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The Western Jade

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TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Hey all! Timberwolf I here and ready to roll with a story concept I've had brewing in my head for a while now! Here's a little snippet of what to expect :P

Killing was all that Ling the Assassin ever knew, but all of that changed when she met an aspiring portmaster named Thallus Resbourne. Now a new chapter in her life begins as she travels with Thallus around Gielinor in his quest to become the greatest adventurer of all time and unlock the secrets left behind in a post-Guthixian world.

Without further ado, the table of contents and start of this little shindig!

~Table of Contents~

Chapter 1 : Magic is the Spice of Life ( Page 1, Posts 2-7 )
Chapter 2 : Home Sweet Home ( Page 1, Posts 9-10 and Page 2, Posts 1-5 )

24-Sep-2014 09:27:53 - Last edited on 29-Sep-2014 10:19:40 by TimberWolf I

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Chapter 1 : Magic is the Spice of Life

"So Little Khan, when are we headed out?" Her jade green eyes sparkled with mirth as she playfully pinched me on the cheek

"I thought you were going to stop calling me that Ling." I gently knocked her hand off as I got up and dusted my leggings. Tiny, spiky seed pods clung to them like wool on a sheep despite my best efforts. Ling laughed, filling the warm summer air with a trickle of accented fervor.

"I would if you would listen to me once in a while Little Khan. I told you specifically not to sit in that part of the grass did I not?" She brushed a strand of raven black hair from her face; the metallic glint of her prosthetic hand evident in the afternoon sun. "I may not be too familiar with Western flora, but it doesn't take a botanist to recognize unfriendly plant life."

"Hey cut me some slack will ya? We've been walking all day," I pointed to my worn out combat boots, but she waved me off as usual.

"Excuses, excuses. My legs are just as tired as yours, but you do not see me complaining. Oh and do I need to mention the fact that I am walking barefooted?" She smiled and patted me on the shoulder as I grumbled. "Come let us be off."

I learned early on that there were no arguments when it came to mundane and trivial matters with Ling. She was precise and swift with her decisions, as expected of one of the most deadly assassins in Gielinor history. I hefted the pack carrying our supplies onto my back and hurried to catch up with her brisk pace. Chatter came in small, occasional bursts, but for the most part we walked together in silence, enjoying the tranquility of the scenic route that led to the sleepy town of Yanille. And in that sleepy town was the one place that I could truly call home, or at least the portal to my home. As if reading my mind, Ling inquired about the very subject.

-continued below!

24-Sep-2014 09:29:05 - Last edited on 29-Sep-2014 10:10:05 by TimberWolf I

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Forgive me for asking again, but I still cannot seem to wrap my head around it. You say you live in a portal?" She tilted her head slightly, betraying the confused expression written on her face. "How is that possible?"

"Magic," I said without hesitation. "Anything that happens in this world that doesn't seem possible is most likely the result of magic." Although it wasn't the most fluid answer, she seemed to accept it with a nod.

"I do not dispute the power of magic, it seems to embedded deeply in the fabric of life here in the West."

"Oh? There are no wizards or spellcasters in the East Ling?" This was certainly news to me. Although I had never visited the Eastern Lands personally, I had heard many strange and interesting fables about them. Savage descriptions of ferocious beasts and brutal warlords were enough for me to suspect the use of magicks.

"There are, but...how should I put this?" Ling paused for a moment before continuing. "Magic in the East is mostly a spiritual entity. There are monks and others that dabble occasionally in it for use in their temples and in rituals, but typically no one thinks of magic the way you do." An unreadable expression flashed across the assassin's face. "You have to understand that when villagers are starving and scraping to get by each day, they are not looking to understand the deep nuisances of magic."

I nodded. Survival comes first after all.

"I believe those are the city walls are they not?" She pointed towards the faint outline of the towering white brick walls.

"Yes. I'd recognize those behemoths anywhere. In fact, I usually get here through the Lodestone Network."

"Lodestone Network?" Ling stared at me with curious eyes.

"Ah did I forget to tell you? The wizards from the second incarnation of the Wizards Tower built the Lodestone Network shortly after their discovery of teleportation spells."

-continued below!

24-Sep-2014 09:29:54

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
More magic, I should have known," chuckled Ling, shaking her head. "How do these things work exactly?"

"It's pretty simple really. In fact you don't have to know anything about magic really to use them." At this, Ling's eyes lit up like a pair of freshly cut emeralds. "All you have to do is stand next to one and it'll register your unique presence before activating and allowing you to teleport there." The assassin took this revelation in stride, nodding her head deep in thought.

"Wait a minute," she said holding up a finger. "I understand that I can teleport there, the question is where exactly am I teleporting from?"

"Very astute observation Ling. The answer is-anywhere!"

She stopped in place forcing me to look back over my shoulder.

"Anywhere? What do you mean?"

I laughed at the seriousness etched on her face. It was fierce, yet strangely attractive. "I mean what I mean," I replied, shrugging as I resumed walking. Ling, however, didn't seem pleased with my answer as she nimbly leapt in front of me, greeting me with an ominous smile.

"Explain."

"I don't know what there is to explain Ling. Like I said, I meant what I meant. You'll see once we get to my house." She frowned slightly before turning around and heading off in the direction of Yanille.

"Hey wait up! Ling!"

*************************************
We made it to the city quicker than I had anticipated, although the familiar glow of dusk was beginning to creep its way around our surroundings. We were greeted by the sight of a crude looking moat; its center populated with large, ugly creatures known as Ogres. They shuffled about aimlessly, frequently scratching their heads with their large wooden clubs.

"What are those things?" asked Ling with widened eyes. She rested her hand on the pommel of a dagger nestled within her belt.

-continued below!

24-Sep-2014 09:31:11

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Those are Ogres. They are big brutes, but are dumber than a sack of rocks." Ling and I stopped just on the outskirts of the moat, careful not to step on the strange looking purple water. "See?" I plucked a long branch from the ground and prodded it into the pool. "This water is not even knee high for a human. These Ogres could cross it easily, if they weren't so stupid."

Ling eyed the water suspiciously. "Why is the water this color? Is this more magic?"

"I doubt it. You don't need magic to deal with Ogres. No this looks like remnants of their liquid waste most likely." The gagging noises coming from my companion brought a small grin to my face. "Don't worry, Ogre pee is odorless. I wouldn't drink any of it though."

We walked away from the Ogre moat and approached the large circular stone structure sitting next to a section of the city wall. A small round plinth jutted out from the center of the stoned circle; inscribed with runic symbols and glowing occasionally. The crest of Yanille was embedded evenly on four sides of the circle, a constant reminder of the destination it brought for travelers.

"What do I do?" Ling asked, uncertainty hidden in her voice.

"Just stand next to it and it'll glow bright once you've activated it."

Her steps were slow, but she eventually made it onto the stoned ground. A small buzz could be heard as the Lodestone Network attempted to register her presence. Suddenly the buzzing ceased and all that could be heard was the sound of a violin by a nearby wandering musician.

-continued below!

24-Sep-2014 09:31:49 - Last edited on 24-Sep-2014 09:32:27 by TimberWolf I

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Did...did it work?" Ling looked around, puzzled. "I don't think it-oh!" Her thoughts were interrupted as a brilliant flash of light jolted up from the plinth and briefly illuminated the sky, undoubtedly blinding any passer-by birds. And just as quickly as it had come, the light show was over in the snap of a finger. Just like that I thought, reminiscing about my first time activating a Lodestone. Ling, looking a bit startled, turned towards me, her eyes asking an obvious question.

"Congratulations Ling, you've activated your first ever Lodestone!" I flashed her a smile and gave her a thumbs up. "Now come on, let's get into town before it gets too late and we get locked out!" Ling nodded and wandered over, occasionally looking back at the mysterious structure she had just interacted with. As we walked up toward the large wooden double doors which served as the gates into Yanille's western entrance, we were greeted by the sight of numerous roving guards, all clad in study steel chainmail armor.

"Security is heavy here I see," observed Ling as she eyed the guards warily, who in turn returned their own suspicious glances.

"Ogre presence is the reason. Feldip Hills lies to the south of Yanille and is completely populated by them. The town is always on the lookout for Ogre attacks, but I think they've overblown the threat in all honesty."

"Really? And why would you say that? A lone Ogre could easily take out dozens of armed men I would think."

I regarded Ling with a wry smile. "The Wizard's Guild is situated here in Yanille and is home to some of the most powerful magic users in all of Gielinor." Ling's eyes widened in surprise. "True, a lone Ogre could dispatch these guards rather easily, but they're just for show mainly-a safety blanket so to speak for the citizens. The real strength lies with the magic users here. One wizard from that Guild could probably take out an entire army of Ogres by himself!"

-continued below!

24-Sep-2014 09:33:07

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Impressive. I may have to acquaint myself with magic one of these days."

"I can help you with the basic principles of it, it's really not that hard."

"I know you can Thallus," Ling said as she smiled and squeezed my arm. "So where is your house?"

"Right over there actually," I said as I pointed out a large, glowing portal situated atop an impressive stone monument. But before we could take another step, a man clad in platemail armor bearing the holy cross of Saradomin stepped in front us. He wielded a sturdy looking battleaxe with just one hand and his cape billowed in the early evening breeze; the colors of Yanille evident in the design.

"Halt there you two! Are you friend or foe?"

Ling scowled and drew into a defensive stance, ready to strike at a moment's notice. I, however, was well aware of who this man was and he posed no threat to us whatsoever. I smirked.

"Hello Colonel Radick, how's the weather been?"

-END CHAPTER

Well that's the end of the first chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed it! :) Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome!

24-Sep-2014 09:33:27 - Last edited on 24-Sep-2014 09:34:29 by TimberWolf I

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Thanks Pupppy ! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

Here's another update everyone!

Chapter 2 : Home Sweet Home

"I shan't repeat myself again. Are you friend or foe?"

"Friend Radick, friend." I said holding my hands in the air. "We are merely attempting to enter my home in the house portal." At the sound of the word "friend" Colonel Radick nodded and bid us farewell before walking back to the western entrance. Ling sheathed the dagger she had pulled out, eyeing the retreating Colonel warily.

"Is it customary for soldiers to engage people in such a hostile manner?"

"Not at all," I chuckled. "Colonel Radick may not be all that bright, but he has good intentions." I could see the doubt festered in Ling's eyes as she walked over to me. "Ogres raided Yanille when Radick was just a little boy. They killed his parents."

Ling frowned. "I see." She opened her mouth as if to say something more, but hesitated and remained mute.

"Ling?"

"It is nothing. Shall we enter the portal now?" I simply smiled and nodded an affirmative, making a mental note to talk to her about whatever it was that was on her mind later. As we approached the glowing disc-shaped panel of energy, a small **** of smoke suddenly appeared before us, leaving behind a curious looking skull. It was wearing a blue hat and carried a large brown satchel in its mouth.

"Morning Thallus!" the skull croaked.

"Evening Pete," I said, bending down to pet the the skull known as Postie Pete. "Got anything for me?"

"Actually I do! I've delivered a package to your residence. I've got a note here for you. Let's see...ah here it is!" Pulling out a small scroll bound with string, Pete handed the note to me and bid us farewell before poofing off to Guthix knows where.

"What was that thing?"

"That was Postie Pete. He's the best undead mailman I know." Ling regarded me with a bemused expression, but decided not to press the matter further and instead asked me about the note.

~continued below!

29-Sep-2014 10:12:25

TimberWolf I
Nov Member 2023

TimberWolf I

Posts: 6,692 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"What does it say?"

"Let's see here..." I untied the loose string and quickly scanned the contents of the scroll before reading it aloud to Ling.

"From the R.P.D.T...a parcel consisting of one large and totally inconspicuous crate assured to not contain anything dangerous at all has been delivered to the home of one Thallus Resbourne."

Ling and I exchanged a suspicious look.

"Something is...off about the wording of this note," said Ling as I handed over the scroll to her. She glossed over the text herself thoroughly before turning to me. "What is the R.P.D.T?"

"Runescape Parcel Delivery Team. They are responsible for delivering letters, packages, and other assorted items to citizens across western Gielinor."

"It says here at the bottom that they did not check the contents of this package and that the sender's assurances have not been verified with them." Ling looked at me worriedly.

"I know Ling," I assured her, trying my best to stifle a yawn. "It's most likely a trap of some sort, but what other options do we have? We have to get into my house."

"Could we not try a different house portal? You said yourself that there were more of these scattered about."

"It doesn't quite work that way. My house is linked directly to the Yanille portal. Other people have their houses linked through other portals." Ling folded her arms, impatiently waiting for me to finish my explanation. "Long story short, no we cannot use a different house portal."

Ling sighed. "Well then be on guard."

"Aren't I always?" I smirked, giving her a small wink. Her expression softened as she gave me a playful shove.

"No and that's why I am constantly worrying about you, Little Khan."

-continued on next page!

29-Sep-2014 10:13:14 - Last edited on 29-Sep-2014 10:18:34 by TimberWolf I

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