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Finished! I’ve got a done done it. I couldn’t move the main stairs as they were glued it. But I did turn the bottom set around to have them on the right. So, the defenders coming down can shield their bodies on the left and stab using short swords as they come down.
It’s not as big as you think. I designed it with the Storage monster in mind to neatly pack away. While I was at it I decided to spruce up the crypt. This gives me five bits of scenery for my fantasy game. So will be ready to start playing soon.
Bart, Bert and Bob too.
Laffdrey rolls over and struggles against his binds. He looks over at Edric and Brother Edward who are also struggling with their binds. Where are the others, wonders Laffdrey. The three Knights were scouting ahead from the main party when they ran into the three Orges and were taken prisoner. There is no doubt what their fate will be.
After finishing their gruesome meal, Bert makes the broth for the next. The former mercenary occupiers of the camp met a grizzly end at the hands of the three Orges.
“Why don’t we eat the ‘orses as well” Says Bert
“No….not mutton again. Had mutton yesterday and oh blimey mutton again today” moans Bob
“‘orses ant sheep” Says Bert.
“Shut your cake hole” snaps Bart. “We eat when the broth is ready and not before. Um……needs a bit more seasoning, perhaps some squirrel dung and a dash of basil”
Bob was about to say something when he was interrupted with a sneeze. Some of the contents of his nose goes straight into the broth.
“Uh, look what you’ve done! There’s a floater in it now” complains Bart.
“Probably Improve the flavour” Says Bob
Before they could carry on bickering. A sound of someone singing came from the other side of the trees. Then a chinking and clattering sound of pots. Bart gets up and makes his way through the trees to find out who was making all the noise.
“Brothers, oh brothers, my days here are done. The Dornishman’s taken my life. But what does it matter? For all men must die. And I’ve tasted the Dornishman’s wife, I have tasted the Dornishman’s wiffff…………………………..oh you’re ugly aren’t you?” Come Bevardis’ voice from behind the trees as he claps eyes on the Orge.
Before Bart could say anything Bevardis pushes past the Orge and into the camp carrying a large and heavy basket.
“Who the hell is that?” asks Bert
“No idea….can we eat too? Says Bob.
“ I’m a Black Knight…..errr….merchant” says Bevardis, quickly correcting himself.
“A Black Knight-Merchant! Are there anymore Black Knight-Merchants around here?” Asks Bob.
“What’s that” asks Bart, pointing to the large basket.
“This is your tribute of Nectre from the villagers” replies Bevardis. For Nectre to Orges is like gold to a dragon. Irresistible in anyway.
“What villagers?”
“You know the village of Idonthaveabrain. The one that you’ve been raiding. You go down here, take a right, then left, carry on over the river and it’s over the hill towards the valley to the South-North-East”. Says Bevardis.
“You’re taking us for fools..” Says Bart But before he could continue Bart looks into the basket and sees, what appears to be Nectre. At that moment nothing else matters.
“Oh…..silly me….wrong bunch of Orges….you all look the same…terribly sorry….I’m in the wrong place, I’ll be on my way” Says Bevardis….grabbing the basket back from Bart.
“Not so fast tin man” says Bart blocking Bevardis’ way. “What would you do if we took your Nectre and bashed your head it?”
“Well then you’ll be a thief wouldn’t you?” Replies Bevardis.
But Bart had heard enough, he swings his large hand and slaps Bevardis sending him flying. He lands in a heap near the broth.
“Go and check his cart for more” commands Bart to the other Orges. They both move off though the trees.
Bevardis meanwhile picks himself up and looks into the bubbling broth.
“Yum, smells delicious……but I’m not sure about the big green slimy thing floating around in the middle of it though”. Says Bevardis looking into the broth. But the Orges were busy looking for Nectre.
Bevardis, losing interest in the broth walks over and looks down at the three Knights. Who all have been silent until now.
“Oh, I wouldn’t eat them.” He says, poking bother Edward. “He’s too boney, he’s too tough and he’s full of worms”. Says Bevardis, poking Edric.
“What would you have us do?…..let them go?” Says Bart looking up from the basket.
Bevardis then walks over to their captured weapon pile and picks up Edric’s bow.
“Ah this brings back memories”. He says, taking a night arrow from Edrics’ quiver and sticking it in the camp fire.
“What’s this red stuff? This isn’t Nectre” comes Bobs voice from behind the trees. As he tips out the contents of a pot. The red thick liquid oozing out all over the cart.
“No…it’s Dragon Fire” Says Bevardis
“What’s Dragon Fire” asks Bob
“I’ll show you” Says Bevardis. He withdraws the flaming night arrow from the fire. Notches it. Carefully looks through the trees at his target. For a archer always needs to see their target. Then he effortlessly draws back the 150lb draw weight bow and looses the night arrow. The shot was right on target and lands in the middle of the cart an inch away from the red liquid which Bob had been pouring all over the place. Within a second the night arrow ignites the highly volatile dragon fire. Vaporising the cart and the two Orges!
Bart looks up and scowls.
“You’re going to pay for that tin man”
But Bevardis was one step ahead. He pulls back on the bow having already notched an armour piercing arrow from Edric’s quiver. Just the sort of arrow head you need to punch through the thick skull of an Orge and releases. With the pin point accuracy of an experienced archer the arrow smashes through Bart’s skull straight into the Orges small brain.
“If I was just a bit dumber I could of been an Orge”. Says Bevardis as he bends down and cuts Edric’s binds.
“Why?” Asks Edric
“Not your destiny to be eaten by Orges” he replies.
“Your fatalism is becoming tiresome” Says Laffdrey
“And profoundly ingrained” Says Bevardis and he disappears though the trees. Then continues singing….
……”Brothers, oh brothers, my days here are done. The Dornishman’s taken my life. But what does it matter? For all men must die. And I’ve tasted the Dornishman’s wife, I have tasted the Dornishman’s wife”.
Is it me or is that a pair of feet?I knew that Durust is a dodgy character. Has anyone gone missing in Simurgh lately?
Life and Death God and Bevardis…………..
“Bevardis the failed assassin. You had the Knights of Olde at your mercy and yet you lacked the courage to destroy them.”
“An ironic condemnation given this guilty scene. One would think that you murdered the guardians and torn down the Temple of Balance single handed. What is it that you are trying to achieve. As you drag your loathsome body through the underworld? And why is it that Grangough falls into decay and misery, you appear to thrive? Things in this world are rarely what they seem. You, apparently are no exception.”
“I’m the engine of life. The source of Grangough’s very existence. I’m the still centre of the turning wheel. The origin of life and the devourer of death. Death is unequivocal and can not be denied. The wheel must turn.”
“Or maybe you’re just hungry. Could it be as simple as that? Wouldn’t that be poetic irony, the great life and death god turns out be be the biggest parasite of them all.”
“Do not test my patients Bevardis. Otherwise the arc of your destiny will reach a sudden conclusion. I made you and I can unmake you if I so choose.”
“Your threats are unmoving. As your agent I’m beyond death.”
“There are fates worse then death.”
“Oh, I see you now for what you truly are. A cancerous parasite spooling deep within this world.”
“Go now, play out your pitiful rebellion and take your place amongst the damned, the destroyed and the used. But remember this….you are mind for now and the rest of eternity!”
“I know you’re all there.”
“Moebius said that you were here, although I might have known you would ‘meet’ us here”. Says Grelak
“And if Moebius said I was hidden in the underside of hell. Would you throw yourselves into oblivion to pursue me? Moebius trolls for the weary and ignorant. Hauling his gasping pray from the streams of their destiny. Stay out of his net.”
“Oh, spare us your elaborate metaphors. We have pursued you here for one reason. You will pay for your treacherous behaviour and the murder of the guardians.” Comments Edric
“And who’s will; will be satisfied then? Moebius’s or Edric’s?”
“You know my name, but we have never met.” Says Edric, confused.
“On the contrary Edric, I know you very well.”
“Turn and face us Bevardis, the chase is over.” Snaps Laffdrey
“This isn’t a chase, we are merely passengers on the wheel of destiny. We have been brought here for a reason. I’ve seen the beginning and end of our story however and the tail is crude and ill-conceived. We must re write the ending of it. You and I.”
“Face us Bevardis. Even you shouldn’t die a cowards death.” Says Laffdrey again, losing patience.
“Isn’t customary to grant the condemned a final request?”
“I recall no such courtesy from you, when you burned our camp to the ground.”
“Indulge me, all I ask is that you listen. This is the sublime moment of our undoing. The fulcrum which swings the entirety of our history. This is where all of Grangough is betrayed. Not very long ago Arial the balance guardian, the guardian which oversees all and any threats to Grangough. Is murdered by dark forces, bend on over throwing the Spirals. She already haunts these temple ruins. Her spirit trying to get back to the Spirals.”
“Dark forces! By you; you mean. Your the Darkmere, the dark forces behind all this. You condemn all of Grangough to an eternity of decay. For your own selfish desires.” Says Grelak
“Be still and listen, as Arial dies I’m being appointed to take her place as balance guardian, such is my destiny. At this moment Arial’s beloved the guardian NutRaptor finds her corpse. Racked with grief and tormented with suspicions of treachery. NutRaptor plunges into a madness which overflows and effects all of the guardians who are symbol-optically bound, including me. The repercussions of Arial’s assassination were expertly calculated. The entire circle descends into madness and I am instantly tainted and rendered incapable of fulfilling the roll density has prepared for me.”
“You are the new balance guardian?” Says Grelak, in complete amazement.
“Moebius failed to tell you that did he? Yes, I’m Ariel’s replacement. The protector of Grangough not its destroyer.”
“In that case, shall we show you the same mercy you showed the rest of the circle then? You blatantly murdered them. Which, now seems you did it to restore the Spirals so new guardians can be appointed. Why drag all us into this? You and Moebius are the only other guardians left. What if you kill Moebius? What then? You will sacrifice yourself so a new balance guardian can be appointed? Or try and seize power for yourself.” Says Grelak
“Let’s drop the moral posturing shall we? We all know there’s no altruism in this pursuit. Your reckless indignation let you here, I counted on it. There’s no shame in it. Revenge is motivation enough. At least it’s honest. Hate me, but do it honestly!” Bevardis continues as he notices that the Knights are beginning to listen.
“I am now faced with a dilemma. Let’s call it a two sided coin. If the coin lands one way, I kill Moebius, then sacrifice myself allowing new guardians to be appointed and thus restoring the Spirals. But, the dark forces that are responsible for all this go unchecked and unchallenged. If the coin lands on the reverse, I kill Moebius, refuse the sacrifice and stay a spirit walker. Then unable to fulfil my roll as balance guardian. The dark forces go unchecked and unchallenged. Either way the game is rigged!”
“We agree then that the Spirals are crucial and must be restored. To end this stalemate you must die so new guardians can be appointed.” Says Laffdrey, as he begins to slowly draw Kindred Spirit from its scabbard.
“There is a third option, a monumental secret hidden in your very presence here. But it’s a secret you have to discover for yourself. Unearth your density Edric, it’s all laid out for you here.” Says Bevardis pointing at Edric
“You said it yourself, there are only two sides to your coin!” Says Edric, unknowing why Bevardis has singled him out.
“Apparently so, what if you throw a coin enough times? Supposedly one day it lands on its edge!” Then Bevardis vanishes, back into the spirit realm.
The Knights make it out of the oubliette, using Moebius’ transportation device. Who, at least for now seems willing to help with their quest. But of cause, things in Grangough are not always what they seem.
The Ruined Temple of Balance
Laffdrey and the others take in the enormity of their situation. Having traveled many leagues in such a short time. They were all on edge, expecting an ambush at anytime. Despite that, it was a welcome sight to get out of the confines of the oubliette.
Grelak soon gets his bearings and realises they are very close to the temple of balance. As the Knights close in on the temple, Grelak converses with Edric about the sublime nature of the temple of balance.
“Oh you should see it Edric. The temple of balance, it’s only small but the architecture is simply supreme. Pilgrims from all over Grangough travel here to seek the council of Arial the balance guardian. Maybe we can seek some answers ourselves”.
“Arial? Isn’t that the now murdered guardian that Moebius was talking about?”
“Um, yes……..we have to find out for sure if that is true, I must state caution though. It was Bevardis who set the device for us to follow through. What ever is at the temple he means for us to see it”.
As the temple comes into view the Knights stop dead. The temple of balance! Except it wasn’t the sublime temple the Knights were expecting. It was a ruin! It was unthinkable how the temple of balance has come to such decay in so short space of time. It meant only one thing the balance guardian was indeed dead. More disturbing was the fact there was no replacement guardian! This was the symbolic evidence that balance has been lost and Grangough is sliding into decay!
And there…..standing; waiting in the centre was the canker that was set to destroy it all……Bevardis.
At this moment all the Knights wanted was to destroy Bevardis. All the Knights could think about was how Bevardis profaned Kings Aldiun’s crypt. How he burnt down their camp. And how he was responsible for the disappearance and possible death of Master Godfrey. Laffdrey orders the Knights to split and flank around to cut off Bevardis’ escape.
Not so long ago I actually archived this and only had a few bits and bobs left. Then I went on a bit of a shopping frenzy. Now I have piles of it again.
No matter, I plan to take it all to the afterlife and continue painting there.
Mike; bit of both really. Moebius being able to wield the power of a Moonstone (very powerful magic). Has used that magic to build his device.
DSG; I can’t deny that certain shows have been an inspiration. I needed a way of transporting my characters quickly. I always try and add/use things that people can relate to. My story for example, although complex is inspired heavily on the computer game Soul Reaver. That’s what I like about table top wargaming. So much flexibility, you can mould and twist your game to fit anything you want.
Pawns and Messiahs
“Edric and the Knights of Olde. Redeemers and destroyers, pawns and messiahs. Welcome…time spans so….welcome to your destinies………Where am I? Is the usual question. In all your case. When? Might be more apt. But I mean you all no harm. Sorry if I have alarmed you all by pulling you all out of the transport stream”. Says Lord Moebius, suddenly appearing.
“Moebius, you old snake. You can drop the benevolent facade. We know who and what you are. I should kill you where you stand”. Snaps Grelak, unwilling to make good his threat. He knows Moebius is the last guardian and capable of wielding the power of a Moonstone. They also know that Moebius is corrupt and not be be trusted.
“Maybe you should, but you don’t. As seeing and death guardian allows me a certain level of omissions. No you don’t kill me, that honour belongs to your enemy, Bevardis, some time from now”.
“Ah, you two are a pair, your more fatalistic then what he is. Been meddling with the timeline again?” Comes Laffdrey’s sour reply.
“Death comes for us all and it greaves me to see how cruelly Bevardis has treated you all”.
“Oh please” comes a comment for the back of the ranks.
“Are we still within the stronghold of King Aldiun’s priesthood?” Asks Edric
“Yes, the the glory days of King Aldiun as long since pasted I’m afraid. This is more cynical and indecorous age. Me and my mercenary army now inhabit this stronghold and continue the fight against the Darkmere with our own humble crusade”. Says Moebius
“You said the Black Knight is called Bevardis, you know him?” Asks Laffdrey
“Yes, an agent of darkness the scourge of Grangough. After Aerial the balance guardian’s death. He then murdered my fellow guardians in this very room. All to seize power for himself. He will cling to his seat of power and with no guardians to stop him the spirals and all of Grangough will fall into ruin”.
“And you somehow survived this massacre?”
“Yes, the circle was devastated, I was the only survivor”.
“How convenient. You’ll forgive me if I don’t naively digest every scrape of information you toss us. You have a reputation for deceit.” Says Grelak
“And who slanders me so? Your malefactor Bevardis, our common enemy. The one who destroyed your encampment with fire. The one who’s defiled King Aldiun’s crypt. The one who has risen the undead on this very doorstep……Consider the source before you judge me too harshly. We’ll forget about rekindling our old friendship then. But consider an alliance….We both want Bevardis dead. I can help you do it……”
“You don’t want to go meddling in this old man. We all know about your sordid little schemes. You’re simply out of your deapth on this one.” Says Laffdrey
“You underestimate me. Come and look into the viewing portal. At this very moment Bevardis is lingering at the temple of balance. Unaware that I have snatched you all out of the transportation stream. Foolishly confidant that he has alluded your grasp”.
“The temple of balance? That’s near the spirals isn’t it?” Says Edric with interest.
“Yes, they are the embodiment of the divine force which preserves the life of this world. We who serve the spirals maintain their delicate balance. Bevardis is the fulcrum on which that balance turns. His very existence is a cancer on this world. Let me have your sword. Kindred Spirit, one of the most Devine blades in all of Grangough. I will imbue it with wraith afterlife. You can then destroy Bevardis for good”.
Laffdrey hesitates for a moment if not sure whether to trust him, then gives the sword to Moebius. As the Knights talk amongst themselves Moebius prepares the spell to enhance the sword. When he knows nobody is looking he imbues the sword with what they think is wraith afterlife. He then hands the sword back to Captain Laffdrey.
Now you can strike Bevardis down with this sword for good. Go to him and end this, but first you to need to find your way back to the transportation portal chamber and in this, I can not help you. The undead are rampant down here. They will try and kill you, but do as you must.
As the Knights leave Moebius grins and rubs his hands together. The stage is set, he thinks to himself.
Laffdrey looks suspiciously at Kindred Spirit as he sheaths the sword. Unaware that he and all the others have been completely manipulated.
The device.
The Knights enter a large chamber with a strange looking device. Grelak informs them all that it’s one of Lord Moebius’ devices.
“This one appears to be some sort of transportation device. Capable of transporting people over long distances in an blink of the eye”
“A way out of here then?” Says Laffdrey
“Not quite, I’m not sure I know how to operate it” replies Grelak.
Then as the Knights take a closer look a voice startles them.
“At last, l must say that I’m disappointed you your progress I thought you all would be here sooner. Tell me……Did it trouble you all to get through the oubliette?” Says Bevardis, peeping around the corner and making his way over to the device controls.
“Did it trouble you when you cast a fire elemental on us?” Replies Grelak as the Knights all take up defensive positions.
“Haha. Fate is relentless. When I first ascended to this position I did not fathom the true power Moonstones and the guardianship that went with it. To know the future, to see its paths streaming out into the infinite. As a man I could not contain such forbidden truths. Now we are so much more then we once were. As such, are we not indivisible? As long as one of us stands, we are Legion. Our futures are pre destine, we each play out the parts fate has written for us. Free will is an illusion.” He says as he sets the device.
“We’ve found the raided crypt of King Alduin. How could you profane a divine King by resurrecting him into an agent of darkness!?” Says Laffdrey angrily.
“How could I not, one must keep his friends close and his enemies even closer. Who better to serve me than those who passions surpass all notions of good and evil”. Continues Bevardis, now activating the device. The portal opens.
“King Alduin’s empire stood against the corruption which the Darkmere represents. My eyes are open, there’s no nobility in the defilement which you forced upon his crypt.” Says Laffdrey, he couldn’t contain it all longer and attacks Bevardis.
Bevardis parried the attack and now held Laffdrey by his throat. The Knights moved to defend their captain just as Bevardis cast a kinetic energy spell. The invisible wave hit them sending them all into a pile of arms and legs. Bevardis seemed to enjoyed their entanglement.
“You may of uncovered some of the past. But you know nothing of it. You think King Alduin was noble? Altruistic?…..hahah…don’t be so simple they had the same addenda as us” Before the Knights could sort themselves out Bevardis continues.
“You almost had me then…fate demands more twists and turns before this drama unfolds.”
Then he enters the portal stream and disappears.
The Knights have no idea where the portal stream would take them. At first they thought that it would be an ambush set up by Bevardis. They soon realise that they have little choice. They entered the stream after Bevardis.
Bevardis and his defiance – The Spectral Realm somewhere in the castle’s oubliette.
The large eye looked up and down at the Black Knight which kneeled motionless hunched over the floor.
“Surrender Bevardis, abandon this petty rebellion. It was I who made you; your life had played out and in my grace I spared you. You are my servant, you have no other calling. Remain here and reap souls for me, you have no higher destiny, only this”.
“No”
“What do you profit from this defiance? Let go of these vain aspirations of trying to change your destiny Bevardis”.
“There’s some grim satisfaction infuriating you!”
“My patience is eternal, how many eons can you bare to languish here? The wheel of fate must turn. All must be cleansed in the agony of birth, death and rebirth. This is the engine of life, the purifying rhythm of the universe. Where all souls are irresistibly drawn. Yours is a necessary and noble function Bevardis……”
“Enough of your sermonising! Are you trying to bore my into submission? We both know what you are. A greedy parasite cloaking its ferocious appetite in a shroud of righteousness!………..I refuse to do your will”.
“I can see into your heart, Bevardis. It’s not defiance that keeps you here. It’s cowardice”.
“How so?”
“You know what fate awaits you when you leave the underworld. The sword is waiting for you somewhere and you tarry as not to meet it.”
I could not deny it, as long as I lingered here defianing my captor I can put off what I know will be my certain doom. But this is no worse than the stalemate I now endure. Better to face ones density then cower from it.
“Yes, yes…..I submit. You want this chamber cleared of its underworld wraith vermin?”
“If you are to leave here.”
“The wheel must turn.”
“Ah, now you understand. Very good Bevardis. You will find that although just defiance has its punishments. Obeisance has its rewards.”
Bevardis begins casting black magic on the ghostly wraiths who inhabit the underworld. Sending them into negative states in which his master seems to enjoy. And submission isnt always what it seems. With this Bevardis continues through the underworld now looking for a conduit to take him into the material world. Only here can he change his destiny.
