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Click Here to Play "The Final Challenge" |
Saran Joins The Chosen of FateEnd 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. Saran bows before Cordir. Cordir smiles at Saran. Cordir says, 'Greetings, Brother.' Talmud bows deeply. Saran drops to visibility. The larval polyp fades into existence. Saran's crush wounds the larval polyp. Saran utters the words, 'chill touch'. Talmud fades into existence. Talmud's pierce decimates the larval polyp! Talmud's armor deflects the larval polyp's attack. Talmud's pierce wounds the larval polyp. Cordir says, 'Welcome to the Sigil Draktha, Saran.' Saran sacrifices the corpse of the larval polyp to Cordir. Cordir says, 'This Sigil is a barrier against the horrors that lie beyond. A potent ward, who's strength is fading. I see Draktha as ... a symbol of sorts... for what the Chosen are. We share similar purposes... Straining to hold back the terrors of the Realm. I ask Petitioners to come here for several reasons. Both as a mark of faith, for the dangerous journey and to give, with their oaths, strength to fading Draktha. You have come here, both as a Petitioner, and as a Provisional Member.' Saran nods. Cordir says, 'Which would you wish to be?'. Saran says (in common), 'a Petitioner'. Cordir nods and says, 'Very well.' Cordir lays her hand upon your shoulder, and rips her spritual essence from you. Saran warbles slightly. Saran shakes his 'head' to clear his thoughts. Cordir says, 'Saran, do you come to this place of your own accord and wish?'. Saran says (in common), 'yes, I do'. Cordir says, 'Then please step past Draktha, and descend into N'Kai the Black.' down Saran appears out of nowhere. look: A Message has been scrawled on the bloody floor. Talmud rests. Talmud's sores fester. Talmud's disease injures himself. Cordir says, 'You stand within N'Kai..' Talmud winces. Ouch! Cordir utters the words, 'Cure Disease' Talmud bows before Cordir. Saran shivers at the thought of fighting Talmud. Talmud says (in common), 'Apologies'. Saran has it, no doubt. Cordir says, 'we will attend to that in a moment.' Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease hits himself. Talmud stands up. Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease injures himself. Cordir says, 'Saran, have you completed the Petitioners Quest?'. Saran says (in common), 'yes, I have'. Talmud checks on Saran's health. Cordir says, 'Do you swear you have served the young for a span of a year and a day in your time?'. Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease hits himself. Saran says (in common), 'I have spent a year and a day helping the youngling helhound'. Cordir says, 'Do you swear that you have collected tokens of your travels across this Realm?'. Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease injures himself. Talmud checks on Saran's health. Saran gets a fish bladder from an egg casing. Saran gets a scroll of know alignment from an egg casing. Saran gets a pumpkin pie from an egg casing. Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease injures himself. Saran drops a pumpkin pie. Saran gets the eagle's feather from an egg casing. Saran gets a kiwi from an egg casing. Cordir says, 'Do you swear that you have collected tokens of your travels across this Realm?'. Saran drops a kiwi. Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease hits himself. Saran nods. Saran gets a bag of aarakocra hide, filled with dried kiwi from an egg casing. Cordir says, 'And have you chosen Geasa?'. Saran says (in common), 'I have'. Saran's sores fester. Saran's disease hits himself. Saran gets a bowl of fruit salad from an egg casing. Saran gets an exquisite diamond ring from an egg casing. Talmud checks on Saran's health. Cordir says, 'I have read the tale of your life.. And found it pleasing.' Saran hates mummy rot. Cordir says, 'One of the other requirements of joining the Chosen is sponsorship. I, myself, stand as your sponsor.' Saran whistles appreciatively. Cordir says, 'Whether or not anyone else attempts to gainsay my right, it is Mine.' Talmud bows before Cordir. Saran says (in common), 'I am ... honored'. Talmud checks on Saran's health. Cordir gestures and a glittering spiderweb of light appears. From within the Pattern, appears a small black spider. The spider slowly descends to the cavern floor, to stand before you. Cordir gestures at the spider. 'This is Guardian, keeper of the Geasa of the Chosen of Fate.' Cordir says, 'Speak those things you would bind yourself with, and let them be witnessed.' Saran says (in common), 'I, physically, have noted several ... difficulties in my current form. Rather than try to ... overcome them ... I wish to accept these physical ... effects'. Saran says (in common), 'the three effects I will accept are:'. Saran says (in common), '1) My restless soul has great difficulty sleeping. I will never dream again, nor know sleep's peace'. Talmud seems to raise a brow. Cordir nods. The spider dips its thorax in a bow. You hear a voice in your mind: *Witnessed* Saran says (in common), '2) When I drain the essence of any food not wholly natural, I grow ill. To that end, I shall never eat prepared food again'. Saran says (in common), '(steaks included)'. Cordir nods. The spider dips its thorax in a bow. You hear a voice in your mind: *Witnessed* Saran says (in common), 'In my studies, I have learned of Ten Paths of magic open to my dead body, each holding five magics. Two are difficult for me, and one too ... tempting'. Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively. Saran says (in common), '3) I forbid myself to ever learn the Path of Draining, the Path of Energy, or the Path of Spirit. The spells on these paths are:'. Saran says (in common), 'Draining: Drain Strength (Weaken), Vampiric Touch, Drain Will (Charm Person), Sleeping Touch, Drain Essence (Energy Drain)'. Saran says (in common), 'Energy: Magic Missile, Generate Sound (Ventriloquate), Energy Blast (Shockin g grasp), Sound Blast (Deafness), Arcing Energy (Chain Lightning)'. Saran says (in common), 'Spirit: Sense Life (Infravision), Analyze Spirit (Identify), Materialize Water Spirit (Create Spring), Spirit Shroud (Mass invis), and Spirit Swarm (Meteor'. Saran says (in common), 'the other 35 spells of the other 7 Paths I can, and will learn, completely. Those are the physical limits I have, and will abide by'. Cordir nods. Saran says (in common), 'and that my physical ones do not meet that ... they are ... exclusionary only'. Cordir says, 'This is true.' Saran says (in common), 'also, the Rage within ... seethes at what it sees to be the limits of this body'. Saran says (in common), 'and I feel I need act such that it is ... sated and commit myself to living as much of the life I used to lead that I can'. Cordir pauses a moment, and thinks deeply. She says, 'Very well....' Saran says (in common), 'to that end ... I have chosen some ... oaths ... to tie me to the natural life I used to lead'. Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively. Saran says (in common), 'only one of which is exclusionary'. Cordir says, 'Geasa, or Oaths?'. Saran says (in common), 'they are oaths ... here. they will become geasa as well'. Cordir says, 'Continue.' Saran says (in common), '1) Never shall I own or seek to own more than I carry. I will shun the moneylenders, and not seek to store extra equipment with friends like Nyx in case of death, nor money'. Cordir nods. Saran says (in common), 'anything I give is mine no more, however treasured. I will enter into no loans, and expect no quid pro quo assistance for assistance rendered'. Cordir says, 'That is something... I generally expect from My Chosen.' Saran nods. Cordir nods and says, 'I do ask that my folk give some oath of service to the young of the Realm. Are you willing to take on such an Oath?'. Cordir blinks and says, 'Well, that would certainly be an appropriate Oath of service'. Saran is haunted ... a ghost will be arriving. Cordir says, 'Are there other Oaths you wish to give?'. Saran nods. Cordir says, 'Continue, please.' Saran says (in common), 'this last personal oath i would like ... quiet ... if possible. It is a sacred trust'. Talmud says (in common), 'Would you like me to leave?'. Talmud seems to raise a brow. Cordir says, 'You may tell only myself. You need not speak it aloud.' Saran says (in common), 'i can accept others knowing ... so long as it is not spoken. It ... is equivalent to giving my true name'. Cordir says, 'The Chosen are utterly trustworthy.' Cordir says, 'Aye, Theologian'. Saran will tell it, then. Cordir says, 'I would put one restriction on that.' Cordir says, 'You will NOT be bound to do so, should it be an Anathema who asks else you will face my wrath and ire.' Saran nods slowly and says (in common), 'i will likely be facing either your rage or my own, then'. Cordir says, 'Very well.' Saran says (in common), 'it is an unpleasant choice ... but one I may find myself making'. Cordir says, 'Then what Chance and Fate bring, they will bring.' Cordir says, 'Are there any further bindings or Oaths you wish to accept or name?'. Saran says (in common), 'that is all I have, Sister'. Saran looks up to Cordir. Cordir nods. < 516ma(531) NH HL > Cordir says, 'Then I ask you to kneel, Saran.' Saran steps back slightly, dazed, as his 'eyes' lose focus, gazing at Cordir. Saran is surrounded by a blue nimbus for an instant as the sigla upon him glow momentarily. Saran continues to gaze at Cordir. Saran raises his hand and extends three fingers. Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively. Saran raises but one finger for a moment. Saran concentrates and the light of his soul shifts, forming an image within his cloak. Saran generates an image of a body falling to the ground, dead but laden with possessions. Saran generates another image, of himself walking up to the fallen body. Saran gathers three items from the fallen body, and the coinpurse, and then sacrifices the body to Cordir's glory. Cordir says, 'Invoking the Rite of Loss upon the fallen?'. Saran raises but one finger, and then lets it drop, and nods. Saran nods. Saran dispels the images within his soul. Cordir says, 'To be honest, I'm not entirely certain I am comfortable with that...' She smiles wryly. Saran looks at his Sister expectantly, and waits. Cordir says, 'However, this existance is rarely a 'comfortable' one.' Saran raises two fingers, and lets them drop. Saran concentrates, and his soul forms the image of himself travelling with a group of WarDancers. Saran later travels with Nashites of the Conclave. Saran then walks with Unity. Saran walks with WarDancers, and other goods for even more time. Saran suddenly dissociates himself from the company of the goods. Saran exclusively groups with evils and neutrals for a time, a time equivalent to the overlong association with good. Saran distributes aid likewise. Cordir nods. Saran raises three fingers and lets them fall. Saran concentrates and forms an image of himself bombarded by shouts and yells and hagglings, such that he is unable to properly aid someone. Saran shakes his head. Cordir nods. Cordir says, 'I ... understand, Peaceful One. And accept your oaths.' Saran raises three fingers, and lets them fall. Cordir nods. Saran sits down and thinks deeply. Saran stands and concentrates. Saran forms an image of himself offering oath unto Cordir. Saran has the image flare blue for a moment. Saran looks at Cordir expectantly. Cordir smiles quietly, and nods. Saran thanks Cordir heartily. Cordir says, 'I would gladly accept your oath, Peaceful One.' Saran places his right hand over his left fist and bows to Cordir. Saran kneels. Cordir extends Her hand in gentle benediction and blessing. Cordir makes a gesture of acceptance and welcome. Saran now worships you! Cordir accepts the Peaceful One into the Chosen. Cordir creates (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen out of thin air! Talmud ftells, 'Welcome, Saran *smile* *bow*'. Cordir ftells, 'SARAN has yet to oath.' Talmud ftells, 'oh =P'. Cordir ftells, 'An... aspect.... of him has'. Talmud ftells, '*raise*'. Saran flashes blue briefly, and then the blue aura slowly dims to nothingness. Saran stands abruptly. Saran shakes his head. Cordir says, 'Hello, again.' Saran says (in common), 'I ... remembered some of that ... this time'. Talmud ftells, 'Interesting... *nod*'. Cordir nods in recognition to Saran. She asks, 'Are you all right, brother?'. Saran says (in common), 'taking extra ... compulsions onto myself'. Cordir nods. Cordir says, 'Some of them... concern me.' Saran says (in common), 'not being able to talk well or maybe ... at all? and feeling ... calm'. Cordir nods. 'You communicated, but did not speak.' Saran says (in common), 'very, very calm. I would like to ... learn to understand that. And I ... or part of me ... gave you oath'. Cordir says, 'to be able to call that calmness? Or understand how it is that such things happen?'. Saran says (in common), 'both. The latter perhaps first'. Cordir nods. 'And yes, it did give me Oath.' Saran says (in common), 'since I do not ... understand it well'. Saran suddenly realizes where he had been. Cordir smiles quietly. Cordir says, 'Saran, also called al-Ashari, once Wanderer of the Grey Waste...' Cordir says, 'And is it your own true wish to become one of the fellowship known as the Chosen of Fate?'. Saran says (in common), 'It is'. Talmud seems to smile inside the darkness of the cowl. Saran says (in common), 'I will and I do swear, by the Nameless Mother, to abide by your rules and counsel in all things'. Cordir says, 'Will you swear to abide by the rules, written and implied, of this Realm, and the lawful instructions of its Immortals?'. Saran says (in common), 'Yes, may I live forever and never hunt again'. Cordir says, 'And lastly, do you swear to obey to lawfully given instructions of my Ordained, the Faileas Dhan, and any other I choose to Ordain in the future?'. Saran says (in common), 'I do swear, by all that is pure and unsullied, that I shall'. Cordir smiles quietly. Saran bows his head low and says, 'For now and ever, Sister, I serve You and You alone.' Cordir says, 'And I, in return, serve you, and all of My other Chosen, now and ever, until past the star's fading.' Cordir accepts Saran into the Chosen of Fate! Cordir ftells, 'Welcome, Brother.' Saran leaps to his feet. Talmud bows before Saran. Saran ftells, 'thank You, Sister ... I am ... wholly honored'. Saran bows before Talmud. Cordir says, 'It is my custom, brother, to formally bring into my holy place, those who have newly oathed. And there, gift them with the outward symbol of the oath just made - a Covenant Ward. However, you have no flesh to set it upon. I could, I suppose, ink it upon your wrappings...' Saran says (in common), 'I have sigla enough ... I can ... bear more'. Saran will go to the temple now, if you desire. Cordir says, 'I'll bring you there.' Cordir makes a graceful gesture of summoning. Within The Tapestry of Fate [Exits: north up] The Pattern fades into motes of light, scattered about the chamber. Saran arrives suddenly. Talmud drops a scroll of know alignment. As it hits the floor, it vanishes in a flash. Talmud says (in common), 'doh'. Cordir utters the words, 'Remove Curse' Ptarchyzk smiles happily. Ptarchyzk shakes his head. Ptarchyzk pats Talmud on his back. Talmud bows before Cordir. Cordir says, 'Welcome once more, Saran.' Talmud nods. Saran says (in common), 'thank You for welcoming me, Sister'. Cordir ftells, 'Greetings, Trakker'. Ptarchyzk says (in common), 'Gratz, Saran.. now you get to see me hang out for no good reason..' Saran ftells, 'I ... greet you, Trakker'. Talmud seems to grin. Saran chuckles, evidently amused. Cordir looks over at Saran. Cordir gets a black raven pinion feather quill pen from a bag of Nyx hide. Cordir steps next to Saran, and kneels at his side. Saran stands at the ready. Cordir says, 'Where do you wish it placed, Saran?'. Trakker looks at Saran. Saran gestures to a bandage covering the center of his chest, where his heart once was. Cordir nods, and stands on tip-toe. Cordir dips the quill in the pool of blood. Cordir quickly inscribes the arcs and slashes of the covenant ward.
Saran wears (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen as a decoration. Talmud makes a complicated-looking gesture. Ptarchyzk scribbles something on a stoney breastplate too.. just so he can feel useful. Talmud says (in common), 'brb. Going to go mark a gear away from Ptar's trigger. Don't want to spam ;)'. Trakker pokes Ptarchyzk in the ribs. Saran thanks Cordir heartily. Talmud leaves north. Cordir closes her hand around the pool of blood. Talmud arrives from the north. Trakker ftells, 'I'm sorry to hear about Ptar'. (Trakker gives several items to Ptarchyzk, who grumbles and hands them back.) Ptarchyzk says (in common), 'there.' Talmud chuckles, evidently amused. Trakker looks at Ptarchyzk. Trakker nudges Ptarchyzk impatiently. Trakker ftells, 'Beware Chosen, for the Anathema VHIRREK is lurking about.' Cordir says, 'Saran, is there anything you need?'. Trakker looks at Saran. . A tall mummy stands before you, wearing the leathers of an explorer. . You peer closer, and see that the bandages are of exquisite quality. . #=>= >=Z+Z +#= |^<*^^u 0/% 0 w0z= *E w*w=^+Z Saran is in perfect health. Saran is using: Saran says (in common), 'I have been ... quiescent too long ... the Rage builds ... I should ... hunt'.
Trakker bows before Saran. Saran bows before Ptarchyzk. Saran waves happily. Talmud bows before Saran. Saran leaves north. (End Scene) Click here to return to timeline |