THE STADIUM OF MALAGRUEL

Difficulty: 4/5

Quest Type: Combat

Adventurers involved: Leth, Jack (courtesy of Kasei), Sabertache, and Orpheous.

Length: 10 checkpoints, 5 stages, expected 5-10 pages.

Assisting Hero: Liberator (Level 13 Human Order Vassal)

What has happened so far: (to be filled in as Quest progresses)

------------



Stage 1: Reaching Korngard Village

Thursday, March 13, 1988. 2:00 PM. 2 days since departure.


The day was at its pride. On horseback even, that seemed better timing than at least Liberator had previously anticipated. There was still even time to reach Korngard, find out where the Stadium was within the day if they continued at this rate... although if the city was as terrifying and dark as rumours claimed, the horses would only slow them down... and such fine steeds would be a waste to kill off if there were enemies waiting for them inside...

Pleased, they found the city that the guild master had mentioned earlier off to their right off the road - the village of Arcturus. Perhaps there would be a bit of information to learn here before you came to the city... but they had to be hasty. There was much to do in the few hours they had.

"A nice bit of welcome before things gets tough, eh?" Liberator remarked with a crooked smile. "Nice place. I'm glad Malagruel hasn't ramshackle Arcturus yet as he did to Korngard." He smirked. "I haven't been around here for a long time. I had only just graduated when I'd first heard of these places... it's strange, how towns like this haven't really been heard of by the common folk of North Castle... in school, it could even be trivial if you're not a Guild pupil..." his eyes darkened... "Perhaps that's why Malagruel targeted them..."

The city was still about a quarter mile off when they saw a small tent of entertainers and fools were juggling and jumping acrobatically in elaborate, swinging motions for three fellows sitting, laughing at their , who themselves seemed to be the travelers. Your fellow vassal's eyebrows rose in amusement. "Well, now you can understand why the troupes gather in this small area so often. This is where they stay. Less bustling, out in the middle of nowhere, but not too far from anywhere... people pass by around here... It's nice for them."

He approached the tent as the act came to a close. Their full attention was suddenly on the unusually contrasting group of strangers: the massive, heavily-armed vassal; the ranger; the nomad; the mysteriously masked gentleman; and the cloaked scribe - all coming to greet them.

One of them men who was sitting beside the tent, clearly with the troupe, staring at them from beneath a risen eyebrow of either irritation, amusement, or curiosity, spoke up first: "May we help y-" he didn't finished as suddenly both eyebrows rose, recognizing the tall vassal. "I'll be! Liberator!"

"Gorman!" he replied with a smile. Clearly they were friends who hadn't seen each other since Liberator was here last...

Gorman got up, and walked over. "How long has it been now, old friend?"

"Not since things were getting bad against Ganon, when he was beginning his threats to capture the princess."

"Link hadn't even shown yet! Ages ago! What brings you?..."

The Hero coughed. "We need to find the Stadium of Malagruel. Could you help us out?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC7VbHvxfXE

(OOC: Let me know right away if the music starts getting on your nerves)

Gorman's eyes widened, and behind him his group exchanged glances in worry. "... You intent to..." he looked to his left, down the road, where Korngard was under a shade of some sort... a shadow without clouds... "How are you going to find it? No one knows where it is... or dare find out..."

He seemed to know the answer to his question, so Liberator continued, his tone lowering. "How much can you tell us about Korngard..."

Gorman's eyes darkened. "More than I dare share with you. No tale to be told by an entertainer by myself... I make people laugh, not cower in fear..."

"We're Heroes. Tales don't scare us, true or not."

Gorman rudely made a glance behind his old friend at Sabertache, and snorted. "Heroes? The lot of you?" (OOC: No offense. Just working from what you said in the Guild...).

Liberator smirked, though it was forced and without entire kindness. "The lot of us," he assured, masking of irritation and defensiveness in his tone.

"Eh..." Gorman didn't seem convinced, but he continued anyway. "Well, take a seat."

"We're in a rush. We're hoping to figure out what's going on before sundown."

Gorman chuckled. "Well, you're going to be disappointed. It's always night around those parts... You can go 'round there on the brightest, sunniest day ever, and you'll feel like at any moment it'll start raining, or a ghost will come to jump at ya... Get all paranoid..." He glanced behind him. His friends were trying to continue what they were doing despite what he was saying. So he muttered in an undertone for only the Heroes to hear, "Come with me..."



They sat in Gorman's tent, in comfortable, expensive chairs. He went over to his little kitchen area, and asked kindly, "Want anything to drink?"

"Thank you, no," replied Liberator. The Heroes made their answers, and he returned with the mugs, and sat down across from the gathered audience. He turned on enough lights to see, and feel slightly peaceful, but... an eerie story-telling wasn't the least of their worries once they entered Korngard... so the darkness and light dancing across his face from the dim glow of the lamp he had set down was likely the least of their fears to come.

He took a drink of Lon Lon Milk, and continued. "I live in Arcturus now... but I didn't always. I used to live in that damnation of a haunted gathering place of Nayru herself knows what. Ghosts, more than likely. But... Malagruel captured it for a reason... no, friends, he didn't just capture the city for the sake of having soldiers. They came... silent and eerily, come midnight. They were likely waiting over beds in the barracks and in homes before the clock struck twelve... but it struck... and the screams you heard... I was staying at an inn... third floor. They massed in the first and second floors... I... I didn't have my house key, so I couldn't get home, so I stayed there... I can promise you someone died of fear the moment the screams were heard. They came... I hid, crappin' myself in fear, whimpering... I looked for an area to escape...

His eyes were glowing now... the fire of the lamp reflecting an image in his eyes... "... From there, it was fightin'. Monsters, I guessed they were those Exile scrum... But they were different somehow. I knew then, but... I don't know. All I remember through the fear of death was that they were different..." he closed his eyes, struggling to continue. The light from didn't seem to exist, yet it was clearly not even 3:00 yet... "... Anyhow, they came, and the soldiers fought. They got the refugees out through a pass, not risking the gate... We booked it, making for Arcturus. We looked back... it was all on fire... we all know that those of us who weren't with us were dead.... or worse...

"You see, it wasn't for another few days, while we were all still recovering from our terror, that we learned who - or what - Malagruel was... He takes his prisoners, and makes them into his own warriors... corrosive, terrible monsters... We feared the worst for Arcturus, but none ever appeared. We waited a week... then another... and they stayed back."

"Yes, I remember that..." Liberator put in, unexpectedly, but evenly. "I remember seeing the Quest Card for protecting Arcturus from possible invaders, and one of us went... and none showed up."

"Indeed. We were all relieved. Most of us are sure that it was over, including me... but those screams... I can't believe it's only been a few weeks since..." his voice trailed off...

"Well, I'm sorry Gorman, but in order to save your friends, and kill this savage, keeping the threat away from Arcturus Village, we must first defeat him. No one knows where it is... the only way to find out is in Korngard..." Liberator's determined eyes were fiery. He was as eager to free them before anything worse happened...

Noticing this, Gorman became worried. "... You're brave. I only hope that those who join you are just as brave... and will get out of it alive... although in this case, the two don't exactly work hand in hand... it's certain death, Liberator, even for you. The only man I think capable of completing this quest is Link... and he's not exactly available for this... this is the least of Hyrule's worries..." his voice lowered and deepened as he spoke the last part.

Liberator's voice rumbled in the darkness, almost sounding menacing. "Gorman... tell us how to get into Korngard. There has to be some way."

Gorman noticed the determination, or confidence, in enough of the Heroes' eyes to reluctantly continue. "... This is how I've heard it worked: Malagruel's mastered the art that Ganondorf was able to tame back in the time of the Imprisoning War. He made monsters out of human beings, according to the darkness in their hearts... This barbarian dark-artist has now gone to the next level - he is able to find the dark side within those who have been defeated, and cling to it as they transfer from Hyrulean to beast... But the elder of the village... Asgarith... none could see evil in his heart. A sage, nomadic wiseman - one of those groups of guides for you Heroes. You can be sure he's dead... but he loved to wander outside the bustle of the city, to have peace of mind, I guess... that's where he'll be now... but he's dead. They're all dead or corrupt. He'll be unharmed, I can assure you... find him outside of Korngard... he'll get you inside, I'll wager...

"... But his soul isn't the only one that wanders the fields... be warned... poes are most common... but at times when you don't see them coming, ReDeads appear... You have to be careful of them. You'll hear their humming... just watch for Asgarith... he'll show himself..."

A stroke of wind blew at the tent, making it move... Gorman joined in the shudder. "I swear, you had better have as much bravery as Link himself if you even hope of surviving, Heroes..."

Liberator was almost unmoved. "I suppose it's been a bit too long, Gorman... you seem to forget that I'm better than anything they send at me."

Gorman didn't try to protest. "Well, I should hope you know what you're walking into..."

"All we need are some clues about how to get to the Stadium."

"Alright. My greatest fear, though..." Gorman closed his eyes, suddenly staring at the adventurers one by one in fear... "... is that any one of you could die... and could be used as the very creature that will lead his armies against Hyrule..."

Liberator's eyes flared, but otherwise he didn't show any sign of further fear. "That won't happen." And with that, he rose to his feet, and headed outside. At the flap of the tent, he turned, and smiled to Gorman. "Thanks for the scary story and the courtesy. And keep the horses" And with that, he departed, knowing his company was behind him outside.

"Well..." he said at last, staring at the bright sun, which seemed suddenly seemed more bright than he remembered it being, "We could go check out Arcturus and get ready, or we could head straight for Korngard now while it's still daytime. It'll be harder to go through during the night, and I'll make sure you all live to see Malagruel die, okay? But it's your call."

OOC: THERE WE GO! OUR FIRST QUEST IS UNDER WAY! WHAT DO YOU THINK?! ... Sorry about the length of it... ... It's a good read, just read it through, don't ask me to sum it up... I put a lot of work and hours into writing all that... ^^

Well, good luck. And don't panic, lol. This first stage isn't half as hard as Gorman makes it sound like... memories of that terrible night just haunt him... >>...

Leth sat impassively through Gorman's story, not uttering a word. Anyone watching him would think him fearless, and usually that holds true; he taught himself not to fear a long time ago. He could practically hear his old master's voice... The only thing to fear is fear itself. Yes, Leth was normally not afraid... normally. He is better at hiding his fear than he is at not being afraid, and today that old dusty feeling came creeping back, seeping into his bones and turning his blood cold. But he did not show it. He only sat there and listened to Gormon. When he had finished his tale, he stood up with Liberator and walked outside the tent. He looked over in the direction of Korngard and saw the shadow of darkness that hung over it like a twisted black veil... he looked at it for a few moments, as if sizing up an opponent. He looked at it, and stared it down. He straightened his back and breathed deeply, as if making an important decision. He pushed that awful stench of fear back down and looked at Korngard.

And he was not afraid.

"Let's get this over with."

Leth was not the only one who listened through the story. The whole time, Jack stood silent, doing his best to supress his powers from injuring his allies. He was largely silent during the talk, but gave a small, almost unnoticable twitch when Link was mentioned. At the end of it, he was patiently waiting for orders. The Darkness was indeed thick, but he would not be afraid of that.

"I think that all among us are prepared enough if we agreed to this. If not, then why bother coming at all? We shoulld go to Korngard now, and strike down Malagruel as swiftly as possible." He said, in his eerie voice.

Saber's lip was bleeding, pierced by his own teeth. This seemed a far more complicated affair than he had originally thought. He had been hoping it wouldn't be much more difficult than breaking a few locks and sneaking around...then again, his companions didn't all seem built for sneaking around. What really scared him, however, was the thought of having to fight the beast version of Liberator...

He needed the reward. No doubt about that. Chances are he wouldn't be doing much living if he left now and didn't gain a little weight in his purse. He was between a rock and a harder rock...which really only left him one choice.

"I think...we ought to take some time to prepare. You can't be too careful. Not to mention that if we take some of this information into account, we may be able to think of a way to pull this job off easier."

Orpheous actually accepted Gormon's offer and took a seat. Or rather, muttered a few words and a chair appeared beneath him, sturdy and wooden. He tipped it back, seated and balancing the blasted thing to stand on it's two legs, listening to the story. His cloak, much like it had in the rest of their journey, shaded his face.

However, by the way he carried himself, or rather, held himself as he sat, his body language not only portrayed that he was pensive of this quest, but he was also rather solemn on hearing such a tragic and horrific story. He too departed from the tent with his group as well.

Looking in the direction of Korngard, he said some of the few words he mentioned since they began this effort.

"Saber's right," he spoke clearly, not like his muttering earlier to bring forth a chair. He waited a moment longer, making sure he had the ears of the group around him. "We need to take the time to prepare ourselves. We can't rush this, or we might just botch this chance. Carefulness will keep us all alive. Don't get me wrong, I do care deeply about all of your lives, - HOWEVER, if any of you somehow come under the control of Malagruel, I will not hesitate to use whatever force necessary to prevent you from hindering or harming me. And, I would literally, not sarcastically, HATE to do that." He waited a bit longer.

"SO, we need to plan this, although I suppose we can only plan so much, seeing how we don't even know how to get into Korngard, and we know very little of what to expect. Let's do as we can to make sure we're as safe as can be, then continue with our quest. Although, personally, I find myself ready to advance and find the spirit of this Asgarith fellow. So, to answer the Liberator's question, yes, I am ready to proceed now. Also, as a side note, perhaps the cover of night might give us the opportunity we need to get into Korngard. Waiting might not be too bad of an idea. This is an example of the kind of strategy we could think over now," finished the cloaked scribe.

OOC: Hey Saber! Haven't seen you since you signed on for the quest! Welcome back!

IC: Liberator crossed his arms, listening to what each had to say. Occassionally he nodded, and glanced between the two cities, weighing his own opinion with the adventurers. Finally, as Orpheous finished, after a short silence, he decided, "Fine. There's no use in standing around. Every moment that passes, Malagruel is bringing harm to innocent people, and at any time he could be satisfied with them and send an attack somewhere in Hyrule, bringing more harm to the people... We can't wait around. Sorry Saber..." he began the walk towards the ominous ghost town in the distance, while still speaking: "but if you think about it, Malagruel would need to have some sort of antidote somewhere, in case he was beaten at his own game somehow (which hopefully we find out...). If we can find that somewhere in Korngard, then I think we'll do well. If we don't find such a thing, then..." his voice faded before coming back with its usual boldness: "Then we'll find some other way to keep from killing each other. No matter what though I made a promise to see you all on the other side, and I plan to keep it that way.

"Korngard it is then. Let's go. And stay on your guard... we're about to enter a town full of surprises..."


The adventurers plodded on, leaving Gorman's tent and Arcturus Village behind them. A cool late-winter breeze met them as they neared the ever-appearing fog, which seemed to have not been there only a short while ago. Liberator shuddered as the breeze seemed to seep into his bones, and goosebumps twitched all over his arms as they at last were surrounded by silent, watchful fog, refusing to spin like gusts of dirt even as the cold wind breathed through. "Be silent... don't breathe a word..." Liberator whispered. "Poes are everywhere, hiding in the fog, coming closer to us... drawing closer... don't let your guard down no matter what..."

Harsh, whisper-like moans echoed from the cloudy mist, but it was impossible even for Liberator to tell which way they were coming from... ReDeads... And the sound of clattering lanterns joined in the chorus... Poes... No dim light could be seen...

And still, Liberator's enormous sword and shield were still across his back, waiting to be drawn at any sudden whim...

Leth kept walking along the path in silence. He knew full well what dangers lay in the mist around them. He was determined to keep a steady head, so he did. He kept his mind busy by working out strategies for killing undead creatures. Poes were weak to arrows. And light. Well, THAT one wasn't too hard to figure out. Light arrows. It was the re-deads that concerned him. He knew that they were VERY resistant to any physical attack. They can take an arrow in the chest and keep walking. He was pretty sure the only thing that could really harm them was a melee weapon of some sort. He didn't know if his two little knives would be enough for that. I can take care of the Poes easily, but I'd better leave the re-deads to Liberator or Saber. But I suppose Orph or Jack could get the job done... I'm not sure how magic would affect them. He wanted to say something to them, but he knew that if he said anything it could call the enemy on them. So he continued to hold his bow in his hand, with an arrow on the string, ready to be drawn and fired at a moment's notice...

OOC: Yah poes could only be killed in OoT by arrows. And in windwaker you had to shine light on them. So light arrows should be something equivilant to instant KO. Right?

.... and according to RG, magic arrows do not cost any SPL, be it ice, fire or light.

OOC: ... I killed a Poe with a sword before... >.>...

... Oh wow, this is awesome XD. I'm listening to World Zelda Music Radio, and the ZREO shadow Temple theme comes up, which is the song I'm using for this . That's amazingly coincidental.

IC: Liberator was silent... He lowered his head, though still facing forward, to indicate a presence... they were getting nearer... he raised his sword hand, and tapped his fingers silently twice, then pointed two fingers in the fog...

two of them, drawing closer... sure enough, in the fog you heard the clatter of lanterns a little louder.

OOC Perfect timing yet again. I finish, and I get the Safe in a Cave fairy theme from Newgrounds >>... Wow, I'm glad that didn't come up during my IC part.

kk, Leth, I was expecting an awareness check or something, but I want a pace, or else this will take forever. Liberator did it for you . Now they're drawing closer. Be swift . The first taste of combat for the Stadium of Malagruel is only a post away now ^_^.

Leth finalized his decision. Light Arrows. He pulled back the arrow on his string, and closed his eyes, clearing his mind of all clutter. Suddenly the arrow burst with a colorful and bright light, illuminating the darkness around them (sorry for the god-mod, but that's what it would do) and revealing a few glowing lanterns in the darkness, held by vague shadowy forms. He aimed the golden arrow at the nearest poe and let loose the pure energy at it.

OOC: pretend this post came after kasei's.

Poes, eh? That is . . . new. Will my powers affect them? Jack contemplated, keeping to the paths. Redeads I can handle on my own, I suppose. My sword and my touch should be enough to freeze them.

He was absolutely silent as he walked, his rapier out and at the ready. He wasn't sure if it was his own powers or the cool air, but a chill went down his spine. When are they going to attack?

OOC: Aaaand i'm completely stumped as to what's going on!

Somehow, against his better judgment, Saber found himself heading out into the heart of the storm with little to no preparation with the rest of the quest's entourage. Perhaps he just hadn't felt like arguing; it was over now, and he was here.

The lanterns were all too familiar to him; when you spend a lot of time traveling, there are plenty of nights where the Poe's lights stand out, like sentries of the night. The mercenary drew his blade, holding it at the ready as he searched for one of the creatures' body to come in view.

OOC: You can indeed kill Poes with swords in many of the games.

OOC: Yeah Jim and I had this discussion and for some reason I was only thinking of the ten giant horseback poes in OoT. I don't know why.

OOC: It's time to do something I should have done months ago... >_>... Sorry if this sucks... We need to be carrying on. I've delayed because of the length of description, but I'm summarizing here, just so we can carry on into Korngard, and find out these clues .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC7VbHvxfXE

IC: Liberator turned and slayed two poes quickly. The other adventurers defeated the rest (OOC again, I'm quickenin the pace here... -sigh-). The fog veiled slightly once the immediate threat was neutralized, and a final poe approached, except it was walking on the ground. Before anyone moved, the Hero hissed for them to not attack. The figure was bearded, and had a staff like a shepherd's cane, with a poe lantern dangling with a jangling sound that was very quiet...

"Greetings, Heroes. My name is Asgarith. I am the elder of Korngard. Please, come with me." Without another word, he lead the adventurers through the gray mist. The sound of ReDeads, other, more lethal poe-lanterns, heard through the veiled fog (through which some creatures could be visible... at one point Liberator and the others could even see a Stalfos, ready for whatever foe dares to enter through this place. Asgarith, completely oblivious to whatever emotions were being felt by the heroes, kept leading on, silent as the ghost he was. Liberator was ready for anything, though a part of him told him they would be safe.

Finally, the soft voice of Asgarith came back to them: "I am leading you to the secret entrance of the village, though a very small crack in the city. I trust you will not be confronted by enemy more enemies quite yet, but I would not assume that they are not within the city at all if I were you. On the contrary, they are very many within. However, I am confident that you will be wise enough to keep a low profile and explore your surrounding. And furthermore, not everything is as it seems when it really comes down to it.

They reached the crack without another battle. The crack was small, but just big enough for the heavily armoured Liberator and his comrades to just fit through.

"Thank you for your guidance, Asgarith the wise. I shall not forget."

"Don't thank me until Malagruel is dead, kind hero. You may yet meet your end before them, and serve nothing more than to become another specter such as myself." He added the last bit with a ghastly chuckle. "Now please, go inside, and Don't forget to know when to trust what is happening, and when to not" With that, he turned, and disappeared to where he came, into the haunting mist of horrors.

"Alright, team, let's move in," Liberator lead the way slowly, and looked around...

The city was truly a ghost down. Here and there, poes wandered, but it would be easy to move around unnoticed if one remained in the shadows...

As they wandered around, there were seven key areas that hinted to anything that might give them a lead:

The Mayors office; a warehouse; the steps (leading up to the city wall, which were currently empty of of wandering redeads, who moaned in their grief of living death as they mindlessly guarded their posts); the Marketplace and the armoury; the granary; the barracks (which was covered with blood all along the street); and the inn, which stunk of the dead.

Liberator sighed contently and turned to his allies. "This doesn't look good. I think we should slip up and scout this area out, and see if we can't find out what happened here, and give us a lead on where exactly the stadium is... and make sure we aren't being followed! Stay low.


OOC: If ANYONE says anything along the lines of "Now how hard was that?" I will have Liberator personally kill you, or have a swarm of Poes and Stalfos Knights come and devour your soul. Again, I'm sorry. For now, I'm tired of stats, but I want to make this event exciting nonetheless. Much will depend on what you choose to do, but I don't want this to become a cheesy event. And this next bit will involve traversing through the city, finding clues. And remember, you aren't godly here if you were before. An average ReDead, if it sees you, can kill you. So be careful.

"The mayor's house seems an important place to check." Leth whispered. "If anyone were to attack a city, the most critical place to attack would be the area of leadership... I'll check there first."

Leth glanced around the corner of the building he was hiding behind.

"However... I don't see an easy way in there besides the obvious front door. I need a closer look." So saying, he pulled a grappling hook from his pouch at his side and threw the rope up, snagging it and giving a sturdy way for him to scale the wall. When he reached the roof, he pulled his dark ranger's cloak around him and, against the black of the night, he was very hard to make out. He then carefully proceeded along the rooftops -being careful with his footing- towards the mayors house. Once he was close, he looked around intently for any sign of a secondary entrance (awareness check)