The Curse of Calamus

[The GrandMage]

Richard vs. the Nighthound

Normally, Richard would let someone he didn't know be ripped limb from limb if he couldn't get anything out of it. No one in there right minds wound dare attempt to fight a nighthound. At least, in the middle of the forest in the middle of the night with a whole pack nearby.

Of course, Richard was driven by something much deeper: the need for at least one good night's sleep. If he could get that, he would march into hell and throw Calamus himself around for a few hours. One good night of sleep, and he could die a happy man.

Nonewithstanding, he was completely out of his mind. He flowed through the darkness of night, tyhe muscles in his legs springing as he hurled through a bush, and then the air. Nighthound ho! And with that, the full force of his weight slammed into the foul creature, who promptly tried to rip this new thing into tiny bits so it could eat it.

His arm struck like a cobra, Fang sinking into the creature time and again. Mostly art the face, since this was closest to him. Shoving forward with all of his might, aiming for those sickly glowing red eyes. Feet beating against the things front legs, Fang striking again and again. His other hand was placed firmly over its noze, and he was trying desperatly to gouge out the foul beasts throat before it decided to call for its friends.

He was in way over his head. Blast these nighthounds. Blast the foul bit of daftness that led people to wander around in dark forests. Blast his need to a good night's sleep. Blast those fangs, all covered in saliva and,...hey, is that a finger between those teeth? Richard said the first thing that came to his mind, not daring to turn and adress the preson. "Well, are ya gonna help, or wait for it ta kill me?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

And then there were three...well, four...

The giant and the woman had agreed, leaving him feeling a bit more confident. Nathan had taken a seat next to him and was looking at his with question. Pennindar didn't feel like repeating the whole thing, but who knew of another way to explain, so he went into the same detail as before, matching his words almost exactly where he could remember his exact words and making good substitutions where he could not. When he finished, he sighed, then took a swig from his mug.
"Well, what do you think?"
He hadn't explained how he knew their names, a topic which he intended to avoid until he had some understanding of it himself. But he HAD given the man quite a bit to think about.
"Do you wish to come with us and fend what is left of humanity and all that we love? I can assure you, adventures like this one donot come along everyday...if we succeed, you will be a hero to all..."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Talbot and the darkness outside.

He stared with wide eyes, watching them pace back and forth. How could people live in fear of wuch large and dangerous things? It was easy when you had a wizard to protect you, but most did not. The fear they felt must have been like what he felt staring out that window Talbot guessed. He was frozen, eyes shifting from one to the next as they paced in the pouring rain, eyeing the Inn hungrily, well-aware of what was inside.
He hoped Pennindar would return to his table soon. He was growing tired of being afraid.
The people here would most definitely stay the night now, for going outside would be suicide. They were currently preoccupied with the giant and their own drinking, possibly unaware that night had entirely fallen, but that would soon change.
Talbot turned his head slowly, wanting to see where the wizard had gone. Just as the distant table came into view, there was a loud thump as one of the hounds struck the window with its paws. He fell hard on his buttocks, swinging his head around to see the beast staring down at him, eyes growing a dim red, jaws open, showing its long sharp teeth, and growling.
He crawled backward on his hnds, then turned and leapt onto the wizard's bag, slipping back inside and curling up behind his magic book, eyes closed tightly.
Outside the bag, he heard the voices of men.
"Oh, no," on said, the bartended he thought but was too frightened to be certain. "Nighthounds, and several of them. Quickly, bolt the door."

 

[Jazzi]

Chroi

It took the elf a moment to realize the shadowy figure that was fighting furiously with the night hound was a human who was now yelling at her too. Chroi blinked twice before the full impact of his words settled on her. She frowned at him. Humans were so rude sometimes but nonetheless their culture and behavior fascinated her. They were so different from her kind.

Chroi quickly sheathed her useless dagger and pulled out her flute. From the size of the man and the skill with which he wielded his weapon, she truly doubted that he needed her aid. With her large violet eyes focused entirely on the gripping scene before her, Chroi began to play a strange yet beautiful lilting tune.

The creature immediately stilled and rolled away to sit on its haunches. Its eyes were glazed as the music the elf played entranced it, mesmerizing it and molding its will to do her biding. She continued to play her flute as she directed it to move away from the human while she slowly circled in the opposite direction.

The elf frowned again. Unless she knew the true name of any creature she charmed, her hold over it would only last a short while...a very short while. She could hear the distant howling of more night hounds. Quickly she ordered the charmed night hound to the south. The large creature bounded off into the darkness, howling as it went, leading its brethren away from their current location.

Chroi stopped playing and stared worriedly after the disappearing beast before turning to peer up at the tall human. She spoke in the common tongue with an exotic accent, her voice sweet and pleasing to the ear,

"The most we have are a minute or two, maybe even less, before the enchantment fades. I highly suggest we leave this area. I doubt I can charm it a second time, least of all a group of those vile things."

The pretty elf watched the human expectantly and waited for him to reply.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

When he got to his feet, there was only one word to explain his emotions: fury. Pure, unadulterated anger. His Fang disappeared into his cloak, his hand momentarilly vanishing into th folds before reappearing.

"Gods be Damned! Have you no brains? Better ta kill the thing. It's got both ours scents now. We'll be as easy ta find as a horse among sheep! At least if we'd killed it by th' time the others got 'ere, they'd waste time fighting for the scraps, maybe our scent could 'ave been hidden. "

He was almost at the verge of raising his hand. He turned around, and started off again. "Bah. It would be best to leave ye 'ere, let the nighthounds get ya. At least then I'd have time enough ta get ta town. But, seein' as ya'd probably just wan'er around 'til they got here, I suppose I can't. Come along then. But you'd best keep up. I won't be riskin' me life for ya a second time."

He turned, remembering the way back to town. He waved over his shoulder, and started off. Climbing the first sizable tree around, he began to hop from tree to tree among the higher branches.

 

[Firesprite]

Kyleen

Standing up, instantly alert, Kyleen watched the window, her sword half drawn, her posture showing she was ready to spring to the attack.

Her eyes flickered to the small movement of the wizard's bag then back to the window, judging the greatest threat to come from that quarter.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

Following the tall pale man, I eagerly pull his change-purse from below his belt. Before the coins can jingle in my hands, I am gone. I recall that a dozen or so men left the inn when that giant appeared. I followed them to take some money.

Now, though, the scene is dismal. In the dark, I realize that the only shelter is the inn that I just left. Then, I notice the red stars mere feet from the ground. Nighthounds have beseiged the small town. Rushing to the door of the inn, I jump at the large door, to find it bolted shut. I start pounding. However, the pounding doesn't help me get inside. Instead, it attracts the attention of the mangy beasts.

The growl attacks my very soul and I scurry away from the hounds as they pace slowly forward. I am cornered across from the inn. I look at the hounds as they continue toward me. Frantic, I think about crying and back further into the wall. That's when I notice a bump that protrudes into my back. "Maybe," I mutter outloud. I turn toward the corner and notice that the stone walls jut outward and may work for climbing--if I hurry.

Indeed, I make it to the roof of the post office. Unfortunately, that means that I must weather the storm and the night with no protection. And those damn hounds howl up at me. Maybe the dawn will chase them away, I think to myself as I crawl deep into my cape. I lay in such a way that I can see the inn and the hounds, but most of the water rolls off my cape.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

The Inn

The girl got to her feet in record time, her hand already on her sword. Pennindar watched her curiously, wandering how many scuffles she'd seen, then how many battles, then how many times she'd been wounded. All traits that went with being a warrior. He glanced over his shoulder to where she stared, seeing the window and the eyes outside.
"Unless they get inside, we have nothing to fear," he persuaded, "Though should they, we all might perish."
He saw his bag then, and a small lump huddled within it, the shape of Talbot's body, shivering lightly. The old Wizard had nearly forgotten the little fellow, and was that a way to treat a friend?
"I'll return in just a moment," he said, standing. Then he heard the sound of someone pounding on the barred doors in a panic. It cold have been the other, the thief, Richard.
"My good gentlemen, you must open that," he announced.
No one responded.
"I'm expecting one more, and I insist you at least check to see if that is he."
Again, no one answered.
"Very well then," he said, starting toward the door, intending to open it himself.
A tall man stepped between him and the door, shaking his head.
"Those things'll kill us, oldtimer. I'm not letting you go near that door," he said, attempting to look menacing, but in fact, he was just frightened. Not of Pennindar, but of what was outside.
"Are you testing me, young man?" The wizard asked.
The man stepped back, abviously not wanting a confrontation with anyone, even an old man. "Look, oldtimer--"
"Ssshhhh!" Pennindar spat.
He listened. The pounding had stopped. Whoever had been at the door may have been killed, or at least had gone.
There was no sense in arguing now. He wandered over to the window, leaving the man standing there, and peered outside. Bright red eyes stared back at him.
"I fear," he whispered, "That we may already be at a disadvantage."
He hoped the man who'd come to the door wasn't Richard, but there was no way for him to know. He reached down, taking up his bag and patting the shaking little lump.
"Calm down, Talbot, all is as well as can be expected."
"That bad?" The little man's voice returned.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

And in the night...

The nighthounds were scattered throughout the woods, inspecting every tree trunk and bush for anything they might feast upon. But in the tops of the trees, for now still sleeping waited the bats.
Still sleeping that is, unless someone should stir them. Oddly enough, a man came moving stealthily through the trees, bending branches as he moved from one limb to another. The trees ratled near their tops, shaking a few of their inhabitants out of sleep. They began to stretch their winds, then one let out a few loud screeches, which echoed into the air around it, causing the others to stir.
Outside the Inn, the nighthounds stalked the man who hid on the post office roof, pacing beneath the building, unable to see him but knowing he was there. Now and again, one would howl in frustration. They jumped at the walls in vain, growled up at him.

 

[The GrandMage]

The Trees of the Night

Richard calmly moved through the trees, watching as the bats sirred. Bats, amazing creatures. Small flying rats that ate fruit and annoying insects. It was the most praiseworthy rodent of all, and all they got were the screams of those afraid. He paused, and turned back, checking if the elf had indeed followed, or if she would soon be dinner for the nighthounds.

He supposed he shouldn't care, but he couldn't help it. It was a woman after all. An unpredictable, senseless, crazy woman. Your average female. But at least she had a skill and trade. Unlike other slackers of the world.

 

[Firesprite]

Kyleen

Kyleen felt the familiar itch.. the itch that told her to fight or die.
She wasn't going to remain trapped in this inn, nor was she going to let an innocent die, especially one who it seemed was to go on this quest with her. Besides, her horse was out there.

Fully baring her blade she stepped to the door.

A man stepped up to her, attempting to block her path, and in a lightning quick move, Kyleen had the blade to his throat.

Sharp hummed a jaunty little tune as he lay pressed against the mans hot flesh.

Kyleen grated out "Step aside and live, Neighbour"

 

[Angelus]

As soon as Nathan heard the growl outside his hand went down to the hilt of his sword. He watched as the wizard walked to the door and told the innkeeper to open it. Nathan wanted to say something to the wizard but he decided his best option would be to stay silent and go to the door. If a nighthound got into the inn there would be a fight on their hands.

He walked to where the wizard and the woman stood and slowly drew Myralin from its sheath and found to his shock that it was singing to him. He looked at the sword and then at the door and wondered what was going to happen when it was opened.

 

[poohlive]

Sebulba rose, growling. Nighthounds were a nuisance for him, but to them they would be lethal killers. He walked over to the door, making eye contact with the other two from around their table.
An understanding, always let the biggest guy go out first.
With that, he unbolted the door, and lowered his head down to look outside. At once he could see them, moving around a building across the way. They seemed to be pacing it.
A flash of movement caught his eye, above he could see somethign on the roof. A troll, wasnt it? Either that or a goblin, one of those small creatures.
He closed it once more, locking it up.
"One creature, on the roof of the building," he pointed to where the building lay. His voice was like rocks cruncthing against each other, barely able to make out the sounds. It stung him to hear it, but it couldn't be helped.
"He needs help."
Sebulba took out his axe, standing it up against the ground. It rose above all of the other people there at the inn. He looked back at the wizard, unsure if they should help him or not. It could be risking a lot to save this one person.
Although, it was an innocent life.
Giants were never good at making decisions.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

I watch across the open ground as the door to the inn opens. A giant peeks out--although that suggests that a giant could peek or do anything in a non-obvious way. I stand, assuming that this is my only chance to get inside. Unfortunately, just as I'm about to leave the safety of the post office, the giant closes the door and bolts it again.

"Arr, damn undeciding giants and their undeciding ways." I mumble about the inability for giants to make choices. Looking downward at the open area, I see four large nighthounds pacing back and forth, watching me in the night. I wonder if more nighthounds are elsewhere, also ready to pounce, should I leave the post office tonight.

 

[Jazzi]

Chroi

Chroi was immediately taken aback at the fury unleashed upon her by the human. She stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise at the torrent of words rained upon her before slowly narrowingly dangerously to glare at him. Of all the ungrateful… He yelled at her first for not doing anything and when she did, he was now yelling at her for doing it!

Humans! A race of primitive, uncouth, savages. The elf was now bristling with anger herself but before she could even retaliate, the human was back in the trees and moving away at an incredible clip.

Her pride at first prevented her from following but the howls of the night hounds echoing in the distance quickly changed her mind. Shoving her flute back into her bag, Chroi ran after the disappearing human.

 

[Jazzi]

Chroi

By the goddess, the man was fast! It took every ounce of her strength just to keep up and still he was slowly but surely drawing further and further away. He moved with effortless grace and skill, like one of those magnificent giant mountain cats she had seen twenty years ago.

The forest was beginning to thin out, a sure sign she was nearing some sort of clearing. In the distance, she could see lights…lights shining from windows, buildings of some sort. This must be the town the man had mentioned.

The howling behind her sounded much, much closer. She hoped she was mistaken. The crashing of the underbrush behind her wasn’t much assurance. The elf never saw the root that tripped her. With a muffled cry, Chroi went tumbling head over heels out of the forest and into the clearing only to land with a loud splash into a big pool of ice-cold muddy water.

She never saw the night hound as it sprang at her. White-hot pain lanced through her as the creature clasped its strong jaws on her leg. Teeth tore through flesh and muscles and the audible sound of bone breaking snapped through the night air. Chroi screamed in agony.

 

[The GrandMage]

The Night Wind

He stopped when he heard the cscream, turning. He sighed, jumping from the tree. His Fang was in his hand in a moment, but it was too late. More nighthounds were coming. His Fang sank deep into the base of the nighthound's neck, sliding up into it's brain. It was dead almost instantly. Richard pulled it's jaws apart, and picked the elven girl up, tossing her over his shoulder, and running through the last bit of the forest to the town. It was suicide.

He could hear them. Four came at them from the side. Richard slammed into the door to the nearest building-the lighted window showed it to be an inn or tavern of some sort. Bolted shut. He set the girl down, next to the door, and kicked at the door. "Open up!"

He turned his back to the building as the nighthounds arrived, Fang in hand. There were too many, and he wouldn't get the jump on these. But they wouldn't have an easy meal of him.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

I watch as a human runs into the town. He carries a woman over his shoulder as he tries to outrun the nighthounds. Finally, the human kicks at the door to the post office. Of course, it is bolted shut in these dark hours. The nighthounds circle around him and snarl at him.

Well, I may be a coward; but, I always try to save a life--good for karma. I hook the pick-axe into the roof and hold the handle with my sturdy, worn hands. Using the pick-axe as an anchor, I lower myself a few feet and yell at the human, "Arr, human! Pull yersef up on me. An' bring tha girl."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Enough wasted time

He was losing patience with the townsfolk. They were frightened yes, and he knew that, but how much time could he waste, standing here and discussing whether or not they should open the door. He knew damn well he would win, whether they gave in or not. The door would open; the quesion was, would it open before or after the man outside was eaten alive (had he not been already).
"Enough discussion," the wizard announced. "Let's see what help we might be to this man."
"Hey," the bartender yelled, "you can't go out there. Those things'll kill you and they might get in here."
Pennindar seemed to not acknowledge him, then, as the wizard reached the door, a mug of ale levitated into the air next to the man, who'd begun to shout again.
"Hey! I said you--" The ale saturated his hair and beard, splashing the floor around him and the bar, quieting him instantly.
"Alright, friends," he began, "Let's see what we can do to help."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Outside the Inn

In the darkness, the nighthounds pace, watching those who'd just arrived and the dwarf on the post office roof hungrily, growling. They don't see the door as the giant peeks out, then looks back undecided. They do hear the door the second time, as it swings open violently on its hinges, slamming against the outer wall with a loud crack, seeming to have no one behind it. most of them recoil at the sound, then regain their guards, hunching to spring forward.
The wizard exits first, arms folded across his chest, walking casually, but studying the scene before him.
He stops while still in the torchlight from inside, steps to one side, watching and waiting...

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He glanced towards the roof noise was coming from. A dwarf? He completely ingnored the creature. It was too far away. He hadn't headed for the darkened post office because there was obviously no one there. And he wouldn't head there now, carrying a wounded woman. She had been too heavy too get where he was to lift again.

And by the time he got there, he'd be ripped to shreds by the nighthounds. Not to mention the climb. He knew dwarves weren't too bright, but this one had to be really stupid to suggest that. The nighthounds were already closing in, the light from the building behind him the only thing keeping them from attacking, and that protection wouldn't keep them back all night.

Then, it happened. A door slammed open. It was enough to make him jump. He turned to the sound to see an old man exiting a building. He was crazy. And probably drunk. Maybe both. His boots slowly being sucked into the mud, his pushed his hayt back. The rain stil fell in torrents, and he was soaked through by it. His black cloak clunk to him, telling of his human form, and even his scarf was wet. It had forced him to push it down, revealing his long thin nose, given by generations of people putting there noses in books.

"Gaah! What in the seven hells is going on!?"

 

[Guest]

Nathan

As soon as the door opened at the wizard walked out Nathan sighed and quickly walked out with him, Mylanir in his hand. This sight that greeted him was something he wouldn't wish on even his worst enemy. He looked down at the nighthounds who looked back at him and started growling.

He walked up beside the wizard and said, "I hope you know what you are doing. I want to save this village as much as you but the only thing I can say to this- these nighthounds is the perfect end to my day."

Without warning one of the nighthounds jumped at Nathan who turned to it and brought Mylanir forward. The nighthound screamed in pain before it fell to the ground..... a gash across its side.

 

[Angelus]

Me.

 

[poohlive]

Sebulba held open the door, nodding silently to the woman. Ladies always went first. It seemed like there should be no exception. He himself crunched down and followed her, hearing the door being shut and locked behind him.
Tis of no matter.
His handaxe was held in ready. There seemed to be only four hounds in sight, but that didn't fool him. There would be more, many more. He couldn't just keep crushing skulls, that might ruin his perfect image.
In a moment's notice he was off, bounding to the post office. With a hurrendous leap, he landed easily on the roof. It groaned under his weight, but held.
"Come," was all he said, as he held out his hand.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

Giants are huge to humans; but to dwarfs, they are enormous. The oaf of a fellow towering above me does not change my perception herein. I just finished struggling back onto the roof and dislodging the pick-axe and I could hear more nighthounds in the distance. The fear of the nighthounds thoroughly outweighs any second thoughts I have regarding the giant. I fling myself over his forearm as he jumps off of the roof.