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

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Uthalion looked around the courtyard, and realized the creature spoke true. Groups of Ordinators stood in their own little corners of the area, each holding off a large amount of attackers to the best of their abilities. The Black Guard and Red Hearts seemed to be faring slightly better, though they too were beginning to show signs of fatigue against the lycanthropic onslaught. He also saw Kaz throwing bolts of greenish, otherworldly energy which seared large scores of the beasts and torched them to ashes, but for every one that fell, it seemed that two had come to take their place.

Nhur was having the worst of it, though. Even though the Mahjarrat had taken steps to strategically deploy certain aspects of his magic to great effect, he was still wasting large amounts of power by conjuring shadowstuff tendrils which slapped some of his attackers back while crushing others. What’s more, he also began taking strikes on his armor, each one causing the unique protection to waver more and more by the minute as it began to unravel around his skeletal body.

Nhur was also screaming wildly. “Enough!” he cried. “I refuse to die at the whims of some beasts and their trainer! Refuse!” He conjured a bright aura around his body, and released it in a blast which killed a large amount of attackers in a magical fury.

“We need to help him,” Uthalion said.

“No complaints there,” the Minotaur replied. The pair began to charge Nhur’s attackers, but they didn't get too far before the Mahjarrat had uttered a curse that caused the ground to shake. Uthalion managed to keep his balance, but the same couldn’t be said for the massive bull-man who had been knocked to the ground.

The battlefield fell dead silent as all of the combatants turned to see the source of the small earthquake which had disappeared as suddenly as it began. They all stared in awe and horror at what they saw next 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 ^+^

05-Feb-2011 03:54:44 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:15:52 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“So, this is the Temple of Mokosh?” V asked. “I must say, I’m surprised.”

Arial’s group stood at the door of a somewhat large building built entirely from marble. V had the impression that the structure had once been a grand structure of great cultural importance, but whatever reverence that had been held for the building was no long gone. The marble pillars were cracked in places, and the tops of the arches outlining the doorway were outright broken off from the entire thing. Shadowstuff was absent from the stonework, and V saw that any symbols which may have been etched into the masonry was eroded to the point where anyone would be hard pressed to identify them.

Also noticeable was the stained glass windows. Or rather, the lack of any. Signs of shattered glass were present in the windows, and those which were still intact clung tightly to the dust which had accumulated over the years to the point of oversaturation.

“Yeah, I think this definitely looks like a good spot to hide a secret passage,” Grim said. “Hell, I’d do it if I was the guy who made this thing!”

“Well, we better move quickly and start looking,” Arial said. The group murmured in agreement, and entered the building. V immediately noticed the smell as he entered the main chapel hall, which surprised him. Where he expected decay and dust, he instead noticed the smell of pomegranate and lilies, with a hint of lavender.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 03:55:08 - Last edited on 05-Feb-2011 03:55:37 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“Hey, wha…” he heard Joran say. The Shade’s voice trailed off as V’s vision began to do flips before his eyes. He tried walking, but found that he had no clue which way was up or down, so he ended up running into the battered and broken pews as a result.

“Come, Damned One,” a dark voice hissed. V looked up, and saw not his allies, but dark silhouettes which stood out against the holy symbol of the temple, which was an equidistant cross in a position that looked familiar.

“Wait,” he said to himself. “The Ancient Power…his symbol?”

“Not his,” the voice replied. “Not his at all.”

“Then who’s?” another voice asked.

“Not ours,” another said, this one belonging to a female.

“Wait,” they all said in unison. “Yes. Yes, we see it now.*

*The hell…?” V managed to say.

“Not hell,” the voices replied. “But close enough. ‘Tis a prison.”

“What prison?” V asked.

The smells grew stronger, as did the voices. “A prison for power, it is. Did he not explain? Did the fallen son fail to tell him about it?”

“Whose power?” V screamed. “What the hell is any of this about anyway?”

“Not ours,” the voices said as the silhouettes began to fade. “Not his, either. Nor theirs.”

“Hey, dude! What’s the matter?!” he heard someone scream. V blinked, and realized that the smells were gone, as were the silhouettes and voices.

“C’mon,” Grim said. V looked to his right, and saw the earth elemental standing over him alongside Joran.

“I-I’m fine,” V said. He realized that he was doubled over and leaning against a broken altar under the symbol. He must have walked there without realizing it, he thought.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 03:56:37

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“Well, good,” Arial said. “We thought it was one of those mind control things trying to make you kill us again. You have no idea how close we were to attacking you.”

“I can imagine,” V replied. Looking up at the symbol, he added, “Just a quick question, though. Who’s Mokosh? Some deity or something?”

“Actually, nobody knows for sure,” Arial answered.

“He was a saint in my day,” Grim said. “He was supposed to be some sort of powerful holy mage who fought alongside those gods we had back then in some war or somethin’.”

“So they built temples to honor him for the war?” V asked.

“Tha’s my best guess,” Grim replied. "I don’ think he’s really worshipped too much anymore to be honest. Times a changin’ and all that stuff.”

“Interesting,” V said. “So did he go by any other name. Like the Ancient Power, mayhap? Or maybe Zaros?”

“Nah, not tha’ I know of,” the elemental said. “Just Mokosh. If he did go by anythin’ else, the name was probably lost over time.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 03:57:23 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:17:40 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

A loud crash sounded from outside, causing everyone to instinctively look toward the door. Voices shouted over the hushed curses that someone had muttered.

“Think this is the place, boss?” one asked.

“Well, if those wyverns were telling the truth, this is the fastest way to get to the palace from here,” another said. V swore under his breath as he realized who was talking at that moment.

“Dammit, what else could go wrong?” Joran asked nobody in particular.

The doorway creaked open, spilling a faint beam of light onto the stone floor. Humanoid shadows were cast, and Erevin stepped into the temple followed by a small retinue of Ordinators.

“Oh, look here,” he said. “Rebels. Rebels that likely came in by wyvern, no less.”

“Now*s not the time, Erevin,” Arial said. “In case you haven’t noticed, the city might not stand any longer if we keep fighting each other and not the Doomhounds.”

“For once I agree with you,” Erevin replied.

“Well hey,” Joran said. “Anyone see that coming? Because I didn't.”

Erevin ignored Joran, and walked over to the altar. V stared daggers at the pseudo-vampire, but Erevin didn't seem to care about what the red-garbed man had felt about him at that point. He raised a hand, and smashed the altar into little pieces. The splinters seemed to disappear in midair before they could connect with anyone, and the ground under it wavered to reveal a trapdoor. V watched as Erevin kicked it open.

“This will take you to the courtyard,” he said. “You might want to hurry, because I think all of those creatures are heading towards it right now."

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 03:58:03 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:19:10 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“Why would they be going there?” Lukil asked.

“My best guess would be because of Nhur,” Erevin said. “He came across a…trinket, if you will. He thinks it may be the cause of this whole mess, but he doesn’t know how he knows this."

"That seems odd,” Arial observed. “Even for a Mahjarrat.”

“Well, those were his words,” Erevin said.

“So are you coming with us, or are you going to try and act heroic or some crap like that?” V asked dryly.

Turning to face the undead man, Erevin replied, “I’m actually going to cover the rear. You see, I*** noticed a wolf tracking me and my party since we began heading this way. It thinks it’s being clever by following me from the shadows, but I know it’s coming for me. Or maybe you, I’m not sure which. I intend to make sure it’s not one of those ‘Doomhounds’, as you’ve called them.”

“Well, good luck then,” Arial said as he began climbing into the open door.

“No, good luck to you, general,” Erevin replied. “Oh, by the way. When this is over, expect me to come and finish what we started that night at the parade. I still haven’t forgotten that little slight of yours.”

Arial smiled. “I’m counting on it,” he said. “I wouldn’t expect any less from Nhur’s own lapdog.”

“As I’ve said: I always settle my scores,” Erevin said.

The rest of the group ignored Erevin’s words and followed after Arial down the trapdoor, and began walking down a dark hallway that seemed far older than the actual temple itself. V’s sight immediately adjusted to the darkness, and he saw nothing of interest about the whole thing. Except maybe the stonework being a little rough around the edges, he thought.

~^+^~

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 03:59:09 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:19:47 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Lorkaj saw the temple as he dashed around a corner in his wolf form. He saw his quarry enter the ruined structure with his guards, so he waited. Some time passed before he began growing restless, so he trotted closer and closer to the entrance, ever cautious about an unexpected attack coming from any angle. When he reached the door, the Vampyre felt his fur stand on end, and it seemed every nerve had suddenly decided to spring back to life and light themselves on fire.

To add to his pain, Lorkaj felt a wave of heat rush over him, and he realized too late that it was coming from the open doorway before him as he found himself being thrown back quite an impressive distance. The Vampyre ended up breaking through piles of brick and rubble before he transformed back to his humanoid state mid throw, but he managed to land safely on his feet almost instantly after the fact. He felt a trickle run over his lips as he stood up and brushed the dust from his black suit. Wiping a hand over the sensation, he recoiled slightly when he drew it towards his face and saw blood on his hands.

“So you can bleed,” he heard a voice say. Looking up from his hand, Lorkaj saw the dreadlocked shade he had been hunting for the past few hours striding towards him.

“You sound surprised,” he replied. “I thought it was common knowledge that anything can bleed with the right circumstances.”

“Not surprised at all,” Erevin said. “More like curious.”

“Oh? About what, pray tell?”

“I wonder how much blood you need to lose before you die!” Erevin cried as he punched Lorkaj in the jaw. The Vampyre fell back a step as the strike connected, but he recovered long enough to hold up his hands in the traditional surrender signal.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 03:59:41

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

Erevin didn't show any signs of stopping his attack, and Lorkaj chuckled darkly at the act. "Smart boy,” he spat. The Vampyre flexed his fingers, and a stream of red energy flew from their tips and streaked towards the Spymaster. Erevin saw the magical missiles too late, and he fell to the ground as they connected, writhing in pain.

“Oh, please,” Lorkaj said as he bent over to inspect his foe. “That’s nothing compared to the suffering one like you goes through on a daily basis, no?"

"Smart man,” Erevin said as he gripped the Vampyre’s wrist.

“You’re right: that *is* nothing compared to the basic training I went through!”

The next thing he knew, Lorkaj was flying through the air again, this time towards the ruined temple. He felt nothing as he broke the doors down with his airborne body, and he slammed into a wall with a sickening thud. His vision began to dance in front of him, which was confusing. Lorkaj knew he had survived worse blows over the years with no ill effects...so why was this one different than the rest?

Lorkaj felt his skin begin to burn, and he cried out at the sudden pain. It was overwhelming, and he knew that only one thing could be bad enough to cause it. Looking up, he saw the holy symbol of a god who was very familiar to him.

“Zaros?!” he coughed. “The Shades worship Zaros here?!”

The Ordinators who were still in the temple surrounded him, their blades pointed at his throat. Erevin entered the temple, and Lorkaj noted that the Shade seemed to not be affected by the font of holy power before him.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 04:00:24 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:21:10 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

“He’s down, sir,” an Ordinator said. “Should we kill this man or arrest him?”

“That easily?” Erevin asked. "I doubt it. Be careful, he might still have some tricks up his sleeve yet!”

“Not with that here,” Lorkaj said, nodding to the symbol of Zaros. “The divine power weakens me so much, you know.”

“Liar!” Erevin screamed. “The symbol shouldn’t have power over you! Mokosh is dead, for gods’ sake!”

“Mokosh?!” Lorkaj asked. “Boy, you must be confused. This isn’t a symbol of Mokosh. It’s a symbol of the Empty Lord himself! It has power because he’s still alive!”

“Kill him,” Erevin ordered. “If he speaks true, then this ends now. If he doesn’t, then he still attacked a palace official, so he has a death warrant anyway.”

Lorkaj began laughing maniacally. “Smart boy,” he said.

~^+^~

“Are you sure this is smart?” V asked.

Arial spared the undead a passing glance over his shoulder. “What? Us going to the palace? Or trusting Erevin?”

“I guess both,” V admitted. “I mean, how do we know he isn’t leading us into a trap with the whole secret passage? He already tried killing me by luring me to the Keep, so I can’t help but be paranoid about his motives.”

“The city is under attack by those Hounds,” Joran said. “Even Erevin is man enough to admit that desperate times call for unlikely truces.”

“But that’s the thing. We haven’t seen any Hounds since we got here,” V replied.

“Yeah, that did strike me as strange,” Lukil admitted.

“Me too, now you mention it,” Grim said. “Shouldn’ we ‘ave seen some by now?"

"Maybe they’re spread thin,” Arial replied. “If that’s the case, then we will have an easier time dealing with Nhur when we get to the palace.”

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 04:01:33 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:22:45 by A Mad Hatter

Dec

2005

A Mad Hatter

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

The hallway began to shake, and everyone braced themselves against the stone walls. The shaking stopped as soon as it began, and everyone looked around to make sure that nothing fell on anyone in the brief moment the apparent earthquake had come and gone.

“Alright, that was ironic timing,” Joran said.

“We should probably hurry,” Arial replied. “Who knows what that thing was, let alone if it cut off our main route into the palace area.”

The group agreed, and began racing down the dark hall. They kept up the pace for what seemed like a few hours until they heard the sounds of battle dying down in the distance. Arial urged his group to move faster, which they did, and soon the hall grew brighter and brighter as they drew close to an opening. The fresh night air washed over Arial’s face as he stepped into the palace courtyard at last, and stared blankly as he saw what lay before him.

“Ah, hell no," Joran said as he came up behind the general. “Seriously!?"

*^+^*

The earth shook as the Ordinator began to bring his blade down on Lorkaj’s vulnerable neck. The tremors caused the guard to fall to the ground with a curse, as well as the others who surrounded the Vampyre at that point in time. Even Erevin seemed surprised by the sudden tremor, and took to the air with a beat of his inhuman bat wings to avoid being knocked down.

The holy symbol shook as well, and fell off of the wall and right towards Lorkaj with startling speed. The Vampyre managed to roll out of the way at the last moment, but not too far away to the point where he was no longer under the effects of that damned symbol. He spasmed in agony, and the Ordinators had gotten back on their feet with blades in hand in the meantime.

^+^ Antediluvian of the Draculesti Bloodline ^+^

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

05-Feb-2011 04:02:00 - Last edited on 06-Feb-2011 03:23:32 by A Mad Hatter

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^+^ The Age of Nhur ^+^