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

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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“I’m sure it is,” Lorkaj replied. “In fact, I’ll throw that little extra in for free. I’m sure that my family will be forgiving of my transgressions if I give a major contribution to their ambitions.”

“I see what you’re up to,” Carmilla said. “Though I can’t guarantee anything.”

“I’m not asking you to,” he replied.

“It’s implied, however,” she said. “You and I both know that you’re not the type to pass up benefits if you can get them.”

“Well, in this case, I beg to differ,” Lorkaj said. “Now if you must excuse me, I have business here to attend to. So if you don’t mind…”

“Hmph,” she retorted. “Very well. Lorkaj, I’ll say this now," she added. “This is very important to Lord Drakan. He won’t be forgiving if his deal with the mages goes south during this whole thing.”

“Oh, I assure you, if this works out,” he replied. “The Lunar Vampire project will become a great boon to my father’s forces!”

~^+^~

Arial’s group had spent the past half of the week making their way back to the capital. For the most part the entire group was mute to each other, only talking to each other out of necessity. Tension hung in the air despite their attempts to unlock V’s memories each night, which only resulted in more frustration since all attempts failed miserably.

The first couple of days also had the unfortunate fate of being sunny as well, which caused much discomfort to Lukil as he repeatedly swore at various times of the day as he was forced to adjust his hood.

“So what’s with the hood anyway?” V decided to ask one day.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:41:45 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:14:39 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“It’s to protect against the sun,” Joran explained. “Most shades and other locals run the risk of going blind if they stay out in the sun for too long, so they wear hoods during the day while traveling.”

“Then why don’t any of you guys wear one too?”

“Well,” Arial said. “Joran and I are both Changed Ones. Our natural magiks somehow protect us from the sun, and on top of that, we were also in the military. Everyone who joins up is trained to withstand the sunlight since there’s often times where the troops will have to march to battle or patrol areas outside of our cities without a helmet thanks to either funding issues or…other things.”

“Other things? Like what, animals?” Koreth asked.

“Sort of,” Joran said. “Apparently since the helmets the Ordinators and their counterparts wear look like dragons or wyverns, the same types of creatures seem to mistake our patrols for a rival or something to that extent. We’ve lost many people thanks to a Jabberwocky mistaking a military unit for a bunch of other Jabberwockies who banded together to invade its territory.”

“So those things still exist,” Grim muttered. “I thought they all died out long ago.”

“Anyway,” Joran continued. “Rajh over there is a Rakshasa, so I guess his vision adjusts accordingly or something to the light. So he’s safe.”

“True,” Rajh said.

“So what about you, Koreth? Grim?” V asked.

The Warlock shrugged as he walked. “My ancestors…made deals in the past, as I’ve explained. Their curse protects me from the sunlight as well as other elements…both natural and otherwise.”

“Changed One, too,” Grim grunted.

V nodded. “Fair enough, I suppose.*

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:42:17

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“So what about you?” Arial asked. “Are you bothered by the sun at all?”

“No," V said. “My vision has long since deteriorated with my original eyes, so I’ve resorted to using magic to see. It can filter out some elements that may prove harmful to me.”

“Wait,” Lukil said. “How come you have eyes right now then?”

V shrugged. “I’m a creature of magic. I can make new ones if I need to.”

“That…sounds so cool,” Joran replied in wide eyed wonder. “Seriously, man, I can imagine that being so useful.”

“It does have its uses,” V said. All of a sudden, the red garbed man stared into the distance, and pointed at the sky. “Does anyone see that?”

“What?” Arial asked as he scanned the sky.

"That…” V said. “I’m not sure what it is, but I can make out…”

“Ah crap,” Rajh said as he scanned the horizon. “Wings…humanoid in form.”

A form appeared in the distance, and seemed to rapidly grow. Koreth swore. “Everyone, get down on the ground, NOW!”

It was too late for the Warlock’s warning. The form suddenly dived for the party with surprising speed, and landed in front of them with a crash that seemed to echo through the plains for miles. The group drew their weapons and readied their spells as a red scaled form with horns on its head stood and dusted itself off.

The half-dragon took stock of the situation before hissing, “Ssstand down, shadowsssss. Thissss issss not for you.”

“It talks…”Lukil said.

“I came for the Warlock,” the creature spat. “My Lord requessstssss hisss persssson at once in his lair north of the shadow city.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:42:57 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:17:36 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“Lord Talon,” Koreth gulped.

“Who?” V asked.

“I ssssee that the Warlock knowssss who I sssspeak of,” the red half-dragon mused. “Then it should know that he doessss not like to wait.”

“What does this ‘Lord’ want with Koreth?” Arial demanded to know.

“That’ssss between him and my Lord,” the creature answered.

“If that’s the case, then he’s staying with us,” Arial retorted. “He has a contract to fulfill with us, and we won’t let him out of our sight until it’s done.”

The creature mulled over Arial’s words. “Fair enough,” it replied. “But it doessssn’t matter. I wassss told that the Warlock would come when it’ssss time.” Turning to Koreth, it added, “The Houssse of Portalssss issss where it alwayssss issss. You know where to go when the time comessss.”

With that, the creature pushed off of the ground with its powerful legs, and took flight. In a matter of seconds, it was little more than a speck on the horizon once more.

“And you guys say you’re uncomfortable around *me*,” V said nervously. “What the hell was that about?”

As all eyes turned to Koreth, he shrugged. “Remember when I said in that tomb that Egrissa was sacked?”

“Yeah, what about it?” Grim asked. “It’s not like that damn place stood much of a chance against a damn mage let alone those…hound…things.”

“Yes…well, what I left out was that Lord Talon was the one who finished what those creatures started.”

“I hate to sound ignorant,” Lukil said. “But who’s Lord Talon?”

“He’s a Jabberwocky of terrible power,” Koreth answered. “He has a habit of brokering deals to suit his ends, and kills those who refuse to hold their end of the bargain.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:43:35 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:19:52 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“But why was he at Egrissa?” Arial asked. “It seems a bit…low…for something with that amount of power to destroy a city that’s already weak as it is.”

The shadowstuff around Koreth’s head coalesced around his eyes, giving them the appearance of being brighter than they really were, in a demonic way. “I’m…not sure,” he admitted. “I’ve only seen him a handful of times before the Egrissa incident, and I’ve paid my end of the deals each time. So I have no clue what he could want from me now."

"What kind of deals?” Grim asked.

“Well, small stuff, really. Mostly loans so I could finance my magical experiments, but I’ve also borrowed tomes and scrolls dating back to the days of the Skarjil Sovereignty for research as well.”

“I don’t like the sound of this,” Lukil said.

“Me neither,” Arial agreed.

“So, what now?" V asked. “Do we still continue to Ukrosha, or take a detour to see this ‘Lord Talon’?”

Arial answered immediately. “Whatever this Lord Talon wants, it’ll have to wait,” he said. “Right now our main goal is to get to Kaz, or at least back to the rebellion. We can’t afford many distractions as it is.”

“Why?” Koreth asked. “I thought Nhur was already the Emperor, so why rush to make plans to confront the guy?”

“Because,” Arial replied. “He hasn’t fully ascended to the throne. We disrupted the ceremony a few weeks back, but that only brought us some time.”

“So what happens if he fully ascends, anyway?” V asked.

“Then he’ll have access to much more power than he has a right to,” Arial said. “He could very well declare war on the rest of this world and win.”

~^+^~

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:44:18 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:21:54 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Nightfall came like a sudden rainfall during a summer afternoon. The group had walked late into the night before they decided they couldn’t walk any further, so they had set up camp in record time thanks to their eagerness to rest. V was the only one awake, however, since he didn't need any rest. Of course, he could recharge his power, but why do that when he did*’t use any that day? So, having nothing better to do, he found himself sitting on the ground staring into a campfire that was close to its dying embers.

“You have too much time on your hands,” a voice told him from the edge of the campground.

V looked up, and his eyes adjusted to the darkness to reveal the blue robed man standing there. “I find the implication of that highly hypocritical for one who’s put their plans on the backburner for centuries,” he retorted.

The man approached the campfire. “That’s different,” he said. “My plans were only to be put into action should circumstances come to light. Which they most certainly have by now."

"What do you want now?* V asked. “An answer?”

“That would be a start,” the man admitted. “I take it you’ve taken the time to think my offer through?”

“I sort of did,” V said. “And I don’t like the sound of it. Nothing personal, but I’ve had more than enough weird adventures for one lifetime.”

“Pity,” the man replied. “And here I thought you would’ve wanted to know the answers to the questions which were raised in the meantime.”

V stared at the man. “Ah, I see I have caught your attention.”

“What do you know?” V asked.

The blue man grimaced. “Really, do you think I’d tell you after you just told me that you’re not interested?”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:44:53 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:23:00 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“I said I didn't like the sound of it,” V said. “That doesn’t mean no, however.”

“Ah, so a play on words then,” the tattooed man replied. “I see how it is then.”

“Hold on,” V said. The undead looked around as if he was expecting visitors.

“They won’t hear us,” the man assured him. “Another spell,” he added as V eyed him suspiciously.

“Alright, so what’s the deal?” he asked. “I help you, then what? My memories will suddenly just reappear like that?”

“Maybe, maybe not,* the blue robed man said. “I can't say for certain, but I know that this endeavor will answer your questions in time if you’ll allow it to. By the way,” the man snapped his fingers. V felt something moving within the folds of his cloak, and was surprised to see that a box with eyes engraved on the sides fly out from the depths of it. “Thanks for retrieving this,” he added with a sly grin.

“So that was real,” V murmured.

“Indeed it is. Just like the true adversary is at this point,” the man replied.

“So answer me something, then,” V said. “Who’s this adversary anyway? Are they that dangerous to make you afraid of drawing your operations into the open? And what’s in the box, anyway?”

“I’ll have you know the box is important,” the man answered curtly. “It contains…treaties, if you will. Agreements from organizations to aid my order if…when…the time comes.”

“He awaits them at the Gate,” V said, repeating the words he heard in the chamber a few days back. “I take it this ‘He’ is the enemy you’re so afraid of?”

“So you’ve heard part of the prophecy,” the man said. “In that case, yes. He is the mastermind behind all of this, though his puppets wouldn’t know it.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:45:54 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:24:13 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“But who’s ‘He’?” V asked.

“He has many aliases,” the man said. “I can name many, but for now, let’s just call him an Invader.”

“The name means nothing to me, unfortunately,” V replied.

“I pray it remains that way,” the man said. “Though I fear it may not stay as such for long. You see, the real reason I came here is because we have a change of plans."

"What is it now? Another tomb raid? Or maybe you’ll send me into yet another Hound nest?” V asked.

“Nothing of the sort, I assure you. In fact, it goes in line with your original mission in the first place.”

“What happened?” V asked.

The man met V’s gaze. “The Mahjarrat has come into possession of the Talisman,” he said. “Or the Talisman has come into possession of him. I’m not sure, but I have reason to believe that he’s been compromised by the demon contained within the artifact."

"So that means…”

“Yes,” the man finished. “Nhur needs to die.”

“Are you sure we can’t just take the Talisman and get it off of this world?” V asked.

“We might be able to, but at this point the demon has already begun to subvert the will of the Mahjarrat. Even if we did remove it, the being would no doubt remain mad, and thus a danger to the rest of the multiverse, given his position. Though you may try if you wish to.”

“Hell, I planned to kill him anyway,” V admitted. “I was hired to do it, and I kind of have this thing called ‘Honor’ which compels me to finish what I started.”

“You would be wise to get rid of such notions if you wish to survive the coming storm,” the man replied. “You may find that things such as ‘Honor’ and ‘Integrity’ shall lead to more lives being lost than dishonorable actions in the long run.”

“I’ll remember that,” V said.

“As you should,” the man replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…I have places to be. People to contact. I’ll come to you if you survive the encounter with the Mahjarrat.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:47:33 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:25:56 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

With that, the tattooed man vanished from sight almost instantly, similar to the manner in which he disappeared from the Keep mere weeks before.

“I’ll never get used to that,” V said to himself.

“Get used to what?” a voice asked.

V turned around and saw Grim standing in the shadows of a tent that Koreth had conjured. “Nothing in particular,” V said. “Just thinking out loud to myself is all.”

“Sure,whatever you say,* the elemental replied as he strode over to V. “Mind if I take a seat?”

“Go ahead.”

Grim nodded, and sat cross legged next to V. “Ya know,” he began. “I never thought I’d see myself in a weirder place than I was in after I got this rockin’ earth skin. But here I am, sittin’ next to a dead man walking, and going with a tiger-man an’ his buddies off to fight some evil guy that I know next to nothin’ about.”

“What’s your point?” V asked.

“Oh, just sayin’…life takes strange turns. Ya never know when something odd turns out to be the righ’ choice, ya know?”

“I…see," V said.

A brief moment passed before Grim asked, “So…are ya gonna take that guy’s deal then?”

V raised an eyebrow. “What deal?”

“Ah, don’t be tryin’ to fool me, man!” Grim said. “I saw the whole thing. I dunno why he thought nobody would see ‘im, but I saw that blue robed tattoo guy talkin’ to ya just a minute ago.”

^+^ The End of Chapter 19 ^+^

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:48:25 - Last edited on 31-Jan-2011 03:27:05 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

And thus possibly ends the last of the adds for the rest of the year. Have a good holiday season in the meantime, everyone

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

19-Dec-2010 04:53:15

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^+^ The Age of Nhur ^+^