RK47
collides like two planets pulled by gravity
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Crash
Chapter 2: Life (and Death) in the City
Chapter 3: The Morning After
Chapter 4: Ball of Fate
Chapter 5: The Thieves Underground
Chapter 6: The Tale of Two Engineers and Greed
Chapter 7: The Goddamn Bad Man
Chapter 8: Black Ops
Chapter 9: Darkness over Tarant
Chapter 10: The Necromancer and the Dead Dog
Chapter 11: Despaired
Chapter 12: Arronax and The Derian-Ka
Chapter 13: The Wheel, Broken
Chapter 14: The Trail to Qintarra
Chapter 15: That Bridge to Tarant
Chapter 16: Where in Tarant is Renford A. Terwilliger?
Chapter 17: The Times of Change
Chapter 18: Good Intentions
Chapter 19: The Boil Massacre
Chapter 20: Onward, Caladon
Chapter 21: The Truth
Chapter 22: Pre-Negotiation Discussions
Chapter 23: Terms of Agreement
Chapter 24: The Whytechurch Murders
Chapter 25: L'anamelach
Chapter 26: Full Circle
Chapter 27: T'sen-Ang
Chapter 28: Scars will heal
Chapter 29: Reunion
Chapter 30: Faith & Falsehoods
Chapter 31: The Opposite of Truth
Chapter 32: True Ascension
Chapter 33: First Encounter
Chapter 34: Kingdom of Decline
Chapter 35: Sadly Ever After
Chapter 36: Nasrudin
Chapter 37: Into the Wastes
Chapter 38: Retconnaisance
Chapter 39: Arronax
Chapter 40: Atonement Begins
Chapter 41: Allies from the Void
Chapter 42: Kerghan
Chapter 43: Goodbye, Arcanum
This is great. I just survived a crash and a lunatic came to greet me. I guess they have shit for brains in this part of the world. I tried to dissuade this guy from worshiping me as some sort of half-god, but I guess I'll play along for now. Fella's name is Virgil. He seemed quite agitated about this whole airship crash survivor business. Some blabbering of prophecies and half-elf reincarnation. It's all part of his Panarii religion. Imagine that. Whatever. I'm going to go loot the dead bodies for some loose change and get myself out of this dump. Mmm...the gnome's ring look valuable. GB inscription? Must be the owner. "The boy" I suppose. P.Schuyler is inscribed within the ring....probably the manufacturers. Oh well. Time to get a move on. *snaps fingers*
Yikes! Orcs!
Calm down, you dolt! It's just summoning magic.
Oh, that's nice, uh, sir. Do you know how to fight?
I don't need to. Kill that purple fuck for me. *points*
Wha-?
Cheap, weak and plenty. The summoned orcs drain my stamina periodically, but it sure beats waving my fists around like an idiot. I don't like getting myself dirty. The purple fuck's chest had very little of value. A gem and very little else. How disappointing.
Look sir, a letter for a loved one from one of the dead. It's for someone in Tarant...perhaps...
Keep it if you want, Virgil. Now, which way to Shrouded Hills?
Towards that stone altar over there.
More shit blabbering. Believe what you want, Virgil. We're getting out of this dump.
Oh, look. A wise guy.
I mean no disrespect, uh, sir..but I don't trust this bastard one bit...
Shut up, Virgil. I do the talking.
Fine, I'm sure you know best what to do. But be careful with him... I don't like the look in his eye.
We have two orc muscles behind us. Have some backbone, man.
The cloaked figure gave Virgil a hard look, then turns towards me, nodding, "Yes, that's more reasonable. Now why are you here?"
Perhaps you ought to tell me what YOU are doing here...
"I'm from Shrouded Hills ...a town not far from here..I saw the crash and..."
(For fuck sake, another fanatic?) I don't feel like speaking about it...leave me alone.
"I'm afraid that's not an option here. You see, I'm here to see if there were any survivors..."
I don't like your tone, sir. Get out of my way.
"And I'm making SURE there are no survivors. Now you die!" he lunged forward.
Hah! Fool!
It might be a good idea to find out who owns that ring...
Point taken, Virgil. Let's search this asshole. Hmm...what a strange amulet. Ah well, to Shrouded Hills.
The trip to Shrouded Hills will be too long for me to maintain the summoned orcs. I dismissed them with a wave of my hand.
Shrouded Hills is a backwater village devoid of any excitement. I quickly followed Virgil's direction, anxious to get out of the blazing sun.
Well, shit. Two dead bodies and pools of blood. The letter interest me most.
Sound advice. I guess we should head out ot Tarant when we're ready. I searched the dead assailants and found identical amulets. A cult perhaps. A search on the nearby chest net some gold.
Sorry to interrupt, but it seems Joachim has discovered something...these individuals seem to be a part of some larger plot. A plot against YOU...
Way to go, Captain Obvious. So, who's Joachim?
He is ...well.. someone who helped me out when I needed it. I met him in a small village, at a Panarii temple, I was uh...a bit down on my luck. He showed me that you don't always have to take what life gives you...that there's always a better path, and...
BORING. What happened to you anyway?
I'd rather not talk about it, anymore. But Joachim is a great man, well-versed in the ways of the Panarii, and also in the ways of the world. If he thinks we're in trouble, then we are. Let's get out of here, and get to Tarant.
Fine, but before that, let's stop by the bar.
Gee, what a coincidence. Do tell!
"I'll make this short. Do you fancy yourself a thieving type, stranger?"
(Not really, but who cares!) I'm a man of many talents, friend. Continue...
"I thought I was right about you. Listen,...I'm no thief, but I've got some information to help us both get rich....there's a bank in town, and there's at least 500 gold pieces in that safe, as we speak. This here is the combination to the bank's safe. Do I make myself clear stranger?"
Crystal, my good man. What's the catch?
"We split it right down in the middle. And word has it that the Bowen Gang is gonna rob the bank any day now, so you better do it as soon as possible. And if I find out yer trying to skip town, I'll get the old doctor after you..."
Who's the doctor?
"Old Doc Roberts is the only real law this here town got...god knows Constable Owens lilly-livered hide ain't going to do nuthin' about nuthin'. Alright. I give you the the combination to the safe, you break into the bank and steal that money. Then you meet me here before noon on the following day, and give me my 250 gold. If I don't see your face here, then I go straight to Roberts and tell 'im who stole the money...."
Deal.
It'd be foolish to break into the bank during the day. And there's a guard next to the teller. I've no lockpicking skills, so I'll think up of something later.
The general stores pay decent price for the gem and provides me the stamina potions I needed. The blacksmith didn't have much to offer, and business has been bad with the cursed mine. Naturally, he asked me to procure a pure ore, but I refused to do such menial task for a mere dagger. The junk store owner is more useful, however...
The man, Riztezze, doesn't really know anything about the owner of the ring, but he admits knowing about its manufacturer.
"P. Schuyler and Sons? A very important piece of this puzzle, eh, friend? Ristezze has been very free with information, no? What have you to offer Ristezze?"
What do you want in return?
"Well..if you were able to locate a camera, or something of Bessie Toone's, Ristezze might tell you about P.Schuyler and Sons and where you might find them..."
(I've got the camera off that dead reporter already. No big loss if I trade it.) I have the camera already. Let's trade...
"Wonderful! Ristezze shall tell you what you want to know about P. Schuyler and Sons. A respected jeweler in Tarant, a strange family, but ALWAYS good business. And here...Their address in the city is 44 Devonshire Way. Good luck, my friend!"
That's settled. Let's meet the Doc.
I'm Alain Gilford. Some rummy in the saloon asked me to rob the bank for him.
Oh, he did, did he? Damned Bens! I'll have to take care of that fool! You seem an honest sort, at least. You interested in any work?
(Heheh, I still have the combination with me.) Sure, provided the pay is right.
Word has reached me that the Bowen Gang is coming to rob the bank. I could use someone to watch my back, and there ain't no one worth their salt in this town.
(Score.) What's the pay?
That depends, Mr. Gilford. Do you fancy yourself a magicker or a scientician?
I've been known to dabble in the magickal arts.
I happen to have come into possession of a magickal sword a while back. If you were to back me up when the trouble starts, I'd give it to you afterwards.
Alright. Where do I wait for you?
Meet me in front of the bank.
(And right after the Bowens are dealt with, the money's mine!)
(Hm. No. I shouldn't tell anyone about the crash. Not even a bit.) Mind your own business.
"Please sir! I must know! Were you on the blimp or not? I have a very good reason for wanting to know! I beseech you..!
I told you that I'd rather not speak of it. Good day...
"Hmph! No need to be rude, sir. I suppose you'll be staying here in Shrouded Hills. I'm sure we'll be seeing one another again..."
He's too interested in the crash, in my opinion. I spotted the Doc outside the bank with his revolver at the ready. Looks like it's time for action!
I'm with you.
So, they've got guns. No biggy.
Kill them.
I could always cast a little bit of my magic to stun them to speed things up.
And that's that.
The sword will serve Virgil well. I waited till the doc returned to his house and set my next plan into motion. The bank guards are dead, just like the robbers. Perfect.
I'm here to make a withdrawal. REACH FOR THE SKY!
What the fuck? Get her, boys!
The dumb bitch ran into the vault, obviously intending to lock herself in.
Not a chance! We dashed in as the vault slammed shut behind us. I walked towards the safe with the slip of combination in my hands, making the withdrawal as a rain of blows sent the old teller to oblivion. The satisfying weighty sack's content entered my purse and I filched the vault's key from her corpse. Thanking her as I left.
To Tarant, boys!
Fuck. a pair of ogres with one human guarding my exit. This is too tough for me.
(Must I be blocked at every turn?!) Perhaps there is a way we might circumvent the fee?
"Perhaps...there may be something you could do for me. It seems my reputation here in town has grown expositionally,...I'm having trouble acting without the local constable's err, constant attention...they've gone and begun preparations for another bridge to the south of here. If there were some way you could implode their efforts, I'd appreciate it...we could make you an honoristical member of our crew..."
How exactly, would one IMPEDE their efforts?
"Shrouded Hills has recently received a shipment of construction materials. They're located right next to the bridge..."
Say no more, Lukan!
Get to work, boys!
It took minutes, and I returned to the Witless One.
(Sigh. Whatever.) Sure, Lukan. Go ahead, Shoot.
" Well, I'm not quite sure where you're headed, but just about any fair-sized metroglodyte should have what is known - to those IN the know - as the Thieves Underground.
(Interesting!) What, exactly, is the purpose behind this organization?
" The Underground is comprised of many groups of thieves all across the contingent. Any one of these groups will know of jobs that are available, and they make sure that no two thieves are doing the same job at once..."
Sounds pretty established.
" Very. A very secretive. They won't just talk to anyone either. You've got to be subtle and silent...you know...very thief-like."
Lukan! I don't think you make one mistake in that sentence!
"What do you mean?"
Nothing! Thank you for the information, Lukan. I'll be sure to check it out when I get to Tarant. Farewell!
Time to leave this dump. Eh...what?
Getting tired of this shit.
I recommend you get the hell out of my way, sir.
"Don't threaten me, stranger. Hand it over, or you're a dead man.."
Let's get it on, then!
Little shit didn't stand a chance, an orc on his back and stunning blows from my magick finished him easily. A quick search revealed the same cult amulet and a letter.
Guess they wanted to kill me.
Virgil, help me out here.
Sir?
Help me feed the fish. C'mon.
With a loud splash, the gnome disappeared into the depths of the river.
All done. Let's go to Tarant.[/url]
Chapter 1: Crash
Chapter 2: Life (and Death) in the City
Chapter 3: The Morning After
Chapter 4: Ball of Fate
Chapter 5: The Thieves Underground
Chapter 6: The Tale of Two Engineers and Greed
Chapter 7: The Goddamn Bad Man
Chapter 8: Black Ops
Chapter 9: Darkness over Tarant
Chapter 10: The Necromancer and the Dead Dog
Chapter 11: Despaired
Chapter 12: Arronax and The Derian-Ka
Chapter 13: The Wheel, Broken
Chapter 14: The Trail to Qintarra
Chapter 15: That Bridge to Tarant
Chapter 16: Where in Tarant is Renford A. Terwilliger?
Chapter 17: The Times of Change
Chapter 18: Good Intentions
Chapter 19: The Boil Massacre
Chapter 20: Onward, Caladon
Chapter 21: The Truth
Chapter 22: Pre-Negotiation Discussions
Chapter 23: Terms of Agreement
Chapter 24: The Whytechurch Murders
Chapter 25: L'anamelach
Chapter 26: Full Circle
Chapter 27: T'sen-Ang
Chapter 28: Scars will heal
Chapter 29: Reunion
Chapter 30: Faith & Falsehoods
Chapter 31: The Opposite of Truth
Chapter 32: True Ascension
Chapter 33: First Encounter
Chapter 34: Kingdom of Decline
Chapter 35: Sadly Ever After
Chapter 36: Nasrudin
Chapter 37: Into the Wastes
Chapter 38: Retconnaisance
Chapter 39: Arronax
Chapter 40: Atonement Begins
Chapter 41: Allies from the Void
Chapter 42: Kerghan
Chapter 43: Goodbye, Arcanum
The cloaked figure gave Virgil a hard look, then turns towards me, nodding, "Yes, that's more reasonable. Now why are you here?"
"I'm from Shrouded Hills ...a town not far from here..I saw the crash and..."
"I'm afraid that's not an option here. You see, I'm here to see if there were any survivors..."
"And I'm making SURE there are no survivors. Now you die!" he lunged forward.
The trip to Shrouded Hills will be too long for me to maintain the summoned orcs. I dismissed them with a wave of my hand.
Shrouded Hills is a backwater village devoid of any excitement. I quickly followed Virgil's direction, anxious to get out of the blazing sun.
Well, shit. Two dead bodies and pools of blood. The letter interest me most.
Sound advice. I guess we should head out ot Tarant when we're ready. I searched the dead assailants and found identical amulets. A cult perhaps. A search on the nearby chest net some gold.
"I'll make this short. Do you fancy yourself a thieving type, stranger?"
"I thought I was right about you. Listen,...I'm no thief, but I've got some information to help us both get rich....there's a bank in town, and there's at least 500 gold pieces in that safe, as we speak. This here is the combination to the bank's safe. Do I make myself clear stranger?"
"We split it right down in the middle. And word has it that the Bowen Gang is gonna rob the bank any day now, so you better do it as soon as possible. And if I find out yer trying to skip town, I'll get the old doctor after you..."
"Old Doc Roberts is the only real law this here town got...god knows Constable Owens lilly-livered hide ain't going to do nuthin' about nuthin'. Alright. I give you the the combination to the safe, you break into the bank and steal that money. Then you meet me here before noon on the following day, and give me my 250 gold. If I don't see your face here, then I go straight to Roberts and tell 'im who stole the money...."
It'd be foolish to break into the bank during the day. And there's a guard next to the teller. I've no lockpicking skills, so I'll think up of something later.
The general stores pay decent price for the gem and provides me the stamina potions I needed. The blacksmith didn't have much to offer, and business has been bad with the cursed mine. Naturally, he asked me to procure a pure ore, but I refused to do such menial task for a mere dagger. The junk store owner is more useful, however...
The man, Riztezze, doesn't really know anything about the owner of the ring, but he admits knowing about its manufacturer.
"P. Schuyler and Sons? A very important piece of this puzzle, eh, friend? Ristezze has been very free with information, no? What have you to offer Ristezze?"
"Well..if you were able to locate a camera, or something of Bessie Toone's, Ristezze might tell you about P.Schuyler and Sons and where you might find them..."
"Wonderful! Ristezze shall tell you what you want to know about P. Schuyler and Sons. A respected jeweler in Tarant, a strange family, but ALWAYS good business. And here...Their address in the city is 44 Devonshire Way. Good luck, my friend!"
That's settled. Let's meet the Doc.
"Please sir! I must know! Were you on the blimp or not? I have a very good reason for wanting to know! I beseech you..!
"Hmph! No need to be rude, sir. I suppose you'll be staying here in Shrouded Hills. I'm sure we'll be seeing one another again..."
He's too interested in the crash, in my opinion. I spotted the Doc outside the bank with his revolver at the ready. Looks like it's time for action!
So, they've got guns. No biggy.
And that's that.
The sword will serve Virgil well. I waited till the doc returned to his house and set my next plan into motion. The bank guards are dead, just like the robbers. Perfect.
The dumb bitch ran into the vault, obviously intending to lock herself in.
Not a chance! We dashed in as the vault slammed shut behind us. I walked towards the safe with the slip of combination in my hands, making the withdrawal as a rain of blows sent the old teller to oblivion. The satisfying weighty sack's content entered my purse and I filched the vault's key from her corpse. Thanking her as I left.
Fuck. a pair of ogres with one human guarding my exit. This is too tough for me.
"Perhaps...there may be something you could do for me. It seems my reputation here in town has grown expositionally,...I'm having trouble acting without the local constable's err, constant attention...they've gone and begun preparations for another bridge to the south of here. If there were some way you could implode their efforts, I'd appreciate it...we could make you an honoristical member of our crew..."
"Shrouded Hills has recently received a shipment of construction materials. They're located right next to the bridge..."
It took minutes, and I returned to the Witless One.
" Well, I'm not quite sure where you're headed, but just about any fair-sized metroglodyte should have what is known - to those IN the know - as the Thieves Underground.
" The Underground is comprised of many groups of thieves all across the contingent. Any one of these groups will know of jobs that are available, and they make sure that no two thieves are doing the same job at once..."
" Very. A very secretive. They won't just talk to anyone either. You've got to be subtle and silent...you know...very thief-like."
"What do you mean?"
Time to leave this dump. Eh...what?
Getting tired of this shit.
"Don't threaten me, stranger. Hand it over, or you're a dead man.."
Little shit didn't stand a chance, an orc on his back and stunning blows from my magick finished him easily. A quick search revealed the same cult amulet and a letter.
Guess they wanted to kill me.
With a loud splash, the gnome disappeared into the depths of the river.