RP Story

Wow, that was amazing, Karazai (all of you)! I'm really feeling psyched now!

Theniaus didn't know what was happening; he only knew that he felt drowsy, so drowsy. His eyes lost their focus, his head started to swim, and suddenly he was falling, tumbling down the cliffside head over heels. He managed to grab hold of a ledge, but the shock of suddenly stopping almost made him let go. He could hear shouting in the distance - his friends were still coming. Just a little bit more . . .
A strong, guantleted hand shot down and grabbed Thenaius' arm. With a groan of effort, the paladin tossed Thenaius over his back and onto the nice, firm ground. As the mage lay there, gasping for breath, his companion looked him over for signs of injury.
"You took quite a fall there, indeed, friend. I am glad your elven reflexes did not fail you."
Thenaius nodded, "And I am more than proud to count you as a friend. I owe you my life once again."
But the paladin waved the comment off. "It is nothing. Now where are the others? That fool of a squire of mine should have brought them here-"
And here they came. Quiroff, the elven ranger, never taking his eyes of the land around them. Brakstone, the dwarven tinker, fingering his long rifle fondly. Drana, the healer, already working her curative magics on the mage.
And Arethon the squire, jealously watching as his companions congratulated the paladin on another of what seemed and endless list of rescues and victories.
Thenaius, still gasping for breath, stared hard at the squire, a cold chill coming over him. He looked back to the paladin, and saw a figure of death, laughing at him, mocking him.
"My mistake," it proclaimed, "I seem to have forgotten one thing."
And it pushed Thenaius, threw him back down the cliff, and he was falling, no, rising, going higher and higher, until he looked up and saw a sky of water rushing down to meet him. They collided with a splash -
"It's good to see you've awoken so soon. My schedule is very busy, and if you had taken any longer, I might not have had the time to finish this personally."
Thenaius rose slowly, blinking through his hazy eyes to get a look around his location. He was alone, save for the stranger on the other side of the room. The chamber was circular, built of limestone, with a sand floor. From above, muffled explosions could be made out. No visual exit - for the moment.
As he gazed around, the stranger continued, "Yes, I'm quite glad you've awoken - it would so ruin my fun to leave you to die of - natural causes, wouldn't it, Featherweave. Don't look surprised that I know who you are - as soon as I discovered you interfering with my plans earlier, I was quick to discover everything I could about your background. Everything."
Thenaius stared at the man intently. This was the one who had cast the spell on them in the wild!
"And was I surprised! I had orders merely to capture Kol'Aronos and Karazai with all possible speed, but now I find the chance to settle a personal conflict. How typical that a wizard would fall for my trap; your kind are so busy concern with the fantastic that you never expect the mundane."
Thenaius mind flashed, processing what he just heard: your kind - was this man not a wizard?
In any event, Thenaius could stay silent no longer, "Say that you know me all you would like, stranger, but I am quite assured that you underestimate us."
The figure laughed, "Underestimate you? Really? Thenaius, if I have underestimated the power of your companions, then they must be gods!"
"Pray tell, what steps have you taken, then?"
"That is not for you to know. Know only that my victory here is complete, elf - all that is left is to stand back and watch the fireworks. Kol and Kar will be delivered to Lord Tir as gifts from his loyal servant, Helisius. The brutish half-orc will go up in flames with this godforsaken city. The night elf - well, shall we simply say that her last few moments will not be pleasant."
"And you," Helisius stated, stance threatening, "are going to be my toy for a little while. And then you will die."
A blast of force knocked Thenaius into the wall before he could react. It was followed by another, and another, knocking the air out of the mage and pummeling him to the brink of unconsciousness. And Helisius was doing it all without a gesture, without a line of an incantation. How?
"Curious, high elf?" the man mocked, "I can see it in your eyes. Ponder it all you like - it will be your last riddle!"
Force began closing around Thenaius, choking him. His mind raced to put the pieces together. Was it a magic item? No, his equipment bore no enchantments, or Thenaius' elven heritage would have detected it. Nor could it be possession - the wizard had dealt with that scenario many times in his life, and this could not be one of them. But what?
Realing through the obtained knowledge of a century, Thenaius recalled a rumor from the War of Zul'Amon that said some humans had practised a strange type of mind magic, but it had disappeared when the elves taught them magic proper.
Hadn't it?
First things first , the elf chided himself, barely clinging to life. With a terrible effort, he managed to choke out the words of a spell. With a flash, Thenaius disappeared, then appeared again next to the startled psion. With nothing to crush down on, the psychic spell collapsed upon itself.
Helisius looked startled, then satisfied, "Good. I was afraid this would be too easy."
Thenaius launched his staff at Helisius, who barely blocked it with an ectoplasmic shield. Still the staff came on, blow by blow, accelerating faster and faster. Helisius blocked strike after strike, until he suddenly realized that the elf was no longer behind the staff. He turned around.
Completing his spell, Thenaius shot a deep charge of electricity into the psion's face.
Helisius collapsed, and Thenaius sincerely hoped that would be the end of it. But the human calmy got back on his feet. His eyes were a little glazed, and blood dripped down his nose, but his mouth bore a viscious, almost primal smile.
"I knew you would not disappoint me, Thenaius Featherweave, Wizard of the First Circle within the Order of Tirisfal."
Psychic-laced fire shot from Helisius' hands.

You're going very quickly since three of you are in the same timezone! Whenever I connect, I must read three to four posts before seeing if I can reply...

Kar and Firessa were horrified... Fourteen barrels were on the edges of the dungeon halls with a half-orc trying to find the timer.
"What's happening?" Firessa shouted.
"That damn Helifusc or whatever he is called has set a bomb which could swallow the whole of Raignatan!" Varall replied.
"Let's search for the timer! Each of us take one end! By the way, Varall, where's Kol?" Kar shouted.
"He dozed off because of some smelly thing... Anyway I'll explain later!" Varall cried back.
"You stop there! Seize them, soldiers!" A captain appeared with a squad of six footman.
"Take care of them, Varall! We'll search for the timer!" Firessa shouted.
Kar took to the right, checking the barrels and walls, and Firessa took the left, using ultravision for detecting any details. Varall greeted the footmen with twin double-bladed axes, slashing everywhere.
All this was going fast, perhaps too fast for some minds to register. After a minute, Firessa heard Kar telling them she found the timer. Seconds later, she heard a piercing scream, coming from one of the footman. A heartbeat later, a shriek; then, Varall came up beside them. Kar was using her mana to sense the energies in the bomb and thus to what will detonate it. Firessa used the ultravision to see whatever can help them. Varall was keeping guard...
"Seize them!" Another squad had come; Varall went to them.
"I don't understand a thing in that! Take care of the bomb Kar! I will help Varall!" Firessa said.
She was eager for battle. She was towards them but quickly found out that her katana wasn't with her.
"Dammit!" She grabbed a sword lying on the floor and charged...

That's what I got till now... The story is going along great!

Pherexio: For my sake, these posts will encompass quite a bit of time. I'll explain OOC after my update.

Kar: Anyway, it's my turn first.
"She was searching for what would detonate the bomb. It was obviously not on a set timer, nor did it have a pressure switch of any kind. She was running out of mana quickly.
'Hurry it up will you? We need to get out of here now!' Firessa's shout wasn't helping Kar's concentration at all. The sounds of metal-on-metal, the swift drain on her scarce mana reserve, and presence of urgency weren't helping either.
She ran out of mana just as she was about to sense what would detonate it.
'Not even Köl could have done it that fast!'
'Here... let me help...' Kar jerked around to see a half-dead looking goblin staring at her. 'Move over... let me see it. Go wake Köl.' He looked horrible. How he had gotten, Kar didn't know. She took his advice in waking Köl though. Much to her surprise, he awoke within only a few moments.
'Kar! What're you doing! Disarm that thing!'
'I'm out of mana Firessa! Gazz is working on it!' She turned when she eard the tiny man shriek.
'I-i-i-i-it's! It's gonna go off in two minutes!' Everybody froze. The town guardsmen, Varall, Firessa, Kar, Gazz--everyone had stopped. Everyone except for Köl; it seemed he had a new sense about him.
'Move!'"

Pherexio:
"'Move!' The command was sudden, reflexive, detatched. 'Get out of here now! All of you! If you value your lives, or those of the Ragnatans, MOVE!' He wasn't even sure what he was gonig to do.
'No! We can turn it off, just let me help!' The goblin was speaking boldly, but looked as if he was ready to jump out of his skin.
'Get out now, you're only delaying prevention!' This time everybody listened. The footmen sprinted out of the building. The rest of Köl's group gave him a quick look, seemingly begging him to leave with them. 'GO!' The filed out quickly, Kar turned one last time. Köl thoughthe saw a tear, but she ran out before he could be sure.
Köl began his chanting. Diverting all of himself into a single spell he had hoped would come in handy one day. 'Looks like it has...'
The time was almost up. His spell was finished. A greenish sphere of the purest mana enveloped the entire cellar, radiating from around him.
'Köl!' The cry hit him as if his own spear had been driven through his heart.
He looked toward the stairs from the dilapidated inn. Kar was there, pounding against the force bubble. Köl could easily see the tears that streamed from her face with every strike. Just before the time came, Köl suddenly remembered something he had locked away to protect the very elf that wanted to stay with him in the last moment.
'Go to the Hall! Siroff can take you!' His command was sealed with a loud explosion. The last thing he thought he heard was Kar screaming his name and denying him the task he had taken."

Ya.... I kinda realize that killing a character so early on can usually be a bad thing. However, it will have major impact on the story, and give me all the time I need to study for (and take) my exams. I'll be out until at least then.

Defi: .... o_O that was certainly unexpected....
"'Foolish, foolish wiazrd... You can't beat me!' Helisius gloated. He could tell Thenaius was irritated. The kegs went off, their sound amplified by the magic added to the powder. 'Hahaha! Ragnatan is destroyed, your companions are dead, and Lord Tir's vengeance is complete!'
Helisius gave the elf a moment to let it destroy him. Thenaius fell to his knees.
The silence dragged on for minutes. Finally, Thenaius gave a reply.
'You are undone; that pandaren would have been more of a challenge.'
'What's this!?' The scoff at his complete victory enraged Helisius.
'See for yourself, as I'm sure you can; you seem to have mastered psionicism, that ancient mysterious craft... scan for the Half-orc, or the two elven women. I'm sure you'll be very delighted when you find them.'
Helisius did look. He absorbed his entire mind into his craft.
Sadness, anger, confusion, hatred--Helisius was blasted with emotions.
Regret, sorrow, grief--he was bombarded again.
Pity, admiration, respect--Feelings he loathed ended his spell. He regained mental alertness to find the elf chanted the end of a spell. 'Fool! You will not escape!' Helisius blasted a force wave toward Thenaius. The latter vanished before it got even close. He even laughed at Helisius' efforts to recapture him en-route.
'I will have you captured soon enough; time... time is all it will take.'
He began looknig again for his targets."

Thenaius observed the psion, trying, for a moment, to figure out how his strange powers worked. But every second wasted here could prove dire for the others, and the wizard could not leave such an able opponent behind - not when Helisius still seemed determined to hunt them each down and destroy them.
Walking up behind the psychic, he cast his spell.
Waves of pain and magic shot through Helisius' body, and he collapsed, no longer able to control his muscles - or even to think. For years Thenaius had questioned the use of a brain lock spell when simple paralysis seemed so much easier, but now, he was glad to have prepared it.
His invisibility faded away with the spell. Though he knew time was short, Thenaius could not help but take a moment to kneel down to within Helisius' line of sight. "How quaint," the wizard stated, "You became so concerned over the mundane that you never expected the fantastic."
Thenaius saw the hatred in the man's eyes, and knew he had made a permanent enemy. But Helisius could only stare, could not even think, and, for the moment, Thenaius was unconcerned.
The spell could last anywhere from one day to six - ample enough time to escape.
Thenaius muttered a spell and teleported out of the chamber, to the friends of Kol just inside the cellar.
_________________________________________________________________
When the elf suddenly appeared in the room of mourning, he was greeted with mixed emotions.
Varall watched the mage with suspicion: where had he been while they were fighting to save Raignaton? To Varall, there seemed to be two answers. The spellcaster was either a coward - or a traitor.
Firessa recognized the wizard as the one who connected to her mind spiritually and helped Kol and the half-orc find Kar and herself. Though she felt tainted at the soul after being the target of any arcane spell, she was grateful, at least some, for the measure of aid the high elf had provided.
And Kar didn't know what to think, and probably didn't even care about the newcomer. She was on her knees, looking back at the dungeons, sobbing piteously for her lost love.
Thenaius glanced at Firessa. "Kol'Aronos? Is he -"
"Yes."
Thenaius saddened - it seemed such a great loss to the world to lose someone so noble and strong. Quietly, he spoke down the corridor, "Kalim de'theril, su tremin fir'hona, Kol'Aronos. Distril Quel'Thalas. "
Varall growled, thinking the mage to be casting another spell, but Firessa stopped him. "No; he is saying a prayer for Kol." When the wizard turned around, she asked is he was ready, and he nodded. Together, the group left the decrepit inn, Firessa gently supporting the melancholy Kar.
Looking to the night elf, Thenaius dared a question. "To where are we going now?"
For a moment, Firessa was at a loss. Then she remembered Kol's final words. "To Siroff. To the Tournament." To the Hall , she almost added, but she had no idea where that was.

Now that's astonishing! Kol was so good a character... A real leader! Anyway, let's continue...

Firessa and the others were out in a minute.
"Come, I know the way to the Golden Jug," Varall said, wearing a sad expression due to the loss. In fact, everybody was in that state; some crying, others just on the verge...
"No, we must go straight to the tournament... I want one of us to win this tournament in memory of Kol," Firessa said.
Kar just nodded in approval. "But how are we going to get there in time?" Kar looked up at the sky; it was a beautiful orange-red sky. "The sun has just risen! The tournament will start in a few minutes..."
"Here, let me help you again. Vicere Micha Korla Lit..." Thenaius finished a teleportation spell that required much mana for five people. A heartbeat later, they were at the tournament stadium. Thenaius collapsed into a seat to recover his spiritual energy while Varall, Kar, Gazz and Firessa dashed to the platform to announce their presence. They arrived in time to see Siroff's battle...

So Dreadnaught, your turn with Siroff's battle! Then Varall if Count posts before me! You surely noticed how small my posts are. Well, it's because I always get the break times! ^_^

Dreadnaught: You can't just kill a man like Köl'Aronos... (and yes, that's all I'm going to say on the matter OOC).
"'A gnoll... how funny that he should have made it this far. I suppose he's got some magic about him, so I must be wary.' Sriff looked the gnoll over and assessed what were his most likely strengths and weaknesses. He lifted his sword from where it lay on the ground. 'Oh... this won't do against your mace...' With a gesture the weapon changed, in front of the entire crowd, into a mace, identical in appearance, strength, and weight to the gnoll's.
The gnoll gave an indignant snarl.
'So... that's the way it is, is it? Well then, we'll have it your way.'
'Now! If you'll all quiet down, we can begin the next match in this already astonishing tournament!' A hush fell over the crowd at the announcer's words. 'Get ready!' Each combatant lifted his mace. 'One...' The crowd drew in a great breath. 'Two!' A slight silence preceeded the final number. 'Three!'
Siroff charged at the gnoll; the latter mimiced the prior. They both swung, and the collision of their weapons created an enormous flash and a bang. The two warriors kept swinging and the maces kept colliding. Eventually the noise grew so loud, and the flashes so bright, everyone in the audience seemed blinded and deafened.
After a few moments, everyone could see again. What they saw was baffling. The gnoll lay in the ring, in two places! At one end of the ring, there seemed to be the gnoll Siroff was fighting, and so to at the other end. Each had his mace, each looked just like the gnoll, and each had been thrown to the very edge of the ring. Siroff seemed nowhere in sight. After one surprised moment, each gnoll picked up his mace, collected his thoughts and ran at the other. This time, there was no collision of weapons; each landed every blow against the side of his opponent.
The audience was shocked as each blow took more and more of each's stamina from him, and brought them closer to unconciousness. Eventually, one brought the mace down upon the other's head, knocking it out cold. A final white flash exploded from the ground about the feet of the victor. When everyone could see again, Siroff stood there, leaning against his oversized sword, as if he had stood there waiting the entire time."

Now, that was a great idea. I guess it was not yet dawn and Siroff used the orb of SHADOWS, didn't he?!

Firessa watched in awe as Siroff climbed down the ring. She was not totally blind with the flashes and could not see clearly but she swore she saw Siroff using the orb. Siroff strode to them, Kar, Firessa and Gazz.
"Now, that's impressive, Siroff! I would never have thought you capable of that!" Kar said.
"I am surprised but not so much; I think I know what you did," Firessa said.
"Ah yeah? Then don't explain now. Only when I am eliminated, if ever I am eliminated!" Siroff replied.
"Now, let's welcome the next two contestants. Firessa climbed onto the ring. What she saw as her opponent struck her with disgust. A naga was standing there, bulky, with sharp teeth and a great trident. She remembered the name; it was Darmon or somthing like that.
"Contestants, ready!" Firessa did not move, neither did the naga. "One!" Firessa muttered a spell. "Two!" She continued the spell, almost finishing. "Three!" Firessa was in flames.
"That will extinguish you, I think!" the naga threw a water bomb at Firessa.
The night elf was down, with low flames. The naga came at high speed in spite of his bulky body. Firessa stood and slashed blindly towards the naga. The latter was marked of a black burn mark and thrown backwards. She put her flamed sword close to her chest and started the customized immolation again.
“You will be down in a minute!� Firessa said with disgust.
She shadowmelded and walked silently to the naga. Surprisingly, he stabbed his trident into Firessa as if he could see her. She lied on the floor bleeding heavily.
“I will not be vanquished!� She said while drinking a vial of moon water. She was at the side of the naga in a flash and slashed him in the back. He got up and charged again with the bomb which exploded into an artificial rain.
“That won't make much difference,� Firessa said. All the falmes were extinguished. She withdrew her katana and took her bow. She fired so many arrows that the naga could not avoid them. Yet when Firessa stopped, he was not down yet. He charged again… Crack! Firessa landed her katana into the lower body of the sea serpent.
“Firessa is the winner!�
The sea serpent lay K.O on the ring.

Well, it seems we're slowing down a little - I hope Count posts soon.

Thenaius lay back on the stand, almost completely spent. He watched the night elf Firessa duel it out the naga with mild interest, but no real thoughts on his mind. He was too tired to think.
"Well, there'ya are, lad!" Glakthol Niram came running up to the mage. "Well, come on; my match is about to start!"
Thenaius only groaned in reply.
"Now, come on, man, don't be lazy! That's why you're my second - because the contestant can make use of whatever resources the second has available before the match - including magic!"
"I'm sorry, Glakthol," Thenaius said, "But I've had a really long day."
"Ye must be having a pretty long day, indeed," the dwarf replied, "It's only half started!"
Thenaius groaned again, then summoned the last of his energy to cast a spell improving Glakthol's speed and dexterity. "Thank ye, Thenaius," the dwarf said, "Remember, friend - forty percent!" Thenaius merely continued in his state of self-pity.
The announcer shouted out the names for the next match. "Will Glakthol Niram and Kol'Aronos please come to the arena!" Thenaius winced, cursing his own selfishness when others had lost so much more.
Glakthol turned to him, concerned. "What's the matter, lad?"
"Kol'Aronos"
The dwarf grinned, "So, yer complaining about 'wasting' yer magic on meself?"
"No, that's not it. It figures into my 'long day'."
"Very well, then; ay won't go asking." Glakthol hefted his weary friend over his shoulder, "Well, yer coming with me now. I know a stand selling elixirs to reclaim yer stamina; we'll pick up a few and git to practising for the next round!"

Dreadnaught:
"'Ahem! Will Köl'Aronos, number five, please report to the arena immediately. You will be given no more than fifteen additional minutes before you lose by default. Köl'Aronos....' The announcer continued his calling. '...arena immediately. You will...' Siroff was getting worried.
'He's never late for anything, unless...' The conclusion nearly shattered him. 'Excuse me.' He turned to Varall. 'Where is he?' A solemn look and reverant silence from the half-orc gave him all the confirmation he needed. 'I see...' Siroff spoke in a subdued tone.
'...fourteen minutes before...' The announcer kept up his constant shouting.
Siroff looked over at Kar and Firessa; both their faces strengthed his conviction of Köl's fate. 'Please... explain it.' Varall snapped from his reverie at the request. He took another moment, and then began his story.
When he finished, all but five minutes remained before Köl would be named loser by default. The dwarf had begun spitting his disgust for Köl.
'The man's a no-show! And rightly so; He knows he can't beat me!' Siroff was becoming increasingly more agitated. Each shout from the announcer, and insult from the dwarf wore on his self-control.
'...three minutes...' Siroff gave up trying.
'Firessa, could you do me a favor?'
'What's that?'
'Please take her out of here for a while.'
'Why?'
'Just, please, for her own good.'
'Alright. Come on Kar, lets go take a walk.' The two elven women exited the tournament grounds.
'I know I shouldn't do this... Siroff was double-thinking his choice of action. 'But I must uphold Köl's honor.'
'Two minutes!' Siroff dashed behind the stage and worked his magics. Within seconds he was done, and ready to defeat the small dwarf who stood in the ring, mocking one of Siroff's closest friends.
'One minute, until you are disquialified! Köl'Aronos, number five! Please--'
'I'm here.' Siroff strode into the ring looking, sounding, and acting for all the world like Köl'Aronos. The magical disguise kit Köl had given him to save his life, would now save Köls reputation."
Well that probably dispells Siroff's mystery now doesn't it? :P Well, that's it for today. Sorry I couldn't detail the battle.

Now, Thenaius and Varall must be quite surprised, huh? Let's see how how Dreadnaught can imitate Kol's style of fighting!

There's that question I asked earlier:
"What's the explosion about?"

Then Pherexio said:
"BTW: Explode. syn: Flare up, blaze. I meant that you might enjoy success if you continued to improve your writing skill and put some confidence forward. That's all I meant by that, but now that you mentin it, something just might "explode.""

And Polaris said:
"I think Arching Blades meant the explosion in the story, but I could be wrong."

All I wanted to say is that Polaris is right about what I meant... The explosion is not there anymore, it seems!

Dreadnaught: Well... just... .... .... ya.... ? I confused myself with that.... In any case, the show must go on!

"'This probably wasn't the smartest thing to do....' Siroff looked over to the stands. Varall seemed wonderstruck. 'Oh yeah...I probably should have told him about my style first.... but it's too late now!' Siroff had redoubled determination to defeat the dwarf. 'Köl will not be slandered without a fight! Such a noble man deserves no less than he has earned, and this dwarf's insults are below Köl's name.' Siroff stared down the dwarf as the match was about to begin.
Even before the announcer began counting down the fight, each had his weapon ready. Siroff blocked out everything but the stout dwarf before him, and the ring. Everything else faded into blackness. He could see every twitch from his opponent. Hear every noise, smell every stench, and sense the underhanded aura the short man seemed to exude. For a brief moment, Siroff thought he saw fear in the dwarf's eyes. Obviously he could see Siroff's anger.
'Three!' Siroff removed himself from dazedness at the outcry.
'Two!' He calmed himself quickly; one can never fight tactically while enraged.
'One!' Siroff gripped the spear he had made from his enchanted sword tighter; the dwarf did likewise to his weapon.
'Begin!' Both men charged at each other. Siroff kept his gaze fixed upon the dwarf.
'He expects me to jump.' Instead, Siroff dashed around the small man, throwing his strategic advantage from his hands.
Siroff brought the dull end of the wepon down upon his opponent's back, knocking him off balance. Then he picked up the short warrior by the beltt strap, and began a attempt to throw him out of the ring.
'Ye' ca' get rid o' me tha' easily lad!' With a tremendous shudder, the dwarf freed himself, and dashed for his neglected weapon.
'Very well then, I suppose the formalities must be strained and forgotten for this match.' This startled the dwarf for a moment: all Siroff needed.
He made a mad lunge for the ddwarf, and jammed the dull end of the spear into the short man's gut.
The dwarf fell from the slightly elevated ring.
'Oi! I'll have yar 'ead for this shame ye' confounded elf!' Almost instantly, the dwarf was back in the ring. 'Draw yer' weapon!'
'You are defeated, I have no need.'
'Then ye'll die here and now!'
'Fool. I'll leave him in his own rage. The guards will have their go at him.' Siroff turned and walked calmly away from the dwarf.
'I'll have you dead!'
'You are not the first to make such a claim.' With that, Siroff leapt from the ring directly onto the stage, startling the announcer. 'You may want to have your guards take care of this man. As for myself, it is my regret to inform you that I must withdraw from this tournament.' The guards were just arriving as Siroff spoke with the announcer.
'Why?'
' have my own reasons. Now if you'll excuse me...' Siroff jumped once more. This time he landed on the outskirts of the woods behind the tournament grounds. He went in a ways and made sure no one had followed. Then, with a special incantaction, he dispelled his disguise. The noise the dwarf made as he was forced into submission was quite astounding.
'I'd better get back now. Varall will definitely want an explaination.'"

Ummm, Dreadnaught, you forgot something . . .

Thenaius stared in shock as the elf who claimed to be Kol'Aronos lept onto the stage. For a moment, an exultant joy overwhelmed him to see again this man whom he barely knew anything about; then suspicion set in.
Let's see who you really are , he thought, muttering a spell as he stared intently at the newcomer.
Glakthol was right - the potions had restored Thenaius' strength, and he was able to penetrate the illusion. Who are you , he wanted to ask, outraged that this human was taking Kol's place. The fool dares to ride the coattails of the dead to victory! Glakthol will teach him otherwise!
But that did not seem to be the case, and the imposter easily defeated the dwarf.
Thenaius was infuriated! He could not let this charlatan get away. Even as the man leapt off the stage and disappeared into the woods, so did Thenaius jump up, searching for those distinctive features.
Should I settle things here? he asked himself. No; this is a personal matter.
He went ethereal and followed the man into the woods, until the imposter dropped his disguise in a clearing out of sight from the townsfolk.
As Siroff's spell dropped, so did Thenaius'. "I hate to ruin your hoax," the angry mage declared, "but I am Glakthol's second, and you are an imposter."
Before the other could reply, Thenaius let loose a spell. When Siroff moved to defend himself, he found that his legs could not lift themselves from the ground!
Thenaius' eyes glowed with energy now - he stared at the human with fury and called forth an orb of pure energy. Holding it casually in his hand, he took the moment to ask the other, "What gives you the right to impersonate such a noble man?" He drew the ball behind him, ready to strike.

cant post a contribution right now, im in the middle of finals, and have to study. In fact im only posting this tiny message to say that i wont be posting till AT THE MINIMUM Friday, because ill be done with school by then.

Looking good all

We'll be waiting for you.

. . . Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that we'll stop . . .

Dreadnaught: Siroff doesn't know Thenaius yet, so of course he's not going to notice him in the crowd.

"'What gives you the right to impersonate such a noble man?' The fearsome mage drew the ball of light back, as if to throw it at him.
'If you could see through his magic, then surely you should be able to see what 'right' I have with your magic probing. But, if you put that spell out, I'd be glad to tell you myself.'
'Fool! I'll not fall prey to your trickery!' The mage snapped his hand forward, hurling the magic ball toward Siroff. The immobile human knew he couldn't dodge the attack, so he did the next best thing.
'Rat!' He snapped his fingers and immedietly shrank to he size of a rat, and donned its appearance.
The mage was already gathering energy for another strike when Siroff transformed back into his human form.
'Stop! Give me one chance to explain!' The mage stared down at him hard.
'Your mind is clouded, I cannot tell weather you will lie or not. Why should I trust you?'
'Surely he must have shown you this by now, if you know him so well.' Siroff pulled from his sidebag one of the shifting gems that Köl had made. Siroff could see that he had hit his mark with the stone. 'He gave it to me very long ago. He and I are great friends, as Karazai and Firessa will attest to.' The mage seemed a little suspicious still.
'What's your name?'
'My name?'
'Yes, what is your name?'
'Siroff Bernhardt, actor and warrior extroadinaire, at your service.'"

Well now, how will Thenaius respond to that? :8