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Title: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Cameron on October 16, 2012, 09:55:01 AM
Continued from this thread. (http://li11-207.members.linode.com/starforums/index.php?topic=335.0)

Please proceed.

(It's nice to be back.)
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on October 21, 2012, 11:27:18 PM
The Gorger, moreso than the other monsters, was hurting.  His limbs ached, and his very skin itched as they approached this mysterious energy, no doubt a reaction to his vengeful and angry nature.  It was a poor follow-up to his still recovering hallucinogenic mental state.  However, he refused to show weakness, regardless of his "discomfort."  He would not give Father Rau the satisfaction, having previously mentioned the damage such an energy could cause to the ghoul.

Each step brought more pain.  And with those steps, he grew increasingly stubborn and unflinching.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on October 22, 2012, 09:51:57 AM
The party was on the move and Rau was happy to be sane again.

Rau was trying not to listen on the discussion of this morning’s events and he was attempting to repress those memories to no avail.

"Do you hear that?" Walter asked, and the group strained to listen.

Rau focused on the noises in an attempt to hear, but he did far more than just hear. There was so much holy energy that for a second his mind went blank. The feeling itself was extraordinary and it was like nothing he ever felt before. The sensation struck him unprepared and the priest almost fell to his knees. He quickly got a grip of himself and continued onwards.

"This place is...unnatural." Axel said, looking around.

“Unnatural is surprisingly correct Axel.” Said the priest with vexed expression ”I can feel it. It is everywhere... It is in the animals, in the trees and in us.” Rau looked at the Gorger “It is in you as well creature, more so than any of us.” Rau looked around one more time ”This place is dangerous, don’t be fooled by the calmness and don’t let your guard down.” Rau tried not to show it, but a keen eye could see. The priest... was afraid.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 22, 2012, 03:22:23 PM
Alucard's departure is eerie, like most things about the man.  But there isn't time to linger.  The group starts moving and Wu falls in step.

He shares in some chuckles about the mornings oddness during the hike, but mostly keeps to himself.

"Do you hear that?"  Sir Walter asks after calling for a halt.

Indeed Wu does.  A bird singing in the most unlikely place.

As they travel further into the unusually serene part of the forest Wu hears the trickle of a stream.  Due to his affinity he feels a building amount of peace as he listens to it.

Remembering that a few paces away the waters still lie in shadows he begins to grow uneasy.

"Whatever is causing this is a wonder indeed..."  Sun Wu says, as he follows behind the bulk of the party.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on October 23, 2012, 07:20:33 PM
As the group strode on into the depths of this enchanted forest, the realm seemed to come alive around them. Animals seemed to be heralding their arrival to something deeper in the forest. As they walked deeper in, the animals became less frequent. But then something new seemed to be hounding them. There was faint rustling in the trees, leaves dancing around the group.

"Adena falla-nore. Ishen Adena Lor-inore." The whispers from the trees seemed like they were spoken from ghosts' mouths. The voices that spoke them were light and harmonious, and flowed like music. The words themselves seemed like soft notes from a harp, but they bore a strong resemblance to Akavashani, the language of Sun Wu's people. Still, there was enough difference that the words seemed as nonsense to the monk's ears, as well as those of any who knew the language, as well as their own native tongue and the common language they had all been using. But the harmonious lilt of the language brought recollection of the similarly vibrant tones of the southern dynasties.

But then the harmonious language was interrupted by a more coarse one, and the light rustling became a definite thumping in the forest about them, almost like rapid pounding on the earth.

"Makaggan, Okrag Nakag Svartal." toned in the new voices, coarse like stone and deep, rumbling like a landslide. This language stirred the memory of the Nords among the group, as it bore oral similarities to their own native language, though again, they could not decipher the words.

The wind kicked up around them, as if they were being buffeted by great fans, and the group was forced to stop, and yet still they could not see what the source was.

"Venite observáte eos ulterius." This newest voice was booming, like the fire of a volcano, and its commanding tones and terse words evoked memory of the language of the Imperial nation. But all of these ghosts of the past seemed to be observing these visions from the future. But still the group could see none.

"We must stride on..." Walter commanded, making the next step forward. His men began to move behind him, Walter spearheading the slow advance as they moved through buffeting winds.

"Hoc unum habet passionem. Ipsi proficiscemini in." And with that final command from the booming voice, the winds stopped, and the group could move forward again.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 25, 2012, 10:21:11 AM
That voice almost sounds like one of merchants in the village near his Monastary.  Almost...

Wu can't make out any of the words, but it is definately Akavashani in origin.  He looks to his fellow countryman the assassin to see if he recognizes any of the words, but Wu can't even find him in the throng of people.  Sneaky assassins...

The next voice sounds similar to the Nords when they're in their drink.  Course, loud, and incomprehensible.

A strong wind kicks up following the Nord voice.  The group stops and Wu raises his arm to cover his eyes.

Another voice, this one resembling the Imperials.  Walter commands everyone to move, and Wu does not disagree.

The last voice issues a command back, and the wind stops.

"Ghosts." Wu says reverently.  He is on high alert.  Individuals who's strength of will carries on after their physical death must have a monumental purpose for doing so. 
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on October 25, 2012, 07:10:21 PM
"Ghosts." Wu says. 

The Gorger was surprised; he had thought they were merely more illusions.  Each of their languages differed, all clearly from very different lands.  How did ghosts with such differing cultures become bound to a single place?  Stranger still, they haunted a holy place that made The Gorger's skin feel as though he was walking through entire bushes of thorns, and yet they seemed unaffected, even calm.

One thing was clear: the ghosts had an unforeseen interest in the group.

"It seems they do not burn in this place as I do.  I doubt malicious intent." The Gorger searched the area as they approached forward, his keen nose attempting to sense any possible living threats.  However, from the holy aura that emanated from the area, even his most reliable senses were dulled by pain.  He snarled, frustrated, and continued.

"However, few things that involve the holy powers of this world end without trial."

The Gorger's claws sharpened.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on October 26, 2012, 05:19:18 AM
Rau proceeded deeper into the forest with the rest of the party. He was still afraid of this energy, but he kept his calm and began to observer the surroundings, hoping something would ease his mind. The holy man noticed that, the further they went, the fewer animals were there to be seen, which stressed him out further, contrary to his hopes.

"Adena falla-nore. Ishen Adena Lor-inore."

A voice was heard coming from the trees. Despite his vast knowledge, it was not a language Rau knew. It did resemble Akavashani.

"Makaggan, Okrag Nakag Svartal."

A second voice followed soon after. Rau did not recognize it, but by the looks of the nords in the group it seemed like they knew it. The priest had no time to ponder what the voice was saying. Strong winds stopped the group from venturing further and a third voice echoed.

"Venite observáte eos ulterius."

Unlike the last two, Rau knew this language. It was the language of the ancient Imperials.

“Qui estis? Ostendite vos! (Who are you? Show yourselves!)” Rau shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping his voice will reach through the strong wind.

Sir Walter commanded the party to advance and all followed suit, as he pushed forward against the wind. The third voice spoke one more time and the winds died down, allowing the group to move further into the forest.

Rau’s fear was gone. The chance to meet an ancient Imperial got him shaking with excitement. So little is known of the ancient times and here could be the only opportunity for one to learn more. The only way for the priest to do so was to go deeper into the forest.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on October 26, 2012, 08:08:27 PM
The group walked on without further interruption, though the sounds of leaves being rustled and mysterious voices whispering in the woods continued. It was clear they were being watched. Soon, the sky grew dark, even here, as night began to fall unnaturally fast. But it wasn't the dark, oppressing night of the rest of the blacklands. It was a peaceful, serene night, as one only experiences in places of rest. Even the unbearable oppression of the holy energy on the beasts of the group lessened, allowing them to walk without pain in this peaceful nightfall. As the group walked, they came upon a shimmering pool of water in a clearing in the forest, and sitting before it, with its back to the group, was a strange being. It was almost like looking at Seth in a distorted lens.

The creature stood no more than four feet in height, adorned in a pointed wizard's hat, a gnarled staff in his left hand as he stood over the pool. A great, gray beard could be seen flowing out on the creature's sides, wider than its own torso. The creature seemed to be stout, a low, wide build, but nonetheless strong, even for one who seemed so old. The creature turned to face them, and its age became even more apparent. A hawkish nose stared out at the group as the true volume of his beard revealed itself. A voluminous facial mane that reached down to his belt and billowed out to his shoulders on both sides, its gray color did nothing to diminish its impressive appearance.

"Vorkeggan, grelbolg korhaken." the creature said plainly in a more modern rendition of the Norse language, looking pointedly at Seth, who stepped forward from the group.

"Vorkeggan. Mur Erkorhannen?" Seth replied.

"Jor. Mordiggian kuronen svartalen?"

"Bor. Mirdiggian ner kuronen sur svartalen."

"Sharot sur konrakt svartalen."

"Jor."

Seth and the Dwarf both extended their free hands, and a spectacular light show began. knowledge, like a prismatic light, flowed between their hands, a wizard's way of exchanging information. Bot of their eyes shone for just a moment as their minds melded with this new knowledge before they blinked back into their physical world.

"So. Yer friend tells me my kind're supposed ta be extinct. Well....Now tha's a stretch...Still, ye're all welcome here. Come, sit by the pool. We've much ta discuss." The creature said, speaking a fluent, if accented, common tongue. the creature turned and sat down in front of the pool of water, looking into its shimmering depths.

"Indeed..." Seth said, walking over to sit beside it, creating an almost comical contrast between the tall human wizard, and this diminutive but no doubt powerful creature.

"I apologize if th' others seem suspcious. They'll be about soon. Though I'll warn ye ta keep yer heads down when Valkaroth comes swoopin' in. My name be Khadmas."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on October 28, 2012, 11:06:21 PM
The pain faded, and The Gorger was grateful to whatever being created this eye in the storm of holy presence - this balance.  It was serene, and quiet - enough to give even the blood-thirsting ghoul a moment of pause as he gazed off into the distance.  He wondered if in all his forgotten memories he had ever seen such a thing.

"Khadmas" offered them a seat, but The Gorger was not so complacent just yet.  Though he clearly showed no ill will, his surroundings were simply too strange for him to feel comfortable.

"First the necromancer, and now this fellow... my, my what friends we are making." he muttered almost inaudibly.  One could not deny though, that whatever information this small bearded person could give them would be useful.  His domain itself was a shining beacon against the darkness, and The Gorger was well willing to listen to its dweller should it bring him one step closer to eradicating the vampires that would deny him his free will.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 31, 2012, 03:13:07 PM
Sun Wu blinked back the brightness of the light show enfolding between the two wizards' hands.  He had not seen such a thing before.

The little man spoke with an accent unfamiliar to Wu.  He mentioned others that may seem suspicious, as if he wasn't suspicious enough. 

Wu crossed his arms, and wondered just where the current was taking him this time...
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on November 03, 2012, 01:43:18 PM
The priest was buried in his thoughts, as the party continued to advance to the heart of the forest. He was still excited, from the events with the voices. It wasn’t until the group reached a bizarre creature, siting in the forest that Rau’s excitement loosened up.

After Seth’s exchange with the creature, the priest’s mind raced once more. What knowledge could this creatures offer?  What is their purpose here in the Blacklands? What is the source of the holy energy? There were many more questions in the priests head and now that there was a source of information, he was determined to find out.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on November 04, 2012, 11:36:42 AM
Sir Walter took a seat next to the dwarf, and the rest of the group soon followed, taking seats around their side of the large pool of water.

"Now. While we wait for th' others, I'll explain some things." Khadmas said. He lowered his staff and tapped the head against the pool. The shimmer vibrated out and upon reaching the edge, vibrated back in, and the pool began to shift, reflecting the image of this land, fertile and peaceful.

"We, being me an' my friends, live here, in the enchanted forest Mordinthel. This forest has been this way for ages untold, since this world was young. t'is one o' the immutable facts of this world. No monster has breached this place with ill intent, and none ever shall. But outside its borders, the world has undergone a dark metamorphosis."

The pool shimmered and changed, showing the countryside of the Blacklands as it once was, a beautiful, natural realm, and how it descended into darkness, with monsters and beasts taking hold of the land. Then the pool vibrated and grew dark, and a single figure was shown, hooded and dark, his face obscured in shadow, but his bright red eyes shining bright, and his pale hand extended. His dress was elegant, his manner regal.

"Dracula. The source of the blight. The first vampire. He is the reason the realm outside is the way it is. He was the originator of all of the monsters of this realm. And to this day he sits in his castle, lording over his realm. None can hope to defeat him alone."

"Aye. But we hope to defeat him together." Walter interjected. "Our group, the Black Crusade, was put together of the finest men and monsters of the realm, aimed at destroying Dracula and leveling his dark castle."

Khadmas looked about the group. "If you're serious, then that malicious presence I felt is your trump card, I assume."

Walter nodded. "Alucard, yes. The closest thing on this world to Dracula in power. We hope the remainder of our group can balance out the equation and even tip the scales in our favor."

Khadmas shook his head. "Alone, no. But I believe...perhaps...With our aid."

A lithe figure slipped out of the trees, tall and agile, with lengthy silver hair. Her feminine figure adorned in supple leathers, her pointed ears revealed only after she pulled down her hood.

"Meet Elryndyae, elven ranger. And if I'm not mistaken, here comes Valkaroth, the word of dragon's fire."

The wind kicked up, and the sound of flapping wings filled the air as the scaly being descended. Easily the size of a small manor, Valkaroth descended, and laid himself down on the other side of the pool, his large, serpentine head observing the group with interest.

"And I." Khadmas said, standing up and sticking his staff into the ground. "Am Khadmas, the Dwarven Sage. Welcome to Mordinthel."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on November 07, 2012, 04:40:11 PM
The Gorger raised a curious brow.  "Yes, what pretty pets you have." He stood straight, and slowly approached the dwarf in a less than friendly manner.  "So with all these resources, with this safe haven, with this power... what stops you from moving, old one?  Why are men, women, and children consumed while you sit by your sparkly little lake with only a handful of servants to share your safety?" The Gorger inquired with hostility as he gestured to the landscape surrounding them.  He leaned his head in close to the dwarf.  "Surely, no being with all this at his disposal has sit idly by for so long..." he grinned,  "...or is that you have tried?  Tried... and failed?  No... perhaps I give you too much credit.  Perhaps you truly have been asleep - idle while the world turns to ruin, tucked away in your cradle."

The Gorger chuckled as his posture returned, and stepped back, nearly satisfied with his tirade.  "I do wonder... who is the greater evil?  The murderer, or the one who watches - doing nothing as the victim's life bleeds away?"  With uproarious laughter, he withdrew.  "My apologies.  I should not be so rude; after all, you and your... 'friends' shall be valuable fodder."

Even in a place as docile and peaceful as Mordinthel, The Gorger found little peace of mind.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on November 08, 2012, 11:44:10 AM
The dragon, Valkaroth, is a wonder.  Wu studies its form with intent.  He contemplates fighting a creature the size of a building, and grins at the contest.

Having had his fun, Wu settles his mind to Khadmas's story.  The aid of these three individuals would be well received.

"So with all these resources, with this safe haven, with this power... what stops you from moving, old one? ...

"The Gorger, as uncouth as he is, has a valid point."

The clearest of water, can sometimes be the dirtiest.  Wu has a great deal of suspicion for this Mordinthel.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on November 09, 2012, 10:12:52 AM
Rau stood and listened as Sir Walter spoke with the dwarf, he even listened through the tirade of the Gorger. Something was not right. Nothing they said made any sense.

“You said this forest was never breached with ill intent.” The priest began to speak quietly, his eyes focused on the ground. “Yet those spirits stood watch, didn’t they?” Rau’s gaze rose and he looked into their host's eyes.  “We came looking for the holy energy, instead we find you. You don’t offer any explanation to the source of the holy energy, which may aide us greatly in the coming battle, yet you are eager to aid us in fighting perhaps the strongest monster the world has ever known. If you were protecting this place you wouldn’t want to leave. Or are you trying to protect it by making us leave?”  The priest pauses, while trying to read their reaction. “None of this makes any sense. What is your purpose here? What is Mordinthel?”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on November 09, 2012, 11:13:36 AM
Valkaroth's booming voice cut through the rising argument.

"Khadmas. Concede mihi vestram scientiam."

"Aye, Valkaroth. Perhaps you'd best explain."

The dwarf turned and proceeded the same exchange with Valkaroth he had with Seth. When it was over, the Dragon stood on all fours and reached its neck across the water, its head resting on the shoreline before the group.

"My name is Valkaroth, the word of Dragon's fire." The deep, mountainous bass of his voice spoke with purpose. "I am a priest of the Dragon Order. I will tell you all. You stand before your progenitors. Imperials." The dragon's eyes looked upon the Gorger, Sir Walter, and father Rau. "I am a priest of the order whose values and codes your own empire pulls from. Nords." his eye fell upon  Seth, Wrynjolf and the other nords. "Khadmas calls forth the natural magic of your eldest sages because his kind are your own, ages past." And last, he looked upon the Akavashi, sun Wu and and the silent assasssin. "And you. The Elf ranger Elryndyae is more agile than your greatest assassin because it was her kind that first taught your ancestors the ways of your people. You stand with your ancient history, and you question us for our hidden nature."

His head reared back, and his full imposing height towered over the group.

"I will tell you why we have been hidden. No creature has breached this forest with malicious intent because it alone is a place of peace. Violent intent cannot parse these walls alive. Those who truly hold intent to kill will either find it wither from their bodies or find their bodies wither away. We do not leave because it has been ordained we shall not. Not by us, but by our people's trusted leaders. We have been assigned as watchers not to protect the forest, but to maintain it, and see that any young humans who arrive with intent to end this land's misery be welcomed. So you have proven, and so you stand here. But do not doubt our intent. You have seen only the barest extent of what remains of our people. You will be shown. resurgunt, antiquum ostium!"

The pool in the center began to shimmer, and from its depths rose first a walkway, and then a stone platform at the end of said walkway. On it stood what appeared to be a doorway, which lead deep down into the earth. The door swung open of its own accord, and lines of torches could be seen descending into the earth.

"Enter, young humans. Khadmas and Elryndyae shall be your guides. You will see the true secret of Mordinthel; the ancient city, Mordintharas."

At this time Khadmas had finished transferring his knowledge to Elryndyae, and beckoned for the group to follow. He walked over to the door and turned, waiting for the others while Elryndyae entered the doorway, leading the way down.

"Well, you heard the dragon. Move it, lads. Ye'll learn much more with yer eyes than with yer ears."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on November 09, 2012, 01:46:53 PM
So they were gatekeepers, ancient ones at that.  Sun Wu bows to each of them in turn.

"I meant no disrespect.  I'm sure you understand our apprehensiveness, given your wisdom."

Elryndyae's kind was the teacher of his people.  Wu feels compelled to talk with her about his origins.  Perhaps she can shed light on lost knowledge after ages of reteaching. 

A walkway rises from the pool, ending in a door.  Torches light the path downward.  Mordintharas.  If these beings were evil in intent one of his companions would have sensed it by now.  Their story rings true, and the only thing left to do is to trust in them and their knowledge.  If Sir Walter has decided to follow them, the Wu will also.

The monk falls in line and walks over the walkway and through the door, eager to see what lies below.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on November 10, 2012, 01:53:26 PM
"Ah, that puts my mind at ease.  It is not you who are the craven cowards... just your gods." With a smirk, The Gorger crossed the bridge.  It was time to see what this place had to provide.  Armor, weapons, food... it would be interesting to see what the "cowards" had in store for the ghoul.

As he smirked and his cheeks elevated, he came to a realization... some of the scar tissue on his face had been restored.  Though his face was still quite mutilated, small bits of muscle tissue had been restored in his jaw and cheeks, and the claw marks from his encounter from the vampire and his pet werewolf were slightly smaller.  It would appear the sheer amount of werewolf meat he had ingested, combined with his own regenerative abilities, were healing him steadily.

His smirk faded.  Could it be, one day, he might know his own face?  The thought was intriguing.  However, he would have to consume a great deal more beasts, and maybe, it would spark memories from his past - memories he was not sure he even wanted.

The Gorger shook his head, and continued about his journey with the Black Crusade.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on November 11, 2012, 03:51:46 AM
“I knew you had no ill intent, I was simply eager to get answers. I apologies if I have offended with my words.”

Rau stood and waited as the group moved into the gateway. When all but him have entered he faced the dragon once more.

“Before I go I have one last question. You mentioned you are here to guide humans who come to face the evil this land represents. Others must have come before us. Tell me, were they stronger than us?”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on November 19, 2012, 01:54:15 PM
The group entered as Father rau held back, the dragon listened to his question and looked thoughtful.

"Others have come, though few this far. And those that did have rarely shown this level of potential. We will see where it leads." Valkaroth said, looking down at the priest. "But hold on to your faith, for it will be what carries you through these hardships." The dragon looked past Rau, and noticed that Hggranath had stayed behind as well.

"Ssssmall, sssteep tunnelsss. Not good for a Nuckelavee. Isss there sssomewhere elssse to enter?"

The dragon emitted a deep, bassy sound that could be construed as a chuckle.

"Yes, frightful one, there is. i will show you to the entrance we dragons use, which is also the one for larger groups and wagons to enter and exit through." The dragon turned and began to walk off, his steps causing dull shakes in the earth as the Nuckelavee followed behind at a trot.

The tunnel itself was narrow, and the group had to move, at maximum, double file, the largest of the group, Sir Walter, the Gorger, and Wrynjolf, only having room to put their elbows to either side without scraping the walls, had to stand alone in the line. The lining of torches provided much needed light as the group stepped down. At the bottom of the tunnel, however, there was a brightness. As the group exited the passageway, they found themselves in what seemed to be an underground city, lit by what appeared to be a massive luminescent crystal formation embedded in the cavern's ceiling. It bathed the city in something of a half-light, as if in the brightest of night times.

"Welcome to Mordintharas lads." Khadmas spoke, leading the group on, Elryndyae having went on ahead some time ago. "This be all tha's left of the ancient races. A dozen dragons, five hundred Dwarves, three hundred Elves, and only two hundred Orcs remaining. Fluctuating with the sparse reproduction, of course."

"Orcs?" Seth asked. "I've never heard of Orcs. What are they?"

"What? How did yer people forget about th' Orcs? Blasted fools. Th' Orcs are the greatest warrior race of the lot of us. They're geniuses, technologically and militarily. Their tactics were what kept those of us here alive and hidden for so long. Otherwise we'd have all died out a long time ago. They've got technological marvels you've never seen."

"Very interesting. It could be they were expunged from legend because our people feared their strange technology." Seth said, looking about.

"Perhaps. Here's one now, Orgarash, who'll be leading us to an important meeting."

The large, dark-green creature cut an imposing figure. Easily a head taller than the Gorger, and somewhat broader even, he was adorned in heavy, spiked plate armor. His large, thick jaw adorned with rows of sharp teeth and jutting tusks, his long black hair flowed somewhat scraggly down his head to rest on his shoulders. He scratched his chin, adorned in short, bristly beard-hairs, and looked at the group with interest. On his back were his weapons, a broadsword and shield, and what appeared to be a tube made of metal and wood, with a stock to hold and a small metal trigger, as if on a crossbow, where one's index finger would rest. After inspecting the group, he saluted Khadmas and greeted the group with a rough, gravelly voice.

"Commander Orgarash Wolfmane. I've already been debriefed on your language by Elryndyae. I'll be leading all of you to meet with the Council. The Triumvirate has requested to see all of you, and the high General wants to know the status of the humans' crusade. I'll take your military leader with me once we arrive."

"That means you'll handle the council, old friend." Walter said, patting Seth on the shoulder.

"Oh wonderful. Hopefully they're more reasonable than Human leaders."

"Depends on what you mean by Reasonable." Orgarash said, grunting out a short laugh. "Alright, follow me." He turned and began to lead the group through the winding streets of the city.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on November 22, 2012, 01:06:50 PM
The Gorger's thoughts refocused on armaments, his eyes scanning the city as they passed through its streets, seeking any smithy shops or weapons dealers along the way.  Come to think of it, the ghoul did not recall which weapon he was proficient with in his past life.  He was eager to find out.

"Must I be present for further babble?  I'm merely a tool of war, incapable of disobeying your will.  I need not sit in on your politics." The Gorger sneered at his leadership.  It was true that The Gorger's armor was visibly damaged, and putting an actual weapon in his hands would no doubt increase his combat potential many fold. 

"Give me my instruments, and I shall play you a symphony."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on November 28, 2012, 02:05:45 PM
This is quite a place, to be buried in the middle of the Blacklands.  Considering how large this place is, the power and domain of Dracula must be staggering.  If the residents of Mordintharas will not fight against him, how much hope does a small group of people and beasts have?

Wu shakes off his uneasiness.  The Orc, Orgarash is an interesting sight.  He is surprisingly well spoken give his appearance.

With nothing to say, Wu follows along as the group winds through the city.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on November 29, 2012, 12:40:57 PM
Rau was happy to hear that they have shown the most “potential” so far, whatever that was supposed to mean, but now it was time to move on. The priest was itching to go down the rabbit hole and he quickly caught up to the group, a decision he would soon regret as The Gorger was about to open his mouth yet again and spew one more of his profanity.

"Must I be present for further babble?  I'm merely a tool of war, incapable of disobeying your will.  I need not sit in on your politics. Give me my instruments, and I shall play you a symphony."

“I know exactly what you mean. Who would want to listen about the enemy they are about to face, about the help one can get or the unknown lands one is about to venture through. Besides I am 100% sure one of us will have the spare time to sit down with you and brief you on everything that has been said and on every detail, perhaps you can even serve some tea and cookies to go along with the undoubtedly pleasant conversation. Go on now, go have some fun!”

Rau was more agitated than usual, from the ghoul, but the foul creature had no manners, no delicacy, no manner of speech, it is true that most nords lack those skills as well, but the sight of the creature’s carcass was bad enough to tip the irritation scales heavily in his favor.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on December 03, 2012, 11:42:28 AM
"Stop bickering and move. We're guests in an ancient city. At least act presentable." Walter said, leading the march behind Orgarash. The majority of the group straightened up under Walter's scrutiny, walking with order and purpose befitting of a soldier. Shani and Wrynjolf stood side by side as they walked, observing the sights and sounds. The whole group was impressed by the city, its great structures and varied architecture. Orgarash made a point of taking a route through the city that lead through each district. The city itself seemed split into four sections; one quarter housing the short, strong and solid structures built by the dwarves, one holding the sloping, elegant structures of the elves, one with the massive, decorated spires favored by dragons, and the final, and most interesting, was the one that housed the orcs.

     Every Orcish structure was made of a combination of leather, bone, and metal. Each one was imposing and bore something of a resemblance to a soldier's personal bunker. There were markings of clan, creed, and legion on each house; markings that the group did not understand, but any who looked on them knew they were significant.

    Even more spectacular were the craftsmen of this city. Dwarven blacksmiths hammered out magnificent works of metallurgy, sharpening axes and crafting chainmail worthy of lords. Elven crafters made mysterious trinkets and elegant leathers, and fletchers made the most resilient of arrows, the bowyers crafting weapons of unheard of accuracy and strength. The two dragon artificers of the city competed in their crafting of golden spheres, holy scepters and great treasures, each with an intricate detail unheard of in human realms.

     But once again, all of this paled in comparison to the wonder of what the Orcs built. Orc tinkers constructed devices of untold wonders, weapons of deadly accuracy requiring only the pull of a trigger, devices that spat lightning on command, automated metallic arms and machines of strange origin, all running on a strange glowing ore, which appeared to be harvested from the cavern's crystal ceiling, or other pockets of similar composition.

Eventually, the group arrived at what appeared to be the council's quarters. It was a massive keep at the edge of the city, built into the walls of the cavern, given a ceremonial guard of ten orcs at its gates, each armed with variations on the strange device Orgarash kept on his back. The orc stopped at the bottom of the steps and turned to face the group, sweeping his arm out to gesture at the keep.

"Welcome to the Council's chambers. I only require your military leader and your political leader from this point onward, you have been shown the city, and from this point on, if your leaders give permission, you are free to explore our many wonders."

It was clear this was a rehearsed speech that Orgarash did not take pride in delivering. He gave it in a flat monotone with not much energy, but the point was made. Walter turned to face his group.

"Alright. All of you are free to go, provided you do not cause any trouble in this city. If I hear of so much as a broken tool from one of you, you'll have hell to pay. We're guests in this city." He gave a pointed look at the Gorger.

"Carry on. Seth will send out a mystic calling when it is time to regroup."

With that, Seth and Walter went up the steps, leaving the group to their own devices.

"Well, I saw a pub in the Dwarven district, shall we head there?" Wrynjolf asked, leaning an arm on Shani.
"Let's." the werewolf duo went off in their own direction as the Akavashi assassin silently made his exit in the direction of the elven district. Hggranath arrived just in time to be given the news by a departing Ser Athen, and the group as a whole began to disperse across the city.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on December 07, 2012, 12:23:46 PM
Having given his lecture, Sir Walter left the troops to their small bit of "free" time.  As Sir Walter disappeared, the ghoul's grin turned wide as he looked to Rau.  "The thought of arming me... does it concern you, holy man?" he chuckled, and leaned in closer.

"It should," he hissed, "Sir Walter - no matter how powerful he may be - can't hold me forever, just as my former masters could not." The Gorger whispered cryptically as his tongue slithered across his wretched teeth.

The Gorger lurched away toward the craftsmen's district, satisfied with his taunt, empty though it may be.  Deep down he knew the holy man would be one of the last people he would want to face with his vast powers of light that roasted the flesh of darker beings, and as of yet, The Gorger had no plan to counteract such abilities.  If he wanted to make an escape when his opportunity arose, he would have to find a way around all these priests and paladins in the crusade, but for now, a weapon would be a good start.

As he passed through the district, there were many craftsmen marketing their wares, displaying them on posts and tables, demonstrating their power on various dummies... there were broadswords, claymores, battle axes, hammers, bows, flails, maces, zweihanders, pickaxes, spears, all forms of weaponry one could imagine.  The Gorger glanced over them - some feeling more familiar than others - but in the end, he could not seem to find his exact weapon.  The heavier weapons felt familiar, but the exact balance and weight did not resonate with him.

It had to be here.  That one weapon he sought.  If it was not in this city, it was simply not to be found.

He approached a shop that seemed to be selling more exotic and rare weapons... if nothing else, perhaps he could find some information.  They had all manner of strange curved swords, knives, whips - small, quick weapons.  With a sneer, he eyed the vendor.  "Cute trinkets." He leaned in, his claws spreading across the vendor's counter.  "I seek a weapon.  One worthy of a siege.  One that could cleave through a nuckalevee's bones, and smash the gates of a stronghold.  These... conventional weapons of the other vendors... they are lacking.  I know not what I seek, but should you have information, the Black Crusade will gladly compensate you for your services."

His approach was bold and impending, unwilling to waste a moment on pleasantries.  He was not even certain the Black Crusade would do anything to compensate the vendor, and had no coin of his own to speak of.  All the ghoul knew is that his weapon was the one part of his identity he knew he was dead set on finding.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on December 07, 2012, 02:08:27 PM
Sun Wu barely noticed his fellow Akavashi slip away towards the elven district.  But notice he did.  With similar intent, Wu decided to follow after him.  He gave no farewells as he broke into a jog, following his countryman.


He catches up to the assassin and matches his stride. 

"I see we both share the same curiosity for the Elves, for good reason.  I am called Sun Wu.  I don't believe we have met formally.  May I ask your name?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on December 08, 2012, 04:22:20 PM
The Gorger was as thoughtless as you usual, or maybe he really thinks highly of himself. Either way, there is no chance for the ghoul to break free from the tamer who tamed that monster Alucard.

Now it was time for the priest to act, he did not know how much time he has so he had to do the best with it. Perhaps there won’t be enough time to go through a library or he might not even be allowed to, but regardless he had to try.

Even though the orcish district looked interesting at first glance, what he wanted lied elsewhere. The district of the dragons would most likely hold the knowledge he sought. It was actually one of the first things Valkaroth said and one of the most interesting. He claimed to be a priest of the dragon order. What is the dragon order? What is its connection to Lumos?

Full with determination, Rau heads towards the dragon district, looking for anything similar to a temple and the knowledge that lies within.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on December 08, 2012, 05:57:16 PM
The vendor, a dwarf of considerable bulk, consisting largely of corded muscle, eyed the Gorger with a gleam in his eye. he was clearly not intimidated by this hulk of torn flesh, but rather intrigued. And somehow, he seemed to have knowledge of the common language as well.

"A siege weapon, ye say? Stay a while, I think I can build ye the perfect tool o' destruction. It'll be done in no time. Havin' free pay means I can pull out my best work. Ye'll have a weapon ta level gates by the time I'm done, lad." The dwarf waved the ghoul into the back of his shop, where his forge stood. He walked to the back of this area as well, and pulled from storage a hunk of metal roughly the size of the gorger's torso, twice over. The dwarf looked the ghoul over and pointed at the chains on his body.

"Ye use those for weapons? Take 'em off an' I'll improve 'em with this. Trust me, ye'll love the results." He said, getting to work on the steel block.

"Dwarven smithin's a bit different than any o' what ye'll see on tha' surface. We know the stone and ore better than any human could hope to. It melds ta our whim, lets us make it better. Though only so much, there's still some hammerin' an' heatin' ta be done."

The dwarf placed both hands on the steel block, and as if hearing his mental orders, began to change in shape. It was a slow process, but before one's very eyes the steel was beginning to take shape. Into what was not yet discernible, but it promised to be deadly.

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

"My name is Akaga. They call me the shadow of the south." The assassin replied. It was a name Wu would know, one of the Akavashi's most gifted assassins was on this crusade. It would be no surprise however that they had not met before. The Akavashi are very strict in their caste system, a branching hierarchy whose main branches rarely interact on more than a surface level outside of battle. At a young age it is determined what branch a child belongs in through tests of aptitude, and from there they are raised completely separate from the other main branches. A monk of the spiritual caste would likely never interact with an assassin of the shadow caste outside of war, though they would hear tales from all across the nation.

"I am seeking out what the elves use as equivalent to assassins. I suspect their rangers are more skilled than even I in the art of stealth, and I wish to learn what I can." Akaga was toneless, his voice betraying no emotion, which though strange, was said to be common practice among the higher-ranking assassins. It is said that those destined to be great assassins are rigorously trained and melded into the perfect killing machines, capable only of following orders and seeking to improve their own skills, unaffected by human emotion.

"I suspect they have something to teach you as well, brother Wu. Their introspective spiritualism seems to be unrivaled among the other races here." He observed, looking at the elegant structures and thought-provoking architecture. The assassin continued walking through the streets as he spoke, striding deeper into the Elven quarter.

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

As Father Rau entered the Dragon Quarter, the thing that would strike him most would be the cathedral. A massive structure, very much unlike the huge spires built for the dragons, it appeared to have been made with other races in mind. Though massive enough to house the entire dragon population of the city, it also possessed entrances that could be accessed by less massive species. From inside came the deep, mountainous tones of a dragon's voice, speaking in the ancient dragon language. A sermon was going on.

Should Rau enter, he would find not only Dragons there, but members of each species as well, heads bowed in respect as they listened to the Draconic sermon in silence. Even though Rau could not understand the words fully, any who heard it could not help but feel empowered, as if the very essence of the words was something uplifting, something to enkindle the fire within and keep one with the will to live. Truly the dragons' gift of spiritual guidance was a treasure.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on December 10, 2012, 12:18:22 AM
While the display of the dwarf's mystical power over the metal was unlike anything The Gorger had ever seen - slowly shifting into something that resonated with the ghoul's warrior instincts - it was not this that truly drew his attention.  It was the dwarf's gaze before he began his work.  In an instant, though The Gorger's request was unspecific and nigh impossible to work with... the dwarf showed an unflinching confidence, as if he knew the exact type of combatant the massive ghoul was from a single glance.

"Ye use those for weapons? Take 'em off an' I'll improve 'em with this. Trust me, ye'll love the results."

The chains that were originally used to bind The Gorger when his original vampire master was away... truly, the gifts of his current body aside, they were his only weapons until now, and he had become quite attached to them.  To combine them with whatever behemoth of a blade this dwarf was creating... the ghoul could not help but salivate.

"And here I thought I was babbling nonsense to a foreigner... though, not only do you speak the common tongue, it seems to me you know war more thoroughly than most."  The Gorger enthusiastically removed his chains, and dangled them beside the smith.  "With a single glance, I believe you've seen through my combative styles.  Somehow, I doubt my words were even needed."

The Gorger's soul seemed calmed by the massive amounts of steel and weaponry surrounding him.  Within this smith beside him, he felt a certain warrior's respect he could not put his finger on.  "Who are you, dwarf?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on December 11, 2012, 05:41:17 PM
Akaga.  The name is indeed familiar.  To be in the company of such a man - and to be alive to speak of it - is a privilege.

"Your name is legend.  It is an honor to meet you."  Wu bows slightly as they walk.

Akaga's toneless voice and stoic manner is almost saddening.  Wu knows monks who have taken vows of silence who are more expressive than his countryman.

The assassin explains his motivation for visiting the Elves, and it is similar to his own.

"Then we travel the same path.  It seems for once the current pushes us back towards the source, rather than downstream.  I too am eager to learn from our ancient mentors.  It is a wonder to think that the elves are the spring from which our people poured forth."

Sun Wu matches stride with Akaga as they continue on.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on December 16, 2012, 08:27:38 AM
The priest stood in front of the cathedral for a while. He could sense the holy energy and he could hear the voice of a dragon coming from within. He did not wish to interrupt, whatever was happening inside, but the chances of that seemed slim, so he entered any way.

Upon entering it became clear that a dragon was giving a sermon. The holy man quickly adapted the posture of the people inside and began to listen to the sermon. The one odd thing he noticed was the fact that there were members from all species in the cathedral. It was not uncommon for non-believers to turn, but this did not seem like this was the case. The feeling he got from these people was the feeling of complete comfort, as if they knew from the beginnings of their lives that Lumos watches over them.

It was at this point that the priest felt the effect of the dragon’s sermon. He felt reassured, at ease, peaceful, everything was so clear and even though he could not fully understand the words of the dragon, he could feel the warm touch of Lumos.

When the sermon was over, Rau went to the priest who gave the sermon.

“I am father Rau Canires from the church of Lumos. The sermon you just gave… I have never felt Lumos’ presence so clear, so warm and welcoming. I humbly request to be taught the ways of the dragon order.” The priest did not know what he was asking of the dragon, he did not know what to expect and while staying there with his head bowed in respect, waiting for an answer, he knew that this was the right path.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on December 23, 2012, 09:32:46 PM
"Me name is Khadmas." The dwarf said, taking the chains and inspecting them while the metal continued to take shape. "An I know a warrior when I see one. Ye'll find this tae be a weapon like no other, an' made for ye in more ways than one. sit back, an' relax. I'll 'ave it for ye in no time." The dwarf heated the chains to a dim glow and set them on an anvil, where he took a chisel and began to carve dwarven runes into the metal. The entire time the block of metal was continuing to form. It had separated into three distinct shapes now. One massive cylinder, one sphere, and one disk-like object. What the dwarf could form from these was yet to be seen, but it was sure to be deadly.

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

As Akaga and Sun Wu walked, they soon ran into a crowd of elves moving through the streets, going about their daily business. As the two moved through the crowd, Akaga began to sense something strange. Before he could act, however, he found himself in a headlock, his body caught in a skilled hold, his arms and legs pinned as an elegant figure in a hood pressed its weight on top of him. The crowd then proceeded to vanish, an illusion created as a test.

"You let your guard down in an unknown environment." A feminine voice spoke, wavy silver hair spilling out of the hood. "You were told that there were few Elves in the city and yet found such a large crowd not to be strange. When you sensed something was wrong you did not immediately separate yourself to gain a better vantage. What is worse you have suppressed your instincts to the point where you cannot react outside of pre-planned motions. You have much to learn."

Akaga could do naught but splutter, his breathing impaired and his body pinned beyond action.

"Anastariah, release the young human." a more masculine, still elegant voice intoned as a figure in a robe strode into their midst. The elf's long, golden hair trailed down to the center of his back, perfectly straight. His robe was a simple tan, white trimming the only thing standing out. He was the first elf to be seen so far without a hood, his pointed ears shown for all to see. His tone and bearing were supremely calm and collected, and even his Chi, which to Sun Wu would seem the purest white, was coalesced in a manner that allowed it to flow easily, being extremely strong, but with an intensity that is more bearable to the chi tuned eye than one would expect. The elf's penetrating, unjudging gaze settled on Sun Wu, and he gave the faintest of smiles.

"Welcome, young ones. I can tell you have many questions."

The elf ranger released the assassin, who coughed and got to his feet, visibly shaken, a feat unusual for one of his upbringing. Akaga turned and bowed to the ranger, a show of respect only given to superiors.

"Yes." Was all Akaga responded with.

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

The dragon looked down at the small human, and something akin to a smile broke his scaly features. His long, serpentine neck flowed down to the priest's level, and with a large claw he gently nudged the priest to a standing position.

"What you ask is not something that can be taught by me and me alone, little one." The dragon spoke, his voice booming, but carrying a tone of gentleness unbecoming of a creature of his size. "For what you seek lies within you. Come, speak with me, and I will show you the path to looking inside yourself. What you do from there is entirely up to you." The Dragon lifted his head and began to move. He almost seemed to be slowing down so as to allow the priest to keep up, but even moving his legs as slowly as possible, a single step for the massive dragon was several for the small human.

"Come, young Father Rau. Tell me of yourself. What are the teachings of your church? What is the word of this Lumos?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on December 26, 2012, 11:04:01 PM
The name was immediately familiar.  The first being they had met earlier shared the same name.  "Is Khadmas a common name among dwarves? Or perhaps... a family name?  I met another Khadmas a short time ago, though I must admit, we did not get along as well as you and I." The Gorger let out a mischievous chuckle, reflecting on his words.  He wandered the smith's shop as he made small talk, gazing appreciatively at the wares within.  It was in this process that another thought occurred.  The Gorger's weapon was already being crafted... but what of armor?  The scraps he had on were steadily losing their quality, and the time had long passed to replace many of the pieces.

"Also... might I browse your selection of armor while I wait?" Asking permission was merely a formality as the ghoul searched.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on January 07, 2013, 04:48:29 PM
Wu was not expecting the headlock.  As the crowd vanished he turned to see the most famous assassin of the age handily disabled.  Before Wu could even move to a defensive stance the Elf spoke.

...  You have much to learn."  She finishes.

Thankfully, another one of the Elves came to their assistance.  But he was different than the few others they have encountered before.  His pure white Chi flowed easily and intensely.  Wu's eyes widened, and he felt much like a puddle compared to the ocean. 

The man's faint smile broke him out of his stupor.  Akaga's coughing followed by a bow returned Sun Wu's mind to his body.  He gives both of the Elves a deep bow.

"Masters, I come to you with open mind and heart.  I would learn what you feel fit to teach.  I am called Sun Wu, a monk of the Akavashi people."

Wu bows deeply once more in greeting.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on January 08, 2013, 08:14:59 AM
 Rau didn’t know what to expect when he made his request, but one thing is certain, he did not expect the dragon’s claw to nudge him. A little bit startled the priest looked into the dragon’s eyes, which were now in front of him. The thing that surprised him the most, however, was the fact that the dragon seemed to be smiling, an expression Rau would have a hard time imagining on a dragon’s face, let alone see one.

The priest listened to the dragon and followed him.

"Come, young Father Rau. Tell me of yourself. What are the teachings of your church? What is the word of this Lumos?"

The dragon’s questions were a bit unexpected. Rau paused for a second and then began with the first one.

“I am one of the many sons of a farmer. It wasn’t until my 13th year that I went to a church. At that time the church offered me shelter, discipline and above all, the thing I value the most, knowledge. I was raised and thought there, but it was soon that there was nothing left to learn at the church. I was send to the Holy City. It was there under the tutelage of one of the High Priest I became a fully pledged priest. From then on I have fought the forces of darkness.” Rau stopped for a second, as if to check if the dragon is still listening, than he took a deep breath and carried on “As for the teachings of the church… The fundamental teachings are simple. Do not steal, do not kill, do not lie and in essence do not sin. What you actually want to hear about is our teachings of Lumos.” The priest stopped and looked at the dragon expecting a motion of approval. ”We are thought much of Lumos. We are thought he is our god; he is the one who guides us in our mortal life and the one who shelters us when our eternal rest comes, he watches over those who have faith and aids them in their time of need. We are thought that every hardship is test of our faith and that even though we may not understand the path Lumos has chosen for us, we must have faith and accept it. Above all the churches and our teachings stand as symbol of hope, of salvation and a symbol of light.” Rau paused once more to consider his next words “My youthful search of knowledge was given purpose in the Holy City. I want to find my path and for that I need knowledge. My tutor thought me many things, but above all he thought me that which I believe hold the most truth, Lumos guide’s us on our paths, but it is up to us to choose our path and follow it.“ The holy man smirked when he thought of the last question. “As for the word of Lumos, I only hope that my mortal life is long and fruitful enough, to grant me such knowledge that I may understand the word of a god.”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on January 11, 2013, 11:51:12 PM
"Ah. Ye've met Khadmas Shimmerstone. Suppose it's no surprise, bein' he's tha gatekeeper 'round 'ere. Ta answer ye, no. We're tha only two Khadmases in tha city. Khadmas Stonebeard's me own name. It means Integrity in Dwarven, an' it's a name tha's not used as often as others, but it's one worth havin'. Dwarves name their children with the expectation that that name will shape them as they grow, an' so integrity was a trait tha' oor mums clearly wanted us ta have."

Khadmas' work was beginning to take shape. He had completely detailed out the large pillar, which appeared to be just that, a massive steel pillar with a hollow tunnel through the center, which he set to running the chain through before continuing his work on the other two objects. The sphere was beginning to take on a more refined form, adorned in metallic spikes that he slowly worked into sharpness, forming a groove at the bottom for an insert. Khadmas picked out a pair of sturdy oak rods from his storage before capping them in steel to ensure their durability, before he returned to work, shaping out the disk into a distinctly curved shape, a double-headed crescent that was quickly thinning out and sharpening.


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

"It is heart warming to meet ones so eager to learn the old ways. I am Theldorian, and this is Anastariah, one of our greatest rangers, gifted with the honored title of Wilderness Stalker. I am known as the Grand monk of the order, and I provide spiritual integrity to the remnants of the elven people. There is much here in our city for you to learn, if you are willing to take the time to learn from us. Anastariah, if you would take the young assassin with you, I can tell he is eager to learn your methods."

Akaga bowed once more as he was led away by Anastariah, leaving only Wu and Theldorian.

"Tell me, young one. Your essence flows like a river through your body, but like a river it is chaotic, whimsical, and lacking in directed force, though it is powerful. What is it that has troubled your spirit so? Your essence speaks of an uneasy state of mind. Tell me what is weighing your steps."


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

The dragon listened intently, his eyes showing a keen interest as he mulled over the history and religion being laid before him, as if examining a scholarly tome full of exciting new information.

"Your ways are spirited and wise, if not fully in tune to your abilities. Allow me to explain to you the philosophy of dragons. What you call Lumos, we call the Divine Aether. We have no deity, rather giving our source of faith and power a significantly more important role. The Aether, in our eyes, is the essence of all that is, the very fabric of life and reality. The way of the dragon priest is to acknowledge that, even though we are indeed colossal and grand when compared to the other races, we are only minuscule insects in the grand scale of the universe around us. This humbling knowledge, as well as the acceptance of our place in reality, allows us to come to a rather potent standpoint. By acknowledging the presence of an all-affecting force, the Aether, and its passage through all life and all physical existence, we are able to access that power that lies innately within our selves. Each living being courses with the Aether, and through training and mental fortitude, is able to call it forth, a field of positive energy that you would call divine power. Through application of this field of energy, directed by channeling through the natural emotions of its wielder, one can alter the Aether, causing divine manifestations of will in reality, creating holy magic to smite or heal, or perform any holy task.

Your kind already perform this feat to a lesser extent. Your crusaders channel righteous fury, their anger causing their energy to be expressed in an aggressive manner, smiting foes with holy power to strike down forces of evil. Your healers are compassionate, and seek the betterment of their fellow men, and so this kindness is born in the Aether through healing powers and divine protection. With refinement, anyone already in touch with your god, Lumos, could potentially become a master of the Aether, a being whose base attunement with the universe around him allows him to perform miraculous feats.

It is up to you, however, to judge my peoples' beliefs as you will, and to decide whether you wish to look deeper into yourself to tap into the Aether. The choice is yours, I merely present to you the path to unlock the holy fervor you felt from our sermon."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on January 12, 2013, 04:44:44 PM
The Gorger was already adjusting the straps to capacity on the armor pieces he selected - perhaps his first actual set he'd had since his turning.  The armor was adorned with spikes and plates with engravings of faces, which he assumed to be dwarven heroes of the past.  Though it was not a perfect fit, the dwarves were stalky beings, and while their height did not match The Gorger's, their muscle mass was a close fit for the ghoul.  With a few extra miscellaneous scraps, The Gorger had covered himself in steel, save for his claws, feet, and head, as they often changed shape more radically than the rest.

As he slid on his barbed fingerless gauntlets, he reflected on Khadmas's words.  "You and I are opposites then.  You are named for the expectations of your future... I am named for what deeds I have already committed.  'The Gorger' they call me." His last sentence held some semblance of regret as his memories meandered to the village he raided so persistently.  He turned, and viewed Khadmas's work in progress.  Even as it took shape before the creature's eyes, he could not fathom what the dwarf was planning.  Whatever it was though, the ghoul was pleased.  "My, my, my... look at this." The Gorger laughed aloud as he observed, stepping closer to the crafting area.  "I think I like the way of the dwarven naming conventions.  So tell me, Khadmas... what do you see in this weapon's future?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on January 15, 2013, 07:06:16 AM
Rau listened to the dragon and tried hard to stop his thoughts from showing on his face, a struggle which he lost.

“I understand…” said the priest, obviously shaken by what he had heard. His head lower than ever and his feet moving slowly, from the side one would think Rau would collapse any second. “I understand… yet, I want it to be a lie. I know what I felt and you have no reason to lie, but I am still desperately searching for a reason to doubt your words.” Rau stopped and looked towards the dragon “There is none. Even though our teachings were fanatical to a degree, I always believed there was some truth to them, who would have thought it was so little. The only real thing was what I felt and I will seek to find solace in that.” The holy man closed his eyes and exhaled. “There is no going back. Please tell me, what must I do?”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on January 30, 2013, 03:23:42 PM
"Your assessment rings true, Theldorian.  I find a sort of familiarity with flowing water.  While at first I believed a river was free flowing, I'm beginning to find the opposite.  Water merely follows the path of least resistance.  It follows the slope of a mountain without a thought of what may be at the top.

"Up until recently, I've been contently following the current wherever it may take me.  But upon arriving here, I've found that it has taken me full circle.  Back to the spring from where my people's river has started from, so to speak.

"I must say, I'm having a hard time reconciling my previous view of the current with what I am seeing before me.  Rather than flowing ever forward, I find myself taken back and above.  Yet below as well, and forward.  I..."

Wu furrows his brow and covers his mouth with a closed fist.  He regains his composure and continues.

"As absurd as it sounds, I simply do not know where to go.  It seems that my Chi mimics my indecision. 

"How do you become so serene?  I feel as though I may be crushed and embraced by your Chi at the same time.  Rather than a ever flowing river, you seem to be bathed in a placid, endless pool."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on February 03, 2013, 06:15:25 PM
Khadmas's work was finally coming to a finish. It was clear what he had made now. As he took the chains to a table, there rested on the side of the forge a massive pillar, a morningstar, and a double-headed axe. Each weapon would normally take two hands of a stronger man to wield, but the Gorger could likely hold the morning star and axe in each hand. The pillar, adorned in Dwarven faces and symbols, had a small hole in each end that connected to each other through the length of the object. Once at the table, Khadmas laid the chains out straight and took a pouch from his belt, opening it and pulling out what appeared to be a fistful of glittering, shimmering dust. The dwarf tossed the dust into the air above the chains, and then slammed his fists onto the table inches away from it. He began to utter ancient phrases, dwarven incantations and prayers, and the dust seemed to catch in the light, all of it seeming to glow. Then, as if magnetized, the dust shot toward the chains, embedding themselves in the cavities left by the dwarf's chisel when he had carved his runes.

"Dim Mor, Vanahada Morkorag Vomkenned Durahain Molastad, Vernore Molahod, Ner Feranas....."

The dwarf's chanting droned on, becoming audible as more and more flecks embedded themselves into the chains, filling them out with glittering dust. As each particle of dust had finally found their way into the chains, he lifted his hands once more and gave a final, forceful slam into the table, the sheer force of his blow causing the chains to bounce. Then, as if ordered to life by this heavy blow, the runes on the chains began to shimmer and brighten, until they had reached a dull green glow. Then the chain itself began to rattle, shaking and jerking until finally it shot through the air, looping itself into the pillar. Even all the way through there was still a good length of chain, but now the chain seemed to stretch, as if growing new links as it reached far beyond its original length. The two ends of the chain latched themselves on to the metal-capped pommels of the morningstar and axe, and then reversed motion, the chains compacting in on themselves inside the pillar as they retracted, pulling together until the morningstar and axe slammed home inside the pillar, the only thing left outside of its mass being the heads of the weapons, their grips entirely concealed.

Khadmas walked over to the finished weapon and stood it up, though, the pillar itself being slightly longer than the Gorger's torso, it was taller than Khadmas himself.

"Ta answer yer question, I foresee this weapon causing much havoc upon the battlefield.  The chains will obey your mental commands, lengthening, retracting, and moving at your whim. I'll mount the pillar with straps to carry it on your back, but should you feel the need for a battering ram, you can retract your two hand weapons and use the pillar itself. I think, with so much power for collateral damage, this weapon shall be given a name of proper strength. Morkaraka. Siege Breaker."

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

"Now young priest, there is no reason to lament. It is said by some dragon philosophers; what makes a god or divine force exist is not universal truth, or divine power, or even some cosmic random event. It is the faith of its believers. Gods and pantheons rise and fall with their followers, and those who lose all faith die, ever forgotten. If you believe, truly believe with all of your faith, in the divinity of this Lumos, then he exists just as much as our Aether, or the many gods of the Dwarves and Nords." The dragon lifted its head, looking down at the human with kind eyes, full of wisdom. "Now, I will show you the path to finding your peace with the universe." the Dragon's eyes lit up with golden, holy light, and in an instant the world seemed to fall away from the two, sky and land all falling beneath their feet as they rose up, deep into the darkness of the void outside the planet's boundaries. They were afforded with a miraculous view of their world, its duality plain as day as the continent of men seemed lush and green, capped with the snowy white of the Norse lands, and the Blacklands looked as if it were a singular mound of mold, blackened and dead, practically devoid of the color green, save for one small dot which was the sacred grove Walter's men had found themselves in.

"Take in this world. Behold its profundity, its great mass, and see it from a new perspective. Here you see the world as if from the viewpoint of a god, watching from on high. Here, the world seems minuscule, not nearly the endless mass it seems from its surface. But take a look above, and see what else is left around." And then the dragon lifted his head, looking about at the wonders around them. There was and endless carpet of stars in all directions, twinkling lights in the distance, and the great masses of other planets about them. And then before them was the sun, the fiery ball that held all of these planets in its orbit.

"Behold the realm of our mighty sun. These planets are its domain. And yet, were we in the location of one of these many stars about us, so far in the distance as to be inconceivable, it would be it which seemed the mighty ball of fire, and our sun a mere dot in the distance. Many of these stars in the distance likely have their own planets, upon some of which might be life like that which is on ours. It is in the knowledge that, no matter what we may think of ourselves or our deeds, we are as insects in the grand scheme of the vast reality around us, that lets us acknowledge our place in the Aether, and discover what it means to truly influence life. Take in the vastness around you, young priest. How does it feel?"


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

"Ah, I can see that such strife has truly taken its toll upon you. Come. Walk with me, and I will tell you a tale." Theldorian turned, and began to walk deeper into the elven district. Soon, they reached what appeared to be park, so deep under ground. Majestic trees grew here, and green grass grew lush, and fertile. In the center was a great pond, still as glass, and serene, almost relaxing.


"Life, young Sun Wu, is much like this great pond. It is vast, and unchanging. We all are but droplets in the endless pool that forms our world. Each single droplet holds its own power, its own direction, but in the end it is but one of many, and it will continue on as such forever."

The elf picked up a rock, feeling the weight of the object in his hands before tossing it into the pond. The stone struck the water's surface and disappeared below, the water rippling out and wavering from the impact.

"Each toil we face is like a stone, cast into the pond. Its ripples may travel far, and with great force. They may temporarily disrupt the serenity of the entire pond, given enough mass. But in the end, the water will return to its stillness, and the pond is all the fuller for the additional mass placed within it." And so it was with the lake, the water returning to placidity as the ripples eventually faded, all of their energy spent, and the pond once again restful.

"To accept this is to finally achieve peace with oneself. To acknowledge that no matter what troubles may face us, they too will eventually fade into the pond, and those struggles which do not slay us will only make us more powerful, and better able to cope with the next. Reflect on this, and you will be one step closer to quelling the disquiet within your soul."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on February 06, 2013, 02:06:58 AM
The Gorger, awestruck at the creation before him, slowly grasped it in a show of reverence that perhaps only Khadmas had seen of the ghoul.  Gripping it with both hands, he felt the weight... the balance... it was perfect.  And, for reasons The Gorger could not yet fully understand, it resonated with him well.  His hands began to quake with excitement.  Muscle tissue that once made up his cheeks slid backward across his teeth as he grinned.

"Khadmas... you glorious man you.  With this... you have already doomed many.  Who they may be, only time will tell... I'm excited to find out!"  He hunched over, and like a child asking for permission to play with his toy, he asked, "Tell me, is there a sparring ground?  An arena?  By whichever gods you may believe in, I'll swing it at anything!  A large pole?!"

The Gorger was having a difficult time containing himself.  Afterall, Sir Walter knew well it would be The Gorger to wreak havoc.  He would need to behave for some time longer if he ever hoped to have his collar removed.  He needed a place where it was acceptable to destroy things... people... or creatures.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on February 06, 2013, 11:17:48 AM
Sun Wu follows Theldorian through the elven district.  They arrive at a park with surprisingly majestic trees and an abundance of thriving, healthy grass.  The still pond in the middle sets Wu at ease.  The entire atmosphere of this place is calming.

The description of the vast pond, and the droplets that mortals are brings back memories of his lessons at the monastery.  Wu nods at Theldorian's words.

The elf tosses a rock into the pond, disturbing the water and sending our ripples over the surface.  After some time, the pond returns to its placid state once more.  Wu contemplates on Theldorian's lesson without speaking for a while. 

Breaking the silence, Wu puts words to his thoughts.

"Perhaps the current I follow is not an ever flowing force, but merely the ripples from my own droplet falling into the endless pool of this world." 

Wu frowns a moment, trying to work his thoughts out.

"I have always believed that life was ever flowing, that a current pushed and pulled us on our way - that I myself am also a current affecting this world.  The thought that instead of a current, we are all still pools is... comforting.  Flowing water is always busy and babbling, pushing and pulling and ever moving.  A still pond is serene and peaceful, content with its place in the world and content with itself."

A deep, long sigh escapes from Wu's lips, a sigh reminiscent of a man easing into bed after a long day's work, knowing that there is nothing more to be done for the day, he finally lets go and takes rest.

"I will meditate on your lesson, Theldorian."  Wu follows his words with a deep bow.

"While this will help me immensely, the forces of darkness do not care how placid or deep my pool is.  They only seek to destroy it.  Do you have any techniques to combat the darkness?  There must have been some forms lost to the ages, and I am eager to learn anything you would feel fit to teach."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on February 14, 2013, 05:38:33 AM
The dragon’s words of comfort were unneeded, but welcome. Even thou Rau accepted the truth about Lumos, it was with a heavy hearth that he did so.  The sermon the priest saw and what he felt through it was real. There was no room for doubt and he was sure that this was the path of enlightenment!

"Now, I will show you the path to finding your peace with the universe."

The view that unfolded in front of the priest’s eyes was both, shocking and fascinating. As the ground separated from his feet, feelings of lightlessness and euphoria filled him. He gazed on the world like never before. When the dragon prompted him to look around the holy man’s mouth went wide open. The vastness of the universe, the uncoffining space all around, everything looked surreal.  Rau’s mouth remained wide open as he listened to the dragon and he could only utter a single word: “Beautiful!”

“I feel it. I can’t understand, nor see it, but I am feeling it. It seem like it is the first time in my life that I feel alive! I can feel it in you as well, it is the same. You said it yourself! In the grand scheme of life… what is size and appearance? Petty differences! We are the children of our world. We live on it together, we feed on its fruits and when time comes we return to the ground. We are all the same, big or small, life does not discriminate!” as Rau’s excitement was overflowing, he suddenly realized “They all felt it didn’t they? It wasn’t only I, nor was it something superficial! What I felt and what they felt, it was all the same, there is no reason for it to have been different, after all what we felt back than was life wasn’t it?”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on February 24, 2013, 04:47:05 PM
"Well." Khadmas said, scratching his beard. "While I can say that aye, we do have a trainin' ground, I can say we'd like tae have that intact. But, seein' as ah've gone an' named tha weapon Siege Breaker, ah may as well give ye a siege ta break." Khadmas took a couple of leather straps and, while the Gorger held the pillar, pressed them to its trunk. The stone opened up and consumed the ends of the leather, holding them tight and forming a sling for the Gorger to carry the weapon on his back, the sling being long enough to rest on one shoulder and cross his torso like a bandolier. With that, he strode to his door and turned to face the inside of the room. Reaching his hands out to his side, he brought up his left leg in front of him and stomped down on a precise location. The ground seemed to ripple and quake, the walls of the building vibrating and bits of metalwork clattering on their racks as a hole opened up on the far side of the room. It grew wider and deeper until at least it was revealed to be a staircase leading deep into the earth.

"Ye think tha weapon is somethin' o skill, do ye? Come, let me show ye what a Dwarf o' my breed does when 'e's bored." The dwarf said, leading the way down the steps.

At the bottom was a truly strange sight. A cavern, lit on the roof with crystals like that of the main city; however, this cavern held not a sprawling metropolis, but a battlefield, centered by a large castle. Stone figures of people stood beside wooden catapults, and stone archers stood on the ramparts. The great oaken gates stood on massive metallic hinges, and armies made of rock waged immobile warfare across what seemed a hobbyist's rendition of a great battle.

"I call it tha forgotten bastion, an' it's a sort o' playground fer tha likes o' me an' me close friends. We come down here ta practice our skills an' abilities. But I think ye'll have a hell of a time here. So go ahead, lad. Break the siege with yer Siege Breaker."


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

Theldorian gazed out upon the water for a long moment, imagining its waters blackened and dark, or  the lake dry and empty, before he spoke.

"Yes. There are ancient techniques; old styles and motions used by the elves during our time on the surface. Methods of combat and mastery of chi. I will teach you what I can in our short time." The elf stood, and, with a flick of his hand, the wind picked up, and a piece of wood broke off from a tree and flew into his hand.

"Look there." Theldorian said, indicating with the stick where there stood two other elves in robes like his own conversing on the opposite bank of the river.

"I will show you the art of the moulded spirit. A method of chi control lost to your kind. We have observed your kind through the magic of the dwarves, felt your chi and your methods of combat, and seen that you lack this knowledge. Watch." Theldorian said, tossing the stick in the direction of the other elves. It seemed to rest in the air a moment before shooting like a dart across the lake, the speed of its passing cutting a wake in the water below before it was caught in the deft hands of one of the elves, a woman with soft eyes and calm features. She looked at the stick and nodded at Theldorian, turning and holding it as if ready to throw, waiting for the other elf's signal.

Theldorian took a stance, his left arm outstretched and his right resting slightly bent behind him. He nodded at the other elf, who threw the stick, and once again it shot like a dart.

Theldorian flicked his wrist, an elegant curve that projected his chi out, the wind picking up the motion as it spiraled, forming a pattern in the air that picked up the stick, diverting its aim and shooting it over his shoulder to embed itself into the tree behind him. To the trained eye it seemed as if his chi had been directed even after his projection, forming a spiraling pattern that gracefully touched the stick and gently diverted its course, almost no energy spent trying to stop or slow the projectile.

"Human Monks project their chi, but from that point on the energy is treated as if it were foreign to their bodies, as if the monk no longer has any control over his chi once it has left his form, a blunt instrument only capable of performing the task it was sent out to do, as if it were a wave bent on its course. This is not so. Your chi is an extension of your spirit, a thread of your will sent out from your form. Remember this, and direct it as you would your breathing, or the curvature of your hand. Focus your will into your motions and envision in your mind's eye the pattern the chi will take. This is the art of the moulded spirit. Come, show me your best attempt. Strike in the direction of the lake, but direct your chi away. Impact the tree behind you." Theldorian demonstrated, thrusting his palm in the direction of the lake in front of him. But the chi that was released did not simply blast forward, it curved out like the leaves of a flower, bending until it had reversed direction, and shot past The elf, impacting on a tree behind him and leaving the imprint of his palm on its surface.

"Now, begin. Continue until you feel you have mastered this basic technique, and we will see what time we still have for more."

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

The dragon inclined its head, lowering it and nodding at the human.

"At last you understand. The Aether, the essence of life, flows in all of us just the same, no matter how different we may seem on the outside. It is our force of will that allows us to influence this power, to curve it and to give it shape and force. Or to allow it to flow stronger in our allies, to empower them with life as in the sermon you overheard. It is by our impassioned will, our desire to change the shape of life or redirect its flow, that we affect the universe around us. Come."

The dragon turned its head, and they shot away, lightyears passing in seconds until they found themselves in a distant place, where only a lone star was before them, burning dim and low, as if about to die.

"This star is burning out. Its life is weak, and fragile. However vast it may seem to you, remember how small it is in the eyes of the universe. And realize that the Aether flows in it just as it does in all things. By our combined will, we may save this star. But only if you are willing to accept what this may cause. In time it may grow a world. And that world may house malignant beings, barbarians who would destroy all they touch. Those being may find their way to your world and destroy it. Or it may give birth to brilliant scholars, and philosophers. People who would enlighten all they meet, even beyond our own knowledge. It is up to you whether you are willing to give those people the opportunity to live. Are you willing to influence the universe, even in such a small manner? If so, exert your will and make your choice. I will assist you in whatever you do, but this is your decision. Does this star live, or die?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on February 28, 2013, 01:42:30 PM
The Gorger was off in the blink of an eye.  He whirled the behemoth of a weapon above his head, and brought it down on the first stone soldier he passed, laying its shattered pieces across the ground from which it came.  Shifting his weight, the opposite end of Siege Breaker cleaved through another statue effortlessly.  The Gorger's hands tingled with a certain familiarity as he blazed a path through the still army before him.  As he made his progress, faint dreams - no, memories- flashed before his eyes.  He day dreamed of distant battlefields with each attack he made on the stone men, reviving vague memories with each swing of the Siege Breaker.

"Ah... I recall now... my war staff.  An elegant... yet delightfully effective weapon." The Gorger's thoughts wandered as he tried to picture his old weapon of choice.  "So vividly familiar, and yet..." The Gorger smiled to himself as he dared draw a comparison between his old weapon and the new.  The silliness of it. "...so distant.  Whatever man I was then, I surely could not have wielded this - what did the dwarf call it - ah, yes... Morkaraka." His smile widened into a grin as he twirled Morkaraka over his head, and the chains extended to great lengths.  With a violent pivot of his body, the chains churned ferociously, and smashed through the stone in the area surrounding him. He laughed. "Perhaps I owe the old vampire lord a debt.  This strength... this power... I shall crush them all with the chains they sought to contain me with!"

The Gorger approached the gates.  The archers above would matter little in a real battle... mere pin pricks before his might.  The soldiers barred his way... clouds of dust before his power.  He charged onward, tightening his grip on the mighty Siege Breaker, and with all of his might, smashed the blunt end into the gates.  The doors cracked, dust cascading from the crevices.  With all of his vehemence, he drew the weapon back, and surged it forward once more into the gates.  They waned and shook from the sheer force of the ghoul's anger, nearly crumbling to the ground.  Finally, with a fiery determination to restore his own will, he lashed his weapon behind him once more...

Suddenly, there was a house atop a hill.  The trees waved with the gentle winds.  The blue skies allowed the sun no shelter with which to hide.  There were two silhouettes standing outside, their faces invisible within the glow of the sun's light.

The Siege Breaker was still before the gates.  "What...?" The Gorger was clearly distraught, paused in mid-swing.  It seemed as though the hazy memories he had restored forced him to recall one even more vague and haunting to his broken mind.

The Gorger clenched his teeth in frustration.  With a ground-shaking war cry, he smashed the gates with the Siege Breaker.  Rocks and debris crumbled around the suddenly solemn ghoul.

After a moment's pause, a small chuckle emitted from his gullet.  He turned to Khadmas, his "composure" returned.

"I suppose it will do." he joked.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on March 07, 2013, 07:02:35 AM
The dragon did not cease to amaze Rau, this time he took him to a distant, dying star.

"This star is burning out…. Does this star live, or die?"

“Incredible!” Rau stood and looked in awe “This is amazing, this star, no, any star, it is not merely alive, it also spreads life and in the end it takes it all away.” The priest looked at the dragon once more, this time with a serious face “Your words, they anger me. The very thought, that someone or something, would think that it has the capacity to judge unborn life, makes me boil with anger! What is the universe, if not a cluster of endless possibilities? There is no way to weight out all possibilities, how many are good, how many are bad, what are the odds of one or the other? Even if…” The holy man stops, puts his hand on his forehead and calms down by taking a few deep breaths “ Even if one unborn life, innocent life, is sacrificed, so that other may live, even that would be wrong.” The priest stood silent for a few seconds “As for my answer, I am not omnipotent, I have no delusions of grandeur, I know I can’t help most, but I will never forgive myself if I do not try to help those before me.”

Rau took a stance spreading his legs and placed his staff in front of himself. Firmly griping it with both hands, he took a deep breath, looked towards the star and closed his eyes. Feeling the flow of aether he began to channel it into the empty socket of his staff. If one could see the flow it would have looked like the priest was being engulfed by flames, which in turn were sucked in by a small tornado in the tip of the staff. Every muscle in his body tensed as he tried to summon all his strength. After half a minute, he opened his eyes and sent all the aether he had channeled into the socket, towards the star. At that point there was only one thought that burned brightly in his mind: “Live!”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on March 07, 2013, 03:08:54 PM
"Rather than a wave, chi is an extension of myself."  Wu balks.  "You suggest that we can move our chi as easy as wiggling our fingers."  He twiddles his fingers in the air as he contemplates this idea.

"I've never imagined holding onto my chi as it leaves my body.  I do something similar with my whirlwind attack.  But even then I project my chi in a specific direction.  I do not alter its course.  I will attempt this."

Wu assumes the stance for his geyser attack and charades the motion of the attack slowly.  He does this a few times before engaging his chi.  A small geyser attack weakly shoots out from his palm and skims halfway across the lake before fizzling out.

"I've practiced this basic attack so many times I do it nearly without thinking."  Wu frowns.  "It is an interesting exercise to think it through so intently again.  It is almost like learning to walk differently than you have been for your entire life..."

Wu closes his eyes and paints his surroundings in his mind.  The lake rests placid in front of him, and a tree rises from the ground behind him.  He feels the chi surging through is arms and some part of him grasps it firmly.  His arms pump forward and the chi erupts through is palms once more.  Instead of releasing the chi, he keeps hold of it and pulls it with his mind.

Opening his eyes, he sees the surface of the lake reflect the path of his chi.  Instead of traveling in a straight line, the ripples on the lake show that the geyser curved to the left.

"I see, rather, I felt what happened there.  I didn't do exactly what you were asking for, but I think I figured it out because of the way I just did that."  Wu chuckles.

"I'm sure you saw.  I did the usual geyser attack but I wrapped it in chi.  I then used that extra chi to bend the attack.  So, instead of directing the attack itself, I manipulated the chi surrounding it.  Let me try it again."

Wu concentrates and performs another geyser attack.  This time the attack curves a great deal more as it travels across the lake.  It curves more sharply the farther it goes.

Wu shakes his head and takes a deep breath.  He brings his arms back and places his palms together.  With more force than before he shoves his arms forward with palms facing across the lake.  The geyser attack skims the top of the lake for a meter and a half before curving sharply upwards.  It follows the curve until it is traveling the opposite direction.  Wu's hair is blown from the wind as the geyser travels over his head.  The attack connects with the tree directly behind him, followed by a large smile on Wu's face.

"Incredible!  It felt like my chi really was an extension of my body.  I...  I suppose that's silly to say, because it actually is!  But it felt like I was bending a limb, rather than my chi.  Theldorian, once this crusade is over I will share this with my people.  The moulded spirit is quite incredible.  My head is spinning with applications of this for my own techniques.  Please tell me we have time for more lessons!"

It is rare for Wu to break his calm demeanor, but learning from an ancestral master monk is one such occasion.  His excitement is barely contained.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on March 17, 2013, 08:25:08 AM
"It'll do? I suppose tha's one way ta put it." Khadmas said, turning and heading back up the staircase. "Come along, we're done down 'ere." he said. He stepped up into the blacksmith and waited for the gorger to follow before sealing up the secret tunnel again.

"Come on lad, le's head out. About time fer me ta close up anyway." he said, leading the way out the door and locking it behind the two of them. They had barely started walking when a large, vibrant magical flare shot up into the sky.

"Well, looks like yer wizard's callin' ye back. Time ta go I guess. Come on, le's head ta tha grand council hall. I'll show ye tha way." Khadmas said, beginning to move down the winding streets.

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

The Dragon smiled at the priest's reasoning, and as he channeled the Aether into that star, the Dragon reared back its head, and with a deep breath, spat pure life-giving energy at the sun, Roaring with the power of the Aether as another dragon might breathe fire. Within some time, the Star's light began to brighten, and soon it was burning with the full power of a living sun. It would live for many more Millennia before being in danger of dying once more.

"And now you see how the Aether can grant even the mightiest beings life on the brink of death. I trust that this lesson has started you on the path to looking within yourself. You will learn greater control in time." With that, his eyes glowed again, and in a flash, they were once more standing in the chapel the dragon had been preaching in. And at that moment, the dragon looked through a stained glass window and saw a magical flare shoot into the sky.

"Your Wizard has called you to his side. Come, I will show you the way." The dragon said, leading the way out of the building and through the winding streets of the city.


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


"Indeed. You are learning fast, young one. That you were able to achieve at least basic mastery of the moulded spirit so quickly is a sign that you are truly gifted with spiritual prowess. There will always be more to learn, however, and even I have not achieved all there is to know. Yet-" He stopped suddenly as he watched a magical flare fill the sky.

"It seems there will not be time for more lessons just yet. First we must attend the call of your wizard. Come. Perhaps we will have time for more lessons afterward. I will show you the path to the council building."

With that Theldorian began to calmly walk his way through the peaceful streets, making his way to the council structure.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on March 19, 2013, 09:15:14 AM
Wu is slightly deflated from the meaning of the flare.  His once giddy expression returns neutral as he collects himself.  They are not here to uncover secrets of the past.  There is a job to do and it is time to tend to it.

"Thank you, Theldorian."  Is all he says as he follows the elf towards the council structure.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on March 21, 2013, 06:49:17 AM
As Rau was walking through the streets with the dragon, he felt a strange, lingering sensation, from the events before.

“Can you tell me more?” asked the Priest, looking up to the dragon. “I want to know how the aether affects me and those around me. Can I only channel it from within myself and what happens If I use too much? I have never thought about my powers this way, but now it feels different.”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on April 05, 2013, 03:34:43 PM
The dragon inclined its head to the human as they walked, large eyes watching him intently. "This power comes from you, that is true. However those who are skilled in its use can channel it into others. Overuse of the Aether is taxing, in the same manner one would be exhausted from physical labor, but this is a mental strain rather than a physical one. There is much for you to discover, and I cannot provide all answers. For now you must look into yourself for what you need to know." With that the Dragon raised its head back to the road, and looked ahead at the quickly approaching sight of the Council building, embedded in the wall at the back of the cavern.

------

The other groups moved rather silently and uneventfully, until the three of them converged, along with all of the others, at the council building. Its large columns and staircase looming before the group like some mountain parliament, its entrance carved into the stone. Down those large steps walked Seth, Sir Walter, and Orgarash, all conversing in serious tones until they reached the bottom, where they turned to the gathered group of soldiers and Ancient races.

"Gentlemen. We've been given aid from these ancient people. More men will join the crusade from this ancient city, and with their aid we will move against the Black City. The city of werewolves and Vampires is our first target in the crusade. We will arrive just as the bulk of our landed army does, and we will have quite the fight on our hands, but with these new allies we are more likely to claim victory." Walter spoke to the crowd, and then Orgarash stepped forward, looking into the group. "I see some of you have brought some of our number with you. That is good. All of the ones I see before me have been called back into active duty for this purpose. All of you are to gather your equipment and meet with the Human Battlegroup at the dragon's entrance while I go to gather the rest. Valorkoth, could you gather the Dragons?"

The dragon priest who had been speaking with Father rau inclined its head in a not and turned to go, striding back towards the spires of the dragon district, just as the others, Elryndyae, who had accompanied Akaga, Theldorian, Khadmas, and the other ancient ones among the group left the human soldiers to gather their equipment, offering nods and short farewells as they went to prepare.

"The rest of you, do the same. Follow your Nuckelavee to the Dragon's entrance and wait for the rest of us to arrive." Orgarash said, and Hggranath strode up. "Come..Follow me, brothersss." he hissed, sauntering off towards the dragon gate, the rest of the crusade following him.

"Rau, Sun Wu, and Gorger, you're to come with us." Walter said, indicating the three. "We go to meet the Orcs." With that, Walter, Seth, and Orgarash were off, further into the winding streets, leading the way to the Orc District.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on April 10, 2013, 01:34:34 AM
"I'll see to it your craftsmanship does not go to waste, dwarf." The Gorger bid Khadmas farewell.  Soon, The Gorger would be able to unleash carnage upon his foes once more.  He was nearly trembling with excitement.  However, he still knew little about the strategy Sir Walter had in mind for them.  Once again, he found himself among familiar peers... and every sense in his body told him they had become stronger than they were before.  Much stronger.

"Walter," The Gorger's addressed his tamer with something that danced a fine line between curiosity and suspicion, "I can smell the fears in men.  I can look into a warrior's eyes and know in my blackened heart how many men have bled their last through those very hands.  I've seen many things in this army.  Men and women who have gone through unspeakable horrors, and bolstered their souls with the thought of vengeance against the darkness.  Some quicker than the monk, some more powerful than the holy man... and some, stronger than I." The point The Gorger was getting at was steadily becoming obvious, and perhaps he was not the only one it had occurred to.  "You called on us three for the barrow wight when you could have called on any of the nearby crusaders or beasts.  And now, I once again find myself in familiar company.  What exactly do you have planned for us?"

His words lacked the usual poisonous intent.  Perhaps the thrill of a new weapon was temporarily pacifying him to some degree.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on April 15, 2013, 10:26:06 AM
Wu bows to Theldorian as they part.  "Once this is over, I would like to return and to this place and learn from you.  If you would entertain the idea, of course."

He turns to follow the Nuckelavee but is diverted by Sir Walter, beckoning him to join him.  Wu nods and falls in behind The Gorger, noticing the very large and very odd weapon strapped to the Ghoul's back.  It appears that Sun Wu is not the only one who picked up something new during their time here.

During the walk The Gorger, in his blunt manner, asks a rather curious question.  Wu does not share his concern, reasoning that The Current merely pulls them together.  But he is interested in Sir Walter's response.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on April 17, 2013, 12:54:58 PM
Rau was happy to hear that the dragon priest will be joining the crusade; after all he has much he wants to learn from him. The priest’s thoughts were drifting in a different direction, however. Their tactics were about to change and drastically at that, unless there is a way to move a group of dragons behind enemy lines unnoticed. Rau’s chuckle at the idea quickly changed in to a serious expression as he glanced at Sir Walter and Seth walking down the stairs of the council building, with their orc companion.

“Well if someone could pull off such a stunt it is probably him.” Said the priest as he moved to the front of the group gathered in front.

"Rau, Sun Wu, and Gorger, you're to come with us." Walter said, indicating the three. "We go to meet the Orcs."

It was now that Rau noticed the monstrosity on the Gorger’s back. The weapon looked weird, not only because it was devoid of any aesthetic looks, but because it did not look like something a man would ever wield. The weapon looked too big, too clumsy and too unique as if made for the monster itself. Well no matter the cause, the ghoul’s destructive potential increased and for now that was good, so there is no reason to dwell on the matter.

"Walter, … planned for us?"

“What comes out of your rotting head never seizes to surprise me!” Said the priest, while looking at the ghoul and shaking his head in disbelief. “Back at the barrow wright battle we showed what we were capable of. I am more surprised that Sir Walter put his trust in the teamwork of 3 individuals he only had heard about, who never worked together before and not to mention the exchange on the deck before that.” Rau’s gaze shifted towards Sir Walter. “Seeing how things turned out, however, is nothing else but a testimony, to his abilities as a leader. Most likely we are together again, to receive another task.”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on April 24, 2013, 03:56:26 PM
Walter raised his hand to silence Father Rau before he could continue to insult the Ghoul. "He has a right to ask that question. I have indeed been relying on the three of you frequently. And there is a reason for it. Your fight against the Barrow Wight showed me something in the three of you, something I don't think even the three of you have quite figured out. And I continue to call on you because I believe what I see must be formed and moulded, so that it may grow into something magnificent. What I see is the capacity to form a team. You come from three of the most disparate cultures of this world; the realm of monsters, the holy church of Lumos, and the monasteries of Akavashani. And yet, when you were called upon to battle the Barrow Wight, you showed the spark of a synergy that is unheard of in such cross-culture groups. Whether you like each other or not, you showed skill and prowess in working together on the battlefield. Such a team of warriors is nearly unstoppable, and the phenomenon something the Tamers call a Destined Unity, for though you may or may not come from separate places, fate has thrown you together and on the battlefield you are nigh unstoppable in a group."

As the group continued to walk, the buildings became more haphazard in construction. They appeared to be welded together from scrap metal using great heat, and the noise of sparks and flames echoed from inside some structures, and Orc men and women wandered the area. They had clearly entered the Orcs' section of the city, and their technological advantage was clear. There were strange devices that spewed fire in concentrated bursts, welding metal together and patching holes in buildings and combining metal bars that were used in strange devices. There was a communal hum in the air as Crystals from the ceiling of the cavern adorned buildings, each of them giving a faint, almost unnoticeable tune that required one to listen to truly hear. But then Walter spoke over the quiet hum, his commanding voice overpowering it.

"I will let you three in on a secret. Every crusade of the past, from the failures, the stalemates, and the successes that bought us back some of this planet from the monsters, each one began with, and was led by, one of these unities. The leaders who formed each crusade were bonded to each other by more than a common enemy, but by fate, and only such unities could pull enough influence to create a crusade of this magnitude. This is the fifth crusade into the lands of monsters, and in each one there were less than five recorded cases of a Destined Unity. This should provide you some perspective on how unique your case is, should you truly be one such Unity."

Seth stepped up behind Walter then, tapping him on the shoulder.

"Yes my friend?" Walter said, turning to face the aged wizard.

"I believe there are forces at work here, Walter." Seth said, indicating forward as an Orc came forward to meet Orgarash, who had strode ahead of the group to clasp hands and clap shoulders with the newcomer.

"Indeed. I have seen more cases of a Unity in this Crusade than ever has been recorded before. There are at least six that I know of. We may see if there are such unities among the ancient races."

Orgarash turned and returned to the group then, the other Orc following behind.

Though the newcomer had no swords or axes, or even any heavy armor, he was adorned in metal-plated leather and strapped from head to foot in strange devices with similar design to the one on Orgarash's back, from two long-barreled devices crossing on his back to multiple shorter ones on his belt and leggings, and a wide-barreled, brutish looking weapon on the back of his belt.

"Gentlemen, this is Grakul, and he is the best marksman the Orcs have to offer. He'll be joining us in the crusade, and I thought it best to meet him here before we gathered the rest of the forces."

Grakul nodded, his long black hair tied in braids flowing over his face as he bowed to the group before standing, flashing a toothy grin as he looked at the weapon adorning the Gorger's back.

"Ah, the Stonebeard's made his work known to the Humans, eh? I'd recognize his craftsmanship anywhere. You're lucky to have such a weapon." He said, looking the massive Siege breaker over with an impressed gaze.

"Well then. I suppose we should keep moving."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on April 25, 2013, 11:10:52 PM
The Gorger grinned at the thought of this; he held no beliefs regarding fate, and found the idea of a pre-determined fate silly.  It would go against the very idea of free will, which was a goal he still very much intended to achieve.  He reached out his arms and wrapped them around the shoulders of Sun Wu and Father Rau, pulling them uncomfortably close.  With a mocking pitch to his voice, "You hear that boys?  We're a Unity!" The Gorger's arms relaxed off their shoulders and back to his sides as his body shook with laughter.

"You're lucky to have such a weapon." Grakul stated. 

Naturally, nobody was more satisfied with his weaponry than The Gorger was, but his response fell short as he tried to figure out exactly what weapons the orc was carrying.  Each one of them were hollow; it was unlike any design he had ever seen.  "Aye, my weapon is a beauty to behold... but I have to admit, your weaponry has piqued my curiosity.  I haven't seen anything of the like."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on May 04, 2013, 03:35:56 PM
Rau did not look with kind eye on what Sir Walter was saying. The three of them did indeed defeat the barrow wright, though not a minor accomplishment, that alone does not signify destiny. The most disturbing thing about all this, would be the thought that he is destined to fight by the ghouls side. A most disturbing thought to any one, the priest imagined.

As if moved by the hand of fate itself, the ghouls hands wrapped around the holy man and the monk, bringing all three of them uncomfortably close.

"You hear that boys?  We're a Unity!"

Thinking about it was bad enough, but when the ghoul went and rubbed it in further, he hit a nerve he shouldn’t have. After the Gorger let go, Rau calmly moved to the side. Taking a few deep breaths, the priest concentrated on the feeling he had back when he tried to save the star. Though not able to completely replicate the sensation, he managed to channel a similar energy.

(Healing Hands + Aether) With his energy channeled the holy man started walking towards the unsuspecting ghoul. As he molds his energy into healing energy, Rau’s hands begin to glow brightly. “Let’s see if my healing has improved.” Saying that the priest’s hands found the back of the ghoul and the released energy quickly found its way to every part of the ghoul’s body.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on May 07, 2013, 08:56:49 AM
A Divine Unity.  Wu has never heard of such a thing.  It would appear that their individual currents all flow together, or at least parallel.  He stops himself as he remembers Theldorian's words.  Not a current, but a pool.  So perhaps they are riding the same ripple, as their actions disturb the balance.  But aren't there currents in pools?  A ripple follows a current--!

"You hear that boys?  We're a Unity!"

The Gorger's thick meaty arm wraps around his shoulders and pulls him close, breaking him out of thoughts.  Wu stammers, completely caught off guard, giving a small, half hearted laugh as The Gorger lets go.

Sun Wu pulls out his pipe and packs in a generous amount of tobacco.  He lights it and sends plumes of smoke into the air as he puffs.

He nods to Grakul in greeting.  The orc's weapons are peculiar. Wu typically does not take interest in weapons, but ignoring something he's never seen before is foolish.  It looks like something might come out of the hollow end, but he can't imagine what.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on May 08, 2013, 07:35:59 PM
"Let's see if my healing has improved."

The Gorger did not have time to react.  As Father Rau's hands made contact with the ghoul's flesh, the creature appeared to have been struck by lightning.  His back arched backward as he let loose an extended, powerful snarl through his teeth, unable to unclench his jaw as he grinded his teeth to bear the pain.  Every inch of his body burned as if he had been set aflame, and every scar on his body felt as though it was being pressed with hot irons.  The taste of the rot in his mouth - a new sensation made possible from the sheer life force - was repulsive, and though he was fortunate to have fully digested his recent meals, his body could not help but wretch, but all that forced itself out was dry air.

He stumbled about for only a brief moment before he grabbed a hold of the Siege Breaker, and with a violent warcry, turned to bring it down upon Father Rau.  The wind roared as it came down on the priest's head, only to stop short inches from his skull, the force scattering dust and pebbles at Father Rau's feet.  The Gorger's muscles visibly flexed and twitched as the ghoul leaned all of his weight into his weapon, attempting to fight Sir Walter's will with all of his might.  After a moment more, he withdrew his weapon, his rage still visible on his face, and turned his back on the priest.  He directed his anger to his current master.

"I am forced into service; promised rewards if I behave.  I fight battles against legions; battles that are not my own.  I am experimented on; left to the whims of my master's lackeys." The Gorger motions toward the priest with a slight turn of his head, and looks back to Sir Walter, glaring him in the eye. "I can take it.  I can.  But don't you self-righteous zealots ever convince yourselves you're any different from the vampires; you're not.  You're as deserving of death as they ever will be.  I admit, I take comfort in the fact that whether I'm killing vampires..." he turned and looked around to the nearby crusaders, "...or chewing the bones of crusaders, I know that whoever I'm killing... it's deserved."

The mischievous chuckling, the grinning, the empty threats... none of it was there.  It appeared Father Rau had finally hit the nerve he had been looking for.  The ghoul was angry to say the very least - his thirst for crusader blood was palpable.

"Lead on, Commander.  I believe I've worked up an appetite." he hissed.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on May 14, 2013, 01:33:56 PM
Wu coughs out a generous amount of smoke as The Gorger painfully reacts to Father Rau's attempt at healing.  He has no ill will toward Rau or The Gorger, and for the first time finds himself unsure of which side he stands on - Human or Monster.

As the abomination swings his mighty weapon at the priest's head Wu reacts impulsively and outstretches his hand.  He almost lets loose a Geyser attack to knock the weapon away before noticing that The Gorger was holding back, if not being held back.  Wu lowers his hand as he watches the Ghoul struggle against Sir Walter's will.

Shaking his head, Sun Wu takes a draw on his pipe.  A plume of smoke smoothly escapes his mouth as he stares at both Father Rau and The Gorger.

Divine Unity indeed...
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 23, 2013, 08:37:24 PM
"That was a poor decision, Father Rau." Seth said, backing away as he noticed a fire lit in Walter's eyes.


There was a noise like cracking thunder, and a spray of dust as Walter's hammer made contact with the ground. The force of the impact left the hammer where it lay, standing with its head planted, like a stone from which protruded the staff of his weapon. Walter's eyes glowed white hot as he strode over to the Gorger and Father Rau, and with a strength that seemed born of holy rage, he grabbed the two, the Gorger by the breastplate, father Rau by his collar, and lifted. The two individuals' feet left the ground, and lightning danced around them as they sat in Walter's grasp, playing over their frames, making their hair stand on end, pressuring them with the feeling of raw power, but doing no harm. Then the enraged Tamer spoke, and his voice was baleful, terrible like the fires of hell itself.

"Both of you are fools." He began, the power of his voice reverberating on the air as passers-by stopped and stared or hid in their houses. Orcs respected strength, but they also knew when it was wise to avoid being in its way. Orgarash and Grakul took a few steps back, but kept their eyes on the spectacle.

"I inform you that you are quite possibly one of the greatest forces that exists on this world, and not a full minute later you turn and attempt to shatter that bond in foolish ignorance!" His burning gaze turned upon Father Rau, his eyes glowing so brightly they seemed to be gone, whited out and smoking some holy fire, a bright light burning from within his mouth as he spoke. "Rau, you petty fool. You should have known the effects of what you would do before you even attempted. Even did you not know, it should have been no great leap of reasoning to determine what the raw force of life would to do one who lives on essence of death! This leaves one of two options. You either intentionally attempted to harm your own ally, making you a traitor, or you truly could not reason this out, making you a fool." Then his eyes turned to the Gorger, his voice no less intense, his gaze no less fierce.

"And you, former Crusader, once-great warrior. Your Hunger and your Rage will undo you if you do not learn to keep them in check! It was by my word that you were not put to the flame for what you did to Ferrados, what you did to that werewolf so many years ago, in the den of the vampire lord whose will you were enthralled to. Others thought you dangerous, too much so to be allowed to live, but it was by my word that your existence continued. I saw in you the chance to be reborn, to once again be the noble crusader you had been in life. Remember that, and check your urges, lest you prove me wrong in the end."


And then the fire died in his eyes, and he dropped them to the ground. There was a haunting in his eyes now, something that wasn't there before. He seemed tired. Harrowed. The lines of age appeared more prominent now, as if that burst of fire had drained him of life. His shoulders were slack as he retrieved his hammer, and he turned and strode past the Orcs.

"Come. The others await. Signal your men, Sergeant." He said, almost quietly, and without the usual thunder and power that was behind his voice.

Seth cast one last look at the Gorger and Father Rau before rushing to follow his friend, striding beside him and speaking silently to him as they left the others behind.

Orgarash nodded to Grakul, who drew one of the devices on his hip and split it open near the grip. He removed what appeared to be a cylinder full of small cones, and in its stead placed a large red cartridge. Aiming it at the sky, he pulled the trigger, and a burning ball of fire shot into the sky, before exploding in a brilliant shower of sparks. The flare sent, he discarded the cartridge and reinserted the other cylinder, and turned and strode with Orgarash after Sir Walter and Seth.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on May 30, 2013, 02:14:56 PM
The Gorger's eyes went wide as he was effortlessly lifted by a single arm of an old man.  To say that Sir Walter had drawn the ghoul's attention would be a vast understatement.  He had felt something that balanced a fine line between respect, and fear.  In his startle and confusion, the ghoul could not help but absorb every word to the bone as his mind searched for answers as to what was happening before him.

He was promptly released... but still shaken.  Could what Sir Walter said be true?  No.  Of course not.  More brainwash for the ghoul to swallow no doubt.  His thought processes rushed to defend his bitterness and anger once more, but there was one detail that he could not dismiss: the werewolf.  Sir Walter mentioned a name.

"Ferrados."

So... that was his name.  Ferrados.

So fierce were they toward The Gorger, wishing nothing but his death over a single werewolf.  And in spite of that, Sir Walter chose to to spare his life.  Whether or not it was because he would be a useful tool was debatable.  But the anger and sadness surrounding the death of Ferrados... there was only one explanation...

They cared about him.  They missed him.  He was no pet, but a comrade in arms.

The Gorger gripped his weapon, and followed in reverent silence, deep in thought.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on May 31, 2013, 04:21:36 PM
The bowl of Wu's pipe smacks against his palm slowly.  It almost sounds like clapping.

Clap...  Clap...  Clap...

The ashes fall out in a loose clump.  Wu flicks his wrist and they fall to the ground in a little grey shower.

He watches both Father Rau and The Gorger as their feet reconnect with the ground.  Wordlessly he tucks his pipe away and turns to follow Sir Walter and the others.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on June 03, 2013, 08:24:44 AM
Rau watches as the ghoul wretches and stumbles. A small trace of a smile could be seen on his face, if one cared to look close enough. Despite what those people might think, the smile was not due to the pain he caused to The Gorger, it was thanks to the sensation of channeling aether. The priest was happy he was able summon the same energies he used back at the cathedral. He has yet to use this new found power and understand it, so that someday he may utilize it to its full potential.

The holy man could not help but smile fully when he saw the foolish attempt of the ghoul to retaliate. As if watching a chained dog, barking and jumping at its own master. For some reason he found the stupidity of the attempt funny and the wind blowing down as the abomination’s weapon stopped inches away from his head, rather refreshing.

"I am forced into service… it's deserved."


The usually composed priest was about to burst into laughter. The poor thing! After all the ghoul has done now he is being forced to help others and do good deeds against his will! The constant harsh treatment he receives from every one, no one understand his hungry and full with rage self and no one lets him be himself! To top it off, all the monster like crusaders, unrivaled in their strength, they go and pick on the defenseless and innocent monsters, who just want to be themselves. Truly the tragedy of a ghoul’s life can move a man to tears.

This was the first time father Rau had such a laugh at the ghoul’s words expense. It was as if the gorger rather than not wanting to, could not see the situation he was in. The very thought of that entertained the priest beyond believe. Even so he kept his composure and only smiled.

Unfortunately the priest’s excitement was short lived, as the defining noise of Sir Walter’s hammer hitting the ground reached his ears, a cold chill ran down his spine and his smile disappeared. When he looked at his commander, it was the first time Rau saw rage of that magnitude. As he lifted them both, the priest and the ghoul, from the ground, lightning began hitting the ground and the power he emitted would have prevented the priest from moving, even if he wanted to. The followed scolding did not leave such a lasting impression as the powerful display that preceded it.

The priest knew what he did was out of line, but still he didn’t expect such a fierce reaction. He knew an apology was in order, but for now he fixed his collar, put his hood and his frown on and followed in silence.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on June 19, 2013, 02:12:22 PM
The group approached the far wall of the Cavern, and by then A group of Orcs had gathered and were following them, each with their own equipment of varying persuasions. Some bore the heavy armor that Orgarash wore, others carried those strange devices Grakul carried, and yet more had mysterious machinery and tools hanging from their belts. There were a handful of specific orcs that wandered through the ranks, tattooed heavily and carrying Copper rods and speaking in Orcish, Muttering or Yelling in reverent tones, and all the Orcs they spoke to seemed to stand taller, ready for the battles to come.

The exit loomed over them, and the combined force seemed to have exponentially increased the size of the warband that had split from the major crusade.

At least they thought so until they reached the edge of the cliff overlooking the exit. Then they realized they were leading a second army.

It was as if the entire contents of the city had taken up arms to join the crusade, the final act of their dying species, standing up to fall on their feet. The Dozen dragons swirled overhead, and the Thousand-strong forces of the remaining races stood ready in the canyon that formed the Exit. The Dwarven Wizard, Khadmas Shimmerstone, strode up beside the group of humans and monsters watching the army below.

"There's only five people left in tha' city now. Th' Council, sworn ta guard the gates and protect the city o' Mordintharas till our return."

"This army...Your peoples' last hopes are in this force."

"Aye. But we're a dyin' group o' people. Our spirits were oppressed for so long we'd slowly die in this cave. The real last hope of our people is ta end the unnatural night, an' bring back tha day. So in this war our people either stand or fall. So we'd best all stand as one."

"Indeed. Very well. Then let it be proclaimed. Now is the army of the ancients a part of the Thirteenth Black Crusade."

"Aye. And we stand with ye. Till the end." Khadmas said, as he was joined by Orgarash, Valorkoth, and Theldorian. Each of them, the General of their species' forces, presenting their allegiance to Sir Walter and his crusade.

"Then we go." Sir Walter said, preparing to march down the hill before he was stopped by Khadmas.

"Hold lad. Valorkoth has a gift for ye." The dwarf said, the Tamer turning to face the mighty wyrm.

"A true leader should be able to see all of his men when he gives orders, and be able to survey the full extent of the battlefield. To that end, I offer you my wings. Climb on, and know what it is to fly as a Dragon does." The dragon inclined his neck, laying it on the hill, and the Tamer carefully and respectfully climbed on, holding on to the horns on his head. With a spell, he locked his legs around the dragon's scaled neck, ensuring he would not fall, and the Dragon pushed off the cliff face and soared over the army assembled below. As it circled above, Walter's voice boomed from on high, whatever magic augmented his voice carrying it to the entirety of the army.

"Now, brothers, the time is right. Both of our peoples, those of times long past, and the humans and monsters of today, stand as one! With such a force we are Indomitable! Indefatigable! Invincible! We will crush the armies of darkness and assail the palace of night. We will destroy their Black City and raze the fortress of screams! The night will at last give way to daylight on this cursed continent, and we shall all be free, as one!"

The cheer that went up could shake the earth, and Walter soared out of the Cavern's mouth.

"With me, brothers. The first leg of our journey awaits us. We must retrieve the rest of our force and march. When we are whole, we attack!" The dragon's form lead the march of the army, towards a familiar tower looming in the distance.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on June 20, 2013, 08:46:52 AM
Sir Walter's rallying speech stirred an incredible amount of emotion in Wu's heart.  With such a force as this, there could be no stopping the powers of good.

The cheer that escapes Sun Wu's lips is loud and triumphant, quite out of character for the monk.

"Do you not see now?!"  He shouts excitedly.  "Do you not see what we three are a part of?  I beg you, put petty squabbles aside.  More is at stake than annoyances or appetites."

Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on June 20, 2013, 02:14:44 PM
The Gorger's thoughts were interrupted by the uproarious cheers and chanting after Sir Walter's speech.   Dragons flew through the skies above, and beneath the vast armies that covered the landscape, he couldn't even see the ground.  The races that had been so long oppressed by the long night raised their weapons in unison for this common goal.

Though he did not like The Crusade, it would be foolish to say that their goals did not coincide.  The Gorger wanted his free will.  In order to achieve this... the vampires of the land would have to die.  Every last one of them.  Then, and only then, could he choose who - or what - he decided to kill.

"More is at stake than annoyances or appetites." the monk spouted in an unusual manner.  If only The Gorger could share his enthusiasm, but bitterness was perhaps the ghoul's greatest foe - one he had not yet learned to defeat.  His body still tingled with the remnants of aether energy, and though Sir Walter managed to shake most of it out of him, the ghoul's anger was still fresh.

"I shall put aside my differences, if the holy man swears to me one thing: live.  We shall encounter countless dangers - even dragons shall fall from the skies should we tread into the depths of the night lands.  Endure these dangers, strive, and live on... for if we emerge victorious... I shall listen with glee as the bones in your neck snap as I tear your head from your shoulders.  After all..."  he looked to the monk, "...if we do not feel hunger, then how can we fully appreciate our next meal?" he asked with a grin, as he twisted the monk's advice.

He raised his weapon to the skies with the rest of the army, and grinned widely at Father Rau. "Do you swear?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on June 23, 2013, 04:41:35 AM
Sir Walter’s words echoed, as he spoke from the back of the dragon. Rau has been to many battlefields and has heard similar words many times, but those words began to sound hollow a long time ago. After each battle, burring the dead and praying for their souls to reach Lumo’s embrace safely, it was painfully obvious that we are all but invincible.

"Do you not see now?!... annoyances or appetites."

The monk’s excited voice seemed to have dragged Rau away from his heavy thoughts. The ghoul’s addition served to completely sever the father’s train of thought.

"I shall put aside my differences… Do you swear?"


“Do not worry your rotten little head.” Rau looked at the ghoul and smiled. “Odds are good that if we fall we shall do so together. As for my neck, I doubt you will be hearing any bones snapping from it, while you have that pretty necklace of yours, so instead how about you fight alongside us, like a good little ghoul and when you have taken care of your accessories come find me.” As Rau moved ahead and passed the ghoul he added. “Though the noise you get to hear might not be what you are hoping for. “
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on July 09, 2013, 01:35:55 PM
the march to the tower was spirited, and the army of over a thousand men and ancient beings made relentless and speedy pace towards the tower of that strange necromancer in the forest.

The march was mostly quiet for the three. The army was caught up in itself, and the members of the Unity that Walter had proclaimed to be were left mostly to themselves. Occasionally a friend would approach, have short conversation, and then leave, but they were left to their thoughts for the majority of the march. The army was passing through a valley now. No, perhaps valley was not appropriate. It was more like a great natural gateway, two tall, thin, peninsular cliffs framing an empty space that could have had a massive gate resting between it. It was if the land itself told that there was a transition here; a shift from the sacred, living ground around Mordintharas, into the dark forest that made up most of the continent. There could be no turning back past this point. They were travelling into the realm of evil.

There was a flash of lightning, and the three found their eyes mysteriously turned to the twin cliffs, only to discover that there now stood two figures, a dark silhouette stand on the edge of each cliff, looking down at the army. On the right hand, The tall, shadowy figure wore what appeared to be a long trench coat, a wide-brimmed hat topping his head. Though this figure was cloaked entirely in shadow, clearly visible were the pale, white gloves he wore, and his burning red eyes, each seeming to give off a strange glow that clearly defined them, even from the great distance between the trio and the figure.

The other was less defined. He wore a long, hooded robe, and a cape flowed behind it, billowing in the wind. Giving off its mysterious glow, just as the other figure, was this shape's metallic mask, clearly visible even though it was a dull gray. The one visible eye of the figure burned a bright yellow, shaped like a hawk, and looking down as if on prey, the other eye covered by the mysterious mask. The two appeared to be facing each other as they looked down, standing like guardian statues over the army below. And then both figures' glowing eyes turned on the trio. In each there was a bone-chilling power, a look of appraisal as the two of them took in the state of the group, as if sizing up a potential opponent. The eyes were hungry, and the red-eyed figure grinned, his teeth visible even in the shadows, a fan of brilliant, razor-sharp fangs that seemed to belong in the mouth of some apex predator.

But even as the two figures stared down at the group, their eyes burning with fierce and unholy power, there was another flash of lightning, and they were gone, leaving only the empty cliffsides and the howling wind.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on July 10, 2013, 04:00:38 PM
The two ominous figures disappeared into the blackness, seemingly overjoyed about the massive force that marched toward their lands to slaughter the monsters.  The Gorger could easily sense their immense power, even from the great distance between them.  He stared for only a moment longer in thought as they disappeared, and his eyes returned to the path before them.

"It seems we've made friends already." The Gorger grinned wickedly.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on July 24, 2013, 12:12:51 PM
Sun Wu is walking ahead of The Gorger and Father Rau, having stormed off before they had their exchange at the beginning of the march.  He adjusts his pace enough that they are within earshot before long.  They appeared to have settled upon mutual - respect was not the word - mutual begrudgement.

A flash of lightning briefly illuminates the host, fading as quickly as it came.  But something drew Wu's eyes upwards to the clifftops.  Two figures stare down at the marching army.  Their mocking confidence in response to the sizable army is unsettling.  Wu's eyes strain for a better assessment of these beings, but another flash of lightning whisks them away.

"It seems we've made friends already." The Gorger says with a wicked grin.

"Indeed it does."  Wu replies.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on July 25, 2013, 02:10:10 PM
Rau was getting used to his exchanges with the ghoul, at first they were positively unpleasant, but now it seems as if they turned into something like a day to day activity. It would seem that the Gorger has become something like a rival, rather than an enemy, but still an unholy abomination is an unholy abomination and he should know his place.

A lightning flashed and before he knew it, the father was already looking at the nearby cliffs and what a great timing. He was just thinking about unholy abominations and there right in front of him stood 2 that he would not like to confront. The moment he met the gaze of one of them he quickly turned his eyes away, instantly covered in cold sweat the holy man was chilled to the bone. It seemed as if their newly found unity was being singled out in the midst of the march. It took Rau a second to take a deep breath and force his gaze back in their direction. Even though he could feel immense danger coming from those figures, his will demanded that he do not falter any further from sight of any unholy enemy. A second flash of lightning ends their encounter and leaves the priest a little bit perplexed as to what exactly occurred.

"It seems we've made friends already." The Gorger says with a wicked grin.

"Indeed it does."  Wu replies.


Unlike Rau his companions did not seem frightened, if anything they were rather excited. This helped the priest relax a bit.

“I don’t know about you, but if they invite us to a dinner party, I am taking Sir Walter as my plus one.” Said Rau with a grin on his face.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on July 29, 2013, 12:22:41 PM
The march was mostly uneventful after that strange sighting. Even the meeting with the strange Necromancer William was something along the lines of ordinary. It was not until the party had left the strange tower that anything of note began to occur.

Though perhaps the group would have preferred it remained quiet.

"Sir Walter, I've been wondering." Axel said, standing beside the tamer as the Army marched. "We've got an entire secondary army together. Why don't we join up with the main force and push through to destroy the nightmare forces in traditional warfare? We must have more than enough combined military might to beat them in battle."

"Because the monsters of this realm do not engage in traditional warfare." Sir Walter replied, his eyes focused ahead. "The vampires are vicious slave drivers, but they recognize the strengths of their slaves. The monstrous armies are diverse and powerful, and best suited to hit and run tactics and unconventional warfare. They will field only the bare minimum of conventional armed forces and leave the rest to assault us from all sides, wearing us down until we die. As such we must counteract this. One force will make the traditional assault, marching through to key points and attacking as a traditional invading army would."

"Then there is us. The secondary force, which is given orders to cripple the undead forces to prevent them from taking part in their stealth war and force them onto the battlefield. We will destroy their ambush parties and topple their plague-farms. We will destroy every resource they have to wage their monster war until they are forced to fight us on the traditional field of battle. And then we will destroy them. But above all, our main objective is to cut the head from the beast. We will destroy their leaders and kill their generals until they attack us in disarray. To that end, we are marching to the Black City to enact our first Tyrannicide. We will slay the undead general Darkraven as he leads his armies against our main force. We will enter the black city from behind the army and attack from the flank. Then-"

"Wait." Akaga said, and when Walter stopped, the regiment he was leading stopped, and then the entire army stopped not long after. "I hear something." The assassin replied.

The Tamer stopped and listened. There was a crunch, off through the trees. And then there was mass of twangs and the air was rent by whistling.

"SHIELDS UP!" Walter shouted, and the army defended themselves. Shields, both physical and magical, went up, and those who had none took cover with those who did. The rain of arrows landed fruitlessly on the raised shields of the warriors, but for a moment the sky was checkered black with their shafts as they filled the air.

"Prepare for combat!" Walter shouted, hammer ready even as the first of the Ghouls charged through the brush, sword raised only to take the brunt of his hammer to its skull.

Then the forest burst with activity, ghouls charging from the forest, a veritable army to match their own.

Battle once more was joined.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on July 29, 2013, 01:52:14 PM
"SHIELDS UP!"

Sun Wu watches as the arrows rain down through the sky.  He stands stock still until the arrows are nearly upon the army, then springs into action.

He twists and executes his WhirlPool attack with a modification.  He focuses the center of it slightly above his head.  Arrows attempting to pierce the WhirlPool are broken and deflected away by the violently swirling Chi.

As the last of them fall Wu allows the WhirlPool to disperse into the air.  Faint blue specks of leftover Chi float away like a fine mist.

An army of ghouls charges forth from the forest.  Wu stands ready.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on July 30, 2013, 09:23:12 PM
The moment Sun Wu's Whirlpool attack settled down, The Gorger lunged over the heads of the Black Crusaders, the enchanted chains of the Siege Breaker trailing behind him as he went to meet the ghouls in the front lines.  The masses of ghouls reminded him of his previous home under the Vampire Lord's control; ghouls made from men who wore his same crusader armor... ghouls that were forced fight and feed on one another until the most worthy were selected.

Visions of blood-soaked villages burning before them flashed in his mind.  The horror at his own uncontrollable actions, and yet the savory sweet taste of human flesh. 

It was maddening.

The Siege Breaker's chains extended violently, clinging and clanging as they escaped the cylinder.  The bladed chain was the first to swing toward the front lines of the ghouls...

"Soon brothers... you'll be free." The Gorger whispered.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 03, 2013, 02:51:53 PM
“Shields up!”

       Rau was quick to respond, as soon as Sir Walter's shout was herd, he dived into cover.

       The priest stood and waited for the right time to strike. He saw the ghouls charge as an opportunity to test his new abilities and to stop the moment of at least a fraction of the ghouls.

   (Holy light (Beam) + Aether) Rau was not confident in using his spell in this way, since he had not tried applying aether to it before, but this was as good a time as any, to increase his list of useful spells and the boost in power will come in handy in the near future. He begins to gather aether, his thoughts quickly drift back to the dying star and the sensation he felt back then, in an instant his eyes are lit brightly and pure aether seeps into his hands. With energy gathering at his palms, the priest rushes forward and attempts to release the beam. (Miss) Gathering the same amount of energy he usually used for his spell was a mistake on the priest's part. The aether doesn’t handle as easily as the energy he used for 15 years. Upon releasing the aether Rau loses control of it and it turns from a beam into a cone, the density of the beam lowers slightly, as it spreads wider at the end, but still remains potent. Every undead caught in the energy will be terribly burned, unless they take cover or repel the aether with their unholy energy.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on August 03, 2013, 03:51:03 PM
Rau's startling loss of control was fortunate enough to only strike the ranks of the oncoming ghouls, any of the Crusade's undead having been out of the path of the holy power. The blast of divine energy Tore a swathe through the oncoming army, A cone of Ghouls falling over in burnt husks  before yet more poured in to fill the gap. All around the battle was joined, Dragons soaring overhead, breathing holy light and wrathful fire upon the enemy, Dwarves standing courageously on the front line, shields raised and hammers and axes striking in battle. Elves darted through the field, striking down targets who threatened the line, and Orcs rampaged about the area, weapons striking down their foes in large groups.

Grakul and Orgarash stood back to back, the larger Orc's axe swinging vicious arcs through the ranks of the undead while Grakul's weapons spat death at the enemy. Bullets flew in all directions as the smaller Orc fired one pistol, then the other, repeating the process until he had run out of the six rounds in each handgun. Pistol whipping nearby ghouls away, the marksman holstered his weapons and drew the large, brutish weapon from the back of his hip. Pulling one of the two triggers, a blast of death fired from one barrel, the spray of shrapnel mowing down the ghouls in front of him before he leaped back and kicked off of Orgarash's back, the Larger Orc standing sturdy as Grakul springboarded into the air, firing the second barrel down at a group of ghouls from above, taking out another chunk before he landed on a corpse. With a quick reload, hammering two more shots into the barrels of his weapon, He cleared the way back to his ally and once again they were back to back, cutting down the foe.

Elsewhere Sir Walter and Seth found themselves together in a similar fashion,  Walter's hammer striking down groups of foes while Seth shot lightning and ice into the ranks of the enemy. At Walter's signal, the two pressed back to back, and Seth began to spout fire from his hands, the two turning a complete circle, leaving a ring of fire surrounding them as they struck down any who attempted to pass through.

Shani and Wrynjolf were tearing through the ghouls in tandem, both of them in their canine forms, rending claws and gnashing teeth tearing down ghoul after ghoul as they raced through the battlefield, a pair of wolves on the hunt in a bountiful hunting ground.

The battle raged on, and though the army of the crusade was formidable and giving no ground, the ghouls continued to rush on in ever greater numbers.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on August 05, 2013, 05:48:02 PM
The ghouls were easily cleaved by the sheer power of the Siege Breaker, followed by a pleasant torrent of blood spattering across the battlefield.  While The Gorger was certainly more intense than usual in this battle, he could not help but lick his bared teeth at the scent that filled the air as the bloody vapor filled his nostrils.  However, in his recent battle with the werewolf, he had chosen the path of the warrior; not of the beast.  He contained himself, and gathered what sanity and tact he had left in his mind.

Having fought his way deep enough into the ranks of the ghouls to avoid hitting the crusaders behind him, he raised his arms and steadily began to revolve the Siege Breaker.  It quickly gained momentum with The Gorger's growing strength, and the ghouls before him had little opportunity to pass by the whirling blade and flail without fear of utter decimation.  As more ghouls poured in however - in greater numbers - the Siege Breaker's momentum began to slow.

The barrow wight from his first battle with the Black Crusade flashed in his mind.  Why?

That's right... The Gorger attempted a bold tactic then too.  There were two others there with him who had reacted almost instantaneously, the "Divine Unity" that Sir Walter spoke of.

"Very well, Walty," he spoke to himself, and grinned widely as he uttered a familiar phrase from that very battle, "I'll play your game."

A whirlwind of blood kicked up around the ghoul as he pressed on, tilting the Siege Breaker in such a way that there was now room behind him where others could safely tread.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on August 08, 2013, 12:11:02 PM
The chaos of battle rains through the battlefield.  The Ghouls prove easy targets, but in such great numbers they threaten to overwhelm the army with sheer volume.

Wu notices The Gorger in the middle of the fray, clearly enjoying himself and his new weapon.  But the ghouls are relentless, and The Gorger's momentum is visibly slowing.  Instead of relenting and switching tactics, The Gorger shifts his position to allow someone to ally themselves behind him.

In a flash The Gorger finds Sun Wu standing back to back behind him.

"Hold on tight."  Is all he says before raising his arms above his head.  He twists his torso, and The Gorger can feel the buildup of Chi emanating from Wu's body.  With a grunt Wu's body twists the opposite direction.  The built up Chi bursts through his hands and erupts into his Whirlwind attack.  Any approaching ghouls are within range, and if hit they should be swept off their feet and pulled right into the spinning Siege Breaker.

Wu is attempting to maintain the Whirlwind for as long as he can, but the attack is not meant for long durations.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 08, 2013, 03:15:57 PM
Rau sees both the Gorger and Sun Wu actions. He realizes what must be done and begins gathering his energy.

(Extreme conditioning) This time the priest won’t risk it and he intertwined only a small amount of aether within his spell. As the energy builds up in his palms, he grabs his staff and focuses all of the energy in its tip. A ball of light begins to shine and spin on top of the staff, as the energy is sucked into its core.  A few seconds later the ball launches towards Sun Wu’s and The Gorger’s location. In an instant Sun Wu begins to shine brightly. The monk is completely bathed in the light. The priest has begun channeling his spell and he can’t move unless he stops. The spell makes Sun Wu faster, stronger and more focused. The holy energy mixed with aether will also revitalize his body. How the aether affects his chi, however, remains to be seen.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on August 11, 2013, 10:31:09 PM
With Father Rau's backing, Sun Wu gained even more stamina, his energy and Chi seemingly limitless so long as the priest continued to support him. The whirling Chi drew ghoul after Ghoul into the spinning blades of The Gorger, a spinning deathtrap that began to slowly eat its way through the army. Nonetheless, the army continued to come on. Their numbers continued to push against the line, an unrelenting tide of undead slowly pushing at the forces of life, slowly bleeding out the force before them. Battle raged all around, but for one young priestess, time stood still.


Sister Lumina had always been a meek priestess. She had never really spoken to others, even in the crusade. She had quietly kept to herself even as Sir Walter gathered her into his special regiment. She had never really seen why she was special enough to warrant his attention. He seemed so powerful, and she was so small. But now she understood. It was time. This was what she was here for. There was no going back. She strode to the front lines, watching the battle wage in slow motion as she saw brothers and sisters dying on the battlefield. Slowly a hymn rose from her lips, and though she could have sworn she was only whispering it, her notes rose over the din of  the raging battle around her.

"Praise be to thee o Lumos, bringer of the light. Your radiance and mercy guide us safely through the night."

In the corner of her eye, she saw the bloody shape of Sir Walter turn to face her as she took on a bright glow. She could see the pleading in his eyes, begging her to get back. But she knew what she must do. There was no returning from where she was going.

"Illumine our darkness,  and keep us safe we pray,"

The light built up around her and time came to a halt as she looked up to the sky to see a single ray of light breaking through the overcast clouds of the land.

"That we may rise and worship you, o Keeper of the Day."

Sir Walter's pleading cry of No only scarcely reached her ears. And then she was gone. In her place, a brilliant pillar of light, and a wave of holy breath that spread across the battlefield. As if guided by her benevolence, a holy spell cast by one who could never hold another being any ill will, it swept over the battlefield, doing no harm to man or monster, and in one brilliant sacrifice, she turned the tide.

The oncoming hordes of Ghouls stopped in their tracks. They froze, as if held back by a gentle hand, and fear lit in their eyes. As one, they turned and fled, retreating back into the forest from whence they came. It was as if the spell knew its target, for no monsters of the Crusade were affected, and all watched as the oncoming army turned and fled.

And then, as if touched by the hand of a benevolent deity, the dead of the Crusade started, took sharp breaths, and stood from the ground. Those who had fallen lived again, as if untouched by the battle, and looked up to the sky to see that for one brief moment in Nocturna's history, the sun shone brilliantly in the sky above the Blacklands.

But one could not look at the sky. Could not bring up his head to see the sun's rays. Sir walter knelt at the spot Sister Lumina had been standing moments before her brilliant sacrifice. Tears welled in his eyes as he gazed down at the earth where her feet had stood. Such an innocent creature had never been destined for war. Walter had brought her with him to protect her, and to make use of her healing skills, unrivaled in the church of Lumos. Somewhere in his mind he had thought that this might happen, but he had prayed that this day would never come. Lumina had never held any anger or born any grudge. She had never offered anyone anything but a warm smile and Lumos's generous kindness. She was not meant for battle, and now she was gone. A gift too precious for this blood-tainted world, Sister Lumina had ascended to sit beside her god of light.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 12, 2013, 07:18:35 AM
Rau’s attention is completely absorbed in his spell, controlling aether was no easy feat and he was still new to the practice. His concentration was broken only after, the warm light of life, illuminated the battlefield. Stopping his spell and taking a look around, made him realize what had happened. A pure and innocent soul gave its life, so that they may stand and fend off the darkness. Truly a sacrifice like no other.

The priest approached Sir Walter slowly and stopped opposite of him. He recited a short chant, used to ease the passage of souls to the other world, than he looked upon the ground, on which the sister stood. He knew of her and her healing abilities. It was no surprise that Sister Lumina was recruited to the crusade. Skilful healers are a must in every battle. Even so, he had no idea she was capable of such a feat.

With a pained look, the holy man goes down on one knee, his staff touching the ground, as his left hand went into the soil up to his wrist. A dim yellow light, can be seen glowing from beneath the ground. The aether he is discharging into the ground makes small stems of grass and flower buds, slowly begin to rise around his hand.

“It is truly sad,” he looks at Sir Walter “when the innocent people we fight for, sacrifice their lives to protect us.” Having said what he wanted, Rau stands on his feet. In the midst of the barren battle field, a small bed of flowers and grass had emerged. “When all this is over with, we shall mourn our dead and not a single sacrifice, not matter its size, shall be forgotten.” The priest felt there is no need to say the last words that were on his mind. Sir Walter should know better than everybody here that this was not the time to mourn.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on August 12, 2013, 08:48:59 AM
It was working.

But Wu already began to feel his Chi draining.  If only there was a way-

Father Rau's Extreme Conditioning spell reaches Wu and immediately invigorates the monk.

The currents and tides typically guiding his Chi subside.  A placid pool lies in their place.  Drawing from the still pool is effortless, and Sun Wu revels in the ease of which he is manipulating his Chi.

He finally fully understands what Theldorian was trying to teach him.  He continues his whirlwind attack, basking in the light given off from Rau's spell.



A wave courses out across the battlefield.  It passes over Wu and The Gorger without affect.  As the Ghouls turned tail Wu halts his whirlwind attack and looks to where the wave originated from.

Sir Walter is kneeling, tears threatening to crack his stoic demeanor.  Father Rau creates what monument he can with so little time, and gives some words.

Taking in what happened, Wu feels nothing but deep respect for Sister Lumina.  She was truly in touch with her gods, and it was a gift for her to join them.  Wu places a hand over his heart and lowers his head.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on August 12, 2013, 01:20:41 PM
The Gorger grasped Sir Walter's shoulder rudely, and turned the paladin in an instant toward the ghoul's blood-spattered self.  "Damn it man, the woman gave us an opening!  Every moment we waste, we spit on her sacrifice!" The Gorger was heartless indeed, but in times of loss, such gifts allowed him a clear mind. "Where there are ghouls, there is a vampire.  We can infiltrate the defenses of his domain in the confusion." His motives were clear:  he wanted vampire blood.  "A small team will move quickest.  We'll need Akaga, his movements are swift, and he should be able to track the source.  We'll bring the 'Unity' as well, and..." The Gorger glared into Sir Walter's eyes, determined, "We'll need you.  There are many capable leaders here, and we'll need a man who can counteract the vampire's control over the ghouls... myself included."

"Now, collect your sagging gems old man.  Give the order." He released Sir Walter from his grip, and stepped back, resting the Siege Breaker on his shoulder.

Out of control. Insubordinate. Rude. Demanding. Vulgar. There were many words to describe The Gorger's actions.  Who was he to bark such insolence to the general of the Black Crusade?!

However, there was another word to describe his actions: sound.  His lack of attachments, his broken morals... this is what the Black Crusade was birthed for.  The combination of the righteous forces of light, with the necessary forces of darkness.  Balance.

However, in the end, it was still Sir Walter's decision, and whatever it was... the ghoul would trust in his judgement.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on August 12, 2013, 03:04:36 PM
Walter got to his feet , his hair hiding his expression as he reached a hand over and grasped his hammer. With one arm motion, the hammer swung about and landed on his shoulder in its typical rest. When he looked up, his jaw was set and his eyes were ablaze. Each and every one of those ghouls would pay dearly for their transgressions. He looked to the sky, took in a deep breath, and bellowed a single name.

"ALUCARD!"

The shout echoed in the air, and the once-shining sun hid again behind the clouds as a storm began to brew. The sky turned red and a swarm of bats swept over the area. They swarmed about and coalesced into the familiar leering shape of the great Vampire, who took a deep bow upon emerging from the swarm of bats.

"My master.." Alucard gave the acknowledgement more breath than usual, as if excited to be called again after so long.

"I have a task for you. I must remain here to lead my men against the remaining ghouls before they regroup. You will take The Gorger, Father Rau, and Sun Wu, and you will hunt down the vampire or vampires leading these ghouls."

The vampire once again bowed and turned to begin walking, but Walter's voice stopped him once more.

"And Alucard.....Make sure they die knowing the cause of their defeat..."

The Vampire knew instantly his master's meaning, and his razor sharp grin grew to take in his ears. He tipped his wide-brimmed hat and waved over the Trio.

"Come along, children. No time to waste." he said. And then he was off, at a walk that didn't seem humanly possible, covering as much ground each step as a running man would in several. "Do try to keep up." he called as he strode casually towards the cover of the forest.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on August 13, 2013, 08:21:08 PM
Without a word, The Gorger strapped the Siege Breaker to his back.  In an instant, his form contorted and twisted into that of a massive white wolf, his legs making a hideous snapping sound as the change took place.  Pale hairs stuck out from between his plates of armor, and mighty fangs took shape beneath his elongated snout.   He followed after Alucard, each step heavy enough to kick up dirt and debris.  He snapped his jaw as he ran, picking up a limb from one of the ghouls nearby to feed his strength, snarling as he chewed it to bits.

It was clear The Gorger was particularly motivated for this mission.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on August 14, 2013, 10:41:06 AM
Alucard returns.  And as quickly as he appears he is off, leading the trio off into the dark.

The Gorger undergoes a grotesque transformation and in the end takes the form of a white wolf.  Is everything about this creature disgusting? 

Wasting no time, Wu runs after the two of them.  Alucard sets a fast pace, his stride conquering a misleadingly large amount of distance.

"It has been some time, Alucard.  I hope the crusade has been treating you well."  Wu offers in a grim greeting.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 15, 2013, 08:51:57 AM
The ghoul’s intervention was disturbing to say the least. As his rotten words kept coming out of his mouth, a few sparks of aether went through the priest’s staff. Rau was even more irritated, since a moment ago he was conveying a similar point. This was a rare occasion, when the holy man and The Gorger would be on the same page, but now there was no question about it, the vampires responsible had to pay.

"ALUCARD!" … “Do try to keep up.”

Alucard’s presence was as intimidating as usual. The priest pondered for a second if he should ask where the vampire had been, but then the thought that he might not want to know occurred, so instead he just ran after the vampire, while trying to match his pace.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on August 18, 2013, 10:33:20 AM
"They're close. I can feel them. Pitiful creatures..." Alucard said, lifting his face to the sky as if taking in the scent of the vampires. The group has traveled deep into the forest, and Alucard had come to a stop when he had sensed their presence.

"Here they come..." he said, as four Vampires appeared from smoke, standing in a line across from the party.

"You! Cowed Vampire fool! How dare you face us, whelp! How dare you bring the undead into our lair! You will pay for your presumption!" The lead vampire, armored in what looked like plate armor, styled after bats and demons, bellowed at Alucard. Then the group of vampires turned their Gaze onto the Gorger, and the Ghoul could feel their wills hammering at his mind, giving orders and applying force, ordering him to kill the group he was with.

Alucard raised a hand to hold off the other two party members and then turned to look at the Gorger.

"What will you do, beast?" Alucard said, looking down at the Ghoul. "You are beset by four meager vampires' wills. Walter can't help you here. What will you do? Will you fight like a man? Or will you give in like a dog? Hurry, your time is running out. Hurry, hurry hurry! My patience is growing short! Make your decision, ghoul! Make your decision! Are you a man or are you a dog? Hurry!" Alucard grew almost ecstatic as he spoke to the ghoul, his voice growing into an excited growl, as if he derived some twisted fulfillment from watching the Gorger's mental battle.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 19, 2013, 01:47:20 PM
"What will you do, beast?" … Are you a man or are you a dog? Hurry!"

Rau is shocked by Alucard’s words. “What kind of mindless game are you playing?!” As he speaks, sparks of aether begin to appear and just as quickly disappear around his body. “This is neither the place nor the time for such stupidity!’ The holy man would not move against the vampire, but he would not stand quietly and watch such frivolousness. The actions of the vampire were all but acceptable.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on August 19, 2013, 03:11:30 PM
Every impulse in The Gorger's body told him to lash out and slay those around him.  His bones snapped and cracked as he transformed back into a humanoid shape, and wrapped his digits around the Siege Breaker, tearing it from its binding.  Why was Alucard allowing this to happen?! The ghoul's body was visibly quaking as he fought their will... it was all too familiar.

A makeshift arena made from ruins found deep in the forest surrounded him.  In front of him, another ghoul... they wore the same armor - the plating of crusaders.  Neither had weapons, except for the very chains that were used to imprison them.  "Another brother of the crusade..." he said with disappointment.

"Yes... it seems that way.  Do you... remember anything?"

He paused. "...I do not."

"I see." the other took a fighting stance, and pivoted his foot forward. "It seems from your adornments... you are my commander."

"...Yes.  I... have failed, it seems."

"Will you not fight?"


The Gorger slammed the Siege Breaker into the ground, and steadily rose to his feet, his white hair draped over his eyes as he made the steady climb.

"...I will not."

"We have little choice, my friend."

"I will resist until the end."

"...You are brave.  I had given up long ago."

"Brother... what does... my face look like?"

The other smiled, "You are young for a commanding officer.  There is not a doubt in my mind that the ladies flocked to you, friend.  Yet, your eyes speak of experience... and... what of mine?"


The Gorger turned to his allies with a fire in his eyes, his teeth grinding against one another - enough to make his gums bleed.  Even Father Rau had not seen such a visage of anger as this, not even when the Siege Breaker itself hovered over his head.

"Your wear many scars, middle-aged... your wrinkles show you have smiled a great deal.  You have lived a wonderful life."

The middle-aged ghoul smiled, his wrinkles showing as his eyes watered.  "Thank you, Commander.  I know little of our past, but... it has been an honor."

"Aye.  It has."

Like so many times before, the commander fell helpless to the vampire's will, giving in to madness once again.  His vision tunneled, and sanguine stained his eyes.  Blood covered his pale hands, and the taste was fresh on his tongue, his hunger sated once again.  Tears ran down his face, swearing to himself silently, "Your strength is mine now, brother... the blood I've spilled..." his fists clenched tightly, "...it shall not be wasted!"


The Gorger was still, hissing through his teeth with each breath as the vampires exacted their will upon him.  Both hands clenched onto his weapon tightly as he lowered his body as he always did before the kill... The words of his allies seemed to fall on deaf ears.

His jaw moved slightly, whispering something inaudibly.  He repeated it... and repeated it... steadily, it became louder, from a hiss, to a growl...

(Insatiable Wrath)

Suddenly, The Gorger turned, and let loose a ground-shaking roar, "I AM NO BEAST, NOR MAN..." he lunged toward the vampires with all of his might, debris scattering with the sheer force of the violent movement, "...I AM A WARRIOR!"

The Siege Breaker's blade came down onto the lead vampire with enough force to shake the leaves from the trees nearby...
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on August 19, 2013, 11:37:00 PM
"Yes!" Alucard's cry was almost euphoric. "Yes! Show them your fury! Now you have broken the bonds of servitude! Now you can truly be called a Warrior!" Alucard turned to the Quartet and put his hands up in a fighting stance, not even bothering to draw his weapons. "Now, the fun begins!"


It happened so fast. In one instant the Vampire the Gorger was attacking raised its hands and caught the oncoming weapon effortlessly, and then the next Alucard's hand was erupting from his chest, holding his heart in its grip. The Vampire Count spat blood as the Monster Alucard crushed the heart in his fist and retreated his hand through the hole, savoring the dripping blood with his unnaturally long tongue.

"Come, fight with me, Gorger! Let's show them the fury of an unchained Warrior!" Alucard was electrified. This was the most emotion he'd shown since the party had met him. His normal cool was absolved into absolute bloodlust as He danced about the Vampires, too fast for the eye to track, parrying, striking, harassing the Vampires as if he were toying with them.

Another one fell, his throat torn out in a fountain of blood.


Alucard appeared before Sun Wu and Father Rau, his jaw drenched in Vitae, his hands dripping with vital fluids and flesh.

"What are you waiting for? The fun is only just begun! Come and join us!" And then he was gone in a blur again.

It seemed the Gorger and Alucard would handle the Vampire counts, but there was movement in the forest. From the shadows alighted four more vampires. These didn't appear to be as powerful as the other four however, likely only clansmen. But they attacked with supernatural speed, charging the Priest and Monk with claws outstretched. They intended to feast, unless the two reacted quickly.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on August 20, 2013, 09:45:46 AM
Alucard's demeanor has changed dramatically.  The typically calm and composed vampire has transformed into a bloodthirsty killer.

Sun Wu knows to keep his guard up, even with Alucard and The Gorger keeping the four vampires occupied.  The dizzying melee is difficult to keep track of.  He does not want any stray teeth, claws, or Siege Breakers catching him unaware.

Alucard appears in front of Father Rau and himself, a visage of death dripping in blood and flesh.

"What are you waiting for? The fun is only just begun! Come and join us!"  He is back into the fray in a blink.

Movement in the forest, followed by four vampires charging forth.  Wu immediately jumps into action.  He crouches as he turns to face them.  The air behind him wavers as he begins building Chi.

It is Wu's turn to change his demeanor.  His body flexes as he visibly strains to gather an enormous amount of Chi very quickly.  With a shout he springs forward with a churning wall of Chi thundering behind him. 

He finds his Frozen Flood attack easier to execute after learning the Moulded Chi technique from Theldorian.  Because it takes less effort to pull the Chi behind him, Wu is able to focus more on his opponents before him.

As he is almost upon the four vampires Wu throws a haymaker with his left arm.  He is a few feet too far to hit any of the them, but he puts his weight behind the strike anyway.  Another shout escapes his lips as the immense buildup of Chi barrels past him.  The Frozen Flood threatens to overwhelm the four vampires.  The hardened Chi attempts to pierce and slice into any vampires caught in its path with great force.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on August 21, 2013, 10:11:02 PM
"Come, fight with me, Gorger! Let's show them the fury of an unchained Warrior!" 

The Gorger snarled, infuriated with Alucard's antics.  Though, he could not deny... this small window of free will was absolutely delightful, and it was a trial he had to face because of Alucard's actions.

The ghoul swung the Siege Breaker over his head and unleashed the chains, sending them only far enough to cover his immediate area.  The fact that the previous vampire had to catch the blade at all meant that he feared it... yet, the fact that he was capable meant that it was the speed of the vampires that was their greatest weapon.

He would take that speed away from them.

The Gorger twisted his body and lowered himself to the ground in a single motion, and the chains of the Siege Breaker followed as it aligned with the midsections of the vampires... with Alucard's onslaught, it was doubtful they would have time to evade the chains, and should the chains connect and entrap them... The Gorger would recall the chains to their cylinder, and vampire blood would follow.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 23, 2013, 06:34:57 AM
Rau can not hide his anger towards the actions of their companion vampire. Facing enemies such as vampires without even the simplest of strategies is madness. The chaos on their current battlefield caused by his actions, infuriated the priest. The sparks of aether, had turned into a current shaped waves, crackling as they go through out the priests body. Even though the group had the strength to face off against such creatures, acting in such manner was the easiest way for something to go wrong. The almost instantaneous dead of two of their enemies, only served to aggravate him further. Regardless of one's strength, underestimating your foes may cost you dearly.

"What are you waiting for? The fun is only just begun! Come and join us!"

The holy man did not have the slightest of intent to join their battle, unless he absolutely had to.

Thanks to the quick actions of the monk, Rau notices the incoming group of vampires. He follows after the monk and is about to use up all the aether, that is running through his body right now.

(Soul redemption) As he gathers the aether in his staff and hands, it begins to emit a loud crackling sound. He concentrates on the closest of the four approaching vampires. His energy begins to fade and stops shortly before disappearing. A moment later, a dim fog forms around the vampire, engulfing his surroundings. The fog is made of aether and will damage the vampire unless he has the sufficient energy to repel it. The purification of the soul will most likely not cleanse the soul completely, but from the forceful attempt of removing the soul of the undead body, he should be stooped in his tracks.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on August 28, 2013, 12:19:06 PM
As the Siege Breaker wrapped around the first vampire count's torso, the second leaped into the air to avoid it, only for Alucard to appear in the air above him and slam him back into the dirt by his head, creating a sizable crater in the ground. His head crushed and torn from his neck, the vampire died immediately. The second was pulled into the Gorger, his spine snapping from the force of the chains, and his death would soon follow.

Of the four vampires that attacked Rau and Sun Wu, one escaped the attacks thrown at them. Two vampires managed to avoid the oncoming torrent of chi, and one of those two was caught by Rau's attack, shrieking in pain as holy energy flooded his system. The remaining vampire leaped through the air and was prepared to come down on Father Rau, when he was struck from the side by a flying Alucard, the greater vampire's Fangs sinking into his prey's throat as he tore him to the side, landing behind the group and standing, the dead vampire still held in his jaws.

"Yesss..." Alucard growled through his full mouth, before chomping down, causing a spray of blood as he tore out a chunk of the flesh of the vampire's throat, swallowing the bloody meat without a second thought.

"Yes!" The vampire shouted now that his food was finished. "Do you feel it?" he shouted at the others as the three vampires fell under their attacks, dying one by one. "Do you feel the rush of blood, the thunder of war drums in your ears?" But then, the battle was over, and the Vampire collected himself. His razor-grin calmed to his usual flat expressionless visage, and the blood on his frame seemed to seep into him, leaving him completely clean.

"Come." He said, returned to his usual self. "We'd best report back to Sir Walter. Though I imagine he's noticed by now." With that he began the walk back to the remainder of the crusade.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on August 30, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Mentally exhausted, The Gorger collapsed to his knees.  His breath was heavy, and his heart raced.  The task he had just completed was perhaps the greatest obstacle he had ever faced, though it may not have seemed so to the eyes of others.

Using the Siege Breaker, he climbed to his feet, and walked calmly toward the vampires.  He grabbed the grand vampire by the hair, and slung what was left of the bastard over his shoulder.  He put away the Siege Breaker, and grabbed yet another vampire, who occupied the other shoulder.

"My fellow night walkers... they shall eat well."

For just a small window of time, The Gorger was feeling generous.  This day, he would share his meal with the other night walkers.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on August 31, 2013, 10:14:35 AM
Rau was surprised at the effectiveness of his spell. He did not expect the vampire to die from it. Perhaps the aether was far stronger than he originally thought. Unfortunately he did not have time to think about such things as the last vampire leaped towards him. However, before he could even react the vampire was already taken care of. Alucard had a sizable chunk of the last surviving enemy's throat in his mouth.

"Yesss..."... Though I imagine he's noticed by now."

The priest was displeased. Alucard's outburst was an alarming sign. This man only brought chaos with him and in chaos problems thrive. The holy man wanted to confront the creation and had good reasons to, but unfortunately it could turn out ugly. Ancient, powerful and probably crazy, the greater vampire was undoubtedly dangerous. Confronting him now would not be wise, thus Rau refrains from speaking his mind. He quietly goes in line and follows as they head towards the crusade.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on September 03, 2013, 02:24:53 PM
Wu narrows his eyes as two of the vampires avoid his Frozen Flood attack.  One of them is destroyed by a spell from Father Rau.  The other rains down blood as it is viciously bitten by Alucard.  As the last drops of blood fall to the ground the battle is over.

Sun Wu collects himself as he surveys the area.  The Gorger has fared well against these vampires, although the battle seems to have worn on him more than it should have.

Alucard truly revels in battle.  He thrives off of it.  Wu does not share in his excitement. 

Without a word, the monk follows after the others.  Hopefully the destruction of these vampires has been beneficial.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on September 04, 2013, 12:02:06 AM
Somehow, despite the group's best efforts, Alucard got far ahead of them on the walk back, and by the time they'd finished reaching camp, Alucard was finishing up a conversation with Walter and was once again disappearing into the trees. Walter turned to them as they approached, looking at the Gorger in particular with a knowing look.

"Alucard tells me he put you through a trial-by-fire Gorger." Walter said as the group approached. "He praised your strength of will and says that we won't have to worry about conflicting loyalties should you be near Vampires without a watcher. High praise from him. I know he can seem callous and even downright careless at times, especially when he's been riled up for a fight. But he's always got a plan. His teaching style may be....Rough...But I can't argue that it isn't effective. You'd never have known how you'd fare against a vampire's will until you faced it yourself, and better while Alucard was there than while no-one was." With that he offered the ghoul a knowing nod and looked to the other two.

"And he tells me you two are impressive. Even more surprises. He says you're strong of heart, Rau, to stand up to him. And Sun Wu, he says he's surprised you're as calm and quick as you are. I don't think you realize how important that man's good word is gentlemen. It carries a lot of weight, since he's one who only respects those who can earn it from him."

He turned to lead them into the camp.

"Come. You'd best rest. In a few hours, we leave for the Black city. The ghoul army has dispersed or died after you killed the vampires, and our next goal is open. We move into the Black city from below and we'll defeat General Dark raven with a surprise attack from within the city while the bulk of the main crusade attacks from without. Now you'd best eat and rest. We march in five hours."

With that he turned and strode over to Seth to continue discussing their plans, leaving the trio to their own devices.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on September 05, 2013, 07:03:25 AM
At first Rau attempts to fall into the vampires pace, but seeing how he has no intention of slowing down, the priest sets his own pace and continues towards the camp.

"Alucard tells me he put you through a trial-by-fire Gorger."... who can earn it from him."

Rau did not approve of Alucards approach towards the situation. Reckless, arrogant, for the vampire this probably seemed like a game, yet the hpriest had to admit that with Alucard’s power the trio were never truly in danger. It was not anger he felt now it was frustration. Quickly his frustration, turned into a feeling of helplessness, thinking on the gap in strength and what would have happened if Alucard wasn’t there.

The priest wandered through the camp for a while processing everything that had happened since he boarder the crusade’s ship. So much had occurred in such a short time. He had seen wonders and monsters he had never imagined seeing. The priest himself had changed so much, and yet it was not enough. In this war there was more he could do, much more. General Dark Raven was their next goal and he needs to be ready for whatever was to come.

The aether Rau uses still remains an enigma. Extremely powerful and not easy to handle, it could be dangerous if he failed another spell. Even so he had to use it to its limits and go even beyond them. He might have set on that path, but he still has a long way to go and he needs to hurry along.

Rau grabs a quick bite and quickly goes to find Valorkoth. Finding a dragon amidst an army of men and monsters does not prove to be a difficult task for the priest. He quickly finds him and requests and audience.

“Valorkoth, i seek your council,” he approaches the dragon and shows his respect with a slight bow. “For the short time I have had the ability to wield it, I have used a lot of aether,” it takes Rau a little effort to say the next sentence. “And I am ashamed of how I have performed. Not only was I not able to gauge my own strength, I also endangered our forces. I cannot have that,” taking a moment to lower his voice the holy man goes on. “The one at fault is me, yet I still want to ask for your help. Please can you help me? In this turbulent war, I cannot take my time to understand it on my own thus I seek your guidance once more. I know I won’t be able to master it, but at least I want to know how to make sure I don’t harm my fellow crusader, shield them if I have to.”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on September 06, 2013, 06:45:11 PM
The Gorger consumed his share of the vampire lord, and tossed the rest of the body - along with his comrade - to the werewolves and ghouls.  "Eat up."

He turned away, and briefly looked for a place to be alone for a moment.  It was nearly impossible.  Such a massive army, scattered about as they set up camp and rested.  The Gorger couldn't stand the sight of a single one of them.  Though their goals coincided, The Gorger never truly had a choice, and still had none.

For the time being, however, he required their help in killing the vampires.  His mightiest blow with his mightiest weapon was easily deflected by the skinny arms of some smug-looking vampire nobility.  Without Alucard, he would be dead.  The thought disgusted him.

Vampires were such powerful beings by nature alone.  Could a ghoul never surpass them?  With his great physical strength that could sunder stone itself, could he never breach a high vampire's twiggy limbs?

He paced angrily through the encampment, taking no solace in the praise he'd received.

A way to surpass the physical plane... a way to crush beings that seemed to ignore the natural physics of the world... then, it hit him.  Seth knew a great deal of magic, though he was busy planning with Walter.  No, better yet... Sun Wu.  The monk had once explained Chi to The Gorger before.

Moments later, having sniffed Sun Wu out... "Monk." he arose to his feet from behind the monk.  "How does one learn to use... 'chi?'"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on September 09, 2013, 02:54:45 PM
Sun Wu sits cross legged on his bedroll.  A plume of smoke rolls out of his mouth as he exhales a long draw on his pipe.  The bottle of water he always carries is sitting in front of him.  The water has a slight blue glow to it.

"I used to believe," he pauses to take a pull from his pipe, "that Chi is like a river coursing through a person's body."  He waves his hand over the bottle and the water spins inside.  "It works for me to think this way.  My soul longed to be taken away with the current, ever moving.

He waves his hand over the bottle once again, but this time the water lies still.  "Theldorian, one of the Elves is a master of harnessing Chi.  He showed me that I am close in my thinking.  Chi is fluid and malleable, but it prefers to lie still.  I was comfortable with the current.  I took strength in it."

Wu pries the cork off of the bottle and pours some of the water on the ground.  It follows the slope of the dirt downhill for a few feet until it collects in a small puddle. 

"True mastery of Chi requires a person to be settled in themselves.  The churning of my emotions and desires sends my Chi into a flowing river instead of a still lake."

Wu slams the cork back onto the bottle and stuffs it into his pack sitting nearby.  He finally exhales the smoke from the last pull of his pipe.  "A placid lake is fine.  But if the dam is opened it turns into a raging river.  Yes.  I must learn to open and close the dam.  But where does the dam belong if the lake is endless?"

The monk finally turns and looks at The Gorger.  His eyes betray the many thoughts churning through his mind.  "The first step is to find your pool, or your river, or whatever else it is that you can find within yourself.  Once you are in touch with that, then you can will it to aid you."  Wu considers The Gorger for a moment.  "Your appetite, while a manifestation of your current condition, may hold ties to your inner self.  Ponder it, trace it to its source.  What you find might surprise you."

Wu turns forward again and sighs.  "Now please, I have many things to consider."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on September 09, 2013, 04:20:01 PM
"Young one." The dragon said, turning his neck and lowering it down to the Human's level. "You have solved your own quandry in your own words, yet you do not realize it." Valorkoth turned his neck up to the sky and exhaled a short burst of fire. "We dragons are beings of fire; creatures of will and emotion. And so it would be that our kind would be the first to draw upon the Aether. The Aether that you draw upon is a manifestation of your intent to affect the universe around you. This much you seem to have learned. But your intent is composed of two parts. The will, the act you wish to perform, and the Emotion, the personal feeling behind the act. You are turbulent, so much like this war, and so your intent is muddled, and so too will be your spell."

The dragon looked down at the dirt and planted a claw on a rent in the earth formed by the previous battle. Light flowed from his hand into the tear, and soon it closed, seeming to be renewed.

"A healer draws upon the Aether to mend. This act is composed of the will to heal injuries. But it is also formed of the Emotion of the act. Compassion is the fuel for healing. A true healer mends wounds with compassion in their heart, a kindness of being that seeks to make others suffer less."

He then clenched his claw on a bone lying on the ground next to that patch of dirt. His eyes narrowed into slits and his teeth ground, and the bone set itself alight in holy fire, turning to ash in moments.

"A warrior draws upon the Aether to harm. They have the will to deal damage and strike down foes. Their emotion is anger, justice, vengeance, any of the above. A seasoned warrior, however, recognizes that choice of emotion is key. An Aether warrior who draws too heavily upon Vengeance as fuel will find themselves lashing out at anything that gives them cause, distancing themselves from their allies and ultimately drowning them in darkness. Vengeance and anger are powerful emotions, and should be used cautiously, lest they overwhelm their wielder. Justice is a positive emotion, but easily linked to the darker spectrum. Vengeance hidden behind the guise of Justice is vengeance nonetheless. Justice is blind, and makes decisions regardless of personal opinion, acting only as is just and right. The balance between these emotions and desires must be maintained in an Aether warrior. Seek to right your emotion to your will, and your intent will be clear, and your control more precise."


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

The night air grew slightly more cold as the sound of hoofbeats approached. Crows that had previously been silent screeched in the night and alighted from their perches in the trees. A figure in blackened armor, a headless rider, approached the settlement, his skull resting in the crook of one arm as he rode. Black eyes stared ahead as the Dullahan's chilly visage remained unmoving, the head silently watching his path. The dullahan's left arm holds the reins, the Night-black shield adorning the forearm flashing a worn white cross to the night air. His knight's tabard bore the same insignia, both the cloth on his chest and the cape flowing behind him made of tattered, black cloth. The Horse made no sound, though at such a gallop it should have been panting and slathering were it any living steed. A soft blue glow emanated from its frame, though its coat was black as the armor of its rider. Where its hooves beat the dirt, the plants wither and die, leaving a trail of dying grass behind it.

       The dark rider pulls to a stop in front of Sir Walter and Seth's campfire. Out of earshot of the rest of the camp, the rider lets go of his head and it floats into the air beside the armor, speaking to the pair. A menacing right gauntlet, black as coal extends out, holding a letter for the Tamer. Sir Walter takes it and peruses its contents before rolling it up and nodding. Tossing the letter into the fire he signals the Dullahan to follow. Dismounting, the rider leaves his spectral steed where it stands, having no need to hitch his mount, and follows Sir Walter. The horse shimmered and then dispersed into mist, fading into the night until its master's next call.

"Alright men!" Sir Walter's booming voice echoed through the campground, turning all eyes to him. "Prepare to move out! I want The Gorger, Sun Wu, Father Rau and Axel here on the double!"

When those ordered had gathered, Sir Walter addressed them as a group.

"Alright. You four are needed for a special assignment. Our plan of attack is a twofold diversion. The bulk of the Crusade will attack the Black City directly. Most of our group will scale the walls and attack from behind. And then you four will accompany this Dullahan through the Sewers on a hunt for General Darkraven. His name is Vildayvin Devaron, and you will obey his orders as if they were my own. He knows the Black city well enough to lead you to your target. General Darkraven will be leading his men from the Belltower of the Church of blood in the center of the city. Vildayvin will lead you through the Sewers to the Central square, where you'll have to fight your way to the Church to take down the General. Axel is coming because he knows the Undead strategy, and once Vildayvin has gotten you to the surface he can make sure you survive to the church. Axel is acting as second-in-command to this mission, and he deserves equal respect. Your lives depend on these two men. And the Entire Crusade depends on your actions as a whole. Move out as soon as you're ready. The army is moving now."

With that out of the way, Walter strode away from the group to organize the rest of his forces as they gathered up for the march.

"Right...So, we'd better move, we can introduce ourselves while we go. After you, sir." Axel said, looking at Vildayvin.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on September 09, 2013, 09:43:42 PM
The Dulluhan follows behind Walter, his separated head matching speed with the armored form, gazing around at the soldiers as they rush around preparing to move on the aged crusaders orders.  Vegetation withers and dies, leaving a trail of brown death behind the reaper.  A distracted soldier, focused on gathering his gear and forming up with his unit doesnt move fast enough as the cursed warrior brushes against him.  The soldier stumbles and a gasp of shock is heard as a feeling similar to freezing ice water flows across his arm.
          Sir Walter comes to a stop as the owners of the four names he bellowed make their arrivals, Vildayvin stopping next to him.  His head floats silently in front of him at about chest level and his left hand rests on the pommel of his sword and his right on the handle of his whip.  The eyes of his skull-like crown flit between the men before him as Walter informs them of the upcoming battle plans.  At the mention of his name when Sir Walter introduces him, his head nods towards the elite soldiers.  As Walter moves away to tend to the matters of his army, the mouth of Vildayvin's head (which up til now was twisted into a maniacal looking grin) speaks to the men before him.  The voice is raspy and haunting.

"Greetings to you Gorger...Father Rau....Sun Wu.  I have been told much about you three."

The head's eyes gaze at each of the three slowly as he speaks.  The Gorger...a creature of incredible ferocity and strength...but also a creature of incredible hunger turned only a short while ago.  Sun Wu...an Akavashani monk strong at wielding the fabled Chi powers of his people.  Finally (the eyes almost seem to settle on Rau the longest), Father Rau Canires...a well versed and knowledgeable priest of Lumos...quite powerful but also quite haughty and judgemental.

Axel: "Right...So, we'd better move, we can introduce ourselves while we go. After you, sir."

The head turns towards Axle.

"Yes...we have a bit of a ride ahead of us still and we must move quickly.  There are many shadows and crags for the enemy to hide within between us and the Black City."

The head's mouth returns to the maniacal grin from before as Vildayvin turns and raises his right arm.  A faint blue mist seeps out from behind his gauntlet and flows towards the ground.  Suddenly the mist coalesces and Frostmane, the cursed rider's faithful steed is before him.  The horseman walks over to the dreadsteed and effortlessly climbs into the saddle, his head floating slightly above his neck gazing down at his companions.

"We must move with all possible speed.  Axle...would you be able to acquire mounts to carry our friends forth?"

He then looks at the Gorger.

"Though from what I have heard you may not need any such assistance my ghoulish comrade."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on September 10, 2013, 07:14:28 PM
After Sun Wu was finished speaking, The Gorger came to an uncharacteristic pause.  The inner self... the center from which The Gorger draws all of his actions.  The monk's words landed soundly, and the ghoul came to the sudden realization of how long gone his identity truly was.  Why is it he acts the way he does?  If he was only hungry, why is it that he always made sure to take the front lines?  Why did he split from the group when the werewolves attacked to break their position?  Why did he fight so hard not to kill his fellow Crusaders when the vampires attempted to retake him?  And in spite of it all... why did he still hate the Crusade so much?  What was this lingering bitterness that he could not seem to fend off?

The desire to unlock the secrets of his past came to the forefront.  Though, he wondered if such deeds would allow him the inner calm the monk spoke of.

After a short time of introspection, the call was made.  The Gorger was needed.  With a frustrated rumble in his throat, he picked himself up, and made his way to Sir Walter's summons.

The Gorger sensed the presence of a powerful being he did not recognize as he approached.  He was adorned in fine armor and weaponry, and his head flowed about his form in a manner unusual for common a Dullahan.

As he spoke, The Gorger found himself disturbed by yet another monster in the Black Crusade.  He wanted to be here.  It was as if his very presence stabbed at The Gorger.  How can all these monsters willingly work with the Crusade, when The Gorger seemed to hide some great deal of bitterness toward them?  Their goals coincided, so why...?


"Though from what I have heard you may not need any such assistance my ghoulish comrade."

The raspy voice of the frozen knight snapped him out of his daze.  "Comrade?" The Gorger laughed. "An interesting formality toward a slave."

The ghoul's vertebrae popped and his legs cracked as white hairs enveloped his frame, his gums bleeding and regenerating as large fangs tore through.  Coming to all fours, he snarled. "Let's get on with it, then."

Though they had just met, was clear the ghoul was at least cooperative, and positioned himself where he could keep up with the Dullahan.  The Gorger's heightened senses would be able to sense any incoming threats as they traveled.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on September 11, 2013, 11:03:15 AM
Wu has returned to calm.  His ranting while in the company of The Gorger has subsided and he wears his typical placid demeanor once again.

There is no dam, he has decided.  There is just stillness and calm.  His will is the current pushing his Chi to action.  Sun Wu has, in the darkest and most evil of lands, found the path to a greater understanding of serenity.

Sir Walter calls.  Wu gathers his things and assembles with The Gorger, Father Rau, the one called Axle, and a man without a head.

A Dulluhan.  One of the storied headless horsemen.  Vildayvin is his name.  Wu considers him as he is introduced to the group.  The monk greets him with a nod and a slight bow.  At this point in the crusade his previous wariness towards the monstrous and dark leaning forces of the word has waned. 

"Understood, Sir Walter."  Is Wu's simple reply to their orders.

He hasn't traveled by horse very often, but he is familiar with how to ride and control a horse.  He waits patiently for a steed, or for the ask to trot on foot.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on September 13, 2013, 06:17:26 AM
Rau was deep in thought as he contemplated, what the dragon has told him. He was aware that emotion fueled his powers, but the information that intent dictated its properties was new to him. If aether was a manifestation of ones own emotion, it would make sense that one could be able to bound it to his will.  Healing with compassion would make sense as well, putting in will and emotion, both with the strong desire to alleviate pain would make the spell more potent. What if in it ...  Rau's mind was running wild with the possibilities, he could do so much. Of course there is bound to be some trial and error, perhaps even some unstable spells, if his emotions were not in the right place, but in time the possibilities would be endless.

"Thank you... you have thought me a great deal once more. If it is ever within my power to repay you this debt I will not hesitate to do so." Rau bowed to the dragon and made his way back to the main part of the camp upon receiving Sir Walter's summons.

"Alright. You four are needed for a special assignment... The army is moving now."

Rau had mixed feeling on seeing a Dullahan take the lead of their small task force. However, considering the fact that their leader's judgement had not led them astray so far, he accepted the situation and gave a nod of approval.

"Yes...we have a bit of a ride ahead of us still and we must move quickly... "Though from what I have heard you may not need any such assistance my ghoulish comrade."

The priest took a quick look at the assembly of monster, that would jump into battle with him. He let out a sigh before replying. "I have no means of fast travel, thus I would require a horse or another fitting means of transportation."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on September 15, 2013, 10:23:19 AM
Axel retrieved his own horse, an undead mare, sallow and skeletal in several places, by the name of Nightsong, as well as two strong and able horses for the priest and monk.

"Come on, we'd best get going."

The group's ride was mostly uneventful. The darkness of the forest flew past as they raced along on horseback. Nightsong knew her rider by instinct, and he was able to easily keep pace with the Dullahan, avoiding any obstacles on the path while matching the galloping speed of Frostmane.

After a few hours' ride, they came to the mouth of the sewers, a massive, gaping hole in the bottom of the otherwise massive walls of the city, leaking out sewage and filth. It was by no means a pleasant stench, and Axel felt fortunate that his sense of smell was muted by undeath. There were noises of rodents scurrying about inside the cavernous sewers, and likely the place was infested with all manner of pests.

"Right...Well..After you then. I'd get lost fairly quick in there." Alex said, indicating that the Dullahan should lead the way.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on September 17, 2013, 07:50:58 PM
The lidless eyes of the horseman gaze at the decayed form of the Gorger spoke to him and then transformed into a ghoulish wolf.  The same raspy voice echoes from the cold lips of the floating head.

"Slave?  No....not a slave my friend.  A slave is beaten and mistreated and given nothing in return.  What they [he motions towards the moving army] have given you is a chance at redemption...a chance at freedom.  That is NOT something your vampiric master would have ever given you I can assure you of that.  You must show Sir Walter and the others though that you understand what they are trying to give you."

The head then floats down towards The Gorger so only he can hear what is said next.

"You must show them that you accept their gift of redemption...that you are not some vicious monster devoid of reason....that you deserve freedom.  Fight the hunger within....fight the anger!"

Axel: "Come on, we'd best get going."

At hearing this Vildayvin's skull returns to the area above his shoulders.

"Yes...the Black City awaits!"

Frostmane rears up as the Dulluhan speaks this and unleashes a ghostly shrieking sound.  The dark rider and his mount then take off towards the north.  Knowing that two of the three mounts following him are only mortal creatures, the Dulluhan keeps Frostmane at a more...normal pace compared to the speed he would normally ride at.  As they ride through the darkness, his head glances around and his right hand rests near his whip as if he expected a surprise attack at any moment.  They arrive at the mouth of the sewers without incident though and he dismounts from Frostmane quickly.  Extending his hand once again, an icey mist flows from Frostmane towards its rider, seeping through the cracks in the blackened armor until suddenly the ethereal steed vanishes.  Motioning his companions to follow him, Vildayvin adjusts his shield and unsheathes his ebony longsword.

"Be wary for the sewers are large and cavernous...easy to get lost in and to get ambushed in."

He moves into the sewers, glancing back to ensure the rest of the group is behind him before moving into the stench filled darkness.  He leads the group through numerous twisting and turning tunnels, occasionally stopping to examine a section of wall or stone as if scanning for hidden markings.  Eventually they reach a large wooden door blocking their path.  Sheathing his blade the Dulluhan tests the door, finding it locked.  He gazes at it for a moment, deciding on how to proceed when he suddenly raises his right leg up and kicks against the door.  The riders unholy strength proves more then enough to smash the old rotten door off its hinges and launches the beam that had also been securing the door forward as well.  Drawing his blade once more Vildayvin moves into the room slowly, gazing around to see if any response occurs from his noisome entrance.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on September 18, 2013, 02:28:21 PM
The ride is uneventful, which is a relief.  Wu is grateful for the horse.  The beast carries him for a few hours.  The monk feels guilty for leaving the animal once they reach the mouth of the sewers.  He dismounts and runs his hand over the horse's head and neck soothingly.   

"I hope you find your way to safety in this dark land."  Wu says as the horse walks away.  "Current guide you."

The monk falls in behind Vildayvin as the Dulluhan leads them through the sewers.  As their leader forcefully kicks in a door and causes an unnecessary amount of noise Wu wonders just what they have been led into. 

As the heavy door tumbles to a stop Wu stands stone still, straining to hear if there is any response to the excessive amount of noise.  Not wanting to be left behind he continues on into the room great caution.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on September 20, 2013, 01:07:39 PM
The Gorger's face visibly wrinkled in anger as Vildayvin lectured him.  "This is not the first time some fool has preached to me of atonement.  Hah!  Redemption... for what crime?  Tell me, dullahan, what atrocities have I committed?  I fell in the service of the very Crusade you speak so highly of, yet I require atonement?!" The white wolf's eyes glared at the dullahan, independent from the head facing forward.  "This may come as a surprise to an ignorant fool like yourself or Father Rau, but the times I have had my own will, I have slain vampires and vampires alone.  Not a drop of innocent blood has been spilt by my will." He bared his teeth, and snarled,  "I have nothing to atone for!"

"Yet here I am, serving the Crusade I once served long ago.  I was tortured, forced to eat my own comrades alive, and do not even know if I have friends or loved ones waiting for me in the capital." He chuckled, "And then a tamer comes along... steals my will after I save his life from a vampire lord, hands me over where I am told constantly that as long as I behave, they'll take this damned collar off me!  Like a common thief in an overburdened prison, being let out because of 'good behavior.'  I am experimented on with holy magics by some upstart priest, and talked down to by some headless idiot who - without knowing a damned thing - says I should 'redeem' myself.  Is this what I am given in return of my service then, dullahan?!"

His gaze returned to the path before them.  "Count yourself lucky my hatred for the vampire lords surpasses that of the Crusade.  When Dracula lies dead at my feet, I may seek answers on my own path, but I'll be dead before I seek out your damned approval."

Through his tirade, he still remained vigilant.  Although he spoke ill of the Crusade, he still at least seemed to have some degree of dutifulness.  Though frequently labeled as an unruly monster, it could not be denied that he was reliable in the field.

________________________________________________________


As Vildayvin creates an entrance, The Gorger returns to his bipedal form and mounts the core of the Siege Breaker on his back, and grabs the mace and blade by their handles.  The cramped quarters would not allow him to use his typical fighting style, and therefor opted for something a little more... up close and personal.  He moved in closely after the dullahan, his weapons at the ready.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on September 21, 2013, 10:25:00 AM
The Priest listens to yet another remarkably naive tantrum from the Gorger.

“Ha-ha-ha, you are sorely mistaken if you think someone wants you to atone. There is no means of atonement for the lives you have taken. Be it by your will or the will of another, the facts remain the same. You have taken human lives, you are a threat. Humans will hate and fear you. The tamer you saved; the funny thing is he actually saved you as well. What do you think would have happened upon his report of a monstrous ghoul? A hunting party would have been dispatched, if you defeat them, maybe a regiment of soldiers would have been sent next. By all means you would have had a short and bleak life. In fact even Sir Walter saved your life. Do you think something as dangerous as you would be given to a normal tamer? If it was not for someone as exceptional as our leader, chances are you would have been put down at the first signs of outbursts, no one would have risked keeping you around.” The holy man looks at The Gorger for a few seconds, letting all he had said sink in. “You are given an opportunity to pick a side, to prove your worth and who knows maybe even earn some respect along the way.  Only by changing you savage nature you can find yourself a peaceful place within this world.”

Their ride takes the party to the sewers of the Black City and they proceed inside with caution, or that was what the priest thought. As the dulluhan kicks down the door a frown of disappointment can be seen on the holy man’s face. Every one moves in and the priest takes a position at the back, making sure nothing comes in from behind while the rest of the group investigates the room.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on September 24, 2013, 09:44:05 PM
The noise of the door crashing down went largely unnoticed by the inhabitants of the room, and it soon became clear that this was a central drainage basin for the sewer system. It was a large circular room, and in the center was a large pit of waste and drainage water, flowing in from several different pipes and draining out through a large drainage tunnel that appeared to be beneath where they were standing. The room was composed of three ringed levels. The top, which they stood on, the bottom, which was the drainage basin, and the middle, which is where the other creatures in the room stood. On the other side of the large room  There stood a Trio of Hulking abominations and what appeared to be a Vampire count, all with their backs turned to the group as they looked down on a hooded figure. The figure was sitting against the wall, his face hidden by a black hood trimmed with silver lining. A pale lower jaw was locked in an expressionless visage, looking straight ahead, almost ignoring the quartet that seemed to be berating him.

"Listen to me scum." The vampire said, growling at the figure. "If you don't clear out of these sewers I will plant you on a spike and leave you out for the crows!"

The Hooded figure seemed to sense the group's presence and looked up, a flash of pale green showing from under the hood as his eyes were briefly revealed, before being masked in shadow again. The vampire, noticing this, turned and followed his target's gaze, to the group that was entering.

"What? An infiltration force! Get them!" The vampire said, pointing at the group as his Abominations began to work their way up to the party.

The figure looked down again, his eyes fixed on the back of the vampire before him, and shadows seemed to spill from his frame. There was a loud mass of squeaking noises from the side tunnels, and a swarm of rats flooded into the room. They all rushed to the vampire and attacked him, climbing, biting, and clawing at him until they overwhelmed him with sheer numbers, dragging him down and devouring him so quickly that he was dead in moments. That left only the trio of Abominations to deal with as they closed with the group.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on September 26, 2013, 07:37:38 PM
Midnight orbs gaze upon 3 hulking abominations and a vampire, all standing before a seated figure.  The Dulluhan hears the vampire bellowing at the seated figure.

"Listen to me scum, if you don't clear out of these sewers I will plant you on a spike and leave you out for the crows!"

The seated figure then gazes up past the vampire and looks towards Vildayvin and his companions.  Following the figure's gaze the vampire discovers their arrival.

"What? An infiltration force! Get them!"

The three abominations begin to shamble towards the companions followed by the vampire when suddenly swarms of rats come scurrying from other tunnels and devour the dark being in the blink of an eye.  Vildayvin advances on the approaching abominations, his shield set in front of him and his Blade of Woe at the ready, placing himself directly between the abominations and his compatriots.  An icey mist begins to flow out of the Dulluhan's armor, flowing around him as his armor and shield become coated in a layer of thick magical ice, fortifying him against the blows unleashed by the oncoming abominations.

"Yes...face the might of a Dulluhan!  Your pathetic blows will be in vain!"

The jaw of the Dulluhan's head then seems to almost unhinge as it opens further then it normally could.  An ear-piercing screech emits from within as Vil attempts to ensure the abominations attention is fully on him.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on September 28, 2013, 11:14:25 AM
Rau hears the commotion behind him and after giving one final glance to the corridor they came from, he moves into the room. The priest was just in time to see the rats devour their pray mercilessly.

"Yes...face the might of a Dulluhan!  Your pathetic blows will be in vain!"

The Dulluhan prepares to engage the abominations and the priest is ready to assist.

(Holy light Aether) The holy man has used Aether before, he has felt it, he has channeled it and now he would wield it again. This time however, will be different. He will use only Aether. Images flicker into his mind. First a dying star, the priest channeling Aether into it. Next his glowing hands, right before he stamps them into the ghouls back. Lastly he in visions, an image of pure life, burning and illuminating the void around itself. Rau’s palms begin to emit a weak glow and small strands of pure Aether escape from them, only to vanish into thin air a moment later. As Aether continues to gather he focuses on a different image. Fog, a dense fog and a fog that is impenetrable.  Rau makes a step forward and waves his hands back. With a swift motion, his hands launch forward and two balls of pure life are released. They swirl in the air, combine and expand into a wall 7 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The wall of fog makes its way through the party and towards the abominations, leaving strands of Aether in its wake. While sending the wall, Rau focused his intent on harming only the abominations, designating them as his one and only target. While active, it should illuminate the entire room and if the abominations hit the fog with their eyes open, odds are they won’t be able to see until their regenerate their burned eyes.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on September 28, 2013, 10:44:46 PM
The Gorger held for only a moment until his allies initiated in order to create an opening.  He found his patience rewarded, as both the dullahan and the holy man created fitting distractions.  The Gorger moved swiftly...

Vildayvin's screech echoed off the stone in the tight corridors, and Father Rau sent forward a wall of light that pierced the darkness.  The noise was hallowing... they would not hear The Gorger, his feet slamming against the ground as he charged forward.  The light was blinding, the burning white light suddenly flashing toward them in the darkness... they would not see The Gorger as he approached directly behind the wall of white light, and what flash they would see of him... it would be too late.

The Gorger's arms were widespread, and as he closed in on the center-most creature, he made a mighty leap upward, his arms suddenly crossing over with one swift movement.  The mace would meet with the temple of the abomination, and the blade would meet with the opposite side of the neck; the leverage would be enough to tear its head from its shoulders.

The Gorger's grin was wider than it had been in some time... his heart throbbed in his chest as his thoughts traveled to feasting on such a foe.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 01, 2013, 10:50:43 AM
More vampires, this time coupled with three abominations.

But it seems that the vampires are feuding.  And suddenly, one is mouse food.

Sun Wu is crouched and ready, anticipating the approaching abominations.  Vildayvin advances and taunts the abominations as they shamble forward.  Father Rau creates an Aetheric mist clouding their sight.  The Gorger charges forward following the mist, taking advantage of the Dullahan's shrieking and the cover of the thick fog.

As this is all happening, Wu is gathering his Chi.  After Father Rau projects the fog, Wu takes a stance in preparation for a geyser attack.  He is once again utilizing the moulded Chi technique combined with one of his signature abilities.

He pushes his palms forward and they erupt with a thick stream of Chi that carries a faint blue tint.  As the Chi travels it curves around the others.  It is timed such that when the fog rolls over the abominations, the Geyser attack will strike the right most abomination from the side.  If it connects solidly, it will hopefully bowl the abomination over, knocking it into the middle one.  This will give The Gorger an off balance target, all the more easier to strike down.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on October 09, 2013, 01:57:45 PM
The abominations are not foes to be trifled with, but they are easily angered. The creatures barreled through the wall of holy light, frames singed and smouldering but still oncoming, charging Vildayvin as one is slammed back by the Oncoming Ghoul missile. Sun Wu's attack staggers its target, but does not topple him as intended, instead resulting in the third abomination lagging behind, leaving, for the moment, Only one abomination contending with Vildayvin and one grappling with the Gorger.

Vildayvin's oncoming Abomination was a three-armed monstrosity, carrying a chain in its right hand, an oversized meat cleaver  in its left, and a smaller third arm on its left shoulder held a vicious looking meathook. Its stomach was torn open, a pair of riblike bones holding back the disgusting innards, its actual ribs bursting through its chest like hungry teeth. It swung its heavy cleaver at Vildayvin's upper torso, its stitched-together arm holding unholy strength beyond even what its considerable size should have entailed. It let out a deep, bellowing howl of "Tear meat!" As it attacked, its one good eye bulging in its socket, the other sewn shut during its creation.

The Abomination The Gorger was dealing with was more Human in nature, though no less monstrous. It was just as tall as the first, that being twice as tall as Vildayvin or the Gorger, but where the first was a bloated mass of stitched-together corpses, almost a mad experiment, this one seemed to be a more intelligent design. It was a hulking, muscled monstrosity, Its sickly green skin thinly stretched over Corded muscles and thick bones. Its spine protruded from its back like a row of spikes, and its clawed hands had protrusions of spikey bone at the elbow. Veins flowing with Black liquid pulsed clearly visible across the creature's naked mass, and its glowing green eyes shone with a deadly intellect that spoke of a born predator. As it was tackled by the Gorger it was caught off balance, toppling to the ground. But as if it were trained in combat, it rolled with the blow and pushed the Gorger off, carrying his momentum to launch his enemy at the far wall. Rolling to a stand and turning to face its new opponent, the abomination stomped its way towards the gorger in a predatory manner, slow, purposeful, glaring at The Gorger from a hooded brow, its razor-sharp fangs set in a scowl as a deep, gutteral growling noise worked its way up from the pit of its stomach. It stalked towards The Gorger like an animal ready for a fight, claws ready at its sides, eyes trained on its target.

The mysterious stranger the group had been extorting seemed to meld into the shadows, vanishing from sight, but still remained in the room, watching the battle, waiting for his moment.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on October 11, 2013, 11:54:16 AM
The Dulluhan watches as his companions attacks have varying degrees of success and as the Gorger gets vaulted through the air by the Abomination he attacked.  He has little time to do anything though for as one of the abominations rushes him with a growl of "Tear meat" a cleaver is headed towards Vildayvin.  He barely manages to get his shield in between himself and the oncoming weapon.  As the cleaver strikes the surface of the shield the ice shatters and sparks fly as massive weapon connects with enchanted shield, the force sending the undead reaper sliding back.  Knowing that he would not fare well against such strength Vildayvin sheathes his sword quickly and reaches towards his right hip, grasping the handle of his whip.  Pulling it from his side it instantly unfurls as he whips it behind him, unleashing a very loud cracking sound before he sends it forward towards the Abomination before him, aiming for the monsters remaining bulging eye, intent on blinding the creature and giving him and his companions a slight advantage over the creature.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 16, 2013, 09:52:18 AM
Wu watches as his Geyser attack merely staggers the Abomination, only nudging it off track. 

There is little time to weigh options.  These monsters are far sturdier than he assumed.  The Gorger is just as sturdy, if not moreso.  He can stand on his own until Wu can reach him.

As Vildayvin lashes out with is bony whip, Sun Wu dashes forward.  Using the whip as a distraction, Wu flanks the three armed Abomination.

Chi is coursing through his body.  He raises his fist and strikes at the side of the Abomination.  He follows with a quick kick and a succession of jabs.  He continues striking, his Water Style technique amplifying the blows.  For each attack, more and more Chi builds up behind them.

His attacks are lightning fast, each one striking in time like a cadence of death.  When he feels as if he will burst from the amount of Chi built up behind his attacks, he releases it with a devastatingly powerful punch, aimed at the Abomination's midsection.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on October 17, 2013, 09:00:28 AM
It seem the wall of light only served to anger their opponents. Rau has little time to think on his next move. He watches The Gorger get violently smacked in to a nearby wall. As the abomination facing it, begins to pray on him and prepares to attack, Rau thinks it would be best to give their own hulking monstrosity a helping hand.

(Soul redemption)  The priest does not have time to gather aether again. He quickly sheaths his staff and holds up his hands in front of his chests, with their fists clenched. After whispering a short incantation his hands begin to glow. He waits a few seconds for the light to intensify and as his fists begin to shake, he pulls his hands back and launches them forward, opening the palms of his hands. Two bright strings of light begin to swirl through the air in a collision course with the abomination facing the Gorger. If the spell lands, any soul or souls in the abomination will attempt to be freed. The soul/s will try to force their way out of the stitched body. This should hamper the abominations movements. If it resists the effects the spell should still give Rau’s ally an opportunity to get back on his feet.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on October 17, 2013, 06:00:59 PM
As The Gorger's body slammed into the far wall, shaking brick and stone from its foundations, the ghoul did not lament his situation... but focused only on the task before him, gazing at his opponent intently.  As he wrenched himself from the crumbling fissure in the wall, he took a brief moment to pop and stretch his limbs as the abomination approached him, steadily... studying The Gorger's movements.  "Well, well... I think I like you." The Gorger's voice droned, almost entirely void of emotion as he shouldered the Siege Breaker.

The Gorger sensed the beast was strong, but he had not expected such a coordinated defense.  This mass of muscle was far more worthy a foe than he had originally anticipated.  The construct of flesh and bone was far stronger than the ghoul, his reflexes were swift, and his mind was sharp.  Reflecting briefly on its reactionary response, the being before him must have been constructed from men with not only formal training, but some level of experience to execute that training well.

Tilting his head backward, he closed his eyes, and attempted to wrest control of his broken mind... as he delved into his thoughts, time seemed to slow.  He could sense his foe's movements as he did the werewolf in the woods.  Its limbs were heavy, and easy to read.  Its breathe... relatively steady.

Beyond the stomach wrenching smell of burnt flesh, was the smell of the bare innards of another abomination... it was invigorating.  Beyond that, he could faintly sense the rest of the party.  It seemed they would likely manage, for the moment.

The third abomination was obscured, but now was not the time to concern himself with it.  He had to focus...

"Breathe, and steel yourself... this foe is no fool, and no beast." his thoughts were sabotaged by his own hunger; visions of tearing flesh from bones.

The encroaching thumps of his foe drew closer, and his stench grew more powerful.

"I can indulge soon... but now is not the time." Instinct kicked in once more.  Visions of the many he had slaughtered raged in his mind.  Pools of blood... fire... the cries of the widowed...  "Ignore the visions... and calm yourself.  Regardless of what you have done, we've business to attend to." Slowly, the visions became less hostile as the ghoul centered himself, and soon was only able to sense only the present moment.  He licked the blade of the Siege Breaker, covering it in his vile rot.

Having momentarily regained his mind, he analyzed the situation, "He likely thinks he has a feel for me.  My speed, my strength..." The Gorger's teeth escaped his mouth in a wide grin.  "...It will be his downfall."

The Gorger calmly opened his eyes; his foe was upon him.

"Now, dwarf... let's see what your craftsmanship is truly made of."

(INSATIABLE WRATH)

With a roar that dispersed the grime and sewage from beneath him and shook dust from the cavernous sewers, The Gorger's massive body blurred - the ground beneath him shattering with the fierce movement.  He tucked himself low to the ground - a common strategy against larger foes.  The abomination's reach would be slightly delayed as well, as his shoulders were abnormally wide.  In his off-hand, the ghoul held the cylinder of the Siege Breaker with the flail drawn.  With enough force to shatter the stone gates of Khadmas's training grounds, The Gorger thrust it forward into the abomination's gut, The Gorger's muscles contorting and shifting in his legs as he lifted upward.  Should it land successfully, the force would be enough to make the abomination lower its head, if even for a moment... it was then that The Gorger would make it known what remained in his main-hand.  A noose, made from chains that once held the very ghoul who wielded them, and enchanted by a smith the likes of which the new world had never seen... and a blade slathered in The Gorger's rotten saliva.  He would ignore any and all incoming attacks, for his priority was not to get out in one piece. Whatever the cost, the noose must be placed.

"Don't let me down, Khadmas..."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on October 24, 2013, 06:42:24 PM
The three-armed abomination's one good eye is blinded by The Dullahan's whip, and it roars in pain. While it seems to mostly ignore the majority of Sun Wu's blows, the final strike into its open midsection caused it to double over, intestines spilling past the metal bars and splattering onto Sun Wu, stinking flesh pooling on the ground as the Abomination flails wildly, Massive cleaver, meathook and chains swinging about in wild, disorganized arcs that threatened to strike both the monk and the Dullahan as it tried to attack its foes.


Father Rau's spell strikes the Abomination facing the gorger, and he stiffens, letting out a roar of pain, his eyes rolling in his skull. When the gorger's strike connected with his abdomen, he doubled over, bringing his head low, allowing the chain loop to be wrapped around his neck. But the real, physical pain allowed his mind to focus. His eyes straightened and then narrowed. He flung himself backwards, snapping straight and then falling backwards, pulling the chain taut and then applying the entire force of a falling abomination to the ghoul at the other end.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on October 26, 2013, 11:40:54 AM
   Rau sees the creature is affected by the spell. Unfortunately the spell’s affect is removed after it received some physical damage, which was something he did not foresee.  He quickly stops channeling the spell and contemplates a different approach. The nearby abomination roars and he instinctively takes a few steps backwards. Seeing how The Dulluhan and the monk are having troubles with the physically misshaped abomination, he decided he should continue aiding The Gorger with the well build one.

   (Extreme conditioning) The priest focuses his mind once again and feels the strain from the long day and the numerous spells he had cast today. Enduring the mental exhaustion, he focuses his power and releases all the energy he has gather. It lights up the area and quickly disappears, only to reappear a moment later around his allied ghoul. It should take a few seconds for the spell to take full effect. During that time the ghoul’s muscles will restore some of their former strength, his mind will focus and reflexes sharpen. As an added affect, the little Aether in the spell slowly seeps out, creating a few centimeters of semi transparent layer of raw life on the creature’s skin.  This is Rau giving a reason to the abomination, to keep a bit of distance between itself and The Gorger.   
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on October 28, 2013, 01:38:44 AM
The Dulluhan grins as the sharp crack of his dark whip is followed by a howl of pain as his strike is successful at removing the abominations eyesight.  He brings the whips back and it seems to coil itself back up at the same time as he fasten it to his belt once more and re-draws his longsword, the dark black steel glinting in the lighting of the the area.  He watches as the monk's strikes seem to bounce off harmlessly until he strikes directly at the opened midsection of the creature.  He then notices how the aimless strikes of the monster is dangerously close to striking Sun Wu.

"Im over here monster! Fight me!!"

Unholy Strength
Knowing the monster is forced to rely on sound another ear piercing shriek howls forth from the floating head, which should reveal his general location to the stricken creature.  To further...punctuate his location...the Dulluhan steps in and unleashes two slashes at the damaged midsection followed by a strong downward strike directly at the steel bars as he attempts to possibly damage and/or cut through the bars holding the remnants of the abominations innards inside. 
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 28, 2013, 09:24:45 AM
Wu quickly springs backward, away from the flailing cleaver, meat hook and chains grasped by the Abomination.  Vildayvin lets out another shriek, attempting to draw attention to himself once again.  The Dulluhan has good battle sense, as it seems that he has also noticed that the Abomination's midsection is a weak point.

The monk stands far enough away to not get caught by any wild swings by Vildayvin or the Abomination.  He winds his left arm up, then throws it forward in a wild punch.  He steps forward and throws his back into it.  At the same time Chi erupts from his fist.  He uses the moulded Chi technique and arcs the blow around The Dulluhan.  It them quickly curves back inward and aims directly at the Abomination's midsection.

Hopefully Vildayvin's attacks combined with Wu's moulded hay maker are enough to destroy the bindings on the Abominations midsection.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on November 04, 2013, 01:08:56 PM
The Gorger is tossed across the chamber and slams into brick and stone once more, but his grip on the Siege Breaker remains firm, and his wicked grin has yet to subside.  His plan was successful, and the abomination would have to fight tooth and nail merely to survive the rot-covered blade that now dug into his throat as The Gorger called the chains back to the cylinder.  The chains jerked and tugged violently, jingling a morbid tune to the abomination's impending doom.  However, The Gorger's foe was mighty, and its grip was powerful enough to halt the motion of the chains moving on their own.  The ghoul needed to find a way to end this, and quickly before his target tried any other clever ploys...

Suddenly, a familiar power coursed through The Gorger's veins.  It stung, but it was far gentler than the first time he had encountered it, and despite the pain... it was one of The Gorger's favorites in Father Rau's arsenal.  He laughed heartily, "Oh, holy man... you DO care!" His arms and legs bulged, his armor clanking as the plates shifting as the power of the Aether flowed through his being, and covered his body.

The Gorger wrapped his strong arm around the Siege Breaker's chain that was now firmly around the abominations throat, and grasped it.  He twisted his body backward, and tugged on the chain in a most brutal fashion with the massive strength bestowed upon him, dragging his enemy toward him with each tug, daring it to let go for even an instant.  Again, and again he repeated the motion.  With his off hand, he raised the Siege Breaker above his head, and would bring the blunt end down upon the creature as soon as it was within range... the head, the hands if they still held the chains... The Gorger would decide what was more convenient when the time came.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on November 19, 2013, 08:26:23 AM
The abomination that Vildayvin and Sun Wu are battling clearly won't last much longer. It begins to sway back and forth, barely keeping its balance. The bars holding back its intestines were cracked and holding together poorly, and wouldn't take much more punishment. It would probably die on its own if left the way it is now.

Which was good, because it appeared the final abomination had decided it was time to stop sitting around.


---

The abomination's eyes widened as its brain assessed the new threat. He couldn't release the chains, and somehow its opponent was stronger now. It was reeling him in. He pulled against the chains, but he slowly inched toward the gorger, his feet dragging a path through the ground. Eventually he took a risk and lifted the chain from around his neck, but it was too late. The blunt end of siege breaker rammed into his stomach and then his head, sending him flying back, where he collapsed into a heap. He didn't seem dead, but it didn't look like he really wanted to get back up right now.

Fortunate, because the third abomination was stirring.

It didn't make sense that none of you noticed it before. It must have been protected by some sort of illusion spell. The thing was massive. Easily twice the size of either of the other two, composed almost entirely of muscle and raw flesh, with metal spikes rammed into its spine and broken chains attached to manacles around its wrists and ankles. This was a true monstrosity. It had no eyes, a swath of raw flesh covering the space of its head from its nose up, but it seemed to sense where the group was positioned, and it let out an angry roar, demanding they battle it or die as it began to tear a chunk out of the wall before hurling it at Vildayvin's group.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on November 25, 2013, 02:38:54 PM
The sightless gaze of the Dulluhan watches as the abomination before him begins to teeter back and forth, its incoming death evident.  Moving back so as not to be possibly crushed by the behemoths fall something catches his attention.  Behind the twisted creature a third abomination stands.  Puzzled slightly that he hadnt noticed such a massive creature before, Vildayvin has little time to dwell on it as he spots the abomination the Gorger as fighting go down in a heap.  It is evident the recent arrival of the 3rd abomination does not bode well for the party for the massive creature looks like it could defeat them easily.  Suddenly a thought comes to the mind of the deathless knight.

PAST
Vildayvin stands in front of a worn but rugged looking man (one could say looks to be about in his 40's), a collar fixed around the neck of the floating head sitting atop his shoulders.  The massive Dulluhan dwarfs the shorter human.

Jasper:  Vildayvin, I have spoken with my colleagues and it has been agreed.  You have shown that you are an honorable and trustworthy comrade and fully deserving of freedom.  The man gestures at Vildayvin's head to come closer, the head floating down to eye level with Jasper  You are no longer need to have this one He unclasps the magical collar and then hands it to the knight. As a sign of appreciation for your long and unwavering service, it was also decided to allow you to keep the collar.  Should you encounter a creature worthy of redemption, use the collar.

PRESENT

A roar brings the Dulluhan back to the present.  The 3rd abomination has apparently decided to enter the fray and tears a section of the wall off and throws it towards Vildayvin and Wu.  Vil dives off to the side as the chunk of wall crashes into the dying abomination.  He scrambles to his feet, knowing they have little time left before the "newcomer" decides to throw anything else or (even worse) charge them directly.  Vildayvin reaches under his cloak into a small pouch tucked away.  Pulling the very same collar out he moves over to the 2nd abomination, and after verifying it was still "alive" clasps the collar around the creatures neck.

"Well old man, time to see if this thing still works or not." 
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on November 27, 2013, 07:02:57 PM
The Gorger cackled madly, having hardly gained his composure after a most satisfying victory.  But, something on the horizon gave him pause.  He shifted his gaze to the new foe. 

"Oh my... what have here?"

The Gorger spent little time basking in his victory over the abomination as the scent of the third flared up... its bare muscle tissue was absolutely tantalizing.  Moreover, it appeared the blessing of the holy man had yet to dwindle.  There was still so much fun to be had!  It would be silly to let it go to waste.  His teeth sharpened, and a thick white mane grew from his back.  As he transformed, he mounted the Siege Breaker on his back once more, and charged into battle, the last of Father Rau's aether energy trailing behind.

As the abomination releases the chunk from the wall, The Gorger speeds behind it, snapping his aether-coated fangs in an attempt to take a chunk of meat from its calf, both feeding The Gorger and throwing the beast off balance if successful.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on November 30, 2013, 02:48:18 PM
The huge size of the third abomination, send shivers down Rau’s spine.  He has no idea how he had not noticed it until now, but it was clear that this abomination was the strongest of the trio.

After a sudden roar the creature rips off a chunk of the wall and tosses it at Vildayvin and Wu. Even though the priest is further at the back, he still dives to the right in case something flies his way.  The chunk of wall crashes into the one eyed abomination and the priest sees their dulluhan ally take out collar and head towards the abomination that was facing The Gorger.  Quickly realizing what is about to happen, the holy man releases a deep sigh. The thought of another monstrosity joining them was not a pleasant one, but if it helps even a little, he will go with it.

(Healing Hands) Rau closes in on the downed abomination. He begins to gather Aether as he closes in. It sizzles with a very quiet and subtle sound. The sound intensifies as more is gathered, until the Aether begins to run up and down his arms, with a loud crackling noise.

"Well old man, time to see if this thing still works or not."

Rau stops a few meters away from the abomination, which now has a collar around his neck. His arms spread widely and their palms barely visible from the illumination of the gathered energy.

“Give the word! I will make sure he is ready to fight!”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on December 19, 2013, 03:28:51 PM
The chunk of wall careens across the room, sailing past Vil as he dives out of the way.  Wu quickly does the same, diving into a roll and springing back to his feet.

This creature is massive.  Its raw flesh and muscle is accented by the metal spikes running down its spine.  The broken chains reveal the power behind this abominations hulking limbs.

The Dulluhan clasps a collar around the 2nd abominations neck.  This must be one of the collars tamers use to control monsters.  How Vildayvin possess one is a mystery.

But there is no time to consider the pasts of his allies.  The Gorger is quick to action, and attempts to take a chunk out of the abominations leg.  A sound plan.

Wu springs forward, aligning himself with the abominations other leg.  When in position Wu spins, throwing two roundhouse kicks towards the abomination.  He is much too far away to connect with his legs, but he is expelling Chi with each kick.

The Chi travels in an arc as he uses the molded Chi technique once again.  The Chi kicks arc behind the abomination and target the back of its knee.  If they connect the power of them should be able to topple the abomination by taking its knee out from under it.  It should at the very least throw it off balance enough that The Gorger can get a good mouthful of calf from his efforts.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on December 22, 2013, 10:16:39 PM
Deep in the field of battle, Sir Walter felt the signal of a collar's activation. So, Vildayvin had used it. They must be in dire straits indeed. He struck down the foe in front of him and took a moment of pause to focus. The creature they had collared was intelligent, clever almost. It knew its position and hated its captors for its state, but knew such anger and bloodlust that it would battle any in its way. Walter was well versed in the hatred of intelligent monstrosities, and knew how to turn this foe into an ally. Before its eyes flashed visions of the abomination slaughtering those who had created it, of Walter and the team in the sewers standing by his side as he broke his shackles and killed his former masters. The creature was no fool. It knew it had little choice in the matter, but it willingly accepted its new servitude, for it was a better position than his previous one.

The convincing done, Walter opened his eyes to find himself faced with a dozen wight soldiers bearing down on him. He hefted his hammer and prepared for battle when a whistling sound arrived on the wind.

"By the order of the emperor, send these dogs to the afterlife!"

A phalanx of winged dragons fell upon the battlefield, their spears and blades cutting through the wights. One particular landing shot fire and lightning, and when the dust cleared Sir Walter was face to face with one of the Scions of the Emperor.

"Lady Yukimura. A pleasure to meet you in person. Pity it must be on the battlefield." Sir walter said, offering a salute to the lady, before planting his hammer's head into the skull of a wight crawling at his feet.
-----------------

The Abomination's eyes snapped open and it shot to its feet. It surveyed the battleground before it and identified its new target. The massive flesh golem seemed unphased by the combined attacks of the party, Roaring its anger at the group before raising its hands to smash the ground. This beast was aligned with his former masters, and it would be the first to pay for his pain.

As the creature's fists came down, they were caught by the open palms of the green abomination, the smaller creature dropping to one knee as it struggled under the pressing weight. After a moment of struggle, it began to push back and forced the flesh golem's arms up, before rushing forward and tackling the golem by the waist. The creature's awkward center of gravity meant that the Abomination had the advantage, and the golem fell back, crashing its head through the stone wall on its way down. It roared in genuine pain as the Abomination charged up the golem's torso to deliver a solid kick to the jaw. A massive hand came from the side and sent the Abomination soaring off, however. As it landed next to Rau, it growled and sat up, flinching as it realized one of its ribs was broken. The abomination could feel it sewing and repairing itself, however, his regenerative nature quickly dulling the pain and allowing him to get back to his feet, however unsteadily.

The abomination had temporarily brought the Golem to ground, however, meaning it was open to attack by the others.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on December 23, 2013, 11:43:33 AM
Mizuki and the Winged dragons descended upon the Wight soldiers with grim efficiency, fire and lightning flaring from her spear as she took out several of the enemies herself. As they dropped, Sir Walter spoke to her, as he smashed the head of a Wight that was trying to get up.

"Lady Yukimura. A pleasure to meet you in person. Pity it must be on the battlefield."

“Sir Walter, good to meet you.” Mizuki spoke as she jerked the blade out of the head of the Wight she had just slaughtered. She swung her spear behind her, fire and lightning cracking and dissolving the remains of the Wight that was on her blade, before she shouldered the weapon, the elements dissipating. With her offhand she pulled out a small flask and took a swig, before replacing it in her pouch. She gave him a small salute.

As she looked around her enameled scale mail clanked gently. She inspected the winged dragons who had come with her to make sure that none were injured.
She glanced back to Sir Walter.

“You requested me, my lord Tamer, how is the situation here?”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on December 23, 2013, 12:45:04 PM
The macabre grin on the skull-like visage of the Dulluhan seems to get even bigger as he watches the abomination spring up and launch an assault against the golem.

"Well old man...even after all these years you still manage to aid me."

His pure black eyes follow the abomination as he gets launched backwards and then gets back on his feet, a small grimace showing he was slightly injured.  Vildayvin sets his shield in front of him and advances towards the fallen golem.  As he draws near he pauses and opens his mouth and begins sucking in air, the ice crystals usually present on his black armor seem to almost melt into the metal.  Suddenly he expels the air from within, a large cloud of freezing air blasts towards the golem.  As the cloud rushes towards the golem it makes  contact with  the damp, wet ground the stone instantly freezes.  It is apparent that when the cloud hits the golem it will cause severe pain and will probably inhibit its movement as frostbite overwhelms its limbs.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on January 11, 2014, 03:01:22 PM
The grits his teeth as he's sent flying backward from the monstrous attack.  How was it possible that this being was so much more powerful?!  It seemed the ghoul had been running into many walls of power lately, first with the earlier vampire lord, and now this... thing.  Fortunately, the "headless idiot" from earlier seemed to have a much needed trick up his sleeve.  Determined to feast on the monster before them, The Gorger ignored his pain and acted quickly.

Returning to his ghoulish form, he unleashes the chains of the Siege Breaker in wide arcs around his foe, and suddenly called the chains back to the cylinder.  If successful, it would tangle up the beast for just long enough for his previous foe to gain the upper hand.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on January 14, 2014, 02:07:59 PM
Sun Wu watches calmly as his attacks prove futile. The green abomination runs rampant across the area, tackling its former ally in slavery before being flung across the room by a heavy hand.

A still pool. The thought fills his mind, and disregarding the chaos around him Wu closes his eyes and relaxes his body. He feels the vibrations, and hears the sounds of his companions attacks in the darkness behind his closed eyes. Mere ripples across the pool.

With an even breath, Wu opens his eyes and smoothly springs forward. He elegantly strafes the frost cloud from Vil, and easily misses The Gorger's retracting chains.

He is bathing in Chi, breathing, thinking and living it. His mark is certain, and his aim is true as he makes his careful and precise approach.

Mid stride he rears his right leg back, and with no grunt or strain, he allows his Chi to carry his foot forward. In a glowing blue flash, he attempts to kick a field goal with the golem's head. His foot aimed directly for the creatures temple.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on January 19, 2014, 09:01:27 AM
The friendly abomination shoots towards his target before Rau could determine its allegiance. He is surprised by the effectiveness of its attack. Toppling the huge enemy was no small feat.   This leaves their newest enemy vulnerable to attack and gives the priest a good opportunity to put the energy he gathered to good use.  Unfortunately, before he has a chance to remold the energies nature and use it offensively, their newest ally is sent flying back in his direction. The sight of the abomination flying through the air would have sent shivers down his spine, if it didn’t happen too fast for him to react. Rau sees that the abomination is injured, but still manages to get back on its feet.

“Stand still!” The priest shout is loud and sounds more like an order than a request. The energies in his hand shine even brighter and illuminate the area around him. Showered by the light, the abomination looks far more intimidating than it did in the dimly light area.  In such a short time, the number of monsters within their group has increased to three times its original size.

Upon reaching the creature Rau places his hands upon it’s wounded side. Light begins to ooze down from its side in thick strides and its entire body is lit with holy light. Its bones begin to mend rapidly and the muscles pump with vigor, returning to a state they once were.

Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on January 19, 2014, 02:27:57 PM
"Severe, but we are giving them a good fight." Walter said, surveying the battlefield below. "We're just a diversionary force, however. I need you to meet up with my special strike force. They will be entering the fray from the underground sewers located near to the large chapel in the center of the city. They will be emerging and making straight for the Chapel to do battle with General Darkraven. If they defeat him, it will turn the tides of this battle."

Walter produced a map from his belt and offered it to lady Yukimura. "This map will help you make your way to them. Please move with all haste. And I have one more request. I need your men here on the battlefield. I'm afraid I must ask you do this alone."

The winged dragons turned to their leader. "My lady. With your leave, we will assist the Lord Tamer in his fight."

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

The abomination was already glad of his decision. Not only was he allowed to take revenge, but his new allies actually cared enough to assist him, rather than leaving him to care for himself. He could most definitely get used to this. His muscles surged with new strength, and he rushed forward, taking advantage of the disabling strikes of his new allies. Its limbs slowed by frost and then bound by chains, its head reeling from a mighty strike, the Abomination straddled the golem's neck and proceeded to pummel its face with his fists, repeatedly punching its head into the dirt without allowing him room to respond. The flesh golem was completely incapacitated, and soon it would be unconscious, but the Abomination would not stop striking until it was dead. Its fists beat out a steady rhythm. one, two, one, two, one, two. The sound of the pummeling almost matched the steady sound of war drums. He showed no signs of stopping or slowing down, not even now.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on January 21, 2014, 11:33:41 AM
"Special strike force eh?" She said, looked to Sir Walter as she took the map. She hoped he wasn't going to lead her troops to the slaughter.

"Alright, I'm up for that, just make sure these boys come home to their mothers" She said with a grin and turned to the group. She walked over to the next in charge and patted his cheek. "Don't die." She said with all seriousness on her face. As much as she joked around with her troops, she wanted nothing more than to see them come home alive.

"Alright, I leave them in your hands. I will go to this special strike force and see what they are all about." Pulling the map up, she glanced over it, studying it to find any sort of tactical advantages the map might offer and committed it to memory. Folding it up, she put it back in her pack, and turned to him. "Take care Sir Walter, and live" She said before she readied to head off to where she was needed.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on February 16, 2014, 08:38:25 AM
Rau looked at the newest monstrosity that joined their ranks and saw nothing different, yet another blood thirsty and savage brute. Each strike reinforced his assumption. The priest moved slowly, as he watched and closed the distance, while examining the body of the huge abomination.

“You may stop now,” he addressed the abomination. “It would be a shame to ruin your fists just so you can have some fun.”  Leaving the creature to do what it wants the holy man approaches Vildayvin.

“If they have such monsters here,” he nods towards the abominations. “I don’t want to think what sir Walter is facing outside. We should make haste and finish our mission. We must not waste time here.” With everything said Rau waited for the Dulluhans decision.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on February 25, 2014, 02:58:48 PM
Wu gives the recently collared monster a wide berth as it relentlessly slams its fists against the larger monster's head.  Where his chi propelled kick failed, the creature's fists carry forward and finish the job. 

Finding the struggle mostly over, Wu surveys the rooms around them.  Whoever commanded these abominations must be aware of their capture and demise.  Their presence is most likely known by now. 

"I dare say we should be moving on soon.  I would not linger in one spot in such a place."  He looks toward the Dulluhan.  "I do hope your collar does not fail."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on March 03, 2014, 03:44:54 AM
The undead warrior sheathes his blade as their newly turned companion smashes in the face of the fallen abomination, he then walks up and places a hand on the creatures shoulder.

"Thats enough....it is dead.  There will be more then enough creatures available for you to exact your revenge upon before the night is through."

"I do hope your collar does not fail."

The Dulluhan's black orbs gaze upon the monk as he speaks.

"There is nothing to fear my friend.  I know the quality of that collar, the one who gave it to me was quite knowledgable about them.  You are correct though, we must move at once."

After ensuring that the rest of his companions are ready to move on Vildayvin draws his sword once more and leads the group deeper into the sewers towards the agreed upon rendezvous point.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on March 06, 2014, 02:55:11 AM
The abomination stopped punching the Golem after it was certain its skull was completely caved in and it was dead, moving to follow the group as they continued on.

The path winds and twists as the group moves through the tunnels, approaching their rendezvous point. Upon reaching the end of the tunnel, they are met with a large, barred door, locked from the outside.

The Abomination knew what was on the other side of this door. The battle would be going on in full force, and he didn't want to wait for his allies to try to work their way around the door just to let Darkraven escape.

"Move." The abomination growled, his first words spoken to the group. He charged down the hall, past the others as they moved out of his way, and slammed his shoulder into the door. On the outside, the wooden bar Cracked down the middle, and the door itself dented under the blow. The abomination took a step back and planted a heavy-footed kick on the door, snapping the bar and snapping the door's hinges, sending it tumbling to the ground.

"There, Darkraven's hole." The abomination said, his voice like gravel, as he pointed out of the now open door. Across what appeared to be a road, in the middle of the circular town center, was a tall cathedral, its steeple standing high over the battlefield. A shadowy figure stood in the bell tower, overseeing the battle below.

The abomination exited the door and took a look around, inspecting the area as battle waged on the street before them.

----

As Lady Yukimura reached the sewer entrance, the door was bashed down and out stepped an abomination wearing a tamer's collar. It inspected the battlefield and then turned and waved those inside the sewers still to emerge. This must be the incursion party Sir Walter had told her about.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on March 08, 2014, 08:07:32 PM
As the abomination crashes through the door, the Duluhan follows close behind, his shield held up, ready to deflect any missile attacks that may come their way as they exit the sewer.  As he enters the courtyard Vildayvin spots a woman a short distance from him.  Her gleaming scale mail and shining spear marks her immediately as something unusual.  The general appearance and armament marks her as an Akavashi as he approaches her.  His ghastly head head "disconnects" from his body and floats down to be more at eye level with the woman, the eyes flitting about until they suddenly stop and focus on the seal bearing the Akavashi script marking her as a noble.  While he may not understand exactly what it says, the fact this woman bears such an emblem while most do not marks her as something even more special.  This is not someone who would normally be found on their own in such an environment.  The head of the Dulluhan gazes (if one can call it that since the eyes still seem to flit about even as he speaks)

"Greetings m'lady. (The head seems to nod almost as if it is "bowing" to her)  One would not normally find someone like yourself in such an area.  I do not wish to sound presumptuous but one such of your standing would not be here without a reason.  May I inquire as to what that reason is?

The floating head then floats up a bit, the eyes continuing their erratic nature as the Dulluhan scans the area as the battle progresses, wary if any combat should wander their way.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on March 09, 2014, 01:19:40 AM
She had slipped through the area without too much trouble. No trouble for a dragon, really. She steps up to spot the sewer entrance, her sharp eyes taking in all entrances and exits and pathways to the surrounding area. Her scale mail rustles quietly as she turns to face the entrance, the seal evident on her armor.

As a figure was sillouhetted in the doorway, her spear snapped to a ready position, ready to skewer whatever walked through. As the creature did, however, she did not strike. It was wearing a tamer collar. Her gaze took in the creature until as it turned and waved to the inside of the sewers. This must be the incursion party she was seeking.

Shouldering here spear, she watched as a Duluhan followed close behind, protected by its shield. It would notice that there were a few dead creatures on the ground, likely the product of the woman that stood before him.

She does not flinch as the head disconnects from the body and floats down closer to eye lever. She notes that the eyes seem to fall upon the emblem on her armor. As it speaks, it nods to her, what she suspected was to be taken for a bow.

"Greetings m'lady.  One would not normally find someone like yourself in such an area.  I do not wish to sound presumptuous but one such of your standing would not be here without a reason.  May I inquire as to what that reason is?"

This Duluhan was awfully polite. That was a rarity in and of itself. Well, no matter. She believed she had found who she was looking for. If not, well, she could always kill them.

"I am Lady Mizuki Yukimura, sent to join in with a special forces team by Tamer Sir Walter himself." She said simply.

Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on March 10, 2014, 10:53:45 PM
"I am Lady Mizuki Yukimura, sent to join in with a special forces team by Tamer Sir Walter himself."

The macabre grin on the Dulluhan's disembodied head seems to grow larger as he hears this.  A few moments pass as the unholy knight connects the dots in his head.

"So he sends us a Winged Dragon to assist us.  I am certain your skills will prove beneficial to the cause.  I will assume the good Tamer filled you in on the specifics of what this team is meant to do."

His body then turnsand gestures back towards the sewer entrance at the other members of the group, his head still at eye level with Yukimura and looking at her.

"There's the Gorger, Father Rau; priest of the Empire, and Sun Wu; Akavashi monk, and Axle; second-in-command under Sir Walter himself.  I do not know if our most recent friend has a name or not (his body gestures towards the abomination who had exited the sewer ahead of him) but I believe for the time being he can be trusted.

The Dulluhans body turns back towards the Winged Dragon leader as the head floats back up and returns to hovering slightly above the severed neck, gazing down on the shorter figure of Mizuki, the eyes flitting around.

"We have tarried long though, we should continue on our way, Darkraven awaits and im sure Sir Walter won't be able to hold out forever.  Axle, I believe now is when we will need your expertise the most so we do not tarry too long in this chaos and get to the church with all possible speed."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on March 12, 2014, 03:57:33 PM
When addressed, Wu offers a bow in greeting,

"Lady Yukimura."  He says as he stands straight again.  "I was not aware that the Winged Dragons were to join this crusade.  Your assistance is much appreciated."

He does not tarry with introductions for too long, given their surroundings.  The monk is focused on the happenings around them. 
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on March 12, 2014, 07:58:46 PM
"For what it is worth, it truly a pleasure to meet you," Rau gives a deep bow. "Under other circumstances I would have loved for us to have a chat, but that is for another place and time entirely. For now I am content that..." he tosses a look at the group made mostly of monsters. "Another warrior has joined us. I am looking forward to ending Darkraven with your assistance." It doesn't take a lot to see that the priest is happy to have one more human on their side. The seemingly constant addition of monsters to the party was not welcomed happily by the holy man. The fact a royalty joins them is a bonus in on itself.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on March 14, 2014, 06:10:05 PM
The Gorger composes himself after a rough battle, his bones and bruised flesh mending as he sloppily chews on the remnants he picked off the last abomination's corpse.  As they break through the door, the fresh scent of battle greets The Gorger's nostrils.  And now, it seems they have one more to add to their once small group.

He gulps down a bloody chunk of meat and licks his teeth clean before he speaks.  "You know, I think I'm starting to like the Akavashi.  That infiltrator fellow stays quiet, the monk minds his own well enough, and this 'Lady Yukimura' or what have you..." He raises a brow, glaring aggressively at Vildayvin. "...finds a way AROUND the sewers!" he snarls.

The ghoul postures himself as he exits the door, as if measuring the strength of the warrior before him while he wipes the remaining blood from his face.  After a moment's pause... "You're a welcome sight in my book, lass."

The Gorger readies the Siege Breaker, and hunches to the ground once more. 

"The headless dolt's right though.  Let's move."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on March 16, 2014, 11:02:13 PM
As the others file out of the sewer entrance, Mizuki watched as the dullahan introduced the others.

"We have tarried long though, we should continue on our way, Darkraven awaits and im sure Sir Walter won't be able to hold out forever.  Axle, I believe now is when we will need your expertise the most so we do not tarry too long in this chaos and get to the church with all possible speed."

She nodded at the other's words.

"That sounds wise, to move quickly"

The others began introducing themselves as they group prepared to move.

The monk addressed her with a bow

"Lady Yukimura. I was not aware that the Winged Dragons were to join this crusade.  Your assistance is much appreciated."
"Sir walter requested us himself. I brought with my a contingent of men, but the Tamer needed them to fortify his forces"

Another human bowed to her.

"For what it is worth, it truly a pleasure to meet you. Under other circumstances I would have loved for us to have a chat, but that is for another place and time entirely. For now I am content that... Another warrior has joined us. I am looking forward to ending Darkraven with your assistance."

She could see that he did enjoy the company of many monsters, and was clearly relieved to have another human with them.

"A pleasure to meet you Father Rau."

And finally the gorger addressed her, after apraising her as one warrior to another.

"You're a welcome sight in my book, lass."

A small grin formed on her face as she nodded to gorger.

"Yes, perhaps we should be on our way"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on March 18, 2014, 02:01:50 AM
"Right, well, we don't have time for subtlety." Axle says, pointing up to the bell-tower. A pair of burning red eyes appears to have sighted them, and then retreats into the chapel when the party looked up. The wight turned to the large Abomination and gave him a solid look in the eyes.

"Do you have a name, big guy?"

The abomination stood for a moment, as if finding the words, before answering simply, "No."

"That's a shame, no-one should simply be an experiment, a pet for some twisted necromancer. We'll find you a name soon. But first, can you help us get across? We need someone who can clear the path."

"Yes. Follow me. I will break this throng." his words were slow, but well enunciated and chosen, as if he knew well how to speak, but the action of doing so was strange to him. He stepped forward, to the edge of the street, and cracked his knuckles.
"Keep up." He said simply, before lowering his right shoulder and barreling across the street, shoving aside idle wights and zombies as he charged, stomping underfoot anyone too slow to get out of his way. The throng of undead temporarily lost cohesion, allowing the living spread among the battle a moment of tactical advantage, pressing the offensive in the wake of the Abomination's charge.

"Darkraven!" The abomination shouted, smashing through the main doors of the church. The doors flew off their hinges and landed on the ground some ways inside, and the Abomination took a ready stance, as if expecting the dark general to attack at any time.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on March 22, 2014, 09:03:18 AM
Lady Yukimura listened to the exchange between the wight and abomination, keeping a careful lookout around them so as they were not surprised. She stared at the burning red eyes from near the chapel and flexed her grip on her spear. She wondered what sort of combat she was getting herself into.

"Yes, follow me, I will break this throng." the abomination enunciated. "Keep up"

She trotted behind the abomination as it charged across the street to the chapel, her spear held in front of her now in a defensive position, ready to fight.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on March 24, 2014, 08:54:09 PM
"That infiltrator fellow stays quiet, the monk minds his own well enough, and this 'Lady Yukimura' or what have you...finds a way AROUND the sewers!"

The Dulluhan's erratic eyes suddenly focus on The Gorger as the maniacal grin twists down into what one may consider a sadistic frown before suddenly the macabre skull's appearance returns to normal as Vildayvin's raspy voice echoes forth.

"I do apologize, I did not realize one such as yourself would be offended by the odors of the sewers.  Also if you would have cared to note, m'lady came from Sir Walter's direction AND was alone...both allowing her to take a different and more direct route!"

A slight drop in temperature around the Dulluhan occurs suddenly, almost as if the icey powers within the creature amplify as he speaks, almost representing his...annoyance at such a jab from a creature that only recently he had tried to assist with gaining his freedom.  Maybe the slight murmurs he had heard before journeying to meet Sir Walter were true, maybe this creature would always be too violent and aggressive to ever be safe to uncollar.  Vildayvin hoped to be proven wrong as Axle speaks up and his gaze rises to the top of the bell tower in time to see a pair of glowing red eyes gazing down from above before retreating into the darkness.  As the abomination barrels across the courtyard, flattening and crushing hapless wights and zombies beneath its charge Vildayvin followed close behind, taking a position beside the abomination in the now open doorway of the church, his disembodied head floating down to waist level and keeping an eye behind the party, anticipating the potential of any counter-attacks.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on April 08, 2014, 03:10:39 PM
Wu tucks in behind The Dulluhan as the abomination clears a path in front of them.  It is quite an effective battering ram. 

The door of the dark church is no match for the abomination as it continues its charge straight through it.  Sun Wu quickly files in at the ready.  The abomination is prepared for an assault, and he thought it wise to be do the same..
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on April 10, 2014, 03:56:33 PM
The Gorger leaves Vildayvin with no reply, his face showing his satisfaction in the dullahan's frown alone.  So composed, so "tamed" and yet... so easily angered.  It was delightful to take in.

Moments later, they breach the church where the owner of those eyes no doubt lies in wait... The Gorger follows Vildayvin and the nameless abomination - which he shall no doubt rename condescendingly upon receiving a name - closely with either side of the Siege Breaker's chains at the ready.  He focuses his senses, attempting to pick out the scent of their foe among the dust within the defiled church.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on April 10, 2014, 04:06:11 PM
The church seemed empty save for the eerie atmosphere, and a quick glance showed that this once holy place had long ago been twisted into an icon of sin. The lectern had been replaced with a standing bowl of blood, and gargoyles and demonic figures stood on the walls. This place had no light left in its heart, only darkness.

There was a groaning of ancient wood from above, and in a cloud of black smoke a figure came crashing down to the floor before them. Slowly rising as the smoke cleared, the mysterious figure hovered just above the ground, his black garb seemingly made of raven feathers as he glared at the group from behind blazing red eyes. He held a shining black sword on his right hand, and his face was shrouded by a mask.

"Pawns of the light, come to die in the dark. Welcome to your oblivion." He uttered, his voice warped and distorted. He raised his left hand toward the party and a fell wind kicked up. An angry cawing filled the air as scores of ravens flew in from broken windows or appeared seemingly from the corners of your vision, screeching and cawing as they rushed towards the party, talons and beaks poised to strike.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on April 11, 2014, 03:42:49 PM
As the ring of smoke cleared from where the figure dropped down from the ceiling, she met it's awful red gaze with a cold one of her own. Her hands rotated on the haft of her spear as she moved into an attack position. As she set herself, the blade of her spear gleaned red and radiated head as small discharges of electricity crackled around it. The blade and the woman wielding it both held an aura of dangerousness and intensity. The figure spoke to the party as she could feel her muscles tensing.

"Pawns of the light, come to die in the dark. Welcome to your oblivion."

The figure raised his left and and a disturbing wind kicked up across the room. Suddenly, ravens burst in through the broken windows and appeared at the corners of her vision. With a smirk, she leaped into the air, spinning. In some situations, the best defense was a good offense, so she decided to attack the ravens outright in hopes of dispursing them for her and her companions.

 Her blade spins, trails of fire and lightning follow in an afterimage of power. Her blade swings in quick, close arcs attempting striking birds as they come near. She feels no need to tap the power of the wind dragon yet, but her own skills at fighting many opponents are great.

Lightning dances among the ravens, fire singes feathers as she attempts to drive the foul birds back. Finally, she lands crouched, her legs filled with pent up energy ready to be unleashed in a devestating attack should the opportunity present itself.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on April 12, 2014, 06:02:08 PM
The Dulluhan's erratic gaze flits over the scene before him, the blasphemy of the church causing a twinge of anger in the ancient crusader but then fades away.  The creaking of beams draws the warriors attention to the arrival of a being who could only be General Darkraven.

"Pawns of the light, come to die in the dark. Welcome to your oblivion."

Vildayvin cackles slightly at hearing this.

"Your soul shall be judged this night Darkraven, I wonder if it will be found ready or not..."

As the ravens burst into the building Vil watches as the newcomer leaps into the air, launching an assault against the birds.  The Dulluhan chooses a more direct plan of attack as tendrils of icey cold air begin seeping from within the gaps and spaces of his armor, flowing over and around him as a layer of thick ice begings to form.  Releasing another ear-piercing shriek (likely shattering any glass still left whole after the ravens arrival) he sets his shield in front of him and charges the General, intent on drawing his full attention and possibly disrupting his control of the birds.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on April 13, 2014, 11:56:58 AM
"Right, well, we don't have time for subtlety."

Rau nods in agreement, while they were in the sewers he didn't feel it, but now it was clear. Darkraven's presence was overwhelming and heavy. It was more than obvious that he was not like any of the creatures the party has faced until now.

After a short exchange the newest monster recruit in their party makes a pathway for them through the amassed enemies. The undead army goes into total disarray and following the path of carnage the abomination left in its wake is an easy task. Shouting the undead general's name the leading monster tears through the front door of the chapel. A gruesome sight awaits the holy man and the rest of his companions inside. This once holy place was defiled beyond recognition, the purity it once had was utterly corrupted by its inhabitants.

The sudden appearance of Darkraven sends shivers down the priest’s spine. It is not every day that one comes face to face with an undead general and he was determined that no one else was to ever meet this particular general ever again.

"Pawns of the light, come to die in the dark. Welcome to your oblivion."

(HOLY LIGHT (BEAM))The ravens burst in and Rau quickly taps any energy he has with him, not bothering to waste time on gathering aether and strengthening his spell. His clenched fists are quickly engulfed in something akin to a fading light. Both his arms rise and his fists blast open with a torrent of the fading light. He aims to spread the light all over the windows on both sides hoping to engulf as many of the coming ravens as possible. Even though the light should be too weak to kill them outright, it should be enough to blind them and singe their feathers. Making it very hard for them to fly normally.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on April 23, 2014, 01:18:39 PM
While the others dealt with the crows, The Gorger did what he does best - he joined the front lines.

The Gorger's bones and muscles contort and shift as he becomes the white wolf once more, the Siege Breaker secured tightly on his back.  He charges forward, closely following Vildayvin, the frigid chill from the dullahan's power passing over his thick mane.  As the two monsters closed in - Vildayvin's shield at the ready - The Gorger returns to his original form.  General Darkraven's sight would likely be blocked by Vildayvin's frame, imposing force, and massive shield... and yet, every bone in the ghoul's body told him not to get into melee range of that sword.  He drew the weapons of the Siege Breaker, and with a mighty leap into the air, he throws them downward in an arcing motion in front of the dullahan, hoping to find out just what the general was capable of.

While the others no doubt sensed a foreboding omen from the general of the Blacklands, The Gorger's senses were truly keen.  His ability to measure a warrior's strength was potent, and the foe before them now...

A strange sensation overtook the ghoul.  Was this... fear?

No more showy displays.  No more tests of strength.  No more senseless attempts to feast.  If he wanted to make it out of this alive, The Gorger would have to be at his optimum... but could he do it in the midst of terror?  Or, would it fuel him?
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 12, 2014, 12:12:08 PM
The gorger's twin weapons soared through the air, intent on striking General Darkraven....And were handily intercepted. His flashing blade rose up and easily turned aside the projectile weapons, the motion so smooth and swift it seemed as if he had merely flicked his wrist to knock them aside. In one swift motion he spun with his sword, performing a full circle before outstretching his free hand at the oncoming Dullahan, a wall of force extending from his palm like a shadow, buffeting the horseman and bringing his charge to a halt, threatening to throw him back if he did not hold his ground.

The ravens assaulting the party split, endless hordes ignoring their fallen brethren and separating, disappearing out of the windows as the general's initial attack draws to a close. Still, nonetheless, more ravens wing in from the air, circling around the general in a defensive pattern as he floats gently off the ground, taunting the party.

"Really? You were the best the crusade could muster? You will never defeat me." His words were confident, and the ravens swirled around him with increasing speed, until, with a black flash, he vanished in a puff of feathers and shadow.

In a blink and another flash, he appeared behind lady Yukimura, his off hand swinging a vicious backhand that threatened to send her flying with its force. Uncaring of the outcome of his strike, he vanishes again, reappearing in front of Father Rau, thrusting his sword at his chest before vanishing again, offering no opportunity for counterattack.

When he appeared before Axel, the ghoul had analyzed the situation and was ready. A shield went up at an angle, redirecting the blow he knew he could not stop, and his longsword lashed out. And yet as it would have scored through the general, his body seemed to break up into feathers, vanishing once more before returning to his original position in front of the party.

"Show me your strength. Give me the pleasure of crushing you at the peak of your abilities."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on May 16, 2014, 12:21:08 AM
   From her crouched position, her battle instincts kicked in. Tensed muscles uncoiled like a striking viper as she spun her spear, an arc of flame laced lightning trailing in the wake of its head. Like a bolt of lightning itself, the spear would move to deflect the blow that she felt coming for her. Rather than stopping the strike dead, she deflected just ever so slightly so the force of the blow was transferred away from her, rather into her If all went well, she would remain where she was.
   
Regardless of what happened, she watched the movements of the enemy. As he flitted about them, he taunted them. Her eyes narrowed as she listened, hoping that his actions did not drive her companions to anger. That would lead to mistakes and she wanted no casualties. She took a deep breath and her voice boomed out, clear across the room, the seal of nobility stark against her armor. [BATTLECRY]

   "Do not let his words dig at your minds, that is what he wants. STAND FAST AND FIGHT! FOR THE EMPIRE!"

   Her words would sound over the birds around them, cut through any fear that were threatening to shroud her companion's minds and would spur them to greater heights. It would instill fear in the stoutest of enemies, for she was the Winged Dragon, and nothing was going to kill this dragon. Her spear cast flitting shadows across the room as she drew it back into an attack stance.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 27, 2014, 10:03:20 PM
The Dulluhan releases an annoyed shriek as his charge is brought to a halt by a wall of force sent his way by Darkraven, almost sending him backwards.  Using his formidable strength, the undead soldier slams his enchanted blade down into the stone floor underneath, anchoring himself against the blast.  His enchanted head spins as it watches the General's attacks against his companions.  Vil notices that the wight's attack fails and passes right through Darkravens shadowy form.

Damn...physical weaponry seems to not harm him.  That leaves....

The Dulluhan's eyes settle on Father Rau and then Sun Wu as he realizes that out of the whole group those two possess the most....magical attacks and thus would hopefully fare better at striking the General. Anger ripples through the Dulluhan's mind as he watches Darkraven dance about the room, striking at his companions before disappearing, preventing them from even striking back, but then he hears the voice of the newcomer.

"Do not let his words dig at your minds, that is what he wants.  STAND FAST AND FIGHT! FOR THE EMPIRE!"

The words seem to erase the anger he momentarily felt as his mind focuses on what he must do.  Ripping his blade from the floor, small chunks of stone flying through the air as the dark blade rises up, Vildayvin turns once more to Darkraven as his erratic eyes stop moving as they focus into slits as he gazes upon the evil being in front of him.  The knight's raspy voice bellows forth as he attempts to draw the general's attention solely onto him, moving to a position so that Darkraven would have to look at either him or his companions.

"General Darkraven!  You want to see strength?  Face me then!  Sword for sword, none of this dancing about like a fairy!  Face me like a man, unless you are too much of a coward!"

At this the Dulluhan's jaw unhinges and an ear-piercing shriek resonates off the walls as he focuses the sonic effect on the General, attempting to anger or disrupt the being and draw his full attention upon the cursed knight.

Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on May 30, 2014, 11:02:36 PM
    Seeing how the ravens are unfazed by their fallen, Rau deems it unnecessary to continue an attack of this level on them and stop his beams. This was done just in time for him to see the attacks of his teammates fail to harm Darkraven. The general seems to effortlessly stop the attacks and launch an offensive of his own after taunting the party.

    Lady Yukimura is the first one to suffer his onslaught, luckily she is able to react and deflect the blow. Unfortunately this is not the case for the priest. Thanks to the fact he was not the first one attacked he knew something was coming, nevertheless this is not enough for him to be able to avoid the blow of a skilled warrior. The general's sword catches him in the chest and the thrust goes through, the holy man managing only to move slightly out of the way and avoid a fatal strike through the heart. Blood starts gushing out of his wounds and his mouth is filled with it's metallic taste. He falls on his knees and arms and cough's violently, leaving a big blood stain on the floor. Rau's mind is overcome by the pain and he is unable to act, body giving out and will faltering, his last form of defense activates prompted by the priest's condition.

   His bracelet lights up and shatters with a loud crack. For a second an intense light illuminates the interior of the church. Instantly the priest's mind clears and the pain is washed away. The fact that he has recently been adding aether to the bracelet, has increased the potency of it's effect and it has also stopped his bleeding and slowly began to close the wounds.

   With the healing effects washing over him Rau stands back on his feet and goes into action without delay. (Holy light(area)) Closing his eyes and grasping the shaft of his staff with both hands, he begins to mumble an incantation. It takes only a few seconds for the incantation to be complete and with a surge of power that can be felt by all, light burst out of the priest and explodes, leaving streaks of aether floating in the air. The priest's eyes were now open and his eyeballs were replaced by a radiating light, his entire body pulsing with the power of aether. Light and new streaks of aether appeared out of thin air around the priest, as the spell kept intensifying. He hears the battle cry of the newest addition to the group, but it is a distant scream. Right now the priest was in a deep concentration, looking for aether, feeling the presence of holy energy, guiding it to himself, dragging it even. Taking all of the energy he can gather and channel it into his spell, was his one and only goal.

   Even though his companions have not seen him use this spell before, they can see that this is only it's beginning. They could also perceive that standing still in the cathedral makes Rau an easy target for Darkraven.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Archdemon Stu on June 05, 2014, 01:14:04 AM
The Gorger watches as his weapons are easily cast aside by General Darkraven.  It was exactly as he expected.  They were outmatched in speed, strength, and technique.  However, as the vampire general spoke, there was one thing that caused the fall of many men in war: arrogance.  However, now was not the time to capitalize.  As much as he hated to admit it to himself, Father Rau was likely the greatest hope of defeating this threat.

The dullahan has the right idea, taunting to draw attacks to himself.  The Gorger followed suit, but with another idea in mind... playing on the vampire's interests.  If he truly wished to face a strong foe, perhaps The Gorger could accommodate.

"The peak of our abilities?" his voice was low, certain that the general had keen enough senses to perceive it.  The Gorger's eyes darted about, watching the shadows carefully and heightening his senses, pacing about Father Rau with either hand carrying the Siege Breaker's quicker weaponry.  "The truth is, your kind created me, and never got to see my full potential before I ripped them apart and devoured them.  In truth, neither have I... however, it was I who consumed villages and destroyed the mighty Matthais Hilder, using the strength of the villagers he tried to save." The Gorger was about to make a gamble.  "As I am now, you face a starved creature; barely allowed to feast under the control of the Dark Crusade.  Fill my belly - allow me to feast uninterrupted - and you will have the foe you seek."

As he was, The Gorger knew he could not face General Darkraven.  However, if the vampire's pride as a warrior was truly as great as he made it seem, then The Gorger may get the feast he seeks... for better or worse.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on June 05, 2014, 01:49:03 AM
"My kind?" The general asked, almost laughing. "You underestimate me. I am no vampire."

As he spoke, he reached a hand up and slipped it under the hem of his mask. "Such an existence is not for me, and you shall have no feast of my flesh!" he tossed aside the mask, revealing his true face, such as it was.

Under the mysterious hood was a strange amalgamation of shadow and bone. What may have once been a human skull was almost subsumed in shadowy darkness, the outline barely visible beneath the shadows flowing like fog from its surface. Glowing red eyes pierced the veil of unnatural black  as a gaunt face grinned at the group from beneath its gaze.

"Vampire, ghoul, wight, dullahan, abomination. You pitiful weaklings know only select few categories of creature. But above these monsters are anomalies such as myself." the general spoke, his mouth dripping gaseous darkness like frozen breath. "I am the great general of this army. Did you truly think that I would be one of those simple creatures you know so much about?" His blade twirled in his hand as he floated above the ground, slowly gaining height until he towered over the group from above.

"I am a ghastly wraith, a vision of darkness and terror. I am a creature you have never seen, nor shall you ever again! I am unique, and I am beyond your abilities. I am General Darkraven!" He said, spinning in place before vanishing once more in a puff of feathers.

He appeared once more behind Father Rau, ready to strike him down, but as his blade flashed out, it was intercepted from the side. Axel's own longsword striking with unnatural speed, almost from nowhere, as if he had always been there, ready to strike.

"Such speed..But perhaps it was not speed at all, was it?" the General said, genuinely intrigued by the wight's interception.

"I've read your movements, general. Your hit and run tactics won't avail you." he said, raising his shield. "As a group! Work in pairs, back to back. Cover each other and watch for sneak attacks!"

"So.. The son of Axam rises to the challenge." General Darkraven said, vanishing before taking his position in front of the group again.

"What-" Axel began, before shaking himself free of that train of thought. He'd interrogate the general on his knowledge of his father later. There was a battle to finish.

"Lady Yukimura, take my position!" Axel said, detaching from behind Rau to take up a paired spot with the Abomination. The shorter wight and the towering Abomination stood should to shoulder, eyes on Darkraven as they prepared to counter any attack.

"There's no need for that." The general said, twirling his sword in place and extending his arm to wave the group on tauntingly. "Come. You get your chance to retaliate. Strike at me."

"Gladly." Sun Wu replied simply, leaping over Vildayvin's shoulder to launch a flying kick at the general.

The wraith slid to the side, almost laughing as the monk flew past. "What was tha-RGH!" The creature was caught off guard by the wave of chi following the strike as he was struck in the side. He took the blow well, however, and was still standing.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on June 05, 2014, 11:44:10 AM
Rau was fully emerged in his spell, he was still conscious of the world around him but not interested in it at the least. His mind was looking for aether, grasping at even the smallest notion of its presence, until he finally reaches deep enough to connect to it, a note of aether, a stream of pure life. A violent explosion shakes the surroundings, as the priest draws from that power and intensifies the channeled energy in an instant. This creates a dome of light with a 30 feet radius. In it is core the dome holds the priest and the light is most intense. At the extremities the light is still potent, but that potency sharply decreases as you exit the perimeter completely. Every creature in the dome, considered friendly by the caster, feels a rejuvenating energy, as life latches on to it. The effect varies from creature to creature, with living beings experiencing more potent results. The aether still remains for some time, even after leaving the dome. Items coated in aether share it's properties and become a deadly weapon against the undead.

“Creature!” Father Rau's voice boomed in the church. “You are just another creature that spreads darkness and corruption!” The priest slams the butt of his staff into the ground and takes a slow step forward, the dome of light moving with him. “In the face of the everlasting light, all the children of darkness have perished! You... this army... your faith shall be no different!”
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on June 19, 2014, 09:04:54 PM
As the light washed over eher and axel cried out for her to take his position covering rau from behind, she decided to launch a little offense of her own.

The light that bathed whem caused the flame and lightning that spat from the head of her weapon to gain the brilliance of a white hot flame. She spun the polearm behind her and used jump.

Leaping feet up into the air, for a fraction of a moment she seemed suspended, but a sudden burst of speed propelled her forward, slashing at the general as she burst out of the dome in a white light of brilliance.

She would strike, carried past the general and in a feat of great strength, she would shift herself, launching herself back towards the dome of light, striking at the general a second time. As her polearm spun, she would come up behind Rau.

"I have your back" She said in a clear voice.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on June 28, 2014, 01:12:23 AM
The Dulluhan watches as the Generals attack against the priest is deflected by Axel.  He listens as the two exchange words, catching the wights reaction to Darkravens words.  The flitting eyes of his ghastly skull focus on the priest as a dome of light explodes around him, the aether flowing over the cursed knight.  Deep within his form, the old crusader feels a slight stir of what could be happiness as the light touches him.  The feeling fades quickly as it is overcome by a much stronger feeling....desire.  The creature before him must die....his Death Knell would ring out through the area and Darkravens soul would be judged.  Just as Vildayvin begins to lower his sword into his sheath, a figure leaps over his shoulder at Darkraven.  It is the monk, Sun Wu, and he manages to stagger the creature with his chi attack.  Unraveling the macabre whip from his hip, the Dulluhan's head seems to reconnect with his body as the magical frost within his form begins to focus.  Opening his mouth wide, he expels forth a violent blast of bitterly cold frost towards the wraith, followed up with a strike of his whip.  He aims the whip at the Generals sword hand, intending to try and disarm the creature of the dark blade.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on July 20, 2014, 12:12:54 PM
Caught off guard by the monk's strike, Lady yukimura's dash struck through him, biting the bone, leaving him jarred. He turned to face her, prepared to counter her return strike, but his attention had left the monk, and he suffered for it as a roundhouse kick laden with chi slammed him into Yukimura's return strike. Pummeled from both sides, he was still standing when an onslaught of frost bit at his bones, ice coating his robe as he roared in anger, unable to step aside as his blade was knocked from his grasp.

"Insolent whelps! You will not defeat me! I am darkness! I am death!" The general shouted, waves of blackness shattering the coating of ice on him as he floated into the sky.

"Now you will die, and serve as a feast for the shadows!" He shouted, and his form seemed to explode in a black cloud, out of which flew countless laughing skulls, burning with black fire as they sought out the party, attempting to bite down on their flesh and tear them apart.

Sun Wu stood fast, his fists striking like the rhythm of heavy rain as he struck down skull after skull that came for him. He was however, unable to defend the others, leaving them to defend themselves.

As the skulls approached rau's sphere, they sputtered for a moment, their fires flickering, but then reignited and continued their approach to the priest and lady yukimura, albeit slower.

Axel was somewhat more fortunate. Somewhat. As the skulls approached the abomination Axel stood with, he began striking them down with his heavy fists, but was unable to stop the lot of them. When one of them bit into the abomination, hard enough to tear through even his rocky skin, the abomination revealed some of its true power. Rather than blood, a burst of arcane energy bled from the abomination, blasting aside the skulls in his vicinity and knocking Axel to the ground with its concussive force. The eruption of energy grew more violent, destroying the skulls in their vicinity before creating a massive flash of light, after which the wound appeared to have healed itself, leaving Axel somewhat beaten up and confused, but decidedly more healthy than if those skulls had bitten into him.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on July 23, 2014, 01:16:50 AM
Her spear bit home once, twice. The return blow, for from the others' attack flung their enemy into the crucible steel, causing even more damage. She was brightened by the fact that this team seemed to be working well together.

She stood next to Rau and followed the enemy generals movments as he flew back into the air.

"Now you will die, and serve as a feast for the shadows!"

Everything seemed to slow in front of her as the general exploded into dozens if not hundreds of laughing skulls that flew about the air, striving to take them down. She closed her eyes for just a moment, feeling the wind about her. Mizuki's mouth quirked into a smirk.

Taking a deep breath, she exhaled, bellowing loudly. At first it sounded like the shout of a battle commander, strong, carrying through the night, but it turned into what sounded to be a fearsome roar of a primal dragon. Her eyes sprang open and within them swirled an abyss of winds.

She took one step forward, slamming her foot down and her polearm began to spin. At first slow, but it quickly picked up speed. Soon, it seemed to be a miracle that the woman could retain a grip on her weapon, but she did. The wind dragon would aid her this day.

The spear tip flashed bright circles of fire and lightning as it struck out like so many lightning bolts from the clouds of a fearsome storm. In her eyes raged the winds of tempest as her blade sung. Striking out again and again, at every skull that neared her and rau, she would form a wall of nigh unpenetrable defensive strikes. [WIND DRAGON]
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on December 22, 2014, 03:39:31 PM
(Here is the cutoff point. This is the first new post since the restoration. Any recovered posts go before this one)

After the group's questions had been answered, the figure who called himself Millescelte looked out to the battlefield.

"Ah, it appears that the majority of the cleanup is complete." He said, his eye not leaving the scene outside as he spoke to the group. "It would appear that your commander is looking for you. I am afraid I must be off. But I will be watching your progress intently. The band of heroes. Men and monsters who don't even necessarily like each other, but who perform with such synergy on the battlefield that even the great General Darkraven cannot defeat them. You are very special, you heroes."

With that, the man disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving behind nothing but a knowing laugh, echoing out through the hall as Sir Walter entered the chapel through the broken doorway, surveying the scene of battle before him.

"I knew when the battle turned in our favor that you had defeated the General." He said, nodding to the group as he approached. His gaze rested on Alucard for a moment, who merely nodded and bowed.

"I had little to do with this battle, Walter." he said, flashing a knowing grin at the Lord Tamer. "I merely ensured the general could not escape."

"I see." He said, looking back at the main group. "Well done. You have done what most could never do. Darkraven was beyond mere monsters. He was something unique. A creature beyond classification. I fear that Dracula has many such strange creatures in his command. Unique creatures with unique powers, things we should be wary of. But for now, we rest. We have captured the city, and from here we can establish a base of operations and a link to the home country. We've secured the first stretch of land back from the Darklands. The Black City belongs to the forces of good once more."

Axel cleared his throat and stepped forward, looking at the group. "You all should get some rest. I'll inform Sir Walter of our battle, and of our.."He glanced at Alucard again. "Mysterious guest."

With that, Alucard, Sir Walter, and Axel left, leaving the Abomination and the group alone by themselves. The Abomination's wound seemed to have healed completely, not even leaving so much as a scar after his violent outburst of magical energy. This mysterious power seemed to have surprised even himself, and he was still absent-mindedly rubbing the spot where his flesh had been torn. He looked at the group for a moment, then spoke again, his words just as slow and purposeful as ever. "So. What shall I do now? I await the next chance to exact revenge against those who enslaved me, but the battle is over. Should I simply wait for orders?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on December 24, 2014, 03:02:18 PM
Rau watches Sir Walter and the rest leave the church. The day was taxing and now he could finally feel the tension leave him. Trying to evaluate what has taken place, a frustrating thought comes to mind. Physicaly he was lacking. The blow he received from Darkraven, the priest was prepared, yet he only managed to protect his vitals. It is embarrassing but if he was to look at the bigger picture, everyone but him has the capacity to protect themselves. A heavy sigh drives his thoughts away and he turns towards Lady Yukimura.

"Lady Yukimura," after gaining her attention Rau bows his head lightly. "Thank you very much for your assistance back there, without it I would have been hard pressed to cast even a single spell."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on December 27, 2014, 07:03:00 PM
Before Sir Walter leaves, she tries to get a word in

"Sir Walter, how fare my men?" She asked, Concern in her voice. She got a response that lightened her worry, that none of her men had fallen, and that they were assisting with cleanup. That was well. She would nod to him before he left.

At Rau speaking up, she turned to the priest. "Think nothing of it, Father Rau. I am glad to have kept you safe" She said with a nod.
Grounding her spear, she pulled out a flask and took a large swig. She offered it to Rau as well, should he want some. It smelled of strong alcohol.

She looked to the others.

"I feel we may have won this battle, but we certainly have a ways to go yet." She looked over to the abomination.

"For now, wait for orders before moving on your own, otherwise, at ease. This is not over, for any of us. Have no worries."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on January 01, 2015, 12:18:36 AM
Vildayvin watches as the mystery man disappears in a flash of smoke and Sir Walter enters from the broken doorway.  Listening to what the man says, the Dulluhan's head seems to casually float around his armored form.  Sheathing his sword and slinging his shield across his back he walks over to the abomination as it speaks, the head returning to its "normal" place a few inches from the creatures neck.  He claps the abomination on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion (as they are both monsters free from the control of evil) as he responds to the creatures question

"Fear not, I am sure there will be plenty more opportunities for you to bring down vengeance.  For now relax and enjoy in your new-found freedom my friend."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on January 03, 2015, 11:47:25 PM
"Freedom? Heh. From one leash to another." The Gorger mutters, striding past the group and out to wander the empty city on his own for a while.

The abomination watched him go, almost contemplative, before looking to the others and nodding. "Thank you." he said slowly, "I will take this time to think on my freedom." With that, he also strode out, leaving Mizuki, Father Rau, Sun Wu, and Vildayvin to themselves.

While the sun never shone in this part of the world, it seemed to be making a better effort. The area seemed brighter and less dead now, almost directly in relation to the fact that it had been reclaimed by the crusade. Soldiers and support units walked through the city streets, finishing off straggling pockets of resistance and saving what injured allies they could find. The battle was definitively over now, and the crusade was at the cleanup step in the battle for the Black City, mopping up the dead and injured and clearing the city for use as a forward base. This left the party in the very center of the city, in the mighty corrupted chapel that now seemed surprisingly out of place in a city that rapidly seemed to be coming to life.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on January 12, 2015, 01:00:14 PM
After the group had taken their time to spend, they were gathered in the central square once more, where Walter was addressing the crusade.

"Today we have won a great victory. We have recaptured the black city, and now we have a place from which to muster our forces for future assaults. The might of the Crusade is unbending, its will unbreakable...."

As inspiring and audible a Sir Walter's speeches were, it was hard to pay attention when each of the group simultaneously received a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, Alucard was standing behind them, grinning a wide fanged smile.

"Follow me, if you please." Alucard said, looking between the group. "Sir Walter has a special task for the heroes who won the battle."

With that, Alucard turned in his heel and began walking toward the city's outer circles. Once they reached the north gate, they were greeted by another gathered group of elites. Orgarash and Grakul, Shani and Wrynjolf, and Khadmas, Theldorian, and Valorkoth, the three who had helped The Gorger, Sun Wu, and Rau grow in Mordintharas, all stood by the gates.

"Greetings. It's about time. I hope you're ready, because now the fun begins." Another voice, separate from the group, said, materializing from the shadows. The familiar flowing red and black robe of Lord William Black appeared. "There's much to do, and so little time."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on January 18, 2015, 06:45:44 PM
The Dulluhan shifts his shield across his back as he silently watches as Walter speaks to the gathered soldiers.  He feels a tap on his shoulder and his head spins around to see Alucard standing behind them.

"Follow me, if you please.  Sir Walter has a special task for the heroes who won the battle."

Vildayvin follows the vampire as they move through the city to the outer circles.  A group of elite soldiers is gathered at the northern gate seemingly waiting for them.  Then from within the nearby shadows a voice resonates.

"Greetings.  It's about time.  I hope you're ready, because now the fun begins."

A man wearing flowing red and black robes appears before them.

"There's much to do, and so little time."

The Dulluhan's eyes flitter up and down as he gauges the man before him.  He had been filled in on some of the activities the group was involved with before his arrival.  He had been briefed on a necromancer that had offered his services to the Crusade.  It seemed likely that this man was that very same necromancer.  He rests his gauntleted hands on his weapons as he speaks to the man.

"Greetings.  I do not believe we have met.  I am Vildayvin Devaron....and you are the necromancer William Black.  Would I be correct?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on January 21, 2015, 11:58:58 AM
"Follow me, if you please" Alucard spoke to them.

He led them to the north gate, where they met up with the other elites. Lord William Black spoke up then

"Greetings. It's about time. I hope you're ready, because now the fun begins. There's much to do, and so little time."

Mizuki eyes the man who spoke to them, gauging him. She planted her spear, the wax seal holding the strip of Akavashi script visible on her armor, and spoke up.

"I am Lady Yukimura. A pleasure I am sure"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on January 26, 2015, 02:51:11 PM
"Theldorian, no wonder to be seeing you again.  I hope you are faring well."  Sun Wu greets his new master.

"The Molded Chi technique you taught me is proving invaluable."  He says with a bow.

With a small smile, the monk pulls his pipe out of his pocket.  Through all of the fighting, it is still intact.  He lights the tobacco and puffs a lazy billow of smoke into the air.

He stands waiting for direction from Lord William Black.  Contentedly puffing away.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on January 26, 2015, 08:04:55 PM
"Yes. I am William Black." He says, bowing deeply.  "Now then, shall we depart? We have quite an amount of space to traverse. You see, now that we have taken the Black Citadel, there is no doubt that the armies of darkness will respond harshly. And so we must remain a step ahead of them."

William turns and begins walking out of the gate, not really caring if the others were following. "You see, our next target is the Fortress of screams. This is the central staging area for most of the armies of Dracula, and once word reaches him of the city's fall, his forces will begin gathering there. The crusade will need time to regroup and gather its resources before they are prepared to face the brunt of the armies of the Blacklands, so it's our job to...Impede the enemy's preparations." He glanced at his left hand and it surrounded itself in unholy fire as he chuckled to himself.

"You remember General Darkraven, yes? An anomaly, even among monsters. All of Dracula's generals are as such. He would not use common rabble to lead his forces. Each and every one of the dark generals are one of a kind. And we're going to kill them all. Each. and. every. one." He blasted down trees with his left hand at each of his last four words as if to accentuate his point.

Then he stopped suddenly and turned on his heel, rotating to face the party. "As you've probably guessed, there are four more generals to kill. I expect one of them will be overseeing operations at the fortress. We will scout out the location, determine any way we can slow the army's amassing, and if possible, slay the general in charge. Now then, off we go!" He said, clapping his hands as a fiery skeletal horse appeared beneath him, catching him in the saddle as it rose from the ground.

Grakul and Orgarash approached from behind the party with steeds for those who had none. "You've been leading us to the west the whole time, you know." The more heavily armored Orc noted.

"So I have! This way then!" He said, turning to his right and heading off.

"That's south."

"Right! This way!" he said, finally having rotated himself north, and taking off in the proper direction.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on January 27, 2015, 09:43:07 AM
Sun Wu knocks the bowl of his pipe on the heel of his shoe before tucking it back into the folds of his shirt.  He doesn't typically ride by horseback, but conserving energy is a fine idea.

He wordlessly hops onto the back of the horse presented to him.  Once William Black finally got his bearings, he gave the horse a touch with his heel, lightly spurring it forward.

What the current has in store for them next is anyone's guess.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on February 04, 2015, 03:45:32 AM
Rau walks with the rest towards the north gate. Following Alucard who had graciously gathered them from the square for their new mission. It seems no one will have the time to rest and recuperate their strenght.

Appart from menny others, Valorkoth was waiting for the party. The priest greeted the dragon with a bow and joined the group. Their guide this time was non other but the necromancer they had met earlier. Being exposed to his particular brand of madness was not exactly a welcome sight.

He thanked the orcs for bringing the steads and gladly took one of them. He saddle it with a grunt, however.  His wound has not been completely mended, given the short time it was treated, Hopefully he will be able to take care of it during this ride.

While the necromancer spoke of the uniqueness of the generals of the blackland's army, Rau did not fail to notice the very unique nature of the necromancer himself. For now he chose not to make much of it.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on February 10, 2015, 01:02:55 PM
She would shoulder her spear aafter watching William black for a moment. She didn't particularly like the guy, and she wasn't sure why. With a shake of her head she started walking after him, taking a long swig out of her flask before replacing it at her belt.

She listenes as he describes their next mission and what they were going to do, nodding at the decent plan. As they brought out the horses for everyone she looked at it warily. She usually didn't ride, at least not a horse she had not trained herself. As the mount was left to her, she grabbed the bridle and stared the horse in the eye, before talking quietly to it.

"Don't you give me any trouble, you hear?" She stared at it for a moment more before leaping into the air onto it's saddle. She put the butt of her spear into the stirrup, and started the horse off with knee pressure. She hardly seemed to need the reigns at all.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on March 07, 2015, 06:19:38 AM
The Dulluhan followed after the necromancer as the caster rambled on.  As everyone saddled up, Vildayvin raised his right hand into the air.  Frost flowed out from within his armor, floating down towards the ground.  After a moment the frost almost "explodes" as Frostmane materializes before the dark knight.  Graspin the dark leather saddle, Vil effortlessly vaults up into the saddle.  A moment later he follows after William and the rest of the group.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on March 07, 2015, 12:47:31 PM
The party moved north for some time. Minutes, hours, or even days, it was hard to tell in the Blacklands, as the oppressing darkness never seemed to change with the hour of the day. But after a time of riding, Lord William brought his steed to a halt on a cliff-side overlooking a deep valley.

The fortress of screams lived up to its name. The agonized wails of tortured souls drifted up the cliff-side carried on fell winds. The fortress itself looked like a gnashing skull from the front, and a sprawling insect from above. Its wailing front gate carved in an expression of fear and pain, monsters poured into its open maw at a constant rate, a stream of soldiers flowing into a thirsty fortress

William dismissed his undead mount and it vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving the Warlock on the cliff-side on his feet as he looked down to survey the situation below.

"So. It looks like they've already begun gathering. That means we don't have too much time. We'd best devise a plan. Any initial suggestions? We need to sabotage their operations, draw out the general, kill him, and preferably make it out with our hides still on our backs."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on March 21, 2015, 10:24:41 AM
The Dulluhan follows the Necromancer as the group rides across the countryside.  Eventually they come to a halt, the spellcaster bringing his steed to a stop at a cliifside, and before them sat the fortress of screams...countless soldiers pouring through the main gate.  A few seconds after the dark spellcaster dismisses his undead mount, Vildayvin follows suite, moving to the edge of the cliff.  The ebony black eyes of the dark rider flit about as they gaze upon the scene before him. 

"I will be honest....I am not one skilled in the arts of subterfuge.  The best suggestion I would have is a frontal assault and that is quite likely the worst idea in this present situation.  Should you require a distraction however....."

The skull of the cursed rider continues to flit and look around the area even while the armored body stands still, the left hand resting on the hilt of the ebony black longsword at his waist.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on April 15, 2015, 05:16:56 PM
"The smallest crack in a mighty dam can result in its destruction."

Wu hops down from horse, barely making a sound as his feet touch the ground.

"The full weight of the water pushes on the unwavering dam for years, ultimately defeated."

Wu gives Vildayvin a small grin. "I would not suggest a frontal assault with our limited number. But a distraction could give us the so-called crack that we are looking for."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on April 20, 2015, 06:52:30 AM
Rau listens to his companions suggestions and when they are done he also dismounts and takes a look at what they are about to face.

"We will need to be careful," the priest unconsciously touches the wound Darkraven gave him, which has almost healed by now " if we do not follow the general's movements, a distraction may backfire on us." Rau takes another moment with his gaze swallowing the surroundings. "We should make sure he doesn't appear with the bulk of his army."

"I have something in mind that might work to our advantage." the holy man clears his throat and begins to explain his plan. "Considering the fact that we are in a fortified enemy camp, we would be hard pressed to fight withing its confines, even if we manage to sneak inside. The outskirts of the camp, however, are a different story. Sweeping around the castle Wu and lady Yukimura should be able to make short work of any nearby sentries. From there we can start making attacks on the fortress. The goal of our attacks would be to draw enemy forces away from it. I should be able to sense the undead's location whit my abilities. When the army starts to form and approach, or the general comes, we retreat, ambush any forces that are on our tail and reemerge on a different location doing the exact same thing. We continue to do that until their general gives chase and separates from his main forces. With any luck we might have a hot headed one here and this could work like a charm on the other had, should the general never chose to leave his fortress, his armies should be drawn outside to search for us which might give us enough room to infiltrate."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on May 12, 2015, 09:31:40 PM
"It's a stretch, but it may work." Orgarash says, scratching his chin. "We don't know which of the remaining four generals is within these walls, and the information we have on them hardly stretches beyond their names and titles. Fenrir the Hunter, Ashara, the Banshee Queen, Tactician Xaman, and a fourth, only known as 'The Shade'. Of what we know of the four generals, Fenrir would be the most likely to take the bait, but the fear then is that he would be too efficient at the hunt. If our spies and intelligence gatherers are correct, Fenrir is the first of the pack. The Alpha. The original Werewolf. According to our vampire infiltrators, he is typically head of the royal guard at the Palace of Night. But with war on the horizon, it is unknown where he may be deployed. We should consider his presence as the worst case scenario. He is the clenched fist of Dracula. His enforcer and symbol of power."

"The others we do not have enough information on to make a solid call as to what to expect of them. Though by Xaman's title, he is not likely to fall for a lure. Which leaves the Banshee Queen and 'The Shade' as our two unknowns." Grakul interjected, pulling out what appeared to be a spyglass, though it had many more moving parts than a standard one. He looked through it and scanned what he could see of the fortress and the forces pouring into it.

"There's an unusually large detachment of Monstrosities. I'm also spotting a large contingent of hooded figures that are likely the necromancers who put them together. They must have a plan for them."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on May 13, 2015, 11:17:28 AM
The undead knight gazes out to the fortress before them, and the forces marching through it's walls.  He silently listens as his macabre eyes flit about the scene in their usual erratic fashion.  Tendrils of ice cold air flow from the small gaps of his plate armor, a thin layer of frost covering the ground around him as the area around the Dulluhan remains incredibly (and for anyone other then Vildayvin, an uncomfortable level) cold.  His floating head turns towards the monk as he dismounts and speaks to him.

"I would not suggest a frontal assault with our limited number. But a distraction could give us the so-called crack that we are looking for."

Vil's decaying skull suddenly spins towards the monk, his flitting vision seeming to pause for a few moments as the midnight orbs focus on Wu. The Dulluhan's raspy voice flowing hauntingly from within the floating skull a momentl ater.

"While you speak in needless riddles and poetry...you speak truth."

His attention returns towards the gate as Orgarash speaks up, revealing the names of the four generals they seek.

"Fenrir...Ashara...Xaman....Shade.  Yes...I can feel it.  Final judgement for each shall come soon."

The Dulluhan seems to speak softly, almost more towards himself then any of the group.  A hint of....excitement, or possibly anticipation, seems to creep into the voice of the cursed warrior.

"Judgement of Darkraven was.....denied.  The others will not be so lucky...."

As Vildayvin speaks it almost seems as if the tabard draped around his armored form seems to fade and decay somewhat, almost as if the Dulluhan's "true" mission is rising above the will of the crusader that still resided within the steel of the black armor.  Then as quick as it started the tabard returns to "normal".

Vil's head rises off of his shoulders and floats over close to Rau as he listens to the priests suggestion.

"Hit-and-run tactics...could certainly work."

His eyes then flit over to Grakul.

"You say Fenrir is the veritable "right hand" of Dracula.  I would say it unlikely that such a creature would be the first one sent against us.  One such as Xaman would likely remain close to the rear where they can safely direct the military might without having to concern themselves with being over-run or assassination attempts and whatnot.  While it is only a guess....I feel that leaves one of the "unknowns" as the one that likely resides within these walls.  Both names may give a hint as to what we could expect from them....a banshee....and a shade."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on May 18, 2015, 11:33:33 AM
"If only we had more information. One does not leap from a cliff without knowing how deep the pool is below." Wu gives Vildayvin a knowing grin.

"Judging by the number of monstrosities and necromancers, it does seem to fit Vildayvin's assessment."

Wu takes a sip from a bottle of water he had stashed in the folds of his shirt.

"I cannot say I have a better plan. I will defer to the others."
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Radobe on May 23, 2015, 01:52:54 AM
Rau listens to Orgarash, and nods. "Fenrir..." the priest repeated "he would truly be our worst enemy in this situation. The fact that he is not undead means I cannot sense his presence, which would be another inconvenience." He takes a few more moments to think and gather his thoughts. "Perhaps I can determine weather we have an undead general inside or not, if I got closer to the fortress and we can take it from there."

Rau looks at their female companion. "Lady Yukimura is there any advice you can give us?"
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on July 31, 2015, 02:30:03 PM
Someone cleared their throat behind the party. As they turned to the sound, Lord William raised his hand in a faux salute, as if he found the very idea of performing the gesture rather quaint.

"It seems to me," he began, as Valorkoth's head snaked around to the Necromancer's side. "That if we are in need of a distraction, perhaps there is none better than a dragon, and perhaps on its shoulders, one of unrestrained magical power." One could almost sense the grin beneath the man's mask.

Valorkoth sniffed in bemusement, a cloud of smoke leaving his nostrils as he gave a deep, throaty chuckle. "Indeed. Perhaps it is time I took to the skies with this young necromancer on my back."

"Young? You mistake my age, good sir."

"No, no I do not." with that, Lord William gave a mere shrug and, as the Dragon lowered itself to the ground, walked to its shoulders and straddled the ridge of raised scales that ran along its back.

"Shall we be off?" the necromancer asked.

"Indeed we shall. Make ready to begin to hunt."


With that, the dragon spread its massive, leathery wings, and with a single flap flung itself into the air. It let loose a ferocious Roar that echoed across the sky, and the heads down below turned up in surprise as a Dragon swooped low, strafing the army with a gout of burning breath as the Necromancer astride it flung down orbs of magic that detonated amidst the foe below. Their assault did little to dwindle the numbers of the army, but they now had its full attention.

"Now we begin the infiltration." Orgarash said, moving to the edge of the cliff and stepping over. He dug his boots into the side of the rather steep slope, and either by magic or sheer strength, kept himself against the slope as he slid, his massive form digging a groove in the gravelly hillside as he descended. It was a long way down, however. Grakul followed behind, sliding his way slowly down the groove the larger Orc had been kind enough to dig out for him.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Daccio on October 06, 2015, 06:01:27 PM
Lady Yukimura grips the spear as she sits on her horse, listening to the others talk about the situation. Plans enter her head and are discarded as things are discussed, and ideas flit around as she tries to decide what would be the best way to go about this situation. She hopped down, standing next to the rest.

"Some hit and run tactics creating a disctraction then a tactical withdrawel should draw the general out of hiding. If it does not, we know we are likely fighting Xaman. If we do draw them out, we must be prepared for a brutal counterattack should we find ourselves facing fenrir. My inclination would be that we not find him here, but it could always happen. If we manage to draw out some of the army, but not the general, the shade and the banshee queen may have magics they can use effectively at a distance, so we could outflank and attempt to launch a tactical strike on the general if that is the case. As far as the monstrosities, we should send one of our heavy hitters that direction, to at least maim them so they are unable to assist. I'm not too experienced with necromancers, but someone with magics to
combat their own would be logical.

After speaking her bit, she turned as someone cleared their throat. Her eyebrow raised as the dragon and Lord william offered to be a distraction. Before much else could be said, the necromancer hopped onto the back of the dragon and started off the surprise attack at once.

"I guess we are going in" Said Lady Yukimura with a shrug. She took a long swallow from her flask before replacing it, and leapt off after the others, nearly effortlessly keeping her feet as she slid down the steep slope on her armored feet. She held her spear to the side, at the ready.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Veldanya Venalla on October 12, 2015, 02:11:50 AM
The Dulluhan's head spins to look behind his as a voice speaks up.  Vil listens as the dragon and necromancer quickly formulate a plan of attack and then put things into motion as the winged creature launches into the air and delivers multiple blasts of fire against the moving army below. 

"Yesss.....action at last.

He moves to follow after Yukimura, The undead knight's strength forcing his large plate boots down into the ground beneath him, easing his travel down the steep slope.  The exposed soil frosts over as it contacts the ebony steel of his boots, a stark reminder of the dark power that infuses and empowers the warrior (as if the ghastly disembodied head didn't do that already).
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Kitharsis on October 18, 2015, 12:56:47 PM
Wu watches passively as the dragon and necromancer haul off into the sky. Quite a distraction indeed.

"I suppose the debate is over." He says, as the others begin their decent down the slope.

The monk delicately hops over the edge, taking his own path parallel to the others. He crosses his arms as he gildes down the slope on a cushion of chakra beneath his feet. 
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Shadow Chorus on October 27, 2015, 06:00:23 PM
As the group finds their way down the sides of the hill, they realize sheer height of the wall. From above it seemed much shorter, as the lower angle and the height of the hill made the walls seem reasonably defensive. But from the ground, gazing up, the walls extend for a good fifty feet or more into the air. Not the easiest to climb by any means. Father Rau takes a look up the sheer height of the wall and taps it with his staff, noting that it would be quite the fortress to assail in traditional warfare.

"That's why we're not attacking it traditionally." Grakul notes, drawing two of his strange weapons and moving along the length of the blackened wall.

Following behind the two Orcs spearheading the advance, the group can hear the sounds of the dragon's aerial assault above. The roar of flame, the blasts of explosive spells, and the loosing of many arrows into the sky. So far, the distraction appears to be working well.

"We'll likely be able to find some form of entrance around the back, something we can use to sneak in." Orgarash said aloud, drawing his greataxe from his back and carrying it ready at his side.

"There." Rau says, pointing his staff up as they reach a corner in the sprawling shape of the fortress's walls. One of the corners, rising up into the sky, seemed to open up into a window to the inside. Standing on the edge was a rather agitated looking sentry, a wight who seemed to be concerned with the events going on in the main courtyard but not wanting to abandon his post for fear of retribution.  As such he was looking away from the open balcony he stood upon, looking towards the front of the fortress as he idly tapped the heavy crossbow he held in his hands, his glowing gaze focused towards the commotion outside.
Title: Re: Shadowhaunt: The Black Crusade (Part II)
Post by: Hanako on October 27, 2015, 11:40:19 PM
Hello! ^_^

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