From alt.pub.dragons-inn Wed Dec 7 09:38:45 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7928 Path: netcom.com!csus.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!cs.utexas.edu!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!slip-18-4.ots.utexas.edu!ptahmus From: Stacy Hackenberg Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: newcomer Date: 3 Dec 1994 04:01:05 GMT Organization: UT Austin, Informal Classes Lines: 106 Distribution: world Message-ID: <3boqi1$h43@geraldo.cc.utexas.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: slip-18-4.ots.utexas.edu X-Newsreader: Nuntius Version 1.2 X-XXMessage-ID: X-XXDate: Fri, 2 Dec 1994 22:01:03 GMT The newcomer arrived at the Inn on a cold, blustery day. The wind swept through the door as she entered, blowing back the cloak of her hood to reveal startling blue-black hair with a single streak of grey at her temple. As she forced the door shut against the wind, her cloak fell open to reveal a large mace hanging from her belt. "A warm cider, if you please," she asked as she pushed her hair back with one hand . She sat down at a table near the bar and placed a leather bag at her feet. She wore a black dress under her cloak and wire-rimmed spectacles balanced on her thin nose. The light from the fireplace reflected of a large green jewel that dangled from a chain around her neck. After the bar maid served her cider , the woman bowed her head to pray before she drank. Then, cradling the cup in her hands, she drank deeply. Her name is Tabina Michal, Sarian cleric of the Prophet and follower of Saint Jael. This is her story: The first rays of dawn were clearing the trees as the cleric waited in the clearing. King Curucu had sent her a message to meet him here. She had spent the night placing protective spells and praying. Now she waited and remembered.... The last five years had been hard in Curucu's kingdom. He had been beseiged by Demons and Rune Lords. The demons had gained their foothold in the kingdom some 30 odd years before when a group of adventurers had mistakenly rescued what they thought to be a human baby from the sacrifical altar of Devils. The Prophet's very mother had been involved. Only after they reached the King's castle with the child did they realize the babe was non-human. After that child matured he returned to his own kind and began planning the destruction of Curucu. Years later he would attack. The Rune Lords had similar intentions. Their actions were far more subtle but just as disruptive. The cleric believed that they had either been working in concert with the Demons or the brains behind the Demons attacks. She had been a member of the group the King had raised to investigate the Rune Lords and the Demons. It shamed her to think of how poorly they had done their task. The cleric was alerted by her spells that someone approached. She stood and looked around. At the edge of the clearing, a man stood in simple garb. It took her a moment to realize it was the King in disguise. She scribed a symbol in the air and motioned the King to enter. "Sire," she said, kneeling. "Stand, Tabina. I am no longer a king, just a simple hunter," he said, touching her shoulder. "I have failed you, Sire," Tabina said as she stood. "The battle is not over yet, Tabina. I have asked you here to tell you about a way that you may yet save our world. There is an island off the western shore with a mystical mountain. Go there and pray to your god. Ask him to help you find aid for our world." "Yes, Sire." "Good luck, Tabina Michal , Sarian cleric of the Prophet, follower of Saint Jael. Until we meet again," King Curucu said as stepped back into the forest and disappeared. Tabina gathered her belongings and headed west. The way to the island was difficult but after three months of travel, she arrived. Tabina climbed the mountain that Curucu had spoken of and found a temple at its peak. She sat down inside and built a small fire. When the flames began to rise, Tabina added incense. The fire flared green and Tabina began to pray. She called upon the God of Fire to listen to her plea. She had repeated her prays for an hour when a bright flash of green broke her concentration. To her right stood a man, eight feet tall. His hair was a living green flame that illuminated his face. Tabina abased herself. "I have come, my cleric. Stand and we shall talk." Tabina stood, shaking. She had read Saint Jael's account of meeting her god and others on this island years before but never expected to do so herself. "I have come at the request of King Curucu. The Demons and Rune Lords have taken over his lands. My companions and I failed to prevent this. I ask you now for a second chance." "They threaten more than just Curucu's lands. They threaten this entire world and myself. I have already moved the prophet's city to another world. You will go there and recruit aid to fight the Demons. Help them in their battle and they will help you in yours. Go now and start your quest." A bright flash of green fire enveloped Tabina and she lost consciousness. When she awoke, she found herself in a cool, mist covered valley. Her possesions were piled neatly beside her and she wore a warm fur cloak. Around her neck was a new holy symbol--a green flame carved from emerald, suspended from a gold chain. She could detect a proective aura about it and knew it safe from any thief. Shouldering her pack and mace, she started toward the sunrise. Tabina traveled for many months, searching for the prophet's magical city. Her funds came from healing people she met along her travels. She found no one who knew of the city and no sign of its passage. Finally, tired and discouraged, Tabina headed for Generica.