puppetry of the PC

The fading sun cast long shadows over the form of Thorn. The shadow of her bow stretched before her, like a ghostly finger pointing towards the town of Odeari. She had heard tales of the festival of Bambean and was already counting the coins that her performance would bring her. But everything was so quiet, as if the town was holding it's breath, hiding in wait. Stepping into the inn, she spied several mugs of ale, recently abandoned and cards fluttering to the floor. Pouring herself an ale, she contemplated the situation and began to investigate the inn. She felt as if there were eyes everywhere, following her every movement. A cold feeling began to build in her gut as she started back downstairs. A clattering spun her around, dagger at the ready, fear creeping up her back. But it was only a fallen mug, spilling ale upon the floor....ale which showed a set of tiny foot prints leading outside. Pausing only long enough to clean the coins off of the tables she bolted for the doors, for the gate, for freedom.

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Odeari...the town that still haunts my dreams. We had just heard of the disappearance of the people from the theater and had stepped out to investigate. It seemed that Ezra had decided to send us some assistance. In the square stood another entertainer, a lady of some obvious breeding, looking concerned and startled. We introduced ourselves and tried to understand why this person had not been taken like the others. When we found that she had recently arrived in town and was willing to assist us we asked her to follow us. Being ever aware that the agents of evil could exist in the most pleasing forms I endeavored to look into her soul. I could sense no corruption within her and gave the matter no more thought, although I had a terrible feeling that she would not be with us for very long.

As we entered the theater, we saw Gisepi, the toy maker sitting upon the stage. As we appeared he screamed 'Stop them' and ran from us. And then we saw the terror that still haunts me. From under benches and behind curtains came a swarm of dolls. Yes dolls. Wooden puppets that were controlled by the hand of no man. Wielding wickedly sharp pointy needles they screamed and charged at us. I must admit that my courage faltered and I stood dumbfounded but I was not the only one effected. Poor Kelios lost her mind and ran into the side of the building. It was a miracle that she did not knock herself cold. Bernard summoned the mists themselves to protect us from the puppets flying needles. We started to swat at the puppets as Bernard yelled for us to retreat. Kelios must have seen some opportunity, for she charged into the mist, perhaps it was the hideous noise that growl at us from the mist. Through the mist I heard the voice of Thorn, and my blood started to burn...I could feel a rage build up within me. I kept fighting, backing towards the door, while the rage built within me. We were almost out when I heard Kelios cry for help. I blundered through the mists until I found her, covered with puppets, pins sticking out of her limbs. I hefted her over my shoulder and rushed her out of the building. Bernard also emerged from the mists and we were all clear, except for the constable. We heard the door shut and rushed back towards the door to help him. As we slammed open the door we heard some of the evil constructs crash against the door, hopefully shattering into many pieces. The grateful constable limped out of the theater and we exited immediately.

We stood in the town square and caught our breaths. We were safe for the moment, but knew that we must do something to eradicate this evil from the town. But to fight such an evil one must have the proper weapons. We decided to retrieve our weapons and regroup back at the inn. Kelios and myself followed the constable back to the jail to retrieve our weapons. As I was once again admiring the mighty hammer of lord Dorvin I heard a high pitched evil laughter behind me. I turned to see Kelios and the constable closing the door, surrounded by dozens of the evil creations. I stood dumbfounded, my will for survival fighting with my desire to save my companions. The decision was made for me as I felt the sharp chilling touch of the puppets evil needles rush over my body. I turned to see them standing behind me, their needles flashing in the light as they clambered over me. Darkness settled upon me. The evil had taken me.

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The door to the jail burst open and Peotr and Bernard flew inside. They slammed the door shut and crashed the bar into place. 'That family is cursed', spat Bernard, 'Tyro and Kelios just tried to kill us'. 'Thorn is missing, they must have gotten her.' Peotr slurred, obviously near exhaustion. The two quickly set to barring themselves in, searching for any hole small enough to admit a puppet and covering them. Peotr was searching the attic when he heard movement. He pushed aside a box to gaze in horror at Filipi, wielding a wicked grin and a gleaming straight razor. Peotr retreated down the stairs as Bernard charged to help him. Flame was conjured from the air and clubs beat against lacquered wood. Needles flew from tiny hands as a straight razor drew crimson arcs through the air. Peotr fell to the floor as the evil chill over came him. Bernard reached for Filipi only to find that his feet were rooted to the floor. He swatted at the grinning, wooden devils as they climbed up his legs, needles glinting in with terrible promise. A needle flashed in the lamp light. An arm quivered and refused to move. A hero fell. An evil laughter sailed through the night sky.

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Light played with my eyes and I slowly awoke. All I could see around me were bars...as if I was imprisoned in the sky. My senses settled and I realized that I was suspended in a cage, yards off of the ground. It was if I was some sort of bird, being displayed for the world to see. And watching me was....me. A giant of a man stared back at me with my own eyes, although I could see an evilness lurking behind them. I...he laughed and with a gesture to my other giant companions, they walked out of the room. Looking around I could see other cages hanging from the ceiling, with more puppets moving around in them. The more I looked at the hanging puppets, the more I felt that I knew them. As the morning sun breaks through the night fog so did comprehension come to me. Those were not giants, but merely our bodies! We had been trapped within the bodies of the puppets!

The dream was coming true...it made me fear for the future.