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

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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Marik’s eyes gleamed. “My good sir, I only wish one thing this night.”

“Oh, this should be good,” Mori muttered to herself.

“I assure you girly, it is,” Marik said with a grin. Turning his gaze to the shopkeeper, he said, “I know you have a group. I know you have plans, and I know that you want competent blades to further them. On the other end of the spectrum is me, the guy who can fill such desires.”

“So, you wish to join my little…group, if you will,” the old man said. “That seems like an awfully strange request from a stranger I’ve only just met mere minutes ago.”

“Well?” Marik asked. “What say you, Great Old One? If you’re in doubt about my true abilities and loyalties, then I can understand your concern. But ask yourself, where else do I have to go now that my old employer’s gone?”

“You have a point, son,” the man replied. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead as he entered a state of deep thought. An eternity had seemed to pass as the old man thought, and at last his eyes had flown open as he smiled.

“Alright,” he said. The old man hobbled over to Marik, and shook the Hexblade’s hand. “I accept your offer, Marik. A formal induction shall have to wait, but in the meantime, welcome to our little family!”

“What!?” Mori screamed. “Sir, do you have any idea what you’re doing?!”

The old man smiled, which revealed a set of crooked teeth which were well past their prime. “Have faith, Mori. I’m sure our newest recruit will conduct himself in the same gentlemanly manner I and the others have all this time. Besides, he’ll have to pass a little test of loyalty.”

Marik’s eyes widened. “A test?”

“Oh, nothing unusual I assure you,” the man replied. “Just a little something I have planned in order to judge whether you’re truly committed to the cause. All recruits go through one, I’ll have you know!”

Marik gulped as he digested the man’s words. He started to wonder just what it was Romulus had gotten him into now.

^+^ The End of Chapter 17 ^+^

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

11-Dec-2010 02:47:14 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:41:31 by A Mad Hatter

Azigarath

Posts: 9,271 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Finished reading up to here.
Your style of typing is so much more formal than my own ^.^

"Badda bing, kitties" <- most epoch quote ever.

Anyway, things now start into something else, a stronger power conquers the one presumed unstoppable and now they have a bigger problem.

So, looks like them doomhounds have females. Will we see a doomcub soon?

I actually felt sorry for the alpha. all that just for nothing. I even felt sorry for the Psionic fatso.

Even though my own storyies have lots of bloodlust, I'm actaully a very soft-hearted guy.

Curious to see what happens next. almost as if the doomhounds will suddenly chagne sides on the last moment, or maybe Nhur influenced a few things.

Yeah, that's all for now. keep up the good work. r;de809

13-Dec-2010 23:12:11 - Last edited on 13-Dec-2010 23:12:41 by Azigarath

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Chapter 18
<><>
“Beyond the dark
there is a place
where your cries
become dumb”

~Skarjil Datashade Glyph [Lore]: Damnation of Mokosh I
<><>

Droj felt himself falling through nothing. It was a strange feeling. The Rakshasa chieftain knew that he was falling somehow, yet felt nothing. No air rushed around him, he didn't hear or see anything, but yet…he fell.

Eternities and lifetimes passed for the tiger-man. In the dark void he found himself in currently, time didn't seem to have any meaning. But yet, he knew that it passed. Just how much and how fast was what he didn't know.

More time passed. The Rakshasa tried to move, but couldn’t feel his arms or legs…or his head, for that matter. He even tried to scream, only to find that nothing happened…or if it did, he couldn’t tell.

The chieftain had spent the next few…hours? Days? Years?...recalling the events that led to his appearance in the void. Most of it was a blur, but bits and pieces were clear to him. He knew that a renegade tribesman had betrayed him and left him to die at the whim of the legendary and infernal Demon Wolves. He knew that one of the beasts had gotten lucky and savaged his throat in the thick of battle.

And he also knew that it didn't fully kill him. That victory belonged to…something. The Rakshasa didn't remember what happened, but he knew that the soft beating of leathery wings preceded his arrival in the void.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:12:16 - Last edited on 14-Dec-2010 05:21:32 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

As the chieftain began to ponder the mystery of the owner of the wings, a bright pinpoint of light appeared in the distance. Droj tried to run toward it, but failed to make any progress as he realized that he couldn’t feel anything. As if responding to his thoughts, the light grew brighter. Droj thought that was a futile move until he realized that the light wasn’t glowing brighter. Rather, it was drawing closer.

The light engulfed Droj’s senses as feelings flooded his body for the first time in what seemed like eons. Granted, the feelings were of aches and pains, but to the mountain chieftain, it meant one thing and one thing only.

“I’m alive!” he cried as he struggled to clear the light from his vision.

“Ah, good. The tiger lives,” a rasping voice replied from beyond Droj’s field of vision.

Shaking his head, Droj tried to stand. At first he succeeded, though he then shortly fell flat on his face as he lost his balance.

“Careful there,” the voice said. “I thought you were beyond the point of no return for a while, so it’ll be a while until you’re back to normal.”

Confused, the Rakshasa asked, “How long ‘ave I been out?”

There was a pause. "More than a week,” the voice said.

The news hit Ur’Droj like a ton of bricks. “Zat long?” he asked. “Vhat happened?”

“I guess it would be easier to explain this if you could see me,” the voice answered. Right on cue, the Rakshasa noted that his vision was slowly blurring into existence. And he didn't like what he saw that day.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:12:38 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:42:43 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

The creature walked on two legs, but any trace of humanity ended there. Blue scales covered every inch of its body, which was rippling with the strength which accompanied its naturally inherited muscles. The face consisted of little more than two orange eyes which glowed in the gloom pervading the chieftain’s sight, and a mouth full of razor sharp teeth which looked as if they were polished with the finest of whetstones. Two rows of horns lined the back of the creature’s head, and ran down its spine. The spike-like horns ended where two massive, leathery, bat-like wings began, each covered in the same blue scales as the rest of the body was.

“A…Jarlkshu?” Droj asked, using the traditional Rakshasa word for half-dragon.

“Yes,” the creature replied. “You see, you were killed in battle by some kind of wolf creature. A passing minion of the Lord had seen the entire thing, and had swooped down to try and liberate you from the fray. Well, it also turns out that you lost a lot of blood. So much, in fact, that we had to take you back to our caverns so our healers could tend to you.”

Droj looked around, and saw that the creature spoke the truth: he was in a cave of sorts. It looked like any other cave that could be found in the Plane of Shadows, so he wasn’t completely sure where he was, though he had a hunch that the Jarlkshu was a good indication that he was somewhere north of the Shade capital. They simply couldn’t go anywhere else due to the fact that the Emperor and Rakshasa Chieftains of the plains tribes constantly patrolled the rest of the continent for their own purposes, which usually included killing perceived intruders and threats to their lands.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:13:09 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:43:41 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“Zat took a week?” he asked.

The half-dragon nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. You see, my kind can not simply use the traditional magiks of this plane, so we have to resort to using…other “magiks”, if you will.”

Droj had a feeling that the Jarlkshu was referring to the mind powers that some races across the multiverse possessed, though he didn't push the subject. For him, it was simply enough to be alive at this very moment, though he had a feeling the creature wanted something in return. His kind rarely did anything out of the kindness of their hearts…if such beings even had hearts, that is.

“So vy am I here?” he asked.

The half-dragon smiled a toothy smile. “A fair question, tiger. As I mentioned before, you were found in the thick of battle where some strange creature was present. My Lord has a particular interest in those…things…for his own reasons.”

“Vell, I know nothing,” he commented.

“On the contrary, the very fact that you’ve fought such things says otherwise,” the creature replied.

“Zen vhat do you vant to know?” Droj asked. “All I know is zat ze Demon Wolves are my people’s most respected and feared prey in times of var and darkness.”

“Then it seems you may be of use to him,” the dragon creature said. “Though you shall hear these words from His Scaled Glory himself, I’ll say it now: We’re offering you another chance at life. All you have to do is help us.”

“How?” Droj wanted to know.

“Well, now, I cannot say for sure since I won’t be partaking in this operation,” the creature replied. “But if you’ll come with me, I assure you that Lord Talon will fill you in once he grants you an audience.”

The name struck a chord within the chieftain. Even though he didn't show any outward signs of fear, he felthis heart leap into his throat at that very instant.

“I..I…” he choked out.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:13:41 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:45:34 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“Is there a problem?” the Jarlkshu asked.

“N-no," Droj replied meekly. The chieftain tried standing up once more, and was glad to note that his balance was better than it was. He figured that if he went slowly, he wouldn’t be in danger of falling over.

“Good,” the creature replied somewhat happily. “We’ll leave within the hour. The portal needs time to manifest, so get ready in the meantime.” With that, the creature turned and left through a hole in the wall that Droj had missed earlier.

Swallowing, Droj brooded over what had just transpired. He knew that no matter what happened after this day, his life would never be the same. Such was the power of Lord Talon, he knew.

~^+^~

“A’right, this here court now be in session!” Ruke’fella hollered.

The Shades assembled in the throne room quieted down at the dwarf’s proclamation. Which was surprising, Nhur thought, since that same dwarf had gotten thrown out of the throne room merely weeks ago for just being downright drunk. He wouldn’t blame anyone for not taking the stout fellow seriously after that.

“Dismissed, Brimstone,” Nhur said casually. The dwarf bowed and left through the side entrance reserved for court officials. The Mahjarrat turned his attention to the assembly before him. The five Merchant’s Guild representatives were present, as well as various members of the other guilds operating in the capital.

“As I’m sure all present know, I’ve called you here for a specific reason,” Nhur began. “During the past few weeks, there’s been reports of murders throughout the Empire.” The assembled shades murmured in agreement.

“I’ve called this assembly because I believe we now have further developments regarding the matter,” Nhur continued. “However, the cause may require some explanation.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:14:11 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:46:52 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“While I was at the Chantry’s tower,” Nhur said. “It came under attack by assailants which belong to a race which I can’t identify.” The assembly came alive at that, with each member shouting what they believed was the answer.

“Quiet down!” He shouted. The Shades obeyed, for which Nhur was glad to see. "Now,” he continued. “As I’ve said, *I* can’t identify the race. In fact, there’s been no records showing anything like them in the Royal Library, nor have the most learned sages which I’ve consulted on the matter been able to offer more than what they believe to be mere legend.”

“So what are you trying to say?” Darsi Verona asked from her seat. “That we have yet another incident similar to the Empire’s first contact with the Rakshasa tribes?”

“In a way,” Nhur admitted. “But there’s more to it than mere disputes over land ownership. You see, nearly all of the sages have told me the same exact thing when I went to them about these creatures: They’re extremely dangerous. They possess abilities which could nullify the effect that any Ordinator weaponry could have on normal creatures, and are excellent at avoiding detection until it’s too late to effectively deal with them.”

Lorkaj smirked as the Emperor continued his speech. This bodes well, he thought.

“So,” another merchant asked. “I take it the throne has a plan to deal with these…things?”

“Actually, Hamil, yes,” Nhur replied. “I’m sure the Merchant’s Guild remembers the offer of extra men to aid the Ordinators in tracking down the perpetrators of the murders. I’ve decided to take the Guild up on that offer.”

Lorkaj had to suppress a sigh of relief. It wouldn’t do for a representative of not only the most prominent guild of Ukrosha, but also a race with possibly the worst reputation across the planes, to seem relieved that he got his way after all.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:14:38 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:48:09 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“In addition to the Merchant’s Guild, I’ve also decided to take up offers of temporary alliances with some other guilds as well,” Nhur said. “The Crafter’s Guild has agreed to begin producing armor and weapons en masse for the inevitable attack these creatures are known for, while the Fighter’s Guild has agreed to begin supplementing Ordinator patrols alone Ukrosha’s walls.”

The assembly seemed on edge as the Emperor continued his proclamations. They all knew that the situation seemed dire that day, but even so it felt like Nhur was preparing more for war rather than simply hunting down some attackers. Which, knowing the Mahjarrat race, was likely what was happening.

The council droned on and on for Lorkaj. He drifted in and out of attention as Nhur made many more announcements regarding curfews and Ordinator patrols, but one segment in particular caused him to snap awake immediately.

“As my last announcement of this council,” the Mahjarrat said. “I’ve decided that Ukrosha is to remain closed for quarantine until the crisis passes."

"What?!” a Shade in the crowd shouted. “Quarantine? I thought that this was a war or battle of sorts, not a sickness!”

“In a way, you’re right,” Nhur replied. “But at the same time, these creatures are confirmed Lycanthropes. Their bite is infectious, and there’s no telling how fast they could spread if they make it into the capital!”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:15:00 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:50:11 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

That seemed to calm the Shades down. Nhur grinned to himself, and continued on. “I’ll be posting sentries at every gate leading in and out of Ukrosha effective immediately. Nobody is to come into the city, and nobody is to leave unless authorized by either myself or my second in command.

Furthermore, I’m also enacting an emergency declaration of conscription. Everyone and anyone who can wield a weapon or cast a spell will be required to immediately proceed to the nearest Ordinator recruiting center to be evaluated for proper placement. In addition, anyone who’s deemed ineligible for Ordinator recruitment will be required to report to a different center to be evaluated for joining a temporary strike force of Vampyres.”

Lorkaj winced at that. It seemed to him that every good move the Emperor made, a bad one followed to balance them out. What was the guy, insane or something? He wanted *willing* participants for the deal, not ones who were forced to be there just because of some defect in their mortal frames. It just wouldn’t work out in the end!

“Any questions?” Nhur asked. The assembly did*’t answer, to which he replied, “Alright, then. These changes are to be enacted immediately. Due to the extreme urgency of the situation, I’ll be suspending normal communication protocol in lieu of an open door policy to the throne. Any developments in the situation will be required to be reported to either myself or Erevin immediately upon discovery.”

The assembly of shades dispersed while Lorkaj hung back with Darsi. “Well,” he said. “This should be interesting.”

“Maybe to your sick mind,” the female shade shot back. “This isn’t a game, Lorkaj. Weren’t you listening to a damn word he was saying?!”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

14-Dec-2010 05:15:32 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 02:51:32 by A Mad Hatter

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^+^ The Age of Nhur ^+^