Chronicling the Adventures of a Pariah...

[AkashicRecord]

This idea came up sort of by accident, originating as a joke comment in response to a silly thread.

I hereby nominate AkashicRecord as the potential best RP poster of 2017 for these fresh posts. keep em coming pls

If you were to start a new thread with only your lore and perhaps even some screenshots I'd subscribe and even dare 5/5starz

I have read all of your chapters so far, and found them highly entertaining and fun to read!

A much different style of writing compared to the others who have created RP-themed stories, which makes yours stand out to me.

I also like the way you style and format the actual text you wrote in, that was a really nice touch that added an element of substance that goes beyond just the well-written story.

I agree with the above, please create your own thread with this wonderful story and character!

You might find more people will read it that way, as you unfortunately attached your nice story within a thread I created. (Not that I mind, but you deserve more attention for your creation and some people may not even bother to see it as their personal feelings may hinder them from reading a thread I have created.)


So... I'm going to quote my existing material here and then pick up from where I left off:


~~~
Saturday, June 21st, 3104, 8pm...


I'm hoping to fill a medicine bag (or two) with a specific woody vine that I've heard is called "Caapi" by the natives, and "the Vine of Death" by the local shamans. Another plant that I'm hoping to find is a particular psychotria plant with a fruit that could almost be mistaken for a commonly brewed bean. (I've seen very detailed visions of them recently while conducting a ceremony with other shamans, so I know that the stories are consistent, and correct.)

I'm currently toasting some bat wings outside of Qeynos, trying to stay downwind of the guards. Believe it or not, bat wings are kind of... dare I say it... tasty... if you can get past the little bits of occasional fur. Fortunately, I have much better things to eat, like this savory 'Rat Stew' that I picked up for almost no coin at all. I actually need the bat wings should I decide to cross Lake Rathetear. I'm a horrible swimmer. :(

I gave up my Polar Bear Skin cloak to a friend on the way out of Halas, trading for a piece of (used) banded armor instead. Can you believe that this new piece of gear saved my butt more than once already? The only current problem I have is, "how the hell am I going to get all the Gnoll blood out of the thing?" :eek:

This postal delivery should probably arrive a few days ahead of me...hopefully I'll make it to somewhere near the South Karana border (alive) by then... if not, and anyone spots a Barbarian corpse on the way through the Karanas, please bury it with a crude tombstone, and say something like:

SHE DIED FOR
A GOOD CAUSE

In closing, I must say that centaurs make exceptional postal delivery workers! :cool:
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Saturday, June 28th, 3104, 11pm...


Well, one week later, and not only did I manage to make it to South Karana, I managed to find the best (and safest) place that you possibly could find...the highest point of the Aviak Village!


Krak Windchaser lent me the most exquisite, feathered shroud to sleep with. He tells me that it is made entirely from Quillmane's feathers, and that he killed that legendary Pegasus years ago, fashioning this priceless shroud by hand.

Krak and I shared a few stories by the fire inside his hut, and I broke out a rare bottle of authentic Blackburrow Kalish that I managed to loot from a Gnoll brewer a few weeks ago. (This stuff is amazing, and has hints of black currant, black licorice, Kiola, and even a mild sweet note, not unlike that Faydark mead I'd sampled once before; that one was brewed from pure Crushbone Honey, and was fantastic. Krak can barely stand up now, so you know it's good!) :D

I also traded Krak some of my excess reagents, since I had far too many Winter Berries and Frost Lichens. He'd never seen those before, but I told him to give some to the local medicine man. Krak also tried one of those toasted bat wings that I was mentioning, and said that it tasted like elephant jerky (apparently, that is made from the ears of the baby calves??) :eek:

Well, I should probably get to sleep soon since I need all the daylight I can to cross the lake and head into the mountains at first break...


This message is being sent by Aviak courier, by the way; I didn't even know that the Aviaks delivered post, but apparently there is a mutual deal between the centaurs and their (former) postal monopoly...they even run parcels!
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Friday, July 4th, 3104, 3am...


{chirp chirp chirp click bite buzz blurp}

Right now, I'm hiding in some really nasty swamp...stuff...behind some incredibly odd trees. {{MY DAMN LEVITATE SPELL JUST WORE OFF AND RUINED MY FUR-LINED BOOTS}}

Damn.

Anyway, there are some Troll guards or sentries in the distance outside of what seems to be a home city. According to my somewhat outdated map, it should be Gukta, though I don't think they call it that anymore, and I'm not going to ask.


I'm already finding a lot of interesting plants to take back, but on a more dour note, I'm finding a lot more bugs and biting things than anything else. You don't see that crap around Halas... I'm going to hate coming back to this swamp...

Lake Rathetear was not nearly as bad as I thought. I didn't even get wet. :p


I can't forget to mention that Krak gave me a special Aviak charm to use in concert with Gate magic so that I can return back to the village at any time. His final word of advice was to 'never tell a centaur that they have a nice "ass,"' and he mumbled something like, "...nice knockers." :o


I think (read: hope) I will make it to Freeport within the next few days. I can't imagine staying in the Ro desert for long, and I imagine that is going to be just downright unbearable. On another note, I've never seen an alligator before. Or a caiman. Or a puma. Or a sand giant. Or a spectre. Or a crypt mummy. Or a dune tarantula. Or an Ancient Cyclops... :eek:


I'm slipping this parchment in with the others in these Trolls' mail satchel. From what I can understand, I know that they are discussing a mail run or something in the morning. (It should be interesting to see if this actually gets delivered without being intercepted...) :cool:
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
July 5th, 3104, 8pm...


I seemed to have completely lost track of what day it was while I was mucking through that awful swamp...It's a completely different day posted here on the town message board. I guess I should mention that I finally made it in one piece! :D


I made amazing time across the desert, but I feel like a parched, desiccated husk; I think I ended up in East Commonlands by about 5pm, just in time to check in at the Freeport Militia building and see about getting a spot to sleep.

Brother Jentry was kind enough to help me find Armorer Dellin and check in. Typical soldiers, though; as I'm waiting for Dellin, I hear a bunch of wolf-whistling and whatnot coming from down the hallway of the barracks that I'd just walked down... :rolleyes:


It looks like I just missed chow time by minutes, but I'm not complaining about the complimentary rations. Seems that the Freeport rats taste a bit less gamey...and I didn't know that Fire Beetles were actually edible... :confused:


Reverie is at 4:30am sharp, so I should get some much needed rest...
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
July 6th, 3104, approximately 10:10pm...


I guess you could say that I had my first full day of real "work" with the Reserve Militia today.

Apparently, there is a huge project to reclaim the raw metals from Deathfist Orc picks, and then shipping sheets and billets of the processed material over to Kaladim and Ak'Anon. There is some sort of "Damascus steel" process that is supposed to produce some very high quality weapons and materials, but only the Gnomes and Dwarfs have the machines and raw strength to pull it off...

My Spirit Pouch magic came in pretty good here, I could fit four of those heavy picks in one pouch. Dellin and the corporal on-duty were amazed at how light they were after they were fully loaded. "Why, it's no heavier than a f*ckin* rat ear!" was one of the funnier comments, I must admit. That, and: "How do you make it levitate like that?" :D


While I was making my first delivery of picks, Guard Colin got bit by a rattlesnake and almost died. He was lucky that I had some bandages and my medicine bag, because I seriously thought about leaving those in my foot locker. There was a Dark Elf necromancer nearby that watched the entire thing, and he didn't even bother to help... :rolleyes:

Oh, I almost forgot... when I first arrived at the Toll Booth in West Commons, the guards almost attacked me! I'm pretty sure it had something to do with a scuffle over in E.C. on the way over...as I ran by the "tunnel" there, I heard some people /shout, "Kill her!" ...but I kind of ignored them. :p

(That's a far cry from my experience over near Grobb; the warriors there kept politely calling me "ma'am...")

Once I showed Guard Valon my Symbol of Discord, he immediately apologized and said on one knee, "Sir Lucan said you'd be coming..."
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
July 7th, 3104, approximately 2:10am...


Here's to the second attempt at page two...this time on some mammoth hide parchment. (Guard Colin spilled a quarter bottle of Kalish all over the other one, and it's almost unreadable.)


I sort of got stuck pulling an "unofficial" graveyard shift here at the Toll Booth, partly because these two here are completely wasted. You see, I broke out the rest of that bottle of Kalish that I'd shared with Krak the other night...so now these two are passed out, and I'm here just waiting for sunrise...


Earlier:

"You spit in this?" Colin quipped. :confused:

"No." ;)

(He takes a swig...)

"But a Gnoll probably did..." :cool:

"?!?!" :eek:

(He spits out the drink.)

...I go on to explain how the sweetest Kalish is made by Gnolls, and part of that reason is because of their saliva affecting the fermentation process.

"...No shit?"

"Nope, just spit..." :p

"Do they have jesters in Halas, or only when you're around?"


I fashion an ornate piece from my medicine bag and crumble some dried leaf into it, topped with a dusting of a fine tan-colored powder, and offer it to Valon:

"I call this one my 'Krak' pipe..." :D

"Come again?"

"...He gave it to me; Krak Windchaser."

(After a short silence, everyone erupts into laughter.)
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Thursday(?), August 5th, 3104, 11:20pm...


This entry is being written from a rather cozy, private room in West Commons, the reason being the giant //GRIFFIN WARNING// issued for E.C. before returning back to the barracks...

That said, there's something sort of...thrilling...about being able to fashion a directive "by Order of Royal Decree..." which forces "...the lawful and dutiful owner to relinquish full and total control of all properties, habitations, facilities, and to tender any or all possessions deemed necessary or suitable for purposes of quartering and the continued operational support of any or all battalion commanders, chiefs, officers, guards, and both ranked and unranked active or reserve militia members for a duration not to exceed the duly specified or previously agreed upon duration (as listed)..."

Naturally, we didn't have any resistance... :cool:


It's hard to believe that it's been about a month already with the militia, I'm hoping to procure an advancement ahead of the original terms of enlistment. The pay is substandard, but the shelter and subsistence benefits more than make up for it.

Someone from the battalion got a glimpse of my Gnoll Fang Necklace and was curious, so I said that I used to dabble in hobby Veterinary Dentistry while in Blackburrow... :D
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
September 19th, 3104, approximately 9:30pm.


"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

...those were the words that echoed inside my mind for the entire night.

"This looks really bad for the entire militia. You do know that, right?"

There wasn't much I could say, and there was still evidence of dried blood on my spear. I tried to explain the situation to the best of my ability.

"I was just sitting down and organizing my backpack under a torch. The next thing I knew, I had a knife to my neck..."

A human rogue had attacked me just hours prior, I had no choice but to kill her. The incident was completely unprovoked, but apparently the militia doesn't want too much blood on their hands right now, at least not when it comes from the tip of *my* spear...


Luckily, I didn't receive any demerits or unfair punishment; mostly just a few harsh words and a furlough for the next shift. You could say that I ultimately did pay for my murderous action, as I was essentially slain by a Griffin shortly afterward. I finally came to at the base of the Commons tunnel, but I could barely remember anything that had transpired.

Apparently, an icky, "scaled one" managed to find my lifeless corpse near an Orc encampment and dragged me to safety. I have no idea why he actually did this, but seeing that he appeared to practice necromancy, it wasn't nearly that shocking...


I've been reminiscing a bit about Everfrost and Halas lately; probably something to do with the explicit lack of snow and ice here. I've been hearing stories of Velious and Thurgadin, and to be painfully honest, I'm kind of jealous. I think I'd fit in nicely over there, but only time will tell, I imagine. For now, my work here is with the militia...
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1109
(Receiving a verbal reprimand from Armorer Dellin for murdering a player in self-defense)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Friday, October 13th, 3104, 11:45p.m.


Apparently, Fur Lined Boots (https://wiki.project1999.com/Fur_Lined_Boots) and fish entrails on a wet pier do not a good combination make...

I lost my footing, slipped, and fell straight into the ocean as the boat starting moving. Everyone just sat there, laughing, as the boat sailed away. I managed to tread water enough to grab ahold of a canoe and pull myself onto a low dock. I think I'm just going to curl up here in embarrassment until I dry off...

Now, I need to go explain why I have to take the next midnight ship out... :o

I guess that's what I get for being so awful at fishing. While I was fishing though, I couldn't help but overhear a story about a Darkwater Piranha (https://wiki.project1999.com/A_darkwater_piranha) that is rumored to swim the Nektulos Forest river... :eek:
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1110
(Fishing while waiting for the ship in East Freeport. Need a Rusty Dagger?)


~~~
Sunday, October 15th, 3104, 3a.m.


The Port Authority had some sort of issue with the ship's manifest, so it was delayed an entire day, but we finally made it. I'm setting up a camp here on the Sisters' island in the Ocean of Tears.

We are allowed 14 hours at port, so I'm having a look around until we cast off again. Some dwarves over the hill were kind enough to let me use their campfire and even their axe to cut some wood.

A Gnome asked me about Spirit of the Wolf magic while I was perusing the Sisters' wares, but he immediately seemed very hesitant after he caught a glimpse of my red Symbol of Discord... :cool:
~~~

[Lhancelot]

Bravo! look forward to reading more, thank you.

***Dang, that means my thread originally titled, "Whips with wet sounds" will probably die now. Ah well, it's for a greater cause!

[Shrubwise]

Rated 5/5 and subscribed. Loving the posts keep em coming!

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Wednesday, October 18th, 3104. 12am:


There hasn't been much to write about here in Butcherblock after departing the Ocean of Tears. I've primarily been helping to unload all of this cargo; it's some pretty grueling work. :mad:

Just as soon as I start heading to turn in and get some much needed rest for the night, one of the dwarves flags me down, waving around a Sealed Letter (http://wiki.project1999.com/Sealed_Letter) in the air.

I immediately recognize the wax seal as being Sir Lucan's, so I knew it was important:

"Sir Lucan said this is very urgent, he knew you were still here!"

(I turn my back to the dwarf guard and carefully unroll the parchment, scanning over it's contents in privacy.)

"This is indeed very important... When are the next shuttles to Firiona Vie?"

"In about ten minutes."

(He points South.)
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1111
(Traveling to Firiona Vie for special business under the cover of midnight.)


~~~
Wednesday, October 18th, 3104. 12:20am:


I board the shuttles from the South pier and take them to meet the Maiden's Voyage from Firiona Vie. I'm amazed at the sheer size of the ship. There's no way Freeport would ever have anything like this thing...

(I make sure to secure the parchment within a hidden false bottom sewn into the bottom of one of my backpacks.)

This trip is a bit farther than I'm accustomed to, and I start to feel a bit ill...

...who knew that a Spirit Pouch could double as a barf bag? :eek:
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Wednesday, October 18th, 3104. 3:50am.


I arrive.

Promptly, I sprint to the Paladin guild... There's no mistaking where it is located here in Firiona Vie, even if you've never been here, before. I'm slightly in awe at the design of the surroundings, and my mind wanders for a few moments as I watch the soft glow of the moonlight dancing through the clouds...

I quickly glance at the scroll to recall the name of the Guildmaster, as I quickly approach the Paladin guild. The salty sea mist mingles with the sweat running from my nervous brow as I stand in front of the archway.

"I'm here for General Veredeth (http://wiki.project1999.com/General_Veredeth)."

"This way, ma'am..."

(The guard gestures towards the General.)

"Well, Well! You made good time. What brings you to Firiona Vie? ...I heard you were coming, do you have something for me?"

I hand the General the previously sealed parchment. He gestures to an assistant by his side, and they fashion a small blue bottle filled with some sort of liquid...

The General takes an eye dropper from the bottle and carefully applies a few drops of the liquid to an empty section of the parchment, gradually revealing some additional text written with a special 'invisible' ink.

"Ah yes. This is an extradition order. I was almost expecting it."

"I'm confused." :confused:

"The Koada'Dal... the Feir'Dal... and even the Teir'Dal, are all working together on this one... and apparently so is the Freeport Reserve Militia..."

The General continues:

"This directive demands the immediate release of one of our prisoners to Sir Lucan for some... *special*... interrogation. You are to escort the prisoner to Freeport and ensure that he arrives safely. You will have some assistance, of course..."

I nod in acknowledgement and bow on one knee, casually excusing myself...


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1112


...the General unexpectedly grabs my arm...

"Not so fast...! You don't by chance have any of that 'Griffin Stew' on you, do you?" :o
~~~

[skarlorn]

i can't wait for you to encounter someone else flagged for pvp

[Shrubwise]

i can't wait for you to encounter someone else flagged for pvp

Already has, she was forced to slay a human in East Commons. Hence the reprimanding from the Freeport Militia :mad:

[AkashicRecord]

Already has, she was forced to slay a human in East Commons. Hence the reprimanding from the Freeport Militia :mad:

Poor Breona... :D

[AkashicRecord]

i can't wait for you to encounter someone else flagged for pvp

It was a little uneventful, but it happened, so I incorporated it as best I could.

There will be more events, I'm sure. :cool:

[Lhancelot]

I wonder how many players you will actually run into that are also flagged. Was the rogue the only one so far?

Actually, this could really add some different elements to your story the more I think about it. It just depends on if anyone else flags themselves...

[AkashicRecord]

I wonder how many players you will actually run into that are also flagged. Was the rogue the only one so far?

Actually, this could really add some different elements to your story the more I think about it. It just depends on if anyone else flags themselves...

There's bound to be at least a few people that end up rolling a red character to play around. :D

Either way, people will run into me in game and then end up in the "story" in some form or another, and that's cool too.

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Wednesday, October 18th, 3104. Approximately 5am:


After my quick briefing with the General, I'm taken to the Iksar prisoner as he's prepared for transfer by boat.

We reach the dock and prepare to board, when I'm suddenly struck from my feet. Somehow, the lizard managed to tail sweep me, and also all of the other guards. A few are knocked straight off of the dock into the ocean.

Luckily, I'm able to pull myself to my feet, but in those moments he had already managed to unlock the rest of his shackles as one of the guards dropped the key ring on the pier as they went over.

One of my backpacks spilled open, and the lizard grabs my coin pouch and my Tome of Order and Discord (https://wiki.project1999.com/Tome_of_order_and_discord) (probably thinking it was my spellbook.) He flees North with my book in tow, straight out of town past the Trackers and other guards...


With the benefit of my Spirit of the Wolf magic, I pursue the escaped lizard North and to the West, following the stream past some extremely hideous half-spider, half-humanoid creatures that I had no intention of meeting any further. I narrowly miss death numerous times as the escaped Iksar manages to gain more distance by the minute.

I eventually lose track of the scaly felon as I search a sizable portion of the lake area on foot. I essentially give up after I find a large windmill area, and take some time to recuperate.

A Dwarf vendor is standing inside and I take a moment peruse his wares (forgetting that the Iksar thief had absconded with my money.) This dwarf seems to take special interest in my chain coat, offering to take it off of me for some coin (and quite literally so!) :o

I pocket an easy 40 platinum (and he gets a bit of a free show) as I change into a new Ceremonial Sarnak Emblazoned Tabard (https://wiki.project1999.com/Sarnak_Emblazened_Tabard) in exchange for my old gear... :p

I pack up and Gate back to Firiona Vie to take the next ship out.
~~~

https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1113
(A sunrise foot pursuit leading to the Lake of Ill Omen.)

[Lhancelot]

Where did the Sarnak Tabard come from? Was it on the dwarf vendor, and when you sold the old BP you used the plats to buy it from the dwarf?

[AkashicRecord]

Where did the Sarnak Tabard come from? Was it on the dwarf vendor, and when you sold the old BP you used the plats to buy it from the dwarf?

Yep. I literally had no money on me, and that piece ended up being about 17p on the Dwarf, so I made a tiny profit after selling my chain. :D

[Lhancelot]

Yep. I literally had no money on me, and that piece ended up being about 17p on the Dwarf, so I made a tiny profit after selling my chain. :D

haha I wondered. :)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Wednesday, October 18th, 3104. Approximately 4:45pm:


After Gating back, I'm debriefed on the escape and given a written, signed parchment to deliver to Sir Lucan which explains the incident. Luckily, I will be completely absolved of any blame (as I should be.) I was actually commended by the General on my foot pursuit, even though I came back with nothing:

"I see you still managed to find a way to go shopping!" :rolleyes:

(Me) :o


I board the ship and make my way back to Freeport.

There isn't much to say about the trip back, except that I seem to have kicked the sea sickness problem. I almost dread the many weeks worth of work that will have piled up while I was away... Even though I'm innocent of this escaped convict ordeal, I don't enjoy thought of having to deliver this letter. I keep working through a myriad of possible dialogues, wondering what different things I can say to explain myself and what happened. It's hopeless. :(

(I almost forgot to mention that I managed to slay a sabretooth while I was searching the Lake; its pelt should look nice in Armorer Dellin's office next to the bear rugs. Hardly a consolation, I know...)


###


I arrive in Freeport and head straight to the Militia House. On my way, I pass by a Priest of Discord and double-back:

I apologetically tell the Priest that my Tome has been stolen by a thief, and that I would like to read the book again. He gives me a new copy without hesitation or question...
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1114
(Leaving Firiona Vie, *mostly* empty handed...)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Friday, October 20th, 3104. Approximately 7pm:


...receiving a new copy of the Tome that I hold so dear, gives a much needed boost of confidence as I head to Armorer Dellin with the sealed note. Even though the message is for Lucan, Dellin is largely in charge of this one, especially since he's been mentoring me and handling the majority of my training.

"Reporting as ordered, sir."

"At ease, soldier."

(I hand Dellin the sealed note. He scans over it.)

"Got away, did he?"

(I nod.)

"Looks like he got away with your pride too. Loosen up."

"You *did* mention that an Iksar saved your life recently, correct?

"Yes, sir."

"Go grab a Short Beer at the mess hall, we'll discuss this in more detail after I see Lucan."

"Dismissed!"


Relieved, I excuse myself and go order a drink at the mess hall. The other soldiers are all sitting down and ladles of thick, chunky, Griffin Stew are being dispensed into their bowls along the table.

"Listen up, everyone!"

(Everyone stops eating.)

"One of the cooks accidentally cut off a finger while preparing tonight's stew..."

(Everyone starts eating again.)

"He said to let him know if anyone finds it..."

(Everyone stops eating again...)

:eek:
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Sunday, October 22nd, 3104. 8pm:


Yesterday, I was tasked for more Orc Pawn Pick retrieval duties. This time, I was given special writs of asset forfeiture, handwritten by Sir Lucan, himself. The first two are to be delivered to one "Ping Fuzzlecutter" and "Rushka Deklamoor," while a slightly more serious-looking document is to be delivered to the pickle-pushing Ogre inside of the West Gate. I should come back with at least 30 picks from the looks of it...

On my way to the East Commons tunnel (actually, just inside of the entrance), I was promptly slashed by griffin talons. Somehow, I manage to be forever cursed by these creatures... I pulled myself to safety as the beast was handled by others, as it was fearing for its own life more than wanting to end mine at that point.

Apparently, this particular griffin was a charmed creature that had broken free to attack me. It was put down fairly quickly, and without much hassle, and I even managed to cut some charred meat from the carcass afterward to take back to the barracks for tomorrow's chow... :D


The big meeting with Dellin (and Lucan) is coming up soon. I heard I may even get a short reprieve afterward.
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1115
(East Commons tunnel griffin roast.)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Tuesday, October 24th, 3104. about 9am:


I've been a bit too busy to write lately. Captain Hazran tasked me with a small bounty on Clan Deathfist belts, and this is on top of the work I've been performing for Dellin. The small sum of gold is a nice bonus on top of my weekly pay, though.

Apparently, the meeting (or whatever you want to call it) about this escaped prisoner incident was yesterday. Seems like the crew over at High Keep want to get their nose into this one, because now I have to deliver a sealed note to High Keep...so you know what that means...

KITHICOR FOREST :eek:

I'm going to have to hurry if I'm going to make it through there alive.

They mostly come out at night... Mostly.
~~~

[sespeedy]

~~~
Tuesday, October 24th, 3104. about 9am:


I've been a bit too busy to write lately. Captain Hazran tasked me with a small bounty on Clan Deathfist belts, and this is on top of the work I've been performing for Dellin. The small sum of gold is a nice bonus on top of my weekly pay, though.

Apparently, the meeting (or whatever you want to call it) about this escaped prisoner incident was yesterday. Seems like the crew over at High Keep want to get their nose into this one, because now I have to deliver a sealed note to High Keep...so you know what that means...

KITHICOR FOREST :eek:

I'm going to have to hurry if I'm going to make it through there alive.

They mostly come out at night... Mostly.
~~~

Stick to the walls and use the cover of the foliage! I trust in you to make this journey.

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Tuesday, October 24th, 3104. Approximately 11pm:


Right now, I'm taking refuge for the night camped behind the Serpent Supply store in Highpass Hold, having a few drinks. I made it through Kithicor with no trouble at all, but I can't say the same for Highpass Hold.

Upon arriving, I was immediately greeted with a formidable battle with an Orc. I came close to potentially winning, until a careless player brought all of his friends...

After ducking to safety back in that terrible forest, I threw my Tome of Order and Discord at him in disgust and told him to hand it to the nearest priest so that I could properly take care of him! :mad:

After a slight discussion, my near miss from death was deemed to be the work of another, so I apologized. Shortly afterward, he even helped clear the way through to the supply store for me to set up calm for the night. Off to the Keep at daybreak...
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Wednesday, October 25th, 3104. 7am:


I awoke this morning and promptly departed to High Keep. It wasn't a long trek, barely around a bend and I was suddenly staring at the gates. Immediately outside of the entrance I recognized a rather distinguished member of the League of Antonican Bards. She seemed to notice me as well, so I approach her.

"I have something for you."

(She hands me a letter. It's addressed from someone that I know from Halas.)

I thank her and place the letter into one of my lighter bags so that I can read it later.

I continue to the gate and show the guards at the entrance my sealed delivery. It acts as an easy way for a quick and painless admission into the Keep.

As I enter the Keep, I smell the putrid, yet faintly familiar stench of goblin blood. I clumsily glance at the crude map that I'd managed to procure from the shopkeeper earlier. It wasn't much for two gold pieces, but it was better than nothing.

Awful, inhuman shrieks and sounds emanate from the basement level as I approach the staircase down, so I cautiously back away.

"I'll take that."

A guard had obviously been following me, seeing as that he promptly snatches the sealed note from my hand and redirects me to a safe holding room. The guard rips the Initiate Symbol of the Tribunal (https://wiki.project1999.com/Magelo_Blue:Torzoxi) from my neck...

"They will tend to you shortly."

I open one of my bags and eat a Ration, chased by some fresh Oasis Water while I wait...
~~~

[Shrubwise]

Ohhhh boy I can't waitttt to hear what happens nextttt

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
Wednesday, October 25th, 3104. 10:15am:


Well, they holed me up in this goddamned room for almost 2 hours, and it got REALLY boring just sitting there. Smart move on the guards' part to take my Symbol of the Tribunal, because I'd almost forgotten that I could have summoned a hammer and beat down this stupid door by now! (The guards obviously took my weapons before throwing me into this room.)

...after quite a while, some apparently high ranking Keep officers come in and sit down at the table. They give me back my symbol of the Tribunal and apologize for having had to take it away.

(One of the officers starts):

"Why are you on the List of Qeynos Most Wanted (https://wiki.project1999.com/List_of_Qeynos_Most_Wanted) but they don't attack or kill you on sight?"

(I shrug.) :confused:

"That list is one reason why we had to detain you momentarily."

"...the other reason is because you are a murderer."

(I give him an evil look with my eyes.)

(Sigh...) "In any case, they must really see something in you."

"This letter, though, now this is something else... I'm assuming they didn't tell you anything about it's contents?"

"No, sir." :(

"Good. Make sure it stays that way!"

"You are excused. The guards will give you your weapons back at the gate... {Have fun being Lucan's pretty little lackey...}"


I walk away from the "meeting" slightly confused and very disappointed. I guess the matter is above my pay grade...


I leave the Keep to head back to Freeport so that I can inform Armorer Dellin and Captain Hazran about the delivery of the sealed letter. Lislia Goldtune's beautifully entrancing music fades away in the distance...hearing it reminds me that I have a letter to read later when I get back to my room back at the barracks.


As I hurry across the rickety wood bridges, I suddenly have a chance encounter with a captain that I've heard mentioned a few times back at the Freeport Militia House. I promptly salute him and report. :cool:

The Captain informs me that he immediately recognized my name, and that there was some word going on around the Keep. (This immediately piqued my curiosity.) He goes on to inform me about a special bounty placed on orcs around the local area. I make a note to remember this for next time and promptly get back on my way before Kithicor goes dark...
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1116
(An encounter with Captain Ashlan in Highpass Hold.)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
(...continued):


I make exceptional time back towards the barracks, so much that I'm afforded a moment to stop at a remote inn located in East Commons for a pause. While perusing the shopkeeper's wares, he makes a casual comment saying that I could use a nice set of vambraces...

"Oh, really?"

I assume he's joking, because my current pay isn't really anywhere near enough to warrant a spending spree, but I playfully entertain his offer:

"...and what might you have in mind?"

(He brandishes an ornately decorated set of vambraces that almost resemble plate armor.)

"These."

"Given enough time, they may even make you stronger."

"What are they made of? They feel amazing..."

"Jaundiced Bone, of course..."

"...rumored to be fashioned from the very bones of Trakanon himself..."

There's no way I could afford them, and I tell him this, in a quite disappointed tone.

"Didn't I see you with two bear pelts the other day? Everfrost's highest quality, correct?"

(I nod.)

"I just may know of a buyer..."

He piques my curiosity and goes on to make a offer that I can't refuse. He offers to buy my current piece in exchange, and to bring the pelts to him quickly...

[...]

I make a hurried effort to slip into North Freeport without drawing too much attention from "the guys" and head to the bank to essentially empty my entire holdings. (If Armorer Dellin saw what I was doing, he'd be pissed!)

Some time passes as I frantically gather my bear pelts along with my entire accumulated stash of platinum, gold, silver, and copper to date. I sprint back to the inn, faster than a wolf, and hand everything over to the shopkeeper for my newfound piece of treasure (http://wiki.project1999.com/Jaundiced_Bone_Vambraces)...
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~

Back in Freeport again, I promptly scurry to Dellin's office and report my successful mission:

"Excellent time, glad you made it back in one piece."

"Wait, what's that?! That's not standard issue!"

(Dellin is obviously referring to the gleam of my shiny new vambraces.)

"You steal that or something?!"

"No sir."

(He looks suspicious, but then concedes after a moment.)

"Very well, then."

"...you'd look good in a full set..." ;)


I'm excused from Dellin's office and head directly to the mess hall for some chow. Some of the guys are throwing a ruckus, and many are obviously quite drunk... I fend off a few advances towards me and make a rude gesture as I exit, leaving an unfinished plate of stew and a piece of bread.


I retire to my bunk and suddenly recall the letter that I'd placed into one of my bags. I light my reading lantern and sit down at the desk to read it, while the warm yellow flames lick and dance about...
~~~

[Shrubwise]

A+ Keep it coming, I enjoyed the bit about your armor.

[AkashicRecord]

A+ Keep it coming, I enjoyed the bit about your armor.

But it gets even better, a helpful Druid managed to surprise me with another piece... ;)

[Lhancelot]

But it gets even better, a helpful Druid managed to surprise me with another piece... ;)

No hints or teasers! :)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~

...reading the letter brings a solemn sense of sadness and longing for my old home. It's hard to read through the lens of a teary eye.

The letter is from a Shaman friend back in Halas named Shyrayna. She goes on to tell me of her own adventurous departure to the Karanas.

"I knew you would make it! I was overjoyed when your first piece of mail arrived from Freeport..."

"I've been hunting bandits and wisps out here, and the gypsies are friendly to us Barbarians..."

"My Bog Juice has been a big hit around Halas, I'll have to save you some for your next return. Cindl has been asking about you, too. I told her you were doing well, and are a full-fledged member of the Militia reserve! Did you receive your tunic yet?"


I smile after reading the correspondence and put the letter in my foot locker. Not quite ready to turn in yet, I head over to the Seafarer's Roost to grab some drinks. The thought of sweet Bog Juice makes me crave some good alcohol... :D
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~

...as I approach the Seafarer's Roost, I notice that it is unusually quiet...it obviously isn't open just yet. I go on to open the door, but pause in response to what I hear:

"I'm here with today's catch."

"Just throw it in the storeroom."

This phrasing catches me off guard, and sounds almost like coded speech. I duck under the stairs of the dock and hide as the door suddenly flies open.

An indistinct man goes around to a door on the bottom, under the dock. He enters the storeroom and I wait...

A long time passes, and the man never walks back through the door that he entered. Perplexed, I enter the door myself, and quietly peer around the darkened room.

Under the stairs, I suddenly notice the pale blue corpse of a female Dark Elf. I hurry over to the body and check for a pulse, but the corpse is about as cold as the stone floor. There is some crude form of identification near the body which appears to read: "Waylae"

I scour the room looking for any sign of foul play, and suddenly fall into a mysterious hidden staircase behind a false wall... A rather unassuming-looking door inside opens up to a dank underground room and passageway. I'm immediately greeted with the musty smell of mud, mold, and mildew. Another corpse appears to be located on the muddy floor; I don't even bother with that one...

Suddenly, a female voice calls me from the shadows:

"I knew you were nearby. I have a task for you..."

The voice emanates from behind another door which I push open. (I don't even begin to question how she sensed my presence.)

"Lucan's finest, and yet you question me?"

(This chick is way over the top, she's just *too* good.)

"I, I... I'm sorry."

"What do you need of me?"

(I enter her room and make my presence fully known.)

"Debts."

"Debts need to be paid. And you're the one who is going to collect!"
~~~

[Shrubwise]

“Sounds almost like coded speech”

you don’t say :eek:

[Pyrocat]

Intrigue!

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
(cont'd)


"Sorry to be so curt. The name's Nestral TGaza; Rogue Guildmaster, and Grandmaster."

"Now for the business at hand..."

"I'm listening..."

"Sharpen a blade for this one, you'll need it."

"Someone is late on their payments ..again, so I'm afraid I'm going to need to send a strong message..."

"Take this note. I need you to run over to Rebby and Janam's, outside of the Theater of the Tranquil. Do this at once!"

(I nod.)

"Sure. I can run over to Rebby and Janam's..."


I accept the note and hurriedly depart from the dusky hidden enclave that I'd stumbled upon. It made sense that she was a Rogue Guildmaster, that *almost* explained everything; it certainly removed any question as to the dead bodies laying about...

As I head over to the Theater with my newly found mission, I can't help but wonder about the strange barroom conversation that had led me to my current, yet markedly odd situation...


Upon reaching the theater, I notice a peasant woman struggling to fill buckets of water. I offer a hand, but she seems to casually ignore me, so I swiftly duck behind Rebby and Janam's tent and slowly draw a weapon without raising suspicion...

I choke up on my grip and pull the tip of the spear against Rebby's throat, catching him off guard with a choke hold from behind. I fashion the note from my bag and hold it in front of him to read as a small bit of his blood runs down the length of my spear and coats my knuckles.

"I believe you are expecting this?"

(Rebby acknowledges my question to the best of his limited ability...)

I release my hold and Rebby frantically showers me with apologies as he motions to Janam to "pay up." Janam hands me a small bag full of money and insists that it will never happen again as I head back to Miss TGaza with the payment...
~~~

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
(cont'd):


"I knew I could count on you."

Those were the first words I hear upon returning to Miss TGaza with the loot.

"Wasn't even a problem... except for this..."

(I show her the blood on my hands and spear.)

"I'll make sure that Lucan gets the good word."

"You're dismissed, unless there's something else I can help you with?"

I again considered asking about the dead bodies, or even asking her about the escaped Iksar prisoner from Firiona Vie... something... anything other than just simply walking away...

For some reason I'm unable to come up with anything as she tosses me a single, measly copper piece and sends me on my way. I hustle back to the Militia House a whole penny richer...

Just inside the barracks, Guard Fikus yells over to me, promptly getting my attention:

"Valon was looking for you over in West Commons earlier... Oh, and tell Colin I said, 'Hi.'"

(I nod in acknowledgement.)

A sweet, savory aroma emanates from the mess hall, so I slip in for a quick bite and depart for West Commons to see what Guard Valon could possibly need of me. (If it's another set of Orc Pawn Picks, I'm going to freak.) Unfortunately, there wasn't any Griffin Stew on the menu...

Knowing that I'll probably run into at least one griffin, I cast an Invisibility vs. Animals spell on myself for a more effortless passage through the Commons, casually remembering how that particular magic had already saved my own hide on more than one occasion.

Immediately inside the front gate of Freeport, some argument breaks out between that big pickle-peddling ogre and some rather seedy-looking clientele. During the scuffle (while no one was paying any mind), I manage to grab a few bottles from the ground. "Paladin Pickles" were written in some incredibly bad Ogre handwriting.

The quick trek through East Commons into the Western side goes without much hassle, and I head directly to the Toll Booth.

"Fikus says, 'Hi!'"

"Hey, it's been a while! You doing well?"

"I'm good, but I could use some time off..."

"Dellin can probably pull some strings for you, but I have a task for you first."

"I need you to hunt the Dervish Cutthroats--"

(I interrupt him and dump out dozens of Cutthroat Insignia Rings onto the ground and remove a few from my own hands...)

"What the?!"

"Well, you certainly earned *this*...

Guard Valon hands me a Reserve Militia Token and I immediately know what to do with it...
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1117
(Freeport's Newest... And most certainly, "finest.")

[AkashicRecord]

(The proper name of the token is the "Militia Armory Token." Sorry for not catching that typo.) :P

[Shrubwise]

A+ Keep 'em coming! Love the pictures.

[Lhancelot]

(The proper name of the token is the "Militia Armory Token." Sorry for not catching that typo.) :P

Neat I never seen this token thing either. Wonder what other quests you will find. :)

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
(cont'd):


...suffice to say that I finally managed to receive my Reserve Militia tunic, and I have to say that the blood red color complements me quite nicely... ;)

"Took you long enough..."

"...just kidding."

Armorer Dellin comments as I flip him the token.

"Don't get too much blood on it; or should I say, don't get too much of the *wrong* blood on it."

He goes on to inform me that I've earned a large amount of time off for a special reprieve. I'm asked what I want to do with my time, so I give it some thought:

"Wisps."

"I want to kill wisps. Will-o-wisps."

"That incessant <buzzing> gets on my nerves! How do they even BUZZ!?"

"Haven't you ever wanted to just ...bash one right into the ground??"

(Armorer Dellin gives me a rather odd look and furrows his brow.)

"That's pretty sick 'T'... Real sick..."

"You know, I heard there's a bounty on bandit sashes. If you're going that way..."

"Thanks for the tip. Maybe I'll bring you back one."


I tie up a few loose ends around the Militia House before heading to my bunk to pack for the trip. I plan to head out at dawn and take a rest over at High Keep, depending on how the day goes, of course... I carefully place my new "uniform" in my footlocker, making sure not to scuff even a single chain link.

On the way out of the barracks, a delicious aroma wafts over from the mess hall and smells distinctly of Karana carrots and fresh galangal.
~~~

[Pyrocat]

I really like how you've captured the feel of being part of an "evil" faction without being cartoonishly evil, it's more of a brotherhood of thugs who don't think they're thugs. Great writing, please keep it up!

[Lhancelot]

I really like how you've captured the feel of being part of an "evil" faction without being cartoonishly evil, it's more of a brotherhood of thugs who don't think they're thugs. Great writing, please keep it up!

That's reality. One can be a terrorist or a freedom fighter, it just depends on who you ask.

[AkashicRecord]

I really like how you've captured the feel of being part of an "evil" faction without being cartoonishly evil, it's more of a brotherhood of thugs who don't think they're thugs. Great writing, please keep it up!

Thanks, and definitely will do. I appreciate all the comments and criticisms. I'm in the process of formatting the next part, so that should be coming anytime Real Soon Now™ :)

For some material, I'm taking real encounters with players and quoting them whenever possible...so if you run into me in game, you might end up in here, so wear your best attire. :p

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
(cont'd):


...I couldn't bring myself to leave my shiny new *red* uniform back at the barracks, so I grab it and tuck it away into a large bag. Technically, I'm not supposed to wear it off-duty or while on leave or reprieve (...unless I'm being paid for the time.)

It seems that the trip between Freeport and High Keep is becoming more effortless every time that I make it. Unfortunately, I didn't think I could say the same for a tiny, barely equipped Gnome Warrior outside of the Keep. He couldn't have been any higher than 4th school...

I noticed him shouting into the distance, hoping for some sort of acknowledgement to reverberate off the cold stone walls of Highpass Hold, but there was nothing other than stiff, dead silence...and the occasional distant growling of some very pesky Gnolls...

"Gnoll area clear by chance?" :confused:

The poor thing. Initially, I realize the abysmally dire plight of his current situation, but after a moment, I'm more shocked and utterly confounded about how he even *got* here in the first place... :eek:

Luckily, I knew exactly what needed to be done, so I took off at full sprint towards the gate. I grab the attention of every single Gnoll in sight from the Keep all the way to the outskirts of the gate wall, and brace for the full impact of at least 5 different sets of weapons, spells, and gnashing jaws all coming my way.

"Come on! Hurry up!!" :mad:

Quickly, I motion for him to run by while I have the entire Gnoll population of Highpass Hold temporarily preoccupied with ending my life...

"OH MY GOD! Thank you!" :eek:

"I've been waiting almost two days!!"

The little Gnome safely scurries past me into the (relative) safety of Eastern Karana. Somehow, I manage to overpower the Gnoll onslaught and daftly escape into gorge some moments behind him. We gather our composure at cliff's edge and he introduces himself as 'Juiicebox.'

"They sure stretch you Northerner's out, don't they?" :cool:

(I nod and laugh at his very funny comment.)

"Love the red, by the way. Go for it!"

He again thanks me for helping him into Eastern Karana and prepares to trek across the plains. I could tell that he was probably heading to Qeynos.

"I will tell the guard master at Qeynos of the northerner's kindness." :)

"And I'll use whatever clout that I have in Halas to extend the same to you...should you ever choose to cool off for a change." :cool:

I offer 'J' some parting help against the various griffons and other aggressive animal wildlife that he's bound to face trying to cross the Karanas, so I cast Invisibility vs. Animals on him and bid him a safe journey as he extends a final farewell line:

"Beneath their cold, gruff exterior hides the warmth of a heart of Justice..."
~~~


https://www.project1999.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=252&pictureid=1124
(The 'Juiice')

[AkashicRecord]

~~~
(cont'd):


...apparently I'm *still* cursed, because karma came calling quickly after starting my murderous rampage on all things wisp:

I must have lit up like a damn Ice Comet (especially from the perspective of one very rabid griffon) just moments after I'd managed to gather a small bag of Greater Lightstones from my current wisp bounty. It didn't take much to put me out of commission, and to be honest, I don't even know what actually happened, other than the searing pain of sharp griffon talons sinking into my flesh. Afterward, the griffon hovered over my lifeless body for a seeming eternity, as if guarding it like some sort of rare prize trophy...

Eventually, I manage to safely recover all of my gear and loot before continuing on West. Sometimes it's funny how I'll help someone one moment, and then blatantly disregard my own safety immediately after.

The long and plodding trail through West Karana seems to take forever as the sun goes down and night starts to set in. Suddenly, I'm assaulted by mental visions of werewolves as my innate fear of stumbling upon one takes a terrifyingly firm grip on my emotions and well-being. A cold sweat breaks out and even my eyes start to itch. A persistent cough starts to develop.

I immediately realize that I'm probably suffering a reaction to the plague that had ravaged the Karana plains not too long ago... I don't know of anything to help alleviate the symptoms, and to be painfully honest, I'd fallen behind on my shamanic duties, especially since I'd been so focused on joining the Reserve Militia; my medicine bag is essentially empty.

The murky, slime-green air becomes more pronounced as it gets darker. One of the Lightstones in my possession struggles to cast it's faint glow through the putridly dense vapor. Off the beaten path, I notice what might be a solitary campfire in the distance so I start heading toward it with my weapons at the ready...
~~~