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 Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 4:31 am
Their king appraised them all in silence, unflinching even as The Sun's spines stopped an inch from taking his life. Each of them had great potential, far beyond that of any other Shadow in the kingdom - even the ones who seemed to doubt themselves. There was little else he could do in a situation like this, not when it was demanded by Voice itself. They would have to realize the fate of the kingdom rested on their shoulders now. It had been too long since he had felt anything stir within him but poison. Aymet held pride and hope for his warriors, but also fear, a small fear that preyed upon him in the back of his mind. He had created them all, countless soldiers, an entire population formed of the darkness and nothingness that was left behind and forgotten. People just like him. But they were incomplete somehow. He could not create life, merely a shadow of it, echoes of what they could be. Different. He embraced them as they were, convinced himself they were better than the flesh-and-blood beings in all the others, but distanced himself from them all the same. He knew - no Shadow had ever been claimed in death by the Violet King. For all his bravado, the Shadowlord never asked why. He didn't want to know. He stood again, and silenced the chatter that had broken out around him. " Come forth, then, and accept your fate." The Shadowlord reached into the nothingness and pulled out a deck of cards. There was a subtle pattern to the back of them, as if they were designed black on black, shimmering faintly. Everyone in the room could feel the draw of a single card as he spread them across the table in an arc. There was one for each of them. " To each of you, champions of the Kingdom of Shadows, I give a new Name, a second Name. This is your title and your burden. Keep it close, and keep it safe. When you are lost, look to it for guidance. When you are in danger, it will be your salvation." The Shadowlord appeared somewhat less tangible than before - anyone who looked closely could see faintly through his head to the carving of The Tower in his chair. " Through it you have been granted a portion of my power - to see into the darkness of all beings, and reveal the truth. With this card, you may now twist the fate of your enemies against them." Everyone reached out for their card, the one they knew innately had been made for them. Running a finger over the design on the back, they could feel it mimicked the sharp architecture of the kingdom and the curl of black miasma. " Stand proud, and stand together, for you are Shadows." One by one they turned over their card. Blank. " And you are the darkness that all others fear." Patterns of ink began to well up, dangerous patterns spreading across the center of every card. " Wheel of Fortune, unpredictable as always. Your cleverness will always show you a new path to lead or mislead by, my Grim Noble."  " The Hierophant is most qualified to balance life with death. See your enemies poisoned and your allies restored.
The Tower stands on the precipice of great change, and great downfall. Even the smallest acts can change the course of an entire war.
We will have two Dread Clerics." " The Sun has no fear of anything in this world, for in her heart is a heavenly fire. You will be a symbol of our might and the fury of our revenge, my Penumbral Paladin." " The Moon, queen of the night sky. Your trials were difficult, but you have risen above hardship and earned my trust and my confidence. You will be the bridge between your king and his army. Lead them to victory, my Eldritch Advisor." " To the rest, I offer you chance. A fate unwritten. Each of you possesses unique skill and insight, and I know you will prove that you are the best of this kingdom. Your prowess in battle will determine what you become, my Dark Heralds." " Make preparations for your leave - armor, weapons, tools, supplies, anything that you need you must gather now. If you have time before you depart, I would like a word with you in the Tower." Aymet sounded tired, and the edges of his silhouette had begun to blur. The Shades were already slowly herding the now fully realized army toward the doors and back outside into the endless night. " You are dismissed." Quote: The choices have been made! EVERYBODY, if you are able to, please drop off a brief description of your character to go on the front page. Just put it in a quote at the bottom of your next post. SHADOWS! It's time to prepare for battle. Where will you go? What will you do? Do you know any of these Shadows from your past? You can create a backstory with other players! The entire kingdom is available for you to explore, and invent places within it to suit your Shadow's story. Everything can be RPed out in this thread. Maybe you'll even stumble upon a new arrival... WILD CARDS! You've met a terrible fate, haven't you? But all might not be lost yet. Do what you do best - explore, and learn more about this kingdom from its people. Seek out a Shadow, or talk to the Black King. ANYONE! If you would like to speak with the king, please quote Astaraei (that's me) in your post. Aymet is in the tower at the center of the kingdom, so head on over there. I would love to RP with all of you heart
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:34 am
The time for games had ended, as the King announced who would take their place. Jericho nodded at the selection. It was all rather fitting. For himself, he was determined to do what he could no matter what. The future of the shadows depended on it.
He had little need for weapons as he planned on taking his draconic form in battle.. but for now, he picked up a shadowy greatsword.
Just in case.
From there, he ventured to the tower, to see what their great king had to say.
"You wished to have a word, my liege?" he asked.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:01 am
Their King announced their ranks, and neither Mari nor Tess were surprised to have been given the position of Dark Herald. Versatility was key for this position, and both knew they had that in spades. The legged half of the pair walked over to give the Sun a wide smile that reached her eyes, "Congratulations! It's so wonderful that all your hard work and training had paid off~" she greeted.The winged half of the pair, on the other hand, flew towards a different Shadow. One who had the same rank as her. Licking her lips, Mari's wings silently flapped, drawing her closer to Judgement, "Fellow Heraaaaald," she crooned to Amarus, "I hope you aren't too disappointed in failing to be granted Paladin." Her tone was more teasing than mocking, more affectionate than spiteful.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:02 am
Amarus who was Judgement listened to the King's speech, and waited to be formally dismissed. Everyone else, she heard, and knew what her role then was. The moment they were given leave, she pushed her chair to the side and stood, heading out. To the place where she dwelled, to prepare her armor and her mind. She spent a lot of time doing both of those things, and nothing calmed her better than preparing for battle.
She was making a beeline for the door, when one of the Lovers addressed her. "It was a failure on my part, you are right. I suppose we all must fail our King from time to time, but I will serve in the role I have been given," Amarus replied. She clearly had issue both with taking a joke, and with socialization. That much hadn't changed. She bowed to Mari, either in greeting or in parting, it was unclear. "I must prepare for battle. Perhaps we might speak later, in greater depth?" Once she'd already made up her mind about her course of action, it was difficult for her to change it, but she would be happy to speak to Mari once her preparations were finished. "Please excuse me," she added, with a second bow; that made the first one a greeting, then! Amarus tried to, as quickly as possible, escape the room.
She did not particularly have much to say, not to anyone she passed by, and she did not live near or with anyone. She eyed her weapons, until she found it: her shadowy lantern with its long shadowed chain, flickering in wisps. The meteor hammer had an open, carved lantern on one end, spikes jutting out with faces like gargoyles carved into it. Her fighting ability, her runes, they required this lantern or another weapon to really show: she could imbue it with runic flame. A shadow-flame that burned like no other. That was the goal, at least.
Even amidst shadows, she was indistinct. It should have been a familiar feeling, but all she could do was focus on her meditation, meteor hammer in her lap, breaking out of it to stroke the back of the shadow lantern almost affectionately.
After that, it was merely a matter of dressing for battle. She did not fight in much armor, as it would limit her movement range; speed was crucial for her fighting style. As such, she merely slipped on gloves that reached to her elbows, and secured an ornate cloth mask to the lower half of her face. She wound a shadowed, tattered scarf around her neck, and tied her hair back and up. The bells, she left in.
To the tower, then.
She made her way to the Tower, dressed and ready for battle. "Sir King, we are meant to seek audience with you again?" she asked, her meteor hammer coiled around one shoulder, its weighted ends danging down at her chest and back.Amarus-Called-Judgement Appearance Accented in the purple-pink common to her costume, Amarus' appearance is largely unchanged; just translated into a shadow form. Her fingers have become represented by long, slender slices of shadow. She wields a meteor hammer, and uses her runic carvings to imbue it with shadow flame.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:33 am
So far, so good; Shenny was accepted as the Dark Herald along with other Shadows. The Devil's heart was trembling, she was eager to serve to her Lord and her Kingdom right now, she wanted to kill and torture her Lord's enemies, she desired to flood the other kingdoms with darkness that have been such a beautiful home for all of them. She wasn't upset she were not picked for a better role; to Shenny, every role given to her by her Lord was good enough, and the shadow wasn't stupid: she knew that the Dark Herald might have a lot of possibilities and might prove to be extremely useful when even the mightiest fall. The devil nodded her head to the shadow she met her eyes with before; she also nodded to the Fool, since it was one of the few speeches she didn't find pathetic, and followed her King to the Tower. It was far from a den she were calling her home, a small yet beautiful pyramid shaped turret where she trained lesser shadows in the art of fighting. As she arrived to the Tower, she bowed to her Lord, and stood still near the entrance; part of her wanted to ask him something, tell him something, prove him that she could be useful to him, but she could not. Trembling at the side of his majesty, Shenny realized such things should be proved by deeds, not words. She dreamed about the King addressing her, asking her something, she almost gathered enough willpower to address him herself, but stopped at the very last moment. Shenny The Devil, Dark herald Shenny looks exactly like she usually does, except for the fact her silhouette is made of shadows and looks a bit flat, as if it only existed in 2D. Her sword is no longer transparent, but made of pure darkness; her eyes are crimson instead of green.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 11:06 am
The fortune grinned as he let the box disappear from the other and cocked his head left and right. "It always eludes me but one day I will figure it out, unless you try to first~" He let the box drop, watching as it was swallowed by shadows as Aymet spoke. The tributes had been chosen and thus, his eyes gleamed as the card he was handed turned to show his new job. Grim noble, what fun~ What fun~ He'd have to be smarter then the rest! but that would be easy for a cat wouldn't it? "My liege." The cat danced on the table and smiled. When his hands came to look for a weapon, he chose the long thin wires of a unknown metal. They were flexible, transveratile and well...didn't snap when he applied pressure to it. What a fitting weapon for one so small and nimble. Dancing around he started to disappear. It would lead him preputally upstairs eventually, to the tower where his king was hidden. "King King, Are you excited for war?" Night seemed almost childish, "I'm a little worried though. What you did there, did you infuse us with your power?" AstaraeI Night brings the limelight to his shadow form, literally. With green accents among his shadow forms, its hard to discern the true intent of the cat because he smiles constantly. Whether it be when he's leading you to glory or if he's leading you to the descent of hell, know he's going to take you with a grin on that cheshire face.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:17 pm
It didn't take long for Davyne to guess her new location after stumbling out of the portal. Quite frankly, there was something very distinct about the architecture of the Black Kingdom; and if nothing else, it was easily recognizable if not always easily located, from what she'd heard. So, that was one mystery solved. The next would be what the hell had happened to the Silver Kingdom but, frankly, she doubted she'd be able to tackle that one on her own. For one thing, surely it had to have been something building over a period of time - Kingdoms don't just collapse, after all. Did they? She'd always heard talk that the Silver King had things well in hand though, even with the shift in Miasma, and had anyone asked her half an hour ago, she'd have been inclined to agree. Now... well, something had obviously gone wrong somewhere, but she had no idea what exactly. She'd noticed nothing amiss before the catastrophic events had struck. And there was nothing she could do about it now, either how. The Silver Kingdom was, in all likelihood, gone. Which meant that she'd probably have to find a new home, and fast - shadowing was no use if there was no-one to report back to, after all, and being a lone Silver citizen wouldn't offer her much protection. Not as much protection as belonging to a Kingdom that hadn't fallen to rubble would. Still, the Black Kingdom probably wouldn't have been her first choice. Brows slightly furrowed, Davyne considered her options; and there didn't seem to be many. Would her weaving skills be appreciated here? Certainly she'd heard good things about the quality of work done here, but the lack of colours would be something to adapt to. Well, if worst came to worse, surely she could make her way with her fighting skills instead. Even if she'd much rather prefer running a respectable business selling her fabrics. Perhaps seeking some help and advice from someone more accustomed to this Kingdom and its ways would be of help to her. Nodding decisively to herself, Davyne set off to find someone who could offer her a bit more information about what was currently going on in this Kingdom. Well, actually, even just the first Shadow she chanced upon would do. There was no use in being picky in a situation like this. Quote: Wandering Shadow entering thread! <333 If any characters wouldn't mind fielding a couple of questions from a confused Wild Card, that would be awesome!! o3o
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:44 pm
Hopefully she hadn't been standing there looking like an idiot for too long, staring at disbelief at the card in her hand. A Dread Cleric, such a honored position and one she had never thought herself to be considered for; she had imagined herself simply fighting and dying for her lord, it was what she was probably good for. But this.
"T-thank you, my lord. I shall do you p-proud," Maple bowed, clutching the card in her dark and shadowed hands. The small Shadow pulled back, catching up with the others as they were dismissed to make preparations. How many of them were disappointed, she wondered, and how did their liege even think she was fit for this task? As he did when he called her from the skies, he must see something she wasn't in herself.
It worried her a little, the dwelling was always there and it came back in waves as she descended back into the kingdom proper and towards what she called home. It wouldn't take her long to gather what she needed. But, there was always a time to double check, and knowing her luck, she would forget something.
Most of what she took were extra supplies, everything she truly needed was already upon her and her trusted weapon was always at her side or waiting to be called forth when needed.
Taking the last of it, she headed back out and made her way towards the Tower where her King awaited. Maple rounded a few corners, hoping most of the landscape didn't shift on her while she made her quick errand. Most of it was the same, nothing of change. Well, except a few new additions that came stumbling into their lands.
"Oh!" She stopped short, clutching the brim of her hood as she stared at the interesting ... thing before her. Her red eyes darted around, unsure of ... well many things. Were there more of them? Was this the start of the war? Were they under attack. "W-who are you? E-explain yourself!" Maple demanded in her most intimidating voice - it wasn't very intimidating. Okay, maybe this would be a good time to have an actual weapon and not just a Shade.Maple. The Tower Maple is a timid Shadow, always so unsure of herself and keeps her hood drawn around her face as a means to hide her anxieties. She's short in statue and accented with a deep reds throughout her body and glowing red eyes. Maple's weapon is the command over Stag and Elk like Shades that fight in her stead and follow commands, well.. hopefully.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 1:28 pm
A cry came from nearby, his eyes struggled to take focus on the origin of the voice. A female's voice demanding his identity and business. Where was it coming from? Dual-toned eyes glanced around the surroundings (not that there was much to glance at) and all he could see were shadowed clutters of environment; buildings, cobbled streets, walls, and red. Red? Uru's eyes focused harder on it, following the red outline. Then it donned on him. This red... was the girl. "W-who am I!? WHAT are you!?" He responded back. This situation was a mess, he didn't talk much before, letting his music play his mind, but now, now he was questioning everything, talking to everyone and now, in this world, there are these things. This girl was dark, just like this world. If it were not for the lines of... her, he wouldn't have been able to tell. Defensively, the youth raised his one good arm, stancing himself for preparation of anything incoming. Was she hostile? What was she? Is she dangerous? Too many questions and he wasn't in good condition as is. chirigami Uru'baen's a sturdy guy, not always talkative and is ready to defend himself at a moment's notice. Donning a plan white, button-up shirt, a white tank top, suspenders and worn pants, the only thing else is his ears and tails with heterocromatic eyes (blue and yellow, right, left respectively).
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 2:59 pm
He ignored the judgmental looks the other Shadows gave him as he sat down, sitting back to listen and watch as one by one the rest of them rose to speak. Some left their chairs to approach Aymet, others spoke where they were. He had watched in silence as the King watched them in turn, quieter still as the King finally spoke. Merope reached out and pulled forth his card, flipping it over and holding back the sigh of relief. Dark Herald. Good. The pressure and weight of many were not on him, but rather on the feline Wheel of Fortune. Would he even realize how heavy of a burden the king placed on him? Or would he roll it around between his paws like a plaything? After observing his luck against his own kind, Merope couldn't help but to wonder, and yet he was pleased by the outcome. The Hermit rose as the king dismissed them. He moved behind his chair and kicked it, popping what appeared to be a piece of the ornate chair out. The shadow caught the piece easily with his left hand, thumb caressing the gently luminescent markings on it. His staff, the Hermit's staff. It wasn't as straight as the typical staff depicted on cards, instead bearing a resemblance to his beastial, draconic form. The hermit said nothing as he made his way out of the room with the other Shadows, his staff thunking softly against the floor with every step. It wasn't until he was out of the room with the door closed behind him that a wide grin stretched across his features. The hermit slid the staff through his sash on his back. "DIBS ON THE SUPPLY ROOM!" He whooped, dashing off and practically plowing through his fellow Shadows in order to loot stock up on supplies before meeting with the King again. Quote: Name: Merope Major Arcana: The Hermit Rank: Dark Herald (Pawn) Current Location: Black Tower - Currently gathering supplies Description: A Shadow with defining, illuminated teal-blue lines. Much of him is hidden beneath a simple hooded robe. His beastial form is much like his true undead sea serpent form. While as a humanoid Shadow, Merope wields a staff with his draconic form's characteristics complete with a lantern hanging from its mouth.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:26 pm
A Dark Herald? Taking a long draft from his cup he slowly placed it down as they were dismissed. Well - it was not what he would have wished, but the Shadowlord had spoken and his word was law. That much Aezeloth - Justice knew. Pushing back from his seat, he bowed his head in the direction of The Devil as he took his leave. He had to prepare - it was not like his chain was not always on him, but he was far from properly clothed. His clothing was purely formal and all for style, not for substance - this would not do if he were to enter the field of battle. Making his way home, he rooted through his armor and additional weapons, but decided against packing to heavy. In the end, he settled on a leather jerkin, leather gloves and sturdy boots. His pants were standard coverings, providing enough protection from the elements to do their job. Throwing a pack on the floor, he threw a few extra daggers and coils of rope into the bag, as well as some rations and other things he might need on the journey. With that he shouldered the pack and headed back to the tower. Wrapping his sinouous tail around his waist, his tattered shadow wings draped around him like a cloak, Aezeloth - Justice made the trek back to the tower his shadow-spiked chain wrapped around his right arm, the end hanging from his wrist. Entering the tower, his eyes fell upon Amarus-Called-Judgement and a sly grin spread across his shadowy features. "Judgement!" He called to her as he crossed the gap between them with a steady stride. "How fare you!"Aezeloth - Justice Aezeloth - Justice is accented by a rust-red color (including his eyes) His apparance is for the most part unchanged from his student form, save that his wings are slightly frayed and tattered near the edges, and his horns are thinner and more needle like. He wields a spiked-chain made of shadow which he uses to attempt to trip his foes from afar or drag them around the battlefield.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:35 pm
Given her face was mostly shadow, and her eyes appeared to be faintly slitted no matter what she was doing, Amarus looked hostile at first: she heard the familiar voice and turned to face them, but it took a moment to register what was happening. It's not like the King had a chance to realize she was there yet, she supposed, and why not keep occupied? She hadn't been the first to arrive, in any case, it seemed.
"Justice," she greeted him in return, her voice warming slightly, whatever features she had softening a little. She helped close the gap and bowed to him, before awkwardly clapping him on the shoulder. That was a newly developed gesture, because bowing did not always seem a welcome gesture. It came across as cold, apparently, which she'd been told lately. "I will be more myself shortly, I hope. How are you?"
She had scarcely asked, before she heard a loud whoop and saw Merope dash off into.. somewhere? She made eye contact with Zel (well, whatever eye contact she could make, and silently ?'d at him. "I wish to spar with you before we leave for battle, to warm up, but..." she trailed off, taking a step towards where Merope'd run to. Trailing off, she suggested meaningfully: How can we not investigate? A wicked smile spread across her face as she beckoned Zel, hoping he'd accompany her, and she snuck up on Merope as best she could with her meteor hammer still wound around one shoulder.
From the mouth of the room, Amarus started off in a grand voice: "To raze the kingdoms with devastation!" Amarus chanted, posing dramatically, before pausing.
"Ah, ... Merope... what are you... doing?"
Because it looked kind of innapropriate.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:42 pm
A new name. The wisps of shadow around Nevena's head flared with excitement, and one long arm extended to delicately pluck up the card that she intrinsically knew was hers. She did not question why or how she knew. If one could not trust their own instincts, they were as good as already dead.
Her breath caught in a rattled rasp of exultation as she was granted strength she had never known before, her eyes mesmerized on the image that snaked across in inky rivulets across the card. "It will be as you command, my King. I will not fail you." Poisons and medicines were not so different, after all. It simply took the right combination of ingredients--and a clever mind.
The echoing shout of The Hermit was enough to make her hiss with distaste, shaking her head impatiently. Fool. She'd knock him down a few pegs herself if she had to--she would not be stiffed of equipment because of one fool's greed!Quote: Name: Nevena Majora Arcana: The Hierophant Rank: Dread Cleric (Rook) Location: The Tower Description: Similar to her student art, Nevena is much taller. Her skin is entirely composed of dark shadow, a blank mask that will occasionally crack to expose sharp, grey fangs in a smile. Her frame is thin and almost frail looking. A dark dress hangs from her in a ragged sort of way, and her hair is composed of wisps of shadow that can form themselves into snake if she's feeling particularly strong emotion. A dealer of poisons, she carries several throwing knives on her person, and can throw them with deadly accuracy. Her eyes lack pupils, glowing a dim gold that practically blazes if she's furious.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:52 pm
What was this strange creature doing? Maple watched him, mentally bracing herself for some sort of attack and trying so hard not to step back. That would be a sign of weakness, she couldn't. She couldn't let this go bad. The small Shadow stood her ground and tried to make herself look more authoritative by puffing out her chest (again, it wasn't much and he was bigger than she was no matter how hard she tried).
"I-I asked you first, strange creature!" She yelled back, curling her hands into fists. If need be, she could summon one of the Shades to help her. "W-what are you d-doing here?" He had to be from another Kingdom, but which one? She had never encountered any others before, probably only so few of the Shadow Kingdom did - if any, she wasn't even sure, it wasn't like they were a tourist hotspot or anything.
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:52 pm
Despite the humble-looking robe that hid a large majority of his features, Merope was anything but a humble isolated monk. He turned as Amarus called out to him, revealing what was beneath the robe: a flashy, detailed set of clothes that glimmered with each movement. And at that present moment, Merope appeared to be attempting to shove a halbred down his pants. It didn't help that his robe was stretched wide, clinking and clanging with each movement as Merope attempted to stuff as many various weapons, armors, and miscellaneous supplies into his robe and down his pants. "Amarus, oh Judgement and Justice! I am... ah, procuring supplies for the upcoming battle," he explained carefully, "Not all battles can be, ah, fought with your mighty Might and strength. I was just, ah, well, preparing myself for the worst and for any situation," he explained as reasonably as he could while clutching the halbred currently poking out of his pants. At least he had the forethought to keep the pointy end up and not in his pants. It should be fairly obvious that the Hermit was new to this whole sort of "go forth and drive your enemies in front of you to hear the lamentations of their women" sort of thing. Quote: Name: Merope Major Arcana: The Hermit Rank: Dark Herald (Pawn) Current Location: Black Tower - Currently gathering supplies Description: A Shadow with defining, illuminated teal-blue lines. Much of him is hidden beneath a simple hooded robe. His beastial form is much like his true undead sea serpent form. While as a humanoid Shadow, Merope wields a staff with his draconic form's characteristics complete with a lantern hanging from its mouth.
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