The Chronicles of Mystria: Times of Sorrow I

[Yesopalitha]

Ukrieg wasn't happy.

The Unnamed One had been very displeased when it had heard that the Beastling hadn't been caught. It had almost killed Tamarwo from pure spite. Instead, it had stayed its hand, and then told Ukrieg and Isokar to start patrolling the Temple themselves.

Isokar came into view, "We are smelling human blood, and it's pulsing. The Beastling must be back and it must have brought friends," he mused.

Ukrieg changed back into his human form, naked, but standing tall. The Vampire flinched at the sight, but didn't move.

"Tell your Vamps to attack from the front, and drive them into the forest. We will be waiting. And the Beastling - he is MINE," instructed Ukrieg.

"For once, my comrade, your plan is flawless," Isokar admitted, "The Unnamed One wants some knights alive so he can question them. He also sent a Wraith here to help us, as well as some Hellhounds. We must not let the Blade of Dusk fall."

Ukrieg changed once back into his wolf form.

HOWL!!!!!

The hunt was on.

[Crystal Spires]

We should keep covering ground toward the temple."

"I almost crossed the temple threshold when I was attacked. There is an Alpha wolf pack that is guarding it, and maybe more." he said with a smile.

He called me suicidal. Hah hah! he thought as a smirk crossed his face "I know you want to help me, and I'm incredibly grateful, but splitting the forces of your army is the least ideal circumstance I could have put your town through." he said honestly, "I believed that if I could get the blade in stealth and return, it would be best than wasting lives of your army here. At worst, I would die, which would be terrible only to me. If we fail here, your troops will lose their strength, and your whole village will be lost, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself or even die without regrets. So give me a break Captain, Sir." he said in an almost joking voice. He is notoriously difficult to figure out.

Jabrill could hear the sounds of the forest.

It's almost as if we're being watched. I have that feeling.

[Metanih]

Mari smiled at the sight of the beast-man. "Wolves are of little consequence. See the large number of men we have? We should be able to handle ourselves. Come on! To the temple!" Mari said, confidently. "What is at the temple, exactly?" Mari said, realizing she didn't know.

[Democratic Eurasia]

Arvok heard the steps two and silently motioned for his men to form a loose circle. He also made a 'carry-on' motion in the air to Jabrill and Mari
Keep talking, let them think they're catching us off guard
"I see. But we are a large, large force at the town. A small patrol of, ah, new recruits will be little loss. And I doubt the worst will happen- I am sure if was just ordinary wolves. They grow large in these parts, but they can be cut down easily."

Let them pounce for a mouse and find a wild-cat.

He gripped his axe and narrowed his eyes into the gloom as they moved forward at a slower pace.

"Yes, I am sure we are in no danger at all."

[Crystal Spires]

"Yes, I am sure we are in no danger at all."

. "What is at the temple, exactly?" Mari said, realizing she didn't know.

"The temple is one of the last known location of the Blade of Dusk, an enchanted blade that can kill unbidden with ease, but it can also slay Eldritch abominations which is what we will need the blade for." Jabrill realized that most of these people were blissfully unaware that the legend of Eldritch Abominations that they heard as children that their parents would tell them was more than just old wives tales. Hardly any one has seen an Eldritch Abomination and lived to tell the tale, and if they did live they were often driven to madness, or live forever in fear of encountering one again.

"The wolves I encountered were Alpha wolves, I'm not in doubt about that. They're incredibly intelligent and even with a full force of men they're not to be underestimated. Whatever normal wolves you have encountered before, will not be like these, I guarantee you that. We must hurry."

[Metanih]

"Is there a discription of the Blade of Dusk in existance, or is as shrouded in mystery as the Flower you want? What kind of blade it is, how many of the type are there, you know, how many can kill Unbidden?" Mari asked, curiousity overwhelming her as she pulled out her second, longer and sharper blade. Save the fire for a nice surprise. Gonna shock the fuck out of my allies, and hopefully my enemies.

[Crystal Spires]

"Is there a discription of the Blade of Dusk in existance, or is as shrouded in mystery as the Flower you want? What kind of blade it is, how many of the type are there, you know, how many can kill Unbidden?" Mari asked, curiousity overwhelming her as she pulled out her second, longer and sharper blade. Save the fire for a nice surprise. Gonna shock the fuck out of my allies, and hopefully my enemies.

"As far as I know it is a magical blade, and there is only one. It was created to be wielded by Lord Voldok of Courage, made specifically to kill Eldritch abominations because there's no other weapon that can even harm them at all that I know of. Anyone can kill unbidden with enough force and energy, however Eldritch Abominations..." he just realized that he let everyone know that there is an eldritch abomination on its way to Suld. I'm an idiot, how am I going to avoid instilling panic now? he cleared his throat. "That is to say that if one materializes we will be able to destroy them. IF there is one."

[Democratic Eurasia]

Arvok paused.
"If there is one. Right." he was quiet for a moment as he carefully swept the anxiety away from his mind and refocused on the task, "All the same- we must keep moving towards the temple. If we do not stop, we can reach it by dawn. As I recall there is a little clearing around it. The sunlight should cover us as we rest and search. We should be quick in finding it and then return to do what we can at the town."
They moved deeper into the forest, along an old path leading to the temple. It was rarely used these days, but it was clear enough to follow, even amidst the trees and gloom. Arvok was tensely expecting to be jumped at any moment, his eyes moving back and forth as he scanned the undergrowth.

[Servoth]

510 miles away, the Eastern Lands, near the small village of Oakling
Commisioner Kinder, watched the mechanical soldiers lays the railroad tracks and build telephone lines. The soldiers could think for themselves but they didn't mind the work. Kinder sat under a large olive green tent, his hand on top of a black telephone ready to contact his Lord, Israphel, on the movement of his machine forces. A Lieutenant model of the mechanical soldiers; identified by "his" pickelhaube adorned with a golden art deco sunburst... the seal of Israphel, the Guiding Light; came into Kinder's tent. The Lieutenant stop before his desk and with a few clicks, dings, and followed by the sound of a needle being pulled across vinyl, it spoke "Construction of the rail has reached the distance of 30 miles from the city, which currently contains the spectral harp. We should be able to attack, capture, and claim the harp within two days." "Excellent, I shall contact his lord, Israphel, immediatly." replied Kinder, he picked up the telephone, "My lord, we are getting close to the harp you've been searching for....."

[Crystal Spires]

"Captain Arvok," Jabrill said to him and talked to him in secret, "In order to find the Golden Flower, one needs the blade of dusk, the spectral harp, the lucante grimoire, the cowl of mourning, the rod of judgement, and the locket of eventide. Without it one cannot hope to find it, or get close to it at all." Jabrill said in a strangely calm tone of voice. "I've already gathered the 4 elemental stones, so that part of my pilgrimage is done, and it's from that that I discovered the location of the dusk blade, but there's no telling where the rest of the relics are. If I should fall here or fail, the task will pass on to another person, but you have to give them these 4 stones." He holds out the elemental stones.

Now I have no regrets then. Jabrill thought.

[Democratic Eurasia]

Arvok's calm was shaken in a way that it had been before. What had he gotten himself into, he wondered. The true magnitude of only just began to dawn on him.

"I- I would consider it my sacred duty, Jabrill, to ensure the success of your quest. No matter who completes, if the Flower were found..." he paused gazing at the stones reverentially, "But you are not dead yet, Seeker. And those stone may well play a part yet in the search. By Serion's name I swear- you will not fall or fail while I stand to guard you. And if I should fail in that task, then I will still see the quest continued by every means at my disposal!"

[Crystal Spires]

And if I should fail in that task, then I will still see the quest continued by every means at my disposal!"

"Captain Arvok, I am telling you this because the person who was charged with my protection has already died. We were in the shrine of the fire stone, and he ended up being killed by an Eldritch Abomination. It's why I am here alone instead of with a Templar. I am saying prioritize your own safety over mine, and if I fall I need you to act as lead templar and give the stones and the blade to the nearest temple. Do you understand what I'm asking you to do?" he asked seriously.

[Lucantis]

Riddick got some things ready, ate, and left the house. He made sure he didn't leave any weapons or some food lying. The house was neat and orderly. Anyway. Riddick put his cloak on and headed for the forest. The more I encounter, he thought. The better I'll become. Good thing I also packed some medical supplies.

[Yesopalitha]

Isokar, the King of Vampires, was excited.

He could smell the blood pulsing through the veins of the Humans. It was intoxicating. It was... there was really no way to describe it.

Ukrieg's plan was flawless. His Vampires would attack from the outside, and drive the Beastling, the Elf, and the Humans deeper into the forest, where they would be ambushed by the Wolves.

There were now fifty Vampires in the forest. Isokar was leading about ten of them...

However, the Vampires closest to the Humans were Newborns. Newborns didn't have as much control over their thirst - when they smelled blood, they went for it.

Seven of these Newborns, some of them previous citizens of the town of Gilmesh - sprinted off, not heeding the call of their King. They wanted Human blood, and they wanted it NOW.

They crouched in the shadows, then, as they saw the Human/Beastling/Elf party appear, they jumped out like blurs of darkness...

OOC:

[Crystal Spires]

Riddick got some things ready, ate, and left the house. He made sure he didn't leave any weapons or some food lying. The house was neat and orderly. Anyway. Riddick put his cloak on and headed for the forest. The more I encounter, he thought. The better I'll become. Good thing I also packed some medical supplies.

Riddick could sense there was a strange change in the air. It felt like the forest was watching him. And he was approached by what looked like a woman, but almost like a doll. Her long straight black hair whipped in the wind as she stared at him with strangely inhuman amber colored eyes which give off a strange uncomfortable sickly blank expression.

"You there, where can I find the village of Suld?" She asked emotionlessly, almost giving Riddick an even more uncomfortable feeling.

[Crystal Spires]

They crouched in the shadows, then, as they saw the Human/Beastling/Elf party appear, they jumped out like blurs of darkness...

Jabrill knew it was too late. "They're coming." he stashed the stones in his satchel and immediately drew his daggers. General Arvok could sense it, and Mari-jor noticed her companions getting prepared for battle and followed suit. The knights were prepared, mentally and physically.

[Lucantis]

Riddick got some things ready, ate, and left the house. He made sure he didn't leave any weapons or some food lying. The house was neat and orderly. Anyway. Riddick put his cloak on and headed for the forest. The more I encounter, he thought. The better I'll become. Good thing I also packed some medical supplies.

Riddick could sense there was a strange change in the air. It felt like the forest was watching him. And he was approached by what looked like a woman, but almost like a doll. Her long straight black hair whipped in the wind as she stared at him with strangely inhuman amber colored eyes which give off a strange uncomfortable sickly blank expression.

"You there, where can I find the village of Suld?" She asked emotionlessly, almost giving Riddick an even more uncomfortable feeling.

Please don't control my character.

"Don't mind me," said Venom (John, Ender, Riddick). "I'm just passing through. And the village of Suld?...." He smirked. "Couldn't even pull it off. Be alert, and stay alert. Ya never know what the hell is out here." Then he continued in the direction he was going but in the trees this time.

[Crystal Spires]

Please don't control my character.

Then he continued in the direction he was going but in the trees this time.

I'm using your stats to give you extra information about your surroundings, but if you want no stats, that's going to be tricky

"Huh?" The woman said while following Riddick. "What does that have to do with what I asked? I'm looking for directions. Where is Suld?"

[Lucantis]

Please don't control my character.

Then he continued in the direction he was going but in the trees this time.

I'm using your stats to give you extra information about your surroundings, but if you want no stats, that's going to be tricky

"Huh?" The woman said while following Riddick. "What does that have to do with what I asked? I'm looking for directions. Where is Suld?"

"Just head west," said Venom without looking at the woman and continuing. "If I were you, I'd get out of the forest while I'll can. At this time of night, it's when they come out to play. Especially newborns." Then he stopped. He looked straight ahead. He noticed something and saw it move slightly. "Run," he said. Riddick looked down. The woman was still there. "Don't wait for me, run!!" He dropped down from the trees and pushed the woman towards Suld.

[Crystal Spires]

"Just head west," said Venom without looking at the woman and continuing. "If I were you, I'd get out of the forest while I'll can. At this time of night, it's when they come out to play. Especially newborns." Then he stopped. He looked straight ahead. He noticed something and saw it move slightly. "Run," he said. Riddick looked down. The woman was still there. "Don't wait for me, run!!" He dropped down from the trees and pushed the woman towards Suld.

Amalia looked confused for a moment and let him run ahead. Did that guy think I was a vampire? she thought. Ah... not again.

Oh poor Amalia and her speechcraft 3 points....

Amalia went in the direction of Suld. She had to find him. Where could he be?

[Yesopalitha]

Meanwhile, back at the Forest...

The Unnamed One frowned.

The Eldritch Abomination had brought interesting news. Instead of sending one of its minions, this was something it would take care of on its own. It told the Chief Wraith, "Keep me in contact at all times."

Then, it whistled three tunes - C-A-B.

A dark shape materialized before him. It was a giant black raven - a raven that had been altered by magic, considerably.

The Unnamed One took off from the ground.

The Wraith sent the Unnamed One this message - Do not tarry long. Crocmesh wants to meet with you the next morning.

I will be swift.

[Servoth]

Meanwhile, back at the Forest...

The Unnamed One frowned.

The Eldritch Abomination had brought interesting news. Instead of sending one of its minions, this was something it would take care of on its own. It told the Chief Wraith, "Keep me in contact at all times."

Then, it whistled three tunes - C-A-B.

A dark shape materialized before him. It was a giant black raven - a raven that had been altered by magic, considerably.

The Unnamed One took off from the ground.

The Wraith sent the Unnamed One this message - Do not tarry long. Crocmesh wants to meet with you the next morning.

I will be swift.

"Sir, there is a bird comin' straight towards us!", a beastling general yelled as he came bursting into Israphel's office. Israphel looked up from the papers on his desk, of course, he was quite displeased with this,"Then get some bird seed, and make yourself a friend, you idiot!" The beastling looked dismayed, "But sir, it's not normal, it huge and evil.....and it almost killed me!" Fine we'll go take a look at this giant bird, Israphel thought, as he pressed a button on the edge of his desk. "And now we move to floor 473, the Observation Room.", he said as the room shifted and quickly moved upwards.

[Democratic Eurasia]

Arvok didn't have time to reply to Jabrill's words as the Newborn lept out at them. As one leapt for him he instinctively rammed his shield forward- any being will pause when its face is smashed in by a large weight of metal after all- and swept his axe towards its throat.
"For Serion!" he roared with a voice that nearly shook the trees, "Rally and fight!"

Around them the Knights reacted similary jabbing and slashing with their weapons at their attackers, and trying to fend off the frenetic vampires with their shields and armour. Automatically, thanks to years of training, they kept to a loose circle- tight enough to prevent any of the monsters from getting through, but loose enough that they could still swing their weapons freely. Even a vampire, after all, will pause for thought when its arm is cleaved off by a broadsword. But the vampires did have one diasdvantage that might balance against their numbers and their comfort in the darl- they were fighting holy knights- not one of those knights did not have blessed weapons and armour, and each man had firm faith and at least one holy symbol on him.

[Crystal Spires]

they were fighting holy knights- not one of those knights did not have blessed weapons and armour, and each man had firm faith and at least one holy symbol on him.

The newborns backed way from the knights for a moment seeing that they possessed an advantage, and for a moment it seemed like they were fleeing, but Captain Arvok knew better. They were regrouping for another strategy of attack. Jabrill looked around.

"Where did they go?" he wondered.

Then without warning the vampires broke the knight's formation and rammed into them, knocking a few off their feet stunning them. One Dove towards captain Arvok and made a vicious strike...

[Lucantis]

"Just head west," said Venom without looking at the woman and continuing. "If I were you, I'd get out of the forest while I'll can. At this time of night, it's when they come out to play. Especially newborns." Then he stopped. He looked straight ahead. He noticed something and saw it move slightly. "Run," he said. Riddick looked down. The woman was still there. "Don't wait for me, run!!" He dropped down from the trees and pushed the woman towards Suld.

Amalia looked confused for a moment and let him run ahead. Did that guy think I was a vampire? she thought. Ah... not again.

Oh poor Amalia and her speechcraft 3 points....

Amalia went in the direction of Suld. She had to find him. Where could he be?

Riddick went in the direction of the person he saw. "Whoever you are," he started out, "why are you attacking?" No answer.