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Writer: Maccus
Date Tue Apr 23 15:50:39 2019
To Rasavadi Eclipse Shadow Verminasia All Cayenna Ampersand RP Religion
Subject Lost City: The Cold march
Cold. It seeped into his bones and he hated it. Tightening the dark
blue cloak tighter about his body he marched in line with the others. The
screams and wails of the nighttime creatures stirred about as they continued
their way towards Eastwatch. None dared speak along the route, for even as
warm as they tried to make themselves, they still felt frozen. With a
shout, several people up ahead called for the formation to halt and prep to
camp for the eve.
He closed his eyes, preparing his tent in the snow, and while he watched he
could feel something watching him. With a small curse he looked around near
the others who had gathered around him. A couple Humans, Yinn and a
Minotaur. No one dared speak still, one preparing a small fire like the
rest, and another preparing enough stew for everyone to have a small bowl.
Yet the cold was still there, ever waiting, watching. Seeping into what was
always his pleasant warmth. One day left, he silently reminded himself.
One day till the encampment.
Writer: Raimbaut
Date Tue Apr 23 16:49:27 2019
Writer: Scribpog
Date Wed Apr 24 18:38:14 2019
To All imm rp Kilvin
Subject Scribpog's last words to the Del'nichi
Guards slowly patrolled the statue covered section of the coliseum as
Scribpog snuck through doing his best to go unseen. He planted himself
against the statue of Dxutim and pulled out a copy of the Broken Parrot.
Scribpop kept his eyes on the paper within his hands. Each page of the news
spoke of the troubles that plagued the lands and the small victories that
Althainia had claimed. The flowers that grew within the garden, and the
trash that some janitor planted so he could keep his job.
Scribpog grunted and licked his finger to turn the page. The page was full
of great news to the bugbear, an article about himself being the sexiest
goblin to run Algoron and an award of fifty thousand eggs to the first woman
who could finally get him in front of the judge and make settle down.
Scribpog scrunched his nose and strained his body as he turned the page
again. This page talked about how well Maccus was loved and how badly the
world couldn't wait to hear another of his preachings. Scribpog nodded in
agreement with what he had read. Everyone loved Maccus' prattling.
Scribpog stood from his paper and ripped a part of the front page, his eyes
closing with the course feel before it fell to the floor. A moment later a
guard noticed him and began to barrel toward him. Scribpog dashed toward
the entrance as a squish rang out behind him, followed by the sound of a
sliding boot and a guard falling down with a thud. Scribpog cackled as he
made his way out into the busy night life of Althainia.
Writer: Vasura
Date Thu Apr 25 10:10:31 2019
Writer: Vailith
Date Thu Apr 25 11:54:06 2019
Writer: Rasavadi
Date Thu Apr 25 19:34:42 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse All Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna
Subject Lost City - Honor, Valor, Pride (1)
Cold, he should be largely immune to it, but loosing his fur along with
the protective gel lining of his armor seemed to amplify it. Rasavadi dug
through his saddle bags hoping for a glow stick. A magically enchanted coal
designed to provide heat upon holding, and found furs. Massive quantity of
furs.
Looking up he found his sister, Eclipse's Guardian, tending to the wounded
from the small skirmishes that plagued their travels. Alongside her were
two of the new recruits Maccus and Donimas aiding in her endeavors. Both
were veterans to field combat, but each typically a lone wolf. They did
well, and got more cohesive with each contest, but they still had much to
learn.
Would they have time to learn? That was the million egg prize, did any of
them have time to learn.
Rasavadi bundled up in his furs, shot Tamaska a faked glare, and continued
riding.
------------------------
The encampment had grown considerably more fortified since his last visit.
The fact that a year had passed since any real involvement with those
fortifying it weighed heavily upon his thoughts, and shame filled him.
"I have become All that I hate in this world. Complacent, discouraged,
weak."
Yells could be heard from the sentries, "The Highlord has arived! "
"Highlord indeed. I've let us become what killed us the first time."
-----------------------
Looking around he found what he was looking for. His Keeper was walking
toward them. Most would look upon her and see nothing but youth and beauty,
as they always did upon looking upon All of elven blood except the most
ancient, but he could see it in her eyes. A certain weariness that only
came to those who have seen too much, an expression he would add to in the
coming offensive.
"Guardian, Keeper, round up those living. New and old, we have business to
attend to!" He bellowed. Not missing a beat Nymaya turned on her heel and
Tamaska spurred her mount. Simultaneously they both yelled, "Eclipse.
Report to the burial grounds! "
Writer: Rasavadi
Date Thu Apr 25 22:02:44 2019
Writer: Rasavadi
Date Thu Apr 25 22:02:50 2019
Writer: Maccus
Date Fri Apr 26 05:30:25 2019
To Eclipse Shadow Verminasia All RP Religon Cayenna Ampersand
Subject Lost City: Skirmish and arrival
Wights... It was always Wights. Maccus drew has hammer and sword,
charging toward the rear of the formation with several others running
alongside him. Without hesitation he bashed into the first wight he saw,
knocking it down and away from one of the caravan drivers. He exhaled a
moment, bringing his hammer down with All his might to the wight's head
which in turn yielded to Maccus a very satisfying crunch. He looked up and
snarled, watching another wight injure one of those who had ran with him and
swung at Maccus. He looked up and snarled, watching another wight injure
one of those who had ran with him and swung at Maccus. Dragging his weapons
up in time to parry off a would be blow to his shoulder. He parried several
more quick blows, each one hitting into his sword or hammer. Finally he saw
his chance, dragging his sword along the wight's arm, cutting through it
like softened butter and clean off its shoulder before kicking at its chest,
knocking it clear down. Walking toward the wight he swung his hammer down
again as he did the first time and the satisfying crunch could be heard once
more. The small skirmish raged a little longer, the forces of Eclipse were
seasoned in this now, ready for the attack as they cleanly chopped down the
remaining wight's.
-----------------------------
Finally they had arrived the encampment. He watched closely as they
marched, noting faces new and old. He stretched and turned, watching those
that he could. The encampment was large, seeming more a fort than simply an
encampment to him. He noted several paths out of the encampment, pondering
which one would lead him to his goal. He waited as well, listening for his
next command when he heard the Keeper and Guardian yell in unison, 'Eclipse.
Report to the Burial Grounds! '
With a turn those of Eclipse, including himself and Donimas marched to the
Burial grounds. He spotted Drapinamina moving with them, making a note to
himself to speak with her once the time came.
Writer: Ithelim
Date Fri Apr 26 16:17:27 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse Vincent Nehtur All Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna
Subject Lost City - Eastdrift to Shimmermist Departure
Ithelim stowed the last of his gourds into his cloak and grinned. He had
enough ammunition to take on an entire army. He has spent the entire day
brewing his potions, flipping pages from his book of recipe's one after
another. A pungent cloud permeated the area around his cauldron, slightly
obscuring it with brackish swirls of smoke. Needless to say, the area
around his cauldron had long been avoided by the others in the camp.
As darkness began to fall, Ithelim returned to his tent to finish packing
the essentials that would be needed. Rations, assorted adventuring gear,
and last of all, a few bottles of wine, tucked carefully within his beld
roll, filled his satchel and pouches. Lastly, however, was the most
important item. Hung from around his neck and tucked deep within his silks
was the source of the shadow mage's power, the Umbral shard. Warmth
radiated from it, almost too much to bear. It had been a long decision to
bring the shard with him, but in the end he could not ingore the fact that
this shard and it's power would be a force in which to help bring back
Necrucifer. His essence permeated through the stone and into the world.
His realm sat just on the other side of the thinnest veil, ready to come
forth, and Ithelim believed this stone would help bring it to fruition.
Tucking the shard back into his silks he called out for Nadia and Marion.
At once they both slipped into his tent and saluted. With a salute back he
took in a deep breath.
"Tonight we leave for Shimmermist. You two will both be with me on this.
We don't know what is ahead of us. It could be Ghuls or Wights or something
completely different, we just don't know. So be careful. Stay alert.
Should you see something suspicious, call it out. Understood? " He
finished with a raised eyebrow and both supplicant's nodded.
"Alright. Get packed and meet me at the staging point in twenty minutes.
Make sure you bring both crates of ingrediants as well. I spent the day
brewing, but I want to make sure I can make some more if needed. Got All of
that? Good. Dismissed. " With a salute the supplicant's left the tent and
headed to their own to pack.
Now that that was over, he was ready to proceed. Grabbing a bottle of wine
he left his tent in search of Vincent and Nehtur.
Writer: Draphinamina
Date Sat Apr 27 23:40:33 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse All Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna
Subject Lost City: Assignments
The smell of death was All around her. The wights and undead in all
assorted shapes and sizes dogged their path and laid in wait for them at
every turn. Sometimes, she wished she had the nose of a human, then the
stink would not be such an ordeal to face day after day. She often wondered
if one could cut a corpse in such small pieces that it could not simply be
reanimated at the necromancer's next whim. But fight she would, until there
were none left.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
She recalled the talk she had with Maccus. Apparently she was being
reassigned to keep the path clear behind as their army advanced. As well,
she would need to help scout out likely places to set up bases. It was a
good use of her talents, yet she did have a concern for the well-being of
the Highlord. He was one of the few who had the ability to turn the dream
of Eclipse into a reality. The cause could not afford to lose him, and she
was one who would willing give her live to save his. But she would do as
she was asked and hope for the best.
Writer: Nehtur
Date Sun Apr 28 10:21:01 2019
Writer: Nehtur
Date Sun Apr 28 10:22:59 2019
Writer: Vyasa
Date Tue Apr 30 18:46:00 2019
Writer: Mercerion
Date Tue Apr 30 21:28:45 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to War: Provincial Preparation I.
All throughout the streets of the city, Mercerion could hear the calls
and orders of sergeants training new recruits. The nine provinces of
Althainia had been on high alert since Mercerion had announced the intent to
go to war with the Warp. It was shortly after the announcement, the Emperor
made plans to visit each province, setting up each province to prepare for a
defensive war, as well as train specific tactics and combat styles relevant
to the war.
In this province, the Gate had been constructed as a border with Abaddon, in
the event a conflict between the nations broke out. Now, this particular
province was a militant stronghold, and was charged with the preparation of
shock troops. These troops would be necessary in the war effort, and would
likely see heavy action on Tropica. They had to be ready, which is why the
Emperor came here first.
He had spent much of this week working on cavalry charges, tactical
movements, and individual combat. He had brought much of his combat
training with Gareth to bear with the troops. It was a good week. Good to
be among the soldiers, to serve alongside them again. He could tell morale
was up, and even now the soldiers took to their duties with a vigor that was
absent before his arrival.
As he departed the province known as Cadia, the Emperor turned his sights
upon the fourth province, Gryphonne. This province may hold the turning
point, and advantage that Althainia brings into battle against All its foes,
and it was his turn to meet them.
Mercerion shook hands with the Major, and mentioned that soon they would
receive additional aid in the way of a former General, whom would come to
continue the training he had started here. This man was a veteran, and he
would be just as good for training, as he was for morale. For now, the
Emperor was on his way again.
Writer: Cieran
Date Wed May 1 18:11:30 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to War: Preparations and Jubilations
"Again!!! ", Cieran's voice pierced the humid air as he rubbed the sweat
from his forehead with the back of his hand. The line of Cavalry set off at
a gallop, bearing down quickly on the row of pikemen standing at the ready.
The sounds of clashing metal could be heard shortly thereafter as Cieran
watched the troops drill on into the early evening hours. As Cieran walked
the line of skirmishing soldiers, he saw a familiar face dispatched to his
backside by one of the cavalry. The fallen soldier smiled up at his would
be attacker, laughter falling from his lips as he wallowed in the mud to
find his footing. Cieran strode over, smiling as he reached down to help
the man up, "Are you having a good time Adhain? " The soldier looked up
with a crooked smile, nodding sluggishly "Aye sir, he keeps besting me, but
I'll get it eventually. " Cieran noddded with a forced smile, "Aye, well as
long as you are having fun tis All that matters because your enemies", with
a blur, Cieran unsheathed a dagger at his hip, swiping it across the
private's cheek just deep enough to draw blood," will love watching you
laugh as they slit your throat!!! " Cieran released his grasp of the young
man, watching him fall back to the slop before turning to the rest of the
forces and shouting an angry halt. "You fools think this is some sort of
game?!? " "Do you know how many boys and girls I have seen murdered in the
trenches? I have lost count of the wives I have had to tell their husbands
died bravely!!! I shall make you lot look into the eyes of the orphaned
children as I explain their parents won't be coming back!!! " Cieran
levelled every eye he could see with a withering gaze before "Again, and get
it right!!! " fell from his lips.
Hours later, well past the sun setting beyond the horizon Cieran yelled a
halt for the final time as wagon loaded for bear rolled into the camp
center. "Better, much better everyone. I am almost impressed. ", his eyes
roamed the faces in turn before him as he spoke," Now, just as important as
it is to remember the cost war comes with, it is equally important to
remember... " Cieran turned to the wagon, lowering the lift gate suddenly
to reveal countless casks of ale and other assorted liquors. He reached his
hand into the back of the cart, pulling out a bottle of amber liquid and
uncorking it with his teeth, spitting it aside as he took a long pull.
"what it is you are fighting for!!! You are fighting for your home!!! For
your families!!! For your brothers and sisters in arms!!! If we are to
die, then we will die well!!! With a battle cry on our lips and a sword in
our hands!!! Drink up you curs and enjoy life lest you forget why we -must-
win!!! " Cieran laughed heartily as a cheer went up from the troops and
they surged forward, taking a deep breath and enjoying this moment, one he
had missed dearly.
Writer: Geirhart
Date Wed May 1 22:07:40 2019
To All Althainia Imm RP Religion Austinian
Subject Remembrance III
The old man and his grand son walked down the dirt road to the old
farmhouse. Memories flooded back from when he lived there with Juliana.
Sounds of children's laughter, her singing, and the music of a flute. He
smiled and ruffled his grandson's hair. They reached the faded green door
and he gave it a quick wrap of his knuckles.
'Hello? ' came a deep voice from within.
Geirhart winked at the lad and then in a very commanding voice replied,
'Open this door by command of the Steward of the Imperial Capitol of
Althainia! '
The door swung open and his son greeted him with a big hug and a wide smile.
Roderick had his gray eyes but Juliana's auburn hair. His skin was dark
from hours in the sun. They touched foreheads. The years of anger behind
them from when he had first left. They had reconciled last year and
Geirhart's spirits lightened.
'What brings the Steward of the Emprire to my humble home? ' asked
Roderick
'Well, I have a small bit of news concerning the World Games. ' he replied.
'The World Games? We saw a few well dressed Thalosians a while back. Quite
lost and looking to get to the Capitol. Don't tell me you were in them? '
'I was my boy! And All thanks to your mother. ' as he spoke, Geirhart
pulled out his silver medal to display.
'Talent show, I played the flute! Won second place! '
Roderick wiped a slight tear from his eye.
"Mom would have been so proud, Dad."
Geirhart smiled and nodded.
"So what is that amazing wife of yours cooking? It smells better than the royal kitchen!"
-------------------------------------------------------
Geirhart headed into the back fields, towards a large oak tree. It was no
Vallenwood but it was large and reached higher than any tree around. There
beneath it lay a gravestone. Kneeling down, he took the medal from his pack
and rested it on the headstone.
'This was for you my love. I know you watched but I wish you could have
been with me in person. At least silver was your favorite jewelery. '
He chuckled to himself and cleaned up some twigs and moss that had grown
around the stone. His wife had been a follower of Zandreya and this spot
was always holy to her. It made a fitting resting place.
Kissing the stone the old man began to walk away. A shadow flitered amongst
the branches and landed lightly behind the stone. With nimble fingers the
shadow touched the medal in slight awe.
'You can have it if you truly wish, boy! ' yelled the old man.
Smiling, the boy pocketed the medal and went to join his grandfather as the
last rays touched the tree's leaves. In the light, it was a shining tree of
gold.
Writer: Kyrlynn
Date Wed May 1 22:22:37 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to War: Visiting the Provinces
It had been a bit of shock to some of the soldiers at Cadia to see a
member of the Kyorl traveling with the Emperor but most of them had accepted
her rather quickly. Some of them were familiar with her background and knew
that she had once served as Empress. Still she kept to her shadowing of the
Emperor and did her best not to be intrusive when he worked with the troops.
When he spent time with the cavalry units, as she was little help in such
types of combat, she just watched at a distance. The Emperor though was
well versed in such. When she was not watching, she was working with others
on individual combat. She would not reveal the teachings of the song of
course. Her oaths were too important to her but she could help train the
soldiers by using it herself and letting them practice against her.
She found that she enjoyed the training and it was good to test her skills a
bit again. Humble as she was, it did bring a smile to her face when the men
were impressed by her sword skills. Her hard work and effort had definitely
paid off in that regard, she was proud of that at least. It had been some
time since she had helped train others and she found that she had missed it
more than expected.
When it was time to leave, the Ambassador said her goodbyes to the soldiers
and the Major and went to busy herself with a last minute check of her packs
while the Emperor finished last minute details. She eyed the steed as it
twitched and stomped its feet before offering it an apple, attempting to
calm it a bit before the journey. When the Emperor was ready they set off
for the next province. She hoped it was one that was less miserably humid.
Writer: Vincent
Date Thu May 2 19:43:26 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse Nehtur Ithelim All ( RP Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna )
Subject Lost City - Darkness Keep You - I
Ithelim walked calmly towards the battle, the hooves of Nehtur's charger
thundering past him. As the horde of ghul advanced, the mage gripped the
unholy shard sequestered in his silks and called upon the power of Umbra.
From the darkness rose a host of gargoyles, their unsuspecting victims
brutally savaged before being dragged down into the pits of shadow.
All too quickly, the swarm filled in the void and converged on Ithelim. A
tossed gourd shattered upon one's shoddy breastplate, arcing a chain of
lighting to fry those closest to it in a grand display. Still they came.
Soon they began piling in and surrounding Ithelim, now a prime threat, only
to be repelled by cones of fire, ice, and lightning.
Cackling, Ithelim leisurely continued forward, wading past the accruing
bodies of murdered ghul, lobbing bolts of wailing darkness at those in his
path and unleashing gourds of wild magic when they drew too close. The
archfiend Xaran'xaxes followed in close pursuit, safeguarding his ward from
those assailants which had circled behind.
If only just, Nehtur and his small mounted contingency had succeeded in
carving a bloody path to the forge of Dae'tok, their impetus bolstered by
arcane artillery strikes. Under the waning moons' light, de Vere's
possessed form danced in and out of the shadows cast by the ruined
structures around them. Severing heads and limbs alike, he would oft vanish
before the ghul could realize what had attacked them, never mind from which
way it came. When Vincent did take pause, it was only to disorient them
further or to draw them in a desired direction.
The carnage was a beautiful orchestration of visceral synergy, the bond of
these few elite forged over shared years of blood, pain, and sacrifice. Yet
no matter how many of the twisted wretches fell, their numbers did not thin.
No matter in what gruesome way death took their comrades, fear did not route
their ranks. No matter how prolonged the assault became, their vigor did
not wane.
Whether it came directed by some unseen tactician or by way of what was now
their nature, the ghul were a tireless foe and their strategy of attrition
was one which favored that strength. It was only a matter of time before
fatigue claimed his mortal companions. Xaran'xaxes was quick to realize it
for, sharing this trait with the ghul, it was a strategy he himself had oft
employed. It would not work against this foe, whose only semblance of
mortality was their ability to die.
When they came upon it, the knights found the oculus shut fast. Claw marks
gouged deep into the spell-shaped doors, impressive but far from a threat to
their integrity, and blood both crimson and black marred its silvered,
umbric face. The ground before it was likewise recently disturbed, the
slick patch of mingled slush, mud, and gore a stark and repugnant contrast
to the relatively pristine, snow capped ruins around them. It was evident a
battle as grisly and grim as their own had taken place here, perhaps just
days before.
A pause came in the horde's assault, long enough to permit inspection of the
sealed entryway. Unlike the random streaks and splatters surrounding them,
blood of a very different nature and intent was splashed upon the wards
barring the knight's entry to the forge. Whatever spell or incantation
might have accompanied it was lost upon the knights for now. The who shed
it however, at least to the archfiend's discerning nose, was unmistakable.
Regardless, the forge denied them sanctuary at this time.
Writer: Vincent
Date Thu May 2 19:45:35 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse Nehtur Ithelim All ( RP Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna )
Subject Lost City - Darkness Keep You - II
The silence hung longer than it should have given the nature of recent
events. Grunts and growls echoed from off in the distance, joined by the
occasional rustle of falling debris and skittering scrapes, yet no movement
could be seen amidst the dark. At least, not by the unaided eyes of men.
Deciphering the wards a present exercise in futility, Xaran'xaxes drew de
Vere's eyes to survey the black that lie beyond their tattered perimeter.
It was there he saw them gather. It seemed the ghul were watching. They
clung with ragged, bated breath to every crumbling wall and fractured
pillar, amassing within crumbled buildings, between the alleyways, and along
the night swallowed streets.
"Ithelim. Nehtur, " the fiend quietly beckoned his companions' attention
before gesturing with a nod to the unseen. "We need to go, " he whispered,
"Temple. Northeast road. Tell the men to spread word. Set off on the
count of ten. "
The demon urged Nehtur to action with a press of the hand against the
knight's shoulder plate. Their mounts had been either felled in the fray or
abandoned in favor, perhaps necessity, of more nimble footwork during the
skirmish. To fall from horseback in the battle would have spelled certain
doom, wrought by the rending, stabbing, gnashing maw of the abominable
horde.
Would that they had known their intended target inaccessible. The charge
would have continued forward, or perhaps not commenced at all. Now the legs
of wearied humans would be tested against those of an inexhaustible host,
one no less comprised of aberrant yaenni - a species that, even among the
living, was reputed for its speed and durability.
A shrill noise pierced the air by the count of nine, a clarion call for the
assault to resume. Had they been waiting to see if these intruders would
access the forge? This and a dozen other questions pressed at the fiend's
thoughts but the time for contemplation had come to an end. Now it was time
to run.
Fifteen of Storm's knights, including the three officers, had started down
the dark and icy road littered with archaic remains and debris. Packs of
ghul chased after, flooding in from the alleys, descending from rooftops,
and clamoring out of windows. The clashing of metal, bone, and flesh,
sorcerous flashes of light, beastly howls and human screams marked their
trajectory, the way lit only by burning monstrosities and the effulgent
magic which ignited them. The moons were dim this night and afforded no
succor to those mortals in need of sight.
While the sprint could not have been greater than a hundred yards, it may as
well have been the Abyss itself standing between the knights and their
intended shelter. By the time they reached the cathedral's stoop only seven
remained. Enfeebled by age and splintered by the elements, the massive
doors violently swung open with a thunderous boom, easily succumbing to the
knight's adrenaline fueled thrust.
Nehtur led the survivors to cover, intent on dispatching whatever resistance
lay waiting within, while Ithelim and de Vere remained at the entry to cover
their escape. The doors, reinforced with iron as they were, would not
withstand their pursuers. Even barricaded it would only serve to deter the
ghul for so long. A more stalwart obstruction was needed and the ravaged
architecture around them presented an unorthodox solution.
Writer: Vincent
Date Thu May 2 19:48:30 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse Nehtur Ithelim All ( RP Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna )
Subject Lost City - Darkness Keep You - III
"Ithelim, the tower! " bellowed the archfiend. "BRING IT DOWN!! "
A black-blood caked blade pointed at the intended target. Where twin towers
once proudly stood guard over the temple's grand entrance, now only one's
emaciated remains endured. The other, now a stump of crumpled stone and
fractured beams, had long since collapsed or been destroyed in the Ruin.
Toppling it would require an exceptional feat. Doing so in the controlled
manner necessary to create the make-shift barricade would be extraordinary.
Ithelim was not one to disappoint.
The shadow mage promptly engineered a scheme to appease his comrade's
request. Under the defense of his deity's progeny, Ithelim deftly pulled a
quivering gourd from his pouch and hurled it at the tower with All his
might. As the gourd soared through the air, time slowed to a crawl for both
demon and man.
Their anxious gawks abated only once the vessel found purchase, shattering
against the base of tower and so delivering its payload. Liquid arcana
seeped into the earth below, fumes of wild magic mixing with melted snow to
produce a pungent vapor. The ground began to shake feverishly, quaking with
lithic moans as it shifted and cracked, unsettling the tower's foundations.
As the dilapidated mass began to plummet towards them, Xaran'xaxes could not
help but to force a smile. Fate seemed ever in their favor.
Into the temple they fled, the ancient monolith crashing down behind them.
This time they did not stop. At the feet of Nehtur and the group lay the
slain bodies of ten or some of the creatures that greeted them within.
Their garb, though just as soiled, beaten, and frayed, bore a distinct
difference to the ones outside. Were these once "holy men"? To whom or
what was this temple devoted? Yet more questions that needed to wait until
asylum was found, if such a thing existed in this hostile place.
The knights needed no command to follow Ithelim and de Vere's lead, their
frantic dash heralded by quaking thunder and trailed by massive stones
plummeting in their wake. They ran down the center aisle, past rows of long
shattered stained glass, rotted pews, toppled candelabra, and disfigured
idols. Like a raging current they surged down the path of least resistance,
soon coming upon a wrought iron fence and the lightless stairwell which lay
beyond it.
Like the doors before it, the gate fell easily before the adrenaline fueled
river of flesh that sought escape from both the ghul and the ancient temple
crumbling around them. Down they went, nearly falling over one another as
every nerve and muscle fiber of their beings fought to avoid being crushed
to death. As the booming ceased and the earth settled so too did the
urgency of their flight, wearied legs straining to keep their weight and
balance as they descended the damp, slick steps.
Eventually they reached a landing wide enough to spread out on and, for the
time, secure enough for them to take pause. The dim glow of their
ensorcelled effects provided some initial light, the stone around them
darkened from moisture and riddled with opportunistic flora. By way of
spellcraft, Ithelim was quick to illuminate the musky chamber, revealing an
iron portcullis protecting another set of decrepit wooden doors further on.
Out of harm's immediate path, the knights collapsed for some much needed
rest. The air in the stairwell was still and silent, likely caved in from
above, and no sound came from beyond the door ahead. There was no going
back the way they came and no telling what was to come, but at least they
could afford a moment of respite. It was then the demon lord Xaran'xaxes
noted an unprecedented event in his long existence: never before had he
fought to safeguard the lives of mortals, not even his master's servants.
These were strange times indeed.
Writer: Nymaya
Date Thu May 2 21:04:15 2019
To All Eclipse ( Necrucifer Drakkara Imm RP )
Subject Eastdrift - Reflection
The simple harmonizing of a flute and a lyre lifted from the corner.
The mess hall was not busy, the long hearths burned low and she sat back at
the end of the furthest table with a quill and an old faded leather journal
in hand.
The tune was somber and gentle, not the sort of sound you expected from
hardened wardens of the Deathwatch but it eased through the cold stone
chamber, obscuring the soft scritching of her quill.
/The irony of the ages is likely not appreciated by many if indeed it is
noted at all. The aged and the learned see it perhaps but the histories are
not well known today. What Gohdam began in heresy, ended in faith. What we
began in faith, ends in heresy.
But was She right?/
The windows were small, thick and cloudy but as she paused to look up at one
of them she could see that it was again snowing.
Was true faith to be rewarded? Her quill stilled over the page as she
considered her own question. In her experience, it was not. The concept of
punishment and reward itself seemed flawed or misunderstood perhaps. A
mortal notion applied to the divine, who were clearly beyond such conceit
though even then her mind slid back to varied times she had personally
witnessed Godly wrath.
Foolish. The voice was soft, demonic, and it trickled with mocking amusement
behind her.
Pain erupted over her back abruptly, as claws dug deep into her flesh and
twisted. She fell forward, her hands gripping the table as an abrupt cry of
agony tore from between gritted teeth.
How do you know that 'this' is not a reward? Growling, bestial laughter
breathed vaporously by her lowered head that very nearly touched the table.
Every part of her shook with pain, her nails digging into the cold wood, her
breath a fine shudder that turned into another sharp gasp as the claws raked
free.
She woke with a sharp inhale, the front legs of the chair she had been
leaning back in slamming to ground hard enough to cause the few wardens in
the room to pause and glance her way. She stood, unfazed by the looks, and
snapped her journal closed before heading out of the mess hall.
The somber tune followed in the wake of her pained movement and not even she
took note of the blood that fell from her right palm.
Writer: Xanthania
Date Fri May 3 09:14:07 2019
Writer: Rorra
Date Fri May 3 14:03:34 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Shattered Peace - chapter 1
An unearthly silence overtook the normal chittering of animals around the
grove. A gust of wind blows through the area, only startling a few birds to
send them on their way. Word would spread quickly in the dead of this
silence that a goddess had been slain. Why? What would cause such a
terrible disaster in the first place? Furthermore... Which one? All of
these things would be answered soon enough as lone white tigress of a felar
climbed into the treetops above in order to see what she could. A few drops
of rain landed squarely on her forehead the moment she breached through the
upper canopy. It was raining? No, that couldnt be right. She couldnt hear
it.
She stared in awe of the gathering storm overhead, noting that it was
curiously worse than many others she could remember from the past month.
Was it a sign from Turpa? The wind howled through the trees, making its
presence very clear to her ears, yet the rumble of thunder nor the falling
rain would bring the delightful sounds to her ears. Finding a familiar path
back to the ground, she cautiously steps out into the clearing deeper within
the grove, trying to hear the rain land in the pond. Still nothing.
By morning, she had not slept, nothing felt right anymore. Something was
clearly missing and it wasnt just her own senses betraying her. Her prayers
normally go unanswered, but even this felt different, it felt hollow. The
feeling in her gut only grew worse as she began to wander through the
pathways of her home, listening to what wildlife had returned to their
normal behavior. It was at least some measure of comfort knowing things
seemed to be returning to normal amongst the fauna.
With a heavy sigh, she set about drying off and preparing what she might
need for the day. A nearby tree holds several very basic pieces of clothing
that had been drying overnight. After taking a few minutes to dress herself
enough to be modest by human standards, she sets out to discover just what
had transpired over the past day. With any luck, nothing truly terrible
will have happened and the omens she had come to notice herself will just be
a weird coincidence. Only a matter of time before it would come to light.
Writer: Mercerion
Date Fri May 3 22:46:03 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna Religion
Subject Path to War II: Gryphonne Provice: The Arrival
Two days after departing the Cadian province, and after a short stop
within the city of Althainia to re-supply, and pass a few orders to Skarr.
He learned that the Steward had been working in Ofcol, and had arranged
supply exchange for the coming war effort. Geirhart had done well, and this
work would further empower morale, and the men and women of the Guard to be
prepared, and focus on the preparations at hand.
The Emperor and his company passed through the crossroads, and through the
old, cursed lands of the original Thalosia. The forests grounds of of the
bordering provinces slowly giving away into a more sparsely populated
forest.
In the distance, Mercerion could see the Wyvern tower. The lands here are
where they first found the creatures that would come to serve as Althainia's
advantage in the wars to come. Even now, Mercerion recalled the majesty of
the fierce creatures. Once tamed, they made for incredible mounts. Fierce
and noble, and easily equipped to kill a man on their own, let alone with
the direction of a heavily armed, and armored knight upon its back.
The Emperor's company passed through the Centaur village, and into the
Gryphonne province. The Company was joined by an order of mounted knights,
flanking the company with the colors of Althainia, and the provincial flag
as well. Over the next hour, they road past a set of land that had been
cleared, and obviously heavily used for mounted combat movements.
Over the next week, the Emperor would be working here with the heavy cavalry
and dragoons, as well as the Knights in their movements. Herein would be
the heart of the Althainian strategy in the coming war, and the Emperor
would serve with these men and women over the next week. As they entered
the encampment, Mercerion dismounted his warhorse and moved to shake the
Dragoon General's hand, a broad grin playing on his features. This man
served with Mercerion during the raids of the Hand of Devion, and could
rouse a charge that would make the Serpantol knights proud.
Phase two of the Path to War was under way.
Writer: Rasavadi
Date Fri May 3 23:37:01 2019
Writer: Maccus
Date Sat May 4 09:19:51 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse All Imm Religion RP Ampersand Cayenna
Subject Lost City - Preperations
He shivered some, the cold seeping down into his bones as he continued to
gather the supplies needed. There would be no returning, no running in and
out of the encampment. He had known his orders for some time now. All he
had to do was wait for the orders to be given to the rest. Maccus exhaled
forcefully. Willing his body to calm as he worked. He looked about him.
The others who would be joining him were equally preparing to depart. Their
demeanor appeared determined, but determination only went so far. He
watched his scout, motioning for her to stand with him as he whispered,
'Leave in the morning, keep at least within range for an imp to be used as
communication'. With a sharp and subtle nod Draphinamina began to depart.
Maccus took a deep breath again, the shaking came once more. The cold
battered his senses, fogging him over as he gripped ahold of his pack. He
slipped his arm through one strap and slipped it to his back. It was going
to be a long night ahead of him.
Yet he couldn't sleep. The thoughts of what came next stuck with him as he
paced around the front of his tent. Sofka was not with him, tasked and
needed elsewhere. His hands then began to shake, and with a sudden rage and
fury he kicked clumps of snow hard in front of him. Kicking pellets of snow
up and forward toward the silent darkness. Death was inevitable, he knew
that, yet coming to grips with the chance of death.. That he was not
prepared for.
Writer: Raimbaut
Date Sat May 4 12:18:43 2019
Writer: Rasavadi
Date Sat May 4 20:03:45 2019
Writer: Rorra
Date Sat May 4 22:55:27 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Shattered Peace - chapter 2
Pushing beyond the leafy barrier that stood between her home and the
outside world, everything seemed perfectly normal. A gentle breeze carries
a handful of leaves across the rough terrain, a couple of squirrels fighting
over an acorn, even a few knights riding down the nearby dirt road-
Hopefully keeping the peace at that. What could have possibly happened that
caused such a strange disturbance last night? No matter, someone would know
something more than she did.
Passing through the central areas of Arkane brought little knowledge to her
ears even after asking a handful of others if they had felt the same odd
feeling. Nothing at all. Turpa was far from the most worshiped of the
Pantheon, but surely there were some around that must know more. One in
particular that she passed by was a priestess of Zandreya that seemed to be
actively drawing the attention of anyone bearing a symbol of would mark them
as followers of Turpa.
"Hey, you there! Is that a pendant of Turpa? I would know that raindrop
anywhere. "
This immediately caused her ears to perk up, turning her head towards the
source of the voice. Why would they of All the people she had passed by be
the one to specifically ask about that? The mere notion of having lost
Turpa to whatever tragedy unfolded was not something she was ready to
believe. By now she had been practically staring at the priestess in
confusion for a few minutes.
"Are you alright there, miss? I only spoke up because many faithful
followers have been coming to seek new found protection beneath Zandreyas
branches. If you are among those, I would gladly welcome you as well. "
"And abandon the Lifegiver? My kin hold Turpa in far greater respect than
countless others could even imagine. "
Her attitude quickly turned dark, fearing both the worst and not wanting to
believe the truth that lies within those words. If the darkened clouds
overhead were not enough of a sign that a storm was coming through again
soon, then the silent rumbling that had a few locals complaining about the
incoming storm would cut their activities short would speak enough. Even
now she could not hear it, but why?
"Miss, I only offer sanctuary in these dark times. Please consider what has
happened and know that Zandreya welcomes All who would accept her. "
Not another word would come from the felars mouth as she walks away quickly,
not wanting to listen to anything that would suggest Turpa had fallen. A
singular crack of lightning in the distance sends many of those who were
around back to their homes to avoid the storm, though unheard, it would not
go unheeded as she would begin travelling back towards her own home within
the grove. Tomorrow was another day to sort things out after all.
Writer: Cieran
Date Sun May 5 13:57:06 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to War: An Unexpected Visitor
Cieran stared at the woman for a moment, an eyebrow cocked with a slight
smile on his lips as she fired off a barrage of questions. The subject of
them quickly labelling her as an Abbadonian.
Cieran held up a finger, "Pardon me milady, just a moment if you would...
". Cieran turned his gaze and used the finger he was holding up to beckon
the nearbye camp guard over. "You do understand what the word "Senrty"
means right soldier? " The young private nodded slowly, trying not to meet
the gaze of his Commander. "Good, good... Well for your next assignment
you are going to need a shovel. " The private looked up, obviously
perplexed. "Aye, digging latrines calls for a shovel. Go on now, and while
you are at it I want you to ask around of your fellow soldiers what the
purpose of a Sentry is. "
As the soldier toddled off, his shoulders slumped, Cieran turned his
attention back to his unexpected guest. "Right, where were we? Ah, right,
you were asking why we were on Althainian land training. The short answer
is war, but not with your Kingdom this time, lest you know something I
don't? " Cieran smiled his most charming smile, his head tilted to the side
a bit as he awaited a reply. "Yes well, your proximity to our border is
rather alarming nonetheless, I'll have to report it. " Cieran smiled
deeper, taking the opening "Good! I hope you do. Something to add to the
report would be we are going after Chaos and would welcome any aid that
other kingdoms would like to offer. In point of fact, you seem quite good
at sneaking, mayhaps you would like train with us milady? You shall set an
interesting trend in the uniform department. " The woman eyed Cieran cooly,
appraising the man for a long moment. Cieran held his ground under the
gaze, the smile still on his lips, although deep down he was curious to see
how the woman would reply.
Writer: Ivyna
Date Mon May 6 06:19:42 2019
Writer: Xanthania
Date Mon May 6 06:57:02 2019
Writer: Rorra
Date Mon May 6 08:51:46 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Shattered Peace - chapter 3
Being woken up by the sounds of chirping birds and chittering squirrels
was always pleasant. Stretching herself out rather languidly and even
though she continued to lay there, eyes closed, she was awake and aware of
her surroundings. Ears twitching and turning ever so slightly to better
catch a few of the more unique calls from the creatures that lived within
the grove with her. Everything seemed as though it had returned to normal.
Not strange things to bother her nor anything standing out against what she
considered precious.
A sudden bolt of lightning came crashing down through the canopy, striking
her directly on her exposed belly. The sheer pain of it All made her scream
catch in her throat, at least until a second strike happened in the same
place. Forcing open her eyes at this point and sitting upright, looking
down at her perfectly fine body. A nightmare.. The words of that priestess
had shaken her on a deeper level than she would care to admit, but at every
given chance, she simply ignored the signs. Grumbling quietly to herself
until she decided it was actually time to set about taking care of her
needs- Specifically hunger.
There were always plenty of berries growing nearby during this time of the
year and it was enough to hold her over until she could hunt something down
properly. Much of the morning would be spent tracking down a suitable meal
for herself, skulking about the densely wooded areas far away from the grove
itself. The only thing that continued to plague her mind were those same
words that she refused to listen to. Who was this priestess to dare to
beckon the followers of Turpa to another calling? For what reason? She
shook her head to clear her mind and focus on hunting instead.
A few trees this far out had been marked to not only provide guidance, but
also as a reminder that nothing here would be the same without Turpas rains
gracing the lands. Each mark was another symbol that she was aware of other
followers keeping close to their hearts. A raindrop, a streak of lightning,
a snowflake and her personal favorite, the crescent moon partially
encircling a raindrop, the very one the right side of her neck bares.
Nothing pleases her more than to see these markings, even as weather worn as
they were. Rubbing her eyes for a moment, she looks again at a few of the
carvings in the tree. Some of them were scratched through! Shaking her
head again, looking much closer, whew.. No, she was seeing things. This is
getting worse
Writer: Geirhart
Date Mon May 6 18:37:57 2019
To All Althainia Cayenne Imm Rp
Subject Road to War: Supplying the War
Geirhart was tired. He had just returned from Ofcol on a recent supply
mission for the war effort. He was glad the priests of the Dragon temple
offered their support. The food for the war was secure but other items were
needed.
Geirhart spoke to the castle chamberlain to secure horses and supplies for
the next trip. This would take him to the northwest and the alpine timber
forests for the wood needed to supply the effort. The Emperor had offered
two escorts for this journey. Miss Niarythma and Sir Agapitos.
He hadn't worked with them often but he was sure they would be helpful. He
got his quill and paper out and addessed a missive to both of them. He ran
through the route, supplies required, and ideas on clothing since it would
be colder in the hills and low mountains.
Geirhart then spoke to recent scouts to identify any threats and spent some
time in meditation prior to venturing out. Once his companions were ready,
the journey would begin.
Writer: Vyasa
Date Mon May 6 19:38:30 2019
Writer: Xanthania
Date Tue May 7 08:39:47 2019
Writer: Rorra
Date Tue May 7 09:21:06 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Shattered Peace - chapter 4
Darkened clouds began to pass over the grove soon after returning from
hunting, though hardly successful, a single rabbit will have to do for now.
The distant rumbling would go unnoticed thanks to her assumed cursed
deafness to the storms. Soon enough she had be able to eat a little bit of
the cooked rabbit. Unfortunately for her own sanity, it had begun. The
first few droplets of rain hit her. Swallowing a hardly chewed piece of
meat, she slowly lifts her head up, gazing blankly as her fur was slowly
being soaked thoroughly.
"Why? WHY?! What have I done do deserve this torture!? " Throwing away
what remains of her meager feast, she pushes off of the tree she had been
resting against. Her ire purely directed towards the storm the raged
overhead All the while she would quickly make her way towards the enormous
tree within the center of the grove. Every few seconds, glaring at the
storm, muttering a repeated 'Why'. Climbing high above into the top of the
tree to a point where she is able to push above the leaves, exposing her
upper body to the rain once again.
"TURPA!! " Her rage was quickly reaching a breaking point. Far beyond what
has ever come from her in the past. "Answer me! What have I done so
wrong?! Let me.. LET ME LISTEN! " Her cries went unanswered even then.
Not so much as a single utterance of any sort, let alone any sound coming
from the chaotic storm overhead. No matter how many times she shouted, not
a single sound beyond the rustling of the treetops. It wasnt until the
felar was struck by an errant lightning bolt that she was silenced,
plummeting down through the branches. A rough landing was inevitable, but
thankfully landing within the the large open cradle of tree limbs that makes
up her place of rest.
The rest of the storm passed quickly from her perspective. All with it
being a blur for several hours, the first few of which were spent
unconscious. Hazy images fill her vision from time to time, some resembling
the very symbols of her faith. Perhaps this was a sign. The one she asked
for. The one she needed to believe in.
Writer: Maccus
Date Tue May 7 09:57:31 2019
To Eclipse Fatale All Religion RP
Subject Lost City - A past prayer'
The biting wind stung at his cheeks, his company made their way through
the snow storm as the carefully followed the markers laid down by
Draphinamina, showing a clear path to a good place to camp. Those with him
trudged on, seeming to be in good spirits for All that they were doing. Yet
Maccus, a man born and used to the heat suffered. Nothing he did kept him
warm, only the stinging cold that pounded his senses to blackness as he
marched.
---------------------------------
He awoke marching down the steps of Fatale's temple, his presence looming
down below down to the altar of bones. His face turned to the various
statues and avatar of Fatale, growling at the thoughts that remained, "When
will my efforts be acknowledged". That same thought pounded and ripped
apart his thoughts in anger. His hand twitched, it reached down to his belt
and clawed out his sword, forcing it to scrape against the sheathe as he
ripped it free. The blade came cascading down, as quick as a viper, yet
only the smirking mirage remained, yet slowly fading as he approached the
altar. The next tormenting vision to haunt him appeared, blue eyed and
screaming, assailing his senses as he let loose a vicious roar. The
apparition slowed faded, whispering away sweet nothings and empty promises.
His hands grip to the Altar, his voice shakey and a stray tear dripping down
his cheek 'Lord... Guide me in these times, for they are dark and full of
chaos. Help me usher ours back to the path we once were on, please Lord, I
beg you
Maccus turned to the altar, placing both hands atop it as he fumbled with
the glove of his right hand, and letting it drop atop the altar once more.
He stifled a gasp, the pain coursing throughout his body and along every
cut, burn and scar. Maccus inhaled a sharp breath, the end being knocked
out of him. Then, suddenly he snapped back to his being.
-----------------------------------------
The bitter cold was still there, his eyes moved forward to a small tent to
where Draphinamina has camped herself. The snow began to fall on them,
thick and heavy, echoing every crunch and step as they made their way.
'CAMP UP. WE REST HERE FOR THE NIGHT. '
Writer: Zola
Date Tue May 7 17:41:56 2019
To All Althainia Bloodlust Black_Robes Chaos Immortals Fatale
Subject X The War against Chaos X
Death. Destruction. Doom.
So many excellent words in the Common Tongue that started with 'D' it
seemed.
Right now, a number of them were coming to mind as Zola observed the going
ons of the kingdoms. The Althainia continent was abuzz with new activity as
the various kingdoms, prominently the Althainian Empire, were engaged in
growing activity. And not just increased trade, revenue, or entertainment.
No, Zola well recognized the build-up and distribution of troops and
weapons. There was war brewing on the horizon.
War was good for business. Nothing quite like a life-or-death struggle to
really bring the really ruthless, murderous nature within people to the
forefront.
Eager to learn more, the Deathscythe moved in closer, moving under the
shadow of darkness to observe the players involved. The latest development
came when he learned of a radical too extreme even for Chaos. That put a
great deal of what was transpiring into focus. Chaos was the target. The
world had seemingly had enough of dealing with their madness and their
hypocrisy. And while that did sound glorious, what really drew Zola's
attention was the new outcast.
Betrayed, broken, and ripe to regain his faith... a proper faith... in the
Dread Lord of Murder.
"Time we have a chat... Scribpog."
Writer: Mercerion
Date Tue May 7 21:37:34 2019
To All Althainia Religion Cayenna
Subject Road to War III: Hark, Knights of the Gryphon
The sound of a pitched charge.. The thunder of coursers and destriers as
they were driven on by their riders. The knights and cavaliers bore down on
their targets, a column of infantry which represented the core of a column.
In the last few moments before the charge would have struck, a wall of
scarecrows rose up, representing a pike formation. In the center of the
cavalry column rose a silver banner, bearing a blazing blue gryphon. A
battlecry rose to a tumultuous roar, and heavily armored cataphract knights
surged to the head of the charge.
Pikes struck armor and barding, shattering at hte momentum of the charge as
the cataphract knights bust through the pike line, punching a hole for the
rest of the cavaliers and knights to get to the infantry, and overrun the
column.
In less than a minute, the entire column of infantry was smashed, and the
pike line shattered. The Gryphonne cataphract knights had survinved the
pike stand, and burst through it, successfully landing the charge in the
midst of the enemy.
The Emperor looked on from atop his warhorse as he wheeled out of the
infantry column. It was a masterful strike, and he had seen and been a part
of many charges in his past, rarely ever seeing a knight group break through
a significant pike defense.
The new heavy armor, and four meter lances of the Gryphon Knights were well
honed, and this was even on horseback, which was not their trained mount of
choice. Emperor met General with a salute, and then a handshake.
A damned fine bit of work, General
Thank you, Majesty. Should see them in their peak form.
I'll have to trust you for now, I don't want to tip our hand.
The General grinned and then nodded, before turning to survey the training
dummies which had been set into infantry formation. The devastation caused
by the charge was indeed impressive, and even more so, was the speed in
which the defenses were shattered and overrun.
He turned to Mercerion, "I wouldn't want to be the poor bastard receiving a
charge from the Gryphon Knights, nor the sorry sap who tried to hit the
Emperor and ran into her." The General was gesturing to Kyrlynn, whom had
entered battle astride the charging knights, just behind the cataphracts.
Kyrlynn returned her weapons to their scabbards and walked past the General,
"You should try keeping up with the Emperor first, then you might actually
get to see that sorry sap who tried to hit him."
Mercerion shooks his head and laughed, "She -is- a kyorl, she probably knows
best." From there Mercerion dismounted and handed the reigns to a squire
nearby. Removing his gloves and heading towards the series of tents and
buildings. It was time for supper after a long day of drills, and he had a
surprise for the troops whom had been busting arses to prepare for the
coming conflict.
Writer: Rorra
Date Wed May 8 09:19:07 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Shattered Peace - chapter 5
Days quickly turned to weeks along with numerous storms passing overhead.
Each day felt excessively long, particularly stormy days. No matter how
much she tried, sleep was never found during them. To her it felt as though
some otherworldly being had gripped her and would not let go every time even
a small rain storm would come. All the while she remained awake, she would
collect pieces of wood to slowly whittle down in to one of the many symbols
she had come to know as the various symbols of Turpa.
Eventually she would make enough to spread the word of the Lifegiver
herself. It did not matter if she was not a priest herself, she was just as
much connected to nature as any other would be and by that, to Turpa to some
degree. She knew exactly who the first one should go to, but when and
where? Leaning over towards the edge of the pond, she saw the reflection of
a worn down felar, one who could clearly use a little uplifting. As if in
some attempt to cure herself of the darkness she had slipped in to, or at
least help the downtrodden being on the water's surface, she tries to offer
one of the wooden trinkets to her own reflection. When it dawned on her
what she had just tried to do, she dropped the wooden raindrop and merely
watched it float slowly away from her.
What was she doing? She was already fully aware of her Goddess blessings,
why would she do that? As if the last few weeks were not bad enough, now
this. At least the recent storm had passed and she could finally rest
easily for the time being. She took some time to reach her spread of furs
that make up her bed up within the massive tree in order to get what rest
she could for the day. At this point, nothing felt better than getting to
actually sleep for a lengthy period of time.
For a time, there was peace and wondrous dreams from bounding through the
forest to staring in awe at the power of Turpas storms raging across the
landscape. All was right while she dreamt, but it would not last for long.
A brief shiver runs down her spine, a chill rose in the air just before she
was awoken by the feeling of a few stray drops of dew coming off of the
leaves above. Nature was sometimes cruel in its own ways, but the day was
fresh and the need to hunt was great.
Writer: Vyasa
Date Wed May 8 16:02:44 2019
Writer: Cassidy
Date Wed May 8 22:06:56 2019
To All ( Imm Religion Siccara )
Subject Silent Grief
Every day she awoke and went through All the motions of living, put on
the face that others preferred, a smile here and there, a cheerfulness she
didnt feel. She would walk among the people of Nall Aruh, the province she
took care of with her husband, she would smile at the people, talk with
them, aided them in their daily lives. She checked on the horses that were
so highly prized, helping with the foals, and overlooked their well being.
She travelled through streets of New Thalos, always smiling at the children
who raced towards her to show her their newest drawings, or their newest
learned skills. She sat with the elders and listened to All their stories.
All seemed fine with her, on the outside, but inside when she was alone She
been the Goddess Priestess, she had heard Her sweet voice directly, had felt
Her divine presence, Her radiant warmth. Cassidy had faltered for a bit, in
a sad moment of her life she had felt she wasnt the right one to be Her
priestess, and had decided to walk a different path, still holding the
Goddess of Healing deep in her heart and following the Tenets.
She had been gone when the battle ensued, and had returned a bit after the
great Sacrifice, feeling the loss of Siccara, the pain and emptiness that
surrounded her heart. She understood what had been gained through that
sacrifice, but she also knew what it had cost. She wondered each day how
the Godson was doing, if he still lived even now after the death of his
Mother. If she felt as lost as the child she had been so long ago, how did
he feel? How were other followers dealing with the loss? It would soon be
a year, and there was no guidance, no comfort, no support. She went often
to the Temple of Siccara in Althainia, to pray, to meditate, to gaze upon
the statue of her Goddess, to wonder in silence, and sometimes to cry.
What were they supposed to do? Did others feel as lost? What was she
supposed to do now?
Writer: Rorra
Date Thu May 9 09:28:05 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Shattered Peace - chapter 6
Bolting upright from a dead sleep at what sounded somewhat similar to a
thunderous sound overhead. The mere joy of it had her scrambling to to her
feet and make her way down through the trees to reach the edge of the
clearing. A particularly nasty storm was looming overhead, spitting
lightning in erratic patterns. The sounds of it still fell on deaf ears,
but the splintering of wood was not. One of the larger trees was struck in
a way that caused it to fall towards the clearing, smoldering in defiance
against the heavy rains.
Upon seeing the fallen tree after having mistaken it for being able to hear
the sounds of the storms once more, she falls to her knees, defeated.
Crying out in anguish at what had been stolen from her was too much to bear.
If the Lifegiver was truly gone, then what purpose was left for her to
follow? What guidance would there be without Her presence offering whispers
from time to time in the distant scattered rolling thunder. Too many
questions lingered in her mind to focus on any given one.
By the time she calmed down enough to sort through her thoughts, she was
completely soaked through to the skin. She sat there for quite some time in
silence, not even so much as moving her tail at all. Surely this must all
just be a terrible nightmare that she will wake from soon enough. Another
lightning strike would lay low another nearby tree beyond the veil of the
trees that form the outer edge of the clearing. It was enough to snap her
to attention, looking towards the general direction the sound of a snapping
tree had come from, a saddened expression set on her features.
A quiet growl rumbles in her throat just as she lifts her right hand up to
grip the metallic pendant that hangs around her neck. One swift, harsh tug
is All it took to snap the thing leather strip it was tied to. She looked
down at it in her hand in a sense of questioning All that she had come to
know. Seeing a felled tree by the same storm she could no longer enjoy
herself was the final straw. In a brief fit of rage, she rears back as much
as she can and throws the pendant towards the center of the pond. As it
sinks to the bottom, she lets out a shuddering sigh while falling backwards
to lay in the muddy ground.
Writer: Maccus
Date Fri May 10 00:56:44 2019
To Shadow Verminasia Eclipse All Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna
Subject Lost City - Ambushing the enemy Part I
The scrape of metal against metal could be heard as the company of six
tried desperately to draw their weapons without notice. The four humans
pushed their shields to a primary position, preparing themselves for a
slogging fight. Maccus' company had marched headlong into a group of
Wights. This roving band was some thirty miles north, northwest of
Eastdrift, making their way to a point between Shimmermist and the first
pass toward Narrowbreak. Yet this was something that they couldn't have
predicted. Maccus scanned the Wights, silently cursing as he couldn't spot
the one who controlled them. He turned to his men, 'We knew we'd run into
something like this. Those who aren't ready, turn back now. There won't be
another chance. '.
No one said a word as they moved up, still hoping to take the Wight's flank
by surprise. Then, with a roar, the band of five jumped from the spot they
were hiding, charging directly into the enemies exposed flank. The charge
was partially effective. The four humans were flanked by both a Yinn and
Minotaur, hacking down wight after wight where they could. 'DONT LET THEM
GET AROUND OUR BACKS' was one thing Maccus could be heard yelling as he
plunged into the charge, another shouted yell 'HOLD!! WE CAN DO THIS
TOGETHER!! ' The four humans formed a wall as they charged, knocking the
creatures down as best they could together while the Yinn and Minotaur
cleaned up around them.
Yet the charge didn't last long, the company of six was slowly pushed back
by the small horde of wights. Finally the four humans formed a sort of
shield wall, curved just slightly to protect the exposed flanks of the
Minotaur and Yinn, giving the two much larger beings free access to swing
over their heads. Small nicks and cuts were suffered to them all, yet they
all stood vigilant. Nothing was uttered by those who served under Maccus,
remaining silent save the cries of rage as they turned bones creatures to
piles of bone.
Continued in part two.....
Writer: Rorra
Date Fri May 10 11:29:42 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Sinking Into Insanity - chapter 1
Every day would take what seemed an eternity to pass, every stray storm
keeping her wide awake only made matters worse at this stage. This would
often lead to her carving random trees she happened to be resting by at the
time with outlines of raindrops. Occasionally it would be something
entirely different that would snap her out of the daze only for her to
wander off to take care of something else that needed to be done. Idle
thoughts of Turpas demise would always be in the back of her mind, eating
away at any hope left remaining that everything would simply return to
normal.
Would that she could have at least witnessed it happen herself, maybe she
could put it behind her much easier and allow herself sanctuary from All of
this. Would it truly make it right in her mind if that was the case? Or
would it merely make matters worse by subjecting her to something far more
terrifying than losing her sanity bit by bit. Sitting by the waters edge
would only prove to let her imagination run wild with how it happened. One
with an epic clash, bringing the raw destructive power of lightning down
from the heavens, giving her the upper hand yet falling in a valiant attempt
to strike down her assassin. Another with her helplessly being slain in a
brutal fashion.
She shook her head quickly, slapping herself on the sides of her face in
order to draw her back to reality and focus again. She looked horrible, her
mane having been left unkempt and otherwise most of her fur needing to be
cleansed. All of this had taken a heavy toll on her well being. It was all
too clear that she had to take better care of herself even through All the
suffering her mental state left her in. First things first... She couldnt
sense any incoming storms right now, thankfully that much had been left for
her. A nice long sleep would do her some good right now. To that, she
managed to smile as she curled up in the shade of a nearby tree not too far
from the pond, quickly letting sleep take hold.
Suddenly feeling herself falling lead to a darkened visual becoming very
clear. A storm cloud, but she could hear it. Nothing could be better to
her right now than the thunderous strikes coming from a raging tempest
filling the sky All around her. She knew All too well it was a dream given
the circumstances and took advantage of it while it would last. Landing
gently onto a low hanging cloud gave her the perfect view to see the bolts
streak through the air. All was right with the way she wanted things to be
while she dreamt.
A curious shock would make her look down at the cloud she had landed on and
in that instant it would vanish, coming with it the initial crackle of
lightning even if the rumble would never come. Tumbling down towards the
rapidly approaching ground, a strange voice spoke to her even if she could
not understand it. Flipping over in the air while mere seconds from impact,
though All she would see is the flapping of massive wings blocking her
vision entirely just before coming into contact with the ground. She
suddenly woke up from the dream turned nightmare, out of breath and rapidly
scanning her surroundings for any sign of what had tried to speak to her. A
heavy sigh was released, peering up towards the sky to see the Suns
position. She only managed to sleep a little while, but it would have to do
for now.
Writer: Maccus
Date Fri May 10 18:36:08 2019
To Shadow Vermonasia Eclipse All Imm RP Ampersand Cayenna
Subject Lost City - Ambushing the enemy 2/Final
Hacking, slashing, pounding and desperately fighting, the small band
worked as they could together. The piles of bone added underneath their
feet, taking steps back when and where they could to keep their balance, and
out of the fray a massive Wight showed itself, riding atop a frozen wolf.
It turned, dropping from its mount, and pointed its blade toward Maccus.
The wight slapped the wolf and it veered off, heading in the opposite
directing.
The Wight began moving toward Maccus and his company. It carried a long,
two handed blade and a heavy buckler, beginning to pound its way toward the
small shield wall. The company braced as it crashed their lines, knocking
Maccus back and into the snow. His men shouted collapsing their wall inward
and tightening the flanks around the Yinn and Minotaur. Maccus rolled in
the snow a moment, the wind knocked out of him as he began to move to his
feet.
The wight slashed quickly with its sword, aiming directly at Maccus' face.
Maccus wasn't prepared for the speed that the wight offered, taking the
first brutal slash across his face and down his left eye. The second he
reacted properly for, bringing his shield up and knocking it aside. Luckily
for Maccus, his chainmail helm caught the blow partially, forcing the slash
to look more gruesome than it truly was.
Maccus collapsed in a heap, watching several dozen crumble before them. His
men, All panting hard and bloodied. Yet they weren't out of it yet. No
where close even. With a yell, Maccus called out to his men, 'LAY THE
MARKER, DEFEND THE AREA. THIS IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE NOW AGAINST THE
FORCES AGAINST US. '. With a rush both the Yinn and Minotaur pulled out a
massive red stake. Plunging it into the earth and hammered it home. The
three humans rushed to Maccus' side, watching the man bleed from the gaping
wound down his face. 'Rahlin, Ardam. Return to the Encampment with word
that the first outpost is set, and that the defenders are ready. Double
time, I need you back after this. '
The pair of men nodded quickly, offering a proud, 'Sir! ' in response to
his command. Maccus turned to the final human, Londeth, the Minotaur
Teelin, and the Yinn Vaesk. Those were the four who would help him defend
this area. Maccus drew out a bandage from his pack, wrapping it around his
face, as he finally began to feel the effects of the fight. His vision
blurred and began to fade as he wrapped it around the left hand side of his
face, and slowly, once more he drifted into blackness.
Writer: Draphinamina
Date Fri May 10 23:42:11 2019
To Shadow Vermonasia Eclipse All Imm RP Ampersand Cayenna ( Necrucifer )
Subject Lost City - The trail ahead, leads behind
Draphinamina stealthily worked her way along a ridge, occasionally making
a mark that should make the trail clear for those following her. From this
height, she had a premium view of her surroundings, but it made her more
likely to be spotted as well. Hence her caution as she progressed.
It was getting late in the day as she selected a secluded campsite. She was
quite pleased that she had located a good sized cave with an easily
defensible access tunnel. 'The rest should be catching up fairly soon', she
thought to herself. She busied herself with getting the cave room All set
up. As time passed and no one came, she began to get worried. Leaving
everything in the cave, she began to quickly retrace her path from earlier
in the day. Around a bend in the trail, she spotted the evidences of a
mighty battle. Wight bones littered the ground. She also noticed that one
of the magical markers had been set in the ground. She briefly looked
around for any survivors that might need her help before following the now
plain to see trail of the wounded. She increased her pace and held to a
quick loping stride until she caught up with them. After responding
correctly to their challenge, she was dismayed to see Maccus had been
severely wounded and was slung over one of the horses still unconscious.
The rest had not fared as badly, but still had quite a few wounds between
them. She found out they were returning to the Encampment to heal and
report their progress. She offered to provide the rear guard so they could
make better speed. The rest of the trip was uneventful, but Draphinamina
looked concerned as Maccus was carried into the healers. She had caught a
glimpse of his damaged face and wondered how well they would be able to fix
it.
Writer: Rorra
Date Sat May 11 09:24:28 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Sinking Into Insanity - chapter 2
Lying awake in the midst of nothing more than a gentle mist coming down,
much of the tigress sanity was quickly eroding away with every passing day.
Even something as tame as this would see to it that her rest would go
interrupted. A quiet groan preludes sitting up from the soft grass near the
pond. Heavily sighing knowing that it would be some time before she could
find sleep once again, she turns her attention to the water. The wooden
symbol she had carved most recent found its way to the bank of the pond.
Leaning closer to the water in order to pick up the wooden carving, turning
it over in her hands to see if it was first of All real, but also the same
one she had given to her own reflection.
Without question it was the same one. Squeezing it roughly in her hand
proved to be futile, but that did not keep it safe from her resurging wrath.
Quickly flicking it back out across the water and seeing it land near the
middle was enough for now knowing it wouldnt bother her again for a while.
There were still more where that came from though and soon there would be
none for any to see around here. Looking towards a the massive tree with a
quick nod, she would make her way towards the top of it. A few dangle from
branches near the entrance of which were collected and hung from her
forearm.
A significantly larger one rested high above where she would normally sleep
even if that has become a rarity anymore thanks to coming into a rainy
season at the worst of times. Upon cresting the final portion of the wooden
ramp leading upwards it was in plain sight. An enormous carved stone
raindrop sat upon a tiny wooden pedestal. Meticulously cared for until
recently where it was nothing but a source of irritation. Now it has to go.
Several of the wooden charms and symbols clacked with every subtle movement
that she made in order to roll the oddly shaped raindrop. It would not
deter her, especially as she finally reached the slope that lead back down
to the ground. Giving it one final shove to see it on its way down towards
the ground below. Bouncing randomly as it tumbled down the ramp, slamming
into the inner trunk just before flying off track and landing with a dulled
whomf. After catching up to the errant projectile and taking a lot of
effort to remove it from the indent it had created until it finally was
dislodged.
It took the better part of an hour just to roll the accursed symbol of past
devotion to the edge of the water. A moment of hesitation was All that
remained between her and salvation from this curse. A low, guttural grunt
escaped her maw as it was given the final push to send it sinking to the
bottom of the pond. The felar would sit down for some time, staring at her
handy work. As for the rest of the wooden carvings she had been carrying
around? Kindling for the fire.
Writer: Maccus
Date Sat May 11 11:29:38 2019
To Eclipse Sofka All RP Imm
Subject Lost City - Fever dreams
The hushed, judging whispers filled his head as he stirred for but a
moment, 'Not even our oldest veterans have scars like these'.
'Look at this one along his stomach, shoulders, collarbones... Who is he?
'. He felt himself being turned, doing his All to keep his breath calm,
'Another one along his back, All the same'.
His clover green gaze began to open as he is moved onto his back once more,
first the right, plain as normal yet sluggish in response. Then pain.
Cascading and overwhelming as he snarled as he forced the left open, 'Its
possible he won't ever see out of it again... '.
He continued to force himself as blood began to seep from the half closed
and healed wound, 'He's waking up, pin him and sleep him again, he cannot be
awake!! '.
A rush of hands, large and small pinned his hands, shoulders, ankles and
thighs to the cot. Briefly he could see the sapphire gaze of one he cared
for. He forced his left arm up with All he could, dragging the arms with
him as he reached out toward the sapphire gaze before it reached over to
take his hand in stride, 'Rest, my thief'.
Struggling against the chanting above him, resisting for All he could before
finally the effects of the spell hit him, forcing him to blackness once
more.
A man, a large as Maccus, yet not as scarred. Handsome in face and well
defined. His body as muscled and toned as Maccus, yet even taller. The
mans gaze met Maccus', his viridian gaze finding only one of Maccus' clover
eyes. His nature appeared barbaric, as if left to fend for himself for
many, many years. 'Little brother, what have they done to you. '.
The larger man rushed toward Maccus, wrapping his arms around the shorter
man for a vicious bear hug. A choked cry stuck in Maccus' throat, 'Zek'.
Wrapping his arms about the larger man as best he could, 'Thirteen years,
brother. It has been so long. Where are our sisters.. Where are-? '.
His voice steeled, deeper than even Maccus remembered, 'Little brother, do
not stress, it is alright, I am here with you now, All will be alright. '.
Yet it wasn't, Zek began to slowly melt into Maccus' arms, forcing that
choked cry fully out as Zek slowly turned to ash... One by one, All those
he has cared for turned to him, decaying, rotting or turning to ash before
his eyes before he faded and drifted into darkness once more.
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 16:38:27 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - Shield of the Crown
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
If they were cold, they did not complain.
The men who served as the Shield of the Crown were not weak of nature or
prone to doldrums. For several hours already they had weathered the
elements tracking a single set of prints through the frozen landscape. The
harsh winds battled them every step, yet not a one had voiced a word of
discomfort. Nor had they let the unnatural cold of the godsforsaken lands
they traveled slow their progress.
The frigid temperatures were not their only concern. The night had brought
with it a thick cover of pale clouds that promised snow and the first flakes
of it had begun to fall just as the sun began to rise, threatening to cover
the tracks they sought before the first sparks of daylight could assist in
lighting their way. The fresh blanket of snow made their trek across uneven
terrains All the more precarious, concealing crevasses within the ever
frozen ground beneath their feet.
They traveled a southwestern path from Eastdrift, nearly making the full
trek to Dra'strit before the tracks they followed cut southward and
disappeared into the forested lands east of the ancient monastery. Their
way was shaded by thick trees and the snow had begun to fall in earnest.
It was here that their Commander halted their trek, hand gestures used to
communicate rather than words in case any danger awaited them within the
wood. They crouched together within the cover of a massive boulder as he
surveyed the path ahead, a dark eye shrewdly studying the tree line for any
immediate threat. Finding none, he turned to beckon his Second forward.
'Wisgarus, take the fastest of our men and return t' Eastdrift. Time has
come to let loose the beast. ' His demand, spoken quietly, gave no room for
argument and his expression dared his guard to give one. Still, a grumble
ran through the lot of them, their fear of their Commander, wights, harpy,
or ghul immediately overridden by their shared dislike of a single direwolf.
Had their Commander not shared the sentiment, he might of taken offense.
Still, he silenced their unrest with a cold glare that set them to action.
His men followed his order without any real dissent. To be certain of it,
he waited until the two disappeared from his sight before gesturing the
others forward.
The remainder continued onward, relieved they had not been given the task.
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 16:43:02 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - The Queen's Return
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
The hour was late when the Queen arrived within Eastdrift.
Rather than disturb those of the Watch during their rest, Ashtiel saw to
Etehnu's care and then ventured straight to the tent she shared with her
King. Her guards immediately took post outside and she gave them her
respects before venturing within.
Telthian had already begun his work within the forge, so she found soon
herself sitting alone at the table within, her mismatched eyes focused on
the map spread before her. She was weary but her mind was restless and she
planned to head out at first light to join her husband at Shimmermist.
Thus, she spent her first hour within the encampment busying herself reading
over the reports.
The ghul were continuously testing the defenses of their Encampment. Many
had vanished in the night if they risked venturing outside of the
encampment's barriers alone. One here. Two there. Another here. The list
was growing and their forces were spread out. They had not yet come close
to achieving their objectives.
With a sigh of frustration, Ash had pushed herself up from the table to pace
the confines of her tent. It was then that the ever present hum caught her
notice again, the grating buzz that remained at the edges of her senses and
brought a dull ache to her temples that would worsen the longer she remained
here. She was no closer to finding its source than she had been when they'd
first arrived here.
As if beckoned to her by the train of her thoughts, the old spirit returned.
Appearing near the entrance of her tent to hover insubstantially, his
baleful stare fixated on her. Ashtiel returned it for a moment, weariness
doing nothing for her disposition or her patience. She stretched out upon
the fur covered cot that took up most of the space within her tent and
turned her back to him, intent on ignoring him.
Another hour passed before exhaustion outweighed the awkwardness and she
finally gave in to the need for sleep. But her rest was plagued with
dreams. Fleeting images flooded through her mind.
Trees burned and twisted as flames ate away at their gnarled limbs. Men and
women fled, some burning, some caught by the swarm of ghul that moved like
spiders across the ice. Screams of agony. The sickening screech, given in
unison, of the ghul as they tore their victims to shreds. Blood poured
across the snow like paint spilled across canvas.
The smoke thickened - became suffocating - became everything.
Then there was nothing but darkness.
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 16:56:57 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - Dark Memories
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
We came ta this frigid 'ell seekin our own selfish glory.
Like vultures circlin' carrion we struck out for these icy climes by the
'undreds.
The tale o' the Empire's demise reached the far corners o' Algoron and there
wasna a single seat o' power tha' didna covet the wealth tha' Dae'Tok had
built. To the young it promised adventure. To the steadfast ruler, it
promised riches and esteem. Only a fool wouldna 'ave considered stakin a
claim, grave robbin' though it may 'ave been. So the realm waited with
baited breath for the change o' seasons and for word tha any 'ad survived .
When none came, we descended.
My tribe was blessed. Our chief, Sheorais, 'ad followed the omens and 'ad
timed our arrival well. We were among the first to arrive. We settled in a
prime location within the woods south o' the city to avoid the watchful eyes
o' others who shared our intent. The first night was quiet. Our fires lit
the darkness o' the forest with a golden gleam. The excitement o' wha lie
ahead lit the spirit o' every man and woman within. It was a glorious sight
to be'old.
We didna know then o' wha was to come. We didna know tha our greed would be
our damnation.
At dawn, our great chief set off with his parade o' soldiers and the best o'
our scouts.
Late into the second night, a single scout returned. Bloodied and
screaming. The dead came with her. Like some beast from the worst o'
nightmares. They remained, hidden within the darkness cast by our own
fires. Those that guarded the outer edges o' the woods were the first to
die. As the creatures converged upon the forest, the screams began. Panic
kills same as any monster and it was panic tha 'elped destroy us.
There were so many o' them. It wasna long before the forest was ablaze and
we were fleein back the way we'd come. But even tha was lost to us. As if
the Gods themselves 'ad decided to punish us for our transgression, the
earth seized and a great crevice opened tha blocked our retreat.
Before our very eyes, the spirits o' our brethren rose, twisted abominations
tha joined the nightmare attacking us. Their spirits herded us towards the
very monsters tha slaughtered them. It was a massacre and All tha fell
joined our enemy.
We 'ad no choice. We were forced to retreat into the ruins in hopes a path
to salvation lay through the city itself.
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 18:56:11 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - Dark Memories II
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
We didna make it far. We were cornered within a great domed building. The
strongest o' us struggled to fend off the beasts ah the door.
Our death surrounded us but still some ran about to pick pocket objects from
the shelves tha spiraled, the room. Useless and trivial things. None would
leave with them. It was upon one o' these tha I saw it.
The box was illuminated with a soft blue light tha made it stand out from
the rest. Its surface was sectioned and covered with symbols o' various
colors. I dinna know why I reached for it. Nor wha lay within. But in the
desperation o' the moment I grabbed it. It wasna greed but hope tha' fueled
my action. But the result would've been the same regardless.
The box let loose a dark flash o' light and a painfully jarring noise issued
forth to vibrate through the dome overhead. The dome cracked further to
send shards o'glass raining down upon us. The beasts outside screeched in
unison and fled. My hand burned. I dropped the box and fell to the floor
beside it to clutch at my ears in agony.
Once it settled upon the stone floor, the terrible sound the box emitted
dulled but remained. None dared to touch it again.
I know not why the sound disturbed the beasts enough tha they no longer
tried to enter. We were safe from those fearsome creatures but not from
ourselves. With little food or supplies and no hope o' rescue, it would be
up to us to find a way to survive.
Though the beasts were kept at bay, they picked off any who dared try to
escape and the sickness within this place touched All who lingered. Some
went mad within days. Some choose death by the beasts ratha than the slow
death tha awaited the rest o' us. We ate those who starved dead in attempt
to ward off starvation ourselves. But it was no use. We were destined ta
die. Destined for damnation and nah one o' us would be spared.
I watched them All join the rest. , One by one, until starvation claimed me
as well. I know not why I did not join the wraiths with the others. But I
am as damned as the rest. Cursed to remain.
We were the first but many have joined us in the ages tha' 'ave passed.
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 18:59:31 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - Boxed In - Part I
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
She woke, shivering violently, to find herself standing almost knee deep in
the snow. The skeletal remnants of the buildings that made up Dae'Tok
surrounded her. This would have been less disconcerting had she not also
been barefoot and weaponless.
The spirit, having shared his tale, awaited her. His baleful stare
remained. He waited for her attention to settle upon him before beckoning
her forward with the wave of a hand and turning to precede her along a path
concealed in snow.
She was uncertain where she was within the city and hardly prepared for the
elements. No other option available to her, Ashtiel muttered an oath and
turned to follow, hands rubbing at her arms in hopes of warming them.
The spirit did not travel as she did. It flitted forward, covering vast
distances before pausing to wait for her to catch up. She struggled to do
so, All the while feeling the weight of danger upon her. Though she had yet
to see the ghul she could feel their presence.
The noise she had been chasing since arriving within Eastdrift grew stronger
as she chased behind the spirit and her speed grew with it. But her
shivering brought with it a sense of lethargy that made her limbs seem
heavier. Each step seemed harder than the one that preceded it.
The screech alerted her to the ghul at her back. It sprang from the broken
roof of a building as she turned into the alleyway, the impact sending her
sprawling into the snow. Ashtiel scurried backwards to avoid the swipe of
its claw and it lunged forward, half rotten jaws snapping at her as it came.
Another snarl signaled the arrival of Etehnu just as a flaming arrow struck
the ghul's temple. The creature stumbled and whirled to face the Crownguard
who burst into the alleyway, swords at ready.
Etehnu grabbed Ashtiel by the collar of her shirt to drag her backward
through the snow, pulling her from the alley before allowing her the option
to regain her feet. The massive direwolf positioned himself between her and
the others, his fierce snarl mirroring that of the ghul as it fought the
Verminasians.
Their Commander skewered the creature to the wall behind it as another of
his men removed it's head. The creature's dying scream was answered by
others. Screeches of anger that rose up from the ruins. The ghul knew of
their presence and were coming for them.
Across the courtyard the spirit awaited within the doorway of a massive
building topped with a dome of broken glass.
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 19:06:00 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - Boxed In - Part II
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
The interior of the building was vast. Shelves in various condition
spiraled around the room to form a pile in the center where several had been
toppled. Others had been broken to feed the firepit that still remained to
the eastern side of the room, the only place the ceiling still sheltered
from the elements.
The snow covered some of the dead within but not All of them. Skeletons
dotted the walls. Grinning mouths greet them as they entered. The guard
took up positions near the exits while their Queen and Commander ventured
deeper into the room.
In the center of a melted pool of snow, lay a box that lit the water it lay
within with a silver-blue glow. The noise, now audible enough to annoy
everyone near it, arose from the box and the light it gave off pulsed in
time with its discordant melody.
An oversized cloak settled upon Ashtiel's shoulders as she studied it,
causing her to jump a bit as her attention shifted from the box to the
Commander of her guard. 'Thank you, Rothych. ' She turned to meet his
one-eyed gaze and grinned.
He scowled at her. 'You running off on your own does not make it easier to
keep you alive.' His scowl turned into an admonishing look.
'Involuntary trip, I assure you.' He gave her a knowing look and she
shrugged at him. 'But I've kept myself alive this long.'
'Aye but look where that's gotten you. Middle of the bloody frozen wastes,
barefoot and surrounded by bloody ghul. ' He gestured over his shoulder
towards the door. 'Besides, you're a queen now and everyone hates a royal.
If the monsters don't getcha someone else might. '
Her scowl told him what she thought of his opinion and he laughed, despite
himself. 'Don't get All offended, Highness. Folks want to be you and they
hate you cause they ain't. Simple as that.'
Ashtiel turned away from him to crouch beside the box, studying it as she
quipped, 'Been thinking of killing me much, have you?'
'Would be a liar if I claimed the thought had never crossed m' mind. ' He
waited on her to look up at him and tapped the patch that covered his
missing eye.
'Don't make me take the other one.' It was an idle threat. Both of them
knew he was loyal enough to receive no harm from her. But the banter
between them was an unending as the noise that blared from the glowy box on
the floor in front of them.
'Ach. I'm still bitter about you taking the first. Bleeding shrew. You
going to shut that thing up then?' He gestured to the box and shot her a
questioning look.
'I had considered it. But, given our situation it may be the only thing
keeping us alive. '
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Ashtiel
Date Sat May 11 19:09:53 2019
To All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
Subject Lost City - Boxed In - Part III (Final)
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Her guards built a fire from the remnants of the shelves that were dry
enough to burn, though it was hardly large enough to provide any warmth.
Ash sat before it, feet extended and looking worse for the wear. 'You could
lose one. Then you'd have a peg. '
Ashtiel turned to glare up at Rothych to find him holding her boots out.
'Figured you might have need of these when we found you. Also brought your
favorites, if you were of mind to put them to use at some point today.'
The guard, Wisgarus, quickly settled her bundled weapons beside her and
returned to his post by the entrance. She took the boots gratefully and
nodded her thanks.
'I've yet to come up with a plan to depart. We could try moving the box but
I am uncertain what it did to him.' She gestured to the spirit who
remained near what she guessed was his corpse in a shaded section of the
shelves and Rothych gave her a look that said he clearly couldn't see whom
she was referring to. 'Never mind. Don't touch the box.'
Ashtiel gathered her weapons and rose, sheathing All but the crimson sword
she'd forged from the remnant of the meteor she and Telthian had retrieved
from the first ghul they'd encountered. The blade sensed magic and the soft
vibration that signaled its hunger for it ran up the length of her arm.
'There's more of them gathering! ' One of the guards called out from the
door way.
The earth rumbled. The building quaked around them and as if reminiscent of
the spirit's memory, glass rained down upon those within. Rothych threw his
arms over Ashtiel to shield her from the fall of it before both rushed to
the doorway to peer out of it.
Smoke rose to the northwest, a single plume that trailed upwards in tendrils
to stain the white clouds overhead. The ghul that gathered screamed their
anger in unison and turned, their attention diverted. The majority of them
turned to converge in the direction of the smoke.
'He did it. The forge is lit.' Ashtiel cast a glance at Rothych.
'Aye well lets get the hell out of here before the ghul come back. Get your
box, woman, it's time to go.'
--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--
Writer: Rorra
Date Sun May 12 08:51:20 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Sinking Into Insanity - chapter 3
For the first time this week the skies were clear. Birds chirping
happily amongst the treetops and even the squirrels had come out to play.
Not a cloud in the sky for miles around to mar the otherwise beautiful day.
Many of the trees sway every so often with a gentle breeze. That same
breeze would occasionally grow stronger, ruffling the fur of a white tigress
sitting next to a burnt out campfire. She sat there, wide awake, stomach
rumbling with hunger from time to time while she stared glassy-eyed at the
water.
Knowing it was still there bothered her greatly. The pendant sitting at the
bottom of the pond haunted her dreams with it rising from it as though it
called back to her, demanding to be collected and protected rather than
abandoned. The normally lively tail laid still across the grass All the
while the occasional curious rabbit or squirrel would come by to nibble on
it.
The day wears on, growing dark by the time she finally moves, looking over
her shoulder towards a particularly annoying squirrel. It had decided her
tail was good place to make a new home for now. Whipping around suddenly,
she reaches out for the squirrel quickly even though All it accomplishes is
scaring off the poor thing. The felar turns her attention back towards the
still waters off the pond, still concerned that the pendant would actually
rise from the water and yet the sounds of her rumbling belly would keep her
mind from wandering too far.
The sun was almost below the horizon and while she remained hungry, she was
far too tired to worry about it right now. Much, much too tired to deal
with anything, especially a pendant. She takes the time to grab her tail
and pull it close against her chest before laying down in the grass,
protecting the tail from random creatures that would dare turn it into a
temporary nest. With any luck, the weather would stay clear enough for her
to sleep properly for the first time in months.
Writer: Mercerion
Date Sun May 12 17:33:20 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna Religion Nadrik
Subject Road to War IV: Unfinished Business (Part I)
The feast had been a glorious one. Paid in full by the Emperor, every
citizen in the province of Gryphonne had been invited. The cost had been
irrelevant to the Emperor, having paid for foods that many of the common
citizens may not regularly be able to afford. Such luxuries as finer water
fowls, an incredible array of sea food, directly broad into the province
from the Althainian port, and All manners of fruits and vegetables. All
told, the feasting tables were stocked in the area of 150 jeweled eggs worth
of food for the citizens to enjoy, many of these foods would be preserved
and repurposed as needed after the feast, if they were not consumed
altogether.
Men and women filled the hundred-tent feasting area, and there was
entertainment brought in for the young and old alike. The Emperor made his
rounds, stopping at every table he could to talk among the citizens and
enjoy in their merry-making. As the feasting progressed, gradually a
structure was put into place in the middle of All the tables. It seemed
much like a stage, at least until the corner-posts were put in, and then
ropes put in, connecting the posts around the perimeter of the structure.
Shortly after the ring was completed, Mercerion took leave of the table he
was sitting at and made his way to the ring. He stepped under the top rope,
and over the second, looking out at the merry faces of the Althainians whom
had come. These people had All been working hard, and they deserved a feast
and merry time, but there was something else that All this hard work had
done. This province may have had the most dedicated and difficult training
regimen, and Mercerion had personally overseen much of the preparation in
this training. Men were often pitted against eachother, and examples were
ofted made in the hopes of improving.
On a personal level, this drew motivation to the surface. When the Emperor
was present, everyone performed at their absolute best. But after this
night, the Emperor would move on. And those whom had perhaps pushed down on
the shoulders of their comrades to shine a bit brighter in hopes of being
noticed, would have to be back among their peers, where grudges may have
formed. This is why the ring was put into place, and the purpose of what
the Emperor was about to announce.
Men and Women of the Empire... When you step on the battlefield, you must
be ready to fight, or you dishonor the reason why we're here. When you
fight a man, he's not your friend. Same goes when you lead men.
The Emperor looked out among the faces gathered. Some of these people had
fought in wars before, like the previous Abaddon invasion, or even in the
battles against he Hand of Devion. Some were green and new, and had never
known the horrors of a battlefield.
He shook his head a moment before continuing, "I forgot that once. I let
people get too close to eachother. I dropped my guard. I gave some of them
breaks, let some of them go, before the fight was really over and we paid
the price in lives. That can't happen again. "
At this point, the entire feast area was quiet with men and women looking at
eachother. Mercerion looked on for a moment longer, before he shrugged off
his cloak and began wrapping his fists in cloth, "You've All worked hard to
prepare for this war. Risen to the call to remove the taint of Chaos from
Algoron. When I showed up here, I could see the eager fire in your eyes as
you executed your drills, putting All of your work on display."
Mercerion finished and slipped on a pair of sparring gloves before
addressing the people again, "I've seen some of you stand on the shoulders
of your peers, perhaps in a display of pride, or glory... But know this:
That kind of personal glory will break the bonds of family, and the trust we
have in one another. Grudges will form, and in this grudges, Chaos will
find its way inbetween us, and separate us."
Continued in next storyn:
Writer: Mercerion
Date Sun May 12 17:35:23 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna Religion
Subject Road to War IV Unfinished Business (Continued and Finished)
Mercerion looked out over the people again, now ready to fight as he
called out, "So tonight, we take care of any unfinished business we may
have, before it can become grudges. Let us settle our differences
honorably. Let us shed some sweat, tears, and maybe a bit of blood
together, before we're forced to draw it from an enemy, and let no man or
woman leave this feast with unfinished business. I'll go ahead and
start.... General, get your ass in this ring! ."
With that, an ear-splitting cheer went up, and the youthful general grinned
ear-to-ear, making his way to the ring. The crowd began to crowd the ring
as the General stepped in and squared against the Emperor, whom was several
years his senior. As the General got his sparring gloves laced up, he
turned and face the Emperor and spouted off, "So how's this gonna work, do
you want me to lay down after a couple of hits, or should I put you out of
your misery quic-" before the General could finish his sentence, the Emperor
caught him with a cross that stunned possibly everyone in the crowd.
The General stepped back and shook his head, laughing after a moment before
advancing, careful this time to block the crosses and evade the emperor's
jabs, trying to counter but finding the Emperor much more agile than his
supposed age would bely. At one point, the General connected with several
body hits, before the Emperor caught a body blow with his glove and
countered into an uppercut, which sent the General to the mat.
The Emperor kneeled down and whispered something only the General could
hear, "Now if only you'd worked as hard as your men have with me here, every
day, along side them, then maybe we could truly make some progress. " And
with that, Mercerion stepped through the ropes, calling out for others to
put their unfinished business into the ring, and galvanize eachother here
together, amongst and amid their peers, brothers, and sisters.
Writer: Agapitos
Date Sun May 12 18:34:15 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna Imm ( Storyline )
Subject Twilight Ruminations
The waning light shone bloody over the valley of the elves, the evening
breeze cool and gentle as it rustled the leaves in the serene valley. It
was a tranquil evening, one at odds with the disarray and disorder of the
world. Such juxtaposition sat poorly with the man who gazed over the
valley, corded arms folded over his chest. Agapitos di Lucis frowned as he
basked in the peaceful sunset, the restlessness in his body etched in the
uneasy cording of his neck and shoulders, bound tightly in his well-built
frame.
It was easy to look at the immensity of the world's disquiet and be
overwhelmed by such a task as redeeming it, and yet...
The Emperor of Althainia was ambitious, with aspirations to be a just liege,
a ruler worthy of the Light's blessing. He had piqued curiosity, and the
noble ambition resonated with the man, and so he had pledged his assistance
to the Althainian cause. Now, it was escort duty, a seemingly-trifling
exercise. Trust, however, was hard-formed. It would require the execution
of duties to foster, to prove the sincerity of his promise. It was easy to
pledge, harder to perform.
Agapitos's fingers found the hilt of Ascalon, drumming a tattoo on the
ornate pommel. The weapon's weight had become second-nature to him, a
reassurance that he was not defenseless. The weapon had seemed heavy once,
when he had first donned it. It was weighty not only in its hand-and-a-half
construction, but in the promises that the blade carried. Not only by him,
its latest bearer, but the man who had donned it before, who had passed its
burden unto him. Agapitos' brow furrowed as he recalled the face of that
man, his words, and his cause. It had been... Not easy to dismiss, but a
trifling thing, back then. More words he had heard among many, to the
regrettable end that hearing them had become routine. He had begun to
overlook the sincerity and the weight behind them, and the drive of men who
found the courage to speak the words as they had. Now...
The weapon slid from its ornate sheath, the bloody sunlight catching the
silvered blade and shining, not the crimson of the dying light, but catching
the faint golden hue of the dawn to come. The contemplative frown on his
features gradually melted into a smile, remembrance giving him a measure of
satisfaction as he turned his back on the familiar valley, preparing for the
trek back to Althainia. The next morning, he would escort the Steward of
the Kingdom northward. It was a safe route, one he had scouted much of the
way on his journey to the Valley, and he expected no trouble. That gave no
reason for indolence, however. The future of the Light rested with the
duties of Good men, and it had become his charge as well. Ascalon returned
to its sheath as he found the path that would carry him to the city. His
word was his bond. It was time now to prove the truth of the claim.
Writer: Kyrlynn
Date Sun May 12 21:44:40 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to war: Gryphonne
The journey from the Cadian province back to Althainia had been rather
uneventful and quiet. Most of the company traveling with the Emperor seemed
as grateful as she did to get away from the humid swamps. Though they would
need to get used to the heat and humidity long term, soon.
The stop over in Althainia was brief but needed for supplies. Jhonas had
given her a very puzzled look when she purchased a large amount of apples,
most of his current stock in fact. She just flashed him an innocent smile
and walked away carrying the bulging bag, they were needed for a few
reasons.
The Emperor traveled with a decent sized company but still, the Ambassador
never let her guard down. Too many years and too many assassination
attempts had long since taught her there were always threats lurking. Her
Kyorl training had only magnified it.
She kept a constant eye out as they rode along through the forest and toward
the next province, her free hand always staying close to her nearest sword.
Her hope was that she would not have to test her sword skills while on
horseback just yet. She would never be as good in mounted combat as she was
on her own two feet but still, she was trying to improve upon her skills.
When they arrived in the Gryphonne Province, Kyrlynn climbed down from her
saddle and reached for an apple in her pack. She fed it to her steed and
patted his side as she whispered low, 'Remember, you have to share some of
them. '
She handed the reins off to a squire who had approached her and then turned
around to see numerous eyes staring at her curiously. It seems word of the
Kyorl traveling with the Emperor was starting to spread. The whispers and
grins from some of the soldiers did not go unnoticed by Kyrlynn. Did they
notice her own grin though?
Challenges were coming. This was going to be fun and a welcome distraction
from the thoughts in her head.
Writer: Kyrlynn
Date Sun May 12 21:52:31 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to war: Training in Gryphonne (Part 1)
By mid week Kyrlynn had spent much of the first half of the week doing
sword training. The Gryphonne province was thankfully not among the swamps
so they were not dealing with rampant insects and sticky humid heat. She
was glad to keep busy and out of her own thoughts.
There was no shortage of soldiers, both men and women, who wanted to try
their hand against the sword work of a Kyorl. As she had done in Cadia,
Kyrlynn spent many hours sparring and offering tips on sword work. It
frustrated some of the men that she seemed to tire very little.
One particular captain had come to challenge her skills. He was rather
cocky about his own abilities and boasted that he'd be the one giving her
tips in a few moments. 'Captain, I assure you that no swordsman is without
fault or weakness, sometimes that weakness is ones own perception about
their own abilities. '
The man merely laughed and readied himself. A small crowd had gathered
around the two when Kyrlynn withdrew her swords and moved to face the
captain. At first, she merely kept a defensive position and some distance
between her and the Captain as she observed his moves.
It amused him that she had not yet made a move and so he began to taunt the
half elf. A mistake he would soon realize. Those who watched noticed a
change in the half elf's stance as she began to advance on the man, no sound
came from her lips but she was clearly dancing her song.
The sound of swords clashing rang out around the two as they fought. Each
time the Captain thought he had an opening, Kyrlynn either parried it
skillfully or turned the attack back on him. Her quick feet and even
quicker hands gave her an advantage he was not prepared for.
The Captain was clearly not without skill and though he managed a few good
hits, in the end he found himself on the ground with a blade pointed at his
throat. He had let his cockiness guide his judgment which had led to him
falling for a feigned opening. He was unable to recover when the elf
repositioned herself, using one sword to sweep his legs out from under him
while the other was ready to strike at his throat.
The Ambassador nodded and slipped both swords back into their scabbards.
She extended her hand out to the Captain and offered him a hand up. It took
him a moment but he finally took Kyrlynn's hand and stood up. He sulked a
bit as he started to walk off. 'Captain, I welcome any tips you wish to
give me. I've always more to learn, we all do, ' she called out to him but
he never slowed in his steps.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she turned back towards the group that had
gathered. 'Who's next? ' Suddenly, they All had things to do elsewhere, as
none spoke up and the group dispersed quickly. She feared the rest of the
week was going to be tough.
Writer: Rorra
Date Mon May 13 07:10:13 2019
To All Chaos Malachive ( Scorn Erebaal Immortal )
Subject Descent Into Madness - Sinking Into Insanity - chapter 4
Sleep was quick to claim the felar after having remained awake for such a
long time. Her tail is kept held protectively within her arms in order to
prevent All manner of fauna from using it as their own bed. Initially
slipping into the dreamscape was fairly quick after having fallen asleep,
which was a welcome reprieve compared to the recent past for what she could
piece together.
Waking up deep within a forest unfamiliar to her, rolling clouds of fog
covered the forest, making it difficult to see too far out. That alone was
nothing strange enough to make her think twice about exploring a new
wilderness. Quietly making her way through the dense fog, taking notice of
a handful of trees that held ornamental trinkets of various gods. The
farther away from where she had woken up at, the more twisted the baubles
became as well as the more of Turpa's iconic symbols they adopted.
Nothing had truly stood out as strange beyond those trinkets though and so
she continued on her way, pushing past some low hanging branches and other
brush. One particular tree seemed to have the fog practically clinging to
it. When she held a few branches aside to step past it and a few other
larger bushes, the fog abruptly ended, leaving her standing within a
darkened alleyway. Hushed voices could be heard, though not quite
understood even with the felar's heightened senses.
She took several moments to compose herself before cautiously taking a peek
around the corner to find nothing but a deserted street. Still voices could
be heard and the closer she came to it, the more it sounded.. Odd.
Something as though it was not natural by any means. It did not take long
to find the source while skulking about this place. She remained mostly
hidden, only daring the occasionally take a quick look around the side of
the rundown building at the small gathering of beings. The air itself felt
different while near these strangers.
Her worst fears were realized soon after one of them pulled their hood of
while claiming it was stifling to wear hooded cloaks All the time here.
Though only having ever heard rumor and words of priests, even she knew,
this was Turpa herself. In that instant, a shadowy figure would appear in a
darkened mist behind the goddess and viciously impale her through the back.
The first time she heard that pained wail would bring her from the restless
sleep she had been in.
"No... No, haa.. Stop it.. "
Writer: Kyrlynn
Date Mon May 13 08:33:02 2019
To All Althainia Cayenna
Subject Road to war: Training in Gryphonne (Part 2)
The rest of the week had gone faster and better than anticipated. Though
soldiers were slow at first to approach Kyrlynn again, once they did she was
constantly busy. The captain did not challenge her again, he stopped on
occasion to observe her work with others but otherwise avoiding her
training.
She had intended for them to speak but the opportunity had yet to present
itself. Now they were amidst a full fledged practice assault. All around
Kyrlynn the hooves of the charge thundered. Swords in hand, she was ready
as she stalked along on foot.
The cataphracts were ahead of her and the knights that she moved alongside
of. She watched as the pike formation rose up but moments later the
cataphracts burst through the pikes successfully which allowed her and the
knights a path through.
She ran alongside the knights, her swords a blur as she made quick work of
dummies meant to stand as infantry. As she did so she watched the others,
proud of the improvements many of them had made. It was a fearsome sight to
watch happen but the aftermath was even more impressive.
Once the charge was done, she headed over towards the Emperor and General,
her ears picking up the conversation as she sheathed her swords in their
scabbards. She smirked as she walked by the two and called out, "You should
try keeping up with the Emperor first, then you might actually get to see
that sorry sap who tried to hit him" |
