Insimenator.org

Forgive me for starting yet another story, but I just can't get this one out of my head.  I still plan to continue both BL&D and the Avalons - so don't worry about one of those being dropped for this one.  I'll just have to juggle all three.

Also, I'm hoping it will be okay to post it here.  It has mild adult themes, but everyone has a different opinion about what is acceptable and what is not.  I personally think it's a lot more mild than one of my other stories ;)

You are invited to a D&D type adventure - sims style!  Join the group of adventurers as they go on quests to new places and meet new people, and new dangers, along the way.  The cast of characters include:

A Ranger with an attitude problem
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sheshere.jpg)

A Cleric with a drinking problem
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/right.jpg)

A rookie Fighter
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/Claymore.jpg)

A snooty Mage
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/peace.jpg)

An exuberant Thief
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/dontwant.jpg)

What do they all have in common?  Nothing!  That's what makes it so fun.  A ragtag group of misfits out to do good...or something like that.  Will they succeed?  You can help them by reading!  Part 1 coming soon - stay tuned!

The Weekend Warriors Chronicles - Piles of Bones - Part 1 (http://www.insimenator.org/showpost.php?p=1403945&postcount=12)
The Weekend Warriors Chronicles - Piles of Bones - Part 2 (http://www.insimenator.org/showpost.php?p=1429551&postcount=48)

Oh, how much fun is THIS??? What a great cast of characters! I love them already, AF!
The Mage truly does look snooty. You did a great job capturing that look with him.
Your Ranger with 'tude is absolutely stunning - awesome outfit.
And I'll take that Rookie Fighter, if you please. Hubba hubba, yum yum!!!

I look forward to meeting all of your new cast members and reading your newest story: The Weekend Warriors Chronicles. I'm so excited about this one!
(Love the name, btw. It's perfect!)

Well if it's one of your stories, Astral, I'm guaranteed to like it!
Plus, with those characters how could it not be entertaining? Looking forward to it!!

I have no idea what any of those are but this looks like fun anyway! I'm in!

Oh my god that thief is so cute.

This looks like it is going to be a fun story can't wait!

Thank you, Sugah!  I really appreciate the compliment!  I'm having a lot of fun with this story and hope to post the first installment tomorrow.

Disco - aw, thank you!  :)

Thank you, Zorom!  I made her myself.  

Curious - thank you!  I'm hoping this story will appeal to other people who don't know anything about D&D - because that's not really what it's about - but about the characters and the adventures they have together.

Thanks, Vicky!

More stories I've got to follow.
*is waiting for the wave of great RPG-ness*

Hey i've never really been huge on reading other people's stories (just not my thing) but i think i will be following this one!! Great job on the characters btw! Looking forward to seeing more of them ;)

I LOVE THEM ALL!!!  Girl, you know how I feel about this story already my friend, AWESOME!  Wish you had included that saucy wench, (you know who) I ADORE HER!!! :wub: :D

AVALONS?!  Did I miss something?  Are you holding out on me?! ;<

Wow, thanks, everyone!  I'm so happy people are looking forward to this, because I am, too!  I'm so inspired to entertain because of the fabulous support I receive from all of you.  So...thank you!

Zayury - LOL - the Avalon family is my legacy story.  You can find it here at Insim.

I really wrestled with putting Brigadette in the teaser - as 'the Bawdy Barwench' but I finally decided not to for two reasons - 1 being I wanted her to be a little bit of a surprise and 2 - although she is a constant character in the story (you'll see her in every episode), she's not actually part of the adventuring group.  But I'm happy you enjoy her - I have a lot of fun writing her part.

And now, on with Episode 1 - Skeletons in the Basement - Part 1

         

               
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/thisguy.jpg)
"So, what do we know about this guy?"  Taurnil drained the last of his ale, then peered into the empty mug, making sure the strong liquid was all gone.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/shrugged.jpg)
Shyael shrugged her shoulders.  "I don't know, I got the same message the rest of you got - to meet here at the pub.  What about you, Aranel?  Do you know anything about the new guy?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/shookhead.jpg)
Aranel shook his head stoically, not bothered enough to look up from his spellbook.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/tellus.jpg)
"Would you tell us if you did?" Taurnil asked.

Aranel ignored him.  "Yeah, didn't think so," Taurnil mumbled under his breath.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sheshere.jpg)
"She's here," Shyael pointed toward the tavern door.

Astral stood just inside, hands on hips, surveying the interior of the pub.  All of the patrons stopped talking and looked at her, her strong presence reaching even the farthest corners of the croweded room.  Spotting her group, she headed toward them.

"She never fails to make an entrance, does she?" Taurnil asked no one in particular.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sat.jpg)
She sat down with her comrades with a rush of air, rich with the scent of sandalwood and pine.  She frowned.  "He's late."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/whatll.jpg)
Brigadette appeared at the table.  "What'll I get ya?"

"I'll take another ale," Taurnil said without hesitation.

"I'll just have some water," Shyael said.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/pumpit.jpg)
"If ya want water you'll have to go out back and pump it yourself.  We only serve ale, mead, and whatever slop the cook decides is the meal of the day."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/dontwant.jpg)
"I don't want anything, then."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/booksniffer.jpg)
Brigadette shrugged and looked at Aranel.  "Booksniffer!  Ya want something?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/peace.jpg)
Aranel looked up, annoyed.  "Some peace and quiet so I can study, if that's not too much to ask."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/honeydont.jpg)
"Honey, you don't get peace and quiet at the Orc's Fork.  Ya get drinks!  If you want to study you should've stayed home.  Do ya want somethin' or not?"

Aranel glared at her before returning his attention to his book.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sighed.jpg)
Brigadette sighed, and looked at Astral.  "Do ya always have to drag your ass along when you come here?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/slopday.jpg)
Astral shrugged in response.  "He's part of the group, so unfortunately, yes.  But don't worry about it, Brig, we all drink enough to make up for him.  I'll take an ale, please.  What's the slop of the day?"

"Roast pig and potatoes."

"How burnt is it?"

The barwench shifted on her feet.  "Not too bad I 'spose.  A little charred on the edges, almost too raw on the inside.  Potatoes are good, though.  Cooked all the way through."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/restofyou.jpg)
"Alright, I'll take a plate.  Do the rest of you want a plate?"

"I'll pass," Taurnil and Shyael said in unison.  Aranel ignored the question.

"Coming right up," Brig said before sashaying away to the kitchen.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sotalking.jpg)
"So, we were talking about the new guy," Taurnil said.  "Do you know anything about him?  Where he comes from?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/reputation.jpg)
"Not much.  He has a pretty good reputation for his sword arm.  He's done some odd jobs - escorting mercenaries and such."

"What's his name?" Shyael asked.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/Claymore.jpg)
"His name is..."  

"Claymore Stormblade," a man announced proudly with his hands on his hips and his head held high.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/hansome.jpg)
He was fresh faced and young, with a slightly mussed mop of red hair falling over his face.  His dark blue eyes, with just a hint of green, held a playful innocence that looked like he was ready to conquer the world.  He wore little, as if his aim was to impress those around him with his perfectly tanned muscular physique.  He was quite the vision; very handsome.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/cursoryglance.jpg)
The group looked up at him blankly.  Even Aranel gave the newcomer a cursory glance before looking back to his book.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/haveheard.jpg)
"Well," the man continued.  "You have heard of me, haven't you?  Hero for hire?  Rescuer of fair maidens?  Destroyer of...of...bad stuff?"  he sagged in defeat when the group said nothing.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sitdown.jpg)
"Why don't you sit down, hero, so we can discuss your job prospects," Astral said with a sarcastic edge to her voice.

Claymore sat down guardedly and glanced around at the group.  "I guess none of you has heard about my adventures on the coast?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/fraidnot.jpg)
" 'Fraid not," Taurnil hiccuped.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/whathave.jpg)
"So," Claymore said haughtily.  "What will you have me do?"  He grinned at Astral, quite obviously hoping his charm would win him some favor.  It didn't.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/appeared.jpg)
Brigadette then appeared with the ales and a plate of food.  She plopped the plate down in front of Astral and passed out the mugs.  A piece of the baked potato bounced off the plate and Astral popped it into her mouth.  

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/quickie.jpg)
"Can I get ya anything else?  Like a quickie in the supply room?" she winked at Claymore.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/grinned.jpg)
He grinned at her stupidly.  "I'd love a plate of...whatever that is."

"Roast pig," she said, staring pointedly at him.

"I'd love some roast pig.  Did you make it yourself?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/shaking.jpg)
"I don't get paid for cooking, sweetheart, I get paid for shaking my ass."

"What about the quickie?"

"I don't get paid for that either - that's just for fun.  I'll be back with your pig."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/something.jpg)
"Wow.  She's really...something, isn't she?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/clearedthroat.jpg)
Astral rolled her eyes and cleared her throat loudly.  Claymore's attention snapped back to her.

"Oh yeah, the new job.  Well, I'm pretty good with a sword, I don't mind saying.  I spent the last several years escorting mercenaries from one place to another."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sowhat.jpg)
"So what brings you here?"  Shyael asked curiously.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/bored.jpg)
"I was getting bored.  Not much excitement driving carts.  Nothing to kill."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/killthings.jpg)
"Is that the only reason why you're applying for this job - to kill things?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/pfaw.jpg)
"Pfaw!  Of course not.  I always thought there was something bigger than that.  That I was meant for more.  You know?  To be the strong arm of a group.  To lead my fellow men to victory...glory...fame!"

The rest of the group looked at him curiously.  Astral's jaw worked while she chewed the tough meat.  She scrutinized him, sized him up, but said nothing.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/allabout.jpg)
"Well...isn't that what adventuring is all about?  Making a name for yourelf?  Why do the rest of you go on these adventures?"

"For fun," Shyael answered.  "But not for fame."

"Some of us need the money," Astral answered.

Aranel ignored them.

"What about you?" he asked the Taurnil.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/forchurch.jpg)
"For...(hic!) the church of course.  He took a long gulp of the ale, than centered his watery eyes on Claymore.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/slowdown.jpg)
"Hey, buddy.  Don't you think you ought to slow down a bit?  I mean you're a man of the cloth.  You should be setting an example of purity, right?"

"What?  Don't tell me you never touch the stuff."

"I do.  I drink sometimes, but...I don't drink so much that I'm a blabbering idiot."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/blabbering.jpg)
"Blabbering!  I'll have you know (hic!) that I don't blabber.  And there's nothing in my religion that says I can't enjoy a little evening imbibing."

"But it's just barely afternoon."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/right.jpg)
"Right.  It's an hour past noon.  Therefore it's evening."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/um.jpg)
"Um...,"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/dontworry.jpg)
"Don't worry about him," Astral said.  "He can handle it.  You talk big about yourself.  How do I know you are as good as you say?"

Claymore shot her a disarming grin.  "My fair maiden.  I am good.  Probably the best you've ever seen."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/doubtthat.jpg)
"I seriously doubt that.  But we shall see how good your sword arm is in due time."

"Does that mean I have a job?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/tiralperiod.jpg)
"Trial period.  We'll see how well you can handle yourself on our next job and make our decision afterward."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/bettin-1.jpg)
"I'm bettin' he can handle himself quite well," Brigadette said, gently placing Claymore's plate before him.  She gave him a lingering stare, which he returned, before heading away from the table, hips swinging hypnotically.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/lastfighter.jpg)
"So, what happened your last fighter?  The one I'm replacing?" Claymore shoved a large bit of the pig into his mouth.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/eaten.jpg)
"He got eaten by a dragon," Astral answered with no emotion in her voice.

Taurnil giggled to himself while he swayed in his seat, tipping the last drops of ale into his mouth.

Shyael's ears twitched and she smiled, resting her chin in her hand.

Aranel ignored them all.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/seriously.jpg)
Claymore looked from one face to another, stopping in mid-chew.  He blanched.  "Ser...seriously?" he said around a mouthful of food.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/tellyou.jpg)
Astral went on, ignoring his question.  "Let me tell you something, Claymore.  I'm the leader of this group.  This isn't a glory mission.  We don't do this so we're noticed.  We do it because people ask.  Some people have nothing to give, but we help them anyway, because they need it.  What we need from you is a dependable blade.  Can you give us that?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/givemore.jpg)
Claymore winked at her.  "I can give you a lot more than that."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/anotherthing.jpg)
"And another thing," Astral continued.  "You might consider wearing...clothes while adventuring.  We're not running a nudist colony."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/dress.jpg)
Claymore looked hurt.  "Is there something wrong with the way I dress?"

"No, not if you enjoy running around half naked all the time!" Shyael said too loudly, blinking at him with large innocent eyes.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/snickered.jpg)
Taurnil snickered and swayed in his chair.

Aranel ignored them.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/assuming.jpg)
"I'm assuming you have armor?"

"Uh..."

Astral sighed.  "We'll head over to the armorer and see if he has anything in stock that will fit you.  Otherwise, you'll just have to go as is."

"Have you decided what job we're going to do, Astral?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sebastius.jpg)
"Well, we could help Sebastius with his rat problem.  He's been asking for awhile."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/norats.jpg)
"Norats!  Rember what happened las' time wif rats, dontcha?"  Taurnil hiccuped.

"Oh yeah," said Shyael.  "I remember.  It took me forever to get that smell out of my hair."

"What smell?" Claymore asked.

"I'm not in the mood for rats, either.  We could check into Father Jon's skeleton problem."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/problem.jpg)
"Skeleton problem?"

"Father Jon of the Last Hope Abbey has skeletons in his basement, and he needs someone to get rid of them for him."

"We haven't done skeletons in awhile," Shyael said excitedly.

"Skeltons...hic!"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/alright-1.jpg)
"Alright, it's settled.  We'll head out first thing tomorrow morning.  Make sure you get lots of rest - the abbey is over a day's travel away.  You," she said, looking at Claymore.  "Come with me.  We'll go check out the armorer's shop."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/comewithme.jpg)
Astral and Claymore rose from the table and headed toward the door.  Shyael got up and headed to the tavern stairs, toward the rooms for rent.  Taurnil swayed in his chair.  Aranel ignored them all.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/brightness.jpg)
The brightness of the afternoon was nearly blinding after sitting in the dark tavern for so long, and the two blinked their eyes to adjust.

"So," Claymore asked, "what's with the mage?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, he seems rather...preoccupied.  And he didn't even look at that gorgeous barmaid once.  He's not...I mean, he doesn't prefer the company of men, does he?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/stopped.jpg)
Astral stopped and faced him, hands on hips.  "Why?  Do you feel threatened?  Afraid he might make a pass at you or something?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/hewont.jpg)
"No...I mean, I guess it's possible,  I mean...he...won't, will he?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/isuppose.jpg)
Astral studied him a moment.  "I suppose anything is possible.  But I don't think you need to worry your pretty self - the only thing Aranel is likely to make a pass at is his spellbook.  He's practically married to the thing."

"What about the cute little elf girl?  Shyael?"

"What about her?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/whatsherjob.jpg)
"What's her job?  What does she do?"

"Shyael is my thief.  She's an expert at stealth, spotting traps, and lockpicking."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/silence.jpg)
They walked in silence for awhile.  Shortly thereafter, they arrived at the armorer's shop.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/hisal.jpg)
"Well if it isn't my favorite ranger!"

"Hi, Sal.  This is Claymore - our new fighter."

"Well, now, he's a strapping fellow."

Claymore puffed out his chest proudly.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/beatladies.jpg)
"You'll have to be beating the ladies off with a stick," Sal mused while measuring Claymore's large chest.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Astral grumbled.  "A bunch of groupies."

"Well you're in luck, youngster.  I have just the thing for you.  Here you are, try this on."

Claymore took the leather armor into the fitting tent.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/leaned.jpg)
Sal leaned in close to Astral.  "I hope he fares better than that last guy you had traveling with you.  So tragic..."

Claymore emerged from the tent, clothed in the leather armor, looking pale.  "You're talking about the dragon, aren't you?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/whatdragon.jpg)
"Eh?  What dragon?  I was talking about the last fighter that traveled with this group.  It was such a shame what happened to him..."

"She said he was eaten by a dragon," Claymore said nervously, casting a quick glance at Astral.

"Dragon...no, no my boy.  It was much worse than a dragon.  Why it was a...a..."

"How much do we owe you, Sal?"

"Oh, 45 gold pieces.  Quite a bargain."

"Well, what was it?" Claymore asked.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/hmmm.jpg)
"Hmm?  What was what?"

"What happened to the last fighter?  What's worse than a dragon?"

"Oh, there ain't much worse than a dragon, son.  They're fierce creatures."

"What happened to the last fighter?"

"What last fighter?"

"The one that traveled with this group!"

"How should I know?  I'm just an armorer.  You'll have to ask Astral that question."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/goon.jpg)
Astral stood, hands on hips, staring at Claymore.  "Go on and pay the man so we can leave."

"Uh..."

"You don't have the money, do you?  Of course not.  There wasn't anywhere to put it in your tight pants."  She shook her head while she rummaged through her beltpouch.  "You'll pay me back out of your first wages for the armor.  Come on, let's head back to the pub."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/soranger.jpg)
"So, you're a ranger?"

"Yep.  Something wrong with that?"

"Do all rangers dress the way you do?"

"What, in clothes?  Usually."

"What...," Claymore cleared his throat uneasily.  "What really happened to your last fighter?"

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/toldyou.jpg)
"I already told you."

"But, Sal said..."

"I assume you have enough to pay for your room?"

"Um, I think so."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/takecleric.jpg)
Astral pushed open the pub door.  "I suggest you get a good night's sleep, we'll leave an hour after dawn.  Be ready.  Oh - and could you carry Taurnil up to his room?  He's in room 3."

****
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/brighteyed.jpg)
Shyael, bright eyed and eager to hit the trail, sat down with her group.  "Where's Claymore?"

"He's not here yet," a completely sober Taurnil answered.  

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/ignored.jpg)
Aranel ignored them.

"He's late again," Astral answered, irritated.  She rose from her seat and headed up the stairs to Claymore's room.  Shyael followed closely behind.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/keyhole.jpg)
She knocked loudly on the door.  She could hear a woman giggling on the other side.  She turned the door handle, only to find it locked.  She motioned to Shyael, who then knelt in front of the door.  She peered into the keyhole, then pulled a small pouch out of her tunic.  Inside were several small lockpicks, a tiny saw, and a couple of skeleton keys.  She pulled out one of the picks and pushed it through the keyhole.  Two seconds later an audible click was heard.  Shyael put the pick back in its proper place and stood aside for Astral.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/kissing.jpg)
Astral turned the door handle and quickly pushed the door open.  There, in the middle of the darkened room, half dressed, was Claymore and Brigadette.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/late.jpg)
Astral cleared her throat loudly at the two, who stopped and looked at her.  "I said an hour after dawn.  You're late.  Again."

"Oh.  Sorry," Claymore released the barmaid and hurriedly grasped his clothes off the floor.

Brigadette sighed loudly and sauntered across the room to retrieve an article of clothing, then to the back of the room to retrieve another article of clothing.  She reached up to the tapestry on the wall and retrieved yet another article.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/mind.jpg)
"Do you...mind?" Claymore asked, embarrassed.

"Not really," Astral said, standing with hands still on hips expectantly.

"I mean, I need to get dressed."

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/goahead.jpg)
"Go ahead."

Claymore sighed and dressed while Astral stood in the doorway and Shyael peered in curiously from behind her.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/continued.jpg)
Brigadette took her time slipping into her dress.  Claymore was just adjusting the last of his buckles when she glided up to him.  "To be continued," she whispered huskily.

A stupid grin started to spread across Claymore's face, but disappeared when he caught Astral's scowl.  He adjusted his tunic.  "Ready," he said with a proud smile.

"You might need that," Astral pointed to his sword, still resting against the wall.

(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l321/Claude_Hopper/sword.jpg)
"Oh, right.  How could I forget my sword?"

"I suggest you conduct yourself in a more professional manner if you want to keep this job."

"Right.  Sorry."

Astral turned and walked away without further comment, leaving Claymore to collect his weapon and scurry after her.

hAHAHA! I love Astral! (both ones, lol)  She's hilarious. Just standing there, looking while they have sex! That was so funny!

This sounds like fun, Astral!! Update soon!

" "Hmm? What was what?"
"What happened to the last fighter? What's worse than a dragon?"
"Oh, there ain't much worse than a dragon, son. They're fierce creatures."
"What happened to the last fighter?"
"What last fighter?"
"The one that traveled with this group!"
"How should I know? I'm just an armorer. You'll have to ask Astral that question." "

:laugh:

I love it so far and I can't wait to read more.

Another Astral story! Whahoo!

Although, I have to say that Astral-the-Rangers outfit isn't that much more concealing than Claymores... :)

I like the Mage.

Zorom - thank you!  Although Claymore and Brigadette were headed in that direction, they were in the early stages, lol.  But I don't really doubt that Astral would burst in on them, anyway.

Music - thanks!  That's one of my favorite parts.  I'm glad you like it.

steelguy - thanks!  You don't think I'm being a space hog, do you - three stories at the same time?  And yes, Astral is really one to talk, isn't she, lol?  That reminds me - I haven't stopped by your site in awhile - I need to do that soon.  And did I tell you my hubby reads your story?  I can barely get him to read mine half the time, lol!

Being a space hog is forgiveable when the stories are this enjoyable.
And I've only just updated my story last night. The previous post was in June. :smt120

I'm blaming it on the fact I've been too busy reading your stories. :-P

hahaha that was AWESOME!  

'we're not running a nudist colony' - came from the woman dressed in a cloth and a brah. *laughs* that was funny! - Claymore is allso great, me made me snicker more than once!

Haha, I love that cleric with drinking problem:) And Claymore looks great:)

whoo! i'd say this story is off to a great start :thumbrig:

:laugh: That was brilliant lol, I pretty much laughed through the whole thing! I love then all! For some reason, it reminds me of a cross between Firefly and Angel by Joss Wheedon. A similar style, perhaps.
Another thoroughly enjoyable story. :-P

2B - thanks!  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  There will be more action later on - maybe drama - depends on my mood ;)

steelguy - aw, thanks!  I appreciate the support.

LadyA - thank you!  Yeah, she's got some weird standards, eh?

starwish - thanks!  Glad you enjoyed.

terri - thank you!  I appreciate it!

disco - thanks!  I hope you continue to enjoy it!

Guess it's time for me to start selling things.

*sets up a never-dissapearing portal, sending people to my magic supply shop, which sells among the following:*

:laugh: Ah, this is great for light relief :D I chuckled through most of it - great start :)

(Psst - where'd you get Astral's outfit? :D)

RockJustice - LOL!!  You crack me up!  I love the descriptions of the magical tomes ;)

Sadie - I honestly don't know.  Nothing is showing up on the cleanpack but a series of numbers.  It looks like Rosesims had an all black one in their magic section - or at least some of their models are wearing one.  I think I originally got mine from the exchange long ago - and it was black and white.  However, AriElf is up for download if you'd just like to get the outfit that way.  

ARGH!  Ripway says my file has exceeded the bandwidth for the last 24 hours.  I'll just mail her to you, if you want.

Hehehe! I thought she looked familiar :D You're too kind - that'd be great, thank you :love2:

Wonder how I'd look as an elf... :angel:

I actually don't know why I didn't think of it sooner.  She's only half, though, moved the slider halfway between the AriSim's human face and my Selzi replacement elf face.  Changed her skin and eyes, and viola!  I was so excited I just had to give her her own adventure, lol.  I've never put myself in a story before.  I like it!  Watch your mail - she'll be coming your way soon.

Hold on, what do you mean "move the slider halfway between faces"? Have I missed something in Bodyshop or something? I'm confused :oogle:

Got her, by the way. Thanks again! :D

Very welcome :)

The facial changing slider.  Under faces there are two options - to 'change face' or to 'modify' the existing face you're using.  The 'change face' one is the one I'm talking about.  It gives you the option of adjusting the face to one of the templates (all 27 are there).  The farther you move the slider, the more like whatever template you chose it will look like.  So, I chose the elf, and moved it halfway.  If I had moved it all the way, she would have simply had the elf face.  Does that make sense?  Or do I need sleep, lol?

Ah, I see. Thanks - time to experiment ;)

I'm glad I made sense - I'm falling asleep here, lol!

Yeah, me an' all now :angel: One thing's for sure though - we both make pretty elves :D

I'm loving Astral she is a tough cookie!  Can't wait to see them clear out the skeletons hmm...I have a feeling their jobs will be a bit bizzare!
These characters seem like they are going to be funny too!  Love that.

Sadie - I wanna see!  Let's see SadieElf, please? :)

Vicky - thank you!  I'm glad you liked it!

Hehe :D Okay, here's my much-improved self-sim - just a simple change of skin and eyes, and now she looks so much like me it's almost creepy:

(http://www.insimenator.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=135546&stc=1&d=1223251476)

This is her with a change of skin and eyes, as well as the elf treatment :)

(http://www.insimenator.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=135547&stc=1&d=1223251476)

NB: Something weird's been going on in BS. It only affects that sim, but the scalp and hair completely disappeared. I had to clone and close the program before I could get a decent picture :smt104

Aw, she's adorable!  Hooray for being an elf!  Thanks for sharing :)  Everyone should be an elf, lol!

@Ari: Thanks :D And you're welcome :)

@2B: Oh, I've done that before - I don't make a butch man, but he doesn't turn out that bad ;)

LOL - see there?  Elves everywhere.  Can't wait to see your elvish self, 2B.

I haven't tried making myself a male before.  Hmm.  But I have played with my selfsim in CAS with the 'make a baby' option - she makes hideous babies everytime.  For some reason Maxis always seems to make the nose too short, putting too much distance between the nose and the mouth.  I tried several different 'partners' from my CAS bin - ugly babies everywhere, lol.

Astral, i'd be happy to post an elf-version of me :D it'll look different from my uploaded self-sim though, i made a new one ;)

Well, let's see them both!

Mine's only half, though, as I didn't move the slider completely to the 'elf side'.  Feel free to post your pics and spam my thread :D

Guys, cut the talk of elves and update! lol

Say, Ari, I didn't recognise you with your new avvie for a bit! I like it though!

LOL!  I'm working on it, Zorom, I'm working on it.  I'll be shooting the next part soon.  I'm thinking this adventure will have three parts.

i must say that i am in LOVE with your stories!!!
this is off with a great start! i love your wit, beautiful characters as well. :D
please do update soon!

grrrr....i must find time to make an elf-simmie! *crosses fingers that friday will bring an extra five minutes to homework break*

Thanks, YH!  I'm nearly done shooting the second part of this adventure, and hope to have it posted before the end of the weekend.

Terri - no worries, hon, whenever you get the chance.  Sorry for your homework overload.  That sucks.  :(

The Weekend Warriors Chronicles - Piles of Bones* - Part 2

*Name has been changed


(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/brokelunch.jpg)
It was around midday when the group broke for lunch.  They sat in the cool shade and munched on the provisions they had acquired from the inn before leaving that morning.

It was a quiet day, with only the slight ocasional rustle of the trees bringing any sound to the group.  It was a peaceful noise, which spoke of long quiet afternoons spent lounging in the forest, without work waiting to be done.

But, work was waiting, so upon finishing their light meal, the group reluctantly rose from their resting spots and continued forward.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/halt.jpg)
It was a mere minute later when Shyael called a halt to the group.  They all stopped and looked at her, while she cocked her head and listened.  Then she rolled her eyes.

Then Astral heard it, too.  "Alright, Talin, come on out."

Silence.

"I can hear you.  Come out, or I'll send the group in to get you."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/teen.jpg)
There was a pause of silence.  Then several feet down the path a ragged young teen emerged, fidgeting with his fingers sheepishly.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/groanedsighed.jpg)
Aranel sighed exasperatedly.  

Taurnil groaned audibly.  

Claymore looked confused.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/approached.jpg)
Astral stood, hands on hips, tapping her foot in annoyance, scowling at the boy.  He lowered his eyes while approaching her, as if afraid she would let him have it.  And that's just what she did.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/supposed.jpg)
"Talin...where are you supposed to be right now?"

The boy fidgeted.

"Answer me."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/please.jpg)
He looked up at her with pleading eyes.  "Please, Astral, just this once?"

"Answer my question, Talin."

He sighed mournfully.  "With the horses."

"Right.  Explain to me how you're supposed to be caring for the horses when you're hours away from home?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/look.jpg)
"Look, I know I'm not supposed to leave the cottage, but I just know I'd make a great addition to the group.  I can sneak around really well, and I'm pretty fast with a dagger."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/overthis.jpg)
"Talin we've been over this at least a dozen times.  Your job is to...," she waited for him to answer.

"Stay with the horses," he answered as his shoulders sagged.

"Because?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/stableboy.jpg)
"I'm a stableboy."  His eyes suddenly brightened.  "But if you let me join the group I know I can be so much more."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/tagging.jpg)
"I don't need your help with the group, Talin.  What I need is a stableboy - one who will actually stay and look after the horses instead of tagging along behind me everytime I get a job."

"Yes, Astral," he looked at his feet in shame.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/rumor.jpg)
"Now get on home so you can make it before dark.  There are things in these woods you'd rather not see.  Things that wait until after dark to come out and feast on the blood and bones of errant stableboys who follow their masters.  I hear they like fresh eyeballs, but that could just be a rumor..."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/eyesbulged.jpg)
Talin's eyes bulged and his mouth dropped open.  In one swift movement, he turned and darted back down the path.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/runsfast.jpg)
"He really is fast," Taurnil mumbled.

Shyael snickered to herself.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/creatures.jpg)
Astral motioned to the group to continue on as before, and everyone fell into their normal marching pattern.  

"So, what kind of creatures are we dealing with?" Claymore asked.

"Just skeletons.  Nothing serious," Shyael answered.

"No.  The creatures in the woods."

"What creatures?"

"The ones Astral just mentioned.  The ones that made Talin run off in a frenzied rush because they like fresh eyeballs."

Shyael snickered.  "She just made that up."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/beenadventuring.jpg)
"Been adventuring much, have we?" Aranel said with sneer.

"Here and there."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/behindears.jpg)
"You're pretty wet behind the ears, aren't you?"

"Huh?"

"I thought so."

"What?  What does that mean?"

"It means like you act as if you have no experience adventuring.  Are you sure this isn't your first job?"

"I assure you, I know what I'm doing."

"Hmph.  We shall see."

The group marched on in silence.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/hunting.jpg)
As dusk fell, Astral called the group to a halt again.  "Alright, let's make camp.  Everyone assume your normal roles.  Clayton, you're with me.  I assume you know how to hunt?"

"Er..."

"How do you survive on your own if you don't hunt?  What do you eat?"

"Well, I usually have my meals served by pretty barwenches," he smiled impishly.

Astral rolled her eyes at him.  "Just follow along and don't get in the way.  Don't make any sudden movements or noises.  Can you handle that?"

"Of course," Clayton said with a proud smile.

"Alright.  Follow me."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/pointed.jpg)
Moments later, she held up her hand for Claymore to stop.  He did so, and she pointed to something sitting in the tall clumps of grass.  Claymore wrinkled his nose in disgust.  

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/eatthose.jpg)
"Albino tree rats?  You...eat those?"

"Something wrong with that?"

"Well they're just so...gamey.  And they're tails are always covered in mites."

"Roasting will take care of that.  Now quiet, or you'll scare them away."

Claymore doubted that, as tree rats were too stupid to be afraid of anything.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/shot.jpg)
Astral quietly knocked an arrow in her bow and shot one of them.  Just a few moments after that, she shot another.  The stupid creatures made no attempt to escape.  Within five minutes, she had shot all four of them.  She strung them together and handed them to Claymore.

"I shoot them, you clean them."

He took the bundle, looking at it with a sneer. Astral turned and headed toward camp where the others were busy building the fire, and clearing the campsite.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/bellies.jpg)
Claymore took the rats to a flat rock, and set about preparing them for cooking.

Two hours later, bellies full of fresh meat, the group lounged lazily around the fire.  Astral got up and brushed herself off.  "Time for bed, folks.  We still have a couple hours' march to get to the abbey, so we all need to get some sleep.  Claymore.  You're on first watch."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/watch.jpg)
"Watch?"

Shyael chuckled to herself.  Aranel rolled his eyes.

"You sit...and watch.  You make sure those eyeball eating monsters don't sneak up on us in the middle of the night.  If you see or hear anything suspicious, you wake me up.  I'll determine if it's something we need to deal with, and either wake the group for a fight, or tell you you're an idiot."

"...Oh.  Well, how will I know if it's a suspicious noise?"

"Anything out of the ordinary forest noise would constitute as suspicious and therefore warrant further investigation."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/blankly.jpg)
Clayton stared blankly at her.

"Any noise that isn't normal."

"Oh.  Got it."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/twohours.jpg)
"Your watch shift is two hours long.  At the end of your shift, you wake both the cleric and mage - they watch together."

"Why is that?"

"Because they're not as physically strong as the rest of us."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/whatabout.jpg)
"But what about Shyael?  She seems kind of frail."

"I assure you, she can take care of herself.  Shyael is a thief.  And she's an elf."

"Okay..."

"Her hearing is very accute.  And she's trained to listen."

"Oh.  So..."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/justsit.jpg)
"Just sit, back facing the fire, look out into the woods, periodically do a perimeter check.  And listen.  

"What about you?  You're an elf, aren't you?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/half.jpg)
"Half.  My father was an elf."

"And your mother?"

"Wasn't.  Goodnight."  Without further comment, she laid on the ground with the rest of the group and slept.

****
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/abbey.jpg)
The night passed uneventfully, and soon it was time for the group to rise and stretch, eat a light breakfast, and head out.  About an hour later, they could see the abbey in the distance, and an hour after that, they were walking down the path that led to the front doors.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/locked.jpg)
The doors were locked.  Astral motioned to Shyael, who knelt down to peek in the keyhole.  Just as she had done the day before with Claymore's door, she rummaged through her tools, selected the appropriate one, and had the door open within seconds.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/quiet.jpg)
It was quiet inside, not a soul to be seen.  The interior was minimally lit, and seemed gloomy despite the sunlight that managed to filter in through the elegant stained glass windows.  Large altars were piled high with bouquets of fresh flowers, but despite their cheerful appearance, they did little to brighten the place.  It just seemed creepy.  And dead.

Claymore sneezed loudly.  Several times.  The group stood and looked at him, waiting for him to regain his composure.

"Sorry about that.  Wasn't expecting to walk into a garden.  What's with all the flowers?  Someone die?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/hmphed.jpg)
Aranel hmphed under his breath and crossed his arms.  "If you're going to be traveling about pimping your services, you should at least take a few moments to study the local history.  You look like less of a moron when you speak."

Claymore looked at him.  "I don't usually bother.  My job is to kill stuff.  Not shove my nose in a book and only come up for air every two days."

"And just how much air are you getting when your face is shoved into the barmaid's bosom?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/lotmore.jpg)
"A lot more than you've probably ever gotten."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/alrightguys.jpg)
"Alright, guys," Astral interrupted.  "Save your pissing contest for after the job.  We're on the clock here.  Taurnil, would you enlighten our ignorant comrade?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/ofcourse-1.jpg)
"Of course.  These priests worship the great goddess Aldonnistyl."

"Er, never heard of her."

Aranel sighed loudly and shook his head.  Claymore scowled back at him.

"Aldonnistyl is the goddess of peace and tranquility.  Priests who worship her must have a calm temperament and be quick to forgive their foes.  They sacrifice fresh flowers weekly, and engage in a nightly worship ritual where they burn incense, scented oils, and rare spices.  They depend heavily upon monetary donations from devout followers to keep the church running and buy the things they need.  When a temple loses the favor of the goddess, large amounts of gold must be sacrificed."

"Wow.  How do you know all that?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/howtoread.jpg)
"Beacause he knows how to read.  It's something priests of all religions are expected to do.  Do you know how to read, Claymore?"

He shrugged.  "Don't need to.  I just need to know how to use a sword.  Do you know how to swing a sword, Aranel?  Or are your arms too scrawny?  You probably don't have the strength to even lift one.  You probably don't even have enough strength in those diminuitive arms to properly squeeze a barmaid."

"Ooh.  Diminuitive.  That's a big word for a man of such little brain.  Not only did you use it correctly in a sentence, but you pronounced it correctly, as well.  I'm impressed."

Shayel snickered behind her hand.  

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/maybe.jpg)
"Maybe I'm not as stupid as you think," Claymore said in a tone beneath a growl.

"Maybe you're actually stupider than I think," Aranel snarled back at him.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/gentlemen.jpg)
"Gentlemen," Astral interrupted.  "Little progress is being made.  Let us go find Father Jon."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/shrugged.jpg)
The two scowled at each other but followed their leader.  Shyael and Taurnil looked at each other and shrugged, then followed behind them.  

It was a small structure and it didn't take long for them to find Father Jon's office.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/band.jpg)
Astral rapped sharply on the door, and the group's ears were immediately met with a dull thud, as if a book fell to the floor.  A few seconds later, they heard a small tremulous voice on the other side.

"Who...who is it?"

"It's Astral's band.  I hear you have a problem with some skeletons."

It was quiet for a moment.  

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/gotwind.jpg)
"He probably got wind of the stench of our new companion," Aranel muttered.

Claymore either ignored him or didn't realize the comment was intended for him.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/Jon.jpg)
Finally the doorknob began to slowly turn.  An elderly man peeped around the door at the group.  His face was worn and lined with worry.  He shuffled hesitantly out of his small office.

Astral put her hands on her hips and regarded him skeptically.  "What's the problem?"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/weekago.jpg)
"Well, it all started about a week or so ago.  I was down in the basement gathering some herbs for the nightly ritual, when all of a sudden I heard a clacking sound behind me.  I turned around and saw nothing but bones.  A skeleton!  And before I could even figure out what to do, another one seemed to appear out of nowhere!  I ran as fast as I could and locked the door behind me."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/rituals.jpg)
"What about your nightly rituals?"  Clayton asked.  "How have you been performing them without your herbs?"

"We haven't been.  And I'm terribly afraid the goddess will punish us.  We'll have to sacrifice an entire plate of gold coins to win back her favor."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/otherpriests.jpg)
"Where are all the other priests?"  Astral inquired.

"I sent them away.  None of them felt safe with the skeletons in the basement.  They're locked down there, but we're all afraid they'll somehow escape and kill us.  We haven't allowed worshippers into the building."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/turn.jpg)
"Why don't you just turn the skeletons?  There are only two of them.  You are priests, are you not?"  Taurnil asked.

"Well, yes, of course, but the next night they came back."

"Alright, lead us to the basement then, and we'll see what we can do."

"Here.  Take the key.  I'll lead you to the main hallway, but you're on you're own after that."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/aspromised.jpg)
As promised, Father Jon led them to the main hall.  With a shakey finger, he pointed to the basement door, then turned and ran back to his office, slamming the door behind him.  The clicking of the lock echoed throughout the hall.

Astral shrugged, placed the key in the door, and turned it.  The door opened onto a narrow hallway with a set of stairs.  One by one they descended, following another narrow hallway into a typical dank, dusty, and dark basement.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/somelight.jpg)
"Aranel, some light please?"

Aranel chanted softly under his breath.  Within a few seconds, the room was filled with light.  Nothing out of the ordinary was visible, just a room filled with supply boxes and barrels.  The group walked into the room and started looking around.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/secretdoors.jpg)
Shyael busied herself studying the walls, running her hands slowly across them.  Taurnil and Aranel started looking around the bags and barrels.

"Er...why is she doing that?"

"She's checking for secret doors.  Why don't you help the rest of us look for anything odd."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/goodjob.jpg)
Claymore moved one of the barrels aside.  Behind it, the wall had a barely visible, slightly recessed area, about the size of his fist.  He pushed on it, and instantly a section of the wall swung open, revealing a small hallway.  It stretched on for several feet, then turned to the left.

"Good job, Claymore," Astral complimented.

He smiled proudly.

Aranel and Shyael rolled their eyes.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/tunnel.jpg)
Astral held her hand up to the group, then scouted ahead.  A few minutes later, she rejoined them.  "The passage goes on for several feet with a few twists and turns, then leads up into an old cemetary.  Let's go check it out."  She headed back down the hall, and the others closely followed.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/ladder.jpg)
The tunnel smelled of freshly dug earth, making it seem fairly new.  After following the short passage, it stopped at a dead end.  There was a ladder leading up a hole.

"Skeletons need ladders?"  Claymore asked.

Shayael shrugged.  "Guess they're afraid they might break a bone if they fall down the hole," she joked.

Astral was the first up the hole, followed by Claymore, Taurnil, Shayel, and lastly, Aranel.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/graveyard.jpg)
The graveyard looked ancient but ordinary; a smattering of old faded tombstones were scattered here and there.  A wrought iron gate surrounded the yard.  Two twisted naked trees stood on either side of the small enclosure, which added to the ambience.  Silvergray clouds creeped slowly across a slate gray sky.  

"It's suddenly gray and creepy," Claymore said to no one in particular.

"Well, aren't all cemetaries gray and creepy?  That's what makes them so fun!" Shayel announced.

"So where are these skeletons we're supposed to be fighting?"  Claymore asked eagerly.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/thatsright.jpg)
"Can't wait to prove ourselves, can we," Aranel sneered.

"That's right," Claymore said, turning to face the snooty mage.  "I just can't wait to sink my sword into something."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/threat.jpg)
"Is that a threat, you ill-bred cretin?"

"Oh no - that's not a threat.  You'll know when I'm threatening you."

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/uhguys.jpg)
"Uh, guys, I hate to interrupt your friendly conversation, but look."  Shyael pointed across the small graveyard, where two skeletons stood, armed with swords.

"I'll take care of this!  The rest of you just stand and watch," Claymore announced proudly as he trotted across the cemetary.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/stupidpeacock.jpg)
"Stupid peacock," Aranel muttered.

"What's he doing?" Shyael asked loudly.

"Openly displaying his wit and battle prowess," Taurnil replied.

Astral stood and watched, arms crossed, silent.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/clattering.jpg)
The clattering sound of breaking bones filled the air.  Claymore effortlessly cleaved through one of the skeletons, then turned and did the same with the other.  It was all over in a matter of seconds, and there stood the warrior, proud smile on his face, chest puffed up, hands on his hips.  It looked as if he were just waiting for praise.

The group stood and just looked at him silently.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/sayanything.jpg)
Claymore deflated.  "Well, aren't you going to say anything?"

"Like you're a moron?" Aranel remarked.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/quest.jpg)
"What do you mean?  I single handedly took out these two skeletons.  I completed the quest!"

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/hail.jpg)
"Oh.  I'm sorry.  I didn't realize you had saved us all.  Hail to the mighty warrior.  He has saved us all!  We are forever in his debt."

Shyael snickered behind her hand.

Taurnil scowled.

Astral stood with hands on hips.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/mocking.jpg)
"You're mocking me, aren't you?"

Aranel didn't answer.

"What did I do wrong?" he looked to Astral for an answer.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/goodwarrior.jpg)
She looked at him a long moment before answering.  "A good warrior appraises the situation before rushing into battle.  Don't be so eager to prove yourself that you put yourself, and your group, into danger."

Claymore hung his head.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/sound.jpg)
"What's that sound?" Shyael suddenly asked.

The rest of the group listened, then heard it as well.  It was a minute scraping sound, coming from the ground near Claymore's feet.  The scraping grew louder, and to the group's annoyance, the skeleton was pulling itself back together, the bones reassembling the creature it had been.  The second pile of bones did the same, and soon both skeletons were whole, and leering at the fighter.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/neverseen.jpg)
"Um...never seen that before," Claymore grumbled.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/surrounded.jpg)
But before any of them bothered to act, two more skeletons clawed their way out of the dirt to stand beside their comrades.  Then four more.  Claymore was effectively surrounded.

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/rushin.jpg)
"This is why you shouln't rush into battle," Aranel scolded, shaking his head in disgust.

Yay! Update!
Methinks Claymore be a n00b...

Thanks, steelguy.  Glad you like it. Yes, Claymore talks a big game, but doesn't really seem to have that much experience.

Kinda lonely in this thread, eh?

Not lonely! I'm sure there are loads of lurkers... like me! This thread makes me smile... it makes me realise how much I used to enjoy playing D and D. Geek at heart, eh?

You really think so, Rachel?  To be honest I'm thinking of pulling this story from Insim.  It doesn't seem like many people are interested.  Maybe you're right and there's a few lurkers.

Hi, lurkers!:howdy:  Hope you're enjoying it.

Thanks for the comments, by the way.  I rather miss my old D&D days.  It's been so long.  But this helps. :)

OMG! claymore is such a moron, but kinda adorable in a way XD

Thanks, Terri.  He's a lovable dufus, lol.

Astral, don't take it away! This is seriously rivalling BL&D in my top stories list. :D I love Aranel. He's my favourite, because he's sarcastic and smart :lol:. You are so good at writing humourous stories, I laughed right through that whole chapter. I can't get over how pretty Astral is too. So don't give it up! If you do, you might find yourself being stalked. :lol:

Aw, do you really like it that much?  That's so good to hear :)  You've made my day, you really have.  I wouldn't give the story up, though, I would just stop telling it here.  I'll still be telling it on my blog.  I like it too much myself to give up.  But, we'll give it some more time and see how it does.   I don't think it really appeals to that many people.

I like hearing who everyone's favorite characters are.  I get a kick out of that.  Poor Claymore doesn't have too many rooting for him, but someone has to the terminal screwup, right?

It might take a bit for people to catch on to it.
There are sooo many stories on the site right now, with legacies and whatever, sometimes I forget to comment on all the ones I read myself.

See! Lurkers. I bet lots of people used to play D and D, too. They just won't admit it. I would get ripped at work if I confessed to my geeky past, but sometimes I just want to dust off my old half-elven ranger (yep, I had one too, but mine was black and had a bear follower) and play a game with some beers. It can't be just me!

You're probably right, steelguy.  I'll give it some more time.  It actually took BL&D quite awhile to catch on and I nearly pulled it a couple of times.  

Rachel - I think there really are more geeks out there than they admit.  I am not ashamed.  I am proud to be a geek.:geek:  In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I can't bear to part with all my dice and books.  I have nearly every book from the AD&D 2nd Edition from when I played in the late '80's.  They no longer make dice like I have, with sharp points like gems.  And I don't share them with my kids, lol.

Oh, I played D&D.
Sort of, anyway. We had a DM who hated the D&D rules and kept fiddling with 'em. It was a fairly loose kind of game. One of my favorite characters was a nerdy, weaselly thief/mage.

I think most DMs are like that.  Ours was too, to a point.  His favorite thing to do would be to roll dice at random times and make oohs and ahhs over it, then not tell us what they it for, lol.

A mage was something I could never really identify with.  I much preferred being a warrior of some sort because I liked to get up in the front and kick the snot out of things.  Maybe I have some repressed anger issues - hmm...

I really do like it, Astral. It's like a cross between NCIS (which I've never actually watched >.<) and Firefly, set in a medieval theme? Well, that's how I see it anyway. :lol: Yep, I'm weird.

I'll admit to being a complete English geek. If someone spells something wrong or writes a grammatically incorrect sentence, be prepared for the wraith of me. Mwahaha.

Oh yes, the random dice-throwing.
A favorite DM catchphrase from that time. "You're walking along the road, when suddenly..." (rattlerattlethrow) "... nothing happens!"

Yeah, planning would have been good. :)

A good DM totally makes a game, but they're so hard to find. And sometimes you get one who makes his stories so impossibly difficult that you all die, which defeats the point. I remember my cousin putting level 1 characters against first a medusa (against the odds, they beat her), and then a dragon (against the odds, it failed it's save vs petrification and petrified against the medusa head). To be fair, that was so ridiculous I still laugh to this day...

Aw, thanks so much, Disco!

Steelguy - yep - ours did that and other things like it.  And it wasn't just the random encounter he would be rolling for, either - he just liked to make us sweat a little!

Rachel - we were lucky to have an awesome DM for our group.  But he got tired of being the DM and wanted to play.  Three of the other players tried to run the game - but it didn't go so well.  One of them did like yours - made the campaign ridiculously difficult, one got knots in her stomach everytime and had to quit because it was making her a nervous wreck.  The other was my ex-husband - who had a lot of good ideas, but tended to make some things too hard and some too easy, and just didn't have that DM 'air' about him - you know?  That ability to rule over all of as like a god, lol.

Update!  Yay!  OK Clay is too cute and a dumb brute I just love him!  I agree with him on the albino treerats not being good eats!
The skeletons are so cool they are going require a special technique to fight...hmm..they need a dog  Where's Tim's dog?  Maybe he can give them a hand?
 
Love this!  update soon!

muahahaha! i've finally put together my elf-simmie! (plus my BFF XD)
 

lol, i just had to write a little ministory XD if you know your gemstones, you can probably guess what the name of Lazuli's sister is. i might put them up for download too, but i'll have to wait and see if i actually squeeze any extra time >.>

LOL, Vicki!  Bones would be able to rip those skeletons apart, wouldn't he?

2B - you're right about the blunt weapons being better against skeletons, but I'm not sure yet how picky I'm going to get about the details.  Claymore is definitely a noob - and he shows more of his lack of knowledge in the third part.  Thanks for your comments.  I was too hasty when I was thinking of pulling it.  I'll keep it here. :)

Terri -  :jaw:  Your elves are gorgeous!  And holy crap look at those beautiful pictures!  Dude, you seriously need to create a thread and start this story!  It has tons of potential.  And what a lovely writer you are.  I'm hooked already.  There will be more, right?:pray:

oh my xterrie your elves are so pretty I second that idea of you doing a story!

Would her sister's name be Lapis?

Astral: well, i did enjoy putting the pics together. maybe i will start a story, the chapter updates would be slow though. but maybe ;)
 
vicky: thanks! i love using Enayla's skins and eyes, all of my elves' skins are by her
 
Astral *again*: BINGO! WE HAVE A WINNER! :happy2: Lapis Lazuli is one of my mom's favorite stones, and i guess she just passed it down to me :shh:

ack, double post! but i can't help it, it's a "heads-up":
 
i can't upload my simmies or start the story, my computer just crashed :(

I'm sorry to hear about your computer, Terri. 

Alright, I'm lazy.  My new chapter is 83 pictures long, and I just don't want to post them all.  It took me two days to get this chapter completed and posted to my blog.  So if you'd like to follow this story, feel free to read it on my blog and leave comments either there or here - your preference.  I value your support, and am thrilled for those who want to read (even without commenting).

(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/JondakIrnaxxian/advanced.jpg)


The Weekend Warriors Chronicles - Piles of Bones - Chapter 3

http://ragtagmisfits.blogspot.com/2008/12/weekend-warriors-chronicles-piles-of.html (http://ragtagmisfits.blogspot.com/2008/12/weekend-warriors-chronicles-piles-of.html)

Thank you, 2B.  Just trying to simplify my life a little bit.  I've been way burned out lately.  Thanks for your comments!

Great stuff, as usual.

Veering off-topic: I can relate somewhat to the burned-out feeling.
Work on various stories and books of mine (Some of which, for the fans at home, have been on the drawing boards for 2+ years.) leave me with a very similar feeling.

Veering really off-topic: This story (and the following comments) recently gave me ideas for (one more) story idea.
Basically, it's a small group of friends playing D&D, and the story itself will most likely be an account of their overall game experience, both in-character and out.

Thanks, RJ!

I sooo hear ya!  I, also, have a novel set aside just collecting dust.  My New Year's Resolution is to edit/polish/and try to submit it.  I just started working on it yesterday, and was dismayed to find out I actually wrote it 3 years ago!

Your new story idea sounds interesting.  I'm glad I inspired you. :D  Will this be a sims story?

It is gonna be a Sims story. Now to pencil it in for posting sometime after I get a title for my 1st project (My 2+ year Chinese Democracy) and a few chapters of it are up here.

On the book topic, I have quite a few of them in the planning stages. Their content is something I'm not at liberty to discuss here.