The Administorum
Battle Related Forums => Board Battle Archives => Board Battles => The Scrap Heap => Topic started by: Shadow Chorus on April 29, 2012, 12:00:52 PM
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(I decided it was time to stop waiting for Cameron to respond to me and just start it up on my own. I don't want to keep you people waiting too long.)
The ocean was calm as the vast flotilla of ships made its way towards the southern coast of the Blacklands. A land-bound invastion of this desolate and unearthly province of Nocturna was doomed to failure, for the beasts guarded their borders well, not to mention the natural hazards of the Nashyama desert separating the two greater continents of the land. Night had fallen, and the moon shone full in the sky. The werewolves below deck were being tended to by the tamers to keep their animal forms in check, but there was one figure who stood alone at the bow of the ship, watching the rising moon from under his vampire slayer's hat.
"Such a wonderful night...Almost makes me want to find a bite to drink..."
"Alucard." Came the gruff voice from behind, and the figure turned to see the old visage of Sir Walter of Gandrick approaching.
"Yes, master?" Alucard asked, bowing low as his tamer approached.
"We're nearly there. We'll reach the continent by the time the moon is at its apex." Walter said, leaning on the bow next to his servant.
"What of the promising recruits aboard our lovely Dusk Piercer?" Alucard turned his head to gaze at the entrance to the underside of the ship.
"The monsters are being kept well by their tamers. The monks and priests have been preparing themselves, and our ship's wizard has been putting together incantations I've only ever heard of before."
"So, we're prepared."
"As best we can be." Walter sighed and hefted his hammer onto his shoulder. "You'd best get ready too. We don't know what to expect when we get there."
"I'm preparing even now." Alucard said, looking up at the moon, drinking in its malignant light.
"Good. I'll check on the status of our more promising acquisitions." Walter said, stepping below decks to see to the others.
-
The Gorger clung to the ceiling with his claws, hardly having been comfortable during the voyage. It was not his abode itself that seemed to bother him, but the selection of fine dining that he could not partake of. At least under the vampire's rule he could eat what warriors he pleased, but now so many meals with so many different flavors danced in front of him mockingly, locked within the confines of his own mind by that damned tamer, "Alexander." In hindsight, he regretted not killing both the tamer and the vampire. This "Sir Walter" however... his control was more firm than the others combined, yet still not enough so to hinder The Gorger's hunger.
Suddenly, The Gorger's nose picked up the scent of a powerful being descending to the lower decks... speak of the devil.
"Ah... Walter. Good of you join us." The Gorger hissed, twisting his neck like a vulture observing prey. "Alexander spoke highly of you."
-
Rau sits calmly in his cabin, absorbed in reading a part of the Holy Scripture. A part he has read many times before. He doesn’t realize that night has befallen them until he hears a howl from a werewolf. Putting back the scripture in his personal belongings, Rau takes a deep breath, takes out his armor and begins to undress his robes.
He stretches his arms and legs a little bit, so that he feels the leather with the skin of his limbs. After making sure the armor fits him the way he wants, Rau takes his staff and straps it on his back. A few seconds pass, during which he ponders what to do and if there is something else to prepare, he touches his wrist to make sure his bracelet is there and then he takes a deep breath, frowns his eyebrows as usual, and leaves the room in order to find the person in charge of their group and find out more about their expedition into the Blacklands.
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The bowl of the pipe flares briefly. After a moment a sweet smelling cloud of smoke escapes into the cabin and circles around a lamp hanging from a rafter. A stout, wooden cup half full of water sits on the floor. Sun Wu is sitting cross legged in front of it, contemplating as it rocks back and forth with the boat.
The Dusk Piercer, it is called. A fitting name. The various creatures and people on the watercraft are staggering. He caught only a glimpse in passing, but the Tamers' pets downstairs are quite fearsome. Hopefully they keep them all in check.
A smile touches the corner of his mouth. It will be quite an interesting night, if they do not.
Another cloud of smoke escapes from his lips and circles the lamp.
The fellow that greeted him on deck was... peculiar. But as peculiarities go, he wasn't so far away from normal as other things he's heard of, or seen for that matter.
The water in the cup spins in a little circle before settling. Satisfied, he drinks the remainder and tucks the cup back into his pack.
His meditation complete, Sun Wu stands and looks around him. It is well past sunset by now. Thinking to admire the moon's reflection on the ocean, he makes his way out of the door of his cabin and into the hall...
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"Yes, Gorger. I've heard their praise. It doesn't make my life any easier, however. Nor will it make yours similarly." Walter said, sighing as he glanced at the Gorger hanging from the ceiling. "And stop pulling on the ceiling before the next floor up gives way. You'll not get any food that way. Just a mouthful of bark." He didn't realize that Father Rau was searching for him, but the priest would more than likely end up stumbling across him at some point.
Meanwhile, on deck, Alucard bathed in the moonlight. Shadows seemed to contort themselves, as if bowing towards their dark king, the night air swirling around his form as he drank in the blackness. Those on deck were unnerved, and soon found themselves hurrying inside. Soon all nonessential crew were inside, leaving only the helmsman and a handful of his assistants, all of whom were made of tougher stuff, on deck, watching Alucard's display of power without batting an eye. They were seasoned sea-dogs, and had seen Alucard in action more than once before. The Dusk Piercer was Walter's favorite ship. Should Sun Wu emerge on deck he'd be greeted by this unearthly sight head on, as Alucard's back faced directly towards the door to the lower decks, shadows dancing around him as he leaned on the bow.
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"Speaking of which, 'Sir' Walter," The Gorger said in a less than respectful manner, "when is my next meal?" He dropped from the ceiling, and stood over Sir Walter with his massive frame. His twisted tongue licked the outside of his bare teeth and gums clean. "I'm famished." What was left of his face formed a sickening grin. However, something soon ruined his appetite. A priest approached - one with a great deal of holy power. The Gorger's grin disappeared.
"Nevermind," The Gorger sulked, "my appetite is ruined." His unholy form felt a great deal of discomfort around Sir Walter as it was, and with Rau's approach, it was simply one too many holy men. He crouched down once again, and skittered away on all fours, taking the nearest exit to the main deck, away from the Crusade's filth and toward the darkness of the outside.
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A few tamers moved to apprehend the Gorger before he could leave, but Walter halted them with a raised hand. "Let him go. Alucard is on deck. He'll handle anything the Gorger might attempt to do." Sir walter turned to face father Rau as he entered the beast deck. "Welcome, father Rau. Were you looking for me?"
Meanwhile, the Dusk Piercer cut through the waves like a knife, sailing smoothly through the ocean as the black land-mass ahead loomed ever larger before it. The Dusk Piercer was at the head of a flotilla of nearly one thousand ships. A truly great crusade to be held against the Blacklands. Until now, only small groups had ever been sent across the borders to fight either side, small incursions and border skirmishes. Now it was time for the First Black Crusade. And hopefully the last. As the ships approached, Ballista and catapults that were on-deck were aligned towards the surface of the island by the helmsman's assistants. And Alucard stood at the bow, a malefic figrehead to the dark crusade that was to be undertook. A monster who fought monsters of his own free will. A freak of nature, a living weapon. Precisely what the crusade represented.
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It hasn’t been 5 minutes since Rau started looking for the person in charge, when suddenly a cold chill ran down his spine. He quickly shook off the surprise caused by the unholy energy and reminded himself that regardless of what creature it belongs to, it is under the tamers control and he must bear with it.
Since he could feel the energy coming from the upper decks Rau decided it is best not to meet with a creature of darkness of that caliber, while it is in this kind of state, and heads towards the lower decks to continue his search for the expedition’s leader. As he walks down the stairs, he struggles to remember the name of the person.
He is thinking “What was it? The high priest was talking about him just the other day! How can I forget the man’s name!” he frowns his eyebrows even more than usual.
"Speaking of which, 'Sir' Walter, when is my next meal?" A voice could be heard just around the corner.
“Yes! Sir Walter! That was the name!” Said Rau, with an ecstatic voice, as he finally remembered the man’s name.
"Welcome, father Rau. Were you looking for me?" Says Sir Walter.
Hoping no one heard his small outburst, Rau quickly replies “Yes Sir Walter I was.” As he says that, Rau’s gaze is focused on some unholy contraption that is quickly making its way out of the lower deck. “It seems we have a lot of … companions joining us, here and” He remembers the sensation from a minute ago.” on the deck above. But that is not why I sought you out. I came to inform you that I have completed my preparations and, even though I have no doubt that we are ready for anything, I wanted to know what to expect of the expedition.”
-
Sun Wu walks along the hallway of the Dusk Piercer. A few sailors brush past him, their faces telling of their relief to be under deck. Climbing the stairs, Wu at first wonders if his eyes were failing him.
No, he could see clearly. The same man who greeted him when he first board the Dusk Piercer is leaning on the bow in front of him. The shadows dance and contort around him. This isn't any kind of Chi that Wu knew of. The thought threatened to tie a knot in his stomach.
The bowl of his pipe burns orange, and he continues forward. He stops short of the bow and to the left of the eerie man, giving him ample room. Exhaling, a cloud of smoke leaves his lips and catches in the wind, falling quickly behind. The ocean provides no comfort, he cannot find peace in the waves as they pass. Not with the presence of the man to his right so close by.
"It seems that the night has brought us together." He points out into the ocean with the stem of his pipe. "Often I have gazed upon the moon's reflection in the water before battle. It seems your interests are similar..." Returning the stem to his mouth, the bowl of the pipe burns orange once again as he inhales. "If not for different purpose."
Wu exhales, and continues staring out into the ocean.
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"I can't describe what we may face in detail, for there are no words to describe it. All I can say is we march into the depths of hell, demons at our heels to charge those in front of us. Be prepared for bloodshed." Sir walter said, sighing. he turned and faced the many monsters in the lower decks, wandering about or sitting in rooms. "These are our allies, the darkest of creatures. With their shadows and our light, we shall form a Twilight that will break upon the enemy like a thundering storm. And though the battle be the bloodiest ever fought on these lands, we must never falter or pause for breath until the battle is done, and we lie dead or stand victorious. This may be the greatest test of your resolve yet, Father Rau. Are you certain you are ready?"
On deck, Alucard turned, facing the Monk with a grin that showed off a row of sharp, deadly fangs. "Hello, Sun Wu." Alucard replied, his face framed in shadow, but his teeth somehow gleaming in the moonlight. "I am Alucard, personal soldier of Sir Walter of Gandrick." The vampire bowed low, his long raven locks almost brushing his boots. When he stood in the same position, somehow his entire face was visible, that vicious, angular visage. "Perhaps so. The ocean is a beautiful sight, but I find my gaze driven up." Alucard turned and looked up into the sky. "The Night is young. There is still so much blood to be shed. I hope you are prepared, brother Wu. If you aren't, you may not survive to see the dawn."
-
“I have been in many battles with those creatures, each bloodier than the other, I have seen the horrors those creature commit, the tears widows shed as I tell them of their husbands sacrifice,” Rau pauses for a moment, while he looks around the room seeing all the tamers tending to the creatures “but I have also seen those creatures bleed to death, I have seen them tremble in fear as Lumos’ light comes to cleanse their unholy existence. This battle shall be no different! Lumos be my witness, until a day comes where all this evil has been purged from our lands, I will fight to my last breath.” Rau holds his hands together and bows slightly, as if making a prayer ”If the worst comes to pass, than I will welcome Lumos' warm embrace.”
-
The Gorger told a terrible lie. His appetite was anything but ruined, and in fact steadily growing. He hadn't had a single meal on the way to the Dusk Piercer, and he made it known to every man on the main deck. He shook the collar of yet another crewman, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO MEAT?!" he roared at a deckhand that was retreating from the ominous vampire.
"W-well Mister, uh, ghoul, sir... we have lots of meat, but it's all cooked or salted. We've got venison, pork, fowl of all sorts, oh and we have-"
"YOU AND YOUR DEAD MEATS BE DAMNED, BOY!" With a disgruntled snarl The Gorger butchered the deckhand before him from head to toe, consumed his flesh, and threw his bones overboard for the sea to swallow whole... or at least, that's very much what he wanted to do. Since his will was still well under the control of Sir Walter, his claws stopped just short of the young man's throat. With a groan of disappointment, The Gorger's arms went limp at his sides as he slumped away from the terrified and confused deckhand. In a surge of frustration, the chains around his arm unraveled and slammed against the deck - he was beginning to throw a veritable tantrum.
Finally, he calmed, having finally submitted to his grim situation, if only for a moment. Walking past a monk and a rather brooding vampire fellow without a second thought, he gazed off into the distance in the hope of seeing civilized land - populated by sweet, sweet morsels - close by. He looked on as he slumped over the rail, watching hopefully, like a child staring down a toy in a shop window, only day dreaming of feasting upon Gandrick and Alexander's bones.
"I'll... consume... you all..." he grumbled in his dazed and surrendered state.
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Sun Wu returns the bow, matching in depth. "Alucard." He says in return.
With a tap, tap, tap ashes fall out of the pipe as its bowl is banged agains the railing. They catch in the wind before falling into the ocean.
"I believe myself to be so, and I plan on seeing many more dawns then the next."
His eyes narrow as he hears a commotion coming from another part of the deck. An abomination sunders past them and slumps heavily on the rail. Are his thoughts earlier coming to life? Had one of the tamers lost control of their quarry? It seemed odd to allow something such as this to roam freely. Some of the more fragile of the crew could be in quite a bit of trouble. A moments consideration is all it takes to see that it is subdued still, yet not very happy about it.
"Although I must admit, I rarely take company with such... things. As interesting as they - and you - are."
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"Make no mistake, Sun Wu. I -am- a thing. A living weapon of retribution. And a Thing I shall remain until the day I carve out and devour the heart of the one lord of the night. Until Dracula's blood is mine, I am but a weapon." Alucard said, Shadows pulsing around him as his speech grew more tense, his voice rising into a growl. When his speech was finished, he collected himself, the shadows retreating into his form as he looked past Sun Wu at the Gorger.
"The Gorger, the promising ghoul Walter procured from Sir Alexander." Alucard raised his left arm and, drawing the silver sword from his back with his right, severed it at the shoulder, providing a meaty appetizer for a ghoul. As the severed limb hit the ground, shadows began to spread out from the gaping wound in his shoulder, clothing reforming until there was yet another arm in its place, almost identical to the one on the ground. Sheathing his sword, he picked up his severed arm with his new one and tossed it at the ghoul. "Eat, Gorger. Let that whet your appetite for the feast to come. You'll find Walter allows this."
"It is good that you know such fire, father Rau. Your fervor will be the compass that points these men to battle, and the terror that strikes itself into the heart of the foe. Men such as you are the vanguard of the crusade, and you are invaluable in that respect." Walter said, placing a hand on Rau's shoulder. He looked at the beasts assembled below deck, and then turned back to Rau. "Come, let's join my servant, the monk, and the gorger on-deck." With that, he strode past Rau and began to make his way to the deck.
-
The Gorger's fit of self pity was ever so rudely interrupted by the vampire he had passed earlier, and the sound of a sword being drawn. His combat instincts kicking in, he quickly turned with his claws drawn, prepared to defend himself... then, the wonderful, wonderful subdued "thud" sound of meat hitting the deck. Before he could even register what just happened, The Gorger dove after his first meal in what seemed like ages. Only a moment passed, and the arm was nearly depleted of its tissues. Only a moment more, and it was picked clean, and the bare bones discarded into the waters.
The idea that someone did something kind for his sake was unfathomable to The Gorger. Was there ulterior motive? What was his edge? It mattered little, his belly had at least something in it, and it was because of this vampire who radiated power. "Very well then, bloodsucker." He said with a sigh of relief as he felt his body rejuvenating its energy. "When Walter's control of me weakens... you will be the last I kill. Alucard, was it?"
He turned to the monk nearby, without waiting for the vampire to answer. "And what of you, Mister Wu? I can guarantee a similar deal for say... a leg? A hand? No, you seem strong... yes, powerful indeed. I'll settle for a finger or two." He stretched his claws, and his teeth sharpened into a wolf's fangs as he greedily eyed the monk.
-
That explains the presence on the upper deck; it was Sir Walter’s servant. It is hard to imagine how powerful a man one must be to leash something like that. But who or what is The Gorger? Rau doesn’t dwell much on this since the answer to that question awaits him on the deck and he hurries to get there.
Rau arrives to witness a gruesome scene. The unholy abomination, that he only caught a glimpse of, was consuming the flesh of a severed arm. At least it had the decency to not leave the bony remains on the deck and discarded them into the water instead. So this must be The Gorger.
“…I can guarantee a similar deal for say... a leg? A hand? No, you seem strong... yes, powerful indeed. I'll settle for a finger or two." The Gorger was addressing the monk.
“Restrain your hunger creature!” Rau stepped fought, while putting his hand on his staff “If you are so found of deals, I will offer you the best deal. When or if Sir Walter’s control over you weakens I will personally cleanse your unholy existence and send you to the afterlife. Perhaps if you help us enough you can earn atonement for whatever atrocities you have done before you were tamed.”
-
Wu's features give no hint to what he is thinking during Alucard's explination of himself. He returns with a nod. As steady as his composure was before, his eyes go wide as Alucard shears off his own arm and tosses it to the abomination opposite them. The Gorger takes the arm and picks it clean, much to Wu's disgustment.
"Current, where do you take me now?" He whispers.
The Gorger then turns to him and asks for a piece of his flesh. Displeasure clearly marks his face. He opens his mouth to speak, but a newly arrived priest does so for him. His arrival to the upper deck is welcome. Wu was nearly regretting his trip to gaze at the water at this point.
"I can assure you, Father, this creature would find its own limbs missing before any of mine." Wu's gaze is steady, his demeanor as calm as the sea. "And yet I find no hatred for the creature. It is only following its nature, as I am mine." With a glance to Alucard he adds, "As we all are."
-
"You'll find my grip on you won't slacken any time soon, Gorger. Not while you remain so violent." Walter says, moving past Father Rau. "Stay your staff, father. I will handle this myself." The tamer strode forward across the deck, Alucard bowing low. "Welcome, my master, to the deck."
"Alucard, it is good you've fed the Gorger something. His appetite will be roaring by the time battle is here." The old man's gaze shifts, his eyes setting on the growing shoreline. On a high cliff above their landing zone, something seemed to move......
"Crewman, spyglass!" Walter called, holding out a hand behind him as a deckhand placed the request tool in his grip. As he put the device to his eye, Alucard turned as well, his gaze glowing red as he looked at the cliff looming above them.
There were figures moving about, to be sure. Figures on horseback....with no discernible heads.
"They've sent out the riders to greet us..." Alucard said, his fangs baring in the moonlight.
"So it seems..." Walter said, putting down the spyglass. "All men to stations! Tamers, ready your charges! The battle will soon commence!"
Walter's shout set the boat alight with motion and life, as well as Unlife. Tamers opened doors and cages for their troops, werewolves lurched their way to the decks, Nuckalavees were lifted up to the upper deck, Vampires and wights strode their way through the halls, mingling with soldiers and infantry as the massive barge was soon flooded with movement. Soon the deck was brimming with men and monsters, and the lower ones as well as all prepared for combat.
"Today will be bloody. But ere the dawn rises, we will be victorious!" Walter's words carried to the entirety of the crew as if magically amplified, and a resounding shout met it back.
"Today we meet the enemy, no fear in our hearts, but rage on our swords! And here we will set the bloody score!"
Walter's words played the crowd like a drum, beating out shouts of agreement, righteous fury, and bloodlust.
The battle was soon to begin.
-
The night comes alive with activity. The crew and passengers of the Dusk Piercer bustle to and fro, readying for their arrival. Sun Wu, upon hearing of the imminent battle, quickly retreats down to his quarters. He gathers his things in his pack and ties it shut.
The leather cord holding his hair in place is removed and retied, ensuring that it won't be a burden during the battle. He grabs the bottle of Chi infused water and stashes it in his pocket to have it handy. The pack is slung over his shoulder, and with one last scan of the room, he walks back upstairs.
With a nod and a smile in response to Sir Walter's speech, Wu turns and looks out at the ocean. He stares intently at it, his eyes glassing over as he does so. Some might consider this an act of disinterest in the battle to come. But if they know how to tell, they will feel the Chi building up inside of him.
Sun Wu is prepared.
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The Gorger chuckled hideously to himself after a barrage of retaliatory threats from Sun Wu and the holy man. Though he said nothing in return, he quite enjoyed their display of passion; they were worthy prey. One thing scratched at the back of head however: the vampire. What was the ulterior motive? Why did he sever his own arm just to satiate The Gorger's appetite, if even for a moment? On one hand, it was obviously not an issue for him to regenerate a new limb, so it was hardly a sacrifice, but... why do it all? These thoughts cycled over and over again in his head, unable to attain an answer.
Just as The Gorger was beginning to go mad from his own thought processes, the war approached. His cravings returned, the appetizer he was given only fueling his need for more. He began to visibly salivate as the ship drew closer to supper.
He turned to Sir Walter of Gandrick, "Don't get cocky now, Walty." His names for Sir Walter further decayed. "I believe I've chosen the first of my captors to die... yes, the holy man should do nicely! Would you like to hear who I'll kill after him?" He laughed, "Oh I can't keep a secret!" He began to whisper, "Psst... it's the monk."
-
As the deck is quickly filled with warriors and Sir Walter begins his speech, Rau tries to pick the best course of action. Much to his dislike The Gorger seems to be the most physically fit ally in the vicinity and the most suitable vanguard. The Gorger makes yet another verbal threat, as people prepare for battle.
“Hold your tongue creature! Your threats and taunts can wait, now is the time to show us what you are made of. Atone for your sins.” Says Rau, while unsheathing his staff and preparing to start an incantation.
(Extreme conditioning) Shortly after he begins his chant, the priest’s body is enveloped by light, a second later the light gathers on his palm. With a swift pushing gesture Rau sends the light towards The Gorger. When it hits, the effects can be felt immediately. The Gorger’s muscles stretch beyond their limits, giving him more power and flexibility. The increase in strength makes him light on his feet increasing his agility. As the spell takes full effects his mind also becomes sharper and The Gorger’s focus reaches its peaks, increasing his mental fortitude and awareness.
-
As Walter's speech went on, Alucard was standing behind him, facing away to the shoreline. Shadows began to dance, playing counterpoint to his speech, while Alucard's blood red eyes scanned the massed Dullahans waiting on the ridge.
"Cavalry on a cliffside....What are you thinking, lord of vampires?" Alucard wondered quietly, watching them carefully.
The dullahans all began to raise their severed heads high, and in rolling pitches and tones, began to shout names.
Men began to fall dead where they stood, blood leaking from every orifice in their head as their eyes rolled back.
"BEWARE! DULLAHANS SPEAK!" Walter turned, shouting loudly. Pulling a tome from his belt, he flipped the book open and in hurried fashion began to read from a page. arcane symbols leapt into the air as crystal blue writing swirled about. From walter's form radiated a golden, translucent orb that enveloped the ship. All around the fleet similar bubbles formed on any ship that held a Tamer, a priest, or otherwise holy men. Those that didn't soon fell dead in the water as the entire contents of their crews died where they stood. The orbs seemed to be blocking the blasphemous powers of the Dullahans.
"Master, they should not know our names..." Alucard said, watching the ridgeline.
"Aye, you know what that means." Walter said, turning to his servant.
"We have a traitor in our midst..."
"That we do. We'll settle it with an inquisition later, first, let us deal with these hell-tongued blasphemers. BALLISTA! GOLDEN-TIPPED BOLTS! AIM FOR THE RIDGE LINE!" Walter's commands relayed themselves throughout the fleet, and crews hurried to prepare their weaponry. Ballista were wheeled around on decks and loaded with bolts armed with golden tips.
"FIRE!" As one, every ballistae fired, and golden death rained down on the Dullahans. The barrage decimated the ridge line and tore through the enemy ranks. The infernal chanting ceased.
"ALL MEN! TO ARMS!" The ships began to move even closer to the shore. Boarding blanks were readied. The battle would soon begin.
-
“Dullahans!” Anybody will recognize a dullahan after hearing about it. The headless horsemen, that carry their own heads and bring only death and misery in their wake. ”Their weakness is gold. If you have prepared any golden weapons use them now!” Rau’s shout can be heard through the deck. Even if all people gathered here should know it, it is still something worth saying.
One last thing needs to be done, before every one sets foot on The Sulfur Coast.
(Holy Presence) The priest lifts his staff into the air, a bolt of energy channels itself through the staff and shoots off into to the sky above. After flying a few meters in the air, the bolt explodes into a wave. For a few brief seconds fragments off the holy energy reflect the moons light and shine, than quickly fade away. Lumos’ light guides the combatants, even if they courage was wavering, it is now reinforced and they are all ready to face the horrors that await them in the distance.
Rau puts down his staff and steels himself. He is as ready as he’ll ever be.
-
The Gorger turned to see a bright light illuminate his being. At first, he'd thought the priest was attempting to banish him... but then, he felt something warm within him - as if his very core was being replenished in some way. His muscles grew, tightening the straps, chains, and rags that held his armor together. The strength he felt now was unlike his frenzies that gave him power through bloodshed; it was indescribable - driven by the forces of light that were the bane of his very existence, yet now it strengthened him.
What remained of his cheeks grinned as he looked at his palms, power surging through them. He laughed lowly, and approached the nearest boarding plank, eager to take the frontal lines for himself.
"Very well, holy man. I'll play your game."
He lowered his body and dug his claws into the deck, his wolf-like fangs returning to his jagged teeth, ready to charge the moment the opportunity presented itself...
-
The headless horsemen shout names from the cliffs, and people die. Sun Wu grips his bottle of Chi water intently before the golden orbs project over the ship. With a small sigh and a thank you to the Current, his grip loosens on the bottle.
Father Rau's Holy Presence spell tickles his mind and is uplifting. He nods at Rau in thanks, grinning.
Wu's posture has changed. He still seems happy-go-lucky, but those around him get a precarious feeling from him. Like walking on the wrong side of and old dam. The supports wobbling, surely it will burst soon.
-
The landing planks struck soil, and men began to pour out onto the ground. Then the battle truly became pitched. The Dullahans above retreated, and from cover all over the landing area sprang wights. Hundreds upon hundreds of Wights. A veritable army of zombies stood between the invading force and the other side of the shoreline.
The air was split by a horrendous screech as a figure clothed in ragged strips of cloth stood on a rock above the other wights, waving a staff. The barrow wight unleashed a multi-voiced screech and rocks the size of men began to lift themselves from the ground and hurl themselves at the oncoming line. If this creature was not stopped the force would be decimated before it could so much as make landfall. Sir Walter was doing his best to deflect the projectiles with his magic, but the ship's Wizard was busy with the wights, and Alucard was nowhere to be seen.
"You three! Take out that blasphemous chanter!" Sir walter shouted at the trio as he hurled aside yet another oncoming boulter with a flick of his hand and a passage from his book.
-
The battle was already turning very ugly. Men were crushed by boulders, and mauled by wights as sword met undead flesh and bone. Some would call it war, others would call it a nightmare... The Gorger would call it a feast. He dashed forward in a blood crazed frenzy, the smell of sanguine filling his non-existent nostrils. The holy power from Rau's spell strengthened his charge further.
"You three! Take out that blasphemous chanter!" Sir Walter's voice chimed in. The Gorger immediately took an interest, having a sweet tooth for particularly powerful creatures.
However, some meals took appropriate preparation. A frontal charge would be no good, as the boulders would stop The Gorger head on. However, it was a simple problem to solve. As he plowed through the ranks with his raw strength, he grabbed the nearest wight by its throat and lobbed the poor creature mercilessly toward the caster with all his might. Should the caster defend itself against the incoming missile from above, it would create an opening for attack elsewhere...
-
The Dullahans retreat and the rise of the wights, was not something Rau expected. He was trying to grasp the situation, when he was interrupted by a horrifying scream. A barrow wright had appeared on the rocks above.
"You three! Take out that blasphemous chanter!" Rau heard Sir Walters’s voice loud and clear. Though, even without his instruction, it was more than clear that the barrow wright had to go down as soon as possible.
The priest tried to think of the best way to approach this dangerous opponent, but his train of thought was interrupted when a wight was project, with incredible force, towards the undead mage. Before he even noticed, The Gorger made a crack in the enemies’ ranks. That opportunity was more than enough for Rau to take action. He quickly ran into the battle, putting the barrow wright in range to one of his most devastating spells.
(Soul Redemption) Rau quickly sheaths his staff and put his hands together. A quick incantation follows and a second later he spreads his hands. Two dim beams of light lunch forward towards the chanter. Since the creature has a lot of souls in it soul redemption’s effect is stronger. The flying wight should provide enough of a distraction for the spell to connect. If the spell succeeds, the weaker souls will quickly be cleansed. That will result in the creature losing a lot of his energies. The stronger more evil souls will resist, but unless the creature has significant mental fortitude, its abilities will be hampered greatly.
During the casting Rau can’t move freely and being amongst the enemy ranks in that state leaves him vulnerable. He looks in The Gorger’s direction and shouts.
“Stand your ground here creature! Leave the rest to the monk.”
-
"You three! Take out that blasphemous chanter!" Sun Wu hears Sir Walter call from behind him. Wu is already off the boat and charging forward, keeping pace with The Gorger.
The Ghoul tosses a wight into the air with ease. The airborne undead creature careens toward the Barrow Wight. Wu wastes no time during its flight. He quickly veers off and circles around the rock that the Barrow Wight is standing on.
Father Rau launches a timely spell at the undead Chanter just as Wu reaches its back. It is time.
Wu launches into the air in a flash. He concentrates Chi on the ball of his foot and prepares his Splash attack. His foot hits the rock and before the Barrow Wight can react he kicks forward, aiming for the middle of its back. If his kick connects it will carry the impact of multiple. The force of the blow should not only do a lot of damage, but it should knock the Barrow Wight off of his rocky perch, and into the welcome jaws of The Gorger below.
-
The Barrow wight's attention was garnered for a moment, and it swung its ancient staff at the incoming body with mighty force. The body struck down to earth, but that had taken its attention for a moment too long. its body was seared with golden light, its howls of pain coinciding with the evanescent blue glow of souls as they left its body, flying in all directions. As it was being struck, it took a jarring kick from the back, and it catapulted from its perch into the air, towards the Gorger.
The battle once again became a true fight as the boulders ceased to fly. Still Alucard was nowhere to be found, but there were more pressing issues. The Wights outnumbered the invading army three to one. Nuckelavees thrashed to and fro, their bony claws taking off heads as they stamped in skulls, wielding stained swords in their hands as they attacked. The unholy, twisted centaur struck hard and fast, forming a phalanx as they pushed against the enemy lines.
"Assist the Nuckelavees, push back their ranks!" Walter's voice carried and gave the battle direction, and the soldiers began a unified push. It was time for the full swing.
-
While The Gorger had originally intended to create an opening, he had severely underestimated the effectiveness of his "allies." It only took a mere moment for Rau and Sun Wu to deliver the barrow wight directly to the ghoul's arms, ultimately dooming the pitiable creature. After tearing the wight's head from its body, The Gorger tore a sizable chunk of dead meat from the corpse, still maintaining his momentum as he gnawed on barrow wight jerky.
Attackers closed in... but, little did they know The Gorger's powers continued to grow by the moment. The smell of blood was gradually becoming stronger. Holy power surged through his veins. And now, he had a meal - albeit stale. As the enemy troops closed in, his muscles twisted and contorted as his chains loosened around his arms.
"I would keep my head low if I were you, holy man." The Gorger warned ominously.
The nearest wight was stopped in its tracks as the chains lashed out at the creature from both sides, the metal links wrapping around one another as they made their way around its waist. The Gorger grasped the chains, and with a maniacal outcry of laughter, he whirled the wight over his head, and bludgeoned the incoming foes with their own comrade's weight. He continued to press forward with his newly discovered weapon, each blow resounding with chains clanking and bones breaking as the forces of darkness fell to The Gorger's compiling strength.
-
The sight of The Gorger feasting upon undead flesh, as it bludgeons its way through the wight’s ranks, is a sight that won’t be easily forgotten. It took the ghoul only a second to deprive the barrow right of its head, upon its timely delivery to his hands. With the undead chanter gone, Rau breathes a sigh of relief, but before he can even think of rejoining the battle he hears the sound of chains hitting the ground. The ghoul gave a warning and the priest had only a moment to react. He quickly hugs the ground and manages a narrow escape from the improvised wight flail.
After waiting a few seconds for The Gorger to move a safe distance away, Rau stands up and looks at the battlefield.
"Assist the Nuckelavees, push back their ranks!" A phalanx of Nuckelavees was making a push through the enemy ranks.
As the soldiers began their unified push, Rau joined their ranks and prepared to cast a spell the moment their push reaches with the undead army.
(Holy light (beam)) An instant before the soldiers clash with the wights, the priest stretches out his hands in front of his chest and releases two bright beams of light. With an outwards motion of his hands, the beam radiates upon a portion of the first few rolls of enemies in front of him. If the spell is successful it burns the targeted undead. The closer the target, the faster it burns.
-
Sun Wu stands on top of the rock previously occupied by the barrow wight. He doesn't feel joy from the quick dispatch of the undead chanter. It was merely a thing that needed to be done.
The Gorger gnaws through the body. Wu finds it hard to accept the creature, its nature is so different than his own. As long as it doesn't get in his way, they will be fine.
Wu springs off the rock, and with a flip lands running after the Nuckelavees. Steering clear of the Gorger and its makeshift flail, Wu circles behind the group looking for an opening. He notices Rau preparing a spell, and times his attack to match it.
A second after Rau's Holy Light rolls over the first rows of wights Wu charges between two of the Nuckelavees. There isn't room enough to perform any of his larger attacks, the Nuckelavees would be caught up in them. So he continues using his Splash attack. Each kick, punch, knee, elbow and headbutt carries the weight of several. Chi reinforces each and every attack. Each and every attack is devastating.
-
The Nuckelavees' charge tore a hole in the enemy ranks and that gap allowed soldiers to flow through, driving a wedge into the enemy ranks. As the battle waged on, the assailers couldn't take it, and the crusade's forces pushed through, routing those before them. But from an eagle's viewpoint it was only a small victory. For nearly a mile on this stretch of beach similar battles were being fought between the crusaders' forces and the army of monsters. Most of the forces appear to be wights, with a few other types of monsters sprinkled about.
But hope was not lost. No matter how many fights were going on, this one was a turning point. With this three-hundred foot stretch of beach taken by the defenders, they were free to come to the aid of the others. And so they did. Soldiers and monsters charged in all directions to help their comrades, but in the midst Walter had ensured that Rau, Sun Wu, and the Gorger stayed behind with a few shouted orders. When the soldiers had all taken to the battlefield once more, Walter approached the group.
"While our men regroup and re-engage, you three, Alucard and I will break off from the main force. We have a mission to fulfill on our own, and you three have proven yourselves strong enough to handle it." Walter said, looking at them.
"Master, I have accomplished my task." Alucard's voice rang out as his form appeared from the shadows, seemingly from empty space. He was dragging behind him the bloody remnants of what appeared to be a human being. He tossed the man's body on the ground before sir walter.
"The traitor, my master." Alucard said, bowing.
-
The Gorger laughed as the traitor's corpse hit the ground. "Mankind treads on thin ice. You rely on the very monsters you fight to earn you victory, controlled by your men... yet - as you can see - your men are easily swayed. You only delay the inevitable." His throat let out a chuckle that would make any man's skin crawl as he leaned in toward his tamer, "Out with it then. What do you want dead, Walty? Let us prolong your pitiful demise further."
He turned to Alucard suddenly, his eyes shifting from the vampire then to the corpse. "You going to eat that?"
-
Rau couldn’t hold back his tongue, at The Gorgers remarks towards humanity and his disrespectful behavior towards Sir Walter.
“What do you know of humans creature?” Rau looks into the creature’s eyes as he says it “Do you know why this man chose to betray us? Was it because his family was threatened? Was it because his mind was taken over? Was it him being blinded by gold? Even if he was “easily swayed”, you can’t judge the whole of humanity based on the actions of an individual.” The priest looks back at Sir Walter “As for his lack of respect, I think we have the perfect opportunity to try a different approach and see if it will yield results. I suggest we deprive him of his “meals” every now and then, maybe his hunger will teach it respect, who knows maybe it will even be more useful in battle if it’s hungry.” Rau looked at The Gorger expecting to see his angry reaction.
-
Wu nods at Sir Walter's words about a separate mission. He gets busy stretching out from the last battle. Joints pop as he bends almost unhumanly.
Speaking of unhuman, Alucard steps forward from the shadows and tosses a dead body on the ground. The traitor who had given their names away to the Horsemen. Wu frowns at his body.
"... You only delay the inevitable." The Gorger goes on a tirade against the human race, much to Father Rau's irritation. Sun Wu smirks and shakes his head at the both of them. So opposite these two are, and no love is lost between them. But they both have good points.
Looking to change the subject, Wu approaches Sir Walter. "What is our new task, Sir?"
-
"I won't lie to you, we're walking into the Lion's den with this one." Walter said, turning and beginning to walk. His footsteps slowly strode across the sand, towards the cliff the enemy had retreated into.
"The Dusk Piercer was equipped personally by me. Its creatures and crewmen chosen for my plans. I had the suspicion you three would prove yourselves, and so you have. The Dusk Piercer's most elite forces will be moving as a separate task force outside the bounds of the main crusade. While the rest of the crusaders wage the overt war, we are the background. We make sure that battles go in our favor. We will be storming castles, slaying Vampire lords, undertaking the most dangerous tasks. And we will succeed only because we are few and elite. We go where armies would crumble, and lesser men be slaughtered. We are the true Black Crusade, the dark force behind the holy war on the surface. We will move alongside the main force and strike out at its threats. Your first mission lies in this forest. A powerful vampire is rumored to have a tower somewhere in these dense woods, and he and his minions pose a threat should they decide to take part in the fighting. Our job is to destroy him, and possibly sieze his tower as a temporary base of operations. Any objections?"
-
Vampire. The very word brought insurmountable anger to The Gorger. Alucard had proven himself with his generous "donation," but even then, The Gorger's spite ran deep. He clenched his teeth, remembering all that time he spend a mere thrall - unable to control his own impulses and actions. Though he was well fed, more so then than he was now, he knew who it was who stole his past from him, erased his memories as a man, and stole his will. His jovial grin disappeared, and the remaining muscles on his face revealed his tenacity.
"None." He growled.
His claws and teeth sharpened to points... it seemed, this time, he would not resist his shackles.
-
Hearing Sir Walter talk about the mission cooled Rau’s head off a bit and led his thoughts away from the ghoul’s words.
“I have no objections.” Said the priest “Even though I am not much of a tracker, I will make sure no one catches us by surprise.”
(Detect undead) Rau closes his eyes and begins chanting with a quiet voice. After a minute he opens them again and small fire is lit in them. His senses are now stretched out in an attempt to grasp any unholy presence that they may encounter in the vicinity.
-
Sun Wu follows after Sir Walter and considers each word he says. So this is why he was directing them specifically during their landing. He was testing their skill and ability to work together.
Wu carries a grin as he replies, "I have no objections."
Once again he can be the current, surging out of sight and directing the flow of things. He imagines the main army the leaf, and he the push they need to get their obstacles. "I do not want to be the leaf..." He says, mostly to himself.
-
"Good. Follow me."
Walter led the party up the slope as Alucard disappeared into the shadows again, leaving the group alone. Though not for long. As they walked a small group of what seemed to be elite soldiers and specialists began to form up behind the group, until the small band of about twenty men, women and monsters had completely amassed itself. None of them wore the simple attire of a normal soldier. Each of them had unique outfits and weapons, each carrying their own history and their own scars. These were veterans of war, and not a force to be taken lightly. One of them, the Nordic wizard of the Dusk Piercer, strode his way up to Walter, his ancient oaken walking stick clicking on the occasional stone on the path. His long, flowing gray beard rested just above his belt buckle, and his simple blue robes were adorned with a similarly tinted pointy hat. Long gray hair poured out from under it in waves.
"Sir Walter, I believe the Black Crusade's preparations are complete..." The wizard said, his voice sounding as old as he looked, though surprisingly steady and strong, with no hint of tremor or cracking.
"Thank you, Seth." Walter said, nodding at the wizened old mage. "We'll begin the assault immediately."
Walter stopped in the middle of the forest. Just at the edge of the group's sight was the tall, dark gray needle of the vampire's spire, pointing high into the air. It looked to be nearly as wide across as a castle and as twice as tall. Its dark mass was covered in blackened moss and the occasional bone. Ravens flocked to the battlements, and there were faint traces of movement as skeletons that manned the walls made their rounds. The dark fortress spoke of evil and malevolence, and at its height floated a great shining orb of blackness, a magical collection of unholy energy the size of a boulder. Its purpose could not be anything but malign.
-
The Gorger looked upon the black orb at the top, no doubt a source of power for some sort of incantation. Whatever it was, the darkness it emanated was... comforting. It would make a fine fortification indeed, and whatever waited within just may give him the opportunity he needed... perhaps the control of a tamer versus a vampire would once again give him the single fleeting moment of free will he had once experienced. Perhaps - if he was lucky - both Sir Walter and the vampire would die.
For now, he set his daydreaming aside. He would simply do what he always does: massacre, feast, and wait for his chance to break his chains.
He looked to the sky, and cracked his neck. Shortly after, he lowered himself to the ground and dug his claws into the terrain. "My meal awaits me. I'll not let it spoil."
It was time to find an entrance.
-
As he followed Sir Walter, Rau was absorbed in his own thoughts. Thoughts of the battle, of the men and women still fighting and giving their lives. He reminds himself that he is just like all of them, doing his best to stand against the ever raising forces of darkness. The priest began a silent prayer for the souls of the departed, hopping that Lumos’ light may guide their souls safely to the afterlife.
It wasn’t until they reached a dark fortress, that his concentration was broken. With a shining orb of darkness, the fortress stood clad in unholy energies. The stench of the darkness grew ever stronger as they approached.
-
A small group of elites gathers as they walk farther into the forest. Wu can tell by the stock of his companions that the next set of trials will be of a different caliber. The first battle was a mere ripple compared to what is to come.
He could make out skeletons tromping in the distance. They are annoying. With no flesh it is harder to hit them effectively. And fists can get caught between rib bones quite easily. Yet with no muscle, bones are easier to snap. Breaking their backbones is quite simple given the right opening, after all.
The orb of blackness is concerning. Surely it will need to be dealt with.
-
Walter raised his hand and gave a signal. Seth and an Akavashi man approached. The Akavashi's hair was pulled back into single long braid and he wore a skintight, jet-black leather suit. His gaze was steely and serious as he sheathed his twin swords on his back and bowed to Walter. With a nod from the tamer, Seth tapped the Akavashi assassin with his staff, muttering arcane phrases, and the man vanished from sight. After a few moments he reappeared, crouching at the door to the spire. He was so close to the wall that the skeletons manning the battlements couldn't see him, and he pulled a lockpick from his belt and began to pick the door. As he worked, five archers stepped forth from the group and drew their bows, training their arrows on the patrolling skeletons.
"Father Rau, if you would kindly bless our archers' arrows with a prayer." Walter said, leaning his massive warhammer on his shoulder. For those only now taking note of Sir Walter's weapon, it was a sizeable warhammer, the staff nearly as long as he was tall, and the head the size of a small child. It was adorned in both holy inscriptions and nordic runes, making it a deadly weapon to any monster, despite the fact that it was made of simple steel.
"The rest of you, wait for my signal to charge." Walter turned to the rest of the group, including Sun Wu and the Gorger. "We'll be inside the doors before the Vampire has even realized anyone is assaulting his keep."
-
Rau nods and stand in front of the archers. He unsheathes his staff and begins to make slow circular motions, storing his holly energy into the arrow tips. After a few seconds a dim glow can be seen and after a few more it turns into a light. At this point the priest lowers his staff and moves away.
“May Lumos’ light guide your arrows.” Says Rau while moving out of the archers’ way.
The arrows are now imbued with holy energies and can cleanse the souls lesser undead.
-
The arrows let fly, taking out the patrolling skeletons on this side of the tower. The holy arrows struck home on heads and eye sockets, dropping the walking skeletons immediately and leaving the battlements devoid of watchers. for now.
Walter's hand swept down in an arc, pointing at the door as the Akavashi opened it. "Move, quickly, before the next patrol arrives." Walter moved as he spoke, leading the rush towards the door to make it inside before the group was discovered. Men moved with trained precision and speed through the last few feet of wooded terrain before the open clearing that held the Tower. They moved quickly but quietly, making it into the large doors to the tower before the next line of patrolmen arrived.
Inside was an antechamber housing what appeared to be a regal throne room. it was adorned in shades of red, violet, and black that gave a menacing tone to the entire room. The room was massive, and at its very back sat a throne, empty at the moment. The entire place seemed to be empty for the time being, not even a guard posted.Beyond the doors would be the tower proper, but for now the men took the breathing room to check supplies and plan the incursion.
The akavashi assassin was sent ahead to scout the rooms, and he nodded quietly before vanishing out of sight behind the doors at the back.
-
An empty throne room. Vampire lords love their vanity and power; to see one's seat unguarded was unusual to say the least. Though, The Gorger did not feel any paranoia or suspicion. He only felt frustration that he had to continue waiting for his main course... the wight meat was not settling well. His senses were at their peak as he scanned the room over for any potential hidden treats in store for them.
-
The arrows strike true and drop the sentries.
Walter issues the command mid-stride and Wu follows, falling in line as the group quickly flows into the Tower.
An old throne room sprawls out around him. Others begin checking their equipment and prepping for what is to come. Wu taps his pocket where the bottle of Chi water sits, making sure it is still there.
He performs a few quick stretches until they are ready to move again.
-
The party quickly moves into the fortress as soon as the sentries lay dead.
Inside Rau looks at the empty throne room with curiosity. Apart from the ominous touch, probably to the likings of an evil lord but not very appealing to a clergy man, it had a fine architecture. At the bottom of the room lied a throne, the stench of the unholy energy of the lord was strongly attached to it. While everyone else is taking a moment to prepare Rau decides to have a closer look at the throne.
-
The throne appeared to be ordinary. No doubt the Lord of this tower assumed that none would attempt to sit on his throne but he. Nonetheless, there was a faint magical aura about the massive seat that wasn't the residual trace of its owners' power.
At that moment the Akavashi returned. He approached Walter and whispered into his ear.
"That can't be right."
"It is, sir."
"Very well. Gather round everyone! We have news!"
The group formed up around Walter and prepared to listen to the battle plan. Men put their weapons in their sheaths and snapped shut spell books as they stood, collecting their gear and preparing to move. When the entire party had gathered round, Walter spoke.
"The tower is almost empty on the inside. The only guards who appear to have been posted are outside, and our Akavashi friend has yet to find any traps. Whether this vampire is overconfident or foolish is yet to be seen, so we must proceed with caution. We'll move in two flanks, one group will-"
"That will hardly be necessary, gentlemen....." Came the rhaspy, ominous voice from the other end of the room. The group turned as one to see a dark figure sitting in the throne that they had only turned their eyes from for a moment. He was clothed in a black robe lined with red trimmings. A dark hood rested on his head, and a cowl obscured the lower half of his face, but his pale, alabaster skin was clear from the nose up, his golden eyes shining in the gloom. Red tattoos adorned his face in malefic patterns and unholy mantras. The robe cut off at the shoulders, where a pair of sharp, triangular spaulders jutted out from his person for the next half foot. His hands were adorned in black fingerless gloves, and his wrists in large bracers adorned with unholy runes. It would be impossible to see his feet through the flowing black robe were it not for the fact that his legs were kicked up in a most confident manner. His feet were unshod if not for the cloth wrapping around him, revealing toes with nails that looked almost like talons. Similarly clawed hands rested on the throne, tapping their fingers on the armrests. Aside from all of this terrifying show of power, those with a magical eye were drawn to the small red gem at the neck of the robe. It practically hummed to the magically attuned, and though its purpose was unknown, its power was frightening.
"Do we really need to kill each other right now? Mind you, I adore slaughter, but I think we could be useful to each other..."
-
The Gorger sized up the strange warlock before him. The man seemed to have undergone many transformations of some sort, likely magical in nature. He was no upstart wizard, and they were in his domain. Should they choose to fight... things would become messy indeed. However, The Gorger was never one to back down due to differences in power, and if he was truly the owner of that throne, the ghoul would attack at the first opportunity. He hunched over on all fours, and steadily crept around the throne in a perimeter, eyeing the robed figure hungrily.
If this was the vampire they were hunting, The Gorger cared not about the casualties that would certainly come with battling him. It was time to instigate. "Your men die by the hundreds on the front lines as we dawdle, Walter. Whatever guise a mage would give their riddles, make no mistake... he means to destroy you all. You and the holy man should know this well, do you not?" The Gorger lowered himself further to the ground, ready to lunge... "Just say the word, Walty. Let us show him mortality."
Though what he said had some truth to it, those who had been in his recent company - Walter, Alucard, Sun Wu, and Rau - knew well his true intentions. His enthusiasm was driven only by bloodshed.
-
An interesting fellow just seemed to appear on the throne. Wu was focused on his fellow Akavashi and Sir Walter, and was startled by the raspy, ominous voice.
Walter said he is a vampire, but he looks quite different than Alucard and the few others Wu has met before. He suggests that they might work together, but for what purpose?
"I am wary, but I would hear him out." Wu says, mostly to Sir Walter.
-
Walter stood for a moment, thinking deeply, wondering how to proceed. Should they listen to this madman, or simply destroy him? The options weighed heavily on him, he was clearly powerful. But how powerful was he? He settled for a test. Walter clicked his tongue.
From the shadows materialized Alucard, right behind the figure on the throne. A flash of silver shot out, and the man's head rolled to the floor, still shrouded by his hood. Alucard stepped out from the shadows and looked at the body, still sitting upright, and stabbed it through the heart. The vampire turned to look at his master and nodded, but then something unexpected happened.
"Was that really necessary?" The disembodied head asked. The body on the throne stood and pulled out the sword, before it began to feel its way around to his head.
"Over here, lummox." The head called to the body, and it slowly found its way over and picked him up, setting him back on its shoulders. The cloth seemed to reconnect itself magically, leaving no trace of where Alucard had severed his head. Likely the process was the same inside the mask.
Everyone stood and stared dumbfoundedly while Walter slowly nodded his head.
"What? Haven't you seen a powerful necromancer before? Honestly, you act like I'm a common vampire. There are other ways to achieve immortality that don't leave you with so many weaknesses...."
Walter was beginning to see. "A mere man like you, no matter how powerful, cannot be a respected figure in the blacklands." he said, collecting his words.
"Oh indeed. You see, that's why I want to offer you a hand. All this racial superiority among the monsters of the blacklands has me quite annoyed. I can barely leave my castle without Dracula threatening me with death. by dismemberment. Still can't believe he actually thinks that'll work..."
"You've encountered Dracula?" Seth asked, the old wizard stepping forth.
"Hm? Oh yes, many times. Ignore that rubbish about him never leaving his castle. He's actually quite the annoying fellow. But I hear you're out to do some damage. Oh, that reminds me. My name is rather lengthy, but I'm sure you'll like to hear it so you know how to refer to me. Not much stock in family names out here in the Blacklands, but we do love our titles. Titles everywhere. You see, I am Lord William, master of the dead, keeper of the army of darkness, Outcast of the Blacklands, lord of Madness, Necromancer Supreme, and the loneliest sod this side of Nocturna."
That last title seemed a bit much, but William thought it was a nice addition.
"Mhm...I am sad to say that this strange necromancer is a power even I have issues defeating." Alucard spoke up from behind. William's hand shot out, fire wrapping around it as he pointed a flaming hand at the Vampire.
"That doesn't mean I'm afraid to kill all of you." the necromancer said. His levels of insanity were revealing themselves more and more, and Walter was picking up somewhat on how to read him.
"Alright, Lord William." Walter said, raising a hand. "Let's not make a mess. You said yourself we could be useful to each other. How so?"
The necromancer turned, looking surprised. "Oh, what? Yes, yes. You see, I want Dracula dead so that I can stop being hounded about not being a monster. Well, relatively speaking." he looked around at the dark decor of his castle. "And I hear your crusade seeks to end the monster problem once and for all."
"Indeed. But you've faced Dracula. You know our odds. What do they look like?" Seth asked, looking at the Necromancer from under his pointed hat.
"Well....You, me, this Vampire over here, and you, with the big hammer and the shiny book." William said, pointing at Walter. "Have a good enough level of power to fight Dracula. But we need a lot of us, and the rest of you would be slaughtered without a second thought. You all need to be much stronger, much more powerful."
That statement cast a grim pall over the group. Only the most powerful members of the group were strong enough to have a chance against Dracula. The party began to have second thoughts about its final destination. Most of them would likely die along the way, but they were prepared for that if they thought they could succeed. Now...
"None of you despair!" Walter's voice cut through the grim thoughts forming on every man's mind. "We will fight through this, and we will be stronger for it. When the time comes that we face Dracula, I expect every one of you at my side and ready to go in, blades ready, voices raised, with the strength to fight the great monster on even terms! We do not surrender! There is no surrender here!"
Once again Walter was proven an inspirational speaker. The group gave a rousing cheer, and as one their morale restored.
"Yes yes, wonderful speech, my good man." William's voice cut in like an icy knife. "But down to business. I offer you my tower to house your soldiers, but I want to be in planning with you when we decide what our next move is..."
To all of Walter's senses, both magical and natural, and even Alucard's, this man's sentiments were honest and true. There was no debate to be had.
"Very well."
-
The Gorger growled spitefully at the Crusade, disappointed that it seemed he would not soon be feasting. His teeth clenched, swinging his claws violently, leaving claw marks in the walls around him. His reddening eyes glanced at the Akavashi monk, "How the Hell do you do it, Wu?!" No doubt, he was referring to a monk's ability to control one's natural impulses. "You starve yourselves without batting a damned eye! How?!" It seemed even The Gorger sought means to control himself. He trailed off, grumbling, "I was better off when I was eating these fools... Say, care to do some 'scouting' ahead of the main group?" He asked, his grin reviving at long last. "We can talk while we walk... and maim... and devour flesh."
Without waiting for an answer, The Gorger turned and yelled, "Holy Man! There is evil afoot! Let us go forth, and slay in the name of..." he mumbled the name of the god, not knowing it well. "It is what..." more mumbling "...would want. Let us go forth, and do," mumbling, "bidding!"
-
A necromancer. Sun Wu has heard of such creatures. Men who would rather play with death than truly live. This William is an oddity, and Wu wonders what his motivations were to become such a thing as he is today. Alucard's quick attack barely even bothered the man, but blades are not always the most effective weapon. The vampire admits that William is quite formidable, and is met with a fiery threat. Wu watches passively, still waiting to find out William's motives.
He can't help but smirk when William mistakes him for a weakling.
So William wants to be part of the crusade, it seems. And this is to be their home base, an interesting proposition. The nature of the man, what is left of him, seems true. Wu nods in agreement with Sir Walter's, "Very well."
But the Gorger would have none of it. Wu could see the beast's eyes reddening as it thrashed about.
"How the Hell do you do it, Wu?!" ... "You starve yourselves without batting a damned eye! How?!"
With a slight grin, Wu pats his stomach.
"I was taught that the pain of hunger is merely another natural part of life. If we do not feel hunger, then how can we fully appreciate our next meal? Do not mourn for your empty belly, merely understand that through restraint you empower yourself. To fully control your own body is the first step in harnessing its power."
-
Sir Walter gathered everyone and began explaining his plan. Before he could get into detail he was interrupted by what seemed to be the lord of the fortress, who had just appeared at the previously vacant throne. His appearance was horrific and his unholy aura was spreading everywhere. Rau was dumbfounded, how couldn’t he sense this dark magician, how did he appear out of nowhere, but no, there is something more important than that, what are his goals? A monster doesn’t just face a group of monster hunters, unless he is either extremely powerful or extremely stupid.
While the priest was trying to figure out the monster’s intention, Sir Walter gave a signal and the next thing Rau saw was the lord’s head rolling on the floor and Alucard stabbing the monster’s chest.
"Was that really necessary?"
The monster removed the sword that was embedded in his chest and retrieved his head. A short verbal exchange with Sir Walter followed and much to Rau’s dissatisfaction an agreement between the party and the necromancer was reached.
"Holy Man! There is evil afoot!...”
Rau was a bit surprised to see The Gorger turning to him but that just served to show to what heights the creature could be driven while yet again trying to satisfy its hunger.
“Unfortunately it is not up to us to decide the fate of this necromancer. Believe it or not I would be glad to help you eat his soulless vessel of a body.”
Rau didn’t waste more time on The Gorger and quickly moved to Sir Walter.
“Sir Walter, a moment of your time please.” The priest paused for a second to run what he was going to say trough his head and then began. ”I don’t doubt your decisions, but please accept a word of advice. A necromancer’s goal is only one and that is power. Whatever happens, we must never depend on him. At his core he is human and that means he has the potential to be more evil than any other monster out there. That is all I wished to say.”
-
"I appreciate your concern, father Rau, and believe me, trusting him completely is far from my mind. But one thing I've never seen priests do well is read a person. this Lord William can't defeat Dracula on his own, and under his rule he is marginalized. He won't betray us and ruin his only chance at freedom."
"Sir Walter, if I may." Came William's call from across the room. He had conjured up what appeared to be a war table from the floor of the room. It rested in the open area before his throne, and appeared to be crafted from bleached white bone, skulls and spikes adorning the four posts that held it up. On its surface was a detailed map of the Blacklands, something no-one on the crusade's side of the world could ever have acquired.
"Have faith, Father." Walter said to Rau before turning and walking over to meet William at the table.
"Before we begin, I seem to have noticed something peculiar about your unit."
"Yes?"
"It is nearly two-thirds composed of monsters. And I don't see anyone else who looks quite imposing enough to be a tamer, and none of the monsters, save that large ghoul, seem to be wearing inhibitor collars."
"Ah yes. That question. You see, our unit is twenty-five strong. ten men and fifteen monsters, counting myself. None of them, not even the nuckelavee in the back of the room, are under anyone's control, with the sole exception of the Gorger, the ghoul you noticed. All of them have been trained, shown the way of self-control, compassion, and been given the righteous fire of retribution. All of them are loyal to the cause; good, pure souls whose only fault is the misfortune of being a monster."
"A wonderfully sickening cavalcade of snowflakes you have, Sir Walter." William said, smirking at the group.
"I think you'll find their only unique trait is their varied and exceptional skills. These are the best men, women, and monsters I could muster, but their loyalty to the cause is not unique. The Order of the Tamer doesn't just leash monsters and set them at foes. It trains them, teaches them to feel human emotion. Teaches them to control themselves, and finally releases them back into society once they have been deemed recovered into the realms of sanity."
"Speaking of women, that one has a lovely ass." William said, pointing across the room to a woman whose back was turned to them. She bore a greathammer on her back and was adorned in obviously feminine, but still effective plated leather armor.
"Don't let her hear you say that." Walter said, chuckling when he realized who he was indicating. "Shani the Dragonhearted named her hammer the nutcracker for a reason."
"Ouch. On to the planning then."
"Right."
-
The Gorger became visibly angry when Sir Walter spoke of the other creatures, who had shed their collars long ago. Words like "all of them have been trained" and "teaches them to feel human emotion" and "deemed recovered into the realms of sanity" stuck out in his head like a gushing wound through which his rage burned. To him, in his constant state of vehemence and hunger, it could only be perceived as brainwashing a creature that formerly had its own will. To The Gorger, the leash was preferable.
He glared at Sir Walter's back as he strategized over the map before him, his teeth clenching. He put his weight on his hind legs beside Sun Wu. "Perhaps you are correct, Wu." he said, his calm demeanor somehow discomforting. "I should save my appetite."
-
“I have said what I wanted, I will trust your judgment and I will pray we don’t regret it.” Rau threw one last glance at the necromancer, before he went under the cover of his hood.
The priest looked around the room and saw the gray haired, mage from before the assault. Rau approached him and with a light bow began to introduce himself.
“I believe we haven’t been introduced properly. I am father Rau it is a pleasure to meet you. I have come to ask of your opinion on our newest addition to the group, namely Lord William, the master of the dead, necromancer supreme and so forth.”
-
All of these creatures are roaming free? How in the world could Sir Walter and his tamers change the nature of such things? What will happen to them once this crusade completes its task?
It makes sense. This William forsake his humanity for darkness. It seems the apposite is true as well. Something to meditate on.
"Perhaps you are correct, Wu... I should save my appetite."
The Gorger is oddly calm. The nature of a man, let alone a beast, does not change so suddenly. The monk nods to the Gorger, then walks to the bone-made war table to investigate the map.
He stands in silence, looking not only for important landmarks, but for rivers, streams and lakes also.
-
"Ah, yes. you must be the priest sir Walter selected." seth said, turning to face father Rau. "Well, I can say this. I have served with Sir Walter for nearly forty years, and his judgement has rarely ever steered our war-band wrong. His logic is sound regarding this Lord William. A dog trapped in a cave doesn't take the stick that's propping the exit open until after he's gotten out. I think we may have to deal with him after this is all over, but for now he will be a strong ally."
"Ah, brother Wu." Walter said, welcoming the monk to the table. "Tell me, is there anything your expertise has to say about this?" he indicated the map. On it was marked in detail the complete landscape of the blacklands, indicating forests and rivers, but in even greater detail outlining concentrations of monsters, whether they be cave systems, villages, cities, or camps housing war-bands. Most notably a river seemed to run the stretch of the Blacklands, through the largest city of monsters on the map and towards Dracula's manor itself.
In the back of the hall, the soldiers were conversing. One conversation between a few of them in particular stood out.
"Hey, Axle, what was the last thing you ate?" A man adorned in knightly armor asked.
"A bat. Its wings are coming in handy." replied Axle. It was a ghoul, his eyes appearing to be rather sunken into his head. He wore what appeared to be rather rusted armor, but more than likely its state of disrepair was because he never truly needed it as a ghoul.
"uhhh....Bats tasty..." Noted a lumbering mountain of a monstrosity. It appeared to be a large humanoid patchwork, seeming to still be modeled after a human, rather than having hideous and grotesque 'modifications'. He was massive, however, and his custom-made armor looked more like someone had taken apart a steel house and beaten it into shape around him. he stood nearly nine feet tall and his skin was a palish green. On his back was the largest sword anyone had ever seen. it was a greatsword, even by the monstrosity's standards. The fact that it would take two of his gargantuan hands to wield said much for its size and weight.
"But...They too tiny to be more than appetizers..."
"Maybe to you, Zoltan." Axle said, looking up to the monstrosity. "But at my size they're nice snacks."
"Well, Zoltan had something to eat after that fight on the beach all right." Chimed in Shani as she approached, adjusting the greathammer on her back.
"Yeah. I'm surprised you didn't have a bite or two, miss regal werewolf." The knight said, looking up at the woman approaching.
"Sorry Athen, no full moon tonight. None of them looked appetizing."
"Man, something about a female werewolf's transformation is so....Pleasing." said what appeared to be a Nordic berserker. He wore nothing from the chest up save for bracers on his wrists, and his legs were covered merely by leather breeches and a fur belt, a long stretch of which stretched down to his knees on the front and on the back like a loincloth. His feet were shod in rough leather boots, and on his belt were a pair of vicious looking enchanted steel axes. His torso was covered in scars of all kinds, from claws to blades, and his fiery red hair stretched down to his neck, his thick beard resting square in the center of his chest.
"Hush, Wrynjolf, if you want to keep your manhood." Shani growled, glaring at the Nord, who merely laughed, taking a swig of ale afterward.
The men, women and monsters of the unit clearly knew each other well, well enough that differentiations such as nationality, gender and even species meant little.
-
The Gorger listened in on the coversation between his fellow "monsters" and began to piece things together. The ghoul they referred to as Axle spoke of having the ability to sprout wings, simply from eating a bat? Interesting indeed. It all was beginning to make sense. His ability to grow claws and fangs came shortly after he devoured a werewolf only days ago. The vampire he had eaten had given him no such powers, as they are merely undead humans, and the same went for the barrow wight. He then thought on the many warriors he had devoured... the many, many brave men he had consumed. Perhaps the sheer volume allowed him growth in his own form; does that mean then, should he eat a second werewolf... he would be able to transform further? He had much to think on with this new information. Either way, he needed confirmation, and it seemed "Axle" was more learned than he.
Though the thought disgusted him, The Gorger was slowly coming to the conclusion that being a good lap dog would earn him more freedoms. He stifled a grin at the thought of what he would do with those freedoms...
The Gorger approached the social circle, mustering a smile to the sheep before him. "Hello, fellow... crusaders." He tugged lightly at his collar with his claw. "As you can see, I'm the new guy. I've no name except those that are given to me, so call me what you will." His eyes were instinctively drawn to Zoltan. He nudged Axle, and whispered. "If he goes down, I don't suppose you've already claimed the leftovers, hm?"
-
"I dare not say I have expertise in anything, merely practice." Wu replies with a slight grin.
"As you can see, Sir Walter, this river," he points at the larger river running the span of the Blacklands, "carries on through the darkness and further on towards our objective. It heads straight for the largest city of monsters, and seemingly meets Dracula's manor head on."
He pauses for a moment and pulls his pipe from a pocket and lights it. A large puff of smoke escapes his mouth before he continues.
"But you will notice that for all of the mighty river's efforts, the camps and cities of the monsters still stand. As admirable as a direct assault would be, it would be folly. But you have already thought of this, breaking apart this elite band from the main army. As the bulk of the troops tary forward," He follows the path of the main river with the stem of his pipe, "we shall strike where they are not expecting." He points the stem at a side stream of the main river. It passes through a few small villages and it too arrives at the base of Dracula's manor. Despite their small size the map notes the villages' importance. Some house weapons, some hold monsters of particular danger, and others are important choke points that will be easily defensible once taken.
"I can tell you have thought of all of this already, if not by different reasoning." Wu points at a small creek that passes by William's tower. It travels further into the Blacklands and connects to the side stream he pointed out a moment ago.
-
“I understand. I still feel uneasy, knowing the necromancers’ source of power, but I will bear with it. Now I shall take my leave.” Said Rau before he turned around and headed over to the war table.
As the priest approached the war table, he overheard Wu’s analysis of the map.
“If we use the rivers we won’t leave any tracks, but we can still be spotted by sentries. Not to mention what the rivers might hold in store for us. Also if we have to fight in the water,” Rau looked at The Gorger. “It may turn out to be inconvenient to some of our companions and reduce our overall strength. Tough I don’t have a better suggestion we must consider all possibilities.”
-
"Few as we are, we would make far too much noise traveling through the water. And while I would be quite at home, it would hinder most far more than necessary. I agree that we should not travel directly through the streams and rivers, Father Rau."
Wu bows to Father Rau. "I was merely making a suggestion to follow their path. Although I must admit, I am a tad biased."
-
"What, him? No, I think I'd die before he would. And that'd only be after Wrynjolf here dropped. Crazy bastard." Axle said, laughing as she clapped the berserker on the shoulder. The berserker laughed in turn, but after the laughter died down, the groups eyes turned to the Gorger.
"Well...I guess we should probably introduce ourselves." Athen said, leaning back and taking a breath. "I'm Ser Athen of Highbreak, Crusader of the Empire, renowned for my efforts in border skirmishes and my skill with the sword and shield."
"I'm Shani. They call me 'the dragonhearted' because I'm not afraid to kick the balls out of anyone who treats me like any other woman. I'm a werewolf, and my hammer here is called the nutcracker for good reason." Shani said, nodding.
"Me....Zoltan..."
"I'm Wrynjolf, Nordheim berserker. That's all there really is to know."
"And I'm Axle. In the same position as you are, I suppose." the ghoul said, looking at The Gorger. "Though I'm a bit further along."
"And that quiet man sitting over in the corner." Athen said, pointing to the akavashi assassin who stood nearby. "Is Akaga. Stealthiest assassin I've seen the Akavashi produce in ages."
"So. What's your story?" Axle asked, looking back at the Gorger.
-----------------------------------
"Yes, I agree. it seems that We'll have to take the long route. The main army marches to the black city." Walter said, indicating the largest city in the map, surrounded by walls and populated by every monster in existence. "But our job is to reach Dracula's manor and kill him." The manor was on the northernmost edge of the blacklands, while the black city was dead center in the map. "If we cut off the head of the beast, the rest will fall in time."
Seth approached, his walking stick clicking off the floor as he leaned over the map. His eyes shone white for a moment as he used his magical senses to observe the true landscape of the realm based off of this map. He was left stumbling to the ground, Sir walter rushing to pick him up.
"What did you see?" Walter asked, helping the aged wizard to his feet.
"I saw....So many things..This land is full of surprises..." Seth said, poring over the map. He laid his finger on a point not far from their own location.
"This place....I saw magic here....Not dark and unclean like those of demons and warlocks." He said, glancing briefly at lord William, who merely shrugged. "But pure, and bright. I do not know its source, but I feel that is where we should go next."
"Then go there we shall." Walter said, marking the location down on the map. "But we won't go as a whole. Some of us will remain here to guard the tower and make ready. I must think on who we take with us."
-
The Gorger chuckled. "Oh, I do love story time. I woke up, the leader of a horde of ghouls. We all wore the armor of crusaders - our mental leash was tight, not even allowing communication from one to another. Shortly after..." the massive ghoul thought back on his first raids on the village - of which he still did not know the name - and that crusader that thwarted him on several occasions, Matthias. He remembered the look on the man's face as The Gorger finally emerged victorious in battle, the holy warrior finally exhausted well beyond his breaking point, having sacrificed his well being to save what villagers he could from the ghoul's latest scheme. Matthias, however, did not look upon The Gorger with anger, hatred, or despair... but with a warm smile, as his life bled away. The image still haunted The Gorger's twisted thoughts.
The Gorger snapped out of his thoughts. Perhaps his stories from the village were not the best of icebreakers, as he reminded himself to be a "good boy" in order to attain the freedoms he sought. His faded smile returned. "Well... suffice it to say I was very well fed a short time ago. Ah yes, that reminds me... The Gorger is what they called me; both Matthias Hilder and Alexander, if their names ring a bell."
A thought just occurred to him. "Axle, was it? Do you recall anything... before you were turned?"
-
"Wherever I can assist, I will be ready." Wu says to Sir Walter.
He excuses himself from the bony map leaving a trail of pipe smoke behind him. The recent events require some meditation. Using William's tower as a base of operations still sits uneasy with Wu.
-
“Holy energies?” Rau could not hide his surprise “How is that possible? We are in the middle of the black lands, if there was something powerful enough to emit such energies the church should have known about it” The priest tries to remember something looking into his own memories, from all the books he read. Was it an artifact someone left behind? Or was it a holy seal? There was only one way to find out. “I request to assist in reaching the source of this magic. I may be able to shed some light on what it is when I see it with my own eyes.”
-
Axle went silent for a moment, his eyes focused on nothing, remembering something painful.
"Yes. That was actually a key part of me remembering what it was to be human. When I had recovered my memories, I experienced the joy of life, how it felt to love, laugh, and have a purpose other than your next meal. I think....I think that's a key point for many monsters on their path to recovery; remembering what it was like to be human. Unfortunately, people like Zoltan and Hggranath, the Nuckelavee over there talking with one of the ghouls, didn't have a life as a human. It's a lot more difficult to bring them to humanity. But I feel that eventually, when this war is over, humans and monsters will live together. Sounds silly, I know, but I look around at just what this unit has done, and I have hope for the thought."
The others went silent for a moment, lowering their heads, all of them knowing they felt the same.
Over at the table Walter ran numbers in his head and decided who would come with him.
"Hggranath's skills would go to waste cooped up in a tower. I need men who are strong and quick on their feet, with experience. I also need...Alright." He turned and called out, his voice carrying with that same tone of leadership it always did.
"Alright! I'm taking a portion of our force with me to investigate an anomaly! Axle, Athen, Wrynjolf, Zoltan, Shani, Hggranath, Akaga, Gorger, Jarl Halfskir! Gather your gear, we move shortly." he turned to the table. "Seth, I want you, Rau, and Sun Wu to accompany us as well. We need your magical expertise, and father Rau's holy fervor may yet steel us for whatever awaits. Sun Wu, we may need the tenacity of the river, so come ready."
"Of course, sir." Seth said, bowing his head and going to fetch his things.
-
It took a great deal of The Gorger's strength to resist lashing his tongue at the elder ghoul. Many words came to mind. Whipped dog. Slave. Brainwashed zealot. The one reason he was able to resist, is the faint light of hope that Axle had brought to his attention: it was indeed possible to restore his memory. The only question that now remained was simple. After turning, after all he had done, and all the cravings of his new body... did The Gorger truly want his memories restored? Would they turn him soft? Perhaps he would simply let the vampire lord he had slain only nights ago die along with those memories.
Sir Walter made his call to arms, and The Gorger's name turned up.
The Gorger stood, deciding to meet the others at the map. It seemed the others in the group he had just met received the same calling. "Good... for a moment there, I thought we'd cower in this hole for ages."
As he arrived at the table with Sir Walter and the others, he looked at the location everyone seemed to be muttering about on the map. "Do we get to kill whatever's inside this time?" It was clear he was still bitter about being forbidden from gnawing on William's bones. He then noticed Rau and Sun Wu were already at the table long before himself. The priest seemed particularly involved. "Why the devil's he so excited? Are we going to choir practice?"
-
Rau nodded in acceptance and continued to contemplate what could be the cause of the anomaly. He quickly dismissed the thought of it being a person. There is no reason for someone to be in the middle of these wastelands. To begin with, how on earth would a person manage to get here, If he did get here, than what? Is this a barrier? If it is why is it so big? You wouldn’t want the barrier to be noticed and you would want it to be as strong as possible so a small one would be better. This makes no sense at all; it must not have been a man. The only other viable option would be an artifact. It still makes little sense. Lesser undead would be repelled naturally, by feeling unease the closer they get, but for any strong monsters the energies would be a guiding light to the artifact. There is no way it remained unnoticed for so long. What could possible stop them from reaching it?
“Ah, a guardian!” suddenly Rau let out his voice. He looked at everyone’s surprised faces and continued “I believe that there is an artifact there, which is protected by a guardian. I might be wrong, but this is the only explanation that makes some sense to me.”
"Do we get to kill whatever's inside this time?"… "Why the devil's he so excited? Are we going to choir practice?"
Rau was already agitated, because he couldn’t figure out a convincing reason why the artifact was there, if it is an artifact and now to top it off even the filthy ghoul was making fun of him. Needless to say the priest was pissed.
“You especially will love the place we are going to. Everything there will be infused with so much holy energies that if you eat it chances are it will burn a hole through your body and fall out. So unless you want me to feed you something like that I suggest you keep your remarks to yourself and try and figure out why you are the only one with a leash here.”
-
A plume of smoke shoots out of Wu's grinning mouth. A moment of meditation has cleared his mind slightly.
"Yes, Sir Walter. I will bring all aspects of the river for this task. I pray this well of Holy energy proves as helpful as our new friend William."
-
Sir Walter hefted his hammer over his shoulder and strode towards the entrance, past those left on guard.
"It will be roughly a night's march before we arrive. I suggest all of you make sure you are fully prepared. Meet me outside when you are ready." With that Sir walter exited, though his imposing presence still seemed to fill the room.
-
While The Gorger usually enjoyed the priests' bursts of outrage, there was one detail he mentioned that bothered him. "Holy what?!" he glared at Walter's back as he left the building. Sir Walter had chosen The Gorger for a mission where they were hunting a mysterious holy energy; what was his aim?
The Gorger muttered several curses under his breath. Again, visions of slaying that man once and for all became vivid. His lack of ability to act on such impulses made the priest's words stick like a dagger in his ribs.
"Tell me then, priest," The Gorger's voice was low and solemn as he glared into the priest's eyes, "do you know what it is to be a slave?" Doubtful of the priest's answer, he slowly turned to follow Sir Walter. It would be best to get this over with quickly.
-
Rau answered The Gorger’s glare with his own. The priest would never consider a creature without humanity to be any higher than an animal. In his thoughts he wanted to say to the ghoul that the only thing he is a slave to is his hunger, but Rau’s anger had already faded and he saw no purpose in continuing this meaningless quarrel. After all he said all he wanted.
Putting his hood on and following in Sir Walter’s steps, Rau was walking outside and thinking why he didn’t shout back at the ghoul. It was then that he realized that it wasn’t simply because the anger had faded. He pitied the ghoul. Even though he was a slave to his hunger, what would Rau do in his place? Would he have fought and won against it, or would it have conquered him the same way?
Rau stopped for a second and smirked at himself. He had never thought that a day would come when he would consider what it is like to be a ghoul. It was all clear to him now. If the ghoul went down the wrong way, he would simply strike it down, without hesitation, and that is all.
-
Father Rau and The Gorger were bickering as usual. Oil and vinegar, those two are. Wu follows behind them without word. He exhales the last of the smoke from his pipe and smacks the bowl against his palm, emptying out the ashes.
A full night's march to get to this Holy presence. In this land, covering that much distance surely never goes unimpeded. Wu pauses and closes his eyes for a moment. He gathers his Chi and feels it flow through his body like a river. Rather than waste it he retrieves the bottle of water from his pocket. He gathers the Chi in his palm and pushes it into the bottle. The water inside swirls as the Chi mixes with it.
Wu opens his eyes and returns the bottle to his pocket. Satisfied, he continues walking outside, following the lingering presence of Sir Walter.
-
When all had gathered outside, Sir Walter began the march. The soldiers following behind him, Sir Walter made his way through the dark and dismal forest. Seth followed beside him at all times, and the two conversed as they walked, discussing plans and strategies, as well as the possible nature of what they were searching for. It went on like this for some time, the others continuing to march behind them. The group as a whole was at least glad they had a reprieve from enemy monsters. For the moment. Akaga stood at the back of the group, quiet as always, as the soldiers conversed as they walked.
"They said we were searching for something magical. Clearly it's a holy relic." Ser Athen said, nodding his head.
"But then why the hell is it here in the Blacklands? there's no way." Axle said, scratching his dry chin.
"Perhaps it's a relic from a time before this. When the monsters didn't control half of the known world..." Shani offered, walking along beside them.
"Maybe..But then how'd it survive this long?" Wrynjolf asked.
"Maybe....It good at hiding?"
"I ssssupossssse we'll find out when we get there..." Came the hissing voice of Hggranath as the Nuckelavee cantered up beside the small party.
"I was wondering when you'd get here, Horseman." Wrynjolf said.
"Hussssh yourssself, Nord. I've been here. You're jusssst to drunk to notice..."
"Maybe I am, at that. Or too sober." Wrynjolf said, taking a drink of ale.
-
The Gorger was still silent, frustrated, but putting at least some small effort toward behaving. He listened in on the speculations going on surrounding the relic. Who was to say it was a relic, though? As one of them mentioned, "It" could simply be very good at hiding...
Hiding or no, it seemed highly unlikely that the evil forces in the surrounding lands would not notice it if the Crusade had found it only moments ago all the way from the castle. Surely, they would encounter resistance before they reached their goal.
The Gorger listened in on Sir Walter and Seth's conversations regarding strategy as he eyed the shadows of the trees, ever vigilant for something to fill his belly.
-
Rau was marching with the rest of the group and listened in on their speculations of what they are about to face.
At the end of their conversation, Rau decided to join in as well.
“You are missing the main point. What we are about to encounter, has most likely remained in the Blacklands for years. Above all we must be vigilant!” the priest set his sight on the Nord, who was still holding his ale “And if someone would be kind enough to make sure our Nord friend doesn’t get so intoxicated that he won’t be able to lift his weapon, I will be much obliged”
-
"Perhaps this holy presence is not what it seems." Wu ponders out loud. "Why make excuses for how it can exist? Instead look at the things we clearly know."
"First of all, we are in the middle of the dark lands. Second, this is a large beacon of Holiness we easily spotted on William's map. Surely others have found this already. Evil creatures would be drawn towards it, hoping to extinguish it. Either this Holy object is extremely powerful, or it is a deception."
-
"Wrynjolf fights better when he's drunk." Shani chimed in, deflecting the priest's comment off-hand.
"Anyways, the monk is right. I'm getting more suspicious the more I think about it." Axle said. Everyone's meditations were cut off when Walter and Seth stopped mid-stride, however. Walter held up a hand and pulled out his hammer.
"Shh..Did you hear that?" Shani whispered, her ears twitching in an almost dog-like fashion. There was a slight rustling among the grass around them in the dark. They were being watched. The world stood still for a moment, the group drew weapons and took positions, watching all about them. Quick as a flash, something large bolted out of the treeline and tackled Ser Athen. The werewolf's jaws snapped inches from the Crusader's neck before the mighty blow of a greathammer sent the beast sprawling. Sir walter charged forward with the momentum of his swing, launching himself at the werewolf and wrestling it to the ground. He punched it repeatedly in the face and struck at it with the staff of his hammer as it tried to bite and claw at him.
"Not one of my men, you foul beast!" Walter roared, bringing back a plated fist. It glowed like a sun with holy power as he brought it crashing down on the werewolf's skull, crushing its head like a watermelon. As the tamer stood up from the dead werewolf, he took his hammer in both hands and stood ready.
Howling filled the air around the group. The pack had been alerted.
-
The Gorger arose from his stupor, his tongue hanging from his mouth, saliva dripping to the ground as his form began to shift and twist into something akin to their attackers, taking the wolven transformation further than he had ever before. White hairs protruded from his flesh, his claws and canines sharpened to points, and his snout extended to allow him to easily feed on his foes.
"My, my, my... how luxurious." The ghoul laughed as he lowered himself, and charged into the blackness of the forest, using his ability to sense a worthy meal in the darkness to sink his teeth into werewolf flesh.
Like a wolf, he was direct, and merciless; he aimed only to inflict the first wound. To achieve the momentum, he would break their solidarity and positioning within the forest, and consume them one by one in the chaos. It was a gamble - to break ranks with the intent of shattering theirs. Should his bold tactic reward him with werewolf flesh, his combat strength would increase, and his regenerative abilities would come into sway, and The Gorger's massacre of the attackers would begin.
-
"Wrynjolf fights better when he's drunk." A female voice interfered.
Rau waited a second and he could feel that, more or less, no one really cared, so he decided to have the last word and end the subject.
“But off course, he fights better when he’s drunk! What was I thinking.” said the priest with a sarcastic tone while glaring at Shani, the female werewolf who threatened the Nord’s manhood early during their stay at the tower.
The instant Rau turned his back Sir Walter signaled the group to stop and unsheathed his weapon.
"Shh..Did you hear that?” The werewolf could hear noices coming from the forest.
Before Rau could react a werewolf attacked one of the group members. Luckily Sir Walter took action on time and managed to topple the beast and afterwards, finish it off with his bare hands.
(Extreme conditioning) The priest took out his staff and began his incantation. He took a glance at the group and decided who to choose. Since he was not familiar with everyone’s fighting experience, his choice was based on who knows werewolves the best. As light gathered around him he stretched his hand towards the female werewolf and began to gather the light in his palm. A second later the light shot out and illuminated Shani. Because she is a werewolf and she already has an enhanced human body, further enchasing it makes it go far beyond its limits. When such strength is used it causes damage to the body. Thanks to her healing ability the damage will be mended quickly unless she uses her strength too much and too fast.
As soon as his spell was done casting The Gorger shot out from within their ranks and headed to confront the enemies head on. This was not a strategy Rau would approve.
“Sir Walter, your orders!” Rau shouted as he watched the ghoul leave formation.
-
Wu watches as Sir Walter saves one of the group. The monk steps back slightly as the werewolf's head smashes like a melon, not wanting to get blood on his clothing unnecessarily.
Werewolves. Fleshier than skeletons, but quicker and almost harder to hit. Their bite and claws are troublesome, but manageable if taken with care.
The Gorger lumbers off into the forest alone, no doubt in a frenzy over the prospect of a meal. While Father Rau has cast a spell on the werewolf accompanying them.
"I will not go searching for a fight, but if they come they will be dealt with."
Having said his part Wu shifts into a ready stance, preparing to counter whatever springs forth from the forest around him.
-
"The Gorger has the right idea. Werewolves hunt best on prey that stays as one tight group. They don't like being beaten at their own game..." Walter said, turning to his men.
"Shani, Axle, go wreak chaos."
Axle grinned, Shani grunted, and both of them began to change. While Axle's transformation was similar to the Gorger's, his body twisting and turning until he had become a wolf, charging off into the forest to attack his foes, Shani's was something different entirely. Her arms lengthened, sinewy muscles bulging against her armor. Her face began to elongate with a painful popping noise, forming a wolven snout as her legs arched like a dog's. Thick, course black fur began to sprout across her form as a tail lashed out from her armor. The armor became increasingly ill fitting as her body grew and stretched, but it remained in place, leading to the thought that it had been made for this. Her hands grew sharpened claws, and her teeth became sharp and thick. At the end of the transformation, Shani let loose a howl and charged off as well. The sounds of battle filled the forest as claw met flesh and fur. A pair of werewolves were tossed out into the clearing, no doubt a fresh kill from Shani or Axle.
"Get ready. They'll be forced into combat soon."
And no sooner had he spoke than the rest of the pack was upon them. They numbered as many as the group did without their fallen brothers, and the warriors each found their opponent and began the fight, leaving three for the wolves to take care of. Axle and Shani quickly found their opponents, leaving the Gorger to handle the last free werewolf.
The battle was underway.
-
The Gorger could smell it... the smell of a beast that was as hungry as he was. The Gorger was not unfamiliar with werewolves, and knew both their weaknesses, and their strengths. Their brute strength is a powerful weapon indeed, and their regeneration far exceeded most creatures of the night. In fact, until The Gorger landed the first bite, he would be at a disadvantage here in terms of strength - fortunately for him, that is not ever what made him truly dangerous.
As they closed in on one another, the sound of leaves bustling and dirt pounding underneath their strides seemed to fade away as The Gorger entered a battle trance, evaluating the challenge ahead.
Their weapons... the wolf had his fangs and claws. The Gorger... the same; they would no doubt meet head on, likely with a similar tactic in mind. The werewolf's strength would no doubt outmatch his, however, and his scraps of plating would do little. But, The Gorger's claws carried with them terrible disease, and the chains... "Yes." he thought, "They should do nicely..."
The distance became short, and the air filled with the stench of an over-sized dog. It was time to put his plan into action. His arms whipped forward, lashing his chains forward - they would do little to no damage to such a creature, but it was far from the intent. They would buy The Gorger the split second of confusion and surprise he would need to close the gap, and sink his poisoned fangs into his prey.
-
Shortly after Shani and Axel rushed out, the werewolves attack began.
One of the werewolves charged directly at the priest.
From his experience Rau knew that the force of a charging werewolf was great and facing it head on could be fatal. He also knew that the charge would be the greatest opportunity he might have to wound the creature.
Rau was prepared to do it and took a stance, as the enemy approached from his left side. His stance was low, with his feet roughly a meter apart. He put his weight on his right foot and placed his staff horizontally.
(Holy light (beam)) Rau stands still and gathers his energies in his left hand, as he is holding his staff. He will release the energy when the werewolf is meters away and will target the beast’s feet. He will aim to destroy the werewolf’s balance, and rob him of his mobility at the same time. To fully stop the beast’s charge, the priest will try to intercept the werewolf by doing an arching strike with his staff, while simultaneously moving the weight from his right leg to his left leg and deliver the blow, aimed downwards in order to send the werewolf to the ground. Should he succeed, he will have enough time to move a few meters away from the wounded werewolf.
-
The familiar sound of battle rings out from the forest. But instead of swords and magic, the sounds come from claw and tooth. Two werewolves soared through the forest and landed in a heap before the waiting warriors. Apparently their side was fairing well in the dark forest surrounding them.
Wu's stance not only makes it easier to strike and defend from, it also makes channeling his Chi more natural as well. He feels it flow through him, and his form becomes less rigid. His muscles relax and his movements make him seem like he's filled with water instead of flesh and bone.
The pack arrives in a flurry. One has its eyes set on Sun Wu. Eyes with traces of both human and wolf mixed into a damning combination of the two. From Wu's limited experience he knows werewolves as bestial, straightforward creatures. He is expecting a head on attack. But werewolves can be unpredictable at times, especially while hunting in a pack.
Not taking any chances, Wu extends his Chi outside of his body in a sphere around him (Whirlpool). When the werewolf breaches the circle Wu quickly wrenches his body to the right. The Chi lurches to the right with the werewolf caught up in it. If his attack is successful the werewolf will be violently lurched to the right. The force should be enough to lift the werewolf off of its feet and to slam it into any trees in the surrounding forest.
-
The werewolf turned to face the Gorger as it charged, teeth snapping at the approaching enemy. The chain whips caught it off-guard, forcing it to deflect the blows, allowing the Gorger to sink its teeth into the Werewolf's flesh. But this is a werewolf, and their regeneration is supreme. The fast-healing properties of the werewolf's body would fight off the deadly effects of the gorger's rot-coated teeth, but it would not be without impairment. The werewolf howled, shoving at the Gorger to get his teeth out of his neck before he could do more damage, and attempted to strike at the enemy with its razor claws.
Rau's werewolf was caught completely off guard by the surgical strikes the priest maneuvered. Its legs buckled under the holy power, breaking with sickening cracks, and his head was slammed into the dirt by a staff. Momentarily dazed, but not dead, the enraged werewolf propped itself up on its claws and shook its head. Glaring at the priest, it began to claw itself towards the priest on its hands. Not as fast as moving at full sprint, but still surprisingly speedy. He would be on the priest in moments if something was not done.
The werewolf facing Sun Wu is hurled into a tree by the force of the monk's chi. There is a sickening pop as the werewolf's shoulders pop out of and back into their joints, adjusting to taking the brunt of the impact. The wolf hits the ground again, but is not deterred. Enraged, the wolf stands on its hindlegs and howls, moving to close the last few feet on two feet so as to better strike at the monk with his deadly claws.
All around the group the battle rages. Sir Walter duels what appears to be the head of the pack, a werewolf with the sense of mind, even in bestial form, to keep a wooden buckler strapped to his arm and a vicious looking morningstar in his other hand. The tamer's greathammer meets the werewolf's shield with tremendous force, the defensive implement shattering under the blow, but when the werewolf attempts to bring the morningstar down on Sir Walter's head he is forced to break off his assault to use the staff of his hammer to block. Shani was viciously clawing and biting at another werewolf, the two engaged in a savage struggle for the upper hand. Akaga seemed the most collected of all the fighters. He said not a word as he easily dodged attacks, evading swipes with a calculated lean or duck, and making surgical strikes at the werewolf's weak points. Hggranath rose on his hooves and kicked at his opponent before coming down and slashing at his werewolf with vicious scimitars in both hands.
-
Having already taken his prize, The Gorger pushed off as the werewolf shoved him away, creating a distance between them that would be short-lived. The scales had now begun to balance against his wounded foe. The smell of blood filled the air, causing The Gorger's senses to go wild. Meat filled his belly, granting him unholy strength, and regeneration that subtly began to heal the scar tissue on his face from a night not long ago.
The words of Sun Wu came to mind, "If we do not feel hunger, then how can we fully appreciate our next meal?" How appropriate his words were for such an occasion. Until now, he had only the opportunity for small samples... now, his feast awaited. It simply needed preparation.
In the instant that the two monsters closed in on one another, The Gorger's bandages began to snap, and his chains rattled as he grew in dark might. His wolf-like fur became thick, his claws and fangs became jagged and razor-sharp, beyond anything he had attempted before. The bones and muscles in his hind legs shifted and twisted into those of a wolf, giving him the speed he needed to have his fangs bypass the werewolf's claws, and land his fangs into his foe's throat. His snout extended further with a sickening snap as he closed in on his prey... he was an abomination of claws and fur.
Should he succeed in landing this decisive blow, his foe would last only as long as the bones and cartilage in his neck.
-
Everything went according to plan and the werewolf was robbed of his terrifying speed. Despite that he continued to claw his way towards the priest. Rau begins to retreat, since a physical confrontation with the werewolf won’t end in his favor.
(Holy light (beam)) Rau doesn’t have the time to fully cast his spell, so instead he will use a lesser variation as he retreats. The aim is simple, the werewolf’s eyes. If the spell is successful the top layer of the beasts face will begin to boil and his eyes will be severely damaged.
-
The remnants of the Whirlpool dissipate through the air like a fine mist. The werewolf rises to its hind legs and howls, enraged. Its anger will cause it to be more dangerous, but also more reckless. Wu begins gathering Chi in his palms.
The beast charges straight at Sun Wu once more, claws poised to strike. It will not go down easily, and close quarters fighting is still undesirable at this point. Things tend to get... messy... in close quarters with a werewolf.
Wu presses his palms together in front of his chest. He lunges forward and extends his arms with his palms spread apart, performing his Geyser attack. He aims at the werewolves chest. The blow should be quite powerful, like a super powered fire hose.
The heels of Wu's shoes dig into the ground as the force of the Geyser erupts from his hands. His features are calm, his face barely exposing the amount of effort he is putting into his attacks.
-
The Gorger faced a werewolf who knew brute force, and would not be killed as easily as one would think. The werewolf's hands twitched, and a clawed hand shot up in a bladed uppercut as the Gorger approached, using the ghoul's momentum to add force to the blow. The werewolf would not refuse to take the initiative, and no matter the effectiveness of his strike, would move forward, harassing the ghoul with rapid claw strikes as its body fought back the rot of the ghoul's fangs. The werewolf's judgement was getting hazier, and it was committing more heavily to the offensive.
Werewolves are no fools, and the same tactic will not work twice. Using its impressive upper body strength, the werewolf Rau attempted to sear thrust itself to the side, narrowly avoiding the beam, escaping with singed fur and little more. It continued to claw its way towards the priest, this time practically throw itself hand over hand at the retreating figure, jaws snapping at the priest's heels.
The werewolf approaching Wu was struck by the Geyser, but its clawed feet dug into the dirt and it attempted to press on. The force of the geyser slowed him to a crawl, but he slowly made a step. And then another. Slowly but surely, he was pushing his way through the force, pushing back against the geyser. Its nose was inches away from Wu's hands, buffeted by the force of the monk's chi.
In the fray there was a death howl as Shani felled her opponent, but at the same moment a cry of pain echoed out as Wrynjolf felt a werewolf's teeth sink into his shoulder. As he fell, writhing in pain, Shani roared in outrage, tackling Wrynjolf's former opponent and proceeding to claw at it in fury, ravaging the werewolf with her claws. The other werewolf attempted to defend itself, and soon the two were on their feet, dueling ferociously.
-
The werewolf tossed itself to the side and escaped the beam easily, but that was still within the priest’s expectations. The beam was meant to slow down the werewolf, so that Rau may have a few seconds to harness more potent energies.
As the battle progresses, Rau hears the scream of one of the fighters. Knowing he is needed else where the priest will aim to end his fight as soon as possible.
With the energy he managed to accumulated, channeled into his hands, Rau continues to retreat and tries to grasp the werewolf’s pace as it approaches. The moment the werewolf comes upon him, the priest will thrust his staff into the ground and release all his energies into it, this will crack the ground around the staff, within a circle with a one meter radius, and it will illuminate everything on top of it through the cracks.
-
The Gorger reeled backward as the werewolf's blow splattered his blood against the nearby trees, the bones in his jaw fracturing with a dull crack. He had gambled too hastily, and his body - though it would quickly mend - paid the price. But, now, his frenzy strengthened even at the smell of his own spilled sanguine.
"This feeling..." he thought to himself as the world around him seemed to slow down, "...battle... struggle... why is it so familiar?" He regained his footing, once again mere paces from his enemy. The blow loosened some bandages that held bits of his armor together, small pieces falling to the ground... but one piece in particular stayed steadfast on his body - his right pauldron, with the seal of a crusader. "Ah, yes... that's right... I was a warrior, once. So what am I now?" The werewolf began his infuriated assault. "Am I not the same as this werewolf?" The Gorger's teeth clenched as he crouched down, and cocked his arm backward, his abominable mutations focusing on the claws and legs alone, the hair shedding from his body. "No... I am not like them. I am no beast!"
With a vicious roar that rattled the leaves from the forest's branches and pierced the air. "No. I am a warrior!"
With all the might of the men he had devoured, his waist pivoted with seemingly impossible velocity, his arm tearing through the air around him toward the werewolf's ribcage. Once more, The Gorger challenged the beast head-on, and this time, he would use his foe's own forward momentum, and his own insatiable wrath to crush his enemy's ribs, and destroy anything that lay within with his own plagued hands.
"Lie still, beast. Your strength will be mine!"
-
A miscalculation in the werewolf's assessment. You can walk upstream for a time, that is certain, but only the foolish do so for long.
Wu meets the eyes of the werewolf with his own as it pushes against his Geyser attack. He sees the intent of the beast. It plans to overtake him, assuming that this is the extent of Wu's power.
The beast's nose is inches from his hands, and it is time. With a shout Wu's muscles bulge from the sudden surge of Chi escaping from his hands. His Geyser attack intensifies into his Frozen Geyser attack. The force of the Chi amplifies tenfold. The blunt force pressing onto the werewolf turns sharp and rigid. The Chi plows forward like a thick spear attempting to do more than merely push back the werewolf. The spearhead of Chi aims to to pierce through its thick hide and skewer the beast through the chest.
-
The werewolf's form is caught in an onslaught of holy light from below, and its flesh began to burn until it ignited, leaving the dying werewolf in a burning husk. The priest's battle was done. However, a cry reached his ears.
"Priest!" Shani shouted, once again in human form and holding Wrynjolf's head in her hands as she tried to keep him from bleeding out. She pressed her right palm on the bite wound while she held up the berserker's head with her left. "Priest! We need aid!" The defeated werewolf lay split in two beside them, and shani's hands were stained with blood not belonging to either of the two.
The Gorger's fist punched through the werewolf's torso, rending through the creature's guts and leaving it dying, unable to fight back even should the gorger begin to devour it. This portion of the fight was over.
The final werewolf dug its claws into the dirt, but the force of the geyser made his knees break and buckle under him, and he was shot back like a cannon, the chi piercing his chest and ramming him into a tree with enough force to leave him its surface, as if he'd been nailed to the tree and the impaling object had vanished, but the body remained, stuck to its surface.
All around the battle concluded itself, and werewolves either fell or retreated back into the night. There were scratches and wounds here an there, but the bite to Wrynjolf was by far the most severe injury of the bunch. Sir Walter was chasing the pack back into the forest, and would ensure they were gone before he returned, leaving only the priest to care for Wrynjolf.
-
The smell of burned flesh filled the air as the, werewolf lied charred before the priest, unfortunately Rau did not have time to give a sigh of relief and instead he rushed to answer Shani’s calls.
As Rau closed in, he saw the hands of the female werewolf covered in blood. The werewolf’s jaws must have sunk in deep into Wrynjolf's flesh. Even though the wound was grave, the priest knew that the true horrors of a werewolf’s bite laid elsewhere. By biting the werewolves’ spread their curse to other creatures and if not treated immediately the infection becomes unavertable. Rau had to hurry and purify the nord, but he could not leave the wound completely untreated.
(Fast Heal) As the priest approaches, he closes his eyes and concentrates. Seconds after that, small, dim bursts of light begin to leave his body and evaporate into the air. The same happens with the nord and his wound’s bleeding begins to subside, slowly going to a stop.
(Purify) Upon reaching Wrynjolf, Rau kneels next to him and begins gathering holy energy. “You should let go of him now.” he addresses Shani. The priest holds his hands above the wounded nord and begins the purification. Wrynjolf is instantly illuminated by the holy energy. It spreads through the nord and tries to remove everything alien to the body.
-
The Gorger emerged from the forest, his wounds regenerating at an alarming rate, and his body covered in werewolf blood, licking his teeth clean. His appetite had finally been sated for the moment, having consumed the beast's most prominent organs and tissue. At last, he seemed content.
However, there seemed to be other matters at hand, and Shani seemed rather concerned over a werewolf bite Wrynjolf had suffered, oozing with the tantalizing smell of blood.
"Oh, the silliness of it all..." a raspy chuckle emitted from The Gorger's throat, "The tamers seem happy enough to use werewolves to their own ends. I say we let him turn." He lurched closer to the group, overlooking Wrynjolf as he was being purified by Father Rau. "Next time, he may not be so lucky." Though his words would offend many, others who knew him better might suspect that The Gorger came dangerously close to conveying concern.
-
Sun Wu stares at the werewolf as it slumps, pinned to the tree. He feels no pity for the beast. It challenged him, and was overtaken.
Wu lowers his hands and straightens himself. He brushes a bit of dirt off of his shirt as he scans the forest around him.
Father Rau is already running toward the wounded. He is a useful man, honing his skills for both taking and giving life. Wu has seen monks capable of such things - utilizing Chi to mend the wounds of others. Wu has no taste for it.
The Gorger stomps out of the forest, his wounds regenerating with each step. He seems satisfied with the battle. He gives his abrasive opinion of the whole affair. Wu gives no concern to his words, having already figured out the Gorger's attitude toward most things.
Wu sighs and starts walking through the ranks of his companions. People are cleaning their weapons and checking gear for breaks or failures. As the adrenaline wears off some warriors are finding bruises and scrapes gained moments ago. No victory goes without cost. Wu feels his arms tightening from the force of the Frozen Geyser attack.
He begins stretching them out to relieve some of the tension, waiting for orders from Sir Walter.
-
While Wrynjolf's wounds did indeed cease to bleed and began on their way to a steady heal, when the priest began to attempt to purify him he began to writhe in pain, crying out in agony.
"Stop it, you're hurting him!" Shani cried, lashing out with an arm meant to push away, not to hurt the priest, the purifying spell fading away. "We're too late...This isn't something I wanted to happen...To anyone. Nobody should have to deal with this." Shani began to cry as the disease took hold. Wrynjolf's eyes rolled back in his head and his chest began to heave. It was at that moment that sir Walter came back, and in an instant he knew what was going on.
"Zoltan! Hold him!" The abomination strode over and took Wrynjolf from the arms of the still-weeping werewolf. The huge monster put the changing Wrynjolf into what would've been a full nelson, had he been the nord's size. As it were, he more just held the man's shoulders in the crooks of his arms, Wrynjolf's feet dangling off the ground as he convulsed and changed.
Fur sprouted along Wrynjolf's body. Veined muscles began to bulge, and the sickening pop of bones was heard. Wrynjolf let out a feral cry of pain as his arms and legs elongated, his torso broadening and his face becoming a snout. Sharpened fangs sprouted across his maw, and his eyes turned yellow and vicious. A tail burst forth from his ripping breeches, his clawed feet tearing through his boots. With a final howl, the change was complete, his mouth turning to the crescent moon to cry out. But his racket was interrupted by a forceful hand. Walter took hold of the werewolf's face with his right hand, drawing his gaze back down to the tamer. Wrynjolf instinctively tried to bite at Sir Walter, to claw at him, but his body was in a vise, and his powerful jaw could not overpower the mere right hand of this man before him.
"Listen to me, Wrynjolf. I know you hear me." Sir Walter began, his gaze steely. "We don't have a collar for you, so you must fight through this yourself. Show me the strong willpower of the nords. Fight, Wrynjolf! Fight for all you held dear in life! Remember what it is to be human!"
The werewolf's eyes twitched in recognition, but just as quickly returned to their feral state, growling at the tamer before him.
"Remember Wrynjolf....Remember everything you hold dear, everything you love...." Sir walter took a moment to think. Something came to his mind, and he took a hunch. He waved his hand, and a person approached. "Remember Shani." The tamed werewolf woman stood just behind Sir Walter.
Wrynjolf's eyes flitted to Shani, and instantly he recognized her. He saw the tears streaming down her face, the sorrow in her eyes. Something in him clicked.
"Shani..." The werewolf muttered through the vise of the tamer's hand on his muzzle. His body began to compact itself, shrinking down as hair receded and he slowly returned to normal. Exhausted, but human again, he dangled from Zoltan's arms until a gesture from sir Walter had the abomination release him. He hit the ground with a kneel, and slowly stood, his body aching. All he could do was walk over to Shani and wrap his arms around her in a tender hug. Moments later he was unconscious, Shani holding him up. She wiped tears from her eyes, and set him on the ground to let him rest.
"We camp here for tonight. Everyone set up tents before I activate a barrier." Sir Walter's command went out, and the soldiers went to work, setting up tents and gathering wood for a fire.
-
The Gorger looked upon the altered Wrynjolf, inspecting him. His strength had grown many fold, though his mind would now be filled with animal instincts that would leave him to rely entirely on his strength... though, not much had changed in that aspect. Perhaps it was for the best all around.
"Not to worry, Wrynjolf ol' boy. Your lady friend will understand, I'm sure." The Gorger joked in passing.
On the ground beside him was one of the assailing werewolves, roasted. The Gorger raised a brow at the power the priest possessed; while the healing was impressive indeed, it was rare that a man of faith possessed a parallel of destructive power. He hated to admit it to himself, but should he ever break his shackles, he would have to avoid confronting Father Rau first. With another glance was something that piqued his curiosity further: a werewolf firmly embedded into the trunk of a tree. Nearby, Sun Wu was stretching.
He approached the monk. "I suppose slugging him in the face didn't work?" The Gorger looked at the beast's wounds. There were as many cuts as there were bruises. "Where exactly does one such as yourself draw such power?"
-
The scene is a regretful one. Wrynjolf turns and for a moment it seems like he may need to be destroyed. Shani finally calms him, and the Nord shows incredible willpower and pushes the curse of the wolf away. For the moment, at least. Wu continues stretching.
The Gorger approaches as Wu is exhaling a calculated breath. You can almost see the muscle in the monk's triceps stretching as he pulls his arm across his chest.
"I suppose slugging him in the face didn't work?" The Gorger says as he studies the werewolf pinned to the tree. "Where exactly does one such as yourself draw such power?"
Wu releases his arm and and swings it in a circle before lowering it to his side. With a grin he addresses the inquisitive Ghoul.
"I would prefer to not end up like our traveling companion Wrynjolf. I submit that the best way to avoid the werewolf's bite is to keep its jaws at a distance."
His grin fades as Sun Wu steps closer to The Gorger.
"Your body... enhanced as it is, is composed of muscle and bone. My body," he places his hand on his own chest, "is also composed of muscle and bone. When we wish to move, our body responds. We will it into action and it heeds our command. This much is instinct. We do this without thinking.
"When you fight, you will your muscles to provide force, and they react accordingly. When I fight, I do the same. But I also do something else. I grew up in a Monastery in the Akavashi lands. There I was taught to master Chi. Think of it as a physical manifestation of my own will.
"For example, I do not merely throw a punch. Yes, my muscles move and propel my fist forward, but I also gather Chi to enhance my strike."
Wu rears back like he is going to throw a punch. His body grows taught and his knuckles crack from balling his hand into a fist.
In a moment the intensity in his eyes breaks way to laughter. Still chuckling he says, "Come, lets us make camp."
-
Shortly after the priest began his spell, he could see the nord’s painful expression. It was clear that the infection had already begun to settle in, yet the priest still had hope and continued with the spell regardless. Much to his surprise, his concentration was broken and he was brushed aside by the female werewolf.
"We're too late...This isn't something I wanted to happen...To anyone. Nobody should have to deal with this." Said Shani and began to cry.
When Rau stood up, he could clearly see that Wrynjolf began to change. Shani was right, after all a priest cannot cure lycanthropy.
"Zoltan! Hold him!" Sir Walter‘s intervention was a timely one. Soon after it, the nord completely transformed and the fight for his humanity unfolded in front of everyone present. It was not a pleasant scene. Even so, Rau stood and watch with an unchanging expression. It was not due to lack of compassion or care, he merely knew that there was no way for him to help this man. No guild weighed down on his conscious, he had done what he could, yet when he saw Wrynjolf collapse embracing Shani, the priest could not help but feel the uneasiness rising inside him.
"We camp here for tonight. Everyone set up tents before I activate a barrier." Sir Walter’s words pulled Rau out of the heavy atmosphere.
The priest began to help with gathering wood for the fire and he could feel that tonight he would not be able to rest.
-
As the camp began to take shape, Sir Walter took out his tome and proceeded to utter holy words and ancient phrases. He began to walk a slow circle about the camp, waving his free hand away from the camp as holy runes appeared in the air where he did so. As he walked, a ring of light began to surround the camp, slowly building until, as Sir Walter made a full circle, the light shot up to form a dome, and shined like a sun, before fading out, leaving only a semi-visible barrier and the floating runes to mark where it was. From the outside, the camp appeared to disappear, leaving only the clearing and the empty forest.
A large fire pit was set up in the center of the camp, and Wrynjolf was placed beside it to rest. While Shani sat next to him, gazing into the fire, another man stood across the fire, watching the werewolves intently. Jarl Borin Halfskir, eighth at the table of the Jarls, leaned on his weapon, watching the two carefully. His massive double-headed battleaxe stuck itself into the ground like a fork, digging into the dirt and providing something to rest on. The Jarl seemed at ease if one were to judge by body language. But his eyes were steeled, and his gaze never left the werewolves. It was hard to read the man, his excessive beard blocking most of his face, and his countenance always seemed as stone. Whatever the man was thinking, none would know without reading his very mind.
The gorger set about feasting on the remains of the werewolves after he'd done his part to set up camp. Dragging a carcass to a fire, he bit deep into its flesh. Axle did the same, though with a bit more restraint, slicing off bits of werewolf to roast over a fire before eating.
The others took part in more human meals, pulling out bread and salted meat, eating just enough to sate themselves and preserve their rations.
Sir Walter spoke with Hggranath over a fire as the two ate, the Nuckelavee eating salted pork, his reddened flesh creating a disturbing comparison, as Sir Walter partook of bread, the two holding a conversation that did not travel to the ears of the others, though it did not seem to be urgent.
-
Rau watched Sir Walter’s incantation from a distance. He had seen a similar ritual before, but it was completed by several seasoned priest. Yet this man did it on his own in an effortless manner. To the priest this spoke volumes of the man’s caliber.
With the camp set up, Rau had little to do to help clear his uneasiness. He decided to leave what happened with Wrynjolf in the back of his head and focus on something else that was bothering him. He had noticed, back at William’s castle, that everyone seemed to already know each other, with a few exceptions. The priest approached Seth, the elderly wizard.
“Good evening, I am sorry to disturb you, but I have some questions I want to run through you, if you don’t mind.” Rau began to speak directly as he was focused on what he wanted to know. ”I happen to find it curious that Sir Walter managed to gather such a skilled and diverse group of warriors, and even more curious is the fact that everyone seems acquainted with one another, makes me wonder if this is the first time they have gathered under his command. Can you tell me if they share a common history of sorts and how did Sir Walter come across such skilled individuals?”
-
The protection of Sir Walter's dome is was welcome. Wu was looking forward to some peace as they camped for the night.
He found some provisions and ate them in silence. His portion was measured and eaten quickly. He drank deeply from the canteen tied to his pack.
After the quick meal Sun Wu lit his pipe and approached the fire. He stood staring into the flames as plumes of smoke puffed out of his mouth.
"How does he fare?" He asks of Wrynjolf.
-
Seth took a breath from his long, elegant pipe and chuckled, exhaling smoke and looking into the fire. His eyes seemed far away, and his smile told of fond memories he was looking back on. "You should know first that Sir Walter is the most charismatic man I've ever met. When he arrived at the feast of Tempus one year, injured and near death, he still managed to prove a charming, witty man with wisdom beyond his years before he passed out in the snow. Yet more impressive was when he came to. He singlehandedly, with a broken leg and leaning on a cane while most of him was wrapped in bandages, gathered me to his cause, put an end to a dispute that threatened to sour the whole meeting of the Jarls, and softened the icy heart of Helga Hammerstorm. He swept her off her feet so badly she couldn't think of how to keep her composure as a strong and mighty woman, so she reached over and punched the next Jarl in the face before turning and giving Walter quite possibly the most famous kiss in Nordic history, and I can tell you, Nordic women are known to be passionate lovers. I think she still has feelings for him, even to this day, though I don't know Sir Walter's thoughts on the matter."
"But enough of our leader, you want to know about the group he leads. Well, while this may be the first official march of the Black Crusade, Sir Walter's personal crusade has been going on for some time. I was the first man he recruited to his cause, and I watched as our group grew from a mighty tamer and a powerful wizard into the battalion you see today. The newest members of the group are you three--I refer to you, Sun Wu, and the Gorger, of course--and Jarl Halfksir, though the Jarl has been quiet the entire time. The rest of us have been working as a group for years. The last recruit before you four was-well it was our poor friend Wrynjolf, and shortly after Shani, I do believe, and that had to have been three years ago."
-------------------------------------
"He rests well." Shani replied to Sun Wu's question. "I can only hope he will be ok. The werewolf curse is not an easy one to live with. There is always a hunger inside of you, an urge to kill and tear anything that is not part of the pack. I can only hope he can identify our group as his pack, as I have. The beast inside will attempt to turn him on us, otherwise. It is a terrible thing to live with, internal bloodlust trying to force you to murder those you meet, even those you know."
Shani leaned over and brushed hair away from Wrynjolf's face, granting an unobscured view of his features.
"He is a strong man, however, and will likely pull through. I will try to help him as best I can."
-
With a breath of satisfaction, The Gorger turned to Axl, "You know, it's times like this I wonder if I want to learn of my past at all. I rather enjoy this!" With that, he tore the last remaining meat from the leg of a werewolf, and sighed happily. The Gorger began to undo the bandages that held extraneous pieces of armor, performing small bits of cleaning and maintenance to ensure his next battle went well - even going so far as to replace some pieces with the bones of the werewolves he consumed. The way he went about it showed a surprising amount of civility, and a great deal of experience as a traveled warrior, used to long periods of time in the wilderness. Even so, the vast amounts of blood would take time to wash away. He decided to kill some time with conversation.
"What of your past? Did you find it a hindrance to your power, or a boon?"
-
"...There is always a hunger inside of you, an urge to kill and tear anything that is not part of the pack. I can only hope he can identify our group as his pack, as I have. The beast inside will attempt to turn him on us, otherwise. It is a terrible thing to live with, internal bloodlust trying to force you to murder those you meet, even those you know."
Sun Wu frowns at Shani's words. He contemplates his thoughts for a moment, clearly struggling with something. Finally he replies.
"There is a beast inside all of us." He points to his heart. "Humans may not be covered in fur and adorned with claws and fangs, but we still share the same needs and urges as an animal. I have known men - Monks of my order - who were unable to control themselves when the beast in their hearts came calling."
Wu shakes his head.
"There are two sides of a warrior, that of body and that of mind. Those who lost control were weak of mind. Considering such, I do not fear for Wrynjolf. He has already shown great willpower to push back the curse upon its introduction to his body. And Sir Walter would not pick a man only half a warrior to join our group."
Wu glances at Jarl Halfksir on the other side of the fire. "Is that not correct, Jarl?"
-
Rau listens to Seth’s story and the more he learns about Sir Walter, the more his curiosity grows. It is hard to believe he came out of nowhere. A man with such skills would hardly remain unnoticed in our world. Despite all the information he was given, the priest couldn’t fail to see that a certain man wasn’t mentioned. A very important man, a man who is half the reason he even came to ask.
“Thank you very much for sharing your story. You are a skilled story teller friend, yet I can’t say your story covered what I wanted to hear.” Rau stops for a seconds and remember the spine chilling sensation back on the ship “As much as Sir Walter’s light shines brightly in your story, an even greater darkness looms behind. Since you were the first he recruited should I take it Alucard came along afterwards? Even though I am fully aware he is our ally, I cannot shake the feeling of uneasiness that his existence drives into me. Perhaps you may shed some light onto him, if I am not asking for too much.”
-
Axel went quiet for a moment, looking down at his meal.
"To be honest, it's both." He said at length, taking another bite. "While my memories inhibit me, prevent me from unleashing the full potential of a feral ghoul, they also allow me to focus, give me direction. I am less driven by rage and more by a quest. A quest to uncover more of who I am, to learn of my life, and use this second chance to become an even greater man than I was before. It drives me to do the most that I can with what I have."
With that, Axel continued to eat, contemplating on the path before him.
----------------------
"Hmm. Perhaps. But I also know that even the greatest warriors can be broken by the beast..." Jarl Halfskir said, his gravelly voice finally breaking upon the air. "And that sometimes a mere fracture is all that is needed." He reached down and picked up a rock from the ground. It had been cracked in the fighting, and the Jarl crushed it in his hand, the crack spreading until the rock broke into pieces.
"A fault line is formed, and from there a chink in the armor can be exploited, until the whole thing comes crashing down. I'd say its best to watch Wrynjolf. We'll know if he is truly as iron-willed as you believe soon enough..And if he is not..Well..." The Jarl leaned on his axe, its edge glinting in the firelight.
Shani could not find the words to speak, so great was her anger. She rose to her feet, her hands visibly sharpening before she clenched them into fists.
"If you threaten Wrynjolf or anyone in this group again, I will personally tear you to shreds, do you hear me?!" Shani growled at the Jarl, who merely gave an arrogant smirk, looking down at the woman as though she were inferior.
"You're Norinskir, aren't you? Yes, I can tell you owe allegiance to Helga Hammerstorm. I can feel that fire in your eyes. You'll need it girl, for the tests to come." Jarl Halfskir said, his voice haughty.
The tension between the two was visibly mounting, and it may require a mediator before the two clashed.
-------------------------------------
"Ah yes....Alucard..." Seth said, looking deep into the fire. "Well....Alucard was less recruited and more.....Acquired." The wizard looked up at the sky, watching the flickering stars. "I suppose more an exposition is required. When Sir Walter rose to power in the Tamers' Society, he changed their views. Before hand the tamers had made their objective only to capture monsters and use them against other monsters. It was only with the advent of Sir Walter as a prodigy and Taming master that they began to see that monsters could be made to realize humanity and become true allies, even friends. Even today the stigma associated with being a monster hasn't worn off, even among the Tamers. But before all of this, there was Alucard.
For over a Century Alucard had been kept deep within the fortress of the Tamers, being fed the worst of society's criminals. Those who had been sentenced to death were thrown into Alucard's chamber and left to become his food. They had planned to use him, to make him the ultimate weapon against the monsters by making him the most powerful of all monsters. He had once been a mere man, a Vampire Hunter whose name is long lost to the ages, but upon his turning the Tamers saw opportunity. They chained him in his cage and had for a century and more been experimenting on him and feeding him, seeing how far they could push his power, until they had made him Alucard--The anti-Dracula. When they felt he was ready, they began to test to see who it could be that would tame him. Tamer after Tamer tried and failed, and many were consumed by the Vampire, until Sir Walter came. Nobody quite knows what, but something within Sir Walter of Gandrick awoke Alucard, and he recognized him as the master of the monster. Walter's mere presence made Alucard's blood boil, and he hungered for battle, to be commanded to kill and destroy by this man, this man who stood before him, asking nothing of him but companionship. Nobody had dared consider Alucard as a Companion before. Perhaps that modesty and humility is what drove the Vampire to serve him. None truly know, but that is the story of how such a powerful being came to be in the service of our Charismatic leader."
-
"Fractures can be very detrimental, given how small they begin. And if left unchecked they can topple the largest of things. You raise a very valid point, Jarl Halfskir."
The tension in the air is intense. Wu has heard of the Nords' fiery tempers. The emotion bursting forth from these individuals was quite different that the mild tempered Monks he was raised with.
"When a village builds a dam, they erect a great wall to block a river or stream. But once the wall is built the job is not done, not hardly. Constant observation and maintenance is required to ensure that the wall stays in place. Each of us has a wall holding corruption and darkness at bay. It requires constant maintenance just like the dam."
He glances down at Wrynjolf as he lay sleeping, blissfully unaware of the situation around him.
"Wrynjolf has a fracture in his wall, so to speak. But luckily Shani is here to keep watch and help him repair it. I do not disagree that if he loses control he will need to be dealt with. But if he is going to conquer the curse of the werewolf he needs our assistance, not an axe hanging over his head."
Wu crosses his arms. "Would you not want the same, if the situation was reversed?"
-
Axel's words brought a familiar thought to The Gorger's mind, from only moments ago when he battled the werewolf. To become a fearsome beast, or to retain one's mind; the allure of power along with instinct made the first the easiest option. It seemed in the days to come - having chosen the path of the warrior to overcome the beast - The Gorger and Wrynjolf would have much in common, though with reasoning that slightly differed.
"The power that comes with unbridled remorselessness, or the focus that comes with sound mind..." The Gorger smirked, "Perhaps one can have both?" He coiled the cleaned chains around his pale limbs, the cold steel on his flesh giving him a nostalgic feeling from battles he had forgotten. His tongue slithered across his jaw, the taste of werewolf blood still soaking his teeth, "I daresay I'll enjoy finding out."
The Gorger's thoughts organized, he tended to the rest of his armaments. After all, it would be rude of him not to be properly groomed for his next feast.
-
“Modesty and humility, you say.” Rau stroked his beard as he considered the wizard’s words “Had I not met the man in person, I would have laughed at those words and call you a mad man! As unbelievable as it may sound, if there was someone who could have pulled it off it is him.” The priest let out a deep sigh, while stretching his arms. “Thank you for sharing his story with me. Now would be a good time to retire for a well-deserved rest. Perhaps we may talk more another time. Tonight I will pray, so that Lumos’ light may guide us in our time of need.” Rau bowed, showing his respect towards the old wizard, and left for his tent.
-
"Hmph. To tell you the truth, no. I'd rather someone put me down in honorable combat than risk becoming a feral werewolf. I don't envy those who live with the curse." Halfskir said, looking down at the sleeping Wrynjolf. He still seemed to think the two inferior in some way, but the tension was lessened, and the two said no more. Jarl Halfskir strode off to his tent to sleep while Shani laid down next to Wrynjolf to ensure his peaceful rest. Before Shani shut her eyes she looked up to the Monk and gave a hint of a smile. "Thank you, Sun Wu. I needed that." And with that she shut her eyes to sleep.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well. I suppose it's time to pack it in. Got no concept of when to sleep anymore, I need it so little." Axel said, standing and brushing his armor off. "Rest well, Gorger. Tomorrow seems like it's only gonna get worse."
The ghoul tossed what little was left of his werewolf meal into the fire, small scraps of fur burning and bones popping as they heated. He turned and strode off to his tent, where he would rest for the night.
---------------------------------------------------------
The wizard nodded as the priest strode off, and then his eyes turned to the sky. While the camp slowly went to sleep around him, he merely sat himself on the ground, brushed his gray beard out of his way, and pulled out a tome. flicking through the pages, he stopped until he had found a specific spell.
"Ah yes. I remember when Khelix taught me this spell. She was such a wise woman."
Tapping his staff on the ground next to him, a small circle of blue light surrounded him as he began to read from the book. As he spoke arcane utterances, tiny dots of light, almost like snow, began to fall from the sky. The arcane magic, harmful to no man or monster, slowly swirled around the camp until the wisps began to enter individual tents and absorb themselves into the bodies of those sleeping therein. Khelix's Welcome Respite was a spell intended to ensure that all who were under its effect would receive an abnormally good rest, emerging energized and fully recovered from any injuries they may have sustained the previous night. They would be plagued by no nightmares, but rather by restful thoughts and peaceful slumber. As all of the lights dissipated, Seth stood, and examined his work.
"Hmm. That's strange. When Khelix cast that spell to give an entire battalion rest, the lights burst over their intended targets and sprinkled down on them. Ah well, one wizard's fireball, another's fire blast."
With that, Seth waved his hand, and a door made of condensed light appeared in front of him. Opening it and stepping inside, he retreated into the spell known as the wizard's haven to rest for the night.
-
Wu nods back to Shani's statement of thanks and stares into the fire for a few moments. A slight frown mars his features as he steps away from the fire's light. The monks at the monastery would disapprove of him involving himself with such petty squabbles. If he keeps sticking his nose so close to the fire he will be burned by it before long.
He finds his tent and steps inside. Exhaustion sets in as he listens to his body. His bedroll and pillow are very inviting following such a night. After poking his head outside of the tent for one last look around the camp, he lies down and settles in until morning.
-
Having finished the somewhat makeshift maintenance of his equipment, and his belly satisfied for the time being, The Gorger settled near the boundaries of the barrier, in the darkness of the trees. He had tried to rest many times before to no avail, but it would not stop him from trying.
As his eyelids closed, recent memories rushed back to him. Fangs, claws, and blood. A derelict arena filled with chains and steel bars. Ghouls who wore the armor of crusaders, pitted against one another. The bittersweet victories over countless others who shared his past. A village... a brave knight.
The Gorger opened his eyes. Perhaps another night. And so there he sat, restless, maintaining vigil in silence.
-
Rau enters his tent and quickly lies down. Still feeling uneasy from today’s events, he is having a hard time falling asleep. There was much on his mind. The necromancer at the tower, the creatures that may attack at any time and the unknown holy energy, all of this was troubling him. Was it all a coincidence? Everything has happened so suddenly and yet this is most likely only a greeting from The Badlands.
Reflecting on what has happened and thinking of what is to come, the priest slowly drifts off into a slight sleep. It was an eventful day and regardless of what has happened, he is still looking forward towards what the next day will bring.
-
The next morning was...Interesting, to say the least.
The first noise that reached Seth's ears in the morning was the cry of an angry nord woman.
"SEEEEEEEEEETH!" Shani shouted, shoving past the barely waking soldiers to approach the wizard who was just now waking up.
"Did you do this?" the werewolf asked, bringing a hand down to smack what was once a well-toned abdomen, but now was the resting place of a rather soft paunch. The entirety of Shani appeared a few shades thicker, in fact, though she didn't seem to have lost any weight. "They told me all wizards were twisted, but I didn't quite believe them." she said, her bad mood giving way into good humour as she recalled the numerous times this has happened before. "It's always a fuller frame or plumper breasts, isn't it when you wizards cast spells on women?"
"I assure this was not at all intentional." Seth said, getting to his feet. "Though I must say you look rather lovely with the extra curve to your form. But you know how my magic works, and that it won't hinder you.
"I don't know how it works, so could you care to enlighten me?" asked Ser Athen, who walked up with a full beard that reached down to his belt.
Seth stifled a chuckle and proceeded to explain. "Well, you should understand that mathematically, addition and subtraction are opposites. You can't do one and the other at the same time. If you try to add a negative number, you are in fact subtracting and not adding. You cannot work your way around this fact. The same is true of magic. Magic that adds things and magic that removes things are completely different sects. And while I can see that my spells have certainly 'added' things to dear Shani." he said this with another quick look at her frame. "I can see it hasn't subtracted anything at all. So while she does have a bit of extra girth, underneath it all is still the same hard-earned, toned musculature she has always had. She will still be able to perform at the same level, and at the rate we've been going, she'll likely have lost all of that extra weight within a week."
"I see. So is this permanent? I'm debating whether to go shave."
"Well, that depends. Certain effects are, certain ones aren't. While I'm fairly certain Shani is stuck with her curves until she works them off, and you will need to shave that beard, other people will be more than likely afflicted with less permanent maladies. Such as--"
"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!! GIANT PURPLE SPIDER!!!! Oh and look, a cute tiny pink elephant."
"Hallucinations of oddly-sized, strangely-coloured animals and plants..." Seth finished, moving off to go see to the hallucinating person in question.
"Right, well, it doesn't seem like everybody was bothered." Athen said, watching Axel emerge from his tent completely unaffected. "Guess I'd better count myself lucky and go shave this off." with that he went to his tent to rectify his facial hair.
Sir walter appeared out of nowhere it seemed, completely unphased and unaffected by the happenings around him, and apprehended Seth.
"What happened, Seth? This is the first time this has happened in months."
"I'm...not quite sure, sir. It may have been the lack of sleep getting to me, but that feels unlikely. It seems more that there is something out there, deliberately interfering with my magic." the wizard responded as he pressed his hands to a delirious soldier's temples, his soothing magic doing its job correctly this time and alleviating him of his hallucinations.
"Hmm...Perhaps this is a sign we're getting closer to our objective." Walter said, stepping outside to survey the damage.
-
The Gorger arrived at the center of the camp where the commotion was starting, though he seemed... unaffected by his surroundings - he was in his own world. He would rub his hands on his body, and then inspect his palms afterward, confused. "Whoa... hey... hey guys... why is there so much bant everywhere?" He spread his fingers, and watched between the webbing. "Such slimy bant!"
Nobody seemed to know what "bant" was, but they knew now that it was slimy.
Suddenly, he looked at the people around him, and his eyes widened, revealing dilated pupils the size of dinner plates. He approached Sun Wu, "Hold on... I can fix this..." The Gorger cupped Sun Wu's cheeks, and pushed them up on the monk's face. He paused, and after a brief moment, repeated this action, staring quizzically. "Okay... okay I think I got it." He quickly turned to Seth. "Whoa, whoa... hold on... your face is melting too. Let me just... wait... let me just... there... wait... hold on..."
On the bright side, he seemed less intent on murdering everyone.
-
"SEEEEEEEEEETH!"
Sun Wu sits up on his sleeping roll quickly. The motion unsettles his pack which sends it toppling backwards. It knocks into one of the tent poles and brings the whole tent down upon his head.
He sits still for a moment under the canvas to collect himself. Things like this do not normally happen to him.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!! GIANT PURPLE SPIDER!!!!"
What in the current is going on outside? Wu grabs his pack and hauls it out from underneath the collapsed tent after him. As he stands upright a tree branch wet with morning dew snaps off and falls directly above him. Wu groggily sidesteps the falling timber and frowns as it lands with a "Thud" next to him.
"Hold on... I can fix this..." The Gorger is suddenly in front of him with a concerned look on his face. The Ghoul's large hands cup Wu's cheeks and he pushes them up on his face. He pauses for a brief moment. Wu merely stares back at him unblinkingly in disbelief. Still at it, The Gorger repeats the action, staring quizzically. "Okay... okay I think I got it."
The Ghoul is away just as quickly as he appeared. As Wu stares after him a boot lands squarely on his head. The mouth of it slides down over his ears and it sits like an odd helmet. He reaches to remove it but a rock knocks it off of his head before he can. His arm stays half way in the air, mid reaching to his head. This is becoming ridiculous.
Just as the thought crosses his mind, an owl lights out of a nearby bush headed straight for his noggin.
Wu shouts as he runs through the camp, arms folded over his head, "A helmet, blast it! I need something to cover my head!"
-
A familiar smell wakes Rau from his slumber. As he stands up and yawns, he feels something is odd. The priest reaches for his staff but unfortunately for him, a roasted chicken is standing next to it. While being relieved that the deadly creature has not yet spotted him, Raul needed to be cautious and leave the tent while he still had the chance. Knowing that roasted chickens lack agility, he quickly jumped to the side and rolled out of the tent. What the priest saw next would from now on be the definition of true horror for him. A pack of roasted chickens had laid waste to the camp. Flames, smoke and the smell of roasted chicken filled the air. Many had already fallen to the chicken’s onslaught. The shock from the gruesome scene that unfolded before him was too much for the priest and he just stood frozen. In a few seconds he was surrounded by roasted chickens. Slowly making its way towards him, was an elderly roasted chicken wearing Seth’s hat and dragging his staff behind. Rau tried to move but he couldn’t feel his legs any more. Reluctantly he looked at his lower body only to find, that his legs were now those of a roasted chicken. Unable to flee, Rau stood terrified as the elderly roasted chicken had begun casting his spell. The only thing that disturbed the night was Rau final scream.
The priest wakes up from his nightmare. Breathing heavily and covered by cold sweat, he quickly looks for his staff and is relived from the lack of the presence of a deadly roasted chicken. His relief lasts only a second, because when he inhales the smell of roasted chickens fills his nostrils. Rau grabs his staff and dashes out of the tent.
“BEWARE THE CHICKENS! BEWARE THE CHICKENS!” Feverish, dazed and still half naked, the priest runs through the camp giving warnings and franticly searching for the source of the smell.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the group Rau had now developed a roasted chicken phobia.
-
"Get everyone as set as you can. I'm bringing the barrier down." Walter said, leaving Seth, who merely nodded.
Sir Walter moved to the edge of the camp and began the same ritual he had begun to create the barrier in reverse. When the last rune had fallen, the barrier shimmered, and fell in a grand, sweeping wave. That was not to be the only spectacular event this morning, however.
Thunder cracked, and the sky darkened. Clouds began to swirl overhead, and the sky turned the color of blood. The wind kicked up, blowing things around, and the smell of sulfur filled the air...Well, for anyone who wasn't Rau. Lightning struck in the center of the camp, where the great fire had been. Fortunately Wrynjolf had been moved in the night because from that strike point burst a column of flame, towering into the sky. Inside the pillar of fire there was a shadow, incomprehensibly dark. As the flames died down, a black trench coat and a wide-brimmed hat stepped out of the smoke and ashes. Alucard made his presence in the camp known.
All of the insanity died down almost instantaneously. Objects flying at Sun Wu's head stopped and hit the ground mid flight. Everything Rau inhaled now smelt of chicken that had been terribly burnt beyond all repair. To the gorger, Alucard appeared to have sprouted demonic horns and wings of fire, a flaming crown floating above his head as if he were the prince of hell itself. Sir Walter stepped from the crowd of men and women frozen in fear and stood before Alucard, who kneeled.
"My master, I have dire news.."
"What is it, Alucard?"
"Dracula is on the move."
This sentence struck the world silent. The king of vampires, who never left his castle, on the move? The crusade's worst fears had been realized. They weren't ready to fight Dracula at this juncture.
"How do you know?"
"Master, there are only four great shadows in this realm of darkness. Myself, William, Fenrir.......And him. I have always sensed where each was, and he has begun to move. But strangely, his trace disappeared from my senses somewhere near the Black City."
"Then he has concealed himself. We have all the more to fear now, for he may even choose to walk among us."
"That is my fear, master."
"We had best move..."
-
The Gorger, slowly but surely, was beginning to comprehend how his mind was taking any information in with his senses, and portraying thoughts visually. The slimy mucus that seemed to cover everything was a feeling of unfamiliarity with his new visual surroundings, but soon, the hallucinations grew stronger. The fire and horns of Alucard portrayed the power that even The Gorger knew he could not touch as of yet, and a symbol of his demonic nature.
Everywhere The Gorger looked, there were chains that rooted into the ground, and when he looked... they all connected to shackles on his arms and feet, and to his leash. From Walter's armor dangled the keys of The Gorger's "prison."
Hardly able to understand speech at this point, he did not perceive the exact words Sir Walter and Alucard spoke, yet he understood what they were talking about. Dracula. A sudden anger rose within The Gorger, and the chains that surrounded him began to burn and twist, turning yellow as his rage engulfed them.
With a deep breath, the world around him expanding as he inhaled, and contracting as he exhaled... "Let's... move. Holy energy... awaits." Speech was proving difficult, but his thought processes were clear. If what Seth said was true, that holy energy could be their only hope for an encounter against the ruler of these lands.
-
Rau was confused. No one seemed to take his warnings seriously. What was the meaning of that? Have they not faced the threat of the deadly roasted chickens before? Have they not witnessed their power? It would be foolish to continue to ignore the priest’s warnings. Now the fate of the whole party was in his hands, he had to find proof of the inevitable roasted chicken invasion and open the eyes of everyone!
Unfortunately, before Rau could set out on his quest, a lightning struck the camps fireplace and a pillar of flame erupted from the ashes. A shadow resided in the flames. The priest could feel a terrible dark presence. He had felted it before and just as it had happened back then; shivers went down his spine once more.
Thanks to Alucard’s appearance, the dazed priest had his sanity returned. The fact that he had the smell of a charred chicken stuck in his nose, also gave him a hint something wasn’t right. He quickly realized that what he saw was a dream, horrible, horrible dream, and slightly embarrassed he strode off into his tent to put his robes on.
-
Wu has taken to fighting back. The objects are consistently careening towards his head. With a known target it is easy to knock them away.
He swats down a dinner plate, with no regard to how in the world a dinner plate made it all the way out here. A half dozen rolls follow, each swatted away just as quickly.
The barrier of the camp shimmers, then falls in a wave. As soon as it falls a spectacular display of thunder, wind and lightning begins. A crimson sky is the backdrop to a pillar of flame.
Alucard, Wu recognizes the man as he steps out of the smoke.
An anvil hits the ground hard behind him, leaving a sizable dent in the forest floor. Several horse shoes and a toad fall in a circle around him. It seems the plague of objects aiming for his head has passed.
Still wary, Wu walks back over to his pack, looking over his shoulder constantly. With a long sigh, he gathers his things and prepares to leave.
-
"We move." Walter called to the group as a whole. Everyone was awake now, even Wrynjolf, who stood next to Shani for support. As the group finished packing up, Alucard turned to his master.
"Orders?"
"Complete your previous task."
"As you wish, master." And with that he was gone into the shadows, disappearing into the early morning darkness. The resulting void in the air almost seemed to absorb itself, the oppression of the being that had formerly inhabited its area lingering and causing that section of existence to be forever warped. Looking at the space he had just been was like looking at a mirage through a lens of nightmares, and would be so for long after the group had departed.
Shani was the first to move. "We have to get that artifact, correct? And I've got some miles to walk." she said, prodding her protruding stomach.
"Aye. We should go." Wrynjolf said, walking beside her as the rest of the party fell into step behind them, with the exception of Walter, who took point.
The group walked for hours, typical conversation prevailing over the strange events of the morning, until sir Walter called for a halt.
"Do you hear that?" Walter asked, and the group strained to listen.
In the distance, they could hear a bird sing. A bird, singing its happiness in the dismal darkness of the blacklands. It was almost unheard of.
"Look there." Shani said, pointing deeper into the forest. "The trees almost seem healthier." she was right. In fact, the trees seemed to have a lighter shade of brown on their bark and a healthier shade of green on their branches, almost as if this forest were new and unaffected by the foul darkness of the region around it.
"I'll bet my shield whatever Seth sensed is somewhere in that mystic forest." Ser Athen said, looking into it.
"I fancy you're correct, Athen." Sir Walter said, leading the march into its confines. The world around them seemed to be revitalizing as they walked deeper. The grass turned greener, birds sang, the sun actually shone through the darkness, and wild animals strut about without violence or fear.
While there was nothing physically deterring the monsters of the party from entering this place, the less peaceful among them felt uneasy.
"This place is...unnatural." Axel said, looking around.
"Yessss...Monssters were not meant to ssset foot here..." Hggranath hissed, feeling as if his presence was an affront to the magic of this realm.
"I don't know. I feel at home." Shani said, feeling welcome in the forest. It was almost as if her purer nature made her an exception. Her and Wrynjolf actually felt more at home in this place than most of the humans, perhaps a testament to their inner nature as animals combining with their purer nature as good-hearted human beings.
Whatever the case, this place clearly had a magic about it.
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Greetings. My name is Cameron, and I will be your Administrator today.
I am closing this thread due to it's impressive length. Refer to Part 2 for further posting joy.