hyssop @ 2008-04-14T15:48:00

2008-04-14T19:51:38Z

It's been a while since I have posted in here but I think I'm going to start cataloguing my campaign ideas here.
Initially AD& D version 2, the setting is an archipelago. The impetus is coming of age.

Back!

2005-03-22T18:04:17Z

Woo-hoo Gilden and Hyssop ride again.
Bad Kabuki Theatre Lives!

Hyssop Part I

2003-08-19T23:14:00Z

Note; I wrote this a loooong time ago. This is mostly for my own amusement I can see a lot of the falws, I just don't have time to correct them ;-)

>

The Return

Gilden had swept into the city with a crowd of his fellows to gawk and drink and rub elbows with real humans. The group of neighbors that had been his traveling companions were long since back dickering with a craftsman and the tall, gawky adolescent shouldered his way toward ?the real action?. Gilden wasn?t sure where this action could be found but the castle was a good start and his six-foot frame cleared a path through the thick humans. Even with his own folk, Gilden stood out as odd. He stood a head taller than most Woodlanders and his hair was an unnaturally early gray. He was a fair brawler and could do some color magic tricks. Being big and called ?Dandelion? it helped to be quick with a punch and to able to hide his hair shade. Gilden hadn?t bothered to be subtle today, he could hardly be unique in this crowd. It was fun to be considered average height and many of the Abaronians had dyed themselves in shades far stranger than silver. He hoped that wearing his absolutely best clothing and acting important would impress some girls and he could finally start having some adult fun.

The Woodlander nation * invitation to be witness to truce day and the forest people had come in great money bearing droves. The citizenry of Abanon country could forgive many past offenses against the nation if one had a pocket full of pure gold and an urge to spend it. Each side was convinced it was getting the best of the deal, they were both wrong. It was similar to what was happening at the castle today, a sword swapped for eternal friendship until such time as the deal was reneged. The teenaged Gilden had no idea as to what the politics meant but he fully intended to get stinking drunk and to get laid. His mother had fussed a bit when he left home, but had not objected when he agreed to travel with the neighbors and be a good boy. She knew that he would most likely not return home for some years and the Truce festival was a good time to start a new life. All Woodlanders were philosophers, even the army, they had sighed and booted Gilden out as soon as they had discovered his young age and raging opinions. They had let him keep the training sword. At One hundred and fifty he knew everything and intended to enrich everyone with his viewpoint. Between being outspoken and the flower nickname, he had experienced all the bruises,kicks and punches there were to have. The nasty, short names the Abaronians shouted at him bounced right off his ego and slid behind his marching steps.
Gilden maneuvered to the edge of the castle gate, snuggled a long arm past the wrought iron gates and complaining people to tap a guardsman.
?Hey, Hey. You, is this where everything is happening?? he asked.
The guardsman in scarlet and black prepared to ignore him but took a second look and sharpened his face. He waved to someone behind the wall and a figure completely covered by black, clothing and cloak stepped into the gate line of sight. Many of the struggling figures that pressed against Gilden melted back and the teenager was able to stand upright in a small open space.
The mystery figure made a small hand gesture and Gilden frowned. Any rube knew that spell, he was checking for magic aura.
?So, do I glow?? Gilden smirked at him.
?No Sir, you do not.? a deep voice, one that was supposed to inspire awe. Gilden had heard of that spell, too. He wasn?t impressed.
?Are you going to let me in or not?? The young elf tapped his foot with impatience. ?I?m waiting.....?
The gates were hurriedly opened and the figure in black bowed.
?Please follow me, Lord. You are expected. Forgive our hesitancy, we expected a more...elaborate arrival.? Gilden followed the magician and a buxom blonde human girl mysteriously appeared at his elbow. The teenager stared in honest astonishment, they didn?t make them like that in his little Woodlander home. It was a wonder she didn?t fall over onto her face and Gilden let the physics of that propel him into Ababron Castle.
Gilden?s ease was taken in a covered booth that faced a huge tournament field. He and the girl had the entire section to themselves and it faced the King?s own pavilion. Inside sat enough wine and food for twenty and Gilden tried to enjoy as much of it as he could between kisses. The young lady did not seem embarrassed by the attention, in fact, she pulled him closer to the open front so that she could wave to several friends in the crowd.
?My Lord,? she wheezed, heaving her considerable attributes. ?I had no idea that Woodlanders were so, so passionate.?
?Well, all the more reason for this treaty and truce.? Gilden tried to impress her with his political savvy.
?Very important for both nations.? He made a grab for her grommets as she stood still absorbing the import of his wisdom. They were nearly in his hands when a trumpet sounded and a pageant of some sort started on the tournament field. The Abaronian King had not arrived yet, so Gilden decided to wait until the opposite pavilion was occupied before he relinquished hold of this giggling gift .
?No silly. You have to be ready for the King?s arrival.? she pushed him back.
?I can keep looking over while I just...?
?No, you frisky goose!? tiny hands shoved at his hips. ?YOUR KING.?
?He?ll never see us. See we?ll just go down to the floor, below the covered rail and nobody will even miss-?
?Your lordship.? The young lady took on a scolding tone. ?You should be alert for the presentation. That is the great sword, after all.? she pointed, much to his disappointment, to the scabbard on his belt.
?Wait, now.? Gilden was beginning to feel a leak in his demeanor. ?Why don?t you tell me what is going to happen, again.?
The young courtier, sighed and seated herself with far more composure that Gilden had ever mustered in his scant life.
?I know that a Lord of your rank likes to test people, but I memorized it all.? her voice was no longer high and light, she looked a bit older than before. ?The second trumpet sounds, the Elven king appears, you present the sword, he gives his speech, he and the King of Abanon exchange handclasps and the sword, everlasting peace for everyone.? Her arms were crossed. ?Does that summarize correctly??
?No.? Gilden?s knees were trembling. ?Who do you think I am??
?The Elven Chamberlain, the second in command of the Woodlander Nation.?
Gilden fell to his seat. The court girl began to look alarmed.
?You aren?t the Chamberlain are you?? Color rose in her cheeks., she glanced at the tournament field. ?well its too late now, the King of Abanon is in place. I don?t suppose you have a clever mind??
Gilden could only sit in panic and await the worst moment in his life.

Interlude
It was to be a grand and glorious day. The armies glittered in the sun like a thousand jewels set into the countryside as they stood facing the bank of fog.. The unnatural barrier of fog hid all from view except a challenging standard from the enemy. The skull, torn tabard and dark ash staff were twined and wired as to appear as an intimidating skeletal scarecrow. The forces of right and might were not deterred, at the appointed hour, the war bugles were sounded and the army charged into the gray,swirling mist. The thousands of bodies disturbing the settled moisture helped its deterioration in the high sun and it was not long before the soldiers discovered that nothing awaited them at the other side of the fog. The mixed armies of Abanon,Woodland and Mountaintop milled in confusion until the trinity of leaders turned to give a signal. The three exchanged glances,spurred their great steeds and began the killing sweep through their own armies....

Few paid mind to the small Woodlander on the huge gray cob horse. Although he wore chain armor and sword, both horse and rider were decked in forest green finery laced with gold knot work., hardly battle gear. The small man did not act like a soldier long in the saddle, he gaped like any tourist to the capitol. He blended well with the rest of the incoming festival folk. Everyone was dressed best for the Festival of Truce between Abanon and the Woodlander nation. Many traveled the main road into the capitol and the merchants were not slow to take a place in that path. Traders, merchants, townsfolk,craftsmen and rogues plied and entreated from the roadside. Their tents, swaying, rickety mobile shops and carts were piled high and many stood atop these to better attract customers. They mimicked the tall,whitewashed city that lay down the hillside and up into the sea cliff. Each shop a castle of its own, claiming to be center of the makeshift market. The small fellow with the very large horse stared around him i wonder and happy smile lit his countenance. It was the sort of smile that crept up and filled a whole face. it was a warm creation that made someone want to smile back. Many merchants did smile, and wager and cajole but the fellow seemed so swept up in the wonders around him that he did not make a single purchase before leaving the transient marketplace to enter Abanon proper.

The tourist knight in green and gold set his path straight to the castle. It was hot and he had pulled down the coif of his elaborate chain mail to fluff and cool dark brown curls. He had seen several individual dressed similarly, in fine barding, but none would be friendly, they would only give a stiff nod or wave. He thought their behavior pompous and his own code included smiling at everyone and waving back at the milling crowds. His mount bared teeth but did not bite, a sign of good humor with the big horse. He wished he could remember why he had come to visit George and Daphne. They had changed the capitol so drastically since he last visited. It had been only tents covering the desolate battleground on his last trip.

The troops had broken in panic when general kings had begun to slaughter their own people. Worse still, Dark mages appeared behind the army and begun to cut down the soldiers from the opposite side. Men and women fought for their panicked lives, realizing that as they had gathered to meet the foe?s army face to face, the dark army was at the undefended towns and villages killing families. The smart ones fought to the edges and tried to run . Some succeeded, they would carry the tales to whomever was left to hear it. The real moment of defeat came when the kings and mages disappeared and the ground began to rumble. The earth vomited hot lava through exploding cracks and the focus of the energy could be seen in the center of Abanon castle. The city of Abanon exploded ,showering debris and molten death on the remaining army. Those that did not die immediately would be witness to horrors they had never imagined...

Gilden was shored up by the courtier and he waved back to the King of Abanon. The impostor doubted that the monarch would need to call guards to deal with a stripling like him. The human King was a massive man wearing a scarlet suit customized to fit huge shoulders and arms like stone pillars. His lovely, fair red-haired wife sat beside him, her boredom evident in her empty stares and finger tapping.
?Now remember, we can straighten this out after the ceremony.? whispered the girl. More softly, ? If this works, if you live long enough to explain it.?
The King?s speech was like his form, blunt and full of power. It was also short, and Gilden did not have time to be afraid before the King swept his arm over the tourney field to signal something.
A pillar of fire rose and all could discern a glowing figure in flowing silver robes at the top of it. The pillar became a bridge and it bowed over to Gilden?s section. The magnificent figure floated to the edge and stretched out his hands. Black hair over a narrow face was at eye level with Gilden and surprise blanked the Elven King?s features.
?You are not Elaedril.? he gasped softly. ?Do you have the sword??
?There has been a misunderstanding.?creaked Gilden. ?Can you use this sword?? The teenager hastily handed over his cheap blade.
The King's face became a knot of fury with lines radiating out from a central pinch. He hissed in pure anger.
?This does not even resemble it.? His hand played over the blade and it became a wider weapon with a gray blade and carved white hilt. ?There will be an explanation.?
The mobile face of the monarch resumed its calm smile and the Bridge of fire gently lowered him to the front of the Abaronian King. A smooth, serene tenor said
?Please accept this symbolic representation our nation?s sword, as the true blade can only be transferred in privacy. Let this public ceremony be a sign of peace between our peoples.?
There was a long moment of silence as the Abaronian King frowned at the mockery, but he was a good man and he knew what would occur should he be aggressive with so many people mixing in the city.
?I will accept only the true Sword of the Mists as the end of our war, but as I know that this will be accomplished today before sundown, let there be peace today.?
The Kings clasped hands and faced the crowds, smiling all the while
The roar of acclaim went up and the girl shoved Gilden.
?Quick, find the guard that let you in before they kill you on the spot! Now!?
And Gilden began to sprint back to the gate, not daring to look back.

A tall, silver haired elf argued with a stubborn guard, much to the amusement of the green-clad knight on the large horse. The three were gathered past the back gate, facing into castle grounds. The castle gate guard had recognized both Woodlanders as individuals of importance, but the trouble had started when he demanded title and rank. The sterling haired elf was increasing his demands and his volume, the guard bit down his jaw and held his ground . The mounted knight watched as hands waved, spittle flew and titles were spewed in front of the open gate. As if any speaking could be understood through the gyrating appendages.
?I am the third captain, and I say that I brought the Woodlander Chamberlain through here a bell ago. On Time, carrying a sword.?
?I...? screamed the furious Woodlander.? ?I.. am.. the..Chamberlain?
The mounted soldier couldn?t watch any longer, he started to laugh. Both fight participants turned to scowl at him.
?What?s your business...Lordship?? growled the Guard.
The knight let his smile ricochet their anger.
?I?m here to see the King and Queen, my title is Lord Hyssop, they?ll know me.?
?Hyssop Worldsaver?? sneered the guard.
The small woodlander on his big horse was happy to correct him
?Oh no, Lord Hyssop Tree farmer. Of the Northern Tree farmers. If you like, I can vouch for this man. He seems sincere and you may have made an error.?
?I don?t make mistakes.? huffed the guard.
?Help! Help! Mister guard I need your help, Sir! There has been a terrible misunderstanding! You have to explain I?m not the Chamberlain!? Gilden was running full tilt to the waiting trio, a brace of figures behind him at some distance.
?I think I hear the sound of eating crow.? chuckled the knight.
?As I told you.? the Chamberlain had recovered his poise. ?Arrest him immediately.? a long, dexterous finger dusted imaginary dirt from his cuff.
The young woodlander was grabbed up between the Chamberlain and the guard. They looked ready to fight over the pieces. A troop of guardsmen and a panting black-robed mage were slowing their pursuit and stopping at the gate house.
?Please, it was all a mix up. I really didn?t mean to cause any trouble.? The young Woodlander was genuinely frightened and the knight?s smile softened in pity.
?Since things are all cleared up, can?t you release the boy and let us through??
All eyes turned on the strange woodlander and he dismounted easily from his tall saddle. He landed softly beside the Chamberlain and in the comparison barely came to his shoulder.
?Why did you sneak into the castle, youngster?? asked the dark haired Woodlander. ?Was it a prank??
Gilden was relieved that someone would listen. he began to babble.
?I came into the city for the Truce festival, I bluffed at the gate and the guard let me in and then they thought I had the great sword, but I didn?t and the Kings got mad and now its a big mess.?
?Where is the sword?? hissed the Chamberlain. ?Where is the sword of the Mist??
?I don?t know. I?ve never seen the sword of the Mist.? teared Gilden.
?Sounds like its living up to its name.? The knight patted his horse. ?First you missed it, then he missed it.? His tone was genuine.
?Don?t mock your nation, landed thug. The truce of the nations rests on this.?
Even though age was apparent in eyes, the resemblance between Gilden and the Chamberlain was uncanny. Those assembled could not help but notice it. The guard was beginning to become nervous at trouble between the Woodlanders. Which one would he have to put down first? Would it go by rank?
The guards and chamberlain all began to speak at once, Gilden tried to protest his innocence. Hyssop watched in curiosity as the black garbed mage cast a spell at him. The mage finished his gestures, then threw up his hands to shield his eyes.
?That was very rude.? said Hyssop. ?I?ll have to speak with George about you.?
The mage?s reaction did not go unnoticed. The guards stopped talking and the Chamberlain?s eyes narrowed at the knight.
?I have an idea,? the knight?s smile returned. ?Why don?t the boy and I help you look for this sword and that should smooth over a few things.?
The guard looked in sheer disbelief at the suggestion, but then the Chamberlain spoke
?Yes, that?s a good idea. We can reduce..the damage that way. You will of course take an oath of responsibility for the boy and to return by sunset to the tournament field??
?I swear that I will see to him.? the hand over the heart and sword gesture was casual.
?By allegiance to the Elven Nation?? the Chamberlain was wearing an odd face, full of fear and doubt.
?Whatever nation you want.? to the guard he said. ?Tell George and Daphne, I?ll be back by supper. Come on, Dandelion. Ever ridden a horse??
The small lord made an easy leap and landed in the saddle. he pulled Gilden up behind him.
?By sunset, the tournament field. The Sword of the Missed.? The horse was nudged forward. The knight whispered to Gilden ?What does it look like??
?Gray blade, opaque. The hilt is white and carved into a bunch of swirly shapes, like clouds or fat snakes. Can you really find the sword?? Gilden felt much better, he wondered at his tiny savior?s motives.
?Find it?? laughed Hyssop Softly. ?Kid, we are going to avoid that piece of magical metal like the plague. I?m going to the bars and have a few drinks, then we skip town.?
Gilden covered his mouth and snorted as quietly as he could.

At the gate, whispers were starting. The guard stood behind the Chamberlain, his apprehension paling his fury reddened face.
?It was your decision, sir. Ah, will we mention this to the King??
?No Need.? the chamberlain held up a hand. ?I will have an explanation ready. If they find the sword, all will be well. If not, then I can have the impostor arrested for theft and Lord Hyssop with him. I will make my own inquiries later in the afternoon.?
?You know that Lord, sir?? asked the guard. Then he considered, ? I suppose there can?t be too many guys with custom chain that can do magic. We?ll see him around.?
He breathed relief and began to disperse the knot of curious onlookers.
?No one has seen him around in Ten Thousand years, I?m sure of it.? muttered the the Chamberlain to himself and he tried to hide the fear in his eyes.

Unique perspectives

2003-08-15T23:19:01Z

Here's the thing, when you are supposedly 10,000 years old some thoughts occur to you.
1)what was I drinking and how did Gilden get so many people to be in on the joke?
2)If I'm that old, how come "things" haven't fallen off?
3)Damn, I'm old

I'll try to catch you up if you are so interested. But right now, I think I'm going to drink some more.
:)
^ ..^

Mosspoint Adventures

hyssop @ 2008-04-14T15:48:00

Back!

Hyssop Part I

Unique perspectives