Kalsis' Potion of Strength, Part V by Robert Adam Morrison Neme and Manzi fight over Kardan, while Hemral races to rejoin his companions. Send Comments & Story Ideas to alphac@orc.ca Homepage: http://www.fortunecity.com/rivendell/perilith/478/ Dark Side of Creation: http://www.orc.ca/~alphac/ (address soon to be changed) WARNING: Adult and erotic content. Notes: The long-awaited (and much delayed) continuation of a good series (if I say so meself)! I would advise brushing up on the other episodes, available at Diane the Valkyrie's or the Dark Side of Creation. C&C welcome, as long as its reasonably civil. Kalsis' Potion of Strength, Part V Hemral grunted as he rushed over the rough dirt field, carrying Cordina over one shoulder. The well-muscled amazon was quite the burden, but Hemral only knew that he had to protect her. Hemral wished he had the time to pray to Ferror, his diety, the goddess of justice. He repeated a small and silent hymn over and over under his breath as he raced. Hemral and Cordina were both clad in musty and dirty peasant clothes. Cordina had a single dagger at her belt, while Hemral had slung a sturdy cudgel at his side. Cordina was unconscious as she lay over Hemral's shoulder. Her shoulder was roughly bandaged, and it was obvious she had suffered an arrow or quarrel wound. Hemral used all his endurance to rush over the field, but he began to hear the sounds of pursuit. The voices of men and goblins were blended together, becoming louder by the second. 'If only I had a symbol of my goddess!' He swore. 'My magic would not be hindered then, and I could escape with ease! This heathen land.' In the distance, Hemral could suddenly make out a small unit of soldiers, about two score in number. The soldiers were mounted on horses and carried heavy lances. Hemral squinted, and could make out banners of blue with gold embroidering. 'The King's army!' he exclaimed. Hemral doubled his pace and rushed to the calvary. He shouted with all his might at the mounted troops. They noticed him, and began to rush forth towards him. Manzi and Kardan lay in the rickity bed. Finally exhausted from the excessive love-making, they were taking a well-deserved break. Kardan's hands rested on Manzi's. Both were taking deep-drawn breaths. The warrior and the farm girl had a night of pleasure, and now were feeling the effects of it. Their clothes were piled in one corner of the farmhouse bedroom, with Kardan's sword and armour resting nearby. A small oil lantern provided some illumination to the room. Shadows creeped up the wall as the sun descended past the landscape. Neme looked down at the two figures as she stood in the doorway of the bedroom. Her expression was wrought with confusion and amusement. Her love of Kardan had a hold over her, but she now understood Kardan's affections towards Manzi. Nether the less, she was angered by Kardan's actions. It was as plain as day to Neme that the farm girl and the warrior had been lovemaking. Neme paced forward, and whipped the covers off the sleeping pair. The two stirred and began blinking in the light of the oil lantern Neme held out. Kardan's face became ashen and Manzi looked puzzled. Neme frowned at the two, her disappointment soon becoming anger. 'Neme!' Kardan exclaimed. 'Well, well, well.' Repeated Neme. 'Isn't this a pretty sight!' 'You must be Neme!' Manzi said, managing to smirk. 'And you, Manzi!' 'I suppose you've come her to persuade Kardan to continue to travel with you.' 'No, but I've waited for this moment for a long time! Finally, a chance to decide who gets Kardan once and for all!' 'Huh! Why don't you let him pick!' Manzi retorted. 'I'm sure he'll pick me. He's always been mine.' Neme slipped off her cloak and let it drop to the ground. Manzi inched towards her clothes, managing to snatch halter and panties. Neme removed her boots, gloves, and all weapons on her person. Manzi donned her underclothes. The two women stalked each other, not letting a movement betray her plans. Kardan looked on with awe. He was torn between feelings, and unable to take action against either female. There was Manzi, the strong farm girl he had grown up with. Her bronze skin was ripped and pleasing to his eyes. There was Neme, the buxom and beautiful rogue, with strong supple limbs. Her black hair was long and attractive. Her face was stunning, even when in anger as she was at the moment. Neme seemed to be the most beautiful woman Kardan had known. But the struggle in his mind continued. And so in Kardan's hesistance, Neme and Manzi rushed forward, and met one another in a tie-up. Arm was braced against arm. Strong legs were rooted in place. Biceps ballooned out in the struggle. Teeth were grit in defiance. Backs swelled with effort. The struggle would be a long one. Captain Jainas sat in the strong oak chair, studying the tactical map placed on the table in front of him. His ruddy face was complimented by his short, brush-cut brown hair. He wore a suit of plate mail armour, with chain mail covering the exposed joints. A single helm with a red plume was set next to the map. The map depicted the kingdom of Cordoban, the elven lands, the hills of Ekkedar and the western border of the Empire. Ink marks scoured the map, showing troop movements and suspected barracades, barracks and keeps. Jainas stared at it intently, forming his next move in his head. A soldier entered the tent Jainas was seated in. 'Captain Jainas, there is a priest of Ferror to see you.' The soldier proclaimed. 'A priest? What place does he have at this outpost?' 'He and a companion of his were found fleeing an Imperial raiding party. One of our patrols rescued them and brought them here.' 'Very well, show him in.' The soldier saluted, and motioned to the outside. Hemral stepped into the tent. His few wounds were patched up, and he was clad in a simple brown robe. He had an expression of relief on his face. 'Good day, servant of Ferror.' Captain Jainas welcomed. 'Come and sit down.' 'Thanks to you.' Hemral stated. Hemral took a chair and sat opposite the Captain at the table. 'So,' questioned Jainas, 'what is your name, priest?' 'I go by Hemral.' 'And tell me, what brought you to being persued by the Empire?' 'It is a long and tedious tale. Sufficed to say, I was entraped by the Empire. Through magical aid, I was able to escape the stronghold I was placed in, and managed to flee to the border.' 'Your companion?' 'She is Cordina, a mercenary fighter who was captured with me. And now, Captain, I ask only for a few provisions. I must travel to the hills of Ekkedar.' 'Why would you go to those forsaken hills?' 'I am under an oath to go there. I hope also to rejoin my comrades.' 'I can offer no aid beyond giving you horses, rations and a few weapons. My troops are needed here.' 'I would not think of taking up your valuable resources. I need only the horses and food you mentioned. Cordina may need weapons, but I am satisfied with my current arsenal.' Hemral patted the cudgel. 'So be it! I only offer you a fare thee well.' The Captain made the necessary arrangements, and Hemral and Cordina were on their way again. Neme threw Manzi over her shoulder. Manzi landed on the ground with a thump. She got back on her feet, but Neme was on her at an instant. Neme roped her arms around Manzi's torso, and thrust her over in a belly-to-belly suplex. Manzi cursed as the air was pushed out of her lungs. Neme grabbed Manzi's legs and split them apart, exposing her pelvis. Neme dropped, letting her knee connect with Manzi's tender woman- hood. Manzi screamed in pain, reeling with the blow. Neme rounded Manzi's prone form, and was about to wind up for a punch. With lightning speed, Manzi rushed up to her knees, and connected with a kidney punch. Neme managed to let a squeek out as pain consumed her. Manzi was back up on her feet. As Neme hunched over, Manzi grabbed her and drove Neme's head into the floor in a DDT. Manzi them dropped on top of Neme, elbow-first. Neme howelled in agony. Manzi rolled over Neme's body, and grabbed both her wrists. Both of Neme's arms were stretched away from her body as Manzi forced her leg into the base of Neme's spine. Neme was paralyzed, unable to do anything... Raddi sipped the red wine as she studied an ancient tome. She passed over the silver lettering with her index finger, noting each marking. Her beautiful elven face gazed at the arcane symbols. Her almond-shaped eyes carried intelligence and power. She was seated in the Gladdened Cow, a humble inn. Tables were held by various village-folk, all talking, laughing and drinking. The general attitude was joyous. Barmaids walked to and fro, serving customers. Menth, the hardy old innkeep was walking up to Raddi. He had a few words with the random villager. He sat down beside her. 'So,' he started the conversation, 'I imagine Neme and Manzi will be at each other's throat by now!' 'I hope they can resolve it without violence!' said Raddi with doubt. 'Kardan must deal with this before he can go on!' Suddenly, there was the sound of an explosion in the air. The tavern- goers screamed and chatter in shock. Many began to rush out of the inn. People darted back and forth. Flames ran into the grassfields adjacent to the inn. `The Gods preserve us!' Raddi exclaimed. `The Empire is attacking!' `Ay, lass.' Menth grunted as he grabbed the stout mace he kept hidden behind the bar. He hefted its unwieldly balance; it was meant for bone-crunching rather than weapon-play. `I'll venture they've brought more than their fair share of war- wizards!' Menth cursed. Menth and Raddi raced from the inn exterior into the village center. It was complete pandemonium, as the remaining villagers who did not die from the immense fireball that had consumed the general store were racing, dodging the strange bolts of dark energy that rained from the heavens. `Look!' Raddi pointed up, showing Menth what her keen elven eyes saw that human eyes could not. Standing aloft a giant spider with purple chitin and dark, translucent wings was Caltha, the dark Magi of the Emperor. She was laughing as she cast her spells of destruction upon the innocents below. Her crooked glare was consumed by the evil that had crushed her innocence long ago. Caltha's evil, cackling laugh echoed in the night... At first, Kardan thought it was the floorboards beginning to give in to the massive beating they had received from the two buxom women. However, the echo was more distant, yet still powerful in resonance. He swore as he reliased that only an explosion could cause such a noise. Kardan got up, sprinted past the grappling women and started to don his clothing and armour. `What the heck are you doing?' Neme cursed as pain shot up her spine. `You heard!' Kardan swore. `There's something going on in the village, and I intend to find out what it is!' `But what about our fight?' Manzi cursed. `It'll have to wait!' Kardan replied. `Now stop it, and get going!' Kardan's voice run with authority. The two amazons reliased the severity of the situation, and loosened their grip on one another. They got up and prepared themselves. Neme donned her cloak and weapons, while Manzi dressed. The trio ran out of the house, slowing only so Manzi could grab a pike to use as a makeshift weapon. They ran onto the road to the village. It took them a good five minutes to get there, though they were shown the way by the bright fire that crackled in the sky. As they neared the village, Neme pointed upwards towards the hideous sight of Caltha upon her monstrous arachnid. Caltha was dueling against Raddi, who had thrown an eldritch shield of emerald green energy over the village. Menth strugggled to put out the fires as bolts of energy thumped against the crackling shield overhead. Neme raced forward, followed by Kardan and Manzi. Neme reached the edge of town before Caltha finally noticed her. She was surprised of her appearance. "If I can get her," Caltha thought, "my mission will be complete and the emperor will reward me greatly." Caltha noticed the two figures adjacent to Neme. Caltha devised a course of action in her head. Having completed the plans, she set about it. Caltha pulled her arm back and let a large, glowing orb of purple energy loose from her hand. It flew at tremendous speeds and hit Raddi's shield, causing the shield to fall and shatter. Raddi and Menth were both forced to the ground from the shockwaves. Caltha flew her spider low towards Neme. Kardan and Manzi started forwards, but Caltha cast another spell, sending two pillars of bright purple energy at each of them, stunning them and throwing them each back twenty paces. Neme ran towards Caltha, screaming a non-comprehensive battle cry. Caltha lept from the back of the spider, which disappated. Neme attempted to land a great hay-maker, but Caltha managed to release a spell. `Hold!' Caltha commanded as she pointed at Neme. Neme was suddenly held in place by an unseen force. Caltha strode up to her nonchalantly. She smiled, knowing her prey was helpless. `Now, it shall end!' Suddenly, Caltha clutched her head. She reeled in unseen, yet felt, pain. She backed a few steps, trying to regain her bearings. `NOOOO!' she screamed to the heavens. `I will not fall into this dark pathway!' A lone figure strode up from the darkness. He was clad in bestial plate armour, marked with the sigils of the Empire. He was Alrak, the General and commander of the Emperor's military. He bore a single ebony sword in his hand. `You must take her to the Emperor!' Alrak ordered in deep tones. `She only has to be partially alive for the Emperor to be satisfied.' `I... I will not!' Caltha turned to face her `ally'. `Then stand aside so I may complete what is to be done.' `No!' Caltha cried out. Time slowed. Alrak swung his sword, and a long purple energy beam extended from the blade. It arched like a deadly whip. Caltha flung herself in front of the prone form of Neme. The sword's now considerable blade reached both Neme and Caltha. The metal and energy dug into the sides of both women. Blood splurted forth. The two females collapsed onto the ground, glowing with a dark energy. Alrak began to laugh a deep, grizzly laugh, seeing the pandimonium that lay all around him... TO BE CONTINUED EXTRA!: The section for roleplayers. Updates: Alignments: Neme: Neutral Good HEMRAL: AD&D Stats: Male Human Priest of Ferror, 5th level Lawful Good STR: 17 DEX: 13 CON: 15 INT: 15 WIS: 16 CHA: 15 HP: 40, AC: 5, THAC0: 18 Weapon Proficiencies: Quarterstaff, Horseman's Mace, Two-Handed Style Specialization. Nonweapon Proficiencies: Languages (Common), Religion (Cordoban), Undead Lore, Law, Bureaucracy, Artistic Ability (Calligraphy), Reading/Writing (Common), Spellcraft. Psionical/Magical Abilities: Clerical Spells (1] 5, 2] 5, 3] 1). Sphere Access: Major: All, Charm, Combat, Creation, Guardian, Law, Protection, Summoning; Minor: Astral, Divination, War, Wards. FUZION Stats: INT: 5, WILL: 6, PRE: 5, TECH: 3, REF: 4, DEX: 4, CON: 5, STR: 6, BODY: 6, MOVE: 4. Skills: Melee (Mace) +2, Melee Evade +2, Melee (Quarterstaff) +5, Athletics +3, Hand to Hand +3, Expert: Religion +3, Expert: Undead +4, Law +3, Expert: Magic +2, Literacy +3, Calligraphy +3. Talents: Handsome +1. Complications: Hatred of Evil, Code of Honour (Follows the code of his goddess), Enemy (Hunted by the Empire). The FUZION Core Rules can be D/L'ed at: http://www.sabram.com/rtalsoriangames/site/fuzion.html Equipment: Quarterstaff, Mace (Horseman's), Chain Mail Armour (KD 10/ AC 5), Clothes, Adventuring Gear. CORDINA: AD&D Stats: Female Human Fighter, 5th level Neutral Good STR: 18/00 DEX: 15 CON: 18 INT: 11 WIS: 10 CHA: 16 HP: 70, AC: 1, THAC0: 16 Weapon Proficiencies: Long Sword Specialization, Dagger, Light Cross- bow, Wrestling Specialization. Nonweapon Proficiencies: Endurance, Heraldry, Blind-Fighting, Gaming. Psionical/Magical Abilities: None. FUZION Stats: INT: 3, WILL: 2, PRE: 5, TECH: 5, REF: 5, DEX: 5, CON: 7, STR: 7, BODY: 7, MOVE: 6. Skills: Melee (Long Sword) +6, Melee Evade +4, Melee (Dagger) +2, Heraldry +3, Bow (Crossbow) +3, Gaming +3, Hand to Hand +5, Ranged Evade +2, Wrestling Martial Arts Style. Talents: Beautiful +2, Blind-Fighting (NEW: Half penalties against Invisibility (Normal Sight) and Flash), High Pain Threshhold. Complications: Hatred of evil races, Enemy (Hunted by the Empire), Lecherousness (Severe). Equipment: Long Sword, Plate Mail Armour, Medium Shield, Dagger, Clothes, Adventuring Gear. MANZI: AD&D Stats: Female Human Fighter (Peasant Hero), 1st level Lawful Good STR: 18/51 DEX: 15 CON: 16 INT: 11 WIS: 13 CHA: 16 HP: 12, AC: 7, THAC0: 18 Weapon Proficiencies: Awl Pike, Short Bow, Short Sword, Dagger, Wrestling Specialization. Nonweapon Proficiencies: Agriculture, Local History, Animal Handling, Land-Based Riding (Horse), Swimming, Animal Lore. Psionical/Magical Abilities: None. FUZION Stats: INT: 2, WILL: 4, PRE: 4, TECH: 4, REF: 4, DEX: 5, CON: 6, STR: 6, BODY: 6, MOVE: 7. Skills: Melee (Awl Pike) +3, Bow (Short) +2, Melee (Short Sword) +3, Melee (Dagger) +3, Expert (Farming) +3, Expert (Animals) +4, Horse Riding +3, Swimming +3, Wrestling Style Martial Arts. Talents: Beautiful +3, Common Sense. Complications: Obsessed with Kardan (Common, Severe), Hatred of evil races, Enemy (Hunted by the Empire).