The first sign was loud and unexpected. High in the skies above the tiny island in the sea of Inis, there was a sudden crash of thunder. Most of the island residents glanced up at the clear sky, confused as they looked for storm clouds.
The Wizard ran for the temple.
He was still panting when the door opened, revealing one of the priestesses, a blonde with cropped hair.
"'Mornin' General," he managed.
"Good morning," she blushed. "Nobody's called me that in ages."
"Centuries, at least," he agreed.
"No, you used it last winter. What is it, the rift?"
"Yeah, is the big guy up?"
"I'M HERE."
The two turned to stare at a giant obsidian foot that glittered in the flames of the torches behind the priestess.
"THE SEAL IS HOLDING," the voice boomed, drifting down, "THEY CANNOT GET THROUGH. HOWEVER..."
"However, there will be cracks," the wizard sighed. "So a lot of something else may fall down on the islands."
"CORRECT," the obsidian giant rumbled. "GENERAL, YOU SHOULD MARSHAL THE ISLAND'S DEFENSES AS A PRECAUTION."
"As you command," the priestess replied, bowing in her silks, then strode off towards her quarters to change. The wizard nodded. Despite her conversion, she still did her weapons drills daily.
"YOU SHOULD ALERT THE KINGDOMS."
"I will," the Wizard said, scratching his nose. "But the human king's on the continent, leaving his brother as temporary regent."
"WILL HE LISTEN?"
"I hope so. They didn't see much of it last time."
*********Lying just off the west coast of the continent lies the rich, green islands of Albion and Inis.
The Mystic Isles
Spoiler: Albion
Spoiler: Inis
Spoiler: Vannin
West Riding
In the area known as "West Riding" lies the town of Harrow's Gate. The town's claim to fame is their healing waters - mineral springs that now flow into the bath houses, and with it many visitors, eager to partake.
To the north, three miles away is the village of Killinghall. One of the manor houses breeds hunting dogs there. Another mile to the north-east lies Nordon castle, home of Baron Stratburn. To the East of Harrogate lies the city of Kinburn with its castle, home to Duke Westcomb. Towards the south is the village of Moorhall Green. The moors are to the west, overlooked by Blackmoor Hill and its tower.
There have always been stories of lost treasures, especially among travelers who foolishly attempted to cross directly across the moors to reach the North Road, falling victim to the terrain and the tribes of goblins said to inhabit the area. The battles have left its share of ruins across the land as well, and tales of creatures seen, leaving their marks on walls and trees. One or two of the more interesting can be found stuffed and mounted in the area's castles.
Recently, these sightings seem to be on the rise, which the Regent in Loxton, Prince Phillip Sandall blames on 'excitable villagers seeing things in the dark'. While loathe to send out what remains of the King's Army, he has authorized the granting of charters to small groups to search these out themselves. While he believes there is nothing to be found, he is entitling them to keep half of all treasure found and a bounty on any strange creature they bring in.
Of course, those who have no charter or those who try to cheat the kingdom out of its due, shall find themselves dangling from a rope as a warning to others.
Rules
- Standard RPA rules will be enforced.
- My decisions are final.
- No god-modding allowed.
- Players who do not post within two weeks may have their characters taken over and retired. If you're going to be traveling, you should let me know.
- No Double-posting! Either edit your existing post or allow two other players to post before posting again.
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