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Post by shadowknight on Sept 13, 2013 21:08:58 GMT
(p.s.only join this thread if you have submitted a character to me and we have disscused how this works) The Fall of the Ninth Tower
Night descended on Artania, the great forests lie still and quiet, not a sound to be herd as a cool breeze swept through the underbrush. Bolts of distant lightning illuminated the earth, the wind picked up as a messenger form the kingdom of Desmod,located near the border of Sabros, rode his horse hard along the forest paths. His message was for the King of Lebrith, the nearest kingdom to Desmod, telling of Desmods fall and warning of approaching doom. Then, as the messenger cleared the great forest and entered a plain filled with rolling hills, the sky unleashed its furry. Wind lashed his clothing, rain blinded him, only the flash of lightning allowed his vision to clear. As he rounded the top of a hill he saw, through the gloom, the distant fires of Lebrith. Driving his burdened mount even harder, he flew across the rain stricken plains until the Great Gate of Lebrith stood before him.
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 13, 2013 21:09:12 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: Thunder boomed outside the Golden-maiden, a tavern near the gates of Lebrith, however, the storm did little to dampen the spirits of those who frequented the Maiden. Amongst the hardy rabble at the bar ,who drank and sang the night away, sat a quiet, armor clad warrior. The barmaid approached him with a flagon of ail, to which he accepted kindly, sliding her a gold coin, he rested his helmet on the bar and took a long, steady drink from his flagon. His name is Sir. Galen Farrel, a knight-errant, who came to the kingdom of Lebrith looking for work; however, he only succeed in losing his money to drink as he sat at the bar and listed to the people around him, listening for any hint that they may need his services. Tonight was different; however,for he had come to know all the faces of this bar and tonight there was one he did not recognize. The man sitting alone at a corner table, hid his face behind a mask,did not call the barmaid for food or drink, he just sat motionless, partially hidden by shadow, as if listening to the world around him. 'This could be the lead I was looking for.' Sir. Galen thought as he eyed the man from the corner of his eye, "Send me another flagon of ail!" Galen called to the barmaid and slid her a second coin. Galen stood as he received the second flagon, and soon made his way across the room to the strangers table. As he approached the man he noticed the sword hilt that stuck up just above the scabbard, it seemed to be made of some type of bone, 'Ill need to ask him about that.' Sir. Galen mused as he took a seat opposite the man, who regarded Galen cautiously with golden eyes. "I have a proposition for you," Galen said, sliding the flagon to the man. Off in the near distance a horn blared over the storm, and the gates to the kingdom slowly opened.
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Post by Knukails on Sept 13, 2013 21:53:43 GMT
(tablet won't let me change colors)
(Grey) Vokun:
Storms picking up. Vokun thought. "Perhaps I should stay at the tavern". As he walked in a beautiful barmaid said; "Welcome to the Golden-Maiden"! "How may I serve you"? She was young, trying to make her way. Vokun observed. It was when he noticed slight bruising on her arm did he answer. "Who gave you that"? He asked, Gesturing to the bruise. Oh! She put her hand over it. "Sometimes the boys here get a little rough". "I can handle it though". He grabbed her hand and put a handful of coin in it. She looked at him with an expression of wonder, confusion and scrutiny. "I'm just here till the storm calms". He said, while walking towards the farthest table. He was there for quite sometime watching, listening. He slightly cloaked himself in darkness so no one would notice. Many people came through the door. Bards, archers, soldiers and townsfolk all reveling in whatever they wished. 'Rya would have loved a place like this'. He thought. 'Old wood, strong ale by the smell of it, warriors with stories to tell'. He shook off his reminiscing when he noticed a man eyeing him. The man looked large. He observed. 'Maybe taller than me, probably heavier as well'. He wore heavy armor by the look of it. 'Definitely knight's armor, older than his is'. The man requested a drink from the barmaid. When he received it he gave her a coin and walked over. 'Yeah he's larger than me alright'. Vokun thought. The man sat down across from him, studying him with gray eyes. He took notice of Dynasty. Then met Vokun's eyes. "I have a proposition for you. He said, Handing Vokun his ale. Hhe grabbed it and asked; "What could you have to offer me"?
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 14, 2013 4:26:14 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: "What could you have to offer me"? the man asked, taking the flagon calmly. Galen looked the man in his eyes, the golden irises seemed to glow in the dim light. Suddenly aware of his own hesitation, Galen shifted back in his seat. "My name is Sir. Galen Farrel, but you may call me Galen, I am a Knight-errant. I have been in Lebrith looking for work befitting one of my skill. I, however, have had no luck. The King has rejected all who seek audience, out of fear that they maybe assassins sent by the accursed shadow army. After being turned away at the castle gates I took to the taverns, keeping an ear out for work. Sadly all my searches have been in vain, I after a week in the taverns of this city I have come to know all the men and women, their faces are nearly burned into my mind. You ;however, I don't know. There is something about you, something in the way you carry yourself....something in your eyes. A fire I have not seen in a long time, I see a weight on your shoulders, the burden of loss. I wish to lend my aid to you in your quest, for I have an idea of the monsters you seek. Many a man have passed through this tavern with the same weight, they told of the shadow army, of the butchering of families, burning of farms, and the kidnapping of wives. Are you looking for their blood? This I know not; however, I have spent my life measuring the strength of men by their eyes and heart, and it is my belief that your blade there will taste dark blood before the week is out." Galen went silent, allowing the man to take in his offer. Yes, it was abrupt and more than likely caught the man off guard; however, if it did Galen knew not. The mans face gave no emotion, but he could tell that he was being studied....carefully. Calmly the man with the bone blade lifted the flagon and took a swig, meeting Galen's gaze. 'Will he except this offer?' Galen thought to himself as he watched the last of the ail disappear. The door to the tavern swung silently open as a man, drenched from the rain, plopped himself onto a bar-stool and rested his head in his hands and, ever so softly, sobbed to himself.
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Post by Knukails on Sept 14, 2013 4:56:07 GMT
Vokun:
Vokun studied the man across from him intensely as he spoke. His name was Galen, an Knight-Errent. 'That would explain the armor'. He thought. Galen explained that he saw something in him. A sort of weight or burden. 'like he would understand'. Vokun seethed. He then spoke of how the king has been rejecting audiences out of fear for assassins. 'Smart man'. Vokun mused. What was surprising however, was that Galen saw the bloodlust in his eyes. He knew, he could see it and Vokun didn't even try to hide it. 'He's quite brave then' Vokun thought as he lifted the flaggon. He raised his mask just enough to drink the ale, show the end of a long scar. Galen watched as he downed the last of ale. Lowering the mask he said; "I suppose you could...." Vokun drifted off at the sound of a man crying; a sound he had not heard in this tavern. Transfixed by the sound he scoured the room for the source. Until his eyes landed on a man, drenched in rain, sobbing tears he had seen far too many times.
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 14, 2013 5:58:29 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: "I suppose you could...." was as far as the shadowy man got before his attention fixed itself past Galen. Fallowing his gaze, Galen saw a man, drenched from the storm, sobbing to himself. Something was wrong, his senses told him so. Without a second thought, Galen raised himself from his seat and strode over to the broken man. "Gone!" the sobbing man shouted through his tears,"It's all gone!", all eyes were on them as Galen stood over the man, all sounds of song and merriment fled with each cry. "Whats this about?"Galen asked, placing his hand on the mans shoulder , turning the man gently until they were face to face "Whats gone?". "My home! My King! MY LIFE!" The man shouted, his tears now flowed unchecked, as he threw a small messengers sack on the ground at Galen's feat. "The shadow army...{sobs} ...over the ramparts..{chokes on tears and spit}...killing everyone ! My wife .... {sobs}.... taken! My king slain! His last message is in that bag...{more sobbing} ..... warrnings of doom for this kingdom! And the so called "KING" hides! Orders the guard to toss me out! The fool has condemned you all !!! {sobs turn to rage} I WONT DIE BY THEIR HAND, FOR I CHOSE MY OWN FATE!!!!!!. To quick was the man, before Galen could stop him, he plunged a hidden dagger into his own chest. As the body fell from the chair, Galen caught it and lowered it gently to the ground, then quickly pull the letter from the messenger bag. Galen's eyes darkened as he read a kings last words, he knew what was heading their way, as he lowered the letter his eyes met the shadowy mans. In that moment Galen knew he was right. This man had been scarred by the shadow warriors in his past, and soon he will do battle with them again. ' The only hope we have is to work together' Galen thought as he returned to the man's table, leaving the body to be hulled away by some guards who were called in by the barmaid, and dropped the note at the masked mans hands.
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Post by Knukails on Sept 14, 2013 6:39:01 GMT
Vokun:
Galen followed Vokun's gaze to the sobbing man. "Gone!" The man cried. "It's all gone"! Galen rose to meet the man. The sounds of merriment left the tavern leaving only a void of silence. "What's this about"? Galen asked. The man spoke but Vokun didn't listen. He didn't need to hear a tale he had heard every way imaginable. When the mans sobs turned to fury Vokun closed his eyes and waited for the sound. SHNIK!...THUD. When he opened his eyes they were met by Galen's. He could see the darkness in Galen's eyes as he read the letter from the mans king. 'Gone is his bravado...now he understands'. Vokun thought. Galen tossed a letter into Vokun's hand as he sat. He put the letter to the side, not wanting to know a kings last words. "I come from a kingdom like that man's''. Vokun said, gesturing towards the man's blood on the floor." Mine's was closer to the coast however, one of the first to be sacked"."I've tried to move ahead of them, warning who i could and avenging those i couldn't..*sigh*..This kingdom is doomed". Vokun said bluntly. "It was doomed the moment their king was grasped by fear". Vokun rose from the table, handed the letter back to Galen. "You seek a challenge worth of your skill then come with me". Vokun proclaimed as he walked towards the door. "But be warned". "This path will be wrought with death and pain". "If a reward is what you seek perhaps you find one at the end". Opening the door Vokun looked back and said; "But it may not one you expected".
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 14, 2013 7:08:55 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: Galen fallowed the man out of the tavern. 'This man,'Galen thought 'is hiding something; however, I care not what it is. This kingdom is in danger of being sacked, and I am going to stop it.....no WE are going to stop it'. This thought passed quickly threw Galen's mind as he and the masked man stepped out into the night. The rain started to slacken as they made their way down the darkened street. Finally, Galen could take the silence no longer, he reached out and caught the mans shoulder. In a flash the mans blade was in hand, his golden eyes flashed with a sudden fierceness, ' I shouldn't have done that' Galen scolded himself, freezing in place to avoid conflict. The blade lowered when the man saw Galen had not drawn blade. They both stood silently in the night's gloom as the rain slowed to a trickle. Galen looked the man strait in the eye, resolved in his decision, " You say that this kingdom is doomed......I say it isn't. We are both warriors, both seen countless battles and triumphed, and even you have survived the shadow warriors. I know not were you are leading me, but if it is away from these people, then I will fallow no more, For you may have given them up for dead but I have not. I will fight, the king be damned, I will rally the guard, arm the citezens. The shadow army will NOT get this kingdom, and I will give my dying breath to see that this happens. You suggest I am in this for money or treasure, I am not, lived that life, had my fill of it. So speak your intentions, Do you plan to condemn these people as their king has, or will you stand with me and save more people the pain you have experienced?" Their eyes still locked, still studying each other, Galen stood silent and waited for an answer.
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Post by Knukails on Sept 14, 2013 7:37:37 GMT
Vokun:
Galen followed as Vokun left the tavern. Several minutes passed as they walked silently through the rain. Vokun felt someone grab at his shoulder. In a heart beat he turned around, fire in his eyes, Dynasty ready to feast. He saw Galen's surprised reaction and Retuned a cold suspicious look. Noticing the lack of a drawn blade on Galen's part, Vokun lowered his. Galen proclaimed;"You say that this kingdom is doomed......I say it isn't. We are both warriors, both seen countless battles and triumphed, and even you have survived the shadow warriors. I know not were you are leading me, but if it is away from these people, then I will follow no more, For you may have given them up for dead but I have not. I will fight, the king be damned, I will rally the guard, arm the citezens. The shadow army will NOT get this kingdom, and I will give my dying breath to see that this happens. You suggest I am in this for money or treasure, I am not, lived that life, had my fill of it. So speak your intentions, Do you plan to condemn these people as their king has, or will you stand with me and save more people the pain you have experienced"? Several minutes passed as they stood silently. Vokun looked at his surroundings. There were shops, homes, Children playing in the street. There was one child that caught his eye. The child was filthy, covered in rags yet had eyes with the steel and resolve of an man beyond his years. He looked like Jul. "Damn you". Vokun said gravely. "Damn you'. He sheathed his sword. "Fine'! Vokun said. "We stay, but what then"? "We are but two men". "Even if we are powerful two men can't stop them".
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 14, 2013 8:19:26 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: The long moment came and went, as the masked man finally broke his silence. Cursing at what Galen could only assume to be a memory brought on by the nearby children that the man had started watching. "Fine!" the man said. "We stay, but what then"? "We are but two men". "Even if we are powerful, two men can't stop them". A rush of thoughts flew threw Galen's head until he remembered something, a conversation half heard between two drunks at the tavern. A tale of a man, a creature, that stalks the secret catacombs beneath the city chapel, slaying the thieves and criminals who chose to ignore the warnings and make the place their home and grave. The drunks said that it walked like a man, but had no face, and slaughtered them using blades of the shadows themselves. when asked about this the drunk said that it seems to only attack criminals, leaves the beggars alone. Galen relayed this story to his new companion, who's eyes flashed with annoyance at the tale. "This being may assist us and if it truly only attacks the wicked, then it might just prove to be a formidable companion." Galen said, and before his companion could speak, he added, "I have also made some friends among the, namely a few captains who were friends with my mentor long ago. I will speak with them, tell them of the approaching doom, they love their home and WILL rally the the rest of the guard army to our aid." Though the skepticism in his companions eyes still showed, he nodded without a word. As they moved away, a small, ragged figure with a dirty little face and old, wise eyes fallowed them unnoticed as the slipped down the streets. When they slipped behind the chapel and entered the catacombs, via a hidden door, the small figured slipped in behind them.
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 14, 2013 17:54:55 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: Galen and his companion walked in silence for a time, traversing the dark tunnels using the light from his torch. The only sounds were the skittering of rats along the walls, the dripping of water some were in the distance, and the sounds of their own foot falls. As Galen walked he thought on the events that were coming and, though he would not show it , was terrified; however, the battle must be fought, there was no other option. So he powered through his fear, but he realized that there was something else bothering him. Galen could feel eyes upon him, he just knew that they were leering at him and his companion from the shadows, refusing to show themselves. Galen kept his guard up, resting one gauntlet-ed hand on the hilt of his long sword, his eyes searched the shadows. His companion silently took note of his agitation and slipped one hand on his own hilt. As they approached a large darkened cavern, a thought dawned on Galen,' I don't know this mans name,' he laughed to himself, 'and I cant well call him "man" if some one asks it of me'. As they entered the cavern Galen glanced back at his companion, "Oh, and I had forgotten to ask, what is you name?";however, before his companion could answer, Galen lunged for him, throwing his companion out of the arching path of an ax blade. Torches flared to life, Over a dozen men surrounded them with weapons at the ready and murder in their eyes, Galen and his companion were back to back now. His companion drew his bone blade, as well as one Galen hadn't noticed before, Galen in turn drew his long sword and readied his shield. More men appeared from side passages, dubbling the amount of attackers already present. No one moved, the world stood still as he and his companion looked from face to face. A voice called out from the darkness above them,causing the entire group, including Galen and his companion, to jerk their eyes to a catwalk that ran across the room about a dozen feat above them. "I believe I had taught the last mongrels that crawling in my territory means death" , a dark cloaked figure called as he launched himself towards the would be killers"Now Mongrels....SUFFER!".The figure tore into the bandits with blades made of pure shadow, dodging near blows before they happen, 'he has precognition like me' Galen thought as he and his companion joined in the slaughter. The battle took mere moments, as Galen's companion decapitated the last two bandits using both his swords simultaneously, the cloaked figure turned to face the duo. Galen sheathed his blade, though his companion just lowered his, studying the cloaked figure with his golden eyes. " You are defiantly the one we were looking for." Galen said, falling silent as he waited for a response.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2013 18:13:15 GMT
"You're defiantly the one we were looking for." 'The human mongrel had actually spoken to me...How dare he speak before spoken to...' "Mongrels." The two mongrels had been wary especially the one in the mask. "You have done well in serving your better." The two mongrels are perplexed...'Stupid humans.' "I order you two to identify yourselves and tell me why have you come to see your better?"
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Post by Knukails on Sept 14, 2013 19:52:42 GMT
Vokun:
Vokun and his companion walked in silence for a time, traversing the dark tunnels using the light from his torch. The only sounds were the skittering of rats along the walls, the dripping of water some were in the distance, and the sounds of their own foot falls. As Vokun walked through the dark tunnel, Subconsciously cloaking part of him in the darkness, He seethed. 'We shouldn't be be here'. Vokun thought. 'Galen Better be hiding an army down here'. As they continued to walk Vokun could almost feel Galen's discomfort in this place. 'Is he worried that his torch will run out'? He mused. 'No...thats not it'. 'He's afraid...why'? Then it hit him. *smells the air* We're not alone. Galen rested his hand on his blade and i on mine. As they approached a cavern Vokun began to listen for heartbeats. 'four..six...ten....fourteen' Vokun counted silently. 'Well hidden to, i cant even see them'. As they entered Galen laughed to himself and turned. "Oh, and I had forgotten to ask, what is you name?" He said. Before he could answer, Galen lunged at him. 'Is he mad'!? 'Wha-'. Vokun's mind raced when he saw it. An axe. Old, heavy, rusted nearly struck him. Flame from torches banished most of the darkness in the cavern. Fourteen men surrounded them with weapons at the ready and murder in their eyes, The two warrior's were back to back now. Vokun drew Dynasty and removed the cloak of darkness from Destiny. Galen unsheathed a long sword as well as a shield. More men appeared from side passages, twenty-eight now. 'This is not good'. Vokun thought. No one moved, the world stood still as as the warrior's looked at their attacker's. Vokun was reading is arm for the closet man's throat when he heard the most peculiar voice. "I believe I had taught the last mongrels that crawling in my territory means death". The entire cavern seemed to resonate with the voice; leading to the group, warrior's included, looking up to identify it. A shadow launched itself yelling; "Now Mongrels....SUFFER!" The figure tore into the bandits with blades made of pure darkness, dodging near blows before they happen. Not wasting any time the warriors's joined in. The skirmish as short, ending when Vokun decapitated the last two bandits with Dynasty and Destiny. Vokun could feel the satisfaction in Dynasty. 'Now you've had your fill'. He thought. Turn around he saw the black figure standing before them. Galen sheathed his weapon while Vokun slightly lowered his. 'This power'. He thought. 'Why does it feel so familiar'. Galen stepped forward. " You are definitely the one we were looking for...."
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Post by shadowknight on Sept 14, 2013 20:29:54 GMT
Sir. Galen Farrel: "I order you two to identify yourselves and tell me why have you come to see your better?" The cloaked figure demanded. Galen hesitated, stunned, for the first time in his life he has met someone who cared not about his deeds nor title. Even after he disposed of the perks and privileges of nobility he was still treated with a measure of respect that came with his station of knighthood,and had he been a few years younger, such an act of disrespect would have made him draw blade; however, this was nether the time, nor place for his pride." My name is Sir. Galen Farrel," Galen said giving a slight bow," and this is my companion we have traveled these dark tunnels in search of you. I take it you have heard of the Shadow army. Their warriors sweep across this land, burning and enslaving every thing. We have....been warned that a force of them is on the move, heading directly for THIS kingdom. Me and my companion are going to stop them, I will rally the guard and we will hold them back; however, I ...... *sigh* ...I do not know if it will be enough. That is when I remembered a tale, told by the drunks of the taverns. A tale of a living shadow, a leathal darkness, the tales very on whether you were a creature or a man, and I just knew you were the one we needed to ensure our victory, if the tales of your power are to be believed, add the fact that you have only slain the wicked living in these tunnels and that was that. I KNOW you will help us, for there are none more wicked than the shadow warriors." Galen stopped, trying to see through the darkness obscuring the mans face, but could only see the eyes,and what strange eyes they were. This man radiated power and confidences, Galen could practically smell it rolling off of him.'Who ever he is,' Galen thought,'he is of noble birth, I can here it in his voice, the smugness. I guess my father did something good for me after all, the ability to spot other nobles.' And the long moment rolled on as Galen and his companion waited for the Cloaked man to speak.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2013 20:55:51 GMT
." My name is Sir. Galen Farrel," Galen said giving a slight bow," and this is my companion we have traveled these dark tunnels in search of you. I take it you have heard of the Shadow army. Their warriors sweep across this land, burning and enslaving every thing. We have....been warned that a force of them is on the move, heading directly for THIS kingdom. Me and my companion are going to stop them, I will rally the guard and we will hold them back; however, I ...... *sigh* ...I do not know if it will be enough. That is when I remembered a tale, told by the drunks of the taverns. A tale of a living shadow, a leathal darkness, the tales very on whether you were a creature or a man, and I just knew you were the one we needed to ensure our victory, if the tales of your power are to be believed, add the fact that you have only slain the wicked living in these tunnels and that was that. I KNOW you will help us, for there are none more wicked than the shadow warriors." The Prince simply listened to the barking of the mortal going on and on about some plea of his but a few words. Once finished I simply replied "....So what?" The two mongrels stood what looked in aghast and confusion. "I care not for what happens to you mongrels nor this kingdom it has little to no meaning to me as long as the poor, pathetic excuse of darkness beings dare bite at infinitely there greaters." "So now mongrels give me a reason to take action upon the pathetic?"
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