn't quite like you told me is it?"

Nina looked almost pleading as she said, "Aiden, everything I told you is true, I'm not lying."

"Ok then, your not lying, but you left something out." Aiden inwardly squirmed, but said, "What is it?"

"Aiden, it's nothing."

"Now you are lying Nina. What's so bad?"

Nina, as if sensing that he would not back off, suddenly changed from pleading to defending. "It's nothing. Please drop it Aiden. It's got nothing to with you." Her hand twitched.

Aiden had seen many liars in his time. One of the signs he learned to associate with lying was a slight twitch of the fingers. "No Nina, it does have something to with me. Please tell me. I won't do anything."

"It's none of your business Aiden." She snapped. "Look, just drop it ok."

Aiden was now sure that she knew something important about him. "Nina, I.."

"Stop it Aiden! Why are you so nosy? Must you know more about my past? Isn't know that it was a wreck enough for you? Or do you always butt into people's business like this? I suppose this dinner was all a plan to get me to open up. Well it's not going to work." She abruptly stood up. "I'll going back to the castle. And tomorrow I am leaving. Good evening." She stormed out the tavern and Aiden heard the sound of the carriage leaving.

If he had been a bit confused about Nina before, it was nothing to how he felt now. She had taken offense at him when all he had tried to do was help her and try to find out what she knew about him. Aiden could respect the need for privacy, but the way she had responded to his innocent question had shown that there was something more. When he had entered this restaurant all he had wanted to know about Nina was how she could move like she could. Now, he still didn't know that, as well there was some important thing on her past that had to do with him as well her agility. And judging by the way she had reacted, it was something important enough that she had wanted to cover up by getting mad.

This was second concern to him right now though. At the moment he just wanted to tell her that he hadn’t been trying to get her to say anything that she didn’t want to. And that what ever it was she was trying to hide, she didn’t need get mad at him. He would respect her wishes. Wouldn’t he? As he walked back to the castle, Aiden privately wondered just how long he would go without asking her what she knew. He didn’t want to pry, but it seemed that whatever it was she knew, it was rather important.

“I hate tough choices.” Thought Aiden as he trudged through the snow.
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Post by Lord_Of_The_LEGO »

G-10
Fire Breathing Fortress


King Ajaxx spoke.

“Who are these?” he said idly.

“Trespassers.” said the guard.

King Ajaxx looked at Traver, Aelain Aethen.

“Dragon Masters are not trespassers in Dragonar.” said Ajaxx slowly, “Unless they aren’t loyal to the Dragon Master king.”

“Milord?” stuttered Traver, feigning ignorance.

“Do you follow the ways of Lord Void?” demanded Ajaxx.

“No.” lied Traver.

“Then you have nothing to fear.” said Ajaxx, “And you are not trespassers. Guards.”

The guards slunk off.

“Tell me,” said Ajaxx, “Who are you, and why are you here?”
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Post by Formendacil »

Grid: J-10
Location: Orion

Andrei Bartavlo, Ambassador to Classic LEGOland for the Fright Knights, sat alone in his office, his eyes blank. In the back of his mind, he was attempting to contact his lord.

Vækadær, however, was not responding immediately. Perhaps he had been delayed in reaching his crystal for their weekly rendevous.

Eventually, the lord appeared, and Bartavlo got ready to make his report.

"Marcellinus E'terriole has been broken," Vækadær told him, satisfied. "I will arrange to have him returned to Orion in the very near future."

Assuming that his had been the cause for Vækadær's delay, Bartavlo moved on.

"Drazzuil reports that the papers of Harold Brakespear are definitely in Hemmerington, but someone in the village seems to have picked up on his presence, and the villagers have shunned his men. He requested additional men, and I sent Gulo and his men. They had just finished their business in Porto Lobo."

"Excellent," said Vækadær. "I've been waiting for those papers for a long time. You may terminate any investigations regarding Thomas Valt."

"Actually, sir," said Bartavlo, "Valt's name has come up again- in a different matter."

"Oh?"

"It appears that Merina Valenti survived the poison, apparently through the assistance of Sir Aethelred Dractor and his companions."

"Including Thomas Valt."

"Correct, milord." Bartavlo went on. "Reports from Drullen Bell inform me that a villager from Hemmerington arrived there during the holidays, asking for Valt. It is a guess on my part, but I would connect this with Drazzuil's presence in the area. Valt departed from Drullen Bell with a unknown Royal Knight companion and the Hemmeringtoner, to return to his hometown. Merina Valenti went with him. They are probably in the village ere now."

"Indeed," Vækadær's voice was deep and thoughful in Bartavlo's head. "And what of Sir Dractor?"

"He departed Drullen Bell a couple days later, with a Royal Knight Bannerett and a Royal noblelady. They're bound for Orion, apparently. The lady is to be affianced to Sir Jayko Falconensis, of the Imperial Cavaliers."

"That matter is a trifle to me," said Vækadær, "though it may someday come to be more. Merina Valenti and the papers of Harold Brakespear are what concern me right now. And both those roads lead together... How interesting."

"Milord?"

"It's nothing important as of now," replied Vækadær. "Tell Drazzuil that I want him to have those papers in two weeks, or Sir Dractor will be there, and I don't want him to have to try and face that."

"Yes, milord."
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Post by Lord_Of_The_LEGO »

Formendacil wrote:Thomas pushed away Maeve's image, and stood up. He needed some sleep, and this was no time to be thinking about Maeve. Maeve had always liked him, but he'd never really had a crush on her. Still, Merina didn't seem to know that.

Heading to bed, he decided to forget the whole matter. He was here to stop the Fright Knights, after all. Once that was done, he and Merina would be gone, and that would be it.

Grid: P-10
Location: Hemmerington


Felix Ffluffingar was not quite a hermit, but he liked his space and his privacy. Therefore, when he had moved to Hemmerington many years ago, he had chosen an old and somewhat dilapidated cottage on the very edge of town as his residence. This distanced him nicely from the noisy hustle and bustle of the main street, and he didn’t mind the extra walk it took to get supplies. At least, during the summer. During the winter Felix was forced to trudge though knee-deep snow. This always chilled him greatly, and so on this particular day, Felix decided to drop by the Pub for a warm cider before continuing on to haggle with McGregor for food. As Felix approached the Pub, he chuckled in amusement. Apparently the Pub was now the Ub. Probably one of the Korvalt boys’ pranks. Felix stamped snow off his boot and shuffled inside. Aelk Borom was behind the counter, scrubbing glasses, and the town drunk Redka wallowed near the fireplace.

“And so the bard makes his weekly appearance.” welcomed Aelk, “What can I get you, Felix?”

“I’ll have some cider.” said Felix, “And I think you’ll be needing a P.”

Aelk gave Felix a funny look, then snorted.

“Cost me five quid to fix that sign. I bet it was Matthew Korvalt, too.”

“Probably was.” said Felix.

Aelk handed him his warm cider.

“So,” said Felix after a gratified sip, “Besides the Pu’s -- I mean Ub’s vandalism, anything else of interest happen this week?”

“Very much so,” said Aelk to Felix, “Oy! Redka! I’ll not have yer sodden head in my fireplace! Pull it out ‘fore you burn yourself!”

Redka, in the corner, groaned and flopped the other way to avoid the flames.

“Anyway,” said Aelk, returning to Felix, “Guess who made a grand homecoming four days ago.”

Felix considered.

“Thomas Valt?”

“How’d you know?” Aelk demanded.

Felix shrugged.

“He’s the only who’s left in the last six months.”

“Well, anyway…” Aelk began, but he was interrupted.

The door of the Ub opened, and Healer Melkan, Gherry Lorans, and Dale Barrett.

“Hey Felix, hello Aelk.”

“G’morning.” greeted Aelk, “What can I get you?”

“Sherry.” said Melkan.

“Ale.” said Gherry.

“Beer.” said Dale.

All three of them sat at the bar.

“Hello Felix.” said Dale, “Hear the news about Thomas?”

“Aelk was just telling me.” said Felix, “Have you met Thomas? You arrived here after that lad left with that big knight.”

“Yes, I’ve met him.” said Dale, “I like him. Haven’t met his lady friend yet.”

Felix choked a little on the dregs of his cider.

“Lady friend?”

“Yup.” said Old Gherry, chuckling into his ale, “A pretty girl by the name of Merina Valenti.”

“Sounds Classic.” noted Felix.

“I think it is.” said Melkan.

Aelk refilled Felix’s cup.

“So you can imagine the rumors…” said the barman sly.

“I can indeed.” said Felix, “Babs’ and her circle…?”

“Devouring like a pack of wolves.” said Old Gherry disgustedly.

“Yes indeed.” said Melkan, “I have a bad feeling Hemmerington’s going to soon fall prey to a terrible ordeal of epic proportions.”

“What?” asked Dale.

“The young and restless.” said Melkan.

“And lovesick,” added Old Gherry, “and foolish, and stubborn, and vocal, and emotional, and immature…”

Dale looked puzzled.

“I am slightly lost.”

Felix slapped Dale on the back.

“You’re still a newcomer. Stay here five years -- ten years, and you’ll get to know the dark secrets of Hemmerington.”

“Dark secrets?” Dale wrinkled his brow.

Felix began to count off on his fingers.

“Maeve MacDouglas has had a crush on Thomas Valt since childhood. Kevin’s mother, Roz, abandoned him on Farmer McGregor’s doorstep. The cobber Les Loreshight murdered his brother years ago in a drunken brawl. And…”

Felix paused.

“Enrie Givillie’s cheating on Orla MacDouglas.”

Aelk looked up. Dale stared. Gherry grunted. Redka belched.

“That’s news to me.” said Aelk slowly.

“He and Sally Gribbons were kissing behind my woodshed.” said Felix.

“Oooh.” Melkan groaned, “Does Orla know?”

“I haven’t told her.” said Felix.

“Wait ‘til Babs hears this.” grumbled Gherry.

Felix chuckled wryly at the Dale, who looked stunned.

“Hemmerington doesn’t seem so innocent, now, does it?”
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Post by Formendacil »

Grid: P-10
Location: Hemmerington
Lord_Of_The_LEGO wrote:“I haven’t told her.” said Felix.

“Wait ‘til Babs hears this.” grumbled Gherry.

Felix chuckled wryly at the Dale, who looked stunned.

“Hemmerington doesn’t seem so innocent, now, does it?”
Dale was about to answer in the negative, when the doors of the 'Ub flew open, and Thomas Valt walked in with Arvey and Erik Korvalt.

"Hi there, Aelk!" Erik called over to the bartender. "Nice new 'b' you've got out on the sign."

"You young scoundrel!" replied Aelk, "I know who knocked off the 'p' last night!"

"It wasn't Erik," said Thomas, "he's been with me since early this morning- and he wasn't tired from a night of mischief."

"Well, I'll take your word for it, Thomas," said Aelk. "What'll it be?"

"Ale," said Thomas, "for each of us. I'm paying."

"Quite the lordly gesture," said Aelk. "You must be riding pretty high on the hog these days, as a Knight's squire."

"Erm... not bad," said Thomas. "If we didn't have Lord Bjarn paying us living allowances, we'd be pretty broke. Being a landless, lordless knight doesn't pay well- and being his squire is worse."

"Lord Bjarn, you say?" said Felix, from Melkan's table. "You consort with noble company."

"Erm, yeah," said Thomas, not caring for the attention. "Anyway, the three of us need to talk with Melkan."

"Alone?" said Felix.

"I don't think it matters," said Thomas. "The village doesn't know about the Fright Knights yet, but there's no point in keeping it secret."

"Fright Knights!" said Felix. "Whoa, what Fright Knights?"

"Melkan can explain it later," said Thomas. "I'm just here to report."

"And?" said Melkan.

"The Fright Knights are still there, and it looks like about another fifty have come to join them," said Thomas. "They're definitely in a state of readiness for fighting, and I'd wager that they're planning a raid for those papers in the very near future."

"And what do you plan to do about that?" asked Melkan.

"I don't know," sighed Thomas. "We can't match them in arms. The village outnumbers them, sure, but if you remove women, children, and the aged, it's not by a lot, and most of them can't fight half-decently anyway. So clearly, an all-out battle won't work."

"I could have told you that," said Melkan. "In fact, I seem to recall trying to."

"Yes, I know..." said Thomas. "The best thing to do is probably to keep a watch on those papers. Myself, William, and whoever seems able to handle a weapon and is willing can take turns posting a lookout."

"And if they attack in full numbers?" said Melkan, "which they quite possibly will."

"I don't know..." said Thomas. "But beyond watching and waiting, I'm not sure."

Thomas rose to leave.

"Anyway, it's almost lunchtime, and I promised that I'd be there. I'll see you later."

"Thomas!" called Melkan, "come by after lunch and we'll take a look through those papers, all right? I'm starting to get curious about what secrets in them are so valuable."

"Right," said Thomas. "We'll be there."

"We'll be there?" said Felix, turning to Melkan. "Who is we?"

"Probably him and Merina," said Melkan.

"What I'd like to know," said Erik, "is who he promised he'd be home in time for lunch: mum or Merina."
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