The Journals of Mantious N'Athalia
Entry #1
Day 6, Doddul 1520Th
It all started with my death…
I had just arrived at a squaller of a place known
as Jacob's Well. The weather had taken to a blizzard and I was forced to
stop at this "establishment", personally I have known orkish
homes to be a far more pleasant experience.
The inn was a stinking mess; it did not even
don a floor. I took a table by the fire and just waited for something entertaining
to happen. A winged rat asked me if I wished for a beverage, so I took
an ale and a wine, hoping that one would be palatable.
As I sat against the wall, my feet resting upon
the table, a weedy human male approached. He did not say his name and his
greeting was rather crass, well he is only a human.
"Greetings T'Skrang" he said to which
I replied "Greetings Human." Well we got to talking and I discovered
that he was an elementalist, a useful Discipline aboard our riverboats.
So I informed him of my greatness, as a Swormaster should, and to my luck
we were quickly joined by a fellow Swordmaster. An elf called Valantas.
He was a little wet behind the ears, big ears at that, but a charming chap
all in all.
It was not long after that the things got entertaining.
A huge Barbarian of a man calling himself dog or cat or something began
to vocalise some gargles regarding the duelling finesse of the Swordmaster.
So, being as bored as I was, I accepted his challenge.
We, and a large crowd headed out to the barn,
(how quaint) to duel. I drew "Pryus' Wrath" and began to warm
up with fluid movements of my graceful arm. The human drew an axe and gurgled
something like "How do we do this?"
Well I replied "Are you going to use that,
is it an axe for fighting or a hatchet for chopping wood?" This disgruntled
him somewhat, which was my intention of course. The duel began. His slow
and inaccurate blow I dodged easily.
I circled behind the oversized intestine full
of rocks, and landed the flat of my blade across the rear of his knee,
felling him like a tree. I swung my blade in a flurry of sweeps, like a
spider spinning a web, I created a display of beauty. The thug just got
up and yelled, he also struck me.
The blow knocked me to the ground and "Pryus'
Wrath" flew from my hands. I felt winded but when I looked down I
saw the baboon had actually drawn blood. I staggered to my feet, with absolute
grace, and drew my short sword.
Again he screamed at me and attacked, I manoeuvred
around him like a graceful dancer, his wild worg swing missing me. It was
here as my stomach bled through a gaping hole in my armour that things
turned against me.
I had made a slight err, I moved to his left
in order to gain the advantage in the attack, I expected his sloppy stroke
to come from above, as one would attack with such a clumsy weapon like
an axe. As I moved to my right his axe came in sideways from the left.
My world turned black.
I was standing aboard the River King, but I was
the captain. We sailed the rough torrents of the Serpent. I did not recognise
most of the crew, but one face startled me. It was Pryus. I could not believe
it, I started toward him and he waited. As I was nearing him a light began
to shine all around me, it was blinding. Then I was looking up at the face
of Valantas. I was back in the barn.
I had a slight headache but I did stand to face
my enemy again, but he had left. Well I had not finished with him, I may
have been down but not out. So with Valantas in my ear about something,
"Wait I need to tell you…" I just told him to button it
until I had finished the duel.
I stormed back into the tavern, all eyes turned
to face me, they looked at me with surprised looks, I too was surprised
that I had actually fallen to this Barbarian. He looked up at me with disbelief.
So I drew my blade walked right up to him and slammed my scimitar down
on the table.
I held out my hand "Well fought my warrior
friend". He corrected me by telling me he was a Sky Raider. Well I
offered a truce of respect, he accepted. It was then Valantas caught up
to me.
Still babbling I turned impatiently. "What
is it elf?"
"Well Mantious, he did not just beat you,
he killed you"
I looked at him in astonishment; everyone was looking at me.
"You know that's funny cause I could swear I am alive and standing
here."
"Yes, my friend" Valantas said
"Just feel that big scar around your throat, it goes all the way around,
because he decapitated you."
I gulped as I felt the scar he was talking about.
"Well that certainly was a great show," I shouted out to all.
I sat down with Wulf and his companion and proceeded to drink. I failed
to mention this before as it seemed irrelevant at the time. Wulf and his
companion Guntra brought in a fallen comrade, one Njal as they carried
him upstairs the innkeeper said, "He had better not be contagious."
I assumed that being the barbarians that they
are; their comrade had some kind of disease caused from lack of hygiene.
I was to be proven wrong. Not long after a very
base meal, but I won't venture into that, we heard a disturbance that would
ultimately be the beginning of our excitement for the eve.
A scream cried out from upstairs, followed by a gargle and a smashing sound
followed by a thud outside.
Wulf and Guntra rushed upstairs as did several
others, but I knew what had happened, the perpetrator of this crime had
escaped out of the window, so I rushed outside and around the building
to catch him. As I moved around in the blizzard I saw a form in the snow
below the window of the Sky Raiders. I approached and discovered that it
was a shutter from the window. There were no prints. So the attacker was
a flier.
I rushed back up stairs to the others, there
Njal lay, his jaw dislocated and blood trailed from him to the window.
We all agreed on one thing, a horror had done this.
The rest of us walked back to the taproom as the Sky Raiders performed
their death rites, we continued to drink.
It was not long before we were in our beds. I
awoke to the shouts from outside "FIRE", I rushed like a T'Skrang
possessed out onto the palisade and their I witnessed the barracks engulfed
in flame. Forge helped my break the ice covering the well and soon with
some help from the soldiers we extinguished the fire. We were notified
shortly after that apart from the soldiers that had died in the fire, one
was missing, a guard named Krieg.
We began a search that yielded no results save
the apparent arson of the barracks. It was a long night so to rest we set
once again.
Entry #2
Day 11, Doddul 1520Th
The following morning was interesting, the snow
still falling heavily kept me from leaving, but I was informed that the
one armed cook, whom I called "stumpy", had also disappeared.
This was getting very suspicious. Well with the cook out of action it was
up to I, the most swift and brilliant Mantious, to the rescue and using
what little resources I had, I cooked for the whole tavern.
The Brithan droppings said that the food was
satisfactory, SATISFACTORY!
Well they learnt a lesson that night, don't insult
Mantious' cooking was the lesson. For dinner they had an improvised, T'Skrang
del asima. Sodding potato soup with T'Skrang urine. Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha
bahahahahahaha bahahahah. Ahh that will teach them. But I lose myself,
we were just getting warmed up to the nights events.
It started when I took a bath in the laundry
cauldron, this rancid place did not even have a bath, anyway Valantas thought
it would be amusing to take my cloths and place them outside. I showed
him. I walked out in a sheet from the laundry and demanded that Valantas
retrieve my clothing, he refused but his MASTER made him. Bahhhhhhh bahhhhh
abhhhhh Mantious the great wins again.
Well it was not long before Valantas made a rather
silly comment, that I dared him to make mind you, about the Ork chiefs
bodyguard Ax. The conversation was something like this.
Ork Chief "Are you saying Ax is dumb?"
Valantas "No, but you have to admit he is a bit slow."
Ork Chief "Ax is my son"
Well I fell to the floor with laughter and it
was not long before we were back in the barn, Swordmaster vs. Thug. Fortunately
for Valantas I had made an agreement with the Ork chief not to kill Valantas
but let it be to unconscious so that honour may be satisfied. He agreed.
Well it was a whole ten seconds. Ax hits Valantas,
Valantas goes done. Honour restored, Ax the victor.
That night while I was sleeping I was woken by
a cry of pain in the corridor. I jumped out of bed and grabbed my "Pryus'
Wrath". Looking out the corridor I saw Ax wounded severly and the
other Ork guard down, his head missing. As I rounded the corner I was face
to mandible with a giant black locust. I knew by staring this evil creature
down that it was horror spawn and must be destroyed.
It was then Valantas was at my side, unwavering
loyalty from the elf I give him much credit. Well the horror's fears were
realised when it knew that it was mandible to face with Mantious the Swift,
so in a cowardly attack it used it's cursed magic's upon me and froze me
to the spot. This would not deter my brave, though idealess, companions
as they struggled with the beast. Finally Forge moved my frozen form from
the front of combat and engaged the Horror himself.
Seconds later I broke the magical hold over me
and rejoined the fray barking out orders in which to kill it. The cowardly
creature, wisely, turned tail and fled. I organised every one down stairs
for a war conference. The guards walked in announcing that they were scurrying
away from the fort like the yellow fowl that they are. Well I have no time
for cowards.
I organised the fur trappers and Jacob behind
the bar armed with bows, the doors were all locked. We cleared the main
room and waited. Time went by and then I thought it would be a good idea
to test all of out Artisan skills.
It turned out that poor Valantas was marked by
the beast, so we disarmed him, tied him up and placed him in the cellar,
but I did leave one of the beer taps on for him to drink from.
We all waited some more, things started to get
suspicious after Van Storme began to cast a spell to disguise us all. While
weaving a thread to a spell, a blinding flash appeared in the room. Then
the Brithan droppings hit the wall. The measly human Wizard said that Van
Storme was marked. I asked the flying rodent to check the room with his
natural astral sight. He told us that the human was marked, them immediately
the Wizard began to cast.
The power of the spell knocked Van Storme off
his feet, I ordered everyone not to kill the Wizard but to subdue him.
The IDIOT, yes DUMB, STUPID AX killed him. Valantas was right about that
Ork.
I realised quickly that these tactics were not
going to work. We went outside to patrol and hope to see the insect out
there, the cowardly evil manifestation of slime did not appear for an open
battle. The next morning we prepared to leave. As we approached the gate
we heard shouting from outside. It was Jaxius, one of the guards, returning
to tell us a war band of Orks heading this way. They wanted the head of
the Ork chief.
We immediately began our defences. I set up a
very intelligent trap for their cavalry, which later on ended up skewering
the criminal leader of the guards, who defected over to the Orks.
The Orks arrived, about a score. The leader,
one Karnak-Nor of the Rider's of Kas, said he wanted the "assassins"
led out to him, I refused so and emplored them to leave and forget their
plans of revenge. I bet they regret their pitiful attack on my watch. Bahhahahaha
Bahahahaha Bahahahaha.
They left and it was interrogation time. The
weasel of a chief admitted that he and Ax were assassins. I wanted to carve
them up there and then. Cowards. They told me that they killed the Chief
of the other tribe and his wife mind you, whilst they made love. SPIT TO
MY RIGHT!
Well I had a plan for this scum. I had a little word with Van Storme and
both in agreance we were to proceed.
We waited till nightfall. Wulf and his companion
were searching around the encampment when Wulf's brother began to attack
him, perfect timing. The host was killed and the horror got away again.
Not next time, I swear I will not let it go next time.
We patrolled the camp a while longer. I advised
the assassins that they should leave in the cloak of darkness, as is there
way. I told them that we would meet them in their lands. Valantas would
stay with me till then. They agreed, my plan was working. I then instructed
the Windling to tell the chief of the Ork tribe that the assassins are
loose and give them directions. The buzzing idiot refused.
You see I thought that by having the assassins
killed by their enemies would break Valantas from his blood oath. It was
plain to see that what I was proposing was wrong. When the Rider's of Kas
returned it was a ruse. Ten charged to the gate, we let them, what were
they going to do charge town the palisade?
When they pulled up out the front of the gates
we saw that eight of them where not Orks, they were the bodies of the rest
of the guards from Jacob's Well. Quickly I ordered the trappers to the
rear of the fort. My fears were confirmed when a dozen Orks scrambled over
the palisade. I ordered my men to form up in the courtyard. The trappers,
Valantas and Jaxius obeyed intelligently. The others decided that separating
and taking on the other dozen would be easier. Hmmmm foolish not to listen
to the Tactics master.
Well I broke formation, but told the others to
hold it. While they successfully fended off the charging Orks, I gracefully
danced upon the palisade knocking three of their archers off, the forth
got the right idea and jumped before I taught him a lesson too.
I then re-joined the fray, taking down the last
of the ground troops. To my excitement the Karnak_Nor was a Swordmaster.
I shouted to Valantas "The honour of this battle is yours!"
Valantas happily took the challenge. Well that
battle unfortunately did not end with Valantas' victory, so I challenged
the Karnak-Nor.
I scratched a line across the dirt with "Pryus
Wrath", calling out to him "Penitus Nam Vita"
Then he asked me if I was a Swordmaster, I replied
"I am Mantious Swordmaster of the River King". He moved in and
so did I with a quick slash of my tongue.
"I didn't know Orks were intelligent enough
to become Swordmasters." This little taunt worked as the furious Ork
moved in and proceeded to miss me. With a back slash I cut across his fat
gut, it did smell like Hurlg that's for sure.
The battle was not glorious though, it ended
with the honourable Swordmaster being killed by a Hawkhatchet to the back.
If I were in better condition after that duel I would have released Valantas'
blood oath right then with the death of the assassin and his thick son.
This pleasure was not to be mine.
The assassin did only one honourable thing, he
released Valantas from the oath. This was all that saved them from death
mind you.
Well we are a day toward Kratas now. I will write
of newer events soon.
Entry#3
Date 14, Doddul 1520Th
Damn the spirits that entwine me. We travelled
a few days after leaving what was known as Jacobs well, now is called Mantious'
Gallant Reside. It will be a most splendid tavern for all adventurers when
I have finished with it.
I will employ some care takers as soon as I find
a decent town, and some silver.
Well yesterday morning was interesting. As we
travelled along the crisp road, the weather turned for worse. It began
to snow heavily and it was not long before our horses were moving at a
very slow rate.
It was then that trouble struck. I was the target
of their attack, first take out the most powerful foe so they could destroy
the rest. Foolish creatures, I knew my company better than that, they could
over come these foul abominations, almost without my help.
White flying baboon's five feet tall. First I
was enshrouded by a spell that caused the very snow to gather on my person,
holding me frozen in place. The battle was going well for us, I still
had not broken the spell, but I did begin to panic when the mighty Wulf
was rendered unconscious.
This forced my will and I smashed through my
bonds like a giant through trees. The leader of these flying apes held
Van Storme in some kind of spell like battle, the two of them whining at
each other, at first I thought it was Van Storme whining as usual but then
I realised he was locked magically by this demon. I drew my blade and slashed
his gizzards in answer to its call. It did not last long as in a flurry
of fluidic motion I tore it to shreds. The party did not fail my judgment
and tore the rest to pieces. I hung the head of the pack leader on the
front of Darkness' chest. It looks very intimidating.
KRATAS the city of Thieves
Well friends this fair city is not what you would
think. I saw no thugs skulking in the darkened alleyways, no crime lords
ruling the streets. There is no such underhandedness like this. They simply
rob you to your face and in front of all.
For example, the first fee we paid to enter the
city was 5 silver, the following day when Wulf and I re-entered the city,
they charged ten silver, why did we re-enter? I will come to that later
We came to the fair city as I was to meet Debreus, my mentor. We split
up, young Valantas and I traveled the western part of the city and I led
him to the inn known as the Sign of Fair Warrior, this was where I was
to meet Debreus.
Only being noon we entered and I announced my
presence to all, "I am Mantious N'athalia, I have come to win all
your money, drink all your wine and ravish all your women." It did
not have the impact I so hoped for, but I made my presence known too all.
Valantas and I approached the barkeep, suddenly
we were faced with two situations. To one side there was a beautiful female
human, crying at a table by herself. To the other side a huge troll was
threatening to crush a little human.
Valantas and I looked at each other, knowing
we must intervene in both situations. Bravely I gave Valantas a nod, quickly
purchased two glasses of elven wine and sat down with the beautiful woman
in black leather.
With a slightly bothered look Valantas made his
way over to the troll, ahhh the bravery of the elven
swordmaster, and the luck of the T'skrang swordmaster.
I found out this lovely example of a human was
named Johana. I must include this thought right here, for it was Johana
that made me think of it. One of my life goals is to bed with every female
of every race, save trolls (I shudder at the thought) and obsidiwomen whatever.
Ahhh what about windlings you think, well I guess I will need at least
four of them.
Anyway back to the story. Johana told me that
her brother had gone missing, I asked for some details and said I would
of course help her. I thought this was a sure way to help my new goal,
I also asked if she would like some more wine. See its all falling into
place now.
I was lost in the moment and it was not long
that my companions arrived, that nosey human, Van Storme, was trying to
bite in on my lunch. I dismissed him and continued on my plotted course
with Johana.
I was to meet my master this night, but he did
not show. I went to bed, and found Wulf asleep in my room on the floor,
apparently he was out drunk by the troll Valantas had made friends with.
Made friends with! I was so hoping for a duel, troll versus elf, and heroically
I would have to jump in and same my friend, this action would have impressed
the lovely Johana I'm sure. The things that go on when you are not paying
attention.
With Johana in my bed, this drunk human snoring
on my floor would not do. I dragged him into the corridor and left him…on
guard.
Being the gentleman that I am I slept on the
floor, this would show Johana that I was not just after her for one thing.
Hehehehhe, a swordmaster must be the master of all things.
The following day, Johana, Wulf, Valantas and
myself went to investigate Johana's brother's house. After a thorough search
of his place it was discovered that he must have been taken from his window
and led into the sewers. Mmmmm a pleasant journey was to come.
We entered the sewers, oooo the smell, it was
worse than Forge. We walked those caverns for hours, until one of the chambers
we were in decided to release its contents through a drainage hole in the
floor, the pressure was to great, Johana began to slip, but I caught her,
unfortunately my own merit caused me to slip.
I was being sucked with the muck into the drain,
the brave Wulf tried to grab me but he was taken also, my great lungs meant
that I could hold my breath for a significant amount longer than Wulf.
We where caught in the drain, the sludge flowing passed us, Wulf in fear
of loosing his breath let go and we both slipped down the sewage pipes.
I grabbed Wulf and thrashed out with my powerful
tail in the direction of the current. Eventually we plummeted out of the
exit pipe into the river. Thank the Passions.
After spending much time washing off we made
our way back in the freezing air toward Kratas, which was about a mile
away. This is were the dirty thieves charged us 10sp each to re-enter the
city.
We made our way back to the Sign of Fair Warrior
where we met up with the others again and had another bath. Another night
on the floor for me, but I know I am getting closer to my first success,
and may I add that the human female form is just delicious. Mmmmmmm do
you know how long a T'skrang tongue can get, anyway I will write of tomorrows
events, tomorrow eve.