Axinous's page

Erkholt Grugn, priest and questor of Moradin. I will give you this boon. An analogy about the Well. You pollute the source waters of a river, then the river in kind will be polluted. You have to protect the source, not where it comes out.

As for your Green Man, your right. As certain as you are of your faith. Be equally as certain he is of daemonic blood.

Seeing tears well up in Lady Decidio's eyes. I offer her a kerchief. I begin to follow her out of the room when Sonny jumps up screaming out Frieda. As magic starts to swirl around the room I speak. My voice booms, as it seems to speak with the authority of more than one world. Sonny. I said for you to sit. This parley is not yet over! Intimidation 35

Tell you a tale you say; then I shall. Know you then of the Geseredi? Then know this and tremble and pale and shake in your mortal bones; for madness and death comes upon the steed of destiny and lo; no heroes her can stay her hand; Behold for that mad woman of magic and necormancy and sheer power of chaos comes this way; thus three mighty Solars join with he who wields the Titan's Band; High Priest Balinor, to enter into battle with her; we must be done with our task and gone before that mad Bioatch with the Bone comes forth unto this spot and senses the Seal and the weakness and captivity of the Earth Goddess; yet all you can speak of is Table this and Table that? This mortal sphere is upon the gallows and you would languish?

Lady Decidio

I take a deep drink of water. A boon I will give you Decidio, and to you her companions. Listen carefully. First the old world, and the seed of the next was to be consumed by fire. The Lords of the South stopped this disaster. The second time we saved the world. A group not long ago stopped the blood tide from drowning the world. Now ask what would be gained from soiling an Earth Goddess. Follow the pattern.

Scoff at me will you; here me thus, it is the noble actions of the Cats; One hero named Ishka who is the bane of Snakemen; for over six years the he and his cat tribes have been fighting tooth and nail at each pass from the upper lands in the South keeping the snakemen from reaching and adding the dinosaurs from their armies. thus, as the cats save your continent; help these cats Kenembi and Nebebit, remove the doom that they may save this continent for they are bane to snakes and blood enemies who will not fail.

I take a drink of brandy, to wet lips. A slow smile cross's my face. Lady Decidio I do not scoff at thee. Its just the knowledge you tell me is old to my ears. High Priest Balfic Graa's servant is well known to the Lords of the South. Tell me a tale that is worthy of wetting my lips.

As for this Kemnebi, and Nebebit. I will have to see them with my own eyes to determine how thick there blood really is. If they are worthy enough for me to intervene on there behalf. Until then, that matter is tabled.

yet some among the Naga serve good; does not a Naga and to raise you another good snake; the Coatl guard the Well of Life? Know you not the Well of Life, for the that is the conquest goal of both the ghul and the snake gods, and more I raise thee; the armies of Egypt; Elf, Dwarf; and Greece lay surrounding the Well of Life.

Kalona: you definately know of the Coatle though I probably spelled it wrong.

That is no raise. For my people are part of the Empire. We know well of the armies of the Eygptians, the combined Elfin Peoples, The New Dwarves, and the Pyramid of Ice that should not be. The Greeks who have no homeland yet made the Well there home. I know well the cost of what would happen to the world if the Snakes control the Well of Life. There ancient spawning ground.

How long do you think the combined armies can last once the Snakemen capture the escarpment, and enslave all the dinosaurs to there cause? The armies assemble into regiments against the snakemen. Yet none protect beneath the surface. How deep do you think the Well goes? The snakemen make there dens deep in the earth. All things reptilian in blood fear the Snake Gods. They have no power against them. Regardless if they are of good of heart or ill.

I offer this symbol in return and raise you name and history knowing both lineage and progeny. Many are his human followers who serve with snakes.

Decidio draws a symbol next to yours.

This is the symbol of the elder snake god who did not sleep and infiltrated the human pantheon and who orchastrated the death and dismemberment of the Green Man; in the elder tounge he is called Sutekh.

I smile at Decidio. And I raise you name and history of another tribe of man who has been tricked into worshipping the Snakes. The people are dark of skin, and call themselves the Ind. They call the snakes, Naga.

I raise you again in forgotten knowledge. I know well the Demon Lord of Gnolls and Ghuls. For he is an ancient enemy. Know none of your assemblage can touch the Star of Corruption. It will burn your mind and soul. It is a needed Icon of Law in these chaotic times. The Heart of Darkness will eat at you like a wasting disease. A more rotten chaos than most suspect.

"if I may, says Decidio, What have you told us other than your people suposedly saved the world, your party snuck into a snakemen city and saw a excavation that might be some un named artifact and has a pychic hum to it, though not how you verified that. So, we have told you we know some things about the snakemen and two artifacts that are going to be used to kill a goddess and put out the sun. Worse yet; forces of chaos are seeking to break the seals holding back vast choas evil that even the Demon Princes fear.

So we ask you straight Sir Axedous and company, upon death of this very spere of existance; what know you of:

The Green Man?
The two artifacts we mentioned?
Any prophesies of the snakemen,
Why the snakes are on this continent working with Illithids
Why ghouls are in such prime enemies on both our continents and how that happened,
And how might we hide from the snakemen and their gods that we might, like you did, infilitrate their plans here and rescue the goddess and save the world.
as for the dark; well, no one knows more about the dark than Mighty Balfic Graa, our benefactor; thus Namaste could query anything of Him for your benefit Sir Axidous and party.

I give a warm laugh. Thank you Lady Decidio for finally gifting me with real information. So in turn I will gift thee. I draw a symbol on the table with my finger. Remember this symbol well. This symbol is a symbol of neutral ground. No snakekin will break the neutrality of ground concecrated with this symbol. As for why I can hide from the snakemen in plain sight. I am not willing to trade that morsel just yet. If you can afford that price.

The Artifact in the south. Its easy for you to confirm. Anyone who is on that continent with the powers of the mind can feel it. The closer you are the greater the humm. You just have to have the mind to do so.

The two artifacts are from the Blood War. I have already told you much about the Star. Until my question is answered I will tell you nothing more about them.

You should know well about the Ghuls already. Balfic Graa is your benefactor after all... I take another sip of brandy They are conquerers. Devourers, from across the Plane of Shadows.

The Green Man still walks, though he is no man.

The snakes and there prophecies... They are as ancient as time itself. So are there alliances. Pacts made long before Elf, Dragon, Titan and God came to wrestle this world away from them. I take another drink of brady, and then a sip of water to clear my palate. I know well about the Symbols, and there purpose. I believe the majority of this assemblage is to weak for me to tell such a story. It would give you nightmares. Nightmares feed the enemy. I will say this though. Beware the depths of the earth forgotten by elf, dwarf, and man. Unless you know, trust not what lurks behind the fire. Beware what lies beneath Oceans depths. Beware what you speak for it carrys in the wind. Ward your Dreams.

Now Lady Decidio, I believe I have given you enough to wet your lips. What do you offer me?

"You wish information, perhaps the Heart of Darkness changing hands interests you. The Star of Corruption now being in it's company? Or perhaps not."

I finish swallowing my food. In accordance with the parley. I have given valuable information. Yet Sir Astinos, I have received none in return. The intricacies of negotiation don't sit well with you. It is best you speak plainly. I take a sip of water to clear my palate. Whatever knowledge you are trying to glean from me you will not have; unless you start answering my questions. Remember you asked me here. There is something you require from me. I don't need you. So think carefully. I take a sip of brandy.

My dearest Jewell; for you, I will extend my tolerance, and remain at this table for further parley. I am quiet for a moment deep in thought. I then give Jewell a very warm smile. My dear, once we are done here. I wish to have private council with you.

Nightwish

"Lord Axinous, I believe there were misunderstandings on both sides with regard to the boy's sister and what transpired in the street above, and for that I offer both you and he a heartfelt apology. I say that not only as the leader of our group, but also as the one who first "attacked" the girl. She had come to us garbed in the costume of a Slaymate, a very dangerous trickster among the undead. In retrospect, we understand that she clad herself in that way to protect herself from notice by the undead. But at the time, we were unsure what to make of her, and our friend Llvenoc engaged her in a dance of blades. It was a game, a folly, and we did not at first attempt to interfere. It was only when she drew blood on our companion that we believed she was a threat to us, still not knowing who she was. We never intended her any harm, and indeed it was I who first directed any action toward her in an attempt to move her safely through time a few seconds so that we might move safely past her. It was then that the boy here arrived and perceived my action as an attack on the girl. Please know that the Time Hop ability I attempted to use to move the child does not bring harm, and no harm was intended to her at the time. And if the boy feels need to air his grievance in flesh, then it was I and none of my companions who first sought to interfere in the "dance" between Llvenoc and his sister."

I listen as the Lady speaks her words, and as Young Master Az pulls on my sleeve asking about atonement. I wet my throat with brandy, and speak. Well it seems this is a most disorganized affair. What a tragedy. I suppose we now are returning to the previous discussion that was just asked to be tabled? I shake my head. Seemingly not amused. Well it seems your assemblage talks with too many heads. So this is my ruling for Young Master Az's behalf. Each of you will be judged accordingly based on the incident. Each of you will have to seek reconcilation individually since you cannot speak with one mind or purpose. The Gentlemen Llvenoc as stated before has earned our thanks. His action of gentlemanly valor will be known in such circles that admire these actions. Erkholt Grugn, Priest and Questor of Moradin has stated he was not a part of the group when this act had taken place. So he will be not subject to judgement. Sir Astinos was forth right in the admittance of his guilt, and I reccommend special consideration in his judgement.

I take a sip of water at this time to clear my palate Lady as stated before. None of your group announced yourselves to Young Master Az's Sister. You did not ask for her to announce herself to you. You did not ask for an end of the duel. You did not provide consequences if she did not follow your request. There was no communication at all. Seeing no unity at this table amongest you. It is easy to see why there is no strong central leadership present. Hence why you attacked a young girl like common rabble. There is an opportunity present by Young Master Az to grant reconcilation on these matters. Since it is clear you are a bunch of individuals, you shall be judged in accordance to this. Once other business has been finished. This will give you all time to figure out what you wish to offer as reconcilation vereses what Young Master Az percieves is necessary to remove the mark upon his sisters health honor. Until then this matter is tabled.

I take another drink of water So now Lady... Did your father grace you with a name? I would like to know who I am talking to. Now I have answered several questions in accord with this parley. Are mine to be answered? Or is this parley almost at its end? My hope is that there would be a constructive exchange of information. I have a war win. My time is valuable, as is others. Gesturing to Ronin. As stated before less than a week ago the clock of oblivian was three weeks shy of ringing midnight upon this world. By my groups actions the hand on the clock was pushed back, but the clock is ever ticking forward. So what is it going to be?

Alas Lady Decidio, there is no longer a story to tell. The Tribes of the Great Snake Eater are no more. They marched off to war. To complete there part of the Red Stars Prophecy in there own blood. Even the Great Snake Eater himself parted company with us. Content to stay in a earthen snake den killing there young before they hatched. Waiting for the guardians of such a place to return. I know not his fate. But it was foretold it would be different than that of his peoples. The inflection in my voice pulls at your heart. Tears well up in your eyes at the telling of the tale.

As for the Great Snake Eater. I can tell you some about him. I have respect for him. He was strong and fast. Teeth, and claws razor sharp. Slicing through snake skin with ease. A champion of his people, and of the Red Star. He had no fear, and relished danger. Bear in mind he and his people are primitives compared to our standards. Nomadic, and shamanistic in there faith. Wearing little or nothing at all. Eating there food raw dripping down there pointed teeth onto there fur covered bodies. They have no compassion for the weak. He carried himself with the distinction that he was an Alpha. They stand as high as you or me. Bipedal, and have very short tails. There heads are similiar to that of a badger.

Thank you, Erkholt Grugn, priest and questor of Moradin. Perhaps since Sir Astinos has been with the group for awhile longer than yourself. He might be able to tell me of how he learned of the Star of Corruption? I take my seat, and have another sip of brandy. I begin to eat, and look expectedly at Sir Astinos. For him in turn to tell me a tale.

Who are these Tribes of the Snake Eaters? They are unknown to me.

I smile to Decidio. I suppose you wouldn't. They are not known to most peoples and until recently have kept to themselves. And Lady to whom do I have the honor of speaking to?

Jewel respons in the mindlink "very well"

then outloud

My Prince <looking at Axidous> we have heard rumor about Illithid and other servants who seek to snuff out the sun, thus they have stolen the sun's sister and I believe they are going to use that link to kill the sun with the power of the Old Ones; thus the destruction of the Seal, which holds the Old Ones in slumber and is here presents; is greatly at risk; thus the risk of all, everywhere are at risk of eternal enslavement to the will of the abominations of the Old Ones will. It was my thought that a true trade of information between these two groups would benefit both as in truth we are all allies against the chaos and evil of the Old Ones and what their Return would mean.

As a gesture of magnificence; I plead with thee for a story; will you tell of the place and activities upon this great mind orb in the south, I believe this be a great weapon we can use against our enemies and fear it falling and being used by the scaled or tenticaled.

We here have seen evidence of controlled snakes; thus, our missing priestess Nebibit and I believe the snakes are behind this plot here to steal or kill the sun and bring eternal night; a infamous and heroic deed to be sure, yet we seek to stop them and deem them unworthy and will prove it upon their bodies. I have grown fond of both sunrises and sunsets and would not have the vision of such taken from me by the likes of some tenticaled mind flayer.

Astinos wrote:

In Mindlink:

** spoiler omitted **

I give a warm look to the Jewell, before turning my gaze to those across the table. Very well my dear. I slowly stand up, and smile. My voice rises as I begin to speak. My words gripping your hearts like a vice not wanting me to let go.

Let it be known that the Lords of the South have not saved the world once, but twice! Twice have we pushed back the hand of the clock of destruction from chiming the midnight bell. Chiming and then silence forever more. By the clocks counting we had less than three weeks before the eternal curtain fell. It was then the Tribes of the Great Snake Eater gathered and we chosen few were invited. During that night a great fire was made and Prophecy was spoken. A prophecy to save all mankind. To save the very seed of its founding. We left with this quest in mind. The Tribes of the Great Snake Eater marched off to war. He in turn marched on with us. We did come upon a city controlled by the Snakemen. There was a great excavation taking place. It still does. Its whole populated enslaved for this task. Unearthing a great artifact. Its has a psychic humm to it. Only those who are sensitive to such things would understand. With Young Master Az's help we did in a clandestine fashion make our way into the Snakemens Palace. We found the seed of humanity, and stole it away from that accursed place. While inside the Palace several battles did occur but as always we were victorious. We fought against a Wyvern, a Snake as big as an Elephant, and of course the Snakemen themselves.

While we egressed from the City with our prize, we met allies of common cause. Whilst our alliance was being formed in blood and word. The Snake Gods themselves came to the earth to smash us and cast us assunder for taking the seed from them. They were three in number, and the army of the Snakemen from the city formed up behind them. A battle was to be raged, and we were to sell ourselves dearly not to relinquish our prize. When the Red Star. The Star of Corruption fell from the sky, and came down before us. The Giver of Prophecy. He came to do battle. He whispered one last prophecy to us. Foretelling Prophecy as he did during th night of the great council fire. With a wisk of his hand he teleported us and the allied army away from the enemy. It is his last wise words we follow still. I was there the day The Red Star Fell...

I take a drink of brandy to wet my throat. Now tell me. What do you know of the Star of Corruption?

Giving a warm smile to Young Master Az. Very well then Young Master Az. If you wish I can arbitrate on your behalf regarding your Sisters sufferance. For now we will give the ruffians time to think of an appropriate compensation. As it would behoove you Young Master to think of what would like to see as an appropriate compensation on your Sisters behalf. Since the matter has been temporarily tabled if will give both sides time to think. Erkholt Grugn, priest and questor of Moradin. Since you stated you were not a part of what transpired. I hold it on your Dwarven Honor to remind us to settle this dispute before we leave the table this evening. And you Dark Elf Llvenoc will not be judged, but offered thanks for the assistance you provided to Young Master Az's Sister. Now let us continue.

Astinos looks ever so slightly taken aback by Axinous' claims. He nod at the mention of tableing the discussion in favor of more important matters.

"My lord, we seek knowledge of the location and specifics of the conditions of the imprisonment of the Earth goddess amongst other important details. I am sure there is information you would find of interest as well."

Very well Sir Astinos. What information do you feel will be of interest to me?

I bow my head in respect to the man. "Thank you my Lord for the wisdom you show here. We were discussing a number of matters before your arrival, with each of us gathered having a vested interest in. It would seem that a number of factions acting in this world seem to be acting on a vergence. We hear rumours of the Snakemen moving against the world, a great artefact in the south being unearhted and more tales of the Star of Corruption. All of these at a time when many of us are seemingly drawn at random to this place. I am a believer in the will of the gods, and so feel they have a reason for us here. What we need most is information my Lord. Anything that can aid us in understanding the motivations of those I mentioned previously."

I look around the table before returning my gaze to the man before me. "Also, I am only newly aquainted with many who sit here. It would perhps be best if another spoke for them on these matters. While our paths have crossed at this point, they know better than I the business of which we speak". Again I bow my head in respect to the man.

Erkholt Grugn, Priest and Questor of Moradin. The knowledge you ask for is a dangerous thing. There are entities that exist that will crack open your mind like a honey dew. Sucking out what information it wants, and you would be none with wiser. But lesser you will be. What guarantee can you give me that you can ward yourself. Or if any of your assemblage can safeguard what secrets that I may pass on to you? It would help if you would tell me what you know of this Unearthed Artifact, and this Star of Corruption.

I can tell you the Snakemen do wage war upon the world. They slither across the southern lands in great hordes. There Gods walk amongest them. They can enslave anything that has reptilian blood in its veins. They can even look human. If you look real close they have smooth and tiny little scales covering there body. They are allied with a huge army of Ghul's who recently arrived. They are lesser in number, but just as dangerous.

I acknowledge your statement that your association with this group is new. So therefore if needed I will judge you seperately.

"Forgive the intrusoin my Lord. Erkholt Grugn, priest and questor of Moradin at your service. I understand the need of honour to be met, but would ask that perhaps its judgement and retribution be held off until such time as the remainder of our business here is explained. I was not present when the events you spoke of occured, so I cannot speak for those involved. However I am aware of the import of what we were brought here to discuss and would like to see it resolved before other issues can muddy the waters. Perhaps through these discussions a cleraer light shall be shed on the events you even now weigh against those gathered here."

I smile at the Dwarf. Very well Erkholt Grugn, Priest and Questor of Moradin. The current issue shall be temporarily tabled. We shall give time to Young Master Az to decide what he feels is the best course of action considering what has transpired. I would suggest some leanancy toward Sir Astinos. He was so kind and forthcoming about the transgression.

Ekkholt Grugn, Priest and Questor of Moradin. May I task you to bring up the prior discussion. So it may be resolved before both parties seperate?

Shall we proceed to the next topic? As I eat you can see my table manners are practiced and absolutely perfect.

I smile at Astinos. Good Sir. Your agrument is already in folly. I can clearly see why Young Master Az wishes to seek retribution. First off it was a duel. Those who attacked broke the sanctity of this. You did not announce yourselves. You did you not ask for the one dueling Llvenoc to announce herself. You did not state what your course of action would be if they did not stop dueling. You failed to communicate at all. Being in the duel Llvenoc would be honor bound to defend her life. As any gentleman would. The aggressors are clearly at fault. Something certainly must be done to rectify this. The Young Ladies honor is at stake. Thank you for bringing this slight to my attention Young Master Az. We shall seek restitution for your Sister.

Now you slander Young Master Az. Saying he put a curse upon two of your number. A Doom you call it. A curse of the Northmen. Again your argument is in folly. You would figure if someone would have such a Doom. They would have the prescience of mind to be present and barter if not beg for such a thing to be removed. Yet I see no Cat People here that resemble Ambassador Lorm. Until earlier today Young Master Az has never left the Southern Continent. Or has had any dealings with the Northmen. He settles his disputes with his dagger. He defends those who need protection against bullies. The only fault he had was running to his sisters rescue. Which I see as no fault at all, but the responsibility of a young gentlemen.

You may wish to appease Young Master Az's honor. For his elder brother is of dark mind and temperment. Even his skin is dark and his body twisted. Twisted with vengeance because of the death of his mother. He is the son of Lorm, not Young Master Az here.
If anyone would place a Doom upon someone it would be him.

So Young Master Az...Do you feel Sir Astinos tarnished your name enough that you deserve recompense for your honor?

I smile at the Dwarf. Well Kosan Silveraxe, I would prefer if you refer to him as Young Master Az. Calling someone a Boy is an insult. I would hate to see unneccessary violence because of a misunderstanding. Don't you agree? Know this, the Young Master does not lie. He never does. He is stronger than you. Retribution sits fairly strong in the Young Masters blood, and he seeks a diplomatic resolution to this. If not, we would have asked for his other Aunt to be with us. She is not one for conversation. Looking over to the Dark Elf Guard Thank you for your assistance in protecting Young Master Az's sister. Your act of Gentlemenly Valor will be known in circles that respect such things. I take a long look at the little ugly Fey Beast. You will also be known. As will all who would hurt a child.

I look around the room at those assembled before me. I smile, and nod a greeting back to the Paladin. Now Az we cannot kill them. We are hear under formal parley. Since you have a grievance we can proceed with a formal complaint, and seek some form of restitution comperable to the amount of suffering that was caused. But we must have proof of the transgression to proceed.

If you wish I can see if we can purchase one or two of the Dwarves after we have had our meeting. But the sole responsiblity for caring for one and feeding it is yours.

I watch as Sunny bursts into flames warning me of the trap. As how quickly and effectively Deathkiss neutralizes him. I don't even blink an eyelash over the whole scene. Well then. I know you well Grandmaster Ronin in name and in reputation. I accept your position as mediator. Yes he is dangerous, but no more so than yours. Briefly looking over at the Deathkiss. If you would be so kind to reign in yours. I will reign in mine. Now Sunny be polite and take a seat. We are under formal parley. I take my seat calmly, and gesture for the others of my group to do so as well. So shall we proceed Sir Astinos? I accept a glass of brandy.

A southern gentlemen stands before you. He is 6ft tall. Has short dark brown hair. A military cut and is clean shaven. His eyes glow a faint, but deep red, and has an adonis build. He wears a white southern gentlemens coat, dark slacks, and a fine white collared long sleeved shirt. He has a disarming smile, and the presense of what only a southern gentlemen can have. There is no noticeable blemish upon him, or any of his equipment. All of his armor and weapons are of masterwork quality. He has a two handed mace that looks as black as night. No light reflects from it. It looks to be made of obsidian. His clothing stitched only for the likes of royalty. Only a giant red ruby embedded in the middle of his fore head stands out as uncharaceristic. He has an air of unbridled confidence to him.

An entourage follows behind him. A Southern Belle, of equiste beauty, with long following red hair. She wears a red dress, and an ornate black collar around her throat. A whip curled up on her side. A young boy toying with a dagger who seems familiar to you. A four armed goblin carrying much of the groups equipment under the stern eye of the southern belle. A Gorilla man, in full plate. He has the stare of a hardened soldier of many campaigns. And following behind them all is a withered old man with a constant smile on his face.

I accept The Jewell's outstretched hand with my own. I kiss the top of her hand. Always maintaining eye contact with her. It does me well to be by your side my dear Jewell. My voice is very smooth, and sultry. My southern accent clear and distinct.

Hearing Ronin asking for who his guests are; I give a couple of claps of my hands. Scarlett let us not be rude. Introduce us to our hosts.

If they agree to it, then Lorm will bring them to where The Jewel is.

It is expected Lorm the Mage Servent of the Emperor will not tarry, and convey us safely to our destination. It would not do well for him, and look ill upon his character if he delays us from our deliberation.