From: 344LWKC@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU Date: Sun, 8 Nov 92 15:38:17 -0800 Subject: (Tentative?) Week 14: Eye of the Beholder Folks, OK, here's the first post for Week 14. At the least I'd like comments on the logistics of this -- since I'm not sure how flexible this stuff is -- but whatever you can think of, tell me! ============================================================================ >Dark Master: "Now you see how truly naive you were to think you could >oppose me. But I shall give you one final chance to show some intelligence. >Forget your 'noble' ideas and join with me -- the alternative is ending up >like your friend 'SunStorm'". It had been a long time coming, but the moment was finally here. Even though its magic would insure its version of life throughout the ages, the process with this fighter had taken too long. Best to exploit this sort of opportunity while it was available. The intelligence within the medallion recalled its history with its current 'host': It had started when its last possessor -- the Cleric of Nature for whom it had been specifically created -- was killed by a Cleric of Death. The survivor claimed the spoils, but had no want for wearing his new possession. Instead, the amulet was "adjusted" as much as possible, and given to the fighter as an ends to a means. And it had worked perfectly -- the medallion had taken basically complete control, replacing the good notions of the fighter with ones more of its liking. He and his thief companion had killed the drow the cleric had "ordered", along with any others that interfered with the fighter's chances of survival. All had been find until that cleric had attempted a spell that would essentially transform the duo into his living slaves. The spell worked versus the thief -- now technically an assassin --, but the warrior's mind rebelled with a strange feriousity that not only denied the spell but gave the man back his control. Since that time, the medallion had been largely underused. Fortunately, the strange mixture and magics and mind had distorted the memory, or else there would have been NO chance at all of use. But nevertheless there had been no chance at regaining any semblance of control. Until this recent adventure, that is. First the mob attack, where its use helped to safely subdue the crowd. Then the first encounter with that evil warrior, that aberration of nature that was contrary to what the medallion wanted to touch. And the second encounter : the blow to the head that had knocked its wearer briefly unconscious until its will had helped him to rise; the acceptance of the evil man's suggestion of working together, to insure survival at that point -- meaning nothing for the future. Then entering this plane, which allowed the medallion to be seen as a sort of lesser of two evils. The meeting with the plane's entity, who granted more powers and indirectly more control over the man. And finally, the recent battle --again reeling the mind --, serving as a layer of insurance. At last, the medallion could influence the events to come. This party had been soundly defeated. The entity's protections hadn't been enough to prevent the counter-productive memory or the loss. It could not let the fighter be consigned to memories -- it would ruin all that had been gained. It took control over the man's body and speech. There was the expected resistance from the man's mind, but it was too late. * * * * All in the room see Lancos prepare to speak. Stepping forward, the suddenly gruff voice announces, "Yes, my master, this humble servant shall join you." The Dark Master only smiles with unbounded arrogance, as if expecting this very outcome. The DQers exchange various degrees of shock. It seems that others were tempted, but all are speechless as... Lancos says, "Well, I promised Zia I'd make a difference." [ADMIN: Anyone besides me remember this?] "I just never said for which SIDE." The room is bathed is silence as Lancos begins walking towards the awaiting Dark Master. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Sander 344lwkc@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu SAQ: "Deceit/Deceive/Decide just what you believe"-Metallica ============================================================================ Comments, etc. welcome, per usual! Michael Sander 344lwkc@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu