RuneScape Forum Archive | The Black Pentagram

Dantalian

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As Taiyama looked over the excavation site he couldn’t help but feel a little amazed. Already portions of what seemed to be a pyramid of pure gold shown under the glare of the desert sun.

“Well done, this is likely what we are looking for.”

Taiyama turned and found himself facing Caihoc. Despite the suffocating heat of the desert, the warlock was still wrapped in his dark robes.

“How long until we finish this excavation?” asked Caihoc.

“It depends…” replied Taiyama, “If this pyramid is as large as Jaldroacht, we will be done in a few days.*

*That’s too long,” said Caihoc, “Already, the Menaphite pantheon has detected us. Thankfully, the Devourer is keeping Icthralin busy, but it is only a matter of time…

Call your men back, Taiyama, I will deal with this excavation personally.”

Taiyama hesitated, but did as he was told.

Seeing that the area around the pyramid was clear, Caihoc outstretched his arms and proclaimed, “Here me, spirits of the earth and ground,
You who in dust and dirt are found,
Now, hear me and obey my command,
Move aside this rock, dirt, and sand!”

As Caihoc finished speaking, the ground of the excavation site seemed to explode into a cloud of dust. When the dust settled, the Zarosians found themselves standing before a massive pyramid of wrought gold.

Caihoc turned to his fellow Zarosians and found them staring in shock at the pyramid.

“Well,” he said, “Hurry up, we must find the seal hidden in this pyramid quickly.”

Almost as soon as Caihoc finished speaking, shouts filled the Zarosian camp. Caihoc snarled as he noticed the reason for the shouts; a group consisting of giants, crocodiles, and apes had entered the camp and engaged the guards in battle. “The lesser gods,” he hissed, *Hurry and kill those attacking us. Taiyama, you and I will head into the pyramid.” "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

22-Jan-2009 08:18:35

Dantalian

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Taiyama hesitated, unwilling to leave his men behind.

“Taiyama!” Caihoc shouted, he looked like he was about to say more, but instead whirled around and created a shield of darkness. Only moments after the shield was up, green flames slammed into it and were deflected. After the flames vanished, Aquaregis appeared a short distance away from Caihoc.

“Interesting,” said Caihoc, “You cast an offensive spell while teleporting, effectively attacking from the abyss a few moments before you arrive via teleportation. I’ll have to remember that.”

“If I have my way, you won’t be around long enough to put that knowledge to use,” commented Aquaregis.

“Then for my sake, let’s hope you don’t have your way,” replied Caihoc, gathering black fire at his finger tips.

“Lord Caihoc!” shouted Taiyama, running to the warlock. Caihoc turned just in time to see Taiyama block an attack from a crystal double sided naginata. Taiyama thrust his sword forward, trying to knock his opponent off balance, but only succeeding in knocking off her cloak, allowing him to get a good look at the attacker.

“An elf!” he exclaimed in shock.

“So you’re not a complete idiot, I see,” Selene replied with a slight smile.

“Please, stand down,” said Taiyama, “I don’t like fighting women.”

“Honor among Zarosians?” questioned Selene, “Or is it that you’ve realized that you don’t really stand a chance against me?” As she finished speaking, Selene knocked aside Taiyama’s sword and stabbed at him with her naginata. However, right before her naginata pierced Taiyama, Caihoc sent a flurry of small fireballs at her, forcing her to retreat.

Taking advantage of Caihoc’s distraction, Aquaregis sent a wave of green flames into the warlock. Caihoc let out a low snarl as the flames hit him, and summoned a thick veil of smoke around himself and Taiyama. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

22-Jan-2009 08:20:49

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Taiyama felt someone grab his hand and begin pulling him away from the battlefield, but couldn’t make out who it was in the thick smoke. However, as he broke through the smoke, he saw it was Caihoc, pulling him toward the pyramid.

“Zarosians! Fall back to the pyramid! This fight is pointless!” shouted Caihoc.

Several Zarosians ignored orders and continued to fight, but most, realizing this fight would not end in their favor complied. They had almost reached the pyramid when another warrior appeared, cutting down five of their number before any of them could react. The Zarosians stopped, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught. During this pause, the warrior cut down another ten Zarosians, before Taiyama threw himself into the fray.

Taiyama stared at his newest opponent; a boy in his late teens with blonde hair and blood red eyes, wearing immaculately white armor.

“This fight won’t end well for you,” commented the boy.

“What makes you so sure?” asked Taiyama.

“You can’t beat me under the bright glare of this desert sun,* the boy replied cryptically, “And you can’t beat Aquaregis in the darkness of the pyramid, either way, you will lose.”

Before Taiyama could react, the boy slammed his armored elbow into Taiyama’s stomach, causing the Zarosian to collapse, and lose his grip on his sword. Without pausing the boy sent a kick to Taiyam*** head, knocking the Zarosian warrior to the ground.

Caihoc muttered something under his breath and sent a barrage of red lightning at the boy, hitting him directly in the torso. However, Seth simply knocked the majority of the barrage away with his sword.

“Zaros curse it!” Caihoc muttered, “The Solar Race… hurry now, retreat!” As he said this, Caihoc formed a barrier of black flames between Seth and the Zarosians, allowing his men enough time to get into the pyramid. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

22-Jan-2009 08:23:24

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

After making it into the darkness of the pyramid’s interior, the Zarosians had just enough time to sigh for relief before the sound of flitting arrows filled the room. Most of the Zarosians were killed instantly, only those close enough to Caihoc to be protected by the shield he had created managed to survive.

With a flick of the wrist, Caihoc created an orb of light, revealing the attackers; insect humanoids bearing bows and arrows.

“Scarabites,” muttered Caihoc. With another flick of his wrist he created an intense light which temporarily blinded the Scarabites, allowing his men and him to escape down a nearby flight of stairs.

Outside, a number of jackal-headed warriors had just arrived at the pyramid. At their head was a formidable being who also appeared as a human with a jackal’s head.

“Well, Aquaregis and Seth, it has been a while,” said the being.

“Lord Icthralin,” said Aquaregis, with a slight bow, “I trust you are well.”

The god smiled, showing all of his considerably sharp teeth. “Would be better if my sister stopped interfering with my matters… But other than that, no complaints.”

“Hold it,” commented Selene, “Is this person is the god, Icthralin?”

“Indeed,” replied the god, “I have heard of you as well, Lady Selene of the elves, well met.”

“But, how is he here?” asked Selene, “Aren’t the gods not supposed to directly interfere with the world?”

“Are you referring to that contract of Guthix?” asked Icthralin, “We of the Menaphite Pantheon are not bound to it, so we come and go as we please. Guthix is relatively fine with it, since we only stay in the desert. Besides, we only come for urgent matters.

Anyway, did*’t you have a fourth companion, Seth? Where is she?”

Aquaregis, Seth, and Selene exchanged surprised looks. None of them had noticed that Rose had vanished. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

22-Jan-2009 08:25:23

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Where could she be?” asked Seth, “She’s not hiding around here is she?”

“We did*’t notice her as we came from Sophanem,” commented Icthralin.

While they looked around for Rose, a small black beetle burrowed out of the desert sand and climbed onto Aquaregis. Upon noticing it, the mage shut his eyes and began focusing. Soon after, his eyes opened, and he turned to his companions.

“I have bad news,” he said, “Some of the Zarosians escaped the Scarabite ambush and made it into the pyramid basement.”

“Ah, great,” grumbled Selene, “I suppose we have to pursue them.”

“There’s more,” added Aquaregis, “Amascut the Devourer found Rose, and they are together right now.*

*Ah, this is going to be a burden,” sighed Icthralin, “Do you know where they are, Aquaregis?”

The mage paused before answering, “That’s the worst part…”

Caihoc, Taiyama and a handful of others made their way to the bottom of a winding set of stairs. Caihoc had just finished explaining that they were about to enter an empty room, somewhere in which was a secret passage leading to a labyrinth which contained the seal they were after, right as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

“You’re late!” A voice accused.

Looking up, the Zarosians found themselves facing two figures; one was a young lady with tan skin, blood red hair and glowing red eyes. She was instantly recognizable as Amascut, the Devourer. The second person was less recognizable to the Zarosians; she possessed long, flowing blonde hair, and blood red eyes.

Caihoc paused upon seeing her, and then broke into a smile.

“Oh, hello, child of chaos,” he said, “Thank you for helping us destroy the seal in this pyramid.”

“Enough groveling!” shouted Rose, “Let’s hurry up and get to that seal!” "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

22-Jan-2009 08:28:10

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Well, it seems that those Scarabites did a good job,” commented Selene, as she pointed out the bodies of several Zarosians lying on the floor.

“Yes, however, the bodies of the leaders are not among them,” commented Icthralin, “In other words; some escaped.”

“But what happened to the attackers?” asked Selene, “I don’t see any other bodies around here, so they weren't killed, but somehow, the Zarosians got away.”

“Why not ask Aquaregis?” suggested Icthralin, “So far as I know, he is the only one among us who can contact the Scarabites.”

Selene turned to the mage expectantly.

“He’s right,” commented Aquaregis, “I asked the Scarabites to prepare an ambush here, they did so, but the Zarosians must have used a trick to escape.”

“My profound apologies!” shouted a dry voice from further in the pyramid. The group turned to see a Scarabite in mage robes approaching them.

“Ah, this is Faysal, the leader of the Scarabites I had asked to perform the ambush,” commented Aquaregis, “It is good to see you are still well, Faysal.”

“Many thanks, Aquaregis,” said the Scarabite, “I apologize though, we failed to kill the Zarosians… However, I have sent my subordinates after them.”

“So they are in the labyrinth now?* asked Aquaregis.

*Yes, they will hunt down the Zarosians and pick them off,” replied Faysal, *But I don’t know if they will be able to handle Amascut and that child.”

“Well, let’s add to their harassment, shall we?* asked Aquaregis, “And at the same time, we could find our way through the labyrinth.”

“What are planning?” asked Selene, having known Aquaregis long enough to be suspicious of him. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

08-Feb-2009 05:24:34

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Aquaregis smiled and whilst touching the ground said,
“Hidden god, who dwells within the shadows,
He who ever reflecting lives down below,
Schizoid god, whose gaze is directed within,
I ask thee to send to my aid, thy kin.
Swarm of dark and scuttling feet,
Ahead of me go, my enemies to greet.”

As Aquaregis finished, what seemed to be an endless stream of scarabs rushed from where his hand was on the ground, pouring down the stairs ahead of them.

Selene looked around, and noticed that Faysal was staring at the stream of scarabs with a gaze of utter awe and respect.

Icthralin turned to Selene, and smiling, said, “As you might have guessed from Faysal’s reaction, that spell Aquaregis just used, calls on Scarabas directly for power. Those scarabs will seek their way through the hidden labyrinth below and find our way for us. They’ll also let us and the Scarabites know if they’ve found our enemies.”

“I guess they’re useful,” said Seth, “But I’d prefer it if he had summoned a Kalphite Queen, it would have been so much more interesting.”

“Don’t tell me Aquaregis can actually do that,” muttered Selene.

“I can,” commented Aquaregis, “The Kalphites are also followers of Scarabas, but, it is very tiring to summon them, and some don’t take very well to suddenly being taken from their hive.”

“Anyway, we’ve talked enough, let’s hurry into the labyrinth!” exclaimed Icthralin. Without waiting for a response, the god ran down the stairs ahead of him.”

“And this impatience is how he manages to embarrass his father,” commented Aquaregis as he followed with the rest of the group. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

08-Feb-2009 05:28:56

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Stop!* said Taiyama.

His group paused and looked at him.

“Do you hear that?” asked the Zarosian.

The others in the group listened, and sure enough, heard the sound of something scuttling toward them.

“Scarabs!” hissed Amascut and Caihoc in unison.

Almost immediately after they said it, a swarm of scarabs made their way down the hall, climbing on and biting the Zarosians as they did so. Caihoc managed to disperse the scarabs with a burst of flame, and afterward send a wave of fire to destroy them, but not before three Zarosians had succumbed to the bites and scarab poison.

“Those weren’t normal scarabs,” warned Caihoc, “They were servants of Scarabas, be careful in case-“

He was cut off as a group of Scarabite mages suddenly rounded a corner and sent volleys of poisonous spells into the Zarosians’ midst. Amascut howled and sent a ball of red light hurling at the mages, forcing them to retreat, but by then, all but two of the Zarosians other then Taiyama and Caihoc were dead.

“This is going to be hell,” muttered Caihoc, “The Scarabites know where we are now, move quickly and try to find the end of this god-forsaken maze.”

The Zarosians pressed forward, rounding a corner only to find a barrage of arrows already coming their way. Caihoc shouted several curses as he created a shield with Zaros’ magic, however, before the shield was up, Taiyama’s two remaining subordinates had been killed, and both he and Caihoc were injured.

“Ugh! I’m sick of this!” Rose shouted as Caihoc cured himself and Taiyama from the poison that had been on the Scarabite arrows. “I am not going to deal with being attacked every couple of minutes!” Rose continued.

“If you can think of a better way to get to the labyrinth’s end, we’ll be glad to hear it!” snapped Taiyama, who, after losing all his soldiers in the course of one day was in a horrible mood.

“As a matter of fact I can!” exclaimed Rose, and pointing at a wall she began chanting, “Meow, eow, mew, ew, u, meeeew…” "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

08-Feb-2009 05:34:52

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

As Rose continued making odd sounds, Taiyama scratched his head, “What in Zaros’ name is she-“

He was cut off as Caihoc pulled him to the ground. As Taiyama hit the ground, a massive explosion rocked the labyrinth, and looking up, Taiyama saw a massive hole where the wall that Rose had been pointing at used to be.

“Random onomatopoeia is a common form of incantation for a Khaurgy spell,” commented Caihoc.

“Alright,” said Taiyama, “Khaurgy, as in from Khaos and ergia or ourgia… So… magic from chaos right? But what on Gielinor is onomatopoeia?”

“It means words that are meant to sound like the noises they describe, so in Rose’s case, cat onomatopoeia,” replied Caihoc.

“Ahem!” shouted Rose, “You’re talking again! Hurry up, it’s time to go!”

“What was that explosion just now?* asked Faysal.

“I’m guessing Rose used chaos magic,” commented Selene, “But what for?”

“It seems she blasted a hole in the wall, making a tunnel that takes her to the Threads of Fate,” replied Aquaregis, “However, because she did that, I know where the Threads of Fate are, and can teleport us there.”

“Really?” asked Selene, “How can you tell?”

Both Seth and Icthralin immediately shot her looks which could only have meant “You shouldn’t have asked that.”

“Well you see,” began Aquaregis, “The Threads of Fate contain a significant power of order, while needless to say Khaurgy uses chaos. Using this knowledge, along with the idea of how strong the walls are and how far the Khaurgy spell went, I can triangulate the…”

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Icthralin said over Aquaregis incredibly long and headache causing explanation, *Once he starts explaining something, Aquaregis can go on for hours… and interrupting him puts him in a nasty mood. So now we probably won’t get teleported until the Zarosians are long gone.”

“Oh, sorry…” commented Selene. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

08-Feb-2009 05:37:43

Dantalian

Posts: 3,434 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Don’t worry,” replied Seth, “You did*’t know any better. Anyway, I’ll see if I can make him snap out of it.”

While Aquaregis continued his explanation, Seth walked up to him, and moving his face so it was only a few inches away from Aquaregis said, “Aquaregis.”

The mage suddenly noticed how close Seth was and stopped in surprise.

“I know you hate to be interrupted,” said Seth, “But please remember we have something we’re supposed to be doing.”

“But I’m not done,” protested Aquaregis.

Selene stared in shock, the mage, who often acted somewhere between cold and unserious almost seemed as if he was pouting.

“Well in that case,” said Seth, whispering something in Aquaregis’ ear.

The mage’s face turned a bright red as he exclaimed, “You’re cheating!”

Seth smiled and walked toward Selene and Icthralin, commenting, “You’re always the one who acts like the ends justify the means.”

“Icthralin,” said Selene.

“Yes?” Icthralin asked the elf.

“Are you as confused as I am over what just happened?”

“Well,” said the god, “The way I see it is that since Seth and Aquaregis have known each other for like… well forever, Seth is bound to know a few embarrassing secrets about Aquaregis.”

“Ah, so that’s it,” said Selene.

“Anyway!” Aquaregis commented, louder than usual, “Let’s go!” So saying, Aquaregis teleported the group. "He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."

08-Feb-2009 05:40:03

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