Unti Family/Philip/Act 2

Roleplay from Philip
Gasping for breath, her robe whipping around her legs and branches scratching at her face the healer desperately tried to escape her relentless pursuers. At first she had been running from Fontanite soldiers but then, in the forest, something else joined in the chase, and now they were all hunted. Testament to this all around her horrible screams pierced the night as others stumbled once too often, or their hiding places uncovered.

Mad with fright she leapt through some bushes breaking into a clearing and landing in a deep pond. The shock of the cold water hardly slowing her she thrashed about wildly trying to keep her sodden robes from dragging her down. Struggling madly she managed to find a slippery perch on a submerged rock just as another broke into the clearing.

Wide eyed and shivering the woman expected to find the beady eyed gaze of one of her pursuers boring into her head and was relived to see it was only an enemy.

Spotting the ghostly shape of a woman’s torso drifting in the middle of the pond as the moonlight shown through the trees the already strained Fontanite soldier let out a cry and fell backwards. “Ghost,” he screamed, “Ghost!” Desperately trying to scamper to his feet he turned to flee back the way he had come.

The healer would have spun around seeking the frightful phantom save that just as the man finally got to his feet one of the creatures tore through the air and bore him to the ground.

In the blink of an eye the thrashing screaming man was blocked from sight as more and more hounds pounce upon him.

Too scared to move she watched as the creatures tore the man to pieces with their gaping maws and cruel talons.

There ghastly work finished the pack turned seeking a fresh kill.

Expecting death at any moment the trembling healer closed her eyes and prayed to the gods that she’d be saved.

Maybe the gods heard, and maybe not, but the creatures did not pounce on the woman; their unblinking murderous eyes passed over the healer as if she was not there.

Suddenly the pack turned; their large, disjointed mouths, filled with hundreds of chisel-like teeth, lulled open and without a sound bounded off into the underbrush.

Relief flooding her the healer nearly collapsed into the water; but then the screams started again as the creatures found more prey. Clutching her ears to block out the agony she almost didn’t hear the battle cry that changed the music of the night. Soon the sound of tortured metal and the crash of trees being used to stop thrown objects followed so that it seemed a battle were going on just out of sight. Finally one of the creatures came flying into the clearing and fell into the water. It struggled for a few moments, reaching towards shore, until it sank like a stone.

Less then a heartbeat later Lord Philip stepped into the moonlight like a vengeful wraith from the mist. His armour still bore battle scars from the two mêlées he had been wounded in, and he seemed to be keeping his weight off his right foot, but the creatures had not been able to drag him down.

A few moments latter after displaying her Avamarian Healer’s badge and successfully navigating to shore Philip offered his cloak to the soaked follower. As more screams continued to filled the night farther away the healer stumbled after her lord as he cut a path through the forest. Finally working up the courage to speak she asks, “My lord, w-what were those things?”

“Hounds,” he replied without stopping.

“Whose?” she shuttered.

“I intend to find out.”

Roleplay from Philip
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
"Will you be needing anything else my lord?" asked the seneschal.

Adjusting his grip on the saddle Philip shook his head.

Wringing his hands the servant tried again, "A horse perhaps sir? Horses go nicely with saddles and it will speed up your journey considerably..."

"I have a mount already," Philip replied curtly.

The seneschal would have tried to press the point further but Philip had had enough and was marching towards the door; his mystery mount out there somewhere.

"Very well sir," With a sigh the seneschal turned back to the mannor to see about cleaning the workshop.

Roleplay from Naira
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Philip ran into Tasadar after a few minutes marsch towards the currently fontanese region of Oporto.

- Where are you going with a saddle and no horse? he asked in a confused manner.

- The saddle is for a special... "friend" of mine.. he said in a very serious voice.

Philip continued to marsch south-west in rapid movements, getting closer and closer to his destination.

Tasadar figured he had gone insane and quickly ran to the town hall to ask if anyone knew what was wrong with Philip
Even though there were many Avamarians at the town hall who heard his question, they didn´t anser to his first attempt

Lady Naira
Prime Minister of Avamar

Roleplay from Marguerite
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Philip ran into Marguerite after a few minutes marsch towards the currently fontanese region of Oporto, and he said to her :

- Marguerite ! I really need your help !

- Pleased to meet you, delicious Philip, how can I help you ?

- Do you have an extra whip for me ?

- Hmmmm... Yes... I always bring my collection of whips with me when I'm going to slay some Fontanese ! You know I'm a passionated women, Philip. I can prove it... if you want.

- Sorry, Marguerite, not this time, but I will very appreciate this demonstration when we will be back, but for the moment... I only need one of your pink whip. I am sorry...

Marguerite gave to Philip one of her five pink whip and she kissed him on the neck.

Marguerite

Roleplay from Philip
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Reaching a small grove of trees a good march from the manor Philip deposited his small collection of gear on the ground. Studying the pile Philip's gaze paused at the whip and with a shrug he added it to his pack, "Might be useful," he muttered.

Turning towards the dense underbrush Philip crossed his arms and waited with an impatient air. After a time he called out, "I don't have all day you know...."

Realizing that his mount was not going to cooperate Philip grabbed the saddle with a sigh and tromped off to make it cooperate.

Roleplay from Kultan
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
On the dusty road from Avamar to Montijo, a lone figure urged his swift thoroughbred into a sprint. The horse's hooves kicked up a cloud of dust, completely engulfing a poor traveller who was leading a tired donkey in the same direction. Unfortunately for him, Kultan was not the one riding the thoroughbred.

As he wiped the grit from his eyes and endeavoured to clear his lungs, Kultan thought back to the tales he heard at the tavern last night in Avamar. Reports of ferocious hounds decimating a unit of Fontanese troops brought back memories of Kultan's time in Beluaterra during the time of the monster invasions. In particular, one incident ...

It was the beginning of the dark times, when the monsters weren't as widespread or dangerous. At least, that was the prevalent belief at the time. Kultan was asked by the leaders of Melhed to travel to Old Grekh to buy food in preparation of the attacks, so he set off with a caravan and a small band of mercenary troops.

Arriving in the region of Bil Havil, Kultan and his men were about to sample the local fare in one of the towns when the sound of alarm bells reached their ear. Hurrying to the local barracks, he learned that a band of beasts were spotted heading in their direction - furthermore, the commandante and his deputy (making up 20% of the local garrison) had been ambushed while scouting the horde and were presumed dead.

Although his first thought was to run or try to slip by the monsters un-noticed, Kultan realized that the town would be left helpless if he chose that course. Instead, he ordered his scribe and healer to rally any able-bodied civilians to arms while evacuating the rest of the town, while he prepared his troops and the garrison to make a stand just outside of town.

Growling and shrieking betrayed the fiends' advancement, and not long afterwards the motley horde came into view. 18 bows sang, dropping the front rank, but they still charged on unabated. While Kultan and his troops had all heard the rumours about the monsters, they were unprepared for the pure primeval force they possessed. Fully half the troops were cut down in the first charge, and the remaining men tried to run but found themselves surrounded by the beasts.

Yelling a war cry, Kultan charged, hoping his men would rally and follow him. Ducking under a vicious claw swipe of what looked to be a giant standing bear, he quickly thrust his sword under its ribcage. It roared in pain, and Kultan barely had time to roll out of its way as it fell. As he picked himself up, something smashed into his side, knocking him prone and chasing the air out of his lungs. Looking up through blurry eyes, he saw some type of giant bandishing what looked to be a giant tree trunk. The giant's killing blow came down towards his head ....

Several weeks later, Kultan woke up in a house of healing in Melhed's capitol. His healer explained that the garrison's commandante and deputy had managed to escape their first encounter with the monsters, and were riding back to town when they saw Kultan and his men surrounded. The two charged and managed to scatter the monsters long enough for Kultan's scribe to race in and drag away his heavily-wounded master. Unfortunately, except for Kultan none who sallied forth to fight the beasts survived.

Now, riding in an area where similar monsters may be around, Kultan began singing to try to allay his fears:

With sword, flute and pick I'll go,
whether over'seas or to Montijo,
With friends and lads against our foes,
With sword, flute and pick I'll go.

The time is here, no point to wait
All men of courage, here's your fate
When there's peril there's no debate
The time is here, no point to wait

With sword, flute and pick I'll go,
whether over'seas or to Montijo,
With friends and lads against our foes,
With sword, flute and pick I'll go.

Before Kultan could start the second verse, he saw a curious apparition just off the road - a man standing with a saddle, talking to a bush. Tying his tired mount to a nearby tree, he strode over and hailed the man. As he turned, Kultan gasped - it was the man he had a vision of, Lord Philip.

Kultan

Roleplay from Philip
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Having been thrown out of the underbrush with ceremony usually reserved for drunkards at the closing time of taverns Philip was in a fowl mood. "Oh so you want to play rough do you?" he hissed as he pulled himself up for another go.

Just as he was about to plunge back into the fray Kultan's greeting called out, causing Philip to stop and turned in surprise.

Seeing the stranger close by Philip attempted to relax and look nonchalant; well he tried at least. "Yes citizen, do you need some help?"

Roleplay from Kultan
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
"Lord Philip, I don't believe we've met before. I am Kultan, formerly of Melhed in Beluaterra." Seeing Philip look to the side during his introduction, Kultan decided to leave telling him about the dream bit for now - he didn't seem like the type of person who suffered fools gladly, or at all for that matter.

Suddenly, there was a rustling in the bushes. Kultan, mind full of vicious beasts, cautiously edged away; surprisingly, Philip shouted "A-ha!" and sprang into the bushes, yelling "Play your flute! For gods sake, play!". Kultan stood confused for a second, before he realized that whatever was in the bushes most likely did not have a flute, and that therefore he was the one Philip was shouting at. Lips dry, he brought his flute up and began playing a simple melody, hoping that whatever was in the bushes appreciated Melhedian folk songs.

Kultan

Roleplay from Philip
Listening with half an ear to the man's introduction Philip paid more attention to the distinct noise on his right. Realizing that his mount was close by he coiled himself in preparation for the final battle.

Springing into action with an "A-ha!" Philip disappeared into the foliage.

Realizing that the stranger would doubtlessly try to help, even though he knew nothing about what was going on and which would only make matters worse Philip yelled "Play your flute! For gods sake, play!... Don't fight!"

Thankfully the man listened and a strange tune filled the air.

Roleplay from Philip
After much struggle Philip finally managed to get the small horse saddle on the back of his mount and with a triumphant shout drag it out of the bushes.

It was not quite what Kultan expected.

First off, it was green, what one might call forest green if they were in the crayon industry. Then he noticed the teeth, there were lots of them, they were sharp, and more importantly they were almost touching his nose. This made him realize that the thing's mouth was level with his head, and thus it was either quite tall, or his knees had given way. Trying to study the thing without moving Kultan also noticed that it had two short arms, was covered in scales and it's tail was wagging; he hopped that was a good sign.

"I see he likes you," said Philip as he pulled himself up to sit atop the lizard.

"Really. I'd rather you not tell me how you know this, I'm sure I'll be happier for it."

Philip shrugged and maneuvered his mount a bit, "Fine animals these are, quick, loyal, surefooted; a tad stubborn though and they like horses a bit too much."

One of the clawed feet scrapped the ground leaving a gouge.

"I have a strange feeling that your next line will be something to do with dinner; am I close?"

Philip nodded, "You are obviously a seasoned bard; you've read the script and everything."

Kultan smiled faintly and decided that he was actually quite happy that he hadn't been riding the swift thoroughbred.

"Good for battle too I assume," he remarked off handedly while trying to ignore the teeth staring back at him.

Philip shrugged, "Wouldn't know, I fight on foot myself. Much more reliable."

There was an uneasy silence while the lizard ate a near by squirrel.

"So where are you off to; Kultan was it?"

Message from Kira Yamato
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Kira is walking down the road and sees the lizard mounted by a figure but can't make out who is on it do to the glare from the sun off of his armor. He then noticed the man with his head right in front of the lizard’s mouth.

"This is not Beluaterra the land of the beasts; this is Avamar the land of the Free! And no one is going to be eaten by some strange beast."

Kira draws his sword and charges at the man and beast. He leaps into the air to get a good slice at the man’s head. But the man turns his head just in time for Kira to notice that it was Philip and pull his sword away from the strike but he did plant his foot to the face of Philip when he was trying to recover and flipped to the other side of Philip.

"Philip get your beast away from this mans head!"

Kira helps the man up and tries to steady him. "Are you Ok?"

"Oh ya Philip sorry bout the foot to the face.”

Kira Yamato
Minister of Finances of Avamar

Message from Kultan
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
"So where are you off to, Kultan?"

Trying very, very hard not to look at the lizard's teeth (and not succeeding), Kultan gulped and, hoping his voice wouldn't take a soar into the soprano range, said:

"This is not Beluaterra the land of the beasts; this is Avamar the land of the Free! And no one is going to be eaten by some strange beast."

In the space of time it took Kultan to realize that was not what he meant to say, and in fact was not his voice at all, a man was lying on the ground, and Philip had his foot out-stretched. Rewinding, his brain played out the series of events - a man charging with a sword, Philip nonchalantly deflecting the sword aside as if he'd practiced for this since birth, followed by the man's momentum turning into a swift kick knocking Philip out of his saddle. Fearing that this man was an assassin (and momentarily forgetting his proximity to the lizard), Kultan was about to draw his sword when the man spoke again:

"Philip get your beast away from this mans head!"

The stranger helped Philip to his feet, and they conversed quietly in low tones. Kultan took this opportunity to edge a bit away from the lizard (who was still chewing on the remnants of the squirrel, completely oblivious to the attack on his master) and the men. Obviously the two knew each other, so scratch the assassin theory. The rider was definitely Philip, so they weren’t enemy infiltrators. So, drawing upon his years of experience as a bard wandering through all sorts of treacherous environments, Kultan decided that his best course of action for the time being was … no course of action.

Kultan

Roleplay from Philip
"Now Kira, how many times do I have to tell you, THINK FIRST, ATTACK SECOND!" hissed Philip after he'd dragged the man aside, "Honestly you act like you've never seen a mounted man before...."

Not giving him time to answer Philip returned to his mount and lifted himself back up. Turning it around he called out to both of his guests keeping his words abrupt as fitting his mood, "I have something in Oporto to investigate, if you wish to join me then you may. Who knows Kira, you may even find something you're supposed to attack on sight."

With that Philip kicked his mount into a run down the road to Oporto.

Roleplay from Naira
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Naira walks through the city of Avamar. Pondering whether or not it is a good thing that Fontan no longer has a Chancellor. She thinks about how much she likes her new assignment, taking care of diplomacy. She has plans for Avamar, to make it more open, a center of knowledge and opinion. She hopes that she will have time to make them happen and that the results are what she wishes for.

She walks to a place that used to be full of Avamarians and it is still so she joins them, her worries vanishes for the moment and a smile comes forth on her lips as she is greeted by the bunch.

Roleplay from Kultan
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
"And it was then, when i was staring at a mouthful of teeth, that Kira just jumps out of nowhere and knocks Philip off his saddle! Can you believe it?"

The man Kultan was talking to groans, and says "Yes I can, you've told that story 12 times today!"

Kultan brushes him off. "It's a good story, I tell ya!" He's about to order himself another round, when Naira walks in.

"Naira! Naira! Good to see ya here! Come join us, have I got a story to tell ya!"

Roleplay from Naira
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm Naira gets excited and surprised, hoping for a great story. She sits down and looks at Kultan in a way to almost wondering why he hasn´t started to tell the story yet.

Roleplay from Kultan
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Lady Naira sat down, and look inquisitively towards Kultan. Immediately he started, "So, I was on the way to Monijo from Avamar, when all of a sudden ..."

Kultan's drinking buddy snorted loudly. "Damnation Kultan, I told you I've heard that story enough! Umm, meaning no disrespect to Lady Naira here of course, if she wants to hear it that's fine," he hastily fumbled.

Kultan spoke up before Naira could comment. "You old sap, for once you're right, I should tell a different story. I'm quite sure she's heard the first one before from Philip and Kira, and I don't want to waste mi'lady's precious time." Such talk (especially the sarcastic undertones) could get him into trouble, Kultan knew, mainly from painful personal experience. Then again, this realm seemed rather relaxed on protocol, and he always had the most powerful tool available to a bard; the ability to realistically play the role of the drunk. To that end, he finished off his drink in one pull, and called for another before beginning his story.

"So you shee," he began, slurring just enough of his words to suggest intoxication without overdoing it, "I've been in a lot of dang'rous places in mi time, but none like Melhed. The capital, Agyr, is a great place, lots o' fine eshtablishments like this one here. But ne'er a moment's peace, I tell ya.

"When I first arrived, we were at war with a score of countries. T' this day, I'm not sure why. All I knew was that our lands were being burned and looted by realms we never heard of before, let alone had any dealings with!

"But that all ended shortly before the beasts and the undead came - invaded the whole island, they did. Many a realm, most bigger than us, were wiped out completely. We were spared to begin with, but soon enough we were forced back behind Agyr's walls, and things were looking very grim indeed, I tell you." Kultan paused here to take a swig, and noticed that Naira was paying rapt attention to his tale.

"One night, after an unsuccessful raid against the bloody wights, I was the headline performer a' the best nightspot in town, the Dwarven Choral Combat Unit. My scribe played the drums, I had me lute, and a couple of backup singers. Seems like all the nobles were out to watch - the whole council, too. Well, except my no-good brother, but he was always a barbarian. He’s still out in Melhed, though from what I’ve heard the beasts are in full retreat.

“Anyway, I guess one of the singers had been fighting the wights that day, and must have been bitten or wandered too close into their blight or somethin’, cause halfway through the song he collapsed, twitched, and rose up as an undead. The rest o’ the singers scurried away, and I guess me scribe did’n have enough brains to interest it. So, it headed straight for me.

“Now, I didn’t want to ruin the song, and luckily it was time for a drum solo anyway. So I drew me sword and started dancing around with it, making huge cleaves in the air. Of course, I timed it perfectly so that one of my swipes cut the wight’s head cleanly off. The only thing I did’n plan was its trajectory – it landed square on the plate of Tsu, the PM of the realm at the time. He was a bit miffed since he wasn’t done his pepper steak yet, but afterwards he realized that I stopped an undead from running amok inside the town walls, so he forgave me for that. Which is good, as he had a wicked collection of axes, including a beheading one and one for disemboweling, so he’s not a guy to cross.

“So, that’s the story of how I saved Melhed from rot within’, and got an exclusive contract with the Dwarven Choral Combat Unit to boot.”
Kultan

Roleplay from Naira
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Naira listens to Kultans stories. Since her sister Sakari used to be in the same realm on Beluaterra, she had heard about it before but not this much. She thinks that it must be Sakaris way of trying to avoid giving her a reason to worry.
At the end of Kultans story, she applouds him and his contribution against the advancement of the undead.

- Its an honor to have you here, Kultan.

She bids good bye, and moves swiftly into her room in town hall to write a letter to her sister Sakari.
Lady Naira

Roleplay from Philip
-A few hours before the face stomping, lizard hunting good time.-

Philip walked out of the morning sun and into the bustling darkness of the Knight Club. Even this early in the day many of the seats were filled, and in most cases with customers, or at least people who were still sober enough to spend money.

Of course Philip hardly paid the ambiance much thought, he was far too busy looking for something; mainly because he didn’t actually know what he was looking for.

Walking around the large room Philip peered into shadows, lifted unconscious heads and in general made inquires while trying not to disturb the various entertainers around the club.

Finally in the most remote of the many cornered room Philip found what he was looking for.

The man was indistinct, actually that was his most distinguishing feature, he didn’t stick out in a crowd so much you’d assume he was part of one even when he was alone. To accent his unmemorable features the man wore painfully plain clothing of somber colours that came with one of those hoods usually only needed in heavy rains or secret meetings.

Yup there was always one like him in a tavern, the nearly infamous Shady Guy, or Shady for short.

Pulling up a chair Philip sat while Shady drawled in a sing song voice, “Helll-o friennd..”

Unwilling to waste time Philip dropped a small bag that went clink in a very enriching way.

“Tell me,” he said, “what you’ve heard about the Caves of Murg?”

Shady realized that sitting before him was an informed customer, a well paying informed customer, his favorite.

“The caves you say. Well friend, those are in the Astrum Woods they are. Oh yes run all through the forest they do; openings everywhere. The Coimbrian lords hated them they did, smuggler’s run and all.”

A second bag went clink, “What else is said about them?”

With two bags of gold weighing down the table Shady mentally promoted his customer to first class.

Leaning forward conspiratorially Shady hissed, “They say, they say, that there are orcs in those tunnels. They used to come out at night, they say, and hunt men by the light of the moon, but no more.”

“I see. Anything else stalk the woods at night then?”

“Oh lots friend, lots. They say a she-ghost haunts one of the deserted manors, offers rest to weary travelers they say, course they also say she eats your soul and adds you to her phantom army. Then there’s the hidden home of them warrior women, run aways from the Akesh Temple they say, or a colony from an island unknown. Oh and the three armed pygmy dwarves with a foot on their forehead, surly lot they are.”

“hmmmm Busy place this Astrum Forest….”

“Oh yes friend, busy indeed. Walking trees, talking birds, dragon’s lairs; it’s not a place for men it is.”

Philip waited a bit to see it there was anything else, but Shady seemed to have run out of ‘they say’ ‘s

“Well I guess I’d better get going, with so many things wanting to maul me it might take all night to get through the lot.”

Philip left quite pleased with himself, normally he’d have to pay for each one of those rumors, but give Shady space to brag and you couldn’t shut him up.

“So everything from amazons to dragons stalks the forest,” thought Philip, “but no mention of hounds at all. How curious.”

Roleplay from Philip
Message sent to: Everyone in the realm
Approaching the Astrum Woods Philip let his unconcerned gaze roll over the tree line. Seeing no immediate signs of danger he urged his mount forward past the first trees.

After a time he said to the world in general, “How disappointing. I expected two maybe three monster attacks as soon as I entered considering the rumors. I guess they’re busy fighting each other to see who gets the honour of first strike.”

Of course one should never tempt Fate like that, he’s a sucker for irony.

Roleplay from Philip
Well with Fate off busy terrorizing some other poor bard, Philip’s journey through the forest proved to be easy and quick; a disappointment really, not enough actions scenes in this story in my narrative opinion.

Arriving at the same pool in which he had rescued his healer Philip dismounted and studied the terrain. Not being a trained ranger all that Philip could tell was that the forest was green and full of trees, which was not terribly helpful really.

Rather unhappy with his slow progress, Philip was about to have a go at the tried and true hero method of random guessing when he remembered the hound that had fallen in the pond. Making sure he was alone Philip carefully navigated the banks for the water until he found the right area at which point he wadded in. After a while Philip pulled himself to shore and using the whip Margurite had provided as a rope, drag the hound up with him.

Though trapped at the bottom of a pond for awhile the creature seemed little worse for wear and through careful analysis of it’s features Philip realized that he should have taken a few lessons in monster anatomy before he came.

About to give up all hope of finding a reliable lead Philip was unpleasantly surprised to find the hound struggling to it’s feet as if drunk.

Readying his halberd Philip’s gaze never left his staggering opponent. “What have we here?” Calling out to the creature he said, “Want to try again I see. Think you can do better this time?”

Ignoring our would-be hero the hound began to slowly stagger off north. Not sure if he should feel insulted or not by the monster’s indifference Philip decided to follow it for now on the off chance that it was heading home.

"Now we're getting somewhere," he mused.

Roleplay from Philip
Nearly falling out of the saddle in an attempt to take in the huge structure in one glance Philip knew that he had found the origin of the hounds and their master.

The building was almost indescribable; and clearly very old. It gave one the impression of great size while still somehow remaining below the tree line. The almost fortress-like building had but one entrance; a pair of large double doors covered in fine ironwork which sat beneath an impressive arch adorned with the words, “Strength of the Mountain”. To either side the doors were very familiar stone dogs in the style of the ancient architecture, though these seemed to be unmoving.

“Well I’d hate to keep my host waiting,” mused Philip who was only marginally impressed with the building. Striding forward with confidence bordering on conceit he pushed the doors open and marched into the dim interior.

Inside the massive structure was even more impressive. Walls covered in fine paintings and tapestries glittered in the light of a few candles, while the vaulted ceiling revealed a map of the world exact down to the tiniest detail. Four points of light shown down from the map of the East Continent illuminating sections of the floor which were tiled in strange symbols. Passing row upon row of exotic statues and strange trinkets Philip approached the central dais where seated upon a throne, a hooded statue watched the assembled artifacts of the last age. The hush that filled this place seemed to drown out all sound and brought to mind peace; peace not unlike that which had filled Coimbra its entire existence.

“Nice enough place I guess,” mused Philip as he studied the architecture carefully. Realizing that he knew this style of construction Philip let out a chuckle, “So this is the first temple Antonio sought for so long. How ironic, he was so close to completing a part of his quest only to be struck down by Oligarch..…”

Turning as a gust of wind whipped his cloak around him, Philip peered into the darkness beyond seeking the source of the draft.

“YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE. LEAVE THIS PLACE NOW AND RETURN TO THE DUSK FROM WHENCE YOU CAME.”

Roleplay from Philip
As the powerful voice continued to echo around the vast room Philip inspected what would have been his fingernails had he not been wearing gauntlets.

"You would evict your guest so soon after arriving? How impolite," replied Philip without looking around.

"YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE," the voice insisted.

His carefree attitude remaining untarnished Philip continued, "-Sigh- How unfortunate. I guess I'd better find what I seek and be gone then…."

A loud boom filled the air, "YOU WILL TOUCH NOTHING!"

"My, my, someone doesn't like to share…."

"ENOUGH! THE CHOICE IS YOURS, EITHER LEAVE OR DIE."

"Well if you insist, though I would've also accepted your surrender…."

It took a while for the voice to realize what Philip meant, but when it did a snarl echoed around the vast chamber.

"SUCH ARROGANCE! SO BE IT, YOU HAVE CHOSEN YOUR FATE."

Realizing that these last words came from behind him Philip turned his head slightly to gaze over his shoulder at the seated statue and smiled, "Ah I do so enjoy a cooperative enemy."

With the clatter of stone chips and the shifting of ancient dust the massive statue rose from its throne.

Pulling itself to its full height the cowled head tilted down, giving the impression that the flat glassy 'face' amidst the hood was starring right at you.

While the creature's gaze shifted to the interloper its stone cloak; which had lain open as was fitting its seated posture; drifted closed until the statue became a single seamless column up to its cowled head.

Philip, who had finally turned around at the sound of moving stone, was studying his fingernails again.

Brushing aside its cloak the creature revealed a pair of scimitars which it raised in preparation for the fight.

Philip clapped.

It then uncurled a second set of arms carrying curved swords.

Philip scowled, "How irritating.."

With a lurch the statue moved forward, the first of its blades slicing through the air. Ducking under the swing Philip almost didn't see the second sword moving in low and only rolled to the side in the nick of time. Not letting up in the slightest the statue pressed its early advantage with a series of jabs and cuts at various heights and angles. Soon the air between them was nothing more then a waving web of steel, which threatened to overwhelm Philip's defenses as they danced around the central dais.

Realizing that he needed to break off the attack to get better stock of his foe Philip dodge behind one of the smaller statues that dotted the central area. Attempting to use the cover of the various artifacts Philip headed towards the outer area of the temple, where the ceiling was lower.

Unconcerned with the interloper's attempts to hide the guardian moved forward passing through the various treasures as if they were not there.

Philip cursed, "Oh great. Someone was using their brains when they made him.…."

Still though his efforts to hide had proven ineffective it had provided Philip with some much needed time to study his foe. Thus Philip realized that thought the statue was relentless and used its multiple blades to great effect, it was not very fast. Oh it compensated by careful usage of its weapons, but the time it took to recover or change direction was long enough to give Philip an idea.

"This has gone on long enough," mused Philip, "I think it is time to end this dance."

Having finally closed the gap the guardian brought one of its swords down in an attempt to end the fight. Remaining in place the interloper seemed to have surrendered to his fate.

Suddenly with seconds to spare Philip sidestepped the swing. The guardian tried to compensate, to bring other weapons to bear, but Philip wasted no time and stepped in, towards the enemy. Raising his own heavy blade high Philip brought it down hard on the elbow joint severing the arm with a crack and a shower of stone. Stunned at the loss of a limb the guardian stumbled backwards with Philip in hot pursuit.

"While monster anatomy and tracking are not something I've studied, sculpting is a hobby of mine and if there's one thing I know is that everyone forgets to reinforce the joints," explained Philip as he stated hacking at another arm.

The tables had turned in this battle, now Philip lead the offensive while the guardian scrambled in an effort to defend. Fighting like a daemon unleashed Philip used artful feints to exploit the slow reaction of his opponent and kept his blows centered on the joints. Slowly but surely the guardian was losing limbs.

Desperate though the creature was it fought on with all the skill it could muster and proved to be a worthy advisory causing Philip any number of wounds despite its faults. In the end though Philip stood victorious, and a little dented, over the fallen and shattered form of his enemy holding its head in his hands.

"Well it seems to the victor goes the spoils; these treasures will make a fine addition to the Museum of Antiquities in Avamar, don't you think?"

"YOU WILL TOUCH NOTHING"

"Oh really and you plan on stopping me how exactly? Face it you've lost, though you did well enough."

Suddenly the ground shook, and with a sudden jerk Philip was swept from his feet and hurled through the air. Slamming with a crack into one of the mighty trees outside the temple Philip lay prone for what seemed like forever until finally, with great care, he pulled himself up, or tried to.

"THUS YOU HAVE BEEN HALTED....NOW YOU WILL NEver acquire what you seek. i am victorious," said the voice as it began to fade.

Vision swimming Philip grabbed the head and tried to glare at it, "You have merely slowed me you antiquated pile of gravel. I'll...." His voice trailing Philip cursed as he finally realized that the door to the temple had been sealed so that now there were no openings in its fortress-like design.

Furious at himself for falling so completely for the guardian's trap Philip almost threw the head away, but a sudden flash of light caught his eye. Reaching down to the ornately carved cloak clasp Philip brushed away some of the chipped stone to reveal shining silver. Working carefully Philip pried the silver pin out of the socket and while studying it closely he realized that the hounds along the entrance were following its every move. As realization dawned about what he held Philip began to laugh.

"Ah you tried so hard my opponent, and truly you won a small victory this day denying me access to the treasures within. But fortune smiles on me as well for I have still acquired what I sought."

The head remained silent and after a time Philip tossed it into the underbrush.

"So ends your reign of terror in these woods; your hounds will trouble us no more."

Calling over his mount Philip managed to pull himself into the saddle on the third try and held on as best he could during the long journey home.