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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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 Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:25 pm
-after the conversation with the Goddess, Val'atar turns and closes the book, then moves out of the library and heads for the stairs.. descending towards the dungeon below. When he arrives there, Val'atar speaks with one of the slavers and has a slave removed from the pens and delivered to the ritual chambers. Turning, he heads back up the stairs to the Ritual Chamber and awaits the arrival of the slave. When it arrives.. he chains the quivering human to a ring on the raised dais and looks around while he chants softly in the Infernal tongue. As the chant ends, Val'atar reaches out and touches the helpless slave.. the soft contact causing the poor creature to writhe in agony as a spell is triggered. Minutes crawl by as the ravaged slave wails and screams, twisting about in a pool of its own bodily contents as the skin and then muscles putrefy and melt off. When there is only a skeleton left, Val'atar begins to chant once again, creating an undead servant-
"This slave was sacrificed in your honor Goddess. He nows serves your will through me. I will see it sent to your temple with 10 more to honor your aid to my house."
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:15 pm
-Val'atar stepped from a dimensional door portal into his secret laboratory after a meeting with Drachir of the Twitchblade Guild. He moved to the large chair before some large mirrors and after touching each one softly, murmuring a name each time.. he sat down and peered at the various scrying mirrors as they focused on the subjects of their magic. One remained dark, but he knew why and allowed it for the time, the others he focused on as he began to plot the next step in his on going plan for his city-
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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:02 pm
The meeting at her base camp had went as planned, but not quite the true sentiment that General Kal'Daka of the Shadow Guard held. Her Shadow had told her of the eyes that watched that not-too-shabby half demon. Her Shadow warned her to keep her true thoughts to herself. To just treat the demon as she would any other noble that walked in. To play stupid. She was rather skilled in playing stupid, being none-too-bright herself.
It was true that she held nobles on a far lower field than the working classes, and that had nothing to do with being under the boot of the higher-ups. With her mother (grudgingly) leading the church of Elistraee, born into the highest drow house of all, and her long-sacrificed father a weapon master fitting of that highest house, she was no back-yard bred cur. She hated nobles because they were fake. Kal'daka was never fake. If there were words in her mind, they were said. If there were actions tweaking her muscles, she would take them. Such bluntness wasn't that favored by her dear Shadow, but she made up for it in drive and undying loyalty. She would forever stand at her Shadow's side. Despite the mark that Val'atar had on his person for being a blue-blood, it was erased because his Shadow was her Shadow. Grudgingly, but erased.
She figured a visit to the estate of the city leader wouldn't be all that suspicious for a new faction that had just moved in. Prying eyes might just figure that she had been prompted by her seconds to go apologize for the harshness of her manner. Apologizing wasn't on Kal'daka's slate, but she did have some back-tracking to do with the funny looking demon prince.
Sahane flicked his black ears back towards his rider, and she gave him a good pat on his long, highly set neck. The Akhal-Teke was a gangly looking thing. All skin, bone, and cord-like muscle under black skin as thin as paper and fur sparse and fine. No mane adorned the neck that sat nigh perpendicular to his pronounced shoulder blades, and the tail was nearly nothing to speak of. His legs were unproportionally long and thin, head harshly chisled and ribs clearly defined. The only thing more strange about this surface beast of war than his seemingly emaciated appearance, was the leather mask attatched to his bridle. Even her pets wore her Shadow's badge. Warp was at her side as well, though poor Val'atar didn't want to know what the mutt had in store for him. It was a mistake for Kal'Daka to allow him off the thick chain that kept him close to Sahane's side and pad along through the gates of house Druugiir, baying at the top of his gargantuan lungs to draw the master's attention.
While Warp jogged off to go complete his task, Kal'Daka shifted in her bulky saddle a bit, a gloved hand poking inside of her road-worn sleeveless shirt to check for her own mask that she chose not to wear more for looks than a desire to hide what she was. She could easily trot her slight black mount into his courtyard, but she would wait for a more formal acceptance into this house. Val'atar was a mage, and a filthy drow mage at that. If Warp was blown to smithereens, she need only wait a day before summoning him back. She and Sahane weren't so durable.
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Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:51 pm
-the sound of baying outside the gates drew the Shadow guards from the wall, one on each side of the gate. The were wispy creatures of pure darkness, each one cloaked and wearing metallic armor made from some deep ebony like material. Each was armed with a lance of some dark wood with a crystaline tip. They move to flank the new arrivals, keeping their weapons at the ready as they investigate. One steps closer than the other and gazes at her though empty sockets- Why have you come to our Lord's House.. Jabbress of the Shadows?
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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:51 pm
Warp didn't flinch when the shadows slid out of the wall. In fact, the massive nessian hound just huffed dramatically, sulking back to Sahane's side. The hound and the horse were of equal height at the withers, prompting some of Kal'Daka's seconds to suggest she ride the dog instead when travelling in the caverns. She was almost short enough to be a halfling anyway, but statements along these lines only earned a boot to the face and not actual consideration.
Kal'daka tightened the pressure on Sahane's barrel when the shadows pulled themselves out of the wall, but it wasn't really that needed. The stallion had seen many things stranger and unnatural than moving Shadows, even to being doccumented as charging everything from mind-flayers to dragons without so much as a grunt. However; mindflayers and dragons didn't carry lances, pole arms, naginata, halberds, or spears. The ******** for any and all beasts of war. Sahane wasn't sure exactly what the otherworldly shadows were packing, but he didn't quite feel like taking the chance and flattened his ears back, throwing his head up to avoid the pressure Kal put on the reins and gave her a sideways, white-rimmed glance. A few loud chomps on the bit and some unapproving huffs and he pulled himself together, but he wasn't putting his ears back up damnit and that was final.
"'Ey. Hide the sticks. 'E dun like sticks." Shadows she herself could deal with. Other undead, constructs, and any other 'magic crap' not so much. "Nor do ya wanna be back there." She turned Sahane into a more neutral position, allowing him to see both of the spectres. "The buisness I got with yer Lord is for his ears alone. Neither'a ya'd get it since ya weren't at the base. Got some things ta explain'n some shop ta talk."
And Warp had some payback to have, which Kal expected was going through his mind but doubted it'd make it out of that thick skull. Warp's skull was rather thick, yes, but when it came down to it, Kal's was thicker and Warp had more overall grey matter...
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:42 pm
-One of the shadows eases back and then vanished into the wall for several moments, before re-appearing once again. It moved forward, but did not come very close to the animals as it spoke with a whispered voice- The Lord of the House will see you now.. -as it spoke the words.. a shimmer of shadow cascaded around Kal'daka on her mount and the Warhound as well, encircling them in a blink. All three were suddenly granted the sensation of falling through darkness until with a start, they find themselves upright once more in the middle of a large room with a high vaulted ceiling. The walls of the room are decorated in various murals of infernal scenes of violence and perversion, each one more twisted than the one before it. The floor and the doorways bore glyphs in the infernal tongue.. spells of warding and various other arcane meanings, each marking had an unearthly glow like that of lava and yet no heat could be felt from them. In the midst of all this, sat a plain throne of black crystal and upon it Val'atar regarded them with a neutral expression. As soon as one of the creatures moves, he motions with his right hand, causing both the Warhound and the horse to be paralyzed by a Mass Hold Monster spell. He tilts his head slightly, regarding her with a cold stare- "Why have you come to my fortress?"
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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:12 pm
She gave a nod and a salute to the shadow, and her little menagerie stayed perfectly calm when the shadows enveloped them. All three were used to it for one reason or another. The falling, however, was not something routine. A steady stream of filth worse than an orcish sewer spewed from Kal'Daka's mouth in every language she had ever learned to spout filth in, plus a few phrases she made up as she went.
Upright wasn't entirely true for too long, as both the four-legged creatures scrambled to figure out what just happened. The leather sleeves over Sahane's hooves kept him from slipping too much, but Warp didn't have as great of traction and ended up on his rump just in time for another blasted hold spell. When this sorcerer's time was up...
Kayla completly ignored the decor, as the violence was something she embraced, and the perversion she'd probably one-upped, what little she'd seen before turning her attention to the matter at hand. She didn't care about being fancy or orinate. Straight and clean cut to the chase. A second to realize Sahane wasn't moving, and she slid off his back and took a minute to stretch before answering.
"I came t'tell ya the base was a front. Our lord has his eyes pretty well trained on ya, and wants ta make sure that the two of ya, plus a few of his favorites are th' only ones that kin guess what yer up to." She actually bowed. No small thing to be passed off as customary, as there were only two other beings she had ever really bowed to out of her own free will, and one of them was a god. She had no problem figuring that this half demon could probably mop the floor with Vhaeraun if he really wanted to, and that was something definately worth respecting. Even if he was a slimy filthy mage noble. "I'm gonna be a b***h ta ya in public, I'm gonna be a b***h ta everyone in public unless it's sensable buisness. But in th' shadows'n behind closed doors, the entirety of the SG is at yer disposal when the proper time comes. We're all within the Masked Lord's embrace, and brothers always come before work. I won't accept pay from ya and will never ask it of ya." She picked herself up, giving Sahane a reassuring pat on the neck. "'n will you quit it with freezin my pets!? They wouldn't'a hurt ya either way, but the dogs hold legend'ry grudges." She groaned, looking over at Warp for a moment. "Be. Have."
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:40 pm
-As she bows, Val'atar inclines his head slightly, then after she finishes.. he speaks- "Your loyalty to our Lord is clear and I honor that. I have served Vhaeraun's goals for centuries, at times in secret.. openly when possible. To save us both time, I will cut to the chase. I accept the pledge and the support of the Shadow Guard. I will make it a point to avoid your fortress and if you need gold or soldiers, I will arrange secret delivery to aid you as my house can." -nodding, he releases the spell of holding, then reaches into a pouch within his garb and pulls out a small brooch. With a deft toss, he sends it her way-
"That will allow you to communicate with me by telepathy should you need. To anyone who attempts to sense its use, it will seem like a shielding brooch.. a use it will serve until such time as you use it. The activation word is Burguul. Use it well.. there is trouble afoot within this city. Seth and the Vampire Valthier are gathering forces in the Temple. Her brother Reivan may be involved as well as their respective houses.
The number of undead within the city rises each day and while I command great powers over necromantic magic, even that has limits when dealing with so many. I have had my house mages begin construction of wands to command undead as well as healing wands.. as such positive magic harms the undead.
Zarud is construction golems as we speak.. I suggest you either place an order or buy them when they are complete. I.." -He pauses and purses his lips, then licks them for a moment-
"I am unsure exactly how to proceed at this junction.. my strength is in Warfare and deceit tactics. I desire to unify this city for Vhaeraun, but with the Temple growing so strong, it seems unlikely for the time being."
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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:24 pm
((you keep the WEIRDEST hours for signing in.))
"Vhaeraun saved my a** more times'n I care to really admit." She chuckled, using the frozen Sahane as a leaning post. "I think I rigged it up well 'nuff that you not makin' a repeat offense won't be suspected, even with me droppin by. Kinda woman I am, they prolly all figure I came to chew yer a** just a little more. It's well known I don't like yer type anyway. Grew up with a human berzerker's dislike'a magic, and a grunt soldier's hatred of nobility despite my parents, though their names don't hold no weight here." She shrugged, catching the brooch and sliding it on. She'd probably switch the magic-filled charm onto the plain cord she already wore around her neck. No one would notice it was new. "Gold shouldn't be a problem, Sir. Men I preffer willin' voulenteers. Listen better. Do more. Work harder."
A roar of laughter erupted when he told her that it was for telepathy, and both the animals shook out pretty hard and flashed their respective glares in the half demon's direction. "I'll warn ya sir, you probably do NOT want to hear what's goin on in my head at any given time, but if the convo's short, my mind won't wander. Could use the sheild though, 'case my HQ falls down 'round my ears. Creaks enough."
Once the conversation turned serious however, so did she for the first time Val'atar could really see. "Familliar with both. Boys did some snoopin fer me, know all the leaders in the city. Noticed all the fits bein' pitched by the kids in yer general direction." Even though Seth was probably older than herself, Valtheir definitely so, but they were both acting like children. Spoiled children at that. "Should be gatherin' forces against the Spider b***h. They're gettin' together better'n y'all over here. They aint gotta reason to give you so much s**t'n pissin' an' moanin' that ya been in complete charge for so long. Tough s**t's all I gotta say to that. You been rulin' for so long fer a reason." She huffed hard, pulling out a roll of tobacco and lighting it, waiting to take a draw. "Ya kin garuntee that the houses're involved. 'S why I don't trust goddesses. They always pull s**t like this. Even the 'good' aligned ones." Elistraee, though she was her dear mother's goddess, was no friend of Kal'daka's, and it was her of which she spoke. "If they summon a single shadow, count it as our side, if they turn'em on you. No shadow will attack a Nightshadow while Vhaeraun is watching. I'm in the city, 's enough reason fer'im ta be watchin m'back. I doubt yer wands even would one-up the hold of an undead ran by their queen. Rebukin'em on the other hand, 'specially with my clerics behind ya, might do some good." She pondered it for a minute, taking the chance to re-mount Sahane. It felt strange to be near her beast without being on his back. "If'e kin make'm bitchin' fash and rideable maybe. SG's mostly cav. Couple points'a light, most heavy, trained for ground work too if the battle field aint hoof friendly."
She tilts her head to the side, raising an eyebrow when she watched him actually look like he was fretting over the matter. "'S why I got my very much dislike'a you noble folk. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty yer helpless. City aint gonna go to Vhaeraun with a couple vamps and a couple lich in high seats. They aint gonna convert, and why should they? Ravenantzer is to undead as Vhaeraun is to us shady folk. The livin' people though're the hinge. Save Seth. That b***h is NUTS." Now it was her turn to look overwhelmed, though more because she could hear the fits being pitched loud and clear from the beat-up inn; whatever being shreiked at the temple. "Just stay calm'n cool while they're loosin their heads. Key to spottin' a liar is if they're too emotional'n detailed. Like Seth'n Valtheir. They're scared SHITLESS of ya, flippin out whenever ya show up to hide the fear like a horse'a anythin it aint seen before. They're pretty sure yer not a zombie-nut like them. They see it as a threat. Prolly figure you'n I're on the same page. I'll just point out when they undoubtibly come ta talk to me that Vhaeraun and Kiaransalee are allies, however grudgingly on my part it is. Let ya relax a little if they get clued in. Ya could use a day off looks like. Escalation of undead soldiers is plain as hell ta see. If ya want, I could go up there'n talk ta people. Ask if they're fer going after the Spider b***h and if they aint than they BETTER BE. b***h's gettin just's ready as you folk, 'cept all her energy is pointed here, where all here's energy's pointed here too. Bad. Very bad. I hate Lolth, but admit she's a worthy combatant and not to be underrestimated. Kia's too ******** crazy ta do anything intelligent and all hers are either brain dead or would be better off brain dead." By the time she stopped talking, half her cigarette was gone, prompting a hard frown before she finally took a breath out of it, blowing out the sharp smoke in a slow and steady stream.
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Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:28 pm
((somehow, I told you so just dooooesn't seem to cut it. stare ))
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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:03 pm
-Nods slowly, then turns and paces across the room. His arms folded over themselves as his wings clench and unclench at his back. After several moments, he turns to regard her- "Do what you can.. I am going to withdraw for now, remove myself from this situation. Erelala will handle the estate and my seat on the council. I think I am going to make a trip to the Abyss.. Kiaransalee needs to remember who and what I am. Perhaps a conversation with the Goddess herself will set this straight."
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:48 pm
The missive from Arachnae sat upon Valatar's desk awaiting his attention.
"Valatar,
I write this to you out of concern for the city. A neighboring city, one known to you being a Webbed one, contains much dissent and bickering. Perhaps the information could prove useful to you and the city's war with the Spider Queen.
Tell me, how do you stand concerning the new death goddess?
Ever Cautious,
Arachnae"
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vVDragonVofVDarknessVv Captain
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Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 5:51 pm
-A kobold slave is dispatched the same day with a reply letter-
"My little spider..
Times are fraught with excitement and intrigue. The houses attempt to make pawns of one another.. all the while being made into pawns themselves by those of us who know the game best. For now I speak well of the Death Goddess for she is the bright beacon of light that draws all eyes in the darkness. Let attention be upon her and with it the swords of our fellows. I wait as always for the right time to move decisively. The shadows guard my back as always and when needed I wear the Mask of disguise. Be always aware for the Temple is active and insane at its core.. the undead grow restless and seek to attack any who stand before them.. foe or not.
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