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--- story:ravis_service [2023/12/03 10:58] – Cinder
+++ story:ravis_service [2025/12/03 13:50] (current) – [Chapter 3: A Book lost in the Sky] Cinder
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+<WRAP centeralign>
 ====Chapter 1: Broken Fellowship====
+</WRAP>
-In a flash the rest of the fellowship was gone, leaving Ravi, Remington and Undead Sindri alone with the great blue dragon Dyndryd and the Litch Narkul. Ravi eyes darting between the two as her pulse increased, gripping her sword tighter as her Giant Eagle Remington stood on alert behind her, wings outstretched and eyes like daggers meeting the dragon's own with intent to kill. \\ Ravi had nothing to bargain with now, she could only pray that Narkul had some sort of honor, that his words were not a ruse, She let out a deep breath to calm her mind. \\
+In a flash the rest of the fellowship was gone, leaving Ravi, Remington and Undead Sindri alone with the great blue dragon Dyndryd and the Lich Narkul. Ravi eyes darting between the two as her pulse increased, gripping her sword tighter as her Giant Eagle Remington stood on alert behind her, wings outstretched and eyes like daggers meeting the dragon's own with intent to kill. \\ Ravi had nothing to bargain with now, she could only pray that Narkul had some sort of honor, that his words were not a ruse, She let out a deep breath to calm her mind. \\
 Outnumbered and hopelessly out gunned Ravi's thought carefully, Without panic, trying to figure out the best way to deal with both a Dragon and Lich, The towns people were no help, The only exit was blocked, Then the dead face of Narkul turned to her.
 //"I am sure you may relax, even a little now, we have our terms, I may be many things but I don't stray from a deal"// Narkul wandered over to inspect the newly risen Sindri causing Ravi to find her voice. \\
@@ Line 58: / Line 59: @@
 ====Chapter 3: A Book lost in the Sky====
-The Book of Vile Darkness, Quite a legendary item even farmers have herd tales of. The terribly twisted pages of such a book beacon legends and nightmares alike. Ravi had herd of this book many times but had doubted its existence. \\
+The [[item:book_viledarkness|Book of Vile Darkness]], Quite a legendary item that even the simplest of farmers have herd tales of. The terribly twisted pages of such a book beacon legends and nightmares alike. Ravi had herd of this book many times but had doubted its existence. \\
+[[character:Narkul]] spoke directly and firm. As such to have no doubt this was an order. \\
 //"You will be sent to the elemental plane of Air, that is where I believe the book has been lost. You are to retrieve it."// \\
-//"Yes.Cough.m..my lord"// Ravi gagged saying it making Narkul chuckle.
+//"Yes.Cough.m..my lord"// Ravi gagged saying it, making Narkul chuckle. \\
+Narkul folded the weave in his hands, casting a spell of planner travel. A Portal opening up beside him, peering through to the [[planes:air|Elemental Plane of Air]]. Bright blue skies, huge thick clouds and deep green grass covered islands floating in the windy sky. \\
+The Lich spoke once again. //"And you are not to return until the book is yours. Understood?"// \\
+Ravi just nodded, fearing if she spoke she would have to say 'My Lord' again.
-Stepping through the portal Ravi and Remi where left alone. \\
+Stepping through the planner portal it closed right behind them leaving nothing behind, Ravi and Remi where left alone. \\
-Out on this floating land mass in what seemed to be endless sky, The wind strong but manageable. Ravi's long red hair blowing in the breeze filling her with a sense of freedom, or at least a longing for it. thinking to herself she only had to put up with this for perhaps a few weeks, or maybe even a month. the other members would come to assist surely... \\
+Out on this floating land mass in what seemed to be endless sky, The wind strong but manageable. Ravi's long red hair blowing in the breeze filling her with a sense of freedom, or at least a longing for it. thinking to herself she only had to put up with this for perhaps a few weeks, or maybe even a month. the rest of the [[faction:alicorn|Fellowship]] would come to assist, surely... \\
 Remington Nudged Ravi, cawing quietly as they shared a deep embrace for but a moment. \\
 she wiped a tear from her eyes //"a..alright....we should get to work."//
@@ Line 91: / Line 96: @@
 Tumbelinging through the clouds for only a few seconds before Renmington's wings shot out, ceasing the decent Ravi looked up to see some sort of ship and shouting. it was hard to hear but it didn't sound like common. A few clicks from Ravi and the two were up, rocketing past the boat throwing it off balance. \\
-Getting a better look at the hunters they seemed tribal in nature, rustic clothes, face paint, Primitive weapons, the boat was wodden but what on Felwind was keeping it afloat?
+Getting a better look at the hunters they seemed tribal in nature, rustic clothes, face paint, Primitive weapons, the boat was wooden but what on Felwind was keeping it afloat?
+----
+The hunters quickly changed their tune after seeing the creature they were trying to hunt as well as the rider upon its back. Understanding this was no mere wild game to be their lunch. \\
+It was not a clear convocation at first. The hunters spoke a language Ravi did not know. It seemed to be [[culture:languages|Primordial]], a complicated language used mainly by elemental beings and ancient creatures. Caught of guard at first but then it became clear why such a language would be used in an //Elemental Plane//. \\
+After a bit of bickering amongst the hunters Ravi spoke in common to them. \\ //"Hi there, I am a visitor, a Traveller looking for a place to rest."// \\
+The hunters collectively went quiet then all turned to a single hunter towards the back of the boat. A large rustic man, twice the size of a normal person. a Cyclopes!. He coughed before speaking back to Ravi in common. \\
+//"Ah Apologies miss."// he removes his hat as a show of respect. //"We are but simple hunters on our trip. We did not know of your nature or the beast you fly. If you are a visitor looking for shelter you may come with us. Our village is not far."// \\
+There was not much to consider, Ravi and Remi had been flying for hours without catching any glimpse of land. it would be foolish ot to take this offer. It could be a trap but honestly Ravi was rather hoping for some friendly faces.
+----
+Flying alongside the hunting boat as it sailed through the sky leading the way. Ravi took the opportunity to gaze upon the ship and figure out how it was flying. It has sails but unlike a normal ship, They were smaller and o the sides while above was a giant balloon shape of sorts tied to the hull of the ship with thick rope. Several propellers were both pushing the ship forward as well as helping wit lift, Most interesting was that the Keel of the ship was coated in a strange purple crystal, similar to amethyst or opal yet it sone and shimmered abnormally, some sort of magical property but Ravi wasn't sure on the specifics. \\
+Aside from the abnormal mode of transport the ship behaved normally, Crew were going about their normal duties only slightly rearranged and the captain still gave the same orders.
 ====Chapter 4: Thunder Plate====
@@ Line 149: / Line 165: @@
 Ravi paused for a moment. wiping her face. //"Y yea...I hear...thank you"//
+The three of them went further into the city. Every street was alive with chatter and activity. The smell of hot metal filled the air, Despite the presence of so many forges the place was not unpleasantly hot, Probably due to the expert ventilation systems designed by the city. \\
+Though it was a Dwarven city Ravi spied a few other species mingling about. She guessed either traders or friends such as herself, She did notice there seemed to be a lot more activity than last time she was here.
+Reaching Grock's home was almost a fairy tale. It reminded her of her own home, Calm, cosy and full of love. \\
+Grock introduced Ravi to his brother, Shuckl. Younger brother, A tad less tonned and not as well kept beard. Shuckl told them how he just finished work and was going to hit the bath house causing Ravi 's ears to perk up. She hadn't had a proper bath in some months. \\ Ravi was then introduced to Grock's wife Toraz and while they chatted a bit Grock pulled his brother aside and gave him a bit of info about the situation with Ravi. \\
+//"Aye so can I count on ya? Just watch out for her, she is normally more than a capable warrior but I dunno, Somethings got her down, Real down. I wanna try leviate this trouble"// \\
+Shuckl banged his fist to his chest //"Aye you can count on me brother. I have herd the mates at the forge swap stories of the blazing hair shifter with bird in tow. It will be an honour to have me own stories to share. She is a tight friend to us here in Dheggrim."// Remington was left at the house not eager to take him for a public bath. Toraz giving him plenty of care.\\
-====Chapter 5: Guthba's Black Dragon====
+After a bit more mingling Shuckl asked Ravi to come with him to the Bath house. Give Grock and Toraz room to set up the feast of tonight.
- most of her time was spent serving the general purpose, she put her hunting skills to work gathering supplies and training kobolds in Narkul's and Aldrun's wishes. Ravi poured her free time into training herself and going on every hunt possible to hone her skills.
+on the way there Ravi spoke up //"So I have been here a number of times, worked even lived here for a time but I have never seen the city this busy...anything big going on?"// \\
+Shuckl put an arm around her and brought her in close while they walked //"Aye that is tru. Our leader has decided to host a tournament this year, The first of its kind in Dheggrim. Pitting strength against strength in a contest of battle."// \\
+Ravi was confused. //"Like a gladiator arena? but there is no place like that in Dheggrim....is there?"// \\
+//"Yah, One of the dried out mines has been converted into a makeshift arena over the past year. its far from gracious but its an arena none the less"//
-The next few months went by without much interest
+They went on a bit, Shuckl mentioned if the Contest was successful enough the arena would be made permanent. and that most contestants are actually people from all over Reton, Hardly any home town Dwarves have entered, Looking to spend the day enjoying the fight with good food, Drink and company rather then get beat up for others entertainment. \\
+Ravi caught the grand cathedral a few blocks away, Standing tall with the symbol of the //Stonewife// carved into the face of it. A holy place for worshipers of [[religion:Ulaa]], Common among Dwarves and Gnomes. The thoughts brought up //Sindri//. He was one of //Ulla's// Paladins.
+She wondered if he had any family that should know of his death?
-Narkul came to Ravi with another personal request, the body of someone, easy enough until it was mentioned that it was in the far plane. a hard place to get to but Narkul seemed to have his ways. \\ what was supposed to be a simple smash and grab turned into a one on one with a black dragon. Ravi emerged trumpfit with Guthba's body then collapsed unconscious. she wouldn't wake for a few days. \\ Though she would wake she was far from healthy, badly wounded she would spend the next few weeks recovering, which oddly enough went uninterrupted by Narkul or Aldrun. It seemed that after she and Remington took down that dragon the both of them realized how valuable she was and how much of a threat she was also. so her recover was left uninterrupted as a sign of good grace, Narkul may have even mentioned what a feat it was.
+Eventually the pair reached the bath house, Much more ornate that your average settlement. It was mostly made of stone with some lavish rock decoration and lots of metal, Even decent modern plumbing with options for hot and cold water. She assumed because the Dwarves were often covered in dirt and rock they needed sturdy places to clean up.\\
+Shuckl put a firm hand on Ravi's shoulder. //"Alrit, Ladies down that end. I'll give ya en hour and meet ya back here."// \\
+He dug into a pocket and pulled out a small pouch that jingled with coins. //"Oh and ear. to enjoy yourself in our fair city"// \\
+Ravi shook her head. //"No no I couldn't. I have money. I will be fine."// \\
+Shuckl forced the pouch into Ravi's pawn. //"Den if you got coin, ya can shout me an Ale at the pub tomrow ey?"//
-==== Chapter 6: Backtalker, Sword of Greyhawk ====
+Before Ravi could protest further Shuckl had left. \\
+Ravi asked the host of the house what they offered, Picking a hot shower and high ended bathing products to wash her fur of the blood and grime that had been accumulating over the past month. \\
+Inside most of the lady dwarves were walking around mostly naked. It caught her off guard at first but quickly adapting and pushing the embarrassment down. \\
+She undressed at the counter inside the showering area, feeling a bit silly. The Dwarf behind the counter didn't seem to even flinch as if she had seen it all before. Ravi asked for her clothes to be cleaned as well as her gear, The Dwarf nodded and took them without a word. \\
+Ravi turned around constantly catching herself trying to cover up. //No, Be strong, don't show shame//. She sighted a stall and made a beeline for it. not looking anywhere else and not realizing she was walking rather fast. Flung open the door to find it already occupied. \\
+The lady Dwarf with blonde hair and fair skin turned to Ravi with a raise eyebrow. //"So? you looking to join me? I'm sorry lass but I am not into furries, You'll have to shower alone tonight."// Using her thumb to gesture to the stall next door. \\
+Ravi froze for a bit before nodding rapidly . //"ah uh..yes sorry, my apologies ah geeze sorry"// before closing the stall with more force than necessary. She quickly scurried over the the next stall and pretty much dove inside locking the door behind her.
+Once the adrenalin wore off Ravi began to relax, trying to figure out how to make the water work. She had only ever had a shower a few times before but each set up was different. Eventually she got it going as the warm rain melted away the dirt, blood and stress, sliding to the floor. \\
+But se wasn't able to completely relax. she still had a job to do.
+==== Chapter 5: Dheggrim's Tournament ====
+Ravi spent the next few days away from her situation. enjoying good food and drink with friendly faces. Learning about the upcoming tournament and the location of the item she was here to obtain. It Seemed the Tournament had a few phases, The first being an all out brawl between all the contestants, Battle Royal style. the last 8 will then go into one on one fights like a classic tourney. \\
+Her Dwarven friends helped her sign up, paying for the entry fee out of their own pocket breaking Ravi down into tears once again as she thanked them.
+The day before  while she was down an alley the //Ear// and //Eye// approached her like silent thorns. \\
+"Think you could loose us? you best not underestimate us mutt!" The eye spoke harsh. the words like a teacher disciplining a misbehaving student
+====Chapter 6: Guthba's Black Dragon====
+Months went by without anything of interest happening, Menial labor and chores. Ravi had the opportunity to leave the camp constantly as she was the best hunter in the cult. It was during this out time she would train in secret, Building her skills and strength. \\
+Her hope for rescue was slowly dwindling. There was no signs of the fellowship to come save her. At first she was angry but that slowly turned to self acceptance, Who would want to save the one that caused the mess in the first place?
+One dreadfully wet morning Narkul personally came to Ravi with a 'Request' as if she had a choice in the matter. Retrieve the body of someone lost in the //Far Realm.// An easy enough job in a hard to reach place. But Narkul seemed to have his ways. \\
+//"If its so simple why don't you send one of your other underlings?"// Ravi spoke with a bit of sass. \\
+Narkul straightened up //"I have and none have returned. You are possibly my most capable who is also somewhat expendable."//
+Ravi was given a squad of cult members as 'Soldiers' but rather they were a living leash. Narkul's words "Don't hesitate to kill her if the mutt acts out. If she manages to escape burn that scroll and she will come crawling back." \\
+Three member's of Narkul's Cult, two humans and a Half-Orc. None of them gave names simply remaining silent or barking orders.
+The journey was less than interesting. It took a few days to reach the location. Some random part of Reton about a days out of the nearest settlement.
+A device was set up by the Cultists, After a few seconds a large rift was opened up on the device's position. \\
+"The Shadow Realm, Time for you to do your end" \\
+Ravi felt the blunt of a spear shove her in the back. "Ah jeeze I'm going I'm going."
+The Shadow fell, A plane of existence Ravi had only ever ready about. Some of the most terrifying creatures come from this plane but Ravi knew Black Dragons were not one of them. Why would it be here? there must be a reason. or Perhaps there is already a Black Dragon in Mor-Thir? they are quite territorial. \\
+Ravi and Remi pondered these thoughts until feeling something uneasey, Something threatened their life. Ravi's body began to ache, Every mucsle in her body throbbed with light pain, but quickly it intensified. She looked around in panic, trying to find the soucre. was it the air? No she was immune to such affinities. was it invisible? no she was equipped for that. \\
+The pain began to reach unbearable limits as she collapsed to her knees, groaning and crying out. Then she looked up to see a paid of pitch black legs, with small hues of blue. she looked up higher to see a slender 20ft tall creature standing over her. It had an almost featurless body aside from long claws and several tinty white eyes. Large horns that seemed to be part of its face. It stared down at Ravi, her gut dropped as fear clasped its cold iron grip on her heart. \\
+A Night Walker.
+Ravi roared in pain as she forced her body to move, Grasping her sword and pulling herself to her feet. As her body swelled and her hair flashed swirling red colours, Furry coursing through her blood. The Rage of being sent to her death fulled her spirit, Her blood boiled, Her blade crossed her arm drawing blood, It running over her body adding its strength to her sword as it erupted in a radiant glow. \\
+The creature let out an alien shriek as it recoiled from the light, All the opportunity Ravi needed.\\
+Leaping forward and as she drew the serrated blade across the Night walker's chest, One two, Three strikes, all finding thier mark as Bright Blue blood spilled from the wound. The shriek gurgled into one of pain as Ravi leapt of the beast's chest. Remi coming in behind. Leaping off him as she dived back in, impaling her sword through the chest her diving strike found a weak point piercing right through the creatures body.
+It shrilled in pain and as quickly as it had appeared it had gone. Ravi and Remi side by side as they turned slow, scanning the imidiant area but as the pain in Ravi's body slowly subsided she knew the creature was moving far away. \\
+She let out a deep breath as she fell back, ending up sitting on the ground. \\
+"That was more ass then class" she said to Remi who nipped. Indeed it should have been the death of them there. Night Walkers are among the most foul and powerful creatures to walk the mortal planes.
+After a bit of recovery the pair set off into the darkness, Both able to see well enough not to be completely blind. They stayed well quite as they flu through the darkness. Remi using some tricky flying to be almost completely silent like an owl. Eventually they found what they were looking for. \\
+Evidence of a Dragon's hoard, small bits of treasure, a coin or dull gem and soon after that claw marks and scales, evidence of Acid burn. They had found their Black Dragon.
+==== Chapter 7: Backtalker, Sword of Greyhawk ====
 once Ravi had recovered and was back in fighting form the big one was asked, a sword of Greyhawk known as backtalker, located in the heart of the capital.
-Delta handed the sword to Narkul but requested she have it for a few days so she can learn about it, its not known if Narkul would agree to this.
+The Feat seemed impossible for her. a task much more situate to a sneakier individual. So Ravi went about owing a favor to //Blacklist//.
+With the blade wrapped up ready to hand over Ravi entered the tent, Passing the guards and stood before //Narkul//. The tent was well lit by candles and lightly furnished with carpet, a desk and chair. As he spoke there seemed to be something different in his tone. Excitement? //"It has been so long since I have been able to wield my blade. You have proven farm more loyal and valuable then I thought possible by such a lower being."// \\
+The blade outstretched but just before he could grab it Remi squawked and Ravi pulled it back. "//Wait, Before I reunite you two I want something in return for this."// \\
+Thier eyes meet for a long pause before Narkul bellows a hearty laughter. //"The sword lives to its name, Not ever given without giving something in return. And here I was thinking you had finally learned your place yet your stubbornly strong will prevails. even going so bold as to deny me what is rightfully mine!"// Narkul steps forward, imposing his presence over Ravi. //"Then speak! at least let me hear what request has made you so rash."//
+Ravi stood unflinching, Remi perched on her shoulder fluffed up ready to strike, Fire in their eyes. //"I wanna see [[character:ironhide|Sindri]]."// \\
+Narkul was silent, The Gnome had never crossed Ravi's lips in all her time here. Why now? it was perplexing and caught him off Guard. Rather than answering directly Narkul side stepped. //" Remember you swore your service in exchange for the safety and freedom of your comrades. I have overlooked your defiance all these months as you are a wild beast yet to be tamed. However. It seems there maybe you never intended to serve me as so you claimed?."// \\
+Ravi spat at the ground. //"To hell with the fellowship! I see now it was a mistake to offer my life for theirs. They can rot for all I care! nary a pep I have herd from any of them."// Her ears lowered it was obvious it hurt saying that out loud, As if she was finally accepting it.
+Narkul smiled a wicked smile. //"See there beast, you cannot rely on friends or loyalty. Only fear and absolute control can ensure a stable relationship. I ruled this land for years yet they all turned on me when I became something more than I was. you yourself have surely experienced defiance and hatred for simply being who you are?"//
+Ravi stood their silently, Stroking Remi for comfort, not meeting Narkul's gaze. She was silent for a few minuets before simply handing the sword to Narkul. //"I would like to see //Sindri// just me Remi and him, alone for 30 mins."//
+====Chapter 8: Beholde! Escape! ====
-====Chapter 7: Beholde!====
+Cries from outside the tent. //"They have gotten loose! Beholders have gotten loose!"// \\
-Ravi was put back on general duties, starting to get the ear and the eye more personally, it had been several months and Ravi was still wondering when the fellowship was going to rescue her. \\
+Narkul growled. //"You said you had them restrained and asleep?!"//
-"you want me to what?!" Delta shouted as her next task was to rangle some beholders, Delta tried to explain just how dangerous beholders were which was met with the same simple reply as before. so instead she requested some extra muscle, Dragons were one thing but beholders could warp reality and Delta might be able to slay one, but capture and contain would be a different story. she requested 2 months to devise a plan for capture and containment of the beholders.
-Luna dust
+A cheeky smile crossed Ravi's face. //"yea I did. But I can't stop them dreaming up new ones. its the risk you take when dealing with beings who can warp reality."// Ravi saw as Narkul realized this was her plan all along as blind rage overtook his face readying a spell. //Power Word Kill// a flash of Green as Narkul uttered a word that hurt the ears to hear. Yet after senses came back Ravi was left unharmed. \\
+//"Howw?!"// Narkul growled. \\
+Ravi stood up straight and armed herself. //"what do you think I have been doing on those long hunting trips everyday!?// Ravi hunched over as she growled and roared, her body swelling and changing as she unleashed her Lycanthropy, Transforming into a wearwolf form then taking a massive swing at Narkul who vanished in a puff of mist. She turned and cleaved the two guards as they came to attack. one strike and it flayed their bodies falling to the ground in a splat of blood. twitching and writhing.
-**What ifs?** \\
+Loud horns sounded. not the cults. those were Dwarven horns.
-Delta's birthday came and went, i wonder if anyone celerbarted it with her in Narukuls cult? \\ it was coming close to a year and Delta was seething in resentment for the fellowship, not a sign of them or a rescue plan. she had grown quite strong over these months, she spent most of her free time challanging orher warriors in the cult, Delta started to ask what happened to ironhides body and what was the plan from now?
-**Release** \\
+Exiting the tent it was chaos. Just as Ravi thought there were two beholder's floating about fighting the cult members. a disintegration ray flu over her head as she ducked instinctively. she scanned the area. dusk was setting in but the land was still somewhat visible. she saw a group of about 15 dwarven soldiers reading the camp and striking at the cult. Ravi ran over to one she recognized, Shuckl. \\
-an act of compassion released Delta's collar and she took this oppitunity to escape. what she had learned had to be told.
+He met Ravi a bit caught off guard seeing a werewolf bound towards him on all fours. But he would recognize that blazing red hair and bird anywhere. meeting with a quick hug. //"Eyeyee long time lass. you certainly grown up in a few months. Grock did seay you had fleas."//
+. But Ravi wasn't free just yet. The favor for retrieving //Backtalker// was called in and Ravi had to journey to //Promise// To fufil a Bragain with //Blacklist//