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 Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:40 am
Alright people, after a month of setting things up, we’re finally ready to begin. My rules are in the Mourn_of_Blades’ RP thread. If you haven’t already read them, do so before you post. Even if you already have, I suggest skimming through again, to be sure you didn’t miss an edit.
Here's a quick link.
New players will be welcome even after the roleplay has begun. PM me for permission, and I will help you with your character. You will be required to post your profile (in the Mourn_of_Blades’ RP thread) and submit a character sheet to me via email or IM before joining in, and you will wait until I either write you into the story or inform you of an appropriate time you may make your first post.
Keep an eye on the other thread, as updates will be posted there.
That said, let us begin.
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:41 am
Prologue Milky, white, serpentine eyes bored down upon the fleshy, cyst-covered plains of Malbolge. Even from its distant perch upon the arch-like Ribcage Mountains, The Shackler could see with perfect clarity the writhing forms of new fiends as they screeched and wriggled their way up from the grotesque soil of the newly changed plane. The final echoes of the Hag Countess's death rattle had yet to subside, and already the seeds sown by the elder fiend and its brother/sisters bore the first budding fruits. "What do you think? Shall these new ones suffice?" A lazy twist of the elder fiend's neck revealed the crimson-smeared form of the speaker. Cracked and bleeding lips spread in a smile as The Flesh Sculptor's bloodshot eyes followed the gaze of the first to regard its recent masterpiece. The Shackler turned back to the wretched forms below and considered them for another moment. "I had expected something more akin to your loumara, though I suspect you've already grown bored with those ones." The comment drew a sneer from the other. "Pitiful creatures, devoid of flesh and blood and ignorant to the true depths of pain." "I'm rather fond of the resemblance to our earlier children," said The Dire Shepherd, in reference to the younglings being belched from their fleshy pits far below. The young aasimar girl sat at the very precipice of the so-called mountain, her head turned to look over her shoulder at the others, legs dangling over the edge as she pieced together a ragdoll with the likeness of the spawning fiends below. Her shadow, far better suited to a form like that of the others, loomed behind her in defiance of the plane's dim sun and leered at those in attendance. "No doubt the self-proclaimed Overlord has observed their likeness as well," inferred The Clockmaker, led by the tug of the hand behind his brother, The Lie Weaver, to join the congregation. "It would appear he has," noted his brother. "Already his rebellious spawn sets camp within her predecessor's skull; doubtless to observe what he cannot, lest he betray his own fear and weakness to his lessers." The assembled Gloom Fathers, excepting only the blind Clockmaker, peered over the miles to the monument the baatezu had named Ossiea, the Fortress of Malbolge. Though still in construction, the gaping eye sockets of the titanic skull had been covered with wide panes of glass, behind which they could plainly see the Archduchess of the Sixth, looking out over her domain as they had been, a troubled and uncertain expression marring her beautiful features. Though of course, she could not see them staring back. The Flesh Sculptor extended a long and bloody tongue, torn by its own teeth, and licked at the air like a serpent tasting the wind. "And yet they cannot conceal their mingled dread from us. Even from here, the air is saturated with its bitter bouquet." He chuckled and suddenly clawed a series of bloody slashes across his own chest in a fevered, habitual cycle of self-mutilation. The roiling, ever-changing form of The Ineffable turned its nightmare gaze upon its kin. "It is that very fear that will drive him to action. He shall fulfill the terror that gnaws at his heart even as we speak." "I wonder, " the blackened and burned head of The Inquisitor regarded its kin with smoldering red eyes. "Who does he suspect behind this? They, who these foundlings so resemble? Or perhaps us?" "He harbors no fear of the forgotten ones. His blood-spawn forced them into the dark recesses of the plane without his guidance. They pose no threat to one such as him, diminished though he may be," The Chronicler responded, neither looking up from his parchment of flayed skin nor pausing in his script. A smile crept its way to The Lie Weaver's jaundiced lips. "Then we shall show him the truth, wrapped in a lie of secrecy. Draw a small number of our children here, under the pretense of discreetly elevating these," sweeping an elongated gray hand toward the valley, indicating the creatures crawling about its floor, "to yet unperceived higher forms. Sly as they are, they will not go unseen for long. Not here, where his spies are so overzealous. From there, he will draw the necessary conclusion." "And they will set about playing puppetmaster, as is their wont, and bring all the pieces together of their own accord," the shepherdess smiled. The thirteen ancient fiends looked to each other and grinned, each in agreement with what was to be done. "Go then Daru, and sow your lie," The Architect beckoned. The Lie Weaver grinned ever wider, malice dripping from his yellowed fangs. The old weatherworn wagon wheels creaked endlessly along the dust-choked road. It grated on Adustes' nerves, but he listened to it nevertheless as it ticked away the hours. He traveled with a merchant caravan that was headed to the northern border-towns. He had joined with them nearly a week previous when they rolled up behind him on the road. The merchants and guards were leery of his dark robes, distressed by the way shadows deepened around him; but the many dangers that the frontier presented made the services of a cleric indispensable. And so he found himself sitting alone in the dark in the back of a covered wagon, listening to the creaking wheels and running his fingertips over the cool tarnished silver of his holy symbol. He would've liked to go over his notes, but it was too dark to read inside the wagon, and although his eyes were far better suited to seeing in low light than humans, they still weren't up to the task. The merchants had forbidden him from lighting a lantern, fearing that the oiled canvas tarps that covered the wagons presented too great a risk of fire on the rough roads. Days had past like that, as had several hours this day before he noticed the noise. At first he'd thought it to be the caravan guards, or the other wagons, but it came from too many sources, from all directions and too far to still be on the road. He slowly stood, putting a hand on the sideboard to steady himself and opened the back flap, immediately recoiling and clamping his eyes shut as the harsh light of the afternoon sun shone in on his face. He opened his eyes slowly, attempting to adjust to the light, and looked out. Surprisingly, he saw houses and people rather than a tree-lined road. They had arrived in Jotunhold. The town was a fortress. It had initially been built to hold back giant marches on the kingdom, hence its name. There was a time it had fallen into disuse after the giants receded into the Cold Wood, and much of its defenses had been dismantled, stone buildings broken down, the pieces shipped off to provide fortification to other strongholds, or to build keeps for the noblemen. But since the king set his sights on the north, Jotunhold had become a fortress once more, serving as a base for the soldiers on the front. Despite being the closest Midgardian settlement to Naram, it'd been fairly quiet lately. Most of the fighting had shifted westward over the past few weeks. It was for this reason that Adustes had come here. The war had soldiers, mercenaries, and adventurers from all over the kingdom at the border. There was scarcely a sellsword to be found in the south, but here, where the fighting had died down, those not bound to service were anxious to find some action. Mercenaries would be moving on to find more lucrative work, so this was the place to find warriors to aid in his journey. He ducked back into the wagon and began collecting his gear, strapping his bedroll to his pack. When the caravan came to a halt he pulled his hood down low over his face, casting it deep in shadow, then hopped out and walked away, giving no word of his departure to the merchants. It wasn't necessary, they would just be glad he was gone. He spent the afternoon wandering the streets, acquainting himself with the town. He found that it seemed comprised mostly of three sections: the relatively small market district was held in the center; the military district was formed of a ring of soldiers' barracks just inside the high walls of the town, though a bit thicker behind the northern wall for better defense; and the residential ward took up the space in between, most of the buildings being simple wooden houses. He couldn't see from within the walls, but outside of the fort were camped even more soldiers and mercenaries, taking up the land that the people had once used to grow their crops and herd their cattle, that had all been burned away during recent barbarian raids. When his cursory exploration was finished, the sun had nearly set. He had no business in the outer or inner rings, so he returned to the market district. He noted several smithies and empty produce stands, a butcher, tailor, a small mage's shop, and a temple to the principle deities of the region, as well as a number of inns. He entered one of the finest inns he could find, though the difference in quality was subtle, and purchased himself a room. Key in hand he ascended the stairs and inspected his newest quarters. He was not at all impressed. Bare wood-paneled walls lined the room, the floor exactly the same. A single window opposite the door looked out onto the building across the street, a flimsy patch of cloth curtaining it poorly. A small, round table was set in one of the corners, a single chair beside it. The bed was short, barely wide enough for two, and the blankets frayed and stained. He sighed and entered the room, shrugged the pack from his shoulders and set it upon the bed. He unstrapped the bedroll and opened the flap, pulling out his notebook and setting it on top. He then opened his belt pouch, emptying it of anything he wouldn't need for the evening, dropping them into the open bag, and replaced them with the small book. He removed the polished coil of spiked chain from his belt, setting it beside the pack. He then exited the room, locking the door behind him. He descended the stairs and walked into the inn's common room, selecting a small unoccupied table along one of the walls at which to seat himself. It was quiet yet, only a few patrons already there when he arrived, so he didn't have long to wait before the serving wench approached him. He placed an order for a drink and waited for things to pick up. Soon after, people began filing in. Adustes sat at his small table, sipping at his drink and silently examining each new arrival, discerning which where nothing more than simple peasants, skilled laborers or merchants, clean-cut soldiers, and scarred mercenaries. He watched, and he waited.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 4:32 am
Matasoga sighed, steeping his fingers under his nose contemplatively over his steak, pondering his next move.
He had squeezed the city council for all the funding, soldiers, weapons, armor, and other resources that he could but it was very clear that the fighting had largely moved elsewhere and that the time was running out. He was owed no favors in this new town and while he was a skilled general with a sharp mind for strategy, he realized that were he to join the fight where most of the action seemed to be heading, he'd have to join the army and move up the ranks. He hoped that army higher-ups would be intelligent enough to keep a half-dragon in the back ranks to make full use of his breath weapons (especially his spells that could be used to empower other soldiers) but he could not deny that after expending that once a day shot, he could certainly understand the temptation and good sense in moving a thick-scaled creature known for having great strength to the front-line, soon after. Indeed the only reason not to would be the fear of losing him and since a well-kept ballista would be as (nay more) effective in most situations, he certainly could not count on this and could not spare the time it would take to climb the ranks, even if he survived the front lines.
The free food and room would then be over and he'd be shifted to guard duty or other tasks that his brilliance would be entirely wasted on...The ingrates themselves had told him so. He'd probably go back to being a civilian, instead of accepting grunt work, as he was well off to keep himself fed and sheltered for some time, yet.
He would have been happy to let this war fight itself, as it was a matter of which the profits (especially now) were minimal, with personal advancement negligable. It was another of countless skirmishes with the barbarian hoardes. This time, however, we'd actually lost ground. The barbarians had actually gained some ground, meaning that these feral, snarling...Animals were actually threatening this city. The idea that something so backwards and uncivilized could dare to threaten a developed, civilized, urban territory was enough to make him sick. He profited little from this venture but could not let the barbarians win. Although he was not one to go in for civic duty, he was willing to do what it took to defend his way of life.
He personally blamed the half dragon that was fighting on their side. He wasn't sure when the dragon had entered the scene, but based on the fact the turn-around in the barbarians favor was sudden and not (at least in his eyes) clearly explained. He'd have loved to deliver the half dragons head on a platter to the city officials, but he was rather elusive prey, indeed.
He picked up his fork and poked at his cooling steak. There was no sense in letting it get cold. It was likely one of his last free meals, so he had best enjoy it while he could.
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Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:06 am
Her appearance into Jotunhold was both subtle and sudden. It was almost inexplicable as to how she had gotten there, but none of the residents were about to ask about it, especially the men; they were too captivated by her beauty to really even care. Eliae was most certainly a bit of an exotic beauty, though. It wasn't so much in how she dressed, but more so how she carried herself, how she walked, talked, and acted around everyone. There was something... different about her demeanor, though nobody seemed to be able to figure out what it was.
While she was very much aware of the struggles between the "civilized" and the "barbarians," it was less the fighting that brought her to the area than it was the rumors that she had caught about it some time before. Reports of the participation of half-dragons was bound to catch someone's ear and hers was most certainly one. She hadn't been there for more than a couple of days before she found that the rumors floating around were at least half-correct; the blue she had heard about was most certainly a very real presence and was something that made her smile oh-so-slightly as she picked away at her food.
The woman kept her distance from him as she ate, though she was close enough to be in earshot if he were to speak normally. Instead of specifically watching him, however, she instead turned her gaze to look over everyone else in the room. Everyone seemed so... bland, especially compared to the half-dragon sitting in the room. She would have to talk to him soon, but not yet. She would wait until either he was done with his meal or something else caught her interest involving him. Sighing a little, she shook her head, slowly picking at her food. The guise of a human was so... annoying to her, but was a necessary precaution to avoid what would surely end in death for her.
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Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 1:06 pm
Adustes sat for some time at his table, simply scrutinizing the other patrons as they arrived. He didn't bother with those entering in the armor or uniforms of soldiers or town guards, knowing they weren't at liberty to depart for purposes other than service to the nobility. Large mercenary companies weren't of much more use, so his attentions shifted away from those bearing badges that marked them as members of such groups. It was the men and women that bore no tokens of allegiance that he sought.
He had already approached two people, finding with disappointment that the first was a soldier out of uniform, and the second a well off cobbler playing warrior for maidens' attentions.
It wasn't long after he'd returned to his seat that an unusual figure entered the room; a blue half-dragon. He hadn't been expecting that. Of course he'd heard that a half-blue had been participating in the battles, commanding small contingents of soldiers, but he would have thought the creature had moved on to the west, where the fighting was concentrated en masse. Not in this out-of-the-way town where his usefulness would be minimal at best anymore.
He considered this as the man took a seat across the room. He wondered if perhaps the half-dragon was committed to this town. His clothing didn't seem to match that typical of the few noblemen in the area, or that of any of the townsfolk, so he ruled that out. And if the blue served the kingdom, it would most certainly be out on the main battlefields now, not here. It seemed as though it was here of its own volition.
He idly noticed other patrons as they entered the room. Most weren't interesting enough to warrant turning his thoughts their way. His contemplation came to an abrupt halt however, when a beautiful red-headed woman walked in and seated herself somewhat close to his previous subject. He tried telling himself his scrutiny of her was an attempt to discern any affiliation or talents that suited his purposes, but found his gaze lingering on her shapely curves, and the cut of her clothing. But he was able to divert his focus enough to determine that her clothing was also not typical to the area, and her build wasn't that of a warrior. It might be possible that she had some magical skill, but he couldn't be sure without speaking with her.
Unable to determine if she would be of any use, Adustes turned his attention back to the half-dragon, who was sitting quietly, contemplating something, not touching the food that'd been brought to him. He seemed troubled. As did many of the mercenaries, as the town was no longer in need of their services. The corner of the priest's mouth curled in a slight smile. Perhaps the blue was a sellsword then, and out of work to boot. If that was so, he was a perfect candidate. His impression need only be confirmed.
He rose and slowly approached the half-dragon's table, stopping at the side adjacent to him. "Excuse me sir," Adustes began, waiting until the blue looked up. He gestured to the chair opposite the man, and continued. "May I have this seat? I was hoping I might ask you a few questions...."
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Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2009 3:00 am
Matasoga looked up from his slowly cooling steak at the one who had spoken and managed to conceal a smile. A black, hooded stranger had come to address him in a tavern...If the bard's tales were to be believed, then this was surely when he was about to begin a grand adventure. Unfortunately, reality was rarely so kind. This was more likely to be someone from the government to set him about some unpleasant task or someone attempting to extort money. Similarly likely, it may have been an assassin sent by the master of one of the vampires he destroyed.
Still, there was no harm in at least hearing him out. He was most unlikely to attack him here, in any case. "Please," he said gesturing to the seat the stranger indicated, inviting him to sit.
In fact, he was glad of the company. It would be nice to at last have a distraction from the unpleasant state of affairs and having the mystery that was this man set before him to unravel would be a pleasant change from planning and strategizing for an unappreciative government.
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:39 am
The woman was a bit surprised when a dark figure approached the half-blue, though the sensation was only inwardly so. Her eyes followed him to the table as she continued to eat before they moved elsewhere, gazing idly over the rest of the crowd. Even so, though, her attention was still fixed on the pair, her ears listening sharply to their voices in case they discussed something of interest to her.
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Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:01 pm
Adustes smiled beneath his hood, pulled the indicated chair out, and seated himself. He folded his hands on the tabletop before him, seeming unaware of the small trace of blood oozing from the many small holes of his iron-spined bracers to stain the surface.
"I couldn't help but notice, you seem troubled. And, no offense intended, but your appearance is markedly unlike that of anyone I have seen here. Tell me, would you happen to be one of the recently-unemployed mercenaries of this town?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:20 pm
mourn_of_blades Adustes smiled beneath his hood, pulled the indicated chair out, and seated himself. He folded his hands on the tabletop before him, seeming unaware of the small trace of blood oozing from the many small holes of his iron-spined bracers to stain the surface. "I couldn't help but notice, you seem troubled. And, no offense intended, but your appearance is markedly unlike that of anyone I have seen here. Tell me, would you happen to be one of the recently-unemployed mercenaries of this town?" Matasoga's efforts not to stare were wholly successful and unapparent to any but the most trained eye, though he could not help but notice the blood as it oozed and dripped slowly to the surface of the table. I certainly hope, he thought, that this man is a severe masochist and not not a member of the clergy practicing some more severe form of self-punishment. In his mind, these were the only likely explanations of what he was seeing before him, and despite their potential usefulness in slaying vampires, he did so disdain the self-righteous priests that he'd been forced to work with in the past. This man's manner of dress bore not even the slightest resemblance to any of the vested priests he had seen, however, so he ruled this out as a likely possibility. At his words, he further doubted that he was a priest (at least of any of the gods that he was more familiar with) due to the complete lack of condescending or judgmental tone with which he was so accustomed to hearing from them. With this he was most pleased. "I speak without intent of offense as well when I say that you are rather a bit unlike those that I've encountered in this town, as well. I suppose, you might say that I am a mercenary though I have acted more as a low-ranking general than a soldier, magic and in-born abilities being my focus," he said. He would have then risked way-laying the conversation with niceties, small-talk and further conversationalism, asking the man about himself and the like, though he felt that there was purpose to the man's query, so instead he listened quietly, waiting for him to continue. He anticipated, by this, that the cloaked stranger may indeed present a way out of this town and situation.
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:32 am
Adustes nodded as the blue spoke. So, he thought, the rumors were true and the half-dragon did command the soldiers. That being the case, he thought it unlikely his offer would be accepted. Still, it would be a waste of his time not to ask.
"I have not been here long enough to have acquired any of the mannerisms of the townsfolk, having only just arrived earlier this afternoon. And, gods willing, I will not be detained long enough for such to pass. I am traveling into the northlands, in search of a lost dwarven citadel. But, as the lands to the north are quite dangerous, I seek men and women to aid me in my venture. If you would be interested in a place on my expedition, you are welcome to it. It may prove lucrative, and if nothing else it would give you a change of venue. I can't imagine it would be at all pleasant to remain here for as long as you have...."
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:06 am
It was as he had hoped.
"I love this city, and cities in general, by their very nature. The bigger the better I say. It rather lifts my spirits, in fact, to behold a daily reminder of the endless, forward march or civilization," he said, being sincere and speaking with a bit more passion than was typical for him.
He looked down to his steak, knowing that if he didn't see to it soon, it would begin to grow cold. He did not want to seem rude but by the same token he did not want to appear to be too eager, either, lest his prospective stakes in the potential gain be weakened. He began to cut it as he spoke.
"As it is, however, it is starting to appear that my course is run in this city. Fortunately, you have approached me at a most fortuitous time. I would be able to get away for a time," he said evenly.
In fact he was already quite sold on the idea, whatever it was but would not be caught revealing that so soon. "This may be something that I would like to be in on. Can you tell me more?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:32 pm
"Unfortunately, there is little to tell," Adustes said. "I have found records of its existence that appear reliable; as well as a general location, and few more specific hints.
"I cannot be certain that treasure hunters have not already raided it, other than the fact that I have not heard of the citadel outside of historical texts, nor of any groups to have emerged from the north with newfound wealth in recent decades."
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Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:50 am
"Hmmm..." Matasoga said, leaning back, stroking the underside of his chin, so as not to smear the grease paint.
It did indeed sound less appealing, with so little evidence that the time would not be entirely wasted but really, what more choice did he have? He could probably use the last of his influence to obtain free rations and he could certainly use some time away and a change of scenery. Obviously, wealth would be the most enticing aspect of the errand would be the wealth, though selling a map to historian may be worthwhile, even if it already had been raided.
"Very well. It sounds a risk, but I suppose I can spare the time, presently," he said. "Have you convinced any others to join you in this venture?"
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Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:36 am
The woman listened carefully to their exchange, her head ever-so-slightly turned towards them, but almost imperceptably so. A dwarven citadel? If it was abandoned by the time they were done with it, then it might prove to be a good lair for her operations on this plane, she thought. The idea most certainly appealed to her, along with the possibility of them inadvertantly aiding her- and if the other half-dragon she'd heard of was around- oh, how tempting it was...
Setting her fork down on the plate as the half-dragon asked if there were any others, she caved to the temptation and scooted back her chair. Rising to her feet, she checked to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything before traversing the short distance between the tables, her movements both alluring and confident as she rested her hands on the back of another of the chairs at the table. It seemed as if it were to show off her voluptuous form even more with very little actually exposed to either of them. Even as her hands touched the chair, she was forming an idea of how she was going to convince them to let her join.
"I'm sorry to bother you two," Eliae started, perfectly mimicking the niceties of the common tongue. "I couldn't help but to overhear what you were talking about, but I think that I may be of some use..." She paused for a moment, motioning to the seat that she was leaning on. "I hope you don't mind?"
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Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:42 am
Finally, some measure of success. Adustes grinned and, just as he had been about to speak, noticed movement at his side. He looked up to see the woman who had caught his attention earlier.
He hadn't expected that his approach of the half-dragon would catch her attention. At least now he wouldn't be pressed to begin the conversation with her. And it seemed as though she might have some skill that might be of use to his endeavor. How fortunate. But it wouldn't do to blindly accept her into the expedition, at least not without discerning exactly how it was she thought she could be of use.
"Not at all. Please, join us," he said. He hoped his initiative wouldn't offend the blue, but since he had accepted the invitation, Adustes felt he might appreciate the conversation taking place where he could be included.
He turned to the blue as the woman seated herself and said, "Don't allow your meal to be ruined on our account. I will take no offense if you wish to continue eating as we speak."
That said, he turned his attention back to the woman. "Now my lady, what skills do you have that might aid us?"
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