G
Guest
Guest
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</p> </td> <td> <p align="center">
</p></td> <td>
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t was a long night last night, with battles, friends in need, newcomers to help, and houses to move, so I was glad to finally put my feet up and relax at the Golden Unicorn Tavern.
Unfortuantely, what I had thought was a pick-axe turned out to be a repeating crossbow, so the patrons of the tavern returned my warm greetings by diving under the tables, at the thought of a blind bowman in an enclosed space.
That misunderstanding behind us, the evening began, with a new voice, Rumil of Lorain presenting his sad tale of a warrior's last rites.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Rites of a warrior"
by
umil of
orain </td> <td width="101" height="101">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c"> <tr> <td>
he battle was over, They had won or so it seemed to those who did not know any better.
The army from Despise had been defeated to the last creature.
The last survivor of the human army stood with his back to a large oak tree,
his chipped and bloodied sword pointing downward,
as his shoulders slumped from exhaustion.
Marak was his given name, in his mid fifties but still strong and powerfully built
Marak's black hair was turning gray giving him the look of a grizzled bear
his bright green eyes were tired and dull.
They may have defeated the army from Despise and saved the village,
but at what cost. How many men had died? was it worth it?
would the widows and children wonder at night about their husbands and fathers.
With a heavy sigh, feeling like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders,
Marak gazed about him. The dead lay about him the men,
the boys the monsters piled beyond measure,
pools of blood not yet congealed gleamed in the late evening sun.
All because of him or so he believed, It was he who had found the tracks of the army.
His words that had fired the hearts of the men and boys who eagerly took up arms to
defend their village. Who was he to have spoken what right
did he have to demand that they fight and save their few belongings.
Once more Marak wondered if he had done right or wrong.
It was time for him to go for he had to return to the village they must be
informed about the outcome. Marak said a quick prayer to protect their souls and send
them to their resting place.
Picking his way through the dead and mangled bodies he moved slowly,
his heart was heavy with the death of so many, tears threatened to fall unbidden.
Past most of the heavy fighting he turned towards a cleft in the cliffs,
an opening just wide enough for an oxen cart to pass through,
the only way into the valley from this direction.
Moving closer he began to notice a large number of monster bodies,
what had happened here he wondered. Had something gone on he hadn't known about
who had killed all these fierce monster's.
Who ever had done it had fought a mighty battle, the bodies were piled high
Marak spied a piece of metal shining in the dirt and went to investigate.
It was a the broken blade of a saber
a few feet further was a broken haft of a spear.
It was then he heard the moan low filled with pain,
it came from somewhere deep within the pile of bodies.
Marak moved a few bodies and moved forward and saw an astonishing sight.
Beside a pile of bodies lay a youth, about sixteen or so he was pale and his tunic
was covered with blood from the chest down.
In his hand was a foot and a half wooden shaft with a bloody spear
point at the end of it,This was the other end of the spear he had found,
the boy must have been the one to kill all these monsters.
To a veteran like Marak the story was simple the boy had discovered that a band
of monsters were trying to get through the pass and he had went to defend it.
Somewhere along the way his saber had broke and
he was run through his chest with a spear.The boy must have broken off part
of the spear and used it as a weapon.
Quickly Marak fell to his knees beside the boy,
brushing back long sandy colored hair from the boys face.
Blue eyes opened and with trouble the boy spoke.
The battle?''
Don't talk lad it will just make it worse, the battle is over we won I suppose
you could call it that with all but two being dead but enough talk have some water.
Marak took his waterbag off his shoulder and pulled out the stopper tilting
the boys head slightly and putting the waterbagto his mouth.
After a couple of swallows the boy lay back,
It was plain with the look on the boys face he was in great pain.
''Hold on I will get my horse and''
'' No please don't leave me, I dont want to die alone. I don't want to die at all.
I'm only a boy I've just begun to live and... ''It's bad isn't it?''
At first Marak thought about lying to the boy,
trying to comfort him in his last moments.
He glanced over the boys wounds,
besides the hole in his chest there was a long gash
from the bottom of his right ribcage to his left hip.
He didn't have to look to see it was the one killing him.
Since the boy had fought so bravely Marak felt he deserved the truth.
''Not much longer lad''.
Thank you sir,
I dont mind dying so much as long as someone is here with me to the end.
''You fought bravely lad, your father would be proud''
Marak said his voice threatening to break.
It wasn't much comfort he knew but it was all he could think to say.
''Marak had never been good with words especially ones of comfort.
He felt the boy should have someone say something good before he died.
'' I just wished I could have died alongside my father. we used to joke
that one day we'd die together on the battlefield,
You know I saw him fall with the first charge''.
Thats when I noticed the enemy heading this way I cried out,
I tried to get others to come but no one heard me and I knew I had to stop....
A sudden fit of coughing shook the boys slender frame,
he trembled as blood gushed from between his lips.
One of his hands which had been holding
Marak's squeezed harder as the pain washed over him.
Marak swallowed hard to fight back the tears that threatened to fall,
the last thing the boy needed to see was a grown man crying.
It was a struggle for Marak though, he had always been partial to kids.
Feeling pain when they were hurt or crying.
Though the boy no doubt thought of himself as a man he still seemed a boy to Marak.
So young and innocent such a waste that a boy should die in a pool of his own blood.
''It hurts so bad, like a fire raging inside me''.
Is it always this bad? It's never that way in the stories
the people are cut or stabbed and they die,
they die feeling little pain but I'm feeling lots of pain.
''I know lad, I'm sorry if there was anything I could do to help you I would''.
''Then finish it''. The boy said with sudden determination.
''What? I can't do that.''
'' You lied to me didn't you''.
It was a simple statement, said without harshness or remorse to it,
yet it hit Marak a blow he had never felt before.
He simply nodded as he struggled to keep the tears from coming.
He knew what the boy wanted but could he do it.
''Not exactly, I cannot say when you'll die anymore than the next fellow.
I have seen men with wounds less than your's die within seconds others last for days.
Marak stopped then from the look in the boys eyes he knew.
''Please do it, I don't want to die but I also don't want to suffer like this.
'' But I don't know if I can''. Marak shook as he spoke.
The boys blue eyes were wide with pleading,
''It's one thing to kill a man in the heat of battle, but to end so short a life,
I'm not sure if I'm that strong''.
Neither spoke for awhile after that,
the boy had made his plead and the pain in his eyes spoke volumes.
He could suffer for hours yet all because of weakness.
Slowly Marak reached for his knife it was sharp and strong.
One quick thrust into the heart and the boy would be no more.
He had slain enough men to know how to kill and even how to make it painless.
With his right hand trembling he drew the knife,
it slid from the sheath with a whisper of steel.
that sounded like a hiss of death to Marak,
how could he do it he wondered.
This was no hardfaced coldhearted killer,
It was just a freshed faced, bright eyed boy,
He should be swimming in the lake,
or walking along a forest path with his girlfriend
not dying out here in a pool of blood on some lonely battlefield.
Blood poured from the boys mouth
as and his body shook again as the pain gripped him.
With tears threatening to come any moment,
Marak laid the knife against the boys chest,
he tilted it slightly so it would go right in quickly.
''Thank you sir,
my name is Sarn tell my mother and the others how I died please.
Tell them not to cry,
I will be with my father resting and I will be waiting for them.
I know they will be sad but make them understand why I did it.
Tell my sister and brother I'll miss playing with them
or watching them grow up.
Remind them that while resting we will be able to see all that goes on
and I will be watching from time to time.
Sarn put one hand around Maraks,
and shoved the knife into his heart, he twitched
for a moment and then lay still finally free from the pain.
No longer able to keep the tears from flowing
Marak wept openly his whole body shook
as the tears ran down his cheeks and onto Sarns chest.
Through his fifty odd years of life he'd known much pain,
but nothing like this though had
ever affected him as much as this young warrior laying in a pool of blood.
With tears blinding him he slid the knife into it's sheath.
Gently picking Sarn up he turned towards the village.
It was dark when Marak reached Sarn's home,
a crowd of people had spied him coming
and had followed him through the village,
with tears still flowing freely
He laid the boy at his mothers feet,
upon his bloodied tunic he laid the broken saber more a childs toy than a weapon....
</td> </tr> </table>
A mot moving tale, indeed, and most expertly told!
Forgive the lack of new images, good reader, but my picture imp seems to have developed a slight adversion to paint this day. I will sort him out in time a plenty for next week, though!
'twas apparently a night for singing about warriors. Spyderbite brought us this thought-provoking piece:
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#cecece"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"A Warrior's Poem"
by
pyderBite </td> <td width="147" height="147">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#cecece"> <tr> <td>
xhales filling air with fading vapors
from many a throat so parched and sore
as jubilant cries are suddenly raised
in such high morale never seen before.
Every shield has been dropped with sword and spear
along with self-doubt and confidence weak
and replaced by dance and much embracing
when camaraderie has regained its peak.
Overtaken by euphoric rapture
surviving multitudes avoid their graves
when reality is fully realized
of the fact that many a soul is saved.
From watering of blood violently spilled
a contentment like no other has bloomed
and yet I cannot partake in this feeling
as I unfortunately remain consumed.
Bindings are tight and highly unyielding
when wrapped around my emotions jaded
as I am exposed to a sheer defeat
that never could I have contemplated.
While everyone else seems utterly grateful
to be granted a chance to maintain breath
I harbor thoughts so impure and spiteful
against all those who have escaped their death.
Though fortunate they are to highest degree
as they all declare much victory gained
I must admit this is hard to see
as I kneel before my comrades remains.
</td> </tr> </table>
Rumil notched another arrow to his lyrical bow, and let fly with this offering!
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c" border="1"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"The Dwarven King"
by
umil of
orain </td> <td width="147" height="147">
</td></tr></table>
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c" border="1"> <tr> <td>
eneath the skys
Twelve kings were set upon their iron thrones,
flame and fire in ancient bones
wrought in battle, forged of steel
lost from the suns burning wheel.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where powers dark can only die.
Nine blades were forged of mithril cold
by smithies ancient, and magicians bold
mixing steel, fused with magic
to end a war long & tragic.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where young born kings can only die.
Five gems were sealed with a glorious fate
locked in a tomb to lie and wait
until a hand of strength and honor born
pulled then from their grave unworn.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where lost powers can only die.
One King will rise in final fire
to lead the Clans from death and ire
though in the battle he shall fade
he still walks his halls a watchful shade.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where a mighty lord shall never die.
</td></tr></table>
Mac brought us the strange tale of Deluci's Love, but to all ladies he didst appologize in advance
Here now, is his tale of love found and lost and found again.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#a4a4ff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Deluci's Love"
by
ac </td> <td width="147" height="147">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#a4a4ff"> <tr> <td>
ur tale begins with young Deluci,
A fair young lad of just 16
He spent his days training hard to serve his lord as a man of arms.
And his nights looking for his true love.
Then one night he happened upon the love of his.
Day and night did his love stay with him.
No matter where he went so did his love.
Training all day and loving all night young Deluci was never happier in all his life.
Then one day he was summoned to fight for the honor of his lord.
He sharpened his sword and equipped his armor. All along his love was there working with him.
When the day of the battle arrived, he marched off with his love by his side.
The battle was long and hard did he fight, when in one quick stroke he lost his arm and his love.
The surgeons did try to save his dear love. But alas they could do nothing more for the deceased.
He buried his love upon a hill overlooking his home. He weep till the sun did arise once again.
Many months did go by while he trained by day and weep thru the night.
He feared that life had no meaning for him anymore and love would never be his to enjoy.
Till one moonlit spring night, did he find love again. The mirror image of his long lost love did he find there by his
side. Life once again had meaning and joy.
So happy was he that a sacrifice to the gods was made.
All the best he could find did he offer to them.
A pray did he say to the gods, to thank them for their wisdom to give him two hands.
</td> </tr> </table>
Ahem. Yes, Moving on. Did ye realise the bulk of poems and tales told in the Shire seem te begin with the letter 'T'? No? Ye did not care? I cannot say as I blame ye. Regardless, here is another one.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#98ab94"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Illusions"
by
loan </td> <td width="147" height="147"> <p align="center">
</p> </td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#aec4ac"> <tr> <td>
he tainted sky marbled with clouds.
Twisted darkness covers the world in its shroud.
Silent whispers float in the wind.
Stars sparkle as they ascend.
Shadows cast on a barren wall.
The nighttime mist begins to fall.
Minds linger of memories of bliss.
Tomorrow new, yesterday missed.
The soul's thirst for passion remains.
The minds' fear of disaster the same.
The mysteries of time.
The curiosities of life.
All is an illusion.
All is realities confusion.
</td> </tr> </table>
Aye. I'm certainly confused, but that's largely due to a severe lack of sleep.
Perhaps I can get some rest when all this inscription is done. Where's that scribe when I need her?
Yancey DeFlorio took to the stage, and began to entertain us with a ballad from a rather large scroll, that had many of the ladies wondering where, exactly, he had been keeping it.
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#dddddd" border="1"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"The Ballad of Avalon Knight"
by
ancey
eFlorio</td> <td width="90">
</td></tr></table>
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#dddddd" border="1"> <tr> <td>
here came a wandering bard
Old and wizened in his years
He stopped and saw a young maiden
By the bridge, so full with tears
And this is how our tale begins……
Hello fair maiden
Please indulge me
In an old fool's tale
For a wee spot of company
Stories a-plenty I'll tell ye
T'was not so long ago
In a far off land
A kingdom called Starhaven
Was where destiny laid her hand
And so it began
In a day like yester'n
Chaos ruled abound
And no peace was seen
Came a stranger, true
No home to call his own
With powers and strength god-born
Yet ever always alone
Tis true , fair lady
This tale I do tell
From Starhaven I once came
Where my destiny did dwell
On that day
Where evil stood
Bore witness to a knight from far Avalon
Sent there to do good
A lone warrior
Bold, to be sure
Slaying demons a-thousand
With radiant light so pure
But peace does not come easy
For evil never truly rests
So continues our solitary hero
His powers always put to the test
On one frightful morn
Our hero did espy
A foul engine of mass destruction
Of souls taken, did it rely
Such horror it came
To one who longed for peace
Brewed anger forth
And rage release
And all the world will witness
To a day when silence shaterred
The sky rolled with lightning and thunder
Till the last sword down will clatter
So fierce was that battle
Between so many against one
A time good strained all glory
And heralded kingdom come
One's dream will shatter
Another's shall be reborn
One will be hailed victorious
While another will end up scorned
Unending rage
A storm's unleashed
The hero strains all powers
All his might to destroy the beast
Then night settled and battle ceased
Bringing needed rest to those agrieved
<script>His tale he told, but not with pride
He was mortal once
In a life before
Now he searches the world
To regain humanity once more
As a boy he grew
An earthy-rich soul
Full of joy in life he knew
Until paradise was befouled
Gone were his family
His friends and every living soul
His world was shattered
And too, the dreams, the goals
Grief stricken, he stumbled lost
Full of pain, drawn to wander
Despair\'s a joy embraced
For heaven\'s torn asunder
He cried hell on earth
Cursing and raving mad to its hilt
Unending sorrow longing silence
His cry unanswered, his death stayed still
Then came a dream
Of a birth long forgotten
From a curse written in stone
To lead a life down-trodden
Upon waking he found the messenger
Tall in bearing, grimly pale
Saying that his world is gone
He must journey beyond the gale
To find death in meaningful struggle
A rebirth from cries of rage
To seek heaven in all it\'s glory
To never cease in timeless age
He came from his journey
Now a warrior new
Reborn from the ashes
A shining pheonix flew
And so the story went
He traveled far and wide
Becoming the hero he now stands
Regaining a man\'s lost pride
But still there was that longing
To be with those gone before
Still seeking everlasting freedom
To return home once more
So the tale ends there
Now they understood
Why this hero fights all odds
To save lives where he could
But rest comes in short gasps
For battle calls once more
The forces of evil are at the gate
Ready to destroy a kingdom\'s door
The horn has sounded
The battle\'s joined again
Teeth, claw, swords, and rage scatter
As heroes and villains began
Alongside the knight
Starhaven\'s allies now stand
",1] ); //--></script> As heroes gathered 'round the stranger's side
His tale he told, but not with pride
He was mortal once
In a life before
Now he searches the world
To regain humanity once more
As a boy he grew
An earthy-rich soul
Full of joy in life he knew
Until paradise was befouled
Gone were his family
His friends and every living soul
His world was shattered
And too, the dreams, the goals
Grief stricken, he stumbled lost
Full of pain, drawn to wander
Despair's a joy embraced
For heaven's torn asunder
He cried hell on earth
Cursing and raving mad to its hilt
Unending sorrow longing silence
His cry unanswered, his death stayed still
Then came a dream
Of a birth long forgotten
From a curse written in stone
To lead a life down-trodden
Upon waking he found the messenger
Tall in bearing, grimly pale
Saying that his world is gone
He must journey beyond the gale
To find death in meaningful struggle
A rebirth from cries of rage
To seek heaven in all it's glory
To never cease in timeless age
He came from his journey
Now a warrior new
Reborn from the ashes
A shining pheonix flew
And so the story went
He traveled far and wide
Becoming the hero he now stands
Regaining a man's lost pride
But still there was that longing
To be with those gone before
Still seeking everlasting freedom
To return home once more
So the tale ends there
Now they understood
Why this hero fights all odds
To save lives where he could
But rest comes in short gasps
For battle calls once more
The forces of evil are at the gate
Ready to destroy a kingdom's door
The horn has sounded
The battle's joined again
Teeth, claw, swords, and rage scatter
As heroes and villains began
Alongside the knight
Starhaven's allies now stand
<script>A demon-horde they command
But valiant are they
Fighting strong and true
The demons\' number lessens
New hope for them shone through
Then came that wicked engine
Laying waste to souls it did
Driven by their leader
Dar-mir, the grim Bordid
Dar-mir, the wretched
Murderer of souls all
The last of the race of Bordid
The demons heed his call
He laid waste to his people
His family, and his friends
A being of malevolent pure evil
He desires to bring about the end
All those gathered started as one
Save that for our hero
Who, at first glance he saw
That now, his time has come
The field parted
As the two drew close
Tension filled the air
Singular battle both chose
They came as one, swords bared
The ring of metal loud upon silent air
A dirge lay beneath the conflict
Singing about the battle of the pair
Neither would give no quarter
Full tilt they went head-on
A crash of light, sound, and thunder
The outcome will be the one who is strong
On that day, all will remember
Bearing witness to a battle royal
As powers unearthly reached crescendo
As they fought like gods immortal
Their powers came to play
And all did stare in wonder
As if two gods came
And tore heaven and earth asunder
And so the knight
Knowing full well his call
Strained all glory his power
Ridding death\'s evil pall
A blast of light like creation
Came full force in righteous anger
Engulfed the two in battle
Those who watched feared for the stranger
And so when the light died down
Lay there was Dar-mir\'s crown
Of the knight, none was left
Save that of his armor\'s crest
Though none truly knew him
They mourned him well
And in memory of his deeds
A legend of him they tell
",1] ); //--></script> Though no match for their enemy
A demon-horde they command
But valiant are they
Fighting strong and true
The demons' number lessens
New hope for them shone through
Then came that wicked engine
Laying waste to souls it did
Driven by their leader
Dar-mir, the grim Bordid
Dar-mir, the wretched
Murderer of souls all
The last of the race of Bordid
The demons heed his call
He laid waste to his people
His family, and his friends
A being of malevolent pure evil
He desires to bring about the end
All those gathered started as one
Save that for our hero
Who, at first glance he saw
That now, his time has come
The field parted
As the two drew close
Tension filled the air
Singular battle both chose
They came as one, swords bared
The ring of metal loud upon silent air
A dirge lay beneath the conflict
Singing about the battle of the pair
Neither would give no quarter
Full tilt they went head-on
A crash of light, sound, and thunder
The outcome will be the one who is strong
On that day, all will remember
Bearing witness to a battle royal
As powers unearthly reached crescendo
As they fought like gods immortal
Their powers came to play
And all did stare in wonder
As if two gods came
And tore heaven and earth asunder
And so the knight
Knowing full well his call
Strained all glory his power
Ridding death's evil pall
A blast of light like creation
Came full force in righteous anger
Engulfed the two in battle
Those who watched feared for the stranger
And so when the light died down
Lay there was Dar-mir's crown
Of the knight, none was left
Save that of his armor's crest
Though none truly knew him
They mourned him well
And in memory of his deeds
A legend of him they tell
<script>Of Dar-mir, he died and turned to sand
For so long did he sink into evil
That oblivion would be his lasting reward
For he turned from god towards the devil
His life, so much like the knight\'s
Was full of despair and grief
But no regrets were made
His life he led to shame
But what of the knight,
Thou ask, dearest maid
Of what truly happened,
Of where are his remains
For when the light diminished
He, too, faded away
Leaving only the fallen Dar-mir
The demon he slayed
The crest was all
That lay proudly upon his chest
Now lay atop the fallen
Proclaiming that he, indeed was the best
None knew where he went
Save the wind and where it blew
Breezed with stories full in legend
His tale so then flew
Of a powerful stranger
Came forth to do good
And when battle\'s ended
Empty shall be the place he stood
A shrine they made
One of crystal and gold
To lay homage to an unknown hero
One so unique and so bold
No one knew him
And he knew not them
But strange for a stranger
To treat this land like a gem
So ends my tale
A haunting song it is
Too many of quests in imagination
But a dream could not end like this
Now I leave you
To carry on this tale
To another who is worth telling
Of one whom life thinks pale
But fear not
For when this tale ends
Another begins once more
As time moves then and then
For when life strains all
Fighting darkness\' end
Comes again the Avalon Knight
And a world\'s freedom he\'ll defend…
The bard bids the maid farewell
Watched her leave in awe of what he did tell
Then he changed in a wash of radiant light
Where an old man now stood in sight
A youth did appear, glowing a golden hue
Then armor enwrapped him, as was his due
Rising slowly, majestic through the air
And streaked through the heavens fair
Knowing when needed, he\'ll come again
The Avalon Knight, the stranger - the Friend…
",0] ); //--></script>
Of Dar-mir, he died and turned to sand
For so long did he sink into evil
That oblivion would be his lasting reward
For he turned from god towards the devil
His life, so much like the knight's
Was full of despair and grief
But no regrets were made
His life he led to shame
But what of the knight,
Thou ask, dearest maid
Of what truly happened,
Of where are his remains
For when the light diminished
He, too, faded away
Leaving only the fallen Dar-mir
The demon he slayed
The crest was all
That lay proudly upon his chest
Now lay atop the fallen
Proclaiming that he, indeed was the best
None knew where he went
Save the wind and where it blew
Breezed with stories full in legend
His tale so then flew
Of a powerful stranger
Came forth to do good
And when battle's ended
Empty shall be the place he stood
A shrine they made
One of crystal and gold
To lay homage to an unknown hero
One so unique and so bold
No one knew him
And he knew not them
But strange for a stranger
To treat this land like a gem
So ends my tale
A haunting song it is
Too many of quests in imagination
But a dream could not end like this
Now I leave you
To carry on this tale
To another who is worth telling
Of one whom life thinks pale
But fear not
For when this tale ends
Another begins once more
As time moves then and then
For when life strains all
Fighting darkness' end
Comes again the Avalon Knight
And a world's freedom he'll defend…
The bard bids the maid farewell
Watched her leave in awe of what he did tell
Then he changed in a wash of radiant light
Where an old man now stood in sight
A youth did appear, glowing a golden hue
Then armor enwrapped him, as was his due
Rising slowly, majestic through the air
And streaked through the heavens fair
Knowing when needed, he'll come again
The Avalon Knight, the stranger - the Friend…
</td></tr></table>
Tad, a newcomer to our lands, then provided this tale of battles, dungeons, dragons, and more!
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ccffff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Better late than never"
by
ad </td> <td width="200" height="210">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ccffff"> <tr> <td>
have for you a tale of a good ol' DnD battle
'Tis a very tough battle
And many were almost lost
I played the place of a guard during this siege
(Twas long ago, i shall do my best)
The battle horn blew as the grasses surrounding the castle moved
Bustling flooded the castle, and the King took shelter in his keep
Guards took places upon the archery towers, and started letting loose a flurry of arrows
Anxiosness fled through the castle, as the orcs, goblins, and wyvrens closed in
The sound of cold steel upon goblin steel echoed through the sky
Battle cries in many languages came out
At the front gates, massive 8 foot orcs with battering rams were sieging the wooden doors
At the rear, slimy goblins attempted to put ladders up
The sounds of goblins dying fled through the castle as we begun the fight at the rear
Splurch, Slash, and crack, as the ladder was chopped in half
A dozen goblins gone with one attack
But the battle was not over
not nearly
Hundreds of goblins begun coming out of the forest
Orc legions came from the brush
The king ordered us to open the gates and begin engaging them inside the castle
The slow moan of the gates pierced the battle sounds like a hawk pierces silence
Steel begun clashing in yet another place
The battle came from all sides
And archers were low on arrows
The guards were chopping ladders all around, but they kept coming
Orcs fell into traps
But the rest stepped on the bodies of their brethren
The battle was taking an enormous toll
When spells begun flying
Warriors stopped battle momentarily as their wounds closed
Archers began with fury anew as they saw the battle turning
The goblins were no longer making it into the castle
'Orcs were piled so high it was almost blocking the gates
As an enormous 10 foot orc came to the gates, warriors crumbled
But the King did not
He came to meet the orc captain with fury unmatched by barbarians
His golden blade pierced the hide with a blue flame
The orc captain was dying
And the battle was won
The orcish horns sounded through the forests that day
As Humans began coming back from the dead
And some of our... vertically challenged gnomes came from under the buildings
Enemy bodies were burned
The battle was over
But the adventure was just begun
</td> </tr> </table>
A fine tale, indeed! McAndrews was waving a tankard around as usual, but it turned out that he wanted to tell a tale, not obtain another refil, for a change! And so, this fine tale flowed like fine whisky, and then the drinks flowed freely!
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffa6"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Whisky in a bottle"
by
cAndrews </td> <td width="150" height="150">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffa6"> <tr> <td>
s I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier
Saying "Stand and deliver! For the devil he may take ye!"
I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me but the
Devil take the women for you never can believe them.
I went into my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder
But Jenny took my charges and she filled them up with water
And sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter.
'Twas early in the morning before I rose to travel
Up come a band of foot men and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she stole away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken.
If anyone can aid me it's my brother in the army
If I could learn his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'd come and join me we'd go rovin' in Kilkenny
I'll engage he'd treat me fairer than my darlin' sportin' Jenny.
</td> </tr> </table>
And that, apparently, is why he will not marry Hoffs. Remarkable. Have ye noticed that most tales by Scotsmen begin with an 'A'? Nay? Neither had I. Here's another one. *makes note to get more interesting introductions*
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc6ff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Belgrim Brightaxe"
by
eldin
rightaxe </td> <td width="100">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc6ff"> <tr> <td>
'reet folks
Ah huv a tale fer yer.
Aboot me dear dah, Belgrim Brightaxe
A mighty axe he bore an' a long beard he wore.
One day, me dah goes an' visits wit thae elfling king.
"Sir" he says,"We huv decided tae go ter war wit ye."
Thae elfling king looks a bit surprised, bar take war seriously.
"We? Who is this we?, he says
"Well, tha' would be masael, me brudder Barik, his baerns Belik an' Borin.
"an' me lads Beldin an' Beldas"
"Me guid dwarf," thae elfling king says," Ah huv 1100 elfling warriors at me command tha' can
be ready tae move on a moments notice."
"Ahh" replies me da. "Let me git back tae yer then."
He leaves, bar returns two days later.
"Ok, elfling, Ah huv roonded oop two mair ae me cousins an' we huv a few axes atween us all.:"
"Sir Dwarf, Ah huv 300 ae tahe finest archers aroon, plus me royal guards all be
Spellsingers, armed wit' swords ae sharpness."
"Oh, Ah see" Belgrim thinks a bit. "Let me git back tae yer."
An' he leaves only tae return again in two days.
"Ok elfling, we huv roonded oop a few mair swords an' Ah think we be ready."
"Yer whould know me guid dwarf tha' Ah huv since raised me army tae 1300."
"Ahh, damn ye !" An me da leaves again. Bar comes back the next day
"Well elfling King, we huv tae call off thae war."
"Ah'm sorry tae hear tha' Was it thae power ae me army tha' changed yer mind?"
"Nae elfling. Ah spoke tae all me kin an' we decided tha' we jist
donnae huv thae room fer 1300 prisoners."
</td> </tr> </table>
This won him the night's prize, which he happily accepted, saying "now Ah kin buy me some clothes !"
Tis a sad day when our fine bards and warriors must run around in their nightgowns, but thankfully, there will be one fewer hairy legged Scotsman scaring the local ladies this night!
Onwards, then, with Orcs and Ogres! Not the best of travelling companions, but I've had worse.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#e0c1ff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Orcs and Ogres"
by
oD
oG </td> <td width="100">
</td> </tr> </table>
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#e0c1ff"> <tr> <td>
his story takes place in times of past
In an orcish city known as Gromburigimor
A young student Orc by the name of Bor'ug Strongtoe
was studying to be a vicious warrior
much like his father Grumnug Stronggas
In his training he would befriend an ogre
This ogre was tall and strong much stronger than Bor;ug
but Bor'ug had something Doreshe'n Chipped Tooth the ogre did not
A slightly more evolved brain.
The two of these beasts became the best of friends
Doing everything together
They would Learn to be the best of the best
They would practice there Axe throwing skills
There Decapitating skills
and there Large Axe carrying contests together
Bor'ug and Doreshe'n were unseperateable until one day
One day Bor'ug met a Fellow orcling
Her name was B'trl Smellbad
And he instanly fell in love at first sight
This angered Doreshen'n
For now he had to compete for Bor'ugs attention
For secretly Doreshe'n had a crush on Bor'ug
This is where the Lord of Dogs comes in.
Doreshe'n Came to me in help for gettin rid of Smellbad
He though that perhaps a lil bit of Elven smell would drive the love craze out of his system
I instead told him I know the orcs are driven mad by fine music
Delusioned by this he said what, I love Fine music play some for me
So i Grabbed my Harp and began playing a bit
This drove the Ogre wild and said that, that is not music that is Hidious!!
I smiled and said to the young ogre aye and thats what that fine lady shall think
Pleased with a competent thought, the first the ogre ever had said I shall pay you to do this.
I said to the ogre no no t'would be my pleasure as long as I get something for me in Return
Sure said the ogre what can I do for you in return?
I say In a calm voice Hmmm Perhaps a sacrafice or some tea I dont know right now
Either good for you?
Sure Says the ogre Excitedly
Grande I say now where might I find these two love birds?
Come says the ogre Ill show you to there love making spot *anger fills the ogres eyes&
So we treked through miles of muck
the stench was unworldly
till finaly we reached the hut in which B'trl and Bor'ug were
I thrusted open the door my dogs at my feet
I sicked my dog of the Emberwilde onto her ripping her to shreds
I then played my hypnotic melody to soothe the orc and ogre to sleep
I Tied a rope to there legs and tied it to the back of my dog
and pulled those Disgusting vermin all the way back to Sunter Tree
I bolted the Orc down upon the sacraficial alter for my lord
Making sure not to let any blood drip just yet
I some how was able to manage to tie the ogre up above his friend of intrest
Hovering about 10 feet away from each other
I wanted to let the poor ogre see what was going to be done to his Love
I sent out the message to my Lord Dras Den Enyen that the victim is ready
Withen minutes he came bursting in the door with Blood lust in his eyes
He gazes up at the ceiling, whats the ogre for?
For my own amusement I reply
Ahhh very good then
He takes out a sharp knife and removes the tangled head from Bor'ug
letting the blood flow into vials near by
Whats the orcs blood for I ask?
Tis For the Time to end The war between elves and Orcs
I slowly look up towards the ogre over head
what about them
I didnt think about them Hmm
Perhaps my plan needs a little Help eh?
</td> </tr> </table>
Don't we all, sooner or later!
The night was a good one, full of fine tales and fine ales!
I would have presented a tale of my own, but my scrolls were hit by a spell of corruption just before arriving at the tavern, and were in tatters. Still, there is always next week!
Come and join us there!
</td> </tr> </table>
Unfortuantely, what I had thought was a pick-axe turned out to be a repeating crossbow, so the patrons of the tavern returned my warm greetings by diving under the tables, at the thought of a blind bowman in an enclosed space.
That misunderstanding behind us, the evening began, with a new voice, Rumil of Lorain presenting his sad tale of a warrior's last rites.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Rites of a warrior"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c"> <tr> <td>
The army from Despise had been defeated to the last creature.
The last survivor of the human army stood with his back to a large oak tree,
his chipped and bloodied sword pointing downward,
as his shoulders slumped from exhaustion.
Marak was his given name, in his mid fifties but still strong and powerfully built
Marak's black hair was turning gray giving him the look of a grizzled bear
his bright green eyes were tired and dull.
They may have defeated the army from Despise and saved the village,
but at what cost. How many men had died? was it worth it?
would the widows and children wonder at night about their husbands and fathers.
With a heavy sigh, feeling like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders,
Marak gazed about him. The dead lay about him the men,
the boys the monsters piled beyond measure,
pools of blood not yet congealed gleamed in the late evening sun.
All because of him or so he believed, It was he who had found the tracks of the army.
His words that had fired the hearts of the men and boys who eagerly took up arms to
defend their village. Who was he to have spoken what right
did he have to demand that they fight and save their few belongings.
Once more Marak wondered if he had done right or wrong.
It was time for him to go for he had to return to the village they must be
informed about the outcome. Marak said a quick prayer to protect their souls and send
them to their resting place.
Picking his way through the dead and mangled bodies he moved slowly,
his heart was heavy with the death of so many, tears threatened to fall unbidden.
Past most of the heavy fighting he turned towards a cleft in the cliffs,
an opening just wide enough for an oxen cart to pass through,
the only way into the valley from this direction.
Moving closer he began to notice a large number of monster bodies,
what had happened here he wondered. Had something gone on he hadn't known about
who had killed all these fierce monster's.
Who ever had done it had fought a mighty battle, the bodies were piled high
Marak spied a piece of metal shining in the dirt and went to investigate.
It was a the broken blade of a saber
a few feet further was a broken haft of a spear.
It was then he heard the moan low filled with pain,
it came from somewhere deep within the pile of bodies.
Marak moved a few bodies and moved forward and saw an astonishing sight.
Beside a pile of bodies lay a youth, about sixteen or so he was pale and his tunic
was covered with blood from the chest down.
In his hand was a foot and a half wooden shaft with a bloody spear
point at the end of it,This was the other end of the spear he had found,
the boy must have been the one to kill all these monsters.
To a veteran like Marak the story was simple the boy had discovered that a band
of monsters were trying to get through the pass and he had went to defend it.
Somewhere along the way his saber had broke and
he was run through his chest with a spear.The boy must have broken off part
of the spear and used it as a weapon.
Quickly Marak fell to his knees beside the boy,
brushing back long sandy colored hair from the boys face.
Blue eyes opened and with trouble the boy spoke.
The battle?''
Don't talk lad it will just make it worse, the battle is over we won I suppose
you could call it that with all but two being dead but enough talk have some water.
Marak took his waterbag off his shoulder and pulled out the stopper tilting
the boys head slightly and putting the waterbagto his mouth.
After a couple of swallows the boy lay back,
It was plain with the look on the boys face he was in great pain.
''Hold on I will get my horse and''
'' No please don't leave me, I dont want to die alone. I don't want to die at all.
I'm only a boy I've just begun to live and... ''It's bad isn't it?''
At first Marak thought about lying to the boy,
trying to comfort him in his last moments.
He glanced over the boys wounds,
besides the hole in his chest there was a long gash
from the bottom of his right ribcage to his left hip.
He didn't have to look to see it was the one killing him.
Since the boy had fought so bravely Marak felt he deserved the truth.
''Not much longer lad''.
Thank you sir,
I dont mind dying so much as long as someone is here with me to the end.
''You fought bravely lad, your father would be proud''
Marak said his voice threatening to break.
It wasn't much comfort he knew but it was all he could think to say.
''Marak had never been good with words especially ones of comfort.
He felt the boy should have someone say something good before he died.
'' I just wished I could have died alongside my father. we used to joke
that one day we'd die together on the battlefield,
You know I saw him fall with the first charge''.
Thats when I noticed the enemy heading this way I cried out,
I tried to get others to come but no one heard me and I knew I had to stop....
A sudden fit of coughing shook the boys slender frame,
he trembled as blood gushed from between his lips.
One of his hands which had been holding
Marak's squeezed harder as the pain washed over him.
Marak swallowed hard to fight back the tears that threatened to fall,
the last thing the boy needed to see was a grown man crying.
It was a struggle for Marak though, he had always been partial to kids.
Feeling pain when they were hurt or crying.
Though the boy no doubt thought of himself as a man he still seemed a boy to Marak.
So young and innocent such a waste that a boy should die in a pool of his own blood.
''It hurts so bad, like a fire raging inside me''.
Is it always this bad? It's never that way in the stories
the people are cut or stabbed and they die,
they die feeling little pain but I'm feeling lots of pain.
''I know lad, I'm sorry if there was anything I could do to help you I would''.
''Then finish it''. The boy said with sudden determination.
''What? I can't do that.''
'' You lied to me didn't you''.
It was a simple statement, said without harshness or remorse to it,
yet it hit Marak a blow he had never felt before.
He simply nodded as he struggled to keep the tears from coming.
He knew what the boy wanted but could he do it.
''Not exactly, I cannot say when you'll die anymore than the next fellow.
I have seen men with wounds less than your's die within seconds others last for days.
Marak stopped then from the look in the boys eyes he knew.
''Please do it, I don't want to die but I also don't want to suffer like this.
'' But I don't know if I can''. Marak shook as he spoke.
The boys blue eyes were wide with pleading,
''It's one thing to kill a man in the heat of battle, but to end so short a life,
I'm not sure if I'm that strong''.
Neither spoke for awhile after that,
the boy had made his plead and the pain in his eyes spoke volumes.
He could suffer for hours yet all because of weakness.
Slowly Marak reached for his knife it was sharp and strong.
One quick thrust into the heart and the boy would be no more.
He had slain enough men to know how to kill and even how to make it painless.
With his right hand trembling he drew the knife,
it slid from the sheath with a whisper of steel.
that sounded like a hiss of death to Marak,
how could he do it he wondered.
This was no hardfaced coldhearted killer,
It was just a freshed faced, bright eyed boy,
He should be swimming in the lake,
or walking along a forest path with his girlfriend
not dying out here in a pool of blood on some lonely battlefield.
Blood poured from the boys mouth
as and his body shook again as the pain gripped him.
With tears threatening to come any moment,
Marak laid the knife against the boys chest,
he tilted it slightly so it would go right in quickly.
''Thank you sir,
my name is Sarn tell my mother and the others how I died please.
Tell them not to cry,
I will be with my father resting and I will be waiting for them.
I know they will be sad but make them understand why I did it.
Tell my sister and brother I'll miss playing with them
or watching them grow up.
Remind them that while resting we will be able to see all that goes on
and I will be watching from time to time.
Sarn put one hand around Maraks,
and shoved the knife into his heart, he twitched
for a moment and then lay still finally free from the pain.
No longer able to keep the tears from flowing
Marak wept openly his whole body shook
as the tears ran down his cheeks and onto Sarns chest.
Through his fifty odd years of life he'd known much pain,
but nothing like this though had
ever affected him as much as this young warrior laying in a pool of blood.
With tears blinding him he slid the knife into it's sheath.
Gently picking Sarn up he turned towards the village.
It was dark when Marak reached Sarn's home,
a crowd of people had spied him coming
and had followed him through the village,
with tears still flowing freely
He laid the boy at his mothers feet,
upon his bloodied tunic he laid the broken saber more a childs toy than a weapon....
</td> </tr> </table>
A mot moving tale, indeed, and most expertly told!
Forgive the lack of new images, good reader, but my picture imp seems to have developed a slight adversion to paint this day. I will sort him out in time a plenty for next week, though!
'twas apparently a night for singing about warriors. Spyderbite brought us this thought-provoking piece:
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#cecece"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"A Warrior's Poem"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#cecece"> <tr> <td>
from many a throat so parched and sore
as jubilant cries are suddenly raised
in such high morale never seen before.
Every shield has been dropped with sword and spear
along with self-doubt and confidence weak
and replaced by dance and much embracing
when camaraderie has regained its peak.
Overtaken by euphoric rapture
surviving multitudes avoid their graves
when reality is fully realized
of the fact that many a soul is saved.
From watering of blood violently spilled
a contentment like no other has bloomed
and yet I cannot partake in this feeling
as I unfortunately remain consumed.
Bindings are tight and highly unyielding
when wrapped around my emotions jaded
as I am exposed to a sheer defeat
that never could I have contemplated.
While everyone else seems utterly grateful
to be granted a chance to maintain breath
I harbor thoughts so impure and spiteful
against all those who have escaped their death.
Though fortunate they are to highest degree
as they all declare much victory gained
I must admit this is hard to see
as I kneel before my comrades remains.
</td> </tr> </table>
Rumil notched another arrow to his lyrical bow, and let fly with this offering!
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c" border="1"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"The Dwarven King"
by
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc68c" border="1"> <tr> <td>
Twelve kings were set upon their iron thrones,
flame and fire in ancient bones
wrought in battle, forged of steel
lost from the suns burning wheel.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where powers dark can only die.
Nine blades were forged of mithril cold
by smithies ancient, and magicians bold
mixing steel, fused with magic
to end a war long & tragic.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where young born kings can only die.
Five gems were sealed with a glorious fate
locked in a tomb to lie and wait
until a hand of strength and honor born
pulled then from their grave unworn.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where lost powers can only die.
One King will rise in final fire
to lead the Clans from death and ire
though in the battle he shall fade
he still walks his halls a watchful shade.
In the Dwarven lands beneath the sky
where a mighty lord shall never die.
</td></tr></table>
Mac brought us the strange tale of Deluci's Love, but to all ladies he didst appologize in advance
Here now, is his tale of love found and lost and found again.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#a4a4ff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Deluci's Love"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#a4a4ff"> <tr> <td>
A fair young lad of just 16
He spent his days training hard to serve his lord as a man of arms.
And his nights looking for his true love.
Then one night he happened upon the love of his.
Day and night did his love stay with him.
No matter where he went so did his love.
Training all day and loving all night young Deluci was never happier in all his life.
Then one day he was summoned to fight for the honor of his lord.
He sharpened his sword and equipped his armor. All along his love was there working with him.
When the day of the battle arrived, he marched off with his love by his side.
The battle was long and hard did he fight, when in one quick stroke he lost his arm and his love.
The surgeons did try to save his dear love. But alas they could do nothing more for the deceased.
He buried his love upon a hill overlooking his home. He weep till the sun did arise once again.
Many months did go by while he trained by day and weep thru the night.
He feared that life had no meaning for him anymore and love would never be his to enjoy.
Till one moonlit spring night, did he find love again. The mirror image of his long lost love did he find there by his
side. Life once again had meaning and joy.
So happy was he that a sacrifice to the gods was made.
All the best he could find did he offer to them.
A pray did he say to the gods, to thank them for their wisdom to give him two hands.
</td> </tr> </table>
Ahem. Yes, Moving on. Did ye realise the bulk of poems and tales told in the Shire seem te begin with the letter 'T'? No? Ye did not care? I cannot say as I blame ye. Regardless, here is another one.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#98ab94"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Illusions"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#aec4ac"> <tr> <td>
Twisted darkness covers the world in its shroud.
Silent whispers float in the wind.
Stars sparkle as they ascend.
Shadows cast on a barren wall.
The nighttime mist begins to fall.
Minds linger of memories of bliss.
Tomorrow new, yesterday missed.
The soul's thirst for passion remains.
The minds' fear of disaster the same.
The mysteries of time.
The curiosities of life.
All is an illusion.
All is realities confusion.
</td> </tr> </table>
Aye. I'm certainly confused, but that's largely due to a severe lack of sleep.
Perhaps I can get some rest when all this inscription is done. Where's that scribe when I need her?
Yancey DeFlorio took to the stage, and began to entertain us with a ballad from a rather large scroll, that had many of the ladies wondering where, exactly, he had been keeping it.
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#dddddd" border="1"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"The Ballad of Avalon Knight"
by
<table width="100%" bgcolor="#dddddd" border="1"> <tr> <td>
Old and wizened in his years
He stopped and saw a young maiden
By the bridge, so full with tears
And this is how our tale begins……
Hello fair maiden
Please indulge me
In an old fool's tale
For a wee spot of company
Stories a-plenty I'll tell ye
T'was not so long ago
In a far off land
A kingdom called Starhaven
Was where destiny laid her hand
And so it began
In a day like yester'n
Chaos ruled abound
And no peace was seen
Came a stranger, true
No home to call his own
With powers and strength god-born
Yet ever always alone
Tis true , fair lady
This tale I do tell
From Starhaven I once came
Where my destiny did dwell
On that day
Where evil stood
Bore witness to a knight from far Avalon
Sent there to do good
A lone warrior
Bold, to be sure
Slaying demons a-thousand
With radiant light so pure
But peace does not come easy
For evil never truly rests
So continues our solitary hero
His powers always put to the test
On one frightful morn
Our hero did espy
A foul engine of mass destruction
Of souls taken, did it rely
Such horror it came
To one who longed for peace
Brewed anger forth
And rage release
And all the world will witness
To a day when silence shaterred
The sky rolled with lightning and thunder
Till the last sword down will clatter
So fierce was that battle
Between so many against one
A time good strained all glory
And heralded kingdom come
One's dream will shatter
Another's shall be reborn
One will be hailed victorious
While another will end up scorned
Unending rage
A storm's unleashed
The hero strains all powers
All his might to destroy the beast
Then night settled and battle ceased
Bringing needed rest to those agrieved
<script>His tale he told, but not with pride
He was mortal once
In a life before
Now he searches the world
To regain humanity once more
As a boy he grew
An earthy-rich soul
Full of joy in life he knew
Until paradise was befouled
Gone were his family
His friends and every living soul
His world was shattered
And too, the dreams, the goals
Grief stricken, he stumbled lost
Full of pain, drawn to wander
Despair\'s a joy embraced
For heaven\'s torn asunder
He cried hell on earth
Cursing and raving mad to its hilt
Unending sorrow longing silence
His cry unanswered, his death stayed still
Then came a dream
Of a birth long forgotten
From a curse written in stone
To lead a life down-trodden
Upon waking he found the messenger
Tall in bearing, grimly pale
Saying that his world is gone
He must journey beyond the gale
To find death in meaningful struggle
A rebirth from cries of rage
To seek heaven in all it\'s glory
To never cease in timeless age
He came from his journey
Now a warrior new
Reborn from the ashes
A shining pheonix flew
And so the story went
He traveled far and wide
Becoming the hero he now stands
Regaining a man\'s lost pride
But still there was that longing
To be with those gone before
Still seeking everlasting freedom
To return home once more
So the tale ends there
Now they understood
Why this hero fights all odds
To save lives where he could
But rest comes in short gasps
For battle calls once more
The forces of evil are at the gate
Ready to destroy a kingdom\'s door
The horn has sounded
The battle\'s joined again
Teeth, claw, swords, and rage scatter
As heroes and villains began
Alongside the knight
Starhaven\'s allies now stand
",1] ); //--></script> As heroes gathered 'round the stranger's side
His tale he told, but not with pride
He was mortal once
In a life before
Now he searches the world
To regain humanity once more
As a boy he grew
An earthy-rich soul
Full of joy in life he knew
Until paradise was befouled
Gone were his family
His friends and every living soul
His world was shattered
And too, the dreams, the goals
Grief stricken, he stumbled lost
Full of pain, drawn to wander
Despair's a joy embraced
For heaven's torn asunder
He cried hell on earth
Cursing and raving mad to its hilt
Unending sorrow longing silence
His cry unanswered, his death stayed still
Then came a dream
Of a birth long forgotten
From a curse written in stone
To lead a life down-trodden
Upon waking he found the messenger
Tall in bearing, grimly pale
Saying that his world is gone
He must journey beyond the gale
To find death in meaningful struggle
A rebirth from cries of rage
To seek heaven in all it's glory
To never cease in timeless age
He came from his journey
Now a warrior new
Reborn from the ashes
A shining pheonix flew
And so the story went
He traveled far and wide
Becoming the hero he now stands
Regaining a man's lost pride
But still there was that longing
To be with those gone before
Still seeking everlasting freedom
To return home once more
So the tale ends there
Now they understood
Why this hero fights all odds
To save lives where he could
But rest comes in short gasps
For battle calls once more
The forces of evil are at the gate
Ready to destroy a kingdom's door
The horn has sounded
The battle's joined again
Teeth, claw, swords, and rage scatter
As heroes and villains began
Alongside the knight
Starhaven's allies now stand
<script>A demon-horde they command
But valiant are they
Fighting strong and true
The demons\' number lessens
New hope for them shone through
Then came that wicked engine
Laying waste to souls it did
Driven by their leader
Dar-mir, the grim Bordid
Dar-mir, the wretched
Murderer of souls all
The last of the race of Bordid
The demons heed his call
He laid waste to his people
His family, and his friends
A being of malevolent pure evil
He desires to bring about the end
All those gathered started as one
Save that for our hero
Who, at first glance he saw
That now, his time has come
The field parted
As the two drew close
Tension filled the air
Singular battle both chose
They came as one, swords bared
The ring of metal loud upon silent air
A dirge lay beneath the conflict
Singing about the battle of the pair
Neither would give no quarter
Full tilt they went head-on
A crash of light, sound, and thunder
The outcome will be the one who is strong
On that day, all will remember
Bearing witness to a battle royal
As powers unearthly reached crescendo
As they fought like gods immortal
Their powers came to play
And all did stare in wonder
As if two gods came
And tore heaven and earth asunder
And so the knight
Knowing full well his call
Strained all glory his power
Ridding death\'s evil pall
A blast of light like creation
Came full force in righteous anger
Engulfed the two in battle
Those who watched feared for the stranger
And so when the light died down
Lay there was Dar-mir\'s crown
Of the knight, none was left
Save that of his armor\'s crest
Though none truly knew him
They mourned him well
And in memory of his deeds
A legend of him they tell
",1] ); //--></script> Though no match for their enemy
A demon-horde they command
But valiant are they
Fighting strong and true
The demons' number lessens
New hope for them shone through
Then came that wicked engine
Laying waste to souls it did
Driven by their leader
Dar-mir, the grim Bordid
Dar-mir, the wretched
Murderer of souls all
The last of the race of Bordid
The demons heed his call
He laid waste to his people
His family, and his friends
A being of malevolent pure evil
He desires to bring about the end
All those gathered started as one
Save that for our hero
Who, at first glance he saw
That now, his time has come
The field parted
As the two drew close
Tension filled the air
Singular battle both chose
They came as one, swords bared
The ring of metal loud upon silent air
A dirge lay beneath the conflict
Singing about the battle of the pair
Neither would give no quarter
Full tilt they went head-on
A crash of light, sound, and thunder
The outcome will be the one who is strong
On that day, all will remember
Bearing witness to a battle royal
As powers unearthly reached crescendo
As they fought like gods immortal
Their powers came to play
And all did stare in wonder
As if two gods came
And tore heaven and earth asunder
And so the knight
Knowing full well his call
Strained all glory his power
Ridding death's evil pall
A blast of light like creation
Came full force in righteous anger
Engulfed the two in battle
Those who watched feared for the stranger
And so when the light died down
Lay there was Dar-mir's crown
Of the knight, none was left
Save that of his armor's crest
Though none truly knew him
They mourned him well
And in memory of his deeds
A legend of him they tell
<script>Of Dar-mir, he died and turned to sand
For so long did he sink into evil
That oblivion would be his lasting reward
For he turned from god towards the devil
His life, so much like the knight\'s
Was full of despair and grief
But no regrets were made
His life he led to shame
But what of the knight,
Thou ask, dearest maid
Of what truly happened,
Of where are his remains
For when the light diminished
He, too, faded away
Leaving only the fallen Dar-mir
The demon he slayed
The crest was all
That lay proudly upon his chest
Now lay atop the fallen
Proclaiming that he, indeed was the best
None knew where he went
Save the wind and where it blew
Breezed with stories full in legend
His tale so then flew
Of a powerful stranger
Came forth to do good
And when battle\'s ended
Empty shall be the place he stood
A shrine they made
One of crystal and gold
To lay homage to an unknown hero
One so unique and so bold
No one knew him
And he knew not them
But strange for a stranger
To treat this land like a gem
So ends my tale
A haunting song it is
Too many of quests in imagination
But a dream could not end like this
Now I leave you
To carry on this tale
To another who is worth telling
Of one whom life thinks pale
But fear not
For when this tale ends
Another begins once more
As time moves then and then
For when life strains all
Fighting darkness\' end
Comes again the Avalon Knight
And a world\'s freedom he\'ll defend…
The bard bids the maid farewell
Watched her leave in awe of what he did tell
Then he changed in a wash of radiant light
Where an old man now stood in sight
A youth did appear, glowing a golden hue
Then armor enwrapped him, as was his due
Rising slowly, majestic through the air
And streaked through the heavens fair
Knowing when needed, he\'ll come again
The Avalon Knight, the stranger - the Friend…
",0] ); //--></script>
Of Dar-mir, he died and turned to sand
For so long did he sink into evil
That oblivion would be his lasting reward
For he turned from god towards the devil
His life, so much like the knight's
Was full of despair and grief
But no regrets were made
His life he led to shame
But what of the knight,
Thou ask, dearest maid
Of what truly happened,
Of where are his remains
For when the light diminished
He, too, faded away
Leaving only the fallen Dar-mir
The demon he slayed
The crest was all
That lay proudly upon his chest
Now lay atop the fallen
Proclaiming that he, indeed was the best
None knew where he went
Save the wind and where it blew
Breezed with stories full in legend
His tale so then flew
Of a powerful stranger
Came forth to do good
And when battle's ended
Empty shall be the place he stood
A shrine they made
One of crystal and gold
To lay homage to an unknown hero
One so unique and so bold
No one knew him
And he knew not them
But strange for a stranger
To treat this land like a gem
So ends my tale
A haunting song it is
Too many of quests in imagination
But a dream could not end like this
Now I leave you
To carry on this tale
To another who is worth telling
Of one whom life thinks pale
But fear not
For when this tale ends
Another begins once more
As time moves then and then
For when life strains all
Fighting darkness' end
Comes again the Avalon Knight
And a world's freedom he'll defend…
The bard bids the maid farewell
Watched her leave in awe of what he did tell
Then he changed in a wash of radiant light
Where an old man now stood in sight
A youth did appear, glowing a golden hue
Then armor enwrapped him, as was his due
Rising slowly, majestic through the air
And streaked through the heavens fair
Knowing when needed, he'll come again
The Avalon Knight, the stranger - the Friend…
</td></tr></table>
Tad, a newcomer to our lands, then provided this tale of battles, dungeons, dragons, and more!
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ccffff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Better late than never"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ccffff"> <tr> <td>
'Tis a very tough battle
And many were almost lost
I played the place of a guard during this siege
(Twas long ago, i shall do my best)
The battle horn blew as the grasses surrounding the castle moved
Bustling flooded the castle, and the King took shelter in his keep
Guards took places upon the archery towers, and started letting loose a flurry of arrows
Anxiosness fled through the castle, as the orcs, goblins, and wyvrens closed in
The sound of cold steel upon goblin steel echoed through the sky
Battle cries in many languages came out
At the front gates, massive 8 foot orcs with battering rams were sieging the wooden doors
At the rear, slimy goblins attempted to put ladders up
The sounds of goblins dying fled through the castle as we begun the fight at the rear
Splurch, Slash, and crack, as the ladder was chopped in half
A dozen goblins gone with one attack
But the battle was not over
not nearly
Hundreds of goblins begun coming out of the forest
Orc legions came from the brush
The king ordered us to open the gates and begin engaging them inside the castle
The slow moan of the gates pierced the battle sounds like a hawk pierces silence
Steel begun clashing in yet another place
The battle came from all sides
And archers were low on arrows
The guards were chopping ladders all around, but they kept coming
Orcs fell into traps
But the rest stepped on the bodies of their brethren
The battle was taking an enormous toll
When spells begun flying
Warriors stopped battle momentarily as their wounds closed
Archers began with fury anew as they saw the battle turning
The goblins were no longer making it into the castle
'Orcs were piled so high it was almost blocking the gates
As an enormous 10 foot orc came to the gates, warriors crumbled
But the King did not
He came to meet the orc captain with fury unmatched by barbarians
His golden blade pierced the hide with a blue flame
The orc captain was dying
And the battle was won
The orcish horns sounded through the forests that day
As Humans began coming back from the dead
And some of our... vertically challenged gnomes came from under the buildings
Enemy bodies were burned
The battle was over
But the adventure was just begun
</td> </tr> </table>
A fine tale, indeed! McAndrews was waving a tankard around as usual, but it turned out that he wanted to tell a tale, not obtain another refil, for a change! And so, this fine tale flowed like fine whisky, and then the drinks flowed freely!
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffa6"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Whisky in a bottle"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffa6"> <tr> <td>
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier
Saying "Stand and deliver! For the devil he may take ye!"
I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me but the
Devil take the women for you never can believe them.
I went into my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder
But Jenny took my charges and she filled them up with water
And sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter.
'Twas early in the morning before I rose to travel
Up come a band of foot men and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she stole away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken.
If anyone can aid me it's my brother in the army
If I could learn his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'd come and join me we'd go rovin' in Kilkenny
I'll engage he'd treat me fairer than my darlin' sportin' Jenny.
</td> </tr> </table>
And that, apparently, is why he will not marry Hoffs. Remarkable. Have ye noticed that most tales by Scotsmen begin with an 'A'? Nay? Neither had I. Here's another one. *makes note to get more interesting introductions*
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc6ff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Belgrim Brightaxe"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#ffc6ff"> <tr> <td>
Ah huv a tale fer yer.
Aboot me dear dah, Belgrim Brightaxe
A mighty axe he bore an' a long beard he wore.
One day, me dah goes an' visits wit thae elfling king.
"Sir" he says,"We huv decided tae go ter war wit ye."
Thae elfling king looks a bit surprised, bar take war seriously.
"We? Who is this we?, he says
"Well, tha' would be masael, me brudder Barik, his baerns Belik an' Borin.
"an' me lads Beldin an' Beldas"
"Me guid dwarf," thae elfling king says," Ah huv 1100 elfling warriors at me command tha' can
be ready tae move on a moments notice."
"Ahh" replies me da. "Let me git back tae yer then."
He leaves, bar returns two days later.
"Ok, elfling, Ah huv roonded oop two mair ae me cousins an' we huv a few axes atween us all.:"
"Sir Dwarf, Ah huv 300 ae tahe finest archers aroon, plus me royal guards all be
Spellsingers, armed wit' swords ae sharpness."
"Oh, Ah see" Belgrim thinks a bit. "Let me git back tae yer."
An' he leaves only tae return again in two days.
"Ok elfling, we huv roonded oop a few mair swords an' Ah think we be ready."
"Yer whould know me guid dwarf tha' Ah huv since raised me army tae 1300."
"Ahh, damn ye !" An me da leaves again. Bar comes back the next day
"Well elfling King, we huv tae call off thae war."
"Ah'm sorry tae hear tha' Was it thae power ae me army tha' changed yer mind?"
"Nae elfling. Ah spoke tae all me kin an' we decided tha' we jist
donnae huv thae room fer 1300 prisoners."
</td> </tr> </table>
This won him the night's prize, which he happily accepted, saying "now Ah kin buy me some clothes !"
Tis a sad day when our fine bards and warriors must run around in their nightgowns, but thankfully, there will be one fewer hairy legged Scotsman scaring the local ladies this night!
Onwards, then, with Orcs and Ogres! Not the best of travelling companions, but I've had worse.
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#e0c1ff"> <tr> <td align="middle">
"Orcs and Ogres"
by
<table border="1" width="100%" bgcolor="#e0c1ff"> <tr> <td>
In an orcish city known as Gromburigimor
A young student Orc by the name of Bor'ug Strongtoe
was studying to be a vicious warrior
much like his father Grumnug Stronggas
In his training he would befriend an ogre
This ogre was tall and strong much stronger than Bor;ug
but Bor'ug had something Doreshe'n Chipped Tooth the ogre did not
A slightly more evolved brain.
The two of these beasts became the best of friends
Doing everything together
They would Learn to be the best of the best
They would practice there Axe throwing skills
There Decapitating skills
and there Large Axe carrying contests together
Bor'ug and Doreshe'n were unseperateable until one day
One day Bor'ug met a Fellow orcling
Her name was B'trl Smellbad
And he instanly fell in love at first sight
This angered Doreshen'n
For now he had to compete for Bor'ugs attention
For secretly Doreshe'n had a crush on Bor'ug
This is where the Lord of Dogs comes in.
Doreshe'n Came to me in help for gettin rid of Smellbad
He though that perhaps a lil bit of Elven smell would drive the love craze out of his system
I instead told him I know the orcs are driven mad by fine music
Delusioned by this he said what, I love Fine music play some for me
So i Grabbed my Harp and began playing a bit
This drove the Ogre wild and said that, that is not music that is Hidious!!
I smiled and said to the young ogre aye and thats what that fine lady shall think
Pleased with a competent thought, the first the ogre ever had said I shall pay you to do this.
I said to the ogre no no t'would be my pleasure as long as I get something for me in Return
Sure said the ogre what can I do for you in return?
I say In a calm voice Hmmm Perhaps a sacrafice or some tea I dont know right now
Either good for you?
Sure Says the ogre Excitedly
Grande I say now where might I find these two love birds?
Come says the ogre Ill show you to there love making spot *anger fills the ogres eyes&
So we treked through miles of muck
the stench was unworldly
till finaly we reached the hut in which B'trl and Bor'ug were
I thrusted open the door my dogs at my feet
I sicked my dog of the Emberwilde onto her ripping her to shreds
I then played my hypnotic melody to soothe the orc and ogre to sleep
I Tied a rope to there legs and tied it to the back of my dog
and pulled those Disgusting vermin all the way back to Sunter Tree
I bolted the Orc down upon the sacraficial alter for my lord
Making sure not to let any blood drip just yet
I some how was able to manage to tie the ogre up above his friend of intrest
Hovering about 10 feet away from each other
I wanted to let the poor ogre see what was going to be done to his Love
I sent out the message to my Lord Dras Den Enyen that the victim is ready
Withen minutes he came bursting in the door with Blood lust in his eyes
He gazes up at the ceiling, whats the ogre for?
For my own amusement I reply
Ahhh very good then
He takes out a sharp knife and removes the tangled head from Bor'ug
letting the blood flow into vials near by
Whats the orcs blood for I ask?
Tis For the Time to end The war between elves and Orcs
I slowly look up towards the ogre over head
what about them
I didnt think about them Hmm
Perhaps my plan needs a little Help eh?
</td> </tr> </table>
Don't we all, sooner or later!
The night was a good one, full of fine tales and fine ales!
I would have presented a tale of my own, but my scrolls were hit by a spell of corruption just before arriving at the tavern, and were in tatters. Still, there is always next week!
Come and join us there!
</td> </tr> </table>