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Cards Reshuffled 266


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#1 Laufey

Posted 16 September 2005 - 08:52 PM

Cards Reshuffled 266 – Hide In Shadows

So, you think you have everything well in hand, and that there is nothing that could possibly disturb your plans. You are wrong. There is no way to protect yourself against every eventuality, and somebody out there knows exactly how to get to you.

Excerpt from ‘Interview With An Assassin’


“Interesting,” Viconia remarked as she watched the gently spinning corpse. “In the Underdark, very few males would dare raise their hand against their mother, and those who did would soon regret it.”

“Surprising as it might be,” Dekaras said in a dry voice, “murdering your mother isn’t considered socially acceptable behavior here either, for males or females. Help me get her down, would you?” Once that had been accomplished, he gave the corpse a cursory examination, then frowned. “Odd,” he said. “I would estimate she has been dead for a few days, do you agree?”

The Drow nodded. “Four or five, I’d say. The stiffness has come and gone, and the discolorations are fully formed.”

“Yes. So why isn’t there any smell? The weather is warm, she should be quite ripe by now.”

Viconia’s red eyes narrowed. “A spell of some kind. Yet the tanner was no mage.”

“No. So somebody is helping him. A lone insane killer skinning people, now that is one thing. These things happen. But somebody aiding him…there could be more to this than just a madman’s whims.”

Viconia nodded. “The tanner fled below, but left the hatch open. It is almost as if he wishes us to follow. He will have set a trap.”

“Not just one,” the assassin said, scanning the floor. “I see…three. Of course there is a remote possibility that I might have missed a few, but we are bound to find out about that, aren’t we?”

“How inspiring a thought. But I was thinking more of what he might have prepared below. Hold still a moment, I will ask for Shar’s blessing to grace us.”

“Well,” Dekaras said with a thin smile, “I hope she is not in the mood to demonstrate her philosophy of loss to us. The night aspect though, now that would serve us very well indeed.”

A few minutes later, they were ready, and stood above the open hatch, peering down. There were stairs, yes, the darkness below made it impossible to see how far down they went. And there was a smell too – the sharp, salty smell of the sea. An underground connection to the sea, Dekaras thought. Not just your ordinary basement. But then, there isn’t a whole lot of ‘ordinary’ about this place.

“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he felt Viconia’s slim hand touching his shoulder, and paused. “I hear humans ahead,” she whispered into his ear. “Two of them, by the breathing. More from the sides.”

The assassin acknowledged this with a nod, and considered their options. Blind fighting was difficult of course, but on the other hand the artificial darkness was a protection, for now. Unless the mage decides to toss a fireball or two this way, of course, or a Horrid Wilting. He wouldn’t need to aim then. Then, there was a noise. A faint noise, but still audible, coming from his right flank. The sound of a knife emerging from its leather sheath, a sheath that would have needed to be just a little softer in order to make no noise at all. Dekaras froze in place, poised to strike, and he could tell from Viconia’s slightly quickened breathing that she had been alerted as well. Of course. She lived in the Underdark for a long time, assassinations are commonplace there. He breathed in slowly, letting the familiar coldness and calm fill his mind. Focus on the kill. There is nothing else. Nothing but the hunt and the kill.

The first opponent made his move, lunging for the hidden pair, and now that he was close enough he became semi-visible at least, a faintly glowing red outline of heat against the blackness. He was fast, Dekaras had to give him that, and he knew to wield his dagger low, not leaving himself open. But it wouldn’t be enough. Dekaras twisted around, lashing out with a kick that struck the other man’s lower arm, hard. There was a cracking sound, a muffled scream, and the sound of metal skidding away across a stone floor. There. Pounce. Kill. The assassin barely waited for his opponent’s final death rattle before he was on his feet again, searching. Viconia was facing off against two, having snared them both in a paralyzing spell. She was smiling gleefully as she drove the mace she had carried at her belt into the face of the first, no doubt turning it into a bloody pulp beneath the black mask he wore. No time to admire her efficient handiwork though. Next kill. Where? Yes. There. He flipped backwards, narrowly avoiding being impaled on a sword, twisting around to land on his feet. A throwing dagger left his hand flying straight and true, embedding itself in the assailant’s throat. He ignored the spurts of hot blood splattering him, and moved to finish, finding a grasp on the slick flesh before twisting the dagger. A body slumped to the floor, already forgotten. Hunt. Kill.

Viconia was moving her hands, practically caressing the air between them, and before her one of the attackers was choking, his hands clawing at air he could no longer breathe, a blackening tongue protruding from between his clenched teeth. She was not in need of assistance. There. Yes. And he grabbed the fleeing man from behind, feeling his blade embed itself neatly between the shoulder blades. There, that was the last. But not the tanner, anonymous assassins counting on their numbers to overwhelm any opponent. Then where…

And then, Viconia’s spell of darkness diminished, and the room they were in became properly visible at last. The reason for the salty, watery smell became clear, this was actually a small cavern functioning as an underground harbor. There was no boat in there though, apart from a small rowing boat. On the docks there were several large crates and boxes, and Reijek Hidesman was right in the middle of trying to wrestle some of them into the boat without sinking it. There was another man here too, a slightly stooped, middle-aged man wearing deep green magerobes. The cowl was pulled up so that his face was mostly obscured. “No time, Reijek!” he called out. “Leave them!”

Reijek turned, hissing. There was something wrong with his face – the skin rippled, rolling back and forth as if it was about to slide off his skull, and it seemed somehow too large for his head. “But the work…” he said, and his voice was deep and rasping, no longer human.

“The work will continue! Now come!” Dekaras was prepared to take a shot at him, but he saw the magical shields flaring up around the other man and knew it would be useless to even try. “You two!” the mage called out, even as he bent down to draw a circle in blue flames around his feet. “You have come this far, but do not think you will not rue the day you crossed the Rune!” A flash of blue light, and they were both gone, the mage and the skinner, only flickering afterimages remaining.

“’The Rune’?” Viconia asked, as she stepped over the corpses, avoiding the larger puddles with the careful precision of a sleek cat.

“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.” He laughed sardonically. “And there I was telling Edwin off for all the people he’s managed to annoy while visiting Athkatla. I believe the Twisted Rune were about the only ones he hadn’t got around to yet.”

“So you completed the set?” Viconia said, her eyes glinting with amusement. “He will be ecstatic to hear it, I am sure.”

“If he hears it. Which I have some hopes that he won’t. It is not as if we can do anything about it, anyway, short of hiding under our beds for the rest of our natural lifespans hoping the Rune won’t think to look there.”

Viconia’s smile was a quick flash of teeth against her dark face. “Of all the things I’ve ever found beds useful for, hiding under them was never one of them, and I won’t start now. Besides, I have far more important enemies to worry about than some rivvil wizards. Would you like me to fix that before you bleed to death?”

Dekaras blinked, for a moment not understanding what she was talking about. Then, he felt the burning pain along the left side of his ribcage, clear now that the rush of battle had passed. And yes, there was blood there, he could feel the heat of it. “That would be appreciated, yes,” he said. “I am sure you are very capable of resurrecting somebody, but I would prefer not to put it to the test unless I absolutely have to.”

“Another day, perhaps,” the Drow said, as she bent down to examine the wound. It wasn’t too deep, fortunately, just a long but shallow gash along his ribs, and the edges came together nicely under the influence of her healing spell.

Once that was over and done with, they searched the premises. Some of the boxes contained Black Lotus, there was a minor casket of gems and gold, but the majority were filled with neatly tanned skins. Not any kind of skin either.

“What could he possibly want with so many human skins?” Viconia asked aloud.

“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”

“To frighten and terrorize,” Viconia promptly replied. “Or for the novelty, in the Underdark they would fetch a nice prize, particularly in the more remote settlements.”

“Yes, that may be so, but this is the Twisted Rune we are talking about. The drugs in here would fetch more money still, and people are already frightened of them.”

“Well,” Viconia stated, “there is nothing more to be learnt here. Too bad the Skinner ran off before we could kill him, but now at least it will be known who he is, so he will have to move on, leaving Rose and the other actors safe.”

“Indeed.”

They walked in silence for a while, leaving the abattoir of the tannery behind. The evidence inside, coupled with the witnesses, should certainly be enough to satisfy Inspector Aegisfield, Dekaras thought. The reward along with what had been gathered from the Skinner’s hideout should make a decent addition to his funds, which he would need before going after Imoen. Not to mention that he had got a nice bit of exercise, he was feeling more or less entirely recovered by now. Well, apart from being slightly tender where he had been wounded, but that didn’t count, seeing that it was fresh. Yes, once more he was feeling on top of everything, perfectly in control of himself and…

“You! What are you doing up? And in that state!”

Dekaras’ head snapped around, and he saw a very angry-looking woman striding towards him, her white healer’s robes about as blood-splattered as his own clothes. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her brown hair was frazzled. “I thought I told you,” she growled, glaring up at him with bloodshot eyes, “to get some rest. And what do I find?” She threw her hands up in the air. “You know, sometimes I wonder why I bother. I’m kept up all night, hardly any time to eat, hardly any time to find an outhouse either, some drunken lout of a streetbrawler who just bashed somebody else’s brains out with a beer mug whines like a baby just because I need to set his broken nose and demands that I ‘make him sleep first’, somebody else spits blood all over me, I’m in paperwork up to my ears, and now you. Well, don’t think you’ll get a free discount for messing up all the work I did on you, you can pay twice for all I care. And you can do it on somebody else’s shift. I’m going home.”

“I…”

“DON’T YOU TALK BACK TO ME! Straight back to bed, and rest!”

Viconia’s grin reached almost from one pointed ear to the other. “No need to worry, dear,” she said. “Want me to tie him down for you? I have some experience in dealing with stubborn males.”

Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.
Rogues do it from behind.

#2 Guest_AlphaMonkey_*

Posted 17 September 2005 - 05:51 AM

So, you think you have everything well in hand, and that there is nothing that could possibly disturb your plans.


No plan survives contact with the enemy... haven't we all learned this lesson by now?

“I see…three. Of course there is a remote possibility that I might have missed a few, but we are bound to find out about that, aren’t we?”


It's like you see in all those TV shows/movies where the gang is like "Wonder where it goes..." ... "Only one way to find out!" :shock:

He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful.


Hell, yes... did that in Morrowind... handy little gadget... turned my character's helmet into one big ol' set of night vision goggles...

but do not think you will not rue the day you crossed the Rune!


Go on! Start ruing!

It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that.


Buffalo Bill: "Hey... are you about a size 14?"

;)

I’m kept up all night, hardly any time to eat, hardly any time to find an outhouse either, some drunken lout of a streetbrawler who just bashed somebody else’s brains out with a beer mug whines like a baby just because I need to set his broken nose and demands that I ‘make him sleep first’, somebody else spits blood all over me, I’m in paperwork up to my ears, and now you.


Sounds like somebody had an... interesting ER rotation... ;)

#3 Laufey

Posted 17 September 2005 - 07:10 AM

So, you think you have everything well in hand, and that there is nothing that could possibly disturb your plans.


No plan survives contact with the enemy... haven't we all learned this lesson by now?


Indeed. ;)

“I see…three. Of course there is a remote possibility that I might have missed a few, but we are bound to find out about that, aren’t we?”


It's like you see in all those TV shows/movies where the gang is like "Wonder where it goes..." ... "Only one way to find out!" ;)


*grin* Dekkie as part of the Scooby Doo gang...somehow I don't thin he'd appreciate that.


but do not think you will not rue the day you crossed the Rune!


Go on! Start ruing!


;)

It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that.


Buffalo Bill: "Hey... are you about a size 14?"


:shock:


Excellent movie, that. ;)

I’m kept up all night, hardly any time to eat, hardly any time to find an outhouse either, some drunken lout of a streetbrawler who just bashed somebody else’s brains out with a beer mug whines like a baby just because I need to set his broken nose and demands that I ‘make him sleep first’, somebody else spits blood all over me, I’m in paperwork up to my ears, and now you.


Sounds like somebody had an... interesting ER rotation... ;)


It's not always that bad - only sometimes. ;)
Rogues do it from behind.

#4 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 17 September 2005 - 08:52 AM

“Interesting,” Viconia remarked as she watched the gently spinning corpse. “In the Underdark, very few males would dare raise their hand against their mother, and those who did would soon regret it.”


Well, Rejiek probably soon *will* regret it, too. ;)

“Not just one,” the assassin said, scanning the floor. “I see…three. Of course there is a remote possibility that I might have missed a few, but we are bound to find out about that, aren’t we?”


Wow, Dekkie allows himself even a remote possibility to miss a trap? How… unlike him! :shock:

“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


Alas, Dekkie, short of an elven eye transplant, I don’t think you can train the night vision naturally.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he felt Viconia’s slim hand touching his shoulder, and paused. “I hear humans ahead,” she whispered into his ear. “Two of them, by the breathing. More from the sides.”


I’m more concerned about those enemies who don’t *have* to breathe at all. ;)

Viconia was moving her hands, practically caressing the air between them, and before her one of the attackers was choking, his hands clawing at air he could no longer breathe, a blackening tongue protruding from between his clenched teeth. She was not in need of assistance.


As long as the incompetent lackeys keep failing their saves, that is. ;)

“The work will continue! Now come!” Dekaras was prepared to take a shot at him, but he saw the magical shields flaring up around the other man and knew it would be useless to even try. “You two!” the mage called out, even as he bent down to draw a circle in blue flames around his feet. “You have come this far, but do not think you will not rue the day you crossed the Rune!” A flash of blue light, and they were both gone, the mage and the skinner, only flickering afterimages remaining.


Twisted Rune is a pretty scary organization, alright. It’s also said to be incredibly highly secretive, even so that its members would probably get executed if they revealed the name of the organization, like here. ;)

“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.”


Except that there are no actual *peoples* in there… leeks, ancient vampires, dragons, beholders…

Viconia’s smile was a quick flash of teeth against her dark face. “Of all the things I’ve ever found beds useful for, hiding under them was never one of them, and I won’t start now. Besides, I have far more important enemies to worry about than some rivvil wizards.”


Umm, no, I don’t think so. She wouldn’t say so, if she actually knew the Rune. Yoiks.

“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”


Hmm, let me wager a guess – it was commissioned by Evil Aerie? ;)

“Yes, that may be so, but this is the Twisted Rune we are talking about. The drugs in here would fetch more money still, and people are already frightened of them.”


Nope… no one actually *knows* about them, certainly not any of the commoners out on the street. ;)

Dekaras’ head snapped around, and he saw a very angry-looking woman striding towards him, her white healer’s robes about as blood-splattered as his own clothes. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her brown hair was frazzled.


Hmm, a certain someone after a night shift, I wonder? ;)

“I thought I told you,” she growled, glaring up at him with bloodshot eyes, “to get some rest. And what do I find?” She threw her hands up in the air. “You know, sometimes I wonder why I bother. I’m kept up all night, hardly any time to eat, hardly any time to find an outhouse either, some drunken lout of a streetbrawler who just bashed somebody else’s brains out with a beer mug whines like a baby just because I need to set his broken nose and demands that I ‘make him sleep first’, somebody else spits blood all over me, I’m in paperwork up to my ears, and now you. Well, don’t think you’ll get a free discount for messing up all the work I did on you, you can pay twice for all I care. And you can do it on somebody else’s shift. I’m going home.”


And sounds like that, too. ;) :)

Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


Oh yes, you have it right there, Dekkie. :)

Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.


Yay! More please! :)

#5 Laufey

Posted 17 September 2005 - 09:16 AM

“Interesting,” Viconia remarked as she watched the gently spinning corpse. “In the Underdark, very few males would dare raise their hand against their mother, and those who did would soon regret it.”


Well, Rejiek probably soon *will* regret it, too. :shock:


Not 'soon' as such - but eventually.

“Not just one,” the assassin said, scanning the floor. “I see…three. Of course there is a remote possibility that I might have missed a few, but we are bound to find out about that, aren’t we?”


Wow, Dekkie allows himself even a remote possibility to miss a trap? How… unlike him! ;)


Very remote, mind you. ;)

“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


Alas, Dekkie, short of an elven eye transplant, I don’t think you can train the night vision naturally.


Don't give him ideas!


“The work will continue! Now come!” Dekaras was prepared to take a shot at him, but he saw the magical shields flaring up around the other man and knew it would be useless to even try. “You two!” the mage called out, even as he bent down to draw a circle in blue flames around his feet. “You have come this far, but do not think you will not rue the day you crossed the Rune!” A flash of blue light, and they were both gone, the mage and the skinner, only flickering afterimages remaining.


Twisted Rune is a pretty scary organization, alright. It’s also said to be incredibly highly secretive, even so that its members would probably get executed if they revealed the name of the organization, like here. ;)


Actually, I believe there was something said in the game - or at least the assassins were called 'Rune assassins' or something like that.

“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.”


Except that there are no actual *peoples* in there… leeks, ancient vampires, dragons, beholders…


Picky, aren't we? Leeks are people too, you know. ;)


“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”


Hmm, let me wager a guess – it was commissioned by Evil Aerie? ;)


The thought hadn't occurred to me, but I suppose it's possible. ;)

“Yes, that may be so, but this is the Twisted Rune we are talking about. The drugs in here would fetch more money still, and people are already frightened of them.”


Nope… no one actually *knows* about them, certainly not any of the commoners out on the street. :)


Not them perhaps - but I'm reasonably sure that *some* people must know about them.

Dekaras’ head snapped around, and he saw a very angry-looking woman striding towards him, her white healer’s robes about as blood-splattered as his own clothes. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her brown hair was frazzled.


Hmm, a certain someone after a night shift, I wonder? :)


Possibly. :)

“I thought I told you,” she growled, glaring up at him with bloodshot eyes, “to get some rest. And what do I find?” She threw her hands up in the air. “You know, sometimes I wonder why I bother. I’m kept up all night, hardly any time to eat, hardly any time to find an outhouse either, some drunken lout of a streetbrawler who just bashed somebody else’s brains out with a beer mug whines like a baby just because I need to set his broken nose and demands that I ‘make him sleep first’, somebody else spits blood all over me, I’m in paperwork up to my ears, and now you. Well, don’t think you’ll get a free discount for messing up all the work I did on you, you can pay twice for all I care. And you can do it on somebody else’s shift. I’m going home.”


And sounds like that, too. :) :)


I have no idea what you mean, I am very sweet and demure...yeah, that's it. Demure.

Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


Oh yes, you have it right there, Dekkie. :)


;)


Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.


Yay! More please! :)


You will have it. ;)
Rogues do it from behind.

#6 Weyoun

Posted 17 September 2005 - 08:22 PM

“Surprising as it might be,” Dekaras said in a dry voice, “murdering your mother isn’t considered socially acceptable behavior here either, for males or females. Help me get her down, would you?” Once that had been accomplished, he gave the corpse a cursory examination, then frowned. “Odd,” he said. “I would estimate she has been dead for a few days, do you agree?”


The Drow nodded. “Four or five, I’d say. The stiffness has come and gone, and the discolorations are fully formed.”


*gulp* I hope that's healer knowledge.

A few minutes later, they were ready, and stood above the open hatch, peering down. There were stairs, yes, the darkness below made it impossible to see how far down they went. And there was a smell too – the sharp, salty smell of the sea. An underground connection to the sea, Dekaras thought. Not just your ordinary basement. But then, there isn’t a whole lot of ‘ordinary’ about this place.


“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


Whoa, now that's a neat trick with the shadows there! ;) I like you how really show that Vic's a Sharran here.

The first opponent made his move, lunging for the hidden pair, and now that he was close enough he became semi-visible at least, a faintly glowing red outline of heat against the blackness. He was fast, Dekaras had to give him that, and he knew to wield his dagger low, not leaving himself open. But it wouldn’t be enough. Dekaras twisted around, lashing out with a kick that struck the other man’s lower arm, hard. There was a cracking sound, a muffled scream, and the sound of metal skidding away across a stone floor. There. Pounce. Kill. The assassin barely waited for his opponent’s final death rattle before he was on his feet again, searching. Viconia was facing off against two, having snared them both in a paralyzing spell. She was smiling gleefully as she drove the mace she had carried at her belt into the face of the first, no doubt turning it into a bloody pulp beneath the black mask he wore. No time to admire her efficient handiwork though. Next kill. Where? Yes. There. He flipped backwards, narrowly avoiding being impaled on a sword, twisting around to land on his feet. A throwing dagger left his hand flying straight and true, embedding itself in the assailant’s throat. He ignored the spurts of hot blood splattering him, and moved to finish, finding a grasp on the slick flesh before twisting the dagger. A body slumped to the floor, already forgotten. Hunt. Kill.


Nice... and, uh, somewhat chilling. ;) I swear I just heard Malice swooning behind me. :shock:

Reijek turned, hissing. There was something wrong with his face – the skin rippled, rolling back and forth as if it was about to slide off his skull, and it seemed somehow too large for his head. “But the work…” he said, and his voice was deep and rasping, no longer human.


Eeecch, that is one disgusting image... I love it! ;)

“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.” He laughed sardonically. “And there I was telling Edwin off for all the people he’s managed to annoy while visiting Athkatla. I believe the Twisted Rune were about the only ones he hadn’t got around to yet.”


How does he know about the Rune, btw? They're supposed to be so super secret most of their hired subordinates don't even know who they're working for, after all. ;)

“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”


LOL! I can just see a gathering of Matron Mothers wearing skin armor, because 'it's all the rage, dawh-ling.'. ;)

“You! What are you doing up? And in that state!”


Heheheh, he's almost as bad a patient as Laska. ;)

Dekaras’ head snapped around, and he saw a very angry-looking woman striding towards him, her white healer’s robes about as blood-splattered as his own clothes. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her brown hair was frazzled. “I thought I told you,” she growled, glaring up at him with bloodshot eyes, “to get some rest. And what do I find?” She threw her hands up in the air. “You know, sometimes I wonder why I bother. I’m kept up all night, hardly any time to eat, hardly any time to find an outhouse either, some drunken lout of a streetbrawler who just bashed somebody else’s brains out with a beer mug whines like a baby just because I need to set his broken nose and demands that I ‘make him sleep first’, somebody else spits blood all over me, I’m in paperwork up to my ears, and now you. Well, don’t think you’ll get a free discount for messing up all the work I did on you, you can pay twice for all I care. And you can do it on somebody else’s shift. I’m going home.”


“I…”


“DON’T YOU TALK BACK TO ME! Straight back to bed, and rest!”


;) Nurse from hell. :)

Viconia’s grin reached almost from one pointed ear to the other. “No need to worry, dear,” she said. “Want me to tie him down for you? I have some experience in dealing with stubborn males.”


Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


Memories of another Dark elf there, Dekster? ;)

Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.


Sounds good! Say, did you get both my emails? One regular and one with the story? Hotmail's acting up again ever since I started to take some anti-spam measures, and now I'm worried I'm missing my non-penis enlargement mails. :)
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#7 Arcalian

Posted 18 September 2005 - 12:39 AM

*pets Kitty*

Why? Oh come on Dekaras, you know why. You've faced enough "eeeeeeeeevil" in your time to know why. For it's own sake, and because they can.
The road to the abyss may be paved with good intentions, but it is those with bad intentions that race down that road as fast as they can.

#8 Laufey

Posted 18 September 2005 - 04:43 AM


The Drow nodded. “Four or five, I’d say. The stiffness has come and gone, and the discolorations are fully formed.”


*gulp* I hope that's healer knowledge.


Yep. :)


“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


Whoa, now that's a neat trick with the shadows there! :) I like you how really show that Vic's a Sharran here.


Thanks very much! :) Yes, I wanted to do something that was Sharran specific, as opposed to just 'cleric stuff'. ;)


The first opponent made his move, lunging for the hidden pair, and now that he was close enough he became semi-visible at least, a faintly glowing red outline of heat against the blackness. He was fast, Dekaras had to give him that, and he knew to wield his dagger low, not leaving himself open. But it wouldn’t be enough. Dekaras twisted around, lashing out with a kick that struck the other man’s lower arm, hard. There was a cracking sound, a muffled scream, and the sound of metal skidding away across a stone floor. There. Pounce. Kill. The assassin barely waited for his opponent’s final death rattle before he was on his feet again, searching. Viconia was facing off against two, having snared them both in a paralyzing spell. She was smiling gleefully as she drove the mace she had carried at her belt into the face of the first, no doubt turning it into a bloody pulp beneath the black mask he wore. No time to admire her efficient handiwork though. Next kill. Where? Yes. There. He flipped backwards, narrowly avoiding being impaled on a sword, twisting around to land on his feet. A throwing dagger left his hand flying straight and true, embedding itself in the assailant’s throat. He ignored the spurts of hot blood splattering him, and moved to finish, finding a grasp on the slick flesh before twisting the dagger. A body slumped to the floor, already forgotten. Hunt. Kill.


Nice... and, uh, somewhat chilling. :) I swear I just heard Malice swooning behind me. ;)


Don't let Dekkie know that, you might break his concentration. ;)


Reijek turned, hissing. There was something wrong with his face – the skin rippled, rolling back and forth as if it was about to slide off his skull, and it seemed somehow too large for his head. “But the work…” he said, and his voice was deep and rasping, no longer human.


Eeecch, that is one disgusting image... I love it! :)


Thanks! :)


“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.” He laughed sardonically. “And there I was telling Edwin off for all the people he’s managed to annoy while visiting Athkatla. I believe the Twisted Rune were about the only ones he hadn’t got around to yet.”


How does he know about the Rune, btw? They're supposed to be so super secret most of their hired subordinates don't even know who they're working for, after all. :)


Theo asked that too - I didn't exactly think about it before, I guess. I suppose though, that with all the sneaking around Dekkie does, it's not too strange for him to know.


“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”


LOL! I can just see a gathering of Matron Mothers wearing skin armor, because 'it's all the rage, dawh-ling.'. ;)


Oh yes. :D


“You! What are you doing up? And in that state!”


Heheheh, he's almost as bad a patient as Laska. :)


Yes, I'm afraid so. ;)



“DON’T YOU TALK BACK TO ME! Straight back to bed, and rest!”


:shock: Nurse from hell. :)


A blatant Mary Sue. ;)



Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


Memories of another Dark elf there, Dekster? ;)


Oh yes. ;)


Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.


Sounds good! Say, did you get both my emails? One regular and one with the story? Hotmail's acting up again ever since I started to take some anti-spam measures, and now I'm worried I'm missing my non-penis enlargement mails. :(


I got them, yes. Was going to reply yesterday but was really tired and went to bed early. I'll get them both to you today.
Rogues do it from behind.

#9 Laufey

Posted 18 September 2005 - 04:44 AM

*pets Kitty*


*purrs*!

Why? Oh come on Dekaras, you know why. You've faced enough "eeeeeeeeevil" in your time to know why. For it's own sake, and because they can.


Yes, but he still doesn't quite grasp the Eeeeevil mentality, he's a bit too logical for that. ;)
Rogues do it from behind.

#10 Guest_Glittering_*

Posted 18 September 2005 - 04:15 PM

Which deity does Dekaras worship? Earlier in this story, Winksi mentioned being suprised at this choice, so who is it?

#11 Laufey

Posted 18 September 2005 - 04:16 PM

Which deity does Dekaras worship? Earlier in this story, Winksi mentioned being suprised at this choice, so who is it?


I revealed it in a previous chapter, that I guessed you missed. :twisted:


S



P




O



I




L



E




R



It's Helm. Anomen had quite a few objections to that. :shock:
Rogues do it from behind.

#12 Guest_Kulyok_*

Posted 20 September 2005 - 11:05 AM

“Interesting,” Viconia remarked as she watched the gently spinning corpse. “In the Underdark, very few males would dare raise their hand against their mother, and those who did would soon regret it.”


It's good to know there are at least *some* good things in the Underdark.

A few minutes later, they were ready, and stood above the open hatch, peering down. There were stairs, yes, the darkness below made it impossible to see how far down they went. And there was a smell too – the sharp, salty smell of the sea. An underground connection to the sea, Dekaras thought. Not just your ordinary basement. But then, there isn’t a whole lot of ‘ordinary’ about this place.


Oh, it could be worse - it could be *sewers*.

“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


But why, then, did he take part in creating the amulet for his son?

“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.” He laughed sardonically. “And there I was telling Edwin off for all the people he’s managed to annoy while visiting Athkatla. I believe the Twisted Rune were about the only ones he hadn’t got around to yet.”


:) !

“If he hears it. Which I have some hopes that he won’t. It is not as if we can do anything about it, anyway, short of hiding under our beds for the rest of our natural lifespans hoping the Rune won’t think to look there.”


Not fair, Dekkie! He tells you of his mistakes, so tell him of yours! :)

“Another day, perhaps,” the Drow said, as she bent down to examine the wound. It wasn’t too deep, fortunately, just a long but shallow gash along his ribs, and the edges came together nicely under the influence of her healing spell.


I am almost dead sure it was a foreboding. :twisted:

Once that was over and done with, they searched the premises. Some of the boxes contained Black Lotus, there was a minor casket of gems and gold, but the majority were filled with neatly tanned skins. Not any kind of skin either.


I've just thought: there is a shadowy market for skins, right? And they do need the money badly, both for Imoen and for new equipment. So, could they try and sell it? I understand that Underdark is far away, but perhaps Shadow Thieves could be interested?

They walked in silence for a while, leaving the abattoir of the tannery behind. The evidence inside, coupled with the witnesses, should certainly be enough to satisfy Inspector Aegisfield, Dekaras thought. The reward along with what had been gathered from the Skinner’s hideout should make a decent addition to his funds, which he would need before going after Imoen. Not to mention that he had got a nice bit of exercise, he was feeling more or less entirely recovered by now. Well, apart from being slightly tender where he had been wounded, but that didn’t count, seeing that it was fresh. Yes, once more he was feeling on top of everything, perfectly in control of himself and…


Not sure about perfectly in control, considering that strange vampire. But that'll not come into effect soon, right?

Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.


In Planar Sphere? I am not surprised. ;)

By the way, I loved your descriptions here, especially Shar spells and their slow descent. These appealed to me even more than the fight scene itself.

#13 Laufey

Posted 20 September 2005 - 04:54 PM

“Interesting,” Viconia remarked as she watched the gently spinning corpse. “In the Underdark, very few males would dare raise their hand against their mother, and those who did would soon regret it.”


It's good to know there are at least *some* good things in the Underdark.


Yep. Of course, the drawback is how exactly the males are made so respectful...

A few minutes later, they were ready, and stood above the open hatch, peering down. There were stairs, yes, the darkness below made it impossible to see how far down they went. And there was a smell too – the sharp, salty smell of the sea. An underground connection to the sea, Dekaras thought. Not just your ordinary basement. But then, there isn’t a whole lot of ‘ordinary’ about this place.


Oh, it could be worse - it could be *sewers*.


True! :)

“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


But why, then, did he take part in creating the amulet for his son?


That's a bit different, to his pov, because it's all about helping Edwin. Not logical of consequent perhaps, but that's people for you.

“If he hears it. Which I have some hopes that he won’t. It is not as if we can do anything about it, anyway, short of hiding under our beds for the rest of our natural lifespans hoping the Rune won’t think to look there.”


Not fair, Dekkie! He tells you of his mistakes, so tell him of yours! :)


As I said - that's people for you. :D But it's not so much that he finds it embarrassing, it's more that he knows Edwin will worry.

“Another day, perhaps,” the Drow said, as she bent down to examine the wound. It wasn’t too deep, fortunately, just a long but shallow gash along his ribs, and the edges came together nicely under the influence of her healing spell.


I am almost dead sure it was a foreboding. :)


Perhaps. :)

Once that was over and done with, they searched the premises. Some of the boxes contained Black Lotus, there was a minor casket of gems and gold, but the majority were filled with neatly tanned skins. Not any kind of skin either.


I've just thought: there is a shadowy market for skins, right? And they do need the money badly, both for Imoen and for new equipment. So, could they try and sell it? I understand that Underdark is far away, but perhaps Shadow Thieves could be interested?


Good point - I might be able to work that in, thanks! I do need to write another Dekaras chapter soon anyway, so I'll try to keep it in mind.

They walked in silence for a while, leaving the abattoir of the tannery behind. The evidence inside, coupled with the witnesses, should certainly be enough to satisfy Inspector Aegisfield, Dekaras thought. The reward along with what had been gathered from the Skinner’s hideout should make a decent addition to his funds, which he would need before going after Imoen. Not to mention that he had got a nice bit of exercise, he was feeling more or less entirely recovered by now. Well, apart from being slightly tender where he had been wounded, but that didn’t count, seeing that it was fresh. Yes, once more he was feeling on top of everything, perfectly in control of himself and…


Not sure about perfectly in control, considering that strange vampire. But that'll not come into effect soon, right?


No, that will happen later. :P


By the way, I loved your descriptions here, especially Shar spells and their slow descent. These appealed to me even more than the fight scene itself.


Thanks very much, I enjoyed writing those. ;)
Rogues do it from behind.

#14 Guest_Userunfriendly_*

Posted 23 September 2005 - 07:30 AM

Cards Reshuffled 266 – Hide In Shadows


So, you think you have everything well in hand, and that there is nothing that could possibly disturb your plans. You are wrong. There is no way to protect yourself against every eventuality, and somebody out there knows exactly how to get to you.


you could say someone is a glass half full character, and someone else is a glass half empty character. dekkie is obviously a "Who the frick has been drinking out of my glass?" character.. :shock:

The Drow nodded. “Four or five, I’d say. The stiffness has come and gone, and the discolorations are fully formed.”


sometimes we forget you're a nurse laufey..then you go and remind us all...bbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!! (too much information...)

“Not just one,” the assassin said, scanning the floor. “I see…three. Of course there is a remote possibility that I might have missed a few, but we are bound to find out about that, aren’t we?”


the hard way... :evil:

A few minutes later, they were ready, and stood above the open hatch, peering down. There were stairs, yes, the darkness below made it impossible to see how far down they went. And there was a smell too – the sharp, salty smell of the sea. An underground connection to the sea, Dekaras thought. Not just your ordinary basement. But then, there isn’t a whole lot of ‘ordinary’ about this place.


where is the well and the little yipping dog? ;)

“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


he doesn't like to rely on equipment...odd sentiment in someone who buy's jansen brand crossbows..

The first opponent made his move, lunging for the hidden pair, and now that he was close enough he became semi-visible at least, a faintly glowing red outline of heat against the blackness. He was fast, Dekaras had to give him that, and he knew to wield his dagger low, not leaving himself open. But it wouldn’t be enough. Dekaras twisted around, lashing out with a kick that struck the other man’s lower arm, hard. There was a cracking sound, a muffled scream, and the sound of metal skidding away across a stone floor. There. Pounce. Kill. The assassin barely waited for his opponent’s final death rattle before he was on his feet again, searching. Viconia was facing off against two, having snared them both in a paralyzing spell. She was smiling gleefully as she drove the mace she had carried at her belt into the face of the first, no doubt turning it into a bloody pulp beneath the black mask he wore. No time to admire her efficient handiwork though. Next kill. Where? Yes. There. He flipped backwards, narrowly avoiding being impaled on a sword, twisting around to land on his feet. A throwing dagger left his hand flying straight and true, embedding itself in the assailant’s throat. He ignored the spurts of hot blood splattering him, and moved to finish, finding a grasp on the slick flesh before twisting the dagger. A body slumped to the floor, already forgotten. Hunt. Kill.


good fight scene...

Reijek turned, hissing. There was something wrong with his face – the skin rippled, rolling back and forth as if it was about to slide off his skull, and it seemed somehow too large for his head. “But the work…” he said, and his voice was deep and rasping, no longer human.


darn, i have got to catch up with my own series..i've got a twist on the tanner quest that's going to be really gruesome...

“The Twisted Rune, I suspect,” Dekaras mused, still watching the spot where the mage had disappeared. That had been a powerful teleportation spell, he could tell that much. “A powerful organization of some very nasty people, mostly mages.” He laughed sardonically. “And there I was telling Edwin off for all the people he’s managed to annoy while visiting Athkatla. I believe the Twisted Rune were about the only ones he hadn’t got around to yet.”


sorta like the "illumanti" or the "freemasons" of the realms...gets blamed for everything... :arrow:

“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”


will dekkie complete the tanner quest? the armor is highly valuable... ;)

“You! What are you doing up? And in that state!”


yoiks! ;)

Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


yep, dekkie is a pretty terrible patient...

Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.

yay!!! :? :D :D

#15 Laufey

Posted 23 September 2005 - 06:40 PM

Cards Reshuffled 266 – Hide In Shadows



So, you think you have everything well in hand, and that there is nothing that could possibly disturb your plans. You are wrong. There is no way to protect yourself against every eventuality, and somebody out there knows exactly how to get to you.


you could say someone is a glass half full character, and someone else is a glass half empty character. dekkie is obviously a "Who the frick has been drinking out of my glass?" character.. :D


Oh, that he certainly is. :roll:


The Drow nodded. “Four or five, I’d say. The stiffness has come and gone, and the discolorations are fully formed.”


sometimes we forget you're a nurse laufey..then you go and remind us all...bbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!! (too much information...)


:arrow:



A few minutes later, they were ready, and stood above the open hatch, peering down. There were stairs, yes, the darkness below made it impossible to see how far down they went. And there was a smell too – the sharp, salty smell of the sea. An underground connection to the sea
, Dekaras thought. Not just your ordinary basement. But then, there isn’t a whole lot of ‘ordinary’ about this place.


where is the well and the little yipping dog? :evil:


I think maybe Bill ate the dog...


“Shar…” Viconia murmured. “Let your shadows guide us to safety.” She spread her hands, smiling faintly as thick tendrils of darkness crept out from between her fingers, winding themselves down the stairs to make the dark below even more compact. Now at least it would be difficult to ambush them for anybody lurking below. Dekaras nodded with satisfaction as he carefully descended the stairs, step by step, feeling his way cautiously for any more traps. He had always had good night vision, but a handy little spell courtesy of Viconia currently ensured he saw as well as any Drow would have done. He took a moment to wonder if it might be set into a magical item – he could easily imagine a lot of situations where it might be useful. Then again, I wouldn’t want to become dependent on any trinket above my own skill. Not on anything that could be lost or destroyed.


he doesn't like to rely on equipment...odd sentiment in someone who buy's jansen brand crossbows..


Well, this is a bit complicated, and I think perhaps I didn't explain it well enough. It all goes back to his lost magic - he doesn't particularly enjoy emulating magic, when he can't use the real thing. Other equipment he uses of course, and has nothing against using it. Now, it's not that he refuses to use magical items either, he just doesn't want to depend on them too much.


good fight scene...


Thank you! :shock:


Reijek turned, hissing. There was something wrong with his face – the skin rippled, rolling back and forth as if it was about to slide off his skull, and it seemed somehow too large for his head. “But the work…” he said, and his voice was deep and rasping, no longer human.


darn, i have got to catch up with my own series..i've got a twist on the tanner quest that's going to be really gruesome...


Now that sounds promising! ;)



“Something like this perhaps,” Dekaras replied, holding up an item he had just come across. It was a suit of armor, soft and supple, cured and dyed to a soft golden brown. It was possible that it had been intended for a female – certainly the remaining…shape…seemed to indicate that. “But I don’t see why. Why human skin, dangerous to acquire and not too sturdy, when there are other options available?”


will dekkie complete the tanner quest? the armor is highly valuable... ;)


Kill Adalon, you mean? I have no idea what will happen with her, not yet. But I highly doubt Dekkie would want to wear human skin at any rate, that simply isn't his style.



Dekaras didn’t wait to hear what the reply was. He simply ducked into the crowd, trying to block out the furious shouts of the healer behind him. By comparison, being caught by the Twisted Rune suddenly didn’t seem like such a bad option.


yep, dekkie is a pretty terrible patient...


Infuriating!


Next: Rini makes a pretty unpleasant discovery.

yay!!! ;) ;) :?


:D
Rogues do it from behind.




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