Nymphix

(( @Dalek : No didnt forget it as it says in the beginning of the story, the fall of Alstin is a story left for another time :P ))

((ok i put all three gate in palce when we were building now who the hell has been playing around with it, i wanna give you a round of applause not only have you stuffed the gate system up but also all the restone wiring that i put in so *clap clap clap*, this is why people should not be allowed to build things you stuff it up for everyone else....))

I just reffered to it as as bastion not naming it the bastion as fort just sounded to plain

Story of our bastion lads has been posted in the roleplay section.

((Wrote this story on my phone again, please don’t judge the auto spelling etc))

((Disclaimer:  Please note some events in the story have been exaggerated to provide more depth and a smoother less boring version of what actually happened))

FOA Story 2 – The building of the bastion.

*Nymphix grabs a tankard of ale and goes to that trust wooden seat that he was just sitting in*

Ok lad, I got me a tankard let me tell you another story.

*takes a swig of ale and wipes the liquid refreshment from his lips*

Now I’ll tell you the story of how us Follows O’ Aeriel built our fort which today stands tall against the Undead and creatures from the Nether.

It was not long after that battle in Alstion which saw our beloved Blaedr appointed to Commander, that the Vile scourge of the Undead launched a counter attack, that my friend is another story one of which ill give you later.

These counter attacks were fierce but ultimately lead to the demise of Alstion our steadfast beacon that provided security to Al’khazar, with Alstion gone hope dwindled for a while as the forces of Aegis needed to gather their resolve and regroup a defence.

It was a cold few nights that left many families starving and suffering from hypothermia, I too was amongst those in hovels by the wayside begging for food.

And yet on one of those cold nights a voice came to me, I thought I had finally gone mad from battle and hunger, but it was a warm and inviting voice that offered me comfort. This voice identified itself to me as a friend, the Sage Arcadius, tell me that the people of Aegis needed my help as a member of the Followers to help build a bastion in which we may live and prosper in.

I in turn spoke out allowed not sure if it would work saying “ Aye my lord, how may I serve you and the people of Aegis”, mind you lad the person next to me thought I was flippin’ mad throwing me an odd look as is he wanted to get away from me.

Quietly the voice of Sage Arcadius returned saying I should not fear what is about to happen next, and that I should keep an open mind as to what will happen.

Suddenly without a further thought in mind I felt a sudden surge of fire under my skin, it was not burning me but the heat alone was intense enough to get me worried, I closed my eyes an hoped for the best.

Upon opening them I was bedazzled upon what happened next, now lad I am not expert on magic by any means, but for me it isn’t a pleasant experience, I was there in the cold hovel that I was slowly dying one minute and then the next I was somewhere, as if magically evaporated to a warmer drier place.  A little disorientated from the experience I gathered my sense and tried to focus.  Pinpointing a blurry figure before me I put my hands towards my face trying to protect myself and as my eyes cleared I noticed it was an outstretched hand, looking up it was a familiar face. “Sir!!, what just happened??” As Commander Blaedr stood me to my feet and dusted the snow from my shoulders he explained that this was to be the spot where the Followers O’ Aeriel would call their home, our bastion of hope and light that would show the Undead that we are a force to be reckon with and show the people of Aegis that we are here to help.  Looking around I notice there were a few other familiar faces, there was a young person a mere youngling but eager to help I believe his name was Nayr, he was an excitable fellow always eager to lend a hand and wanted to join the Followers in their cause, then there was Sage Arcadius, in his robes that always look as if they are untouched by the elements. Looking further back into the distance an even more spectacular site, the Ascended citadel gleaming of a brilliant light as if a miniature sun had been taken from the sky and placed on Aegis.

*takes a giant swig of ale and Nymphix rocks back on this wooden chair so its on its hind legs*

The great Sage Arcadius had climbed up these golden stairs that lead to the citadel and proclaimed that this is our home, this is front, this is our land never shall the Undead take it from us lest Aeriel herself be damned.” Amongst the hills, shrubs and sand that was before us we quickly and effectively sought out a basic idea of what we were going to build, although a rough Idea is was an idea that we could work on none the less. Commander Blaedr would go on a long and un expected journey to gather recruits for the Followers O’ Aeriel while the Sage Arcadius had more pressing matter to attend and vanished before our eyes without a trace. Alone this lad Nayr and I quickly marked the area using torches that we gathered and placed them in the appropriate spots for our bastion walls, whilst doing this however there was shadow in the distance of tree lines. Unsheathing our swords we prepare for a fight that was about to unfold. Just as quickly as our sense were alerted a figure came tripping out of the bushes. “I be Jack-Knifed, please don’t be alarmed, I was watching what was happening and was just trying to get a closer look tis’ all”. Hesitant at first, as I knew the Undead have many a spy I decided to give him a shot to prove his worth in the eyes of Aeriel and asked if perhaps he may offer assistance. Exuberant he almost instant accepted. So the three of us set off to work, shovel to dirt and sand, axe to lumber and pick to stone and ore alike. It was a tasking duty but I think that the three of us knew it was for a cause of greater good, not to mention we all keep each other company.  

There was many a time however that I remember waking up in the Shrine of Aegis think what the heck just happened and then planning a long journey back only to be told by my newly found friends that this land is riddled with underground streams and rivers, not to mention a lava deposit near the surface that had claimed my mortal flesh many times.

I was a long night but we did it, nearly dropping from exhaustion not to mention our tools were nearly at the tether the land had been cleared and we all lay down at the foot those golden stairs to collect our thoughts and take a moments rest.

*Nymphix starts to scratch his arse and tries to get comfortable on his chair*

Lad I cannot tell if we slept for mere hours or days but the next thing I knew was that when I awoke it be day, and there was no longer three of us but a whole group of people, Blaedr had returned with fresh young recruits eager to the cause. Not to mention that Sage Arcadius and Master Sage Riizu were here as well!

Blaedr approached me and patted me on the back, “Good job lad, you’ve done Aeriel proud, how did ye rest?”. Feeling refreshed as ever I exclaimed that I was better than I had felt in a long time and was eager to continue work. “All in good time my friend, we are just about to commence work on our defences”.

Luckily the boys and I that cleared the land left a stockpile of all that we gathered and began laying down the foundation of what would be the outer wall, cobblestone after cobblestone was laid down with mortar and sweat to hold it together, and I began work on the gate house and entrance. The man were tiring and by the time that Major Twilight came to me with refreshments I was starting to take a real sense of pride in my work as everything was starting to take shape and unfold before me eyes.

As the last cobblestone brick was placed and the last wooden doorframe was latched into position Sage Arcadius gathered us, shouting “come hither my brothers and sisters form a circle around me I require your assistance”. Without thinking everyone around gathered and formed a perfect circle around Sage Arcadius. Sage Arcadius producing a elegant golden staff from his robe and told everyone to start praying to Aeriel. Doing to Sage Arcadius thrust his stuff upon the earth and started chanting a mystical incantation meanwhile Master Sage Riizu also produced his golden staff and thrust his staff into the ground and to me it seemed as if Riizu was giving some of his magic energy to Sage Arcadius.

What happened next is a moment in my life that I will never forget as if Sage Arcadius has a great knowledge of alchemy, the cobblestone, sand and wood that were placed merely hours ago had simply changed in an instant into the same golden almost heavenly material that the Ascended citadel was made of.  Unfortunately this had taken its toll on Sage Arcadius and he promptly dropped to his knees from exhaustion but was caught before full face planting into the ground by Master Sage Riizu and was quickly whisked off into the citadel to meditate and recuperate from using this powerful magic.  Astonishment, that’s all that we could physically show as we stood in amazement of what had just happened yet it was not the last miracle that would happen.  

Master Sage Riizu, returned momentarily as if was only gone for a few seconds and told Commander Blaedr to gather his troops in the centre of town for special gift for all their hard work and dedication.  On reaching to centre of town Master Sage Riizu was already standing on a golden fountain and with the tip of his staff hitting the waters surface an almighty crack sounded, I cannot remember lad if he had said anything as I was trying to protect my eardrums with my hands but as four lightings strikes hit the four corners of our wall four structures, one in each corner seemed to rise out of the earth, this my lad is something that I hope you see in your lifetime!

“This is your gift, the ascended have been gratuitous enough to present to you this magnificent place for each and one of you to rest your weary soul and prayer every day in Aeriel’s name”.  Many cheers were heard that day, and even more tankards of ale flowed, which reminds me.

*drinks the remainder of his ale and starts clicking his fingers for a bar wench*

Curse these places barwench! O’ barwench, gimme another tankard of ale.

Ok so we are up to the partying lad, as I was saying many kegs and legs were opened that night, thank Aeriel she doesn’t hold a grudge against premarital happenings.

The morning after though I felt sorry for myself though with a massive headache and a little present left behind by one of the girls last night that I had to see the priests about but lets not go into that.

It was a proud moment for us Followers O’ Aeriel, Master Sage Riizu, Sage Arcadius and Commander Blaedr all stood before us please with our efforts. However in Master Sages Riizu’s glowing eyes there be sadness, as a long drawn out breathe was taken he told us that; “Now my children an evil tide is coming one that we must prepare for, harvest the crops, forge the blades and man the walls, for we must be ready against this evil to the very last man. Those of you that wish to run, you may, aye you may run and hide for a while but eventually your time will come, or you can stand and fight and say this life, my life was worth fighting for!!!”

*the barwench brings a fresh tankard of ale to Nymphix*

Aye my lad now that was the building of what stands today as the Follower’s O’ Aeriel Bastion, just you wait for my next story….

I shall clear it up first chance i get hehe, as for being scribe and lore keep, sure id love too however as ive stated before, due to me living in Australia i tend to miss out on most of the battles etc so as long as somone can keep me posted on those things ie people who were there, things said, people that died, locations etc etc i can promulgate a story in my head.. like the story above i was just bored at work and thought about doing a story on the FoA it took me about a whole 30-1hr to do as i was there at the time and i just had to think retrospectively what would have happened in real life.

Aver'noon lads, I posted a story on the FoA let me know what ye think.

A Brief History on the Followers O’ Aeriel

As told by Nymphix

((I’ll Update the story as future exploits go on, only if people enjoy this short story, please take note I wrote this all on my iPhone so there is bound to be mistakes))

*Nymphix walks into a wide tavern full of the smell of Booze and the cackling laughter of ladies of the night**

*Sits down in a wooden chair barely supporting his weight and creaks under the pressure all the while pulls out a small pouch and pipe and starts to fill it*

Alstion the last populated keep before Alkhazar lay undersiege not only from the Undead but also by Followers of Ibless, minions as well as other creatures most foul.

Creatures from the Nether that you would not expect to see in your scariest nightmare lad. There was howling in the night and as I looked up to see where my brethren were I would swear that the moon turned red with the blood of the fallen as if Aeriel herself had lost all hope for us.

Yet this was not the case, the now deceased but honourable Commander Sornof along with at the time a young Blaedr lead a vanguard of coalition and Alstion rangers from inner wall to the outer fortifications, it was horrific lad, many brothers and sisters perished that that. I do not wish anyone to see the sights and sounds that I experienced day but alas this story has to be told. Now where was i??

*Empties his pipe and restocks it with some Dunwood tobacco*

Aye’ that be right, Blaedr and Sornof where charging head first with many a valiant warrior and ranger to reclaim the outer wall that was now seething with monstrosities.

The snowy ground turned red from the bloodshed as rivers of blood flesh streamed out into the frozen lake beyond Alstion. Blaedr and Sornof knew that they would defend Alstion to their last breathe for if they did not they and Alstion would surely suffer the same fate as Snowy Fields.

I being a lad at the time might forget some details but I do remember the next part vividly!! Sornof our beloved Sornof was corned surrounded by followers, their hissing alone would drive a man wild, yet not our Commander he stood his ground, swords in hand, arms out wide as if to resemble a malevolent angel or an eagle often found in the mountains of Oren, claws ready to strike against an unsuspecting rabbit.

Without a word two followers try to sneak up on Sornof and like a Tsunami encompasses the land the swords make a downward motion, with a spray of blood the two followers drop to the ground now lifeless and limp.

Out of thing air a hooded malevolent being appears as if the very existence of time and space had a hole ripped into it so this creature could pass through and plunges an ornate looking sword into the back of Sornof, he drops to his knees and starts coughing up blood, its sweet metallic taste trickling down his lips, yet instead of dying like a mere man would he lunges back impaling himself further so he would be within reach of this being. With every fibre in his body aching yet without delay Sornof puts his own brandished sword under his left arm and thrust it upon the hooded figure, not enough to kill it but enough to startle it into backing off.

With a piercing cry of seeing his friend and Commander injured Blaedr came rushing to his aid and just as quickly as it appeared the hooded being disappeared ushering words of death and decay to all in Aegis.

Quickly grabbing Sornof over his shoulder Blaedr starts to escort him to the battle medics near by but Sornof won’t have a bar of it, as if a paper cut his mortal wounds are nothing in comparison to him as what these creatures may do if the day is lost. Blood still drying in the corner of his mouth he returns to his sword now half rusted from where he plunge it into the creature before hand and continue on with the battle.

Blaedr in astonishment quickly accesses what has just happened and begins to feel instilled with honour serving amongst the best and fiercest that Aegis has to offer. Grabbing the men as he strides into battle tell them that Aeriel shall guide their blade and protect them against all evil! He exclaims “For Aeriel, We shall have this day, We shall sleep soundly knowing that our Brothers, Sisters, Mothers and children will be safe from these vile scum.” “Hallowed be Aeriel, Honoured by the light.” Like a mad man with an all burning vigilance and holiness about him he cuts down one of the other that opposes the like and seeks the destruction of Alstion.

You must remember lad there where many heroes that day in Alstion but this is just a tale of the two brave souls that I saw that day!

*Shuffles around in his chair getting comfortable*

One by one, a line formed and our defensive resolve regained, over bodies friend and foe alike we step over them their bones crushing under our boots, we have not the time to mourn for them but their time will come we push them back as arrows go over our head and as fireballs land at our feet. Banner men wielding the colours of our friends and allies make their way up, as we clamber over the walls of the outer perimeter placing them a loft high and proud showing these scum that we call the Undead that we shall not falter an assortment of colours accompanied by the sounds now of horns and trumpets from the musicians playing their battle anthems. Our enemies from all over Aegis that had come to Alstion to overrun it have been driven back in scorns, fleeing the carnage that had unfolded, back to their hovels, castles and existence that they call home.  “The day is won my brothers”, a familiar voice yells out from the high tower in Alstion as Alstion’s banner is once again unfolded albeit tattered and scorched we all felt a sense of pride that we had taken part in this battle of epic proportions.

*scratches his head as he tries to remember what happens next*

Aye, the day was won but the losses were great, and as we regrouped at the end of the day, the medics and priest had their work cut out for them healing the wounded and saying prayers of which ever god the deceased worshipped. Blaedr was talking with Sornof and I was gathering bandages for the wounded.  It was an eerie scene in Alstion with a smell of blood, sweat and death.

Then with a great sound of lightning as if a cannon had gone of in my ear a great light appeared, it was an orb of some description radiating the purest light I had ever seen lad. It sounded like a whisper yet everyone in Alstion heard it, it ushered “be ready at the ice lake” and as quick as it appeared it vanished.

Hurryingly we all clambered to the battlements on the far side of Alstion to see what commotion the orb had whispered about we saw a glow on the horizon  and as members in Alstion that survived, soldiers, ranger, farmers, miners men and woman of all walks of life reached the pinnacle of the walls there it stood a citadel of light as I recall one person saying, a beacon of hope said another.  We climbed down the mossy and wet walls to the ice lake cautious of our every step not to fall in, although I do remember a young Orc named Reek I believe falling into the water. Reaching the base of this monument with awestruck looks upon everyone that was there, there were figures in robes that appeared to be made of light that seemed to never dirty no matter how much they were get tampered with by the elements. These being I believe they introduced themselves to us as the Ascended, Aeriels chosen in Aegis to help guide and teach the races of Aegis and assist them whenever possible. A lot of people were disgruntled that they had not helped with the fight, I cannot recall the reason the Ascended gave but it involved fighting the Undead elsewhere while they where trying to conduct prayers to bring their citadel to our plain of existence.  

One almighty sage I forget the details lad, although if memory serves it was Master Sage Riizu or was it Sage Arcadius, BAAH! Curse this memory! Anyway lad, A sage stood upon the citadels battlements and exclaimed. “Children of Aeriel, your efforts are worth of the all the libraries in Aegis for without a victory here this day, Aegis as we know it would cease to exist”, “Heroes have been born this day, there is no question about that, whether they are here with us today or whether they are now in the arms of Aeriel. Our bastion although shall be enchanted and put out of the way from the races of Aegis will always provide support to those that oppose the Undead and their followers. For this purpose we will need a mortal to liaise with us.” The sage pointed in the crowd and picked Blaedr. Blaedr as stunned as anyone else that was their started to question, why him, why out of everyone that was so brave here this day was he chosen. The sage quickly replied without batting a eyelid, I’m assuming they have eyelids these ascended. “You Blaedr have been of exceptional worth and praise to Aeriel, we have been watching you for some time now and from this battle we have decided that you are to be our mortal. You are to command Aeriels children and teach the races of Aegis, Aeriel’s way. The sage appointed Blaedr to the rank of Commander and was instructed to form a new coalition of Man, Elves, Orcs and Dwarves under the name Followers O’ Aeriel, a divine order as it were that would be the swift hand of the Ascended and would bring justice and order to Aegis.

As quickly as mirage comes and goes in the desert, the citadel and its sages slowly disappeared in a haze, yet un be known’s to the others Blaedr, Sornof was dying, still trying to recover from his wound he asked Blaedr to escort him home. It was not until finally reaching Sornof’s house and got some water for him that Blaedr found out the extent of Sornof’s injuries. As Blaedr held his friend and once proud leader in his arms he knew that he was not going to last long that he would soon be with Aeriel and at peace. With Sornof’s final breathe he whispered these famous words, “lead them, for Aeriel!” Blaedr could see his life force leave him, he placed Sornof’s sword on his chest and departed to his troops. I lad was in the funeral party outside Sornof’s house, the men and I, arrows burning with Aeriels warm embrace let off a volley at Sornof’s house setting it ablaze letting his body be one with Aeriel.

I take my leave now lad as my tankard is empty and I need another smoke, I look forward to teaching you about what happens next to the Followers O’ Aeriel.

((Let me know what you think guys))

*sits down in his wooden chair and fills a pipe full of tobacco*

link my lad your application to this blessed guild interests me, I wish to discuss further with you your employment in is it possbile to talk at a later time?

preacher thunder, how big of a shrine are we talking about, i am more than willing to offer my services in helping build it, i have also created a shrine in our Followers of Aeriel Guild Hall

Aye tis true my lord much has happened in your absence but there have been many a soul that has kept a vigilant eyeon the north protectig it's borders the Followers of Aeriel and myself included have been very active north and have even established a guild hall although many of us have lost our permits again myself included to keep maintaining our hall.

*Pats Alek on the back*

Lad, i would not be concerned if i was you, we shall reclaim tese lands and push the undead further north, for Aeriel has predicted it!

*lifts Alek to his feet*

If your that concerned there lad that you ending up in tears maybe you shouldnt be here, for the north aint for the faint of heart, yet if you wish to continue you the front you can always help the Followers of Aeriel and there mission in these dear times of need.

*hands Alek a scroll*

all you have to do lad is sign up and keep the defence of the north up not to mention we would suply you with the essentions.

((if you wish to sign up there is a section in the "Guilds" section of the forums.))

I would follow you either way Grand Preacher Thunder, however as far as i know Dmcr Bleadr is still with us for the time being wouldnt i be more appropriate from him to decide or atleast let the sages re-elect a new a OIC for our beloved FOA brother.

Not to mention there lads i am missing from the Lt. Section of members from the Followers of our beloved Aeriel.

Alas there lad. I be on a great journey at the moment.(( at work irl)) I wish I was close by but it be not the case. I shall assess the damage on my return and rebuild what has been undone for like my spirit of the north I shall never falter and my bricks and mortar shall do the same.

Those that say otherwise about the north need some experience in these harsh condtions to truly appreciate what we are fighting for.

-FOA SGT Nymphix

Loyal to the ascended that one day they may return I have constructed a shrine in their honour for all ye pilgrims to pray it is located in our guild hall and is nearly complete I'll be working on finishing later lads.

May Aeriel guide you through this time of need.

-sgt nymphix

Aye tis good to see so many new faces our ranks are thickening it be a good sight to these eyes, I look forward to seeing and bleeding by each and every one of you.

Thank Ye' Great Sage!

We look forward bleeding alongside the ascended (assuming ascended bleed)

Blaedr my lord, have you seen what thunder twilight and myself have been building?

Aye' my lords and ladies, alstion is almost at it's former glory it shall be a grand site when it is completed.

Furthernote the Followers o' Aeriel shall stand by you in your time of need.

I know coconuta to be a stout and brave warrior and have fought alongside him against the vile scourge that is the undead.

Sire I'm still constructing housing farm and storage etc how many houses would you like? I shall complete it once I return from my journey. ((girlfriend wants me to take her to dinner then I have to go back to my navy base so should be on in the next 2 hours or so))

Blaedr, i am still here, just waiting to to log back on :)

Greatings fellow guardsman I'm not a guard perse however I always guard alstion I'm an inventor/farmer/builder general support for the greater good I have an assigned plot in asltion however no building rights so I am unable to commence my workcould anyone help with this?

Greeting human brothers I am a travelling mason that specializes in underground and defensive structures I am in need of employemnt food and supplies you seem to be requesting an underground refuge perhaps. May off my assistance for a minimal fee of course if this is acceptable please let me know as any enemy of the undead is my friend and I am moat willing to help against the common foe, regards nymphix

i was at work :( sigh "eff" the navy