[Game Thread] Prologue: The Revival

[Jayjayman122]

Melody, left alone in the dining area with Ullgar, looks at him from her bowl remembering his offer to help her if she needed it, and pulls out a dagger from her bag, I chose this one. It's really the only one I can lift properly... can you teach me how to use it?

The young human locks eyes with the goliath, hopeful that he'll accept. If she was going to join them on this quest - she would need to learn to fight.

[EngrInAZ]

Ullgar looked up as Melody entered the kitchen, 'it appears something has changed.' As Rizen and Trent move off into the other room Ullgar says to Melody, "Well, your spirits seem to have lifted some, which is saying a lot given our circumstances." Ullgar gives her a welcoming smile, 'Thanks to Trent, mine have been raised as well.' "I understand if you don’t want to talk about it…" Ullgar pauses for a moment with a sympathetic look on his face, "but…do you want to tell me about how you got here and what your life was before this." Ullgar spreads his massive arms wide, taking in all of the drab surroundings, 'this wonderfully dismal existence we have been pulled into…maybe my spirits can use a little more rasing.'

Originally Posted by Jayjayman122

I chose this one. It's really the only one I can lift properly... can you teach me how to use it?

"I would be happy to show you how to use that dagger. Whenever you want we can go into the other room, we may need a little space to move around."

[Phil]

Trent decides against following Rizen back into the kitchen. Let the man get whatever offense he had out of his system. When he's cooled off, Trent would seek him out to apologize, but for now he'd give him his space. Casually, Trent decides to wander, instead, looking around the lair with interest .

[Jayjayman122]

Melody thinks about her life before all of this happened. How happy she was - how happy everyone was... nothing would be the same again, even if she did go back. These thoughts started to raise the despair within her once more, but she shook her and smiled at Ullgar.

Perhaps another time. You said your name was Ullgar, right? That's a pretty scary sounding name... and when I first saw you, you were pretty scary. But I don't think you're scary anymore. You're very nice. I've never met a Goliath before... My name is Melody! She stretches out her tiny. by comparison, hand towards his.

Her eyes then narrow at the dagger, Let's go practice! Melody jumps from her seat and rushes to the door, and then stops and looks back at Ullgar, But be gentle with me ok - She puts her hands over her heart, remembering the pain she felt in her last moments of life, ... at first. I know the 'things' we'll be meeting with won't be gentle, and I want to learn to be... ruthless too. But at first, let's be gentle, ok?

[EngrInAZ]

Ullgar takes Melody’s hand and gently shakes it, "Yes, my name is Ullgar; it is a pleasure to meet you Melody, though unfortunate that it is under these unpleasant circumstances." He smiles slightly as he shrugs his shoulders, "I’ve dealt with the fear and apprehension all my life, dwarves can be worse than humans in that regard, and I’ve learned to use it to my advantage."

UIllgar thought back over his childhood in Nerengard, the hurtful teasing and taunts some of the dwarven children would use, all because he was different from them. Jorath would tell him "Don’t let them know they are hurting you, that only emboldens them. Most will tire of it if they don’t get the results they crave. But there are others who will not stop unless they feel the consequences of their words." Ullgar tried to keep his emotions in check and not let the dwarven boys know their words could do damage, but it was hard. After a while the teasing eased some, but there were the stubborn few that reveled in other’s misery. Ullgar can remember when one of these boys, Thurdan, pushed him past the breaking point. Even though Thurdan was half Ullgar’s size, he persisted in his torment of the young goliath. But, it wasn’t until Thurdan issued an insult of Ullgar’s mother that the dwarves saw the power of a goliath’s rage. "Your mother was just a whore who probably slept with a giant, that’s why you’re so big." Before the words finshed leaving Thurdan’s mouth Ullgar let out a furious roar and charged the cruel dwarf, his massive fists ready to strike. Thurdan tried to block the blow, but the force of Ullgars punch sent the dwarf flying ten feet across the yard ending up in a sobbing, moaning heap on the ground. After that day, the teasing stopped and Ullgar realized the importance of utilizing every advantage when confronting a foe.

Ullgar follows Melody out of the kitchen into the main room, grabbing a couple of spoon to use as training tools. He moves some of the furnishings in the living room to give the two ample area to practice. He hands Melody one of the spoons, "We will use these as daggers while we train, I don’t want you slicing me up on our first day," he says as he grins at the young woman. "I’m no expert with the dagger, I prefer to bash my opponents," he taps the warhammer hanging at his side, "But I will show you what I can." Ullgar takes up a position in the middle of the room, slightly crouched with his left foot somewhat out in front of his body. His right hand holds the wooden spoon and his left is in a shielding position in front of his body. "The dagger is light, very good for quick strikes," he slashes at the air quickly. "The trick is finding your opponents weakness and exploiting it," he punctuates the statement with a sudden thrust of the wooden spoon. "Try and use your off hand to ward off your opponents blows and expose weak areas," Ullgar swipes to his left with his left arm and then thrusts at his invisible opponent. "Okay, let’s see you handle the dagger. Pretend you have an opponent and just feel the weapon as you move and attack. You’re just trying to get used to it." Ullgar steps back out of the way to watch Melody’s movements.

[Soporte Vaca]

Belfegor flew in a pleasent reverie, thinking over the Changling's offer, and the mission ahead of them, while he sipped his coffee. He was shocked out of this reverie when he was assulted by a wooden with a human female attached to one end.

A vein pulsed on his temple as he said "Weapon instruction is all well and good, but we have a room for that, so please refrain from swinging the cutlery about."

[hippo]

"Now, now Belfegor. They've not had a tour - they can't know how diligently you prepared for them." The Grey Lady's voice chides the imp, but with real affection. Still dressed in her adventuring clothes, she stands watching the girl and the goliath spar. Clearly Melody hasn't a martial bone in her Revived body, though she'll be able to hack at an enemy in desperation to save her life. "No," she thinks "Melody can put that blade to much better use."

"Melody, watch carefully. I believe you'll find this lesson better suited to your abilities. Ulgar, do you mind?" Adrelyn motions for the runepriest to stand guard while she unsheathes her short sword. "You've got to learn the knack of channeling through the blade." Her eyes focus keenly on Ulgar, while she makes the slightest dip of the blade. Arcane might leaps the distance between the two and shoves Ulgar back three steps, barely keeping his balance. "Now, my natural inclinations lean toward manipulation of arcane force. Yours may lead you elsewhere. Trust your feelings within. You are your own source of power. It will manifest, in time."

To the goliath she nods. "You are a hardy soul. While I definitely pulled my punch, I still expected you flat on your backside. This group is well served with your presence. May you be a stone shield of faith to protect and defend them."




"It is time. Ask the others to join me in the great room. I've recovered sufficiently for the strengthening rituals."

[Jayjayman122]

Melody follows Ullgar's advice and crouches, puts her left foot forward, her left hand in front of her and her right hand holding the wooden spoon tightly. She takes a couple jabs at the air and remembers to use her left hand to ward any blows that come at her, but as she swings at nothing in the air - she loses her balance and falls to the ground; face first.

Melody stands and gives Ullgar an embarassed chuckle - her chestnut hair now having fallen into her face. She starts to swing at the air again and accidentally stabs at Belfegor. She instantly drops the spoon and starts apologizing to the imp, I am so sorry - I didn't see you there!!

Blowing her hair in frustration, Melody picks up the spoon again and places it in her mouth to hold as she ties her hair behind her head with a silk band. There I can see now...

About to take a couple jabs at the air, the young woman's training is interrupted by the return of the Grey Lady. Melody watches as Adrelyn instructs her on the use of the arcane. That's silly - I can't do that... but I'll give anything a try if it helps in battle. Focusing on the spoon in her hand, Melody begins concentrating hard. She looks over to Ullgar and starts to think of thoughts of magic. Her body begins to warm as she is reminded of her days spent outside in the glow of the sun. Pictures of her mother fill her mind as the wooden spoon begins to shake uncontrollably in her hand. Mental images of her mother continue to pour into her mind until the scene of her mother's final moments sear back into her mind. Melody's eyes tear, but not in sadness, and rather in anger. Her blood rushes even more quickly as the adrenaline begins to build in her body, and finally, the picture of her killer is seen in her mind. Unable to hold it in anymore, Melody lets out a scream of frustration, AAAAARRRHHH!!! And the wooden spoon catches ablaze and shoots out towards the goliath. Before hitting him, a shower of radiant light explodes the spoon and releases fiery ember in every which direction..

Melody falls to her knees - gasping for giants breaths of air. Her body begins to cool as she calms herself down. Looking up, she notices the others putting out the small fires she just cast into the living area. Taking a big gulp, she looks at the Grey Lady, with some fear in her eyes, but mostly curiosity and asked, W-what am I?

[EngrInAZ]

Ullgar watches as the young Meldody stumbles and staggers through the movements. His instincts are to catch her when she falls but he fights it, knowing that she must experience the failure to realize when she is successful. He is just about to interject with some more pointers when Adrelyn enters the room. Ullgar listens as Adrelyn explains to Melody the arcane channeling, 'Well, it is clear the young girl doesn’t have melee skills, fortunately the Gray Lady has some understanding of her potential.' Just as he finishes the thought Adrelyn raises her blade towards Ullgar, 'Looks like she is going to give us a sample.' Suddenly, a powerful force shoots from the blade and slams into Ullgar’s chest. He

Dice Arcana Check:

1d20+1

(5)+1

Total = 6

fights against it, yet it still slides him backwards a few steps. 'She has some power if that was only a fraction. This should be very helpful for Melody.'

Ullgar watches as Melody now practices some of the new arcane techniques that Adrelyn showed her. She seems to not have much success until, in a fit of frustration, the spoon shoots across the room towards Ullgar and bursts in to sparks. Ullgar flinches slightly, remembering the force of Adrelyn’s magic, "Well done Melody. I think you made a break-through. Keep up the practice and you will be quite a formidable opponent." Ullgar gives Melody a supportive smile, "and remember, you have us front-line guy’s will be there to keep the bad guy’s away from you so you shouldn’t have to use that dagger." He then turns to Adrelyn, "I suppose we should continue on with the revival."

[Phil]

Exploring the lair, Trent manages to find his way to the practice room, just in time to overhear the Lady's instruction of Melony in sorcery. Trent is deep in thought as he watches the young girl fire a bolt of fiery power across the room.

She knows more about them than they know about themselves; it's a thought of some concern for Trent, but at the same time, Trent was still chosen. His... agenda is either unknown to the Lady after all, or she has no objection to it.

As the others move towards the great hall, Trent follows suit.

[Soporte Vaca]

"Well, they could have looked. The kitchen is hardly the place for this sort of-" Belfegor's mumbling was cut off by his own face-palm when the Lady proceeded to zap the Behemoth with arcane energy.

Then, when he opened his mouth to lecture everyone in the room about why the kitchen wasn't suited for this sort of thing, the girl went and exploded a spoon, sended one of the embers flying into his open gob.

After chewing on this new developement, and after the Behemoth gave his congradulations, he flew over to the girl. "I'm an arcane practitioner myself, and while my skills lie elsewhere, I may be able to help you here. While we are travelling, I'll see what I can do to help."Maybe that Changling will be able to give her a pointer or two as well.

[hippo]

"Why my dear, you are what the gods made you: a girl of surpassing courage and curiosity. You are being given the chance to embrace your true nature, and uncover the depths of your power. Everyone expresses their inner strength in different ways. Ulgar here manifests a stalwart faith and steadfast dependability. Rizen embodies a grim determination to serve his goddess and our mission. Zuul ... well Zuul personifies chance, change and choice in equal measures. You need to discover yourself and the roots of your strength."

A wry smile crosses Adrelyn's face. "But enough with the enigma. You are a sorcerer, dipping into an inner pool of arcane might to shape the world through force of personality. You follow in my footsteps - I see myself in you. That is why you were chosen."

[Jayjayman122]

When Melody finally caught the rest of her breath - she looked up and smiled at the group, and nodded at the Grey Lady, Thank you all! I am eager to see what else this sorcerer can do! The young woman shot her finger up in excitement and another spark flew out. She quickly withdrew her finger and smiled, I'll be careful, and ... , looking at Ullgar, Practice lots!

Melody crossed her arms, making sure to hide her hands beneath her armpits as a sort of magic holster to prevent any more unprovoked shots. Looking around, the new sorcerer counted the members of her new party. We're missing one!

[hippo]

Adrelyn glances towards the door to the lab and gestures. The door opens wide. A glimpse of the changeling can be seen through the smoky haze wafting through the open door.

"Zuul - when you are quite done in there, join us in the great room. I am starting the strengthening rituals."

The shadowborn leads the rest of the Revived to the largest room in the outpost. Comfortable rugs and shadow wolf pelts line the stone floors and a fire crackles warmly in the hearth. The chill and oppression of the darklands dissapate for a while in this place. For the first time since Revival there is a feeling of serenity.

The Lady walks to the center of the room and motions her arm in a semi-circle before her. The Revived arrange themselves facing her, their uncertainty at odds with the soothing nature of the room. Rizen takes his accustomed place behind and to the right of his mistress. Rune wanders in from the library next door, and Belfegor flutters to his shoulder. After a moment of silence, she begins.

"The first part of the Revival ritual created a temporary physical shell for your recently departed soul. An admixture of arcane and divine power fused to your soul and allowed it to solidify according to your thought patterns and memory. The binding is fueled by your will; your longing for adventure and life. Should your will to live falter, the binding will be undone. This is the case with all such revivals - even the miraculous intervention of the gods cannot force a person back to life. The soul must acquiesce to the transition. It must choose life."

"I am not a prelate of the goddess. I lack the divine spark needed to grant an instant return to life. Had I that ritual knowledge, the gods could still withhold that gift on a whim. I offer a more difficult path back to life, but one which depends solely on the will of the revived. Through Revival you are granted the opportunity to affirm, and reaffirm your commitment to life. As time goes on death's hold on your soul weakens, and your control increases. If you do not falter, you will win your life back."

Adrelyn looks over her new companions, reassessing their determination to survive. "They are ready. Each has a reason, and that will fire their will." She nods and smiles.

"The first steps are always the hardest. Forcing Death to free your soul required every ounce of strength I possessed. Once loosed from its grip, your souls can start to purposefully walk the path back to life. The next steps will be hard, but I can help. This ritual infuses your soul with arcane force, providing a foundation your mind can use to reconstitute natural life. Like every other step in this process, it begins with your choice. Who will be the first to take the next step along the path?"

The Grey Lady waits eagerly for her first volunteer.

[EngrInAZ]

”Well, we are all here in the hopes of regaining our lives,” Ullgar says as he looks over the group. ”I’m ready, Lady Adrelyn, to take the next step. This, apparently, is the only way to get where I wish to go.” Ullgar steps up to the Grey Lady, ’This can’t be any worse than dying was.’