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Post by bhagavat on Nov 3, 2009 4:39:53 GMT -5
The Wenneset name held some value in the right circles, not noble as much as influential in the merchant circles, at least it had once been. His father had been a notable merchant out of Arabel, where he was raised. The frequent travel to keep their place well stocked was one reason they weren't a big part of the common problems Arabelians had dealt with. When the attacks laid waste to the city and such, Hedric had been on one such journey with his family... his mother and father, Darl and Maggie and Hedric's uncle, Thomas. They didn't escape totally unscathed, loosing their holdings in Arabel to fire and raiding, but they had more then many, one caravan full of their latest procurements. That was when they took up the caravan merchant trades. Adjusting took some time but after a number of years... Hedric was leading the caravans himself with his uncle. His father and mother had passed on peacefully a few years past, one after the other like they would not be apart, even in death.
Sighing Hedric put those thoughts from his mind and signals to his uncle, Thomas, while he slowed the front wagon of the caravan... "Whooah" he bellowed... slowing down seeing a good place off the road to set up camp. The caravan was a good size one. Four carts loaded with all sorts of goods from kegs of ale and bottles of wine to fine clothing from Suzial and Arabel, though he still disliked visiting the city of his youth. It just wasn't the same place any more.
One of his men appeared to tend to the horses as Hedric stepped down to greet his approaching uncle. "Ready for a bed then, Thomas?" Hedric said rubbing his back. "Aye there boy" said the aging but still fit mercenary and guard for this group. "I'm hardly a boy these days" Replied Hedric "I can begin to feel the years on my bones".
"Hardly!" laughed Thomas, "but aye... " he sobered up ".. a man you are these days."
They walked about the caravan attending to the camp preparations and the traveler that had paid for a safe trip with them. Hedric approached the man, smiling, "Hail Nather, how was the first day out" Hedric asked of the strange half-elf.
"Fair enough, fair enough" Nather replied, rubbing his rear end some.
"Take a place by the fire, we'll set up a tent you can sleep in if you like as well" Hedric went on. "Thomas will stand guard with his guards, but keep one eye open. Orcs and Goblins aplenty call these hills home." With a nod Hedric walked off to finish up... arranging the carts for defense just in case.
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The night went by slowly. It was dark, no moon to be seen.. dark clouds blotting out the stars. A strange wind rose up making the hair on the back of Thomas neck stand on end. Making a strange squeaky bird call, he shortly heard answering calls from about the camp. Everything seemed fine.
The fire was about out but Thomas could make out the strange half-elf still awake, glancing around at every noise... he felt it too... something was amiss. Moving briskly, Thomas found Hedric and woke him... "silently... something is wrong". Nodding Hedric stood and quietly put on the chain shirt he owned and grabbed a long sword from one of the carts... he hoped there would be no need, he hadn't much experience swinging a blade.
"To me!" Hedric heard Thomas below from the north. Hurrying, he found himself with the rest of the guard, Nather and Thomas... looking at a strange fog slowly approaching them.. thick and dark. Nather quickly took out his longbow and fired a firebrand arrow into the darkness. A quick glimpse of movement in the darkness was all the warning they needed. The guard followed Thomas's orders, lining up in front of the wagons, while Nather and Hedric readied themselves. As the fog closed sounds got muddled and it grew even darker.
Suddenly a darker form burst into their midst... huge, over 15 feet tall with hugely muscled tree trunk like legs and arms. Bellowing a deep groan that sounded like gurgling swamp gasses the creature began swinging its massive arms like clubs. Three guards were batted aside in a moment, shocking Hedric to nothing... he stood there in awe and fear.. unable to breath. With a below, Thomas stepped up swinging his might two handed sword in an arc over his head. The blade bit, but the beast seemed to take not note of the blow. Nather looked about as shocked at Hedric, but he stepped forward spreading his hands in a spray in front of him... magical light sprayed in front of him taking the strange beast full on, but also hitting Thomas. Looking confused, Thomas let go of his blade, leaving it in what made up the head of this strange tree and ogre like creature. The creature seemed blinded a moment, but then became enranged... charging right over Thomas at Nather. The next swing took down both Nather and Hedric. All went black.
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Hedric awoke to the harmful sounds of cheery birds and the buzzing of insects. His head ached like nothing he had ever felt. He tried to sit up but fell back and chose to stay there a while yet. The bright sun was coming out over the trees and looked quite beautiful... the birds chirped and the insects... buzzzed.. all around.. insects... looking to his right and left he saw what was left of his poor friends and caravan. Blood soaked the ground, bodies lay twisted in horrible shapes. Thomas lay a few feet away, his head crushed, as if stepped on. Nather lay beside him. Having taken the brunt of the blow, he neck lay twisted in a strange way... eyes open.. nothing there. Hedric looked back at the sky.. trying to forget... what now? forget.. what now?
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A few hours passed and Hedric gathered what he could find of use. A pack, some clothing, a beat up breastplate and a short sword. Vowing to return and bury his cared for friends and family, he set off in search of the nearest town where help could be found... he headed back for Cormyr's borders.
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Post by bhagavat on Nov 5, 2009 14:09:50 GMT -5
A Stoned Venture
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"I met that mage once... competent enough mage, though big headed and not one to leave at your back" Hedric was saying to his two new friends, Jhaumrithe... or Jay Hedric called her and Evandur, a mage and priest.
"Anyway" Juamrithe said rather briskly "Shall we walk to Redmist and look into the ruins south of there?"
"Fine Juamrithe" The cleric Evandur said.
"May I come along" Hedric asked his new friend.
"You were invited, so I'd say so" Jaumrithe replied... again briskly. She was very to the point.
They headed east toward Redmist walking at an easy pace. After a rather uneventful trip the group arrived at the Inn in Redmist to prepare. Hedric plopped down into a seat and wondered about the coming adventure while Jaumrithe and Evendur went upstairs to prepare their spells as each did.
Much later the two appeared again, ready for what was to come. Evendur had a big smile on his face as he said "I've prayed for some spells to heighten your strength among other things... you should do well my new warrior friend. Hedric stood to greet them with a grin wondering what magic was in store for him. He knew more then the average warrior about some sorts magic, at least as far as simpler spells went.
They headed out the south gate of Redmist. Jhuamrithe leading the way as neither Evendur or Hedric has seen this place before. Evendur carried his longsword and shield with ease, scanning the countryside with an awareness only an elf could maintain. Hedric followed his new magic great axe resting easy on his shoulder as he looked around and wondered at his new companions abilities. Juamrithe paused ahead saying. "Let us prepare here".
That was when the bandits attacked.
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Post by bhagavat on Nov 5, 2009 15:40:39 GMT -5
Sticks and Stones
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The barrage of arrows zipped by Hedric forcing him into a crouch as he dove for cover behind some trees... Evandur right behind him. Glancing around his cover, Hedric saw a group of bandits, mostly archers and one in the midst of casting some sort of spell. Knowing time was against him, Hedric let out a below as he changed the group, replacing his great axe to its holster on his back and retrieving a shield there and pulling out his longsword. Arrows flew by, a few thudding into his upraised shield. Evandur was headed towards the other grouping of the enemy.
Hedric slammed into the archers near him, slicing and slashing, ruining their shots. Their advantage gone, the two archers fell rather quickly to Hedric sword work. Evandur had similar luck. Dispatching the armored caster first and then putting the remaining archers on their heel as they tried to face the the enraged priest.
A few minutes later Jaumrithe walked up to the out of breath warrior and priest. "Ok... now lets make our preparation." Jaumrithe said in a flat voice. "The ruin is to the south."
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Post by bhagavat on Nov 11, 2009 20:58:40 GMT -5
Stoned forever more.... maybe
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The ruin was strange and magical. The trio had bee fighting a slew of beasts with a magical nature. Jhuamrithe, the elven mage, has mentioned this in their first encounter with the strange stone statues that came to life before their eyes. Gargoyles filled this place and Jay or Jhuamrithe was very happy about it, harvesting the skulls of these creatures as the trio searched through the ancient ruin.
"Up ahead" said the priest, Evendur. "Arches above and a large room."
Noding, Hedric the ex-merchant and warrior braced himself to the side of an arch, reading his bow as he peered inside. Jhaumrithe and Evendur doing the same.
The room was very dark and had a strange rank odor about it. There were a few feeble torches lighting a couple pillars deeper into the room, but not much else. Seeing no immediate danger, Hedric replaced the bow in favor of his magical longsword and enchanted shield.
The three moved slowly into the room, scanning the darkness when suddenly the flapping of wings alerted them something as up. Out of the darkness three strange impish creatures darted about headed in their direction. They had an ashen gray color to their skin and faces only a goblin mother could love. Two arrows zipped past Hedric as he ran towards the strange beasts. Two creatures fell with shafts protruding from their chests as Hedric swept his sword though the last. Then all was quite once more... almost.
"I hear something" Jhuamrithe said quietly. All fell silent, unmoving and peered around. A strange shuffling sound met their ears as they listened and all eyes turned towards the far end of the room, near one of the pillars.
A female figure moved slowly out of the darkness towards the light. Hedric, lowered his blade and started moving in the womans direction wondering about the situation. The woman entered the light the same time both elven companions whispered... "hold".
Her hair seemed alive, moving and squerming about. It was a Medussa, a creature of foul legend and to be greatly feared.
Standing fixed, in awe and fear Hedric whispered to his companions. "What are we gn'a do now? I'll not go near the thing... Ive no wish to be stoned by her gaze."
"No" Evendur agreed.
"I've an idea" Jhuamrithe said. "Be ready to charge".
With that she disappeared from view, invisible. Hedric and Evendur tensed, swords and shield at the ready.
A few minutes past and nothing. The Medussa was unaware of them, shuffling about the last pillar, offering them a horrific view of her face and hair. A perversion of beauty. Suddenly Jhuamrithe appeared behind the creature in the midst of casting a spell. Hedric and Evendur surged forward on impulse, wanting to be closer to their endangered companion. The Medussa turned towards Jhuamrithe as she finished her spell. There was a flash near the Medussa and the thing screamed, grasping at her eyes.
"Now! Now! She is blinded!" Jhaumrithe yelled as Hedric and Evendur doubled their pace to reach the shreeking nightmare. Blind, the creature was all but helpless and as blade after blade fell upon her she fell to the ground, unmoving, a strange thick blood, oozing from the many wounds.
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It was two hours later and the three companions rested in chairs at the Inn in Redmist talking about the strange encounter.
"Good Tactic Jay. Well Done. I was ready to leave that place." Hedric was saying. He was drinking an ale, as he often did, but with a bit more heart then either of the friends had seen. Perhaps drowning the images of snaked headed perversion he kept seeing when he closed his eyes.
"I believe I need my peace. I will retire for reverie my friends" Jhuamrithe said in a firm voice.
"Yes.. a good idea" agreed Evendur, raising from his chair.
"Well." Hedric mumbles looking a bit uncomfortable. "I'll seeya both another time." He quaffed the rest of the ale he had in front of him, motioning Talbot the innkeeper for another."I'll... I'll... probably be right here." He laughed a good while after his friend had gone upstairs to rest.
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Post by bhagavat on Nov 11, 2009 23:20:53 GMT -5
A fine meal ---- SPOILER of redmist tower - WARNING --
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It was dark and had a moldy stagnant odor to the place. Hedric and Jhuamrithe had just entered an infamous wizards tower in the outskirts of Redmist. Hedric led the way, shield up, longsword ready. Jhuamrithe followed close behind, gripping her staff tightly.
Coming upon a door, Hedric looked back at Jhuamrithe, bracing himself and nodding towards her. She nodding back in understanding and Hedric smashed the door open and readied himself for whatever was inside. At first the room seemed empty and Hedric began to lower his guard, but then the intake of breath from his companion warned him otherwise and raised his shield in defence.
The force the slammed into Hedric shield still came as a surprise. It seemed the darkness of the come had come alive and was bearing down on him, slamming and slashing at his shield. He heard another gasp from behind him and then Jhuamrithe blurted "Shades, hack them with your magical blade."
"Aye... Aye" Hedric yelled back as he began the slash the air in front of him. Strange howls and graons come from the darkness as his sword met a slight resistence, a darker form that seemed to come into being before him. Suddenly it seemed he could see them, shadowy humanoid shapes slashing and groping with their hands.
Confident Hedric would down the shades Jhuamrithe began to throw a few simple spells at the strange beings. Beams of cold slammed into them. Magical energy leaped at them, smashing them back from Hedric. The battle seemed to last and last, as the creatures werent wholely in this place and weakening them to nothing took quite some time. Exhausted Hedric lowered his sword and dropped his shield as Jhuamrithe searched the rest of the room... a damaged and smelly old library.
"Interesting." Jhuamrithe murmured to herself. "Definately a mages tower, or at least someone with an interest in the necromantic arts."
"Oh great" Mumbled Hedric. "Think I picked the wrong month to become an adventurer."
Laughing to herself at Hedric's complaints, Jhuamrithe continued over to a door leading off the room. Seeing where she was headed, Hedric readied himself and joined her once more as ready for anything as he had ever been in his life. The door led to a hallway and stairs leading down below in the roots of this ruined tower. Rats greeted them. Scurrying about, some trying to gnaw on their boots. Hedric stomped on a few, sending them screeching around in anger.
The commotion brought the attention of a strange lizard dog like creature. It was dark and hard to make out much about the creature but it seemed excited and scurried towards Hedric and Jhuamrithe.
Readying himself for the coming attack Hedric braced himself, sword ready to smash into the strange and seemingly hungry beast. The powerful blow landed and then blade went brittle and fell from Hedric hand to the ground before the creature. The excited beast fell onto its fine meal, the remains of Hedric enchanted longsword. Backup up slowly, Hedric looked at his adamantine platmail in a horror far worse then anything had ever imagined and broke into a run. Not for his life... for his livelyhood. The rust monster seemed to sense the fleeing meal and gave chase.
Jhuamrithe took a role Hedric hadnt see her in often. Warrior Jhaumrithe stepped in between Hedric and rust monster and began kicking and punching the creature. Some well made metal gloves rusted and fell to the ground after a blow and she backed up and focused on kicking the beast. The small creature had little chance and stopped moving shortly after... its skull crushed.
Smirking in a silent apology, Jhaumrithe held her light, elven made longsword to Hedric. It had been her idea to look into this tower. With a nod of resignation, Hedric accepted the blade, looking down at the remains of his magical blade.... a rusty mess, half eaten by the strange rust creature.
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A few days later found Hedric in Eveningstar. He was looking around his favorite smithy's shop... Iron Hands. Lifting a board bladed sword, Hedric made a couple casual swings.
"Hmm.... very nice. I like the weight. Feels strong" Hedric commented to himself and Ironhand.
"Enchanted?" Hedric asked.
"Aye, lightly enchated blade with a bit of a magical hunger for orc blood." Ironhand replied.
"It have a name?" Hedric asked, having wanted some powerful named blade of power.
"No." Ironhand replied with a laugh. "But maybe It'll earn one."
With a grin Hedric dropped a large sack of lions onto the table and left with his new blade.
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Post by bhagavat on Nov 13, 2009 6:45:49 GMT -5
A Day in the Life
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"I'll seeya Jay" Hedric was saying as he left Jhuamrithe, an elven mage and friend in the market of Redmist. He was feeling hung-over and needed to find a bed, maybe a couple ales first, makes sense to me Hedric thought to himself.
Hedric arrived at the Redmist Inn and took a seat, signaling for an ale. Letting out a deep breathe he tried to relax a bit and wind down for some sleep. He and Jhuamrithe had just walked over from Isinhold and been attacked by a bunch of goblins. They had followed them back to a known fortress of the beasts and with the strength that comes from knowing and trusting in eachother abilities, had sacked the place, leaving none of the foul beasts alive... at least none they could find. The evil things had put up quite a fight, but their raiding of the north road between Isinhold and Redmist was something that needing to be addressed.
Sipping his ale, Hedric looked around and noted one other in the tavern area of the inn. A stout... a dwarf with a dark beard and somewhat grimey look to him. The stout stood up and headed over at Hedric look.
"Aye... Talbot.. anoder couple ales over here!" The dwarf yelled as he approached. The volume of his voice seemed a bit over loud and Hedric cringed a bit. Showing a weak smile to the dwarf, Hedric nodded and motioned to a seat near him.
"Thanks for the Ale" Hedric said to the dwarf.
"Brak, Brak Blackore, and well met to yas." Replied the dwarf. "You look like ya be needin anoder."
With another grimace at the dwarfs loud voice Hedric gave a nod and finished off the Ale he had in his hands. The dwarf smiled at this, looked at the innkeeper and said "And.. keep em coming Talbot... its a party!".
The two drank for a while, Hedric slowly forgetting his queezy stomach and bruises. Brak began to sing dwarven drinking songs, having quite a party, mostly by himself, though Hedric began to get into the mood for it as well. Finishing his fifth ale, Hedric peered at the stout while he sang a song about bearded dwarven women. The strangest impluse took him and for no reason he could fathom, he reached out and gave the dwarfs beard a solid tug. The singing stopped abruptly and dwarf looked at Hedric, confused a bit and shocked.
"What the...." The dwarf began.... his fist shot out and slammed into Hedrics face with the force of a war hammer. Suddenly Hedric was the confused one. He stood up, looked and the dwarf in a queer way for a moment... and then fell back onto his rear end, head slamming into the wall behind him. Darkness came and at last poor Hedric found a bit of sleep.
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Sometime later Hedric peered open an eye. His head hurt something fierce and his face seemed drawn tight and stiff. There was a full ale in his hand but no sign of anyone else in the tavern room. Guess they had left him to sleep it off, Hedric thought to himself. Feeling his face he noted one eye swollen shut and the hazy memory of himself tugging on a dwarfs beard came to mind. With a groan, he lifted the ale to his lips and downed it in a few quick gulps. He climbed to his feet slowly and made his way upstairs to a room. Quite a party he thought to himself as darkness once again overcame him.
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Post by bhagavat on Jan 5, 2014 21:57:53 GMT -5
--- part 1 --- Hedric Lost Years
Jay had been coming around less and less. She had some new friends, elves all, and Hedric guessed she was ashamed to call him friend. Sipping at his ale, Hedric thought over the past few months. He had lost touch with those he was once close to... and Jay was being a fook'n elf.. too good for him. He got up and went to him room at an inn in redmist. Stopping in front of the mirror, he looked at himself. He knew that it was a racial thing to some point, but his large belly, meaty legs and arms... He was a strong guy, but few could get past his stink and general lack of hygene. He smashed the mirror and stormed out of the inn, into the rain, grabbing his axe, Diamodine.. a perfect huge diamond shaped to that of a battle axe, and angrily walked off, getting soaked... hmm.. lets see what lays far far west.
He drank his way, usually lost and uncaring of his direction, until he found a trade road. Passing out on the road was almost the last thing he ever did. Waking up in a steel cage, with a bunch of elves, gnomes and halflings... all eyeing him with distrust. Almost uncarring, he glared at the elves and laid back down.
---part 1 end ---
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Post by bhagavat on Jan 6, 2014 11:30:33 GMT -5
--- part 2 ----
He came to once again. He had a burn on his hand, and the people in the cage with him were no longer staring, though he could see their glances.. unsure what to make of him, Hedric guessed. Sitting up, he looked around but nothing was familiar. Open grassy plains, forrests far north and large mountains getting closer as they moved east. Suddenly he thought of his axe... gone... he stood and walked to the head of the cage, looking for it amongst his captors. The telltale glow of the weapon made it easy to find. As he watched a red robed mage was handing it to a large human, with lean muscles long arms and a deadpan look in his eyes. The fellow took the axe and fit it into sheath he had at the small of his back. He glances back and saw Hedric staring... and smiled, before turning away to deal with those around him.
Hedric sat where he was and watched the many people keeping this caravan of slaves moving. He guessed they headed for Thay, but he knew they were not very close to that horrible place. Some kid, barely old enough to lift a sword came by the cage, throwing in bread for their captors to eat. Hedric asked him who the big guy was with the glowing axe. The kid looked at him, looked at the fellow with his axe in fear, and then walked back to the others. Hedric sat in his cage, almost unbelieving of his current situation. Loosing Diomodine was hard enough for him to think about.. that he maybe a slave in Thay soon barely registered.
--- part 2 ---
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Post by bhagavat on Mar 17, 2014 23:18:49 GMT -5
--- part 3 ----
He sat at the hard wooden bars of the caravan cage he and many others had been stuck in for the last ten day. He felt weak, getting food infrequently and it usually being nothing more sustaining then dry bread. The large man with Diamodine appeared to keep order for the red robed thayan wizard. He rode up and down the caravan once in a while looking everything over. Hedric thought they may be getting closer to Thayan lands.. the guards seemed relaxed... even the one with his battleaxe.
A large man rode into the caravan as it was stopping for the evening. The man with diamodine spoke with a short while, gesturing to the cage filled with new slaves. They both walked up and spoke about various prices for a while. The man patted his new axe and met Hedric's eyes while he continued speaking to the slaver. The fat slaver looked him over... and spoke in common for Hedrics benefit.... "straight to the pits for you... I dont know one willing to retrain a slave with that look. The two thayans walked off together... Hedrics glare watching, hoping for some opportunity.
--- part 3 ---
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Post by bhagavat on Mar 19, 2014 10:58:24 GMT -5
--- part 4 ---
Hedric woke up, body aching, and looked around. They had come to a stop. Down the road large stone walls could be seen. The slavers were taking slaves out of the pen they had shared for a while now. Hedric felt week, and grimaced at the thought of trying to escape in his condition. He'd eaten so little the past 10-day. They left him for last, and a couple more guards came to watch him as he climbed out of the jail on wheels. They blinded him, putting a dark hood over his head, while one guard each held his arms. He was led a long ways. He heard the sounds of this city get louder and louder. After a short walk they took him inside some structure, led him a ways inside and they pushed him... a bellow of rage left his lips while he fell a short distance onto dirt. Arms free now he tore of the hood and looked around.
He was in a dug hole, in the basement of bigger structure. There was one huge, heavy, steel gate, closed. Straw in a corner for sleeping, and a large plate with mutton, breads, and wine in a leather skin. Hedric belly rumbled looking at the food and he attacked it, he would need the energy he knew. Their plan to use him in some sort of gladiator sport was becoming obvious.
--- part 4 ---
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