I am officially a lazy bugger.
However, the turn is about to begin, along with a massive revamp to the system, now that I actually have an inkling of what the hell I'm doing.
And here it goes. First off, we have an
IMPORTANT NOTICE.From now on, please keep yourself from reading other people's turns. Anything I want you all to see, I'll put under a global spoiler.
Secondly, a style change. You may have noticed I update... sporadically, at best. Therefore, I shall now lump you into two groups. There is the Expedition, and there is Martin, all on his lonesome. The expedition is one block, and you can read everyone's actions in there (as it assumes you'd all, you know, be there) and Martin will be a seperate block, of which I would request only he reads. Should something split you guys up, you'll form into appropriate smaller subgroups.
Next, Acanthus. He was somewhat dismayed by the fact his character had such a massive weakpoint, and so had him deleted after he got his ass kicked by that Feral. We can assume the demon (it's obvious that's what his Master was) killed him and is now tormenting him for all eternity. His new character will be introduced to the Expedition this turn.
Finally, a theme change. As I earlier stated, when I started, I had no idea what the hell I was doing beyond the first week. Now I do. And congratulations, the warped mire of my mind has created a cosmic grudge match of epic proportions to light your way. Slowly, you'll begin to understand how everthing links together, thanks to my backstory-itis.
In summary, less Deltora Quest, more Lord of the Rings, with a dash of everything trying to kill you for good measure.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get to it!
Martin:
The map certainly was strange. It seemed to follow no particular course in particular, wavering back and forth, going straight for miles and then almost doubling back on itself. Martin dreaded going up the mountains with this kind of map, but at least it hadn't led him into any obvious danger so far.
The Orders had been more than happy to let him go after Art. He was one of their leaders, after all, and no one else seemed keen on the job. They'd seen what the Link had done to Art. Well, so had he, and he wasn't going to stop. He owed it to his teacher, hell, he owed it to the Orders for teaching him in the first place. So he wasn't going to stop. In fact, he was covering more ground than he would've previously thought possible, thanks to his training.
Stopping to look at the map, Martin noticed a symbol, noted over the path he was currently taking, accompanied by a strange line. Upon closer inspection, it was actually a border, though what it signified he couldn't guess... yet.
Next turn you will meet some neutral creatures, with an agenda of their own. Please specify how you would react to them, and whether you would aid them or not.
The Expedition:
Together, the 20 odd bodyguards, and those they were meant to be guarding, left the city, pack animals carrying what supplies they would need for the journey. Joseph, Cullos, Trap, and even a still somewhat dazed Theo were amongst them, carrying what belongings they had. They couldn't risk sticking around, not after messing with the Link. The leader had been annoyed when the Warlock he'd hired failed to turn up, but hopefully the Ferals could deal with the threat. That's what they were paid for, after all.
It had been a slow two days, mainly due to the pack animals inability to navigate past anything more than moderately difficult terrain. Still, they'd finally got to their goal. The checkpoint - beginning of the great road, leading all the way to the Metal Fortress, and then, the Devil's Maw mountain pass. Still, that was at least a week away. For now they could stretch their legs.
And welcome their newest member into the group. She called herself Alma, and had apparently been sent by her Order to accompany the expedition, in light of the Empath's involvement in the whole thing. She didn't seem too worried though, and was friendly enough once you got to know her.
Her skill with the bow also earned some brownie points, as fresh meat is always valued when the only other food was preserved vegetables.
And you set off, all 5 of you. (Plus NPCs)
Global:
Even as the Expedition left, the town exploded into an uproar. Someone had killed the Shadow Queen, Anna, head of the Warlocks and oldest person alive, having lived even before the Change. No one knew who had done it yet, but rumours abound as the angry Warlocks search for the culprit.
So the final player announces himself, in this cosmic game. Old grudges will finally be settled, old foes fought, new foes made. Force as old as time itself shall do battle, as they did in times before.
A Shadow creeps over the lands, though none can determine the source yet. Who will survive the coming chaos?
There are six, six with a hope.
One with Fate bound to Good
One, to Magic, and the wild things.
One, to Change, and all it brings.
One, an unknown, not of this world
One, to death, though they know it not
And one to the Past, and what lies within...
And it's done!