Awakening and Rebirth - Chimera IC

[Vulgarth1]

Martin watched the blue-skinned humanoid rise to his feet, standing up at the same time and looking down at himself as the Cheesemaker spoke. He was indeed incredibly pale skinned, his gangly limbs thin and bony. He certainly did seem to fit the description of these..."Molag'Bal". For some reason that thought unsettled him, and greatly so, a shiver of fear running down his spine as the man continued talking, causing Martin to drag his attention back to the explanation he was being offered.

"I see, so th-" Martin began, though the rest of his sentence was drowned out by that horrific cry, both men whirling to stare into the gloomy, sparsely-lit undergrowth of the forest around them, their eyes wide and fearful. Then the monster appeared, looking even more fearsome than it had previously, Martin taking a couple of steps back, some instinct telling him to stay as far away as possible. He ran his eyes over that dismembered, blue-skinned arm, feeling the bile rise in his throat, hot and acidic, and he clapped a hand to his mouth, breathing heavily through his nose and trying to ignore the coppery stench of blood emanatin from the beastling.

However, as the blue-skinned fellow spoke again in that curious language, Martin felt some part of his mind understand immediately, thriving on the smell of blood that now hung thick in the air, overwhelming the fragrance of the plants and filling Martin's nostrils. He could almost taste the metallic tang of vitae, and he felt oddly invigorated as he lifted a hand, glancing over his shoulder at the blue man, even as the Beastling moved closer.

"I will not hold you to a debt. Hide, I think I can handle this." He said with a confidence quite unlike him, or so a niggling voice in his mind said. Pushing it away and allowing the scent of blood to cloud his mind, he splayed his spindly fingers and watched as the shadows rushed inward, curling around the Beastling, and somehow, Martin knew it was being leeched slowly of its life. With each passing second Martin felt stronger, a half-smile twitching at his lips.

[Diggerton]

Stephen
Stephen was relived to see someone like him. Hopefully one of his own kind would treat him better than those... blue things, for lack of a better term. The man might even know who he is. He had to stop the creature. However, he was to far away to do anything. He attempted to shoot one of his Magic Bolts at the creature attacking the two, but it dissipated before reaching it. If he was going to do anything, he had to move fast. He slid down the hill, towards the other creature. As he neared the bottom of the hill, he launched off of it, his fists morphing to stone again. In mid-air, he attempted to land a punch, but missed. The creature attempted to send a blow at him, however Stephen barely managed to block it. As the creature recoiled from Stephens block. he countered, launching an attack at the creature. His stone fist connected with the creature. The creature quickly retaliated, sending a clawed fist at him. If the creature landed the blow, it would mean certain death, and Stephen was in no position to block. But he couldn't just die here. Something stirred within him... another power? Seconds before the creature's blow landed, Stephen turned to solid rock. He was confused, and the creature obviously was to. He concentrated, and the rock retracted. That was odd, to say the least, he thought to himself. He sent a hook straight towards the beast, fists still stone, connecting and knocking it out. However, by the time he finished dispatching the creature, the man already began dealing with the other creature, seeming to be controlling shadows, sending them to the creature. Stephen approached the group, deciding to let the man finish doing... whatever that... thing was.
Ashley
Ashley approached the blue woman... Vlandra. It seemed she met her no harm, and Ashley quickly got to work helping her gut the creature. Ashley decided that since she knew Valandra's name, Valndra should know her's. "My name is... Ashley... I think. I can't remember much."

(Not really much to put for Ashley)

[El Noche]

You watched as Vlandra butchered the giant toad, quickly separating out sections of its slimy flesh. You mostly just held different parts of the body still as she cut. The muscles of the toad still twitched, as if still alive. The smell of its blood and entrails was very unpleasant, and pungent. Vlandra looked at you with a smile and a confused expression. “Ashley? Pretty…but strange. Your powers are quite impressive, You say you do not remember much? Did something happen to you to cause you to forget? Vlandra then took the best cuts of meat, and tied them up in a satchel like device, and slung it over her shoulder. She stood to her feet. It seemed that she wanted to go elsewhere.

The cheesemaker gladly took his position behind Martin, readying his spear if the beastling proved to be a match for Martin’s powers. His spear would not be needed though, as the beastlings furiosity was more so for show than for actual combat. The beastling quickly succumbed to the shadows that were now swarming about him, draining away his vital energy. The beastling let out a strained growl, and slumped to the ground, not having enough energy to stay conscious. The cheese maker watched on in awe, coming to stand beside Martin. “This vile creature was no match for your powers Dark one.” The cheesemaker said, praising Martin for his victory over the beastling. Another man approached them; he had strong facial features, and was dressed in a pinstripe shirt and jeans. The cheesemaker looked at the newcomer and quickly stood behind Martin for protection. “He looks somewhat like you Dark one, but is he a friend or foe?” The cheesemaker said to Martin. With the beastling dealt with, Stephen was free to greet the fellow human.

The robed woman stopped walking, and turned around and so did the younger girl. The younger girl said nothing, clearly waiting for direction from the robed woman. “Safu” the woman said in a kind and gentle tone. “I am Tallis, High Shaman of the tribe of the Fading moon.” Tallis then nodded to Urla letting her know it was her turn to speak. “I am Urla, huntress and hand of Tallis.” Urla spoke these words with great pride. The dark skinned man smirked. “Safu you say? Good name. I am Yango, if this tall green skinned woman speaks truth, then she would make for a good ally.” Tallis walked over to stand closer to you two. “We have waited a long for you arrival; your coming was foretold to us some time ago. We have come to make sure that you may live through the trials of your birth, and to offer you a proposition. We are going to our encampment, so that we may discuss in safety. Come put your worries aside, we have not far to go.” Tallis then turned to continue walking, Urla at her side. Soon the encampment came into view. It was a small camp, surrounded by a basic palisade wall. At the gate of the encampment stood a large green skinned male, larger even than Tallis, dressed in leather and metal armor. His head was shaven except for a single ponytail at the back of his head, in his hand he held a wide broadsword.

[Vulgarth1]

As the furry beast keeled over, still very much alive thanks to Martin deeming that was quite far enough to go, the tall, pale man watched the shadows slink sullenly back to their original places, that curiously flat appearance the trees had taken becoming natural once more. The rush of energy was not unlike a shot of adrenaline, making everything seem a little brighter, smells and sounds sharper to his senses. He felt rather tingly all over, and as he turned to the cheesemaker, he almost laughed as he knew just how simple it would be to step into his mind and make him snap his own neck.

Wait, what!? Where on...where did that come from? Am I drunk or something? This is very...disconcerting. Martin though, his face creasing with worry until he realised he was being talked to. The blue man kept calling him "Dark One" and he felt both flattered and repulsed by the words.

"Please, call me Martin. You said something earlier...Molar Ball, was it? Molag...something?" He asked curiously, glancing at his hands before deciding to tuck them quite firmly into his pockets. Then the sound of footsteps reached his ears and Martin turned, that same hand he had flung up just a moment ago rising between Martin and the newcomer. Taking in his odd clothes and stocky appearance, as well as his light skin, Martin felt a strange familiarity. The cheesemaker spoke again, and Martin pursed his lips, looking plainly wary. Apparently Martin was really terrible at poker faces.

"I have no idea..." Martin muttered to the blue-skinned humanoid. "Uh, greetings. I trust you aren't some other beast of this odd forest, come to gobble us up? I'm afraid I would make a poor meal." Martin said, trying to sound friendly, gesturing to his tall, bone-thin form.

[poppijoni]

"...and to offer you a proposition." These words rang in Safus mind. He did not like the unknowing feeling he had. All he could do was to trust these three strangers - well, the one who calls himself Yango seems trustworthy to him, though Safu did take into consideration that he could be a part of a plan the green-skinned ones might have. Tallis and Urla, on the other hand... They are leading the two straight to their encampment, and there the two are given a "proposition". What if they were to refuse? As the encampment came into their view, the question was answered. A gigantic man with a gigantic sword was on guard near the edge of the encampment. So, the choices are being ripped apart by wild beasts in the forest, or being extorted by a tribe of giant soldiers.

The worst thing to Safu wasn't that he got this ideas. The worst thing was the uncertainty. It is possible that the tribe is as civilized as Tallis seems to be. In that case he's in the hands of friends. But he just couldn't be sure... Under his cloaks, Safu hid the sharp pointed rock he had in one of his pockets. It's not much but if it came to it, Safu realized, it's better than getting his fists broken. As they reached the camp, Safu kept a close look on the goliath that was on guard. Truth be told, Safu was scared, terrified even. Terrified and confused, what a combination. There's no turning back now. The option of dying with the wild beasts has passed, and Safu isn't sure if he should've taken it when he could.

[Diggerton]

Stephen
"Thank god I found someone that isn't about to kill me!" Stephen exclaimed. He continued, "I don't mean you harm. I woke up here... I'm not sure where here is. I can't remember anything. Please, can you tell me where I am? The last thing I remember was being... chased. Everything is hazy." Stephen was certainly happy to meet a few seemingly friendly faces in the unknown world. They weren't trying to kill him like group in the hut, so that was a good start.
Ashley
Ashley answered Valandra's question, "Not that I know of... the last thing I remember.... I was in a park... and there was lake... and a crystal... it's hard to remember." Ashley noticed that it seemed Valandra wanted to go. Valandra certainly wouldn't receive any complaints from Ashley, after being attacked by that toad-thing she was sure that just about anywhere was safer than this. In the meantime, Ashley had plenty of questions, but she asked the one of most immediate importance first. "Where are we?"

[El Noche]

As the group approached the entrance, the large guard spoke to them, his metal shoulder pad glistened in the moonlight. " So these are the beings spoken of in legend?" His voice was very deep, but had that same electric quality that seemed to be a general characteristic of his people. He looked over Safu and Yango, seemingly fascinated with their appearance. He noticed the blood on Yangos clothes. "Brown skinned man, whose blood is that upon you? Your own?" The giant green skinned guard seemed to be challenging Yango with that question, a test of some sort. Yango responded with a smile. "It is the blood of some wild furry beast, I bashed the life from its body with a stone." The guard boomed out a laugh from his chest. " A stone you say? HA! The War chief will be pleased with our new guests." Tallis smiled and nodded, and the guard stepped aside.

The group then moved inside the encampment, there were several tent like structures arranged around the camp, and at the corner of the camp were around a dozen large four legged lizard like creatures, corralled in a hastily put together wooden structure. There were more of the green skinned people, around a dozen. Most of them were males and all were dressed in a similar manner as the guard at the entrance, and all very large. They all watched Safu and Yango as they followed Tallis and Urla through the camp.

Tallis led Safu and Yango to a fire with pad like seats around it. "Relax here, we will bring some food and drink, and then we can begin our talk." Tallis and Urla then walked off to the largest hut in the camp, disappearing inside it, leaving the two humans alone at the fire. Yango took a seat, and looked over at Safu. "When I was fighting that monster, I did something.....I cannot explain it but, I was able to makemyself stronger than what I am naturally, allowing me to overcome the monster and beat it to death.......with nothing in my hands other than a simple stone." Yango laughed in disbelief at his own story. " If we are the same I imagine you also had a similar experience, doing something out of the ordinary. I cannot remember anything about myself. All I can remember is being in a dream......a strange dream." Yango trailed off as he went over the dream in his head.

Vlandra looked at you with a confused expression. "Park? What is a park?" Vlandra stood there for a moment, her hand on her hip as she thought hard about what exactly a park could possibly be. She shook the thought from her mind. "Well if you were near a lake, it sounds like you were in the Great Plains. That sort of makes sense, as the Great plains are not too far from here, but it would take some time to travel here from there on foot. This place that we are in now is known as the Glowing Wood. We are in the Southeastern corner of the wood, the territory of Lord Landros." As Vlandra finished speaking, a roar could be heard not far off. "Come Ashley, it is not safe here, something has the forest in a stir." Vlandra then began to walk off into the dense brush of the forest. She turned to Ashely and pointed into the direction that they would be heading. My hunting hut is not far from here, it is in a straight line, down this path. You can lead the way if you want, since you are so powerful" Vlandra said to Ashely.

[Vulgarth1]

When the man came even closer and began to speak with such relieved aplomb, Martin raised an eyebrow and tucked his hands into the pockets of his plain linen trousers. When he spoke, it became clear that they were both in the same boat, and Martin shook his head regretfully, hunching his shoulders in a rueful shrug.

"My apologies, but we share quite the predicament. I have no memory before waking up a scant twenty minutes ago...minutes? I suppose that's how I used to measure time...either way, I apologise. You may call me Martin, 'tis as good a name as any." He replied politely, inclining his head in a cautious semi-bow. Turning, Martin gestured to the cheese maker. "This fellow here called me Molag'Bal, or some such. Could you elaborate? Perhaps tell us where we are?" The tall, spindly man asked of the blue-skinned humanoid.

[poppijoni]

Only after sitting by the fire Safu realized it has gotten cold outside. Even though he wears many layers of clothes, they are fairly loose and their fabric is thin, so the cool night air really had gotten to him. The warmth radiating from the flickering flame felt good on his skin. "Indeed, I believe I did experience something similar", he answered Yango. He choce not to elaborate any further - not entirely because he was still uncomfortable trying to figure out the situation, but mostly the reason was the opposite: he was finally starting to feel at ease, and he got the expression that Yango was feeling the same calmness as well. The past hour has been stressful enough and both of the two - if, indeed, they are in the same boat - have earned some time to meditate a while in silence.

While peace was slowly starting to find its way to Safus mind, he had a strange and sudden feeling. It wasn't completely an unpleasant one, even though it certainly was unfamiliar. It was a holistic feeling, both physical and mental; his muscles had a sensation of relaxation and flexibility, and his mind was as sharp as ever. But the feeling wasn't completely pleasurable, either. There were disturbing thoughts rallying in his head. A part of a dream Safu had forced its way into his mind. In it, he was saved from drowning by turning into a fish by his sheer will. The flashes of the dream were very vivid and realistic, and being the first thing he could recall, Safu was sure there were some significance in it.

He shaked is head and came back to his full senses. By the fire Safu had a strange tingling all over his body, not quite sure if it was because his cold limbs were getting warm again, or because they were expecting another impulsive thought to twist into whatever form his mind might conjure. It was unclear why he felt this way, though he did notice that the tingling was slowly - but only slowly - fading away. If he, indeed, could repeat the magics of his dream, he was unsure if he should do so now. Right now he felt that it'd be better to try to get some answers from the war chief and the shaman first. So, having gained some of his self-confidence back, he decided to wait and see this through.

[El Noche]

The cheese maker gulped, uncomfortable with speaking of the Molag’Bal, as if uttering even a mention of them would summon one to appear before him. “As you wish…Martin. Molag’Bal are creatures of dark purpose and being, they appear as pale decaying beings, roaming the world unleashing their dark powers on those unfortunate enough to cross their path.” The cheese maker shifted uncomfortably as he spoke. “I mistook you for one of them Martin, because of how pale and dead you look, as well as your powers, which seem dark in nature.” The cheese maker looked over at Stephen. “He does not look quite dead enough to be a MolagB’al, and neither of you have the blue aura they are said to carry.” The cheesemaker looked around, before continuing his explanation. “This place that we are in currently is called The Glowing Wood. We are in the Southeastern corner of the Wood, within the holdings of Lord Landross.” The cheese maker looked at Martin with a look of concern. “What will you do? How can a man live if he cannot remember who he is?” You may take refuge in my home if you would like, it is within a fairly secure township not far from here? I owe you that much for your help defeating that beastling.” Stephen had been silent while the cheese maker spoke, thinking over the blue man’s words. “I met some other blue men, they pointed their weapons at me as soon as I met them. Isn’t it a bad idea for us to go to an entire town of them?”

Soon Tallis returned with several other females, they spread out a cloth in front of both Yango and Safu. They placed upon this cloth a variety of strange meats and vegetables that emanated savory aromas. Alongside the food, were bowls of water like liquid, with chunks of clear plant like flesh floating within it. "Leave us" Tallis said to her attendants, who quickly heeded her order and dispersed. Tallis then began to walk around the fire as she spoke to the two humans, tossing her staff from hand to hand as she walked. “It is time that I give you some of the answers you speak. This world is called Chimera, and the forest that surrounds us is known as The Glowing wood. You were right Safu, I cannot tell you who you once were, or of the world in which you lived your past life. I can however, tell of what you are now. My tribe have long known of beings like you, beings called from another world here by the crystal tower. We know the signs that mark your coming, and have waited for your birth here. You are beings infused with the power of the crystal tower, able to perform magics far beyond what other normal mages of this world can muster, but you are like new born children. You have no knowledge of the world, or of yourself. All you can remember is a strange dream and a name. As High shaman of The Falling Moon tribe, I offer you a place among our tribe. As it stands now you have no allies, no kin. This world is dangerous, and there are those who do not tolerate the existence of those skilled in the ways of magic. The tribe can provide you with security, a place in which you can study your powers without fear of persecution. In exchange we only ask that you develop your powers, and come to the aide of the Tribe in times of need. You are free to decline this offer if you wish, and venture out into the world on your own.”