Path: usenet.ee.pdx.edu!fastrac.llnl.gov!s1.gov!overload.lbl.gov!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!EU.net!uunet!not-for-mail From: guido@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de (Guido Roessling) Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives Subject: STORY: Qelrik 30 Followup-To: rec.games.frp.misc Date: 18 May 1994 11:08:07 -0400 Organization: UUNET Technologies Inc, Falls Church, VA, USA Lines: 113 Sender: smm@uunet.uu.net Approved: smm@uunet.uu.net Message-ID: <2rdb0o$3c1@rodan.UU.NET> NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net *************************************************************************** This story is a collaboration of seven people: one German, two Canadians and four Americans. Comments about particular characters should be forwarded to their character's "owners": Finn Ambrose - Sheryl Ann Galchutt* - fi48@sol.acs.unt.edu Gernodt - Guido Roessling - guido@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de Dahlarin - Brent Hughes - bhughes@student.business.uwo.ca Kyle - J.E. Mason - jempci@borg.cis.rit.edu Fox - Barbara French - bcfrench@mailbox.syr.edu Will appear in future chapters: Gladrial - Jennifer Immel - bhughes@julian.uwo.ca Sir Percy - Bret Rudnick - rudnick@cfatrw.harvard.edu For missing chapters etc., send a mail to guido@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de (If you don't get an answer within 3 working days, try it again -- my mail server sometimes ignores mails) *************************************************************************** Plans for Kyle ============== As soon as Kyle had left the table, Gernodt looked squarely at Dahlarin, and said "Well, I think that a little test of this boy's reflexes and especially his reaction to danger might be in order. Therefore, when I've been in the woods with him for some time, I want you to use your skill as an illusionist to cast some illusionary orcs to ambush us. Take care that they seem very convincing, since he might see through our ruse otherwise - and that would surely affect his reactions." "But Kyle is not a fighter," Finn protested. "What kind of test is that?" "It is a test to see if Kyle possesses the spirit of a fighter," Gernodt replied, "and to see how he handles himself in a crisis situation. Don't worry, if Kyle doesn't have a weapon to bring, I'll give him a nice woodman's knife. And if he passes the test, there will be plenty of time on the route to Qelrik's stronghold for me to teach him the art of melee." "But don't you think that this is pretty useless if you're there with your oversized sword ? How could any real orc be getting at Kyle, apart from missile attacks, when he had to pass you on his way ?", Dahlarin objected. "We can't judge his reactions if he feels quite safe in your presence..." "Hmm, you're right there... Therefore, how about a little modification ? The first thing they do is shoot a poisoned dart at me, so that I'm quite unable to do anything more than fall dramatically down and spasm a little. A paralyzing poison would be perfect, I think... Of course, you use only an illusion for that, as well, and I'll try to act the part... Since you'll be quite busy with your magic, I think it would be a good idea to have Finn watch the fight, just to have an impartial viewer. How about it ?" "Sounds fine to me" Dahlarin said with a grin, "as long as Finn is willing to act the part of a 'helpless maiden'. That should at least give Kyle a reason to fight, beyond his personal safety." Finn gave Dahlarin a bemused glare, "Helpless maiden? I think not!". She accentuated that though with an evil grin. Dahlarin's smile vanished for a moment as he judged her seriousness, but it returned as she failed to conceal a half smile. "All right." she conceded, "If Gernodt's going to make a fool of himself flopping about on the ground, I guess the least I can do is stand around and look concerned. I'm warning you though, if your illusions get close enough, I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to take a swipe at them!" "Good enough!" Dahlarin said enthusiastically, "All you have to do is make sure Kyle thinks he is defending you. I would imagine his interest in you will take over from there. If your hand starts itching for your sabre, I'll send a couple your way, just to keep you happy." "All right then," said Finn firmly, "Are we ready to leave then?" "Certainly!", replied Gernodt, "Let's get the meeting with Kyle's parents over with, and see if we can make some time tonight. Dahlarin, when would be best for our little show." Dahlarin thought for a moment, "Let's say a couple of hours before dawn. We need to get far enough from here that Kyle isn't overly familiar with the area. Plus, in order to make that illusion as real as the one we need to convince Kyle's parents, I'll need time to "recharge", so to speak. As well, I will need some of the pre-dawn light to see for my casting, without hindering Finn too much. Is that fine with you, Finn?" Finn looked doubtful, "As long as it's well before dawn, I'll be fine. Let's not leave it too late though." Finn stood up, and Gernodt and Dahlarin followed suit. Bidding good night to Wes, they gathered their possessions and ventured out of the inn. At Gernodt's re-emergence, Growler appeared at the edge of the light. "Hello Growler!", Gernodt said happily, "That was a long wait for you. I am surprised you are still here!". Finn looked perplexed. "A pet of yours?" Finn commented, and the wolf growled suspiciously at the sound of her voice. "Of sorts." replied Gernodt. "I freed him from a trap, and he decided to follow me." Growler continued growling, and Gernodt scolded him. The wolf quieted momentarily, but moved to place Gernodt between him and Finn. **************************************************************************** Next Time: Off to Kyle's farm... ***************************************************************************