Traggik Happenings (1-2)

"Sanria?  Sanria, wake up."

Sanria sat up, realizing  the daylight  was streaming through the windows of her  office.  She had fallen  asleep hunched  over  her desk, her face smashed on the pages of her herbal guide. She sat up and  looked into the eyes of  Enmach, who  stared back with a raised eyebrow, waiting for some good reason.  "I... just got busy..."
"I know  better.  Listen, I know  you've had a lot going on and with your picnic being a failure-"
"Enmach, it  was business, not a... picnic.  So it wasn't a failure.  Not only that, I'm still married to Colin, so it is officially  classified as business.  Nothing more."
"As you wish," Enmach answered cooly.
"Please, don't do that."
"Why were you reading the herbal?" Enmach asked, moving on.
"I was thinking of  making myself some teas but I don't have everything."
"Perfect.  I'll keep Nioma, you go out and do gathering."

Sanria  found herself in  the Elven Valley, lost  in thought, until a man ran into her, nearly knocking her over  and  knocking himself down in the process.  After  profuse  apologies, she  discovered the  man was himself searching for herbs.  Desperately  so.  She  looked at  the drawings  and smiled. At last, something she knew completely.  "Ah, those are simple to find.  The dandelion root can be fresh, as the chamomile. Rose hips are a little more difficult to come by, but I carry some on me at all times."
"You're perfect!"
"I'm sorry?"
"Why didn't I think of it!  You can help me!"
"I... wh... well what did you need help with?" Sanria asked.
"A friend of mine is injured and needs some help.  That is what the items are for."

After  agreeing to  help, Sanria  found herself  barely able to keep pace with the  shadowy figure.  Though being in Westbridge made her uncomfortable, she kept up  until they reached a  large home.  "I found them!" the man crowed.  "Ok, maybe I didn't find the herbs... but I found her..."

The man  moved out of the way.  There, in the  same room, was a woman who appeared to be a priest, and on the floor being ministered, was Ror. 

Sanria found herself staring  at the elf, her mind  uncomprehending.  She did not know how, but after she had decided to avoid all further contact, here they  were... albeit  only one of  the conscious.  "Apparently earth magic rebounded  on him. I've asked Alsin to get  some herbs, but perhaps you have a better idea?" The voice of the woman brought her from her stupor. 
"He offered to help cleanse a room of mine of a deathly aura," Alsin said.
"He was mid incantation when he collapsed."
"I was on the right track then perhaps," the woman said.

The only thing  Sanria then found going through her mind was the audacity of a sage to attempt to remove an evil entity.  Wizards work.  Sorcerer's work, in fact. "You called on a sage to incant for you? How foolish could you be?!"
"I didn't ask him to do it, he just up and offered and off he went..."
"So foolish, Ror," Sanria sighed quietly.
 
Knowing  that no others  had been able to revive  Ror, Sanria set to work  making a tea from the herbs in her pack. She made introductions while she worked, learning  Alsin's  name as well as  Casandra's.  Once the tea had been made (amongst discussions on the nature of the problem when one tries to hire the wrong person for the job), Sanria held Ror's head in her lap. Carefully, she  poured the tea  down his throat while Casandra incanted a healing spell.  It wasn't long before the entity Ror had swallowed forced its  way out, leaving  the elf vomiting and the room darkening.  Quickly, Casandra cast a protection spell  on the entire  group.  "Alsin, how long has this been in your home?" Casandra asked. "Ummm... maybe a  century or two... I don't remember a time in this house when I didn't feel that aura in that room."
"Oooo.... did anyone get the number of that donkey cart?" Ror moaned.
"So you set him to work on a centuries old entity?" Sanria asked Alsin.  It was infuriating to consider.  "I didn't exactly set him to it," Alsin answered. "I told him not to try,  I had wizards  and other try their hand at it before.  He insisted and as  I said.....just started off on his own."
"Hey... is it Thursday already?"

Sanria looked at Ror with a smirk. "If you wanted to see me before Thursday, you should have just sent me a card, Ror."
"So you  know him?" Alsin asked, and Sanria merely nodded.  Why it seemed there was a  collusion to have her and  Ror  meet, Sanria couldn't figure out. But after another several moments spent admonishing the elf, she left the house, whisking herself back to the castle. She would have to be more  careful.

She had no sooner plopped down at her desk, when the hulking form of Fenlauch peered into her office.  "Sanria, may I speak with you?"

Log: 08012013 - Ror and Alsin

OOC commentary: First time meeting Alsin. Interesting roleplay session that starts in Phil's bar and then gets gradually out of hand. Surprisingly, several other people (Rakasha, Casandra and Sanria) ended up getting involved, which was absolutely awesome. At this point in time, Ror spent his time in bars, drinking. Later on this changes and he spends most of the time in bars, reading.
 

A new Chapter

Another chapter closes, what a shame it had to end this way. Kyarn, my brother my blood my kin, I wish you the best and all the luck. Vandalandius, keep on pimping. Havok, king dragon, my ego was as great as yours, unfortunately, it was more fragile. I'm dead, I'm gone I'll see you all later. Alsin Fairfax the self proclaimed - Goblin Ruler, Pyker child, Syndicate Crimelord, Criminal Mastermind, Sexual God, and that bastard you hated but always loved. Peace the FuCk OuT!!

The fall of General Buxbaum (Revelation 3 of 3)

Alsin examined the pet shop only to find that the only exit was where he had entered from. Alsin turned and peered out the window and saw General Buxbaum rushing towards the shop. Alsin shrugged and once again grasped his weapons. General Buxbaum kicked the door open and stepped into the shop his eye locked on Alsin. "There is no where to run, and Lord Kefka is dead. There is nothing to save you now." Alsin looked at the general, "If the Vectorian Lord is dead, there is no reason for us to fight. I'll give you a second chance, sheath your weapon and just let me go."

General Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and then lunged forward to attack. Alsin dodged the attack and was hessitant to fight back. The two fought for several minutes, but it was obvious Alsin was holding back. As the two circled General Buxbaum managed to catch Alsin slightly off guard and his blade caught Alsin on the side of his chest. The wound was slight, merely flesh this time, but enough proof for Alsin that only one of them would walk away from the fight. Alsin began to counter attack and General Buxbaum started to reel. The General had seen many battles but he had never encountered a combantant such as Alsin. Alsin pierced General Buxbaum's leg then sliced his left arm causing him to drop his weapon. Alsin kicked the General to the floor, and stood over him ready to deliver the final blow when out of the corner of his eye he could see a swarm of heroes rushing into the pet shop. Alsin stepped back, worried the mob of heroes would attack him, but to his surprise they began to assault General Buxbaum. Wounded and disarmed the General stood no chance and was killed quickly. His corpse was looted and left laying in a puddle of blood on the ground and the mob of heroes rushed off. Alsin sighed and sheathed his weapons. The walk home for Alsin seemed much longer this time, but his mind was filled with one thought, "Perhaps now, with Lord Kefka dead, there is a possibility of peace if I join the Tripower. Perhaps now is the time to approach Mason Stonehammer."

Current Character Description - Alsin Fairfax

An entity of darkness stands there. He is no figmentation of the imagination, and close examination denotes it is a silhouette of a male figure contrieved mainly of muscle with few physical flaws. His build is that of a titan; lean yet muscular with his clothing tight fitting and adorning his body and figure. His height though, implies he is something else. His eyes glisten in a dull grey color with pupils that are purple and black swirled. The majority of his facial features appear goblin-like: a downward pointed nose, small eyes, and a narrow visage. On the contrary, he stands straight and tall, his ears pointed and elven-like, his skin color ebony with a hue of blue, and lastly he has a well groomed fu-manchu that falls about 6 inches below his chin. There is also a sheet flowing from his head that is either his jet black hair or a hood of black satin. Another look might reveal more, but the entity is gone. Perhaps it was imaginary, or perhaps it was just the shadow of some tortured soul.

Log: 23012013 - Ror and Alsin

OOC commentary: Short and sweet. This is a wrap-up of the event at Alsin's garden. The roleplay note "Entity aftermath" speaks of ordering a copy of a book for Alsin. This short session shows Ror delivering the book as gift.
 

Bits and Pieces

The makou burners were switched off and four lab employees lifted a large package upon the long lab table. They folded back the cloth that wrapped it and revealed the inside to Ror. 'Excellent,' he said. Ror studied the scraps, pieces, flints and large remains of had once been Kefka's armour. 'I'm impressed that you were still able to salvage so much from the site.' One of the employees coughed, then said, 'Well sir, frankly we were lucky to find this. Most of it was gone.'

Ror nodded, picking up a shard of metal with a pair of tweezers and holding it against the light. 'I understand. We can assume that most of the suit was destroyed following the explosion,' Ror paused, 'However, the majority of the remains are not on this table. I'm sure they were cartwheeled off by locals or Radiant Heart troops.' He nudged another employee as he placed the shard back amongst the rest of the remains, and disposed of the tweezers.

'Go find me Alsin, I think I'll need his help on this one. As for the rest of you, commence the analysis of the parts. When you're done, I want a report. Once I've talked to Alsin, I'll try and see if I can contact the Radiant Heart.'

With that Ror walked off to the library, leaving the employees busy in the laboratory.

ghost of the future part 3

"The streets need protection, and a force strong enough to stand up to vector when they return. And I am sure they will come back with  force.  Vector is supported by the agents of evil, and during the  invasion the attacks against the Radiant Heart had come most strongly, from The Order of Long Death, and Alsin. What puzzles me is that Alsin  was been publicly championed by the Tripower for his efforts. Even  though his efforts were ... killing members of my Order.  If he is  a member of the Tripower how can you say you will support us when you have no Armed force, and your Champion slaughters my Order?"

Psycho knew most of the answers before asking the questions but he wanted to hear how Ror would respond.

Ror took a moment to respond and simply said, "The Tripower does not control its citizens, they can be good or evil, and Alsin is no different. I heard that he was only defending himself from your people invading his house. And as for you support I take it you mean some kind of alliance between our forces?"

"The Order can not be allied with any who would allow the forces of evil to grow and flourish.  But if the Tripower did train some capable of fighting, their effort against the Vectorians next time  could prove a valuable asset."

The entire encounter had left Psycho wondering if the Tripower  and the Keepers really had utilitarian purposes for Westbridge.

By the time Psycho had recounted all that had happened in the past month the bartender of the Crescent Star had closed up and brought Psycho a total of four bottles of icewine to drink. He was not quite drunk, but the wine clung to his breath as he spoke to the bartender.

"You are a good man, and a damn fine bartender. I apologize for  keeping you away from your family and loved ones through the night."

"Family and loved ones! Ha! Today my friend you were the closest I got to any loved one."

Psycho dropped a satchel of platinum on the table with more coin than the bartender could easily lift.

"That is for you, and the key to the back room." The bartender threw Psycho a small key and said,  "As long as I am working consider this bar you own."

Psycho took the key in hand, stood up, and returned to Athkatla.

Library

The door of the library opened, and the figure of Ror entered. He quietly closed the door behind his back and walked past the rows of bookcases to his familiar wooden reading table. "Got lost?" inquired the familiar voice of the librarian behind him. Ror turned his head, his hand still resting on the chair before the table, and said, "Something like that."

The librarian chuckled and she studied Ror, her arms crossed, "So you're back, huh?" He cocked his head a bit to one side while giving that thought, then pulled the chair back and sat down. "I never left," he said. "Right. Gotcha." She paused, before asking, "On an entirely different topic, did your friend like his gift?" Ror moved some books from one pile to the next, bringing order to chaos, "Who? Alsin? Yes, he did. Thanks for that by the way." She nodded to herself before walking off, leaving Ror to himself and his books.

The sage motioned with his hand causing the selected book on his table to float up and open. With the minor flicks of his hand, he started to read.

The Invasion of Westbridge

The reinforcement forces of Vector marched into Kefkaburg, or as Ror preferred it, Westbridge. Fairly quickly a suited Kefka took position on Market Square. The invading forces began their offensive not too long after that to liberate Westbridge once and for all of Vector.

In the streets beyond Market Square, Vectorian and Radiant Heart reinforcement troops were battling it out. The streets turned red and above the sound of  battle the lunatic cackle of Kefka rose each time a life was ended by disintegration, Kefka was in joy, 'You're all dead anyway, better sooner than later, yes?' he cackled.

Ror observed the scene from a distance. Grinding his teeth, he was forced to watch but not to act. He had his orders, sour orders. He knew the official stance of the TriPower and this was not his fight... Stay away Ror.

Watching Kefka's every move and the familiar faces of various clans battle it out. Ror shook his head in disbelieve. He had heard the stories of Kefka's insanity, but even those were mild. Kefka's behaviour seemed unreal. Even the Long Death had more respect for the circle of life and death than this guy.

Waiting and watching was all Ror could do. And as time went by, it became harder to obey his orders. Frowning, he thought back to Alsin's words. That when the time came the leaders would show themselves and lead. This was not the time for thoughtless action. He refused to disobey previous orders, but Ror could not help but notice that he stood there alone.

'I'm a god! I'm all-powerful! Uwee-hee-hee...' yelled Kefka as he cast one gruesome spell after another. How many had died for those powers Kefka so greedily spilled today? wondered Ror.

The more Ror witnessed the more his mask of calm broke down, until eventually only anger fueled by internal rage was left. Ror's knuckles turned white from clenching down on the railing in front of him.

Then Kefka went down.

Ror had seen enough. He let go of the railing, turned and walked away. Behind him the metal railing distorted where his hands had been.

Entity Aftermath

With another splash of water in his face Ror felt a lot more refreshed. Drinking and magic were a bad mix, but at least nothing bad had happened on the long term. Perhaps some image damage and funny remarks as his skin was saved by three women and an old goblin. That reminded him, he should say his thanks to them.  Best start with the women first, he thought, let's see, what do they like? A little later Ror was collecting flowers in his garden. When he had enough, he went back inside and arranged bouquets in his kitchen. At the kitchen table he wrote thank you cards. After attaching the cards to the bouquets, he took two with them and transported the third by magic to Sanria. Magically recalling himself to the TriPower Tower, he was greeted by a grinning Captain of the Guard. Ignoring the man, Ror went to find his clanmates. After this he would drop by the library for ordering a copy of a book. He figured the old goblin would like that.

Bits and Pieces II

On the long lab table the retrieved bits and pieces from Kefka's armour were displayed. Ror's lab employees were swarming around the table for their analyses and experiments. The number of researchers on this topic had doubled since he had first revealed the fragments to Alsin. Half of his team now consisted out of dwarves whose metallurgy and smithing knowledge was essential. The rest were experts in magic, analysing the residu for Ror.

Ror entered the lab and passed his two employees working on the crystals he had been given by Sanria. Then he walked to the table  where his other team was working on the Vectorian technology. As he approached, one of the employees looked up and saluted him, "Sir," and then proceeded with what he was doing. This caught the attention of the others. They greeted him as well and one started to talk to him about their current progress.

Ror raised his hand, asking for a moment of silence, and his employee stopped talking. "You can debrief later, after you've updated your data." He then took a heavy bag from his pack that was filled with more fragments of Kefka's armour. "Courtsey of Alsin, obtained from the black markets and merchants," he handed the bag to the nearest employee who cursed as he made it drop. "Careful, it is heavy," chuckled Ror. "Put the pieces on the other table and start sorting the real ones out from the fake ones. Then start analyzing the real fragments." A grinning dwarven researcher nodded and said, "Aye lad, leave that up to us!" 

"I also talked to Psycho of Radiant Heart. We might obtain fragments found by their troops, but don't hold your breath for it."  They nodded.  Clapping his hands, Ror said, "Alright people, back to work." Seeing the enthusiasm of his research team, Ror smiled, then walked over to the table where the other team was working on the crystals.

"Right," said Ror, "tell me our current results."

A formal Waiver

Alsin travelled long and far, over the Ishtar, to the lonesome Island of AccoMaxx where his twin brother had retired to. He slowly crept off his boat and walked into the Mansion. He looked around, then proceeded to his quarters on the second floor. He had never spoken of it, nor shed light of his condition to a soul, but now he could no longer keep it to himself. Years of torment ate at him bit by bit and now he lay in his bed. He thought to himself, "I accomplished so much, sought out my dreams, live and love and lost, how could such a small thing turn out to be so serious?". He took several small breaths, then sighed, and feel into a deep sleep. Only time will tell if this Fairfax legend would ever wake again......

A calling

Alsin sat in his office going over some old plans and the new plans for the remodeling of his home. There was a huge underground that he was hoping to change in the near future and was feeling rushed to get it done. As he sat there he heard a knock on his front door. Alsin looked over at Juke, his newly hired servant, and nodded to him as if directing him to answer the door. Juke nodded and rushed off to get the door. Within minutes Juke returned with a small Makou lab employee by his side. The employee began to speak. "Mr. Alsin, sir, your presence is requested back at the Tripower Tower by Ror. He requires your assistance on a project of some sort." Alsin nodded and let out a small grunt at the employee acknowledging his statement and then waved his hand to Juke signaling to escort the employee out of his office.

Alsin stood up and looked at the large painting above his desk, "what have you done my friend" he muttered to himself. He looked at the seal upon his cloak that he now bore, the seal of the Tripower Hero. After many minutes Alsin placed the hood of his cloak over his head and began his Journey to the Tripower Tower in search of Ror.

Playing both sides (Revelation 1 of 3)

Alsin awoke to a thunderous noise outside his house. He stagged out of bed and opened his door to examine the noise. Soldiers were marching, two armies colliding outside his door. Alsin shook his head and muttered under his breath, More violence, hasn't this land seen enough wars.... As he was closing his door two soldiers wearing red and yellow garments yelled at him, "You there, we have come to end the Vectorian rule. Help us bring down the tyrrany that is upon us."

Alsin shook his head in disgust and began to shut his door when out of nowhere another soldier appeared, this one jamming his foot inside the doorway. Alsin stepped back and let the door swing open, his hand swiftly shifting to his weapons discretely. Alsin examined the soldier and noted his ensignia was that of an officer a general. The man began to speak, "I am general Buxbaum of the Radiant Heart Army, lend us your home. We have many wounded and could use an aid station." Alsin shrugged and quickly responded, "If will lend nothing and neither do I support your war. You soldiers have no place here so leave before I'm forced to make you regret your choice in coming here." Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and huffed, "So you're a Vectorian, and thus you shall die with the rest of the scum that lay dead in the streets." General Buxbaum reached for his sword but before he could even unsheath it, Alsin had slipped passed him into the entryway. Alsin quickly dispatched the two weaker footsoldiers lurking in his entryway and before their bodies could hit the floor Alsin turned around and kicked Buxbaum square in the ass. As General Buxbaum staggered forward regaining his balance Alsin spoke again, You have no place here, this is your last chance to leave peacefully. General Buxbaum turned towards Alsin and yelled "KILL HIM, HE IS VECTORIAN SCUM!"

Alsin turned and only had a few seconds to respond as several Radiant Heart soldiers began to rush towards him. Alsin drew them away from his home and into the streets and the bloodshed insued. Alsin laid waste to several Radiant Heart soldiers, but the sheer numbers were causing him to flee farther and farther into the center of the city. As he retreated he soon found himself amoungst Vectorian Soldiers who were helping him fend off and kill the Radiant Heart soldiers. In the distance, Alsin could see General Buxbaum had given chase to him and the General put down several Vectorian Soldiers with ease, he kept a keen eye on Alsin the entire time. Alsin took advantage of being surrounded by Vectorian Soldiers to fall out of combat. Alsin made his way to Festival Square, it seemed that Vector still held it firmly, but General Buxbaum and his army were  advancing quickly. Alsin let out a sigh, knowing he'd be pressed to fight alongside Vector....or so he thought. In the distance the voice of Lord Kefka could be heard, "KILL THEM ALL, KILL EVERYBODY!", and with that single command the Vectorian Soldiers turned towards Alsin.........

The fall of Lord Kefka (Revelation 2 of 3)

Alsin was surrounded with no where to go. A Vectorian Soldier knocked him to the ground. He rolled about the floor trying to regain his wits. Alsin managed to stand up while avoiding many strikes. He made a few swift movements with his blade killing a couple Vectorian soldiers before again being caught from a blindside and knocked to the ground. The situation seemed a bit helpless, he found himself in a sea of purple. Alsin again made his way to his feet but he stagged back from the blows that the Vectorian soldiers directed at him. Once again Alsin was knocked to the floor, and just as another Vectorian Soldier was about to strike a Radiant Heart Soldier appeared and deflected the blow.

Alsin looked around and realized he was at Market Square. The Radiant Heart army and several heroes were engaged in combat with Lord Kefka in the center of the square and around them were many more heroes and Radiant Heart soldiers attacking the little bit of the Vectorian Army that was left. Alsin stood up and just as he was about to sheath his weapons Lord Kefka's armor shot a powerful bolt of lightning toward him. Alsin dodged the bolt and decided to join the rest of the heroes in battle against Lord Kefka. It wasn't long before Lord Kefka fell to a vital strike delivered by a Radiant Heart General, the amount of heroes and soldiers combating him was astonishing, and watching him fall even more so. Alsin was relieved that the fighting was done, but the sight of all the fallen and the blood that filled the streets was all too familiar to him. He has seen such death and war before, but in the past it was his family, his kin, and his men that covered the streets. "I need to get out of this....." Alsin muttered to himself as he sheathed his weapons and started his walk to his house. As Alsin made his way past Festival square he could see Radiant Heart soldiers were finishing off what was left of the Vectorian guards. Alsin lifted his cloak over his head and made it a point to avoid the combat, yet in the distance he spotted General Buxbaum. Alsin turned the corner and made his way to the Pet Shop in an effort to stay hidden, but General Buxbaum spotted him in the distance and there were no more soldiers to fend him off.

Log: 25012013 - Ror and Alsin

OOC commentary: while newbie helping, Ror bumped into Alsin and roleplay sort of happened. For those with an interest in old factions, Alsin shares some history on the Emirc Dezinagro Syndicate.
 

Catalyst

"And you would be Ror, the Tripower member I've been hearing about," said Vorcet Tophen and he shook Ror's hand firmly. "Only good things I hope?" Vorcet laughed. "Of course." And then they talked, about Westbridge. A school and a theatre were at the forefront of the discussion. Where to build them in Westbridge? Which steps were necessary to take? In Vorcet, Ror had found a likewise mind, a fellow bookworm. As the discussion went on, the topic of ruling came up. The city needed a ruling body, but the question was which. Vorcet explained that his preferred choice would be a council with one or two members of each group that may have an interest in trade and the general structure of law within the city of Westbridge. Outsiders, clans. Vorcet explained how a council of the clans would provide a system of checks and balances. Not one group could grab more power without the rest coming down on them. But Ror was sceptic. Although, he liked the idea of a council, he suspected the clans also brought with them greater interests than the city of Westbridge alone. Interests that would sooner or later tear the city apart in strife, with war quickly following. Perhaps it was cynical, but a good politician would have forged an alliance within a week, and by the second week would have minimalized opposition within such a council. Not even the Keepers could prevent politics to unfold in such a way. And so a devious plan formed in Ror's brain. "I have an idea..."  said Ror, and he then explained it to Vorcet.

Ror proposed a council chosen by the people of Westbridge. Since the current people were untrained and unfit to rule, they would then lease administrative rights for 80 years to the Keepers. It was the only neutral party in the conflict that had the respect of all participants. "Park your island above the city park," said Ror, "Like an umbrella shielding the city. While the city is governed, we build a theatre for culture and a school for education. And after four generations under the protective umbrella, Westbridge would be strong enough to defend and fend for itself." Ror could see how the school had to be divided in subsection. Primary and secondary school, specialized education for those not joining a guild and interested in trading, law or politics. And finally an university. Economical growth would sort itself out, or only needed to be sorted out later in time.

But alas, Vorcet pointed out that the island was not under his command. Things were a little more complex in that regard, but he would put Ror's idea forth to those that guided the Keepers. At least, that's how Ror understood it. It was the start of a gradual topic change. First on structure of the Keepers of Balance and its new leader, and then the topic of Thasmudyan. After all that talking, it seemed Ror had found the wizard he needed, who seemed genuinely interested and most important of all, capable and free of charge.  He wondered if Alsin would believe him. It almost sounded too good to be true! As time and drinks passed the moment of departure came and as Ror walked home, he realized he had forgotten to ask something.

Three days later, Ror knocked on the door of Traggik Endings, and waited for the door to open.  Ror smiled when the door opened and said, "Fancy an adventure?"