Escape from Ironheart (IC)

[Baerdog7]

Ander Windrivver

Ander opens his mouth as if to speak, thinks better of it, and just chuckles instead.

Let's go Melcara, before the good Baron bursts a blood vessel.

Ander starts to leave the room, stopping just short of the door.

Oh, Your Grace, you never told me the date today...

[Inspectre]

The Baron shrugs at Ander's question, and then names a date that is nearly fifteen years to the day since he was first locked away. With nothing further to discuss, the Baron dismisses the group, his image slowly fading away as the hulking form of Sir Celestan stands once more.

Sara, Seraph, his wife, and Ysora are surrounded by the metal angels, being taken away into a life that the rest of the group is just leaving. Several more metal angels escort the group up through the wreckage of the fortress, the vile corpse of Ironheart displayed in an almost caricature of its evil nature. As the group slowly ascends upwards, each member is reminded of their own sufferings and what horrors they had seen as the group silently passes through the ruined levels of the prison one by one.

At long last, the procession arrives on the ground floor of the structure, and find that the massive front doors of Ironheart have been left hanging open, barely still set into their hinges. Everyone member of the group stands there for a moment, each blinking as they take in a sight they had not seen since those very same doors slammed shut behind them on their first day here: sunlight. Real, glorious sunlight streaming down from the sky to fill the dark room with light.

But the moment is fleeting: it is dusk now, and within seconds the sun has dipped down behind the mountains, leaving the group once again in darkness. You may stay the night in the lower guard house at the foot of the mountain. Tomorrow morning you will all leave unless you wish to stay here. The lead metal angel informs the group, herding them outside before the loose doors are roughly pulled shut behind them.

Today had started out just like any other misery-filled day within Ironheart's cold walls. But it had quickly spiraled into something no one had dared to hope was possible: Escape from Ironheart. Their freedom had come at great cost however; the heavy, armored body of Incom a constant reminder of that. And as the small band of survivors picked its way across the corpse-strew courtyard to slowly make its way out through the remaining gates and down the mountain to the lower guard house, the thought burning in everyone's mind was: now what?

END OF PART I

Credits
Theme: Threshold by Hammerfall

The Cast (By Order of Appearance)
Voth/Shadow (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voth
Alphonse Volesin (Dead) . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Desot (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gnome_4ever
Elkwin Holmanson (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ubersquid
Amraf “Twister” Birsten (Dead) . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Engineer
Dwiggs (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warshrike
Victor von Ravenstein the Third (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . MrEdwardNigma
Cassandra (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Lamont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frozen
Korram Alstan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorizzit
Dima Vistrong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rubakhin
Sohssal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iethloc
The Acolyte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Umber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WhiteKnight777
Incom Morgan (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pwenet
Akor, The Last Dragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pwenet/Inspectre
Arguile (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Alexander Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Mellita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Hellion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sage Gene (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Healer Sara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Captain Delran (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Countess Amelia Ashargrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Edward Volesin (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Rawya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
The Warden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Marv (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
(Sir) Seraph(an) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Dr. Zarov (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Omega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Elandra (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Dacian The Hierarch (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sal “That Guy” Mercer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smartaleq
Mar (Marisiel the Protector) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The_Snark
Askov (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burrito
Cade ( Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darkadvice
Kailess the Purifier (Dead). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gygaxphobia
Ander Windrivver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baerdog7
Brother Adamus Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Pyrene the Temptress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lonna
Garm Ranah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adlan
Tare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OverWilliam
Joseph (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Katashiko Mistress of Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Tattoos (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Adrianna the Judge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Arlan the Judge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
“Daddy” Brother Roderick Corwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Hell Knight Alpha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Prince Teareal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Adamè . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Julian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
“Katrina Alstan” (Shapeshifter Girl). . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
The Herald of Azguloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Calcifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Garthax the Terrible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sage Arlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Silent Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Mammon (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Infernas the Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Melcara the First Fallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Fianna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Crimson Jake (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Bran Mac Morn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Limier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Silas Tarn (Dead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sage Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sage Xeric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Lieutenant Crx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sir Angelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sir Cheran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sir Nephilium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Sir Celestan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Ysora the Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre
The Baron of Gast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspectre

Special Post-Credits Scene

On the other side of the veil between life and death, Incom watched the final confrontation with the Hierarch. Helpless to assist in the battle any longer, Incom was forced to watch as Sara was possessed by Elandra and puts on a shocking display of power. Then after the Hierarch’s death, the Baron reveals himself and Incom is again forced to watch, teeth clenched. Yet the Baron puzzlingly lets everyone go, and shortly thereafter is left alone in the realm of the dead. Or perhaps not quite alone, as a light begins to glow behind him.

“Incom . . .” A voice calls, and Incom turns to find Miriam in the guise of the older version of Sara hanging in the air before him, incredible wings of light holding Her aloft.

“There is much work left to be done.” Miriam finishes, reaching a hand down towards him.

Special Post-Credits Scene Two

Flight from Ironheart
(Ironheart Saga Part Two)

Theme Music - Forsaken by Within Temptation

*Shot of the remains of the Ritual Chamber at the bottom of Ironheart, rapidly shifting up through the layers of the prison to the sky above the fortress.
Baron of Gast - The Hierarch was right about one thing: a new era is about to begin for this world. *My* era.

*Scene of Korram raising his arms to defend himself as a group of armed men spread out to surround him.

Leader - “We are the Ghosts of Callaway! And you made a big mistake in coming here alone.”

*Scene of Ander and Melcara on a rooftop squaring off with Adamus Crane and several others wearing the tabards of the Church of Light

Brother Crane - “You really should think about whose will you are doing here Ander! Something tells me the Valkyrie wouldn’t like you associating with devils and a fallen angel! Hypocrite!”

*Scene of Tare lying on a black stone floor, Lieutenant Crx towering over him as he raises a barbed spear, failing to notice Limier preparing to jump down from above.

Crx - “What are you smiling at, human!?”

*Scene of Pyrene standing before an elderly man in ornate robes perched upon a throne, with an elderly woman standing beside the throne with one hand on the man’s shoulder.

Man – “So, you’re Pryene the Temptress. We have a lot to talk about, you and I: particularly in regard to my sons.”

*Scene of phantasmal Sohssal hanging in a whirlwind of fires, demons swirling in the air around him.

Demons – “The Legacy of Istomilo! The Legacy of Istomilo!”

*Scene of Mar approaching a shrouded figure backed by flames and flanked by two Hell Knights.

Cloaked Figure – “Marisiel the Protector! It has been too long since we saw each other last!”

*Scene of Umber standing before a defeated Helion, who nevertheless is laughing.

Helion – “Ah, Umber, Umber, Umber. Despite all your vast experience you still really have no idea what is doing on here, do you?”

*Scene of great wings of light unfolding from Sara’s back, as armor begins to magically appear and assemble itself onto her.

Sara - “It is time for this corrupt world to face the wrath of the Valkyrie!”

*Scenes rapidly flash past. Pyrene wading through snow while begin pursued by cloaked men on horseback, Ander sent flying through a stone wall, Korram fighting hand-to-hand with Sir Cheran in mid-air, Mar standing before a burning farmhouse, a flight of GHASTs escorting the Gastly Truth towards a massive city surrounding a large castle, a woman with skeletal angel wings hanging from her back slowly turning around as the air around her ignites in arcane fire. Fade to black.

Baron – “You didn’t think I was without a contingency plan, did you?”

[Inspectre]

So that's the end of Part One folks! A recruitment thread for Part Two will be posted sometime within the next week or two. All of you are automatically in for Part Two unless you no longer wish to participate for some reason. I will include links to the Part Two IC & OOC threads once they've been made (which won't be for some time).

Now then, what I would like from each of you is the following, posted either here, in the OOC thread, or by PM:

• What are your characters future plans now that they're free of Ironheart? (the sky is pretty much the limit, so I'd like a bit of a head start on planning for that and how to tie it back into the main plotline ).

I would also be happen to recieve answers to other questions, such as the following.

• What did you like about this thread? What were your favorite parts?
• What did you like least about this thread?
• Is there anything you wish to see happen in Part Two?
• Do you have any general suggestions for Part Two?
• Any predictions for Part Two?

[Lonna]

Now then, what I would like from each of you is the following, posted either here, in the OOC thread, or by PM:

• What are your characters future plans now that they're free of Ironheart? (the sky is pretty much the limit, so I'd like a bit of a head start on planning for that and how to tie it back into the main plotline ).

Pyrene's ultimate goal is to check on her half-sister, preferably without said sister finding out. However, she currently feels that she owes Garthax and the Countess big time, so she'll prioritize whatever they want, within reason.

I would also be happen to recieve answers to other questions, such as the following.

• What did you like about this thread? What were your favorite parts?
• What did you like least about this thread?
• Is there anything you wish to see happen in Part Two?
• Do you have any general suggestions for Part Two?
• Any predictions for Part Two?

1. The answer is D, all of the above, final answer. I especially liked the occassional looks at what the bad guys were up to.
2. Wait... I disliked something about this thread? That's news to me...
3. I'd like to see Umber and Pyrene meet. With her reseamblance to his long lost love, the interactions would be so much fun!
4. I liked having the theme music for certain scenes. As long as you keep using them, I at least will keep offering songs for you to use.
5. Ander will give some severe beat-down to the corrupt Church. Mar will (eventually) figure out who she really is. Korram will have more trouble releasing Calcifer than he expects. Pyrene's life of sin will bite her in the arse. In general, awesomeness will ensue.

[Inspectre]

Heh. I just realized how fun #3 really will be, considering Umber is on the hunt for said lost love now.

"Okay, gotta knock her out and gag her quickly so she doesn't destroy me with magic. Or, I could just shove a stake through her heart, since I can always use some sap's blood to revive her later." *splort* ". . . why aren't you turning into dust? . . . oh. ****."

[Baerdog7]

• What are your characters future plans now that they're free of Ironheart? (the sky is pretty much the limit, so I'd like a bit of a head start on planning for that and how to tie it back into the main plotline ).

Ander's main priority is going to be to resume his mission to cleanse the corrupted Church. However, before he does that he is going to want to report in to the Powers Above. He'll probably start out by trying to find a church so that he can open a portal to Heaven so that he can a) explain where he's been for so long, b) brief whichever deity or archangel he ends up talking to about Ironheart, the Hierarch, and the Baron, and c) to find out the current state of the world. It's no use for Ander to try and cleanse an entire religious organization with fifteen year old intelligence.

• What did you like about this thread? What were your favorite parts?

The quality of the DM posts were fantastic. It was evident the entire way through that you were very committed to creating something spectacular. I think that the mostly-solo nature of the campaign and the ease of introducing (or killing) characters really helped us keep a good pace.

• What did you like least about this thread?

Hmmm, I can't think of anything off the top of my head right now.

• Is there anything you wish to see happen in Part Two?

I want to see Ander give Brother Crane the beating he deserves. Judging from your preview, I think I can look forward to that. I would also like to see more opportunities for Ander to display his more social abilities. Part of his backstory is that he is a skilled diplomat and mediator, but he didn't really get to display those skills while he was in Ironheart.

• Do you have any general suggestions for Part Two?

Continuing the use of theme music for especially important scenes was a nice touch and I'd like to see more of that. I think that as long as Part Two maintains the same quality that Part One had that nobody will have much to worry about.

• Any predictions for Part Two?

Hmm, I think it may be too soon to start placing bets on what will happen just yet.

[Iethloc]

• What are your characters future plans now that they're free of Ironheart? (the sky is pretty much the limit, so I'd like a bit of a head start on planning for that and how to tie it back into the main plotline ).

Before he leaves Ironheart, Sohssal will ask for the research assistant's name. He's been in the RP for so long, and I never actually saw his name mentioned anywhere.

Then Sohssal will recover as much of his lab equipment as possible, and set it up somewhere else...somewhere hidden. His first order of business will be to more thoroughly fix up Omega's brain like he said he would before, just to see what would happen. His plans for revenge will have to wait while he recovers from long periods of exposure to his reflective kryptonite. But until then, he will perform all sorts of morally questionable magical experiments, most likely involving that shard of soul-imprisoning crystal he got earlier

• What did you like about this thread? What were your favorite parts?

All in all, it was awesome I especially liked the horror parts, since I rarely get to do that kind of stuff.

• What did you like least about this thread?

There wasn't much to dislike

• Is there anything you wish to see happen in Part Two?

I'm not much for wishing. I usually just let what happens happen and take what I want once I see it while carving a bloody path of carnage to get to it. Although, admittedly, in real life there is a distinct lack of blood or carnage in the paths I carve.

• Do you have any general suggestions for Part Two?

There wasn't much time for the "heroes" to be together. More party interaction would make things more interesting...for better or worse. But, admittedly, uniting the party now would be extremely difficult, so it can be put aside until a more sane time, I.E. not in the foreseeable future.

• Any predictions for Part Two?

There shall be many paths of blood with a bit of carnage on the side. And it will be awesome.

[OverWilliam]

• What are your characters future plans now that they're free of Ironheart? (the sky is pretty much the limit, so I'd like a bit of a head start on planning for that and how to tie it back into the main plotline ).

Umm... Yeah.

• What did you like about this thread? What were your favorite parts?

I really liked how consistently you were able to deliver 'shock revelations': Ross, oh him he's JUST A WEREWOLF WHOSAWTHATCOMING?!? etc. I also really enjoyed reading through the other player's descriptions, particularly during the finale. You all did a brilliant job, I don't know if I've ever born witness to that much epicness all in one place.

• What did you like least about this thread?

Now here's where I'm scared I'm going to start sounding like a whiny child.... But it must be said. I never really felt... like a part of the story. You did a fantastic job of tying everyone else in, but I've always felt distant and unimportant. I mean, you sent me to hell for crying out loud!! Not that just the idea of going to HELL, facing off with its denizens (aptly named Souldrinkers), WINNING and then still having the stones to run right into their stronghold isn't incurably badass... but it doesn't feel that way. It feels like I havn't really done anything of interest, ever. When I tried sneaking around, I was instantly caught (hag). When I tried fighting, I was immediately overshadowed by someone around me (Garm, now Limier). When I tried smooth talking I made a fool of myself (guard in beginning who shortly died, Limier who is too dark and edgy to be influenced). I havn't even had a chance to use anything like magic because of getting the gloves off so late, and even after I did it just exhausted me almost beyond my point of usefulness (for the second time). The coolest thing I ever did was in your preview, which I didn't even write, and even then I'm just sitting there waiting for somebody else to come save me. And this whole time, I've been completely alone with two people I can't communicate with (one from unconsciousness, the other being language barrier) so forget backstory. And not to mention the question that if Limier sees me more as a bumbling, mostly useless, 'maybe he'll make a good diversion' (and that's really all the good I've ever done, so why think different) then why is he dragging me along to 'help' assault the rulers of HELL?

I'm supposing that the main reason for this is that I am the sole least-magical player character in the game in a setting that is very, very magically saturated. Even if you got me to the Door in time for the final confrontation... what am I supposed to do? I can't sling fire or fly... or heft around a warhammer, or REANIMATE A DRAGON... I'm still wearing my burlap prison clothing...

But all of that is not to say that I havn't enjoyed the game, I have had more fun with this game than I have had in many other dozens combined... but it's been from reading other character's stories, not from my own.

• Is there anything you wish to see happen in Part Two?

I'd like to see Mar find somebody that can actually protect her in the long-term, because it's going to be a while before she's even willing to protect herself. Julian was ok, I guess, but he never really protected her as much as she protected him, and then she was on her own again.

I'd like to see more of what general, ordinary life is like in this world. So far we've only seen the freak abberations of life inside of a prison... How does the rest of the world live?

Also, I have one last prediction from Part 1 that never got addressed, so I'll be watching closely to see if that one gets mentioned...

• Do you have any general suggestions for Part Two?

I really am interested in what we're doing with the Ironheart Musical.

• Any predictions for Part Two?

None that I want to voice aloud, for fear of you getting ideas and then making them happen.

[Inspectre]

Baerdog7 - And this is exactly why I wanted to know what people were going to do. I have a great idea for that hero's return scene now!

Iethloc - I know, right? I actually went looking for his name to include in the credits, but it really wasn't ever mentioned. He was always the "research assistant" or "acolyte". This will definately need to be remedied in Part Two, and it likely will be now that he's his own body walking around again.

Horrible magical experiments are good. Although as the previews indicate, one of them may very well go terribly wrong. (Or terribly right from Sohssal's perspective).

OverWilliam - You know, technically Tare has escaped from Ironheart. Out of the frying pan and into the fire arguably, but you could post Tare's intentions once he gets out of Hell. Is he reporting back to the thieves's guild? Escorting Teareal and Adame back to their home? Playing tiddliwinks with Limier? Of course that doesn't mean these *will* happen, but it would be nice to try to accomodate what you want Tare to accomplish upon escaping Hell, and start planning on how to make that happen (particularly as you justifiably feel like you're gotten the short end of the plot stick. )

I have to admit, your comments are like cough syrup: taste like ****, but oh so very useful. You are absolutely right.

Now, there are actually many cars in your train wreck (I don't know still if it was that bad, but considering I have a personal investment in the issue my opinion doesn't count. ).

Part of it was the fact that not a whole lot happened to Tare in Part One. He escaped, got sent to Hell, and then met Limier. Originally his sidestep to Hell was only meant to be a brief stopover: a heavy-handed method of satisfying Tare's need to find somewhere to rest for a few hours. But then I started thinking about some of the more interesting stuff I could add in, and we started running out of time so I decided to swing things towards the infiltration of the estate being the "cliffhanger" ending for Tare's Part One, rather than stopping in the middle of that. Part Two is *supposed* to have a lot more crowning moments of awesome for Tare, starting with the estate infiltration.

Another part of it is that while it may not look like it, I do a *lot* of improvising post to post. Sure, I generally have the end goal in mind, but since that would only take up a few posts and I want some length, I tend to make up the path the PCs take from plot point to plot point as I go along. This is all well and good, but the problem is that I kinda suck at improvisation. How Ironheart didn't end in a more convulted, disjuncted mess is a miracle to me.

Of course, it looks like I didn't get away with it entirely Scot-free (or Irish-free, for that matter). Tare seems to have been a victim of that free-wheeling improvisation. A big part of that improvisation was introducing complications - monsters popping up, etc. The problem with a character like Tare is that complications aren't interesting: they're a nerf to the character because as a thief he should be able to get away pretty cleanly. During my various improvisations for Tare, I didn't let him get away cleanly enough. Sorry. But Part Two will involve much more sneaking, and much more success hopefully!

Another part is that Tare was rather disconnected from the main story, and deliberately so for the exact reason you mentioned: there's very little a thief can do in the midst of a rampaging battle between high-powered characters. Which is why I didn't even try, and instead gave characters like Pyrene, Tare, and Mar their own conflicts off the the side. They're all supposed to still be important and interesting, just involving the solving of problems with something other than over-the-top fisticuffs. And Tare's story is important, as it involves the prince of the elves . . . it's just that due to time constraints and my own bungling in making Tare look like a bungler, it wasn't all that great. Sorry it wasn't to your liking.

If you have more in-depth suggestions to what you would like to see Tare do, please post them! I really think Part Two is goign to be Tare's moment to shine, but if I have your specific suggestions to consider maybe I can ensure Part Two really is something enjoyable instead of waiting for the payoff that Part One was for you (and of course, Tare just bungling around and sucking. ).

In regards to your overall suggestions for Part Two:

1) Julian's problem was mainly the cause of for once, the PC overshadowing the NPC, even if Mar doesn't know how to tap into that overwhelming power (yet?)

2) That's part of the plan for Part Two! Kinda difficult to show life outside the prison while everyone is still stuck inside it.

3) Oh COME ON! Reading your disturbingly accurate predictions is one of my favorite parts of Ironheart!

In regards to the musical:
Part One *is* now finished. I would just need to figure out a structured way of doing it now. Part Two's release first though.

In regards to further predictions:

Awww . . . but your predictions are either very amusing for their disturbing accuracy, or very helpful in aligning my idea up with yours: i.e. End of All Hope + Hierarch. But fine fine, deprive me if you must.

[Baerdog7]

Baerdog7 - And this is exactly why I wanted to know what people were going to do. I have a great idea for that hero's return scene now!

Excellent.

Another part of it is that while it may not look like it, I do a *lot* of improvising post to post. Sure, I generally have the end goal in mind, but since that would only take up a few posts and I want some length, I tend to make up the path the PCs take from plot point to plot point as I go along. This is all well and good, but the problem is that I kinda suck at improvisation. How Ironheart didn't end in a more convulted, disjuncted mess is a miracle to me.

This was another thing I liked because it did make it seem like the PCs were having an impact. The thing that comes to mind for Ander was his decision to spare Melcara instead of smiting her into oblivion. You cannot tell me, Inspectre, that you had originally intended her to be the first fallen angel right from the beginning. Not to mention that Ander's fights would have been a lot more difficult without her by his side.

[Inspectre]

Yeah, you are correct. She was meant to be just another demon for Ander to fight, that was just a little more difficult to smite. But then I thought about what would happen with the angel being so close to a person with a near-direct connection to the gods. And she just sort of developed from there!

[WhiteKnight777]

Another part of it is that while it may not look like it, I do a *lot* of improvising post to post. Sure, I generally have the end goal in mind, but since that would only take up a few posts and I want some length, I tend to make up the path the PCs take from plot point to plot point as I go along. This is all well and good, but the problem is that I kinda suck at improvisation. How Ironheart didn't end in a more convulted, disjuncted mess is a miracle to me.

This is the way every good DM I've ever known runs things. A general plan is necessary to keep the story on track, but with enough flexbility that it doesn't feel like a complete railroad.

[Baerdog7]

Yeah, you are correct. She was meant to be just another demon for Ander to fight, that was just a little more difficult to smite. But then I thought about what would happen with the angel being so close to a person with a near-direct connection to the gods. And she just sort of developed from there!

Also on this point, Ander will continue to try and help Melcara along the path of Redemption. Obviously (as seen in the preview) Ander's association with her could cause some consternation among the clergy. Lucky for Ander, he couldn't care less.

[OverWilliam]

If you have more in-depth suggestions to what you would like to see Tare do, please post them! I really think Part Two is goign to be Tare's moment to shine, but if I have your specific suggestions to consider maybe I can ensure Part Two really is something enjoyable instead of waiting for the payoff that Part One was for you (and of course, Tare just bungling around and sucking. ).

I don't know when he's going to have time IC to work this out (and I wouldn't want to have it otherwise; these things don't come naturally, they must be consciously experimented with and explored) but I believe I'm going to have Tare start developing his speed-boost. The thought process will go something as follows: First, gotta start using the boost only when needed instead of just blasting it until he's exhausted. He starts consciously cutting short the duration and only using it when needed. Switching it 'on' and 'off' becomes more natural. Then he starts wondering what happens if he shortens the time even further. His speed rises drastically, having him cross short distance with very impressive speed; he starts activating it and deactivating it not based on how long he wants it to be active, but ever how long until he gets to the place he needs to be. Finally, some situation occurs where he needs to get from point A to point B while someone is trying to search for him, and the only way to do it (or the best way, at any rate) is a sudden, explosive clap of speed where he almost 'blinks' across 10 or 15 feet. Once that final realization is made ("Hey... I can move almost instantly from one place to another? ...Sweet.") it's just a matter of practicing it and working on moving further and faster-- the basic concept is there.

I've been thinking more about what we had happen and what didn't happen and it doesn't feel to me like either of us did something wrong that made things... unsatisfying. It feels more to me like we only got halfway (or not even halfway) through a story, and a darn good story, but we're trying to compare half of a story to the ultimate climax of the stories around it, and so we're not really being fair to either of us. This wasn't a shortcoming of effort, it was a shortcoming of time, which we have plenty of in the next chapter. I am going in to Part 2 with complete confidence that you know how to make an awesome story and I'm just going to do everything I can do to make it even better.

[WhiteKnight777]

Intermission

Umber

The Lord of Blood was probably the only one of them displeased to see sunlight. He squinted up at it, covering himself as best he could, and wishing he had better clothing - he'd have to see what was available in the gatehouse. First chance he got, he was taking a hot bath and getting a fresh change of clothing. There was something psychologically comforting about both. Umber was the first to speak up as they walked down the slope - Bran was still leaning on his arm, still tired, but more awake than he had been.

So... in all the excitement, I was never properly introduced to... well, most of you. My name is Umber He shot a glance at Ross And before our Lupine friend leaps to tell you all, I'll just say a few things straight away - I'm also a vampire, though not of the rather pathetic breed you're probably used to (note that I've got the willpower not to go all to pieces just because of a little sunlight). I'm also several millenia old, and something of a bastard. That said, I must thank you all for your timely assistance. Despite the fact that our little altercation with that cretinous Heirarch was apparently scripted, I wasn't keen to have my immortal soul fed to the god of nothingness. Not a fitting end for my career, certainly

He gave a grin, breathing deep once - though, of course, he had no actual physical need to do so. Mmm... well, that's all I've to say about myself. So, tell me about yourselves. I've made some guesses, but I'd like to see if they're correct. Or, if you've any questions, feel free to ask them, though I can't necessarily guarantee I'll answer..

[Dorizzit]

Korram squints in the sunlight, his feelings about his temporary freedom mixed. Nevertheless, he is happy and relieved that, for the moment at least, its over. Azguloth is still trapped, his followers were slaughtered, and Ironheart was closed. Still...the Baron's plans were bigger than all of this, and...No. Think happy thoughts. Korram shakes his head to clear it, and listens to Umber. He waits for the vampire lord to finish, and then speaks up.

"I guess I'll go next. My name is Korram; Korram Alstan. I'll admit I'm not quite as exciting as you, Umber, but you may find my story passes the time, at least. I was a farmer, with the dubious pleasure of living in Gast. Life was fine. The Baron abducts a lot of people, but I lived in a small enough village that we barely saw any officials, so all of that seemed pretty distant. That eventually changed, though; somehow, my wife caught the Baron's eye, and he..." Korram pauses under the weight of the memories. "He took her from me. I never saw her again. She's probably dead. I don't know. Anyway, I taught myself how to fight, and began working as a bandit, stealing or attacking targets that had value to the Baron. But it wasn't enough. I couldn't make any real impact. So I traveled to the capital, trying to find a weapon I could use against the Baron. It was a mistake, to leave my daughter in the care of my village and leave her after the death of her mother, but I was so consumed with hatred by that point that I...just couldn't take it. That was where I got Calcifer. Calcifer is a fire spirit that I had implanted in my arm. The difficulty, of course, was that it meant my arm was on fire. All the time. That took...getting used to. I returned, and eventually gathered a group of others around me who were equally powerful and hated the Baron as much as I did. That went fine...until I killed the Baron's cousin, which made him search even harder for me. Soon after, I was identified and tracked back to my home. I had a choice: give up, or they killed my daughter." Korram shrugs. "No choice at all really. So I ended up here."

Korram, done with his long story, scratches his shoulder. "You know what's funny? I never noticed that these prisoner outfits were so itchy before. You'd think that eight years would be long enough to figure out something like that." He looks at Umber. "So what makes you different from other vampires?"

[WhiteKnight777]

Umber

Umber listened intently to Korram's story as they picked their way down the slope. It was an interesting tale, so far as it went. He squinted up at the sun, a little hatefully, then returned to his contemplation of the path in front of them as Korram finished his tale. Interesting. And it validated his old theory - if you're going to wrong someone, don't leave survivors to take vengeance. They only end up causing trouble. He wondered how the Baron had tricked him, if all his work was so sloppy. Then again, the Baron had let him, Umber live, so perhaps it was best not to complain.

Well, for starters I'm not a half-mad beast ruled only by my hunger, as so many of those creatures are. But aside from that, my species is close to unique. It's a long story, so I'll give you the short version. - A long time ago, near the dawn of human civilization - or, at least, the first human civilizations so far as I know - I was a sorceror-king in a country you've never heard of. I was one of the most potent spellweavers ever born, and I don't mind saying so - I'd forged an almagation of a hundred different tribes into a disciplined army and conquered a large swath of land.

But, being the ambitious sort I was, it wasn't nearly enough - not that I wanted more territory, no. I had a far more precious commodity in mind. Time. Death was, to me, a rival. And one I would not allow to defeat me. I eventually encountered others from far-flung corners of the world who shared my resolve. There were seven of us, all in all, and we came to be called the Lords of Blood - melodramatic, yes, but it did fit. In any case, we spent a very long time searching for the answer to the problem of death - we extended our lives by various sorcerous and alchemical means, but true immortality eluded us, until we hit upon the Elixir. The ingredients were beyond price - most of them can't even be found in the world anymore - but it was worth it, at least to me. We became undead, but far... closer to life than most of them. We can stand under the sun, though it burns us... we can enjoy food and drink and... company. It's rather enjoyable, truth be told, so long as drinking blood doesn't bother you. Each of us was also required to make an additional... sacrifice as part of the creation of the elixir, and it granted each of us unique abilities because of it. But still... he shrugged I find it a rather pleasant way of existing, all considered. But then, I probably just answered your question in a far more lengthy manner than you desired. A habit of the old, I suppose.

[Baerdog7]

Ander Windrivver

Ander walks down the path with the others, still holding the Incom's cold body over his shoulder. He can't help but to snort with amusement at Umber's story.

It never ceases to amaze me the lengths that people go to in order to try and cheat death. Their methods are almost as numerous as their reasons. Some seek immortality out of fear, some out of a desire for power, others out of hubris and all of them, every single one, still fall before the Reaper's scythe.

He looks up at the sky, taking in the sunlight.

The secret to immortality lies not in sorcery, alchemy, or though pacts with dark gods. The secret to immortality lies within the soul, dear Umber. One only has to accept the grace and teachings of Athelion and Miriam and he will be blessed with eternal life.

Ander takes a deep breath of cool fresh air, pausing for a moment to savor its taste after so long in the dank bowels of Ironheart.

One shouldn't fear death. The righteous man needn't fear death. It is merely the necessary transition from this life to something greater.

[WhiteKnight777]

Umber

After Ander's speech, it was Umber's turn to smirk, and he clapped his hands in a most sarcastic manner. Oh well done. You're probably the thousandth holy man to offer me that particular argument. I'd offer you a celebratory cigar, but I'm afraid I'm fresh out.

Umber sighed a little, collecting himself But in all seriousness - that offer did not satisfy me when the high-priests of every god in my kingdom offered it to me - each one insisting that his way was the true way, the one proper path for a man to live. It's the same bloody argument they've all offered, down through the ages - and believe me, I've seen plenty of godlings come and go. Cults and priesthoods of this or that power, all so convinced of their rightness that they were blind to what they could accomplish if only they would put their faith in themselves.

The real root of the problem, however, is not the gods themselves - it is the use to which people put them. For every person like yourself, Ander, for whom religion proves a path to fulfilling one's potential, there are ten, a hundred, a thousand who follow blindly, whether because they lack the talent or the strength of will to do otherwise. Gods and priests alike forge the chains in which they wrap themselves willingly.

The truth, my dear Ander, is that we do not need the gods. I will agree with you that there is more than the flesh, more than this world - But even the power of the gods pales in comparison to the limitless potential within the mortal races. We need not put our faith in gods. Only in ourselves. There are no limits but those that we accept, and I refuse to accept them. Look at myself - even in this weakened state, I have taken for myself far more than was ever granted me at birth by the whim of an uncaring god or the will of nature. I refuse to accept limits, and thus I am limitless.

And then Umber grinned and laughed But look at me - I'm ranting like the Baron now. Pointless, really. Neither of us are likely to convince the other in so short a time - though I have seen stranger things happen. I have avoided death because the time nature gave me was not enough - because I refused to die with so much left undone. This world, for all its darkness, is a place of wonder, and I revel in it. Some would say I'm not alive, but I've lived more than any man or woman I know, and I'm not done yet. And when I transcend this world, my good Ander, it will be on My terms - And if the Pale Lady wants my soul, I'll lead her a chase she'll not soon forget.

[Baerdog7]

Ander Windrivver

Ander chuckles softly to himself. My dad used to tell me not to trust anyone who claimed to know the "one true way" to enlightenment. You are right about that point. There is no one true path to enlightenment; it's something that each person must accomplish themselves. And you are also correct about the inherent potential within each person. Don't think that I got to be what I am because Miriam touched me with her divine finger and went *poof.* No, I worked hard. I had to. I trained my body and my mind in order to be the best paladin I could be. I wanted the servants of Azguloth to tremble in fear at the mere mention of my name...and I succeeded. His voice at this point has become a low growl. Realizing this, he pauses for breath and composes himself before continuing.

I don't know much about you, Umber. I don't know if you've ever felt what it's like to lose everything you have ever known. A lifetime ago, I lived in a town called Fallenshire. I had a nice farm, a wife, and a beautiful son. One day I was returning from the city to find that the entire town had been razed by demons. I found the bodies of my wife and son in the burned-out ruins of our farmhouse. I would have let myself die right there, kneeling in the ashes, had Miriam not spoken to me.

[WhiteKnight777]

Umber

Umber gave a wry smile, and laughed softly Exactly, Ander. You made yourself what you were. You didn't need a god - you just needed a motivation. His face grew serious And I do know what it is like to lose all that you've ever loved - though for me, that was not the motivation that I needed to become what I am. It is... unfortunate, what happened to your family. In my opinion, happiness is worth more than all the power in the world. And nothing is worth anything if you find no joy in it.

Still... your faith is strong. But I'm sure you've considered the question - if your gods are so great and so worthy of worship, why did they not simply stop you from suffering in the first place? Either because they did not have the power to do so, because they did not wish to, or both. In my opinion, the gods are simply powerful creatures - to be feared, perhaps, or to be bargained with... but I see no need to worship them.

And, you may ask, why would I think that the gods would hesitate to save your family, or to stop any other tragedy, for that matter? Because without suffering, men would have no need for gods. People pray so that they will be protected... and what good is a protector if you've nothing to be protected from. Umber smiled darkly. So look at it from the god's point of view - a few mortals die - in this case, your family. But your gods gain a mighty - and very, very loyal - follower to help advance their agenda. You suffer, they grow stronger for it. Who really needs who, Ander?

[Baerdog7]

Ander Windrivver

Ander smiles, a faraway look coming over his face. "Why do the gods not stop suffering?" Quite a riddle isn't it? I pondered that almost my entire life, but I eventually figured it out. The answer really does go a long way to explaining the nature of the gods and the very world we live in.

He sighs, the faraway look fading from his face. As for my family, there is no need to feel sorry. I was reunited with them in Heaven after I died. It was probably the happiest time of my existence. But you don't want to hear me blather on about them. For now, let's just enjoy the time we have. The sun is out, birds are singing, wind is rustling through the trees. Winter seems to be giving way to spring. It's a beautiful day, Umber. We should enjoy it while we can.

((At this point, Ander is pretty much done talking. He will continue to walk and enjoy the scenery unless anyone asks him any more questions.))

[WhiteKnight777]

Umber

Umber snorted slightly Really? You figured it out? I wonder. I've had -and heard- all sorts of theories on that one over the years, and none of them has ever fully satisfied me. Out of curiosity, is your answer the one regarding free-will issue? specifically, that if the gods eliminated suffering they would be eliminating the capacity of mortals to make their own decisions?

Umber shrugged In any case... I prefer my theory - that the gods are creatures of vast, but limited power. They're not perfect - merely more potent beings than we, and of a different order. Their actions are based on the furtherance of their goals and interests, just like anything else's

Then he paused, looking around at the scenery It has a certain beauty. But I prefer mother night. The moon is a gentler creature to my kind than the sun.

[Baerdog7]

Ander Windrivver

Ander whistles innocently, amused in the fact that such an ancient creature still hadn't figured out the riddle of the gods. Now that he thought about it, it wasn't too surprising. A great many of the ancient creatures he had encountered had been too damn prideful and convinced of their own superiority that they'd never even talked to the gods to ask them about it.

Well, you've got part of it. Keep going, in another several millennia you may figure out the rest.

With that, Ander shifts Incom to the other shoulder and picks up his pace to catch up with Ross and Katashiko further down the path.

[WhiteKnight777]

Umber

Umber shrugged and smiled Perhaps. Or perhaps the rest of the answer is among the other few dozen reasons I've heard or come up with over the centuries. I'll have to check my notes He called out as Ander picked up the pace. Umber just sighed a little and shook his head. Occasionally he envied the religious fanatics - so sure of themselves, of their little 'truths'... and blind to the fact that the only truth was that their was no truth.

He smirked. Or perhaps he'd realized it, in some dim way, but had recoiled in horror from what such a revelation would mean, and had opted instead for the comforting blanket of ignorance. Not an uncommon reaction.

Then again, perhaps Ander did have something unique to say. Mmm. Well, even if he did, Umber would figure it out eventually. That was the joy of... longevity.