|
|
|
OGGY - ANCESTOR OF BALANCE
Oggy represents all that is balance. Oggy is neither Good nor Bad, Chaotic nor Lawful and should not be considered Neutral.
Oggy teaches that, for example, Law cannot exist without its counterpart, Chaos, for they must oppose one another. The words themselves are meaningless without the opposite to use as a counter-definition. Chaos, in essence, means absence of law and order. The word "Order" would not form part of a vocabulary where there was no such thing as disorder.
Similarly with Good and Evil and Life and Death, they cannot exist without the other. Oggy teaches his followers these fundamental truths. However, unlike most teachings for balance, Oggy does not seek to covert others away from their chosen alignment, instead Oggy teaches them to embrace their beliefs and lends power to them for they must oppose each other to keep the balance in check. Life without death is meaningless. Unlife however, is another matter.
Oggy opposes unlife in that its very existence opposes nature itself. Nature is always balanced and Oggy is part of the natural "order" (Order being used in the loosest sense, bearing in mind that Chaos forms part of it). Oggy is very active in the opposition of unlife.
Oggy also opposes other unnatural forces that form no part of the scales, for example Dark Trade. Dark Trade forms no part of life's great scheme, for Trade can exist without Dark Trade, they do not balance each other in any way. Both unlife and Dark Trade, instead of being a part of the balance, would destroy the scales of balance themselves.
|
|
|
|
MORGAN RAINE
This is the tale of Morgan Raine, but to begin with I will tell you of the lands and race he descends from.
There are many tales of ancient races, some were evil and lived to destroy, and others lived in harmony with nature and in turn were gifted with long and fruitful lives.
One such race was the Glardisa, who were a kinship of the elven races. There domain was the Endless Forest, a name given to it by the nearby human settlements and villages, the elves called it Shidra. It was there home, and had been for a thousand or more years. Man so called scholars that the elves were the oldest race, this is of-course incorrect maintains it. The dragons are the oldest known race and the Glardisa knew this, although other elf kin denied this, saying it outrageous, Morgan’s people respected the dragons who they considered friends.
“What has this got to do with Morgan?†I hear you ask, well the Glardisa did indeed live long and prosperous lives, the reason for this was their respect for nature and the forest that was their home. The Forest cared for them and they in turn cared for the forest, keeping any scourge or taint of evil out of their lands. The forest was the safest place in the realm, except for robbers, demons, unliving, that kind of thing. Through the years the Glardisa became accomplished fighters and warriors, also experts in dealing with the arcane.
Times were peaceful and trading had begun with the nearby human settlers, the markets they opened meant the elves could sell their wears in exchange for supplies, resources of iron, and information on the outlying realms. The wears and goods the elves traded were of a quality far superior to that of the possessions the local humans had, although they were never traded at the high prices that they deserved.
Within a few of the village folk there was wonder at the quality of these goods, as is the way with humans the wonder turned to envy, and the envy turned to jealousy. People muttered that if the elves could afford to sell these wears at a fraction of the proper price then they must have other treasures far greater hidden in the forest.
At the centre of the was a man named Xavier Tinelot, he was the first to voice his opinions about the elves, saying that they were magical and dangerous, his jealousy had turned into greed and his greed into something close to fear and hatred. Simple people who cannot understand something tend to end up hating it, and in the end destroying it without really thinking about it. The village council disagreed with him, saying there was nothing wrong with the elves, that they were a peaceful race which had no ill will against the settlers, besides he had no proof. Unconvinced and angry at the council’s decision he gathered friends and others from nearby villages that shared his views, if not his hatred then his burning jealousy. Over the following months they organised themselves into scouting parties to watch the elves, and to gather what information they could on this secretive race.
Then it happened
Xavier was leading a group of young men out into the forest apparently hunting for deer when they came across an elf of reasonably the same age or as close as they could guess to Xavier’s. The men were all armed with swords of varying types, most rusty which they had had to conceal when leaving the village, one man had a bow and a quiver of arrows. The elf carried a long sword slung across his back, and stood a good inch higher than Xavier, who was the tallest of the group.
As the elf approached the group and made to pass them Xavier blocked his path, enquiring as to his destination, why he was in this part of the woods, and why he was armed. Then the accusations began, and when the elf didn’t respond to this Xavier continued by taunting the elf, by saying that he knew what they were up to. Then ranting on that as a people the elves were corrupt and evil, also accusing them of being thieves and magickers and controlling the minds of the villagers.
The anger and frustration of not finding any information on the elves had at last taken its toll on Xaviers mind, all the jealousy he harboured was spiraling outward and he couldn’t have stopped himself even if he had wanted to, which he didn’t. While Xavier hurled obscenities at the elf the others in the group looked at each other, shock on their
|
|
|
|
|
faces, they had realised the extent of Xavier’s hatred and couldn’t imagine what would happen next.
The elf remained silent to these allegations, and merely looked at Xavier with much akin to pity in his eyes. Seeing that he wasn’t having the desired effect Xavier challenged the elf to a duel to prove he was just in what he was saying, and knowing that the elf would have to accept the challenged. Thus achieving the reaction he had been waiting for, the elf simply nodded and stepped back.
With hate and madness now burning in his heart, Xavier drew his bastard sword and told the others to stay back and not interfere. “Now I will be proven just!†he yelled at the elf. Who as yet had not drawn his own weapon, he looked at Xavier and spoke “Do not do thisâ€ÂÂ, and then seeing the seething expression on the humans face he spread his arms and said “very wellâ€ÂÂ.
The two circled each other; the elf drawing his blade, as the tip left the scabbard Xavier launched himself at the elf sending a wild slice towards the elves face. Which he parried with lightning speed, then leaping back waited silently for the next attack. Xavier sliced and thrust again and again at the elves head and chest, all were parried easily, and the elf had only defended himself and not yet attacked Xavier. This infuriated his opponent who’s anger was growing with each passing moment, he began swearing at the elf, calling him a coward, evil, a stain upon the earth.
Then the elf seemed to come to a decision, Xavier couldn’t believe the speed at which the elf attacked. He parried desperately, and then felt a searing pain in his chest. Xavier looked down and saw the hilt of the elven blade jutting from his chest, his lifeblood running down the front of his tunic, staining his chest and lower body dark. He fell to his knees still staring at the blade, which had ended his life, and then in his eyes there was a moment of clarity before his death came for him.
Xaviers body fell forward and to the side, the elf walked over to where he lay and pulled his blade free of the corpse, sliding it out of his ribcage. He looked up at the other men, all were ashen faced, and one had soiled his leggings, though all their eyes were fixed on the body of Xavier. Then the elf spoke, "I never wanted to kill him, but his madness drove him on, it would never have stopped". A few of the men dropped their swords and were physically trembling as the elf continued. "Take him back to his village and give him a proper burial", he paused then asked, "did he have a family?†One of the men, a short man in a brown shirt and grey leggings was the only one who to reply, "Ye..Yes, a son...†he stuttered, "his wife died many years ago".
"Then my sympathy at his sons loss, please tell him Morgan Raine wished it had never came to this" said Morgan. "And tell the others that have been trying to watch us that it is a useless pastime. With that Morgan turned and left, disappearing into the trees and undergrowth.
After a few moments the men approached their former comrades body, it twitched, they all jumped back giving small yelps of fright. Then one said, "it's only nerves", taking a deep breath said "now what do we do?â€ÂÂ
A frantic argument began, a few of them wanted to leave the body, then one of them a man named Kale called for hush and begin explaining his idea. "What if we tell everyone what actually happened?†the others looked at him in astonishment. Kale went on, "we could tell everyone what we saw although this doesn't have to be the same as what happened". He looked at their faces, the light of comprehension spreading across their features. "You see..." he said, "we could tell them anything, I mean I don't know about you but I didn't see just one elf, I saw about a dozen of the bastards". He said this in a hushed voice in case the elf hadn't left the immediate area.
After not very much persuasion the others in the small group agreed to the plan, then hauling the body of Xavier away they began to concoct the story of what actually happened.
Upon returning to the village the men retold the story, which went thus:
While hunting in the woods the group were attacked by a band of elves, like visions of their worst nightmares they descended upon the party. Everyone fled but Xavier was caught and dragged away. The men said they could hear the insane laughter of the elves as they tortured Xavier. It should be noted that the cuts on the body were made by Kale
|
|
|
|
|
to make it look like he had been tortured. As they approached they could hear the screams echoing through the woods, slowly moving through the undergrowth they came upon a terrible scene. They said they could see their eyes glow malevolently in the darkness of the woods. Xavier began swearing at them, then suddenly one the elves turned to him drawing his sword and plunged it through his chest killing him where he knelt. All went silent and after a short time one of the elves spoke" My dear Morgan Raine you should really do something about that temper of yours". To which the one called Morgan replied, "I will not be cursed at by a human, they are nothing but animals". Once the one named Morgan had pulled his sword free from Xavier's body he and the other elves departed leaving Xaviers remains in the clearing where it had fell. Kale continued by saying he and his fellow hunters had waited until they were sure the elves had gone then gathering there comrades body left the woods as fast they could.
As Rhal finished the story of their encounter, the members of the village council sat in shocked silence, it was then decided that all trade with the Glardisa would be halted. Then came the matter of finding their village, as many of the council members were aware no one had been able to do this task. The council decided to enlist the services of a mage known as Sudar, a mage for hire and who would also have the resources to gather to him mercenaries to help him with the task ahead.
After a week of waiting the mage appeared at the village on the evening of the seventh night and assured the council that this evil scourge would be cleansed and the forest would be safe once more. He then walked to the head of the small mercenary army, and without another word they made their way to the tree line. Sudar reasoned that the villagers were unable to find the elven village because of a confusion spell, which covered the surrounding area. This was able to disorientate anyone entering the area and cause them to think that heading towards the direction the elves village was definitely the wrong direction. His theory was correct and he was able to protect his men from it thus allowing them to press on towards the elves true location. Since leaving the village the army had been concealed under a cloak spell, which masked their sounds and person from anyone watching. Sudar waited until the dead of night and only when he was convinced that the village slept did he order the attack.
To maximize casualties the mercenaries used lamp oil with burning rags to set alight all the homes, as the elves had made their homes from natural sources such as wood, reeds, and grass the resulting fires were swift to spread.
The screams rang through the night; the soldiers waiting for them cut those who managed to escape their burning homes down. Sudar unleashed volley after volley of fireballs into open windows cutting off the screams within, then calling upon the spirits of the air he summoned a strong wind to aid the spreading flames.
Morgan awoke to a raging inferno all around him, his lungs strained for air, his mind swirled with what was happening and what to do. He rolled from his bed, and falling onto the floor he grasped for his sword that was leaning against the wall beside where he had slept. The air close to the ground was fairly clear of smoke, he could hear screams from all around him. Cutting a small hole in the grass and reed back wall he scrabbled out into the night. As he crawled through the grass he could see the burning chaos that had been his village, running back and forth were soldiers cutting his people down as they fled the flames. Anger flared in him, he began drawing his sword when he heard a rasping cough coming from his right. Crawling on his belly towards the noise he saw it was Quin one of the village elders. He looked up at Morgan, grabbed him by the front of his tunic and said "we must flee", then sensing the anger in Morgan spoke calmly, "if you fight you will die there are too many of them". "Our only hope is to make for the undergrowth, I cannot make it on my own Morgan". Moving Quins arm over his own shoulder, Morgan supported his weight and made his way over to the undergrowth and relative safety of the trees. The slaughter could still be heard as they slowly made their way through the undergrowth. Progress was slow but soon the glow of the burning village behind them was replaced by the glow of the dawn. Bone weary Morgan slowed and stopped at a small stream; laying Quin down beside a tree he quickly noticed the blood on the elders side. Tenderly lifting aside Quins tunic he found a deep gash that went nearly all the way to the other side. By all accounts Quin should be dead. "I know what you're thinking Morgan", Quins eyes looked up at the dark features of his
|
|
|
|
|
fellow elf, "I'm not dying, I'm already dead". Confusion passed across Morgan’s face, which Quin noticed and smiled weakly, "It is only my magic that has sustained my life-force this long, but even that is finite". Morgan was silent as he looked at his friend and then away as rage burned inside of him, it was an un-welcomed guest at this time.
"Why did they attack us Morgan, why?†tears weld up in Quins eyes as he looked at Morgan. The elf sat down opposite the elder and recounted the events with Xavier and his men. "You already told myself and the other elders of this, surely the men who were there told the other humans of what happened", Quin said in reply his features creased with concern.
"What if they told them something else...?" Morgan said to him. "...The Glardisa elders were able to ask the forest spirits to confirm what happened and I was proven right". He continued, "The humans do not have the same connection with Gaia that we do, so the men may have told them whatever they wanted". He paused for a second gathering his thoughts then said, "Unless it was just a raiding party although they didn't seem to me to be wanting to take prisoners or any valuables that we had". Then closing his eyes he continued, " It is the only answer I can offer that might explain what has happened, this attack could have been retaliation or simply chance. Although the confusion spell was designed to protect us from this type of attack, which was too well organised to be a chance raid."
A coughing from Quin broke Morgan’s comments, Morgan looked up and quickly went to his side. Blood had appeared from the side of Quins mouth, he took a deep breath then asked the question they had both been avoiding, "do you think anyone else survived?†Quin glanced away from him, and then met his gaze. " The humans were there to butcher us, perhaps a few got away, we can only hope". The elder’s eyes unfocused and then rested on Morgan’s face, "if you are the only survivor then there is something that you must do". Quins face looked sterner as he continued. "A little less than 250 years ago, before you were born our people came to the aid of two young princes". "I know this tale ", Morgan said, "they were captured and our people freed them and taught them how to survive and fight, although they were now creatures of chaos their cause was just". Quin continued for him "Before we left them they made an oath to us that they would strive to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. They then tried to overcome the tyrant whom killed their father and took their lands from them; they failed and were transformed into beings of Chaos, although still on the side of good. Their lives were extended as a part of the transformation so they look the same as they had over 200 years ago". His breath was coming in sort rasps as he fought the pain in his side. "The time has come for them to fulfill this oath, it was prophesied that one of our kind would journey to find them, to remind them of their vow and to help them see it to the end".
"Where do I begin to look for them Quin, where?" pleaded Morgan. Quin was barely able to speak as he said, "They have a name now...Tieran Archers, find them and help them fulfill their oath". With that his head rolled onto his shoulder and hand fell to the ground. Morgan walked over to the elder; slowly he moved his fingers over Quins eyes, closing then over.
Unsheathing one of his swords Morgan dug a shallow grave for the elder’s body. Then saying a prayer he let the last of the earth run through his fingers onto the last resting place of Quin.
The forest was quiet as Morgan made his way through the undergrowth, sword now sheathed at his side he thought about the princes and their legend. If they had indeed founded a group of mercenary archers, then their name may be known within the larger towns and cities of the outlying kingdoms. He guessed that to live they would need work and to work they would have to be hired, which could lead to notoriety. The nearest large settlement was Hilane, Morgan decided he would start there.
Luckily being raised in the forest meant Morgan was well experienced at trapping and foraging for food, Which meant supplies wouldn't be a problem, this may also provide some herbs and animal skins which he could trade when he got to Hilane. It took a few days to gather enough supplies for the trip and using the skin of a small deer to carry his rations and what herbs he could find.
He was glad to put his mind to the details of his journey it distracted him from the memory of the attack and the death of Quin. Bad dreams awaited him in his sleep, visions of his body burning and faces snarling with laughter as he tried to beat the flames from himself. Always waking in a cold sweat, the dreams began to ease in regularity but there was always a chance they were waiting for him when he closed his eyes to rest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blizzard Sherbert Biggelsworth
Welcome my new found friend you have asked about me so I shall tell you all I know.
I do not know how old I am but I guess I am roughly 20 winters old, until recentlyI didn't even have a name but I am now known as Blizzard Sherbert Bigglesworth.
For as long as I can remember I was a slave to a wealthy woman whose name was never disclosed to my self, she is the only family I have ever known, until now. I know she was a lady of the night as we often slept in brothels and every one called her Ma'am. We did not have a good relationship she beat me regularly and I was kept in a small box ( just large enough to hold me) I still have trouble traveling long distances without the safety of my box as is the closest thing I have to a home and safe memories. After a particularly nasty fight she removed my claws and and canines. This means I cannot hunt at all and need help acquiring food. She did however teach me to channel my healing powers, also she taught me how to read write and count. To be her protector I was introduced to fighting with a staff ( this was of course after she trusted me enough) .I do not know where we traveled to but we constantly traveled I was only permitted out of my box when she needed assistance to dress, wash and protect her. I saw many different lands and folk on our travels only now do I know where they are and their names. As I am a large cat people were easily scared of me so I rarely spoke and I only recently spoke to more than one person at a time. Anyway I seem to have gotten side tracked.
One night me and Ma'am were traveling and she wanted to stop outside a small village and set up camp. It was very cold and small snowflakes were falling dusting the surroundings an eerie white. I set up our camp and escorted her to her tent, not long after three men arrived and she welcomed two of them in one stayed outside with me. She told me to check on her in a while and to keep the man with me happy and comfortable. So we sat in the snow drinking spiced wine and we started talking. He too was beast kin His name was Bigglesworth he was also a slave to one of the men visiting Ma'am, I had never seen a beast kin like him before he was a cross of cat and wolf. He was red and black and had the most piercing green eyes I have ever seen. He was my first friend. We confined in each other about our lives, he told me he was going to escape soon he had heard of a beastkin island and how much he longed to hunt in a pack and be free like those on beast isle. I knew I couldnt escape as she was too powerful and was well known wherever we traveled. I entered the tent to see if she was alright as she had instructed and she threw something at me so I scarpered outside. The moon was waxing but its glow off the snow illuminated the land for as far as I could see. Then it all happened, Ma'am let out a sickening scream so I bolted for the tent as I reached the doorway the men ran out covered in her blood. One of them struck me with the edge of his sword handle, I fell over and a wave of pain thundered though me head. I could hear them calling for Bigglesworth but he did not come. I thought he had made his break for freedom, one of the men picked me up off the ground by the throat and squeezed I gasped for breath but nothing came. Then from nowhere Bigglesworth struck his master, his master let go of me, Bigglesworth clawed, bit and ravaged his masters face. The other man ran and Bigglesworth gave chase, his master crawled to his horse and mounted the beast. He dissapeared into the night cloaked in the blizzard that had just started. When Bigglesworth came back I was unconcious and under a thick coating of snow. I dont know how he found me but he did, as i came round he was wrapping me in a blanket. After I had warmed up we went to see if Ma'am was alive but alas the tent was full of blood the stench made me gag. There was blood everywhere, but I couldnt make out a shape that resembled Ma'am. So we gathered anything that wasnt covered in blood (there wasn't much) and left that horrible scene. The blizzard was so heavy we found it hard to walk but on we pushed he kept telling me we would find beast isle and we would be safe. After hours of stuggling we came accross a small hamlet, Bigglesworth collapsed so I pulled him to one of the houses. A woman came to the door as I struck it with all the will I had left in me.
I arose the next day with a small child stroking my fur, she looked startled as I opened my eyes. She called for her mummy, the woman who had answered the door ran into the room. "welcome, I am glad to see you live, my name is Sky Jade what is yours" .Before I had a second to reply Bigglesworth said "Blizzard". Ilooked at him and corrected "Blizzard Bigglesworth". "Ah it is good to see you both, I didn't think you two would make it through the night". Jade commented as she looked down at Bigglesworth. He rose and put on his clothes Jade had dried by the fire. "I am sorry Blizzard I must go he will find me soon and I do not want to endanger you or Jade and her family. When you are well join me on beast isle". With that he left my life, I have yet to find him.
I stayed with Jade and her daughter for five days she told me of a group I must find, the Ghostwalkers. She used the ley stones to find where they were heading to. They were going to Boar Isle , at that time it was called blood isle. She told me how to get there, I was to find the Captian of a ship called Shiva and she would take me there. Jades daughter and I spent lots of time together an she introduced me to a sweet yet sour treat she called sherbert. Jades daughter got used to calling out sherbert to get my attention I took that in my name too. On the sixth day Jade gave me her staff ,some blankets, money and food , she saw me to the next town then I was on my own.
Many days I traveled to find Shiva but when I met her I felt like we had known each other for years and that I had only traveled a few hours. She aggreed to take me to Blood Isle as she was going there too. I lived below deck for the journey and fed on the mice and rats there. Shiva was most pleased at what I had done and she gave me her red armour and I promised to pay her when I had the money. I did not know she was going to steal her ship and the crew on board but that was her mistake.
When I arrived much trouble was brewing and the people there needed as much help as possible. I found the Ghostwalkers and also Stormpack , I was wary of all the new people(especially the dogs and wearwolves), yet I felt like I belonged with them.
It was here that I belive I was tainted. One evening two demons were fighting in the town outside a tavern, Er-tu of the unicorns and an undead unicorn. I was strangly pulled towards the undead unicorn, he was shouting at Er-tu " this pit blood is for you". He turned and threw the pit blood at me. I was covered from head to toe and it burned. The healers tried to heal me but it did not work I was still in pain. Later I was captured and tortured by more demons, I spent the night almost dead bound and bloody. There was a baby in the arms of one of the demons, I later found out this was Ishmar's child, I called for him to leave the babay alone but he payed no heed. The Ghostwalkers and one of my new friends Purditude rescued me but were unable to save the child. I still feel the guilt of not saving the child to this day. I traveled with the Ghostwalkers until the moot where I met all of those I had befriended on Boar Isle.
I was turned ferral by the call of the hunt and spent the night killing others as I had never done before. Stormpack noticed my scent was changing and I felt other changes happening to me. It wasn't until I returned to Tirian with Ser Fozlan that I felt the pain that rages inside of me. We returned to the Gathering after much fighting with unliving to seek help from the Ghostwalkers. I left Fozlan to seek out my friends and also to find if anyone had heard of Bigglesworh. I joined the Holy Temple of St. Eloyse (a feline church) and was entered into a beauty contest. I needed a bodyguard to go with me and a wolf called Outcast offered his help, he too was seeking a lost kin. We spent much time in each others company and grew close, we also stayed close to Stormclaw and Stormfist. I promised to come with them to Beast Isle when I was no longer needed by Ser Fozlan. So I left the sanctuary of the pack and the Ghostwalkers to finish what myself and Fozlan had started, to clear his home land of the unliving filth.
Sadly not long after we arrived I took ill .The healers there talk of a chaos taint and I still lie in the infirmary unable to talk or move. My body warps and twists from whats happening inside me I am in constant pain. My only link outside my body is that I have made contact with Outcast and call for him to help me and this land . Sadly Blizzard was taken to Beast Isle by ouutcast of primal urge, there she was nursed for over a year with no improvement and in the winter she was involved in a terrible accident. Her body was found by Outcast all that remained was her charred bones. Nothing except her body was burnt the chapel she lay in was not damaged, it is belived her body could not cope with the pit blood she had been covered in. May she rest in peace as she could not in her short life.
|
|
|
|
