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Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Aug 29, 2022 15:14:45 GMT -5
Ray's steps were heavy and quick as he marched through the halls of The Arcane Academy. He had set foot here on many an occasion to study light magic, alchemical reactions, potions, poisons, and all manner of things without as much trouble as he found today. His face was set in a stern snarl and his fingers dug into the leather of the book at his waste. He was past the point of refrain now, it was time for action.
The petty trumped up halfwitted gnollbrain lout that had been chosen as the new Grand Master of the Academy had seen fit to outlaw those of religious castes from entering into the Academy. His reasoning had been:
"The rift that has been forming between arcane exploration and experimentation and the core dogma of Charon's religions, that have long been critical of such endeavors, has grown ever wider. It is too wide, we decree, for their pursuit to take place in a single institution." The Notice had been posted on the front gate of the Academy, which he'd only been allowed past due to knowing the guard on duty.
His dress and the religious tome at his waist caused many of the students and mages that wandered the premise to give him disdainful and even fearful looks as he marched through the halls. As he reached the massive set of doors that led into the Grand Master's chamber the duo of door guards stopped him by dropping their halberd staves into a defensive stance held towards him. They seemed nervous and unsteady, as if they'd expected trouble today.
"How did you get in here? New regulation is in place against your type wandering the halls." The guard's tone was stiff and uncertain, this was likely the first time he'd had to enforce the new regulation.
Ray stopped with his face almost touching the tip of the staves causing the guards to pull their weapons back slightly.
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Mage's Guild
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Human
Tapping into elemental forces
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Post by Zak on Aug 30, 2022 10:06:51 GMT -5
Weird, Zak thought as he read the notice at the gate of the Arcane Academy. Something strange was going on. He had noticed a difference on the island from the moment he had stepped off the ship and onto the dock. The one time he had visited the Academy several months ago, Zal had sensed his own mana reaching out to answer the mysterious veil calling to him, and he had drunk it in, relishing the power of it all.
Today, however, the air felt different. Magick still lingered here, but it no longer resonated with the elemental forces within him. It felt foreign, unwelcoming. Zak’s connection to mana didn’t come from books or any sort of ancient tome, it came from tapping into powers he believed were given to him from the gods Ginma and Ziev. Here and now, the magick permeating the air of the Academy campus no longer called to him, and instead it almost repelled. What in the hells was going on? Zak wondered as he made his way to the main offices.
As luck would have it, the loremaster was in his office, and Zak was able to return the ancient tome they had borrowed from the elf a few months ago. Pleased to no longer be responsible for such an important and valuable book, Zak felt relief as he left the loremaster’s office. However, his sense of peace lasted barely a moment as he again focused on the feeling of wrongness around him.
His body tensed as he turned the corner and saw a tall rugged looking man squaring off with the guards at the door of what looked to be the grand master’s office. His robe and religious tome at his waist showed him to be a religious person, obviously no longer welcome here. Just like me, Zak thought, his ire rising. How dare the Academy restrict access to knowledge based on whether or not someone communes with their gods.
Zak strode with determination over to the half-elf, standing beside him in solidarity. “Greetings fellow believer,” he said, straightening to his full 6’2” height --always good for a little intimidation-- and presenting himself as the half-elf’s ally in his confrontation with the guards. “Is there a problem here?” The guards seemed uneasy and tentative, and stepped back a bit.
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Fighter's Guild
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Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Sept 1, 2022 15:04:14 GMT -5
The guards were now faced with two imposing, angry figures and were reasonably cowed. Ray looked to the newcomer with glad eyes, an ally in this struggle had appeared. He noticed also that they shared similar features, this man was obviously more than a few years younger though, and much more well kept. Men of religion were not an uncommon sight here, all the more reason to be outraged at the current situation.
"I hope to avoid any...problems..." He kept his gaze trained on the guard closest, moving closer again.
"We're simply looking to speak to the Grand Master." He said it without a tone of anger, as monotone as he could manage.
The guard opened his mouth to reply as the door burst open behind him revealing a moderately sized room. It was dominated by a massive desk along the back wall, piled high with books and scrolls. A menagerie of artifacts, faded textiles, weaponry, staves, and even some mounted creatures lined the walls in an unorganized manner. The room was lit by a net hanging from the roof filled with glowing orbs that gave off colorful light.
Responsible for opening the door was a hefty dwarf dressed in a long chainmail hauberk of glittering silver with a tabard covering his shoulders, chest, and waist made of black silk. His hair was a bright blonde woven into a long single braid, his beard flowed into 3 separate braids and hung down almost to the floor. His tabard held an image of the outline of a moon with 3 stars in one corner, an open book in the middle, and a torch at the opposite corner. It was a symbol the college had recently adopted, only those of high station were able to don it.
"I've been expecting you two. Please, please, do come in and sit." He led them into the room, motioning to three chairs by a fireplace that had been hidden from view previously.
"You see, now, I, being a scholar foremost have no qualm with the qualities of those that reside here beyond that they share in the great pursuit of arcane knowledge. My compatriots, however, have yammered endlessly for 'religious folks' removal, so I yielded momentarily, until I could have some folk of... your sort... perform a task to prove your value to the institution."
He sat down promptly as he finished, holding a hand towards each chair indicating they should sit. His smile was mirthful and wide, and he seemed almost giddily excited by their presence.
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Post by Zak on Sept 2, 2022 16:19:17 GMT -5
Zak was surprised when the grand master invited them into his office. Bewilderment continued as the dwarf acted like he was expecting the two of them who had been strangers only a moment ago. Zak sent a glance at the man of religion at his side. He didn’t even know his name. What a strange situation. Not taking the seat offered, instead Zak stood as he listened to the grand master go on about helping him convince his colleagues that religious men were useful. Zak scowled at the idea of it being necessary to prove to anyone. “ I don’t know why you think you were expecting us. My friend here might have business with you, but I was on my way out of here. I have no need to prove myself to anyone besides my gods,” Zak said. “That’s why I need you. We’ve been expecting a delivery of a lesser known religious artifact and they are overdue. Alas, no one here is willing to commit any resources to find out what happened. They don’t think it’s of any importance, but I do. All knowledge is important, even religious understanding. What I need is someone who is willing to find out what’s happened to the small merchant caravan, and retrieve this artifact. The caravan could be broken down on the side of the road, or something more dangerous could have happened to them. Can you do this for me?” the stout dwarf implored.
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Fighter's Guild
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Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Sept 5, 2022 12:03:37 GMT -5
Ray was taken aback, this strange man gave him no reason to trust him but his plea seemed honest enough. If a caravan was in danger whether it held a religious artifact or not was of little consequence. Ray followed the example of his fellow and refused the offered seat. His walk into the Grand Master's office was full of caution, he half expected them to close the door and murder the two of them.
The guards stood with just as much shock on their faces, confused as to what to do next? They had just today found that religious folk were banned from the area and now only an hour or so into their shifts two had been welcomed in by their highest authority.
Ray looked to his compatriot with a cautious glance.
"Seeker, this path is chosen, take it." Qil reassured him, if The Wanderer ordained it then...
"I don't yet know you, let me introduce myself. I am Ray Castien, healer of the order of the Blessed Wanderer..."
"I am oath bound to at least investigate this, if anyone might be in danger." he said to the dwarf. "You're spinelessness had lead to a great schism, this divide will be more difficult than you imagine to repair. The memory of those who's gods have been disrespected is long..."
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Post by Zak on Sept 7, 2022 18:11:42 GMT -5
Strange how Zak already felt an affinity with the religious man by his side, his words –though more articulate and polished– reflected Zak’s thoughts as well. “Master Castien, well met. I am Z’Khrta of the Putok clan. Zak, if you will. Like you, the fact that these merchants are missing and possibly in peril concerns me, and I am most willing to help search, but…” he gestured toward the dwarf dismissively “...not for any grand master’s scheme.”
Zak frowned. He could barely abide being in this room much longer. However, honor and responsibility won out. “It appears today is your lucky day, grand master. Fate –or should I say the gods-- have smiled upon you and sent the two of us. If I may be so bold as to speak for my new comrade here, it appears that we both are willing to help these poor merchants.” Zak paused, and then continued, his voice sternly emphasizing his words. “Do not for one moment think that I am doing this out of any love for you and your ilk. Give us the path you believe the merchants must have taken so we can be gone from this place.” Perhaps it was his imagination but to Zak the Academy reeked of warped magick no longer welcoming to elemental forces.
Zak took a deep breath to reign in his emotions, and turned to meet Ray’s gaze. “Shall we venture together to determine what has befallen this caravan, Ray Castien, healer of the order of the Blessed Wanderer? I would be most honored to be by your side.”
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Fighter's Guild
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Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Sept 10, 2022 8:47:36 GMT -5
Satisfaction would have shown on the Grand Master's face as Zak and Ray both agreed to join the search, where it came from was unclear. Ray had also felt the strangeness of the magic surrounding the Academy, though he'd imagined it mixed with his anger towards the administration. Such emotion often threw off Qil's bond with him, and even a slight disturbance in the bond made things feel off.
Ray shot a glance of suspicion to the dwarf. Something was more than off about this exchange, but he had no choice but to follow the lead. Having a companion at his side would at least provide some protection from any treachery at play.
"Well met Z’Khrta of the Putok, I'm glad to hear you're equally drawn to those in need. May the Wanderer guide us along peaceful trails." He bowed as he finished the prayer.
"Where was this caravan lost?" He turned in a rude tone to the Grand Master.
"Of course, of course! It was heading here, as you've likely already assumed, from the Zeinav Desert and would have been ferried over to the city, If, they'd ever reach the ferry..." He produced a small stone from his pocket, Ray recognized it's use immediately...
"I had them carry a waystone, but I am needed constantly and all of our top wizards are... without empathy for the group. As you are willing, I would gladly send you to them, though you'll have to trust me to teleport you." He began to weave his hands into a spell that lit the room up in bright green light. A circle forming in the center of the room around Ray and Zak span rhythmically about them.
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Post by Zak on Sept 14, 2022 15:36:17 GMT -5
Zak looked at Ray, unsure of how to proceed. Both Zak and Ray wanted to help these merchants if they were in trouble, but it was hard to determine whether they could trust the dwarf's intentions. Was there more to the story? Did the grand master have a hidden agenda that was not evident? Should they trust that the dwarf would harmlessly teleport them to the merchant’s location? Something was off about the whole situation, but Zak couldn’t tell whether his wariness was connected to the grand master’s request for help or it was simply the strange atmosphere here at the Academy that he was sensing.
Zak sighed in resignation, knowing that it all came down to trust. Ray trusted in his Wanderer, and Zak trusted in his gods, so perhaps they simply needed to rely on their belief in the rightness of their intentions, and not concern themselves so much on the grand master's machinations.
“Grand master,” Zak began, speaking to the dwarf in a hard and demanding tone of voice. “If we trust you to teleport us safely, and you betray that trust, believe me, it will be the last time you betray anyone. Are we clear?”
“Master Castien,” Zak said. “What say you? Shall we trust this man?”
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Fighter's Guild
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Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Nov 10, 2022 13:42:18 GMT -5
Ray looked at the teleportation circle and then tried his best to glean the intentions of the wizard. He seemed all to nonchalant, that could either be bad or good... It was beyond his choice though, Qil had spoken and his word was so far unmistaken no matter how vague it could be at times.
"I must..." Ray stepped into the circle with a resolved sigh, the Wanderer's way was never straightforward.
As the two stood together the wizard spoke an incantation, speaking quickly and sounding bored almost. The circle of magic grew brighter until it was almost blinding. With a final flick of his arms and a final word the wizard dropped his arms to his side and sighed.
"Welp, that's that taken ca-" Was the last thing heard before a loud wooshing sound brought on darkness.
A bright light greeted them as they stood in the middle of a road surrounded by trees. A short ways away a merchant's wagon sat with claw marks and blood marking it's surface. A dead guard's body lay on the roadside with hunks of flesh missing amid a pool of fresh blood. Ray stood to his feet amid mild confusion and took in the scene. No-one was around, it seemed, and no perpetrator in sight. Perhaps they'd arrived too late...
A clack, then a click sounded from the wagon before a small window popped open and a gnomish man popped his bearded head out of the hole with a terrified expression on his face. He spotted Ray and Zakharta and reach out a hand, motioning feverishly for them.
"Hurry!! Whatever magic you used scared them off, get in before they come back!" He was stammering and his voice was cracking as he beckoned them. Crying could be heard faintly from within the wagon behind the man.
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Post by Zak on Nov 15, 2022 19:27:27 GMT -5
With a woosh the mage’s office disappeared, and Zak and Ray found themselves standing next to the aftermath of an obviously deadly attack. An eerie silence surrounded them. As he looked around at the carnage, Zak wondered which of the many beasts he had encountered in his travels had been responsible. Zak’s gaze scanned the area, senses on alert. Something quite ferocious was close by. Suddenly the silence was interrupted by a man who had been hiding within the carriage. Zak shook his head when the gnome beckoned them into the coach for safety. “ Stay put,” he replied as he climbed the sides of the wagon and perched on the roof to get a better vantage point. Zak took a deep breath, and gathered his mana, sparks flickering at his fingertips. His gaze roamed the surrounding trees, searching for any sign of movement. Zak frowned when he thought he saw two green lights flicker in the shadows, but no sooner had he noticed them, the spectral lights were gone. Damn, he mumbled. Was that some creature’s eyes? “Ray,” Zak called, pointing to where he had seen the lights. “There. I thought I saw something.” With Zak’s focus diverted, he didn’t notice the creature that had emerged from the trees and was making its way towards them until…
Grrrr
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Fighter's Guild
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Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Nov 20, 2022 9:25:19 GMT -5
The ominous growl came from a quickly closing beast. A displacer beast, no less, Ray had fought one in the pits of Gaazablak. The situation increased in tension as another beast left the woods behind the first, and then another. A growl was heard behind the carriage as well as another displacer beast leapt up onto the top of the wagon. All four bore fangs and whipping tendrils, some still dripping with fresh blood. The little gnomish man yelped loudly before slamming the hatch shut and locking multiple locks in a frenzied panic as fresh screams echoed inside the wagon.
"I count four so far, watch yourself... We need to stick together, and don't fall for their illusions!" Ray stepped closer to Zakharta, placing his back towards him.
"Seeker, more await opportunity, give them none." Qil interjected with warning as Ray allowed the celestial being to manifest through him.
An arm covered in golden scales emerged from his right shoulder's stump. In it's hand was a large scimitar with a mirror polished blade and highly decorated handle. From his head a pair of antlers grew and his eyes began to glow a fiery white.
"Wanderer, bless our arms with strength and shield us from the teeth of the damned." Ray uttered a prayer as a circle of soft light appeared on the ground around him. He moved close enough that the ring contained Zakharta as well and a soft glow emanated from each of them.
Ray drew his short saber with his left arm and dropped into a low stance with both blades held before him. The four displacer beasts stalked around the two in a circle, growling and sizing up their new prey.
(Casted Circle of Protection - The caster and any standing near he circle are protected from all forms of damage for the next 3 posts) (Casted Inspiring Presence - You and your allies are imbued with holy strength, your attacks, not spells, deal double damage for 3 posts)
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