There is a feeling everyone knows. We experience it at many times. Our first betrayal, our first kill, our first initiation. It is the feeling that, no matter how hard you might want to, there is no going back. There is no way to un-burn that bridge.
It is there as you walk through that lonely door between Sorrow Ministrant and Sorrow Absentia. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, if you don't even want to try, this will always be a part of you.
The hall beyond is of handsome, worked stone held together with white mortar and lit with smokeless torches. It leads back about a dozen yards before coming to a T intersection. Sorrow Caligrific is waiting. He is silent until all are gathered.
In the same measured tones he says,
Let me be the first to welcome you to the Order. This is a great opportunity for all of you. Sins that are not easily forgotten may be expunged, should you fulfill the requirements set before you.
First, however, we must determine each of your strengths. Behind me, you will find our Gauntlet. It has been suspended from normal operation to allow you all to... Show off... a bit. Enter, and display for us your best, and your worst. Only when we have seen both will you be called to exit the test area.
With a wave of his hand, the wall behind Caligrific slides downward to reveal a sandy, oval, arena-like space not unlike a fighting pit. Scattered around the floor are all manner of practice dummies, crafting stations, weapon racks, archery targets, and every other kind of apparatus to test ones mettle in just about every way. Sorrows Absentia and Ministrant both enter with you, and they take up positions at opposite ends of the arena.
Zayid frowns slightly, studying the arena. What's this all about? Are they trying to... no, that's stupid. They wouldn't do that.
The young man glances around and steps onto the sand, trying to keep from being noticed while figuring out what he's expected to do next.
Absentia and Ministrant reply in unison, Show the best of yourself - and your worst.
Sorrow, I do not believe my talents...any of them. Will affect these inanimate targets.
Ari will step just inside the door however and fold her arms, eyeing the two Sorrows on the other end of the arena.
I suppose, however, there may be secrets around here worth looking for. She'll mutter a few words and trace the symbol for Secrets in the air. As she does, her eyes flash a light green colour which fades rapidly. Ariana starts to walk around the edge of the arena, glancing at the wall and floor.
There are two, one slightly to your left and the other slightly to your right, both across the arena from you and embedded in the arena wall.
Pelgrev rolls his head around his neck with a string of loud popping noises, then flexes his shoulders.
Moving forward with confidence, and more grace than his size would indicate, Pelgrev approaches a practice dummy. A flush runs across his skin and his pupils narrow, three quick strikes crash into the dummy. The lashed kindling of the arms explode apart as the twine holding them snaps. The dummy's chest piece breaks cleanly into several fist thick chunks.
Pelgrev's color fades to normal as he slowly reaches down to gather the pieces of the broken dummy. Sorting the twine, kindling, and chunks into similar size groups, he moves to an area away from benches or other people. He creates a teepee of kindling, and fills it with bots of twin and splinters.
Pelgrev walks to a weapons rack and selects a dagger, then to a workbench where he picks up a piece of flint. Returning to his wood, Pelgrev strike the dagger with the flint several times, throwing sparks onto the pile. Pelgrev carefully husbands the flames until a warm bright blaze is formed.
Pelgrev beams a smile at Sorrow Caligrific, Worst becomes best. Death creates life.
Caligrific, still standing in the open wall, nods to Pelgrev. You may return here to spectate as the others complete this task, or you may assist them as they have need. The choice is yours.
Johnny flips into the air somersaulting over those standing in front of him and landing in the arena. He then sets off and goes to work.
Johnny then sneaks up behind Pelgrev as he makes his fire.
And takes his flint and makes it disappear in front of the Barbarian.
Running quickly over to the weapons table he picks up a sling and quickly fires two shots into a dummy.
He then quickly picks up a couple short swords and some thieves tools and tumbles to the dummy he just hit flipping over it to get behind it and slashes quickly twice.
Looking over Johnny sees a chest and goes to open it first checking for traps.
Opening the chest Johnny thinks about worst and then looks back over to Pelgrev and smiles. Looking at Freia he gives her a wink and runs over to Pelgrev diving at him as if to bull rush him hitting the hulking individual straight in the chest. Johnny lets out a grunt and the air from his lungs escapes quickly as Johnny goes flying backwards leaving Pelgrev standing there unfazed.
As he starts to sit up Johnny looks over to the people who have brought him and his new friends here and begins to chuckle.
My best is quickness, agility, ability to use both hands, and to get into things
Rubbing his sore shoulder Johnny winces as the sweat begins to flow from his brow.
My worst brute strength
He finishes standing and bows.
I help.
Pelgrev winks at Johnny.
The best and the worst of me ... Freia looks around in the room. An archery target, weaponracks, practice dummies and a large slew of workshops. And other things that could also work for other, more exotic, displays of power. She glances over at one of the braziers providing lights in a corner of the room an shudders. First things first
Freia walks over to the weaponracks and studies the options given. She looks for a bow fit for her length and strength. After finding a suitable bow she moves over and inspects the swords. She takes a few practice swings in the air with a small selection of blades before settling for the one that feels right. It is a doubleedged sword of average length with a straight blade, a longsword. The blade that shows clear signs of wear but is well maintained. Great - it even matches my clothing Her thoughts only betrayed with a faint smile on her lips. A dagger and a bundle of arrows also finds its way to her collection.
Taking her place infront of a archery target she makes sure that the coast is clear before lining up her first arrow on the target. She takes her time taking aim before imbuing the bow and arrow with a brief spell. Atleast it might look impressive she thinks to herself before letting the arrow fly towards the target, leaving behind a brief trail of light as it flies thru the air. She quickly nocks another arrow and places the light cantrip on that one too before firing it at the target. Satisfied with her archery she puts away the bow and remaining arrows and head over to the dummies.
She puts a few practised stabs and cuts on them before moving over to using her sword one handed. Her other hand traces lines in the air conjuring up various symbols of arcane power - the exercise is obviously intended more as a practice in magic martial multitasking then causing actual harm to the dummy. But its easy to imagine those shimmering symbols and pictograms replaced by more dangerous magic - which would be decisively unhealthy to be on the receiving end of.
After a few minutes of dummy mutilation Freia is satisfied with her display of martial talents and steps away from the dummies. She looks around at the other people also displaying their skills. This will do for now - She gives the brazier in the corner a look filled with a mix of dread and determination I'll just watch what the others do for a while before I attempt to tackle that. She swallows before addressing the Sorrows. "My best is the talents and skills I have learned and practised. My worst is what drives me - my blood, my heritage, my source of power"
She swallows again, mentally picturing her fear disappearing down her stomach, away from her heart as she walks over to the brazier. By now her eyes reflects terror, grim determination and dancing flames. Her entire being screams to her to stop what she is doing - but still she wills her hand to reach forward into the fire. She plucks one of the hot coals from the fire and holds it towards the Sorrows. Her face is almost drained from colour but still she has a triumphant smile on her face as the flames lick her fingers. After making sure that the Sorrows have seen her display she extinguishes the coal by smothering it between her palms and breaths a sign of relief as she discards the now inert piece of coal and moves to a safe distance form the fire.
The Sorrows each give their approval to Johnny and Freia before offering the same option of assisting the others as they need or observing from where the Sorrows stand.
Zayid frowns nervously, then turns and walks slowly toward the weapon table. Glancing down at the daggers, he studies them for a moment before shuddering and turning away to stare in the other direction.
Moving toward the opposite wall, Zayid encounters the crafting table. "Never had time for making things," he observes quietly, picking up a piece of clay and toying with it. It's no less a lump when he carefully sets it back down.
With a slight shrug, he moves toward the nearest robed figure and speaks very quietly, for the Sorrow's ears alone. "Have you yet seen enough? There is no use in fighting when... when there is no foe."
Leaning against the wall a bit, his thoughts turned inward, Zayid watches for opportunities to be of assistance to the others.
|
Korrith belatedly noticed a table with alchemical supplies. His eyes, normally showing no emotion, become noticeably more wild-looking.
Korrith rushes to the supplies (possibly tripping someone up), grabs a bottle an a few odds and ends, mixes it together, and hurls the concoction at a dummy.
My best is ka-BOOOOOM!
The dummy explodes, raining cinders in the arena.
The Sorrows seem completely unfazed by the explosion. After the smoke and dust clear a bit, Ministrant asks, And your worst?
Johnny leans against the wall next to Freia looking her up and down lightly.
You look quite intriguing. I don't believe I have met anyone like you before. Such honor amongst thieves is something great to behold
Johnny jerks quickly as the explosion goes off and then turns back to Freia.
well I don't think he knows subtlety does he. Laughing Johnny continues But I do think he will be effective.
So, that is kaboom.
Pelgrev squats down, positioning himself between the wall and his fire. He looks at Noro, trying to anticipate the next person to act.
|
|
My worst is that I need supplies. And that I don't do subtle. Korrith takes a few other bits and mixes them, and this time drinks the result.
The kobold's spindly arms suddenly bulge and ripple with muscle, and his stance becomes hunched. At the same time, his eyes turn a far more violent shade of red, his crown of horns grows more prominent, and his tongue lolls out of his mouth.
He runs to a weapons rack, grabs a morning star, and charges at another dummy.
The dummy is reduced to powder.
Ministrant simply nods. Any reaction he had is hidden by the uniform of a Sorrow.
Ariana watches the others perform, laughing at Johnny's dispay of trickery and acrobatics. She then walks purposefully to one of the secret doors and pauses. My best is knowing when not to leap. Johnny, please come here and examine this hidden door for traps. If he does, she'll throw back the door and look inside.
She spins on her heel and smirks arrogantly at two robed figures. My worst is that I didn't prepare a spell to look for traps today.
Behind the door is a hall that turns sharply right, presumably to the other door.
The elf looks into the corridor and frowns. Fancy an adventure? As soon as she asks, she steps across the threshold and journeys into the hall. If faced with another door, she'll cast before opening it. She'll pause if it seems there's a magical trap on it.
I wonder what this is intended to test..
"I will go and look if anyone wants help"
Freia wanders about and looks at the others when they show themselves of. She will help anyone, but she does not feel that she knows anyone well enough to offer her help to them without being asked. This time Korriths explosive display only manages to make her flinch for a split second. The first time Johnny addresses her she only gives him a quick smile back but the second time she replies with a quick laughter.
"No - I suppose not." I´ll have to take care not to stand next to anything Korrith decides is hostile - both for my nerves and my health
She observes Arianas magical display with great curiosity, appreciating its non destructive elegance and grace. Hsndy trick indeed - I wonder what else she can find. She giggles quietly to herself when Ariana addresses the Sorrows Humility maybe. She tilts her head and observes the elves mannerism and posture. Maybe I should ask her to share some of her confidence with me instead. Might do me some good....
The wizard strides from the hall and walks to the two robed Sorrows. I trust that will suffice?
Noro enters the arena watching the other go to work, she takes some time to size up the challenges, as well as the others. Taking the time to see where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
She finally make her way to a "practice dummy" a few down from where the brute splintered his to pieces, just to make a fire.
Remindsh me of the dojo, exshept I had Lou there to beat up on She gives a little smile at some fond memories.
Noro takes a fighting stance, several paces from the target. She stretches a bit then with arms raised she moves in and with a leap Nor slams her knee to the head of the practice dummy practically removing it.
As she lands she follows with a reverse Hook kick, taking the dummy down.
Satisfied she can take out a fake person she looks about wondering if this is all she has to do.
The Sorrows nod at Ariana, then all watch Noro. They seem to be waiting for her weakness.
Sorrows Absentia and Ministrant return to the open wall where Caligrific stands. Once gathered together, Caligrific motions for you to follow.
He leads you through a maze of corridors and stairs all made of the same handsome stone and white mortar with smokeless torches adorning the walls. Once in a while you pass another Sorrow. One time you pass a group of Tears who looks you over openly. They each have crimes tattooed onto the skin of their upper arms and chests. They do not speak, but their message is understood: fresh meat.
You are lead through the central hall of the building with its many long dining tables and down several more flights of stairs to a mid-sized room with several desk-chairs equipped with leather belts fastened under the seat, under the desk, and behind the back-board of the chair. There is a group of half-dozen heavily tattooed people in the back, all with a set of tattoo needles hanging in short aprons. They all turn to regard you as you enter.
Sit. orders Sorrow Caligrific. Here is the first of two places your sins will be recorded. When you have completed your time with the Tears, these will be removed by this very group, as a symbol of your achievement.
Zayid sits down and gazes at the needles impassively. "I'll go first," he volunteers quietly.
As the Sorrows watch on, Noro continues to grow more impatient with them. she is about to flip out on them waiting for them to tell her she is done.
apparently her anger issues are her worst.
Noro watches the tattoo artist go to work apparently intrigued by the skill.
Johnny smiles and sits ready to get his tattoos.
Are you sure you have enough ink and I have enough body.
Laughing and swallowing hard he stares straight ahead and waits for the needles to hit his skin.
Ariana is not pleased by this turn of events.
Spellcraft:
You wish me to debase my body? These are magical in nature and can be removed easily upon completion of this..distasteful task, yes? I will not have scars from your primitive needles for the rest of my life.
Magical tatoos? As long as they will remove them afterwards they can paint away. She removes her gloves and rolls up her sleeves and look down on her arms. They are the same blue as the rest of her skin, likewise covered in white lines. There are also a small collection of scars that look fire related. Its not like anyone would notice another line or scar anyway
Freia offers her arms to the nearest free tatoo artist but takes care not to stand to close to any eventual source of fire.
As Pelgrev enters the room, a flash of panic races across his face and his hand unconsciously seeks the brand on his neck.
Marked again...
His jaw snaps shut with a click and his countenance stills, but there is still a hint of dread in his eyes.
I choose this path. Not a slave.
Pelgrev pulls his prison issued tunic over his head, revealing a muscled physique marred by complex tribal tattooing, countless scars, and several obvious brands. Each brand has newer scarring where a line was cut through it.
SLAVE
No need for strap. Begin... his voice softens and in almost a whisper, please.
One of the elder tattoo artists chuckles at Ariana's concerns, Yes, they're leave no trace once removed, not that you have a choice in this.
Korrith gets one of the younger ladies as his artist. In responce to his protests she swaps her needles for a short wand. Transmutation for you then, dearie. Don't worry, hurts just as much. She winks playfully. Wherever the fine tip of the wand touches, you feel a sharp jab and your scales turn black as night.
Pelgev's artist takes one look at the tribal tattoos and scarring and waves over a stately, old man with a neatly cropped beard and more tattoos than you can make out at a glance. After a moment of inspection, he touches you on the shoulder and says, I'll be taking care of you.
He works carefully, weaving the required tattoos into the patterns of your other tattoos and brands.
Your tattoos are completed swiftly and efficiently. They are intricate, and you can feel the tingle of magic as they are applied.
From here you are led a short distance to a small room furnished with 4 sets of bunked beds. There is a large footlocker at the end of each.
The room is stone with the same white mortar and had the feel of being recently finished. When you all have entered, Sorrow Caligrific says, These are your quarters. You each are provided a bed, a shared locker with your bunk-mate, and a robe should you wish to change which you will find folded upon the pillow. . You will be summoned when your assignments are determined. Until then, good night.
The wooden door slides closed smoothly and silently behind him and you hear the distinct click of a lock.
Zayid frowns. Bunk-mate? I've forgotten what it is to sleep in a bed... but sleeping near strangers...
He shudders slightly and moves to a far set of bunks near the wall. Rubbing the sore tattoo spot absently, he examines the furnishings with minor interest. Finally he takes a seat on the bottom bunk to watch the rest of the group.