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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted October 11, 2005 06:33 AM |
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(OOC Edit: There is a reason I've made this post so long, and here it is. The thread has stagnated, in my opinion, because we are preparing for a climax that it seems cannot come soon enough. This time of peace has been rather deadly to the thread, so I think it would be nice to leap to the future. Your posts don't have to be quite this long, but just plan to wrap up the two months within a couple of posts so that we can get on to the action we've been waiting for since page 49.)
The shadow mage tensed and clinched his fists, turning to greet the rogue reluctantly after standing motionless for a while. Edwin grinned; Mordikai grimaced. He had not expected to be found so soon, but the fact confirmed his fears that he had indeed lost much of his former agility and guile. This was not good, and he turned to Edwin for help.
"I still do not understand why you are here, but, since you have taken such an interest in the dulling of my skills, I am sure you would not mind helping me sharpen them again." Edwin stood there, locked in thought, though it was obvious it was a pretense meant to cover nothing. He was again playing around with the shadow mage.
"Certainly," he said after a while had passed, "I'd be happy to help you regain what you've lost." Mordikai caught a gleam in Edwin's eye, and he turned and motioned for the shadow mage to follow. The pair wound through the labyrinth and up into the courtyard above, leaving the four to remain in search for the shadow mage. On the way, the rogue told the gate guard to let him know when each of his four elite bodyguards resurfaced from the fort. The man nodded, and Edwin led on.
They eventually arrived at the stables, a sizable wooden partition built into the back of the fort that held a vast array of horses of all kinds. These mustangs had been rounded up from the countryside and tamed for the purposes of the army. As a result, the Chaos cavalry was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous in the land, perhaps due to sheer number alone.
Edwin summoned a stable boy, a task reserved for child prodigies to prepare them for the rigors of soldier training when they came of age, and told him to fetch two horses.
"The fastest, sir?" the boy asked.
"Any will do," came the reply, and the boy scampered off into the stalls.
Mordikai was becoming uneasy. "Where are we going?" he asked reservedly, "Who will watch the armies?"
"No need to worry," the rogue said reassuringly, "I've made preparations with your four guards to lead the army should both you and I ever disappear unexpectedly. The forces of Chaos should be well prepared for battle when you return." The rogue's subtle grin, ever so slightly more noticeable than the one he wore all the time, convinced the shadow mage that this was no unexpected journey. Those men had been trained as interim generals. Still, he said nothing.
The boy returned with a pair of horses, some of the best in the stable. Edwin noted this, and dismissed the boy as he wondered which of the two possible emotions he felt toward the generals. He either greatly respected or greatly feared them, or perhaps some mixture of both. In any case, either would be useful as he grew. The rogue mounted, and the shadow mage followed suit. Within moments, they were riding out in the open with the sunset at their backs. They were headed northeast.
Not too long into the journey, the shadow mage figured out where they were going. The chamber where the Master Emerald lay was now buried and the city above it reinhabited, and few still knew of the remains that lay beneath. Even the treasure hunters who had found the hidden altar chamber at the end of the catacombs beneath the library found nothing. The door with the four indentations had long since been sealed, leaving the Emerald trapped inside.
***10/20 EDIT***
Only one of the jewels that could unlock the chamber was still accounted for, the Water Sapphire Dean still held within the Ice Mace. It had become a symbol of terror, even though the tyrant hadn't made much use of the Mace's powers as of late, electing instead to let his army of demons do the dirty work. The other jewels and their corresponding weapons had vanished after they served their purpose, only a few still aware of their whereabouts. The thief had sold his jewel back to the Supreme Magi at a high price, much to their chargrin, but the ruby had been stolen by Dean upon his attack on the tower for unknown reasons. Vadskye had kept the Fiery Morningstar for his own inscrutable purposes. The Wind Zephyr, Mighty Mage's jewel, and the Staff of the Clouds had disappeared mysteriously along with its guardian. He no doubt still held the weapon and gem, though, as it wasn't within the Supreme Mage's nature to let something so important fall into the wrong hands. The Land Opal had been taken by Rinaldo and given to the elves in the west. The time mage had hoped the jewel's powers could be used against the poisonous bubbles that often popped up around that area, but the jewel's powers long lay dormant by the time they tried to harness it. The Earth's Tooth was buried underground so that it would not be disturbed unless the need arose to do so. The elves were, after all, a very cautious people.
***END EDIT***
It was also widely speculated that the master jewel had as well. Nobody really knew, though.
Mordikai was proven right as they arrived at their destination 10 days later. The rogue led the way through the hidden basement into the catacombs, and eventually to the door the time mage had so recklessly opened over five years before. The tomb remained deathly silent until the rogue interrupted the stillness in the air.
"Remember this place?"
"I do."
"What happened here?" the rogue turned toward the shadow mage. At first, Mordikai believed this another test, but it soon became apparent that Edwin honestly didn't know of the events that had transpired in this place. All the rogue knew was that this place had shaped the shadow mage in some way.
Mordikai painfully recounted both times he had been in this room, once with a bitter friend, once with a trusted enemy. He explained how he had opened the path for darkness to enter this city of light, how he had drained the very life from his friend who still stood only by the curse of the ones he sought to unravel. How he had survived his encounter with Motherdark; no, he had defeated her! Together with Alivia, he had washed away the greatest evil that ever lived. It was that pure essence of evil that dwelled within her that had been her undoing. She had been defined by that essence, but the evil they faced now was of a much more dangerous variety.
Dean's defeat would not prove so simple. He had existed before in spite of his powers, and the only purification to which he was subject dwelled within his grasp. The summoner would have to be undone by his own will unless someone were to match his power. The latter would surely leave great destruction in its wake.
Edwin was silent when he could have spoken for the first time in a while. Eventually, he processed the tale the shadow mage had told him and met Mordikai's gaze. He asked, "This place hold great importance to you, doesn't it?"
"More than you could know," the shadow mage responded definitively.
"Don't ever forget those feelings that allowed you to walk out of this place both times when you could have stayed. You were at your worst when you confronted Rinaldo, yet at your best when you confronted Motherdark. But, you held great power both times."
"True, but my power was borrowed when I faced my rival."
"Exactly," the rogue said triumphantly. "Yet, you held your own destiny in your hands when you came here later on and defeated an even greater foe. Try to remember what that felt like."
"I have tried, every day. Yet something inside of me holds me back from feeling that way again. Even after seeing Rinaldo again, I feel empty."
"Follow me," said Edwin, "we're leaving."
As they reached the surface, the shadow mage turned and asked. "What should I do about this emptiness?"
"Just follow me," the rogue said. He was hiding their next, and final, destination. Mordikai could only hope his question would be answered in time.
In keeping with his mysterious lead, the rogue rode westward for nearly a week toward the Unholy One's mausoleum, which had long since been destroyed. The ruins remained, though, as all who tried to clear them died mysteriously, as did any trees they had planted. Death emenated from this area, and it seemed that this place would never see life again. Ash littered the ground, seemingly in place of the soil which would have brought forth that life. They arrived and dismounted, and the shadow mage reluctantly followed Edwin through the massive stone pillars.
"Be sure not to touch the ruins," Edwin warned.
Eventually, the pair came upon the throne of the Unholy One, a place where great evil had once reigned. Directly behind it stood a single archway that had survived the destruction the Magi had caused in their frantic attmepts to subdue their final foe. Within the grand archway, a green energy bounded about, swirling serenely within it majestic cofines. Edwin continued walking and entered the portal without looking back. Again, Mordikai followed reluctantly.
The sun had set long before, and the place that they had arrived was so dark that even its two inhabitants had trouble seeing, despite their inclinations to avoid such shortcomings. Edwin picked up a nearby lantern, as conveniently placed as the portal had been, and lit it. He had planned this quite thoroughly.
The lantern's light illuminated a large cobalt gate, above which read the letters Chaos Fallen: Rest in Peace. The rogue opened it and disappeared into the darkness, his motions for the shadow mage to follow only dimly lit by his guiding lantern. Mordikai, still perplexed as to why they had gone so far out of the way to come back here, followed the silhouette through winding pathways.
They reached the back of the graveyard, where three graves stood apart from the rest. In the center, the black marble stone read "A Fallen Mother/A Fallen Son/Despairing Love/Binds Them As One." Above the words, it read "Alivia." To the right lay not a tomb, but a shrine of sorts, as its intended inhabitant still occupied her place in the graveyards in Order, undisturbed for many years. The epitaph simply said "Supreme love drives us all." On the left lay Wolfman's grave, made from a rock found in that very graveyard, his favorite. The inscription read: "Unjustly Taken/By Soldier Forsaken/Rescuer and Friend/To Your Element Now Tend." A single arch spread over the three solitary stones. It read "REST IN PEACE."
Mordikai stepped forward with tears in his eyes as he recalled his most profound wish and kneeled in front of the graves, saying each inscription slowly aloud to himself. He then read the archway above. Behind him, a voice asked from the darkness, "When you realize that you cannot let yourself be chained to the past and come to terms with the three you've avoided for so long, will you once again be free?" Mordikai turned around, but the rogue was gone. His guide had disappeared into the night, leaving him alone to confront and resolve his past. The shadow mage was bound now to the darkness, but he didn't care.
He would not stand again until morning.
____________
>_>
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted October 20, 2005 07:17 PM |
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The bitter cold. The dangerous beasts of this frozen wasteland.
Lance had faced these things for weeks now with little more than his basic survival skills. Food had been hard to come by but luckily enough he had found some of the local hibernating animals sleeping away in their frosty caves. This continued day in and day out for some time. As he walked he began to think back to the last time he made this journey. The world had been peaceful for the most part back than. It was never this cold. The former Magi known as Dean was to blame for the latter. Having drained the magic of the magi he hadn't killed had given him access to all new powers. That combined with the powerful Ice Mace had caused enough of a shift in this area's climate to keep a continuous falling snow.
As he awoke the next morning near what was left of his fire, he heard what sounded like voices. He peeked out of his cave shelter and lo and behold in the distance were two men pulling a wagon of sorts. Lance immediately jumped to his feet ready to greet them but stepped back inside to grab his sword just in case they needed a different type of greeting. These parts used to be known for a hefty population of thieves and rouges of all sorts. One could never be sure.
As Lance stepped back out he realized they had dropped their wagon and were significantly closer. They must have noticed him. He hurried towards their direction hand on sword just in case.
"Greetings friend" called the first one "Please, we mean you peace."
"What is your business in these parts?"
The second man responded, We did not mean to intrude upon you sir. We only wish to pass through with our goods to the city of Elandrake. We are but poor craftsmen since the coming of the great storm and only wish for safe travel.'
"The Great Storm? Tis what you call it? The two men looked at Lance in bewilderment. Perhaps they had not seen the man that had caused 'The Great Storm'. This was the most likely thing considering the once great Elandrake had suffered the same price as the other lands. Warriors and fighters of all kinds had passed through since the wars had started again. Without the protection of the Supreme Magi, the once great city soon fell to near ruin.
"Yes, it was a great storm so hence the name Great Storm...although the boy here insists on calling it Dottie. I suppose I should introduce myself though. No use in remaining strangers. I'm Garland and this is my son Daemond."
"My name is Lance. Pleased to meet you. I feel I must tell you though. Elandrake is no more great than most other towns and villages around these parts. I cannot imagine you two dealing in much business there.
"You speak as though you live there yet we see you dwelling in a cave. Either you are no longer welcome there or you are on a journey to your death." Again the two men gave Lance an odd look. It was hard to tell if they were confused or if they thought the same of Lance.
"A journey yes but I would hope not to my death."
This time Lance returned the odd stare
"Perhaps you have been living in yonder cave for too long my friend. You see, past our village only about a hundred steps or so is the border to the warlands as we call them. It seems one has been going on for nearly four years now. Much longer than the last one. Always a war though. Always fighting. You'll be eaten alive by those beasts of men.'
This time the son Daemond spoke up, "I see this whole time your hand has not left your blade. Why do you rely so heavily on it?"
"As I mentioned before, I am on a journey into your warlands. I have been through worse than men fighting one another. I have seen things that would stop your young heart from beating again. This Great Storm is little compared to what destruction could have befallen us all. This whole world could have been left in utter decay. Even in death you would not rest for they would raise your bones up to fight for them. I have seen things of this nature transpire and you warn me of simple men fighting over simple differences?"
"We only meant good towards you", said Daemond now rather scared of this tall bald stranger in front of him. "This is why we travel north with our goods. The warlands are truly dangerous. Maybe nothing compared to the things you speak of but still unwelcoming to the normal man like me and my father."
"You assume that I am no normal man then."
"If you truly did fight that what you have spoken of than yes I would have to think you are more than a man. Perhaps a spirit of some kind. I would hope not a demon."
The two men seemed to take a step back after thinking about what Garland had just said. Could this man really be a demon? If he was, why had he not slain these two already?
Garland responded, "No, you sir are no demon. A madman maybe but no demon. It was wrong of me to say so. We should not speak badly of you though. Perhaps it is not madness that drives you but courage. You are looking for something...or is it someone?'
"Someone yes. I look for the man who has brought this bitter cold here."
"You look for the Stormbringer?"
"So you have seen him. I thought it odd to have not heard of things transpired."
"Yes we saw him. Years ago when all this happened. But we do not speak of him for it is said that doing so will bring ill fortune. They say the wind itself serves him and carries the voices who mention his name into his ear. To see him once was bad enough. We wish not to endure his rage again."
Lance was troubled at hearing this. To know that Dean had in fact brought his rage of death to elsewhere made him focus harder on his task at hand. After wishing the two men safe travel and pleasant days, Lance gathered his few possessions and once again headed off. This time toward the village these two came from. Perhaps they could supply him with a decent meal and a warm bed. Before he left the two men he gave them a promise. Lance would not rest until Dean was stopped. This was more than a promise to these two men though. This was a promise to himself.
____________
Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted November 10, 2005 10:46 PM |
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Mordikai knelt before the gravesite and looked solemnly at the stones which signified the ends of those he had loved most dearly. "Why? How could I have just...let you go?! I did all I could, but I wasn't able to save any of you." He listened for the breath of his fallen friends and family, something, anything to encourage him. But only his inner demons surfaced in this darkest of night, those same demons he had avoided all this time.
They cannot hear you. Your friends are dead.
Mordikai looked wildly into the air, but he could not see the source of the voice. "Who's there?" he called out, but only silence followed. The shadow mage turned back to the headstones.
It is your fault that these people died. You could not save them. The voice had repeated the shadow mage's own words.
Don't let your false memories give you solace; they are not waiting for you in the heavens. Your friends wait for you in damnation. They can't wait for you to share in their pain.
"Their pain..." the shadow mage repeated to himself. "No! That's not true. Sheila said she did not blame me, that she wanted me to live without regret."
Imagination can play dangerous tricks on the mind. Specters only exist in fairy tales.
"Then...what are you?"
I'm the manifestation of all the things which hold you back, the truth you know deep inside yet can never admit to knowing. I'm a mixture of all the things you are afraid to say.
"I'm not afraid!"
Do you truly believe what you say?
Mordikai looked down at the ground; his demons were right. The shadow mage had feared nothing in his life but loss, and, once Alivia had died, his fear turned to paranoia. He had resisted getting close to anyone, and had thus created an army bound by purpose alone. Such an army could not relate to each other except through a goal which was determined by mass rule, and ultimately, by Mordikai. Only recently had Rinaldo and Edwin succeeded in getting anywhere near his heart, and he was afraid to lose them as well. That passion which had attracted the Chaos armies of old was replaced by machine-like benevolence to those in need. All this army was, in reality, was a house of refuge. Such an army could never succeed.
But then, he remembered the words of the rogue: "Stop second guessing yourself all the time. That's not the man I saw rebuild this army." Even Rinaldo had been like a stranger to him, but Mordikai was able to conveniently blame his past rivalry with the time mage. Perhaps the true fault lied within.
"Go away specter. I'll have no more part in your treachery."
You cannot be rid of me, shadow mage. I am a part of you.
"Then I'll simply drown you out with reason and support from the new wave of people I can love."
Will you simply forget the past?
"Never, but I won't let it hold me back any longer, either. I'm through basing my actions on past failures; that only breeds new shortcomings. I choose to pave my way into the future instead."
What if you fail?
"Then I will at least have tried. That's all anyone could ask."
The sun crept over the horizon and spilled its light out into the graveyard, banishing the darkness within. The voice had gone, for now, but it would no doubt return. Mordikai would be ready when it did.
He turned back for one last look at the graves.
"I'll fight for you as well," he said, then turned to meet Edwin at the gate.
____________
>_>
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted November 18, 2005 07:17 AM |
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Lance stood at the border to his next destination. Not just any border, no. This path would lead him to what was now referred to as the Warlands. This trek would undoubtedly be shorter as the snowfall ended with the hilly village to the north. Just a few days ago he had stayed with these people, during which time he had learned much. Apparently the wars had started back up just after the Great Storm. Most trade had diminished and thus the lands below fell into a depression of sorts. The people rebelled against the ruling government of The King's Order and quickly began looking for answers from elsewhere. Not long after their answer came in the form of Order's greatest nemesis, Chaos.
This surprised Lance for had not Chaos's leader passed years ago? Rumor had it that the Chaos Party had diminished into nothingness and that the Order party had taken control of the lands ruling by the kings old laws. Some new figure must have reformed the armies for these lands had not seen peace in a long while. Had the R.O.S.M. still been standing this war may have been settled sooner. Lance had always prided himself with that fact. All members of the Royal Order were trained as negotiators hence why Lance had been sent here the first time. No Royal Order business this time. No, this time it was personal. Sure lives may be saved and needless destruction may be ended but Lance rarely thought of that. Lately it had only been the personal satisfaction that drove him. The want...no the NEED to crush his former ally. The more destruction Lance saw the more he craved to have his magic back.
As he continued his trek down the blood soaked path, Lance noticed smoke rising in the distance. He quickly hurried down the road only to stop short at the next hill. The smoke steadily rose from a large building just to the southeast. The Chaos Headquarters. So the rumors were true then. Chaos had risen once again. It had to have been someone strong, good with words, and most importantly crazy. Whoever it was had blatantly chosen to go against the current lawmakers of the land and start a civil war. To create an army out of nowhere required much craftiness or complete insanity.
If Lance had still been with the Royal Order his first job would have been to halt opposing operations and bring the two leaders together to settle upon an agreement. This was not going to happen.
I may have to play off of both sides. My quarrel is with neither of these groups. Therefore they are nothing more then a nuisance. If I must I will use them for information and supplies. My first stop shall be Chaos. I will pledge my allegiance to them and get what I need.
As he continued on his way Lance thought to himself. One thing remained on his mind. If circumstances called for it the ground would be soaked with more blood. Lance patted his hilt and walked on.
____________
Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted April 11, 2006 07:20 AM |
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The horse trotted toward the village, the rider shifting in time to his dark mount's steps. The man's body was wrapped in a dark shadowy cloak, pulled up so it formed a hood over his head, darkening his face. His hands rested on his thighs as the horse made it's own way along the road. Loose reins hung to either side of it's head, it's mane was clotted with dirt, and its hooves were cracked and unshoed. Only one man on a horse, and he did not appear to be armed.
Why then it it seem as if death followed his every step?
____________
Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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2XtremeToTake
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted April 18, 2006 05:07 AM |
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Are we ever going to go anywhere?
"Quiet Elf! I know where we are going. His signal is getting closer and closer."
Whose? The time mage? The one whose son you've blatantly corrupted?
"No...Another one of my former adversaries...The one known as Asmodean."
Asmodean? You mean the Asmodean?
"Yes...you know of him?"
Yes...in your absense he had begun an unholy crusade against the world, angered at his banishment from the Royal Order of the Supreme Magi...
"So...thats why I've been having these feelings as of late. We'll see just how powerful he's gotten"
"Just how powerful I've gotten? I'll show you" came a dark, sinister voice from behind him.
The Unholy One slowly turns around, and there stands Asmodean. But no longer does the power of the light radiate from him, now nothing put pure evil radiates from his once righteous body. The air begins to waver, and the sun seems to shrink in fear at the meeting of the evils. Not since the reunion of the Forsaken Ones had the world felt such a tremor.
"Hello...Sendon."
"WHAT?! What did you just call me!"
"Yes...You heard me. Hello, Sendon."
"HOW..DO...YOU..KNOW...THAT?"
"I know all! I know everything about you! I know from your fall to greatness! It was you who caused the evil the world has seen today! And Now, I will be the one to destroy you, and claim my spot as the emporer of the world!! History will remember me, not you for the cause of suffering! NOW YOU DIE!"
Asmodean waved his hand and The Unholy One flew back, the frail possessed elven body being crushed against the tree. He slowly began to lose consciousness. The world around him begin to dim. He heard the mockery of Asmodean as he began to pass out, possibly away. Suddenly, he felt lightheaded and rejuvinated. He felt...Powerful, a feeling he had not felt in over a decade.
Fight him, you spawn of hell! Fight him now!
Not stopping to ask what happened, he leaped up and tackled Asmodean, catching him by surprise. He quickly began reciting the rituals that he had learned so many millenia ago. Dark magicks began swirling around The Unholy One. He reached into the air and grabbed a mass of swirling energy, and it quickly shifted into a wailing being. A soul of one of his victims. He tossed it at Asmodean, which sent him reeling over in pain. Souls after endless souls began swirling around Asmodean, wailing a high pitched scream, which would drive any mortal man insane.
Asmodean, roaring, shook them off and charged at The Unholy One. Now was no time for magic. It was simple hand to hand combat. Asmodean seemed to grow larger, as he delivered a massive punch to the gut of The Unholy One. The fragile elven body shivered from the impact. Asmodean began delivering punch after cold punch to the Unholy One, leaving him bruised and battered.
"THE IRONY IS TOO GREAT TO BE IMAGINED! THE GREATEST NECROMANCER THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN, DEFEATED BY SIMPLE VIOLENCE! NOW, YOU DIE!"
Asmodean raised his arm, preparing for what would be the final blow. Then, he just fell over, an arrow protruding from the back of his head. The Unholy One looked up, and saw a shady character reloading his crossbow. Using the agility and prowess of the elven body he possessed, he managed to retreat into the forest, an arrow narrowly missing his head.
____________
I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted May 03, 2006 11:00 AM |
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Mordikai and Artemus gathered at the centerpoint between the two fortresses where the tavern of legend lay, just as the shadow mage had said those two months earlier. Severya had come to both forts in her search for the time mage, but, as far as the shadow master had heard, she still had not found him. He would ask Artemus once he had gotten the chance, but the meeting meant, for the moment, an act of business: integrating the armies.
Each soldier from the Chaos army would be matched up with a soldier from the Order army, each pair sharing a tent in order to establish comradery amongst the armies. It would be a crash course in conflicting personalities and disciplines, but the leaders of both armies hoped a common goal would bind the two. Those with disagreements were to report to those in charge, namely Artemus, Mordikai, Lyon, and Edwin. The four stayed together at all times in the hopes that their combined might and sway over the armies could quell any possible disturbances or insurgencies that arose during this tenuous melding period.
The leaders met with the opposing armies facing each other as if poised for battle and discussed the finer terms of this alliance, specifically, what would happen once they had accomplished their purpose. A treaty was discussed, but no real agreement was reached. Both sides agreed that this moment was more important than that.
The soldiers filed into one another and partnered up, the overflow belonging to Chaos in the end was instructed to camp in the center of the area, just around the leader tent. This way, they could be monitored and made to interact with their new comrades. It was certainly a tentative plan, but such unbalance seemed to define this alliance and it seemed that precariousness was the only real way to advance against Dean.
Once the armies had settled into one and the day had given way to night, Mordikai distanced himself from the other three leaders and began to reflect on the past two months. He had grown so immensely during that time, thanks to Edwin, and now no doubt remained in the shadow mage's mind that he was ready to face Dean with both the resolve and restraint that he would need if he were to obtain his justice. Yet, Mordikai must remain wary not to let his justice dwindle to revenge.
He also considered his friend Rinaldo, and the wealth of questions that still permeated his thoughts. Where had the time mage gone, and what was he planning? What of the Supreme Magi, and, more specifically, what of their remaining guardian Mighty Mage? How had these past months shaped Artemus' Order, and what of this Lyon? Would their alliance succeed?
And what purpose would the shadow mage find if all were resolved within himself?
Only time, it seemed, would tell.
____________
>_>
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted June 17, 2006 04:11 PM |
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"Hey Not-So-Mighty Mage, where do you think you're going? Hopefully not for the East Wing. Yeah that's right, we heard about you're little 'accident' in the West Wing yesterday. For Crimsons sake, we saw what you did. By the way Mighty Rage, is your head still smoldering?"
It may be a wonder to know that what just took place was far from the worst that Lance had been enduring ever since early yesterday after a training session went horribly wrong.
Lance had been working on his pryomancy spells with Professor Hinote when one of his fits of anger became his last. He suffered a massive heart failure that even the Royal Order's White Mages couldn't fix. However there was one thing that all of them had forgotten about and that was Lance. Since his teacher had fallen backwards off his pedestal, Lance had been standing there is a complete state of shock hands still full of burning energy. With each deep breath his hands grew hotter and hotter until the first of many sparks no longer able to be contained flew out catching onto a nearby curtain followed by another lighting the rug beneath him. Trying to calm himself Lance took another deep breath which resulted in another fire blast, this one engulfing his former teacher's pedestal. At the sight of this Lance blinked and re-focused his eyes and then made the worst move possible. He opened his hands. What was once a relatively contained surge of fire turned into a massive uncontrollable blast eating up everything it touched, even it's creator. It didn't take much for Lance to realize what needed to be done. He quickly doused the fire that had caught on his head leaving him bald and scarred and then forming a reflective shield around him allowing him safe passage through the flames. As he ran out he noticed his accident had passed onto several of the neighboring rooms now also covered in burning destruction. It would only be a matter of time before others got hurt. Or at least that would have been the case had not several elementalists shown up to douse the massive flames. Each one of them took a job that ultimately saved the day, the other magi, and the rest of the Royal Order tower. It was then that Lance discovered his true calling. He would be an elementalist. The control, the power, the respect. Lance craved all of this and he vowed it to be his...that is of course if the Order's Council didn't banish him first.
Lance was sure that the latter prediction would come true. Who could possibly cause a mess like that and still be allowed access into the Royal Order? After being checked over by the medics and white mages, Lance began heading towards his room to begin packing. He would gather his things and head back home to beg his father's forgiveness. His father hated magic. He used to scare him with tales of a group of people who hated magic even more. People eho hunted magic and destroyed it. Lance knew there was no such thing as shadowy magic hunters but all the same he knew facing his father could be equally as bad.
As he walked solemnly back to his room all he could hear was the chants of disapproval and hate. Rumors began spreading that it was Lance who had killed the professor and then tried to burn the evidence. If only Grutox was still around, he would have helped Lance when he needed it most. For an Ogre Mage Grutox was surprisingly calm and reasonable. He was Lance's favorite teacher and mentor. Lance considered him family but unfortunately he had passed on as well. As an outcast of his people, Grutox was buried here at the Royal Order where Lance would often visit. Grutox would often tell Lance tales as well but unlike his father these tales were not meant to frighten. In fact, many of the tales were about brave warriors who fought against sinister forces when all odds were against them. Lance liked these best of all and right about now he could use one more then anything.
Suddenly a hand came down sharply on Lance's shoulder. "Where do you think you're going Master Gryphon? The Council has requested your presence." It was Flagg, the resident Necromancy Professor. The perfect candidate to retrieve Lance for his sentencing.
"A shame Master Gryphon." Flagg looked at Lance with his pale face and shrouded features. He seemed clearly disappointed.
"I'm sorry professor. You have no idea how sorry I am. It was an accident. I swear it."
"You should be sorry." replied Flagg once more looking at Lance. "You should have let that blaze burn longer so at least I could have gotten some victims out of it. Now I'm going to have to settle for old skeletons again for tomorrows lesson and I was so hoping for fresh zombies."
Lance looked at the professor bewildered then remembered who it was he was speaking to. Death was the only thing Flagg held dear. All of his friends and family had died off ages ago but Flagg would continue on just as he already had for the past 487 years that he always bragged about.
Finally they stopped at their destination, the Head Council Chamber. Sitting at the tallest podium was Arch Mage Imperious. According to the stories told around the building he was nearly as old as Flagg and ten times more powerful. It was said that he was the master of some arcane magic not even practiced anymore. Apparently he was one of the few men to ever study pure magic in it's raw elemental form. There he learned things no other mage, witch, or wizard could even dream of doing. On either side of him was the rest of the council, a group of men and women considered greats among the magic community. With their years of wisdom and great power they watched over the world's most well known order of magic, The Royal Order.
As Lance walked forward he could feel a sensation in his head as if something was clawing around inside. Arch Mage Imperious stared at Lance and then to his surprise the old wizard began to smile.
"Lance, Lance, it's wonderful to see you my boy. Shame to see you at such a bad time though. Ah but no need to dwell, accidents happen."
Lance gave him a puzzled look and then asked, "So should I start packing my things now then?"
"Packing? Why? Have you someplace to go?"
"Well I'm banished from the Order aren't I?"
"Eh, banished? What ever gave you that idea? No no, quite the contrary. It has just come to our attention that you are Lance Gryphon. The Lance Gryphon. Son of Ivo Gryphon. That makes you the heir to the Zyphyr's Emerald correct?"
"You mean this stone? Yes I suppose. My father always blathered on about this rock saying it was an important artifact or some nonsense like that." Lance removed the Zyphyr's Emerald which until now had been safely encased in a hand crafted oak container. Another object Lance's father had always gone on and on about.
"No my boy, not nonsense at all. Although your father is not quite 'magic friendly' even he knows the importance of that jewel you posses. It is one of a set of four others. Each holding the power of one of the four elements and each a powerful weapon against evil. You my boy are most definitely NOT banished. You need to start training with that thing. It's your duty. One day you may just have to use it."
"You said it's one of four right? Where are the others?"
"Ah, good question. Well you have the Zyphyr's Emerald, that's wind. We have the Water Saphire in our possession, water of course. It's owner never had any children and recently passed on. The Land's Opal, earth, is unfortunately in possession of Fire Emperor Mvassilev. He rules a large Inferno Kingdom in the west. The Flaming Ruby, fire, is in the possession of Master Webson, one of the order's best. He may make it onto the council one day...that is of course if Artimus here lets him." Lance looked over at the middle aged man whom Imperious had called Artimus. Long hair, short beard, and grumpy face. Lance would have to remember that fellow.
"What about the fire though?"
"Oh that little number? Well it certainly wasn't the best move to make and damage like that cannot be overlooked but it was after all just an accident. Really now Lance, we wouldn't banish you for that. Your teacher, gods rest his soul, did pass on in front of you.
Now do all of us a favor and take some time off from your studies. Starting next week you'll begin your Guardian training. I suggest you rest up. Your father will undoubtedly be rough on you. Gods know he'll be rough on the rest of us as well."
Lance thanked the Council and continued to his room followed by a number of students tossing balls of parchment and casting small spells at him. This would continue for some time until once again they would remember why he was called The Mighty Mage
Lance awoke to a bright sun shining through his makeshift tent positioned upon Chaos Hill. Poking his head through he could see the near dead landscape surrounding the famed Chaos Headquarters, his next destination. After packing his gear, Lance reached into his cloak and retrieved a small oak box hand carved and worn with use. Inside lay the Zyphyr's Emerald still as shiny as the day it was first created. Lance could no longer call himself The Mighty Mage nor could he harness the power of this magical stone but he still held it dear. It had been his saving grace countless times still served as a good luck charm of sorts. Most of all Lance held onto it for the day he could use it again. The day he confronted Dean and the day he got his magic back.
Lance put the box back into his cloak and continued downhill towards the dark structure known as the home of Chaos. What was once a small fort had grown in size over the years featuring towers and defensive walls. One man stood guard at the gateway with Chaos Spear in hand. Lance approached him and in responce he held the weapon out nearly piercing him with its sharp tip.
"State your business and reason for visiting Chaos"
"My business is my own and my reason for visiting is to meet with the master of this place."
"You'll state your business or General Mordikai will have your head."
Mordikai...where had Lance heard that name before. Perhaps it was someone he knew.
"My business is my reason for visiting. To meet with this General."
"Well you can't. He's busy dealing with important business right now."
"I see, I have to state my business or he'll have my head but you can't tell me what his business is?"
"Of course not. That's confidential."
"Well I'm looking for a few of my old traveling companions and I believe some of them may have been associated with Chaos."
"Really, well that seems awfully similar to the story that pesky elfin lady was telling me. Remove your weapons. You want to meet the general so bad? You and that elf will have the personal pleasure of seeing his face right before he executes you. Move it!"
In normal circumstances Lance would have fought back and most likely would have killed the man but right now getting information was far more important. He would let this man lead him to the general and there he would get some answers. If it still proved necessary he would kill the guard then.
Lance was led around the corner where a lady elf was tied to a pole. The guard grabbed her and led her alongside Lance down the road towards the Tavern where Lance's first journey began all those years ago. The lady introduced herself as Severya, an Elfin lady in search of her husband. Her husband Rinaldo.
"Rinaldo? I once knew a man named Rinaldo."
"Was he strong yet wonderful with big brown puppy dog eyes and hair the color of dark sand?"
"Well that's not exactly the words I would have chosen..."
"Oh were you two friends? He speaks often of his old mates and the adventures."
"I wouldn't quite call us friends either. Look, I'm not sure what he told you but all you need to know is whatever wrong he did I'm sure he has redeemed himself."
"At that point the guard looked back and stopped suddenly. "Look, we're almost there. Do me a favor and cease you talking." In responce, Severya who up until now had been quite happy and nice, spit at the man once then coiled back at spit at him again.
"That was not a wise move lady."
The guard quickly grabbed some rags from his pocket and stuffed them in her mouth. He then took some more rope and tied it around to keep the rags in place and he mouth from moving then for good measure he slapped her sending her crashing to the ground below
"Maybe that will teach you some manners you elfin wench."
It was now more then ever that Lance wished he still had his magic. A well placed fire bolt aimed right at that man's head would have felt great.
They continued onward towards the tavern all the while Lance was loosening the ropes that bound his hands.
____________
Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted July 02, 2006 09:56 PM |
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The following morning, Mordikai stood slowly and turned in time to watch the sun peek over the horizon. He smiled. This new confidence that now lay within him had given the shadow mage a new purpose. He would live on and preserve the memories of those he loved inside of himself. The past could not be changed, but now the future needed such intervention. He had neglected his future before; ever since Sheila's death he had been running from the pain that should have overwhelmed him. He'd killed the one he loved in cold blood, and betrayed the man who had befriended him when no one else would. In Mordikai's mind, he had always been an outcast and was destined to remain so for the rest of his days. He could not change what had happened, but he could atone through his actions. Besides, he still had friends that needed him now: his brothers in arms. It would be no easy task to teach these men to trust, thousands of others much like himself that had given up on believing that life lie outside of the pursuit of one's own purpose. If any man could do it, though, it was him.
And then there was Rinaldo, who now wandered the lands in search of help for his own people, and for his family. He had changed so much, become so sacrificial compared to the bitter and jealous person he had once been. Mordikai knew that he would never become that man, but he would have plenty of time to figure which path he would forge once Dean's threat had waned. Perhaps they could save the fallen summoner as well. Maybe then this wartorn world would know peace.
He made his way back to the fort and found Edwin instructing the four generals on how the men were to be prepared for the coming war. It would be an intense two months, but now the shadow mage had a different plan for the armies of Chaos. They would learn to work together rather than focus on preserving themselves as they had previously been taught to do. The goal was no longer their purpose, but the preservation of the lives of his men. Purpose would now take a second string. He whispered his new orders to Edwin and told the rogue to find him in his chambers when he was done with his business.
Mordikai returned to find two guards with bound prisoners waiting outside his door. The Chaos leader hesitated, then motioned for the guards to join him in the war room and to bring the pair with them. Mordikai cleared the plans he and Edwin had laid and stowed them in a safe place, then motioned for the guards to sit the two down and remove the coverings from their heads and the bindings from their hands. He would now get to the bottom of this.
He looked first at the woman, a resplindidly beautiful and delicate elf who carried a pride in her eyes that he had not seen for years. She did not seem to recognize him, but the man could only sit there with a surprised look on his face, for the guards would not allow him to speak. Mordikai did not recognize this man, except for the sash that he had tried to conceal denoting him as a member of the Royal Order.
"Who are you two and what do you want with me?"
____________
>_>
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted July 27, 2006 06:15 AM |
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After what seemed like hours had passed, a man called for the guards escorting Lance and Severya to enter a tent and seat the prisoners. Moments later Lance felt the cold of metal and wood beneath him as he was sat down and unbound. They had done the same for the Elfin lady. The man that sat before them seemed roughly familiar to Lance though he could not figure from where. It struck Lance as odd that this man, obviously the General whom he had been seeking, was seated at the darkest part of the tent with little light around him. He studied Lance and Severya closely before finally speaking.
“So then, who are you and what do you want with me?”
“You are the General of the army of Chaos are you not?”
“and you have been sent by the Royal Order. Don’t try to hide that sash from me. My eyes are quick, don’t forget it.”
“Your eyes may be quick sir but it seems your intelligence is lacking. The Royal Order was demolished years ago and it’s power severed…”
“By the one who calls himself Dean. We know. I had just assumed that The Royal Order that I had heard so much about would have picked itself up by now. So, if you were not sent by the Royal Order then what may I ask brings you to my camp demanding my presence?”
Severya had tried to speak up but the shadowy general had silenced her with a finger to his mouth.
“I am hunting the man Dean. He has destroyed the Royal Order, ravaged my lands, and hurt my friends. Even after all this he continues his rampage destroying everything in his path. He took something from me and I intend on getting it back.”
“So it seems we have a common enemy. You want your magic back am I right, and I want peace restored to my lands. I will speak with you further on this matter later, for now go to the Tavern and eat. You have traveled long and far and look to be in need of rest.
Now you my lady elf…”
Lance got up from his chair and headed outside of the tent while the general spoke to Severya. The man was right, he could use something to eat. Besides, he had not visited this Tavern in some time. It would be nice to see something familiar still in-tact.
As he headed for the building, Lance noticed one of the guards still following him. Most likely a safety precaution. One could never be to sure these days.
“Long days and pleasant nights traveler, what can I get for you?”
“Just some warm stew and a glass of ale with my thanks. That will do me fine.”
Lance sat on the stool at the bar and listened to the few others inside. Mostly soldiers and a few travelers such as himself. One who looked as though he had been traveling weeks in the southern desert.
Moments later the barkeep brought Lance his food which smelled delicious to the hungry man. He ate it up hardly taking time to taste it before swallowing it all down.
“There you go sir. And I thank you again.”
“Sir, that’s a gold piece. I cannot change that.”
“I didn’t ask you to. It’s well deserved.”
Lance sat for a few more minutes to let his food digest and then headed back outside to be greeted by one tall and dark looking General of the Chaos Army.
____________
Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted August 13, 2006 08:23 AM |
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Near the border...
The dark rider continued forward, his mission still fresh in his mind. But it was more then a mission. It had been his life. He had been raised to hate magic and all those associated with it's destructive power. A power that should not belong to foolish humans.
So on he strode, another town left in ruins from yet another successful "eradication". He knew not why but his senses pulled him forward into the well known and war torn lands bordering the southern dessert. It name was not important for soon it would be like the others. Just a memory and a forgotten past as one more piece of magic is destroyed...
____________
Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted February 06, 2008 09:51 PM |
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Chapter Four
Edwin surveyed the battlefield.
The war that had started over six years ago with the release of Motherdark was finally over. A conflict had enveloped nations and sundered the land gave rise to an even greater threat in the form of a power unsealable: Dean, the once valiant summoner that had helped seal the Forsaken, and his warped weapon of the gods, the Ice Mace. The Royal Order of Supreme Magi had forged these weapons to counter the powers of the Forsaken Ones long ago, yet now they faced this power as its chosen guardian fell prey to his own power and descended into depravity. Dean was amassing an infernal army of great size and ferocity, a great and terrible threat to all who valued life. Yet, the Magi had been stripped of their own magic by Dean, left powerless in the face of mounting odds. They would have to rely on the descendants of the war wizards in the south, tribes their own ancestors had marked as barbarians and exiled to the plains below, to quell the threat of one of their own. An ironic fate, yet one the commanders of the opposing Order and Chaos armies were willing to bear. These men, Lyon and Mordikai, were to join forces and lead their armies against Dean in a final struggle for the fate of the lands.
At least, this was how it was meant to be. As the armies met to reconcile their differences so they could fight side by side in the coming battle against Dean, both Mordikai and Lyon suddenly disappeared without a trace. This was both a shock and great mystery to the two armies, as their two generals had vanished on the eve of the direst battle either of them had ever known, leaving the faltering armies in a tumultuous balance between camaraderie and hostility. The two armies’ lieutenants, Artemus and Edwin, quickly seized the reigns and held both armies in check, but their superiors’ sudden disappearance spread dissent throughout the ranks and even established a hint of doubt in the back of their own minds as well. Surely Mordikai and Lyon were not abdicators, yet it seemed suspicious that the only command each man left to his officer consisted of two words—unite them—while leaving no hint at where they had gone. The task of defeating Dean had fallen into Artemus and Edwin’s care.
Little did these men know that the army they now faced had suddenly found themselves without a commander as well, with no replacement nearly as competent to lead the legions of demons. Strangely enough, Sendon, the necromancer that had been hunting Dean, vanished as well, gone to whatever great mystery had removed the trio of commanders.
Without Dean, the infernal army had soon found itself imploding violently as the now purposeless throngs began to vie for control. When at last Edwin and Artemus reached the demon encampment, all that rose to greet them was smoke from the scorched earth. It was a gruesome sight indeed. The two generals glanced uncertainly at one another, wondering whether their goal had truly been accomplished for them. An answer soon arrived in the form of battle cries and fevered clashes on the horizon. Judging it wisest to strike the remnants of the demonic horde while they continued to battle amongst themselves, Edwin and Artemus signaled the charge and led their armies headlong into the fray.
Even as the armies of Order and Chaos approached, the embattled demons found it difficult to untangle from their present conflicts and unite to fight off the threat plummeting down the hillside. Only after hundreds had fallen were they able to reconcile their differences and turn on their assailants. Archers from both sides fired volley after volley into the opposite ranks, and the clamor of battle spread further and further from the focal point of first contact. The strategy for Edwin and Artemus was to divide and conquer, while the demons simply battled to endure. What had once been a heart-wrenchingly lopsided battle slowly began to turn in the humans’ favor. Before long, only the most rugged of the demonic ranks remained, most of whom had been candidates for the commander position before their fighting had been interrupted by more fighting. One by one they fell, before only one lone figure remained, unwilling to fight any longer. He said his name was Hans.
Ash and dust cloaked the battleground in a veil of silent homage to the fallen. It stung the rogue general’s eyes, but this was no time to rest. Their goal accomplished, all that remained was to pick up the pieces and restore the land to peace, or at least some such semblance. The armies of Order and Chaos would again be enemies on the morrow, yet conflict would dwindle to uneasy tension as the armies struggled to rebuild. Edwin hoped that, in this time, all the plainspeople would realize that they have more in common than they had realized and reconcile the territorial bickering that had for too long defined this reason. Yet, to do this, they would need strong hands to guide them, hands that had brought them together before. Rebuilding this land was not Edwin’s charge. Where had Lyon and Mordikai gone?
For now, all he could do was hope that those two would soon return and that Dean was gone for good. He could also find solace in a new possibility: that new heroes would arise to help this land whenever it faced peril. Only time would provide the answers he sought, and here would he wait.
(OOC: I tried to just frame general events that were held up by Asmodean and Leo_Lion's disappearance, so not everyone is included in this little tale. I'm leaving it up to many of the characters what happened to them, since I really don't feel it's my right to decide that for everyone anyway.
____________
>_>
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted February 07, 2008 02:06 AM |
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"That's the last of 'em, boss."
Edwin and Artemus had avoided each other for quite some time now. The armies had scoured the land, stripped it clean of corpses, and now all that was left was to divide and head their separate ways. Neither leader was the spearhead that drove one faction to hate the other, and Edwin especially felt little desire to rebuild an army in which he had so little interest. He'd been sent to 'rebuild' the shadow mage for reasons he didn't quite understand by people, but Mordikai had simply disappeared without warning late one night. Not even Edwin, who guarded the general's tent, had seen him vanish. That was the thing about shadow mages: you only saw them when they wanted you to.
One question had mulled in his head ever since the disappearance: why would he do this? Edwin had done everything by the book, earned his way into the confidence of one who suffered so much that he had nearly shut himself off from the world. It was astounding to think that the shadow mage had been able to build up an army so quickly from the scraps of thousands of broken men when he himself had fallen apart so spectacularly only a short time before. Men bound by purpose, that's all the armies of Chaos were. Mordikai knew this, exploited it, because he knew all too well what destitute men desired. Even after all these months, Edwin wasn't even close to figuring Mordikai out. It was frustrating, but the rogue was known among his peers for peerless persistence.
This, though, topped the cake. Just when Edwin had begun to break down Mordikai's walls by releasing his grip on the past, that insufferable Dean appeared and then vanished without a trace, and Mordikai along with him. The rogue was known for his cool head, but he truly hated Dean for taking away his mark. Deep inside, however, Edwin couldn't shake a nagging feeling that he was buying into his ruse and truly connecting to the shadow mage. Rogues were, by nature, solitary creatures much like shadow magi, but shared solitude could serve as a strong bond for those who truly knew what it meant to be alone. He brushed it off. They wouldn't be pleased if he gave in now. Edwin would need to find Mordikai again, which, if Mordikai needed saving, could be a powerful asset.
He would need to break away from the army, however, which would prove a difficult task. Edwin would have to stay and stabilize the forces of Chaos himself before setting out, for he couldn't risk damaging the credit he'd built up so far with the shadow mage.
"Do you have a full report of the dead?"
"Yes, sir. Only 338 were killed today. We were lucky."
"Indeed we were soldier. Tell the men to pack up; we're finally going home."
____________
>_>
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Deimos
Known Hero
LHW Paladin
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posted February 07, 2008 04:18 AM |
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Somar fought in the battle against the unholy demons. Finally, the blood cleared and only one man stood, unwilling to fight. He was interrogated, and said that his name was Hans, and that he was killed by Dean, and his body possessed by a demon. But now he was free. The group, considering him harmless, let him go. But Somar followed him. Hans noticed.
Hans: Why are you following me?
Somar: You have been possessed by a demon. Surely you need cleansing.
Hans: Nah, they said I'd be all right.
Somar: Hmm... They're not exactly holy either. Are you a Follower?
Hans: Of course I'm a Follower of the Gods.
Somar: I'm a Holy Paladin. Well, how about this, you could go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Temple, where they'll check your spiritual well-being. I have to go there too. My mission here is done.
Hans: Well, I have nowhere else to go. Okay.
So they left.
____________
Let's Have War=Best thread on HC.
By the way, my name is Deimos, not Diemos.
Some people don't have a life. Others spend it on HC- Lord Woock.
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Deimos
Known Hero
LHW Paladin
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posted February 07, 2008 04:31 AM |
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What happened to Deimos at the time
After Mvass left the Inferno to seek his fortune in the human world, his lieutenant Ignu took over the reins of government. When Mvass was imprisoned, there was a widespread outlash against Mvass's supporters, so Ignu was removed from power. He was replaced by a distant cousin of Deimos's, an ice demon named Hazhyxyzh. However, Hazhyxyzh proved to be unpopular with the military, so General Phobos, a magog and very distant relative of Deimos, made a coup and imprisoned both Hazhyxyzh and lengthened Ignu's term in prison. However, the demons rose up in protest, so he had to make some consessions to them. He released both Ignu and Hazhyxyzh, and they formed a triumvirate that ruled the Inferno rather dictatorially.
This is Somar banished Deimos from the human world and came back to the Inferno. Deimos noticed what was going on, and decided to take back his throne. However, after attempting to make a royalist rally, he was nearly imprisoned by the regime. He became far more careful. Then something played into his hands.
Demons started disappearing without a trace. They would be there one moment, then disappear the next. Deimos realized that this was Dean's doing; he was summoning demons for his army. Deimos knew this, but the triumvirate didn't. Deimos used his underground channels to accuse them of actually selling the demons to Dean. There was no substance in this claim, but it worked. There was a massive protest, and the triumvirate was jailed. Deimos came to power.
Deimos immediately summoned the best mage demons in the land, to set up a system where demons would be resistant to being summoned. This he did, protecting the Inferno. He became quite popular when the disappearances stopped.
He wondered what was going on back in the human world and how his friends were doing. So he opened the first gate back since Mvass took power, and stepped in. He was back.
____________
Let's Have War=Best thread on HC.
By the way, my name is Deimos, not Diemos.
Some people don't have a life. Others spend it on HC- Lord Woock.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted February 22, 2008 02:16 AM |
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Now that the armies had settled back into the fortress, Edwin began to wonder how he would reunite this army so that he could search for its leader. After all, without the shadow mage, the troops had no real driving reminder that they were here for a reason.
Mordikai wasn't the most eloquent of individuals, nor was he a tactical genius, but the sweeping purpose he had set forth for rebuilding Chaos involved more than mere refuge for the outlawed. His vision spoke to a deeper comraderie. This man had suffered through isolation, regret, and myriad betrayal so intense, it was a wonder to these men who had suffered lesser variations of the three that he hadn't crumbled. The isolated, regretful, and betrayed had flocked to Mordikai's side not because he was like them, but because he was so much worse and painted a picture of fortitude and tranquility so convincingly. His displays of resolution had gained the admiration of thousands of men, admiration the shadow mage hadn't really wanted, but perhaps needed, as he raised his armies.
Edwin, on the other hand, was cloaked in mystery and preferred to work alone. He was much more likely than Mordikai to just pick up and leave, and it was a constant wonder to the armies that he had stayed so long. For months now, the troops had considered Edwin a visitor, a temporary advisor that stuck around simply to see how things panned out due to sheer curiosity. Now that Mordikai had unexpectedly vanished and even more unexpectedly left this foreign rogue in charge, a rare gesture of trust not even the new general could have predicted, the troops were now led by a man whom they didn't consider one of their own. The crafty rogue could, of course, deceive them much in the same way the shadow mage had unintentionally, but they were more hesitant to trust him and that method would require a complete transformation of his character that would take far too much time and effort to undertake.
Even through his deceit, Mordikai had truly cared for his troops; he just couldn't let them see his weakness or the Chaos army would splinter in a thousand different directions. Yet, there was a deeper reason still that he had raised and stuck with an army for so long, a much more selfish one. The shadow mage wanted to obscure the pain caused by his murder of Shiela, by the death of Wolfman at Rinaldo's hand, and, eventually, by Alivia's descent into death as well. By delving wholeheartedly into the present, the shadow mage would, he hoped, be able to dull the past. It was striking how simple Mordikai's mindset had turned out to be. At least Edwin had figured.
In his quest to find some purpose upon which he could focus wholeheartedly, Mordikai had raised an army with no real goal. The shadow mage had to have known this would lead to war down the road, as no great power had ever gone unchallenged for long, but it was unlikely that he cared. The very torment that anguished the general had also made him unpredictable, and Edwin could not have outside forces acting upon his calculated road for the shadow mage. And so, Edwin hatched a plan to get Mordikai back on track. By pretending to worry about the weight that dragged Mordikai down, he was able to provide the general a way out with minimal pretense. Edwin had intervened so that he could more easily accomplish the goal he had been sent here to complete, but he was now beginning to believe this intervention a mistake.
Perhaps, in cutting Mordikai's chains to the past, Edwin had also cut his chains to the present as well. The only reassurance buffering him from this self-destructive line of thought was the fact that two other generals had disappeared without warning as well.
After some thought, Edwin summoned his four generals.
"Men, we have much to do. Since our army has now regrouped at the fortress, we have simply to make up for our lost men to level out again. Mordikai is gone, and there's no use pining for him to come back now. As far as I'm concerned, he's a deserter."
The men looked uneasily at one another.
"We'll begin reuniting the men by reassuring them they are still here for a reason, even though Mordikai is not. Gather everyone in the main square in one hour. It's time to bind them once again."
Uniting the men against a common enemy once again would be the easiest way to unite them, but it would be far from simple. He'd eventually have to get thrown out himself to preserve his good standing with the shadow mage.
"One thing at a time," he whispered to himself as the generals left the room. "One thing at a time."
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>_>
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted March 27, 2008 12:23 AM |
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"Men! We've won a great victory this day gone by, one that will resonate through the ages and cement each of you a place in history's annals. We have succeeded in eliminating a terrible scourge and quelling the ominous threat Dean posed to our beloved lands.
The future has never been brighter for us! Thousands of men left destitute by Dean's madness are flocking to our ranks, adding to the strength that will one day make you shapers of this land and of your own purpose. Any leader would be proud to ride before such a grand and powerful army.
So why, then, has Mordikai disappeared in our greatest hour? Why did he abandon us without warning, knowing we would wander blind without purpose in his absence? Did he mean to save us? No, my brothers, I do not believe he did.
Mordikai once taught each of you never to fear death, to know full well you would stare it in the face many times over, but he has changed. I'm sure you have all noticed it as well. Your general has lost his drive, become content with his lot, and he no longer needs to endure the barbs that have tempered him over the years. He has let weakness creep in and removed the inherent distrust of his fellow man that serves as our strongest defense here in the ranks of Chaos. He is not the same man who shaped your purpose, and the Armies of Chaos now continue to grow due to sheer momentum alone. Because of him, we will become a bloated morass of men without a paragon. Your general left because he was no longer fit to lead, and he knew it.
After all, look at me! I was able to earn his trust nigh instantly. He left a stranger in charge, betraying each of you in the process. You look up to Mordikai as he was, but the man he has become doesn't care about you at all. He cares only for himself. For too long now, this shell of a man has robbed you of your potential. Not believing you worthy to defeat Dean, he struck off on his own without warning and somehow caused our enemy to vanish as well, leaving us with mere scraps to feed upon. Is that fair?
Do not worry, though. I will stand with you until you have recovered from the betrayer's betrayal, but I won't force you to endure me for longer than must. While I lead, however, I promise you a more faithful leadership than Mordikai ever gave. As your general, I owe it to you all."
The courtyard was silent as Edwin disappeared from the balcony. The rogue hadn't wanted to act so quickly, but he had to strike before the men had reached their own conclusions, while emotion and confusion reigned. The army would either rally behind him against Mordikai or call for his head, believing he the cause of the shadow mage's disappearance. Forever, it seemed, would pass before the Four came in with their report.
As always, the rogue had an escape plan were anything to go wrong. He hoped it wouldn't come to that.
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>_>
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted April 09, 2008 07:16 AM |
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It was a cool morning and the mists swirled over an empty graveyard. A cat prowled along the outter gates, looking in and twitching it's tail. Suddenly, a hand burst from the earth sending the cat yowling and running full speed to anyplace other than where it had just seen the unthinkable.
Slowly, crawling forth from a gravestone labeled, 'Here lies the Archangel, Hero of the Forsaken Wars!' was a shambled creature that looked nothing like it used to when it was alive. But alive it must be, as it drew in hallowed breaths of air it surveyed its surroundings. Unrecognizing anything... yet seemingly searching for something...
It turned it's head skyward and with a deep breath screamed at the heavens, "I have returned!" As it slowly lowered it's head, it turned around and looked at all the other gravestones... Lifting his hands he beckoned to them and said, "Come, rise up from your beds... There is work to be done... And I shall need all the help I can muster... for I must regain my powers... though they've been tainted and twisted... just as I once was...."
Slowly the graveyard became alive with the earth being opened by hands, heads, and feet as zombies and skeletons slowly emerged from their eternal sleep...
As the undead Archangel turned once more, facing the east, he muttered to himself, "I am Gorman, the Dark now... The lands of the living shall soon be mine!"
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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