The Shadow Under Fort Sutch, RP Playground Thread Options

[King Of Beasts]

"You... catch the deer?!"

"Yea, I'm fast enough to catch the deer. Not sure why, I've always been a fast runner."

Westley started wolfing down another piece of mutton as he wondered while Kayla was so surprised he could catch a deer.

Are people not capable of catching deer or what?

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Desselius:

Lycus looked down upon the friendly Wood Elf who introduced herself as Buffy. It was a unique name for a Mer but he has heard stranger. The name itself suited her for some reason. She told him she heard him reveal his name to Kayla, pointing to her own large set of ears. She represented the Council of Mages, and with recurve bow, she was a mystic archer and represented the Council of Mages.

It was then that Lycus saw that this lithe and tiny Bosmer might have more to her than he first set eyes on her. Her voice betrayed no lies or deceit. Lycus was good at judging the character of a person and he could see that she was quite deadly with the bow. Especially after she raised her hand, Lycus saw the bumps she had at the edge of her fingers which were proof that she was good with the ranged weapon. He would have to see her in action first, but there was no doubt that she was a deadly archer when the time came to take a life.

To answer her question, Lycus shook his head and tried to put aside the fact that most people were now crowding the table and eating away some of the food that he wanted to sample. "A pleasure, Buffy. I am no member of the Guild. I come in response to invitation and a request for one other."

After a moment, the man called Westley returned to the group and sought out to kill his hunger by eating more food. From there he could see that he and Kayla had a sort of a bond. They were friends. The manner in which they teased one another signified a friendship. Lycus had to wonder though . . .would it last? He didn't know the man's intention but he did know that he was dangerous to those around him. As all werewolves are. They can be unpredictable when their bestial instincts take over and those closest to them can be harmed or even killed.

"I'm poor to the point where I have to hunt for my food. A lot of people in the waterfront are like that, and nobody does anything to help. A few coins could feed a person for a day! Is it that hard to part with a few coins! Anyway, I do a lot of adventuring. That's where I get my money." Westley said to Kayla.

Lycus held back a smile. This was a memory he had long ago. Living in poverty near the Great Forest at his parent's farm. Hunting for food to sustain his family who were deeply entrenched in debt. Lycus also remembered sneaking away at night to the Waterfront to earn extra coin by gambling. Part of him back then wished he had gone adventuring instead. But then he would have never become the man he is today. Fate has such a intricate way of dealing with a person that to this day it baffled him the point where he stopped trying to understand it. There are times that will always be difficult for the poor. But in those struggles, if fought and won, can yield the greatest of rewards. People become great by hardship and problems. And by learning from those shortcomings they become wiser and a far better person.

The conversation went from that to hunting deer. Something Lycus was good at since he was a young lad many years ago. He was a gifted hunter and it was one of his hobbies; he killed for both sport and nutrition. He turned to Westley, though the look on his face was serious but not hostile. "An arrow is swift and precise but it requires effort to make sure the destination of its course is true. The shafts must be straight and made of seasoned wood. It has to be feathered with delicate care otherwise it will prove unbalanced."

He paused and reached out for the large spear that stood against the wall beside him. "The bow is among my favorite of hunting tools next to snares. Though my love for the spear outweights my care for the bow. The spear is a marvelous weapon and the damage that can be inflicted upon prey is amazing. It is a tool used even by the Daedric Lord, Hircine. Those with a strong arm can throw it from a tree or even pursue deer on foot."

[King Of Beasts]

Westley

Westley was caught by surprise when the dark-skinned imperial in tattered clothing spoke to him.

An arrow is swift and precise but it requires effort to make sure the destination of its course is true. The shafts must be straight and made of seasoned wood. It has to be feathered with delicate care otherwise it will prove unbalanced. The bow is among my favorite of hunting tools next to snares. Though my love for the spear outweights my care for the bow. The spear is a marvelous weapon and the damage that can be inflicted upon prey is amazing. It is a tool used even by the Daedric Lord, Hircine. Those with a strong arm can throw it from a tree or even pursue deer on foot."

Westley paused for a moment, and noticed the familiar smell of this man. Them it hit him.

Good gods, first a vampire, now another werewolf! I hope he isn't aggressive.

Westley sighed "I've never used a spear. I stick with bows and pursuing the deer on foot. It's not that hard for me."

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla saw the pause in Westley. She slid her eyes from Lycus to Westley.

Hmmm.

She shrugged it off.

"Is Hircine the only daedric prince you're versed in, Lycus?" She asked casually.

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Desselius:

"Nor should it be. You strike me as a capable hunter. As long as you keep your eyes on the prey and not the horizon, you should fare quite well." Lycus told him, still never smiling nor grinning. He simply remained neutral as if afraid to show any emotion.

The Altmer woman turned her attention to him and asked him if Hircine was the only Daedric Lord he was an expert at. Lycus angled his spear to the side and locked eyes with the High Elf. "I hold knowledge about the Daedric Lords. Mora, Clavicus, Sanguine, Meridia and all the others," he explained. "I set Hircine above them all. He is a patron of hunters and many of us revere him, for he guides. I had always worshiped him as a deity when I was but a young lad in the Great Forest. I needed food for my family so I hunted in his name, whispering it each time I slit my quarrie's throat."

Lycus sat back in his seat and picked off a piece of roasted chicken with his finger. "He favored my hunting and was well-pleased by the sport and blessed me with a greater chance at a succesful hunt. Each week I was able to feed my family."

Lycus, of course, did not tell Kayla or Westley everything. He had an unfortunate history with Daedric Princes that even seasoned wizards would have deemed his experience an impossible occurence. Lycus had a vast knowledge of the princes but it was Hircine whom he understood the most of all.

The Imperial werewolf looked at Westley and allowed his gaze to linger. His eyes narrowed and remained there. He wasn't challenging the man nor was he seeking any quarrel . . .but there was something else there. Hidden. "Daedra are unpredicable deities. Sometimes they bless you in the morning and curse you in the afternoon. Hircine though . . .Hircine does not indulge in the fickle, and he certainly holds no love for those who spit upon his gifts. He can be a powerful foe and a force to be reckoned with."

I know . . .for I have seen him.

He turned to Kayla. "It is why I always seek to honor him in my hunts," he said, and then paused with an upraised brow. "Why do you ask such a thing?"

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Feb 14 2013, 07:52 AM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla's mouth twitched in a smile.

"I wasn't aware daedra worship was alright to speak about freely. Like you hold Hircine on a pedestal, I hold Meridia. I suppose you could say she gave me a second chance at life." Kayla blinked away the reverie of her past, and gave Lycus a half-smile. "So when I slit a vampire's throat, I also whisper her name."

[Colonel Mustard]

OOC: Stop bloody posting when I'm asleep!

Tarrick

Tarrick was about to follow the others into the Guildhall when he felt a hand tapping on his shoulder. He turned around to see a Khajiit standing behind him, Kharaz, another member of the Thieves' Guild.

"What is it, Kharaz?" he asked.

"There's a problem with the Guild," the Khajiit said. "You know Coin-Eye?"

"The Argonian who's lousy at gambling, yeah, I know him," Tarrick said. He glanced over at hall of the Adventurer's Guild. "Listen, is this that important? I've got things I need to do right now."

"Yes it is," Kharaz said. "That idiot lizard won a gambling stake which he was supposed to lose a couple of nights ago; Orrin wants to make an example of him but he escaped."

"If you want me to join a manhunt or something, don't bother," Tarrick said. "I'm going to be out of town for a week or so, maybe longer. Going on this expedition."

"I wasn't going to ask you that," Kharaz said. "But have you seen him?"

"Neither scale nor tale," Tarrick said, silently congratulating himself for the rhyme. "Probably won't have much luck finding him, if I'm honest; he'd have skipped town by now."

"Fine," the Khajiit shrugged. "You go have fun on your grand adventure, Tarrick."

He left, and Tarrick squeezed through the doors to find the rest of the group. They hadn't gone far, congregating around some tables where food was being served, and he hurried up to join them.

"Sorry about disappearing there," he said by way of greeting. "Friend of mine saw me and wanted a chat."

He noticed the tall, well-built Imperial with long hair and caramel skin, who had just finished saying something to Kayla.

"I don't think we've met, have we?" Tarrick said to him. He extended a hand. "Tarric Kathram, pleasure to make your acquaintance."

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Desselius:

Lycus shook his head to the side to Kayla. "It is not. Since the end of the Oblivion Crisis there are those who do not tread common ground with Daedra or those who worship them. Hunting order's have been formed and open season proclaimed on tracking down anyone affiliated with Daedra. The remnants of the Mythic Dawn are being hunted throughout Cyrodiil. I pass news of three sleeper agents who were executed in Skingrad."

"Understand that Hircine is the Spirit of the Hunt, and all who hunt are walking in his sway, whether it is realized or not. I advise you to hold your tongue on your personal devotion to Meridia, as I should Hircine. She is considered a benevolent Prince . . .but that is of little importance to those who fear the Lord of Oblivion. After Mehrune's attempt, the hate for them has risen as flames."

Before he spoke the group was approached by another man. A Redguard. Lycus saw that they were all part of a group that would take part in the expedition to Fort Sutch. They were people of different skills and combat ways.

"Sorry about disappearing there," the Redguard man. "Friend of mine saw me and wanted a chat."

He was the same as any other typical Redguard. Short wiry hair, dark skin and a goatee. He seemed more cheerful than some of the others that Lycus came across at the docks a day ago. He looked at Lycus, extended his hand and introduced himself.

The Imperial returned the gesture, clasping his hand with a tight and very firm handshake, quite stronger than he did with Kayla. "Lycus."

He didn't bother revealing his last name.

[Uleni Athram]

Great, Ylenno thought as he gobbled up the last smidgen of the rice bowl. The Grand Champion's a godsdamned Daedra worshipper, and Kayla was one too. He reached for a baked apple and popped a slice in his mouth. THey talked about it rather casually too, and didn't gave a rat's @ss at the wary looks given their way. As their talk of supplication ended with Lycus being acquianted with the returned Tarrick. Ylenno chewed on a gummy cinnamon roll as they spoke a brief pleasantry. They shook hands, and the elf noticed that the handshake was firm in the part of Lycus. Guy was powerful ineed; he saw veins rippling in that muscled forearm of his.

He rose from his seat when all around them the other sign-ups began to file in another room. He looked at the others.

"Spank me from behind and call me Kimberly, but I think the announcement's starting."

[Colonel Mustard]

OOC: DE, Tarrick doesn't actually have a goatee; he's clean-shaven, and his profile actually said that he once experimented with one but didn't think it suited him.

Tarrick

Lycus had one hell of a grip, Tarrick found, and the Redguard was thankful that the man didn't try and squeeze. He was about to make a few enquiries when Ylenno spoke.

"Spank me from behind and call me Kimberly, but I think the announcement's starting."

"That so, Kimberly?" Tarrick asked. He noticed the other people beginning to head out of the signing up area in the Atrium and into the main hall. "I think he's right, let's go."

He hurried through the doorway into a large hall, filled with benches and with a temporary stage erected at the far end; by the trophies and weapons mounted on the walls, and a generous hearth off to one side, Tarrick suspected that this was usually the main area that the Guild used for dining and socialising. He found a seat, and waited as the hall began to fill.



GM Post

A murmur ran along the hall as a man took the stage. He was an Imperial, tall, imposing, well built. A crimson, fur-lined cloak spanned his shoulders and whispered against the floor, and his weathered and hardened and regal features were framed with a mane of dark, shaggy hair, indiciating a little recent Nord blood in the family line, and a small, well-kept beard, both streaked with grey.

"Greetings, my friends," he said warmly, his voice deep and rich. "I trust that you have all found the hospitality of my guild to your satisfaction. No doubt you're all here, and all immensely curious, about this expedition that I have proposed to the caverns beneath Fort Sutch's ruins. Well, I shall endeavour now to provide you with as much information as possible."

He held up the Black Horse Courier, the edition which had announced the expedition.

"Now, some of you may remember this edition of the Courier, where a brief history of the city of Suchamel was mentioned along with the announcement of this venture," Oedipus said. "In ancient times, Suchamel was once a bustling metropolis before it was razed, but the only marker of it existing today in an old, ruined fortress, so fallen into disrepair that very little of it remains today. But beneath that, we of the Adventurer's Guild discovered tunnels!"

He paused for a moment, and a shadow flitted across his face.

"It was unfortunate for us that we also found that these tunnels were already occupied. Our expedition was attacked by pale creatures with strange weapons, but before our expedition was driven off, we discovered a pair of doors at the end of a tunnel, ones of iron and heavy oak and bound by spells. I wished to investigate further, and I am convinced that the ruins of Suchamel lie beyond them, and to this end, I have organised this very expedition you are all here for; as well as the fine men and women of my guild, I have need of strong arms to fend off these beasts, and of mages capable of dispelling the protection upon this door. For those of you who are here, I assure you that this expedition will be worth your time, whether you seek glory, hidden knowledge, riches and treasures or simply wish for a particularly exciting story with which to one day entertain your grandchildren, I assure you that you shall be provided for."

He took a moment and added; "Do any of you have any questions?"

[Acadian]

Buffy:

As the group filed into the briefing room, Buffy was drawn to the crackling fire that called her to a seat near it. An imposing caped figure swept into the room. His graying hair and wizened face bespoke of a hard life, with more of his short human lifespan behind than ahead of him. Everything about the man understatedly declared he was in charge. No introduction of Oedipus Nebraska, Master of the Adventurers Guild was necessary.

After briefly outlining what was largely known from the reports Buffy had read, Oedipus asked for questions.

The elf was instantly on her feet. “I thank you for the hospitality that you and your guild have provided this morning. My name’s Buffy and I have some experience dispelling magical wardings that I hope can prove useful in proceeding deeper into the ruins. My inquiry is for any additional information you can provide regarding the pale goblin-like foes you encountered. Their favored tactics, resistances and such.” She sat back down.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Feb 14 2013, 06:22 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla knew what her question was.

"Have you found what these pale beasts are, and what their weakness are yet? Poison? Fire? A sword to the gut?" She gripped Dawnbreaker's hilt for comfort with her left hand. All sense of joking was gone from her face, replaced with a steely expression. This was her life, and others' lives at stake.

"Are they alive or undead? That is my main question."

[King Of Beasts]

Westley

Westley followed the group as they entered the room for Oedipus' announcement. The room was filling quite rapidly, and it wouldn't be long before there were no more seats available. He was forced to wrestle his way to a seat, and when he did get one, it was quite close to the group.

He listened to Oedipus' announcement while he slumped back in his chair.

"Greetings, my friends, I trust that you have all found the hospitality of my guild to your satisfaction. No doubt you're all here, and all immensely curious, about this expedition that I have proposed to the caverns beneath Fort Sutch's ruins. Well, I shall endeavour now to provide you with as much information as possible. Now, some of you may remember this edition of the Courier, where a brief history of the city of Suchamel was mentioned along with the announcement of this venture, In ancient times, Suchamel was once a bustling metropolis before it was razed, but the only marker of it existing today in an old, ruined fortress, so fallen into disrepair that very little of it remains today. But beneath that, we of the Adventurer's Guild discovered tunnels! It was unfortunate for us that we also found that these tunnels were already occupied. Our expedition was attacked by pale creatures with strange weapons, but before our expedition was driven off, we discovered a pair of doors at the end of a tunnel, ones of iron and heavy oak and bound by spells. I wished to investigate further, and I am convinced that the ruins of Suchamel lie beyond them, and to this end, I have organised this very expedition you are all here for; as well as the fine men and women of my guild, I have need of strong arms to fend off these beasts, and of mages capable of dispelling the protection upon this door. For those of you who are here, I assure you that this expedition will be worth your time, whether you seek glory, hidden knowledge, riches and treasures or simply wish for a particularly exciting story with which to one day entertain your grandchildren, I assure you that you shall be provided for. Do any of you have any questions?"



Westley sighed as Oedipus gave his speech, and watched as a few people rose from their seats and asked as many questions as they could before the next person forced their way into the conversation.

Good gods, this is boring! But it's important, so I have to pay attention. This information could save my life...

[Darkness Eternal]

A group of people assembled along the main hall of the building, crowding the halls and filling the empty seats a man, presumably Oedepius Nebraska, announced himself with his presence. He was an older man with unmistakable signs of age, and although he bore those gray facial and head hairs, he still was well-built for a man of his apparent age. There was a warrior sense about him that could be attributed to his possible Nordic heritage.

Lycus seated himself in the nearest corner, away from the eyes of those who's back were facing him. There were many people of all cultures and sizes and skills. It was no mystery, however, that many of those faces he saw now would not make it back to Anvil. His instincts also told him perhaps there was more to Oedepius than he first imagined. He must know something the rest do not. Lycus might be paranoid, but something as big as a guild and a funded expediton meant there were secrets known to some and hidden for most.

But the Imperial warrior was not interested in the glories or the coin or fame that would come if he should survive the journey. No, he was here for an entirely different reason altogether. This expedition would be an additional step to his task.

He leaned forward and held his elbow over his knee, listening to the man's words on the information regarding the fort and the lost city and then about pale creatures guarding the passage that could very well lead to it.

Not once did Lycus any questions. He would wait and let others ask, and then wait to see what the answers would be. Buffy asked on the general weaknesses and strategic battle habits of the creatures whereas Kayla inquired about their weaknesses and their nature. He wondered these things as well, but not to a great degree as he did other things.

[Colonel Mustard]

GM Post

A blonde-haired Bosmer stood and said; “I thank you for the hospitality that you and your guild have provided this morning. My name’s Buffy and I have some experience dispelling magical wardings that I hope can prove useful in proceeding deeper into the ruins. My inquiry is for any additional information you can provide regarding the pale goblin-like foes you encountered. Their favored tactics, resistances and such.”

"A wise question, Miss Buffy," Oedipus said. "After all, as the old saying goes; know your enemy. When we fought them, our enemies favoured stealth and ambushes in battle; they used nooks and crannies in the cave walls and ceilings to take us by surprise. They favour poisons and weapons carved from chitin and have tamed some species of giant subterranian insects to fight for them. As well as this, we found that weapons and spells that attack with frost did little damage, but they hate and fear fire; even waving a torch at them was enough to frighten and subude them."

"Are they alive or undead? That is my main question." That was from an Altmer near Buffy.

"They are very much alive," Oedipus replied. "In fact, I'd recommend to you all that you take potions and scrolls of detect life if you don't already have that spell to cast; it will be of great use in seeing any ambushes they shall try and spring before they hit us."

This post has been edited by Colonel Mustard: Feb 16 2013, 02:58 PM

[Acadian]

Buffy:

Buffy listened carefully as Oedipus spoke about the pale foes he had encountered beneath Sutch. She had little skill with fire (nor ice and lightning for that matter), but her illusionist’s mind immediately turned to commanding the insect slaves of these creatures against their masters.

Although Oedipus projected an imposing presence, she was equally impressed by his gracious manner and display of wisdom - particularly as he urged the use of detect life. Buffy was grateful for her pair of enchanted rings that combined to display pink glowing threats out to great range. Hopefully they would not only help protect the fragile elf, but her prospective expedition mates as well.

The Guild Master then went on to clarify for Kayla that the pale ones were not a form of undead.

[Uleni Athram]

Ylenno was quite busy glaring eyes with an uppity, arrogant runt to even catch the questions that fired from every direction towards the radiating figure of the master of the Adventurers. When the elf gave his newly found enemy a rude gesture, he turned his attention to the stage and gave a sniff. Nebraska was old and had the look of a seasoned warrior about him, his scars were his own trophies, yadda yadda yadda, but one thing that striked Ylenno was that this person was undoubtedly a blue-blood. There was no pussyfooting about it, really.

He had that kind of face. He and Drakothemir would find each other kindred souls. Ylenno briefly wondered where Monk-boy went, since those dark robes weren't to be found in the meeting place.

Buffy and Kayla asked theirs, and Ylenno decided it was his turn. He stood up. It was when every eyes were upon him that he realized that he didn't know what to ask. He gave a sheepish smile and rubbed his neck.

"So, uhh, we're just going to explore these caves below the Fort, eh? Everyone around here can take care of themselves, sure, but if we meet an unfortunate accident along the way, do we get paid still? We'll never know what'll happen when go under, you know."

He rubbed his hands.

"And when do we begin?"

This post has been edited by Uleni Athram: Feb 17 2013, 07:36 AM

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus didn't need to think twice to know that these subterannean pale creatures were goblins. Or known by some scholars as the Falmer. He knew because he lived in Skyrim after exiling himself from Cyrodiil years ago. He came across these creatures and their insectoid menace in his travels deep under the earth. There were stories about these creatures coming out at night to prey on lonely men and women, slaughter cattle and snatch infants from their cribs. They are pale, sharp-toothed and monstrous. Gangrel creatures who wandered off as vagabonds in the coldest of nights.

He remembered when living in Falkreath that some of the Nord travelers often referred to them as the old Volkihar vampire clan of legend, who came out of their icy lairs into the world of men to feed. Who's breath could congeal the blood of their victims. But that was popular folklore. The truth was far different and more complex than it appeared. What Lycus didn't understand was why they were in Cyrodiil in the first place. What relation did they have with the Ayleids? For he knew they were ancient beings and could live longer than men.

The man spoke to the Altmer and Bosmer women and advised that potions and scrolls of detect life would be a good idea, for the enemy were notorious to launch surprise attacks through crevices and cracks. Lycus required no potions or scrolls or any arcane skill to detect them. His natural instinct, combined with superior sense of smell and sight, could detect the creatures alone. They smelled, and their poisons did too. The scent would be easily recognizable. He registered it well.

They could be overwhelming in numbers and they had magically abilities that their ancestors were gifted at during the Metheric Era. Lycus felt fortunate that there was at least a magic caster in the room. The mystic archer. He wasn't sure what to make of the others, however. His kin of blood could prove to be a valuable ally, but Lycus already could sense their differences.

Kayla could be a great ally, since many Altmer's had a wide range of magical abilities. Though her Nordic heritage might have changed that.

Lycus felt confident that his enemies wouldn't pose too much of a challenge. At least these pale goblin-like creatures. A scimitar could seperate the head from the body, a spear could keep them at range and still strike them down. His Orcish sword was strong enough to penetrate armor. But what if there was something more sinister than these? What if the pyramid of nefarious creatures grew considerably worse as the depths increased?

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"They favour poisons and weapons carved from chitin and have tamed some species of giant subterranian insects to fight for them. As well as this, we found that weapons and spells that attack with frost did little damage, but they hate and fear fire; even waving a torch at them was enough to frighten and subdue them."

Kayla bared her teeth.

"Falmer." The word came out as a whisper.

Though her specialty was vampires, she had come across them in Skyrim. She hadn't fought many, but enough to recognize the description. Pale, noseless, smelly creatures with a penchant for crude, painful weapons and surprise attacks.

No matter, she thought to herself. They die just as well with a sword in their gut.

[PhoenixGamer]

Elaninde:

As she entered the guild hall, she was amazed by the work that had been put into this. This Oedipus Nebraska was certanly a rich fellow, or was it the different guilds that had paid for this? As she filled up her plate she heard an Altmer wich sounded like Kayla hushed another elf away and said:

"Young lady, do not throw yourself at men. You let them come to you."

"Now please, step aside, before my appetite makes me less choosy about my meat."

As the elf hurried away she also said:

"I apologize. Not all elves are like that."

After a while Oedipus Nebraska came in and held his speech. When he was done almost everybody started asking a dozen questions. The answers Elaninde found the most worth was that these creatures were pale and fovored poison and ambush, as well as that it was recommended to be able to cast detect life and fire spells.