LoR-An Arc of Epic Proportions, aka my new storyline.
Mar 11, 2016 17:55:00 GMT -8
Sir Caedric Moore likes this
Post by crazycrownieguy on Mar 11, 2016 17:55:00 GMT -8
Hey guys.
So I figured with the advancing of my current story line, I decided that some of my older stories needed some re-writes. I also decided to compile them into one post so that it may be easier for people to keep up with the goings on of Rufus and Hallfrost.
Below will be two storylines running concurrently. First will be the older one, The Thrandr Saga (note this will include another builders builds, and stories, along with my own.) Second will be my new story featuring the man in black, A Merchant's Misfortune.
Enjoy, and please comment and criticize.
"Do it again father!" Said the child, between bursts of gasping laughter.
"Once more Cedric, once more." Said Rolf, knowing that, of course, there is no such thing as 'once more' when it comes to such matters. The child leapt into his father's arms, who then obliged to toss him once more. Lady Emile Thrandr looked on at her son's horseplay from her sewing, smiling with amusement at the boys' rowdy behavior.
Suddenly, the door to their quarters was flung open in haste, as a man ran inside. He wore a shirt of mail over his blue tunic, and he wore a helm adorned with gold. Rolf immediately set his son down, and rose to receive the man.
"Ah, Bjorn. It's good to see you. What brings you with such haste?" Rolf asked, recognizing the man as Bjorn Styrson, Captain of the Guard of Widswept, Rolf's brother-in-law, and one of the very few men Rolf trusted completely.
"It is good to see you too, brother, but I wish my visit was on better terms. Northgard has been sacked by Lord Stein, ruler of Halfrost. He has burned much of the town-"
"Then we haven't a moment to lose." Rolf said, his formerly jovial expression darkening. "You! Go ready my horse!" Rolf shouted to the guard who had accompanied Bjorn, who then hurried out to carry out his lord's orders. Rolf turned to Bjorn. "We ride for Northgard immediately."
"Yes my lord." Bjorn replied, bowing hastily then leaving. Rolf turned to Lady Emile.
"I shan't be gone long." He said, stepping forward to kiss his wife.
"I know you won't, but I still worry." Emile replied, a faint smile on her face.
Rolf then turned to Cedric, who had retrieved his father's sword. He took the blade, and buckled the sheath to his belt. He knelt, and laid a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Take care of your mother while I am gone, Cedric."
"Yes father."
"Very well." Said Rolf, standing. "Have heart, I shall return soon." He told his family. And with that, he turned and strode out of the room. As the door closed with a dull thud, Emile sighed.
"Don't worry mother. Father will come back. He always does." Said little Cedric earnestly.
"I know Cedric, I know..."
Why? Rolf thought to himself. What madness drives a man to do this? To slay so many in cold blood?
Rolf and Bjorn walked on in grim silence through the town, the only sound their quiet footsteps and the remnants of fires crackling in burnt out houses. Rolf suddenly spotted a body that was, unlike all the rest, dressed in royal blue robes. His heart was filled with dread. He recognized the man lying facedown in the snow; it was his cousin, Sven. He ran over and knelt beside the cold, lifeless corpse. Desperately feeling for a pulse despite knowing there was none to be found.
"No...it cannot be." Rolf whispered. Sven had been his playmate when he was young, and later, a faithful friend and loved family. Bjorn, seeing his lord kneeling in the snow, hastened over to him. Seeing the body Rolf knelt before, Bjorn stood there in silence.
After a few minutes, Rolf stood.
"Lord Stein will pay for this. " He said, his voice full of quiet fury and determination. "All of this."
The stale air weighed heavily on Rufus, making the small, dark, room all the more intolerable. As he started to move towards the door, a loud knock sounded on the heavy, oaken door. With a weary voice, Rufus said.
“Come in.”
The heavy door opened to reveal Loke Odensson, the highest ranking guardsman other than Rufus himself. He grinned,
“Loke, it is good to see you my friend, what news do you have for me?”
The smile soon faded as he saw the grim expression Loke’s face made.
“The news is not good sir, the spies you sent after the force Lord Stein took out a fortnight ago have returned with news of his activities over the last two weeks. They report that Stein took the force up north to Northgard, and burned it to the ground. There are no survivors, and scouts report that Lord Thrandr is preparing a war host with which to lay siege to Hallfrost.”
The smile quickly fell from Rufus’s face as Loke finished giving his report. In a low breath Rufus said.
“That fool, that blood-thirsty, yak-hugging fool! Can he not sait his blood-lust with simple pirates and highwaymen, but no, he deems it necessary to murder and pillage from our own countrymen!”
“Loke”
“Yes sire?”
“Make the preparations, I have feeling we may need to dispose of Stein soon. Also, ready my horse. I must find Rolf and convince him against retaliation. More blood does not need to be spilled.”
Loke simply nodded and left his captain to mull over the coming events. The actions of Stein would send ripples throughout the drift plains, and nothing good would come of it.
"I stopped him right 'ere sire. Like you said m'lord, no 'un is allowed into the castle now, so I stops him and sent for you. He says that he comes from Halfrost, so I knows not to let him in... " The rambling guard explained to Rolf.
"Thank you, that will be all." Rolf said somewhat exasperatedly. He then turned to the man. "What is your name?"
"My name," replied the man, "is Captain Rufus Song of Halfrost. I bring you an offer..." He started to say, but before he could finish Rolf swiftly drew his sword and held it at Rufus' neck.
"So, you are some lackey sent by Stein to barter for his life?" Rolf growled. Rufus saw his bright blue eyes glinting with anger, but also pain. Rufus kept his cool, and continued.
"No. I come to offer you Stein. I am the captain of the guard, and my men are loyal. Let me deliver Stein to you." Rufus said in a calm, even voice. Seeing Rolf wasn't fully convinced, he went on.
"We both know Stein will do anything to keep himself alive. Halfrost will burn if you try to seize him. You know what that looks like." Rolf's memories flashed back carnage of Northgard, the death of his cousin and dear friend. Rolf slowly lowered his sword, and returned it to its sheath. He looked back up at Rufus. Convinced, Rolf cut straight down to business. "Surely you want something in return," He inquired.
"All I wish is that the Thrandrs stay out of Halfrost, nothing more." Rufus said seemingly earnestly, although Rolf felt that this Rufus had a somewhat less noble motive.
"Very well, it shall be as you ask. We have ourselves a deal, Rufus of Halfrost."
So I figured with the advancing of my current story line, I decided that some of my older stories needed some re-writes. I also decided to compile them into one post so that it may be easier for people to keep up with the goings on of Rufus and Hallfrost.
Below will be two storylines running concurrently. First will be the older one, The Thrandr Saga (note this will include another builders builds, and stories, along with my own.) Second will be my new story featuring the man in black, A Merchant's Misfortune.
Enjoy, and please comment and criticize.
The Thrandr Saga
By CCG and Jackson S.
(+)Bad Tidings(+)
By Jackson S
"Arrgh! I've got you now!" Rolf Thrandr yelled playfully as he grabbed the child, shrieking with laughter, into his arms and tossed him in the air, catching him as he fell.By Jackson S
"Do it again father!" Said the child, between bursts of gasping laughter.
"Once more Cedric, once more." Said Rolf, knowing that, of course, there is no such thing as 'once more' when it comes to such matters. The child leapt into his father's arms, who then obliged to toss him once more. Lady Emile Thrandr looked on at her son's horseplay from her sewing, smiling with amusement at the boys' rowdy behavior.
Suddenly, the door to their quarters was flung open in haste, as a man ran inside. He wore a shirt of mail over his blue tunic, and he wore a helm adorned with gold. Rolf immediately set his son down, and rose to receive the man.
"Ah, Bjorn. It's good to see you. What brings you with such haste?" Rolf asked, recognizing the man as Bjorn Styrson, Captain of the Guard of Widswept, Rolf's brother-in-law, and one of the very few men Rolf trusted completely.
"It is good to see you too, brother, but I wish my visit was on better terms. Northgard has been sacked by Lord Stein, ruler of Halfrost. He has burned much of the town-"
"Then we haven't a moment to lose." Rolf said, his formerly jovial expression darkening. "You! Go ready my horse!" Rolf shouted to the guard who had accompanied Bjorn, who then hurried out to carry out his lord's orders. Rolf turned to Bjorn. "We ride for Northgard immediately."
"Yes my lord." Bjorn replied, bowing hastily then leaving. Rolf turned to Lady Emile.
"I shan't be gone long." He said, stepping forward to kiss his wife.
"I know you won't, but I still worry." Emile replied, a faint smile on her face.
Rolf then turned to Cedric, who had retrieved his father's sword. He took the blade, and buckled the sheath to his belt. He knelt, and laid a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Take care of your mother while I am gone, Cedric."
"Yes father."
"Very well." Said Rolf, standing. "Have heart, I shall return soon." He told his family. And with that, he turned and strode out of the room. As the door closed with a dull thud, Emile sighed.
"Don't worry mother. Father will come back. He always does." Said little Cedric earnestly.
"I know Cedric, I know..."
(+)Written In Blood(+)
By Jackson S
By Jackson S
The cold morning air wisped through the air, stinging Rolf's gaunt face. The smell of smoke and burnt flesh stung his nostrils, the sight of mangled bodies laying frozen on the ground met his eyes wherever he looked.
Why? Rolf thought to himself. What madness drives a man to do this? To slay so many in cold blood?
Rolf and Bjorn walked on in grim silence through the town, the only sound their quiet footsteps and the remnants of fires crackling in burnt out houses. Rolf suddenly spotted a body that was, unlike all the rest, dressed in royal blue robes. His heart was filled with dread. He recognized the man lying facedown in the snow; it was his cousin, Sven. He ran over and knelt beside the cold, lifeless corpse. Desperately feeling for a pulse despite knowing there was none to be found.
"No...it cannot be." Rolf whispered. Sven had been his playmate when he was young, and later, a faithful friend and loved family. Bjorn, seeing his lord kneeling in the snow, hastened over to him. Seeing the body Rolf knelt before, Bjorn stood there in silence.
After a few minutes, Rolf stood.
"Lord Stein will pay for this. " He said, his voice full of quiet fury and determination. "All of this."
(O)The Message(O)
By CCG
By CCG
A heavy weight had been over Hallfrost for the past fortnight. The skies were grey and the birds had ceased their singing, it was almost as if the very tundra itself could sense the mood around the city, and was responding in kind.
The stale air weighed heavily on Rufus, making the small, dark, room all the more intolerable. As he started to move towards the door, a loud knock sounded on the heavy, oaken door. With a weary voice, Rufus said.
“Come in.”
The heavy door opened to reveal Loke Odensson, the highest ranking guardsman other than Rufus himself. He grinned,
“Loke, it is good to see you my friend, what news do you have for me?”
The smile soon faded as he saw the grim expression Loke’s face made.
“The news is not good sir, the spies you sent after the force Lord Stein took out a fortnight ago have returned with news of his activities over the last two weeks. They report that Stein took the force up north to Northgard, and burned it to the ground. There are no survivors, and scouts report that Lord Thrandr is preparing a war host with which to lay siege to Hallfrost.”
The smile quickly fell from Rufus’s face as Loke finished giving his report. In a low breath Rufus said.
“That fool, that blood-thirsty, yak-hugging fool! Can he not sait his blood-lust with simple pirates and highwaymen, but no, he deems it necessary to murder and pillage from our own countrymen!”
“Loke”
“Yes sire?”
“Make the preparations, I have feeling we may need to dispose of Stein soon. Also, ready my horse. I must find Rolf and convince him against retaliation. More blood does not need to be spilled.”
Loke simply nodded and left his captain to mull over the coming events. The actions of Stein would send ripples throughout the drift plains, and nothing good would come of it.
(O)Fleet Feet(O)
By CCG
The day was cold, and the air wet as a lone rider galloped across the empty expanses of the Great Drift plains. A tense feeling of uneasiness was rising in my stomach. Were this mission of peace to fail, I might not be riding home alive. Thrandr’s temper and fierce loyalty to his family was well known around the plains, angering him more would not work in my favor. I just hope the man can be reasoned with.
(+)We Have Ourselves A Deal(+)
By Jackson S
A tall man stood before Rolf, with long black hair, dressed in Garhim blue and a coat of chain mail. He looked haggard, worn from a hard journey.
"I stopped him right 'ere sire. Like you said m'lord, no 'un is allowed into the castle now, so I stops him and sent for you. He says that he comes from Halfrost, so I knows not to let him in... " The rambling guard explained to Rolf.
"Thank you, that will be all." Rolf said somewhat exasperatedly. He then turned to the man. "What is your name?"
"My name," replied the man, "is Captain Rufus Song of Halfrost. I bring you an offer..." He started to say, but before he could finish Rolf swiftly drew his sword and held it at Rufus' neck.
"So, you are some lackey sent by Stein to barter for his life?" Rolf growled. Rufus saw his bright blue eyes glinting with anger, but also pain. Rufus kept his cool, and continued.
"No. I come to offer you Stein. I am the captain of the guard, and my men are loyal. Let me deliver Stein to you." Rufus said in a calm, even voice. Seeing Rolf wasn't fully convinced, he went on.
"We both know Stein will do anything to keep himself alive. Halfrost will burn if you try to seize him. You know what that looks like." Rolf's memories flashed back carnage of Northgard, the death of his cousin and dear friend. Rolf slowly lowered his sword, and returned it to its sheath. He looked back up at Rufus. Convinced, Rolf cut straight down to business. "Surely you want something in return," He inquired.
"All I wish is that the Thrandrs stay out of Halfrost, nothing more." Rufus said seemingly earnestly, although Rolf felt that this Rufus had a somewhat less noble motive.
"Very well, it shall be as you ask. We have ourselves a deal, Rufus of Halfrost."
(O)He Returns(O)
By CCG
With summer fast approaching, much of the snow around Hallfrost had melted and flown into the north sea, leaving the rich tundra earth exposed for the first time all year. The rich scent of long frozen earth filled the air as a lone figure looked out across the landscape.
“Mi’lady, your father has arrived, he awaits your presence in the mess hall.”
“Thank you lieutenant, let him know I will be there momentarily.”
“Yes mi’lady.” (will likely re-write this)
“I’m sorry Arthur, I really can’t commit any rangers to the guild’s outposts at this time, your ‘man in black’ will have to wait. There are other, far more pressing matters.”
The other man, seeing the honesty in his face, thought for a moment before replying.
“I see Rufus, just remember, the guild is backing your little coup, and even for friends, the guild’s help does not come cheap. I do expect restitution for the resources I will be spending on you.”
Rufus nodded.
“I understand Arthur, and I will pay you back, I just can’t help in this particular instance.” A heavy silence followed before Arthur spoke again. “Well, thanks for the drink Rufus, and for at least hearing my request. I shall see you again soon my friend. Oh and give your daughter my best, I hear she is quite excited to see you.” He said with a knowing grin, Rufus sighed in exhaustion.
“Well, I must take my leave. Farewell Rufus.”
“Aye, till later Arthur.”
The guildmaster left, leaving Rufus alone in a fleeting moment of solitude and silence, this was soon broken by the appearance of one of his lieutenants, Johen.
“What is it Johen?”
“Your daughter is here sir.”
Rufus sat up, and patted down his somewhat ruffled clothes, hoping to look semi presentable to his only child.
“Alright, send her in.”
“My beautiful daughter, you look lovely as always.” Iona grinned, always happy to receive praise, especially from her beloved father.
“Aww, you’re so sweet daddy, but we have business to speak of.”
Rufus groaned, “yes, I guess we do.
What have you managed to gather about Stein’s actions, is there anything we can easily use against him, should the people not support our cause?”
She grimaced, losing her normally, ever present smile. “Unfortunately, no. All we have is a copy of the orders sent to the barracks on the day of the ‘incident’, and it hardly specifies anything more than an unusually large patrol. There are no details that would definitively show that it was a planned attack on Northgard.”
Rufus slammed his fist down in frustration, somehow managing not to destroy the delicate glasses left over from his meeting with Arthur. “What of the other favor I asked of you? Have you found something that could ward off this ‘sea monster’ in the waters near the isles?”
At this, Iona brightened up a little. “Yes father, I have found reference to an ancient amulet, hidden in the mountains around Crakenhaven. The passage says that it was used by the ancestors to ward off the northern wyrms, but was stolen in a local skirmish between two border tribes. The thieves took it to Norhom, where it was sealed in an ancient tomb with one of the tribe’s most revered chiefs.”
Rufus found himself intrigued by the tale, unconsciously stroking his chin in thought. “I would like you to look into getting a small band of rangers passage to Norhom. If we can obtain an artifact that could protect our ships on the long voyage to the Western Isles, we could gain an advantage over Loreos and establish a foothold in the region.”
Iona looked at him questioningly, “what of Stein father?”
Rufus looked up, “I’ll take care of that, you just focus on this amulet.”
Iona nodded, “I shall take my leave then father.” Rufus absentmindedly nodded. Waving his daughter out of the room, Iona rolled her eyes, and started up the long staircase, back into the morning sun.
“Mi’lady, your father has arrived, he awaits your presence in the mess hall.”
“Thank you lieutenant, let him know I will be there momentarily.”
“Yes mi’lady.” (will likely re-write this)
(O)The Meeting(O)
By CCG
Two men, both stalwart, handsome figures, sat at the solid, oaken table. The one sitting at the head, with long, black hair, and an ever kindly face, broke the tense silence between them.By CCG
“I’m sorry Arthur, I really can’t commit any rangers to the guild’s outposts at this time, your ‘man in black’ will have to wait. There are other, far more pressing matters.”
The other man, seeing the honesty in his face, thought for a moment before replying.
“I see Rufus, just remember, the guild is backing your little coup, and even for friends, the guild’s help does not come cheap. I do expect restitution for the resources I will be spending on you.”
Rufus nodded.
“I understand Arthur, and I will pay you back, I just can’t help in this particular instance.” A heavy silence followed before Arthur spoke again. “Well, thanks for the drink Rufus, and for at least hearing my request. I shall see you again soon my friend. Oh and give your daughter my best, I hear she is quite excited to see you.” He said with a knowing grin, Rufus sighed in exhaustion.
“Well, I must take my leave. Farewell Rufus.”
“Aye, till later Arthur.”
The guildmaster left, leaving Rufus alone in a fleeting moment of solitude and silence, this was soon broken by the appearance of one of his lieutenants, Johen.
“What is it Johen?”
“Your daughter is here sir.”
Rufus sat up, and patted down his somewhat ruffled clothes, hoping to look semi presentable to his only child.
“Alright, send her in.”
Johen left the room, returning moments later with Iona Song in tow. Upon seeing them enter the room, a wide grin stretched across Rufus’s face.
“My beautiful daughter, you look lovely as always.” Iona grinned, always happy to receive praise, especially from her beloved father.
“Aww, you’re so sweet daddy, but we have business to speak of.”
Rufus groaned, “yes, I guess we do.
What have you managed to gather about Stein’s actions, is there anything we can easily use against him, should the people not support our cause?”
She grimaced, losing her normally, ever present smile. “Unfortunately, no. All we have is a copy of the orders sent to the barracks on the day of the ‘incident’, and it hardly specifies anything more than an unusually large patrol. There are no details that would definitively show that it was a planned attack on Northgard.”
Rufus slammed his fist down in frustration, somehow managing not to destroy the delicate glasses left over from his meeting with Arthur. “What of the other favor I asked of you? Have you found something that could ward off this ‘sea monster’ in the waters near the isles?”
At this, Iona brightened up a little. “Yes father, I have found reference to an ancient amulet, hidden in the mountains around Crakenhaven. The passage says that it was used by the ancestors to ward off the northern wyrms, but was stolen in a local skirmish between two border tribes. The thieves took it to Norhom, where it was sealed in an ancient tomb with one of the tribe’s most revered chiefs.”
Rufus found himself intrigued by the tale, unconsciously stroking his chin in thought. “I would like you to look into getting a small band of rangers passage to Norhom. If we can obtain an artifact that could protect our ships on the long voyage to the Western Isles, we could gain an advantage over Loreos and establish a foothold in the region.”
Iona looked at him questioningly, “what of Stein father?”
Rufus looked up, “I’ll take care of that, you just focus on this amulet.”
Iona nodded, “I shall take my leave then father.” Rufus absentmindedly nodded. Waving his daughter out of the room, Iona rolled her eyes, and started up the long staircase, back into the morning sun.
A Merchant's Misfortune
By CCG
(O)The Night Cometh(O)
It was growing dark over the plains, the animals had long since disappeared, and even the wind had slowed to an eerie calm. The mood in the outpost was somber, no one had spoken a word in hours, until now.
“Capt’n, there's a man outside, wearin dark robes and carryin a heavy staff. He says he wants access to the pass.”
“Tell em we’s a merchant pass, we can neither let em through the pass or guarantee his safety if we were to let em through.”
……..
“He still wants access capt’n.”
“By the gods, I’ll just deal with it myself then.”
The Capt’n walked out onto the path, carrying his sword and shield in a defensive position. He walked up to the dark robed man....
The shadow laughed and said
“your futile attempts of escape are quite amusing ‘captain.’ But, as all things must, it is now time for you to die. Go now and join your companions in hell!”
As he uttered those last words, the man in black raised his staff and quietly spoke the word for death, and so it was done. The last of the guards had joined his companions in death, and the man was now free to continue on his journey of vengeance.
He then faded away, leaving the pass in a state of deathly calm.
A heavily laden down rowboat pulled into the harbor, filled with various goods, and helmed by a man completely covered in black cloth. While it wasn’t odd for less successful or less reputable merchants to bring their wares through the guild’s private dock, this man was different. A sense of ill intent emanated from him, and put the guards on edge. As the man pulled closer to the dock, one of the guards shouted out.
“What is your business here stranger?”
The man replied in a rough, almost animal sounding voice.
“I come to sell what little wares I have, in hopes of making enough to pay for room and board in this fine city. Would you allow me to bring in my boat? I see your archers up in that wall of your’s are a bit on edge.”
The guard thought for a minute before shouting out.
“Ay, you can bring in your boat.”
The man nodded gratefully and rowed his boat into the tiny harbor.
“Capt’n, there's a man outside, wearin dark robes and carryin a heavy staff. He says he wants access to the pass.”
“Tell em we’s a merchant pass, we can neither let em through the pass or guarantee his safety if we were to let em through.”
……..
“He still wants access capt’n.”
“By the gods, I’ll just deal with it myself then.”
The Capt’n walked out onto the path, carrying his sword and shield in a defensive position. He walked up to the dark robed man....
(O)The Pass(O)
The only sound that broke the eerie calm of the pass was that of a man frantically struggling to drag his broken body away from the evil shadow that stood over him.
The shadow laughed and said
“your futile attempts of escape are quite amusing ‘captain.’ But, as all things must, it is now time for you to die. Go now and join your companions in hell!”
As he uttered those last words, the man in black raised his staff and quietly spoke the word for death, and so it was done. The last of the guards had joined his companions in death, and the man was now free to continue on his journey of vengeance.
....A little later, an odd looking figure stepped out from behind a grove of trees. While watching the man in black fade into the distance, he smiled to himself and exclaimed “Oh what fun this will be.”
He then faded away, leaving the pass in a state of deathly calm.
(O)The Docks(O)
Meanwhile in Hallfrost....
A heavily laden down rowboat pulled into the harbor, filled with various goods, and helmed by a man completely covered in black cloth. While it wasn’t odd for less successful or less reputable merchants to bring their wares through the guild’s private dock, this man was different. A sense of ill intent emanated from him, and put the guards on edge. As the man pulled closer to the dock, one of the guards shouted out.
“What is your business here stranger?”
The man replied in a rough, almost animal sounding voice.
“I come to sell what little wares I have, in hopes of making enough to pay for room and board in this fine city. Would you allow me to bring in my boat? I see your archers up in that wall of your’s are a bit on edge.”
The guard thought for a minute before shouting out.
“Ay, you can bring in your boat.”
The man nodded gratefully and rowed his boat into the tiny harbor.