RuneScape Forum Archive | ^+^ The Age of Nhur ^+^

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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The High Mage leaned forward, looking at the tome before him. The book itself was nondescript, with only a few strange markings on the gilded spine being the only indication that it might be more than what it appears to be.

“I must say, I have never seen markings such as these before,” remarked the mage, “It’s almost as if this tome was relatively new, if I do say so myself.”

Arain nodded and replied, “I assume you’re aware of how we acquired the talisman, yes?” The mage nodded his head and said, “All I know is that it came from a tomb of some primordial creature. The report mentioned some problems, so if you wouldn’t mind….”

“Good,” Arain said, “then I’ll cut to the chase. We were investigating what this thing does, and so far came up with nothing. Or rather, nothing at first. We’ve had instances where some of our Watchers came down with a mysterious illness that lasted for a month. Then, one night, the sickened ones had began acting like animals, clawing at the walls, gnashin* their teeth. Horrid, horrid stuff.”

“I agree,” remarked the mage, “but what does that have to do with anything? You’re in the middle of the planar chaos, and that also happens to be nowhere in itself. It seems natural that some men would become rather unstable.”

“That’s just it,” Arain noted, “The afflicted men changed, not only mentally, but physically as well. They eventually turned into what we could only guess what was some kind of werewolf at first, but further research turned out something far more intriguing than we first thought.”

“Go on”

“We have reason to believe that the talisman was an unwilling biological weapon of some sort. After doing some research on the matter, we’ve found a few things that confirm our suspicions, and more.”

“Which would be?”

^+^ 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 02:58:56 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:05:24 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Arain lowered his head and nodded. “It appears that the creatures our men turned into are known in other planes as ‘Doomhounds’, which in turn are believed to be the hunting hounds that served a particular demon lord known by the name of He’rkhine. Furthermore, as we conducted more research into the creatures, we’ve turned up evidence indicating that this isn’t the first time the talisman was involved with what we could only guess to be a bad thing. Unfortunately, that brings me to this tome.”

The High Mage was obviously interested. “Tell me more, then. It would be wise to know the past if it could help us solve our present problems.”

“Here,” Arain slid the book towards the mage, “You want the bookmarked section.” The mage nodded as he flipped through the old pages, each one feeling more and more fragile as he went on. Eventually, he found the section that was marked.

“Hmm. That’s strange,” he commented, “I can't seem to recall ever hearing about this in my entire career. ‘The Age of Nhur’?”

“Why, yes, I’m not surprised,” Arain replied, “To be quite honest, I wasn’t even aware of this myself until I did some more research into the subject. Most of the text was in a tongue that’s not in use anymore, so this is as close as we could get to a complete translation of the whole event.”

“Interesting. I wasn’t…..” the mage flipped through some more pages before exclaiming, “ah, that explains it.”

Arain looked puzzled. The mage nodded thoughtfully before replying, “From what the translations say, it appears that this ‘Nhur’ was a Mahjarrat. I’m not entirely sure what to make of this, but from what I can understand, it appears that he…she?....it?....anyway, it appears that this creature took control of an entire empire by somehow dethroning the previous emperor.”

^+^ 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 02:59:42 - Last edited on 25-Mar-2010 15:47:02 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“I had my suspicions,” Arain said, “from what we’ve managed to figure out, the empire was made up prominently of beings called…..for a lack of better words in the Common tongue….’Shades’. Apparently they were humanoids born with the essence of the shadow world in their blood, which might give some members of the race unique abilities.”

The mage nodded. “I’m interested. But I must ask, if these people had some kind of unnatural power, how did Nhur manage to take complete control of the whole empire?”

“Well, from what we’ve managed to find, not every Shade has these ‘powers’. Apparently it takes some kind of fluke in their blood to unlock them, and on top of that even manifesting the effects of natural magic would most likely kill those who have no prior training in controlling magical forces. And assuming they survive that, it appears that the powered ones were conscripted into military service, so there was always the chance of dying in combat as well. So chances are, Nhur might have only had to contend with a handful of them before ascending, not to mention a few might have defected to his side in the first place anyway.”

“Well, there’s always that. I must admit, it makes more sense now."

"Yes,” Arain said, “though I have to say, from what I can make of it, the rebellion against him eventually turned into a slaughter anyway, despite these abilities.”

“Rebellion?” The mage asked.

“Of course. That’s what this account supposedly is, after all. I believe that we might be holding the only account to survive from that era in our hands.”

If the High Mage was excited, he didn't show it. “Then it appears that I have some reading to do. I trust that you’ll help clarify things as we go, yes?”

“It goes without saying, milord.” Replied Arain.

“Oh, good then,” the mage said, “now, let’s get started from the beginning.” Flipping back to the page that was bookmarked, he sighed as if to say let’s get it over with.

^+^ End Interlude I ^+^

^+^ 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 03:00:27 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:06:56 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Arain’s Translation; Section I

[Note1: It’s speculated that the year the following events occurred in is sometime near the middle of the Second Age by Gielinorian time, though I’m not entirely sure of the exact year. What I do know is that these events seem to precede the Second Coming, if that helps for reference-A]

^+^ 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 03:03:02 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:07:26 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Chapter 1
<><>
Location: The Central Plaza in Ukrosha, Capital City of the Shade Empire
<><>
The moon was shining bright in the sky this night. It was probably a good thing, Arial thought, or else he and the rest of his team wouldn’t be able to see what the hell was going on down below. Though he had to admit, the scene of people lining the streets in the main plaza below didn't do much to calm him down.

A male voice rang in his ear, “Everything’s in place on our end, General. What’s the plan?”

Arial sighed. He should’ve known that one of the others would forget what the plan was, even though they went over it...what, 100 times now? 200? He lost count. “Right, it’s just like we talked about,” he replied, “Nhur and his Ordinators will come from the southern gate since that’s the only way into the main plaza. Your team is supposed to hold the Ordinators at bay, possibly distracting them so Rahj can get a shot in. I don’t expect one bolt to kill him outright, so Kaz and I will then make our way through the confusion and confront him while he’s weak.”

A sigh followed. “Damn, why does Rajh get all the cool jobs?”

“Dammit Joran, I already told you! Rajh is the one who knows every nook of the city, so he’s the one that gets put on sniping duty. Besides, I’d rather have the guy who likes to get in bar fights doing some actual fighting, not sitting on his ass waiting for a signal.”

“But Rahj can’t be trusted,” Joran retorted, “he’ll just leave the minute he shoots the damn bolt.”

“He won’t,” Arial said, “you and I both know how his kind thinks, so if he gets paid then he’ll stay. Besides, even if he does leave then we just got the service of a capable sharpshooter for free.”

He was answered with nothing, which caused him to sigh with relief. Not that he was surprised, mind you, since nearly everyone who did any business in Ukrosha knew that the tigermen from the northern mountains were mainly motivated by money, if not promises of free room and board as compensation.

^+^ 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 03:03:19 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:08:25 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

As if on cue, another ringing came into his head, this one carrying a voice that was considerably deeper than Joran’s. “I’m in position, Koshir," it said, “jus’ give me the signal and I'll do the rest.”

“Alright, Rajh,” he replied, “Just sit tight for a while, ok?” Nothing answered him again, which was hardly surprising considering the Rakshasa’s natural inclination to say what he needed with the least amount of words possible.

“Are you ok, sir?” a female voice asked.

Arial looked over to see a woman with short, dark hair framing her face who was wearing the traditional robes offered to those who passed the Chantry’s tests for magicians, which basically consisted of swirling shadows that seemed to make her fade in and out of reality for a short span of time. He could only smile, for Kaz had to be the only one in his entire team who could hold some sort of concern for others despite the fact that it was all about to hit the fan within the hour.

“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just getting tiresome putting up with Joran and his crappy memory is all.” He replied.

She only nodded in agreement before turning back to watch the sigil she had drawn in the top of their hiding place-which was a huge statue of a hippogriff, the empire’s main mount for the aerial forces, curled up in a sitting position- in order to keep them undetected by anyone who actually chose to look at the statue. Which was understandable at least, considering the fact that Arial was a decently tall fellow, with brown hair going a little bit past his shoulders (as was the custom for high ranking members of the army), and very pale skin compared to the usual shadowed hues that Shades were renown for.

With nothing better to do than wait until the usurper came by on his way to the Imperial Palace, Arial decided to get a good look of his surroundings as well, if not in order to make a plan of escape, then at least out of pure boredom.

^+^ 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 03:03:38 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:09:30 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

What he saw, he was already familiar with. The plaza they were hiding in was relatively small, with only three entrances from the main directions leading into it, and the northern street leading right towards the palace, along with buildings used as shops and private residences which were magically created from the natural stone and shadows in the atmosphere lining the streets.

Sadly enough, it also seemed that the one side of the population which actually liked Nhur decided to congregate in the same area, making a small area that’s usually pretty empty yet cramped feel more claustrophobic than usual. Arial was still uncertain on whether or not it was a good idea to attempt to assassinate Nhur in full view of his loyalists. Then again, he also figured that he couldn’t be any more hated than he was by the other side, so he pushed the thought into the back of his mind before sitting back down to wait.

~^+^~

[1 hour later]

“Hey, wake up already. He’s coming.” Arial woke with a start, and saw Kaz leaning over him. Scratching his head before getting up, he looked around to survey the scene, all while wondering when he fell asleep in the first place.

He didn't have to wait for long until Kaz answered him anyway. “You fell asleep after you got bored of looking around. I told ya you weren’t getting enough sleep!” she explained.

He realized she was right. Now that he stopped to think for a second, he felt a lot better than he did while waiting, and in retrospect that was good since he felt he would need his full strength for what was to come.

Then he heard it. The sound of boots crunching against pavement was growing louder and louder by the moment, accompanied by haunting musical sounds of what Arial thought might’ve been some kind of orchestra that was hired just for the occasion.

^+^ 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 03:03:55 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:10:05 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

As the sounds grew closer and closer by the second, Arial muttered a short incantation that allowed him to communicate with anyone he wanted to from a distance via telepathy. “Alright guys, this is it. Get ready, because there’s no turning back now.” He cut it off before anyone could respond, because he then saw the first of the Ordinators come into view from the southernmost street.

Suited up, a normal Ordinator was fearsome enough due to their armor which looked like dragons in the form of men, but the main reason they were feared and respected by many was because of their abilities that could easily turn a mage into a defenseless kitten in a manner of seconds. Given that, Arial didn't exactly like the prospect of an entire battalion of the guys sensing his spell and killing him before the entire operation even started, so he only waited for now.

The procession came to a halt as several of the Ordinators took up positions lining the northern street, then it started to continue for some time until finally it seemed the crowd was thinning out a bit. The music continued to grow louder as time passed, and eventually everyone in the entire plaza saw him.

“Nhur…” Arial said as he spotted his target. Seated atop of a gilded throne that was on top of a wheeled platform being carted by the tamed mountain yaks, the Mahjarrat appeared as a Shade that looked like he almost belonged there as a ruler of the people, as he was dressed in a fine suit of armor that was embroidered with gold in intricate and esoteric designs that was complemented by the mystical tiara that sat on his head, all while holding a warped staff made of wood that was literally humming with magical power from the gemmed tip.

He waited until Nhur’s platform was near the central area of the plaza before looking at Kaz and nodding. “Send the signal.” He told her.
~^+^~

^+^ 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 03:04:10 - Last edited on 14-Sep-2010 20:12:30 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Joran was in the crowd, easily disguised as one of the many well wishers that showed up to Nhur’s ascension ceremony (or at least the public parade part of it). After all, a Shade of medium build and white hair in a crew cut wasn’t out of place, and unlike Arial his skin was darker thanks to constantly flickering shadows that marked him as no different than anyone else in the crowd. But for some reason, he couldn’t help but feel nervous as hell when he finally laid his eyes on Nhur and his Ordinator guards, as if they knew he was there and were waiting for him.

Before he could attempt to listen to his better instincts and run the other way, he saw a blue light flickering from the hippogriff statue a few yards away from his position. The point of no return had finally come at last.

Running out in front of one of the Ordinators, he started yelling. “Yo man, watch it I’m walkin’ here!” The Ordinator shook his head before shooting back “Out of the way you damn miscreant!” Joran, feigning anger at the Ordinator who yelled back, turned to stare at the guard. “Get out of the way or what? You wanna go, tough guy? You wanna go?” he said, thumping his fist against his chest like a drunken idiot.

The rest of the Ordinators behind the one Joran singled out, as well as the ones that were stationed on the northern street, stopped whatever Ordinator specific duties they were doing and stared at Joran. Some were wondering if this guy had a death wish-after all, he was only one man dressed in torn clothing going up against over 500 plus armed warriors, so what could he do that’s even harmful?-while some were obviously just bored of watching the parade and had nothing better to do than watch a drunk get his ass handed to him in front of the new emperor.

^+^ 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 03:04:25

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

The guard that Joran had apparently insulted drew his sword and leveled it at him before replying, “Last chance. Either get out of the way and let us proceed with the ceremony peacefully and without further interruption, or taste steel.” Joran recoiled a bit, looking at Nhur with a disgusted face.

“You mean to tell me that sack of bones who prettied himself up is the new ruler? Damn, I knew I drank a lot, but even my hallucinations don’t get *this* crazy. I mean, seriously, who the hell didn't realize that your precious ruler really looks like he dug himself out of a grave that farm animals relieved themselves on?”

“Why you little….” The Ordinator swung at Joran, who managed to duck below the swing and draw himself close enough to the unfortunate guard to deliver a vicious kick to his groin area. As the Ordinator fell into a fetal position, the others drew their swords and advanced on him as Nhur gave the order. “That’s enough. End this now."

*^+^*

"Perrrfect. Zare we go,” Rahj purred. Lucky for him, he had the easy job of sitting on a nice perch courtesy of a gargoyle that decided to nest on the balcony of some random curio shop. Of course, the gargoyle objected at first, but thanks to a few drinks and flashy charms it was only too happy to let a big tiger-man-thing sit on its back while it passed out in a drunken stupor.

He drew his crossbow up and muttered a short, guttural phrase that enhanced his sight, and then proceeded to take aim at the creature seated on the platform. Of course, he did*’t need to shoot at this very moment…he was still waiting for the signal anyway….but he figured it wouldn’t hurt to get into position beforehand. At least that way he could get the job done sooner, collect his pay, and go home to his mate.

~^+^~

^+^ 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 03:04:43 - Last edited on 19-Jan-2011 22:11:17 by A Mad Hatter

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^+^ The Age of Nhur ^+^