Memoirs of Cherppow

[Cherppow]

I - The Introduction

The Ylian looked up. The crystal was dimming as night drew near. He sat few meters away from the campfire and you. Light danced on his pale face. More travellers gathered around the fire. Time passed as people exchanged gossips. During the evening it came up that they knew almost nothing of their fellow, Cherppow Greywood. And he was asked to tell a bit about himself.

"Well, what do you want to know?" He began.

"I'm a simple man. I was born and raised in the farms of the first level of Yliakum, where the crops grow best. When I had reached my teens, there was a dry season in our area, and we were forced to sell the land, or so I was told. We moved near the city of Hydlaa in hope for a better future, and bought a small smithy from a retiring armorsmith. The old smith was kind enough to help us get started with the new occupation we knew nothing about. Since then I worked there with my family in hope for little extra prosperity. Until of late, that is..."

Cherppow looks to the ground, then closes his eyes. After a moment of silence he lifts his head and continues.

"One day I was asked by my father to go to the level below to buy new smithing supplies for him. I was honoured by the task, and left first thing next morning. My trip was long and quite uneventful, another story perhaps... It was when I returned a week later with the smithing supplies, when things began to go wrong. I found our smithy door open, and all the equipment gone. Then strange people answered at my home door! I tried asking everyone where my family had gone, but people either ignored me or said they didn't know what I was talking about. I was left on the streets. For a few days I lived in the smithy, selling the equipment I went a long way to get, for food and trying to understand what had happened. But then government officials came with armed guards saying that the building was about to be demolished. I left, and have been travelling around ever since."

"Hmm, there was one thing I found in the smithy. The last night I spent in there, I felt a bump under my matress. It turned out to be a loose board. Hidden beneath the floor where the workbench used to be, was this..."


Cherppow opens his backpack and lifts out an old helmet.

"I know a bit about armour, and I can say that this is just too cumbersome to be used efficiently, even for the Kran. Maybe it's some sort of decoration." He thinks aloud...

II - The Road to Maygim

They approached him along the road. His parents. They hadn't changed a bit. He was welcomed with open arms and warm smile. But there was someone else too. A younger man was walking beside his parents. The man felt like a brother to him, but his face was that of a strangers. He remembered that he had no brothers. Then the vision changed... He was alone, standing at a forest clearing. A path ran through the area. He tried to walk, but his legs wouldn't move. He looked around, and spotted three wild roses growing on the side of the path. Suddenly an arm grabbed his shoulder and he felt pain in his back.

"Wake up you!" A familiar voice calls.

"Uh, what? Is it morning already?" The ylian replies, rubbing his eyes.

"No, it's almost mid-day, and we have to get moving if we're planning on reaching Maygim before tomorrow. Unless you prefer spending another night on that comfy bedroll of yours." Dermorian girl teases, and returns packing her much more comfortable equipment.

Cherppow fights himself up, holding his back. "No, I guess I don't. Besides, I'm never going to find out what happened to my family by sleeping the days off." He explains to himself.

The group pack their carriage and travel east. They were a band of five strange companions who had been brought together by destiny. Or coincidence. Cherppow had tagged along after the mystic disappearance of his family, about six months ago. Back then the group consisted only of Aaron, an old Xacha, and a young dermorian couple D'Innias and Maliony. Their newest member, an enkidukai soldier by the name of Hrast, joined them just few days ago. They all had their reasons to be on the run, and most of them weren't too eager to talk about them. The old xacha was an exception, and he was often heard telling stories of his younger years. Apparently Aaron was the one of them who was traveling willingly.

Hours pass and landscape changes from hilly plains to lush forests that surround their destination, the city of Maygim. To pass the time Aaron began yet another a story of his earlier adventures...

"It happened when I was about your age, Cherppow" The xacha notes, and nods towards the 26 year old ylian.

"Why of course it did..." Cherppow mutters.

"It really did. And stop interrupting me. Show some respect to the elderly." Aaron coughs.

"I'm sorry, please go on." Cherppow surrendered, not wishing to start a debate with the stubborn old man.

"So, where was I... Ah, yes, I was in my twenties, exploring the sixth level of Yliakum. One day I was walking down the shore of the Great Yliakum Sea, and I heard this peculiar bubbling sound from the water. At first I thought it was a large flock of fish that had swam too close to the shore. But all of a sudden the bubbling stopped completely. I walked closer to the spot, and listened carefully for a few minutes, but heard nothing. At that point I figured that whatever it had been, it was long gone now. I had just turned to leave, when there was a great explosion. Water and fish alike was flying everywhere!" Aaron waves his arms around, trying to express the size of the explosion. His effort ultimately fails and he and ends up looking like he'd been stung by a dozen of Ganara bees.

"The huge splash sent me flying in the air! I landed a couple of meters farther, in the middle of dense shore foliage, disoriented and missing my viewing glasses. I tried to feel around for my goggles, but then I saw it! A horrid monster was rising from beneath the surface, right next to the shore! I quickly dropped down and hid among the plants. Even I wouldn't have been a match for such a beast without my glasses! The monstrosity started walking towards me. The footsteps got closer and closer, and I could hear how it vomited filth and seawater from it's maw! Who knows what manner of carcasses it had just devoured! I held my breath as it trekked but a few meters away from my hideout, but I could still smell it's wet scaly stink. I was certain it was the end of me, but luckily the steps began to grow more distant. My skillful use of stealth had saved me!" Aaron rejoices.

III - Dala

Aaron, an old xacha, continues his story...

"As the abomination escaped to the woods, I was able to search for my goggles. Just as I saw a glimmer on the sand, a woman's scream echoed from beyond the trees. The monster had obviously found an innocent girl to pray on! I couldn't ignore the poor womans cry for help; I grabbed my glasses from the sand and ran towards the sound. Maybe I could create enough distraction to allow the girl to escape, I thought. I charged forward and began making these great roaring noices! ARRRr-rrr!" Aaron duplicates the hideous growls.

"I reached the scene. To my surprise, I was met by a group of club wielding thugs, who had already cornered the monster against a tree. The thugs were surprised too, after my fearsome entry, but they didn't seem to be planning on fleeing. Still judging the situation, I played cool by simply asking if they had heard a woman scream nearby. 'Well, well, he's looking for the girl. But the fish-face is ours now!' The thugs grinned and pointed towards the cornered sea monster. It was then when I saw the creatures true figure... It was no monster at all, but a true mermaid!" Aaron continues his tale.

"So, the 'monster' was actually a girl from a race called nolthrir, though back then I wasn't aware such race even existed! Her face was green with red hue on the cheeks. Most of her body was coloured as light green with cyan freckles. She wore a primitive looking seaweed clothing, some of which the brutes had obviously ripped off. The girl was holding her dress together with her sleek arms and webbed fingers. Curving down her shoulders, long bright blue hair that made almost stunning contrast against her skin tone. And her eyes! They could have been emeralds, I tell you, so bright... Ah, I'll never forget that sight." The old man awakens from his daydreams.

"Some monster you got there." Maliony smiles.

"Yeah, yeah! But there I was, with this beautiful girl, surrounded by at least half a dozen big thugs." The old xacha goes on.

"The nolthrir was begging for them to let her go, but I knew saying please wouldn't work on these guys, so I had to think fast. I took out my pouch of marbles and led the thugs believe I was a pearl diver from the beach, and that the pouch was well worth one thousand trias. I proposed a trade; the girl for the pearls. At first the roughnecks seemed to buy the trick and began counting how much each of them would profit. That was until one of them figured out that nothing prevents them from taking both the prizes. As the thugs closed in to snatch the imaginary treasure, I quickly loosened the pouch lines and threw the marbles in a shiny spread all over the woods! While the brutes went into disarray, each trying to get the most valuables, I motioned to the nolthrir to start running. But alas, the girl didn't budge. In a matter of fact she seemed to be fainting! RUN! I shouted, but only managed to get the thugs' attention, who now saw that they'd been tricked. Just when I was about to curse women and their low blood sugar, the girl regained consciousness. She lifted her arms and her fingers left faint trails of light in the air! Then she let her arms drop down. I stood amazed as one after another, the burly men around us fell to the ground, unconscious! Conversation followed..."

"What... Who... what are you?" I searched for words.

"My name is Dala and I'm an apprentice mage from nolthrir high arcanery. I came here to get reagents for our research, but these men attacked me without warning." The girl looked sad at first, but became happier. "Don't worry about them now, I used magic to drain their stamina, they'll be sleeping for the next three hours!" The young mage explained.

"Magic?!" I replied with disbelief. I had heard stories of such magics, but never before had I believed in its existence.

"Yes! It took me a while to cast the spell on multiple targets, thus the delay. Thanks for providing distraction in the meanwhile, bead-boy!" Dala played.

"The name's Aaron and, umm... your dress is falling." I countered.

"Don't look you perv! Or I'll cast drain sight on you!" She overreacted. But I wasn't going to take the chance, and turned around while she adjusted her clothing. Suddenly I felt her arms around my neck! I was just about to blush when a cold scallop touched my chest.

"Take this as a token of my gratitude. It will identify you as a friend among the nolthrir." She said, and locked the necklace around my neck.

"You don't have to..." I started, but got interrupted.

"I know I don't. But I want you to have it. Not everyone would have risked his life to help me; some of you dry-walkers see us nolthrir as monsters, just because we live underwater." Dala insisted.

"Thank you." I gulped, more than a little embarrassed.

"You're a good man Aaron. But I have to go back home now. I'm already late and my husband must be getting worried." She explained.

"I... better get going too. See you later?" I tried to sound confident.

"Perhaps." She smiled and walked to the waves.

I stayed for a while. "So, she's married." I persuaded myself to leave.

"I've never been to sixth level since." Aaron ends.

[Baldur]

I really like the way you write. A gloom is present throughout the story, making it very bound-to-earth. It is a peaceful story even though action does occur. A very well made story in my humble opinion and i'm excited to hear more.

[Phinehas]

Interesting, Cherppow. Good even. You write like someone who is confident of their knowledge of the setting of PS. I like it. Keep going. There are a few things I could criticise, but I won't bother, except for one. You should probably make a larger distinction between when your character is thinking or talking.

[Cherppow]

   

XII -The Returning


One day, a young boy was returning from village well. He had been tasked by his mother to bring some water for cooking. They lived in a forest, few kilometers away from the village, as they were Dermorians and enjoyed the nature there. For this boy, the distance was a short one. He was used to wandering dozens of kilometers in the wilderness with his family. However, for the local schoolyard bullies it was reason enough to pick on the boy. They had beat him many times before, and this trip was no exception...
   ...just a few hundred meters apart from home, the boy spots the bullies hanging around on the side of the road. They've been waiting there, looking for an easy victim. They spot the dermorian boy and grin. Without a word, they turn to chase him. He tries to run, quickly dropping the bucket, but it's of no use. With the bullies but a few meters behind him, the boy jumps off the road and into the forest. Runing blind, trying to loose his pursuers, he heads deeper and deeper into the trees. They chase him for several dozen minutes.
   Exhausted, the boy slows down. Luckily he no longer hears the cursing of his enemies behind him. He leans himself against a tree and falls down gasping for breath. Suddenly he hears a spine-chilling laugh! Appearing from behind the trees, are the bullies. They grab him and shove him around, then they break few branches from the trees and start beating him. The boy falls and curls up on the ground, but they don't stop. Finally the oldest of them calls a halt, and lifts the boy up against a tree. A disgusted smile on the guy's face reveals that he's not done yet. The bully reaches under his shirt, and pulls out a knife! He prepares to strike, but somehow the boy manages to evade the thrust, and bolts on a run. Badly beaten, he can't get far, but he tries. To his unluck, he runs to a dead end. Tall rock faces surround him on all sides, with the bullies blocking the way back. With his last strength, he starts climbing a pile of rocks lying against one of the stone walls. The bullies get to him, and grab him by his foot, and he slips. The boy falls down between large boulders and hits his head on a stone. He sees a flash of light and loses consciousness.

   

   
   The next day Jika awakes. He's still lying on the ground where he fell, and he's hurting everywhere. His head is buzzing like crazy, and he can't see anything. Young dermorian tries to sit up, but the slashing pain in his stomach causes him to cry out. For a moment Jika lies there blinking his eyes and trying to figure out what to do. Little by little, the dermorian's eyes adjust to the dark, and he begins to see gray shapes. He notices that he's fallen into some kind of small cavern. The ceiling is filled with stalactites. Jika also spots a small crack on the ceiling right above him, and believes it to be his entrance. Dragging himself with his arms Jika manages to crawl towards a wall or a row of stalagmites, he can't say which one, as they both look alike. He manages to prop himself against it, and climb to a sitting position.
   A crumbling noise alerts Jika from his rest. At first the noise seems like but a few pebbles falling, but soon the whole cavern is shaking! The wall behind him crumbles open, and Jika crawls away from it in panic. Then the quake stops. To his surprise, Jika feels a faint gust of wind coming from the direction of the cracked wall. Jika squints his eyes, hoping to see a beam of daylight shine through, but there are none. Finally the wind dies off too. Jika, who had been holding breath, sighs. "Is there no escape from here?", he thinks. "Who are you?", he thinks again. "What am I thinking!?!", he mumbles. Suddenly a thought pops up in his mind again: "Who are you?". Cold waves run down Jikas spine as he realizes that this thought is not from him! Then he feels the wind again, this time far more powerful. The wind matches the words in his head: "Who are you". Before Jika has time to react, half of the cavern collapses in front of him. But the rubble that falls is not of stone. A large metallic entity breaks through the solid stone wall. It stops but a few centimeters before the dermorian boy, filling better half of the cavern. In the dim light Jika makes out the silhouette of the creature. An animated full plate mail is speaking into his mind again: "Who are you?". The boy stammers a faint reply: "I-I'm J-Jika." A new thought arises in Jika's mind: "Good to see you, Jika". And soon another thought: "I am the soul of Cherppow".

   

   Jika coughs blood, and starts to explain the events that led him there. Cherppow humms deeply, and embeds another phrase in Jika's mind. "Save your strength, young one. I know what they've done you."

   Amazed, Jika answers: "But, how... ?"
   "All in good time, rest now.", Cherppow replies.

   The dermorian suddenly feels very tired and he falls asleep on the armor's lap. "I am sorry for what you have had to endure, child.", the animated armor whispers. "Yet, I see that great things will become of you." Cherppow lays his gauntlet-clad hand over Jika's body and humms slightly. In his sleep, the boy dreams of the times far before his own birth.
    He sees thick forests where should be towns and villages. He sees dangerous creatures in the place where now is tame cattle. And he sees countless wars where now is peace. And in the middle of the turmoil he sees a knight in shining armor. As Jika dreams on, he notices that this knight always appears on the front line of the defending army, sometimes even acting against his own forces, as the tip of the battle turns. Many stories slip past Jika's mind unnoticed, until he now dreams of this knight fighting alone. Even if fighting with great valor, the knight fails to protect the town he was set to save. Flames rise high against the black sky as the enemy raze and pillage. The knight was lucky to escape with his life, but he can but watch his country fall.
   After many more events that Jika doesn't understand, he sees the same knight walk into a cave where a swirling azure disc covers one wall. A flash of light follows when the knight touches the disc. At first Jika believes this is the same cave he fell in, but after a while, Jika understands it is not. For a few seconds the knight disappears, until a second flash of light fills the cave. Again a knight appears from amidst a swirling wall. He looks different than before. The knight's shiny armor is gone, replaced by the very armor Jika saw before falling asleep. On the head he wears a drastic horned helm. If not for the feeling, Jika would be sure these are two different persons.
   The dream goes on, with Cherppow displaying strange powers and tactics, tracking down his former enemies. The story culminates into a scene where Cherppow stands on a battlefield, alone facing the army that razed his homeland. Cherppow starts walking, then running towards the enemy, with increasing speed. His armor glowing from friction, Cherppow reaches the enemy lines and kicks himself dozens of meters in the air. In seconds the hulking armor drops down right behind the commander of the opposing army. Cherppow lifts the general, who is still trying to get up after the shockwave of Cherppows landing, by his head, and draws his sword. But Cherppow's hand begins to shake, and the sword drops on the ground. The two men stare at each other. Time seems to stop, and Jika feels an emotion of emptiness so strong he'd burst into tears, were he awake. The moment seems to last for an eternity, but the dream fades into darkness. In a final vision Jika sees Cherppow walk into a familiar cave, escorted by royal guardsmen. He steps into a swirling portal, with the last words: "Be strong, for I will not return". Jika's dream dissipates and is replaced by a feeling of warmth.

   

   
   Jika awakes and is dumbfounded by this vision, but deep in his soul he understands that the dream was somehow linked to his newfound companion. To his surprise, Jika has no problem standing up. The pains are gone, and Jika feels as healthy as ever. He turns and sees that he's standing on the armour's lap. Jika jumps down and smiles.

   "Now you know who I am." a hollow voice speaks inside Jika's head. Jika nods, and looks sad.
   "Umm, I should get going... my parents must be worried." the boy speaks ashamed, and hopes Cherppow knows a way out of the cave.
   "They are, indeed. But there are people you need to meet first. Please stand aside." the voice replies.

   Jika hesitates, but does as the voice asks, judging that cooperation is his best chance of getting out alive. Dermorian boy takes cover behind the armor, as it starts to motion. Cherppow stands up, breaking the low hanging stalactites on the roof. His heavy feet crack the cave floor with every step as he proceeds to a far wall. There he takes a stand. "Cover your ears" Cherppow calls to Jika, who closes his eyes and puts his hands over his ears. A second later Jika sees a flash. Pressure wave throws Jika against the back wall, and punches breath out from the boy's lungs. A bitter smell fills the air. When Jika finally dares to open his eyes, he stops in awe. Seeing the armor standing there amidst thick smoke, blazing red from heat, and molten lava flowing from what used to be solid stone, Jika begins to understand the magnitude of this character. Jika's mind eases as he sees daylight shine through the waning dustcloud.


   

   
   Without Jika noticing, Cherppow ponders with himself.
   "Seems like the world has grown brittle whilst I was asleep. A mere kick does dangerous damage." he estimates. "I must choose my actions carefully."
   "How many years have passed, I wonder... it matters none. I should not be here... yet here I am. Something has gone terribly wrong."
   "The appearance of this elf in my tomb is an alarming omen indeed. One that I did not foresee. What is happening in this world... and where is the Face of Truth? Without it, I must rely on my own judgement." the armor wonders.
   "And I promised never to return." Cherppow recalls.
   "But when an entire world is at stake, one man's promise weighs not much." he judges.
   "It is decided. I will trek these lands once more, to find out the reasons behind these events. Only then may I finally rest at ease." Cherppow agrees.

   "Let us go now" Cherppow's voice calls inside Jika's mind.

   

   
   The two fellows appear on ground and make their way through the forest. Jika is still feeling disoriented, but Cherppow seems to know the way. During their walk Jika starts a conversation.

   "How do you always talk to me with thoughts?" Jika asks.
   "I see your mind. It is the only way." Cherppow replies.
   "What do you mean? Can't you talk like normal people?" Jika continues.
   "I can not." Cherppow says.
   "I don't understand. Are you mute? My mom says some people can't talk because they are mute." Jika asks.
   Cherppow stops walking and faces the boy. The voice calls: "I don't have a head".
   Jika's eyes widen as he realizes that Cherppow is indeed missing head! In the dark of the cavern, he couldn't make it out that the armor was lacking helmet. Jika stammers "H-How can you h-hear me then?".
   "I see your mind." the voice calls with a warm, calming tone.
   "Oh, I get it, you're telephytic! My mom says some magic people are telephytic, and they can know what you think! You must be a great mage, right?" Jika gets excited.
   "I am... an Avatar" Cherppow says and starts walking again.
   "Neat! I like Avatars! Even the headless ones!" Jika smiles and jumps onward.

   

   The companions reach a road. To Jika's surprise there's a wooden bucket lying on the side of the road. "Hey, that's my water bucket!" He cries. "Here they come." Cherppow notes and sits down behind a tree. The boy looks down the road and sees the local bullies. With a grin the bullies recon Jika. Shivers run down the young boy's spine, and he automatically turns to run. A second later his fear disappears and Jika stops running. A warm and confident feeling fills the boys mind, and he turns to face the bullies. Amazed, the bullies slow their approach and start to laugh. "Wimp knows his role, ha ha!" the oldest of them barks.

   "Who is he?" the voice asks Jika.
   "He's the worst of them all, Samavel" Jika replies clutching his fists.
   "Look him straight in the eyes" Cherppow suggests.

   With the bullies drawing near, Jika fights his will to turn down his face. Slowly his face drops down like so many times before. But then he sees the bucket lying there, and is reminded of Cherppow. "He doesn't even have a face..." Jika thinks to himself. He lifts his head and meets Samavel's eyes. For seconds that seem like eternity to Jika, they stare straight at each other. Slowly Jika begins to feel fear again, and starts to shake. "Don't abandon me now. Please don't abandon me now, Avatar." he prays, biting his teeth. Just when Jika is about to turn and run, he sees a small tear running down Samavel's cheek. The bully is shaking and clutching his fists too! Jika stares amazed as the bully drops down to his knees, weeping like he's never wept before. Confused, the rest of the bullies split the scene and run away. The two boys stay there facing each other, Samavel crying and Jika in disbelief. After several minutes, Jika remembers how he feels when crying and beaten down, and says "It's ok".
   
   "I-I'm s-sorry!" Samavel stutters between his tears.
   "It's ok. I forgive you." Jika continues and the warm feeling returns to him.
   Samavel, still shaking from fear and shame, opens his arms and hugs Jika.

   Later that day Jika asks Cherppow what did he do to Samavel. "Samavel saw the truth", voice replies. Soon the company of two reach Jika's house. Cherppow explains that they must now part ways. Jika needs to go to his parents, and Cherppow must find his head, the Face of Truth. Before leaving, Cherppow asks the dermorian for a small favour.
   
   "I'd like to have this bucket." he asks.
   "Sure! But what do you need a bucket for? Are you going to cook, like my mom?" Jika asks confused.
   "You people are not used to seeing headless men walk... and I'd rather avoid the attention." Cherppow clarifies and lifts the bucket to his shoulders. At this point Jika is no longer amazed at the fact that the bucket stays in position. Cherppow pokes two holes to the bucket as symbolic eyes.
   "You're not going to avoid any attention looking like that!" Jika laughs.
   "It's better than nothing." Cherppow shrugs humbly.
   Jika nods and hugs his friend. They wave and part ways.


   

   

[Baldur]

Awesomeness personified. I've read many books and this storytelling fits well within my standards.

[Arka]

* Arka doffs her cap to a master-writer.

Looking forward to more!

Arka

[Cherppow]

Hi,

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I know my tales aren't that great, but they're fun to write, and good practice for my english skill. The armored Cherppow's pretty awesome, aye. It has almost outlived it's usefulness in common roleplaying really, and that's why I created Cherppow Greywood. The same first name is a freak coincidence, they're two different characters.

 Theme music for Cherppow could be theme from the Rock movie. While as Cherppow Greywood's personality would be better reflected by "Ist deine Liebe echt" from Blümchen. (Please disregard the visuals on both videos, they're not relevant in this case.)

Thanks for your interest,
 - Cherppow

[Cherppow]

XXV - Long march of the BMH

On a sunny day the back streets of Hydlaa are filled with noise. On the left merchant Dunbar's low voice is advertising freshly picked vegetables. On the right loud clanking echoes from Riverton smithy, as new plough is being forged into its shape. To the front, a fountain is being cleaned. Man of rather burly appearance is standing on high ladders, carefully removing moss and dirt from the exquisite details of the statue of Laanx. His concentration is only led astray by distant coughing from nearby alley. There, in the darkest corner, lives a dirty homeless bum. He coughs counstantly, and in-between takes a sip from his bottle. Amidst the hectic marketplace, many an ordinary man go about their everyday chores.

One sunny day however, a new sound thunders from the north. Nothing but a low humm at first, the sound soon increases to such an amplitude, it's impossible to ignore. The citizens of hydlaa stop their doings for a moment and stare at each other, puzzled. People are familiar with city guard's alarms, but this constant tone is not among them. The sound lasts for a full minute. Some people are already getting uneasy, covering their ears, when the tone diminishes and finally, ends. A moment of silence follows. Slowly the citizens of Hydlaa return to their daily tasks, disregarding the strange event as yet another wonder of Laanx. The silence is once more replaced by the common chatter of Hydlaa's marketplace.

It is only when people return to their businesses, when they realize that not everyone were unaffected by the strange sound. Merchant Dunbar refuses to make trades. The smith Riverton stands in his doorway, blocking the way of customers. Zjui the statue cleaner remains motionless on top of his ladder, his eyes focused on the far horizon. Even the homeless bum now stands stern on top of his ragged matress. Unbeknownst to the people in the market, hundreds of men all around Hydlaa have similarly halted their doings. Accountants, bankers, teachers... now simply stand still, as if paralyzed. But all these different people have one thing in common... they are the Burly men of Hydlaa. And they are being hailed.

Later that day, streets of Hydlaa are in chaos. All over the city, members of the BMH had left their duties, guilds and friends, to join their brothers. They gathered at the north gate. City guard stood ready to defend the entrance, should the ever-growing mass of men turn violent. Against expectations, however, these men behaved themselves admirably. They informed the gate officer that they were free citizens of Hydlaa, and as such, had the right to come and go as they pleased. The guards could do nothing but watch, as thousand of Hydlaas strongest men walked out through the gate and into the wilderness. Quick actions from the local Vigesimi office prevented an economic catastrophe, but it would never the less take weeks to find replacements for all those jobs.

The Burly men of Hydlaa had departed. Led by their strongest member, as was accustomed, the BMH marched north. On the front, guiding the way, walked Jonathan Riverton. He was a hulk of a man, both tall and broad. Years of hammering at the Riverton smithy had made him very strong. And his strength had brought him the position of local leader among the brothers. After all, voting was done by arm wrestling. Jonathan was a freeman. It was stated in the founding constitution of the BMH that any member must use all his devotion into training of physical strength. Marriage was considered to conflict with this rule. The guild rules also denied female members, as their presence was found to distract male members during guild meetings. Of course the only guild meetings that BMH ever held, were the daily gym sessions. Such were the rules, laid down by the founders, and they were followed to the point. Every evening these freemen would gather at the local gym to "discuss important matters". Their mission - to find and wield such strength that no chains would be strong enough to enslave them - the freedom through strength. And there was Jonathan Riverton, strongest of them all. It was said about him that on the weekends he would leave and head deep into the forest to arm wrestle with the horrid beasts known as ulbernauts. But no one knows for sure, perhaps they are just rumors.

After days of marching, the men could finally see the north wall of the Yliakum dome. There, on a distant ledge they noticed a figurine of a man. Arams Zjui, the statue cleaner squints his eyes. Blocking excess light with his hands, Arams stares at the figurine for some time. He then begins to talk: "I see a badly mutilated old man. He is just standing there, holding something in his hands... a great horn. But judging from his physique, he's too weak to get any sound out of that instrument. Perhaps he's a messenger... or a decoy."

Arams is disrupted by violent coughing. It is the homeless bum from the alley. He cautiously looks over both shoulders, then whispers: "No! No! It is h-him! He! He blew the horn, yes! I can smell it! It was his s-sound! I know it!".

Arams looks up to guild master Jonathan, who now towers over the duo. The homeless bum continues: "Johnny, you know it too, no-o? You can feel it! Heh-heh.". He searches a little flask from his ragged pocket, and takes a sip. "I have been threatened, imprisoned, beaten and spitted on, yes! But I've never feared! No! Never, but now! On the ledge, Johnny... he is s-strong! Oh crap!". The stench of excrement begins to emanate from the bum's trousers.

Jonathan seems unaffected by the disgusting smell. He replies: "Strong or not, we have to find out why someone called for the BMH universal gathering. And this... man might know some answers to that. Dunbar and Zjui will investigate, the rest of us will camp in these woods. Dunbar, Zjui, report back to me before sunset. And Oolaf... go wash yourself.". The bum only has time to say "S-strong, I tell you!". Then his stomach growls again and he runs towards a nearby pond.

Jonathan turns around and looks towards the distant ledge again, but the cliff is nowhere to be found! "I do not like this..." He mutters. "One who relies on trickery like this, has no right to wield any strength.", Jonathan thinks aloud. On the same second, he spots a small dot on the corner of his eye. His eyes flash wide open and he roars with all his strength: "Incoming!". Jonathan launches into sprint towards the woods, but is sent flying through air by the impact shockwave.

From amidst the smoke a chillingly deep voice calls: "I agree. And so. I have come.". As the BMH stumble up from the ground, they spot the badly mutilated figurine rising from the crater. The smoke seems to move away as he steps forward. With every step, pebbles beside his feet fling into air. The figure approaches Jonathan and hands out his arm. The guild master squints his eyes as he speaks: "A challenge! You know our rules.".

Jonathan grabs the mutilated arm in his fist and crushes it with all his strength, but it seems hard as solid stone. The figure replies: "Of course. I set them.". Realizing that he is unable to move his opponents arm an inch, the guild master surrenders his status.

The mutilated man begins to speak: "Brothers. It is imperative. That you listen. Carefully.". "A storm is. Coming." He continues to speak of a war unlike any other. One that would consume everything and everyone that we know.

As the BMH listen to their new leader, Dunbar and Zjui return from their patrol. They report to Jonathan that they did not see anyone. They stand amazed as they realize the old mutilated man is standing next to them. The old man notes: "But someone. Did see. You.". At the same moment a huge armour walks in from behind them. From it's hollow shell, a voice calls: "I have come.".

The mutilated old man smiles with what little mouth he has left and hails: "Brother. We have need. For you.".

The armour replies: "I know, brother.".

Suddenly the armour falls silent and motionless. One by one it's pieces fall to the ground. Each part bore deep into the soil, as if they weighed tons. Only the horned helmet still levitates in the air. Slowly it too begins to descend. As it comes into reach, the old man gently takes the large helmet onto his frail looking hands. He lifts it high above his head and releases it. The helmet slowly covers the man's beaten face. As it slides into place, an eerie white glow begins to emanate trough it's visor. It sends out an aura that sends chills down Jonathan's spine and makes Oolaf want the pond once more. The glow quickly spreads until the old man shines too bright to look at. In an instant, the pieces of the armour explode from the ground, shaking the entire area. They fly in to cover the old man, who now appears almost transparent. Fighting to stay on his feet, Jonathan witnesses the completion of the armour.

The BMH gather around the armour, who begins to speak in dual voice: "Brothers, it is imperative that you listen carefully. A storm is coming, a storm unlike any other...". He spoke of the war again.

At the end Jonathan asked the armour: "Who are you?".

The armour replied in dual voice: "We are Cherppow, brother.".

*edit*

The next day Cherppow gathers everyone around the crater. He explains that a great evil is rising in distant lands. A force that would destroy everything in its path. An evil so powerful that only by joining their forces they could hope to stand a chance against it.

Jonathan asks in disbelief: "Ulbernauts are the most powerful beasts in the world, and I have beaten them. How could this evil hope to best us?!".

Cherppow looks towards the smith and replies: "You do not understand. This evil I talk about is not of the world. But they will come to the world... and destroy it.". "You have trained strength so that no chain could enslave you. This evil is the strongest of chains.", Cherppow continues.

"Anyone who feels so, may leave...", the armours voice echoes, "...but if you join me, and I will train you to become stronger than you ever imagined. You have trained to protect your own freedom, but I will train you to protect the freedom of everyone around you. And when you are ready, I will stand beside you. And we will face this enemy together.".

A silence follows, until Oolaf the homeless bum steps forward. "I'll f-follow you!", he coughs. Next Jonathan steps up and says: "You beat me in arm wrestling. Lead on.". One by one, every single man steps forward. Others due to obedience, others intrigued by the promise of strength.

"You trained them well, Jonathan", Cherppow notes. He then orders the former guild master to take all the men to the gates of Bronze Doors. Surprised by the task, Jonathan asks Cherppow why he won't lead the men himself. He gets a cryptic reply: "There are others.". Continued by: "Go now, I will join you there in six days.". Cherppow then turns and walks away. Jonathan motions the BMH to pack up for the journey. Soon they hear a thundering explosion. Looking back, Jonathan sees a crater where Cherppow was just ten seconds ago. Squinting his eyes, he notices a tiny dot on the sky.

"So the ledge didn't disappear... it was destroyed." Jonathan thinks to himself, both in awe and fear of Cherppows strength.

Elsewhere a group of rather burly men make their way along a dirt road. They hear crashing sounds from nearby woods, but when they go to investigate, they are approached by hulking armoured character. One of the men steps forward and states: "We are the Burly men of Ojaveda, identify yourself stranger!". The armour replies: "Brothers. I am Cherppow.".

[Baldur]

And so the saga of Cherppow continues...

Awesome...

[Cherppow]

Greetings,

Thanks for your support Baldur. Seems like I have only a couple of, but very dedicated, fans.

The next story contains some suggestive themes and misbehaviour, so I've put part 3 behind a link. If you're under age, please consult your parents before reading.

   

XXVII - The Lady in Red

   The azure sun was dimming for the night. Streets of Hydlaa grew ever darker, and all kinds of shady figures began moving through alleys. On the hydlaa marketplace a lone woman was still packing goods from her stall. She had been selling hand-made clothes that she sews at home. The young woman was quite fond of sewing, and her skill had increased greatly during the last few months as she had been training hard. Thus the clothes usually sold pretty well at the marketplace - there's always people in need for durable and reliable clothing. This day was no exception. The Ylian had made good profit, and was now happily on her way home. She lived near the library, so she had to walk through better part of the town. Air was starting to get chilly, so she thought she'd take a shortcut through some side alleys and reach home before it got too cold outside. Evelyn didn't want to get ill now that her business was thriving. She couldn't have known that this decision would forever change her life.


   

   Evelyn walks through the narrow streets satisfied, if a little exhausted of the days work. She reaches under her cloak and takes out a small pouch. The tria chime slightly as Evelyn bounces the pouch in her hand. Juging from weight, it contains about twenty trias. That's more than she's ever earned before. Dreaming about all the fancy things she could now afford to buy, Evelyn doesn't notice the two shady characters that hang around at the end of the alley. She's only few meters away from the men when she realizes that she's not alone. Evelyn quickly hides her money pouch and throws the hood onto her head, hoping to pass without an incident. She's already walked past the duo, when she hears a sound.

   

 Part 3 - By clicking you verify that you are over 18 or have permission from your parents.

   

   Evelyn manages to sit up. She tries to cover herself with her arms the best she can. She feels relieved when her fingers meet cloth at her chest and pelvis. "Thank the gods", she thinks. The knight turns around to face the other direction. He rises his hands to his shoulders and opens the locking mechanism on his red cape. Evelyn's heart jumps as the cape collapses to the ground in front of her in a split-second. For a while she just sits there dumbfounded, but then the knight starts to speak.

He says in an eerie dual voice: "It is yours. Help yourself."

Evelyn gathers her thoughts, and replies: "I-I... Umm... I don't think I can wear something that... heavy?"

"Trust me.", the ghostly voice replies.

"But...", Evelyn starts, but when noticing her own dress in pieces on the ground, she decides to give the red cape a try. She crawls up next to the cape, and reaches her arm toward it. For a moment she senses a tender gust of wind on her fingertips, but it disappears as she touches the cloth. The texture feels very slick, almost like soap water. At the same time the cape feels warm as thick wool, yet light as air itself. It's unlike any other textile Evelyn has met. Finally she manages to grab hold of the edge, and lifts it over her left shoulder, followed by the right. At first she feels as if she was wearing nothing, but moments later the cape feels as thick as the thickest of blankets.


   

"Sister.", the knight asks.

Evelyn feels her cheeks blush as she realizes the knight has turned around, leaving her prancing in front of him. Evelyn is approached by a heavy gauntlet, in which there is a pouch and two tria.

The knight explains: "I believe this is yours."

"T-Thank you...", the ylian girl stammers still shaken up by all that had transpired. She takes the money and tries to continue: "W-Who are... How did...". But she is interrupted by the knight.

"You are safe now, that is all that matters.", the ghostly voice avoids the question.

"But...", Evelyn strokes her hair. "W-Where are the men from before?" She asks, and spins around, looking for signs of them. Suddenly she hears a sound that sends chills down her spine. The same clanking sound that she heard while being ravished by the thieves! "Was it all a dream! Am I still being...", she thinks in horror as she turns to face the sound. But the sound is merely the sound of the knight's plate boots against the pavement. "Wait!", Evelyn yells. But the sound keeps retreating farther and farther until disappearing alltogether. The only thing Evelyn manages to do is sigh: "He's... gone." Soon afterwards also disappears the feeling of warmth. The ylian starts to feel the cold night breeze on her face, and pulls the cape tighter over herself. For a moment she just stands there, until the cold wind persuades her to start walking home. On the way Evelyn tries to put together all that happened. Only then she realizes how lucky she is.


   

The next morning city guards take down two unconscious men hanging from the statue of Laanx. No one knows how they got there, and only clue to their origin are the marks of tria on both men's forehead. After some questioning, men are noticed to suffer from bad case of amnesia, having no memory at all of their earlier lives, or even their names.

Same evening Cherppow stands on a ledge some kilometers off the city gates. He stares towards the Hydlaa marketplace, where an ylian woman in a beautiful red dress is selling hand-sewn clothes.

"Guard her well, old friend.", he thinks aloud, and disappears into the shadows with a white cape streaming down from his shoulders.