Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 13:02:22 GMT -5
"A fuel source." Oriax replied, taking a dagger from one of Nyle's lackeys and handing it to one of the thralls. "Harrys' strength is in his ability to store his unused power. So I must bring my own."
"Kill yourself." he said commanded, with cold detachment, flexing his hand to draw fresh blood over his command rune.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 13:40:55 GMT -5
The thrall stabs himself with the dagger. In the arm. Repeatedly. It takes about three minutes for him to die.
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 13:49:33 GMT -5
"Provide them all with a weapon of some sort." Oriax told Nyles, pleased with the effect but noting that the time could use some improvement.
There was a long pause before he gave his next command, as he did not relish this one.
"Get me some spare armor and a sword. Color it black if you are able." he said with a sigh, removing his mask and packing it with his personal belongings. Harrys did not know what he looked like and the element of surprise could decide this engagement.
As Nyles fetched the required items, Oriax sliced open the dead man and attempted to use his lifeforce to shield him from Harrys' detection. The disguise would serve no purpose if his magic could be detected. He would use the power source in the vial of sap and blood around his neck if necessary to fuel the shield.
(Ritual 95+5 from Feast of Souls)
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 13:50:56 GMT -5
He feels the shield take hold, but unless someone tries to find him there is no sure way of telling how strong it is.
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 13:56:38 GMT -5
Oriax traded his mask and robes for black chainmail, feeling naked. He felt ridiculous and the items wreaked of simpleton. The masks of the shadowbinders were symbolic, meant to hide their faces and actions from men and gods alike. He thought with some satisfaction that after killing a god, he had no cause to fear their gaze.
"The story is a simple one." he told Nyles, expecting it would be passed on to the men that followed him. "I am a Nights Watch recruiter escorting these men to the Wall. We are stopping in Barrowton to resupply and refit, as well as buy some provisions sorely lacking on the Wall. Nyles and Malix, Snow has seen your faces, so keep them covered as we seek out the man."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 13:58:50 GMT -5
With the chill winds, everyone wears thick furs anyway, so the request is easy to fulfill. In the distance Oriax can see the high barrows that give the city its name. Old tombs said to be cursed and haunted by the living dead. Perhaps the old Barrow Kings had had Asshaiians do their interior decorating.
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 14:11:43 GMT -5
Oriax eyes the barrows, feeling this was a fitting place for Snow to flee to. He wanted to investigate them immediately, but that would ruin the ruse before it had begun. Instead, once in the city, they made their way to the busiest tavern.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 14:13:18 GMT -5
The Busiest Tavern is true to its name. The benches are full and the beer is tasty. Oriax can see pretty (by northmen standards) bar maids and liquor and a warm fire. People come from all over, or fifty miles, whichever is closer, to the most famous tavern in the smallest real city in Westeros.
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 14:17:43 GMT -5
Oriax ordered an ale and attempted a smile, though it threatened to pull the long unused muscles. He felt truly naked without the usual barrier between him and the outside world.
"Do what you do best, Nyles." he instructed. "If anything strange has happened in this town, I want to know."
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 14:23:06 GMT -5
Nyles grins and rubs his fingers together. "What I do best is hardly free."
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 14:29:59 GMT -5
Oriax discreetly deposited a few gold dragons into his palm.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 14:33:43 GMT -5
"My version of weirwood sap," he says with a grin. He heads to a different tavern to do what he does. As he leaves, the sorcerer feels a presence. He is unused to it, having left Asshai years ago, but once it comes back it takes him to the first six decades of his youth in the city by the Shadow.
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 14:37:17 GMT -5
The hairs on Oriaxs' neck bristled. This was not the time or place he needed such a distraction. He sent his zombie bird around, circling the outskirts of the city for the source of the presence.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Mar 16, 2015 14:52:23 GMT -5
The bird sees ships in the harbor moving in and out, but cannot see anyone remotely as odd looking as Oriax. Nyles seems to be having fun though.
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Kurts
Prince
Posts: 3,760
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Post by Kurts on Mar 16, 2015 14:59:40 GMT -5
Oriax sighs as he returns to his own consciousness. Seeking out the Asshaii would risk tipping off Snow. He decided if the shadowbinder was worth his salt, he would find a way through his shield and seek him out.
"How are you doing today, my good man?" he asked the barkeep in the friendliest tone he could muster, the words feeling stilted and forced.
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