Click Here to Play "The Final Challenge"

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Bastian Joins the Chosen

End of the Granite Cavern [Exits: south down]
This is the Last Bore, the tunnel that connected the Plaza to the black caverns of N'Kai. Stong winds howl here, flowing into small holes in the ground. The source of the winds is a mystery - there SHOULDN'T be any wind ... yet it rages like a storm here ...
A Marker Slab has been erected in the center of the room.
The Sigil Draktha floats in the air here, warding the cave below.
(Invis) (Red Aura) Phasing in and out of visibility, a larval polyp flies through the air.

Bastian tells Cordir (in common), 'caverns.. of N'Kai?'

Cordir tells Bastian, '*softly* Yes, we will be descending into N'Kai. But I will be with you. '

Bastian tells Cordir (in common), 'But I should m..meet you at Sigil?'

Cordir tells Bastian, 'yes.. I am there now.'

Bastian arrives from the south.

The larval polyp fades into existence.
The larval polyp attacks, but Bastian manages to scramble out of the way.
Bastian's crush devastates the larval polyp!
Bastian's armor deflects the larval polyp's attack.

Bastian bows deeply.

Bastian's crush mauls the larval polyp.
The larval polyp attacks and narrowly misses Bastian.
Bastian's crush mauls the larval polyp.

Bastian's magical protection blocks the larval polyp's attack.
Bastian's crush decimates the larval polyp.

The larval polyp is DEAD!!
You hear the larval polyp's death cry.

Cordir smiles at Bastian.

Bastian says (in common), 'M'
Bastian says (in common), 'my apologies for the ... bloodshed in your presence'

Bastian bows before Cordir.

Cordir smiles happily.
Cordir says, 'Understandable, Bastian. Life and death are intertwined... We serve one, and acknowledge the other... That is why I ask Petitioners to come here.'

Bastian says (in common), 'That I u'
Bastian says (in common), 'understand all too w...well'

Cordir smiles happily.
Cordir says, 'Forgive me... there are strident voices I'm having difficulty tuning out...'

Bastian pales slightly as he puts his hand on his left side.
Bastian says (in common), 'oh no'

The larval polyp arrives from the south.
The larval polyp fades into existence.
The larval polyp attacks, but Bastian manages to scramble out of the way.
Bastian's crush devastates the larval polyp!
Bastian's crush devastates the larval polyp!

Bastian bows his head slightly.

Cordir nods sadly, acknowledging your pain.

The larval polyp attacks, but Bastian manages to scramble out of the way.
Bastian laughs at the larval polyp's fighting style, and chooses to toy with it.
The larval polyp attacks, but comes nowhere close to Bastian.
Bastian's crush maims the larval polyp!

The larval polyp is DEAD!!
You hear the larval polyp's death cry.

Bastian says (in common), 'Those v'
Bastian says (in common), 'voices can wear one.. down'

Cordir says, 'lets enter N'Kai, before more Polyps appear.'

Bastian smiles happily.
Bastian nods.

d
Cave Conjoining N'Kai [Exits: north]

Bastian appears out of nowhere.

Cordir smiles happily.
Cordir says, 'welcome, Bastian, to N'Kai....'

Bastian bows deeply.

Cordir says, 'This place was created as a gift to those who would acknowledge the Triat... Made as a testing ground, to hone their skills....'

Bastian says (in common), 'It is my p.. pleasure to be here, eerie though it is'
Bastian says (in common), 'Now that I have f'
Bastian says (in common), 'found these caves, I .. may return for that purpose.'

[Rude gossips by Debonair, to which Cordir respond, snipped]

Cordir sighs. Cordir says, 'Forgive me. Debonair is most... intrusive.'

Bastian smiles happily.
Bastian says (in common), 'I am s'
Bastian says (in common), 'still not used asking a mortal.. for forgiveness'

Cordir chuckles.

Bastian says (in common), 'An immortal asking a m'
Bastian says (in common), 'mortal, that is.'

Cordir says, 'a moment.'

Bastian nods.

### Bastian has disconnected.
### Bastian has reconnected.

Cordir says, 'Okay... lets try that again... *sigh*'

Cordir says, 'Are you with me, or did time pull you away?'

Bastian says (in common), 'it did briefly, but the flow s'
Bastian says (in common), 'seems to be normal a..again'

who bastian - 1 player.
Hel [ Cl:10 ] Bastian walks the path of the Wyrm

l bastian

Running one hand through his short, blond, curly hair, he pauses briefly to look at you. Clear blue eyes are set in a pleasant face, nosesurrounded by faint freckles. Just as you start to think that it is in fact quite an attractive face, you realize Bastian is staring at you unwaveringly, and you feel a sudden tug at the back of your mind. Or is it just your imagination? Wincing slightly, Bastian places a hand on his left side, turning dead-white. Immediately, the odd feeling you had disappears.
"My ... apologies, you are n
not the person I need to ... speak to."

Bastian is in perfect health.
Bastian is using:
<used as light> (Glowing) a war banner
<worn on finger> (Magical) the polished tiger eye ring
<worn on finger> (Magical) the noble lapis lazuli ring
<worn around neck> (Magical) the ravishing chrysoprase amulet
<worn around neck> a white necklace
<worn on body> (Magical) a splint mail shirt
<worn on legs> (Magical) elven leggings
<worn on feet> (Magical) (Humming) a pair of animal hide boots
<worn on hands> (Magical) a pair of ring mail gauntlets
<worn on arms> (Magical) a pair of leather sleeves
<worn about body> (Magical) a leather sash
<worn about waist> (Magical) a ring mail girth
<worn around wrist> (Magical) the noble gold bracelet
<worn around wrist> (Magical) an animal hide bracer
<wielded> (Magical) (Humming) a Mourning Star
<held> a ticket
<worn with pride> the Silver Pin of Exploration

Cordir tries to ignore the rampant gossip.

Cordir says, 'This place was created by the Triat as a testing grounds for their faithful. Here, the possibility of death is real. I ask Petitioners to come here, as a mark of faith.'

### Bastian has lost his link.
### Bastian has reconnected.

Bastian says (in common), 'My apologies'

Cordir says, 'You are back?'

Bastian says (in common), 'I hope so'

Cordir tells Bastian, '(what was the last thing you saw?)'

Bastian tells Cordir (in common), '(that you're trying to ignore the rampant gossip)'

Cordir says, 'This place was created by the Triat as a testing grounds for their faithful. Here, the possibility of death is real. I ask Petitioners to come here, as a mark of faith.'

Bastian nods.

Cordir says, 'To show their willingness to risk all, for the ideals we hold as sacred.'

Bastian says (in common), 'Like you said, Life and Death are closely i..intertwined'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Bastian, are you Honest?'

Bastian says (in common), 'I have been, and always will be. My p'
Bastian says (in common), 'past will haunt me, but I .. will never lie about it'

Ananasi prays, 'talking to Bastian?'
Cordir tells Ananasi, 'Yes, accepting ceremony right now.'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'And do you have Courage?'

Ananasi prays, 'oh! shall I come?'
Cordir tells Ananasi, 'Yes, by all means!'
Ananasi prays, 'all right, there shortly'

Bastian says (in common), 'Courage is generally determined b..by people other than oneself. But I am c'
Bastian says (in common), 'confident in myself.'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'And honor... what does that word mean to you?'

Bastian says (in common), 'It means keeping promises, being.. honest'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Do you feel, truly, that you have these qualities?'

Bastian says (in common), 'They are what's k'

Ananasi appears out of nowhere. Ananasi bows deeply.

Bastian says (in common), 'keeping me looking for a cure.'
Bastian bows deeply.

Cordir nods in recognition to Bastian, and then to Ananasi.
Cordir says, 'Welcome, Ananasi.'

Ananasi says (in common), 'thank you'

Bastian says (in common), 'greetings to y'
Bastian says (in common), 'you, Ananasi'

Ananasi beams a smile at Bastian.

Cordir says, 'Ana, would you be willing to fetch me some water from Lake Hali?'

Ananasi bows deeply.
Ananasi leaves north.

Cordir says, 'I ask you for the first time, Bastian... Do you wish to give us your Pledge and Oath of Service?'

Bastian says (in common), 'I will do so g'
Bastian says (in common), 'gladly'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'There is a Quest that I set before those who would stand within the Chosen...'

Bastian nods.

Cordir says, 'The first task, you have met.. And the second, as well... these are evident. The third, has three parts. Have you given a year and a day of your life to the new in the realm?'

Bastian says (in common), 'I have. In .. word and deed'

Ananasi arrives from the north. Ananasi bows deeply.

Cordir smiles at Ananasi.

Ananasi offers the jug of water.

Cordir says, 'Please hold it for a moment, Ana.'

Ananasi unobtrusively flicks bits of Polyp off her arm. Ananasi nods in recognition to Cordir.

Bastian drops to one knee, whispering "one moment please"

Cordir says, 'Of course, Bastian.'

Bastian closes his eyes, and takes a deep breath.

Ananasi beams a smile at Bastian.

Bastian stands up slowly, wiping his eyes.
Bastian blushes.
Bastian says (in common), 'I was hoping the p'
Bastian says (in common), 'pain would stay away'

Cordir says, 'Is all well?'

Bastian says (in common), 'It is again.. now.'

Cordir lays a comforting hand on Bastian's arm.

Ananasi says (in common), 'What is it, Bastian?'

Cordir says, 'Then let us be swift, and get you to a place of comfort and safety.'

Bastian says (in common), 'Some wounds that .. aren't healing properly.'
Bastian bows his head.

Ananasi nods.

Cordir says, 'Have you travelled to at least eight cities on your home continent?'

Bastian smiles happily.
Bastian says (in common), 'I have indeed'

Cordir says, 'And do you bear tokens proving this?'

Bastian says (in common), 'I do, unless whomever stole my m'
Bastian says (in common), 'money on the ferry.. took them, too.'
Bastian smiles happily.

Cordir nods.

Bastian says (in common), 'I have all 8'

Cordir says, 'Then the most important of those three tasks is this - the selection of geasa.'

Cordir gestures, and a glittering spiderweb appears in mid-air.

From within the depths of the web crawls a spider.

Bastian says (in common), 'Those I h'
Bastian says (in common), 'have chosen as well'

The spider decends to the floor of the cavern on a thin bit of silk.

Cordir nods to the spider.

The spider bows to Cordir.
The spider bows to Ananasi.

Ananasi bows deeply.
Ananasi says (in common), 'Greetings, Guardian'

The spider dips its thorax in a bow.

Cordir says, 'Bastian, please name that which you would be bound by.'

Bastian says (in common), 'For this, I will try to b'
Bastian says (in common), 'bear the pains of mind speech'

Cordir shakes her head, murmuring, 'I do not ask it of you.'

Bastian says (in common), 'My first choice is that s'
Bastian says (in common), 'since there are few noble ..creatures left in the world, I shall never own, n'
Bastian says (in common), 'nor wear equipment that has the word 'dragon' in it.'

Cordir nods.

The spider dips its thorax in a bow.

Cordir murmurs,' Witnessed.'

Cordir says, 'And your second binding?'

Bastian says (in common), 'my second choice is that I will not have on m..me more money than needed, only e'
Bastian says (in common), 'enough to live on, or, when ..needed, to switch to a different class.'

Cordir nods.

The spider dips its thorax in a bow.

Cordir murmurs, 'Again. Witnessed.'

Ananasi nods in recognition to Bastian.

Cordir pauses, then asks, 'And what will do you do with the remainder?'

Bastian says (in common), 'My final choice is to cure the p'
Bastian says (in common), 'plague every chance I get, since it affects so..many other lives. '

Cordir nods in recognition to Bastian.
Cordir says, 'An oath near and dear to my heart. Witnessed, and gladly.'

Bastian says (in common), 'Unless, of course, I am restricted to perform it on.. a specific p'
Bastian says (in common), 'person'

The spider dips its thorax in a bow.

Cordir says, 'Only the Anathema.'

Bastian nods.
Bastian bows deeply.

Ananasi beams a smile at Bastian.

Cordir says, 'Then I find your Geasa acceptable and your Quest complete. I ask you a second time.. are you certain you wish to join the Chosen?'

### Bastian has lost his link.
### Bastian reconnected.

Bastian sighs loudly.

Ananasi comforts Bastian.

Bastian says (in common), 'My thanks to you, Guardian, f'
Bastian says (in common), 'for aiding me with, and witnessing, these.. choices.'

The spider bows, and slowly withdraws.
The spider creeps back up the silk, and into the web.
The spider begins weaving your geasa into the Pattern

Cordir dismisses the Web from your sight with a gesture.

Bastian says (in common), 'Yes, I will'

Cordir nods in recognition to Bastian.
Cordir says, 'You hold the qualities I desire. You have completed the quest. Is there anything you would ask, anything you would know, before taking this step?'

Bastian shakes his head slowly.
Bastian says (in common), 'we have talked before, a'
Bastian says (in common), 'anything else that needs to be .. discussed will come up at some point'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Then, I would ask that you kneel and give me your hands.'

Bastian kneels on the cold floor, reaching his hands out, looking up.

Cordir holds your hands between her own, in the age-old gesture of a leige accepting a vassal.
Cordir smiles warmly at Bastian.

Bastian smiles at Cordir.

Ananasi prays, '(don't forget to have me do something with the water :P )'
Cordir tells Ananasi, 'i didn't forget'
Ananasi tells Cordir (in common), 'grin'

Cordir says, 'Do you, Bastian, pledge to give your life to Fate?'

Bastian says (in common), 'My life, for Fate'

Cordir says, 'To uphold it's name with honor and courage and bravery?'

Bastian says (in common), 'My qualities wil add to Fate's, upholding its name'

Cordir says, 'Then you may give me your Oath.'

Bastian says (in common), 'Again, I pledge my l'
Bastian says (in common), 'life to Fate, hoping to never ...fail in the duty of helping my own.'
Bastian says (in common), 'Hoping to always be able those i'
Bastian says (in common), 'in need.'

Bastian now worships Cordir!

Cordir says, 'guys, bear with me.'
Cordir says, 'I have folks in my office determined not to let me take lunch'

Bastian nods.
Ananasi nods.

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'I accept this Oath, Bastian...'

Cordir tells Bastian, 'worship'
Bastian tells Cordir (in common), 'did, do it again?'

accept bastian
Cordir has accepted Bastian into her following!

Cordir smiles at Bastian.
Cordir says, 'One thing remains...'

Bastian smiles at Cordir.

Cordir gets a raven quill pen from a bag of Nyx hide.
Cordir slashes the palm of her hand with the pen nib.
Blood pools in Her palm.

Bastian gasps in astonishment.

Cordir says, 'Ananasi, would you drip three drops of water from Lake Hali into my hand?'

Bastian says (in common), 'Some wondrous magic that m'
Bastian says (in common), 'must be, an item that can injure.. a goddess'

Ananasi tips the jug carefully over her goddess's hand and lets the drops fall.
Ananasi says (in common), 'she chooses to be so marked, Bastian'
Ananasi says (in common), 'Otherwise no weapon could do it'

Bastian says (in common), 'Far be it from me t..to understand matters immortal'

Cordir takes the quill and mixes the holy water and Her blood.
Cordir dips the quill in her blood, and looks at Bastian.

Cordir says, 'Bastian, I mark my folk with a Ward and Covenant... where do you wish it placed? Though I warn you, it has a mind of its own and tends to wander.'

Bastian says (in common), 'On the place where my injury s'
Bastian says (in common), 'seems strongest, my left side'

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Bare the spot, please.'

Bastian lifts his shirt up slightly.

Cordir kneels on the stone floor, and lifts the quill.
Cordir swiftly and surely marks the Covenant upon Bastian's skin.
There is pain, intense and overwhelming, but brief.

Cordir ftells, 'Welcome, Trakker'

Cordir creates (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen out of thin air!

give ward bastian

Bastian has his hands full.

Ananasi ftells, 'Hi Trakker'
Trakker ftells, 'Hello'

Cordir tells Bastian, 'hands full'
Bastian drops a canoe.

give ward bastian
Cordir gives (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen to Bastian.

Ananasi snickers softly.

Cordir closes her hand into a fist. When it reopens, the blood is gone, and the wound a scar.
Cordir takes the water jug from Ananasi, and rinses away the blood from Bastian's side.

Cordir ftells, 'Welcome to the Chosen, Bastian.'
Cordir ftells, 'Lets bring you home'

Bastian wears (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen as a decoration.

Within The Tapestry of Fate [Exits: north]
The Loom of the Weaver is here, coruscating with an unearthly radiance.
(Invis) (Purple Aura) Trakker is here.

Bastian ftells, 'thank you, my lady'

Trakker ftells, 'ahhhhh, Welcome Bastian'

c sum bastian
Bastian arrives suddenly.

Bastian smiles happily.
Trakker bows before Bastian.
Bastian bows deeply.

Cordir ftells, '(ooc - folks, I gotta go, I'm over on lunch and folks are in my office...('

Ananasi ftells, 'Welcome, Bastian'
Ananasi ftells, 'wave'
Cordir ftells, 'I'm really sorry.. = ('
Trakker ftells, 'waves, ill sac that amulet later'

Cordir ftells, 'Bastian, please read board notes, and send me a list of your current gear.'

Bastian ftells, 'will do'
Bastian ftells, 'And thank you a'

Ptarchyzk arrives from the north.
Ptarchyzk rests.

Bastian ftells, 'all as well'

Cordir nods.

Ptarchyzk smiles happily.

Cordir says, 'Fare well, Chosen'

c sum ananasi
Ananasi arrives suddenly.

Cordir says, 'there. now you don't have to walk'

Ananasi laughs.

(End Scene)

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