Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn From: wolvie@cybernet.cse.fau.edu (christopher motherway) Subject: [Raoh] Nearing Kassandra Message-ID: Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1993 17:33:32 GMT Midnight has settled in the land north of the DiamondGate. The forest was silent, save for the crickets' chirping. Not a creature stirred to disturb the group as they had called it a night. They had been travelling for a little over a week now. Through Blaze and Baff's calculations, another week or so was need to reach Kassandra, to reach Raoh. They had come to a clearing and set up camp, eating what was left of a vicious unknown beast they had killed just after going through DiamondGate. Everyone was STILL wondering how Pantora was able to lift Firecat up so that he could strike the beast down. Pantora said nothing, just smiled in satisfaction. Brycur had the first watch this night. He was looking back at the group, feeling that they were coming together rather quickly. At this rate, they should be ready for Raoh when they get there. Suddenly, Shadow awoke and started sniffing in Brycur's direction, bristling and emitting a slight growl. Brycur turned fast and drew his sword. Something was out there, in the trees and bushes. He listened more closely. The stir of a single leaf would not go unnoticed. A snap Brycur heard above his head. The merchant quickly slashed the branch directly above him and rolled out of the way. He turned to see his suspicions correct: the group was being watched. The fallen man shook his head and stood. Before he could move anywhere, though, Brycur pointed his sword toward the man's sternum and said, "I wouldn't try anything were I in your shoes, buster!" "Please," the man said, in a serious voice, "I mean you no harm." "Yeah, sure. Want to tell me why you were up in that tree?" "I was just observing you, wondering who you were and why you have come here." "I really don't think that's any of your business, pal!" Suddenly, from behind the man, Sir Lance said, "Brycur, what has happened?" The rest of the group was awakened by Shadow's growling and the racket cause when the branch fell. Brycur, not letting his eyes off the man, said, "I found this person snooping around, Sir Lance. Says he wants to know why we are here." Lance asked Blaze to create a light spell if she could. Blaze obligated and light shone around the group. Lance observed the man. He was about 6 feet in height, strong build, long pale white hair (though he looked no older than 25), no weapons. Lance then questioned, "Why were you watching us, stranger?" The man again replied, "I meant no harm, no sneak attacks, Sir Lance. My name is Ray and I was just wondering your reason for being in this forest." Lance saw the expression on Ray's face and just knew he was telling the truth. Nevertheless, he replied, "We are a group from Generica, a city many miles from here. We are going to Kassandra to take on the man known as Raoh the Conqueror." Ray said, "I wouldn't go there, adventurers. I am from there. I have seen Raoh's work firsthand." Brycur pushed his sword a little closer to Ray, saying, "Well, we are not you, are we?" "Brycur," Lance sternly said, "Put down your weapon." "WHAT?!? This guy could've killed us all!" "I said, 'Put down your weapon'!" Brycur was not used to taking orders, especially from someone he met only a few weeks ago. But, he knew the look in Lance's eyes. Slowly, carefully, he lowered his sword. Lance said, "I know do not trust this man, but let us give him a chance to explain himself. If his is indeed from Kassandra, and knows about what Raoh has done, perhaps he can become a great asset to us." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ray chewed on a few provisions he had brought along and told his story: "I have lived in Kassandra my entire life. When Raoh the Conqueror appeared, I tried to help in defending the town, but he was just to powerful. Amazingly, he left most of the buildings standing, including the dungeon. The people he didn't enslave or kill, he let go on with their business, only under his supervision. I was one of those imprisoned. Six weeks past, I escaped, and ended up here. I had a scout give me weekly updates as to the condition of the city, but he has not returned in over two weeks. I am awaiting my chance to go after Raoh again." Garol said, "Why have you _not_?" Ray answered, "Raoh is too powerful. I had to wait until he was vunerable or overconfident in his victory. But now, with this interesting group, perhaps I can finally destroy him!" Brycur then spoke up, saying, "Now, hold on, pal. What makes you think any of us WANT you to join us? The offer sounds good, but what if you attack us right after Raoh has been defeated?" Ray replied, "Sir, I could have killed you long before now, but I choose not to, because we can help each other, since we are after a common foe." Brycur pondered this as he sat back down. Then Tarkyn said, "But you have no weapons on you." "I need no weapons," Ray responded. "For I have learned to use the same kind of power Raoh uses, only _I_ use it in a different manor. I would show you, but I have no steel with me, and I doubt any of you has a sword that they can live without." Blaze then said, "I _could_ manefest a steel bar or something, although it would disappear in a minute or two." With that, she started chanting under her breath. A few seconds later, a 4-foot-long steel bar appeared in front of Brycur. Brycur picked up the bar and brought it over to Ray, holding it firm. Ray stood up, and started to move his arms like a ninja. Light streams appeared from his fingertips as he moved them quickly. Suddenly, Ray yelled out and, with a sweeping motion, flashed his hands across the bar. The bar was still appeared in one piece. Brycur was just about to laugh when the bar severed into little pieces like they were cut by a steaming hot knife. He dropped the last piece in amazement. The pieces then disappeared. Brycur was silent. Certainly this man WOULD be a tremendous help. Ray then said, "That is how I escaped. It was difficult to cut through the stone of the prison. The guards at the gate of Kassandra were considerably easier. But I left behind my sister, Aliee, and her mate, Falco. They were to be married the day Raoh attacked. I want them out of there!" Lance then stood and addressed the group, saying, "Truly, this man can help us to destroy Raoh. Add to that that he knows Kassandra better that anyone else. All those in favor of allowing Ray to accompany us to Kassandra, and enlisting in his help, say 'Aye'." "AYE!" was the overwhelming cry. "Those opposed, say 'Nay'." Dead silence. "Very well, Ray," stated Lance, as he shoke the stranger's hand, "You are welcome here." Ray said, "Thank you very much, my friends. I will not let you down." ========================================================================== To all those involved in this story: I don't know if any of you have received the "Mission Summary" from me. I have sent them again (I hope) to you. If you have NOT received them, let me know by E-mailing me at:wolvie@cybernet.cse.fau.edu Sorry if it could not get there. Basically, though, just follow the story with your own account of the travelling to Kassandra. Next week, the battle begins! Chris Wolvie ----------------------------------- "I can't believe you tried to impress those gaurds by pulling a rabbit out of your hat!!" `Hey, don't knock it! How many six-foot-tall rabbits do YOU know?' -Eric the Cavalier and Presto the Magician DUNGEONS & DRAGONS