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Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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He heard the sound of armored boots approaching the scene. Vowing the finish the task, the mage drew a tiny dagger, and for good measure stabbed both the she-demon and the webbed man where he guessed their hearts would be under the garments. To add the finishing touch, he drew a small card emblazoned with the symbol of the Brotherhood-a nefarious pentacle with an eye in its center- and left it on the ground where he knew someone would find it before teleporting away.

~^+^~

“Hot damn, we got another one already?”

The current patrol leader for the city guard was standing in what looked like a warzone. After deciding to investigate the reports of two loud blasts from the apartment developments in the northern part of the city, the now reformed (and somewhat more competent than their predecessors) Varrock City Guard had dispatched four patrol guards to the scene.

What they thought was going to be just another stop at some random magic user’s abode to issue a warning if it was needed instead turned out to be much more. Needless to say, the whole patrol unit for the area was called in to keep the area off limits to the press and general population shortly after the original officers had arrived on the scene.

The patrol leader turned to one of his men- a young man by the name of Ben- and asked, “How many corpses this time?”

“Four, Mister C, sir!” replied the young lieutenant. “So far we have a confirmed fatality that’s a female. The others...well, you might wanna see for yourself, sir. I think you’d understand it more than any of the other officers here.”

The captain allowed himself to be led to where the medical professionals from Alliverion had set up a small tented area. The guards stationed outside of the entrance saluted him, and allowed him to bow through the flap leading into the tented area.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:51:47 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 21:52:17 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Inside was, needless to say, very eerie to see. There were two makeshift platforms made of wood and other materials in the center of the room, but the various healing ointments and potions and other alchemical items scattered around the area made it seem like something from a mad mage’s lab. One of the Alliverion agents, a young woman with blonde hair by the name of Myra, had turned and greeted the captain.

“Hello, sir,” she said, “I’m sure you already know what’s going on, no?"

"Yes,” replied the captain, “apparently there was another one of those Brotherhood murders. But I came to see what was so wrong about the whole scene that my own lieutenant had to drag me down here for, not for a recap of what I already know.”

“Well, it’s not so much what’s wrong,” the woman replied, “it’s what we found.” Turning to one of the slabs, Myra had proceeded to pull the curtains off of it. Underneath was the body of the Spider.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:52:32 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 21:53:23 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Is that….?” Asked the captain.

“Yes, I believe we found our mystery attacker, but what worries us is that he’s among the dead. I’m not sure about you, but I’d like to believe these guys wouldn’t leave their buddies behind in case of them being interrogated by a Necromancer or some such. Especially since they haven’t done it before now."

"True,” replied the captain, “but has any move been made to identify him underneath the mask?”

Myra shook her head, “No. We’ve been having some ...’issues’ with his suit. Just try for yourself if you don’t believe me.”

The captain decided that he had nothing to lose. Worst case scenario would’ve been that they were no better off than they were in the beginning anyway, so he proceeded to pull the man’s mask off.

Unfortunately, lady luck wasn’t with him. It seemed that every time the mask got anywhere above the neckline, it would become intangible and somehow reattach itself to the body of the suit. Attempts to remove the suit itself only resulted in the same thing, with any cuts made against the material closing themselves in a manner of seconds as well.

“Well I’ll be damned,” the captain commented, “looks like we’ll need a mage here.” Turning to Myra, he asked, “I know that Allivierion has contacts with different sorts of people. I don’t mean to order you around, but we need to know what the hell happened with this guy.”

A voice retorted from behind both of them “Don’t bother. I’ll show myself out, thank you very much!”

Surprised, both of them turned around to see who was there. Nobody except Myra and her fellow agents were allowed in there, and they hadn’t noticed anyone coming into the tent.

What they saw was the body that was on the slab wasn’t a dead body anymore. Although he looked a little worse for the wear, most people probably wouldn’t have known that he was previously laying on a covered slab meant for the dead just a few minutes ago.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:53:47 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 21:54:01 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The captain drew his sword and adopted a menacing stance, “Alright clown, stay where you are and I won’t run you through!”

“Go ahead and try,” the Spider retorted, “I’d love to see how that ends. By the way, before you try hitting me with that damn thing you might wanna know……this whole thing with the girl?” he gestured towards the second covered slab, “Wasn’t me. You might be more interested in the charred dudes that got hit with the fireball thingy too.”

The captain’s surprise was obvious. :What fireball are you talking about?”

The Spider shrugged. “Hell if I know. All I remember before now was fighting some guys when they tried killing that girl, then I got hit with some fireball from the feel of it...unless there’s something else that can burn my suit. Now that I think about it, what happened to her anyway?”

Myra lowered her gaze to the floor. “I’m sorry...what’s your name anyway?”

“You can call me Spider. Or *The* Spider. Doesn’t matter.”

“Well, Mister Spider, the girl…” she pointed to the slab that the Spider had gestured to earlier.

“Ah...damn. I thought that was one of the attackers. This definitely isn’t good.” The Spider said as he shook his head. He was obviously surprised. “Now that’s not good. Look, I’d love to stay and have a chat about what happened, but I need...ah, hell, we’ll talk later, Cap’n.”

The captain started towards him, but he was too slow. The Spider had managed to get out of the tent, and judging by the surprised cries of the guardsmen outside, had managed to disappear into the skyline before he could even take another step.

^+^ End Prologue ^+^

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:54:09 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 21:55:38 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Interlude I
<>
Location: The Outpost of Nethraka. Somewhere in the Multiverse.
<>
A loud banging noise echoed down the hallway as a voice shouted, “Alright, ya damn recruits, geddup! Tis the day we all be waitin’ fer since….well, a long time!”

Many doors began to open up, accompanied by the groans of the occupants of their respective rooms. Most of the Grave Watchers stationed in the outpost knew what they were getting into when they signed up for the job, but by the gods, did the dwarf *really* need to go around shouting the obvious?

In the span of ten minutes, the entire outpost had assembled in the main hall, decked in the shining silver armor of their respective units. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and even Gnomes alike were counted among the ranks of the Watchers, for the beings they pledged to fight against didn't discriminate in who or what they killed, and the original Watchers hadn’t passed an opportunity to take advantage of that fact to pad their numbers...in case worst came to worst, obviously.

However, many of them knew that today was of grave importance. Not too long ago, a scouting unit had returned from the recently discovered ruins of what appeared to be a grave dedicated to some ancient race.

Of course, since the tomb hadn’t been plundered, the unit that did the scouting had decided to bring back some treasure, chief among them being the Talisman. However, nobody could have guessed at the time that it would turn out to be far more trouble than it was worth. many accidents and mysterious occurrences were blamed on the damn thing, and it eventually got to the point where the Powers That Be decided to send someone to take it to the High Council’s chambers to be evaluated, and if possible, destroyed.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:55:59 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 21:57:28 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The main hall of the outpost was fortunately large enough to fit the entire garrison in there. The area was the largest part of the building that outside visitors could see, with the entire room being described as taking up at least a couple hundred feet, had an arched glass-steel ceiling being held up by no more than eight marble pillars, and not to mention a few fountains built onto the western and eastern walls of the whole thing.

There was also two staircases on the northern end that met on an upper balcony, which in itself didn't even help in conveying the entire room from any one space, no matter where anyone stood on it.

Commander Rakin, a sturdy dwarf well into his elder years, was standing on the said balcony, overlooking his troops with an eye that could only be described as that of a seasoned general who’s seen his fair share of war. While he wasn’t in charge of the entire garrison by himself, most of the Watchers stationed there knew and respected the old dwarf, if not out of respect then out of common sense. After all, a dwarf by itself was tough, but one who could survive the things he did was far more dangerous than, say, a marauding beast that just happened to pass by.

“A’right you guys,” yelled Rakin, “The High Mage should be a’comin’ any minute, ya hear? Just remember, bow to the guy, say some nice stuff, and don’t do nothin’ stupid! The last thing we need is to be told that we’re gettin transferred or decommissioned because of some kids annoyin’ the hell out of their boss’ boss!”

“And to add to that,” another voice from behind Rakin said, “After he gets here you all won’t need to worry. You’re dismissed and have some time for R&R until tomorrow.”

Woops of joy came from the assembled crowd.

Rakin turned to address the figure standing behind him. The High Watcher, a male elf by the name of Arain, had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and startled the old dwarf. “Dammit, Arain, can’t you let me have my moment for once?”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:56:44 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 21:59:20 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Arain only looked at him, smirking. An elf who was far older than Rakin, and a lot younger looking thanks to his elven blood and beach blonde hair that came down to his shoulders, Arain was used to undermining the dwarf’s gruff attitude, just as Rakin was used to throwing a tantrum after every time it happened. Although they wouldn’t confirm it in public, what had started out as a superior chastising his second in command had in fact turned into a personal game between the two over time.

“I know what you’re ‘moment’ is like,” said Arain, “and needless to say, I doubt that scaring the same people who keep us in business is a wise choice.”

“Fine.” the old dwarf pouted.

Just as Rakin turned to address the crowd of Watchers assembled before them, his eyes widened. “Ah, crap. He’s here,” he said.

In the doorway in the southern end of the room stood a man who was dressed in elaborate robes with arcane symbols, and a cowl was covering most of his face to the point where only a white beard was showing from beneath it. In his old hands, he was holding an ornate staff, which was shimmering with obvious magical power that would make even demons think twice about trying to take the old guy on, all while a small creature that looked like a dragon with the size of a small house cat perched on his shoulder.

The crowd of Watchers all turned towards the newcomer and saluted the old mage. Whether he was pleased with the display or merely uninterested was anyone’s guess, but his familiar had seemed to take great pride in being on the shoulder of the same guy who commanded respect from so many people at once, judging from how it seemed to straighten out and hold its head up high after the fact.

The mage spoke, his voice filled with the rasp of old age, but yet at the same time filled with power that only he could command. “Ah, I see I was expected. I was under the impression that this venture was supposed to be secret, no?"

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:57:08 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:00:43 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Arain grimaced, then turned to Rakin and whispered, “I thought you said this was a formal inspection!”

“’Ell if I know,” he whispered back, “I just read through the paper and it said expect the High Mage. Said nothin’ about no secrets.”

Turning back to the mage, Arain answered back, “I’m sorry if this display offends your sensibilities, milord. We were under the impression that this was our semi annual inspection.”

“Then it seems there might have been some miscommunication,” the mage had said, “But, I can see you went through a lot of trouble to welcome me, so don’t worry. Now, I must speak with you in private, High Watcher. Now."

Rakin was trying to hold in his laugh. “Oh boy, it’s yer ass in the fire now." Turning to address his troops, he yelled out, “A’right, dismissed by the High Watchers own orders. Free day fer everyone!”

As the Watchers began to happily file out of the room, Rakin started towards the hall where his quarters was located, and turned his head to address Arain before disappearing behind the doors, “If ya need me I’ll be in me personal bar.”

~^+^~

After the rest of the Watchers had finally cleared the room, the High Mage began to look around as if he was searching for something, but failing. “Tell me,” he said, “I know that this garrison was a little big in the ranks, but how is it that nothing in this blasted wasteland managed to kill you all yet?”

Arain grimaced. It was no secret that their location in the planar chaos that surrounded the rest of the planes was dubious at best. After all, if a random monster that happened to come by that particular section had managed to find them, or if a blast of planar winds occurred...well, needless to say they’d all be wiped out within minutes, if not seconds, thanks to the sheer power of whatever caused those things to happen in the first place.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:57:40 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:01:54 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“To be honest sir,” he began, “I’m not sure myself. We’ve always had our share of luck, but even I wonder how long it is before the Dark Powers intrude on the worlds again, if not attack us out of spite due to our past victories as a whole. It’s been nearly four centuries since the last invasion, and we haven’t seen a sign of them since then. Which I assume is why you wanted to investigate this talisman of ours, no?*

"Of...of course it is.” Replied the High Mage, the sound of his voice coming from behind Arain. Startled, he turned around to see the old man standing before him. Turning back to make sure he wasn’t going insane, he then realized that the mage must’ve teleported while he wasn’t looking. Chuckling at his foolishness, he addressed his boss once more. “Then it might be prudent if we get this over with. I’ll fill you in on the situation as we walk.”

The duo started down the marble hall which Rakin had disappeared to earlier. Passing the private rooms of the more experienced Watchers, they then proceeded up a winding staircase, then down a few more twisting corridors of white marble before coming to a stop outside of a room guarded by what appeared to be two unoccupied suits of armor in the style of the ancient Kin. Opening the door, Arain motioned for the High Mage to step inside.

As the mage started towards the door, the armor suits sprung into action. One drew a longsword and leveled it at the mage, while another one tackled the man to the ground, sending the small dragon familiar scrambling for cover in the process. Stunned, the mage yelled “What the hell is the meaning of this!? Unhand me now, or else...”

“Code Green,” Arian yelled at the suits, “he’s with me.” The suits stopped their actions and took their previous positions against the sides of the door. “I’m sorry, sir,” Arain said as he helped the High Mage up, “I knew the models were a bit defective, but I never expected them to attack anyone like that!”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:57:56 - Last edited on 14-Sep-2010 20:02:26 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

Forum Moderator Posts: 9,861 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The mage appeared stunned. “Defective you say?”

“Yes,” he replied, “you must understand, these are my private study quarters, and it wouldn’t be a good idea to leave myself unguarded in case of an emergency. Those suits are semi old models of a type of archon that tracks down demons and subdues them if they escape from my summoning circle….for study reasons, of course….along with responding to any commands coming from me and only me.”

“Well,” the mage said, “let’s get this over with then. Before these things become ‘defective’ again and attack us, if possible. Nibbler, to me!” The dragon made an excited ‘yip’ sound as it bound up its masters arm and perched on the mage’s shoulder once more.

“As you wish.” As they entered the room, Arain closed the door behind them and made a waving motion with his hand, which caused it to brighten considerably enough for them to see. It appeared to the High Mage that Arain wasn’t lying when he said that the place was his private study room, if not because of the big circular desk and what looked like three really comfy chairs surrounding it, then it would be because of the masses of books and other magical instruments that lay scattered across the room.

Arain motioned towards the desk in the middle of the room. “Please, take a seat at the desk. I have something that might interest you besides the talisman. Some….’ancient history’, if you will.” The mage nodded, and sat himself down on one of the bigger chairs surrounding it, which also confirmed his suspicion of it being quite comfortable.

Arain rummaged through a pile of books in one of the corners of the room, and after uttering many unsavory phrases in elvish, returned to the table and took a seat, letting the object of his search fall onto it with a loud thud.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

^+^ If the Gods see fit to curse us with the Blood, then we shall raise ourselves above them ^+^

25-Mar-2010 02:58:34

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