TmQfjBhs

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2
3[ 21] Telthian: - Lost City - Prologue I
4
5Fri Sep 15 22:25:04 2017
6
7To: all Verminasia immortal Tashio Cayenna Ampersand storyline Necrucifer
8
9--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
11  --*--
12
13For months it hung in the night sky, inching ever closer towards its
14
15violent end.  Had its purpose not been something so harrowing it would have
16
17been a source of radiance, for it cast light within the cold dead vacuum of
18
19the heavens above Algoron with such intensity that it was visible even
20
21during the day.  But that crimson star was a portent of a grim future, and
22
23its aftermath seemed to be one that not even the gods themselves were fully
24
25prepared for.  
26
27----------------------------------------------------------------------------
28
29Frozen winds ripped across the desolate tundra, howling with an inhospitable
30
31fury.  The terrain was foreign and irregular, reshaped by the quakes and
32
33landslides that followed the crimson star's impact.  Through the
34
35convergeance of sudden, terrible heat and powerful churning earth the impact
36
37site heaved and settled into a dramatic ring cast in stone and ice high upon
38
39the plateau.  Tremors shook the entire continent for weeks, but the seat of
40
41the once powerful empire of Dae'tok was buried in minutes.  
42
43
44Skirting the edge of the crater, a broad, slow moving river cut a lazy path
45
46through the snow-covered peaks and gullies of the mountain range, emptying
47
48into the ocean far to the south.  A pair of figures draped in heavy furs
49
50looked out over the plateau from the leeward side of the crags, sheltered
51
52from the prevailing winds.  
53
54
55Telthian drew a measured breath, kindling a globe of hellfire within his
56
57palm.  The flames licked over his digits as he stared into its undulating
58
59core, before closing his eyes and focusing his mind on a point down beneath
60
61their perch.  
62
63
64Snuffing the flame the priest nodded, turning to look upon his companion. 
65
66"I can feel it there, beneath the snow and ice.  The mark of God remains
67
68even after so many years."
69
70
71Her reply was soft and lyrical, almost lost within the wind.  A smile played
72
73at the edge of her mouth despite the challenge that would lie ahead.  "Then
74
75we will approach from the river, following it until we turn east there, just
76
77beyond the break.  " Ashtiel's slender fingers traced the path of the river
78
79in the air, indicating an expanse of tundra suitable as a forward post.  
80
81
82The chill winds wipping at them, King and Queen observed the expanse of
83
84lifeless tundra before finally nodding in tacit agreement.  
85
86   --*--
87
88--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
89
90[ 30] Ashtiel: Lost City - Prologue II
91
92Wed Sep 20 14:00:11 2017
93
94To: all Verminasia Imm Tashio Cayenna Ampersand Alasdair Storyline Necrucifer
95
96--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
97
98   --*--
99
100The wind howled like some melancholy beast and the closer the pair traveled
101
102to the river, the colder it became until each bitter gust brought with it a
103
104bit of inescapable discomfort.  The river roared in response, though the
105
106sound was muffled by the layer of ice that drifted on its surface to be
107
108broken apart on the rocks that marked the bend where the river turned
109
110southward towards the sea.  
111
112
113It was here that the King and Queen of Verminasia stopped to rest where the
114
115land still afforded them an overlook of the crater and the snow laden ruins
116
117that marked the rubble of Dae'tok.  They settled amongst a few scattered
118
119boulders near the river.  
120
121
122Telthian cleared the snow from one of these toppled stones and rested
123
124himself upon it to study the ancient map he unrolled beside him.  
125
126 
127
128Ashtiel perched herself next to him and drew the lute from her bag.  While
129
130it wasn't as familiar an instrument as the violin she had carried most of
131
132her life, it was carved by her own hand and its smooth wooden surface was
133
134etched with musical notations that faintly hummed with magic.  Her slender
135
136fingers plucked at the strings, drawing forth a haunting series of notes
137
138that played in soft repetition until a single, wailing note echoed back,
139
140resonating on the wind.  
141
142
143The skald paused to listen and made a few marks upon the map spread between
144
145herself and the priest.  'There appears to be a relatively large gathering
146
147of spirits here..  ' Her fingers indicated a spot on the map as she spoke
148
149and then lifted to gesture towards the icy tundra that spread out before
150
151them.  
152
153
154'Their number would suggest a common area, such as a square or market place
155
156or perhaps even a temple where many would have fled in panic when the end
157
158drew near.  ' Her mismatched gaze shifted from the map to the snow covered
159
160landscape before she turned to Telthian to meet his pointed look with one of
161
162her own.  'May not be a bad place to begin.  '
163
164
165They spent some time perusing the map and the landscape and discussing the
166
167placement of the encampment for the others before deciding to continue on. 
168
169She repacked her instrument as Telthian gathered the map and the two set off
170
171eastward away from the river in silence.  
172
173
174The shrill cry of the wind was joined momentarily by another eerie sound as
175
176a single, long winded wolf's howl rose from somewhere amidst the ruins and
177
178Ashtiel cast a faint grin at Telthian.  'Etehnu found something.  '
179
180   --*-- 
181
182
183--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
184
185[ 47] Telthian: Lost City - Prologue III - Offerings
186
187Tue Oct 10 21:35:29 2017
188
189To: all Verminasia immortal Tashio Cayenna Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
190
191--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
192
193 --*--
194
195They followed Etehnu's howl across the tundra until they reached an old
196
197road, uneven and crumbling from the quakes that shifted and rearranged the
198
199terrain many years ago.  Ahead, what remained of several structures jutted
200
201up from the drifts, like the ribs of some carcass.  Several were toppled to
202
203all but a few feet above the foundations, appearing like little more than a
204
205stone wall set with a window.  Their positioning was precise, giving the
206
207impression of a planned settlement.  As they approached, beneath the snow
208
209and rubble, the ruins began to resemble what may have been homes or
210
211storefronts and a modest town square.  
212
213
214Steeling themselves against the biting cold, the skald and priest passed
215
216beneath a crumbling arch and down what remained of an alley.  The massive
217
218dire wolf trotted into view, frost clinging to Etehnu's coat as he
219
220approached the elf.  The dire wolf lowered his head, his jaws releasing his
221
222newly found prize to fall to the snow before Ashtiel.  The limb was large, a
223
224heavy pauldron of castle-forged steel still clung defiantly to the upper
225
226shoulder, and the dark fur was slick with a mix of frozen blood and the dire
227
228wolf's saliva.  
229
230
231Ashtiel and Telthian shared a momentary glance before the elf swept her
232
233gloved hand across the broad snout of her childhood companion in a gesture
234
235of praise.  
236
237'Show us, Etehnu.  '
238
239No further instruction was needed and the massive wolf turned to break into
240
241a trot, hind paws stepping precisely in the tracks left by his forelegs as
242
243he led a path through the ruins.  
244
245
246To call it a grave would have been generous.  The bodies were not so much as
247
248buried but arranged.  The remains of several dismembered yinn littered the
249
250courtyard of a crumbling manor, framed in by the low stone walls.  Beside
251
252them Ethenu froze, hackles raised as Ashtiel and Telthian looked upon the
253
254wolf's find.  Limbs, entrails, vertebrae, and skulls of the fallen yinn were
255
256arranged in geometric shapes so extensive that a single step threatened to
257
258disturb it.  
259
260
261At its center sat the caretaker of the effigy, a hunched figure with
262
263elongated, misshapen limbs covered in a mixture of frozen blood, filth, and
264
265matted fur.  The remains of a chainmail hauberk clung to the twisted yinn,
266
267the links rattling as the ghul shifted and turned its deformed visage toward
268
269the intruders.  Contorting its body, the yinn scuttled towards them on all
270
271fours with malicious intent.  
272
273
274Waves of ethereal frost preceded its advance, the already frigid temperature
275
276dropping rapidly as the ghul slashed at Ashtiel with its elongated,
277
278claw-like hand.  Her reflexes took over, hardened by the fires of battle,
279
280nimbly twisting out of harms way.  In a balletic motion, Ashtiel whipped her
281
282sword from its scabbard and delivered a lethal counter-riposte to the yinn's
283
284throat, rending soiled chain and blighted flesh.  
285
286
287Black, coagulated ichor spilled forth in thick cascades, washing over the
288
289ruined hauberk.  For the living, mortality would have been clarified in that
290
291single decisive strike.  But the grotesque abomination lurched forward,
292
293unflinching, uncaring.  Ashtiel pivoted, her boots scraping the stone of the
294
295courtyard as she danced backward from the yinn to cast a sidelong glance at
296
297the dark priest.   
298
299  --*--
300
301--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302
303[ 83] Ashtiel: Lost City - Prologue IV - The Ghul
304
305Mon Nov  6 19:23:42 2017
306
307To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Cayenna Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
308
309--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
310
311  --*-- 
312
313'Show us, Etehnu.  '
314
315
316The quiet growl of acknowledgment the wolf gave as it turned to lead them
317
318through the ruins carried on an unforgiving breeze.  The vibrations on the
319
320wind bore evidence still of the event that had laid waste to the Empire and
321
322the lands that surrounded it.  The tension of it hummed along her skin.  Ash
323
324glanced once more toward the severed limb Etehnu had left in the snow behind
325
326them, drew her pelt tighter around herself and followed alongside Telthian. 
327
328
329The snow and ice had reclaimed the broken carcasses of the buildings that
330
331lined either side of the street centuries ago so all that remained of them
332
333were tattered teeth that rose from the uneven stone that the earth had
334
335unsettled as it heaved.  The skald studied these in passing and tried to
336
337envision them as the grand structures they once might have been.  The snow
338
339covered path showed no sign of passage aside from the single trail the wolf
340
341left in its otherwise perfect surface.  The animal paused ahead to glance
342
343back at them before continuing on.  
344
345
346The macabre scene that spread before them as the pair followed the direwolf
347
348into an open courtyard gave Ashtiel enough pause that the sudden advancement
349
350of the misshapen creature huddled at its center caught her off guard and she
351
352backed away reflexively as she drew her sword to defend herself.  
353
354
355The cut her blade made across the yinn's throat should have put end to its
356
357assault but instead, the creature continued to lunge at her.  The air filled
358
359with the scent of rot and black ichor oozed from the gaping wound her sword
360
361had torn into the ghul's frozen flesh.  The unnatural cold that radiated
362
363from the creature sent a stinging shiver along her skin and she retreated to
364
365share a glance with the priest.  
366
367
368The ghul's teeth snapped audibly as it lunged at her again, clawing at her
369
370with an elongated arm that missed its mark only because the massive wolf
371
372lunged forward to lock its jaws onto the offending limb.  Etehnu shook the
373
374deformed yinn, dragged the writhing creature back from the skald and forced
375
376it onto the ground as the ghul let out a gurgled shriek.  
377
378
379Though on its back, the beast flailed and rolled rapidly in the snow, trying
380
381to escape the hold the wolf had upon its flesh as the animal continued to
382
383shake and pull.  Ashtiel charged forward to drive her sword through the
384
385ghul's chest, the blade making a sickening scrape as the metal grated past
386
387something embedded within the ghul's rotten flesh.  She drove the struggling
388
389creature downward, both hands wrapping around the hilt of her longsword as
390
391she bore down with her weight to keep the creature trapped beneath her.  
392
393
394'Telthian!  '
395
396
397The priest was already there, the dark saber sheathed at his side pulling
398
399free with a whisper of sound.  Telthian raised the sword high and struck, a
400
401swift blow precisely aligned with the exact place Ashtiel's sword had torn
402
403its flesh moments before.  The ghul's head hit the ground with a thud and
404
405rolled so that its distorted face with eyeless sockets peered up at them. 
406
407Ichor spilled forth to stain the blanket of white.  
408
409
410The priest's saber cluttered to the snow as his hands raised to clutch his
411
412head between them.  
413
414
415  --*-- 
416
417--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
418
419[ 27] Telthian: Lost City - Prologue V - The Skull
420
421Sun Feb 11 19:22:05 2018
422
423To: All Verminasia Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand
424
425--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
426
427  --*--
428
429The saber cut through frozen flesh and sinew, the curve of the heavy
430
431blade driving a wedge between vertebrae.  With a twist, Telthian tore the
432
433blade free from the deformed creature's throat in a spray of ichor.  The
434
435body thrashed, pinned by both the skald and her direwolf as the priest
436
437kicked ghul's severed head free from its shoulders.  
438
439
440Careening off of the grim, ritual arrangement of severed yinn parts, the
441
442misshapen head awkwardly rolled a few feet before it came to rest in a bank
443
444of snow.  Both priest and skald took a moment to scan their surroundings in
445
446the event the clamor drew another creature, but at least for now, they were
447
448alone.  
449
450
451Ethenu growled as his powerful jaws released the decapitated ghul, and the
452
453direwolf sat back on his haunches as he turned to face his master.  Though
454
455she was half-elven, there was no doubt Ashtiel inherited the grace of her
456
457mother's lineage.  With a single motion she rose, cleaning her blade on the
458
459corpse's tattered cloak before returning blade to sheath without so much as
460
461a whisper.  Casting a lopsided grin at Ethenu, she offered a few words of
462
463praise and an affectionate scratch beneath the wolf's jaw as she spoke,
464
465'Hah.  My killers.  Now what the hell was that thing?  ' 
466
467
468His brow furrowed, the priest did not reply, but fixed his gaze upon the
469
470severed head, its jaw agape in a grotesque grin.  There was something else
471
472here.  He could not quite place his finger on what, but he could feel an
473
474icy, instinctual sensation where his shoulders joined his spine.  Over a
475
476thousand years he knew it well, it was the same unmistakable feeling that
477
478froze his prey when those molten eyes bore down upon them.  And so he
479
480waited.  And waited.  
481
482
483The sound of Ashtiel's boot striking the corpse, as if to punctuate her
484
485unanswered question, drew Telthian's attention away from the ghul's head. 
486
487As quickly as it came, the feeling left him.  The priest chuckled, shaking
488
489his head to indicate his uncertainty, 'I do not know, Ash.  But we are not
490
491alone here.  '
492
493
494The frozen winds whipped at them as Ashtiel's mismatched eyes held
495
496Telthian's stormy gaze, the half-elf nodding in agreement.  'I felt it too,
497
498just a moment after we killed that thing it was as if a weight settled upon
499
500me.  Let us press on, perhaps get the drop on the next one, hm?'
501
502
503Hollow, rotten sockets glowered up as the snow crunched beneath the weight
504
505of Telthian's boots as he approached the severed head.  Putrefied flesh and
506
507fur sloughed off the deformed bone beneath his grip as Priest-king raised
508
509the skull to eye level.  
510
511 
512
513  --*--
514
515--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
516
517[ 28] Telthian: Lost City - Prologue VI - The Pit
518
519Sun Feb 11 19:26:21 2018
520
521To: All Verminasia Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand
522
523--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
524
525  --*--
526
527
528A hundred and fifty yinn went into the pit.  
529
530
531Down there into the black.  
532
533
534We didn't want to go but we had no choice.  Our bellies were swollen with
535
536hunger and we needed food.  We needed supplies.  We needed medicine.  We
537
538needed anything to keep us alive in the aftermath of the doom of Dae'tok. 
539
540There was a sickness within the Empire, and it was our undoing.  No help was
541
542coming for us.  Not from men, not from ogres, not from the elves.  
543
544
545She told us we would find our salvation there.  Down in the dark.  
546
547
548Our every step unsettled the ancient earth in those crags and passages
549
550beneath the lowest foundations.  We didn't hear the first one for over an
551
552hour.  But then we heard the second, then the third.  Fetid and twisted
553
554things, starved by madness and damnation.  
555
556
557We started shouting in the dark, waving our makeshift torches and
558
559brandishing our steel, trying to scare them off.  One would run, but two
560
561would come back.  And then more than we could count, waiting just beyond the
562
563glow of our fire.  
564
565
566And when the fire failed then the shouting stopped and the screaming would
567
568start.  Then the screaming would stop and the sounds would start.  
569
570
571Chewing and crunching and scraping and clawing through armor, through flesh,
572
573through bone.  It was so black down there that we couldn't see the blood. 
574
575But we could smell it.  And we could smell them.  
576
577
578In the end, to our shame we fled.  Wailing and laughing with madness through
579
580those black passages, racing back to the surface.  That was when the others
581
582above poured down the liquid fire.  Then we could see.  We could see it all.
583
584
585As my life ebbed and my body burnt, terrible vistas of emptiness revealed
586
587themselves.  There can be no hope in this hell, no hope at all.  
588
589One hundred and fifty yinn went down below into that that limitless chasm.
590
591
592And only She came back.
593
594
595  --*--
596
597
598--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
599
600[ 29] Telthian: Lost City - Prologue VII - Preparations begin
601
602Sun Feb 11 19:34:31 2018
603
604To: All Verminasia Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand
605
606--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
607
608    --*--
609
610
611The Black Wind left him reeling, all but blinded by the migraine burning
612
613away at the median of Telthian's mind.  They left the frozen, bitter tundra
614
615the very same day, departing along the winding road until Ashtiel and Ethenu
616
617could find shelter and the Priest-King could rest.  There was no sense in
618
619scouting beyond the further reaches now.  Whatever remained of the Empire
620
621and star was still buried, and the remnants of the doom of Dae'tok lingered
622
623within its tenebrous corridors.  
624
625
626Something still dwelled along the snow-gripped, ancient pitted cobbles of
627
628the old imperial road.  The priest was confident that on its writhing path
629
630they would face viciousness, violence, and some yet unknown damnably
631
632transcendent horror.  
633
634
635They would need more than just a small band.  They would need
636
637infrastructure, they would need an outpost - perhaps a fortress.  
638
639
640This was no task for the meek, the self-interested, or the undisciplined. 
641
642Terror and madness can find cracks in the toughest of armor, the fiercest
643
644honor, and within the most resolute of faith.  
645
646
647Back in Verminasia, King and Queen deliberated the course ahead from the
648
649first steps in establishing their foothold to the retinue who would
650
651eventually press into the heart of Dae'Tok.  
652
653 
654
655Preparations begin - measured now in gold, later in blood.
656
657 
658
659 --*--
660
661--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
662
663[  7] Sarynzalayth: Lost City - Joining the Expedition
664
665Wed Nov  8 21:46:27 2017
666
667To: All Verminasia Asthiel Telthian Immortal Tashio Cayenna Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
668
669--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
670
671 --*--
672
673                                     
674
675The winds howled loudly, bitterly cold, Sarynzalayth hated Icewall.  She
676
677hated the snow, the ice, the frigid air that stung her eyes.  The massive
678
679red wyrm soared high in the sky, the flapping of her large wings deafened by
680
681the roaring of the blizzard around her.  She would never understand why
682
683anyone or anything would ever call this desolate land of ice, home.  
684
685
686The dragon shook her enormous head, shaking the irritating thoughts from her
687
688mind.  She had work to do.  The story of Dae'tok, destroyed by a massive
689
690star sent by her Lord Necrucifer, had reached her ears.  The Queen and King
691
692of His lands were in search of the destroyed settlement of yinn and the
693
694secrets of its remains.  She vowed to aid them in any way the dragon was
695
696able to.  Though annoyed by most mortals, she was quite fond of both
697
698Majesties, as well as couple of others of Necrucifer's mighty kingdom.  Her
699
700loyalty to His most Faithful was strong.  
701
702
703Sarynzalayth squinted her eyes, peering through the thick snowy air, eyeing
704
705a massive crater deep within the icy lands before her.  This had to be it,
706
707the ruins of the once massive yinn city.  The red dragon pulled her wings
708
709closely to her body, diving lower to the ground below for a better look. 
710
711Toppled ruins lay before her, jagged stone emerging from the icy terrain,
712
713obvious evidence of the ancient Dae'tok kingdom.  Spreading her leathery
714
715wings wide, she pulled up just before slamming into the ground, soaring over
716
717the deep stone-filled crater.  Her emerald eyes glowed in the darkness,
718
719scanning her surroundings, searching for any knowledge she could bring to
720
721the Majesties, anything that could be of use in their religious expedition. 
722
723
724Flying through the icy air, the red wyrm quickly turned her head to the
725
726left, her dagger-like teeth clenched tightly, sensing some sort of life-form
727
728below her.  A massive yinn looked up at her from within the ruins, fur
729
730blackened, coated with thick layers of ice, dented and tarnished plate armor
731
732covering his large form.  Sarynzalayth opened her large jaws, releasing a
733
734ground shaking roar, casting her dragon fear over the ruins within the
735
736crater.  The frozen land quaked beneath her, sending a large avalanche
737
738tumbling down the valley, large mounds of snow and ice sliding towards its
739
740center.  The yinn stood tall, unaffected by the dragon's mighty roar,
741
742unfazed by the fear that typically brough mortals to their knees, frozen and
743
744unmoving.  This was no typical mortal, this was something else all together.
745
746Annoyed, Sarynzalayth soared to her left, turning to face the yinn standing
747
748within the crater below her.  She opened her massive maw once more, this
749
750time an effortless breath of fire streamed forth, covering the yinn in a
751
752ball of flame.  
753
754
755Chuckling lighty, smoking spiraling from her nostrils, Sarynzalayth soared
756
757several feet through the air before turning around, certain with herself
758
759that she would find only the charred body of the yinn remaining.  The dragon
760
761roared loudly in anger, her glaring eyes finding the yinn still standing
762
763before her, smoke billowing around him, her flame melting the deep snow at
764
765his feet.  This time his arms were raised, a large bow within his hands. 
766
767Arrow after arrow quickly flew through the air, Sarynzalayth swung her
768
769massive body within the air, a couple of arrows hissing past her.  The yinn
770
771continued to fire rapidly, several others bouncing harmlessly off her
772
773hardened red scales.  
774
775
776Extremely irritated by the yinnish pest, Sarynzalayth was done playing with
777
778her furry toy, she sucked in deeply, pulling at the air around her, her
779
780massive red girth glowing brightly within the darkness of the crater.  The
781
782red dragon opened her mouth wide, flames flickering at the back of her
783
784throat as she prepared release an enormous breath of fire.  
785
786 
787
788 --*--
789
790
791--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
792
793[ 53] Ashtiel: Lost City - Preparations
794
795Mon Mar 26 12:55:39 2018
796
797To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
798
799--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
800
801--*--
802
803
804The time that had passed since their initial venture into the ruins of
805
806Dae'Tok had not been wasted.  The long winter months had afforded them the
807
808opportunity to plan and prepare for the harsh journey that lay before them. 
809
810The people of Verminasia worked tirelessly throughout the season to gather
811
812together the extra supplies requested for the upcoming expedition.
813
814
815The last weeks of winter had brought with them a fresh flurry of activity. 
816
817The palace forges burned day and night as the blacksmiths worked to complete
818
819the weapons that had been ordered by the Crown.  Shipments from every
820
821province arrived in the capital each day to be loaded onto the ships to
822
823ready them for departure.  By the first day of spring the Armada's stores
824
825were filled with everything from food to boots with iron spiked soles that
826
827were meant to aid those who traveled to the northern reaches of Icewall in
828
829their trek through frozen climes.  
830
831
832Though their ships were stocked to the brim, the supplies would only be
833
834enough to sustain them until their camp could be established and their
835
836portals set for future deliveries.  The construction of the encampment
837
838itself would rely heavily on supplies gathered from the local surrounds. 
839
840Building from lumber harvested from the site would greatly reduce the effort
841
842and risk required to transport it.  
843
844
845The soldiers of the Deathwatch gathered within the city proper by the unit. 
846
847The magi of the Research Academy brewed their potions and practiced their
848
849spells, flooding the dark skies above Verminasia with the occasional bout of
850
851artistic fireworks.  The list of volunteers had grown slowly but steadily to
852
853encompass a wide range of races - elves, ogre, yinn, human, ariel and pixie.
854
855Both the Knights of Storm and the Knights working to reform the Eclipse had
856
857offered their assistance.  
858
859
860With plans in place and supplies packed, there had been little else to see
861
862to aside from some political nuisances that delayed their departure by yet
863
864another day.  The next morn, the people of Verminasia gathered together on
865
866the docks to bid farewell to the first wave of Verminasians traveling to
867
868Icewall.  The fleet set sail just past the break of dawn on the fourth day
869
870of Spring.  
871
872
873 --*--
874
875--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
876
877[ 54] Ashtiel: Lost City - Landfall
878
879Mon Mar 26 12:56:55 2018
880
881To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
882
883--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
884
885 --*--
886
887
888Three days passed at sea.  Rough weather slowed the armada's progression
889
890along the northern coastline of Icewall until the ships turned inland, using
891
892the serpentine curves of the Dae'Atha river to travel deeper into the
893
894northlands.  The river proved no less treacherous, the water still crusted
895
896in places with a thick layer of ice that occasionally barred the way.  The
897
898Requiem creaked as it lead the charge through these icy waters, sailors at
899
900the prow working with spears to break apart and shove away the larger chunks
901
902of ice that threatened the ship's integrity.  The magi helped as well, using
903
904fire and flight to tend to the same.  
905
906
907Ashtiel hated sailing.  It was not that she did not enjoy a good battle at
908
909sea but aside from such an adventure, she had never come to love bobbing
910
911about on an unsteady piece of wood amidst oceans filled with all manner of
912
913creatures, some of them shades.  Thus, habit found her standing at the
914
915highest point of the ship.  Perched within the crow's nest, with her back
916
917against the mast.  Her eyes strayed continuously over the people who rushed
918
919to and fro below and kept a wary watch on the path ahead as she hummed
920
921quietly for hours on end.  The vibration of her song resonated through her,
922
923traveling from her through the very wood of the ship and into water
924
925surrounding it to aid with the task her people worked diligently to
926
927accomplish.  
928
929
930Ahead, through the evanescent silver mist that drifted around them, an
931
932archway of crumbled and broken stone appeared.  A shout below announced
933
934others had spotted it as well, the first landmark recognizable from the
935
936ancient and faded map carried by their King.  The stones of the structure
937
938were massive, the surface of them wind smoothed and slick enough to reflect
939
940the sunlight.  The archway curled over the river from one bank to another,
941
942rising high enough overhead that the ship sailed beneath it without even
943
944coming close to scraping its center.  Yet only one of the massive yaeni
945
946sculptures that guarded the way remained upright.  The other lay,
947
948decapitated and on its side, half buried by the icy waters of the river. 
949
950Its visible surface was covered with frost encrusted vegetation and snow
951
952amassed around its edges.  Even without its head the scope of it rivaled the
953
954length of the ship.  
955
956
957
958A few miles beyond the gateway, the ships were forced to a stop.  Ashtiel
959
960climbed from the nest to convey with the Captain and Telthian.  The glacial
961
962ice that covered the river had become a solid shelf too thick to traverse
963
964without risking the safety of the armada and clearing it would take time. 
965
966Though the journey inland would cost them days, it was unanimously agreed
967
968that the Verminasians would make landfall and clear the path to Eastdrift.
969
970
971 --*--
972
973--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
974
975[ 55] Nymaya: (Pre-Scout) Lost City - Delaying Seas
976
977Tue Mar 27 16:59:09 2018
978
979To: Verminasia Narsh ( Rasavadi Tamaska Phadriak ) Storyline Imm Necrucifer All
980
981--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
982
983(Several months ago)
984
985
986The time of year was not conductive to travel, on land or sea it seemed.  
987
988
989The ship rocked violently, a wave of slush and a spray of ice shearing
990
991across the deck mercilessly.  It was a testament to the weathered status of
992
993the sailors that they did not flinch before it though the slippery nature of
994
995the deck caused even their veteran footing to lose its way.  
996
997 
998
999She was bound in a long black cloak, its weather-treated fabric holding
1000
1001strong even before the icy seas, but the wind cut through every layer of her
1002
1003clothing despite its winter preparedness.
1004
1005 
1006
1007"Mayhap ye shuld go below deck, m'lady." The Captain was a burly man with
1008
1009a barrel chest and of highland descent, if the sash was any indication. 
1010
1011"This gale ain't like ta let up soon."
1012
1013 
1014
1015She lifted her gaze to the heavy cloud cover.  A steady fall of icy rain
1016
1017mingled with snow had been converging over them for hours now and she knew
1018
1019it was unlikely that they'd sail through on course.  She had to stifle a
1020
1021sigh and nearly lost her grip on the railing when another swell hit the
1022
1023ship, sending a wooden groan throughout its length.  It was the abrupt but
1024
1025steadying grip of her Yinn companion that aided her sense of balance and she
1026
1027gave him a grateful nod.
1028
1029 
1030
1031"Perhaps you are right, Captain." She muttered quietly and with a glance
1032
1033at Narsh, she made her way down and out of the weather.
1034
1035 
1036
1037Sea travel had never sat well with her and some four centuries later, she
1038
1039was chagrined to find she was still no more comfortable with it.  The bowels
1040
1041of the ship were only slightly more tolerable than the deck.  At least up
1042
1043there she would be able to see death coming, but she was thankful for the
1044
1045shelter and the warmth.
1046
1047 
1048
1049Her room was small and heated, possessed of a cot, a glowing brazier and a
1050
1051chest for personal items.  She had a pack prepared for an extended stay on
1052
1053Icewall.  Weapons, shelter, clothing, food.  None of which would do her any
1054
1055good if the damn ship sank before they reached port.
1056
1057
1058Frowning deeply, she proceeded to stand in the doorway of her room, her
1059
1060thoughts never far from the potential ignominious ending of drowning at sea
1061
1062and the likelihood that neither she nor Narsh were going to get to their
1063
1064destination any time soon.
1065
1066--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1067
1068[ 56] Narsh: (Pre-Scout) Lost City - Snowblind
1069
1070Tue Mar 27 19:37:26 2018
1071
1072To: Verminasia Eclipse Nymaya (Rasavadi Tamaska) Storyline Imm Necrucifer All
1073
1074--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1075
1076Merciless as the land that gave rise to it, the wind tore at the cloaks
1077
1078and clothing of the two travelers.  
1079
1080
1081Laden with the scent of sea and familiar terrain, and carrying with it the
1082
1083lingering chill of the legendary winters of Icewall, the tireless gusts made
1084
1085for a harsh, if fitting, welcome to the pair of as they departed from the
1086
1087port, and made their way along the frozen coast.  Covered in the protection
1088
1089of their cloaks, strapped with weapons and traveling gear, and inured from
1090
1091the elements with the aid of a few protective spells, they began their
1092
1093journey.  The Yinn had taken point, the massive creature finding a practiced
1094
1095ease in breaking a path through the deep snow, and having long ago grown
1096
1097accustomed to battling against the biting cold and stiff winds that bore
1098
1099down on him and his companion.  He wanted to be certain they were not
1100
1101followed - and in this pursuit, they had elected to stray away from the main
1102
1103roads, and onto a much harsher trek through the wilds.  
1104
1105
1106The first few miles were undertaken in mutual silence, broken only by the
1107
1108crunch of snow beneath boot, the howl of the wind - and the occasional grunt
1109
1110of effort from the two creatures who dared weather this unforgiving terrain.
1111
1112They traveled swiftly in spite of the conditions, the Elf and the Yinn
1113
1114seemingly as tireless as the unyielding wind.  Experienced as they were with
1115
1116travel, neither the rough terrain or the frost and snow that coated their
1117
1118forms seemed capable of slowing them - and it was not until their steps
1119
1120brought them to the trees that marked the beginning of forest that the Yinn
1121
1122would pause.  For a moment, he'd simply catch his breath, which rose from
1123
1124his muzzle in short-lived curls of fog that were quickly stolen away by the
1125
1126wind, as he waited for his companion to close the distance between himself
1127
1128and her.  He took a moment to observe the quickness with which the clouds
1129
1130rolled across the sky, and to note to himself that it was likely this was
1131
1132only the beginning of a much worse storm - before at last, he'd turn to face
1133
1134his companion.  
1135
1136
1137"..  Another thirty miles or more..  Hrn.  Though if we're swift, we can
1138
1139clear these woods before nightfall and set camp on the other side."  He
1140
1141nearly snarled the words as he moved to pull his cloak tight against his
1142
1143broad form, taming the cloth as it sought to take flight in another gust of
1144
1145that chilling wind.  Nymaya had drawn close enough for the pair to speak
1146
1147easily in spite of the howl of the wind through the nearby trees.  Huddled
1148
1149in her robes, she remained silent and still for a long moment as they stood
1150
1151at the edge of the forest in the dim light of the overcast sun.  At length,
1152
1153she'd simply nod, a small smile hidden away within the shadow of her hood. 
1154
1155A snicker from the Yinn followed, before he turned and once more began to
1156
1157lead the way.  "..  Hrn.  It'll be warmer without the wind." , He offered in
1158
1159a meager attempt at reassurance.  
1160
1161--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1162
1163[ 57] Narsh: (Pre-Scout) Lost City - Snowblind II
1164
1165Tue Mar 27 19:58:36 2018
1166
1167To: Verminasia Eclipse Nymaya (Rasavadi Tamaska) Storyline Imm Necrucifer All
1168
1169--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1170
1171When he thought of the memory, it was always the taste of the air that
1172
1173came to him first, the sickly-sweet scent of dying leaves, carried aloft on
1174
1175a wind that bore the first bitter chill of the legendary winter.  The
1176
1177tactile sensation of it flowing into his lungs, cooling him from the inside
1178
1179out as he scented the air in search of his quarry.  His fur matted with a
1180
1181mix of blood and dirt and the same leaves that clothed the forest floor in a
1182
1183rich spectrum of reds and browns - and as well, hid from him the trail he so
1184
1185desperately needed to follow.  He remembered pain and the way it made his
1186
1187head swim, sapped his body of energy, bid him to find rest in the limited
1188
1189warmth offerred by the evening sun, and simply lay still.  
1190
1191
1192He remembered the way the leaves crunched beneath his weight, the way he
1193
1194made far too much sound - how he was too weary and weak to move with the
1195
1196grace and quiet his kind were known for.  He remembered the chill that
1197
1198accompanied his realization that he was dying, and that neither he or his
1199
1200brother would be returning from this hunt.  And he remembered most clearly
1201
1202of all coaxing himself into taking just one more step - and repeating the
1203
1204process with each heavy foot fall that followed.  He remembered how sick he
1205
1206had felt, just trying to focus his blurry vision on the trail of blood that
1207
1208carved a swath through the forests otherwise pristine covering of leaves.  
1209
1210
1211It had taken him until nearly dusk to cover a miles worth of territory, and
1212
1213come to the edge of the river, and the end of the trail of both scent and
1214
1215blood - and to his dismay, the end of tracks.  His brother had made it here,
1216
1217aye - and he had walked into the water - and he had not walked onto the
1218
1219shore opposite of this one.  For a long time, Narsh had simply stood,
1220
1221swaying on his feet as he stubbornly refuted his bodies demands to collapse.
1222
1223And when he could stand no longer, he acquiesced only as much as he had to -
1224
1225falling gracelessly to his rump and curling one of his arms around the
1226
1227vicious streak of blood and tattered fur that marked the grievous wound in
1228
1229his gut.  At length, he had crawled to the edge of that river, and used some
1230
1231of the chillingly cold water to wash the blood from his muzzle, and to trace
1232
1233his clawed fingers along the length of cracked bone that lay exposed beneath
1234
1235the torn fur and flesh.  He was beyond the pain of it in the moment, and he
1236
1237remembered vividly how careful he was not to catch a glimpse of his own
1238
1239reflection in the water, out of fear of learning just how deeply the axe had
1240
1241cut into his muzzle.  
1242
1243
1244It was the brush of a hand much smaller than his own against his arm that
1245
1246drew him back to reality, his eyes shifting away from his reflection in the
1247
1248nearly frozen river that divided these woods, and onto his companion, who
1249
1250wore a questioning look on her features.  For a moment, he'd trace a digit
1251
1252over the scar on his muzzle, before settling his hand back to his side as
1253
1254his lips peeled away from his teeth in a thin smile.  "..  Hrn.  Got
1255
1256distracted by my own good looks."  "Oh?"  There was a lingering hint of
1257
1258concern on Nymaya's features - and perhaps a bit of confusion as well, her
1259
1260eyes studying the Yinn for a long moment before she slowly drew her hand
1261
1262away from his shoulder.  "Well.  Don't stare too long.  We still need to
1263
1264find a place to cross."  .  
1265
1266--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1267
1268[ 58] Nymaya: (Pre-Scout) Lost City - Stormy Trek
1269
1270Tue Mar 27 20:01:06 2018
1271
1272To: Verminasia Narsh ( Rasavadi Tamaska Phadriak ) Storyline Imm Necrucifer All
1273
1274--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1275
1276The soft drift of ashes by her face felt like stinging snow but an acrid
1277
1278sulfuric scent, underscored with blood and worse things, persisted.
1279
1280 
1281
1282It was a twisted, hellish, misshapen landscape and she stood alone before
1283
1284it.  But not...entirely.  What writhed within, not contained but invited,
1285
1286was familiar with this place and eager to press on.
1287
1288 
1289
1290An eerie sound, unending, haunting and wholly captivating stole her focus
1291
1292despite the dangerous nature of what she faced.  It taunted her in rising
1293
1294and lowering intensity, drawing her onward blindly...
1295
1296 
1297
1298...and then she woke with a sudden, sharp inhale.
1299
1300 
1301
1302The sides of the tent, although hidden within a shallow outcropping of rock,
1303
1304shook with the ferocity of the wind.  The light was only a pale shadow of
1305
1306itself, but enough that she knew the night has passed.  She ran her hands
1307
1308back over her hair and took a moment to focus herself before gathering up
1309
1310her pack and bedroll, re-fastening her armor and checking her weapons.  The
1311
1312dream always tended to be different but what it represented never changed.
1313
1314 
1315
1316Narsh waited without, practically invisible within the blowing snow.  It had
1317
1318been necessary to keep watch and to her eye, it looked as if he'd just
1319
1320finished gathering the rest of their camp.  She finished breaking down the
1321
1322tent, grateful for the depth of her hood while she did so, and nodded at the
1323
1324Yinn when he took it and then beckoned her to follow.
1325
1326 
1327
1328The rage of the wind was such that words could barely be heard but they had
1329
1330discussed the rest of the plan before the onset of the storm.  A rope was
1331
1332shared between them to prevent separation in the near whiteout conditions
1333
1334and they set out without hesitation.  The remains of the Lost City of
1335
1336Dae'tok awaited within a crater in the mountains and she felt fairly certain
1337
1338that her companion was growing more eager by the moment.
1339
1340 
1341
1342She contemplated this, glad for the distraction, as she trudged through the
1343
1344snow at the side of her towering friend.  Though she had lost her home,
1345
1346potentially forever, it still stood.  To the proud and displaced yinn, there
1347
1348was nothing but a memory of greatness.  It could be said to be an
1349
1350ignominious end to what had been a powerful and glorious, if brutal, empire.
1351
1352
1353With any luck there would be answers awaiting but she reminded herself that
1354
1355this was just a scouting mission.  Those answers, if there were any, would
1356
1357need to wait.
1358
1359--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1360
1361[ 59] Telthian: Lost City - Landfall - II
1362
1363Tue Mar 27 21:45:49 2018
1364
1365To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
1366
1367--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1368
1369 --*--
1370
1371
1372The weathered stone countenance peered from where it lay half-submerged
1373
1374within the frigid waters, as if in an incredulous display of greeting to the
1375
1376first outsiders to visit in generations.  On the foredeck, men and women
1377
1378draped in heavy furs stared back, and on the wind the Priest-King heard one
1379
1380of the rangers wonder aloud at the age of the statues.  
1381
1382
1383Hundreds of mortal lifetimes had passed since the days of the Twin Emperors
1384
1385of Dae'tok.  Despite the vaunted achievements of Brother and Sister,
1386
1387architects of that nearly indomitable Imperium, this was all that was left
1388
1389of them.  Two statues.  Akenash all but lay in ruins, and his sister, Akazi,
1390
1391was so worn by time that her canine features were unrecognizable.  
1392
1393
1394An involuntary tremor ran through the Priest's swordhand.  The burnt skin
1395
1396protested as he clenched his fist, stifling the tremors.  With an exhalation
1397
1398of breath he shifted his gaze down river, where it narrowed and the surface
1399
1400ice thickened.  Beneath his skin he could feel the creatures twisted by
1401
1402starfall lurking somewhere far off in the distance.  The slender hand at his
1403
1404shoulder brought him back from his musings.  
1405
1406
1407Over the next several hours provisions and supplies marked with the black
1408
1409sun of Pharthati were ferried from the armada to the frozen banks. 
1410
1411Sheltered from the wind in the back range of the Frostania mountains, the
1412
1413expeditionary force set about the final preparations before the trek through
1414
1415snow and ice through Narrowbreak pass and on to Eastdrift.  
1416
1417
1418   --*-- 
1419
1420
1421--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1422
1423[ 60] Nymaya: (Pre-Scout) Lost City - Stalled
1424
1425Wed Mar 28 17:28:20 2018
1426
1427To: Verminasia Eclipse Narsh ( Rasavadi Tamaska Phadriak ) Storyline Necrucifer Imm All
1428
1429--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1430
1431The intensity of the storm never let up.  
1432
1433 
1434
1435Narsh knew his way, that was obvious to her, but even he had had to stop
1436
1437numerous times to redirect himself - and to catch his breath.  She had long
1438
1439ago donned a cloak lined with fur, to complement her fur-lined boots, gloves
1440
1441and clothing but even so she could feel the cold seeping in.  The snow
1442
1443struck them vengefully, blinding even their honed senses and she knew, even
1444
1445before the shadow of the mountains rose up before them, that they were not
1446
1447going to make the pass. 
1448
1449 
1450
1451Her quarterstaff was a boon in the ever deepening snow, offering her
1452
1453purchase and balance, but their pace had slowed to a terrible crawl and she
1454
1455had begun to hear things - see things - in the white-obscured surroundings. 
1456
1457Whispers breathed around her, screams in the distance, and she could not be
1458
1459sure she was not hallucinating.  It had happened before... 
1460
1461 
1462
1463The tugging of the rope shared between her and the Yinn drew her focus back
1464
1465in time for her to note that he was drawing in close.  His had to place his
1466
1467muzzle practically next to her ear to be heard.
1468
1469 
1470
1471"...pass..ahead but...storm...too fierce." She only caught every other
1472
1473word but it was enough.  It fit her assessment of the situation and when
1474
1475he drew back to look on her, she nodded.  His brilliant white fur was so
1476
1477heavily laden with snow that its color had actually dulled.
1478
1479 
1480
1481Under the shared agreement, he too nodded and then stood up taller, his eyes
1482
1483squinting against the unrelenting wind and snow as he sought to peer into
1484
1485the white shroud all around them.  She saw his injured ear flick, even in
1486
1487the wind, and then he turned slowly around.  His movements were enough
1488
1489warning and she too turned slowly, her dark blue cobalts attempting to
1490
1491pierce through the untenable conditions as well.  Perhaps she had not been
1492
1493hallucinating...
1494
1495 
1496
1497Many moments were held in stillness, but they were both seasoned enough to
1498
1499know that they were at a severe disadvantage.  If there were things out
1500
1501there in the white, coming for them, then they were creatures unhindered by
1502
1503the storm.  That they hadn't been set upon yet however was a fair sign that
1504
1505this was not the case.
1506
1507
1508Nothing notable stirred in their small visibility range and after several
1509
1510more tense moments, Narsh set a hand to her shoulder and pointed in the
1511
1512direction they would need to travel now.  Still feeling intensely ill at
1513
1514ease, the hair at the back of her neck rising with the familiar awareness of
1515
1516being watched, she simply nodded and proceeded in the direction indicated.
1517
1518 
1519
1520It would be a long and colder trek back.
1521
1522
1523
1524--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1525
1526[ 61] Telthian: Lost City - Landfall - III
1527
1528Thu Mar 29 16:05:20 2018
1529
1530To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
1531
1532--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1533
1534  --*--
1535
1536
1537As the last of the provisions were ferried from ship to shore, the combined
1538
1539expeditionary force began preparations for the trek further inland.  It
1540
1541would be another day before the pack animals arrived, just over two score
1542
1543caribou acquired from the barbarian tribesmen of the reach in exchange for
1544
1545Verminasian-forged steel.  Such a prize would unsettle the balance of power
1546
1547between warlords, but each spear, axe, and sword would be a concrete
1548
1549manifestation of the Master's power to the pagan idolaters.  In the steppes,
1550
1551Godliness was second to survival.  
1552
1553
1554High overhead, the trinity moons poured their pale light through the vast
1555
1556emptiness onto the host below.  As the stars began to fade into the
1557
1558advancing dawn, the templar worked hurriedly against the coming snowstorm. 
1559
1560Sanctified vessels of firedust and oil were offloaded from the ships, their
1561
1562contents passed through the clergy and distributed by acolyte, templar, and
1563
1564shadowknight alike.  
1565
1566
1567The landing force assembled in loose formation without mind for homeland,
1568
1569creed, or affiliation.  Human, elf, minotaur, goblin, pixie, and ogre, a new
1570
1571vision of the Dark Alliance of old in this modern era, standing shoulder to
1572
1573shoulder as the clergy moved through the ranks.  At the fore of the host, a
1574
1575cadre knelt in the snow before the Priest-King one at a time.  Dipping his
1576
1577fingers into the sacramental oil, Telthian painted the umbric symbol of the
1578
1579Six upon the brow of each member of the circle in turn.
1580
1581
1582The snow and ice crunched beneath his feet as Telthian lowered himself to a
1583
1584knee, holding the vessel overhead to the Bishop, as he clutched the ancient
1585
1586iron-bound tome before him and invoked the power of Necrucifer.  Joining his
1587
1588voice with the Abbot, Wyltte's outstretched hand drew the symbol upon the
1589
1590Priest-King in turn.  One by one, the cadre of Verminasians and Knights of
1591
1592both Eclipse and Storm rose to their feet and joined their voices with the
1593
1594priests.  
1595
1596
1597A lyrical hum reverberated through them, as Ashtiel's magic took hold,
1598
1599amplifying their voices as she began to beat the skin stretched taut over a
1600
1601hand drum in time with the ritual chant.  Cold winds tore through the host,
1602
1603whipping their standards and pulling at their furs as dark power built,
1604
1605until in unison the clergy set the firedust alight.  
1606
1607
1608With the force of a wave crashing down upon the shore, the power of the rite
1609
1610overtook them.  Otherwordly fire swept through the camp, consuming the very
1611
1612air and licking at the fervent bodies of the expeditionary force.  The
1613
1614firedust burnt itself out within seconds, and where it lay a massive
1615
1616smoldering umbric sign remained, encompassing the camp.  
1617
1618
1619The wind wailed in protest at these invaders of the Imperium's graveyard,
1620
1621yet the gale seemed to have lost some potency to its piercing bite. 
1622
1623Telthian called out in a harsh, commanding tone as if by force of will alone
1624
1625he could master the elements of Icewall.  
1626
1627
1628"South!  We follow the old road, winding with a serpent-like suggestion
1629
1630through the pass and beyond into the corrupted countryside.  There is a
1631
1632sickness in the ancient pitted cobbles of the Imperium, yet on this writhing
1633
1634path you will find wealth, glory, and the power to reshape this world as we
1635
1636Wish it!  
1637
1638
1639So steel yourself and remember: there can be no bravery without conflict. 
1640
1641This road will take you into the pit, but in that gaping abyss we will claim
1642
1643what is ours!  "
1644
1645
1646The powerful blast of a warhorn cut through the air, and with righteous
1647
1648clamor the Vanguard pressed forward on the march.  
1649
1650
1651 --*--
1652
1653
1654A stirring of shadow far beyond the edge of the burning sigil betrayed an
1655
1656unfamiliar witness as clouded, milky eyes looked on with malign inspiration.
1657
1658
1659--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1660
1661[ 70] Wyltte: Lost City - The Road - I
1662
1663Fri Mar 30 22:41:20 2018
1664
1665To: all Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Taship Kyri Ampersand Storyline
1666
1667--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1668
1669As the last bit of firedust scattered into wind, the large procession of
1670
1671troops and supplies took south down the road.  Wyltte organized the band
1672
1673into a working pack, much like the direwolves run in on his lands in
1674
1675Iagothal.  A band of of his best warriors blazed the trail ahead, with the
1676
1677King and Queen shortly behind.  There were no feeble or weak in this group. 
1678
1679All who came here were chosen personally from the best, as the Master
1680
1681demanded no less than the most complete effort.  Afterwards came the
1682
1683supplies with some of the camp workers, and they were followed by another
1684
1685band of elite warriors.  Wyltte took the very last position, choosing to
1686
1687keep an eye on the entirety of the procession.  It was both glorious and
1688
1689fearsome to behold.  
1690
1691
1692In order to maintain a watchful eye, he commissioned some of his warlocks to
1693
1694use their ravens to communicate back and forth with the scouting parties
1695
1696which went ahead.  They had sent word that weather was devastating in some
1697
1698spots, so Wyltte wanted to keep a close eye on what was to come. 
1699
1700Additionally, he sent some of his Shaman in Owl form to fly above the
1701
1702procession, keeping their sharp eyes out for any who may try and hinder
1703
1704their progress.  He afforded no chances in this outing, nor would he be the
1705
1706one to allow his people to be caught unawares.  
1707
1708
1709The wind blew icily through the air, and Wyltte pulled his bearskin cloak he
1710
1711had made for the trip around his shoulders.  It kept the chill of the wind
1712
1713off of his frame, but it still lashed at his cheeks, even through the beard.
1714
1715Small icicles were forming underneath his mustache, so he had to keep wiping
1716
1717them away.  He pulled his blade from the sheath slightly, making sure it was
1718
1719intact.  He had each of his soldiers who carried swords and daggers wipe
1720
1721down their blades in whale oil, keeping them from sticking to their
1722
1723sheathes.  It was an old trick, but an effective one.  
1724
1725
1726Their numbers were vast, and as they wound through the weather roadway, the
1727
1728passage seem to close in on them, the lands rising above the road on both
1729
1730sides.  Wyltte let out a whistle, and a small wild elven woman wearing the
1731
1732Deathwatch uniform came to his side.  
1733
1734
1735"Shade, ride on ahead and tell the first warrior band they need to send a
1736
1737body up the hill, see what's on the other side.  We have aerial recon, but
1738
1739sometimes eyes close to the ground can see more."  
1740
1741
1742"Yes Legate" she said with a crisp reply and even crisper salute, and
1743
1744bounded off quickly to the front of the pack.  Wyltte kept his eyes on the
1745
1746hillsides, warily scanning for whatever was making the hairs on the back of
1747
1748his neck stand up.  
1749
1750
1751He made the sign of Necrucifer, once again pulling his cloak which had
1752
1753opened slightly around him.  There was something ahead.  Something he knew
1754
1755didn't want them there.   
1756
1757
1758--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1759
1760[ 71] Wyltte: Lost City - The Road - II
1761
1762Fri Mar 30 23:09:55 2018
1763
1764To: All Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
1765
1766--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1767
1768It was more than thirty minutes before the Shade returned to Wyltte's
1769
1770side, her voice nearly as breathless as her horse.  Tiny crystals seemed to
1771
1772fall from the air as she spoke, the air had grown so cold to freeze her
1773
1774breath mid sentence.  Wyltte looked on in anticipation, the pit of his
1775
1776stomach knotting in anticipation.  
1777
1778
1779"Legate, Shade Wyldebon reporting as ordered.  I talked to the front ranks,
1780
1781and they feel uneasy about the path.  Their horses are getting spoked, but
1782
1783they cannot see any indicators of attack" she said.  Wyltte looked at the
1784
1785Shade with a stern gaze, and she snapped out of her pause.  "I made sure to
1786
1787give them your order Sir, and several climbed thei hill on both sides...  ."
1788
1789
1790Wyltte nodded curtly, looking down at the Shade for a moment.  "Go on, get
1791
1792on with it.  What did they see?"  
1793
1794
1795Here the Shade was hesitant in her answer.  "Nothing Legate, they saw
1796
1797nothing.  Just an old decrepit cottage falling apart in the western
1798
1799lowlands, and to the east there appears to be some type of bog" At the
1800
1801mention of the terrain, Wyltte turned to a warlock at the group ahead. 
1802
1803"Legionnaire, signal the King and Queen to put up wards!  Send your ravens
1804
1805to the skies to tell the Shamans to get on the hill tops and put out Mojo
1806
1807sticks!"   Wyltte spurred his horse forward without another word, the
1808
1809soldier's quick to follow suit.  They moved closer to the supply group, each
1810
1811galloping along in unison.  The air was near a sheet of ice, making each
1812
1813breath labored.  He came to stop right in the middle of the supply group,
1814
1815looking at the startled population.  One large blacksmith trotted over to
1816
1817Wyltte, looking up at him from the ground.  Wyltte looked down at him with a
1818
1819small nod.  
1820
1821
1822"Listen to me carefully.  Take some of your finest, purest steel stakes, and
1823
1824hand them to everyone you can.  Those who cannot wield them, place them in
1825
1826the very center of this caravan.  Whatever you do, do not drop them."  
1827
1828Wyltte said a prayer outloud, and as the blacksmith got out the stakes, the
1829
1830poured unholy water on each one.  After this was completed, he rode up to
1831
1832Telthian and Ashtiel.  
1833
1834
1835"Your Majesties...."   Wyltte started to say, as a shrill howl from the
1836
1837easterlands shattered the eerie silence that swept over the camp.  
1838
1839
1840
1841"Wraiths...."   
1842
1843
1844
1845--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1846
1847[ 73] Wyltte: Lost City - The Road - III
1848
1849Sat Mar 31 11:30:41 2018
1850
1851To: All Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
1852
1853--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1854
1855The shrieks continued in waves, even rising hire than the winds blowing
1856
1857from the north.  The temperature dropped dramatically, to where even the
1858
1859bits of perspiration from the frenzied activity of preparing the convoy
1860
1861started to freeze in people's hair.  Wyltte rode hard along the line,
1862
1863issuing orders and overlooking every detail.  He knew they were coming, he
1864
1865just didn't know when.  
1866
1867
1868He waved over a large beast of a man, lowering his head to speak to him. 
1869
1870The man was already pale, but the shrill howl of the distant wraiths tended
1871
1872to lighten him up even more.  
1873
1874
1875"Centurion, you are from here, are you not?  What do you know of these
1876
1877spirits?"   Wyltte asks, eyes scanning the hill line.  
1878
1879
1880"Aye Legate, vas born and vraised in vittle village outside ov Gaeerenborg. 
1881
1882Ve heard tales ov these spirits, and even heard a stray vail from time to
1883
1884time, but nay anything like this."   The large man made the sign of Mencius,
1885
1886crossing his hand over his heart.  
1887
1888
1889"Then tell me Man, what did you do to keep yourself safe from these
1890
1891spirits?"   Wyltte asks, his horse jittery from the nervous energy of the
1892
1893people all around.  The viking just looked up at Wyltte with a helpless
1894
1895gaze.  
1896
1897
1898"Ve prayed".  
1899
1900
1901Wyltte's eyes flashed with fire, jarring his mount to ride the line again. 
1902
1903His shaman scouts on the hill used their magic to shoot flaming snakes into
1904
1905the air.  
1906
1907
1908It was time.  
1909
1910
1911The wraiths were on the convoy before most people had a chance even raise
1912
1913their weapons.  Darting too and fro, phasing between others and letting out
1914
1915their ungodly screams.  Wyltte saw the chaos and disorganization of the
1916
1917group, and was filled with anger.  He would not allow this expedition to be
1918
1919ruined before it even started.  He grasped the blade of his sword in his
1920
1921hands, letting it slice into his palm.  The blood ran down the blade as he
1922
1923looked towards the blurry sky in defiance.  
1924
1925
1926"Master of Darkness, this blood is spilled to show your sacrifice for your
1927
1928people, to drive away those who hinder your dark purpose." he yells to the
1929
1930sky, the black moon overhead but shrouded by the clouds.  "Let any who
1931
1932oppose you, live or dead, be fearful of your might!"   With this, Wyltte
1933
1934grabbed the blade harder, the slick blood running over the hilt of his
1935
1936blade.  He hefts it high for the convoy to see.  "For Necrucifer!"   
1937
1938
1939The blade started to glow with a dull-red sheen, the people watching in
1940
1941fascination as Wyltte charged headlong into a group of wraiths tormenting a
1942
1943wagon of horses, their rider trying to fend them off with the blessed steel
1944
1945stakes.  He road fearlessly into their midst, slashing as their ethereal
1946
1947vapors with the blade.  Upon connecting, one of the wraiths screamed with
1948
1949anger, turning its faceless visage towards Wyltte, before simply melting
1950
1951into the air without a trace.  
1952
1953
1954Other's quickly followed suit, each calling out to their own Dark God as
1955
1956they flung themselves towards the tormenting spirits.  Shrieks and howls of
1957
1958unearthly proportions filled the sky, drowning out even the howling of the
1959
1960winds.  One by one the spirits faded into the nether, but not before
1961
1962claiming a few scared tradesmen, and a handful of new Deathwatch recruits,
1963
1964their bodies nothing but wilted husks in new armor.  
1965
1966
1967Wyltte reared his horse to the convoy, lifting his bloodied blade high, the
1968
1969sleeve of his shirt wet with the sacrifice.  "This is what happens when you
1970
1971embrace courage and forget fear!  This is what happens when you use Darkness
1972
1973as your strength!"   
1974
1975
1976Wyltte rode down the line, inspecting each of the elements of the convoy. 
1977
1978When satisfied, he motioned to the lead to begin again.  He would deliver
1979
1980them to where they were meant to go.  Their Destiny.  
1981
1982--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1983
1984[ 74] Jermichael:       Upon the ice
1985
1986Sun Apr  1 00:41:09 2018
1987
1988To: all Necrucifer Verminasia storyling ( Imm RP )
1989
1990--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1991
1992Jermichael looked out from where he stood at the front of the small boat
1993
1994and sighed.  They were here, making landfall, he thought to himself.  The
1995
1996boat slowed as the bottom drug upon the shallows and he stepped off the
1997
1998front, his boots splashing as he landed in the chilled, shin-high water.  He
1999
2000raised a gloved hand, motioning for his men to disembark.  
2001
2002
2003Jermichael scanned the temporary staging area, looking for the Priest-King
2004
2005among the hundreds there.  "M'lord, shall we begin unloading the other
2006
2007boats?"  , Quipped a young Squire, who ran up and snapped to attention. 
2008
2009"Aye, your orders have not changed.  Unload our provisions, then see to the
2010
2011mounts."   The young squire snapped a salute and turned on his heels. 
2012
2013Jermichael turned back toward the encampment and made his way from the
2014
2015shore, toward a group of tents set away to the far side of the main body of
2016
2017the area.  
2018
2019
2020He passed crates and barrels of rations, and a group of Verminasian officers
2021
2022speaking in a small group.  Each turned upon Jermichael's approach, some
2023
2024tipping their heads in respect, while others gave salutes.  "Greetings,
2025
2026gentlemen, where might I find our King?"   A seasoned soldier, with a beard
2027
2028to rival a dwarf, turned and pointed to a large tent set in the middle of
2029
2030the others.  "In there, sir..  Las' I saw.  He had the Legate with 'em"
2031
2032Jermichael smiled and gave a quick nod, "Thank you."   He turned from the
2033
2034group and made his way to the tent, followed by two knights.  
2035
2036
2037He pushed the canvas flap aside and stepped inside.  He lifted his head to
2038
2039see the Priest-King leaning over a make-shift table, talking with several
2040
2041others.  Jermichael smiled slightly and bowed as the King turned his gaze
2042
2043upon hearing him enter.  "We are here, my King."   
2044
2045
2046--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2047
2048[ 75] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard
2049
2050Sun Apr  1 11:32:21 2018
2051
2052To: All Shadow Verminasia Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer Drakkara
2053
2054--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2055
2056"Land ho!  " the seaman yelled from the crows nest.  "About bloody time,"
2057
2058Rasavadi cursed under his breath.  The voyage over was slow, rocky, cold and
2059
2060wet.  Miserable in a single word.  Rasavadi hated sea voyages at the best of
2061
2062times.  Salt always found a way to crystallize in the most insidious of
2063
2064manner in the worst places possible.  One would think the armor with its
2065
2066protective gel lining would keep that crap out, but no, never.  
2067
2068
2069Looking around him he saw Jermichael, Elathan, Tamaska and a host of
2070
2071Knight's of Storm.  Nymaya and Narsh were already ashore scouting the area,
2072
2073again, but they were missed.  Time was short, but they had been able to
2074
2075recruit from those that had answered the call to the banner.  Luckily some
2076
2077who had answered the call were trained, but the faces of far too many were
2078
2079obviously untested in battle.  
2080
2081
2082"Guardian, see to the men.  I must speak with the King before we depart," he
2083
2084said to Tamaska who nodded. " Once the supplies are offloaded, and mounts
2085
2086taken care of, get them dry.  I'll not have the cold be our greatest enemy
2087
2088out here.  This goes for you as well," he added with a wry smile knowing
2089
2090she'd look after herself last.  
2091
2092
2093Spotting Jermichael they headed to the kings tent.
2094
2095--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2096
2097[ 73] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard
2098
2099Sun Apr  1 16:22:15 2018
2100
2101To: All Shadow Verminasia Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer
2102
2103--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2104
2105Suddenly the ship came alive, the crew members scattering across the icy
2106
2107deck to make sure the ship was anchored, tied off and ready to begin the
2108
2109task of unloading.  Tamaska reached a clawed hand up and ran it along the
2110
2111side of her muzzle and over her ears, muttering quiet curses as she
2112
2113dislodged bits of ice from her fur.  Her normally onyx colored fur now
2114
2115lightly tipped in frosty ice crystals, something that was not likely to
2116
2117change anytime soon.  
2118
2119
2120Reaching for her staff, she tapped it against the deck and sent a cascade of
2121
2122ice crystals and salt scittering to the deck floor before she made her way
2123
2124off the ship.  Her eyes scanned the gathering of Verminasians, Storm
2125
2126Knights, and Eclipsians.  It was no small gathering by far, impressive
2127
2128really.  Her attention was suddenly snagged as she heard her brother's voice
2129
2130call out.  "Guardian, see to the men."  Guardian...  It still caught her off
2131
2132guard at times but each time she heard it she was humbled by it.  
2133
2134
2135"Once the supplies are offloaded, and mounts taken care of, get them dry. 
2136
2137I'll not have the cold be our greatest enemy out here.  This goes for you as
2138
2139well.  " She snorted as she saw his grin and huffed, obscuring her slightly
2140
2141in a cloud of white as her breath froze in the cold air.  Pulling her fur
2142
2143lined cloak tighter around her and the hood down over her ears, she turned
2144
2145and approached the vanguard members who were unloading.  
2146
2147
2148She quickly divided them up, assigning some to unloading supplies and
2149
2150directing where they needed to be.  They needed to get unloaded but also
2151
2152prepped for the journey ahead.  Tamaska was already feeling the cold was
2153
2154going to be brutal and was glad for her thick fur.  Growing up on Shokono
2155
2156had certainly not prepared her for this.  She grabbed the arm of one of the
2157
2158men who was unloading supplies, directing his attention to her.  "There is a
2159
2160pack with some extra furs and animal skins.  Make certain that you locate it
2161
2162and it ends up either with myself or my brother and whatever you do keep it
2163
2164dry!  " 
2165
2166
2167The man darted off to search and Tamaska instructed another group to unload
2168
2169the mounts.  "Get them fed and saddled up with thick, dry blankets.  Also,
2170
2171someone get a fire made so everyone can get warm and dry before we head out.
2172
2173This cold is brutal enough without being wet as well.  " Once she had
2174
2175everyone working, Tamaska joined in with the unloading.  She needed to
2176
2177gather her own packs anyways..  She had packed extra flasks for the fights
2178
2179that they expected to encounter.  The packs were heavy but she had balanced
2180
2181them well with her other supplies and tested that she could handle the
2182
2183weight.  
2184
2185
2186It might be brutally cold but she was damn glad to be back on dry land.  She
2187
2188reached for one of her flasks on her belt and unfastened it.  Tipping the
2189
2190flask back she took a small pull before corking it and returning it to her
2191
2192belt.  Already she could feel the familiar warmth of the liquid, warming her
2193
2194from the inside out.  Moose piss...  She thought to herself and snorted. 
2195
2196"Before this expedition is done he just might be wishing for some.  " She
2197
2198stated to no one in particular.  
2199
2200
2201"Speaking of which, where is that extra pack of furs?  " She called out
2202
2203before disappearing among the knights and eclipsians who were now prepping
2204
2205mounts, supplies and packs for the journey.  
2206
2207--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2208
2209[ 75] Riordan: Lost City - Preparations and Design
2210
2211Mon Apr  2 13:10:19 2018
2212
2213To: All Verminasia Necrucifer Shadow Eclipse ( Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline )
2214
2215--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2216
2217The plan for the fortification at Eastdrift was something that occupied
2218
2219Riordan's mind most of his time.  It was pretty clear to him that he would
2220
2221need some assistance in the construction and the maintenance of such a
2222
2223prestigious project.  
2224
2225
2226He had already had offers of from enchantresses of the kingdom and they
2227
2228would surely be useful in numerous things around the fortification be it
2229
2230raising barriers, managing the portals needed to move people and resources
2231
2232back and forth between the kingdom and 'Fort Ashtiel' or a myriad of other
2233
2234tasks.  
2235
2236
2237'Fort Ashtiel', he couldn't think of a more appropriate dedication, the
2238
2239fortification was to be like the Queen (Long may she reign), a steadfast
2240
2241protector of her people, dedicated to Lord Necrucifer.  
2242
2243
2244The 'Where' when it came to starting the plans was fairly easy, having
2245
2246reviewed scout reports and simple maps he received it was clear.  Out of the
2247
2248otherwise inhospitable land, the ground rose, a hill the shape of an almond
2249
2250with one side gently sloped and the others more steep.  The top of the hill
2251
2252had jagged rocks sticking up a hundred feet like a crown of granite.  
2253
2254
2255No one could argue that it'd be a bad spot given that it's position provide
2256
2257a good view of the surroundings and, by God's providence, a fresh water
2258
2259spring had been found pouring from the base of the crown rock.  
2260
2261
2262Discarding his quill for a piece of charcoal, Riordan began to draw to
2263
2264outline the initial buildings and to ease logistics by dedicating certain
2265
2266areas for separate purposes.  The spring would be expanded and series of
2267
2268smaller reservoirs would be dug, allowing the water to be rerouted for more
2269
2270convenience, the how he would leave to the engineers.  
2271
2272
2273Rudimentary drawings were piling up with simple words, 'Storage.  '
2274
2275'Barracks', 'Tower' and finally a larger drawing that had lines cutting
2276
2277through the land at the base of the hill.  'Ditch.  ' 'Earth Bank.  ' the
2278
2279words signifying the simple but effective earthen fortifications.  A thicker
2280
2281line sits atop the 'Earth Bank.  ' 'Wooden Wall or Palisade.  ' Together
2282
2283with the map drawing, a more detailed plan attached to it for each building
2284
2285for the benefit of the builders.  
2286
2287
2288A detail plan of a section of the map was set aside after he finished it,
2289
2290labeling it 'Inner fortification.  ' the part was triangular, like the point
2291
2292of a star it stabs out from the fortification.  The larger drawings showed
2293
2294how the star-point fortifications would protrude at regular intervals.  In
2295
2296the end he stared at the plans for a moment, admiring the Star Fort.  
2297
2298
2299As daylight broke, he had finished the last drawings of the fortification,
2300
2301the almond-shaped hill was surrounded by what would become a permanent base
2302
2303with walls added on.  A testament to Verminasia's capability and the
2304
2305dedication its people, Fort Ashtiel was to become as impressive as the
2306
2307rumored statues created by the ancient empire that once ruled that land.  
2308
2309
2310Indeed he would require a fair number of workers and have at least one
2311
2312Wu-Jen trained in the arts of earth magics to accompany them to shift the
2313
2314monumental amounts of earth that would need to be moved.  He was determined,
2315
2316the project would be a success.  
2317
2318
2319The Advisor had promised he would be ready when the ships arrived at their
2320
2321destination and true to his word, he was.  Only moments after Jermichael and
2322
2323Rasavadi walk past, a dark shape launches from the water, landing on the
2324
2325shore, the sound of dolphins chattering mingling with the noise of the camp
2326
2327before dying out.
2328
2329
2330
2331--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2332
2333[ 76] Ayrora: Lost City - The Road
2334
2335Tue Apr  3 14:56:07 2018
2336
2337To: All Drakkara Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
2338
2339--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2340
2341The road was very long, dangerous, and ice cold, the kind of cold that
2342
2343seeped through your clothes and ate at ones flesh.  Ayrora was prepared for
2344
2345it.  She had dressed Braedan in his winter Sacnoth colors and had changed
2346
2347into the warmest clothing she had.  Her cape was extra thick made with
2348
2349feathers for much warmth with a hood to keep her head warm.  
2350
2351
2352She had brought along a draft horse pulling a cart full of medical supplies,
2353
2354herbs, extra blankets, extra water, extra iron rations, cots, and a few
2355
2356small tents in case of the need to house the sick.  The cold started to take
2357
2358its toll on everyone and, as night fell, so did the temperature.  The wind
2359
2360was picking up so it was decided to make camp for the night.  
2361
2362
2363No sooner were two tents erected and a few cots set up, the injured were
2364
2365coming in.  Nefratin and Amos assisted those who were barely able to walk. 
2366
2367"Amos, set up the wood stove in this corner."   He nodded and ran to get the
2368
2369stove.  The wind was howling outside and the shivers went up her back. 
2370
2371"Nefratin, I will need water and bandages, many of both."   He nodded.  "Yes,
2372
2373Viscountess.  Right away."   Amos had finished with the stove and started a
2374
2375fire.  Nefratin walked in with the supplies, "Put the water on the stove and
2376
2377come here."   Nefratin did as he was told.  
2378
2379
2380Ayrora and Nefratin walked over to the first man who could barely open his
2381
2382hands.  She reached down to touch his hands and the man pulled his hands
2383
2384away.  "I cannot help if I cannot see what is wrong."   She spoke softly to
2385
2386him.  He slowly opened his hands and she saw that his hands were raw.  "Give
2387
2388me one moment."   She walked over to the stove and grabbed a pot of lukewarm
2389
2390water and walked back to the man.  "I apologize but this will hurt and I
2391
2392must do it."   She gently started to clean his hands.  She could see tears
2393
2394in his eyes but he shed none.  She then mixed some herbs and made them into a
2395
2396paste and spread it over his hands wrapping them with cloth strips.  Three
2397
2398others arrived with the same injury and were taken care of quickly.  
2399
2400
2401Once she had them settled in walked Amos and Nefratin practically carrying a
2402
2403very large soldier of the Deathwatch.  He could barely walk on his own two
2404
2405feet and cried out in pain.  Ayrora had them set him down on the cot nearest
2406
2407the stove.  He still had his boots on so she slowly and carefully removed
2408
2409then as he screamed in pain.  She then removed his socks to find the soldier
2410
2411had a severe case of frostbite she had ever encountered.  She asked Amos to
2412
2413grab a pot of warm water and a basin as she went to get more bandages from
2414
2415one of the boxes.  
2416
2417
2418She returned to the soldier and found the bain half filled with warm water. 
2419
2420She gently put his feet in the warm water and proceeded to check the rest of
2421
2422his extremities.  He had a few ice burns on his finger but otherwise, his
2423
2424feet were the worst of the injuries.  A few more stragglers came in and out
2425
2426of the tent with mild cases of frostbite but were taken care of and went
2427
2428back to their posts.  
2429
2430
2431Ayrora called Nefratin over, "Captain, the soldier that you carried in must
2432
2433return to the city for further treatment or he will lose his feet.  See to
2434
2435it that he be returned immediately."  He saluted her, "Yes Viscountess, I
2436
2437shall see to it right away."   He turned around and headed out of the tent. 
2438
2439Ayrora pulled out a blanket, took it over to the soldier and wrapped his
2440
2441feet carefully finishing just as Nefratin arrived with two men who would get
2442
2443the soldier back.  She looked at the men, "As quickly as possible to the
2444
2445holy guild.  I will have someone waiting you."  
2446
2447--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2448
2449[ 78] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | Marching Orders
2450
2451Fri Apr  6 14:03:19 2018
2452
2453To: All Shadow Verminasia Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer Drakkara
2454
2455--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2456
2457Rasavadi, Jermichael and the others left the Crowns tent.  Marching
2458
2459orders remained the same, but Rasavadi had an idea.  
2460
2461
2462Scouts had reported back hints at observers from the snows.  No attacks yet,
2463
2464but no definitive attacks or even consistent descriptions of the observers. 
2465
2466They were at a distinct disadvantage, and even though Narsh was from this
2467
2468region he had been gone for a long time now.  Looking over to the Vanguard's
2469
2470staging area Rasavadi saw Narsh, Nymaya and Tamaska talking.  As he
2471
2472approached the three they hurredly stifled a chuckle and attempted to act
2473
2474like nothing was going on.  
2475
2476
2477"Lo there, marching orders are much the same.  Watch your front, flanks and
2478
2479backs.  There have been reports of watchers in the wastes, but no definitive
2480
2481identification.  Guardian, Keeper you are to lead the troops as planned and
2482
2483accompany the Storm.  I will be taking Narsh on a recruiting mission.  We
2484
2485are woefully lacking in regional intelligence and experience.  " Unbuckling
2486
2487a small, fur lined pouch from his sword belt he handed the pouch, containing
2488
2489
2490Toxvah, to Tamaska.  "She can funnel information back and forth between us
2491
2492if necessary."  A tiny, black head peeked out from the bag.  Brilliant, red,
2493
2494white, and black eyes peered at Rasavadi with an obvious look of displeasure
2495
2496at this.  "Don't worry little one, I will return in one piece.  Besides,
2497
2498someone has to keep these two out of trouble.  " he chuckled, an irritated
2499
2500chittering was her only response before ducking back into the bag.  
2501
2502
2503Both Nymaya and Tamaska watched the exchange in concerned silence.  The four
2504
2505of them had been together now for months and rarely apart, but this was
2506
2507something that needed to be done and Narsh came from the yaenni refugee
2508
2509camp.  "Narsh, mount up we ride.  " Rasavadi ordered as he approached
2510
2511Choliaria and looked over her furred barding.  He took notice of the not so
2512
2513subtle bulging of her saddle bags.  Reaching into another pouch he pulled
2514
2515out a fresh apple encased in a magical field.  Uttering the words to a spell
2516
2517the field dropped and he gave it to her.  Looking over his shoulder he
2518
2519quipped, "You'll need your energy to hump all this gear.  " At which point
2520
2521both Tamaska and Nymaya stiffled a giggle and attempted to look busy with
2522
2523their own mounts.  
2524
2525
2526
2527--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2528
2529[ 79] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | Recruiting
2530
2531Fri Apr  6 14:05:54 2018
2532
2533To: All Shadow Verminasia Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer Drakkara
2534
2535--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2536
2537Rasavadi and Narsh road along quickly, yet quietly, towards the refugee
2538
2539camp.  No doubt he technically had relatives here, but by and large the
2540
2541Eclipsian families shunned those that stayed in the camps.  This was an
2542
2543error that needed to be corrected.  Family history had it that even before
2544
2545the Sons of Malice murdered San Gohdam d'Aerthe, d'Fale, dra'Har and
2546
2547Sho'Ghul had been welcomed into their ranks.  Like much history there was
2548
2549probably some re-writing and romanticism going on, but it was close enough
2550
2551to the truth.  The four families were of the Eclipse not dae'Tok.  
2552
2553
2554Looking to the side he could see Narsh was deep in thought despite his hyper
2555
2556awareness.  Only just recently he had announced his belief in the truth of
2557
2558the path, but his immediate family was here and not a hundred generations
2559
2560removed like the d'Aerthe's.  Narsh had been willing to join this rag tag
2561
2562band, and was close to being imparted the Vision ritual, but Rasavadi knew
2563
2564he was asking a lot.  He was asking the same thing he had asked of Nymaya,
2565
2566Tamaska, Krethen and many others.  Join him, put your faith in his faith,
2567
2568risk your lives for the cause.  This was Rasavadi's burden, he would ask
2569
2570these strangers just like he did his Brothers and Sisters to potentially lay
2571
2572down their lives on a belief that he could achieve this goal.  Little did
2573
2574they know that the goal was only achievable by them.  That Rasavadi was only
2575
2576a figurehead and barely knew what he was doing most days.  
2577
2578
2579Looking over to Narsh he said, "You know where we go?  Why we go, and why
2580
2581this must be done?  " Narsh nodded quietly and continued to scan the tundra.
2582
2583"He is conflicted.  This, more than anything, will be his test of me.  "
2584
2585Rasavadi thought to himself waiting for the inevitable.  
2586
2587
2588
2589--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2590
2591[ 80] Nymaya: Lost City - Vanguard | Final Prep
2592
2593Fri Apr  6 18:02:26 2018
2594
2595To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
2596
2597--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2598
2599The Vanguard staging area was arrayed with banners and rows of soldiers
2600
2601trying to keep warm around fires and braziers.  It was set apart only by its
2602
2603somewhat ordered appearance and it was from this place that she watched
2604
2605Narsh and Rasavadi depart together with a modicum of apprehension.  A glance
2606
2607at Tamaska suggested that she might be feeling the same but there was
2608
2609nothing for it.
2610
2611 
2612
2613"I suppose we've more supplies to see to." She muttered into the fierce
2614
2615but momentary rise of a bitter cold wind and, drawing her cloak tighter
2616
2617around her, she turned to fully address the Yinn who promptly held out a
2618
2619flask in invitation.
2620
2621 
2622
2623She'd heard Rasavadi go on about the unenviable taste of the stuff but she
2624
2625only hesitated a moment.  Accepting the flask with a grateful nod at Tam,
2626
2627she had barely tipped it up when the full force of its potent nature struck
2628
2629her and she had to struggle mightily not to cough it all back up.  She was
2630
2631still struggling when she handed it back to the amused Yinn with a nod but
2632
2633even then, the warmth of the biting alcohol had begun to infuse her. 
2634
2635Apparently, years of being involved with hard whiskey drinkers had not
2636
2637prepared her for the impressively robust Shokonese brew.
2638
2639 
2640
2641"...Rasavadi was right.." She ground out hoarsely, still trying not to
2642
2643cough and laugh while Tam chuckled quietly, and then they both headed off
2644
2645to the shoreline.
2646
2647 
2648
2649It was hours later when they finally stopped.  Sweating freely beneath her
2650
2651winter gear and armor, she knew she would be chilled and exhausted later. 
2652
2653The supplies had been stacked for the arrival of the caribou that Verminasia
2654
2655had procured, personal packs had been prepared, the troops had been settled
2656
2657into loose formation and all the Vanguard forces arrayed.
2658
2659 
2660
2661She and Tamaska stood side by side at the head of the Eclipse force, bound
2662
2663in furs, waiting.  The hour had long since passed late and the moons, though
2664
2665in full swing above, would fade before long as dawn tinged the horizon. 
2666
2667There was low talk now, a prevalent hum of anticipation among everyone and
2668
2669it was with some interest that she watched clergy, templar and shadowknight
2670
2671move purposefully through the area.
2672
2673 
2674
2675The time was nearly nigh.
2676
2677
2678
2679--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2680
2681[ 81] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard | Final Prep
2682
2683Fri Apr  6 18:43:46 2018
2684
2685To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Nymaya  )
2686
2687--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2688
2689Tamaska removed one of the flasks from her belt and tucked it into a
2690
2691saddle bag before glancing down at the fur lined pouch and at the small
2692
2693black bat inside.  Toxvah glowered up at her from inside, the yinn simply
2694
2695nodded and carefully fastened the pouch to her belt.  "I don't like it
2696
2697either but he'll be alright.  " She pulled her fur lined cloak back into
2698
2699place, shielding the pouch from the wind uncertain which of them she was
2700
2701trying to convince more.  
2702
2703
2704She shifted her gaze to Narsh and Rasavadi, watching them as they finished
2705
2706loading up.  Without looking, she unfastened a flask on her belt and freed
2707
2708it.  The cork promptly removed, she brought the flask to her lips and took a
2709
2710hefty drink.  She was long since used to the strength of the alcohol, its
2711
2712bite a welcome distraction as she watched her brother and Narsh ride away. 
2713
2714Her gaze shifted towards Nymaya, worry evident in both of their eyes.  She
2715
2716held out the flask to the elf as her eyes flicked to the rest of the
2717
2718vanguard at the elf's words.  They did need to see to finishing
2719
2720preparations.  
2721
2722
2723Nymaya took the flask, surprising Tamaska and drawing her attention back to
2724
2725the elf.  She'd half expected her to turn it down, especially since Rasavadi
2726
2727liked to call it 'fermented mastadon piss.  ' Tam watched with interest as
2728
2729the elven woman tipped the flask up and took a drink.  Almost instantly she
2730
2731recognized the signs that the liquid was stronger than was anticipated. 
2732
2733Jaws clenched shut, Tam fought hard not to laugh as the elf struggled to
2734
2735swallow the drink but her amusement was quite evident.  Taking the flask
2736
2737back in hand, the yinn took one more drink before returning the cork and
2738
2739stowing the flask on her belt once more.  
2740
2741
2742"...  Rasavadi was right..  " Tam chuckled at Nymaya's words and grinned as
2743
2744they joined the rest of the vanguard in preparations.  It seemed like chaos
2745
2746from a distance but up close everything was moving smoothly.  Mounts were
2747
2748being saddled up, layered with heavy blankets.  Other supplies were being
2749
2750uncrated and dispersed for personal packs.  There was a balance to this... 
2751
2752They needed enough supplies to handle this bitter cold, to be prepared for
2753
2754whatever they would face but they also needed to not be so burdened down
2755
2756with weight that they exhausted themselves.  
2757
2758
2759Huffing a bit both from the cold and the work, Tamaska glanced around at the
2760
2761camp and stepped up beside Nymaya.  Now that preparations were done, there
2762
2763was a restlessness that could be felt through the camp.  It was the
2764
2765impatient anticipation of starting this journey mixed with the uncertainty
2766
2767of what beings would try to stop them.  For Nymaya and Tamaska it was likely
2768
2769also mixed with concern for Narsh and Rasavadi.  It was not something that
2770
2771Tam was used to, family and friendship.  A welcome change she thought to
2772
2773herself and looked around at the other eclipsians.  
2774
2775
2776--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2777
2778[ 83] Ezessinth: The Lost City - (Prologue) The Night Wind Rises
2779
2780Sat Apr  7 21:21:10 2018
2781
2782To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse ( Rasavadi Nymaya Tamaska Narsh ) Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte Imm rp
2783
2784--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2785
2786Claws as white and pristine as the snow on the ground dug into the
2787
2788glacial ice, tearing their way like knives into several parallel gouges
2789
2790through the frozen surface with minimal effort.  Again, and again, until the
2791
2792patch of ice was shredded, and the White moved on to another patch. 
2793
2794Sharper.  Sharper.  Shaper, still.  She desired no less than perfection.  
2795
2796
2797The Dark forces were pulling together, readying an expedition, and the time
2798
2799had come for her to join them.  
2800
2801
2802Since her hatching, she had been educated under the wing of the Red, and she
2803
2804had every intention on fulfilling her duties to the Goddess and to the
2805
2806Darkness as a whole as a proper Chromatic.  So she prepared.  
2807
2808
2809She bathed her scales in the snow and frigid glacial waters and sharpened
2810
2811her claws until everything glittered white but her vibrant blue eyes.  Where
2812
2813she had once been as gawky and clumsy-looking as a puppy or a mundane
2814
2815reptile with excess skin, had given way to lean muscle and graceful lines. 
2816
2817
2818While young yet, she was hardly a creature that looked harmless.  
2819
2820
2821She had been spending a lot of time among the Verminasians, attending the
2822
2823mortals' coliseum events, and learning what she could.  She had known of the
2824
2825expedition for some time, having learned of some of it in its early stages,
2826
2827but not yet being ready to become an active part.  Over the past weeks,
2828
2829Bishop Kayen had become a rather regular fixture in her waking hours with
2830
2831stimulating conversation and the odd question here and there.  It was over
2832
2833this that she had decided it was time.  
2834
2835
2836Flaring her wings, she launched into the sky, circling like a vulture as she
2837
2838climbed higher.  Before instructions would come, she would observe the
2839
2840terrain from above to better understand the plan.  This was her domain.  She
2841
2842would rule it like a queen one day, but for now, she would help secure it in
2843
2844the name of the Darkness.  
2845
2846
2847"What is your favorite time of day, Ezess?  " She could remember Wyltte's
2848
2849question in her mind, and her response.  
2850
2851
2852"After the sun sets, when the night wind rises." 
2853
2854
2855--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2856
2857[ 84] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard | On the March
2858
2859Sat Apr  7 23:53:26 2018
2860
2861To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Nymaya )
2862
2863--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2864
2865The first rays of dawn were starting to rise over the horizon and the
2866
2867camp was already bustling with activity.  Tamaska was lost in thought,
2868
2869staring at a small make shift map she had sketched by hand.  She lightly
2870
2871bounced a glowing ball in one hand, using it to see the map as she studied
2872
2873it.  The time to leave was nearing, she hoped that Narsh and Rasavadi would
2874
2875catch up soon.  
2876
2877
2878The clergy members rushing by caught her attention and she glanced over
2879
2880towards Nymaya as she tucked her map away in saddle bag.  All around the
2881
2882vanguard the rest of the landing force had assembled.  The Priest-King
2883
2884stepped before them and both Nymaya and Tamaska dropped to one knee, the
2885
2886rest of the vanguard following suit quickly.  Telthian moved through the
2887
2888group of Verminasians and knights of Storm and Eclipse, anointing an umbric
2889
2890symbol on each of their foreheads.  
2891
2892
2893Before he reached her, Tam lifted her hand and swept her fur lined hood back
2894
2895to her shoulders.  She, like the others, kept her head bowed through the
2896
2897ritual and only briefly glanced up as she felt Telthian draw the symbol upon
2898
2899her fur.  Her ears twitched as voices around her began to join in but she
2900
2901paused a moment to utter a quiet prayer for those not present.  
2902
2903
2904She rose to her feet, her raspy voice joining the others as the chant filled
2905
2906the camp.  She pulled her cloak tighter around her as the wind whipped
2907
2908through the camp, followed by the fire as it followed the path of the
2909
2910firedust.  Beneath her cloak she heard faint chittering, she lifted one side
2911
2912and glanced down at the pouch.  A small black bat with brilliant white, red
2913
2914and black eyes peered up at the yinn, "Everything's fine.  He's not back." 
2915
2916The creature screeched at Tamaska and dove back down into the depths of the
2917
2918pouch.  
2919
2920
2921Telthian's words once again drew her attention, holding it as her and the
2922
2923other vanguard gathered their packs and readied their mounts.  Tamaska
2924
2925gathered the reigns in one hand and hoisted herself into her saddle.  After
2926
2927adjusting her cloak for warmth and pulling her hood back up, she turned her
2928
2929gaze to the others.  The horse snorted and stamped a foot in the snow, the
2930
2931horses were just as restless as she was.  
2932
2933
2934At the blast of the horn, she felt Toxvah flop in her pouch but if she
2935
2936chittered it was drowned out.  All at once the vanguard members surged
2937
2938forward, settling quickly into a pace and into their designated positions. 
2939
2940Already, the winds were picking up and the sound of the camp had died out. 
2941
2942The encroaching storm would be brutal, she hoped that everyone remembered
2943
2944their orders.  She glanced towards Nymaya for a moment before returning her
2945
2946gaze to the path ahead.  
2947
2948
2949Their journey had begun.  God be with them and woe to whatever tried to
2950
2951stand in their way.  
2952
2953
2954--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2955
2956[ 85] Jermichael:       The departure
2957
2958Sun Apr  8 00:57:03 2018
2959
2960To: Verminasia Shadow Rasavadi Tamaska Nymaya Narsh Necrucifer ( Imm RP )
2961
2962--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2963
2964Jermichael lifted his head as the Priest-King finished the ritual.  He
2965
2966reached over and slowly lifted his helm from the snow where he knelt, and
2967
2968rose to his full height.  He turned to Elathan, beside him, and gave a short
2969
2970nod.  
2971
2972
2973"It is time.  Gather the knights we spoke of, and prepare.  We will join the
2974
2975Eclipsians on the left flank."   He then turned to the Legion Warder and
2976
2977motioned to the rest of the force.  "You will take the remaining knights and
2978
2979cover the right.  Be cautious, and God guide."   
2980
2981
2982Jermichael turned from Elathan and the Warder as the two spoke, and walked
2983
2984over to his steed.  He lifted his helmet and hung it from the saddle.  His
2985
2986gaze caught sight of Nymaya and Tamaska, as both guided their mounts toward
2987
2988him.  "Well met", he stated, as he grasped the saddle-horn to pull himself
2989
2990atop his steed.  
2991
2992
2993"Seems our vanguard is ready.  Shall we set off while the weather appears to
2994
2995be holding?", he stated with a half-grin. 
2996
2997
2998
2999--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3000
3001[ 87] Ayrora: Lost City - The Road II 
3002
3003Sun Apr  8 12:37:08 2018
3004
3005To: All Drakkara Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline 
3006
3007--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3008
3009Ayrora was very happy when she saw Rosaeria walk into the tent.  With a
3010
3011small sigh of relief she called her over with the wave of her hand.  Ayrora
3012
3013gave her a huge hug and smiled, "I am so happy you are here I needed another
3014
3015set of hands."   Rosie returned the hug, "Where am I needed..  Ma'am?"  
3016
3017Ayrora nudged her a bit, "Ayrora, and we could use that wonderful beef stew
3018
3019that you make to feed these men.  Better nutrition means faster healing."  
3020
3021Rosie nodded in agreement, "Yes, ma....  Ayrora."   She headed out to get
3022
3023the supplies.  
3024
3025
3026The weather was getting much worse, the temperature had dropped considerably
3027
3028and the wings were so strong that each gust felt like it was cutting
3029
3030unprotected skin.  The stove continued to work as it should so the
3031
3032temperature inside was not as bad but still cold, she would have to get the
3033
3034second stove going on the other end of the temt soon.  Nefratin walked over
3035
3036to her, "Is there anything I can do to assist you, Viscountess?"   She
3037
3038turned to him, "Actually, yes.  We need the second stove lit on the other
3039
3040side of the tent and Lady Rosaeria could use a bit of help with food
3041
3042supplies."   He nodded, "Right away, Viscountess."   He turned and left the
3043
3044tent.  
3045
3046
3047It was hard to manage the flow of women and men coming and going, some
3048
3049needed a short break from the cold and others with frostbite or raw hands. 
3050
3051She knew what to do and handled things well as Rosie took over the feeding
3052
3053and consoling of those who had lost loved ones to the cold.  They were yet
3054
3055far from where they were headed and already the losses had started.  
3056
3057
3058Night had fallen and everything was quieting down.  Rosie was cleaning up
3059
3060and getting things ready for the next day, Nefratin and Amos were just
3061
3062awakening for their night watch, and Ayrora was was refilling the medical
3063
3064supplies before getting a few hours rest.  Morning will come quickly and she
3065
3066had been awake a little over thirty eight hours.  Finally.  Rosie and Ayrora
3067
3068fell asleep on a makeshift bed close to the stove.  
3069
3070
3071
3072--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3073
3074[ 88] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - I
3075
3076Sun Apr  8 19:22:21 2018
3077
3078To: Ezessinth Necrucifer All Imm RP Religion Verminasia Eclipse
3079
3080--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3081
3082After the wraith attack, Wyltte had his scouts continually check the
3083
3084surrounding area often, exhausting thier abilities.  They spent long hours
3085
3086int he saddle, moving ahead of the caravan and alongside the increasingly
3087
3088steep countryside.  They were headed towards a critical juncture in their
3089
3090journey, the last test before hitting Eastdrift Redoubt.  Narrowbreak.  
3091
3092
3093Wyltte had every confidence in the advanced scouting party to protect the
3094
3095King and Queen.  The members of Shadow and Eclipse were elite warriors and
3096
3097fearsome mages.  Their skill in battle was both well-known and well-feared. 
3098
3099Plus, Ashtiel and Telthian were far from helpless.  The Dark Gods were
3100
3101pleased at the bodies they turned into dust in service to the Dark.  
3102
3103
3104Wyltte's task was to make sure those who were to create a long-term hold in
3105
3106Icewall were safe from all threats.  The continent did not make this easy,
3107
3108as even the weather could turn deadly in a matter of minutes.  The snow
3109
3110covered slopes started to close in on the caravan, forcing his caravan train
3111
3112of four abreast to move back down to two across.  It elongated the force,
3113
3114and at every twist and bend, Wyltte lost the visibility of either end.  It
3115
3116was not a situation he wanted to be in.  
3117
3118
3119It was nearing the evening, the sun starting to lower itself below the
3120
3121ridgeline of the steep hills.  A pale yellow light pierced the sky, and
3122
3123clouds high in the atmosphere threatened total darkness tonight.  The
3124
3125temperature dropped sharply, each breath coming out in small puffs that
3126
3127crystalized and fell to the harsh road.  Wyltte ordered the torches lit. 
3128
3129Oil rags wrapped in wooden shafts were placed on the cornerposts of each
3130
3131cart, and small balls of magical light floated in front of each soldier,
3132
3133bathing the caravan in an eerie glow.  
3134
3135
3136As they rounded a steep bend, a cutting cold swept through the camp.  All
3137
3138lights were extinguished, and the whinnies of horses and confusion of the
3139
3140troops started to murmer it's whay through the camp.  Wyltte's own crystal
3141
3142went dark.  In vain the group tried to relight their oil lamps and torches,
3143
3144mages weaving their spark of lights into dim orbs which immediately fade. 
3145
3146Wyltte rode towards the front of the line, the cold piercing through the
3147
3148layers of his bear skin cloak.  
3149
3150
3151At the front of the line, the Deathwatch soldier's struggled to keep their
3152
3153mounts from fleeing.  A nervous energy was palpable, the horses near rearing
3154
3155away from the passage in fright.  Wyltte leans over to his front line, his
3156
3157voice quiet but commanding.  The last lights of the sun was disappearing at
3158
3159the very top of the ridgeline, leaving an inky blackness which permeated
3160
3161everywhere.  
3162
3163
3164"Did you see anything?" he asks the Centurion next to him.  
3165
3166
3167"Nay Legate, when we rounded the bend...  It was like we past through some
3168
3169type of..  I don't know what to call it.  It was like a door, but it wasn't
3170
3171there" he says.  Wyltte's eyes narrow, but a dull pain throbbed in his right
3172
3173eye, the one in which he lost so many years ago.  The Master may have
3174
3175replaced it anew, but there was always a bit of sensation that occured when
3176
3177something wicked this way came.  
3178
3179
3180Wyltte rubs his hands together, a dark energy starting to pulse between
3181
3182them.  The winds started to whip around his body.  The soldiers squint as
3183
3184the winds pick up, cold blasts of air whipping up towards the midnight sky. 
3185
3186The massive winds start to turn around one another, a cone unto the heavens.
3187
3188Wyltte's hands burn bright red, then he lifts them up towards the churning
3189
3190tempest.  Flames shoot forth from his palms, feeding the swirling vortex of
3191
3192the tornado.  Flames swirled into the night sky, creating a pillar of fire
3193
3194that cast millions of shadows across the narrow passageway.  With a great
3195
3196effort, Wyltte pushed his arms forward, the flaming tornado moving through
3197
3198Narrowbreak slowly.  
3199
3200
3201And in the sky....  Thousands of pairs of eyes.  And the screech of harpies.
3202
3203
3204
3205--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3206
3207[ 89] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - II
3208
3209Mon Apr  9 19:07:42 2018
3210
3211To: Ezessinth Necrucifer All Imm RP Religion Verminasia Eclipse
3212
3213--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3214
3215Their twisting, putrid flesh could be barely discerned against the fading
3216
3217light from the pillar of fire.  The harsh winds blew at their malformed,
3218
3219filthy bodies, the scent of their uncleanliness wafting through the air. 
3220
3221Several people bent over and vomitted from the intense smell of decay and
3222
3223filth.  Many of their nasty feathers were ripped from their bodies, whipping
3224
3225around in the air and stirring the already rotten smell.  Once one soldier
3226
3227started vomitting, the rest followed.  Soon the entirety of the crew was
3228
3229standing in piles of their own fluids...  And the shrill calls continued.  
3230
3231
3232Wyltte looked up into the sky, the cloud cover thick and making the night
3233
3234all the more dark.  With great concentration, Wyltte starts a dark
3235
3236incantation to control the weather and move the clouds away, hopefully to
3237
3238give his soldiers a fighting chance against the keen eyed harpies in the
3239
3240sky.  It as an act of desperation...  Controlling the weather was more
3241
3242chance than magic, but he had to try.  As he lifted his arm up towards the
3243
3244sky, a sharp pain raked across his forearm.  He brings his arm down, and
3245
3246feels the sickly warm trickle of blood seep into the sleeve of his shirt. 
3247
3248Three large talon marks oozed blood, and throbbed with a muted heat.  
3249
3250
3251Chaos.  
3252
3253
3254Wyltte watched like a man awakening from a coma, not sure of what he was
3255
3256seeing.  All around him, the disorientating screams of the harpies pierced
3257
3258the inside of his skull.  He watched soldiers being lifted in the air and
3259
3260dropped from great heights.  He saw flurries of feathers flap in the faces
3261
3262of his Shades, claws viviously raking at eyes, the wriggling of abonimations
3263
3264and their twisted bodies as soldiers struck out blindly with their blades,
3265
3266trying to fend them off.  Wyltte shook off the ache in his sword arm, though
3267
3268he found his grab lessened with the pain, and concentrated as hard as he
3269
3270could.  Holy flames shout out of his left hand, sending one harpy flying
3271
3272back, the smell of burnt chicken and fear.  Its feathers ignited quickly,
3273
3274the hollow bones of its wings quickly engulved in the inferno.  Wyltte went
3275
3276to conjure a firestorm, raising his hand as the red light pulsed in his
3277
3278palm, but the magic was slow to come, fading almost as quickly as it
3279
3280started.  
3281
3282
3283Wyltte stared in disbelief as he struck out against the approaching
3284
3285bird-women again and again, his magic waning.  What type of force was this
3286
3287that could cause his magic to falter?  What could kill the flames of
3288
3289magic....  
3290
3291
3292He stopped mid-thought, the dawn of realization upon him.  Not all fire
3293
3294comes from magic.  
3295
3296
3297"Archers!"   Wyltte screams, trying to be heard over the shrill calls and
3298
3299roaring winds.  "Archers!  Inferno Rain!"   He calls out once more.  With a
3300
3301concentrated effort, Wyltte was able to conjure one more holy flame, aiming
3302
3303at a harpy high in the sky.  It struck the demented bird-woman, sending out
3304
3305its call of pain as it plummeted towards the ground.  
3306
3307
3308One by one, arrows started to be lit from ground level, like small signal
3309
3310fires on a mountain ridge.  Soon, the Narrowbreak looked like a serpent of
3311
3312fire, waving down all the road.  He watched as the Archers tilted their
3313
3314arrows into the heavens.  
3315
3316
3317"Deathwatch!"   Wyltte yells.  "Let fall the rains of Hell!"   Arrows flew
3318
3319high into the sky to their apex, then turned and fell down at the speed of a
3320
3321meteor shower.  They all prepared to see if their was an arrow with their
3322
3323name upon it.  
3324
3325
3326He would not let fear stop their advancement.  They would burn these harpies
3327
3328out, one way or another.  Even if they had to burn with them.  
3329
3330
3331--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3332
3333[ 90] Ezessinth: The Lost City - The Night Wind Rises | Narrowbreak
3334
3335Mon Apr  9 21:34:50 2018
3336
3337To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse ( Rasavadi Nymaya Tamaska Narsh ) Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte Imm rp
3338
3339--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3340
3341She'd taken wing the moment she had received word via exhausted shaman
3342
3343about Narrowbreak.  With the speed of freezing winds, she'd returned to the
3344
3345narrows where the Deathwatch were marching with Bishop Kayen at its head. 
3346
3347An unnatural darkness had fallen upon the ranks, though her keen eyes could
3348
3349still pick out individuals from her height.  There was a chaotic flurry
3350
3351nearer to the head of the caravan, slowly creeping further into the ranks. 
3352
3353She could smell their fetid flesh and feathers.  
3354
3355
3356She bellowed a shrieking roar as she dove into the thick of the fray, a
3357
3358streak of white against the moonless night.  Flames were igniting amongst
3359
3360the soldiers where the harpies were thinner, and she held her wings true as
3361
3362she swooped a breath above the solders' heads.  Harpies were hardly known
3363
3364for intelligence or tactical thinking, and in the fray, many were knocked
3365
3366from the air by her fast-moving form.  
3367
3368
3369The moment she found enough space to land, she dropped like a stone to her
3370
3371feet, releasing another bone-rattling roar, reeking of dragon-fear.  Harpies
3372
3373scattered like birds and those soldiers nearest to her stumbled about to
3374
3375grant her more space.  Better to be caught in fear than to be caught in her
3376
3377next move.  
3378
3379
3380Planting her feet, Ezess inhaled deeply, gathering the frost within her
3381
3382lungs before blasting the cloud of foul smelling creatures in the air with a
3383
3384gale of frozen air.  Harpies fell like leaves from the sky, only to be rent
3385
3386apart by razor-sharp, serrated claws.  Some of the harpies fled in abject
3387
3388terror, but others rallied and turned their attention upon the young White. 
3389
3390
3391As a swarm, the creatures descended upon her.  
3392
3393
3394
3395
3396--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3397
3398[ 91] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Final Prep
3399
3400Mon Apr  9 21:53:07 2018
3401
3402To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
3403
3404--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3405
3406It was a strange sensation, to feel both at home and out of place all at
3407
3408once.  Well suited to deal with the cold, and far from inexperienced with
3409
3410physical labor or travel, the source of his discomfort was not the mission
3411
3412or the work that came with it.  Instead, it was the constant hum of
3413
3414activity, the bustle of so many soldiers and beasts of burden, the swarm of
3415
3416seemingly ceaseless movement that occupied the staging area as supplies were
3417
3418unloaded, braziers settled into place and struck alight, as soldiers and
3419
3420clergy gathered to share in the warmth and speak amongst themselves.  He had
3421
3422always despised crowds and attention, a creature deeply imbued with the
3423
3424stereotypical tendencies of his kind for a inclination towards solitude and
3425
3426quiet - and here, he found himself bereft of either.  It was instinct to him
3427
3428to be guarded, watchful, and alert - and with so much happening at once, and
3429
3430so many unfamiliar, he found the task nearly impossible.  He had a severe
3431
3432dislike for the sensation of vulnerability it brought to him.  All the same,
3433
3434it was in many ways a inspiring sight - and his wariness a small price to
3435
3436pay when juxtaposed against the reality of the matter.  That they were here
3437
3438at long last - a veritable army, making their final preparations for a
3439
3440journey that if successful, would see them to Dae'tok.  For him, it was a
3441
3442journey that had begun long ago, guiding even his first steps as he left his
3443
3444home at the Refuge, and took to wandering the world at large in search of
3445
3446the history of his kind.  
3447
3448
3449Stoic and quiet, as he often aimed to remain around crowds and those he was
3450
3451unfamiliar with, he made haste with unloading the supplies, working with a
3452
3453quiet diligence and thankful for the opportunity to mask the tempestuous
3454
3455clamor of excitement that threatened to rise within him when he was afforded
3456
3457the opportunity to dwell on the journey ahead.  He knew there would be
3458
3459hardship - battles both against the Ghuls and whatever manner of twisted
3460
3461creature a land so deeply tainted would give rise to.  Against a harsh
3462
3463terrain that he knew as home - and so, knew well that even in spring would
3464
3465test those who dared try to cross it.  He knew there was risk - not only to
3466
3467himself, but to his allies both unfamiliar and well-known.  And yet, the
3468
3469thrill of knowing they were near had a way of displacing those thoughts,
3470
3471forcing them aside and leaving the Yinn to dwell on what answers might await
3472
3473in those ruins.  The only thoughts that seemed capable of vying against
3474
3475those for his attention, were those that concerned his two allies, as the
3476
3477three of them worked in tandem to unload and unpack supplies while they
3478
3479waited to hear from Rasavadi.  
3480
3481
3482He was deeply thankful for their presence.  Surrounded by so many he was
3483
3484unfamiliar with, Nymaya and Tamaska offered much needed reprieve from both
3485
3486the anxiety of such a large gathering and the unwelcome and unbalancing rush
3487
3488of excitement that captivated his attention when his thoughts lingered too
3489
3490long on the task at hand.  They were a steadying influence, especially here
3491
3492- a bastion that offered much needed rest from his worries and grounded his
3493
3494thoughts in the here and now.  Familiarity had a way of loosening his
3495
3496tongue, and the presence of the rare few that he truly trusted, a way of
3497
3498bringing him the peace of mind that allowed him to lower his guard and
3499
3500metaphorically catch his breath.  And, in this particular instance, a chance
3501
3502to catch his breath more literally, as he settled a particularly heavy chest
3503
3504of lantern oil to the frost and snow laden ground, and stopped to watch them
3505
3506stuff a seemingly excessive amount of furs and blankets into the saddlebags
3507
3508belonging to Rasavadi's horse.  The quiet snicker it drew from him as he was
3509
3510the first sound he'd made since he and Nymaya had returned from their brief
3511
3512scouting of the path ahead.  
3513
3514
3515
3516
3517--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3518
3519[ 92] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Final Prep II
3520
3521Mon Apr  9 21:58:56 2018
3522
3523To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
3524
3525--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3526
3527The three had spoke.  Or, at the least - Tamaska and Nymaya had spoken,
3528
3529while Narsh had simply listened.  
3530
3531
3532A combination of the sheer number of those in earshot and his wandering
3533
3534thoughts had left him with little inclination to speak, though in the
3535
3536presence of his two friends, even he could not manage to remain entirely
3537
3538stoic.  A broad, toothy grin found it's way to his features, and on
3539
3540occasion, his silence was broken by quiet, rough laughter, as he listened to
3541
3542each speak and watched them continue in their efforts to ensure that
3543
3544Rasavadi would not lack in either blankets or extra clothing should the
3545
3546weather turn colder.  Amusing at it was, it seemed to Narsh equally as
3547
3548earnest - and it was good, by his own reckoning, that there could be levity
3549
3550in a situation that had the capability to be as dire as the task at hand. 
3551
3552It spoke well of the trust the four shared, and of the bonds that had formed
3553
3554between them in the last few months.  Brought together by a common goal,
3555
3556they had lived, fought, killed and aye, even been defeated, at each others
3557
3558side.  Kinship and comradarie that had been forged in battle, and sharpened
3559
3560equally by the hardships each had faced as their ability to prove that they
3561
3562were both capable and willing to face them together.  
3563
3564
3565Nymaya, whose scars served as an apt indication of both her past, her
3566
3567resilience, and her experience - but neglected to display just how graceful
3568
3569a creature she truly was - not merely in physical motion, but in the adroit
3570
3571manner in which she harnessed the lessons of each.  She had proven herself
3572
3573more than capable of being both a comforting and stabilizing influence on
3574
3575her allies - while remaining equally as capable of accomplishing what must
3576
3577be done regardless of the circumstances.  This duality, a rare amalgamation
3578
3579of loyalty, unflinching duty, and strength of will combined with
3580
3581thoughtfulness, care, and wisdom had long since won her both Narsh's respect
3582
3583and admiration.  
3584
3585
3586Tamaska, who had the distinction of being the only Yinn Narsh had ever met
3587
3588that was nearly as tall as himself, along with the far more endearing
3589
3590distinction of being one of the fastest to ever earn his trust.  He was
3591
3592uncertain if he had ever met a more earnest creature.  Accustomed to
3593
3594solitude, speaking rarely even within their tight-knit group, filled with
3595
3596both natural talent and shocking tenacity.  Rough as the alcohol she favored
3597
3598while still being capable of offering both wise counsel and the comfort of
3599
3600friendship.  A proper Yinn, if ever he had met one.  
3601
3602
3603And Rasavadi..  Who seemed to be finished with his meeting, and approaching.
3604
3605
3606
3607--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3608
3609[ 93] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Final Prep III
3610
3611Mon Apr  9 22:23:50 2018
3612
3613To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
3614
3615--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3616
3617Silhouetted against the backdrop of sunlit snow and the glare of it's
3618
3619light as it danced off the waves of the turbulent sea, Rasavadi's
3620
3621countenance struck a harsh relief against the natural landscape.  A gaunt
3622
3623figure, clad in a kingdon's worth of armor and trailed by a midnight blue
3624
3625cloak that caught easily in the heavy winds of the sea, the so-far
3626
3627unofficial Highlord of the Eclipse contrasted harshly against both the
3628
3629landscape and the the numerous other heavily armed and armored individuals
3630
3631that had gathered here.  It was not simply the layer of dragon-skin armor
3632
3633that set him apart, but to Narsh, it had always seemed as if a ghost of the
3634
3635heavily disfiguring scars that comprised the Yinn beneath all the armor was
3636
3637always somehow visible.  A grim but emboldening testament to how much
3638
3639Rasavadi had sacrificed in his battle against the Aspects, wounds that would
3640
3641have left nearly any other lifeless, even if they had survived.  What truly
3642
3643set the creature apart, however, was that in spite of all of that,
3644
3645Rasavadi's defining feature was not his armor or the scars it masked - but
3646
3647his leadership.  
3648
3649
3650The timing of his arrival was nearly perfect, as Nymaya and Tamaska quickly
3651
3652secreted away the last of the extra supplies into those saddlebags, and drew
3653
3654far enough away from Rasavadi's horse to allow them the benefit of the doubt
3655
3656in their involvement of weighting them down with so much.  It was likely the
3657
3658trio's inability to hide their respective grins that gave them away, and
3659
3660Narsh found himself snickering quietly along with Nymaya and Tamaska both as
3661
3662Rasavadi drew near enough to speak.  
3663
3664
3665"Lo there, marching orders are much the same.  Watch your front, flanks and
3666
3667backs.  There have been reports of watchers in the wastes, but no definitive
3668
3669identification.  Guardian, Keeper you are to lead the troops as planned and
3670
3671accompany the Storm.  I will be taking Narsh on a recruiting mission.  We
3672
3673are woefully lacking in regional intelligence and experience.  "
3674
3675
3676The words were enough to dispel the toothy grin on Narsh's features - his
3677
3678expression flattening as one of his ears flicked in a show of curiosity.  He
3679
3680remained silent as he watched Rasavadi pass a small pouch to Tamaska,
3681
3682glancing questioningly towards his companions a moment after the bat inside
3683
3684made it's presence known.  He was uncertain of whether he should feel
3685
3686honored that Rasavadi would request him to accompany him on a mission, or
3687
3688worried, that there was only one place nearby where his expertise would be
3689
3690of any benefit when it came to recruitment.  
3691
3692
3693"She can funnel information back and forth between us if necessary."  
3694
3695Rasavadi spoke, his raspy tone necessitating Narsh to draw nearer to his
3696
3697companions out of fear that the words would be lost in the sound of the wind
3698
3699and the commotion of the large gathering within the staging area.   "Don't
3700
3701worry little one, I will return in one piece.  Besides, someone has to keep
3702
3703these two out of trouble.". Rasavadi appended his words with a quiet
3704
3705chuckle - but the humor was not shared by the other three.  
3706
3707
3708For a moment, they all lingered in silence.  Narsh's canine features were
3709
3710drawn into a pensive expression as he shifted his gaze from Rasavadi, and
3711
3712towards Nymaya and Tamaska in turn.  Little as he cared for the idea of the
3713
3714four going their separate ways, and in spite of the nagging worry that
3715
3716hounded his thoughts as he considered the likely destination of his and
3717
3718Rasavadi's mission, he only hesitated a brief moment when Rasavadi spoke
3719
3720next. "Narsh, mount up, we ride." . With little more than a quiet grunt,
3721
3722the Yinn complied - drawing away from the group to go and collect his own
3723
3724saddlebags, and to ready his horse for travel.  At least it would get him
3725
3726away from this crowd.  
3727
3728
3729--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3730
3731[ 94] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | A shadow of a doubt
3732
3733Tue Apr 10 01:06:12 2018
3734
3735To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
3736
3737--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3738
3739The sound of hooves against frozen ground, the whipping of the wind at
3740
3741their cloaks, and the breath of their horses, which rose in great curls of
3742
3743steam as their riders bid them to keep a crisp pace across the tundra.  In
3744
3745spite of the sounds of travel, the pair rode in mutual silence, born partly
3746
3747of their own reticent nature, and partly of the tension of conflicting
3748
3749interests that lingered in the otherwise clear air surrounding the two
3750
3751riders.  Far as the weather of Icewall went, they had chosen a good time for
3752
3753such a detour.  Relatively light winds accompanied the gathering of clouds
3754
3755which provided a relief from the glare of the sun against the seemingly
3756
3757endless stretch of undisturbed snow.  Narsh was uncertain if he was thankful
3758
3759for it, all the same.  They would be easily spotted themselves, in these
3760
3761conditions.  Rasavadi, covered in dragon-scale, astride a dark horse, and
3762
3763protected from the weather by a dark, midnight blue cloak, could likely be
3764
3765seen clearly from a few miles away.  Narsh, wearing the plain leather armor
3766
3767and gray traveling cloak he had come to favor for combat and travel, was a
3768
3769fair bit better hidden - especially with both the white horse he rode and
3770
3771his own white fur..  But even still, it would not be difficult to spot
3772
3773either of them as they rode South along the tundra.  
3774
3775
3776It gave Narsh an excuse to pretend his thoughts were entirely preoccupied by
3777
3778scanning the horizon, at the least - though the furrow of his brow combined
3779
3780with the way his ears remained pinned slightly towards his skull rather than
3781
3782straining against the environment and the sounds of their horses as they
3783
3784traveled spoke easily of a creature who was anything but focused.  He knew
3785
3786these lands far too well to pretend he did not know where they rode towards,
3787
3788and their surroundings only grew increasingly familiar as the pair guided
3789
3790their horses from the tundra, and into the much rougher terrain of the
3791
3792foothills that would lead them in short order towards a mountain pass and
3793
3794the ever-blizzard that lingered near his home.  He suspected they would not
3795
3796reach the latter before they came to their destination, however.  
3797
3798
3799"You know where we go?  Why we go, and why this must be done?  ". 
3800
3801Rasavadi's words were met by a sidelong glance from Narsh, the dull-grey
3802
3803eyes of the larger Yinn seeming to study his friend carefully a long moment.
3804
3805At length, Narsh had offered only a slight nod in response, before he turned
3806
3807his attention back to both the landscape and to guiding his horse through
3808
3809it.  He was not a talented rider, and the focus that trait demanded of him
3810
3811as their horses began to grow uneasy with the icy ground and the scatter of
3812
3813scree that had been dislodged from the mountains above by the spring thaw
3814
3815offered him the chance to dwell on the second part of that question only a
3816
3817brief moment.  Eclipse could not remain as it was if they were to succeed. 
3818
3819A rag-tag group of the hopeful, with a reserve of less than fifty soldiers
3820
3821to its name.  He knew this, aye - and he knew that the help of more Yinn
3822
3823like himself, who knew this area well, would represent a indispensable
3824
3825advantage when it came to finding their way across Icewall and to the ruins
3826
3827of Dae'tok.  
3828
3829
3830And yet, he found it difficult to justify weighing the need of Eclipse for
3831
3832able bodies against the need for the same of his home.  
3833
3834
3835--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3836
3837[ 93] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard | The Road to Narrowbreak 
3838
3839Tue Apr 10 08:33:25 2018
3840
3841To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Nymaya )
3842
3843--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3844
3845Bitter cold.  It was an understatement if the yinn had ever heard one. 
3846
3847Harsh winds..  Yet again it did not come close to describing the current
3848
3849conditions.  When they had started their trek the storm was just starting to
3850
3851move in.  The horn had sounded and they had all surged forth in a mixture of
3852
3853apprehension, excitement and relief that it was finally starting.  Nymaya
3854
3855and Tamaska had quickly led their group of eclipsians to the left side of
3856
3857the vanguard group.  Jermichael and his shadowknights had joined them,
3858
3859helping bridge the gap between them and Elathan who had taken his Rose
3860
3861knights to the right side of the vanguard.  
3862
3863
3864They remained spread out somewhat to begin with, they had all sides covered
3865
3866and all members of the Vanguard had been given strict instructions to be
3867
3868alert but not only that.  They needed to be willing to say when someone else
3869
3870needed to take over.  As Rasavadi had said they needed to watch their
3871
3872fronts, flanks, and backs.  Rotation among those on the outer portions of
3873
3874the group was necessary for protection.  Tamaska hoped that had been made
3875
3876completely clear, they didn't need single heros in this.  They needed to
3877
3878work together to insure they all survive.  
3879
3880
3881As they pushed towards Narrowbreak and the storm intensified, they were
3882
3883forced to tighten their ranks and move closer together.  The luxury of being
3884
3885spread out and able to survey more of their surroundings was no longer
3886
3887something they had.  The winds whipped around them, carrying with it wicked
3888
3889cold air.  It cut right through your clothing at times and other times it
3890
3891just blanketed you in the snow that it carried.  Visibility was barely more
3892
3893than a few feet at times but even at its best one could only see ten or
3894
3895fifteen feet in all directions.  
3896
3897
3898It unnerved Tamaska greatly to be in such a position.  Here they were
3899
3900trekking through this hellish snow storm, barely able to see in all
3901
3902directions and yet she knew something was with them.  Sometimes, she thought
3903
3904she caught sight of movement around them but it was so quick that she
3905
3906doubted if it was real or her own imagination.  The wind would howl around
3907
3908them and the hairs across her arms and neck would stand on end.  
3909
3910 
3911
3912( Continued.. )
3913
3914
3915--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3916
3917[ 94] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard | The Road to Narrowbreak - ( Continued )
3918
3919Tue Apr 10 08:37:25 2018
3920
3921To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Nymaya )
3922
3923--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3924
3925Something was out there in the storm, hell at this point she wondered if
3926
3927whatever was out there was actually part of or causing the storm.  Cold and
3928
3929snowstorms were not something that she was used to but she didn't need to be
3930
3931used to them to know this one was unnatural.  They couldn't spread out much
3932
3933nor did it seem safe to venture out from the group to investigate whether or
3934
3935not something was out there watching them.  
3936
3937
3938It was not a comfortable position to be in but thus far Tam was glad that
3939
3940she could at least glimpse most of the group at times and they were making
3941
3942headway.  They were approaching narrowbreak and the closer they got the
3943
3944worse the storm seemed to get, how that was possible the yinn was not sure. 
3945
3946Her eyes often cut to Nymaya as she kept watch, if nothing more than to make
3947
3948sure the elf was still there.  
3949
3950
3951She shook her head, shaking off snow and ice from the hood of her cloak and
3952
3953fur.  Despite the fur lined cloak and heavy gear that she wore, snow had
3954
3955managed to creep into her fur in various spots, the normally black fur
3956
3957mostly white.  If she was this cold with her fur, she worried about how her
3958
3959brother and Narsh were doing.  Her mind didn't get to wander to the others
3960
3961long before a mixture of a howl and scream pierced her ears.  
3962
3963
3964Her hand quickly found its way to her staff, gripping it tightly as her
3965
3966horse snorted uneasily.  Her eyes made a futile attempt to search the white
3967
3968out conditions.  Was that the wind or was that something else?  A soft
3969
3970chittering caught her attention and she looked down deep inside her fur
3971
3972cloak and met eyes with the tiny bat who as peering out of its pouch.  "I
3973
3974know...  I feel them too.  " She reached into another smaller pouch and
3975
3976offered the bat a morsel.  
3977
3978
3979Taking her food, the bat chittered again and dove back down into the bottom
3980
3981of the pouch.  The yinn pulled the cloak back against her body, trying to
3982
3983keep the pouch as protected as she could.  Her gaze shifted to Nymaya and
3984
3985then around to others of the group as the wind backed off a slight bit,
3986
3987"Anyone seen anything in this bloody storm? " She called out to the group. 
3988
3989"I can't be the only one that feels something or someone with us?  "
3990
3991
3992Tamaska waited to see if anyone would respond while her ears twitched and
3993
3994shifted with every sound.  She was about ready to grab a flask and start
3995
3996blasting fire into the storm around them.  If this storm didn't let up
3997
3998soon...  She just might.  Either way..  On their next break she was having a
3999
4000drink.  
4001
4002
4003
4004--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4005
4006[ 95] Nymaya: Lost City - Vanguard | The Approach I
4007
4008Wed Apr 11 02:31:04 2018
4009
4010To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
4011
4012--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4013
4014She was still intensely aware of the umbric symbol the Abbott had traced
4015
4016on her brow as the columns of Shadow and Eclipse soldiers moved forward but
4017
4018there was a great deal on her mind and, though the blessing and the symbol
4019
4020were important, her attention was inevitably drawn to those around her. 
4021
4022Tamaska was to her left, the Dark Lord to Tamaska's left and while she
4023
4024glanced along the forward line, the Master of the Rose rode up to her right.
4025
4026 
4027
4028"Keeper." Elathan Blackmane said by way of greeting and nodded.  The
4029
4030crusader was heavily garbed in armor and a winter cloak.  "How fare your
4031
4032troops?"
4033
4034 
4035
4036He had a unique insight to the thirty-some Eclipse-garbed forces riding
4037
4038behind them for while Rasavadi had put out the call, the Master of the Rose
4039
4040had utilized her knowledge of New Thalos to help find more than might have
4041
4042otherwise come forward.  She was tempted to glance back at them but she
4043
4044refrained, instead setting her gaze on the dark skies in the distance while
4045
4046she responded.  "They'll hold."
4047
4048
4049The mountainous region ahead was nearly obscured now by a haze of the
4050
4051incoming snow and wind from above.  It would be a particularly severe storm
4052
4053that set upon them before long and with each step forward she felt her
4054
4055disquiet increase along with the growing intensity of the chill.  She knew
4056
4057the path, Narsh had made sure of that with their trek here several months
4058
4059earlier, but with so many required to pass through it along potentially
4060
4061treacherous paths...
4062
4063 
4064
4065"Something wrong?" He had pitched his voice a bit lower, clearly noting
4066
4067the pensive expression that had come over her, and she glanced over at him
4068
4069more fully.
4070
4071 
4072
4073"That." And she nodded toward the darkened state of the northern sky.  "At
4074
4075this pace, the worst of the storm may very well be on us while we try to
4076
4077pass Narrowbreak."
4078
4079 
4080
4081The man fell to silence after that, his attention lost within the depth of
4082
4083his cloak's cowl, though at length he turned to a Knight near him and began
4084
4085issuing quiet orders.  She turned her attention to Tamaska then and, not for
4086
4087the first time, found herself mulling over Rasavadi and Narsh.  Would they
4088
4089make it before the full force of storm?
4090
4091 
4092
4093A wild gust of snow lifted before them and, as if to confirm the ominous
4094
4095sense she had been experiencing, struck the Vanguard.  
4096
4097
4098
4099--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4100
4101[ 96] Nymaya: Lost City - Vanguard | The Approach II
4102
4103Wed Apr 11 02:37:12 2018
4104
4105To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
4106
4107--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4108
4109Her steed held before the threatening rise of the weather, keeping in
4110
4111time with Tamaska's mount though he snorted and shook his mane.  She could
4112
4113feel the tension through the beast and though it aided her confirmation of
4114
4115what had been long suspected, it did little to set her at ease.  She placed
4116
4117a hand to the side of its neck and whispered softly in elvish to calm him
4118
4119while turning her attention to the Yinn at her left.  
4120
4121
4122The blinding white of the snow storm, driven by winds as fierce as any she
4123
4124had witnessed, was only then beginning to converge on the Vanguard but it
4125
4126was enough to reduce visibility significantly.  She let a gust blow her hood
4127
4128back, she needed as much range as she could get, and she turned in her
4129
4130saddle to look back over the troops.  They were tightly formed, Tamaska knew
4131
4132her business and the Eclipse forces knew enough in their own right it
4133
4134seemed.  So bolstered by the Knights of Storm Keep, she let that concern
4135
4136settle while she once again turned to address the rapidly deteriorating
4137
4138conditions.  
4139
4140
4141By the time she heard Tamaska call out over the rush of the wind racing down
4142
4143from the mountains, her hand was already on her staff and she drew it
4144
4145confidently.  The edging nearness to Narrowbreak Pass had brought the eerie
4146
4147howling screams, sounds she had heard previously, back.  It was comforting
4148
4149to know she had not succumbed any sort of madness or hallucinations.  
4150
4151 
4152
4153"Anyone seen anything in this bloody storm?" The Guardian's voice held a
4154
4155mix of frustration at the weather and at what could not be seen but was
4156
4157surely moving around them just out of sight.  "I can't be the only one that
4158
4159feels something or someone with us?"
4160
4161 
4162
4163"There is something." She called back to the Guardian and, uttering the
4164
4165words to a spell, sent flames racing down her hand in the summoning of an
4166
4167elemental of flame.  It hissed into existence before her horse, a roiling
4168
4169mass of anger stirred further by the wind.  She then glanced at Tam and
4170
4171nodded. "If these 'things' engage us within the Pass, we'll be in trouble." 
4172
4173
4174
4175--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4176
4177[ 97] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - III
4178
4179Wed Apr 11 10:37:30 2018
4180
4181To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ezessinth Shadow Eclipse
4182
4183--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4184
4185The rain of flaming arrows decended, and with it, screaming husks of
4186
4187harpies, their brittle, hollow, twisted bones engulfed in fire.  Their
4188
4189shrieks filled the skies, drowning out even the rushing gale of the flaming
4190
4191pillar.  The air smelled of charred avians and rotting meat, vomit and fear.
4192
4193As the rain of fire fell, Wyltte felt a rushing wind of cold fly past him at
4194
4195incredible speeds, watching whole flocks of harpies being rent from limb to
4196
4197limb.  Flashes of white and razor sharp teeth and claws flickered in the
4198
4199firelight.  She was here, and her might was being fully realized.  A small
4200
4201smile escaped the corner of his lips even while he was slashing at several
4202
4203of the malformed harpies in front of his face.  
4204
4205
4206Out of the corner of his eye, a quick flash of light and burst of heat was
4207
4208felt on the side of his face.  A streak of light strikes him directly in the
4209
4210shoulder.  Wyltte's horse rears up, and his body slumps in the saddle,
4211
4212falling onto the icy ground below.  Searing pain erupts in his shoulder, and
4213
4214his vision goes momentarily black.  
4215
4216
4217(The burning cart stood destroyed in the thick forest, bits of goods
4218
4219scattered on the leaves on the hard-packed road.  Wheel ruts from wagons
4220
4221turn to into a patch of brush, a hidden trail heading towards the north) 
4222
4223
4224(A few bodies lay strewn across the road.  One of fair hair, a long flowing
4225
4226robe made of light blue.  He knows she is important, it saddens him to see
4227
4228her, mouth open with a small trickle of blood at the corner of her lips) 
4229
4230
4231(A huge man, with chestnut brown hair and a long beard stares wide-eyed with
4232
4233a blade stuck into his abdomen.  The light in his eyes quickly fading,
4234
4235looking down at his bear skin armor stamped with old runes.  He is also
4236
4237saddened at seeing him with the light fade from his eyes, but also angry. 
4238
4239So angry.)  
4240
4241
4242(There is one he can't see.  Dark hair, grey eyes.  They are nowhere to be
4243
4244found.  He's frightened.  She should be somewhere, but he couldn't see her. 
4245
4246His head hurts.  Something warm running in his eyes.)  
4247
4248
4249(In the flame of the wagons, a symbol..  Old runes wrapped around the handle
4250
4251of a blade, looks to be from somewhere cold.  A sigil of a bear growling. 
4252
4253He knows this mark.  It's on the man's armor) 
4254
4255
4256The smell of burning silksteel and stench of the pass brings him too, the
4257
4258arrow protruding from his shield arm shoulder.  Wyltte reaches over to the
4259
4260bolt, grabbing it with his right hand.  As he tries to remove it, more pain
4261
4262racks his body.  His hand is pricked by the many burrs sticking out from the
4263
4264shaft.  The arrows do not fly as far, but they stick harder in their
4265
4266targets.  It was an invention of his own design.  Now he knows how his
4267
4268enemies feel.  Wyltte sits up and gets to his knees.  More flaming arrows
4269
4270fall from the sky, hitting the ground, many with harpies pierced through. 
4271
4272Wyltte breaths in deep, and falls forward onto the ground, pushing the
4273
4274barbed arrow all the way through.  Blood shoots from the puncture wound
4275
4276emerging in the back of his shoulder, as Wyltte grimaces in pain.  He rolls
4277
4278over to his side, and grabs the protruding arrow with his right hand,
4279
4280pulling it from him.  He lets out a grunt, and reaches over to grab a
4281
4282handful of snowy dirt, stuffing it into the wound.  He'll deal with the
4283
4284wound later.  
4285
4286
4287From his knees, Wyltte raises up, not seeing where his horse had ran off to.
4288
4289He scanned the area, and his soldiers were doing a decent job defending off
4290
4291the flock of harpies.  There would be casulties and more than a few
4292
4293injuries, but there would be some who make it.  As he scanned the dark fiery
4294
4295skies, Wyltte sees the Great White being beset upon by a large mass of the
4296
4297screaming masses.  He picks up his blade and charges forward, his grey eyes
4298
4299filling with a pulsing red light.  
4300
4301
4302
4303
4304--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4305
4306[ 98] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - IV
4307
4308Thu Apr 12 05:31:32 2018
4309
4310To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Verminasia Eclipse Ezessinth
4311
4312--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4313
4314It was harder going that Wyltte thought trying to get to the Great White.
4315
4316He slashed his way through the flock of harpies, their incessent shreiking
4317
4318rattling the inner workings of his brain.  The foul stench offended his
4319
4320senses, the dull throbbing in his arm intensified with pain, and his
4321
4322shoulder still felt like liquid fire.  All around him the Deathwatch battled
4323
4324on, their mouldy feathers littering the ground, covering more square footage
4325
4326than the snow now.  
4327
4328
4329One harpy flew directly at him, talons raised towards his face and going for
4330
4331his eyes.  "Not this time, Icewall.  I've already lost one before...  You
4332
4333shall not get another" he says, raising his sword crosswise ahead of him,
4334
4335one hand on the blade.  The harpy grabbed at it, talons clasping the blade
4336
4337and pommel.  Wyltte twists hard, rolling to the ground on top of the harpy. 
4338
4339The womanly features of this monstrosity were hideous, more crone than woman
4340
4341now.  Wyltte grits his teeth as the harpy snaps and bits at him.  He
4342
4343releases his right arm and thrusts down forcibly, burying his hand in the
4344
4345monster's chest.  With a mighty pull backwards, he snatches the heart from
4346
4347the abomination's chest, still weakly beating in his hand.  
4348
4349
4350As the harpy struggles, Wyltte examines the thing in his hand.  It did not
4351
4352seem like any heart he has ever seen.  It was blackened now and pulsing
4353
4354weakly, a strange purple glow flowing through the vessels.  It looked as it
4355
4356had been baked in the sun and reanimated.  Wyltte noticed that the beast
4357
4358still lived, snapping at him with even more fury.  With a squeeze of his
4359
4360hand, he crushses the withered heart.  It turned to dust, the sands whisking
4361
4362away in the surrounding wind.  The harpy ceases movement immediately, fading
4363
4364into ether.  
4365
4366
4367There was something foul afoot here, so Wyltte stands to his feet and looks
4368
4369around at his soldiers.  A large bear was seen swiping at a small grouping
4370
4371of the harpies, one nasty crone's neck hanging in its mouth as it swings the
4372
4373body like a weapon.  Wyltte rushes over, careful not to get in the bear's
4374
4375way.  He helped dispatch a few more beasts, before tapping it on its large
4376
4377shoulder.  
4378
4379
4380"Shaman, you must take this message to the others.  I hate to lose you from
4381
4382the fight, but they need to know" he says.  The bear growls low but nods
4383
4384towards Wyltte.  "Tell them that they are not what they seem.  They are not
4385
4386alive, not really.  Something has corrupted them.  They seem to feed on
4387
4388magic, suppressing it" he continues.  The bear nods once more.  It's body
4389
4390started to slowly change form, feathers where fur once was, until a Giant
4391
4392Owl stood on the war splattered ground.  It flies into the sky, careful to
4393
4394not attract the attention of the harpies, and out into the wind.  
4395
4396
4397Wyltte turns his attention back to the fight.  The Great White still snapped
4398
4399and clawed at the monsters, an his soldiers were gaining ground.  All around
4400
4401them fires blazed from the burning bodies.  They were not through this
4402
4403yet...  But they will perserver.  The Master demands it.  
4404
4405
4406--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4407
4408[ 99] Ezessinth: The Lost City - The Night Wind Rises | Narrowbreak II
4409
4410Thu Apr 12 21:42:12 2018
4411
4412To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse ( Rasavadi Nymaya Tamaska Narsh ) Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte Imm rp
4413
4414--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4415
4416Enraged creatures surrounded her like a swarm of hornets, swooping in to
4417
4418claw at her or bite her.  Some clung to her skin like fleas as she whipped
4419
4420her tail about, lashing at them with the growing spines on the end.  Most of
4421
4422the attacks glanced off her scales without harm, but the sheer number of the
4423
4424harpies had her essentially pinned.  
4425
4426
4427"Pests!  " Ezess hissed, snapping her wings open to fling several off of her
4428
4429back.  She tore at those she could reach with her teeth, and crushed others
4430
4431underfoot.  
4432
4433
4434She could see beyond the cloud that fire reined at the head of the caravan. 
4435
4436It was effective, and the scent of burning flesh tinged the fetid stink that
4437
4438already permeated the air.  It seemed that the Deathwatch was prevailing and
4439
4440the harpy forces were beginning to thin out there.  
4441
4442
4443She could feel her breath chamber reaching its capacity once more, and she
4444
4445cast her gaze about to assess the area and formulate a plan.  The Deathwatch
4446
4447soldiers were keeping fairly clear of her, whether out of fear or respect,
4448
4449it was unclear.  It mattered little.  They wouldn't be caught in friendly
4450
4451fire, so to speak.  She roared, white teeth bared, sending the harpies
4452
4453scattering like flies before regrouping.  She took the moment of respite to
4454
4455tightly folding her wings to her side and stepping backward a couple steps
4456
4457and focusing upon the core of the swarm.  
4458
4459
4460Inhaling deeply, the White prepared her breath, aimed, and exhaled with her
4461
4462full capacity.  Subzero frost struck a knot of harpies, ice crystals growing
4463
4464from their twisted bodies and branching out, connecting with other crystals,
4465
4466attaching to other harpies in the swarm until it formed a huge crystalline
4467
4468cluster.  Too heavy to stay aloft, it fell and shattered on the hard ground.
4469
4470
4471The swarm thinned out, she was able to focus her attention on the rest of
4472
4473the battle and finding Bishop Kayen to unify their efforts.  
4474
4475
4476
4477
4478--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4479
4480[101] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - V
4481
4482Fri Apr 13 14:57:51 2018
4483
4484To: All Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Nymaya Tamaska Narsh Necrucifer Imm RP Religion
4485
4486--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4487
4488As the shaman left, headed for the other groupings of their unified
4489
4490forces, Wyltte took a moment to scan around.  Deathwatch was prevailing, but
4491
4492far too slowly.  Many were heartened, albeit frightengly so, at the
4493
4494appearance of Ezessinth, the Great White, whose ferocity knew no bounds. 
4495
4496Their spirits lifted and they fought with renewed vigor.  The flock of
4497
4498harpies was thinning, but it was still not enough.  
4499
4500
4501Then, the battle frenzy came upon him.  
4502
4503
4504From the outside in, a battle frenzy looks like a berserker rage.  Whoever
4505
4506is within its grasp strikes with such power and speed that it looks like a
4507
4508blur, a stream of deadly movements and even deadlier strikes.  To those
4509
4510within the frenzy, it is a different story.  
4511
4512
4513Time stands near still.  Each moment feels like an eternity.  You see with
4514
4515such clarity, knowing when and where to strike, finding those
4516
4517vulnerabilities and advantages while dealing out innumerable actions of
4518
4519death.  It is a thing of beauty.  
4520
4521
4522During this moment, Wyltte looked around at his forces struggling against
4523
4524the withered throng.  Blades raised high, arrows stuck in mid air, body
4525
4526parts laid strewn across the field.  He moved towards Ezessinth, careful to
4527
4528stay out of the range of her tail and get into her battle space.  Watching
4529
4530her was to look into the face of a perfect killer.  He's seen the ferocious
4531
4532prowess of the first borne before, brutal in their execution, visceral in
4533
4534their dominance of their enemies.  
4535
4536
4537Ezessinth was different.  She was nay less vicious than the others he had
4538
4539seen, but she was more deliberate in her execution.  Each movement was
4540
4541calculated carnage, thought out and precise.  The frost crystals turning the
4542
4543harpies to falling chucks of rancid ice was both malevolent and mechanical,
4544
4545as precise as the Machine of Nothingness.  It was terrifying to behold. 
4546
4547Each icy talon...  
4548
4549
4550It hit him, and hit him hard.  Time stood still, he couldn't even feel the
4551
4552breath in his chest as he glanced around.  The ice.  The fire, the elements.
4553
4554Where his holy magic strained him, that of true elemental magic was not
4555
4556inhibited.  That which stemmed from this world's realm was devastating to
4557
4558their foes, dealing death with each contact.  
4559
4560
4561His battle frenzy ended just as a harpy came to rake at his face with those
4562
4563fetid talons.  Wyltte grapped it buy its leg and yanked down hard with his
4564
4565full weight, sending the creatures face hurling towards the ground.  It
4566
4567smacked the hard-packed soil with a sickening crunch, and bits of black and
4568
4569purple liquid spilled out of the side of its face, never to move again.  
4570
4571
4572His soldiers still struggled against the crew as he moved closer to
4573
4574Ezessinth.  There would be many injured after this fight, and Ayrora will
4575
4576have her work cut out for her healing the wounded.  Too many injured.  
4577
4578
4579"This has to end...  Now" he says to himself.  
4580
4581--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4582
4583[102] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - VI
4584
4585Fri Apr 13 15:15:05 2018
4586
4587To: All Verminasia Eclipse Shadow Imm Religion RP Narsha Tamaska Nymaya Ezessinth
4588
4589--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4590
4591Wyltte was about as close as he was willing to get to Ezessinth, knowing
4592
4593that her ferocity and deadly precision would buy him the time he needed.  He
4594
4595glanced over, catching the azure eyes of the Great White for a moment.  With
4596
4597a nod of his head, Wyltte lays down his blade in front of him on the ground.
4598
4599He removes his gloves as well, letting them fall unceremoniously to the
4600
4601pathway, bits of splattered blood and snow shifting as they hit the ground. 
4602
4603
4604Wyltte kneels and takes his right hand, placing the palm on the frozen
4605
4606ground.  He was completely open and vulnerable at this moment, and some of
4607
4608his Shades saw it.  Several harpies made a dive for him, but between their
4609
4610arrows and the lightning quick tail of Ezessinth, he was able to focus.  His
4611
4612almost numb fingers dug into the dirt as he began to pray.  
4613
4614
4615"Master, you whose immortal blood runs within these lands, you whose
4616
4617sacrifice was paid in pain for the struggle for Algoron, hear your servant,
4618
4619Wyltte Kayen, now" he begins.  Wyltte's voice starts to rise, growing in
4620
4621volume.  
4622
4623
4624"It was you who fought for these lands, whose blood fell upon the grounds
4625
4626and the ocean, who spawned the lifeforms of evil to do Your Will.  It was
4627
4628you who has given more than any God."   Wyltte's hand begins to clamp even
4629
4630harder into the ground, beads of sweat on his forehead.  The scrapes on his
4631
4632right arm were fully throbbing now and bright red as he continued to pray. 
4633
4634'Grant me the power to fend off those who wish to see Your Will sullied, who
4635
4636comes in the way of your Unified Darkness.  Let your blood sacrifice course
4637
4638through me so we may continue in service to you, Master" 
4639
4640
4641There was a sharp pain that dug into his hand and ran up his arm into his
4642
4643chest.  Wyltte gritted his teeth as the pain spread through his entire body.
4644
4645His eyes still pulsed with that dull red light, and the winds around him
4646
4647started picking up.  
4648
4649
4650Wyltte's blade was lifted up by small cyclonic winds, spinning in a mini
4651
4652vortex in front of him.  The sight of the blade levitating from the winds
4653
4654startled many, though they were too busy fighting off the harpies to spend
4655
4656too much time dwelling on the blade.  Ezessinth continued to fend off the
4657
4658flock of harpies, their shrieks filling the night.  
4659
4660
4661Wyltte glanced up from where he knelt, heaving heavily as the pain coursed
4662
4663through him.  His skin had grown pale, but his eyes were burning brightly
4664
4665with that crimson light.  As he continued to mumble someting in prayer, the
4666
4667ground around him started to rumble, a deep unsettling feeling.  Even the
4668
4669harpies could sense something was awry, looking over their chaos of the
4670
4671battlefield for the sign of the disturbance.  In the center of it all was
4672
4673Wyltte.  
4674
4675
4676"It is time" he says.  
4677
4678
4679
4680
4681--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4682
4683[103] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak VII
4684
4685Fri Apr 13 15:41:03 2018
4686
4687To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Verminasia Eclipse Shadow Ezessinth Narsh Tamaska Nymaya
4688
4689--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4690
4691Wyltte's left hand started to turn a dull blue, ice crystals forming on
4692
4693his fingertips, frosted wisps of air rising off the back of his hands.  He
4694
4695removed his right hand from the dirt, and it started to glow a dull orange,
4696
4697heat melting the snow on the ground before him, bits of flames flicking
4698
4699between the webbing of his fingers.  The battle still raged around him, but
4700
4701the lines had tightened.  Many of the rear flank and the front lines has
4702
4703pushed closer to the center, closing the gaps between them to make
4704
4705themselves harder targets.  He had taught them well.  
4706
4707
4708The sword was now at eye level to Wyltte, the wind keeping it suspended in
4709
4710the air with the blade pointed towards the ground.  As his hands continued
4711
4712to grow with the elemental magic, many of the harpies started to converge
4713
4714above his position, leaving the outermost flanks and concentrating on the
4715
4716center.  
4717
4718
4719Wyltte reached his icy left hand up, inches from the hilt of his sword.  A
4720
4721briefest moment of time past before he grabbed onto the hilt, half of the
4722
4723sword instantly covered in ice as he wrapped his hands around it.  
4724
4725
4726"Frost from tears of the broken he whispered.  At the very moment he grabbed
4727
4728the hilt, the snow from the ground and along side both of the ridges from
4729
4730Narrowbreak exploded into the air in large chunks.  The blizzard swirled
4731
4732into the air, the massive shards of ice slamming into the bodies of the
4733
4734harpies.  Howls of pain and anger screeched back at him.  
4735
4736
4737With his burning right hand, Wyltte reached forward to the right side of the
4738
4739hilt.  He wrapped his hand around it, the other half of the sword instantly
4740
4741set ablaze.  Teh fire from the arrows and smouldering corpses flew into the
4742
4743sky, ricocheting off the other harpies, sometimes slamming into the massive
4744
4745chunks of ice and instantly creating huge clouds of steam.  Their angry
4746
4747cries of torment were increasing, but Ezessinth and the Deathwatch kept them
4748
4749from reaching Wyltte.  
4750
4751
4752The air started to feel electrified as Wyltte knelt there, grabbing the
4753
4754hovering blade.  The cyclonic winds whipped at his short hair, the rocks on
4755
4756the ground trembling and lifting up with static charge.  Wyltte lifted his
4757
4758head to scan around for a moment before speaking.  
4759
4760
4761"Deathwatch!"   He yells, the power of his voice echoing through the narrow
4762
4763pass so loudly it was as if he was standing everywhere all at once.  "Take
4764
4765cover!"   He screams, the ridges quaking with the power of his voice.  All
4766
4767at once, his soldiers knelt and lifted their shields high as if protecting
4768
4769themselves with a volley of arrows.  Wyltte glanced over at Ezessinth for a
4770
4771moment, nodding before he slammed the sword deep into the earth.  
4772
4773
4774Several things happened all at once.  A cloud of darkness burst forth from
4775
4776Wyltte as the blade slid into the ground, his holy power shielding the
4777
4778entirety of the force around him.  A large dome appeared over him and
4779
4780Ezessinth, the iridescent shield a smoky grey and crimson in color.  A
4781
4782massive bold of lightning streaked from the sky and hit the dome,
4783
4784penetrating it and slamming into the sword, another bolt streaking upwards
4785
4786from the ground to meet it.  From the dome around them, spider bolts of
4787
4788lightning streaked into the ice and fire filled sky, hitting the flock of
4789
4790harpies with such force that they exploded into tiny chunks of rotted meat. 
4791
4792
4793
4794The intense heat swept over the camp, but they were shielded by Wyltte's
4795
4796holy word, but it didn't stop the rain of body parts and feathers that fell
4797
4798from the sky.  After the lightning hit, a thunderous boom blew outwards from
4799
4800Wyltte, the wave so strong it pushed all but Wyltte and Ezessith over like
4801
4802an invisible tidal wave.  The echo of the blast could be heard for miles,
4803
4804and bounced off the narrow ridgelines for many seconds before ending in an
4805
4806eerie silence.  
4807
4808
4809Wyltte's sword was shattered into a thousand pieces, and he pitched forward,
4810
4811falling into the blood soaked ground.
4812
4813
4814--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4815
4816[104] Wyltte: Lost City - Narrowbreak - VIII
4817
4818Fri Apr 13 16:03:00 2018
4819
4820To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Ezessinth Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Narsh Tamaska Nymaya
4821
4822--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4823
4824It was some time before Wyltte came to, bits of shards from his own blade
4825
4826embedded in his skin.  The force of the blast allowed the shrapnel to piece
4827
4828even his hardened silksteel.  There were a few others that were injured, but
4829
4830most of those wounds were superficial.  Ezessinth caught most of the blast,
4831
4832but the bits of arcanium bounced harmlessly off her scales.  Flesh bags like
4833
4834himself were not so lucky.  
4835
4836
4837Upon seeing the skies cleared of the rancid menace, a victory cry went up
4838
4839through the formation.  Cheers were short-lived however, as the soldiers
4840
4841quickly set upon their work to triage their fellow Deathwatch members to get
4842
4843medical attention.  There were some casualties, but without Ezessinth and
4844
4845the well-trained discipline of his troops, it would have been a lot worse. 
4846
4847Everywhere were bits of harpy and the rancid odor from their rotten blood. 
4848
4849Not a soul of those beasts, if they even had souls, were left alive.  
4850
4851
4852A young dark-elf cleric was close by, tending to Wyltte's wounds when he
4853
4854opened his eyes.  Her eyes were keen, but he sensed a bit of concern.  She
4855
4856wore the rank of Centurion, so she had been in the Deathwatch awhile now.  
4857
4858
4859"How many dead?"   He managed to ask, his throat dry and swollen, words
4860
4861coming out in harsh rasps.  
4862
4863
4864"Hard to say, Legate.  We are still getting an accounting of that.  Quite a
4865
4866few injuries, but you still have enough able bodied soldiers to protect the
4867
4868caravan" she reported, wrapping his right arm in a medicine soaked bandage. 
4869
4870
4871"We need to move.  I don't want us tarrying here longer than we have to. 
4872
4873Get those who can travel out of here quickly, and send the most critical
4874
4875back to Ayrora's camp.  We cleared the way before, we should still be sound"
4876
4877he manages to get out, before wincing in pain.  His left shoulder also ached
4878
4879from the arrow wound.  As he tried to move it, he felt like something
4880
4881tearing at his insides.  Probably still bits of burrs left in there.  
4882
4883
4884The Centurion nodded, reaching down to help Wyltte stand up.  He slowly got
4885
4886to his feet, the entirety of his body aching from the effort.  "Our healing
4887
4888magics are still slow to work here, Legate, but it was better than it was
4889
4890before" she said.  Parts of the caravan were already starting to move out,
4891
4892many of the soldiers carefully watching the ridgeline.  There was a cautious
4893
4894relief in their movements and facial expressions as they trudged on.  Many
4895
4896saluted Wyltte as they marched past him, and Wyltte did the best he could in
4897
4898return, each time sending waves of pain up his right arm.  
4899
4900
4901Another Shade brought Wyltte a horse, and though it was not his own, he was
4902
4903able to climb slowly into the saddle.  He watched as Ezessinth took to the
4904
4905night sky, giving his own salute to her as she disappeared into the inky
4906
4907blackness of night.  He surveyed the line once more before clicking his boot
4908
4909heels into the horse's flank.  
4910
4911
4912"Deathwatch!   He manages to yell, his voice raspy but forceful.  "Onto
4913
4914Eastdrift Redoubt!"   
4915
4916--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4917
4918[105] Elathan: Elathan: Lost City - Vanguard | The Approach
4919
4920Sat Apr 14 14:29:35 2018
4921
4922To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska Nymaya )
4923
4924--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4925
4926The wind was picking up and with it the visibility was beginning to
4927
4928suffer as snow, both falling from the sky and being kicked up from snow
4929
4930drifts, began to obscure his vision in all directions.  He was thankful for
4931
4932his heavy cloak and the extra layer he was wearing beneath his chainmail. 
4933
4934There was no doubt it weighed him down some, but he knew that the unholy
4935
4936steed beneath him could handle the weight.  
4937
4938
4939Nymaya was a short distance ahead and to his left and he rode up beside her
4940
4941intent on finding out how the newly found Eclipse troops were holding out as
4942
4943his mind had been focused on the few Knights of the Rose he had brought with
4944
4945him and making sure they all knew their roles.  
4946
4947
4948"Keeper.  " he said as way of greeting to the recently appointed Keeper of
4949
4950the Eclipse "How fare your troops?  "
4951
4952
4953She seemed focused.  Steady.  That was good.  These new troops needed strong
4954
4955leadership and Elathan had faith in the Keepers long history and her ability
4956
4957to provide just that.  
4958
4959
4960"They'll hold, " she offered in reply, her eyes never leaving the sky ahead
4961
4962of them.  
4963
4964
4965She was a strong woman.  Elathan knew this much.  He knew less than he'd
4966
4967like to about her save for her former relationship to Reklah Kayen, and what
4968
4969he had been able to gather of her past, but she was a woman with a long
4970
4971history and, with that, many secrets.  This intrigued him.  
4972
4973
4974Presently, she seemed lost in thought a moment.  He reached down at his side
4975
4976and made a signal informing the knight just behind him to approach as he
4977
4978asked, "Something wrong?  "
4979
4980
4981"That, " she said, nodding towards the ever darkening horizon and the storm
4982
4983that was drifting ever closer, "At this pace, the worst of the storm may
4984
4985very well be on us while we try to pass Narrowbreak.  "
4986
4987
4988Elathan didn't reply but grew quiet a moment, studying the coming storm.  He
4989
4990knew she was right and while he was confident his Knights could weather the
4991
4992storm, he was concerned with what such a storm may bring and whether the
4993
4994newly recruited men of Eclipse would hold steady.  
4995
4996
4997He turned to the Knight he had silently summoned, who was now riding quietly
4998
4999beside him, and leaned towards him so as not to be heard, "The storm will be
5000
5001upon us soon.  Tell the others to spread out among the new troops.  We need
5002
5003to be sure order is held.  "
5004
5005
5006The man nodded in reply and gave a crisp salute before riding off to spread
5007
5008the news to the other Knights of the Rose.  The Storm wasn't just coming, it
5009
5010was already upon them.  
5011
5012
5013
5014
5015--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5016
5017[106] Elathan: Lost City - Vanguard | First Contact
5018
5019Sat Apr 14 14:42:55 2018
5020
5021To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska Nymaya )
5022
5023--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5024
5025Visibility was lost within the blinding snow storm as it came in force,
5026
5027the wind whipping violently and bringing not only snow from the sky but
5028
5029finding it on the ground and anywhere else it had settled and now Elathan
5030
5031could barely see anything within a 10 foot radius of himself.  
5032
5033
5034He had already lost sight of Nymaya but through the howling winds he could
5035
5036hear Tamaska's voice calling out and others answering.  The few men of
5037
5038Eclipse he could see near him were moving hesitantly, their nerves clearly
5039
5040being tested by the Storm and whatever they were hearing coming through the
5041
5042winds.  
5043
5044
5045His mount below him jerked violently and Elathan was thrown to the snow
5046
5047covered ground before he had time to react, but years of training had taught
5048
5049his body how to recover from such a fall, even if his mind hadn't yet caught
5050
5051up and he found himself rolling through the snow, chain, armor, and weapons
5052
5053clattering.  
5054
5055
5056He had lost his lance in the fall and as he looked up quickly to find it and
5057
5058get eyes on his steed he saw them.  Gripping his charger by the ankles and
5059
5060knees and clawing their way out of the snow packed ground, shaking snow off
5061
5062as they stood.  
5063
5064
5065Wights.  
5066
5067
5068An unnatural blue light glowed in their eyes giving the animated corpses a
5069
5070sense of ominous intelligence as they clawed at his charger, ripping into
5071
5072it.  Elathan dismissed the beast with a thought and the wights, confused
5073
5074only a moment, turned their attention on Elathan and the troops beside him. 
5075
5076
5077
5078"Stand firm!  " he called out to whoever could hear him as he drew his
5079
5080bastard sword, and with a spark of conjured flame, the pitch covered blade
5081
5082flashed into fiery life, "Use fire!  Remember your training!  "
5083
5084
5085Before more could be said the wights were on him and more joining them from
5086
5087beyond his snow impaired view.  He swung down into the first in a violent
5088
5089arch, parting it's head from it's body at the shoulder, the wight errupting
5090
5091in flame where it had been struck.  
5092
5093
5094The sounds of battle broke out all around him as the howling winds seemed to
5095
5096pick up further, as if the storm itself was feeding on the chaos of the
5097
5098moment.  The screams of the living mixed with the unnatural sounds of the
5099
5100dead as the forces clashed.  
5101
5102
5103He struck down one more with a horizontal swing, parting it's top half from
5104
5105the bottom as he turned his head in time to see one of the wights rip into a
5106
5107recruit of Eclipse, tearing off his arm with disturbing ease.  
5108
5109
5110The fighting continued and Elathan struck out around him as they kept
5111
5112coming.  Before long he started seeing new wights bearing the colors of
5113
5114Eclipse and as he glanced around he saw that he was alone, but through a
5115
5116brief moment of visibility he could see someone a ways away, still fighting.
5117
5118
5119
5120Through the storm he could see Nymaya fighting the monsters off in an oddly
5121
5122entrancing display of skill.  She swung her staff and weaved in between her
5123
5124enemies with an almost dance like grace, as if she were not fighting, but
5125
5126dancing to some unheard tune.  As he watched the skilled display the rhythm
5127
5128of her attacks was broken in such a violent way it caught him off guard, as
5129
5130she struck out with frustration, putting a fist alight with demon fire
5131
5132through the chest of a nearby wight.  
5133
5134
5135He had been so entranced in the display that he'd stopped looking at his
5136
5137immediate surroundings and a wight took hold of his arm with a violent
5138
5139strength, if not for the layers and chain he wore, the force of the
5140
5141creatures grip alone may have done damage, but as Elathan snapped to and
5142
5143raised his sword, the wight was demolished in a crushing fiery display of
5144
5145strength as a towering elemental burst from just out of sight.  
5146
5147
5148The Wight's arm alone still clung to Elathan where it had grabbed him and he
5149
5150shook it free as he looked up to the beast of flame made living and nodded. 
5151
5152
5153
5154"Focus, Master Blackmane, " he heard Nymaya call from a short distance away,
5155
5156and with a smile and renewed vigor, he laid into the wights surrounding him
5157
5158with his flaming sword.  
5159
5160--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5161
5162[107] Jermichael: Lost City - Vanguard | Battle
5163
5164Sat Apr 14 17:15:25 2018
5165
5166To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska Nymaya
5167
5168--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5169
5170Jermichael had fallen back a bit from the others, his steed had slowed
5171
5172it's pace as the winded kicked up, bring the front of the storm.  He
5173
5174chuckled to himself, thinking back on what he had told the Eclipsians before
5175
5176the vanguard had set off.  He had seen the darkening Icewall sky, and knew
5177
5178at some point they would run in to it.  
5179
5180
5181Sleet began to fall, and the rough northen winds slashed it across his face
5182
5183and armors.  Jermichael lifted his helmet and placed it upon his head,
5184
5185hoping for a little protection against the elements.  He had just reached
5186
5187down to pat the neck of his steed when he heard the first of the screams in
5188
5189the distance.  Grabbing the reins tightly, he spurred the mount forward,
5190
5191toward the sound of what sounded like battle.  
5192
5193
5194Jermichael snarled as he reached the tail of the force and saw the scene
5195
5196before him.  Wights..  And lots of them.  They were pouring quickly in to
5197
5198the vanguard, gnawing, biting and slashing.  He pulled back on the reins,
5199
5200sliding from the saddle and to his feet before the mount even stopped.  He
5201
5202reached back, slinging the shield on his back around and to his off-hand. 
5203
5204He charged forward and removed his hammer from his belt.  He spied a group
5205
5206of three Eclipsians, no older than sixteen or seventeen, doing their best to
5207
5208ward off a group of the attackers.  
5209
5210
5211The skull of the first Wight cracked and the creature folded as the edge of
5212
5213Jermichael's shield struck the back of it's head.  He used the momentum of
5214
5215the swing to carry him in to a spin to his left.  He raised his hammer, the
5216
5217massive blunt face of it catching another of the creatures squarely in the
5218
5219chest.  He stopped and pulled his shield in toward his body and turned, just
5220
5221in time to lift it to the downward swing of a sword..  
5222
5223
5224Jermichael slowly lifted his head over the edge of the shield to peer at the
5225
5226startled young Eclipsian.  "I bae sorry sirah!"   Yelped the soldier, his
5227
5228eyes wide.  "Behind you!"  , Bellowed Jermichael, and used the shield's edge
5229
5230to push the boy to the side as a Wight had jumped and narrowly missed him. 
5231
5232It landed on it's chest between them, snarling.  The boy faultered from the
5233
5234push and landed back atop several dead, as Jermichael rose to his feet and
5235
5236kicked forward, catching the undead in the face with his plated boot.  
5237
5238
5239He turned and reached down, helping the young soldier to his feet.  As the
5240
5241boy stood, he leaned down to pick up his sword while Jermichael spotted the
5242
5243two others that had been with him, their bodies were torn and shredded
5244
5245beneath a twisted pile of the dead creatures.  
5246
5247
5248 
5249
5250"Come boy.. we need to help the rest of the vanguard."
5251
5252
5253
5254--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5255
5256[106] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard | Narrowbreak attack - Part 1 of 2
5257
5258Wed Apr 18 11:09:46 2018
5259
5260To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Nymaya )
5261
5262--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5263
5264"There is something.  " The words reached Tamaska's ears and she turned
5265
5266in her saddle just in time to see the flames burst from Nymaya's hand and
5267
5268come to life as a fire elemental roared into existence.  The yinn turned her
5269
5270head slightly from the boiling heat and as soon as her eyes at had adjusted
5271
5272she saw them..  "If these 'things' engage us within the Pass, we'll be in
5273
5274trouble.  " 
5275
5276
5277The words left Nymaya's lips only moments before Tam saw the movement to her
5278
5279side.  She barely had time to grab one of her flasks from her belt before
5280
5281the creature slammed into the left side of her horse and the yinn's leg. 
5282
5283Immediately, she kicked her leg out furiously at the beast, knocking it back
5284
5285a moment and allowing her a brief moment in which she threw herself of the
5286
5287right side of the horse, landing in a crouch.  She swatted the horses back
5288
5289flank and hollered 'eyaah, ' sending it running forward.  
5290
5291
5292As soon as the horse darted away, Tam was met with and tacked by some unholy
5293
5294beast.  She tumbled backwards with the creature on top of her.  This was
5295
5296when she finally got a good look at her assailant.  It was clearly some sort
5297
5298of undead, a walking corpse with one hell of a grudge it seemed.  She held
5299
5300it at arms length but it took a good bit of her strength to do so as it
5301
5302thrashed and snarled, snapping its jaws at her.  
5303
5304
5305All around the yinn battle was starting to break out, her ears were
5306
5307twitching madly as the sounds assaulted her sensitive ears.  She needed to
5308
5309dispatch this beast.  Moments later her fist slammed into the side of the
5310
5311wight's head, crumpling the side of it.  She shoved the beast off and
5312
5313grabbed the flask she had dropped.  Rolling to her feet, she popped the top
5314
5315on the flask and shot flames towards two more advancing wights, blinding
5316
5317them and sending them stumbling as the flame burned their flesh.  
5318
5319
5320She turned to survey the battle, all around her were the screams of the
5321
5322wights and the sounds of the clashing blades.  There was but a brief moment
5323
5324between attacks and she took advantage of it.  She quickly grabbed a small
5325
5326parchment and quill, scribbling some words hastily before rolling it up. 
5327
5328Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of three wights charging at
5329
5330her.  
5331
5332
5333
5334--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5335
5336[107] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard | Narrowbreak attack - Part 2 of 2
5337
5338Wed Apr 18 11:13:58 2018
5339
5340To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Nymaya )
5341
5342--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5343
5344"Toxvah," she called out to no one in particular as she reared back and
5345
5346sucker punched one of the wights, knocking it out cold.  The bat screeched
5347
5348as it climbed out of the pouch and flew up above Tamaska.  "Find him.  Warn
5349
5350them.  " The small creature swooped down to grab the parchment from the
5351
5352yinn's hand barely managing to take it before one of the wights launched on
5353
5354to her back.  
5355
5356
5357The guardian snarled loudly as claws dug into the side of her neck and one
5358
5359of her ears.  She swung her staff at the wight with one hand and grabbed at
5360
5361the creature with the other.  She managed to knock it into the third but
5362
5363neither was out of commission.  Red blood from the scratches seeped into her
5364
5365fur, coloring the snow laden fur as the yinn stepped back, squaring off with
5366
5367the two wights once again.  
5368
5369
5370Everything seemed like it was moving in slow motion but yet it had all
5371
5372happened quickly.  They knew something was there one moment and the next
5373
5374they were under full on attack.  Tamaska held a hand against her side,
5375
5376breathing heavily as an array of mangled of bodies lay nearby.  She looked
5377
5378around, her eyes quickly finding Nymaya who was fighting off a few wights of
5379
5380her own.  Her sword and feet work were mesmerizing to watch.  
5381
5382
5383Scanning further as she moved to help an eclipsian who was injured fend off
5384
5385a wight, she could see that they had taken some losses but the battle seemed
5386
5387to finally be winding down.  She noticed Elathan and some other
5388
5389shadowknights dispatching a group of wights that had tried to retreat. 
5390
5391There was no way to know if others had escaped or not..  The storm was still
5392
5393obscuring visibility but they had clearly done all they could.  
5394
5395
5396She nodded to a few of the healers in the group and tossed one of them a
5397
5398pack.  "Lets assess the injured.  We need to be ready because I doubt this
5399
5400is over.  " They nodded and split off to tend to the injured as Tam spotted
5401
5402Nymaya and set off towards her.  
5403
5404--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5405
5406[108] Ayrora: Lost City - The Road III
5407
5408Thu Apr 19 16:04:56 2018
5409
5410To: All Drakkara Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Religion
5411
5412--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5413
5414The snow and wind were wicked as night had fallen on Ayrora and her party
5415
5416rode back to camp.  Salodorion led as Ayrora followed and Amos and Nefratin
5417
5418flanked either side.  The few volunteers she had sent ahead were probably at
5419
5420the camp already and they were not too far behind.  Even with the layers of
5421
5422clothing and her thick cloak, the wind still chilled her to the bone.  
5423
5424
5425The wind grew sharper as they were reaching camp.  Amos collected the horses
5426
5427and took them to the makeshift stable.  As the rest made their way to the
5428
5429medical tents.  The warmth in the tent was welcoming as they entered the
5430
5431tent and Rosie walked up to Rora helping her to removed her snow covered
5432
5433cloak.  "I am happy you have returned Ma'.....  Ayrora."   She offered Rosie
5434
5435a sweet smile before saying, "I am also happy to have returned.  I have
5436
5437missed you.   She gave Rosie a hug.  "Where shall we start?"  
5438
5439
5440Rosie led her to a section of the tent where their were four men.  Three of
5441
5442the men look as if someone took a a dagger and slashed the poor men to bits.
5443
5444"The wraith attack soldiers?"   Rosie nodded with a slight frown.  "These
5445
5446three, I did what I could but the other will need us both."   Rora nodded in
5447
5448understanding as she slowly removed one bandage at a time to repair the
5449
5450damage.  -It took some time for both of them to close and redress the
5451
5452wounds.  Time had gone by so quickly that they had not noticed that it was
5453
5454almost dawn and they should get some rest but they quickly moved on to the
5455
5456next soldier.  The fourth soldier was asleep and had a simple wound so they
5457
5458dressed it and were headed to their makeshift bed.  
5459
5460
5461All of a sudden, Amos comes running in, "More wounded are here, Viscountess.
5462
5463These men are a product of a harpy attack and they are all in a pretty bad
5464
5465state."   Rora looked at Amos and said, "Put them all in the second tent and
5466
5467we shall be right over."   Amos nodded and headed back out of the tent. 
5468
5469Rora gathered a few volunteers and Rosie and headed out of the tent.  
5470
5471
5472Ayrora entered the tent and looked about, their where about two dozen men,
5473
5474many in dire need of care and others that were close to death.  She assessed
5475
5476each man and assigned the volunteers to those who needed critical care and
5477
5478made sure the others, with lesser wounds, could wait until she or Rosie
5479
5480could get to them.  Rosie motioned for Rora to come to her in a hurry.  
5481
5482
5483The first young man was near death as Rora reached and examined his wounds. 
5484
5485Ayrora turned to Rosie and said, "He is badly injured and his pulse is very
5486
5487weak.  We must work quickly." Rosie nodded in agreement.  With Rosie in
5488
5489his head sending him soothing thoughts Rora could work fast and hopefully
5490
5491save the young soldier.  The wounds all looked liked knife wounds so it made
5492
5493it much easier to stitch him up.  It took some time because he had so many
5494
5495wounds.  She mixed healing herbs and handed them to Rosie with a quick nod
5496
5497she headed to the next soldier.  
5498
5499
5500It was sunrise before they were done taking care of the soldier but Rora was
5501
5502a bit saddened.  The lost one young soldier.  She also knew their would be
5503
5504more fatalities before all of this was over.  She turned to everyone, "Get
5505
5506some sleep, we will need it."   She looked to the skies then over at the
5507
5508mountain, "Who knows what else they will face before the journey is over."  
5509
5510Everyone went to find a spot to sleep except Rora.  
5511
5512
5513Ayrora continues to look at the mountains above them, "What monsters they
5514
5515will face.  Dark Mistress keep them safe."   
5516
5517
5518--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5519
5520[109] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | Confrontation at the Gates
5521
5522Fri Apr 20 17:46:54 2018
5523
5524To: Narsh Verminasia Shadow Eclipse All Imm RP Drakkara Necrucifer
5525
5526--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5527
5528Rasavadi had seen the scouts of the refuge several times and had ignored
5529
5530them.  They had ridden in plain sight hiding nothing.  Let their coming be
5531
5532known to all.  Narsh was obviously uncomfortable with this plan, not to
5533
5534mention riding in general, but part of being a knight was knowing when an
5535
5536obvious display was necessary just as much as stealth.  
5537
5538
5539"You face a decision friend.  I never had a home besides those ruins near
5540
5541Verminasia.  You grew up here, and as far as I can tell still consider this
5542
5543home.  " He said gently to Narsh.  They could see the guards approaching
5544
5545with what appeared to be the refuge's leader.  "I know you fear for their
5546
5547safety, but they will not be safe once the Ghul discover the passage out.  "
5548
5549Rasavadi raised his exquisitely articulated glove and motioned to the ragtag
5550
5551huts, and tents, that was the refugee camp.  "Our kind was not meant to live
5552
5553like -this-.  " The last word nearly spit out with disgust.  
5554
5555
5556He turned his head and full attention towards Narsh with a baleful glare and
5557
5558growled, "You have come to the path of your own accord.  Either we lead them
5559
5560to victory or we will all die anyway.   Regardless if we return with our
5561
5562shields, or on them, they deserve better.  " Unlatching the jaw of his red
5563
5564dragon helm, Rasavadi removed it.  "Look friend, no, brother.  You have yet
5565
5566to take the Vision or make the Blood Oath, but this is where you make your
5567
5568choice.  Tell me to leave, and I will go, but if we go into this camp there
5569
5570is but one purpose and goal.  " Rasavadi sighed, he had hoped not to make
5571
5572this ultimatum, but he also had no time for Narsh's notoriously thorough
5573
5574examination of things either.  "Here is our welcoming wagon, greet them and
5575
5576make your choice.  " 
5577
5578--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5579
5580[110] Nymaya: Lost City - Vanguard | The Attack
5581
5582Fri Apr 20 21:36:36 2018
5583
5584To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
5585
5586--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5587
5588Her world narrowed into a white funnel of the storm's fury, as if the
5589
5590land itself were trying to push them back.  The cacophony of wind, battle
5591
5592and screams came upon her almost at once but into this chaos fell the drop
5593
5594of her Haunt.  
5595
5596
5597It whispered from the bitter dark, its tendrils a maddening dissonance that
5598
5599taunted her to reach for it, to grasp what had been.  So vividly could she
5600
5601recall drawing on it, hearing it hum through her weapon.  A state of focus
5602
5603so detailed, so sharp and consuming, that it had taken decades to master was
5604
5605there, so very close...  
5606
5607
5608Her quarterstaff crushed the head of the nearest wight while her fire
5609
5610elemental moved off from Master Blackmane to assault three more of the
5611
5612undead creatures converging on a pair of Eclipsites but frustration met
5613
5614restriction and in the brief moment it took her to draw the staff back,
5615
5616undead hands wrapped around its end.  The pitch of the battle was such that
5617
5618she could not waste the time so she let it go and drew her sword.  
5619
5620
5621She barely danced out of the grasp of a fallen wight, its fingers reaching
5622
5623for her leg, but she was moving again and with sword in hand she weaved with
5624
5625deadly purpose along the front.  She saw Tamaska wrestling with a wight that
5626
5627had slammed into her, she saw Jermichael and some of his Knights briefly
5628
5629through the writhing undead throng and the blowing snow, and she heard
5630
5631Elathan let out a rallying call but it was all momentary battle awareness -
5632
5633offering nearly no time to move in any direction but the one she was
5634
5635traveling.  
5636
5637
5638Demonfire lit in her free hand once again as she channelled frustration and
5639
5640ran her fingers up along the plain elven blade, setting it alight.  A wight
5641
5642ran wildly at her from out of the white, she whirled out of its path to
5643
5644reposition herself and struck it an ending blow before it stopped.  It fell
5645
5646to the ground with an otherworldly screech, aflame.  The next lunged, giving
5647
5648her only a moment's pause as she recognized the Eclipse uniform.  She
5649
5650parried it and, despite the flames on her blade, it gripped the metal.  She
5651
5652took the moment then to look at it, to study the gaping mouth, the pale
5653
5654deathly flesh and the wrathful blue spark deep in its otherwise deadened
5655
5656gaze.  
5657
5658
5659
5660..this had to be the work of a terrible curse. Or a necromancer.
5661
5662
5663The realization shook her slightly but not enough to lose focus.  The act of
5664
5665pulling her blade free severed the fingers of the creature and, circling it,
5666
5667she spun her blade with her rotation and let its momentum sever the wight's
5668
5669head from behind.  One last creature ran at her, mouth agape in its wild
5670
5671rush but she was already moving toward it and using its own impetus against
5672
5673it, let it impale itself on her blade.  It's push forward slid her back
5674
5675through the snow but in the process she set her hand to its head and
5676
5677engulfed it in a surge of demonfire.  
5678
5679--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5680
5681[111] Nymaya: Lost City - Vanguard | The Tally
5682
5683Fri Apr 20 21:53:04 2018
5684
5685To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Narsh Rasavadi Tamaska )
5686
5687--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5688
5689She snapped her fingers once, the sound unheard in the roar of the wind,
5690
5691but the elemental was bound to her and it heeded the call.  Nothing more
5692
5693attacked from the white or from below and with a cautious certainty that the
5694
5695vanguard had the threat well in hand, she set out to find her staff with the
5696
5697elemental in tow.
5698
5699 
5700
5701Not surprisingly the weapon was only feet away, laying in the snow.  Once
5702
5703she had it back in her grasp she exhaled a heavy misting breath, sheathed
5704
5705her sword and set the staff to the ground to balance her.  She only stood
5706
5707that way a moment before rousing, though she was beginning to feel the edges
5708
5709of the exhaustion she knew was coming.  There were certainly troops who
5710
5711needed healing and it didn't take her long to find one once she set out.  It
5712
5713was in this way that Tamaska found her.  Holding the side of her neck, she
5714
5715knelt at Nymaya's side and the pair shared a knowing glance.
5716
5717 
5718
5719"Tallying the injured and taking stock now." Her sister of Eclipse stated,
5720
5721though she practically had to yell to be heard in the roar of the wind.  The
5722
5723tips of her ears had begun to hurt and she pulled her hood up before turning
5724
5725to Tam with a gesture at the gashes the woman was covering.  It was while
5726
5727she was healing the wounds that Blackmane and McCord joined them.  Their
5728
5729weapons were still drawn and both were splattered with gore, though the snow
5730
5731was clinging to the red.
5732
5733 
5734
5735A moment was spent making sure each of them was still in working order and
5736
5737then further plans formed.  They would leave a single Knight of Storm to
5738
5739oversee the injured and help them back to the main force while the rest
5740
5741continued on.  It would be immensely important to be sure that if they were
5742
5743attacked on their way through the pass, they be as prepared as they could
5744
5745be.  It would be close quarters fighting and it was agreed that they split
5746
5747up throughout the forces.
5748
5749 
5750
5751She was their guide through it though, much as the prospect left her a bit
5752
5753uneasy, and while she considered the path ahead, a Yinn in Eclipse uniform
5754
5755came up to the group with the tally.  Five Eclipse and two Storm Keep dead,
5756
5757four with potentially critical injuries and two middling that would stay
5758
5759behind to help get the rest back.  Too many horses had died or run off so
5760
5761the majority would be on foot from here on out.
5762
5763
5764"I sent Toxvah with word to Rasavadi." Tamaska informed them even as
5765
5766Elathan turned and summoned a charger.  A black swirling portal opened and
5767
5768from it ran an angry looking steed.
5769
5770 
5771
5772"I hope the bat can handle this storm." Nymaya murmured between the two of
5773
5774them and then they all set out to get the troops moving again.
5775
5776--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5777
5778[114] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Beyond a shadow of a doubt
5779
5780Tue Apr 24 22:30:55 2018
5781
5782To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
5783
5784--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5785
5786Narsh had taken point, as he and Rasavadi neared the Refuge.  Concealed
5787
5788by a dense thicket of evergreen trees, the short, twisting path was cast in
5789
5790shadow by both the mountains above and the trees that lined the narrow pass
5791
5792that lead deeper into the mountains.  The shade brought with it a respite
5793
5794from the wind and snow, as well as rest from the glare of the sun, which had
5795
5796begun it's slow descent towards the horizon in the west.  Here, the dirt lay
5797
5798bare, freed from the snow and imprinted heavily with large bootprints - the
5799
5800first indication of life, hidden away in the refuge beyond.  Narsh and
5801
5802Rasavadi had continued their journey in the same silence they had begun it
5803
5804in, walking in silence as the narrow path forced them to dismount their
5805
5806horses, and lead them by hand towards the gates of the Refuge.  
5807
5808
5809They were greeted first by the scent of woodsmoke and searing flesh, the
5810
5811sight of thin black smoke as it curled from the many fires of the refuge
5812
5813before being quickly wicked away by the heavy winds of Icewall as they
5814
5815rolled beyond the cover of the mountain and into the path of the gusts. 
5816
5817Soon, the din of life - voices and grunts, guttural and harsh.  The scent
5818
5819and sounds, Narsh reasoned, of a successful hunt.  It did not take long for
5820
5821them to make their way to the gates of the refuge, which stretched from one
5822
5823side of the mountain to the next.  Roughly hewn and hastily built from the
5824
5825same Evergreen trees that nested at either side of the short path, they
5826
5827indicated well the life of the beings that resided behind the thin layer of
5828
5829security they offered.  Constructions of necessity, lacking in adornment or
5830
5831any sign of luxury.  
5832
5833
5834Even in spite of his lingering doubts, Narsh could not help but grin to
5835
5836himself beneath the shadow of his hood as their steps lead them hastily
5837
5838towards their destination.  The Refuge, a place more sacred to him than any
5839
5840other.  Home - and more than that, the last one that his kind had for
5841
5842themselves.  He had been born and raised here, and not a month had ever
5843
5844passed that he had not returned, to take his turn in standing guard, to
5845
5846offer his strength in the endless struggle to rebuild, or to offer his skill
5847
5848in the hunt to furnish tables with that which was necessary for survival. 
5849
5850To him, it was more than home - it was the last bastion of his race, a small
5851
5852but very real chance for the survival of a species that had been scattered
5853
5854to the wind, and left quite literally out in the cold, by the Gods
5855
5856themselves.  He was as fiercely defensive of the place as that ideal
5857
5858warranted, and while his reputation at the refuge was not pristine, he had
5859
5860never been made to feel unwelcome when he returned from his travels.  
5861
5862
5863His thoughts remained preoccupied by worry, as he and Rasavadi lead their
5864
5865horses beyond the final turn in the path.  He stopped and lowered his hood
5866
5867and raised his hands to show them empty to the pair of guards that waited
5868
5869some thirty feet beyond, stationed at either side of the roughly hewn gates.
5870
5871Never had he returned home to do anything more than help, and he worried
5872
5873that today may well mark the end of that trend.  The Refuge was a fragile
5874
5875thing, held aloft by the sturdiness of it's inhabitants and their will and
5876
5877capability to survive in spite of the harsh environs of Icewall.  They were
5878
5879not here to take the weak, but rather, to gather from the Refuge those whose
5880
5881strength was very much a necessity for it's continued survival.  They would
5882
5883garner their support not by appealing to those who sought to leave on their
5884
5885own accord - but rather, by preying on their desperation and the inherent
5886
5887nature of his kind to seek conflict.  And every capable Yinn they took from
5888
5889the Refuge would pass the burden of the loss on to another.  
5890
5891
5892
5893--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5894
5895[115] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Beyond a shadow of a doubt II
5896
5897Tue Apr 24 22:42:59 2018
5898
5899To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
5900
5901--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5902
5903Gauthrik was a simple creature.  Lazy as he was tall, the lanky Yinn
5904
5905often volunteered to guard the gate not because his black eyes were
5906
5907particularly sharp, not because he was particularly adept in fighting, nor
5908
5909because he enjoyed the cold - but because it was a simple and easy job.  You
5910
5911stood by, held a sword, and simply waited.  Situated to his right, a Yinn
5912
5913nearly his opposite tended to a small fire, and complained often about just
5914
5915how boring the work could be.  Naihe was a good foot shorter than Gauthrik,
5916
5917though nearly twice as broad, skilled with a blade and generally considered
5918
5919to be a good sort.  A hard worker.  Unfortunately predisposed towards trying
5920
5921to be funny without having any of the skill he showed in his other pursuits
5922
5923- but such a flaw was easily over looked, when juxtaposed against the Yinn's
5924
5925many other talents.  
5926
5927
5928Today had been particularly quiet - even by the standards of guard duty. 
5929
5930The cold had been particularly bitter - and the smell of venison cooking
5931
5932somewhere within the Refuge combined with the less-than-appealing company of
5933
5934Gauthrik had made simply standing in place silently far harder than it
5935
5936needed to be.  It was nearly a welcome relief, when he heard the first heavy
5937
5938footfalls of someone approaching from the pass - and as he moved to gather
5939
5940his weapon, he spared a brief moment to ensure Gauthrik had not simply
5941
5942fallen asleep at his post.  A broad grin found it's way to his muzzle as he
5943
5944noted the familiar figure approaching.  Narsh was nearly impossible to
5945
5946mistake, not merely by grace of his size, but also by that travel-worn armor
5947
5948and the missing ear - and more recently, by the strange magic that had
5949
5950marked the creature, and left his fur entirely devoid of color.  A welcome
5951
5952sight on such a boring evening - for if nothing else, Narsh always seemed to
5953
5954return with at least one story to share.  
5955
5956
5957Less welcome, however, was the figure that accompanied him.  Clad in armor
5958
5959that Naihe had never seen the like of before, the other Yinn was a troubling
5960
5961sight.  A helm that should have left the creature featureless instead made a
5962
5963mockery of whatever features lay beneath, and while Narsh seemed to be
5964
5965grinning as he raised his hands to show himself unarmed, Naihe sensed that
5966
5967something here was not quite right.  A hint of worry seemed to accompany
5968
5969each of the familiar Yinn's motions, a barely noticeable hesitation as he
5970
5971reached to reclaim the lead of his horse and guide both it, and the
5972
5973unfamiliar figure that traveled alongside him, nearer to the gate.  A quick
5974
5975glance towards Gauthrik informed Naihe that he was not the only one
5976
5977concerned.  
5978
5979
5980"Kinsmen.  I return." , Spoke Narsh - the grin on his features seeming
5981
5982genuine, in spite of whatever anxiety seemed to plague him. "Aye, so you
5983
5984do.  And with company, no less." Naihe punctuated the statement with a
5985
5986slight gesture of his sword towards Rasavadi, before he cleared his throat
5987
5988with a quiet grunt.  "Who is he?" Narsh paused, turning his gaze to the
5989
5990armor-clad Yinn that traveled along with him, before he raised one of his
5991
5992hands to scratch briefly along the side of his muzzle as if mulling over
5993
5994what answer to give.  "Hrn..This, is Rasavadi.  Former master of the
5995
5996Conclave, Leader of the new Eclipse, and a friend." Naihe and Gauthrik
5997
5998exchanged a brief glance, before the shorter of the two grunted, and turned
5999
6000to pry open the heavy gate, while the taller, moved to join him, casting a
6001
6002short glance over his shoulder and back at the pair of Yinn. "Well. Hail
6003
6004to you, Rasavadi..  Believe we best have Leader present to greet such an
6005
6006esteemed guest, aye?"
6007
6008
6009--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6010
6011[116] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Beyond a shadow of a doubt III
6012
6013Tue Apr 24 22:53:13 2018
6014
6015To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
6016
6017--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6018
6019Narsh had ensured to close the gate behind them before leading the way
6020
6021deeper into the Refuge.  He'd always felt, that since he had taken to
6022
6023wandering, that he had been viewed as something of a welcome oddity here. 
6024
6025The Yinn of the refuge could be a superstitious lot, and for as many of his
6026
6027kin that relished to hear the tales of his travels, to see the strange
6028
6029weapons and armors and trinkets he'd collected, there were those who kept
6030
6031him at distance, worried that he had been marked by strange magic, or
6032
6033viewing his tendency to travel as callow irresponsibility.  Today, in the
6034
6035company of a companion even stranger than himself, this seemed especially
6036
6037true.  Greetings were offered by some he knew - but from a distance,
6038
6039accompanied often with distrustful glances towards Rasavadi.  Even as the
6040
6041two lead their horses to the center of the ramshackle town, where many Yinn
6042
6043gathered to simply speak or see who the newest victim of the large wooden
6044
6045gibbet was - they were given wide berth.  
6046
6047
6048From where they stood, the vast majority of the Refuge was visible.  Heavily
6049
6050trodden snow and mud marked the winding pathways that lead beyond the
6051
6052makeshift dwellings, some of the unkempt trails marked by stakes, and
6053
6054others, by simple wear of the steps of those who wandered them.  Smoke from
6055
6056the many fires clung to the air, creating a thin veil that rolled slowly
6057
6058across the refuge, stirred on occasion by a particularly stubborn breeze
6059
6060that managed to find it's way into the heart of the mountains and beyond the
6061
6062gates.  The scent of venison cooking somewhere in the camp lingered in the
6063
6064air, offering a much needed respite from the harsh scent of the bloated
6065
6066corpse that swung freely from the gibbet in the center of the town.  Narsh
6067
6068noted dimly that it was a relatively fresh kill - likely some Nordmaarian
6069
6070who wandered too close.  
6071
6072
6073His thoughts lingered on home only a few moments longer, as he swept his
6074
6075gaze towards the northern end of the town, and noted to himself that he
6076
6077could count two new roofs of partially finished homes in the distance. 
6078
6079Slowly, they returned to the mission at hand - of what he would say to the
6080
6081leader, of what he would say to Rasavadi.  Of whether he could simply allow
6082
6083his kinsmen to follow them, to risk life and limb for an organization they
6084
6085likely knew little of, for a cause they likely cared little for, and in
6086
6087doing so - allow the burden of survival to weigh even heavier on the
6088
6089shoulders of those that remained.  How many would be swayed by the simple
6090
6091offer of a way out?  Could the Refuge survive another winter, should even
6092
6093twelve of it's most capable inhabitants were to disappear all at once? 
6094
6095Could he keep the ones that did follow safe?  The last thought, in
6096
6097particular, caused him to shift uneasily where he stood, as he glanced
6098
6099towards Rasavadi from the corners of his eyes.  
6100
6101
6102He was surprised to see Rasavadi's own eyes peering back at him, like
6103
6104darkened pools of pitch from beneath the shadow of the Yinn's articulated
6105
6106helm.  "You face a decision friend.  I never had a home besides those ruins
6107
6108near Verminasia.  You grew up here, and as far as I can tell still consider
6109
6110this home."  Narsh cast a brief glance back towards the North - in time to
6111
6112catch sight of Gauthrik and Naihe - and four other guards, as they
6113
6114approached with the leader of the Refuge in tow.  It was a welcome chance to
6115
6116avoid Rasavadi's gaze for the moment - but soon, that raspy voice came
6117
6118again, and Narsh at last turned his attention directly to Rasavadi.  "I know
6119
6120you fear for their safety, but they will not be safe once the Ghul discover
6121
6122the passage out."  
6123
6124 
6125
6126--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6127
6128[117] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Beyond a shadow of a doubt IV
6129
6130Tue Apr 24 22:58:22 2018
6131
6132To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
6133
6134--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6135
6136Rasavadi raised his exquisitely articulated glove and motioned to the
6137
6138ragtag huts, and tents, that was the refugee camp.  "Our kind was not meant
6139
6140to live like -this-."  The last words carried a hint of disgust, and Narsh
6141
6142could feel his lips curl back just slightly from his teeth in the faintest
6143
6144hint of a snarl as he heard them.  Rasavadi responded in turn, gaze growing
6145
6146baleful as he centered his attention on Narsh - and growled the next words
6147
6148with no hint of the gentleness that had accompanied those that came before. 
6149
6150"You have come to the path of your own accord.  Either we lead them to
6151
6152victory or we will all die anyway.  Regardless if we return with our
6153
6154shields, or on them, they deserve better."  .  
6155
6156
6157A quiet grunt was all the response Narsh could offer in the moment, though
6158
6159he could feel the the snarl drawing across his features, the familiar rush
6160
6161of anger as it flooded his thoughts.  Of course they deserved better.  Of
6162
6163course they were not meant to live like this.  But would leading them in
6164
6165battle do anything at all to resolve either?  Unlatching the jaw of his red
6166
6167dragon helm, Rasavadi removed it.  Narsh barely noticed the pause that
6168
6169seemed to settle across not only the approaching guards and leader - but all
6170
6171of those in the Refuge who could see Rasavadi's scarred features as they
6172
6173were revealed.  "Look friend, no, brother.  You have yet to take the Vision
6174
6175or make the Blood Oath, but this is where you make your choice.  Tell me to
6176
6177leave, and I will go, but if we go into this camp there is but one purpose
6178
6179and goal."  Rasavadi sighed, and for a brief moment, Narsh felt his anger,
6180
6181which had began to raise in earnest and boil towards a frenzy, relent. 
6182
6183Shoved from his thoughts to make room for a simple realization.  None of
6184
6185them, himself included, had time for his tendency to approach every issue
6186
6187with such caution.  Nymaya, Tamaska, and the rest of Eclipse - along with
6188
6189Shadow, marched now for Dae'tok.  He would have to decide which was more
6190
6191important to him - their success, or his home - and do so quickly, so that
6192
6193he and Rasavadi could return to where they were needed.  
6194
6195
6196"Here is our welcoming wagon, greet them and make your choice."  
6197
6198
6199
6200--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6201
6202[118] Narsh: Lost City - Vanguard | Beyond a shadow of a doubt V
6203
6204Tue Apr 24 23:07:07 2018
6205
6206To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Storyline Imm RP Necrucifer ( Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska )
6207
6208--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6209
6210"Narsh."  Another familiar voice, this one belonging to a figure of a
6211
6212tall, battle-scarred Yinn.  The Self-made leader of the Refuge.  Tinged with
6213
6214caution, which was reinforced by the flaming spear he held at the ready. 
6215
6216Guathrik and Naihe and the rest of the guards as well - clad in their heavy
6217
6218furs and their scavenged weapons at the ready - though there was little
6219
6220hostility in any of their demeanor.  Simple caution.  "Elder." , Narsh
6221
6222responded, turning his gaze from Rasavadi, and taking a few steps to close
6223
6224the distance between himself and his kinsmen.  "Are we interrupting?"  "Not
6225
6226in the least.  I believe Rasavadi would like to speak with you."  .  Narsh
6227
6228raised his hand in a sweeping gesture, as if to indicate not only the
6229
6230leader, but the guards that had accompanied him as well.  For a moment, he
6231
6232let his attention wander from the group, and towards the gathering at large.
6233
6234There were not enough Yinn in the Refuge to truly gather a crowd - but the
6235
6236combination of Rasavadi, himself, the assembled guards and the appearance of
6237
6238the leader, had drawn as near to it as was possible.  
6239
6240
6241"About?"  "We need help."  "You know we have little to spare."  "I know."  .
6242
6243
6244"And, with that in mind, what would you ask of us?"  Narsh cast a glance
6245
6246back to Rasavadi as the leader spoke the question - but it was brief, before
6247
6248he returned his attention back to those of the Refuge.  He didn't care for
6249
6250just how much attention he seemed to be garnering.  The leader and the
6251
6252guards that accompanied him regarded Narsh curiously as he moved to the
6253
6254center of the square, into the shadow of the gibbet and near the corpse that
6255
6256hung from it.  Wordlessly, he drew a small knife from his belt - and cut the
6257
6258rope that held the bloated corpse aloft, a disgusted grunt following as it
6259
6260tumbled heavily to the ground.  Carefully, he moved to grab the remains of
6261
6262the rope, and haul the corpse from the center of the square, appending the
6263
6264motion with a small toss that sent it tumbling across the hard ground to lay
6265
6266unceremoniously to the side.  
6267
6268
6269"We seek to reform Eclipse."  He spoke the words as he first wiped his
6270
6271clawed hand against the cloth of his cloak - and then the blade of his
6272
6273knife, before returning it to his belt.  When he turned his gaze back to
6274
6275those gathered, he saw confusion more than interest, a hint of concern where
6276
6277he had hoped to see excitement at the prospect.  "We march now along with
6278
6279The Knights of Shadow, and the might of the Verminasian Empire, to reclaim
6280
6281Dae'tok."  Hushed whispers, a snarl from a elderly Yinn near the back of the
6282
6283gathering crowd.  "We come seeking those who wish to test their strength of
6284
6285arm, those who wish to see our home - and those, who wish to pledge their
6286
6287service to the Master, Necrucifer."  .  Narsh paused in his words, to take a
6288
6289deep breath, and to study the expression of the Leader - who seemed only to
6290
6291regard him with a mix of confusion and distrust.  At length, he turned
6292
6293towards Rasavadi, and offered a nearly helpless shrug before he gestured for
6294
6295the so-far-unofficial leader of Eclipse to join him.  "Speak well, Rasavadi.
6296
6297We're not likely to be returning here after this."  .  He'd offer, as he
6298
6299moved to step past the armor-clad Yinn and out of the center of attention
6300
6301he'd created, moving to stand to the side of the bloodied ground that marked
6302
6303the center of the square.  
6304
6305--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6306
6307[118] Wyltte: Lost City - Lost I
6308
6309Wed Apr 25 18:14:49 2018
6310
6311To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Eclipse Kyri
6312
6313--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6314
6315Wyltte sat with his back leaning against the icy wall of the cathedral,
6316
6317his left shoulder exposed to the chilled air within the holy place.  Next to
6318
6319him lay a metal pan filled with strips of his flesh, the red blood mixed
6320
6321with black ooze, bits of barbs and steel, dirt and debris from the battle. 
6322
6323Zisuli spent her evening carefuly carving away the infection with precision,
6324
6325fishing the rotten bits from the wound.  
6326
6327
6328His breath was labored but he did breathe easier now.  Irilka and Zisuli
6329
6330both knew that the infection would have killed him eventually, and that he
6331
6332should have seen a cleric much sooner.  Wyltte chose to stay in the saddle
6333
6334until the caravan was secure because he did not want his soldiers to see him
6335
6336wounded.  He needed to be strong for them, to see him an an invicible force
6337
6338so they could keep up the morale.  But he was not.  He was mortal.  
6339
6340
6341Wyltte sat in the comforting chill of the temple, leaning his head back,
6342
6343bits of frost starting to form in his salt and pepper hair.  He had given
6344
6345his life to the church, everything he had to make sure he could aid the
6346
6347Darkness.  He had dedicated the entirety of his being to teaching His Will. 
6348
6349He had been a Bishop for years...  Years now, sending out missives,
6350
6351performing holy works in His name, leading the army of His city, and giving
6352
6353everything he had without asking anything in return.  He was a believer,
6354
6355through and through.  As he sat there, lost in thought, he began to wonder
6356
6357aloud.  "Is it enough?"  
6358
6359
6360The words spoken so softyly amplified in the hallowed place, bounced off the
6361
6362cerulean cracks in the walls of the cathedral and repeated themselves in a
6363
6364loud silence.  He knew it wasn't a crisis of faith but a matter of
6365
6366reflection.  What could he do now?  Where does he go from this point?  Would
6367
6368he stand and call others to Darkness for eternity while his body ages faster
6369
6370than his mind?  
6371
6372
6373He stands up slowly from his spot on the wall, his left foot accidently
6374
6375kicking the pan of infected flesh beside him.  Is this why he didn't rush to
6376
6377get help, or was it because he wanted to feel something after being lost for
6378
6379so long?  Questions to which no one has the answers to.  Questions to which
6380
6381perhaps he didn't want to know.  
6382
6383
6384Wyltte looked over to Zisuli who was cleaning up her razor sharp
6385
6386instruments, the crimson on the blade in sharp contrast to her snow white
6387
6388hair and the blueish hue from the iced walls.  The blood stood out, cried
6389
6390out almost, in that space, almost as much as the dull pain in his shoulder
6391
6392where she had been digging about with her tweezers, trying to save his life
6393
6394from the corrupted earth.  
6395
6396
6397He would soon rejoin the caravan after a short respite.  The soldiers would
6398
6399hardly notice he was missing, given their hyper-vigilance after the harpy
6400
6401attack.  He would don his armor, wear the robes of his station as a Bishop,
6402
6403and continue along a road to the unknown.  He would do this, because either
6404
6405he was very lost, or because the road he rode down had never been trod
6406
6407before.  
6408
6409--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6410
6411[122] Wyltte: Lost City - Lost II
6412
6413Sat Apr 28 20:39:59 2018
6414
6415To: Verminasia All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion
6416
6417--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6418
6419Wyltte rode quietly in the saddle, the bumpy terrain jostling his
6420
6421shoulder, sending small shockwaves up his arm.  He tried to pay it no
6422
6423attention, nor let his soldier's see his pain.  It kept him awake, it kept
6424
6425him alert, and it kept him from letting his mind wander too much.  
6426
6427
6428Wyltte had always felt like an orphan.  In many way, he was one.  These
6429
6430soldiers at his side he tried to consider as family, men and women willing
6431
6432to lay down their life for one another.  It was a good sentiment,
6433
6434brotherhood, but there were flaws in its reasoning.  Many here would kill to
6435
6436have his position, to ascend to the rank of Legate and lead the Deathwatch
6437
6438with prestige and glory.  And he could not blame him.  It was the nature of
6439
6440evil to not be stagnant.  
6441
6442
6443The Queen had informed Wyltte that since she had taken up the throne, the
6444
6445family lands of the Kayens, Iagothal, had now fell to him to take care of. 
6446
6447Wyltte was now Count Kayen.  This new struck him in the chest like a spear,
6448
6449piercing the heart of his troubles.  A man with such humble beginnings being
6450
6451asked to rule.  He felt like an imposter, a pauper playing prince.  He bore
6452
6453the name of Kayen proudly and used the entirety of his being trying to live
6454
6455up to its dark reputation, serving Necrucifer with each breath.  There was
6456
6457something inside of him that pulled him back though, tugged at the strings
6458
6459of his memory like a marionette.  
6460
6461
6462The road had cleared up and the weather held.  Bits of snow blew off the
6463
6464mountain pass but did not slow down the caravan.  Any day now they would be
6465
6466through.  Wyltte informed the masses not to sleep on the ground, and only
6467
6468drink water imported from Verminasia.  Until they learn the extent of the
6469
6470corruption, he did not want to take any chances.  
6471
6472
6473Along the route, there had been several Highlanders and Vikings who decided
6474
6475to put their fighting skills to good use and work as a mercenary.  Wyltte
6476
6477used a few of them as guides after vetting their intentions, and the others
6478
6479he used as an expendable force.  He also believed this could buy a bit of
6480
6481goodwill from the locals, though he knew in his heart of hearts eventually
6482
6483they would turn on them.  Might as well get some work out of them in the
6484
6485meantime.  `.  
6486
6487
6488One such Viking was walking along the outer rim of the caravan with a large
6489
6490war hammer slung over his shoulder.  He was a massive man with a forked
6491
6492beard that hung down to the middle of his chest.  Something caught Wyltte's
6493
6494eye as he trudged along.  In the center of his breastplate was a signal of a
6495
6496large wolf, encircled by ancient looking runes.  It reminded him of his
6497
6498vision, or memory, or whatever it was that happened to him when the arrow
6499
6500passed through his shoulder.  Wyltte called the man over to him.  
6501
6502
6503"Son of the North, what is the meaning of those symbols?"   Wyltte asks the
6504
6505main, gesturing to the sigil on his chest.  
6506
6507
6508"They be runes ov protection, there to be vatching over us during battle,
6509
6510Lord Kayen.  Each clan be having their own signil" he responds.  He places a
6511
6512fist to the symbol of the wolf is, looking up to Wyltte on Horseback.  
6513
6514
6515Wyltte leaned over in his saddle to look at the sigil a little closer.  "So
6516
6517each of your clans have our own?  Are they all wolves?"   He inquires,
6518
6519eyeing the sigil closely.  
6520
6521
6522"Nay Nay, Your Lordship.  Each clan be having their own.  Ve follow those ov
6523
6524the Volf.  Strong, Cunning, and be hunting in packs.  Other clans be
6525
6526following others.  Owls, Hawks, Stags...  Each be having their own family." 
6527
6528  Wyltte nods, looking at the Viking carefully.  
6529
6530
6531"And what of the bear?  What clan is that part of?"   He asks.  The Viking
6532
6533makes a quick sign that looks to ward off spirits, stepping back into the
6534
6535crowd without so much as another word.  Wyltte looked to call after him once
6536
6537again, but instead took a moment to contemplate what had transpired.  There
6538
6539was something he was missing.  
6540
6541
6542--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6543
6544[123] Ayrora: Lost City - The Road IIII 
6545
6546Mon Apr 30 11:14:54 2018
6547
6548To: All Drakkara Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
6549
6550--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6551
6552Ayrora walked into the second tent, which was empty of personnel and
6553
6554patients, and started to pack up the instruments that were no longer in use.
6555
6556Most of the camp was still sleeping due to the long night the eve before but
6557
6558she was determined to be ready when the caravan started to migrate yet
6559
6560again.  She was just about done with what she was doing when Amos walked in.
6561
6562"Blessed morn Viscountess."   She looked to him as she packed the last of
6563
6564the instruments, offering him a soft smile.  "Blessed morn Amos."  
6565
6566
6567With the others caring for the soldiers left in the other tent, Rora and
6568
6569Amos continued tear down of the second tent.  Nefratin walked in and saluted
6570
6571Rora and grabbed a few of the closed cots and loaded them into the wagon. 
6572
6573Once the cots, stove, and makeshift tables were loaded, the rest of the
6574
6575supplies were loaded into the supply wagon then the men went to tear down
6576
6577the tent.  Ayrora returned to the original tent to see what she could do.  
6578
6579
6580Most of the soldiers had returned to duty and those that could not return to
6581
6582duty, who wished to stay on, joined the medical caravan.  The wind had
6583
6584picked up and it sounded like howling wolves.  Amos ran to check on the
6585
6586horses and to put their thick rugs on.  He fed them a warm mash before
6587
6588returning to the warmth of the tent.  Ayrora heard that strange howl again
6589
6590but knew, this time, it was not the wind.  It was late and many had picked a
6591
6592cot to rest in and had fallen asleep.  Even her guards had fallen asleep.  
6593
6594
6595Again she heard it.  She stood up from the makeshift table, quietly pulled
6596
6597her thick cape around her, and walked out to see where this howl was coming
6598
6599from.  The howl was coming from the left close to where the horses where so
6600
6601she headed in that direction.  As she walked around the leanto she heard it
6602
6603again, it was getting closer and the horses were growing restless.  "Dark
6604
6605Mistress in Your name I shall protect this camp."   She prayed.  
6606
6607
6608Everything went silent except the horses who where now spooked.  She turned
6609
6610to calm Braedan but was knocked to the ground the second she went to turn. 
6611
6612Whatever it was knocked the wind out of her and she was trying her best to
6613
6614try to catch her breath.  She finally was able to see the enraged wolf.  It
6615
6616was surrounded by a strange black and purple aura that she had only seen in
6617
6618that one soldier.  
6619
6620
6621Rora raised her arm to protect her face and grabbed her dagger with the
6622
6623other.  She swung the dagger at it but it jumped back away from it.  Rora
6624
6625quickly stood up waiting to see what his next move was as he charged at her.
6626
6627She protected herself again with her left arm but this time he tore into her
6628
6629forearm as she winced in pain.  She took full advantage of his position and
6630
6631stabbed it twice in the back causing him to release her arm and howl in
6632
6633agony.  He ran at her again but this time she was prepared.  She sidestepped
6634
6635the wolf, grabbed his head, and slashed his throat and watched as he landed
6636
6637with a thud.  
6638
6639
6640She glanced down at the poor wolf as she pulled her cape tightly around her
6641
6642before heading back to the tent.  
6643
6644
6645--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6646
6647[120] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | The Ultimatum (1)
6648
6649Tue May  1 17:25:05 2018
6650
6651To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Ghislaine Drakkara Necrucifer Imm RP
6652
6653--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6654
6655As Narsh and Rasavadi entered the refuge the condition of the place was
6656
6657worse than he had imagined.  The Yaenni families of the Eclipse definitively
6658
6659descended from some in this place but had never bothered to return.  Looking
6660
6661around he had seen a few young and strong enough to wage war, but far too
6662
6663few.  Still, the last surviving memories of dae'Tok's layout lived here he
6664
6665only hoped he had time to convince some to join.  
6666
6667
6668The people reacted to Narsh with a mixture of curiosity and contempt.  The
6669
6670children obviously were enthralled.  The stories from outside the makeshift
6671
6672walls would be a welcome respite from the drudgery of hand to mount
6673
6674existence, not to mention the potential for goodies from outside.  He
6675
6676himself, however, there was only fear and anger radiating from the populace.
6677
6678As the leader, and some more guards, approached he noticed their substandard
6679
6680weaponry and armor first and was glad he had squirreled away some weapons
6681
6682for those that not only joined them, but those left behind to guard the
6683
6684elderly, and those too young to fight.  Rasavadi removed his helmet slowly
6685
6686revealing his melted and torn face.  He hoped they now at least knew he was
6687
6688a fellow Yaenni and not just some full outsider in fancy armor.  As he
6689
6690tucked the helm under his sword arm, in a gesture of peace, he heard the
6691
6692fearful cries of the children.  
6693
6694
6695Narsh explained who Rasavadi was, what they sought to do, and who they
6696
6697sought to do it with.  The expected rabble was heard.  A reaction to
6698
6699non-Yaenni entering dae'Tok.  After he was done, Narsh turned towards
6700
6701Rasavadi and finished, "Speak well, Rasavadi.  We're not likely to be
6702
6703returning here after this."  Rasavadi nodded to Narsh and remounted
6704
6705Choliaria so all could see him, and began his bid.  
6706
6707
6708"I have heard the mutterings of some of you as we approached and entered the
6709
6710village.  'Who is this, what could they want, why is Narsh wearing the same
6711
6712blue trappings as this thing in its pretty armor?  '" Rasavadi the questions
6713
6714resonate for a moment from the acid-scarred vocal chords.  
6715
6716
6717"I am Rasavadi d'Aerthe, Brother and defacto Highlord of the Eclipse.  In
6718
6719ages past, after dae'Tayana's assault upon Algoron, the ancient bloodlines
6720
6721were welcomed into the fold by San Gohdam and The Targeter.  To serve with
6722
6723distinction an honor.  D'Aerthe, d'Fale, Sho'Ghul, dra'Har and others!"  A
6724
6725hush had settled upon most of the crowd.  He could tell few knew what
6726
6727families he was talking about, but some of the elders showed recognition
6728
6729upon their face.  
6730
6731
6732"Narsh has spoken the truth.  The Eclipse rises again!  Together with the
6733
6734Knights of Storm Keep and the Dark City of Verminasia we march to reclaim
6735
6736dae'Tok."  Anger was rising in the mutterings now.  Ignoring them he
6737
6738motioned in a circular fashion to the surrounding areas.  "You have done
6739
6740well, created a life for yourself, and have continued to exist despite
6741
6742Nordmaar and Ganth's attempts to end you.  Yet...  You are weak, you are
6743
6744broken.  You fear the outside world, and I'm certain that if it wasn't for
6745
6746Narsh's presence you would have attempted to kill me by now."  The anger was
6747
6748apparent now, and intentional.  These were all truths they needed to hear,
6749
6750problems that could be rectified.  
6751
6752
6753
6754--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6755
6756[121] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | The Ultimatum (2)
6757
6758Tue May  1 17:29:59 2018
6759
6760To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Ghislaine Drakkara Necrucifer Imm RP
6761
6762--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6763
6764"Yet, the path to the future does not end here.  The path to the future
6765
6766lies in reclaiming your past.  More importantly, much like ourselves, in
6767
6768correcting the mistakes of said past."  He paused a moment to let the crowd
6769
6770stir down a moment, and let the message sink in.  "For aeons untold, we as a
6771
6772species have tried to live in isolation, in seclusion.  Many others have
6773
6774tried the same to varying degrees of success.  In the end, this system ends
6775
6776in failure, defeat, and death."  He let the last words trail out, pausing
6777
6778again for effect.  
6779
6780
6781Darkness was falling quickly.  Rasavadi noticed the Ebony Moon was full and
6782
6783casting its eldritch light upon the gathering.  A single ray cast down and
6784
6785landed upon a young girl reflecting off a tarnished silver chain which led,
6786
6787apparently, to an amulet covered, but not fully hidden, by her cloth robes. 
6788
6789Tracing the ray of ebony light back to the moon the constellation of Devion
6790
6791could be seen behind it.  Thoughts raced through his mind.  "A portent for
6792
6793certain.  This young girl is not of the refuge itself, her robes are worn
6794
6795yet of better quality than the homespun wool of her peers.  That amulet... 
6796
6797Could it be a d'Aerthe crest?  There is time for that later.  " Looking back
6798
6799to the crowd, others began to notice Rasavadi's attention upon the young
6800
6801girl.  "No matter what happens here, this one comes with us.  " he whispered
6802
6803to Narsh motioning to the youngling.  
6804
6805
6806Turning his attention in full back to the crowd he continued.  "The Ghul, as
6807
6808they are called, are warped and twisted entities of those yaenni who were
6809
6810present at the cataclysm.  They are hell-bent on our ancient mission of
6811
6812conquest.  They are not yaenni any longer, and frankly, it is not truly
6813
6814known if they are fully alive or not.  The fact of the matter is they have
6815
6816already found the way out of dae'Tok.  Something guides them.  Be it a lich
6817
6818lord, necromancer, or their own kind.  You are not safe here, not for long."
6819
6820He could see some of the younger Yinn nod in confirmation.  "I can judge by
6821
6822the reaction of a few of you that something of these Ghul is known.  Your
6823
6824scouts may be able to divert them, and even slay their scouts for a time,
6825
6826but not forever."  
6827
6828
6829Rasavadi's ears reacted before his brain could process the panicked screams
6830
6831of Toxvah, his bat familiar.  Looking around he caught sight of the little
6832
6833wonder who had brought so much joy and companionship in his life during the
6834
6835dark hours when he was Master of the Conclave.  Forgetting about the crowd
6836
6837for a second he uttered the words to a cantrip shooting a flare of light
6838
6839into the darkening skies to guide her way.  
6840
6841
6842Toxvah landed, chittering, panic-stricken and nearly frozen to death. 
6843
6844Rasavadi took the small parchment she had dropped and glanced between Toxvah
6845
6846and the girl he had noticed earlier.  Toxvah looked inquisitively between
6847
6848the two, took flight, and landed on the girls shoulder much to her dismay. 
6849
6850
6851
6852Rasavadi attempted to open the blood-stained parchment calmly, but his mind
6853
6854was in a far worse state.  "Brother...  Wights, battle" what wasn't smeared
6855
6856to oblivion read.  Sniffing the parchment he realized the blood was
6857
6858Tamaska's.  Rage filled his mind and murder filled his heart.  Turning to
6859
6860Narsh he growled out a scream, "Mount up, weapon up, we ride!  " They had
6861
6862taken too long and his Siblings of Blood and Steel were in danger.  Reaching
6863
6864into his saddlebags Rasavadi pulled out a spirit hoard tossed it into the
6865
6866air and uttered the words to dispel the magical field which made it possible
6867
6868to store so much in so little space.  Out fell more weapons, armor, and food
6869
6870that this place had problem seen since its inception.  
6871
6872
6873
6874--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6875
6876[122] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | The Ultimatum (3)
6877
6878Tue May  1 17:31:53 2018
6879
6880To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Ghislaine Drakkara Necrucifer Imm RP
6881
6882--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6883
6884"Much like Narsh on the way here, you now face a choice, a hard choice. 
6885
6886I do not envy you for having to make it, but it must be made.  " He
6887
6888bellowed, all care and concern for these beings pandering and fear lost in
6889
6890battle rage and his own.  "Those of you that will be Yinn and fight with us,
6891
6892arm themselves.  Those of you that stay, arm yourselves.  Because death
6893
6894comes if we fail just as assuredly if I were to strike you down myself. 
6895
6896Though I would at least make it clean and merciful.  " 
6897
6898
6899He turned to the young yaenni girl upon whose shoulder Toxvah sat.  "You
6900
6901girl, what is that necklace?  " She couldn't even speak as she trembled and
6902
6903fumbled at the silvery chain.  Toxvah chittered peacefully nuzzling her in
6904
6905encouragement and she was finally able to get the small pendant out from
6906
6907under her shirt.  There it was, the midnight-blue shield bearing a tri-lunar
6908
6909eclipse, the d'Aerthe crest.  He peered directly into her eyes and said,
6910
6911"You girl are d'Aerthe, my blood sister.  Your other siblings are in danger.
6912
6913Ride with me to your family, your destiny, or stay here and die with them. 
6914
6915The choice is yours as it was for them."  
6916
6917
6918"This is your last chance!  Reclaim what is yours or live in fear for the
6919
6920rest of your short lives!"  Rasavadi grabbed a warpstone from a pouch and
6921
6922held it in his hand.  Then lifted the parchment to his nose and concentrated
6923
6924on the scent of his wounded sister.  Uttering the prayer, "Drakkara, Holy
6925
6926Mother, Queen of Heaven guide my magics" he cast the spell and tore open a
6927
6928huge dimensional portal, hopefully, to wherever his Sisters were.  "When you
6929
6930enter this portal we will be surrounded, and we will have them right where
6931
6932we want them!  When you enter this portal, some of you will not come back. 
6933
6934We are Eclipse, we die, that's what we're here for!  But the Eclipse lives
6935
6936forever.  And that means...  YOU LIVE FOREVER!  " Rasavadi bellowed as he
6937
6938spurred Choliaria into the rift to join the battle. 
6939
6940
6941--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6942
6943[123] Jermichael:  Lost city - Vanguard | Aftermath
6944
6945Thu May  3 21:23:37 2018
6946
6947To: Nymaya Rasavadi Tamaska Narsh Shadow Verminasia Necrucifer ( Imm RP )
6948
6949--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6950
6951The sound of bones crushing from the strike of a hammer and the battle
6952
6953was over.  Jermichael moved forward, toward Tamaska and Nymaya, the young
6954
6955Eclipsian close in tow.  He looked about the narrow pass, now filled with a
6956
6957multitude of slain creatures and injured members of the Vanguard.  
6958
6959
6960He stepped over a decapitated Wight, sheathed his hammer and slung his
6961
6962shield back over his back.  "You are both alright?"   He stated, the cold,
6963
6964thin air causing his words to escape his helmet as a cloud.  "Well enough"
6965
6966Nymaya stated, a half whisper, as she kneeled to tend to an injured soldier.
6967
6968Tamaska gave a nod and glanced over Jermichael's shoulder.  He glanced back
6969
6970to see Elathan and several knights approaching, some were wounded and had to
6971
6972be helped along.  
6973
6974
6975"Blackmane, how many?"   He asked, as the Chancellor neared the group and
6976
6977gave a sharp salute.  " Two, that I know of, several more injured."  
6978
6979Jermichael sighed and gave a nod.  "Once the dead and injured are tended to,
6980
6981we will need to close rank and press on, we still have no idea what awaits
6982
6983once we make it through this pass.."   Elathan nodded and turned to speak
6984
6985with a pair of knights.  
6986
6987
6988Jermichael looked up to the sky a moment as the wind continued to whip snow
6989
6990and sleet across his armor.  He felt a tug at his cloak and turned to regard
6991
6992the young Eclipsian, still standing behind him, holding his sword of iron. 
6993
6994"Sir..  Are we going to make it out of here alive..?  
6995
6996
6997"Worry not, go..  And help tend to the injured" he commanded flatly.  The
6998
6999boy dropped his head with a nod and moved to assist the others.  Jermichael
7000
7001watched him a moment before turning back toward the path through the pass. 
7002
7003
7004"God willing.."  , He whispered to himself.  
7005
7006
7007
7008--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7009
7010[124] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard | Arrival and Death
7011
7012Sat May  5 00:50:47 2018
7013
7014To: All Eclipse Verminasia Shadow Imm RP
7015
7016--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7017
7018Rasavadi and Narsh charged through the poral bloodlust in their eyes. 
7019
7020Quickly assessing the situation at hand they appeared to be some distance
7021
7022away from the battle, and though obviously hard fought the Storm and Eclipse
7023
7024had held their lines well.  Narrowing his eyes he could pick out the Dark
7025
7026Lord, Chancellor, Keeper and Guardian tidying up the battle, yet there was
7027
7028still shadows flittering through the storm.  
7029
7030
7031Hoping there was someone behind him besides Narsh he bellowed, "Well?  Do
7032
7033you bastards want to live forever!?  " Spurring Choliaria he charged forward
7034
7035into the area of darkest shadows where the enemy seemed to be regrouping.  
7036
7037
7038Rasavadi's desire for battle, for revenge, had been rewarded in spades. 
7039
7040Entering the mists he quickly found himself surrounded.  Narsh's battle cry
7041
7042was echoed by those that had followed through the portal.  He gripped his
7043
7044steeds flanks tightly with his thighs using his weight by leaning to steer
7045
7046her striking on both sides of him with his poleaxe and bec de corbin.  Using
7047
7048the raven-headed corbin he drug one of the wights out of the air, and pinned
7049
7050it through a second before loosing his grip on the weapon.  Nearly being
7051
7052unseated by the unexpected drag on his off hand weapon he missed his mark
7053
7054with the other before impaling a third and had to discard that weapon as
7055
7056well.  
7057
7058
7059Then the wights were over him.  Clawing at his armor and Choliara's barding
7060
7061trying to pull them both down.  She reared, stomped, and kicked several dead
7062
7063while Rasavadi slammed them with his shield.  Using its pointed bottom to
7064
7065destroy the skulls of his enemies while attempting to grab a weapon. 
7066
7067Inevitably they were both drug to the ground and Rasavadi jumped from the
7068
7069saddle to avoid being pinned.  Choliara was on her own, and not winning the
7070
7071fight.  Her barding was only effective if she was upright and her tender
7072
7073underbelly was being torn to shreds by the claws of the damned.  Horrific
7074
7075screams from her mingled with those of the wights as she fought a losing
7076
7077battle for her life.  Rasavadi had only one choice he finally unlatched a
7078
7079double bladed axe from its harness and heaved with all his might
7080
7081decapitating her.  
7082
7083
7084Rasavadi's vision narrowed as his rage boiled boiled over, murder was his
7085
7086only though, and he would send the corpses of these defilers to rot. 
7087
7088Reaching down he felt the shock of the Hammer of Eclipse as the unholy
7089
7090magics layed upon it tried to resist, but he was too far gone to care about
7091
7092the pain.  He raised the weapon high and blackened lightning ran around his
7093
7094arm and through his armor.  As smoke began to billow out between the
7095
7096articulation plates as his flesh burned its blackened steel head eclipsed
7097
7098the sun like the ebon moon and he yelled "FOR GOD!  " and charged back into
7099
7100the fray on foot.  
7101
7102
7103Rasavadi was a blur upon the field.  Knocking wights into the air with his
7104
7105shield, and then driving The Hammer down destroying their bodies.  Blood and
7106
7107gore rained into the air with each foe felled.  Looking forward he saw his
7108
7109actual quarry.  One of the wights was armored and larger than the rest, and
7110
7111they commenced to the dance of death.  Seemingly it lasted for hours, the
7112
7113test of defenses, but truely it was only seconds before Rasavadi got his
7114
7115chance.  
7116
7117
7118Harmlessly the wights blade glanced off Rasavadi's dragonskin armor and he
7119
7120took his opening knocking the wight into the air as he had done so many
7121
7122before.  Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the wight just hung there
7123
7124thrashing.  Curiously a song, of sorts, growled unbidden from his lips as he
7125
7126raised the Hammer to intercept the falling body.  Suddenly the snow in the
7127
7128air crystalized into dagger, hovered a moment, and then slammed into the
7129
7130wight like a thousand needles shredding its flesh, and then the Hammer hit
7131
7132its mark turning the wight into a blackened mist of gore.  
7133
7134
7135Finally hanging the Hammer from his belt hook he walked back to the vanguard
7136
7137a visage of hate, sorrow, and smouldering gore.  
7138
7139
7140--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7141
7142[ 97] Ezessinth: The Lost City - Narrowbreak | The Harpy Dens I
7143
7144Mon May 14 15:13:09 2018
7145
7146To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte all Imm rp
7147
7148--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7149
7150After the attack upon the Deathwatch from the harpies, it took a bit of
7151
7152time to regroup with tending to injuries and properly seeing to the
7153
7154fatalities.  Particularly with the Legate's injury.  Once it had been tended
7155
7156to, it was clear that there was something more to the harpies, and how
7157
7158similar they were to the yinnlike ghul within the remains of Dae'tok.  So,
7159
7160between Ashtiel, Telthian, Wyltte, and Ezessinth, it was agreed that the
7161
7162White would investigate what may have caused the corruption of the
7163
7164creatures.  So Ezess would begin at their dens.  They were hardly difficult
7165
7166to track even from the air, because they stank so badly.  
7167
7168
7169High up on the range overlooking the pass, the White spied a clustered
7170
7171spread of cave entrances that had the telltale litter and filth of the
7172
7173creatures she hunted.  She winged her way over and alighted on the stone
7174
7175face of the mountain, using her claws to grip the stone between dens.  The
7176
7177reek eminanting from inside was horrible.  She sneezed, squinting her eyes
7178
7179against the ammoniatic vapors, and sending a shot of frostbreath into the
7180
7181nearest hole.  The sound of shrieking protest and flapping wings arose and
7182
7183multiplied before, like wasps, harpies exploded from the nearest dens.  
7184
7185
7186The creatures were little more than a nuisance in the grand scale to the
7187
7188Nightwind, but their numbers were what made them a hinderance to her task. 
7189
7190They would have to be driven off long enough for her to break her way into
7191
7192the caves.  Using her wings to shield her face from the pests as she looked
7193
7194about for her options.  
7195
7196
7197Snow buildup on a ledge above the caves.  Potential.  Was the Deathwatch
7198
7199procession out of range?  Largely.  How much of the colony was rousted? 
7200
7201Hard to say.  
7202
7203
7204Violently unfurling and flapping her wings to remove the creatures clinging
7205
7206to her scales before roaring into the caves and slamming her tail upon the
7207
7208exterior rocks.  The disturbance had the desired effect of sending more
7209
7210harpies from the dens, but not many.  Any left inside must be young or else
7211
7212incapable of defending their home.  Some of the snow above shifted.  Not
7213
7214enough.  Keeping the harpies engaged with her with her teeth and wings, she
7215
7216adjusted her position on the cliff face and slammed her tail as hard as she
7217
7218could against it.  The ground shook under the effort, and a slight shift in
7219
7220the snow..  A little more..  And down the snow came, taking the harpies and
7221
7222Ezessinth along with it.  
7223
7224
7225
7226--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7227
7228[ 98] Ezessinth: The Lost City - Narrowbreak | The Harpy Dens II
7229
7230Mon May 14 15:14:53 2018
7231
7232To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte all Imm rp
7233
7234--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7235
7236The mountainside rumbled as the avalanche fell from above the harpy dens,
7237
7238burying everything indiscriminately in its path.  The twisted, filthy
7239
7240creatures were shrieking as they were dragged from the air, their cries
7241
7242quickly overcome by the snow into silence as they plummeted.  Among the
7243
7244chaos, Ezessinth kept her limbs tucked close to her body, letting the mass
7245
7246of the snowdrift carry her along its otherwise deadly path.  She was
7247
7248practically invisible within the white as she dove into the snow below, only
7249
7250to burst out several moments later unscathed, glittering in the meager light
7251
7252of the pass.  
7253
7254
7255Hovering, she watched the path of the freezing death as it plowed on its
7256
7257destructive path until it finally settled some distance below.  She was
7258
7259certain that the Deathwatch was far enough away to suffer no losses, though
7260
7261she could imagine with some vague sense of amusement, that her stunt may
7262
7263have scared the living hell out of some of them.  Flying back up to the
7264
7265dens, unworried of any harpies who might have survived, she found the center
7266
7267of the cluster and began digging, tearing away at rock and dirt and filth
7268
7269with her claws.  
7270
7271
7272Deeper in, she had little room to move except forward or back, and the
7273
7274stench was nigh overwhelming.  She pressed on, destroying nests as she went,
7275
7276rummaging through garbage collected by the harpies.  She wasn't fully sure
7277
7278what it was she was searching for, but she knew that if it was there, she
7279
7280would know it when she found it.  The harpies weren't natural.  They were
7281
7282worse than the usual sort.  Their limbs overly long and eyes too large. 
7283
7284They didn't bleed - they oozed a sticky black ichor from their mottled grey
7285
7286skin.  They still bore a sort of sense of what they once were, but not in
7287
7288any particularly useful or pleasant way.  Not that harpies were ever
7289
7290pleasant to begin with.  They still had their territorial aggression, and
7291
7292they clearly still had the habit of finding absolute junk and hoarding it in
7293
7294their filthy, disgusting homes.  
7295
7296
7297Ripping into another cluster of dens, Ezess paused.  Something tickled her
7298
7299senses.  It was difficult to express in words what the feeling was.  A
7300
7301little like a pressure..  A heaviness in the air.  The skin on her neck
7302
7303tingled.  It was something powerful.  She followed the sensation into a
7304
7305larger cavern where she had more room to move.  
7306
7307
7308--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7309
7310[ 99] Ezessinth: The Lost City - Narrowbreak | The Harpy Dens III
7311
7312Mon May 14 15:16:29 2018
7313
7314To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte all Imm rp
7315
7316--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7317
7318The wider cavern was much the same as the smaller tunnels and clusters
7319
7320she had clawed through to get here.  Whatever it was that was here had a
7321
7322strong aura about it.  Either the harpies had stolen something of actual
7323
7324worth, or they had made their home around it.  Considering the remoteness of
7325
7326the region, it was likely that it was the latter..  Unless the harpies stole
7327
7328it from the ruins.  That was entirely possible.  Either way, Ezess needed to
7329
7330locate it and claim it.  
7331
7332
7333The White followed her sense of the emination, clawing through den after
7334
7335den, sifting through piles of junk and nesting material and filth.  When her
7336
7337claws hit something substantial, she abruptly dropped it with the jolt of
7338
7339energy she felt from it.  It didn't look like much because it was covered in
7340
7341harpy mess, but the lump was hard and unusually heavy, and she knew that it
7342
7343was what had tripped her senses.  It practically thrummed with energy.  This
7344
7345had to be what she was looking for.  
7346
7347
7348Carrying it in one claw, Ezess turned and crawled back through the tunnel
7349
7350she had made and took once more to the air.  She circled down to the snows
7351
7352below and scrubbed the lump clean.  A large, metallic stone with sharp,
7353
7354jagged edges lay beneath layers of packed dirt and grime.  She was certain
7355
7356beyond any doubt that this was it.  
7357
7358
7359Ezessinth took some time to bathe herself in the snow, cleaning off the
7360
7361residue from the caves and returning her scales to a pristine shade before
7362
7363she grabbed the stone again and soared off to meet with the king and queen.
7364
7365--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7366
7367[107] Telthian: Lost City - The Approach - I
7368
7369Sun May 27 09:45:34 2018
7370
7371To: all Necrucifer Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
7372
7373--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7374
7375--*--
7376
7377
7378 'ALL THAT YOU HAVE BUILT.  EVERY BUILDING YOU RAISED, EVERY PERSON YOU
7379
7380KNEW, EVERY MEMORY YOU HAVE OF THAT PLACE.  I HAVE WASHED IT ALL AWAY WITH
7381
7382FIRE AND EARTH.  '
7383
7384
7385--*--
7386
7387
7388Not since the Doom of the venerable yinn Imperium had more than small bands
7389
7390explored this land, and none had come close to breaching the hinterlands of
7391
7392the lost city.  Biting cold.  Relentless wind.  Choking snow.  This is what
7393
7394the northern reach of Icewall offered the Company in the month since they
7395
7396departed for Eastdrift, the difficult conditions permitting only travel at a
7397
7398sluggish, exhausting pace.  Ravens ferried word from the vanguard, the
7399
7400supply train, and main host, and just as they were warned, a great winter
7401
7402gale hammered the host as the vanguard force entered the crumbling mouth of
7403
7404Narrowbreak pass.  
7405
7406
7407The great mountain was sundered down the middle in the quakes that followed
7408
7409the starfall, the result appearing as though the cutting edge of an axe
7410
7411separated a once mighty single peak into two distinct, crumbling spires of
7412
7413stone and ice.  The pass was treacherous on its own, risk of avalanche or
7414
7415rockslide could easily put an end to any audacious enough to traverse beyond
7416
7417it.  
7418
7419
7420They were robbed of the last, precious degrees the land permitted as the
7421
7422gale swept along the pass engulfing the host from vanguard, infantry, to
7423
7424supply chain, extinguishing all light and trapping them in a tunnel of
7425
7426white.  
7427
7428
7429With the storm came the first true opposition of their presence: putrid,
7430
7431winged figures dropped from the skies to torment Deathwatch, and buried
7432
7433within the snows, shambling wights screeched with fury to assault the
7434
7435vanguard.  
7436
7437
7438--*--
7439
7440
7441
7442--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7443
7444[108] Telthian: Lost City - The Approach - II
7445
7446Sun May 27 09:47:37 2018
7447
7448To: all Necrucifer Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
7449
7450--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7451
7452--*--
7453
7454
7455Though their position lie between Vanguard and the Deathwatch, it was no
7456
7457solace from the biting snowstorm or the coordinated effort of the frozen
7458
7459wights and putrefied harpies.  
7460
7461
7462In the chaos of battle as harpy and wight descended upon them, Telthian,
7463
7464Ashtiel, Riordan, and the Crownguard held fast, pushing forward to shelter
7465
7466their flank against a jutting crag within the pass.  At the fore of their
7467
7468position, Ashtiel pressed forward within the corridor of stone, twin swords
7469
7470reverberating as the fury of her warsong carved a path through the wights. 
7471
7472Deflecting a ponderous blow of a wight with his shield, Telthian shoved the
7473
7474creature hard to his left, where the young Atennim's blades dismembered a
7475
7476pair of enemies, rendering them useless before claiming a deathblow.  
7477
7478
7479His lungs burnt with each indrawn breath of frigid air, and as the dark
7480
7481priest channeled the abyssal power of his Master into searing columns of
7482
7483hellfire, a familiar, unnerving tension built within his mind.  With each
7484
7485wight immolated in a blaze of black and crimson, the strain upon him grew
7486
7487much like a tendon stretched to its limit.  A feeling all too reminiscent of
7488
7489Dresthrin's treachery and the fall of divinity.  
7490
7491
7492The wind howling through the split-face of Narrowbreak, rendering
7493
7494conversation was useless in the gale and clamor of battle.  Wights dropped
7495
7496down onto the band from the bluff high overhead, the rotten yaenni and human
7497
7498bodies frostbitten and tattered, seeking to entrap the Verminasians within
7499
7500the pass.  
7501
7502
7503For hours they fought for every inch of ground within the craggy passage of
7504
7505ice and death.  With each step, their blades carved a path forward, leaving
7506
7507only blood-stained snow and mangled bodies in their wake. 
7508
7509 --*--
7510
7511
7512
7513--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7514
7515[109] Telthian: Lost City - The Approach - III
7516
7517Sun May 27 09:56:49 2018
7518
7519To: all Necrucifer Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
7520
7521--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7522
7523--*--
7524
7525
7526"Our war was not the end of it.  Ripples spread.  Consequences pile up.  But
7527
7528when I go into that ground, do not expect me to go quietly.  I am bringing
7529
7530my crown, and I will return for what is mine.  
7531
7532
7533--*--
7534
7535
7536The Vanguard were first to exit through the stone curtain of Narrowbreak,
7537
7538the Knights of Storm and Eclipse following the rugged contour of the pass to
7539
7540assemble in an open expanse of alpine tundra still well above the treeline. 
7541
7542
7543Though the storm had passed, the wind was a hard blow out of the north,
7544
7545gritty with powdered snow and sure to bring more misery with it.  Telthian's
7546
7547globe of sea-glass and hellfire flickered and danced, barely surviving, and
7548
7549folded his stiffened fingers around the flame to let them toast as together
7550
7551Queen, Advisor, Legate, and Crownguard made to join the knights.  
7552
7553
7554The frontier of what was once the Imperium of Dae'tok lie ahead of them from
7555
7556the pass, a headlong descent from their elevated position to the valley
7557
7558below.  Once, before the quakes that shifted the whole of Icewall, this
7559
7560hinterland was known as the Salient.  An arrowhead of flatland pointing
7561
7562north, to Dae'tok itself, and the ancient monastery of Dra'strit sat between
7563
7564this range and Eastdrift.  Far ahead, a single, lonely stone spire jutted up
7565
7566from where the monastery should have been.  
7567
7568
7569Clouds of breath smoked from the mouths of the Knights as the, some of their
7570
7571riders slumped over icy reigns with injury.  Dismounting, the Verminasians
7572
7573closed ranks with the inner circle of Storm and Eclipse.  
7574
7575
7576"We had started to wonder, " came a raspy growl from Narsh, as the yinn
7577
7578pawed his muzzle in a familiar gesture before pointing to the worn
7579
7580appearance of the newly arrived.  
7581
7582
7583Ice crystals clung to their heavy furs, stained dark with a mix of ashes and
7584
7585frozen blood.  
7586
7587
7588A faint smile played at the edge of Telthian's mouth as he shrugged, 'Bad 
7589
7590weather.  ' 
7591
7592
7593Ashtiel chuckled, nodding as she patted her swords, 'Aye.  And a fresh
7594
7595mountain of dead things behind us.  ' 
7596
7597
7598The others joined in, sharing anecdote of what it was they encountered. 
7599
7600Beasts, wights, harpies, and worse, the growing sense of certainty that
7601
7602something awaited them.  
7603
7604
7605Breaking from their reunion, they remounted and began the slow descent into
7606
7607more accomodating terrain.  The Salient once funneled the barbarians and
7608
7609northmen down these slopes to the waiting forces of a growing yinn threat in
7610
7611the days pre-dating the Twins.  A thought occurred to the Priest-King, and
7612
7613he glanced over toward the imposing figure of the Eclipse's Highlord.  
7614
7615
7616'D'Aerthe.  How much do you know about the forging of that hammer, of its
7617
7618smith, and the offering?  '
7619
7620
7621--*--
7622
7623The northern journey continued, and below on the forward horizon sprouted
7624
7625tall, leaning alpine trees, the first marvelous green they had seen in over
7626
7627a month and a thousand miles as the company approached Eastdrift.  
7628
7629
7630--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7631
7632[ 82] Rasavadi: Lost City | Vanguard - A Respite Before Eastdrift
7633
7634Sat Jun  2 17:50:25 2018
7635
7636To: All Eclipse Shadow Verminasia Immortal RP Storyline
7637
7638--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7639
7640The immediate battle had ended.  Ther Dark Lord and Chancellor of the
7641
7642Storm along with his Guardian and Keeper of the Eclipse were tending to the
7643
7644wounded with the chaplains.  Knights gathered the dead for honor and
7645
7646entombment, while the Petitioners and such built pyres to erase the
7647
7648existence of the enemy.  
7649
7650
7651"Ghislaine, guide our wounded to the chaplains and aid them as you can. 
7652
7653Narsh, gather our dead with the rest.  Keeper, Guardian they will be
7654
7655entombed with full honors.  The Vision and Blood Ritual will be imparted
7656
7657posthumously, and those still alive are to be inducted as well.  We didn't
7658
7659bring many, but those that came served with bravery and honor.  They will be
7660
7661called to our world again after their deserved rest."  He barked out the
7662
7663orders before choking out, "I will attend to the remains of Choliaria."  The
7664
7665last came with the full weight of post-battle adrenaline crash and sorrow. 
7666
7667None of them hesitated perse, but they looked on with concern at their gore
7668
7669encrusted, still slightly smouldering, leader.  "I am fine," he growled and
7670
7671continued "we have lost too many, and gained too few.  Get everyone that can
7672
7673still move, moving.  We will honor those who have fallen for God, but we
7674
7675have a long way to go yet."  Those gathered before him nodded solemnly and
7676
7677went about their prescribed duties.  
7678
7679
7680Looking around he saw the Crown and their escort approaching.  "Dark Lord,
7681
7682the Crown approaches.  We will be called to attend soon."  Jermichael nodded
7683
7684while surveying the carnage and organized chaos of post-battle.  Dismissing
7685
7686a young Eclipsian who ran back to aid the wounded, Jermichael muttered
7687
7688something under his breath that Rasavadi could not hear, but the whisp of
7689
7690breath fog through his visor could be seen.  
7691
7692
7693"Come, friend, we must go do leader things.  The men and women are in good
7694
7695hands."  Rasavadi clasped Jermichael about the shoulder.  This, to
7696
7697Rasavadi's knowledge, was the first large-scale battle Jermichael would have
7698
7699faced since his ascension.  He did not envy the true weight of leadership
7700
7701now evident upon his shoulders.  "We will inter those that have fallen with
7702
7703honors.  They served with honor, bravery and made the ultimate sacrifice for
7704
7705God.  The mantle is heavy.  It never lightens.  God will give you the
7706
7707strength to carry it better."  Rasavadi paused a moment to let the words
7708
7709sink in a bit then continued, "They have earned their rest friend, Brother. 
7710
7711Let us not mourn and disturb them."  Jermichael glanced over seemingly
7712
7713relieved by Rasavadi's words, and they continued on towards the exit of
7714
7715Narrwobreak.  
7716
7717
7718"And hell, soon we may be so honored to take the long rest eh?  I for one
7719
7720could use a good nap!"  Rasavadi chortled, his articulated dragon helm
7721
7722twisting into an unholy visage which belied the comedic tones of his voice
7723
7724making the situation all the more insane.  Jermichael, failingly, attempted
7725
7726to stifle a laugh and shook his head in mock disgust.  
7727
7728
7729Eventually, the two joined the Crown at the exit of Narrowbreak Pass. 
7730
7731Briefly, the status report was relayed from the two organizations that
7732
7733frankly should be one anyway.  Telthian told the still young Rasavadi about
7734
7735the Salient planes, the monastery of Dra'strit.  Mulling something about in
7736
7737his mind a bit, Telthian asked, "D'Aerthe.  How much do you know about the
7738
7739forging of that hammer, of its smith, and the offering?"  
7740
7741
7742"No, my King, I do not.  Crelius never told me much, and the rest seems to
7743
7744have been lost to the passage of time."  Rasavadi looked up at the quickly
7745
7746failing light.  "I am in dire need of several history lessons I know, but
7747
7748now we have dead to honor, and some new recruits from the refugee camp to
7749
7750Impart the Vision too."  
7751
7752--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7753
7754[ 94] Ashtiel: Lost City -  Eastdrift Redoubt | Unsettled Spirits
7755
7756Sat Jun  9 16:27:32 2018
7757
7758To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
7759
7760--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7761
7762To call it inhospitable would have been a vast understatement.  The
7763
7764bitter wind tore across the few miles of tundra that separated the ruins of
7765
7766Dae'Tok from the encampment of Eastdrift, buffeting the hills and mountains
7767
7768with an unnatural fury that made the cold all the more unbearable.  
7769
7770
7771The journey here had not been an easy one, still the trail worn men and
7772
7773women of Verminasia, Storm and Eclipse worked together to raise the sea of
7774
7775tents that now surrounded and climbed the hill towards the jagged crown rock
7776
7777at its summit.  They battled the wind as they worked, losing canvas and
7778
7779cloak alike in their struggle against the elements.  The shrill call of the
7780
7781wind was reminiscent of the harpies that had assaulted them in the passes of
7782
7783Narrowbreak.  
7784
7785
7786It was not the harpies that lingered on Ashtiel's mind as she studied the
7787
7788encampment thoughtfully from her place upon the ice.  Since their departure
7789
7790from the Requiem, her concern with the state of the spirits encountered
7791
7792along the way had grown considerably.  Even now, the few disembodied souls
7793
7794that lingered around the camp screamed soundlessly at those who worked to
7795
7796construct and secure it.  Fortunately, most lacked the ability to see them
7797
7798and the spirits had not the energy to attack as the wraiths did, nor did
7799
7800their intent seem violent.  
7801
7802
7803She turned from her consideration of the camp and its occupants, both living
7804
7805and non, to crouch at the base of a massive column of stone that protruded
7806
7807from the ice and rose nearly six feet only to be shorn into a sharp,
7808
7809diagonal point.  Whatever designs had once decorated the column had long ago
7810
7811been erased by the wind.  She drew the dagger from her side and set to
7812
7813carving into the weathered surface of the stone, a combination of musical
7814
7815notations she had already instilled in numerous other such stones and trees
7816
7817that surrounded Eastdrift.  Once complete, it was her hope that the song she
7818
7819carved into these would form a protective barrier around their camp that
7820
7821would alleviate some of the effects felt by the priests and magi.  
7822
7823
7824Movement from the corner of her eye drew her attention from her work and
7825
7826Ashtiel glanced up to find another spirit standing a few feet away, pacing
7827
7828back and forth.  Elderly and human, the large man wrung his hands in
7829
7830distress.  His entire being flickered in and out of visibility in keeping
7831
7832with his obvious agitation.  His somber black eyes stared at her accusingly,
7833
7834as if her inability to hear whatever he was trying to communicate was
7835
7836chosen.  
7837
7838
7839'As you've a face that not even a mother could love, I am assuming this
7840
7841wasn't the base of your statue.  ' 
7842
7843
7844Ashtiel shifted a little to shield herself from the stinging ice displaced
7845
7846from the top of the stone and carried on the wind.  She brought her arm up
7847
7848to wipe the snow from her face before she studied him more closely.  Though
7849
7850the constant flickering made them hard to discern, the symbols on his armor
7851
7852were recognizable if only to someone who had seen such recently before.  If
7853
7854the spirit heard her, he gave no indication of understanding.  
7855
7856
7857'You certainly did not come from the mines.  ' She turned her gaze
7858
7859momentarily from the spirit towards the ruins that surrounded the old
7860
7861monastery of Dra'strit.  'From there, maybe?  ' She turned back to find that
7862
7863he had vanished.  To where, who could say.  
7864
7865
7866Ashtiel sighed softly and turned back to her work, listening to the baleful
7867
7868song of the wind and the scrape of her dagger upon the stone.
7869
7870--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7871
7872[ 74] Riordan: The Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Day One
7873
7874Sun Jun 10 21:51:00 2018
7875
7876To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
7877
7878--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7879
7880The Royal Advisor of Verminasia walked at the head of the caravan as it
7881
7882arrived at the hill of Eastdrift which he had personally come to refer to as
7883
7884Crown Hill, a name that gave reference to the gigantic formation of rock at
7885
7886the top that looked remarkably like a jagged crown from a distance.  
7887
7888
7889Not wanting to waste time, Riordan conveyed his orders to the weathered men
7890
7891around him, workers of faith who were loyal to the crown, to start raising
7892
7893basic shelters and tents.  As the men began their work, Riordan's next
7894
7895orders were swiftly followed, three dozen soldiers pulling a pair of heavy
7896
7897sleds moved up the hill until they come about half-way.  
7898
7899
7900The caravan had already been briefed on the way, orders relayed to allow
7901
7902quick and effective deployment of equipment and tools.  Within the first two
7903
7904hours of work, a considerable amount of snow had been displaced, shoveled
7905
7906away and piled to act as a barrier against the wind.  Riordan didn't smile
7907
7908that often but seeing how the men and women of Verminasia, Eclipse and Storm
7909
7910went about their jobs with determination showing in their eyes like a
7911
7912smoldering fire, he couldn't hold back some of the pride he felt within.  
7913
7914
7915From his place near the large and heavy sleds half-way up the hill he could
7916
7917see the Queen move about, from place to place, stopping at a tree here, a
7918
7919rock there, always shadowed by her personal guard.  
7920
7921
7922The number of tents continued to grow as space was cleared for them, the
7923
7924colors of Verminasia moving up the hill and expanding towards the sides
7925
7926until a sea of tents lay before Riordan.  
7927
7928
7929The sound of men grunting with effort and a brief curse caused Riordan to
7930
7931turn around.  Three large half-ogres and one ogre bearing Verminasian
7932
7933Deathwatch uniforms were unloading the sled next to him, already working
7934
7935under instruction of a gnome so bundled up against weather he might be
7936
7937mistaken for a dwarf.  'It'll only be an hour or two, then the first will be
7938
7939in place, another two, maybe three before the second will be ready for use,
7940
7941Advisor.  ' the gnome exclaimed when he noticed Riordan's gaze upon him.  
7942
7943
7944A short nod was all Riordan would spare the gnome as he gathered his cloak
7945
7946closer around him and pulled the thick wool scarf up to protect most of his
7947
7948face from the bite of the wind.  
7949
7950
7951Upon seeing that the work of basic shelters and raising the pre-constructed
7952
7953cabins was progressing albeit not without issues of winds tearing loose
7954
7955canvas and more than once nearly shredding a tent, Riordan moved about the
7956
7957camp to offer assistance where needed, be it shoveling away snow, driving
7958
7959tent pins into the frozen ground or carrying equipment and tools.  
7960
7961
7962As more tents rose from the ground, the wind became less of an issue, the
7963
7964larger tents blocking the worst of it as long as one lingered within the
7965
7966heart of the encampment.  The Advisor hoped that once the fortifications
7967
7968were completed, most of the encampment would be spared the full force of the
7969
7970harsh winds.  
7971
7972
7973On the outer edge of the encampment, taking the worst of the winds were the
7974
7975workers with the important but not so pleasant job of digging a ditch in the
7976
7977frozen ground at least an ogre deep and twice as wide with all the dirt
7978
7979piled to create a raised bank, all around the entire hill.  However, they
7980
7981had been granted the aid of one of the mages of Doija, a Wu Jen of some
7982
7983talent and already at work, directing some sort of earth monstrosity to rip
7984
7985open the ground where pick, spade and shovel would struggle.  
7986
7987
7988It was late in the evening when Riordan first had time to inspect the work
7989
7990on the defenses, the Wu Jen's earth creature had already created something
7991
7992of a ditch one yard and a half in depth, breaking through the frozen ground
7993
7994to loose dirt which would be far easier to dig out for the men without the
7995
7996magical capabilities of an elemental mage.  But it hadn't been done without
7997
7998issue, according to an account from the crew, the elemental creature had
7999
8000stopped as if looking at something that wasn't there and then swiped out
8001
8002with it's massive arm, beating one unfortunate worker senseless and nearly
8003
8004toothless.  
8005
8006
8007Despite the issues, it seemed to Riordan that work was progressing according
8008
8009to plan, and his first day at work came to an end with the report that the
8010
8011workspace for the Scholarch had been prepared, a tent raised over a
8012
8013flattened section at the center of the encampment to eliminate the issue of
8014
8015winds the pixie might encounter.  
8016
8017
8018--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8019
8020[ 76] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened I
8021
8022Tue Jun 12 21:27:18 2018
8023
8024To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion
8025
8026--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8027
8028The massive log balanced precariously on his shoulder, his large arm
8029
8030securing it to his body as he moved back towards the camp.  One of the
8031
8032Deathwatch carts had broken, and the lumber from the nearby forests needed
8033
8034to be trimmed down to make pikes for the defensive perimeter.  
8035
8036
8037Despite the crisp air, sweat poured down his forehead with the effort.  His
8038
8039shoulder was sore but still held together.  Zisuli patched him up very well
8040
8041after the battle of the Harpies.  He constantly had to wipe his damp hair
8042
8043from his eyes as he troged back down the trail.  
8044
8045
8046The temporary parts of the camp were growing quickly, the travelers glad to
8047
8048be off the treacherous road.  They were were weathered and hard, which that
8049
8050long time in the saddle will do that to a person.  Everywhere was awash with
8051
8052activity.  The sound of hammering echoed through the hills, the conversation
8053
8054seemed decently jovial, or at least more relaxed than it had been.  
8055
8056
8057Wyltte had sent out scouts to check the surrounding areas.  They were to
8058
8059return each day, and would start to venture out each morning further and
8060
8061further, till they get as far as a three day's ride from the camp.  Each
8062
8063scout grouping had their own team, so they could face the challenges
8064
8065together, and there was a better chance one would make it back to Wyltte
8066
8067alive.  He wanted to make sure there was as much distance between himself
8068
8069and those who would harm the people as possible.  
8070
8071
8072The Advisor had gotten a lot of things under control, and Wyltte for one was
8073
8074glad he had something other than riding in the saddle and protecting the
8075
8076caravan.  Here was a new challenge, and one he could protect against better.
8077
8078A mobile force is a vulnerable force.  
8079
8080
8081Once he got to the camp, with a great effort he shucked the large log from
8082
8083his shoulder, hitting the cold ground with a thud heard through the valley. 
8084
8085A few Shades grunted and nodded their approval, then turned back to work. 
8086
8087Wyltte wiped some bark off of his shoulder and moved over to a large basin
8088
8089of water used to rinse off.  It steamed in the cold air.  All water was
8090
8091being boiled for safety purpose, and used for bathing and sanitary reasons. 
8092
8093Nothing was to be consumed yet until the site was purified and wards placed.
8094
8095
8096Before placing his hands in the calm, steaming water, Wyltte looked down at
8097
8098his countenance.  His beard had gotten shaggy, his hair longer to where it
8099
8100was constantly falling in his face.  His normal salt and pepper locks, more
8101
8102pepper than salt, had started to turn towards a storm cloud gray.  It was
8103
8104not years he had traveled, but merely weeks.  Perhaps this is the stress of
8105
8106it all getting up to him, or the sickness that was in his shoulder, or
8107
8108perhaps merely age.  This was something he knew he had to deal with.  
8109
8110
8111Grabbing the razor sharp fang at his side, Wyltte reached up and started to
8112
8113shave off the large hairs of his beard, leaving just a thin coat of stubble.
8114
8115His longer locks he did not mind though, instead choosing to douse his face
8116
8117into the warm water and brush them back away from his forehead.  Looking
8118
8119back into the rippling waters, he gave himself a nod.  The man looking back
8120
8121was weathered, but strong.  It was the face of a man awake, a man with
8122
8123purpose, and a man with answers to find.  It was truly him, finally fully
8124
8125awake from his long sleep.  
8126
8127
8128Wyltte reached down to the shirt tied around his waist and felt the small
8129
8130leather pouch he kept with him on this trick.  He looses the drawstring
8131
8132lightly to see the slow, pulsing crimson light shining within, bits of ivory
8133
8134bone fragments reflecting their lights.  Very soon, it would be time to
8135
8136awaken something else.  Something he has been chasing a very long time.  
8137
8138--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8139
8140[ 77] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened II
8141
8142Wed Jun 13 19:10:41 2018
8143
8144To: all Necrucifer Imm Religion
8145
8146--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8147
8148Thwack!  Thwack!  
8149
8150
8151The echos of his axe biting into the poles pierced the air.  Wyltte took aim
8152
8153at the ends, sharpening the pikes into crude barriers meant to keep out an
8154
8155advancing force.  Each swing sent shudders up his arm, little vibrations
8156
8157that sends shockwaves through his entire body.  
8158
8159
8160Thwack!  Thwack!  
8161
8162
8163The monotony of the task was a blessing in disguise.  With each swing, he
8164
8165was able to focus on the myriad of things going through his mind, drowning
8166
8167out the noise of his mind.  There was a running around up there.  He had
8168
8169taken a moment to return back to Iagothal recently, checking on his
8170
8171beehives.  He had been given the title of Count of Iagothal from the Queen,
8172
8173and had spent time cultivating both the vineyards and his many hives of
8174
8175bees.  He had always been fond of wine and mead.  It was a moment of
8176
8177civility in a crazy world.  
8178
8179
8180Thwack!  Thwack!  
8181
8182
8183The pikes were coming along nicely, the sweat dripping from his forehead and
8184
8185drenching his linen shirt.  Wyltte removes the wet cloth and throws it to
8186
8187the side, hitting the dirt with a squishy thud.  He paused for a moment,
8188
8189leaning on the haft of his giant axe.  He surveyed the work, a quesiness in
8190
8191his stomach.  He knew he had eaten earlier and had stayed hydrated.  His
8192
8193tried to breathe in deep, let his body rest from the exertion, but try as he
8194
8195might, it was not the same as the fair winds of Iagothal, the smell of
8196
8197honeysuckle and pine, the slow rumble of the water on the banks, the subtle
8198
8199buzzing from his hives....  
8200
8201
8202"Buzzing of the hives....   He wondered quietly out loud.  Why did that
8203
8204bother him so?  Wyltte glanced around again, hearing the low murmers of
8205
8206conversation, the sawing of wood or the hammering of stakes.  He heard the
8207
8208uneasy laughter of the people as the diligently went their way along
8209
8210building up the camp.  But something scratched in the back of his mind. 
8211
8212Something he was missing.  
8213
8214
8215Wyltte lifted his right fist in the air, a slow, black cloud of unholy
8216
8217energy swirling in his palm.  Those who saw it feel silent, and quickly the
8218
8219entire of the camp stopped, looking over to where Wyltte stood.  It was then
8220
8221he realized what it was.  Silence.  Everywhere.  Only Silence.  
8222
8223
8224There was no birdsong, no call of the wolves, no bleating of sheep or cawing
8225
8226of crows.  There was a stillness that passed over the camp that was near
8227
8228stifling.  Wyltte remembered Ashtiel mentioning how she had heard an uneasy
8229
8230hum at the site, but music was her magic.  She was in tune to those energies
8231
8232in a way few were.  To Wyltte, he read the signs of the land, and in this
8233
8234case, the absence of signs.  
8235
8236
8237Wyltte slowly scanned the skies.  Off in the distance he saw the familiar
8238
8239and fearsome shape of the Great White, Ezessinth.  She circled the skies,
8240
8241her keen eyes scanning diligently for any side of trouble.  Draped against
8242
8243the azure sky it was almost as if it was a cloud was claws, ready to tear
8244
8245apart any who impose her.  
8246
8247
8248Clouds, he thought.  Clouds...  .  
8249
8250
8251That was it.  The clouds itself above Eastdrift Redoubt.  The sky was full
8252
8253of them, yet not a single one overhead.  It was as if they were purposely
8254
8255pushed away from the camp, skirting over an invisible dome around the area. 
8256
8257Silence, the lack of wildlife other then themselves.  Something wasn't
8258
8259adding up.  
8260
8261
8262Wyltte released the unholy energy into the sky, streaming up into the
8263
8264atmosphere like an ebony bolt of lightning.  From the distance, he saw the
8265
8266dragonesque cloud shift direction, changing course towards him at an
8267
8268alarming speed.  Wyltte lowered his fist, and the camp resumed it's work
8269
8270again.  While he waited, voices called from the defensive line.  "Legate,
8271
8272Legate!  Come Quick!"   Wyltte turned towards the call, letting his axe rest
8273
8274against one of the pikes as he went to find out what the commotion was
8275
8276about.  
8277
8278
8279--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8280
8281[ 78] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened III
8282
8283Wed Jun 13 20:38:00 2018
8284
8285To: All Necrucifer Imm Religion
8286
8287--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8288
8289As Ezessinth flew in from afar towards the campsite, Wyltte made his way
8290
8291down into the trenches where the digging for the pikes were being conducted.
8292
8293There a few young men, splattered with mud and sweat from their work,
8294
8295gathered around an unconscious worker.  They had made a makeshift littler
8296
8297out of young poles and animal hides, keeping him suspended from the mud pit.
8298
8299
8300As Wyltte stepped down, several of his Deathwatch soldiers tipped their
8301
8302heads towards him.  He purposely instructed them not to salute in camp, so
8303
8304any enemies surveilling the camp do not immedately pick him out from afar. 
8305
8306Wyltte nods in return, coming to stand over the worker.  
8307
8308
8309"What seems to be the problem?"   He asks, glancing over the man lying on
8310
8311the litter.  He didn't detect any wounds, his skin was not bright red from
8312
8313dehydration, nor did he see any signs of infection or blood disease on his
8314
8315exposed skin.  
8316
8317
8318"He was digging a hole for the post, Legate, and started to lose his
8319
8320balance.  He said he was....  Unsettled."   The Shade nodded once again,
8321
8322pointing at the location where it happened.  "He then fell to his knees,
8323
8324grasped his head, and pitched forward.  We had to pull his face out of the
8325
8326mud, or he would have drowned in less than an inch of water".  
8327
8328
8329Wyltte grabbed an old hankerchief he kept at his side and wiped the wet mud
8330
8331that caked the man's face.  His eyes narrowed as eh exposed his countenace. 
8332
8333One hand reaches up to stroke at his chin thoughtfully.  
8334
8335
8336"Why do I not recognize this man?  He's not one of my Shades" Wyltte asks. 
8337
8338He studies his apparel once again, noting the use of furs and leathers.  
8339
8340
8341One other man spoke up.  "Legate, he was one of the Northmen who volunteered
8342
8343when we made landfall."   Wyltte nods once.  There was a quite a few of
8344
8345these men who saw the opportunity to make some coin as guides or hired
8346
8347muscle.  Wyltte figured they could use all the help they could.  Many were
8348
8349helpful enough during the harpy attack.  
8350
8351
8352Wyltte kneeled over the man, his right hand starting to glow with a crimson
8353
8354light.  He ran above the man's chest, the crimson starting to melt away the
8355
8356layers of mud, large patches of the mud falling onto the ground in plopping
8357
8358sounds, bits of water splashing up on their boots.  The man's eyes twitch
8359
8360slightly.  Wyltte leans over to look at his face as his eyes open.  
8361
8362
8363At first it was confusion, the disoriented gaze of a man awakening from
8364
8365concussion.  As his eyes adjusted, he looked blearily around at the
8366
8367surrounding shades before staring up at Wyltte.  
8368
8369
8370The sheer terror in his eyes was instantaneous.  The man grabbed the sides
8371
8372of the litter, scooting away from Wyltte and falling into the muddy ground. 
8373
8374
8375"You...  You....  Stay avay from me!"   He yells, using the palms of his
8376
8377hands to back away.  "Your Face is cursed.  Cursed"
8378
8379
8380Wyltte bewilderly looked down at the man, moving from his position of
8381
8382hunkering down to standing at his full height.  "The Master's stillness to
8383
8384you, Man, I am not here to harm".  The Northman continued to panic, rising
8385
8386to his knees.  
8387
8388
8389"I shall nay be tricked, you..  Husk!  You..  The Demoness, she vears yer
8390
8391face!  The heart ov the Demoness beats like yers!  Yrsa has found me!"  
8392
8393Just as Wyltte signals to his Shades to detain the Northman, he finds his
8394
8395feet and starts to spastically back away from the approaching Deathwatch
8396
8397
8398soldiers.  Wyltte raises his arm to try and show the man he meant no harm,
8399
8400but he nearly trips over himself trying to escape.  "No, I von't...  I von't
8401
8402go back to her!"   The man turns backs away quickly, then turns quickly to
8403
8404try and run...  Only to be met with the sharp end of a pike they had raised
8405
8406embedded deep into his chest cavity.  
8407
8408
8409Wyltte walks over to the man, dribbles of blood already pooling at the
8410
8411corner of his mouth, his body twitching as it starts to go slack on the
8412
8413pike.  
8414
8415
8416"You..  Vill never...  Take me, Yrsa.  You vill never take my soul".  And
8417
8418with that, the light of life passed from his eyes.  
8419
8420
8421
8422--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8423
8424[ 79] Tamaska: Lost City | Vanguard - Honoring the Dead - Part 1 of 2
8425
8426Wed Jun 13 21:12:10 2018
8427
8428To: All Eclipse Shadow Verminasia Immortal RP Storyline
8429
8430--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8431
8432The guardian had relented, allowing Nymaya a moment to tend the wounds on
8433
8434her neck briefly before she spotted a scuffle a ways back from their group. 
8435
8436Within moments she realized it was her brother and Narsh, relief flooded her
8437
8438as she let out a long breath, creating a cloud of frozen mist in front of
8439
8440her.  Her eyes focused on the two as she watched from a distance,
8441
8442determining whether her aide was needed.  They were more than capable and
8443
8444dispatched the attackers soon enough.  
8445
8446
8447She turned her focus back to helping to tend the wounded members and
8448
8449gathering those whom had not made it through the battle.  They all hesitated
8450
8451at the approach of the Highlord, Narsh and the new yinnae that they had
8452
8453brought from the encampment.  Tamaska's eyes fell on the young female whom
8454
8455Rasavadi addressed but her attention was quickly pulled away as she was
8456
8457addressed specifically as Guardian.  With a slight tip of her head, she
8458
8459acknowledged the orders and let her focus linger a moment longer as she
8460
8461noted the change in her brother's tone.  
8462
8463
8464The Guardian turned, hiding the wince that followed her brother's words and
8465
8466nodded to a group of knights.  "You heard him, men.  " A deep frown set into
8467
8468her canine features as she moved to help sort through the carnage of the
8469
8470battle aftermath.  This was not something she was going to enjoy at all but
8471
8472still she took great pride in making certain that they honored those whom
8473
8474had fought till their very last breath.  
8475
8476
8477Silent and solemn, she and the knights carried the bodies of their fallen
8478
8479and laid them out carefully.  Any wounded members were sent to Nymaya and
8480
8481Ghislane to be tended to.  Once they had finished gathering the dead, she
8482
8483notified the Keeper that they were ready to perform the rituals for those
8484
8485they had lost.  All who were able to gathered around and watched in solemn
8486
8487silence.  
8488
8489
8490Tam watched in respectful silence as her sister moved among those they had
8491
8492lost, reciting the words of the vision.  The silence that followed where
8493
8494normally those members would repeat the vows was deafening.  She normally
8495
8496stoic yinn found herself swallowing the lump that rose in her throat but try
8497
8498as she might, it just rose again moments later.  She silently mouthed the
8499
8500words to the oath before raising her voice with the final words "Restinguere
8501
8502Solem," along with the others whom had previously taken the vision.  
8503
8504
8505It was then that Tamaska stepped forward, an arcanium amphora cradled in one
8506
8507hand and a dagger in the other.  Everyone watched in silence as she moved to
8508
8509the first body and began the ritual.  First she took the dagger and gathered
8510
8511a small bit of blood before tilting the dagger and allowing it to drip into
8512
8513the amphora and mix with the blood of those others whom had taken the blood
8514
8515vow.  
8516
8517
8518"By these words and by this blood I pledge my life to you, siblings of blood
8519
8520and steel.  " She recited the oath that each member took as they willing
8521
8522added their blood to those before them.  Today though, like the ritual
8523
8524vision, there was no one repeating the words back to her and the others. 
8525
8526That silence was once again deafening but she had to ignore that as she
8527
8528continued on.  She moved to each body, collected the blood, stated the oath,
8529
8530"With our mingling of life's essence may be we bound forever," until each
8531
8532and everyone had been done.  
8533
8534
8535It was then that she turned to the others and she called out, "Kill for the
8536
8537living...  " Those whom had taken the blood oath responded in kind, "Kill
8538
8539for the dead.  " As she stood up, Tamaska turned and raised her hand in a
8540
8541salute towards the fallen members of Eclipse and nodded silently.  She
8542
8543collected the dagger and amphora and moved towards the Keeper, Nymaya.  They
8544
8545shared a solemn look but neither said much nor did they need to.  
8546
8547
8548--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8549
8550[ 80] Tamaska: Lost City | Vanguard - Honoring the Dead - Part 2 of 2
8551
8552Wed Jun 13 21:14:53 2018
8553
8554To: All Eclipse Shadow Verminasia Immortal RP Storyline
8555
8556--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8557
8558The new Eclipse members that had yet to take the oaths were brought to
8559
8560the front.  Tam watched on in silence as Nymaya explained what imparting the
8561
8562vision was, the importance of it, that importance seemed to weigh even
8563
8564heavier than ever with the bodies of those whom had given everything laying
8565
8566nearby.  The Guardian was pleased to see that while some of them looked
8567
8568scared out of their minds, they hesitated very little in stepping forward
8569
8570and reciting the oath with the Keeper.  
8571
8572
8573Now it was her turn once again.  As she moved before the group, she
8574
8575explained what the amphora was and how its contents were important.  She
8576
8577lifted the journal she had created to document the names of all those who
8578
8579bled for Eclipse.  Their names would be added along with those whom she had
8580
8581just given the oath to posthumously.  They would not be forgotten, their
8582
8583sacrifice would be remembered.  
8584
8585
8586She sat the amphora on a chest and flipped the dagger around so that the
8587
8588hilt was held out for someone to take and watched the group.  One by one
8589
8590they moved forward and took the dagger, each making a cut and mixing their
8591
8592blood with the blood of the brothers and sisters.  Each of them recited the
8593
8594oath as she instructed but she saved the last part until all had finished
8595
8596their oath.  
8597
8598
8599Her voice cut through the winds, "Kill for the living...  " Immediately
8600
8601followed by the voices of all the new and old Eclipse responding, "Kill for
8602
8603the dead.  " Tam choked out the words along with them before nodding.  She
8604
8605then sheathed the dagger and took in a long deep breath.  She would normally
8606
8607have taken a moment to herself, perhaps more but they had no time for such. 
8608
8609They had to get moving soon.  
8610
8611
8612--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8613
8614[ 81] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened IV
8615
8616Thu Jun 14 05:22:14 2018
8617
8618To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion
8619
8620--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8621
8622Wyltte was a man of many talents, and he now rested himself on the fruits
8623
8624of his labor.  A large chair made of the animal hides horns of some of the
8625
8626oxen they slaughtered up in the hillside for fresh meat.  He turned the
8627
8628pommel of his sword around and around in his hands, spinning the point of
8629
8630the blade into the rock.  It was a mindless action, but it allowed him to
8631
8632think.  His mind was a fortress no one could besiege.  
8633
8634
8635It was through one of his many bits of training he undertook upon first
8636
8637moving to Verminasia that Wyltte discovered he could escape to the deepest
8638
8639parts of his mind to ignore the world around him if necessary.  Marshal Argg
8640
8641had him undergo prisoner of war training when he first joined Deathwatch,
8642
8643subjecting him to beatings, interrogations, sleep deprivation and
8644
8645humiliation, so that he may not show fear and cowardice in front of the
8646
8647enemy.  Different times.  
8648
8649
8650He retreated back into the deepest recesses of his brain, the places where
8651
8652long term memory mixed with emotion.  It was the place you went when you
8653
8654wanted to remember those moments that defined you.  This incident with the
8655
8656Northman had already lodged itself there.  
8657
8658
8659The staleness of the air, the stinging cold upon his back as he felt the air
8660
8661push forward as Ezessinth's wings glided her in for a landing, Wyltte
8662
8663examining the now lifeless corpse of a man who fled at the sight of his
8664
8665face.  Why run?  Who was this face he carried that terrified him so?  The
8666
8667blade spun around in a rhythmic fashion, bits of dust from its fine point
8668
8669being drilled upwards by the motion.  His blade was razor sharp, but for
8670
8671good reason.  The sharper the blade, the better chance of survival.  
8672
8673
8674"Yrsa.  Why does that name sound familiar?"   He wondered allowed.  Wyltte
8675
8676stares at the light of the sun glinting off the steel, beams being reflected
8677
8678in all directions, like a cloud of fireflies scattered when passing through
8679
8680them.  
8681
8682
8683"It means bear, mae Lord.  More specifically, bae meaning a female bear."  
8684
8685A feminine voice with a strong highland accent said from closeby.  Wyltte
8686
8687looked up from his contemplation towards the sound of the woman, inqusitive
8688
8689eyes following narrowing slightly.  "That name bae as old as the hills
8690
8691itself".  
8692
8693
8694"What do you mean?"   He inquired of the woman.  She was a servant who also
8695
8696came to work at the camp, but this time looked to be a serving lass for the
8697
8698kitchen bringing him some food to his board.  His last meal left untouched,
8699
8700it was to be given to the war hounds to not go to waste.  
8701
8702
8703The woman strode over, dipping in a half curtsey.  "The bears of Icewall bae
8704
8705importan' to all people, M'lord, but usually ya nae nev'r talk about tha
8706
8707bear ya bae speaking of.  Because it nae bae a bear at all.  Bae a..."  
8708
8709Here she stops, her voice lowering slightly so none may hear.  "It bae a
8710
8711nightmare of old, mae Lord.  The she-bear bae coming to haunt yer dreams,
8712
8713drag yer soul away when you slept.  She bae comin' in the form o' a large
8714
8715bear, wit' fur the color o' the deepest midnight, and grey souless eyes..." 
8716
8717 Here her voice faltered slightly, swallowing a lump in her throat.  "Nay
8718
8719unlike yer own, M'lord".  The woman gave a small curtsey again and shuffled
8720
8721off, making the sign of Necrucifer as she left.  
8722
8723
8724Wyltte leaned back in his ox-hide antler chair, contemplating the meaning of
8725
8726the conversation.  What force was he tied to that caused so much discomfort?
8727
8728The bear sigil that scared off the Viking clans, the talk of some she-demon
8729
8730bear which had his face.  It was a mystery in which he did not have enough
8731
8732clues.  He closed his eyes and moved to rest for a few moments, not
8733
8734realizing the small pouch tied to his waist started to pull with that
8735
8736crimson light even stronger.  Bits of the light shot through the threadbare
8737
8738portions of the leather, bathing Wyltte in what looked like a baptism of
8739
8740sanguine sky before a storm.  
8741
8742--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8743
8744[ 59] Ezessinth: The Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt | Awakenings V
8745
8746Thu Jun 14 14:12:49 2018
8747
8748To: Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Telthian Ashtiel Wyltte all Imm rp
8749
8750--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8751
8752The days had been rather quiet since the joined forces had reached Crown
8753
8754Hill and began setting up the Redoubt.  The men and women were busy far
8755
8756below, setting up shelters and digging trenches and clearing snow.  She had
8757
8758noticed in previous days that the piled up dirt and snow around the
8759
8760perimeter of the encampment would make an excellent windbreak if it were
8761
8762properly reinforced.  While the sheer cold had no effect upon her, it could
8763
8764be dangerous, if not deadly to the mortals here.  Subsequently, she had
8765
8766offered her assistance in it, and spent hours shaping the piles into a solid
8767
8768wall and freezing it fast with her breath.  
8769
8770
8771Since then, there hadn't been much that she was needed for aside from
8772
8773keeping watch from the skies.  Truly, her immunity to the cold had its
8774
8775benefits to the mission in the deep north.  Circling the camp at a wide
8776
8777diameter, her lean limbs tucked carefully close to her body and wings locked
8778
8779in a glide, Ezess scanned the ground below for any encroaching threats.  
8780
8781
8782Really, it was entirely too quiet since they broke ground.  The sun was out
8783
8784for the first time that she could recall since she'd joined the expedition,
8785
8786and she had seen nothing particularly dangerous outside of the occasional
8787
8788icebear.  And even those kept a wide berth of the encampment.  
8789
8790
8791A crack of black lightning rose from within the encampment and caught the
8792
8793White's attention.  She scanned the camp for its source, angling her wings
8794
8795to turn herself in its direction.  She circled in descent to answer the
8796
8797Legate's call.  By the time she landed where he had called her down, he had
8798
8799moved on elsewhere.  Many of the people who were working in the area
8800
8801scattered out of her way as she alighted, unaccustomed to the presence of a
8802
8803Firstborne.  She found it amusing to a degree, considering she meant them no
8804
8805harm, but yet they feared her.  
8806
8807
8808Some of the supervising Deathwatch members in the area were a bit more
8809
8810steadfast and instead gave her a respectful space and a formal greeting. 
8811
8812Ezess folded her wings to her sides, dipping her snout to them in response
8813
8814before addressing the one nearest to her.  
8815
8816
8817"She was summoned by the Legate.  Where has he gone?  "
8818
8819
8820"He was summoned to the trenches, that way, Great One.  " The Shade gestured
8821
8822off to the direction that Wyltte had gone before bowing her head in respect
8823
8824to the White.  
8825
8826
8827Ezessinth bobbed her head once in acknowledgement and thanks before walking
8828
8829in that direction until she caught up with her Warder.  
8830
8831
8832
8833
8834--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8835
8836[ 60] Ashtiel: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt | Dissonance
8837
8838Fri Jun 15 10:49:06 2018
8839
8840To: all Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline Necrucifer
8841
8842--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8843
8844       --*--
8845
8846
8847Restless, Ashtiel rolled from the makeshift cot and rose, careful not to
8848
8849wake her husband as she located her armor in the dark to don it before she
8850
8851quietly made her way from the tent.  
8852
8853
8854A spirit awaited her.  The very same elderly fellow she had seen the day
8855
8856before while marking the protective notations around Eastdrift.  It lingered
8857
8858just outside the flap, mirroring the stance of the guards who stood sentinel
8859
8860there.  
8861
8862
8863She held up a hand as he noticed her arrival and opened his mouth to scream.
8864
8865'We both know I cannot hear you.  Do not start...  '
8866
8867
8868Again, if he heard her he gave no indication of it and set in behind her as
8869
8870she made her way through the throng of tents, barely preceding the guards
8871
8872who also shook themselves from their lethargy to follow in her wake. 
8873
8874'Haven't even had my coffee yet..  ' She scowled over her shoulder at him in
8875
8876annoyance and then set to ignoring him as she climbed the rise towards the
8877
8878crown rock at the hill's summit.  Reaching the boulders at the rock's edge,
8879
8880she signalled for the guards behind her to halt and continued on, not
8881
8882venturing far from them before she found a stone flat enough for her to
8883
8884perch on and sat atop it.  
8885
8886
8887The camp was silent, most tucked away in the warmth the tents afforded them.
8888
8889The guards who patrolled did so quietly, as no sign of danger had presented
8890
8891itself since their arrival.  Yet, despite the apparent peace of the evening,
8892
8893Ash was uneasy.  The cause of her distress went unnoticed by any she had
8894
8895asked of it thus far.  Yet it lingered still, a barely audible vibration
8896
8897that buzzed within her ears and shivered along the surface of her skin yet
8898
8899had no apparent source.  
8900
8901
8902She had spent much of the evening before walking about the camp simply in
8903
8904attempt to garner which direction the sound traveled from but no matter
8905
8906where she stood within Eastdrift or upon the tundra, the sound neither grew
8907
8908louder or dwindled away.  It remained that unsettling whisper of a sound,
8909
8910ever present and unchanging.  The hum had no apparent effect, aside from the
8911
8912migraine she continued to suffer but she wondered if it was the reason she
8913
8914could not communicate with the spirits here.  Perhaps even the reason the
8915
8916priests abilities were effected.  
8917
8918
8919The spirit stood beside the rock where she sat, stone faced and silent as he
8920
8921stared at her and she unpacked her mug, returning his baleful look as she
8922
8923sipped her coffee.  'It is a shame you don't play charades.  '
8924
8925 --*--
8926
8927--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8928
8929[ 61] Jermichael:     Lost City - Vanguard - Aftermath and beyond
8930
8931Fri Jun 15 15:25:09 2018
8932
8933To: all Verminasia Shadow Eclipse Ampersand Necrucifer ( Imm RP )
8934
8935--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8936
8937Jermichael turned to Rasavadi with a nod, and moved to join in step with
8938
8939him, moving toward the King and Queen.  He removed his helmet and lowered
8940
8941it, hanging it from the thick utility belt around his waist.  His long and
8942
8943wild hair fell out from underneath and down about his shoulders.  He reached
8944
8945up absently to push a few stray strands back from his face, as they finally
8946
8947met with the approaching Crown.  
8948
8949
8950He gave a quick bow, "Majesties".  Jermichael lifted his head as Telthian
8951
8952began to speak, "Lords, well met, you have reports?"   Rasavadi gave a nod
8953
8954and began relaying the events of the battles.  Jermichael listened for a
8955
8956moment then turned back to survey the field.  
8957
8958
8959He watched as others worked to tend to the dead and wounded, before parting
8960
8961his lips and spitting on to the snow-covered ground.  He then turned back to
8962
8963the conversation as he heard the Priest-King ask Rasavadi about the hammer. 
8964
8965His eyes met Ashtiel's a moment, as if she had been watching him, before she
8966
8967turned to listen to the King.  
8968
8969
8970Jermichael sighed slightly as he thought of the men they had lost.  He knew
8971
8972each of his knights, and though he had seen the deaths of many, the
8973
8974responsibility of their safety never got easier.  He thought back to
8975
8976something said to him earlier in his career, "Every man in this keep knows
8977
8978that with the rise of the sun, it will be his last."   The words did not
8979
8980make sense when he first heard them, but as Jermichael grew older, their
8981
8982meaning rang true.  
8983
8984
8985
8986
8987--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8988
8989[ 62] Ayrora: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt- I
8990
8991Fri Jun 15 19:16:05 2018
8992
8993To: All Drakkara Necrucifer Verminasia Immortal Tashio Kyri Ampersand Storyline
8994
8995--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8996
8997The medical caravan was on the move finally reaching Eastdrift.  The
8998
8999heavy snowfall had made it harder than expected to get through the pass but
9000
9001the caravan had continued on cutting through as quickly as possible. 
9002
9003Braedan stepped to the left side a few times and tossed his head as she
9004
9005tried to soothe the normally still steed.  Ayrora felt it too.  Something
9006
9007was just not right.  She looked around at the structures being erected
9008
9009before heading to the area prepared for her.  
9010
9011
9012Ayrora, with her guards a few paces behind, headed to the two large tents
9013
9014Riorden had assigned to her.  She could not miss the large canopy's and
9015
9016turned to inform her group where to go.  Braedan continued to be skittish
9017
9018but she continued on with her work.  She told the guards, "Simon, you will
9019
9020be assigned the first tent to work with and get the stoves lit to sterilize
9021
9022the equipment, their are soldiers that need healing.  Amos you do the same
9023
9024for the second tent and take as many volunteers as you need from the
9025
9026caravan."  
9027
9028
9029Rosie walked over to Rora and smiled, "We finally made it."   Rora smiles
9030
9031and nods at her.  "You will take charge of the first tent and make sure
9032
9033everything in place.  You know the setup."   She nodded, "I have a strange
9034
9035feeling here."   "I know.  I sense it also."   With a nod Rosie headed off
9036
9037to the tent.  Ayrora dismounted Braedan rubbing the side of his neck, "We
9038
9039will figure this out."   She led him towards the tent to make sure all was
9040
9041going well.  
9042
9043--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9044
9045[ 64] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened V
9046
9047Mon Jun 18 20:57:35 2018
9048
9049To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion
9050
9051--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9052
9053The soft squish of snow and jingling of tack, the squeakiness of leather
9054
9055saddles as they move slowly through the lands.  Horses and riders move three
9056
9057abreast down the road to the monastery, and outside of their small
9058
9059movements, nothing else was heard.  Occasionally light gusts of wind carried
9060
9061mind numbing cold through the open air, hammering at the hardened riders of
9062
9063Deathwatch.  Wyltte pulled the polar bear blanket he had been given as a
9064
9065gift around his shoulders tighter, trying to plug up any pathway for the
9066
9067frigid air to assault.  It was nigh hopeless, but it at least abated the
9068
9069worst of the problems: frostbite.  
9070
9071
9072The camp construction was well underway, so Wyltte divided any unassigned
9073
9074Deathwatch members into three teams.  One to scout out the area leading to
9075
9076the mines, a second to continually ride a circuit around Eastdrift Redoubt
9077
9078to look for any vulnerabilities, and his party was to head towards the old
9079
9080monastery and make sure the exploratory parties would not have trouble
9081
9082reaching their destination.  There was little of note during their
9083
9084exploration, as the desolation of the Northlands was the type which not only
9085
9086could be seen visually, but felt in the chambers of your spirit.  He had
9087
9088felt he was being watched, but such feelings often come when your senses
9089
9090weren't inundated with the bustle of city life.  Every simple movement
9091
9092against the pale, frigid backdrop of the wastelands becomes a shadowy omen. 
9093
9094He tried not to let his thoughts run away with him.  
9095
9096
9097This proved more difficult than one could imagine.  
9098
9099
9100He was disturbed the incident with the Northman.  The man took one look of
9101
9102Wyltte and was scared.  Sure, there were times where people were intimidated
9103
9104by his size or circumspect of his countenance, but few were ever so put off
9105
9106they would retreat at a mere gaze of his visage.  He had either gotten
9107
9108really ugly over the years, or there was something to it.  
9109
9110
9111Though the prospect of advancing years did not elude Wyltte.  His hair was
9112
9113now now mostly grey with argent streaks, the once healthy tan from all the
9114
9115time spent outside a faded sand color, bordering on the beginning of pallor.
9116
9117His weight had been maintained if not a bit leaner, muscles going from full
9118
9119to a more sinewy appearance.  He looked every bit the role of the Legate he
9120
9121was, just one who had felt the strain battle plays on the body.  Unlike many
9122
9123of those he had met in Algoron who have avoided the passage of time, Wyltte
9124
9125felt the full force of its brutality.  
9126
9127
9128They were perhaps only a half days ride away from the monastery, but the sun
9129
9130was starting to head closer to the horizon.  Wyltte scanned the distance,
9131
9132finding a small grouping of trees perhaps a mile away.  With a silent signal
9133
9134of his hand, his band turned their horses to the location so they could set
9135
9136up camp for the evening.  This land was unforgiveable for those who forget
9137
9138one of the first rules of survival.  If you are not predator, you are prey. 
9139
9140In the dark, cold and unforgiving night of Icewall, there were plenty of
9141
9142predators waiting for their next meal.  He was a tireless servant of
9143
9144Necrucifer, not a snack for some famished beast.  
9145
9146
9147They rode off to the supposed grove, the snow nearly to the knees of some of
9148
9149their larger beasts of burden.  High steps and slow going was the way ahead,
9150
9151and Wyltte tried to keep the spirits high with his men by singing a deep,
9152
9153low cadence.  
9154
9155 
9156
9157"Into the wild, the men are seen a running"
9158
9159"Into the great unknown"
9160
9161"Blazing a trail, where no one's been a living"
9162
9163"One thousand miles from home"
9164
9165"Into the country, where no one bids as welcome"
9166
9167"We struggle to survive"
9168
9169"Into the wild, where the men were seen a running"
9170
9171"Till no one is left alive"
9172
9173 
9174
9175Wyltte finished his dirge, and all were silent, contemplating the words.
9176
9177One day they may make it home, they had hoped, but their cause
9178
9179was far too important to think about that now. They had a job to do.
9180
9181
9182
9183
9184--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9185
9186[ 65] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened VII
9187
9188Mon Jun 18 21:21:28 2018
9189
9190To: All Necrucifer Imm Rp Religion
9191
9192--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9193
9194The glowing embers from the fire bounced off each of their faces as they
9195
9196gathered around the circle, desperately craving warmth from the bitter
9197
9198nights air.  Their camp was found beneath a small grove of ancient pines, no
9199
9200bigger than the size of three arenas or so.  They found the driest spot they
9201
9202could and set up tents, securing the stakes in the ground with specialized
9203
9204spikes Wyltte had constructed back at camp.  Permafrost was a problem here,
9205
9206and the winds were too strong to barely be anchored into the ground.  Wyltte
9207
9208worked with local blacksmiths to develop what he called heat stakes.  They
9209
9210used small amounts of oil soaked black powder within a bore hole running
9211
9212through the center of the stake.  When struck by a specialized flint hammer,
9213
9214it created a spike which lit the smoldering power aflame.  The spike heated
9215
9216up at the edges, slicing through the cold and ice easily.  After the cooled,
9217
9218the melted ice around the stake froze it in place.  They were single use
9219
9220only, but highly effective.  A quick cut of the rope in the morning, and
9221
9222they were good to leave.  
9223
9224
9225There were twelve in his party.  At all times he had three look outs
9226
9227circling the camp, and useful for keeping one another awake.  This allowed
9228
9229the other nine to rest fairly easily.  Of course, he was not one who was
9230
9231given to slumber while others worked.  His always calculating mind stared
9232
9233into the intense embers of the flames, mindlessly feeding small bits of logs
9234
9235when the fire got low enough.  Fire was an interesting element, one with a
9236
9237life all its own.  Wet wood it would protest, spitting and sputtering until
9238
9239it got what he wanted.  Dry wood it would consume greedily.  There was an
9240
9241art to balancing the two so the fire never wanted for anything, and his
9242
9243soldiers never wanted for heat.  
9244
9245
9246After the ordeal with the harpies, the Northman, and the sneaking suspicion
9247
9248something is wrong back at the camp, Wyltte actually enjoyed being out on
9249
9250the trail.  It seemed monotonous, but at its very core, it is what he
9251
9252believed in.  His actions kept others safe.  The fact he and the Deathwatch
9253
9254were branching out so that others may breathe easily was the reason he was
9255
9256in the military.  Hes seen enough suffering on his own, and did not want
9257
9258others to see the images that burned into his mind like a brand.  
9259
9260
9261Images such as the death of his own parents, made fresh again when the arrow
9262
9263from the rain of fire struck him in the shoulder.  The slack-jawed
9264
9265expression of his father, the burning remnants of his mother, and his
9266
9267sisters
9268
9269
9270What about his sister?  He couldnt find her.  He knew she was there, knew
9271
9272that somewhere in the wrecked carnage of their caravan, a young girl lay.. 
9273
9274But he doesnt remember seeing her.  Was she thrown from the cart, abducted,
9275
9276left to die in the ditch?  He was but a toddler, no way to comprehend all
9277
9278these big questions of the time.  He only remembered the pain of losing
9279
9280them, of calling out in childlike gibberish for those who took care of them
9281
9282to wake up.  He remembered the heat of the flames from the cart burning, and
9283
9284then he remembered 
9285
9286
9287The hand.  
9288
9289
9290The one that was now just bits of broken bones that had been picked clean by
9291
9292the passage of time.  The one that he was holding, severed from its body
9293
9294when he was found at the steps of the temple.  The one in which told its own
9295
9296story, but could not speak at all.  Wyltte idly reached into the pouch at
9297
9298his side, feeling the brittle bones with his fingertips before putting them
9299
9300into his palm and pulling them into the warm glow of the fire.  They seemed
9301
9302so tiny in his weathered palm, but they also seemed...  Alive.  
9303
9304
9305
9306
9307--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9308
9309[ 74] Wyltte: Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt - Awakened VIII
9310
9311Wed Jun 20 20:12:36 2018
9312
9313To: All Necrucifer Imm RP Religion
9314
9315--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9316
9317The bones in his hand started to move...  Or so Wyltte thought.  They
9318
9319were cold to the touch, but the cold became so intense it was almost like a
9320
9321stinging pain piercing the outer layer of his skin.  He winced, trying to
9322
9323hold onto the small fragments before the cold was so intense he
9324
9325instinctively pulled his hand back and watched in horror as the plummeted
9326
9327down into the flame.  
9328
9329
9330Wyltte tried to reach in and grab out the fragments but it was too late. 
9331
9332The dryness of the bones instantly ignited into a flame that shot up at
9333
9334least two feet.  Wyltte moved his face away from the fire as it grew immense
9335
9336for the briefest of movements, blinding him.  He turned his face, feeling
9337
9338sparks from the flame hitting his cheek.  When the bright light seemed to
9339
9340subside, he looked back towards the flames and blinked several times, trying
9341
9342to see what had come of the bone fragments.  His mouth fell open at the
9343
9344sight, shaking his head in disbelief.  
9345
9346
9347The soldiers around him were still fast asleep, the flare from the flames
9348
9349raging on but eminatting a cold unlike he had ever felt.  He stood up and
9350
9351stared at a veritable wall of cold fire.  Unable to resist, he reached out
9352
9353and placed his hand in the middle of the inferno.  He quickly pulled it back
9354
9355as his hand was met with an empty sensation akin to desperation.  He did not
9356
9357feel the chilling fire on his hand, but he did feel it in his soul.  
9358
9359
9360There was an image burning in the center of the the curtain of flames,
9361
9362practically crystal clear.  The burning wagon, the forest trail south of the
9363
9364city.  It was the moment which defined his life...  The moment where
9365
9366everything was taken from him.  Wyltte saw himself as a toddler,
9367
9368bloodstained cheeks and sooty face wandering around the wreckage, crying in
9369
9370confusion.  The bear armor his father wore with its glowing red eyes glared
9371
9372at him until he heard the last gasps of a dying man escaped the massive
9373
9374man's lips.  A pulsating red stone fell from the eye sockets of the bear.  
9375
9376
9377He watched his younger self pick up the stone, then lay his head on his
9378
9379father's chest and weep.  From somewhere on the outskirts of the forest he
9380
9381heard a blood-curdling scream.  The voice seemed both vaguely unfamiliar and
9382
9383recognizable at the same time.  In shock and in curiosity, he wanders over
9384
9385to the edge of the forest.  Schwick!   A crimson spray splatters his face as
9386
9387he let out a silent scream.  He saw a flurry of movement in the underbrush
9388
9389and heard an object slam into the ground, a wet smack heard over the
9390
9391crackling of the fire which consumed his family's corpses and belongings.  
9392
9393
9394Wyllte wandered over to the object, spying a small dainty hand cleaved from
9395
9396its owner.  He didn't know why he picked it up, but in his brain he reasoned
9397
9398someone lost it and wanted it back.  Like in a dream, he lumberedand around
9399
9400the ambush site for what felt like an eternity, unknowing what to do.  His
9401
9402stomach started to grumble and he headed towards a worn trail head at the
9403
9404forest's edge.  Wyltte took the first step down the path, but not before
9405
9406feeling eyes burning into the back of his skull.  He turned towards the
9407
9408feeling, but there was nothing there.  Just the faint crackling of something
9409
9410wandering in the woods...  
9411
9412
9413Wyltte turns from his fire gazing and looks around.  From deeper in the
9414
9415wooded grove, there was the soft crackling of something moving itself
9416
9417through the snow.  Wyltte cups his hands to his mouth and gave out the
9418
9419auditory signal.  "Caw, Caw!"   He mimics the sound of the crow as he had
9420
9421told others.  Crows did not venture this far North, so there was no worry of
9422
9423false signals.  No response.  Keeping a blade strapped at his side, he
9424
9425tightens the bearskin cloak around his shoulders he was gifted and steps out
9426
9427into the deeper woods.  
9428
9429--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9430
9431[ 73] Telthian: Lost City - The Foundry - I
9432
9433Fri Jan 11 12:42:33 2019
9434
9435To: all ( imm religion necrucifer )
9436
9437--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9438
9439  -*-
9440
9441
9442Days had turned to weeks which dragged onto months since the bulk of the
9443
9444Knights and soldiers returned to their keeps or Verminasian lands, leaving a
9445
9446modest force to man the frozen redoubt.  Though much of its construction had
9447
9448been complete, structures of wood and stone nestled between the battlements
9449
9450of raised earth and ice provided little comfort.  
9451
9452
9453Soldiers either become accustomed to hardship or they are not long for this
9454
9455world.  
9456
9457
9458The men and women comprising the Wardens at Eastdrift were a hard lot.  Some
9459
9460had served in the Marauder army under command of the former
9461
9462king-turned-tactician, ably fulfilling their duty as the territories were
9463
9464pacified.  And again they shed blood when Raije's godly hosts stormed
9465
9466Ironclad, decimating a third of Raije's armies before the Wargod ended the
9467
9468battle with a personal display of might.  
9469
9470
9471They were defeated, but how many could claim they brought a God to do
9472
9473battle?  
9474
9475
9476Now they held this stretch of frozen terrain.  Pushing back roving packs of
9477
9478the Ghul that ventured out from the ruin of the lost city.  The wind cut
9479
9480through these peaks, an embodiment of the cold bitterness felt within the
9481
9482servants of Necrucifer themselves.  Turning to find some solace from the
9483
9484wind, the warden spit a curse and turned from the rampart.  
9485
9486
9487His heavy footfalls preceded him as he tread down the stair and into the
9488
9489bailey below.  A few paces and he stood shoulder to shoulder with comrades
9490
9491he had fought and bled with over his years, having the good fortune to enter
9492
9493into middle age together.  Not all of their brothers and sisters were so
9494
9495fortunate.  The others raised their heads to turn their eyes from the flames
9496
9497of the bonfire before nodding in stoic greeting.  
9498
9499
9500
9501
9502--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9503
9504[ 74] Telthian: Lost City - The Foundry - II
9505
9506Fri Jan 11 12:47:53 2019
9507
9508To: all ( Imm religion Necrucifer )
9509
9510--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9511
9512
9513 The glow of the fire was a false promise of warmth in this frigid and
9514
9515damned waste.  Extending his hands closer to the flames did little more to
9516
9517warm them.  They were content to stand together in silence.  All of them but
9518
9519one, a younger man from the provinces.  
9520
9521
9522Some little piece of land within Atslomme, he had said.  The cold, the dark
9523
9524days and nights, the skirmishes with ghul that probed at their defenses and
9525
9526tested their discipline, all of it he could tolerate.  
9527
9528
9529The man's question put an end to their silent vigil.  'How much longer can
9530
9531it possibly be?  What is he even looking for out there?'  The words spilled
9532
9533from the youngest amongst them, perhaps ill-advised, but belied an earnest
9534
9535concern.  
9536
9537
9538The veterans shared a look before paying their comrade's question any
9539
9540response.  
9541
9542
9543They knew the King.  He was unassuming as a man, but they had fought beside
9544
9545him, and witnessed for themselves the inhuman synthesis of resolve,
9546
9547patience, and dispassionate brutality possessed only by monsters.  The King
9548
9549had pushed them hard in the campaigns, harder than their bodies knew they
9550
9551could endure, and for it they were rewarded as victors.  
9552
9553
9554Spitting into the fire, the old warden had little to say.  The Priestking
9555
9556never claimed to be much of a healer but when he took a spear to the gut it
9557
9558was the king that saved him.  Even visited him after, once.  
9559
9560
9561But when Verminasia was challenged in the by the Del'Nichis it was the King
9562
9563that fought for them in the arena, choosing to speak with the metallic voice
9564
9565in his hand rather than from a pulpit.  It wasn't until then, when
9566
9567kingsblood pooled in the sand, that even those in Verminasia knew what the
9568
9569King really was.  
9570
9571
9572The question hung in the air frozen in place by the chill.  Producing a
9573
9574weathered flask, the old warden took a long pull, savoring the rich burn of
9575
9576the whisky on his palate before passing it to the boy from Atslomme.  
9577
9578
9579'Reckon he's up there trying to find a way to keep us all from getting
9580
9581butchered by the Witch, lad.  An if th'King thinks something's out there in
9582
9583the ruins to that end?  Well, then that's where we'll be headed.'
9584
9585 
9586
9587      -*-
9588
9589
9590
9591--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9592
9593[ 75] Telthian: Lost City - The Foundry - III
9594
9595Fri Jan 11 12:51:36 2019
9596
9597To: all ( imm Religion Necrucifer )
9598
9599--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9600
9601There exists a fine line between consideration and hesitation, my child.
9602
9603The former is wisdom. The latter is fear.
9604
9605  -*-
9606
9607
9608 The cold was almost a bitter comfort in a world where everything else
9609
9610had changed.  
9611
9612
9613The wind whipped the loose unpacked snow back and forth as the gale twisted
9614
9615around the formation of jagged rocks and ice descending down from Eastdrift
9616
9617into the snowplain below.  Icewall had grown no kinder in the months that
9618
9619had passed.  
9620
9621
9622Only a few souls cut their way along these trails each week, the scouts
9623
9624performing little more than token patrols to conserve both strength and
9625
9626resources.  The going was slow, but, gradually the redoubt fell away off in
9627
9628the distance, shrouded behind a curtain of white.  Shouldering his supplies,
9629
9630the old warden pulled the dense, thick fur mantle close about himself as he
9631
9632approached the ruins of the foundry.  
9633
9634
9635The low curtain walls had long since toppled in on themselves in areas,
9636
9637producing a jagged and uneven image, like fingers jutting up from a palm,
9638
9639the covenant's foundry itself cradled in a hollow at the center.  Ahead, the
9640
9641priest-king raised a hand, halting their march.  Unease roiled the warden's
9642
9643stomach, and he barked orders to the others to fan out and survey the site. 
9644
9645One by one the other guardians returned.  After a few gruff exchanges he was
9646
9647satisfied there was no sign of the Ghul and began to make temporary camp,
9648
9649such as it was.  
9650
9651
9652The dark priest would need time to breach the covenant's entrance, and the
9653
9654old warden would make damn sure it went uninterrupted.  He was not surprised
9655
9656to find it was an unusual construction.  No, not a simple gate or door. 
9657
9658Everything about the hinterlands of Dae'tok was unusual.  Set within the
9659
9660center of the crumbling courtyard lie what the King described as an iris -
9661
9662though presently it resembled a coarse disc of frozen metal.  
9663
9664
9665Taking his position at the flank, the old warden drew his sword, letting it
9666
9667lie across his lap and watched as his King began the tedious task ahead.  
9668
9669
9670--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9671
9672[ 6] Jermichael: Common ground:  The departure and road less traveled
9673
9674Wed Jan 23 22:17:25 2019
9675
9676To: Shadow Knighthood Althainia Imm Religion Cayenna Mercerion Zayk Scorn
9677
9678--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9679
9680Jermichael slung the last of the packs over his saddle, securing them in
9681
9682place.  He checked and re-checked everything before tying his steed to a
9683
9684post and turning to walk from the stables.  He reached in to a pocket on his
9685
9686cloak and pull out a small rolled parchment, clenching it in his gauntleted
9687
9688hand as he made his way down the dimly-lit hallway.  
9689
9690
9691He turned a corner to face the Chancellor, sitting in a chair, sifting
9692
9693through a stack of reports.  Zayk started to stand, but Jermichael waved a
9694
9695hand, motioning for him to keep his seat.  "I leave soon..  If I am not back
9696
9697within the keep in a weeks time, you know what to do."  
9698
9699
9700Jermichael extended his hand, offering the parchment to Zayk.  "This is the
9701
9702list of supplies.  Be sure every bit of it makes it on to the ships, and
9703
9704they set sail on time."   
9705
9706
9707The Chancellor took the small scroll and slipped it in to his tunic with a
9708
9709nod, "Aye, it will be done."   Jermichael smiled faintly and turned on his
9710
9711heels, heading back toward the stables and the journey that lay ahead.  
9712
9713
9714"His will be done, Chancellor.. His will be done."
9715
9716
9717--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9718
9719[ 16] Tamaska: Lost City - Vanguard
9720
9721Mon Feb  4 00:48:19 2019
9722
9723To: All Eclipse Shadow Verminasia Necrucifer Immortal Rp Cayenna Scorn
9724
9725--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9726
9727'We leave immediately.  ' Tamaska had chortled to herself at the
9728
9729Highlord's words.  She had long since become accustomed to her brother's
9730
9731penchant for springing things on those of Eclipse.  It kept her on her toes
9732
9733at least and ever ready.  
9734
9735
9736Tam had passed the word on to the others and now she stood on the dock,
9737
9738watching her brothers and sisters as they were readying their gear and
9739
9740packs.  Many of them taking time to put on warm furs under their armor and
9741
9742fill their packs and saddle bags with extra blankets.  They were venturing
9743
9744back into some of the more brutally cold parts of Icewall.  The cold winds,
9745
9746constant blizzard conditions and the wet was not likely something any of
9747
9748them would forget soon enough.  
9749
9750
9751She shifted her gaze to the icy waters, her hands dropping down to the
9752
9753flasks that lined her belt as she mentally counted them off.  It was an
9754
9755attempt at distraction, a failed one but her thoughts were on the losses
9756
9757they had incurred on the last trip.  Her and Nymaya had been charged with
9758
9759performing the vision and blood oaths posthumously on those who fell in the
9760
9761battles.  The deafening silence, where their oaths would have been repeated,
9762
9763still echoed in her ears and haunted her at times.
9764
9765
9766Expecting there to be no loss of life was a foolish expectation and one she
9767
9768knew better than to hope for.  Lives were lost and more would be but it was
9769
9770still not something she would ever enjoy or get used to.  There was no joy
9771
9772taken in the deaths she dealt or the losses they took but for each death she
9773
9774vowed that any life lost not be in vain.  
9775
9776
9777The sound of footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts and drew her gaze. 
9778
9779At sight of her brother, the Highlord of Eclipse, she turned towards the
9780
9781soldiers and called out, "Load the ship!  We have work to do.  " The
9782
9783Guardian nodded towards Rasavadi and picked up her own packs, hefting them
9784
9785over her shoulder and heading towards the ship.  She really hoped they'd find
9786
9787Nymaya and with her, Narsh.  
9788
9789
9790--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9791
9792[ 24] Rasavadi: Lost City - Vanguard 
9793
9794Wed Feb  6 10:48:25 2019
9795
9796To: Elathan Tamaska Shadow Verminasia Eclipse All Imm RP Cayenna Scorn Necrucifer
9797
9798--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9799
9800Rasavadi walked to the docks.  Elathan and Tamaska were there talking and
9801
9802lightly supervising the onboarding of the supplies.  Their troops needed no
9803
9804cajoling to do things right, but the average deckhand often needed the swift
9805
9806application of "motivation" to keep from half assing things.  "Brother,
9807
9808Sister."  Rasavadi greeted the two.  Two who were closest to his heart, even
9809
9810if they didn't know it.  
9811
9812
9813"Looks like we have a bit before we can set sail, I will go fix that."  He
9814
9815said while jingling a backpack sized money pouch.  "We've enough troops and
9816
9817supplies to move forward, send ravens to the others.  They're either on this
9818
9819boat or can wrangle their own."  
9820
9821
9822Casting a minor cantrip to isolate the distance his voice would carry he
9823
9824whispered, "We seek the source for the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom."  
9825
9826
9827Yelling in Minotaur, "Captain, double the pay if we sail in an hour, half if
9828
9829we sail in two.  Your choice.  " 
9830
9831
9832"Judging by the swearing, we're sailing in an hour.  I will be in our
9833
9834stateroom, bring the other Knight's if they make it."  
9835
9836
9837--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9838
9839[ 42] Jermichael: The final push:  The journey
9840
9841Tue Mar  5 22:01:07 2019
9842
9843To: Shadow Verminasia 
9844
9845--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9846
9847The icy rain pelted those around him as the sea's wild waves threw the
9848
9849small ship about like a doll.  Jermichael stood looking out at the horizon
9850
9851before turning to those gather near him along the deck.  Most huddled under
9852
9853blankets and furs, yarning for the warmth of the desert.  Not Jermichael,
9854
9855his family was from the north, one of the long lost Highland clans.  
9856
9857
9858He raised a gloved hand to his face, wiping at the freezing slush forming
9859
9860along the edges of his beard before turning his gaze to Nehtur.  "Hopefully
9861
9862the weather will cooperate a bit more once we reach land."   The High Mystic
9863
9864looked up to him with a nod, rising to stand near the Dark Lord, "You mean
9865
9866-if- we reach land?"   
9867
9868
9869Jermichael tilted his head a moment and smiled, "You do know how to swim, my
9870
9871friend?"  
9872
9873--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9874
9875[ 45] Symantha: The Final Push - Landing
9876
9877Thu Mar 21 19:27:59 2019
9878
9879To: Shadow Verminasia Rasavadi Tamaska ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
9880
9881--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9882
9883She had decided to wait and it had been hell.  
9884
9885
9886The months of her pregnancy had been long, quiet, empty.  But for their
9887
9888child, the downtime in Gogothath had been necessary.  
9889
9890
9891It wasn't resolve she returned with though, not entirely anyway.
9892
9893
9894Their son was safely ensconced now at their homestead and she was out here,
9895
9896on a cold ship racing toward Icewall and whatever waited there.  The sea was
9897
9898as restless as the weather but in the depths of her meditation, she embraced
9899
9900the latent violence she could feel in it and let it carry her through the
9901
9902voyage.  
9903
9904
9905The deepening of the cold was not gradual as the Purist approached Icewall
9906
9907but the difference between a bitter desert night and the purity of a
9908
9909northern winter was clear.  Had it not been for the dire circumstances of
9910
9911the journey, she might have found greater enjoyment in that brisk,
9912
9913uncompromising wind.  That was not to be though.  
9914
9915
9916"You might rest, Lord Templar.  There is still time before we reach the
9917
9918landing."
9919
9920
9921The suggestion had come from a cleric of the Templar, one of the group she
9922
9923had hand-picked for this mission.  The urge to argue with the Supplicant was
9924
9925immediate but she reigned in the reaction and instead tipped her head and
9926
9927departed to a small designated cabin.  The small mirror she gazed within
9928
9929displayed a woman changed and she turned from it with annoyance and
9930
9931determined to return to her meditation.  
9932
9933
9934+*+*+
9935
9936
9937The landing was rough, the seas no calmer near the shore than they had been
9938
9939the whole way there.  The sailors knew their business though and deposited
9940
9941the Lord Templar and her retinue of Templar on the shoreline where awaited a
9942
9943small city of tents.  Banners wafted aloft depicting various Verminasian
9944
9945households, royalty, Eclipse and Shadow.  
9946
9947
9948"Lord Templar, it is a pleasure to receive you." She was met by an
9949
9950efficient dignitary who looked capable enough.  "If you and yours will
9951
9952accompany me, we will see you to accommodations and then to the command
9953
9954tent.  An armed caravan will depart for Eastdrift in the next few days."
9955
9956
9957The region, as far as she could see, was mountainous all around them but
9958
9959this was as close as the combined forces could land to the entrance of the
9960
9961crater.  
9962
9963
9964"Lead the way." And through the brisk Icewall wind, even then stirring up
9965
9966loose snow, she and the Templar were lead off through the tents.
9967
9968
9969
9970--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9971
9972[ 55] Ithelim: Landing Party
9973
9974Wed Mar 27 19:31:26 2019
9975
9976To: Shadow Verminasia Rasavadi Tamaska ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
9977
9978--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9979
9980Ithelim rubbed his hands and blew on them to warm them up as he watched
9981
9982the busy sailors get ready to make landfall.  The air had steadily gotten
9983
9984colder as they sailed and while Ithelim had sailed many times before, he'd
9985
9986never made landfall so far north on the Icewall continent.  It had been a
9987
9988rather uneventful trip, but that was alright for Ithelim.  It gave him time
9989
9990to pour over the maps of the expeditions and delve into the history of
9991
9992Dae'tok.  
9993
9994
9995"Master Nyiodail.  We have our gear ready to depart and join the other
9996
9997groups when we make landfall.  " 
9998
9999
10000Ithelim turned and nodded, blowing into his hands before tucking them into
10001
10002his fur lined jacket.  
10003
10004
10005"Good.  Thank you, Jarvis.  Make sure the other supplicants are ready and
10006
10007bring them on up to the main deck.  I want them to be ready for anything, so
10008
10009make sure they have their weapons oiled as well as their quills at the
10010
10011ready.  "
10012
10013
10014Jarvis nodded and saluted then disappeared back below decks to get the other
10015
10016supplicants.  Ithelim turned back towards the bustle of the ship, watching
10017
10018the crew do their thing.  Soon he would use his gifts with the Shard to aid
10019
10020in one of the expeditions.  Which one, he didn't know.  
10021
10022
10023
10024--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10025
10026[ 59] Jermichael:       Landfall and to the encampment
10027
10028Fri Apr  5 22:21:09 2019
10029
10030To: Shadow Verminasia Rasavadi Tamaska ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
10031
10032--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10033
10034With a splash, Jermichael's boots landed in the cold water, the icy waves
10035
10036nearly pushing it over the top.  Nehtur jumped down beside him followed by
10037
10038several knights.  They waded to the shore and were met by several
10039
10040Verminasians who guided them toward the small landing camp.  
10041
10042
10043Jermichael turned to glance back toward the small boat as he heard grumbling
10044
10045and raised voices.  He saw Ithelim barking orders to a pair of young
10046
10047supplicants and chuckled before turning back to the few tents ahead of them.
10048
10049
10050The Dark Lord pushed the tent flap back and entered the hastily made
10051
10052quarters with Nehtur in tow.  Symantha turned to greet the two, a hand
10053
10054perched over her stomach.  Jermichael glanced at Symantha's hand, taking in
10055
10056her condition before smiling warmly.  "Well met, Lady Templar.  All is
10057
10058well?"   
10059
10060
10061Symantha returned the smile and nodded before raising her other hand to
10062
10063salute.  Jermichael waved her off and motioned for her to sit before
10064
10065removing his helm, hanging it on a loop at his belt.  "We have brought more
10066
10067men, only twenty.  Twelve knights including ourselves..  Zayk is already at
10068
10069Eastdrift with the supplies?"  
10070
10071
10072Symantha lowered herself to a simple wooden chair and gave a slow nod, "He
10073
10074is and I am sure he grows restless.  We should do our best to soon make the
10075
10076journey to join with the others"
10077
10078
10079Jermichael gave a nod as Nehtur passed him and moved to warm himself near
10080
10081the small fire at the center of the tent.  "Let us warm ourselves and let
10082
10083our men eat and rest for the eve, we will leave at first light."   
10084
10085
10086Symantha opened her mouth to speak when Ithelim stuck his head in through
10087
10088the opening of the tent, "Anyone want a bit of wine?"   She chuckled and
10089
10090motioned him in, "I suppose a sip or two will help with the chill in the
10091
10092air."   
10093
10094--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10095
10096[ 61] Sofka: Final Preparations at Home
10097
10098Sun Apr  7 22:35:29 2019
10099
10100To: Shadow Verminasia Rasavadi Tamaska Maccus ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
10101
10102--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10103
10104In the cabin-like atmosphere of their home, Sofka paces about as she goes
10105
10106over her mental inventory one more time.  She spent way longer than she
10107
10108should have and time grows more precious with each moment.  As she bundles
10109
10110and ties the last of the heavy furs protecting her spell components, she
10111
10112looks up to see Maccus dropping several leather-wrapped bundles containing
10113
10114extra weapons in the pile of gear that they plan to take.  
10115
10116
10117'Love, are we bringing too much or not enough?  ' Sofka questions to Maccus.
10118
10119
10120'We will resupply before we board the ship.  ' Maccus picks up one of the
10121
10122many bundles that Sofka has wrapped and begins examining it.  'Sofka.  You
10123
10124buy these by the docks we are going to, and I will not be with you the whole
10125
10126time.  '
10127
10128
10129With a smile that seems to disarm Maccus every time, Sofka responds 'I guess
10130
10131I did over-pack a little.  '
10132
10133
10134With some effort, Sofka whittles down the once large pile to a single bundle
10135
10136containing the ingredients that she cannot easily find.  
10137
10138
10139Finally, she is ready to leave.  Sofka slips her hand into Maccus's as he
10140
10141gives final instructions to the servants left in charge of their home and
10142
10143their young children, Sern and Marianna.  Hand in hand, the couple make
10144
10145their way to the docks to board the ship that will take them to Icewall.  
10146
10147
10148--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10149
10150[ 63] Nehtur: The Encampment - Shadow storyline ( Nehtur's view )
10151
10152Mon Apr  8 21:19:07 2019
10153
10154To: Shadow Rasavadi Tamaska Ashtiel Telthian Necrucifer ( Imm Ampersand Cayenna Admin RP )
10155
10156--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10157
10158Where each group of Knights would and what they would look for.  Each
10159
10160officer had their own plans some sought the knowledge to create artifacts
10161
10162that could aid in their cause.  Nehtur wanted to make his way to himmermist
10163
10164an old mine and foundry, this would be the best place to start his search
10165
10166for an ancient shield that was rumored to be able to absorb magical energy. 
10167
10168Nehtur knew the cost of putting his faith in rumors but this one was just
10169
10170too tempting to pass up.  He believed a shield of such creation could swing
10171
10172the tides of battle if it came to that when they faced Drakkara.  
10173
10174
10175The hours passed slowly as the frigid wind whipped through the encampment,
10176
10177the tent walls were insulated well enough to keep most the cold outside just
10178
10179a little draft would enter under the walls when the wind gusted.  Nehtur
10180
10181laid in his cot staring up to the ceiling unable to slow his thoughts enough
10182
10183to sleep.  Exhaling a sigh Nehtur decided his time would be better spent
10184
10185trying to better line his armor, working through the night he managed to a
10186
10187layer of wolf fur on the inner liner of his armor.  This would be the best
10188
10189chance he would have to test his armor before setting out for the mines in
10190
10191the morning.  Nehtur walked his way through the camp stopping to briefly to
10192
10193speak with each of the soldiers that were doing their patrols.  Satisfied
10194
10195with the warmth of his armor Nehtur continued walking until he found himself
10196
10197at the entrance of the camp, it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to
10198
10199the darkness beyond the fires of the camp.  Looking off into the darkness
10200
10201Nehtur saw a dark figure walking along the edge of the forest, drawing his
10202
10203sword Nehtur moved quickly in the direction he saw the figure.  Reaching the
10204
10205tree line his eye darted around looking a clue as to who had been sneaking
10206
10207around the camp.  A low chuckle emanated from behind Nehtur causing him to
10208
10209spin around only to find darkness and the rustling of leaves and branches
10210
10211behind him again, causing his pulse to elevate and his grip on his sword
10212
10213tightening.  
10214
10215
10216"Who is there?  " Nehtur asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice as he
10217
10218spun around again to face the darkness.  
10219
10220
10221"Easy Mystic, I am only testing your senses.  " Tamaska said with a chuckle.
10222
10223"I was finishing my patrols when I saw you exit the camp.  Your people are
10224
10225not the best suited for these night time patrols.  " 
10226
10227
10228Nehtur nodded as he slid his sword back into its sheath.  He was happy that
10229
10230the yinns of Eclipse had joined on this voyage.  He believed they were as
10231
10232devout as the Knights themselves and would be extremely helpful on this
10233
10234voyage.  
10235
10236--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10237
10238[ 64] Telthian: Lost City - Shimmermist - I
10239
10240Mon Apr  8 21:45:18 2019
10241
10242To: all ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
10243
10244--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10245
10246-*-
10247
10248
10249 Spellshaped doors of umbric silver withstood the banal onslaught of time
10250
10251and elements without so much as a sign of fatigue.  The oculus-like entry
10252
10253lie solitary and arrogant on an expanse of dense, impregnable stone, barring
10254
10255the only entry down into the long-cold forge of dae'Tok.  
10256
10257
10258The Guardians stood clustered around the door, grave figures with blades
10259
10260slick with black blood.  Behind them, the Kingpriest worked the bindings
10261
10262with a determined focus, unaware or unconcerned about the steady arrival of
10263
10264Ghul summoned to the ruined foundry.  Beyond the seal lie a fierce and
10265
10266protean magic.  They might carry the embers of it deeper into the ruins,
10267
10268should it be borne by those strongly willed enough to shade it from the
10269
10270wretches who lust for power above all else.  
10271
10272
10273The Kingpriest tended to his task, and the Guardians to theirs.  A hard life
10274
10275in the Deathwatch built upon experiences steeped in blood and combat had
10276
10277prepared them for this, and they made full use of that preparation.  The old
10278
10279warden barked orders, repositioning the men in the thick of the Ghul advance
10280
10281with their brothers who were fresh and greedy for their share of the grim
10282
10283work.  
10284
10285
10286The ghul came in groups, testing their defenses and probing for weakness
10287
10288without a shred of pause for any of their number impaled by a spear,
10289
10290decapitated by a blade, or subdued by fire.  But the warden and his men were
10291
10292flesh and blood and bone.  It was a matter of time before injury and
10293
10294weariness would take their toll and cracks in their defenses would reveal
10295
10296themselves.  
10297
10298-*-
10299
10300--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10301
10302[ 65] Telthian: Lost City - Shimmermist - II
10303
10304Mon Apr  8 21:48:31 2019
10305
10306To: All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
10307
10308--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10309
10310  -*-
10311
10312
10313 Something twisted uncomfortably in Telthian's mind.  A cold, sickening
10314
10315sensation ran through him as the foreign suspicion took hold that he had
10316
10317done this all before.  That the men fighting behind him had squandered the
10318
10319last moments of their lives to buy a few minutes that ultimately amounted to
10320
10321nothing.  
10322
10323
10324Within this courtyard, he managed to open the iris into the covenant's forge
10325
10326only to find the protean source of magic had long since expired.  His
10327
10328convictions tested and found empty for yet another time, he would fall to
10329
10330his knees as the ghul overran the warden's men.  Within such tight confines,
10331
10332there was no alternative but to accept his fate.  He would take his share of
10333
10334them before he went, but eventually, Telthian would die at the hands of the
10335
10336ghul.  
10337
10338-*-
10339
10340
10341It didn't make sense to him, and elusive small fragments of memory cluttered
10342
10343around him, jostling for his attention.  
10344
10345
10346It was not how the Black Wind spoke.  This was something else, and his
10347
10348intuition screamed it was an unreliable recollection, a false memory hung
10349
10350upon something tangible and real.  
10351
10352
10353With considerable effort that he pulled himself back to the present.  He had
10354
10355found the last seal, his burnt hands tracing it as he fed what precious
10356
10357vitality could into the lock.  The mechanism within began to release, and
10358
10359the iris parted enough to permit entry.  His voice carried with it a
10360
10361collective sense of urgency, cutting through the din.  
10362
10363
10364Discipline and mastery wins the day when confronted with chaos and disorder,
10365
10366and so was it in the courtyard of the foundry.  Telthian and the warden were
10367
10368the last to slip into the forge chamber, sealing the iris behind them, while
10369
10370the corpses of the ghul already were being scavenged by their kin.  
10371
10372-*-
10373
10374--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10375
10376[ 66] Telthian: Lost City - Shimmermist - III
10377
10378Mon Apr  8 21:53:51 2019
10379
10380To: All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
10381
10382--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10383
10384 -*-
10385
10386
10387 They stood in darkness for a time, catching their breath as the smell of
10388
10389fresh sweat and blood invaded the musty air of the inner chamber.  There was
10390
10391no sound from beyond, not so much as the footfalls of their enemy or the
10392
10393scratching of ghul on the umbric door.  After a moment the command was given
10394
10395to fan out.  Making light as they could by torch or by spell, the chamber
10396
10397was illuminated.  
10398
10399
10400The warden was half expecting the appearance of some monstrous guardian or
10401
10402champion of the ghul, a towering golem or patchwork beast with too many
10403
10404limbs.  The harsh light and hard shadows gave the foundry an artificial and
10405
10406ethereal quality.  Expelling a breath, the warden confessed his fear with a
10407
10408sigh of relief and was met with brotherly chuckles and agreement.  The
10409
10410Kingpriest shot him a grin.  That was a good sign.  
10411
10412
10413Before them lie a forge.  It was not impressive in size, nor overwrought
10414
10415with gems, gold, or flowing script like one might observe with the elven
10416
10417smiths, fond of pretense as they were.  It was utilitarian, well cared for,
10418
10419and entirely unassuming.  The chamber, like its entryway, was untouched by
10420
10421the struggles and catastrophes of the world outside.  
10422
10423
10424Heavy clay jars stamped with the sign of the arcanaeum brimmed with oils for
10425
10426the slack pools, though the waters had long since been stolen to the dry
10427
10428air.  The bellows would operate with minor repair.  But most importantly,
10429
10430recessed within the hearth kindled that protean glow, remaining just as it
10431
10432had the day of the Doom, well appointed and hungry for work.  
10433
10434
10435His vitality would stoke the ancient forge once more, and the plume would be
10436
10437signal to both his fallen Master's servants and the Ghul alike, leading the
10438
10439Kingpriest one step closer to finality.  
10440
10441
10442Such was Telthian's observation, his conviction, and his expectation.  
10443
10444 
10445
10446       -*-
10447
10448--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10449
10450[ 67] Telthian: Lost City - Shadows Linger
10451
10452Mon Apr  8 21:57:47 2019
10453
10454To: All ( Scorn Necrucifer Imm Religion )
10455
10456--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10457
10458    -*-
10459
10460
10461The hellmouth is known for its boiling pits of sulfur, the ivory waste
10462
10463the sun-bleached bones of soldiers long dead, and the blood lands its
10464
10465shrieking wayward souls, but no place exerts quite the same influences upon
10466
10467the susceptible as Dae'tok.  
10468
10469
10470Time was ever a flexible asset within the city, yet even before its end
10471
10472Dae'tok was haunted by the shadows of its own grandeur.  The tectonics here
10473
10474are ever-changing.  Slowly, but it progresses so.  
10475
10476
10477Shadows, literal and figurative still lie upon ruined homes and within the
10478
10479minds of those pitiable few who thought they might find wealth, glory, or
10480
10481even redemption in the ruins.  The land on which the Imperium had been built
10482
10483had once been blessed with abundance and ascendancy that surpassed all
10484
10485others.  The land stood green and promising in the summer months, rising
10486
10487gently from the frigid waters of the inland lakes.  
10488
10489
10490And now, the whole region seemed undefinable tainted.  The lands itself were
10491
10492mired in degeneration and pestilence against which there was no recourse, a
10493
10494festering wound left to rot away that could not be cleansed by the choking
10495
10496snow or ice nor the procession of time.  Many who sought the riches of
10497
10498Dae'tok perished there.  They died within, sublimated and twisted by the
10499
10500Ghul.  It is a perilous path where dark figures chitter and screech, and few
10501
10502who escaped beyond the icy curtain survived it intact.  
10503
10504
10505After the Doom, the Knights came.  Self-styled inquisitors and confessors
10506
10507who saw things that assured them of their righteous nature.  They were quick
10508
10509to declare victory and return back to more hospitable climes, leaving behind
10510
10511the standards of Madaur, dePaynes, and d'Aggravaine.  But the blight
10512
10513festering beneath the ice was out of sight and out of mind.  In this, the
10514
10515Ghul kept their secrets and grew cunning in that keeping.  
10516
10517
10518From within the depths of the ruins, they could leak her influence back into
10519
10520the frozen world above and slip between the cracks, soaking into the waking
10521
10522lives and color every decision with delicate shades of malice.  A clawed
10523
10524hand carefully picking away at the fragile strands that bound together a
10525
10526tenuous unity.  
10527
10528-*-
10529
10530--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10531
10532[ 68] Ithelim: The morning of. (Encampment)
10533
10534Tue Apr  9 02:08:00 2019
10535
10536To: Shadow Rasavadi Tamaska Ashtiel Telthian Necrucifer ( Imm Ampersand Cayenna Admin RP )
10537
10538--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10539
10540Ithelim woke up early, the sun still hidden behind the horizon, a thin
10541
10542line of blue.  His breath misted in front of him as he pulled the blanket
10543
10544tighter around him, shuffling over to the small table in his tent.  With a
10545
10546pull of the cork he poured himself some of the last nights wine, muttering
10547
10548about at least liking his wine chilled.  
10549
10550
10551He set his glass on the small table next to his cot before turning his
10552
10553attention to the camp stove in the middle of the tent.  With the fire
10554
10555rekindled, he turned back to his table and sat down on the chair beside it. 
10556
10557With his drink in one hand, he began to rummage through the missives and
10558
10559notes on the areas they were about to leave in just a few hours.  He would
10560
10561be delving into the mines of Shimmermist, looking for who knew what.  He sat
10562
10563back and took a long drink from his glass.  What was he looking for?  He
10564
10565didn't know.  Something, though, was there and it needed finding.  He knew
10566
10567Nehtur was looking for a magical shield, but what else could be hidden deep
10568
10569within the mines.  Vincent's nullstones?  There had to be something else
10570
10571that could pull out of the depths.  
10572
10573
10574He turned a leaflet and looked at the reports, mulling over the reports on
10575
10576Dra'strit drawing his eye for a few moments.  Perhaps he would visit there,
10577
10578look through the dusty tomes that still resided within the monastary there. 
10579
10580What would they find?  What lost knowledge was just waiting to be found? 
10581
10582Symantha and Tenshi would be there, searching.  Would they have what they
10583
10584needed when they got there?  Would there be enough aid?  Only time would
10585
10586tell, it seemed.  
10587
10588
10589He stacked the parchment once more and finished his wine in one, the rest of
10590
10591his thoughts would have to wait.  The camp was waking around him and it was
10592
10593time that he got himself together as well.  He quickly dressed in his silks
10594
10595and then pulled his furs over them.  
10596
10597
10598Stepping from his tent he took a deep breath of the cold air, a smile
10599
10600spreading on his lips.  The smell of breakfast in the air. 
10601
10602
10603--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10604
10605[ 71] Vincent: Finding the Nullstone: Fate Misunderstood - pt. 1
10606
10607Tue Apr  9 16:00:16 2019
10608
10609To: Shadow Verminasia Ithelim Rasavadi Tamaska All ( Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna RP )
10610
10611--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10612
10613It was a simple contract.  One so menial that Dorgal "The Avalanche"
10614
10615Vendrickson was initially insulted at its offer.  Find a boy.  Take a rock
10616
10617from him.  Return it here.  Here, into the wastelands of Icewall, far from
10618
10619society and convenience.  Too far from convenience to be tasked with getting
10620
10621a simple stone.  
10622
10623
10624Yet as odd a request and as outlandish as its maker was, the contractor had
10625
10626offered subsequent compensation.  Jeweled eggs by the dozen, worth far more
10627
10628than the object they were to retrieve.  Dorgal thought it a trap at first
10629
10630then a poorly made joke second until the Ogre showed them what was promised.
10631
10632The Avalanche had long subscribed to the philosophy of "seeing is
10633
10634believing."  The Ogre let him touch them, examine their authenticity.  They
10635
10636were the real deal.  
10637
10638
10639Much like a reflex, the thought occurred to simply kill the Ogre and take
10640
10641his prize.  The Ogre was isolated, alone, singular in his offer and company.
10642
10643Easier to walk away with a small fortune than to return for it later.  The
10644
10645odds may even have been in favor of the Ogre being far gone by the time they
10646
10647returned, sent on a fool's errand by one of their rivals or victims'
10648
10649associates, but the details were too complex for such a petty scheme.  The
10650
10651Avalanche Mercenary Company had never dealt with or antagonized anyone with
10652
10653so much creativity as that.  
10654
10655
10656"There is a Half-Elven boy traveling to Nordmaar, " the Ogre spoke.  "He is
10657
10658an herbalist by trade.  You will know him by the symbol his satchel bears. 
10659
10660He carries with him a family heirloom a stone encircled with strands of
10661
10662silver, copper, and gold.  
10663
10664
10665Find him.  Take it from him.  Return it to me first.  One-hundred and fifty
10666
10667jeweled eggs in exchange for the stone.  
10668
10669
10670" Do we have a deal?  "
10671
10672
10673Dorgal's experience repressed his savage urges once the offer seemed, to the
10674
10675best of his knowledge, earnest.  Such treasure was often not as ill-guarded
10676
10677as it appeared.  Surely the Ogre was not truly alone despite the remoteness
10678
10679of their rendezvous spot.  Others would be keeping watch over such wealth. 
10680
10681
10682His gut feeling had long been a dependable ally.  Now it warded him against
10683
10684burgling this strange, secluded creature.  Still Dorgal scrutinized the fine
10685
10686print, briefly worded as it was.  
10687
10688
10689"First?  " asked the Avalanche, among several other pointed inquiries.  
10690
10691
10692"Yes, " replied the Ogre.  "There is at least one other like myself in
10693
10694pursuit of the stone.  It is imperative you find it first...  For I am the
10695
10696most civil and amenable among us.  No other would pay you so gratuitously,
10697
10698nor welcome you so graciously.  "
10699
10700
10701More like this one after the stone?  An Ogre in Nordmaar would stick out
10702
10703like a dragon living in Greystoke.  Better yet were it to become hostile the
10704
10705native populace would rise to their defense.  Dorgal and most of the Company
10706
10707were, after all, locally born and raised.  The contract was finalized and
10708
10709taken without much further hesitation upfront, though the sincerity of the
10710
10711offer remained questionable in the minds of many.  
10712
10713
10714For the Avalanche Co. , Few winters had promised to be so easily weathered. 
10715
10716Nay, prosperous.  The wealth would last them long beyond this harsh season,
10717
10718even if spent lavishly at first.  While they could not retire on the fund,
10719
10720quality arms, armor, and a surplus of indulgences and supplies were about to
10721
10722become quite affordable.  In their minds, the eggs were already spent. 
10723
10724 
10725
10726--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10727
10728[ 72] Vincent: Finding the Nullstone: Fate Misunderstood - pt. 2
10729
10730Tue Apr  9 16:01:46 2019
10731
10732To: Shadow Verminasia Ithelim Rasavadi Tamaska All ( Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna RP )
10733
10734--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10735
10736For the young Half-Elf Marron Trent, however, this winter was to be his
10737
10738last.  
10739
10740
10741This "prized possession", his family heirloom, grew steadily heavier since
10742
10743the wager made within that tavern twixt the Arkanian and Verminasian
10744
10745borders.  So easily the Ogre had lured the boy far from the warmth and
10746
10747vibrancy of his Althainian home.  
10748
10749
10750About a week after his victory over Mucky Jobte in a game of Nexus Holdem,
10751
10752the "Trent-Stone" began attracting unwanted offers and attention of all
10753
10754degrees where it had never done so before.  It followed him through Arkania,
10755
10756across the sea to Thalosia, and on to his master's hovel near the city of
10757
10758Ofcol, just below the shadow of the Dwarven Mountain.  
10759
10760
10761The heirloom, sentimental and precious to his forefathers as it was, grew
10762
10763burdensome on young Marron.  Why was it so sought after and why now all of a
10764
10765sudden?  Had Jobte, spiteful in his loss, placed a curse on him?  Was it a
10766
10767
10768sign from his ancestors?  Were they trying to tell him something from beyond
10769
10770the grave?  His want to dispose of the heirloom had grown such that it was
10771
10772only checked by his trepidation of doing so.  
10773
10774
10775The day the missive from Icewall arrived claiming to "explain everything",
10776
10777Marron cast aside all skepticism to be rid of the troublesome rock.  With
10778
10779great haste and little respite from his slog through the Death Marshes,
10780
10781Marron set off to meet with a man claiming to be of relation to his
10782
10783Nordic-born mother.  The Half-Elf's desperation to return to normality held
10784
10785at bay the anxieties gnawing at the lining of his gut.  
10786
10787
10788--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10789
10790[ 73] Maccus: Settling on the ship
10791
10792Tue Apr  9 16:04:29 2019
10793
10794To: Rasavadi Tamaska Nymaya Donimas Shadow Verminasia ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
10795
10796--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10797
10798They walked to the boat, hand in hand Maccus standing a good foot taller
10799
10800than Sofka.  The nervousness was easy to tell from Maccus and a gentle
10801
10802squeeze or his hand from Sofka ushered him further along the docks.  He had
10803
10804packed all that he deemed necessary for himself and those he would join from
10805
10806Eclipse in the coming voyage.  Little was known of the expedition from him
10807
10808other than it was of utmost importance.  He turned to Sofka and kissed her
10809
10810gently atop her head before helping her onto the gangplank and across onto
10811
10812the ship.  
10813
10814
10815Once aboard the couple is ushered below deck and into a the large area where
10816
10817those joining the expedition will rest when not assisting with the ships
10818
10819duties.  The quartermaster bellowed through the cabin, 'Ship leaves for
10820
10821Icewall when the tides are ready!  Make sure your things are stored away
10822
10823before then!  '.  With a soft grunt Maccus watches Sofka tug gently at her
10824
10825ear, almost as if in soft annoyance at the yelling.  He offers her a soft,
10826
10827reassuring smile as they continue to stowaway their belongings.  
10828
10829
10830Sofka turns to the Maccus and whispers, 'Do you think we packed too much? 
10831
10832'.  Glancing at her pack filled with more crucial brewing supplies.  She
10833
10834then turns her head to Maccus's pack, chuckling softly as she notes the
10835
10836second array of weapons added to his usual assortment.  'Oh...  I see,
10837
10838you're more than ready for this.  ' 
10839
10840
10841A soft chuckle escapes Maccus's lips, and he nods slowly, 'However I am
10842
10843needed, I will be ready.  '.  With one last tug of his pack he nods,
10844
10845satisfied with how secure the packs they brought with them were.  'It'll
10846
10847take two or three days to get to Icewall, so let's get ourselves as ready as
10848
10849possible for what's coming.  '.  Sofka nods slowly in agreement as Maccus
10850
10851begins to change out of his normally light underclothing to a thicker shirt
10852
10853underneath, covering his scar covered arms before taking Sofka and going
10854
10855above deck to wait for the others.  
10856
10857
10858--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10859
10860[ 76] Rasavadi: Departure
10861
10862Tue Apr  9 22:19:43 2019
10863
10864To: Shadow Verminasia Eclipse all Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna
10865
10866--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10867
10868There was a quiet knock on his state room door.  "h-h-Highlord, the
10869
10870Captain says the tide is nearly favorable to depart."  
10871
10872
10873"Thank you Clarence.  Have all arrived?  "
10874
10875
10876"Yes my'Lord, the last couple are stowing their baggage now, and the other
10877
10878two...  D-dead ones are below."  
10879
10880
10881"Good, inform the others then that I will meet with them after the sun sets 
10882
10883then, and tell the Captain to set sail when he feels its best.  "
10884
10885
10886"Yes sir."  
10887
10888
10889Turning his head toward the litter of missives on his desk Rasavadi pondered
10890
10891over one.  On one side was a waxen seal bearing the crest of d'Aerthe which
10892
10893was normal.  What wasn't normal was the fact that he couldn't open it with
10894
10895nail, knife, or halberd.  Flipping the envelop over his mothers familiar
10896
10897script taunted him.  "It will open when they are ready.  " 
10898
10899
10900"Then send it when they are ready...  " he growled, yet carefully stowed the
10901
10902letter in his map case.  
10903
10904
10905"Ship leaves for Icewall when the tides are ready!  Make sure your things
10906
10907are stored away before then!  " the Captain bellowed.  
10908
10909
10910Rasavadi smiled at the Captains efficiency and looked out his port hole. 
10911
10912"Hrm, nightfall in a couple hours, and the ebon moon is out and full... 
10913
10914Time to do something I haven't done in a long, long time.  
10915
10916
10917--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10918
10919[ 77] Rasavadi: The Path Forward
10920
10921Tue Apr  9 22:52:16 2019
10922
10923To: Drakkara Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna Scorn Verminasia Shadow All
10924
10925--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10926
10927Rasavadi sat in meditation as the full ebon moon settled into view of his
10928
10929porthole.  
10930
10931
10932You've both won and lost.  
10933
10934
10935In your revenge you captured the throne of hell, and in doing so lost the
10936
10937Storm, the Eclipse, your highest ranking priest, a dragon, and most, if not
10938
10939all, of Verminasia.  
10940
10941
10942Your continued silence is simply driving us further, and further away.  In
10943
10944the end I fully expect the full weight of your wrath to fall upon us all,
10945
10946but I caution against such an action.  
10947
10948
10949To do so...  Would simply remove us all fully from the Dark Pantheon most
10950
10951likely.  Driving us to the light at best, or to the Warp at worst.  Without
10952
10953some sort of "out" between us we will be lost to you forever, and don't
10954
10955think for a second that we didn't learn that the God mortal connection isn't
10956
10957a two way street.  
10958
10959
10960My prayers are harsh.  Let the words burn through your rage that you may see
10961
10962the truth of it.  
10963
10964
10965Help us reincarnate the Master, help us pave the way for His return.
10966
10967
10968I loved you once, perhaps I can do so again.
10969
10970
10971
10972--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10973
10974[ 78] Vincent: Finding the Nullstone: The Devil's Deal - pt. 1
10975
10976Wed Apr 10 16:43:05 2019
10977
10978To: Shadow Verminasia Ithelim Rasavadi Tamaska All ( Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna RP )
10979
10980--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10981
10982As he departed the sheltered warmth of Nordmaar's Viking's Tavern, Dorgal
10983
10984could predict what would happen when he raised his hand in farewell to his
10985
10986blood kin Marron Trent.  
10987
10988
10989He could predict that his gesture would signal his lieutenant Borislav to
10990
10991would slit the Half-Elf's throat in cold blood and pilfer the stone from his
10992
10993satchel.  He could predict the patrons, many whose faces and families he was
10994
10995familiar with, would pay little mind to and speak nothing of the boy's all
10996
10997too casual assassination.  He could predict his gold, which was given to the
10998
10999tavern keep in advance, would pay for the clean-up of their mess and
11000
11001disposal of Trent's remains.  
11002
11003
11004Most, if not all, of Dorgal's predictions came true.  
11005
11006
11007Borislav met Dorgal and the rest of the Company within their rented stables
11008
11009later that day.  Here in respite from the biting cold, the Avalanche was
11010
11011presented his prize.  For the first time, Dorgal was able to truly inspect
11012
11013the stone.  It fit snugly into his large palm and though it had weight to it
11014
11015the stone wasn't overly heavy.  Like most large, solid objects it would
11016
11017certainly hurt to be hit with, but beyond its reflective, blue sheen it was
11018
11019just as plain as any other rock.  
11020
11021
11022Though it appeared to be quartz, to Dorgal it more resembled the black,
11023
11024volcanic stones found along the coast.  Even the threaded precious metals
11025
11026banding it weren't worth what the Company was promised for it.  More silver
11027
11028and gold clinked around in Dorgal's pocket than the amount used in the
11029
11030circlet's creation.  The Avalanche again doubted the contract's validity.  
11031
11032
11033Dorgal enjoyed being punctual in his work and with his clients but he knew
11034
11035better than to test the fury of Icewall's storms.  The job nearly finished,
11036
11037they would set out once the inclement weather had passed.  The Company's
11038
11039roots and connections would see them sheltered and safe while the men
11040
11041enjoyed a moment of respite.  
11042
11043
11044For almost two days straight, Turpa's wrathful spirit pummeled the territory
11045
11046without relent.  The weather abated early into the second evening of the
11047
11048Company's stay, the fallen goddess placated for a time.  Preparations,
11049
11050checks, and re-checks for a distance so far and remote would require several
11051
11052hours at least and Dorgal wished to leave at sunrise.  
11053
11054
11055The Company numbered 16 strong, 17 including The Avalanche himself.  Amidst
11056
11057their wagons and sleighs, caribou, and musk oxen they gathered within their
11058
11059stables.  They spent the remainder of the long winter night making ready for
11060
11061the arduous return trip, sleeping in shifts and rebutting the cold in the
11062
11063solace of their pack animals' radiant warmth.  For them it was a night like
11064
11065any other.  
11066
11067
11068--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11069
11070[ 79] Vincent: Finding the Nullstone: The Devil's Deal - pt. 2
11071
11072Wed Apr 10 16:49:04 2019
11073
11074To: Shadow Verminasia Ithelim Rasavadi Tamaska All ( Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna RP )
11075
11076--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11077
11078Night's grasp weakened in the early morning hours preceding dawn.  A
11079
11080hundred some paces away from the party's stables Dorgal sat atop a fallen
11081
11082pine, alone save for the warm company of a small, crackling campfire.  He
11083
11084enjoyed the quiet of this solitude, a time of day oft all too quick to pass.
11085
11086
11087The skies had cleared following the storm, bathing the snow covered land in
11088
11089the twin moons' red and white glow.  Dorgal could even point out the
11090
11091shadowed black moon, a rounded void amidst the starry backdrop across which
11092
11093an aurora danced.  Icy sheets had formed atop the snow drifts, causing the
11094
11095light to reflect and refract in a display of natural allure.  
11096
11097
11098The crisp air was still save for the occasional stray and gentle eddy.  The
11099
11100campfire and mug of spruce tea Dorgal nursed in his large, calloused hands
11101
11102repelled the cold to his satisfaction.  His head bowed forward, basking his
11103
11104scarred face in the crisply sweet steam rising from his cup.  The
11105
11106comfortable silence lulled him to rest his eyes and briefly doze as he
11107
11108habitually did throughout the day in place of true sleep.  
11109
11110
11111A gust of cold wind caused Dorgal to wake from his nap prematurely.  It was
11112
11113not the breeze itself, for he was no stranger to either the cold or the
11114
11115wind, but the whistling it produced.  He thought he had heard whispers upon
11116
11117it, in what language he couldn't make out.  The Avalanche quickly surveyed
11118
11119his surroundings for potential assailants and, upon seeing nothing and no
11120
11121one, shook his head in dismissal of the thought.  It must have been his
11122
11123dreaming subconscious.  
11124
11125
11126He lowered his face to take a long sip of tea and bring his mind back to the
11127
11128waking present.  No more than two seconds had passed, but when Dorgal looked
11129
11130up he found a pair of unfamiliar eyes staring back at him.  
11131
11132
11133Seated on a log across from him in a pose mirroring his own was now a raven
11134
11135haired man garbed in worn chain mail.  The tabard covering his torso was old
11136
11137and slightly tattered, as was the dark cloak wrapped loosely around his
11138
11139person.  The leather of his boots and gloves had sustained the test of time,
11140
11141but time had left its mark.  His eyes were starkly blue and glassy such that
11142
11143the flames before him seemed to dance across their mirrored surfaces.  
11144
11145
11146Despite the man's strange and sudden appearance, Dorgal felt no alarm. 
11147
11148
11149There were few things to fear here surrounded by his men and in the
11150
11151heartland of his native country.  
11152
11153
11154"Y'lost?  ", the Avalanche inquired.  His tone implied the man was where he
11155
11156shouldn't be.  
11157
11158
11159The stranger did not reply immediately, but kept his wordless gaze fixed
11160
11161upon Dorgal.  When he did finally speak, it was not the answer Dorgal
11162
11163expected.  
11164
11165
11166"Dorgal "The Avalanche" Vendrickson, founder and leader of the Avalanche
11167
11168Mercenary Company.  " The man's voice was deep and pointed, clear but quiet
11169
11170enough for civilized conversation.  
11171
11172
11173"Y'found mae, " Dorgal loosed a raspy chuckle.  "State yer bus'ness or clear
11174
11175mah camp.  "
11176
11177
11178"You recently took something from a Half-Elf named Marron Trent, " the man
11179
11180accused with unfailing confidence.  "A stone, black as the starless sky and
11181
11182bound in threads of copper and precious metals.  " 
11183
11184
11185--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11186
11187[ 80] Vincent: Finding the Nullstone: The Devil's Deal - pt. 3
11188
11189Wed Apr 10 16:51:44 2019
11190
11191To: Shadow Verminasia Ithelim Rasavadi Tamaska All ( Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna RP )
11192
11193--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11194
11195"Ah'll boite, " Dorgal replied with a hoarse chuckle.  The conversation,
11196
11197while not loud was neither hushed, had stirred the attention of some of his
11198
11199men.  They kept watch at an inconspicuous distance, most camouflaged against
11200
11201or within the stables' structure.  It was only a matter of minutes before
11202
11203Higgsly "The Hawk" Ghydsotch, one of his foremost veterans, would return
11204
11205from his predeparture scouting trip.  
11206
11207
11208"Wot abou' et?  "
11209
11210
11211"Nothing about it at all.  "
11212
11213
11214A small smile tugged his lips upward, at what Dorgal could not tell.  The
11215
11216gesture only fed the flames of Dorgal's irritation.  His ambiguous answer
11217
11218was near enough to bring it to an inferno.  
11219
11220
11221"Let's make a deal, Vendrickson.  " 
11222
11223
11224The cadence of the man's speech never wavered and save that single, fleeting
11225
11226smile, it remained cast as a statue.  Only the brave or the foolish would
11227
11228appear so untroubled, so at rest, in his present situation.  Dorgal scoffed
11229
11230and grinned ear to ear.  How could this be anything but a joke?  
11231
11232
11233"Yae loike makin' deals, eh?  " Dorgal snickered again before all amusement
11234
11235faded from his face, giving way to flesh of thunder and stone.  "Ah've go'
11236
11237ah deal fer ye then.  "
11238
11239
11240The Avalanche put down his cup and rose to his full height.  He stood just
11241
11242over seven feet with a colossal build to match.  His attire of leathers,
11243
11244furs, and the odd plate decorated with trinkets of metal and bone only
11245
11246seemed to make him all the larger and fierce.  It was easy to imagine why
11247
11248Dorgal received his moniker, for few but Half-Ogres or "Half-Men" regularly
11249
11250reached such size.  The man who remained seated, while perhaps a foot
11251
11252shorter than Dorgal but still tall for a Human, looked like a mere
11253
11254adolescent by comparison.  
11255
11256
11257"First: Ye goin' t'tell mae why tha 'ell et es that tha rock wants fer such
11258
11259attention.  Then: Ye goin' t'convince mae why Ah shouldn'ave 'Iggsly o'er
11260
11261there warm up on yer peachae Sou'ern arse fer target practice.  " 
11262
11263
11264Dorgal jerked his head towards the forested border of the compound, alluding
11265
11266to the marksman that lie hidden within.  
11267
11268
11269"Yer en ah bad place, lad.  "
11270
11271
11272The man rose to his feet then as well and turned his gaze to the shadowed
11273
11274treeline.  He mimicked Dorgal's nod.  
11275
11276
11277"That "Higgsly" over there?  " 
11278
11279
11280"Aye.  Tha' Higgsly thar.  Quit stallin', boy.  Ye got till sunrise t' make
11281
11282yerself straight...  Ah figure tha ain't too far off now.  "
11283
11284
11285The smaller man's eyes returned to meet the Avalanche's brooding gaze.  Now
11286
11287that the man stood upright, Dorgal could make out the crest of Verminasia
11288
11289woven into his frayed, abyssal tabard.  A suit of chain mail covered what
11290
11291parts of his person that cloth and leather did not.  His armor, though worn,
11292
11293in addition to the weapons and jewelry Dorgal now spied, were certainly
11294
11295valuable.  All the less reason to keep the fool intruder alive, never mind
11296
11297entertained.  
11298
11299
11300"More than you know, " the man scoffed in response.  
11301
11302
11303"The offer is this, Dorgal Vendrickson: Take me with you on your return to
11304
11305the one who provided this contract.  Whatever reward you're due is yours to
11306
11307keep.  I've no interest in the stone you carry.  
11308
11309
11310I will provide myself sustenance and, as a courtesy, will unfailingly
11311
11312protect anything within six feet of my person.  My word is bond.  
11313
11314
11315My only other demand is to ride within one of your covered sleighs, I care
11316
11317not which or what with.  The burden of my presence is so light as to go
11318
11319unnoticed.  "
11320
11321
11322Another grin broke through the storm clouds of Dorgal's face, but it lacked
11323
11324the jovial vibrancy of its predecessor.  This grin was dark, even
11325
11326malevolent, for it precluded a sadistic act which would satisfy its wearer's
11327
11328ire.  It met a steel wall, for still this man appeared unafraid and wholly
11329
11330serious.  
11331
11332
11333Dorgal rose one massive hand into the air, stationing to signal for the
11334
11335meddler's execution by crossbow.  
11336
11337
11338"Best hope wha'ever yer offerin' bae worth mah weight en diamon's, lad.  Yer
11339
11340teeterin' on tha' edge now.  "
11341
11342
11343--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11344
11345[ 81] Vincent: Finding the Nullstone: The Devil's Deal - pt. 4
11346
11347Wed Apr 10 16:54:11 2019
11348
11349To: Shadow Verminasia Ithelim Rasavadi Tamaska All ( Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna RP )
11350
11351--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11352
11353"That is the offer, " the stranger shot back.  "Refuse or betray me and I
11354
11355slaughter you all every man, every beast, except for you.  You I will
11356
11357dismember and carry in tow, strapped still living to a sled of your own
11358
11359rotting limbs as I ravage everything that has ever brought you comfort or
11360
11361joy.  "
11362
11363
11364Thunder and lightning cracked across Dorgal's visage as he clenched his jaw
11365
11366and narrowed his eyes.  His raised arm quaked with anger begging for the
11367
11368tension to be released.  A strange notion scratched from the back of his
11369
11370mind restraining his rage enough to let the man finish.  
11371
11372
11373"Do we have a deal?  "
11374
11375
11376"Worst an' last mistake o' yer life, ye daft 'oreson.  "
11377
11378
11379The man's words plucked a familiar string in the back of Dorgal's mind,
11380
11381though it was buried beneath the cacophony of anger swelling in his head. 
11382
11383The day has begun.
11384
11385
11386In a swift downward motion Dorgal released the tension in his arm, flagging
11387
11388Higgsly to loose his bolt.  
11389
11390
11391Nothing.  
11392
11393
11394Heavy were the few seconds which followed as they trudged past with uneasy
11395
11396quiet.  For the first time in decades, his gesticulation went without a
11397
11398hair-trigger response.  The man before him stood intact, unmoved, and
11399
11400appeared as if still awaiting an answer to his "offer."  Then came the
11401
11402screaming.  
11403
11404
11405Wailing cries of agony, more beast-like than man, pierced the forested
11406
11407treeline from where Higgsly's shot should have launched.  Higgsly stumbled
11408
11409forward and into view from his ambush spot, arms clenched tightly over his
11410
11411torso.  Behind him trailed a spattered line of dark crimson streaks and
11412
11413blotches, staining the once pristine snow.  The pale skin of his face was
11414
11415unrecognizable under the mask of blood he now wore, his own that covered his
11416
11417hands and soaked through the cloths clinging to his convulsing person.  
11418
11419
11420The Hawk's screams paused only long enough for him to replenish his breath
11421
11422and resume again.  Even then they were sometimes stifled by the pain,
11423
11424causing Higgsly to choke and sputter before continuing his tortured song. 
11425
11426The marksman collapsed no more than three yards from where Dorgal and the
11427
11428stranger stood, his screams falling with him into silence.  
11429
11430
11431Intent on skewering the man before him, Dorgal reached down to clasp the
11432
11433hilt of his short sword.  In the time it had taken him to blink, he now
11434
11435found both his weapon and hand stuck fast under the stranger's crushing
11436
11437grip.  Dominant hand folded over his waist, no matter how hard he struggled
11438
11439Dorgal could not wrest himself from this awkward position without further
11440
11441disadvantaging .  Despite the bewilderment rampaging through his mind, the
11442
11443Avalanche soon realized he was at the mercy of this smaller man.  
11444
11445
11446"Unwise, Vendrickson, " the stranger placidly remarked.  It was only now
11447
11448that he stood face to face with the man that Dorgal noted his words came
11449
11450unaccompanied by the fog of warm breath.  His eyes appeared hollow as if
11451
11452vacant life and yet some manner of "life" stared back from behind them,
11453
11454inexplicably terrifying and inhuman at best.  
11455
11456
11457"Accept or suffer further losses, mercenary.  As you said, we've until
11458
11459sunrise to reach an agreement.  "
11460
11461
11462"...  Foine, devil.  Ah accept yer 'deal.  '", Dorgal seethed with stubborn
11463
11464acquiescence and a wounded ego.  The Avalanche maintained his glare but
11465
11466offered no further resistance.  
11467
11468
11469"Excellent...  I'm going to release you now and see myself to the stables. 
11470
11471I would go tend to your Higgsly before he bleeds out on the ice.  Are we
11472
11473understood?  "
11474
11475
11476"Aye, we're un'erstood, " the mercenary agreed with a grim nod.  The man
11477
11478released Dorgal's wrist as promised and started towards the cover of the
11479
11480stables.  
11481
11482
11483Dorgal whistled and signaled for his men to collect Higgsly.  A pair jogged
11484
11485forward, wading into the untouched drifts to attend their comrade.  They
11486
11487were flanked by crossbowmen on either side who kept their eyes on the
11488
11489treeline in search of Higgsly's unseen assailant.  
11490
11491
11492The ridiculous contract seemed less and less a ruse.
11493
11494
11495[ 83] Riordan: [Lost City - Eastdrift Redoubt] - Returned.
11496
11497Thu Apr 11 13:51:59 2019
11498
11499To: Verminasia Shadow All ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
11500
11501--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11502
11503The path to Eastdrift Redoubt had gone from being not much more than trails
11504
11505to something of a small road, albeit a snowy one. Roughly every hundred yards
11506
11507metal poles had been hammered into the ground with an iron-wrought lantern
11508
11509containing a ball of light fixed to each.
11510
11511 
11512
11513Leaving a trail to Eastdrift so visible might've seemed risky but to Riordan
11514
11515it seemed worse to have workers, soldiers and equipment get lost on their way.
11516
11517 
11518
11519He had already visited some months prior, trying to keep the troops and workers
11520
11521morale up, to show them that they were not forgotten, to bring letters from home.
11522
11523Now on his return he had now brought along a large sled which held gifts and
11524
11525additional items for the men and women of the encampment - things sent along
11526
11527by their families such as letters, personal items and some luxuries only found
11528
11529back home in Verminasia gathered by his hand, a token of appreciation offered
11530
11531in the name of the Verminasian Crown.
11532
11533 
11534
11535Riordan's stay in Eastdrift would likely be long and a small part of him looked
11536
11537forward to it beyond the duty connected to it. Being among those who would not
11538
11539speak of futility, those who still held hope and faith helped him in ways he
11540
11541couldn't quite put words to.
11542
11543 
11544
11545Riordan was suddenly jostled out of his thoughts by a burly, mostly-frost-bearded
11546
11547soldier. "Thank you, Advisor!" he rumbled, shaking Riordan's hand so vigorously that
11548
11549he thought the whole arm might come off. The soldier had just received a bundle
11550
11551from home and a bottle of rum.
11552
11553 
11554
11555Giving a sharp nod, Riordan exctracted his hand from the soldier's grip and gave
11556
11557the fellow a pat on the shoulder. "The Crown and Verminasia appreciates your service."
11558
11559He repeated the words again and again as packages and bottles of rum were given to each
11560
11561worker and soldier. Even those who wouldn't expect a package from home were offered
11562
11563the same rum, and a bundle of necessary items, each bearing the mark of Verminasia
11564
11565and the province Gogothath.
11566
11567
11568--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11569
11570[ 84] Nymaya: Lost City - Waiting
11571
11572Thu Apr 11 23:09:14 2019
11573
11574To: Rasavadi Tamaska Verminasia Shadow All
11575
11576--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11577
11578She had found what, or rather who, she needed to find.  
11579
11580
11581It had eased her discouragement some but her friend had not lingered. 
11582
11583Letting go had become so familiar and required of her through the years that
11584
11585despite the loss, she had said her private goodbyes and pressed onward.  If
11586
11587her curse lingered, she would outlive the rest of her friends by many years
11588
11589yet anyway.  
11590
11591
11592The deep cold of Icewall had been fitting then and Eastdrift had given her a
11593
11594place to shut away, to hide or to fight.  There were plenty of things to
11595
11596dispatch at the side of the weathered wardens of the Deathwatch and she let
11597
11598the needs of the Keep distract her.  
11599
11600
11601The winter wind was particularly biting that cloudy afternoon as she stood
11602
11603atop its battlement to observe the weather and the traffic.  Word had spread
11604
11605among the wardens that company was on the way, the forces had been rallied. 
11606
11607She had received no personal orders but as she watched the caravans
11608
11609beginning to make their way into the courtyard, she knew the time for
11610
11611delving into the ruins had again arisen.  
11612
11613
11614Flags and crests of all the allied forces and some she did not recognize
11615
11616were among the processions.  'Stragglers yet' she surmised to herself and
11617
11618returned to her watch, grateful for the furs she drew up around her and over
11619
11620her silvered hair.  
11621
11622
11623It was the Highlord and the Guardian she waited for.  It was for them that
11624
11625she persisted and with this thought on her mind, she rubbed absently at the
11626
11627stub of her finger and let her thoughts wander with the angry whistling of
11628
11629the merciless wind.  
11630
11631
11632--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11633
11634[ 86] Symantha: Lost City - Eastdrift & News
11635
11636Fri Apr 12 19:25:22 2019
11637
11638To: Shadow Verminasia Rasavadi Tamaska ( Necrucifer Imm RP Religion Ampersand Cayenna )
11639
11640--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11641
11642She held the letter in a gloved hand and gazed indignantly out at the
11643
11644snow.  Trouble was not what Storm Keep needed, but it was what this letter
11645
11646was outlining.  That it had been sent to her specifically instead of the
11647
11648Dark Lord suggested that whoever had wrote it, knew what it might mean to
11649
11650her.  It had been placed into her hands shortly after it had reached
11651
11652Eastdrift Redoubt.
11653
11654
11655The Chancellor was supposed to have been here at Eastdrift Redoubt.  He was
11656
11657not, as fate would have it.  No, he had returned to bring more supplies and
11658
11659the ship-- 
11660
11661
11662"Something wrong, Lord Templar?" The query came from the Warder and
11663
11664absently, she handed the letter off.  It had come with the latest caravan. 
11665
11666
11667The other woman took a moment to read the contents of the letter and then a
11668
11669similar silence enveloped her.  
11670
11671
11672"Can you see that missive to the Dark Lord please."
11673
11674
11675"Of course, Cardinal." Jossaryn responded quietly and with a salute, went
11676
11677to see to the request.  
11678
11679
11680A ship, the Sea Star, had been commissioned to run supplies between the
11681
11682Icewall landing and the Althainian port.  The Chancellor had taken it upon
11683
11684himself to coordinate the effort and acquire more on the way back from Storm
11685
11686Keep.  
11687
11688
11689The Sea Star had failed to report in.  It was now missing over a week.  If
11690
11691it had gone down, it had taken her husband with it but the news had been
11692
11693spread among the fleets.  If it was anywhere but at the bottom of the
11694
11695turbulent sea, it would hopefully be found.  
11696
11697
11698Dwelling was only going to make her angrier so she turned away from the
11699
11700window and headed off to find maps of the Monastery and its surrounding
11701
11702area.  She wasn't sure what she was hoping to find there, beyond ghul, but
11703
11704it had been made clear that ancient knowledge could still reside within and
11705
11706knowledge - as she had told the Novice Tenshi, who had agreed - could be
11707
11708power.  
11709
11710
11711--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11712
11713[ 87] Vincent: Lost City - Of Goat's & Ram's Skulls
11714
11715Sat Apr 13 00:34:23 2019
11716
11717To: Shadow Verminasia Eclipse Rasavadi All ( RP Necrucifer Ampersand Cayenna )
11718
11719--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11720
11721Fully dilated this night, the Black Moon cast its baleful gaze upon
11722
11723Rasasvadi through the frigate's porthole, boring into the red scaled helmet
11724
11725to meet the abyssal coals that peered back from below.  
11726
11727
11728Rising from his prayer, the Yinnae turned to meet yet another set of eyes
11729
11730wanting - demanding - his attention in the late hours of the night.  These
11731
11732glowed with red hellfire against the stygian backdrop of the hall below
11733
11734decks, unblinking and focused upon him with perfect clarity.  
11735
11736
11737"Donimas," the demon seethed with harsh brevity.
11738
11739
11740The shadows cast by the ship's skeleton tugged and pulled at the borders of
11741
11742his person, distorting the appearance of his outline and extremities to the
11743
11744affect that he himself appeared comprised of them.  Whatever dark power he
11745
11746had retained in this worldly binding seemed magnified under the pull of the
11747
11748full moon.  
11749
11750
11751At that the High Lord knew immediately the archfiend's business.  The
11752
11753intensity of the exchange which followed came not in the form of violence or
11754
11755raised voices, but in pointedly sharp words and hammering rebuttals.  
11756
11757
11758Though the ambient din of the rocking vessel was enough to muffle the
11759
11760dispute from the crew and their comrades in the adjacent rooms, for those
11761
11762few souls who wandered past the tension was tangible to more sense than one.
11763
11764The body language and posturing of the obstinate veterans clearly betrayed
11765
11766the restraint with which they verbally assailed each other.  
11767
11768
11769Powerful but brief, the squall died out quickly as most strong storms do. 
11770
11771Despite the admonishment which dripped from de Vere's teeth, Rasavadi
11772
11773staunchly refused to revoke his admission of the Fatalite into the reformed
11774
11775Eclipse.  Xaran'xaxes, whose basest instinct urged the fiend to sink the
11776
11777ship there and then, was not so foolish as to squander his master's few
11778
11779remaining champions within the realm.  
11780
11781
11782The two had reached an impasse.