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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2013 1:12:26 GMT
The party set out from the tower on their first day of hunting, it was cool beneath the shade of the trees, the group consisted of Effigy the lumbering orc, Sentar the wise druid, and Podjog the crazy wizard. The group traveled in the shade, searching for their first day's prey. Sentar noticed a vine moving unnaturally. "Hold on, look!" Sentar said but before he could say more the orc charged forward and attempted to smash a rotting goblin head against the vine.
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Post by Effigy on Aug 27, 2013 7:20:33 GMT
Effigy stumbled as he tripped over vines. Then he realized the vines were creeping up his legs. Many others would panic in this situation, however Effigy survived the underdark. This plant caused him no fear.
He flexed the muscles in his legs and with a leap he ripped right out of the vines that binded him. As he landed he took off into a sprint towards the plant that seemed to be controlling the other ones. As he ran he tapped into his anger.
The anger was always present. A ever lasting anger for those that wronged him, those that hurt him, those that branded him a slave, and those that murdered the only family he ever had.
He could feel as his tusks grew outwards into sharp points. A trait bestowed to the blackspear tribe by some unnamed god or goddess Effigy never took the time to remember.
As he reached the plant his great hammer was already raised high. It came down with a deafening thunder right into the main stalk supporting the odd plant. Its vines curled back to protect the main body but it was too late. Effigy had his head down and started tearing the plant apart by his teeth, his tusks aiding him by working as saws slicing right through the tough rhine of the plant.
In a matter of 6 seconds the plant that was, was no more.
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Post by Effigy on Aug 27, 2013 18:36:39 GMT
That night Effigy sat outside the tower he had stationed his party at. It was dark outside which comfort him. For as long as he could remember darkness was all there was. Even so he built himself a nice sized fire. Large enough to keep the wolves at bay yet small enough as to not alert any bandits.
As he sat he thought back on all his new experiences. The city of hammerstad was the largest he had ever seen, so many people moving back and forth it was hard to imagine they each had a purpose. Effigy was still not sure if he liked the city. What he did know was he liked his companions.
He leaned back on a stone he was using as a back rest and thought of those back at the tower. There Anna, Podjog, and a druid they met earlier named Sentar were finishing up the last of their dinner.
It had been a longtime since Effigy thought to use the word friend,he hoped this time it wouldn't be a mistake.
I wonder if they think the same of me. Thought Effigy just before his sharp ears picked up the sound of a twig breaking as someone came out of the tower.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2013 20:39:57 GMT
Sentar had just spent the better part of an hour exploring and inspecting the tower, city men really did create odd things. If someone wanted to see from a high vantage point why not climb a tree? In Sentar's home forest there were trees three times the size of the tower.
Sentar exited the tower to find the Orc had built a large fire. Sentar was somewhat unsure of the barbarian, when he fought the vine he was consumed by this powerful rage Sentar was unsure if this man could be entirely trusted in the heat of battle. Here and now he seemed like a reasonable man and one who was quite capable of handling himself, unlike the last group Sentar traveled with. Sentar did not fear the Orc but rather respected the power that he radiated. "Hello I am Sentar, nice to meet you? We are just outside Volkenheim is that where you come from?"
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Post by Effigy on Aug 27, 2013 22:47:17 GMT
Effigy was not startled when the druid spoke. Although he walked as if one with the land, his orc ears could hear the insects scurry out of the way of his feet.
He could also smell the druid as sharply as his eyes could see him. The druid had a smell to him that city folk may be bothered by, but it was a welcome smell to Effigy. He quickly thought how to describe it, a wet boar came to mind.
The odd man came and sat beside him at the fire and asked if he was from the area.
"No." Was Effigy's simple response. Such people would not understand the under dark. Better to spare him the night terrors. Effigy poked the fire with his hand. The flames licked his skin but its toughness prevented any injury.
The two sat in silence for a while before the orc spoke again, "Are you shaman?"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2013 3:08:55 GMT
Sentar pondered at that, he never thought of himself as a Shaman but to the orc barbarian he might seem like one.
"No I am a druid, I am spiritual like shamans but I don't talk to ghosts. Are you haunted by ghosts?" Sentar was perceptive enough to notice that this man was deeply troubled by his past. The scars on his skin were badges of honor for his people, but Sentar could see scars that were not physical.
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Post by Effigy on Aug 28, 2013 21:12:41 GMT
There are many ghosts I need to speak to, many questions I need answered still. Effigy tried to picture his parents, an odd thought coming from an orc. I wonder if the ancients are pleased with me.
As many of the surface dwellers have already noticed, Effigy was not typical of an orc. Even as a barbarian he tended to lead with his head before his fist. Much like his forbearers.
Effigy looked to the druid with his deep, older than his time, eyes. "Do you believe in redemption? Can someone forgiven for the murder of the unborn?"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2013 0:17:22 GMT
This orc continues to surprise Sentar. His ghosts that haunt him send him into this powerful rage, but to Sentar's surprise there is intelligence behind that brutish face. He worried about some past crime.
"Poor soul, there is redemption for everyone... its just some things require more than one lifetime to atone for, but don't let that stop you from trying. If I had to guess you are a man who can get things done." Sentar stood up at the fire and stared off into the distance for a moment. Sentar's upbringing was challenging but not as painful as the other adventurers he had met so far on his journey and he was thankful for that. He stood there watching as the thin line of dawn began to fight its way through the night.
Sentar turned to the orc and held out his hand, "It is a new day, what will you do?"
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Post by Effigy on Aug 29, 2013 0:33:38 GMT
Fire flashed in Effigy's eyes as he heard the druids words. Sharply he rose to his feet and two points of husks started to protrude from his face. "You dare think of me of such a crime? Silly tree man knows nothing of F."
He found his two hammers already at hand. His rage urged him forward. Smash its skuill! It told him.
No wait! Effigy stopped. He knows not what he says. His thoughts calmed the rage.
Effigy collapsed in his seat with his face hurried in his hands. "I cannot forget, I cannot forgive, because the bodies of my kin cannot either." He picked up his warhammer. "I have a name at last for you. Redeemer."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2013 1:09:54 GMT
At the orc's outburst Sentar remained calm and composed to the average person but his magic flared as he prepared to defend himself.
"I only answered your question, it was not meant as an accusation. I see life and death as a simple truth of this world. Those who take the lives of others... well their lives tend to be shorter for it and that is another truth of this world" Sentar said with a smile.
"It seems that the ghosts do not haunt you to punish you, but they give you the strength of that rage. Make peace with them and ask for their help next time you need that strength."
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