The Siege of Delurian

[heroshade]

their swords clashed together with a loud clank. "so be it..." said Orlan solemnly. Arc withdrew his sword and ducked past him, quickly countering Orlan's attack. "Your empire will crumble along with this tower."

Arc thrusted his sword forward, only for it to be smacked away. He barley managed to block Orlans next attack; a rain drop landed on his face. the battle raging underneath their feet seemed to have come to a halt, both forces returned to their camps, now watching the dueling rulers atop the massive tower. Orlan pushed the boy-king backwards. caught off guard by the relativly weak counter-attack, he almost didn't notice the blue ball of energy floating in front of him. it exploded, sending a ripple through the air, and sending Arc closer to the edge. "your pathetic crusade is over boy! this is your last chance." Orlan extended a hand to the fallen warrior.

hesitating, Arc let out a mighty warcry as he stood up, pushing Orlan away and quickly retrieving his sword. Orlan chuckled. "stupid boy..." the two rulers charged towards each other clashing their swords together once more...

four years earlier...

The land was cracked and broken into dozens of countries and factions. The world had fallen into darkness since the destruction of the mighty empire. petty wars fought over political disagreements hundreds of years old, constant hatred between all peoples.

one country among all others rose to replace darkness with order. the Craydellian's quickly engulfed the bordering Yi, kaeron, and viston provinces. most people remained indifferent to the rise in craydellian power, as countries had risen before, only to be struck down by destructive raids and uprisings.

no such events stopped the craydellians. their momentum seemed limitless. after hearing of their political policies, some countries willingly joined with them. It was a free country, run by Ren Coral, a human.

soon however, the government became broken and corrupt. Ren Coral was assassinated and replaced by Orlan, a powerful and influential Craydellian general. His policies were much different than Coral's. He was a tyrannical mad man, bent on domination by any means necessary...

one year later...

A large coalition of small countries rose against Craydell, attacking the borderlands with quick, covert strikes. soon these guerilla tactics evolved into open warfare.

The leading country of the coalition, Delurian, arranged for a meeting of the coalition rulers. they arranged to meet at the Delurian capital, in the mighty "watchtower" of Delurian. When the date of the meeting finally came, James oraida, the Delurian king, sat upon his thrown.

"the day has come for this war to end," he said. the rulers remained quiet. "We have put a hole in the Craydellian border, and the time is right for an attack." the council grumbled anxiously. "unfourtunelty," began James. "there will be no attack. this war is over." he stoood, and the Delurian knights, emerged and quickly slew the bodyguards. one of the rulers charged James with a sword. a quick upslash dispatched him. the knight massacred the rulers of the coalition. Orlan stepped through the door, eight knights following him close.

"you have done well James." he began. "the coalition is crushed. already my forces are en route to their homelands to make the final blow." James interrupted him. "I've done my part, now live up to your side of the deal."

A devilish grin spread across Orlan's face. "no"

The almost demonic human, turned and began walking out of the room, his knights taking the Delurians by surprise, slaughtered them. James stared in disbelief as the Craydellian king reached the door. "bastard..." he muttered under his breath. A blade burst from his chest and a face appeared from the shadows behind him. "for king and country... my lord" James fell onto his knees, life fading from his body. Luke, James most valuable assassin had betrayed him.

two years later

After a failed invasion on the small kingdom of valtheran from another small country, the king passed away, leaving the thrown to his only son, Arc. quickly realizing that the land would soon come under total control of the Craydellians, the new king, only twenty and the time, tried to arrange another coalition. Because of the mass assassination a year before, however, none of the rulers would meet. unfourtunetly, the only way to arrange any sort of organized resistance now, was to take surrounding nations by force.

by now Orlan held nearly 3/4 of agon. Arc gathered as big of an army as he could, placing Damion, Tailos, and Mekalu as his top generals.

His first invasion at laeror was an extreme success. He took the entire country in only a month. The first victory raised the armies morale signifigantly. soon more and more countries came under Valtheran control.



Now...

the entire world holds its breath as the mighty Craydellians borders scrapes along side Valtheran. Arc prepares a massive strike force for a siege of Delurian, the center of Agon...


OOC:well theres my intro. sorry if it sucks, im a little tired right now. anyway, if your interested, pick your side and hopefully we can finally get a good RP going.

[RavenLord]

OOC: sounds like it could get real interesting. I´m bringing two new chars of mine (hope it´s allowed), though I´ll prolly send one away as this progresses. Let the blood fall like rain and flow in rivers.

"You know," said Rafael without interrupting his weapon drill, "this "boy king" might well be underestimated by both his own people and his enemies."
"Unerestimated?" his companion, Dantian gave a silent laugh, "These people have great trust in their leader."
"My point exactly," Rafael shot back, still twirling his mithril sticks around him like some crazy planets orbiting a sun, "They believe in his cause, his wit, conviction and leadership. And yet I still think he´s underestimated."
"Explain."
"Well..." Rafael froze in a low guard for a moment while he arranged his thoughts and then continued both speaking and dancing, "The people believe that he wishes to lead them to victory, but I think he himself is ready to sacrifice his very soul for liberation of this land. They believe in his wit, but I´m seeing outright symptoms of a geanious when I look at him. As for his leadership... Well he leads by both word and example and leads well. His affairs at home are in order, I hear. The people have food and protection and suffer only slightly discomforting taxes. The army on the other hand has suffered from no diseases whatsoever. We stay fed, clothed and armed and in addition to all this the lad has find enough gold to hire the best mercenaries and lots of them. Like us."
"Always so humble," muttered Dantian eventually to Rafael´s last remark after seeing the truth in the rest of his words, "this war has proved quite profitable for sellswords."

They were a curious couple. Rafael was of normal size and a bit below avarage height. The only notable thing about him were his unnaturally bright blue eyes. That and the two decorated mithril sticks he used as weapons. They reached from his closed fist to his shoulder and each had two about three inch long extensions at one end, which spiralled half a circle. When interlocked, the two sticks formed a single, solid staff. It was a masterpiece of dwarwish design. when it came to armor, Rafael seemed to have none.

Dantian on the other hand was a big man with a very muscular build and always had an aura of calmness about him. Rafael´s head would only reach his chin if they stood toe to toe. He carried only a pair of spiked gauntlets as weapons and wore a black leather armor. His forearms were protected by thick steel protection, which connected seamlessly with the gauntlets once they were on.

They had arrived at the army camp three days earlier and had drawn quite a few eyes since. Mostly because of their obivous lack of "proper" arms and armor. Eaven now an observing soldier snorted as Rafael took a cross-step and performed a stab.
"Sabbing with that?" the soldier shouted to Rafael, who still didn´t interrupt his dance; actually he´d been on it for an hour now.
"What good will that do ya against an armored opponent?" the soldier continued. Dantian smiled briefly as his companion pretended not to have heard. He knew what was coming and wisely moved out of the way. Rafael performed another backward cross-step and stab, only this time he hit the tree against which Dantian had been leaning a moment earlier. The stick left a depression into the eighty year old oak deep enough to thrust at least half an index finger in.

With that Rafael finished his practice and bagun walking towards their tent, followed by Dantian and the astonished shout of "Melek´s rotting nuts, what the.."
"Show-off," Dantian said as he caught up with his friend. Rafael shook his head, grinning.
"It may save his life to learn that not everything is what it seems to be."

[TatersAndTots]

((I will create my character sheet first before I make my story. I know its a different style than everyone else but, it is how I first learned to rp. So, MEH to all who disagree!)))

Name: Sythun'Fran

Age: 24

Height/Weight: 5'11", 150 lbs

Looks: Average face, slight build. Has blue-gray eyes. Wears a large black cloak, which is enchanted for his chosen form of magic. Has a mask that covers the lower half of his face (Think acolytes from Warcraft 3). simple clothing under that.

Chosen form of combat: Necromacy. Dark spells and zombies are his favorite way to fight. Has minor skill with swords and is very good with staves for melee combat.

Personality: So happy he is kind of annoying. This covers his dark secret: he is complely crazy. He has He is very intelligent though. He knows when to kill and when to not, but he still loves it.

Spell List:

((Okay, this is gonna be a hit or miss. There is little known about the spells, so I'm going off of hints and stuff from quotes okay? Any help would be great.))

Dark Bolt: A cocentrated bolt of dark energy is shot at the target. Similiar is use as a fireball or other offensive protectile spell. He is best with this spell. He is mid/high level with this spell. He is skilled enough that a person that is in very close proximity with his target (almost touching) can have this spell jump the short gap to damage him/her as well. Is trying to get the chain-lighting style dark-bolt to work. He has failed miserably in this respect.

Zombie summon: Sythun is a mid/low level necromancer, so he can't exactly summon whole armies of zombies. At max, he can summon roughly 15 zombies, as well as 2 Dire zombies ((guessing the ones with armour, check Monsters in World Lore to see what i'm talking about)). THis takes tremendous time and energy, so he keeps one Dire zombie at all times, and a small group of regular meatbag zombies (no armour). He only goes max in battle or when battle is immenent. He gets rid of them all if he has to go to a town or city.

Weakening aura: AOE weaken spell. People around him fell weaker. It becomes harder to swing and cast, shoot, etc. Not very powerful, but a useful background spell. Is useless against people who can ignore it (Zombies, magic creatues, beserking people, well-trained soldiers over the short-time...))


Inventory: Cloak with minor dark enchantements, given to him by his trainer. Necromancer staff. It is a staff, metal bands around along the whole length for strength, with a skull and top, with a small amythest in its mouth. Has a shortsword, dark runes down the middle. Has simlpe brown and tan cloths for non-battle times. Shirt, long-sleeved shirt, pants, etc... Also carries a small knife for utility purposes.

Current location: Lying unconciouson a country road, near the military camp mentioned earlier.

[heroshade]

Arc's horse trotted slowly down the trail. He couldn't wait to see his newest army assembled and battle ready. A week earlier hundreds of the best mercenaries in agon arrived at the camp, and four days earlier another dozen arrived. the very next mourning, another duo showed up and enlisted. The Craydellian Empire was in for a rude awakening.

Arc could see something on the side of the road probably a hundred yards away. When they got up close, he found it was a man, lieing on the ground unconcious. "who's this? is he one of our soldiers?" He asked. the man was wearing a dark colored cloak with a mask over his face. Tailos rode up along side arc. "no uniform. He's dressed pretty stealthy, could be an assassin." Damion flipped the man onto his back and removed his mask. "I doubt it. probably just some drunk passerby." "I dont want to take any chances," said Arc. "lets take him back to camp with us." Mekalu lifted the man onto his horse.

The four men continued down the road towards the camp.

[kiwiandmango]

An elderly man, clad in a bright green clothes, knocked gently on a large wooden door. He heard nothing but the rustling of papers and a sigh.

"Come in" called a soft-spoken voice. The old man slowly opened a door and looked at a young woman, dressed in silks that shimmered like a rainbow every time she moved. Her sandy blonde hair, which was usually let loose, was put up into a fancy style today. A golden circlet was on her head shimmering in the candle lights. She had a grave expression on her delicate face, while she looked at the papers that were piled up on her desk, she stopped looking at the paper to stare at the man with startling green eyes and she smiled.

"Your majesty, must you work yourself to dust already" inquired the old man.

"Bartley, you know I must prepare the armies. I have rejected another offer from Orlan" she said with a sigh.

"You know, your majesty, if you just accepted his offers-"

"No I refuse to. I will not join him; he is like my uncle, nothing but a bully."

"But your majes-"

"And stop calling me 'your majesty', I am Alicia. Call me by my name."

"You are a queen now and must be called so" replied Bartley.

Alicia shuffled through more papers, and ignored Bartley's words. Bartley hobbled over to Alicia's side and placed a friendly, wrinkled hand on her shoulder.

"When you and the people overthrew your uncle, you know that there were going to be responsibilities. Not only for yourself, but you decide what happens to your whole kingdom. It is your duty to protect it."

"And I shall" she took up a sheet of paper from her desk "I think we should work together with that king, Arc"

"The boy?" exclaimed Bartley "But he's just a.. a.. boy"

"Remember ancient one, I am not any older than he is according to these reports." she said

"You know what I mean" replied Bartley.

"I shall visit this king and propose to him an alliance of our kingdoms. You call the scribe and tell him to send a letter to King Arc so that he will no I am arriving ahead of time." Bartley nodded and she got up from the desk and headed for the door, Alicia turned back and smiled at Bartley, and she left the room.

[Prox]

Name: Michael Blake

Age 32

Description Standing at 6'4" and having shoulder length red hair complemented by a close trimmed beard about a half an inch thick. He makes an intimidating sight, with his bright green eyes and grim set mouth and a thin scar laying across the bridge of his bold nose. He has a seasoned look behind his eyes yet his face and body make him look young, hansom and strong. He is a very well muscled man if not average for his size. Hes wearing dark brown leather trousers, Black leather and plate boots, a black steel chain mail shirt over top a light brown wool tunic, black plate bracer's ornately decorated with a silver cross on each with the end forming to a point and just curving over the knuckles on top of fingerless black leather gloves. He wields a steel broadsword which has a scabbard on his back and a slightly curved short sword on his waist.

Michael Blake sat on a log by one of the many fires that littered the young Kings camp. He sat stirring the pot of stew he had been watching over all afternoon, adding the perfect and right amount of ingredients and slowly letting it simmer and bubble away to better release the flavor of everything in it. A few other soldiers dwindled around the fireplace preparing food and mingling with company. Many were mercenaries and good fighters, many had taken kindly to the older warrior when he had shown his skill in the training arena. Michael was begining to like life back in the army...

[Rhailith]

Name: Ridan Acripos

Gender: Male

Age: 24

Appearance: 6'1". Lean. Slightly past shoulder length blond hair. Clean shaven, blue eyes, handsome features.

Equipment: Rapier, leather boots and gloves, white silk undershirt, red woolen doublet embroidered with the crest of the Acripos family.

Personality: Sarcastic, confident, cocky, intelligent, eloquent.

Status: Prince of the Kingdom of Acripos

________________________________________ ________________

Ridan strolled nonchalantly along the walls of Delurian at the side of King Orlan. They both looked out off the walls, taking in the scenery, trying to not think about the coming siege.

"This castle of yours is quite magnificent Your Grace." Ridan stated as he gazed into the distance.

Orlan grunted his agreement, "Though I'm not sure if it can hold off the boy-king's entire army."

Ridan chuckled, "You worry too much Your Grace. You will find the Kingdom of Acripos to be a formidable ally. As we speak, a great host of men is marching from my country to help you in any way possible."

"What does this army of yours consist of?"

"20,000 peasants, 5,000 archers, 7,000 swordsmen, and 2,000 mounted knights."

Orlan gave a hearty laugh, "I can't wait to meet the child in battle. Anyways, are you sure that little needle you carry will do you any good in a fight?"

Ridan looked back at him, "This 'needle' can kill a man before he can even start to raise his weapon. I could demonstrate on a couple of your soldiers if you do not believe me."

"Save it for the battle lad. Won't help to kill our own troops. I'll see you in the council chambers on the morrow at sunrise."

[heroshade]

Orlan stood atop the massive tower watching the dark clouds roll across the sky. "tell me luke," he said. "why is this called the 'watchtower'?" Luke's dark eyes shifted towards Orlan. "James' great grandfather named it the watchtower because it is said, on the clearest days of the year, you can almost make out the western border. at the time we were at war with neburon and we could see if an enemy army was approaching from miles away and prepare our forces."

"I see..." Orlan answered. "something is coming. I can feel it in my chest. The boy will be coming soon. I want to know when... send a few scout patrols west. If they find anything I want to know about it."

Luke bowed hesitantly. "yes my lord." he began walking towards the trapdoor, every step to quiet to hear. "oh and luke. If they find Arc, I want you to deal with him. I will not accept any defeat from someone more than half my age..."

Luke stared shocked at his ruler. "y-yes sir." and openned the trapdoor.

[kiwiandmango]

Queen Alicia was becoming saddle sore, her troupe of 20 knights surrounded her horse, so she felt confined and restricted from seeing the beauty of the country side scenery. Alicia hoped that Bartley had assembled her armies well enough so that they could come as quickly as possible. The scribe had already told her the direction of their army camp and, she was now on a well trodden road so she knew she must be close by.

"Your majesty shall we take a rest?" inquired one of her guards

"No, we must make it to King Arc's camp before nightfall" replied Alicia.

They continued to ride until they made it to the outskirts of the camp. One of her guards got off his horse and spoke to one of King Arc's guards."I hope we are not too early" She though looking up at the sun.

"Her majesty Queen Alicia arrives to speak with King Arc" said the guard.

[heroshade]

the guard saluted the woman and her men. "yes. Right this way. He should be in the war room now." he escourted them through the camp. soon they could see a large tent in the center of the camp. "one second." the guard said. he entered the tent for a few moments and returned. "The king will see you."

as they entered the war room, they could see various weapons on the floor along with 4 men around a table with a map of agon on it. there was a passed out man in the corner.

Arc approached the young woman. "hello." he said bowing. "I am Arc of valtheran. How can I be of service?"

[kiwiandmango]

Alicia curtsied in return "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Alicia of Salazon, and I have come from my kingdom in hopes of forging an alliance and attacking Orlan together. He has threatened my kingdom for many months now and I fear that he shall attack me soon enough." Alicia said gravely.

She then noticed the knocked out man in the corner of he room, she showed no emotion on her face but on the inside she was raging with questions "Who could that be? Was he one of their commanders too drunken to work? Was it a prisoner?" She returned her attention to the young king.

[Prox]

(OOC: some more missed info and continued thoughts)

Michael Blake

Race: Human, from the northern regions of Mercia also known as a north man.

Title/rank: origins unknown as of yet, new yet seasoned soldier in King Arcs army.

Skills/Proficiency: Weapon Master, Stew Maker and Ale Taster.

A rumor had gone around camp that Michael Blake was a Shadow Templar, one of the elite fighting force of Knights that had been wiped out taking up the fight against Craydellian when Orlan took control. There homeland Norath in the northern provinces of Mercia faltered and burned after every last (or so its said) Shadow Templar died in defense of there lands. They faltered and perished after there Lord and King was summoned to a meeting with the coalition in Delurian with King James. Norath's King William Azmodan (Azmodan meaning High Warrior in the old North man language, every king had there last name replaced with Azmodan when they were crowned) was murdered in the Delurian massacre along with many other good rulers.

When ever someone questioned Michael about this rumor he just snorted and gave them a wiry grin and started mumbling about his stew. Some were still pondering if it was true because when Michael had entered the camp he had shown exceptional skill with all manner of weapons against all manner of sparring opponents. The older soldiers respected him as a fighter but did not believe he could possibly be one of the Shadow Templars while the younger began to look at him either in awe or in mystery, wondering if he was what some said he could be.

Michael had stopped being bothered for awhile and was sitting on his favored log by his nice little fire stirring away at his stew when a group shiny, livery clad knights and a lady were led into the camp and taken to the young Kings quarters. He only looked long enough to take in the whole group of newcomers before he turned back to his stew, he had to perfect it before long since a veteran had asked him to join in the evening weapons practice to show some of the "youngsters" some tips. Michael didn't think of himself as that old but he had seen more battles than most even of the veteran soldiers of the Kings own troops. He grunted at the thought of this army marching into battle against the strongest empire in the lands with such a small and youthful force. With a twitch of his nose he looked down at his bubbling pot of stew and said "Ah thats what it needs" as he sprinkled some crushed herbs into the pot.

[RavenLord]

"Reinforcements?" Rafael asked as the young regal-looking lady rode into the camp and was escorted straight to king´s tent.
"We´ll know soon enough," Dantian raised his shoulders and proceeded towards their tent. Rafael followed after another moment of staring towards the tent. He resisted the drive of his old training to eavesdrop on the conversation. "Those days are behind, better get used to it. It´s been five years for gods´ sake!"

He and Dantian had both been taken away from their families in a very young age and brought up in a secret establishment, which trained agents, spies and assassins for the corrupt government. For meany years they lived and learned there. They were thought the finest manners and their minds and bodies were honed and sharpened with endless puzzles and tasks. They could use words, schemes and poison as well as weapons to achieve their goals and use all of those masterfully. Along with that came the brainwashing. All had to be learned and accepted, or pretended to have been learned, for those who fell behind were taken away and never seen again. Couple of times a slow or rebellious student was disposed of publicly as a mean of driving fear into the rest of them. They managed, however, to see through the lies and the corruption and escape along with their friend Kyron Shadowmoon and a few others. They were the lucky ones.

It was a miracle, Rafael mused, that they had retained their sanity through those years of hell. They all had developed their ways to deal with the scars. Rafael used his quick wit and sharp tongue, Dantian had became quiet, monk-like and almost zealously righteous. Kyron, as they had found out had severed most of his bridges and lived now at the outskirts of society, as a thief. The rest he knew nothing of, not eaven if they were alive or hunted down and killed by their former classmates.

Memories of those years rushed through Rafael´s head as he passed an elderly soldier, who was stirring a delicious looking stew. He had seen the man before and this had caught his eye. He suddenly got an idea how to kill two flies with one strike; get to know the man and get some food, for he hadn´t eaten breakfast and felt too lazy to make his own. He retireved a bottle of fine brandy from their tent and walked over to Michael´s fire where the stew seemed to be in it´s final stages. He noticed that Dantian follwed him out of curiosity.

"They are good soldiers. Young and overly eager, perhaps, but strong in their conviction," he said as a greeting from a few paces away after noticing the small frown Michael threw in the direction of the practicing soldiers.
"I am Rafael and this is Dantian. We would supply you with our surnames if we knew them ourselves." Here Rafael grinned widely.
"If you share some of your masterpiece, which, I´ve noticed, you have been working on since morn, we shall share with you something that will make it taste eaven better," he continued, raising the label of the mirdain-made drink so Michael could read it.

[TatersAndTots]

"Ughhh..." Sythun groans. He slowly opens his eyes and looks around. Actually, it takes a minute or so for his eyes to focus. When they do, he sees a group of heavily-armed knights, same kid, and a very beautiful girl. He was going to say something witty, but, as he tries to get up, he moves his head. This causes a searing pain near his right temple. He just sits back down and puts his hand to his head. He feels an ugly scab were the pain is.

"Damn bandits..." He reopens his eyes at looks at the group. They are still a little blurry. "Hey, I'm Sythun, and I have a few questions: One, Who are you guys? Two, where am I... And Three, where the f#^$ is my staff!" Sythun looks around in a panic around him. that staff was the conduit for his spells. Without it, he would be unable to use his spells to any effect. They would be much weaker without it.[/i]

[Prox]

With a low grunt and a nod Michael said "Of course, of course I did make a rather large pot of stew and a bottle of fine brandy always helps to warm the body along with me stew." He gestured towards a couple of unoccupied logs and the two men sat. "Shes just about done" he muttered as he stirred his ladle slowly through the thick stew. "Its me secret family recipe it is, you'll never find a tastier stew in all of Agon!" he chuckled. Wielding his ladle Michael filled up to large wooden bowls with a mighty helping each and handing one to each of the men. "Now how about that brandy?" he grinned as he produced a tin cup from his pack.

[RavenLord]

"By smell alone I do not doubt your words, sir!" Rafael exclaimed, water running onto his tongue. Dantian gave a silent complimentary nod.
"Ah, indeed, the brandy."
Rafael pulled out the cork with his teeth, then stopped as if he´d lost something.
Fortunately Dantian had had the forsight to bring along cups and spoons for the two of them.
"Always the thinking one," laughed Rafael as he took the two cups after fillind Michael´s.

They both closed their eyes as the first spoonfulls of stew reached their mouths to fully appreciate the taste.
"Most excellent, sir! Suprisingly spicey, perhaps, but nonetheless most excellent."
A few moments of silent dining followed after which Dantian spoke for the first time, "You must be Michael Blake, sir, the master-at-arms? Soldiers here talk of your skill... and stew," he smiled briefly. I was wondering if you were as skilled in unarmed combat as you are with a blade?"

Rafael quickly glanced at his friend wondering what was Dantian up to. Then he remembered the rumors about Michael being a former Shadow Templar and then he remembered a class, years ago, in which they learned of this order. It was said that all Shadow Templars were requiered to be able to fight both armed and unarmed, with or without an armor. It was also said that the Templars´ unarmed grand master was a monk from a distant land, who taught them his unarmed style because of which it was rumored that none but the best assassins dared target a Shadow Templar eaven in his sleep. Rafael also knew Dantians own unarmed skills and realized this to be a stroke of geanious. If there was a way to pierce this veil of mystery, this was it.

[Prox]

Putting down his empty bowl and draining the last drops of brandy from his cup Michael looked up into Dantian's eyes and grinned sheepishly saying "Well i've been in my fair share 'O brawls back when i was a lad and all that bread I been kneading with these here fists, I wouldn't hold me to it but i'de say i could pack a nice big smacker if i here did try it" His expression suddenly changing grim he growls "But men never do know there full capabilities until they be face to face with death..." Starring into the center of his little fire Michael looks lost in an unknown world. Snapping his gaze back on the two men with a broad smile growing between his bearded face he says "Actually I was just about teh go show some 'O them new lads a few moves in the training yard if ye wanted to tag along, i don't doubt you young men have seen enough combat as of late."

Before Rafael and Dantian could say anymore Michael got up and started swaggerin towards the training area. It seemed as if the Brandy they had all consumed had taken a little effect. Glancing quickly at each other the two men got up and followed Michael through the tents.

[heroshade]

Arc smiled. "We will gladly accept any aid we can get. Delurian won't be an easy battle, but the pieces are set, and Orlan will fall soon enough." He noticed the young woman's eyes flick towards the knocked out man. "him? we found him on the side of the road. We-"

suddenly the man woke up

"hey, I'm Sythun and i have a few question:" the man said almost immediatly. "one: who are you people, two:where am i, three:where the hell is my staff?" Tailos picked the man up and slammed his back against the wall. "I don't think your in any place to be asking questions." Arc beckoned Tailos away from Sythun. "we don't know whos side he's on, or even if he's on a side yet." He whispered to his general. "I want you to figure out who he is and why he's here, but don't hurt him unless the need arises"

Arc turned back to Alicia. "come, let us discuss our alliance over dinner." he said as he led the young queen out of the tent."

[TatersAndTots]

"Aaagh! What the hell!" Sythun gaspes as he is jacked up against the wall.
"Guys! A little rough? Ouch... mind not picked me up so fast?" Sythun grabbed his head, not resisting the huge knight holding him. "I was just bludgeoned by bandits you know. Also, can you blame me for being a little panicky? I am walking down a country road in the middle of nowhere, then some dude in rags with a club well, clubs me. Then I wake up in some random tent, not knowing where I am, and I'm surrounded my armored guards and obviously two people of very high class.Sythun gestures towards the two rulers,"I don't need to remind you guys that usually knights equal high-class slash rich empires. These empires usually have religion. Religion is usually holy. Holy people tend to despise dark magic. I am a mid-level necromancer. I think you guys can do the math there. To put fuel on my panic-based fire, all my gear is gone. Again, can you guys blame me? Okay! Rant over."He looks at the huge man holding him against the wall."Umm... can you put me down now?

It is important to note that Sythun was somehow able to gesture wildly through this whole rant.

[kiwiandmango]

Alicia was just about to leave the tent with Arc to head to where they would be served dinner, when she noticed the man acting madly, and declaring that he was a necromancer. She looked at the man sympathetically, she left the king's side and knelt down beside the crazy man trying to help the guards calm him down. She stared deeply into his eyes, as if she was trying to see into his soul, she then took a glass of water from the desk and threw it onto the man. "Calm down" said Alicia calmly "You're not in any danger" she turned towards the guards, without waiting for him to respond.

"Please give him a comfortable bed sleep in tonight he should be better with some rest." she commanded gently.

She walked over back to King Arc and placed her arm on his formally. "Now shall we continue as plan to dinner?"

[heroshade]

"so, shall we continue as planned to dinner?" alicia asked. Arc nodded and led her into the center of camp. There, they came across many fires, surrounded by logs with soldiers sitting upon them. Arc looked over two see three men around a fire stand and moved towards the torwards the training area. "I normally like to eat with my men." Arc stated out of nowhere. "It gives them a thought of humanism around their leader, makes them feel equal. You dont mind if we eat with my new recruits do you?"

[RavenLord]

Don´t have time to post properly. Rafael and Dantian followed Michael to the training grounds, trained, witnessed the knowlege and skills of the old veteran and then the royalty came along for dinner. Just npc my chars, since I´ll be gone for three or four days now. Sorry ppl.

[Prox]

Don´t have time to post properly. Rafael and Dantian followed Michael to the training grounds, trained, witnessed the knowlege and skills of the old veteran and then the royalty came along for dinner. Just npc my chars, since I´ll be gone for three or four days now. Sorry ppl.

(OOC I'm gunna beat up Dantian =D, I'll post after I'm done class today.)

[TatersAndTots]

"Sweet, sounds good." Sythun said after the pretty girl looked at him. "I'm kinda tired actually. See you all tomorrow." Sythun walks out of the tent to his bed. He never intends to sleep at all that night. He has work to do. He briskly walks past a fire with three soldiers cooking stew. He just makes it there as they leave for something. He reached down and picks up a cooking knife that was left behind. He then sneaks into an unused tent and picks up a pencil and paper ((or quill or whatever)). He writes down a quick note stating that he is retrieving his things and that he will be back by morning. He then sets off to the cooking area and gets some bread and a little jerky. He sets off into the forest without being seen (the black cloak helps a lot). "Time to get my stuff back..." Sythun murmurs to himself as he disappears into the forest.

After an unmeasurable time in the darkness of the forest, Sythun can see a fire in a nearby clearing. He sneaks quietly up to see a group of three men. They are all in rough leather and drab brown clothing. One has a large bushy black beard, one of the others had a leather skullcap. The third he can't see. They all armed with clubs, and one has a small shortsword.He waits for a few minutes, observing quietly, laying up against a tree by the clearing as he assesses the situation. After a few minutes, he gets up and walks up to teh edge of the forest.

He begins a short chant in a language different that his natural one. Suddenly, black lightning arcs form his hand and right into the back of the bearded bandit. He screams and slumps forwards into the fire. The other bandits draw their weapons and look around in a panic. Sythun calmly chant again and kill the sword-armed man. The final man screams and continues to look around. Sythun chants a different spell. Then, the bearded man rises from the fire and falls on the remaining bandit. He is promptly ripped apart. Sythun then walks over to the campsite and picks up a few bags and bundles. He walks away towards the military camp with all his things, as well as a few things form the bandits.

[Boadicea]

Name: Tambre

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 30

Appearance: 5'1", with a slim, toned build. She has a natural olive skin tone, deep green eyes, and sharp features that give her a serious unapproachable look. Her black, chin length hair is thick and straight with the bangs hanging to just above her eyebrows so as not to block her view. She dresses in drab browns, grays, and blacks and always trousers. She wears no jewelry or other adornments so as not to have it hinder her in combat.

Equipment: A dagger at either hip and one in either boot. Her belt holds four poison tipped darts and a pouch that holds various alchemical ingredients.

Personality: Quiet and introverted. She bows knee to no ruler though she works in the interest of Queen Alicia, who is not yet aware of this fact. Her reasons for this Tambre keeps to herself. She holds herself to her own ideals of morality and not those of others.

Status: Freelance assassin


Deep green eyes followed the movements within the ever growing camp of the young king Arc from a distance. Particularly they followed the procession from the king's tent to a campfire. To be most particular they followed the form of one Queen Alicia. Tambre sat, straddling a tree limb, with her back against the trunk of an old oak. Her brows furrowed as she lifted a piece of hard tack up to her mouth and tore off a chunk with her teeth. As she chewed on the tasteless nourishment the small woman leaned forward in an attempt to get a better view of what was going on in the distance. It was hard to see past the tents and soldiers milling around without getting closer, which she didn't dare do as of yet. There was to much open space to attempt to sneak into the camp during the day. She would wait for nightfall so she could blend into the embracing darkness. She'd give her left breast to hear what the king and queen discussed though.

She had been following Alicia's convoy since it's departure from her kingdom. It had taken her a day to catch up to them because she'd had to take care fo a particular matter first. Another bite was taken from the dry tack as she leaned back again and thought back on the event. True, Alicia would likely be quite upset when she learned of the ancient one's death for she would likely never know that he had been aiding Orlen with information on Alicia's kingdom. He had felt it would save the kingdom if they joined with Orlen and seeing as he couldn't sway Alicia to ally with the tyrant he had taken matters into his own hands. Tambre had spied on the ancient for nearly two months before taking action. She was never one to just jump into something as crucial as assassinating a direct servant of the queen without knowing all the facts first. As wise and intelligent as the Ancient was he had never seen it coming. The blade across his throat had silenced his spell before it could even be uttered. As he had gurgled in his death throes she had leaned down and watched the life fade from his eyes. It hadn't been exhilerating, she didn't get a rush from it. Not like many others in her trade. It was just something that had to be done. Except this time she didn't do it for coin.

We all must pay for our sins eventually. Tambre held no delusions that she was somehow exempt from this. She had a lot to pay for and one day she would likely die the same way she had killed many others. Now was not the time, though. Alicia knew naught of her, but Tambre knew much of Alicia. She would never forget the face of the woman. Girl, actually. Alicia had just been a girl when they had met, just beginning to bloom into womanhood.

*Five Years Earlier*

Tambre stood over the young princess' bed, her knife frozen in mid-air as she looked down on the sleeping form. She had been sleeping so peacefully but as the assassin had moved to strike the girl had opened her eyes and looked directly at the assassin. She had at first expected the girl to scream and cower in fear but not a sound was uttered. Alicia had looked her directly in the eyes and it had sent an unexplainable chill through the assassin. There was no sorcery afoot, no magic to stop her. Only the girl's gaze. At that moment Tambre knew she couldn't kill her. It was the first time she had not completed a contract. She had escaped from the very window she had come in and even as she ran she didn't hear the girl scream.

*Back to the Present*

That night had haunted Tambre ever since. It had shaken her to the core and made her doubt her own capabilities. Never had she seen someone look death unflinchingly in the face. How could a young girl have such a lack of fear in that moment? So Tambre had stopped taking contracts. She had taken it upon herself to watch over the young princess, who later became queen, from a distance. She never approached her or made her presence or deeds known but she was always there, watching.

Pulling herself from her thoughts Tambre looked up at the sky to notice the orange-red glow of a sun beginning to set. She turned her gaze back to the camp again and settled in to wait for nightfall.

(I apologize if I stepped on your toes, Alicia. It is not my intention to play your character for you. I just though it was an interesting way for the two to have met in the past. :P)

[kiwiandmango]

Alicia smiled formally to the soldiers as she sat down on a log beside the king, taking the food she received from the cooks with a soft thanks and returned her attention to King Arc. "It's fine" she said happily "I've eaten with my soldiers many times before I became a queen, to be honest, I prefer dinner with the soldiers and servants over the nobility any day" she said laughing, and then stopped abruptly, slightly embarrassed that she let her tongue slip. "But, its not like I don't feel honored to be eating with you" she said politely hoping she hadn't already ruined the chance of an alliance. Alicia, still slightly embarrassed, then began to eat the food she had left on the log beside her, she felt her insides warm up as the food entered in her stomach, Alicia hadn't realized that she was so hungry. Her shame melted away and she put the dish aside for a servant to pick up.

"Now about this alliance. Is there anything that you need my soldiers to do specifically?" she asked the king.

OOC: oh its okay, it's actually quite interesting

[TatersAndTots]

((Wait, what time is it? I got the impression it was in the evening. I am a little confused. The time for this post is roughly 9-ish PM k?))

Sythun stoppes along the trail to see what he has exactly grabbed, and to rest. He always had very good night vision. He finds mostly random things: an extra club, some coins, food, silverware, some earthen bowls, etc... Then he found what he was really after. His staff and his sword. He hefts his staff and spins it around a few times. He suddlenly felt at home. He has had this staff for his entire career as a mage, with the skull and crystal as a gift for completing his apprentice training. He was good enough with the staff to almost make it an extension of himself, allowing him to combat or at least hold off much more armored opponents. He spins the staff and slams it against a tree trunk. It leaves a good-sized crack in the trunk.

He stops and, after a moment of thought, suddenly drops most of the bags and turns around. "Hey! Grab these bags and carry them with me!" He yells back. Two drab monotone "Yes" replies answer as two men stumble up. One is covered in massive tears and bites, and the other has his entire back a hideous seared black mess. They are Dire Zombies, smart enough to follow simple commands and able to command their dumber Zombie brethren. They are actually the corpses of the reamining two bandits. Sythun decides to use them as expendible pack mules for his long walk back to camp.

Sythun whistles a merry tune as he walks back from his expedition, completely oblivious of the two corpses following obediently behind.

[Prox]

"Nice of you to join us Michael! and I see you've brought a couple of new guys with you as well" Jeered a white haired veteran.
"I was just finishin me stew Artur and these two lads offered me some fine brandy for a bowl O' it" Michael replied.
The old veteran, Artur gave a quick nod and a grin as he said "Well I hope one of these pups will teach you to drink before a brawl" Artur gestured towards a group of soldiers practicing moves through the dirt stomped yard.
"Actually Dantian here wanted to see my unarmed skills close up, so I thought the youngsters would learn more by watching instead gettin a broken noggin" chuckled Michael as he pointed a thumb behind him towards the large man standing beside Rafael. Artur looked Dantian up and down for a minute before saying "Hes a pritty big lad there you should watch out Michael".
"I'll be fine, I've got some special moves my mammy showed me back when she was alive and kickin". Artur grinned and walked a little ways off clearing an area for the two to spar shouting at a couple of soldiers who were rolling about on the ground exchanging blows.

Dantian said "Would you like to go bare knuckles or fist weapons? I would prefure to go bare knuckle so I don't hurt you". Michael nodded and said "Don't want to go hurtin a senior now would ye boy" as he performed some quick stretches with a few grunts.
As Dantian turned to give his gauntlets that he had removed to Rafael he noticed some nicely dressed people sitting at a nearby fire talking together, he recognized the young king Arc but he did not remember the lady sitting beside him. He dismissed the thought and handed Rafael his weapons and turned to face Michael. The older man was bending backwards when Dantian heard a loud POP and saw Michael freeze for a second before groaning "Ack that felt good". The veteran named Artur walked back up out of the growing crowd and shouted "Let the match begin, it will end when 1 man gives up or is knocked out!"
Dantian slid his legs apart in a balance stance and clenched his fists so that the viens in his massive forearms poped out...

Michael saw the veins pop out of the man massive forearms as he flexed and clenched his fists. He jumped up and down a few times to get the blood pumping and then closed his eyes and slid his left leg backwards slowly along the ground until his stance was about a meter across and he stood, unmoving. Breathing deeply through his nose Michael maintained his stance for about a minute as Dantian did the same...

Dantian was ready to test the mans defense, he took a few steps forward and Michael did the same, matching his movements with the opposite. A few more steps and the two mens first attacks collided, Dantians punch was fast and hard and gasps came from the crowd as they did not even see his movement but his attack was stopped in mid swing by an open palm stopping all the momentum and speed instantly. Dantian looked up from his fist and saw Michaels eyes blazing directly into his own with a strong fire... The men than recoiled and began trading powerful blows non of which connected but were all blocked or parried...

OOC the spar will be going on for anyone doing things in the camp so they can watch or it will just be happening while other stuff happens. Or if your spieing from a tree or sitting by a fire *wink* *wink*

[Rhailith]

Ridan looked out over the land from atop the walls of Delurian. He hadn't been able to sleep, he never could sleep before a battle. The land looked so peaceful and still in the night, almost like a painting. He could faintly see the lights from King Arc's camp off in the distant night sky, reminding him of the bloodshed that was to come.

Ridan suddenly felt a tremor in his mind, almost a ripple of raw power. Ridan had felt it before in his homeland of Acripos during the war with Helran, the necromancer. As a prisoner of war, he was branded with the Mark of the Devourer. As a consequence, he could feel the raw energy of the dark arts, burning his mind whenever it was used near him. He could feel that same energy now, the power of necromancy was present. A faint scream tore the veil of silence from the land. Ridan frowned, "It appears the young ruler has enlisted a little more than your average swordsman to his army. Stupid of him to have them reveal their arts so soon." Ridan resumed his silent vigil, waiting for the dawn.

[RavenLord]

Dantian was quite taken aback by the veterans obivous speed and quick reflexes. While he had to resort to the simplest and quickest of blocks like simply covering his head with his forearms, Michael was able to redirect nearly every one of his strikes. They punches came at about the same speed. He was, however, stronger of the two, and he reckoned he was a bit more agile aswell. Thus he´d fare better in very close combat.

About a minute into the frey, dantian had thrown a couple of quite flighty kicks, which got Michael to reconsider his most daring attacks. The vet adapted quickly though and Dantian´s third kick was nearly caught, which would´ve beed disasterous.

Let´s change strategy once again, though Dantian. He lowered his guard barely noticably by anyone else, baiting a straight. It came and at the same moment Dantian ducked under it and shot for a double leg takedown. The only problem was that Michael´s punch had been slightly faster than anticipated and it had glanced of his forehead, leaving him a bit dizzy. However he dashed forward with all his speed.
((If you don´t know what a double leg is just youtube it, you´ll see))
Now, no new posts from me for 3 days. Have fun :)

[Boadicea]

Now that it was nightfall Tambre came down from her tree. She had taken time to memorize the patrol's course and time it so she could slip past them. Pressed against the tree trunk she watched the camp for a few more moments before crouching low and stealthily making her way through the tall grass. She was careful not to disturb the grass to much and so her progression was slow and cautious. She was doing rather well until she heard the snap of a twig and the shuffling of feet not twenty feet away. Tambre froze in place low to the ground, her right leg stretched out to the side and her left knee bent and bearing her weight. Her left palm on the ground helped her keep balance as she slowly, silently pulled the dagger at her right hip from it's sheath with her right hand. She was careful to keep the blade covered and flat against the inside of her right forearm so the moonlight wouldn't glint off of it and give her away. Her breathing was so shallow it couldn't be heard and she remained as still as a rock. She peered through the grass to see glimpses of a man with a staff and what appeared to be two dead men following him. A necromancer maybe? Tambre's gaze followed them for several tense moments as she watched them slowly pass. Not until the necromancer and his pets were nearly in the camp did she dare to move again.

Tambre chose to enter the camp from the side furthest away from King Arc's tent seeing as how the soldiers weren't as plentiful there. She waited patiently for the patrol to walk by before making a crouching run to slip beside a tent and take a sweeping look around. Patience was one of the keys to Tambre's once well known reputation, before she stopped taking contracts to watch over Alicia. She never rushed unless quick action was needed at the time, such as her speed in battle. Sixteen years of her trade had honed her skills. She did not think of herself as the best like some arrogant ass. She knew there was always room for improvement and no matter how good you were there was always someone better. So she was always careful. She was extra careful to stay away from the circle of light near any campfires. It wasn't until she was well into the camp that she stepped from the shadow of a tent and sat down at a campfire like she belonged there. With so many soldiers, mercenaries, and hopeful farm boys pouring into Arc's camp she could easily pass as just another face. Sometimes it was easiest to hide in plain sight. All she had to do was to keep Alicia from seeing her face.

[Prox]

Michael thrust his open hand downward with a quick jab at Dantian's wrist as the large man lunged for a grip on him. The blow was lightning fast and connected with Dantian's wrist with a quick crack, Dantian's hands landed where he was aiming but his lower hand had went numb from Michael's jab and he could not close his grip. Dantians upper hand closed on Michaels tunic but he could not lift the man with one arm, for the half second it took Dantian to realize what he could not do Michael took the opening. Standing to close for full swings Michael dropped down so his face was level with Dantian's chest and slammed his elbow into the large mans ribs, knocking the wind out of Dantian and throwing off his balance Dantian looked like he was about to step back when another blow struck him in the center of his chest. Dantians hand had returned to normal but he hardly noticed it as the older mans powerful blows hit him again and again. It was probably the hardest Dantian had ever been hit in his life and with every strike it became harder to see the mans movements. Michael thrust a palm upward as the big man kept trying to widen the space between them and clipped Dantian's chin while at the same moment Dantian's head rolled back to dodge the attack Michael hooked his foot around the 1 foot that was still on the ground and pulled it off the ground and into the air, sending Dantian flying backwards. Dantian rolled backwards and came to his feet, barely bringing up his arms to block a full strength punch which pushed him back another few feet. Dantian recovered his balance and before Michael could attack again he brought up his knee to meet his opponent. To Dantians surprise Michael pushed his palm against the incoming knee and slightly turned it aside so that it did not hit him and came down on Dantian with his other fist which Dantian just manged to catch with his own fist. Before Dantian knew what happened Michael slammed his forehead down on the top of his head making his eyes blur. Dantian took two steps backwards and then grunted heavily as a massive kick sent him sprawling on his back in the dirt. His eyes blurred and his head dazed Dantian lay there on his back breathing heavily.

Michael stopped himself from leaping on the fallen foe and finishing him by closing his eyes breathing deeply and easing out of his stance.
"Nothin like a bit O' brandy teh wake up the fightin spirit in the mornin boy" Michael Blake chuckled as he breathed heavily from the extreme exertion of the fight. "Whew I need ter sit down for O' bit" as he stumbled off towards a vacated log. A rather large crowd had gathered around the training area and they gave a cheer as the veteran sat down. A few of the soldiers crowded around him offering him water and boasting about how fast he had moved. Rafael walked up to Dantian still laying on the spot looking up at the sky, Rafael emptied a mug of water on the larger mans face and offered a hand down to his old friend. "It was a good fight, I'm glad he is on our side!" With a broad grin Dantian took his friends hand and they heaved each other up. "Yes, that man packs quite a punch" as they both looked over at the puffing chuckling veteran who was secretly thought to be a Shadow Templar...

[TatersAndTots]

Sythun walks towards the camp with all the things and his zombies in tow. (Sythun isn't like those crazy necromancer that think of their creations as "pets". Sythun considers them more like tools.)

"Human... in trrr...eeee..." one of the zombies says. "Hmmm? Huh... your a perceptive one aren't yah?" Sythun back says to the zombie; the zombie ingnores that reponse. They are still walking into the camp, never showing that they had discovered the hidden person. Sythun chooses to sneak back the way he left. He sneaks through the tall grasses on the far side of the camp from where the king and his young friend where at. Sythun hides on the side of a tent right next to the grasses and waits to see waht this mysterious person does. He manages to catch a glimpse of the man's face as he sneaks past him. Woman actually, he notices. Long black hair and a gracefull manner very rare in a man. He sees her nonchalantly sit at a campfire on the outskirts of the camp.

Sythun just as camly walks towards the same fire. He gets a very large number of stares as he goes. One man just keeps staring at the cut-up zombies. Sythun turns around and gives the man a scowl. "Hey, its called a 'zombie', look it up!" The man quickly looks away. "Damn, I forgot how dumb regular-line soldiers are..." Sythun mumbles to himself, shaking his head sadly. Sythun plops right down next to the startled woman and talks in a loud, friendly voice. The woman quickly manages to regain her composure though, so well that Sythun was the only one ot even notice she was startled at all.

"Friend! Didn't think I would see you here! What do you think of the camp?" Both zombie drop all the bags and stand silently behind the two. Sythun leans in closer to the woman and talks in a low voice, so as not to be overheard, "Okay then, you made a few mistakes. First of all, you had bad enough timing to sneak in here right as I did. You couldn't have really planned that. But more importantly, you forgot an important fact about necromancers: we are never alone." Sythun turns his head forwards for a second, in thought, " Well, never alone if we can help it. I didn't have just one set of eyes, I had three sets." He makes a small gesture at the zombies behind him. "Now, mind explaining yourself before I have to do something I don't wanna do?" Sythun smiles warmly at the woman, like a great friend, but his eyes are hard and suspicious.

[Boadicea]

(Hmn. First, she was not in a tree when they passed as my post clearly stated. Second, zombies being that perceptive? Not in any rpg I've ever been in. Third, I pretty clearly covered all of the reasons as to why she would -not- be detected. Fourth, my character would never show surprise to anyone, whether she felt it or not. Therefore I will not respond to that post. Sorry.)

[Prox]

The moan of a the undead trailed across the camp and many shocked faces turned to see a dark group sitting by a fire. Two darkly deformed men standing behind someone. Before anyone could move Michael slid out his broadsword and leaped toward the backs of the dark men. With a powerful slash Michael cleaved the head off the first zombie wielding his sword in two hands and as the other began to turn he impaled it through the small of its back, ripping the blade out of the creatures ribs the zombie falls in half to the ground in a bloody mess.

The necromancer had turned and stood and was beginning to chant something as his ice gaze fell upon Michael when the warriors foot made contact with the necromancers jaw. A loud crack sounded and as the necromancer fell backwards Michael jabbed his sword clean through the dark mans shoulder, the man gave a wild cry as the blade parted the flesh and bone. Michael did not give the man time to react, he yanked his sword out and raised it for a finishing blow...

[RavenLord]

Dantian was utterly beaten. Michael´s treatment had been quite rough, perhapas needleslly so. His way of punishing me for being so nosy, that man isn´t stupid, Dantian thought. Rafael came to help him to his feet and they both held up an air of laughter, but gave eachother a quick nod which none else noticed. Dantian walked over to the weapons master to shake his hand.
"You have great skill, master Blake. I believe I´ve learned a lot today."
With that he informed everyone that he needed some rest, which was met with a dose of good-natured teasing from the nearby men.

"Definitely not a local style of fighting. Did you see the way he blocked my takedown? Local fighters simply tend to drop atop of their opponent. His stance is a bit unusual aswell," Dantien said as soon as they´d left the men far enough to not risk being heard. Before Rafael could answer, a man, leading two badly damaged corpses walked pass them.
"That guy´s a necro? And Arc let´s him into the camp? I thought the boy king was smarter than that," Rafael commented. Then another suprising thing happened. Michael Blake suddenly charged the Necromancer, clearly intending to end his life.
"Shit!" exclaimed Rafael and sprinted back towards the camp fire, unsheathing his mithril stick as he went. The second zombie was already falling to the ground. Michael was just pulling his blade out of the necromancer´s shoulder when Rafael reached them.
"Wait, master Blake!"
The man paid no attention to his words as he lifted his sword for a finishing blow.

It landed like a falling mountain, almost breaking it´s way through Rafael´s hasty rooftop block, bringing the mercenary to his knee. Michaels rage seemed blind enough that he wouldn´t have stopped there, but dispatched of both Rafael and the necromancer if Dantian hadn´t made it in time to wrap his powerful arms around the weapon´s master and hold him in place.
"Master Blake, wait! This man was taken to the king´s tent earlier. There must be a reason for him being here."

[TatersAndTots]

Sythun looked up at the two struggling men. His left arm was bleeding badly from the random stab. Sythun had tried to reason with the man after killing his two zombies, but he got a kick to the jaw for his efforts. It was clearly dislocated. Sythun was about to retaliate when another man jumped in between them. He took the massive blow from the first man, while a third gathered the man in a bear hug, restraining him.

Sythun gingerly brought his good hand up to his jaw. With a loud crack, he slammed his jaw home. He smiled at the man, a sick and cruel one. He then unsheathed his sword, only one arm would not be able to handle his staff correctly, and brought it up in a distinctly mage-style sword stance. Mages fight differently than regular swordsman because of their spells. A mage has no problem doing whatever it takes to open an opponent's defenses. Then a spell can be launched form the safety of a few feet away.

Suddenly, almost in anticipation, Sythun's sword began to crackle with dark energies. Black lighting arced from his hand to his sword as necromancer energies were added to his sword. Any slash or parry, or even a near-miss, would send dark energies through his sword into his opponent's, and from their sword into their body. It would be only a few strikes before either the pain was unbearable, or the man's hand was simply seared to his sword. Sythun had actually fought a paladin once, that man was so fanatical that he kept fighting until the energies actually killed his hand and his hand fell off, sword still attached to it.

Sythun waited, left arm useless and his right wielding a magic powered sword, for any attack from this unknown killer.

"Master Blake, wait! This man was taken to the king´s tent earlier. There must be a reason for him being here!"

Sythun thought for a second and replied, “Actually, I was wondering that too. But before that,” He points his sword slightly towards the struggling man, “What the hell is his problem?”

[Prox]

"Necromacer scum!" spat Michael as Rafael and Dantian blocked his blade and grabbed hold of his arms to stop his swing. "A student of the dark arts does not deserve to live! Release me so I can finish him off!"

The necromancer then stood up and popped his jaw back into place with a sick looking grin, then pointing his blade at Michael and said "What the hell is his problem?"

"My problem?" Michael sneered "Is your kind being let alone while all you cause is pain and death" at this Michael began to struggle against the two men holding him...

[RavenLord]

"I agree with you sir, but if we were to make the decision over his life or death, we would be no better than he. Please, calm yourself!"
Dantian muttered into Michael´s ear, using all his considerable power to hold the veteran in place.
"Guards! Take the necromancer away from here, take him to the king," Rafael instructed at the same time, seeing that it was best to keep the dark mage as far away from Mïchael as possible. He also wanted to keep him in check. He was standing in front of Sythun, mithril sticks raised. The magical aura around the necromancer´s blade didn´t worry him much. The dwarf-enchanted mithril wouldn´t act as a conduit to any magic but it´s own.
"Give us your weapons and let us bind your mouth, Necromancer. You cannot fight the entire army. The king will decide what will become of you."

Meanwhile Dantian was afraid that he might lose grip of Michael at any moment. "Please, Master Blake, do not bring yourself to commit murder. Trust your kings judgement."

[RavenLord]

((Oh, a question if ye don´t mind. Is the army already sieging Delurian or are we just marching towards the place. I was thinking about sending Rafael scouting, but dunno if that´s possible :p))

[heroshade]

((Oh, a question if ye don´t mind. Is the army already sieging Delurian or are we just marching towards the place. I was thinking about sending Rafael scouting, but dunno if that´s possible :p))

((we arent there yet, but we're close))


I was going to post but my friends came over and now i have to go...

[TatersAndTots]

"What? Why me? I didn't do anything!" Sythun was bewildered at these turns of events. A guard steps up to Sythun to restrain he. He sword crackles in response to his anger. Sythun turns to face this soldier and makes a shoo-ing motion with his sword, "Whoa! Back up off me, I'm not done yet!" Sythun turns to the group of men ahead of him.

"Hmm... let's begin. I was traveling through this area when I got mugged by bandits. Bandits who, if you looked at the local wanted roster, were wanted for the murder of merchants traveling through the area. So I actually chose death-sentence earning criminals as my zombies. I actually did you guys a frikken service in killing them!" Sythun shakes his head. "Sorry. Back to the story. I get picked up by some kid, who I still do not know the name of, and dropped in what is obviously a command tent. Some huge knight dude attacks me and then I my loyalty is questioned at swordpoint. Now remember, I was kidnapped! I had no idea what was going on. I still have no idea where I am. Then I leave the camp for a bit and get my gear back, as well as them." Sythun gestures at the mangled zombies on the ground. I walk back and sit at a fire so I can get some dinner. Then Mr. Crazy there" He gestures at the man being restrained, "chops up both my zombies, dislocates my jaw, and stabbed me in the shoulder. Oh yeah, can I get a healer please, I'm starting to feel a little lightheaded right now. Now you guys come and save me, still being as bigoted and hating as him. Don't assume that I am sadistic and evil simply because I prefer dark magic! Remember, criminals were my zombies... Now you are trying to gag and bound me for doing absolutly nothing except defending myself from a crazy dark-hating maniac! While at the same time completely ignoring the guy that acually attacked in the first place! C'mon people, think about it!" Sythun shakes his head at the usual bigotry and stereotyping that follows people of non-necromancer lands. He is used to that by now, but not being atacked and then treated like the attacker by his saviors!

Sythun sheaths his sword and walks out of the crowd that had formed. "I am seeing the king now anyway! And next time that guy tries anyhihng, I kill him!" says Sythun in exasperation, pointing at his attacker. He walked at a brisk walk towards the original commant tent, a stray ZAP! startles everyone around him as single dark lightining arcs shoot at random all over his body.


((btw, Sythun is NOT reffering to the king in that last line!

It is fun to rant. :p

What's with the sudden ganging-up on the necromancer! I feel outnumbered... :bang:))

[Prox]

With a grunt Michael submitted and stopped struggling against Dantian.
"Dark magic corrupts the soul even if it was once good, the stronger a necromancer is the blacker his soul has become and there is no controlling ones actions."
Turning his gaze slowly around at the surrounding people he says "If you do not watch your back, you will regret it before the end..." sheathing his sword in one swift movement Michael stocks off into the camp in the opposite direction of the necromancer.

What was the boy king thinking letting there kind roam freely through his camp, actually why was there one in his camp in the first place. They were the most dangerous of enemies and the most cruel, they did not deserve life. No matter there intentions whoever took up that dark art had to pay the price... for the vow he had made when he was ordained by his people, all evils shall taste my blade and burn to bloody ash. Necromancers had aided in the destruction of my life, and they would pay dearly until my last dieing breath. That necromancer is either a fool or he is already evil, if he thinks he can control those forsaken souls then he will cause much pain. Michael would not fight beside someone he had sworn to kill... But he did not want to leave these good soldiers to a horrible end that he knew would come. Michael would stay until the King made a decision or the Necromancer proved him wrong, which was very unlikely in Michael Blake's flaming eyes.

[RavenLord]

Dantian´s nod at Michael´s words was a very grim one. He too felt the same way about dark arts. Rafael disliked the dark magic aswell. He waved the few guards onward.
"Come on! You don´t want to let him roam around the camp unchecked, do you?" With that he himself set after the Necromancer.

Dantian released the weapons master as soon as he had calmed down. Although the necromancer´s story indicated no signs of crime or wrong-doing, he still had a good amount of contrasting feelings. For once, the right action was lost to him. He set off after Rafael and got into hearing range just as his friend came close enough to Sythun to ask "why were you moving in these parts anyways? Looking for your share of loot and fresh corpses left behind by battling armies?" He was quite amazed at the man´s apparent lack of interest for his pierced shoulder.

At least the mystery that was Michael Blake seemed to become a bit more clearer by the minute. The ancient order of Shadow Templars was widely known for it´s hate towards the eavil and those who wielded eavil magic. The necromancer better watch his back, for next time Dantian would not protect him.

[Prox]

eavil

OOC do you mean.... evil? or is that a word I don't know.

[TatersAndTots]

((Whoo I own page 4!))
"No, necromancer training actually." Sythun replied. He was glad that no one was trying to kill him now. He has cooled down before the two men and the guards had caught up with him. "My master gave me the old 'Journey far and wide to find yourself' thing. I chose to come here becasue of a friend of mine, an archer actually. I am an apprentice mage. I need to go through some adventures and stuff before I can return to my town and get my master's training." [i]Sythun saw the man look at his stab wound. "Oh that, it hurts like mother but it has stopped bleeding, so I don't really care as long as I get a healer eventually."

The mage trip thing was full truth. The friend thing was a total lie. His friend being here is extremely convienent, but it is not the real reason. Deep in Delurian tombs, there is a single body in robes. Among all the other skeletons, it is not unique. But to a dark user, it is a Holy Grail of magic. The corpse is clutching a Deathless Mage master's tome. Inside is host of very powerful spells and skills. Area of affect Dark Bolt, an insanely powerful Weaking Aura, the ability to summon literally hordes of zombies, as well as creating all sorts of spirits and golems. A dark-based Ritual Magic spell. Sythun does not know what it is though. This is only a small part of the massive number of spells inside it.

"There is a second reason, and a lot more noble at that. I hate Cayedellians. A lot. They harshely tax my people and give them almost no respect, taking what they want and hurting whoever they wish. If I was going to get my training done, I might as well help you guys." Sythun gestures all around him. "So, what about you and your friend?"

((I have found an issue with my character. I have made his personality differnet than what I wrote. So, this is my Personality Sheet, part deuce!))

Personality: Very happy most of the time. Is extremely intelligent and energetic. Prone to long rants and is always gesturing. Think Teddy Roosevelt for those from the good ol' US of A. Loves to talk and be with toheres. Is indeffernet to death and isn't sadistic at all. He only kills when he has to, and when he does kill, he tries to make it as quick as possible. Is a little ambitious, he searches for more power and skill all the time.

[Prox]

((Yeah, my bad, a typo...))

I quoted Ravenlord

[TatersAndTots]

((I realized that and reacted accordinly

Edit powers... ACTIVATE :p))

G'night everyone

[Rhailith]

Ridan watched calmly from the walls of Delurian as the sun slowly crept over the horizon. It was a beautiful thing to watch the colors of the sky meshing with the colors of the sun before washing the few wisps of cloud with red and pink colors.

He turned from the awe-inspiring sight and strode towards the council chamber. Ridan joined in with the several other lords that were part of King Orlan's war council and filed into the great chamber.

Ridan sat quietly as Orlan spoke, "As we all know, the young king, Arc, is marching with his host to take Delurian, effectively giving him a foothold, a base, and a gateway into Craydellian territory. We do not yet know the number of forces in his army, but we do know that he has brought quite a great amount. We must decide what to do."

Ridan stood and cleared his throat, "Your Grace, in the night I felt the dark energies of necromancy. Arc has employed more than normal soldiers I fear. I would like to volunteer to spy on the enemy's army to gain information that will be vital to victory."

Orlan looked at Ridan, "Your request is accepted." He said, "We will hold another council when Ridan returns. Now go with haste, Prince of Acripos."

(OOC: Sorry if I wasn't supposed to take control of Orlan).

[Prox]

Michael sat down at a lone fire, searching for his pipe in his bag ad pulling out a little tobacco weed from a small pouch. Michael struck flint over tinder and lit his pipe, taking a few thoughtful puffs he picked up a stick and starting stirring the fire. A few wisps of gray smoke floated slowly around the man before disappearing into the evening sky.

[RavenLord]

((Ya, it´s evil, srry. My english starts sucking bigtime when I´m tired.))

"I see," was Rafael´s only comment to Sythun´s explanation, "Us? We simply go where there is fighting to be done and coin to be earned."
Dantian had caugt us by now and gave a hint of a smile. Although it was true that they had worked as sellswords quite often, that was only one part of the story. He decided the necromancer didn´t need to know all of it.

((erm, I´m not sure where Arc is atm, so...though I was sure the king was close enough to witness what had happened...))
After awhile they reached the young king and his company.
"Sire, forgive me for disturbing you, but there is a matter you should look into immidately," Rafael spoke after a bow, "This man has expressed his wish to join the army and aid you in your quest. He has also caused quite a stirrup among the men."
He said no more. The rest was for the king to decide.

[TatersAndTots]

Sythun shot Micheal an angry look then turned back towards the king.

"Sythun the necromancer, at your service Sire." Sythun said with a bow.

[Prox]

Sythun shot Micheal an angry look then turned back towards the king.

"Sythun the necromancer, at your service Sire." Sythun said with a bow.

(OOC, Its Michael, I am halfway across the camp so you can't see me, I think you need to read the posts better.)

[TatersAndTots]

((/facepalm... yeah, I read that wrong at the time of my post.

Hey everyone! When Sythun glances at Micheal, he is actually staring at Rafael. Got it?))

[heroshade]

((Im back! Sorry for not posting. Lack of inspiration I guess. Rhailith, don't worry about controlling Orlan. Arc was close enough to see the fight, but seeing as how I haven't posted in a while I'll just say he was out of view of It))

Alicia was just asking what Arc needed her to do when two of the mercenaries and the man they had picked up on the road showed up at the campfire.

"Sire, forgive me for disturbing you, but there is a matter you should look into immidately," Rafael spoke after a bow, "This man has expressed his wish to join the army and aid you in your quest. He has also caused quite a stirrup among the men."
He said no more.

"Sythun the necromancer, at your service Sire." Sythun said with a bow.

"Excuse me your highness."

"Hmmmm a necromancer eh?" said Arc. "I may have a special use for you. How many corpses can you reanimate at the same time?"

[RavenLord]

Dantian was a bit confused at the boy kings obivous indifference to the fact that the man in front of him was a dark magic user. Rafael, who was the cooler of them two set his feelings aside and weighted the possible benefits of having a necromancer on their side. Sending undead to charge the walls instead of soldiers could save many lives and reanimating the bodies of killed enemies atop the enemy fortress walls may take it´s defenders by suprise and give the attackers a breach point.

They would have time to think of ways to use a necromancer in the upcoming battle later, but now Rafael had other things to do. "With your permission, majesty, we take our leave. I was planning to go scouting tonight."
((Someone tell me whats the time???! :D))
With that Dantian and Rafael walked away from the gathering of nobles.
"I would come with you, but my ribs need a bit of rest I´m afraid."
Dantian said with a little smile. Rafael answered with a silent laugh.
"Don´t worry about it. Keep your ears open around the camp for signs of trouble."
"I will."
Rafael took off towards the edge of the camp and into the gathering dark.

Dantian walked over to where Michael Blake sat.
"I am sorry I had to restrain you, master," he said as he took the forgotten bottle of mirdain brandy, opened it and poured some of it onto his forearm where a patch of skin was rippled from Michael´s treatment.
"I have never seen such unarmed skill. Only heard of it in tales... It would be my honor if you agreed to teach me."

[TatersAndTots]

"Umm... lemme think. 15 of the dumb meatbag variety as well as 2 Dire zombies. Those are the one you see with weapons and at least some brains. Doesn't seem like much huh? Well, all I know are apprentice-level spells. If I can get my hands on a spell tome..." Sythun trailed off, " ...Let's just say things could get a little interesting." Sythun smiled and raised his eyebrows up and down a few times. "But I have a better spell actually. Its called Dark Bolt. Black lightining shoots from my hand to kill stuff. I am really good with that spell. It can actually jump from the original spot if people are close. There was this one time, I got jumped by like 5 paladins. Big dudes, plate mail, two-handed warhammers, the whole shabang. Nailed the front guy, and BAM! Got all of em' in one shot. Mmmm!" Sythun made a kind of punching motion at "BAM!".

"Sorry about that Sire, I have a habit of talking a lot..." Sythun said with a shrug. "Why do you ask?"

[RavenLord]

((a brave move playing a mid-level char, sir. all of us try to pass ourselves as impressive and frightening dudes :D I´m sorry now that I didn´t bring Elias, my paladin, into this RP))

[TatersAndTots]

((I am Sythun, mid-level spellcaster and ruiner of movie magic moments!

I hopefully wont be mid level once I get my hands on that deathless mage tome...:D

*cackles loudly*

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!))

[Prox]

(OOC: ye he is trying to get a tome that will make him super badass, and my guy may be a good fighter but he is not invinsible, I decided to beat you up because you went away for abit and i didn't want to beat myself up. i give everyone a chance to do whatever they want, Kinda like when i didn't kill the necro => which I might have killed depending on the next post, but events turned out like this xD)

"Don't kid yourself, you are a very good fighter Dantian. But right now i am not in the mood to talk about killing, there is little I can teach you before King Arc moves the army." Michael replied with a grim half hearted smile. "I wouldn't mind some of that brandy to go with me smoke if you don't mind though"

[TatersAndTots]

((O snap! Im on a roll. I rule page 5!

Sorry bout the double post, this idea hit me after I lost the ability to edit my post. DO IT! Bring your paladin if you can. We have no holy magic users, and I still have a large stab wound in my shoulder...

Ive asked for healers about 3 times already :bang:...))

[Prox]

((O snap! Im on a roll. I rule page 5!

Sorry bout the double post, this idea hit me after I lost the ability to edit my post. DO IT! Bring your paladin if you can. We have no holy magic users, and I still have a large stab wound in my shoulder...

Ive asked for healers about 3 times already :bang:...))

(Considering you know almost nothing about Michael i wouldn't say we have no holy magic users.)

[heroshade]

((right now, night has just recently fallen. The clouds are darkening and there is a storm coming. I'll post in a couple hours. Or now))

"Sorry about that Sire, I have a habit of talking a lot..." Sythun said with a shrug. "Why do you ask?"

Arc chuckled. "Don't worry about it." He said. "Now, theres an arcane library in Delurian. If one of my men can get their hands on it for me, do you think you could ambush them from the inside?" A devilish grin spread across the necromancers face.

[TatersAndTots]

((As far as I can tell, you didn't say you had holy magic. I am probably wrong but, oh well. More importantly, I doubt you will be giving me healing services any time soon, you have tried to kill me on one occasion.

+++EDIT+++

(Considering you know almost nothing about Michael i wouldn't say we have no holy magic users.)

Ho ho! Do I smell a plot twist?))

[Prox]

((As far as I can tell, you didn't say you had holy magic. I am probably wrong but, oh well. More importantly, I doubt you will be giving me healing services any time soon, you have tried to kill me on one occasion.

+++EDIT+++



Ho ho! Do I smell a plot twist?))

(Having holy magic doesn't twist much its just another secret revealed about Michael, if its true that is.)

[TatersAndTots]

((Fair enough. Now back to the rp my puppets!
*pantomimes controlling marionet dolls* <===(hope I spelled that right)))

[RavenLord]

Dantian simply nodded as he passed the bottle to Michael.
"Yes, I hear we will be marchig in the morning. How long do you think it will take us to reach Delurian?"
Meanwhile Rafael´s scouting mission was taking him deeper into the surrounding woods in front of the army. So far everything seemed to be clear with no signs of enemy spies. It looked like their arrival was yet unnoticed by their enemies, though hiding an army this big for long was nearly impossible.

((well, I might send Dantian and Rafael away and replace them with a new char/chars. You´d think the king in all his wisdom would notice the gaping hole on your person and do something about it so you actually could be useful to him once it is time for action?? :idea::eek::lmao:))
((Ohh, btw, can an unholy magic wielder be healed by holy magic?? The usual trend would say no, but hey.. your call.))

[TatersAndTots]

"Oh yeah I can." Sythun replied, still grinning. "But a little necromancer book is small play. I have one of those in my house!" Sythun said with harse laugh, "But if you want power, then I need to get into the catacombs of the city..." Sythun began to tell the story of the Deathless Mage Master's tome.

Back in the early days of Delurian, there was a man. His name is lost to the world. He was the most powerful mage in the land. He quest all across the world, finding artifacts of magical power. He even penetrated into Melek's domain. He and a group of adventures snuck deep in the caves of Melek and his twisted followers. He was the only one to escape alive. He brought with him a book. This book was a tome for the most powerful and loved of Melek's necromancers.

After his escape, he began to change. The dark enrgies of the book were, and still are immense. Him, not a man of necromatic magics, was unable to control the energies surging from the tome. He becan twisted by them, unable to separate himself from the book. He became addicted to the magic, becoming more decrepit and demented over time. He died huddled in the catacombs, clutching the book he so loved. The corpse is still there, clutching the tomb, unknown to all but the most powerful necromancers alive. Like Sythun's master trainer. He sent Sythun out to retrieve this book, and to become a master himself.

Sythun left out that last sentence when telling the story to the king.

((This story okay? I though this way was the best way to describe how the book got in the city in the first place.))

[heroshade]

((storys fine. I forgot he got stabbed lol))

Arc listened to the story Sythun was telling him, but was slightly distracted by the gaping hole in his shoulder that seemed to give him no pain at all. At the end of the story, Arc asked him what had happened to his arm. Sythun told the boy-king what had happened. "Hmmm....I see....ok, I'll deal with Michael. I want you to find a way into the city, get that book, and contact me any way possible. Do you think you can do that?"

[TatersAndTots]

"Yes, I can do that." Sythun said with a final bow. "But first..." Sythun turned around and cupped his hands around his mouth, "Can I PLEASE get a healer now?"

((Woot, btw I am playing Supreame Commander right now, I just bought it! :D)

[Rhailith]

(OOC: I kind of skipped ahead to the morning in my last post. I'm going to wait til' everyone is at the same time as me before my next post).

[kiwiandmango]

Alicia left the king to deal with the necromancer, she silently slipped away and called for one of her guards. He slipped away from the other soldier by the fire and bowed before her before she spoke. He gazed into her eyes when he got up but had to turn away from her steely gaze.

"The King, says that the idea of an alliance is pleasing to him" she said. "Assemble five units of soldiers and have them brought here."

"Yes my queen" said the soldier starting to back away.

"I'm not finished" she said "Make sure that they don't use the main road to get to the camp."

"But, your majesty won't it take longer?"

"Yes but then the reinforcements will come as a surprise to the forces of Orlen. You are dismissed." The soldier bowed again and quickly saddled up his horse and galloped the long way back to the kingdom of Salazon.

[TatersAndTots]

Sythun sees a thin man in white-ish robes quickly walk up. The man looks at Sythun's head and hten his shoulder. "I assume you need those healed?" he says. "No." Sythun replied. The man looked confused at this fact, but Sythun continued, "I just wanted to make you run a bit." The man smiles and shakes his head. Then he puts his hands on Sythun's wounds, his right hand on his shoulder, his left on Sythun's head. Sythun cringed slightly at this, but he didn't move away. The man murmured for a second and then a white light erupted in both his hands.

Both Sythun and the healer cringed again. Dark and light magic didn't mix well. There was no law stating that dark and magic could not mix, but it was very uncomfortable for both parties. After a second, the light stopped. Sythun felt at his shoulder. Fresh pink skin, similiar to the skin that appers when bad sunburn peels off, was there, the same was at this temple, where he was hit by a club.

"Whoo, thanks man. That hurt like a bitch!" Sythun smiled. "That is good. See you later. Actually I hope I never see you again!" replied the healer, Sythun and the man both laughed and went their separate ways.

Now Sythun needed a horse and some people to help him. Sythun turned back to the King. The queen was also walking back by the time he turned. Sythun didn't really care. "Uhhh, King Arc? You know where I can get my hands on a horse?"


(Bump! I am ashamed of you guys! A whole day without a post? Unacceptable! :(

Now heroshade, get my man horse!!

Railith, wait till morning!

Ravenlord, go scout!

kiwiandmango, do queen-things!

And Prox, keep hating Sythun! ;))

[RavenLord]

((Am scouting. The evil dude from the city wanted to go scouting, so I kinda sent Raf if he wanted to chat a little... or... play a game of domino... or... well, just chop eachother to pieces.))

[TatersAndTots]

((I vote chopping plz. Make my infiltration a lot easier :D))

[Prox]

(OOC I havent posted because i'm sitting by a fire waiting for someone else to do something, like maybe the king, or Alicia or that rogue chick that snuck into camp)

[heroshade]

Sythun had requested a horse from the king. "Yes, you can take my horse. He's the grey one. He should answer to Tirip." Arc showed Sythun to the 'stable' though it was more or less just a few sheets with some holes. "Also, do you know where Michael is now?" Sythun answered quickly before hopping onto the grey horse. "OK," Arc said. "I'll go talk to him....good luck. We're counting on you."

Luke trudged silently through the dense forest, three elite assassins, Leiron, the son of a Delurian priest, Mathew, an alfar war veteran from Craydell, and Markum, whos father was a succesful mercenary, close behind. "So, Orlan wants us to kill the boy king... pity." began Leiron. "I've been wanting to see him on the battlefield, but I suppose we won't get to see much more than a dieing child."

"Shut up!" Luke barked sharply. "Do not underestimate this 'child'. He has been trained by the mightiest of Valtherian swordmasters." Mathew scoffed. "You seem frightened luke. Do these barbarians scare you?" rage spread across Luke's face, and with what seemed like almost no movement at all, he was at Mathew's throat with a knife. "Never disrespect me again worm!" he whispered darkly. "The Valtherian's are among the greatest swordsman in Agon. They used to keep to themselve's until your country started this war."

Mathew said nothing, but glared at Luke viciously. Luke pushed the alfar away.

Luke had hated Mathew ever since the day Orlan brought him to Delurian. He had always been cocky and dishonorable, though a master of stealth. The only reason Luke hadn't killed Mathew was because he needed to keep relations with Craydell good.

"Quiet." Luke ordered. "No more talking. We have a mission to-" a branch snapped close by...

((sorry, tired, busy day at work for once.)

[RavenLord]

((Well, if they hear a branch snapping, I guess their argument was heard about ten times further, eh? :p You named an alfar Mathew?? :ohno:))

For a time the forest had seemed peaceful to Rafael with only the sounds of birds, animals and the passing wind to ease the silence. Then, two to three miles away from the army camp he suddenly heard a slightly raised voice. It sounded like "Shut up" but he couldn´t say for sure. Raising his alertness level eaven higher, Rafael moved in complete silence toward the voice, very mindful of his surroundings.

After a few moments the conversation seemed to get quite heated, though the surrounding trees muffled the words so Rafael couldn´t hear what was said. It was obivous that the two parties didn´t like eachother very much at the moment. At the point where he dared not go any further there was only a large, thick bush between him and the two men... No, three men, he had heard three seperate voices.

They too obivously realized what a ruckus they were making for one of them ordered silence just as Rafael picked up a fist size rock from the ground. He sent it flying about 20 steps away towards another dense bush. The sentence about a mission of some sort was interrupted as the rock hit the undergrowth some 30 steps left of the three men and, fortunately for Rafael, broke a dry branch as it landed. Quietly Rafael unsheathed his mithril sticks and waited in his hiding place.
((The places where the rock landed, Rafael´s hiding spot and where the assassins argue form a triangle.))

[Rhailith]

(OOC: Well since everyone is off scouting I might as well join them).


Ridan sat in his chambers, studying a map of the surrounding land. He wanted to know the area like the back of his hand before he went outside the castle. Ridan stood up and tucked the map into his belt before walking down to the castle gate to meet the king.

The king was waiting with three men and an alfar. "Ah, Ridan!" Orlan said as Ridan approached, "These are four very skilled people that will be going to the camp with you their names are Luke, Leiron, Mathew, and Markum." Ridan looked them over, they might be of use to him but he didn't expect much.

They all walked out of the gate together and into the forest. Ridan immediately separated himself from the group of people as it would be much easier to stay hidden. After a while he heard the men getting into an argument. Ridan cursed to himself, "What was the king thinking. You can't send uncooperative men on a mission like this." When he came to think about it, he didn't even know what their mission was, but their conversation was so loud, he couldn't help but listen in. Ridan's eyes widened as he listened to the conversation, he couldn't let this happen. Ridan drew his rapier and was slowly advancing towards the assassins when he saw a flash of clothing through the trees. It was another man with two strange sticks drawn, coming towards the killers. Ridan slowly and silently snuck up behind the man before clapping his hand over his the man's mouth and whispering in his ear, "I am a friend of King Arc's working as a spy in Delurian, these men are four skilled assassins, we must work together to kill them." Rhailith slowly took his hand off the man's mouth and waited for a reply

[heroshade]

Luke took a step forward, dagger drawn. The other three followed closely towards the area the noise came from. "Maybe it was R-" suddenly, Luke's dagger was fractions of an inch from Markum's face, a signal to keep quiet.

I should have done this on my own... Luke thought to himself. Luke usually worked alone, but Orlan insisted he bring a 'team' to take out Arc. Sending men this uncooroprative out together was the equivilent of killing them yourself, and Luke was far from cooprative with anybody.

He strained his eyes, but couldn't make anything out. "We need to make a choice now," Luke began as quiet as he could say while still being heard by the others. "Stay and find out who that was, or get the camp and finish this."

"It was probably just an animal," Leiron said. "We should keep go-" Mathew cut him off. "It was probably the man Orlan sent with us. We find the camp, kill the boy, and end this."

"I agree. We go to the camp." Markum said. "Fine," Luke replied. "Keep moving, and watch your backs."

With no more discussion, they continued forward, cautiously and slowly.

________________________________________ _______________________

Arc walked swiftly through the camp looking for Michael. When he finally found him, he approached. "Are you the one who attacked one of my men without reason?" Arc demanded.

[kiwiandmango]

Alicia walked away after seeing that her soldier took the less obvious way back to her kingdom. She walked back to where Arc was and found him confronting one of his men about the attack on the necromancer. Alicia didn't pity the old man for she knew that he probably had a good explanation. It reminded her of Bartley. "Why have I heard nothing of Bartley yet? He was supposed to be here by now." She banished her wandering thoughts and slipped in beside Arc, so that they were both staring at the man waiting for a response.

[RavenLord]

((Ohh, come onn!! Rafael doesn´t suck that bad :( He already miscounted the assassins, need he be suprised from behind aswell? :)))

It was all Rafael could do to keep his natural reactions in check. It took him a moment to realize what the newcomer had said. He turned and looked at the man. Regal-looking, elegant, somewhat grim features, armed with a rapier, expansive clothes. Spy, my backside, must be novelty, Rafael thought. However he didn´t let his face betray his thoughts as he quickly nodded.

Then it dawned to Rafael that he had been wrong. There were four assassins. This little party is getting quite crowded, he grinned. Then he pointed to himself and raised two fingers while waving his left hand and then pointed at Ridan and waved his right hand. It wasn´t perfect since the assassins were on alert but at least they had decided to proceed with their mission.

Soon enough they walked pass his and Ridan´s hiding spot. They both had crawled as much as possible into the bush, which had nasty little thorns to make their stay hellish. At least they went unnoticed by the assassins. When the four men had their backs to them, Rafael nodded to his unexpected and questionable ally before moving after his two marks.

The assassins walked in two rough pairs, the one on the left a step or two behind the one on the right. His approach was soundless and when he was two steps behind the two assassins he raised his right-hand stick, intending to crush the leftmost assassin´s skull and prepared to do the same to the other one with his left. A quick inhale and Rafael let his weapon fall towards it´s target.
((If the move is completed, Rafaels sticks will make an X, right sriking first to the left and vice versa, but for sake of RP I´ll give eaven the NPCs a chance :p))

Meanwhile back in the camp Dantian decided to keep his mouth shut about the incindent he had witnessed and let Michael Blake answer for himself. He still wasn´t sure which was the lesser of two evils. Letting Michael dispose of a dark magic user and deal with the consequences of murder or stopping this and as a result saving the life of a necromancer. Ethics and moral were such complicated things at times.

[TatersAndTots]

"Okay, good. I'll be back with a book!" Sythun says. He then rides off out of the camp, towards Delurian. Sythun stops a while out and dismounts Tirip. He removes his cloak, his gloves, and all other demonic gear he has on. He stuffs it all into a bag he has brought with him. He them examines his staff lovingly and shakes his head.

"Im going to miss you..." Sythun says a short spell. At first glance, nothing happens. But, to a person who can sense magic, things do indeed happen. The bonds between the skull and the staff are lost. Sythun then grabs the bottom of the staff and slams the top against a tree. The skull shatters into many pieces. Now the staff has gone from a powerful magic conduit to a simple metal-wrapped staff.

Sythun, now in drab browns and wielding a simple staff, continues his mission for the tome.

((Whoo, Sythun side quest! Yeah! *smilles and gives a big thumbs-up*))

[Prox]

"My apologies sire but I thought the zombies that were walking around camp were going to attack so I reacted without thinking of your will" Michael replied to Arc with a respectful nod.
"Fortunately Dantian and Rafael saved the scum so I did not cause any real harm, they are both highly skilled."
"If you would like me to leave your army I will without question, but if you plan to kill me I am not yet so old as some may think" as Michael was speaking a noble looking women walked up and joined the king. Michael sat with an expressionless face waiting for his judgment.


(OOC: I am not that old Alicia, as I am only in my 30's)

[Boadicea]

((Sorry, I was moving irl and didn't have internet for a few days.))

Michael had served as a good distraction. In all the commotion Tambre slipped away with a harsh glance cast at the necromancer's back before she slid into the shadows of a nearby tent. She wasn't a fan of magic and she still wasn't certain as to how the necromancer had detected her. She watched in silence as Michael was restrained and as the necromancer stormed off. Patient as ever she waited and watched. She wouldn't come back out until it had all blown over. She wasn't surprised when the young king came to question Michael.

She considered coming to Michael's defense and stepped from her hiding place. She walked slowly towards Arc and Michael as she studied the young king. He had the look of a fine warrior about him but she wondered how well his leadership skills were honed. So intently was she studying him that she missed the approach of Alicia until Tambre was nearly upon the group. When she did see Alicia she quickly turned and knelt down, pretending to fix a loosened tent spike. Her hair fell to cover the side of her face as she cursed at herself under her breath for the slip up. Had the queen seen her? She listened intently for any sign of recognition for she was certain that if Alicia saw and recognized her she would voice it quite fiercely. Tambre had been hired to assassinate her once before after all.

[Rhailith]

(OOC: Lol I'm sorry RavenLord. I just needed a way for my plan for the story to work out).

Ridan nodded as the man he had met so recently made hand gestures, signaling for him to take two of them. Ridan gripped his rapier tightly as he crawled through the thorns. His heart sounded like a smith's hammer in his ears, for if they were found, they would stand no chance against four skilled fighters, they needed the element of surprise.

The man next to Ridan moved out of the bushes silently, Ridan followed his lead and assumed a ready position with his beloved rapier. Ridan went for the two men in front at the same instant his ally's two sticks came down in an X towards the two assassin's skulls. Trusting the man to take care of the two men in the back, Ridan flashed past him, his rapier a blur that the human eye could barely follow, sending what could be a very quick end to the assassin on the right while aiming a kick straight for his other target's neck.

[kiwiandmango]

(OOC: sorry)

Alicia noticed that a soldier was approaching them rather quietly from the corner of her eye. She turned towards the soldier to see what she wanted but she had changed direction and was now fixing a tent spike. She stopped paying attention to King Arc and Michael as a surge of remembrance hit her. It was the woman's deep green eyes that gave her away, they were the same eyes Alicia had stared into once before many years ago, the eyes of the assassin. "She must be here to finish the job" thought Alicia coldly. She left Micheal and Arc without a word and lightly stepped towards the assassin who appeared to be fixing the tent spike. As she drew nearer she removed any emotion that would show on her face.

"I see you have returned to finish what you have started" said Alicia icily

[Prox]

Before Arc could answer, Queen Alicia had walked up to the group and looked quite interested but then turned away absently. Michael's gaze followed her for a few paces until she stopped by a kneeling women. Michael was wondering what she was doing because she had just come up to Michael and King Arc and she had fixed him with an emotionless stare before gliding off to question a grunt.

[Boadicea]

"On the contrary, Alicia. If I wished you dead you would have been years ago." At first Tambre didn't even look up at the woman though she was quite aware of her movements. She slowly stood with her hands held out away from the daggers at her hips to show she meant no harm and turned to face the woman. "Be honest with yourself. If assassination was my purpose would I have let you or anyone else see me?"

Those same deep green eyes that had given her away now pierced into Alicia's own gaze. It wasn't the look of a subject to a sovereign but one of equals. "I was hired to end your life five years ago. That night you lived and the one who hired me died in your place. I have been your distant shadow since. The assassinations of your enemies not ordered by you or your cabinet? My doing." She paused a moment before giving Alicia a dark look. "The old man you wait for is not coming. He betrayed you to your enemy and paid the price of his sin...."

[TatersAndTots]

Sythun continues to travel to Delurian. Oddly, he still carries the sack of metal cutlery and bowls that he looted off of the bandits he killed.

[kiwiandmango]

Alicia's mouth twitched slightly as she tried to suppress her sadness and shock. She couldn't believe that Bartley was dead, but it was more astonishing that he had tried to go against her command. Alicia nodded to the assassin "If what you say is true, then I must thank you for your services." she said. "Will you be staying here with us, or will you be coming and going, I can arrange that you get a tent." she offered.

[Prox]

(( ehm ))