|
Post by Gawayn on Feb 2, 2012 23:55:11 GMT -5
Gawayn left his clan mates behind, mind awhirl from the events unfolding. He had no doubt Irishman would restore the druidess soon enough, and he wished luck toward them, wishing he'd been able to provide more than the blessed gem for their journey. That Dragon_Stalker would be able to look after his paladins and the defense of the castle was something he never doubted. He returned to his small room and removed his armor, long practice making the washing and polishing of it go quickly. He kept his mithrail breastplate only over his tunic and pants. He even left his trusted sword behind, for steel or iron would not protect him where he needed to travel. He took with him a small book of holy writings, given to him by his elder brother on first achieving the paladinic order. That he'd never seen his brother again, lost in a border war in the mountains, made the item even more significant to him.
He ran a hand over the black leather cover, worn smoother with use. Brother, may the words contained herein and the care with which you gave them see me safe. May my heart be stout and my eye sharp. Will need both ere I see the sun again.
Down. Down and ever down he descended into the labyrinthe bowels of W&W castle, a twisting, cavernous place known by few and trode by less. Gawayn stopped counting the number of stairwells he traversed, curling or straight, shallow and steep. He did not think of this place often, for the memories were from a time of his training he did not think he would ever need call on again. But even after so long, his feet did not fail him, the way becoming ever more open to him the farther he went. None of the insects or vermin that haunted the upper halls were evident here, for these passageways were blessed with peculiar magics that kept them clean centuries after being cast. The passageways were constrictingly dark, resisting the sputtering light of Gawayn's oil lamp, but for all that they were not evil. He was beyond the ken of any of his comrades above. He was alone here.
He pushed open the unmarked wooden door, no different than any of the several he had passed along the way, at least to the uninitiated. Inside was a vast warren of shelves lining every wall, filled to bursting with scrolls and codices. He settled into a simple wooden chair, setting the first stack of books down to go through. The place was ancient, perhaps older than the castle sitting atop it, though that answer too was lost to time. It was a place where evil did not dare come, for these walls kept out all outside interference. But such a quality had set the hearts of many a paladin squire quaking, for what while they warded against any external threat, they also magnified that which lay within. Legend spoke of paladins driven mad by tiny indiscretions in their hearts magnified beyond all comprehension. That which was writ small could suddenly loom large. Such was the danger of spending too much time in this room, housing the secrets of the ancients, for time increased such magnification, and no being was so perfect as to call the room home.
Gawayn unwound the first scroll, his eyes scanning the pages quickly. He prayed quietly to himself. Come to, come to me. Let me find brightness in this place, find hope in a tomb, joy in the silence, answers among questions. Who are you, dark one? Why do you plague this land? Why do you test us? Me? Come to me answers, come to me relief. He hoped the time required to find the answers he needed would not be long. Already, he felt curiously weaker than he should. Nothing to hinder him greatly, but he could not afford any mark in this place.
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Feb 3, 2012 0:19:08 GMT -5
In The Darkness, a chuckle is heard.
Powerful magic indeed do they possess to counter one of my most meager curses, my minion. Come, let us prepare now to meet the Warriors, for I suspect they will use their time well if we give them much of it.
Touching the ring on his finger, he smiled briefly. Typical of Good, not to see a trick when they saw one. Always wanting to see the best in people! Ha! His energy would recover quickly while he prepared for the night ahead with the aid of his ring. He briefly touches it now, replacing the little magic the flashy but meager curse has taken. Grabbing his gear as he strode out the door, he equipped himself as he strode quickly down the halls. Nearing an opening to the world outside, he paused. A look of concentration covered his face, and The Darkness surrounded him like a cloak. James strode confidently towards the castle, his presence was like a smoke in the shadows. Motioning to his shadow-minion, his words were but a whisper.
Let the troops prepare. Have the undead horde surround the castle, and move in. They will be our solders, as they are expendable and easily replaced with the dead of our enemies.
James pauses for a moment, his eyes a glitter of black, like onyx viewed at night.
Ima'bea! Soghud de'looz!
The Darkness spins, like mist in a fan, circling down like a tornado forming in the clouds. James puts all of his mana into the Darkness Summoning, showing little regard for his own reserves. This indeed would be a powerful Darkness Summoning...his finest warrior.
|
|
Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
|
Post by Unknown on Feb 3, 2012 13:10:55 GMT -5
Unknown stood in his room, preparing himself for the war that was coming. As he was doing so, there was a knock at the broad window in the east, followed by someone opening it and climbing in. Speaking quickly and quietly, he said to Unknown, "Sir, I went to the mountains as you requested. From the highest peak, I could see all the land, and it is as you feared." Unknown frowned, and nodded. The adviser left, climbing back out the window, leaving Unknown to ponder the implications of this news. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a low, drawn-out horn. It was the alarm, to be used only in the most severe emergencies. It had come from the castle walls so Unknown headed there, and was chilled by what he saw. Completely surrounding the castle, was a horde of undead. A little ways away, it appeared that some powerful magic was being cast. Processing this all in a flash, Unknown gave the command to defend the walls, and ran off to warn the others of the danger without waiting to see if or how the command was obeyed. Finding Dragon_Stalker first, he stopped and explained what was going on, panting from the haste of his sprint.
Gather...your warriors...there is...a horde...of undead...surrounding us!
After stopping to catch his breath, he added,
It seems, also, that some powerful magic is being cast outside the walls. I fear that if whatever is out there is allowed to enter, all hope will be lost for us.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Feb 3, 2012 13:15:22 GMT -5
Dragon_Stalker watches his friends head off into different directions, each with their own missions. He looked around to see the warriors that remained: His own band of warriors, Unknown and his men, a few mercenaries, and the brave paladin warriors. This wasn't the first time a siege would be made against the castle, but never before has such an ominous presence lingered in this air.
Unknown approached with news of battle. There was no time to waste, the castle must be defended...
Bedwyr and Parzival, I need you to take the small band of mercenaries and half of my men to guard the castle gates. That's the primary way in the city and the majority of the force should be coming from there. Tell them to raise the gates and bridge immediately.
Camelot and Bors, take some of Unknown's men and the other half of mine to the middle of the city. Help escort the denizens into the keep. Tell the archers of the castle to make ready their arms.
Unknown, you are more familiar with magics than I; do whatever you can to stave them off for as long as you can!
Palavar, you come with me...
|
|
Irishman
Honored Warrior
Clan member[wCP:0]
Traveling Bard
Posts: 6,871
|
Post by Irishman on Feb 3, 2012 15:15:20 GMT -5
Irishman had quickly escorted a weary Bre'Cheye to her rooms to rest and then departed to his Pub to pick up a few much needed items. Setting his silvered sword to one side, he entered his chambers. After pushing the bed aside he lifted out several sections of flooring to expose a chest buried in the ground beneath. Laying his hands upon the chest, he spoke a silent prayer to Y'n Varra. The locks binding the chest opened and he raised the lid.
On the top an oilskin lay, protecting what was beneath. Drawing the skin aside he reached in and withdrew a case. Within the case was his fiddle. Made of cherry it was and polished until it gleamed. Lifting the fiddle and bow from within the case, he pulled a note across the strings. The note was so sweet it hung in the air like a wisp of the Goddess herself.
Carefully, he replaced the fiddle back in its case. Reaching again into the chest he withdrew his most prized possesion. A medallion hanging from a silver necklace and representing Y'n Varra in her human form and animal forms. Settling the necklace beneath his tunic he quickly closed the chest, replaced the floorboards and slid the bed back into place. Taking up his sword, scabbard and fiddle he raced back to Bre'Cheye's quarters.
Finding her still there, sitting on a divan, he took her hand in his and drew from his own strength to replace hers. Knowing from his prayers that their two Goddesses were on friendly terms, he called upon his to restore Bre'Cheyes' strength. Unpacking his fiddle he played a strengthening melody to reinforce the work his Goddess was doing. After a time, he knelt and took her hand again.
Bre', are you alright? We must get you packed for our journey is sure to be perilous.
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Feb 3, 2012 18:31:38 GMT -5
The tornado-like shape of the darkness reaches the ground, and where it touches, the ground starts to crack, and a form appears. James grins, his smile so corrupted that even James does not look pleased to be wearing it. The form that emerges is a warped mockery of humanity. 7 feet tall, the monstrosity lumbers forward. James slumps, all of his mana depleted in the summoning.
Go now, my champion. Lead the troops into battle now, for the war has begun.
Around the castle, a roar of stomping feet and staggering undead is heard as the troops charge.
|
|
Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
|
Post by Unknown on Feb 3, 2012 22:19:04 GMT -5
After meeting with Dragon_Stalker, Unknown made his way to one of the outer towers, climbing the many stairs all the way to the top. Darkness had settled upon the land, and it was hard to see what was going on far below. The attack had been planned well, for there was no moon to shed its light on the battlefield tonight. Holding his signaling horn to his lips, Unknown blasted three quick notes, a signal to the defenders on the wall to begin the attack. Soon there were flashes of light and faint echoes of *BOOM* from far below, Unknown's stash of magically-infused exploding arrows having been distributed earlier. He allowed himself a faint smile, there was surely no way that the shambling undead would be able to get over the walls while being bombarded by them. The smile was soon replaced by a frown, when another explosion below revealed a figure on the battlements, causing chaos amongst the defenders. They had started firing at it, whatever it was, but nothing seemed to harm it. The arrows that missed caused yet more damage. Even from high in the tower, Unknown could see that the situation was dire. Left unchecked, the undead would spill over the battlements, and the clan would have a hard time getting them back out. There was, however, one thing that he could do...
Unknown pulled an arrow wrapped securely in a magic cloth out of his pack. He unwrapped it slowly and carefully, and as soon as he touched it, the runes on it glowed faintly. It was an arrow made in forgotten times, passed down to him from the previous leader of the shadow men. It was made with the most ancient of magic--an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. A life for a life. The arrow would fly true, and undoubtedly kill its target. But it cost the life of whoever shot it. It was a decision not to be made lightly, but the situation surely called for it. Unknown notched the arrow to his bow, and aimed it towards the enemy...
...but he found himself, instead, pinned to the ground by someone. He realized then that he had, for once in his life, let his guard down. Unknown struggled to move, but it was hopeless. Whoever had him in their grip wasn't about to let go. "You fool! Don't you see that we should allow the shadows to win? It is only for our gain! Are we not the ones who live in the shadows?"
Unknown gasped as he recognized the voice of one of his own men. Absolute loyalty was a trait taught and admired in his group, and such a betrayal was shocking. Clearly the allure of the darkness was stronger than he imagined. He replied, "It is you who are the fool! Don't you see that there is no shadow without light? You fight not for shadow, but for utter darkness. A darkness that is not our home, but seeks to destroy us even now."
"We shall see who is at home in the darkness, when I deliver you to it and collect my reward."
Unknown continued struggling, but in vain..
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Feb 3, 2012 23:41:37 GMT -5
BOOOOOOOOM!!!! Explosions were everywhere. Undead soldiers surrounded the castle, their numbers great. Mercenaries, warriors, and paladins fell the shadow beasts one after another, but they were so abundant, that it mattered very little how many were slain. There had already been good, brave men to shed blood...Dragon_Stalker's peripheral did catch glimpses of a few of his own men struggling, and even a few that had fallen. There would be time to attend the dead...later.
Bedwyr and Parzival had some soldiers arranged in the phalanx formation around the gates, in order to hold the position for the maximum time. Being overrun was an inevitability, unless something drastic were done. The men fought with a tenacity that paid no heed to the endless hordes of attackers; it mattered very little the outcome....these men were soldiers. How one fought was always more important than the final outcome.
Looking at Palavar, Gawayn's finest comrade and fiercest warrior, Dragon_Stalker gave a nod and looked intently to the spot where the tornado had landed near the castle gates.Remember what I told you: no fear, no hesitation. Are you sure that you can do it?"I won't miss," Palavar assured him. "You just clear a path, and I'll make sure it's done." From the woods beside the castle, the warrior and paladin came charging forth. A flank of two men, normally would be laughable. But the trail of fallen undead left behind the two warriors wore only an expression of utter shock and terror.SLASH! dodged, replied with a SPLAT! The warrior's sword pierced the body of another undead, and with no wasted energy, the stab turned into a slice that disemboweled the foe while simultaneously CLANG! blocked TING! the sword connected, but at the same precise moment CRUSH! the fist of the warrior met another cracked skull.Go on ahead, quickly! The warrior remained in the thick of the battlefield, slowly cutting his way through fiend after ghastly fiend...making his way gradually closer to where the tornado had split into the ground
Meanwhile, Palavar ran on a head swiftly. He made his way to one of the outer towers. He fought his way up the stairs, leaping and bounding as though he were a jaguar on the hunt. When arriving at the top, he looked down to see that Dragon_Stalker had made his way into position: he was about to confront the lumbering beast. There wasn't much time, he had to make his way to..."Unknown!" shouted Palavar. He saw the shady man struggling with what looked to be one of his own men. On the ground beside him he saw the bow, and that ancient, sacred arrow. While the two men grappled each other on the ground, Palavar scrambled to grab the bow and arrow. He secured the weapon...but he wondered if Unknown would be okay... "No hesitation," he remembered. Unknown would have to handle himself. The paladin took aim with the bow.
Looking down at the battlefield, there was a swath cut out of the undead army that lead straight to Dragon_Stalker. There he stood face to face with the lumbering giant about to lock into combat.Don't worry beasty, the warrior mocked,You won't be he first monster I've embarrassed, though I've never had such an impressive audience.There was a frenzy in the warriors eyes, but it wasn't wild. In the midst of the darkness that surrounded, to the point of suffocation almost, could it be possible that the warrior was, in fact, smiling? Indeed, with every clash, grunt, and swing of the sword...it did seem that the warrior was almost....enjoying himself!
|
|
|
Post by Gawayn on Feb 3, 2012 23:44:02 GMT -5
Time continued in the chamber of reflection but its passing was not marked by Gawayn, who could ill afford the effort. The oil lamp beside him provided light, and that was all he needed. He'd not even bothered to keep count of the scrolls and codices he'd scanned through; even now, years later, his urgency could not keep him from treating the old documents with care and respect. Dragon_Stalker had urged him to find an old spell of luminescence, which he'd found after a few hours' work. Something further called to him, though, something he could not put name to. His fellows above needed more than an arcane spell, his paladins needed more than renewal of their holy aura. They needed to know more about the evil they faced. It needed a face, a name.
He caught himself lost in an old lay of elder paladins of yonder days, when the sheen of victory was still freshly won in the kingdom. The deeds of the paladins from that era were intimidating to Gawayn, even separated by time. He could scarce believe them, yet his old teachers had insisted the writings were true. He shook his head and stood. He needed fresh direction, fresh insight. Yet none lay close at hand and he dared not practice any kind of magic or spell. What with the reflective qualities of the inner walls set to magnify whatever they surrounded, such an effort would likely inadvertently pulverize him.
The thought made him stop cold, recalling what he'd been told long ago. Whatever the walls of the chamber encased, they reflect back tenfold, a hundredfold, magnified perhaps beyond reckoning. Whatever they encased... He set down the codex and left the room, already breathing easier once the door shut. He possessed very little knowledge about what other properties lay dormant in the surrounding passageways, perhaps even in the stones at his feet, but the specific attribute found in the room was faded. A simple, weak magic might work.
Gawayn closed his eyes and steadied his breathing, his mind finding peace. Having reached a balance, he called to mind Dragon_Stalker with sharp focus, his words reaching across the void of space toward his comrade. I have the spell but feel we must bring more to bear against our enemy. Have you heard anything new concerning the darkness? What can you tell me of the enemy's forces? Any news or insight may prove invaluable.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Feb 4, 2012 0:47:33 GMT -5
"Have you CLINK! anything new BANG! the darkness? What can CRASH! me of the enemy's forces? Any SMASH! insight may prove invaluable."
The words entered directly into the warrior's mind. Though there was no audible voice heard, he knew this request came from Gawayn. The forces of dark men were so close to the warrior, threatening to crowd him. There was a small clearing that followed Dragon_Stalker, about the exact length of a sword lunge.
What can I say, my friend? I've not felt such exhilaration since the first day I dared to venture directly into the dragon's lair. I wish you could see this for yourself!
The warrior's gaze from the lumbering figure was never broken; but he could sense that Palavar was in his place and ready, but first.....
SLASH!
The warrior's swing missed the giant shadow monster, but SQUISH! his fist landed squarely on its chest. It wasn't the effect the warrior imagined, but he wasn't thrown off balance. The warrior knew that summoned beasts were highly resilient to physical attacks, but he just HAD to know its strength.
SPLAT! The beasts retaliation proved to be more than the warrior's breastplate was prepared to bear. The indentation threatened to constrict his breathing, so the warrior had no choice but to loose his most protective piece of armor. The warrior would need all the speed he could muster. Only his skill and wit could aide him now.
THUD! The armor hit the ground. The warrior's heart thumped excitedly.
Bring it on!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Feb 4, 2012 13:12:36 GMT -5
From where James stood, he could see the fierce battle begin. The darkness engulfs him as he begins to issue orders.
Go, my creation, go! Let not this 'Dragon Stalker' phase you. Let the power of Evil Fred protect you, and guide you.
The Champion turns abruptly, to face a quickly zeroing-in Dragon Stalker. He raises a blade, apparently made from The Darkness itself, and swings, attempting to chop DS in a sideways motion.
|
|
Irishman
Honored Warrior
Clan member[wCP:0]
Traveling Bard
Posts: 6,871
|
Post by Irishman on Feb 4, 2012 18:07:42 GMT -5
Irishman is suddenly overcome with a strong feeling, one he knows well. The evil in the air is palpable. He feels it attempting to penetrate the heart of the castle. Its tendrils wrapping insidiously about the walls.
Inside he feels an awakening, another awareness stirring. With a cry he falls to his knees, the name of his Goddess, Y'n Varra, a whispered prayer. His fiddle falls to the side, his gear atop it. From the floor he screams in agony, as sounds of tearing cloth are heard. Before Bre'Cheyes' stunned gaze, a startling transformation takes place.
.........................................
Atop the battlements, a loud cry is heard. A large form bounds to the top of the walls. Then, leaping into the air it crushes the undead beneath its' paws as it lands upon the field of battle.
.........................................
Out on the battlefield Dragon_Stalker is joined by a large silver wolfe. The beast is easily as large as a horse. A holy white light surrounds the wolfe forcing the undead to turn away painfully. Looking regally at Dragon_Stalker, its lips peel back from its teeth in a feral grin. Then it pounces into the undead, scattering them like chaff in a high wind. Bowing before the mighty Paladin, it lowers its mighty head then, rises to stand beside the warrior.
The wolfe raises its muzzle and lets forth a loud howl that sends shivers through all the fighting men. From the surrounding forests, wolves by the hundreds eagerly join the battle. Tearing into the undead, and leaving riven flesh behind the wolves help to begin the slow turn back towards victory.
The wolfe keeps all the others at bay so that Dragon_Stalker may duel the fell foe and not have to guard his back. The wolfes' holy nimbus destroys the undead, burning them to ash, even as its teeth tear them asunder.
|
|
|
Post by Gawayn on Feb 4, 2012 19:09:01 GMT -5
Gawayn's eyes grew wide as his mind glimpsed some of what Dragon_Stalker saw, the tumult reaching him even through such a tenuous connection. He shook his head clear, having seen enough and not wanting to distract his comrade in arms further. The last thing he heard was a wolf howl, and hoped it did not bode for further ill for the fight above.
He left the fight to his friends and returned to the ancient chamber with renewed purpose. Something about the towering creature had sparked his memory. Hours were spent quickly leaving through books concerning the blackest magic, collected at great cost. Why hadn't he thought of this before? Raising the Undead was but an inverted expression of Exorcism. Could the malevolent force behind the darkness have access to paladin powers? Could there be a fallen paladin the order knew nothing of mixed up in this affair? How was it possible?
Gawayn uttered a prayer for fortitude and pressed on.
|
|
Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
|
Post by Unknown on Feb 4, 2012 20:14:04 GMT -5
After his hands and mouth were magically bound, Unknown was dragged back down, out of the tower. Plank, the alias that his captor went by, led him outside through one of the many secret passages that had been mapped by the shadow men years ago. He was dragged roughly through the decaying remains of the undead, who were no longer occupying this spot. All attention had been drawn to the main gates and Dragon_Stalker's fight. He was taken to a dark spot, not far from where the battle was taking place. Bowing, Plank said,
My liege, I vow to fight for you and for Evil Fred. As a sign of my vow, I give you my leader, who still foolishly fights for the light, to do with as you wish.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Feb 4, 2012 21:19:21 GMT -5
SWOOOSH! The dark blade was swung with great speed and power, but the nimble warrior dropped low to the ground, crouching into an attack position. His grip tightened onto his sword, muscles were contracted, and his lunge upwards was purposed for the heart (or at least the cavity where a heart should be) of the soulless beast.
|
|