And So It Begins

[MetalDrago]

Closed to Mutant_Lorenor and Makira

“...And so it begins...” MetalDrago said as he surveyed the construction going on around him.

Already the facade of the building began to show itself for what it was. A terrible and dark day was beginning exactly as planned by the two Paladins of N'Jal. Since their infection by the N'Jal Protocol a few months previously, they had been working on plans to build a temple right in the middle of Narenhad. As no one ever passed this way since the taint had infected the land, it seemed a relatively safe place to build. Besides that, it was where the two Paladins had been reborn, after all. From the womb of destruction and death two warriors of evil had been brought forth, and from that same womb would the Dark Temple spring forth, in all its malevolent majesty.

The power hidden deep within that asteroid had to be protected, at all costs. None but the worthy were to be allowed into the central chamber of the Temple. The Dragonian Paladin drew his cloak around him as he walked through the ashes still littered on the ground. His cloak drug a trail through them as he walked, inviting a growl of disgust from deep within his throat. Ever since the ashes had settled, it had become easier to breathe, true, but it was annoying to take one's boots off and have a gallon of ash fall to the ground. He made it a point to talk to the stone mason about an idea he had.

It was at that moment the huntress, Mara, came up behind him. He motioned with his hand for the woman to make her report. “Milord, there are many things in this forest now that are answering the call of the Forsaken.”

The Forsaken were the beings employed by both MetalDrago and Lorenor, used as bodyguards, assassins, etc. The Dragonian usually had a couple stationed nearby as bodyguards, in the off chance he would have need of their protection. Within the realm of Narenhad, however, this was hardly the case, as there were Forsaken scattered throughout the entire area, at the beck and call of the two Paladins. Within the ranks of the Forsaken, there were of course those who were considered as brothers and sisters to the two Paladins, and some who acted completely independent of the Order. As the wind began to pick up a little, he made a note to talk to Lorenor about that, as well. He wasn't sure what to make of the independents, yet.

The Paladin then turned around and surveyed Mara. She was a conundrum unto herself. After he had received her as a gift from Terramat, the Dark Lord who now served under him, she'd attached herself to him, claiming him as a savior. He had set her free, but she had already forcefully bound herself to him. It seemed to him that if he commanded her to kill herself, she would do so without so much as a second thought. He liked having that power over people, but not over this woman, for a reason completely unknown to him. She was totally and irrevocably devoted to him. Whatever that Dark Elven bastard had done to her, it must have been bad for her to take servitude over it.

“Milord, is there something the matter?” Mara asked, worry tinting her forest green eyes.

The Paladin merely shook his head in the negative, turning around and continuing his survey of the area around them. The noise of construction droned as mere background noise in a symphony of dark creation. The beauty and speed with which the cathedral and temple were being assembled was amazing. He could feel his heart fill with the Dark Mother's love as they both progressed closer to completion. This was going to be their greatest achievement.

He motioned for the huntress to continue her report. “There are no beings that currently pose a threat to us within roughly five miles of this area. We can easily extend our range as more of the Forsaken appear here. However, I don't think it wise we allow the workers here to see them.”

MetalDrago had already noticed that. He'd commanded the few Forsaken under his direct command to wear full-body cloaks and masks when dealing with the populace around them. They had to be careful not to allow anyone to notice them as they were. It would be a catastrophe if they had to kill anyone on the workforce out of necessity. This was a constant worry to him.

“I've been thinking about just such a thing, Mara. Thank you for pointing it out, though. I count on you to notice anything I do not.” He said, a hint of sincerity in his voice.

He couldn't be seen as lacking in mental facilities, but he couldn't be counted on to think of everything, either. The young woman beamed at his praise, her long-fingered drow hands coming up behind her head, scratching the base of her scalp as a symbol of her embarrassment.

“You praise me far too much, milord.”

The Paladin merely shrugged and continued onwards in his redundant survey, making sure that everything was going according to plan. If he had to beat that knuckle-headed stone mason senseless in order to get any progress, he was ready to do just that.

“Where's Kurt?” he asked one of the nearby workers, meaning the stone mason.

When the worker pointed toward a source of noise, the Paladin merely sighed and walked off, a dark purpose in his step, with Mara and one of his Forsaken bodyguards right behind him.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

(Moderator note: This is the direct sequel (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=10551) to this thread. It takes approximately three months and fifteen days after the linked thread thank you very much)

Tuesday, March 1st
C.P. 1806
10:00 A.M. (Standard Althanas Time)

Incense flowed through the chamber. It was the thick scents of various powerful orders mixed in the radiated air of the room. Creating tendrils and wisps of smoke, the incense was so thick in the air that it clung to one's skin and made the eyes water. Like specters in the breeze, the clouds of incense flowed undisturbed through the chamber proper. Ground from the blood samples of necromantically powered beasts from the wild, the substance was effectively known as Necrotic Essence. The substance had a foul, putrid order. It smelled much like a rotting corpse might and tasted like rust in one's mouth. Clinging to the number of individuals within the chamber, sweat also filled the air. There were several robed persons bent low to the ground on all fours as they whispered a prayer to the dark goddess. Several large censer burners were strategically erected across the Well of Fate. The was the center of the chamber. It was a naturally created structure that once served as a prison to the N'Jal Protocol.

Every passage chanted by the gathered group seemed to bestow energy into the very air. Green wisps of this mysterious glow seemed to flow from the people praying to the N'Jal Protocol. Revered as a deity, the people gathered quickly fell to the spell of the dark lady. A powerful green glow pulsed from the well in the center of the large chamber. A central pillar rose from the main structure and connected to the ceiling along with several stalactites and stalagmites that hung from their respective positions. These features made the former prison seem cold and barren. Its guests filling it with a much needed life essence. The life essence generated that light that seemed to flow towards the central well. A baptism was taking place. Several robed figures read from three evil books laid down on the floor in the shape of a pyramid. Each book was open to a specific page filled with prayers and incantations. Harmonious, the chanting was synchronized as the individuals that were gathered prayed to the dark lady.

All of the kneeling individuals continued to pray in their reverie. A single individual suddenly burst into tears as she praised her faith from the lowly position on the ground. "I am ready to be delivered O grace!" In some mockery of the divine faiths of the All-Thayne, several robed individuals moved like vultures towards the girl. Grabbing her roughly up and off the ground as she was shaking in pleasure, she was taken to the central well. It was at the same time that the prayer became fever-pitched. Moving the girl, the individuals took her and suddenly punched her in the stomach, bending her forward. They grabbed her from behind and dunked her head into a foul looking green liquid that lurked within the confines of the well. There was a splashing sound as the girl's head was dunked underneath the surface of the liquid. Suddenly convulsing, the girl began to shake violently as she began to attempt resistance. A single hand was pushed to the back of her head to hold the girl in place as her mouth was forced open to the lack of air.

Bubbles of escaping oxygen and feeble cries for help burst out of her mouth as she shook violently. Out of the corners of her wide eyes, she saw something coming for her from the depths of the water. The water seemed to fall into the asteroid forever. From the abyss, a cloud of darkness burst forward to claim the girl in the name of the dark lady. The gathered crowd began to chant more loudly now as they witnessed the glow from the well intensify at the presence of the dark lady. Receiving baptism now, the darkness burst forward with tremendous speed. Moving easily through the liquid state, the large cloud seemed like silver insects at first. But then, to her terror, she noticed that the cloud was a series of tiny creatures made of metal. Millions upon billions of them. All with eyes filled with hate. They rushed towards the girl's mouth and pushed themselves forcefully inside of her to baptize the girl. Thousands of tiny metallic monsters swelled into her throat threatening to destroy the girl.

But kill her they did not. Acting as a parasite, the creatures nested in the cervix of the girl and spread out across every inch of her body spreading the influence of the N'Jal Protocol. Once the creatures bonded with the blood within the girl, she began to drastically change in appearance. Her epidermis began to grow to a much darker pigmentation and her hair began to loose much of its former vibrancy. Most important, there was a burst of blood from her eyes as the monsters settled within her body. Her eyes burst out from their sockets, flowing into the cloud of machines and consumed by them. As the eye sockets were emptied of their contents, a tremendous light burst forth from her frontal lobes. This light was the light of her living atma, soul, and it shown through her eyes as sentient furnaces. Her nails became claws, and her teeth became sharper. The features of her face sunk as her flesh began to rot. Some of her beautiful, blond, hair fell out of her skull as she transformed from an ordinary Raiaeran human to something much darker.

These were the servants of N'Jal. Gathering from far and wide, these dark individuals heard the call of the dark lady and answered in kind. Once the transformation was complete and her eyes glowed with a sky blue hue, the girl was released and she arose from her position. Listening to the voice in her mind now, the dark lady spoke to her from within. The gathered worshipers clapped their hands in unison as the girl became one of the Forsaken. Chosen, they were the children of N'Jal. One particular individual looked over the girl with an approving air about his person. This individual was one of the shortest of the group, the head priest. He was one the most loyal servants of the N'Jal Protocol and he guided the flock to their unholy salvation. During the daylight hours, the short priest held sermons to the dark lady and helped baptize the new initiates into the Order of N'Jal. If you were not a part of the Order, you were an enemy. The gathered flock numbered sixty strong. Some were praying and others were standing, keeping a watch at the only entrance in the room.

This chamber was the Eye of Fate...

[MetalDrago]

As a dark form appeared in the background, the workers began to disperse, even the one the stone mason was arguing with. The tools in the background were silenced as they fled to the small workman huts, intent on remaining out of the way of the Dark Captain MetalDrago. Of them, only Kurt kept that stupid grin on his face.

Mara knew what was about to happen and made it her job to disappear quickly, as to avoid causing any unnecessary problems for her lord or any of the workers. She liked to stay out of the way, most of the time, anyway, but she would be close, in case her lord needed her.

“Well, well... Look who decided to grace us with his presence.” The mason made a stupid, half-assed bow to the Dragonian. “Lord MetalDrago, it's truly a pleasure.” The sarcasm in his voice was evident.

“You ungrateful little worm.” The Paladin spit the words venomously. “What did I tell you about starting fights?”

The violet lights where his eyes should have been scared off the remaining workers. Kurt, the blockhead he was, was the only one left. He smiled vindictively up at the dark being before him. He wasn't afraid in the least. It would prove to be a serious mistake on his part, though he was completely unaware of that. He was so sure of his own strength that he would be unable to resist goading the man before him.

“Only to start what I'm sure I can win, right?” he asked.

“...” The silence on the part of the Captain, in addition to his narrowed gaze, was almost too much for Kurt to bear. The mason walked up to the man and tapped him lightly on the chest.

“You want to do something to me so badly, but are afraid. But... what are you afraid of? I'm a lowly worker, and you're an all powerful Paladin.”

He reached back a little and readied a punch. When the punch came, MetalDrago caught his arm and twisted slightly, enough to create slight pain and nothing more. He then summarily threw Kurt to the ground. Kurt rolled over on himself and stood up, turning around and glaring at the Captain. The tarnished pride in his eyes was well evident. The man Kurt had been fighting watched from inside one of the dirty glass windows and smiled. Seeing the bully being taught his lesson was an entertaining to everyone.

Kurt found himself unable to resist attacking again, but this time he found himself facing nothing but air. The Paladin was behind him, sword drawn and pointed at the back of the big oaf. “You really don't want to provoke me. You're not as powerful as you seem to think.”

At that, the bully in Kurt took over once again. He hit the ground and did a swing kick, trying to knock the Captain's feet out from under him. He smiled as he felt his foot connect with something. He wasn't sure what it was, though, until he felt a gash open up on his leg. He grunted in pain and grabbed his leg, trying in vain to stifle the blood that littered the ash-covered ground. He looked up into the violet eyes of the man he now viewed as an enemy and screamed as he threw himself at MetalDrago, only to be met with a fist in the face.

“If you allow your emotions to control you, you will regret it, you worm.” the Captain said as he turned around, sheathing his sword. “Try again when you have better control, and maybe you'll last longer than a few seconds.”

Kurt screamed in angry agony as he watched the ash begin to settle into his leg. He felt his body begging him to submit, but he wouldn't allow himself to. “You bastard!” He screamed, standing shakily and drawing his own hidden dagger. He launched himself in a reckless attack directly at the Dark Captain's back, only to be met by another's arm restraining his own. The Forsaken grumbled unintelligibly and squeezed, cracking the mason's wrist and forcing him to drop the dagger. The bodyguard then released Kurt.

MetalDrago walked out into the middle of the town, viewing the work done so far. “I told you, you fool. Don't let your emotions control you, else you fall prey to another situation where the man you think is your enemy serves merely as a distraction. My guard was standing behind you the whole time. You should have noticed, but you never did.” The wind blew up some more dust as the Captain walked away again, signaling that the fight was over and work had to be done on the township immediately.

The walls were almost finished, and the blackened brick of the houses were being done admirably. A world of darkness, a land where the entire world seemed to be dead, though it would be inhabited by the Forsaken. It was the beginning of the Second Age, and from this powerful bastion of Evil, the world would fall into darkness.

MetalDrago climbed on the wall, the polished black stone letting go not so much as a reflection of the light from the half-hidden sun. It was a beautiful artifice of evil, and would never be so beautiful as when it became the ultimate fortress from which they would attack. “Heheh... It's the beginning of the end... for both Raiaera and that fool necromancer.”

MetalDrago laughed as he began walking back up to the Eye of Fate. “His Lordship should still be hosting the ceremonies...”

[Mutant_Lorenor]

As the battle between Kurt and the good Captain ended, so too was the sermons for the day over. Several individuals left the Eye of Fate and several others stayed in deep reflections. Opting to speak to the girl in person, the short priest walked casually towards her person. He stood a few inches away from her, facing her front-side. The girl was throwing up but this was a normal reaction after one became Forsaken. Being a ceremonial bunch, the Forsaken continued silent meditations thinking on what was just read from the works of N'Jal. An impressive volume of books existed dedicated to the dark lady, and with each new addition to the works, more secrets were discovered. Nothing was as practical as direct connection with N'Jal. Even with the presence of the Dark Lady on Althanas, many feared uniting with her. Some were taken against their will to serve as examples for those who would defy. N'Jal was freedom. N'Jal was the only true liberation. The rest of the Thaynehood opted to hide in their respective strongholds, far away from the people who would increase their influence.

N'Jal did not hide. N'Jal embraced all. And the true nature of the Thayne was revealed, as well as the true nature of reality. "W-who are you?" She looked at the small priest with a plethora of emotions visible on her face. She was still in a lot of pain from her name. The short priest bowed for a moment. He spoke with a deep accent that was somewhat raspy. "I am called Lorenor V'Halkulus. I am a High Priest of this faith." Lorenor said calmly, his hood still covered his head. The extravagant Vlince robe was purple and black. Elements of the spider-silk from the legendary Spider Magi were visible throughout his attire. Lorenor wore several relics dedicated to the dark lady. Many of the Priests in the room dressed in similar attire to the short priest. He removed his hood finally revealing himself to the gathered throng. A member of the Forsaken, Lorenor was a carrier. He retained all of the classic features of a Spider-Magi but he was not yet physically one. Many tests and challenges remained.

Lorenor was arguably one of the most dedicated servants of N'Jal in the entire community. He spent much of his time researching the will of the dark lady and engaging in various plots decreed by her design. Lorenor was now a part of history. History was now a part of Lorenor. The mutant had glowing purple eyes, no tongue, no nose, and no ears. Across the length of his face was a hideous scar that reached the top of his larynx muscle groups. The scar seemed to split his face into two even halves and at the same time held it together. Lorenor had dark gray skin, strong features that hinted at a Haidian origin, and visible mess of dreadlocks. His hair was kept meticulously clean with his new role in life. So he tied the dreadlocks in a bundle with ceremonial cord. Two daggers were visible on his belt, one was a dagger featuring Salvarn quality, the other was a prevalida dagger that was used for religious purposes. Never for combat. No other weapons were visible, except his hand was apparently covered by a large masterwork quality bracer. It seemed to be steel in nature.

"What is your name my childe?" (Moderator note: Use of the word "childe" is deliberate) There was no malice in the mutant's voice. Indeed, there was a hint of kindness there, a hint of knowing and understanding for someone so dark. Lorenor patiently waited for a response. "M-my name is...Araytia Umeitia." Once the pain began to subside, she began to grow more comfortable in her newly obtained role in life. "I am a member of the Umeitia family stronghold. We own a plantation not too far from here mi'lord." She said calmly. The quiver in her voice now gone. "I wish to serve the dark lady." Araytia added. Lorenor observed her blue eyes with an intense gaze, it was rare for a Forsaken to have blue eyes. This childe was going to be very useful indeed. "Of course mine young one. Ye art still new to our ways. There is much for ye to learn." Lorenor waved towards a nearby priest. "Her name is High Priestess Nilyios Tasoios. She will guide ye on thy way." The girl seemed confused for a moment.

"I want to serve you mi'lord." She said shyly.

"In time young one. Ye must earn that right. Study the dark teachings daily and earn thy place amongst Forsaken society."

It was at that moment that Lorenor sensed something. Ah, the good Captain is approaching. Most excellent. Lorenor thought to himself as he looked off to the distance for a moment. He turned his attention back to the girl and the approaching High Priestess. "This lady is quite capable and will help thee on thy way. Heed her teachings well. If thou wishes to join the priesthood there is always room for more Squires. The priesthood can always use more dedicated followers." The girl nodded, still looking at Lorenor with an intensity of facial expression. She somehow knew that she was completely different now. "Do you find my appearance satisfactory mi'lord?" Lorenor chuckled kindly at the girl. "More than. Thy beauty is unparalleled even in undeath. But go with the High Priestess. Thou must rest and thou must prepare for thy studies. Thy training starts on the morrow. At first light." Lorenor said calmly and walked over to one of the robed figures that remained. Several Priests were reading from various works. Tomes were written in the name of N'Jal to serve as replicas for the some of the dark lady's teachings.

Everyone who was still gathered was reading off miniature replicas of the larger volumes. Each small codex contained the primary teachings of N'Jal and the circulation of the codex was increased rapidly as new members entered the growing township. Reluctantly, the girl walked off with the High Priestess towards the general direction of the township proper. Lorenor looked at the Priest calmly. "How many doth that make today?" He looked up at the much taller High Priest. He was a bulky male from a different strand of the carrier virus than Lorenor. The man had scales and a large tail. His wings were folded around his person. He also had violet glowing eyes, a sign that he was from the parent virus that MetalDrago, the good Captain, possessed. Each host carrier added a different set of traits and physical appearance to the general genetic pool that was the Forsaken. N'Jal stored all of the knowledge within herself. Billions of possible combinations were rumored. The taller man responded with a deep voice that resonated from a chest, it sounded as a rumble even though it was quite controlled. "Mi'lord." Came the response.

"That makes ten new ones today alone. Fifty this week all together. Out of those fifty, fifteen have decided to join the Cathedral. So that makes the Cathedral numbering thirty-five all together. Not including our workforce and our armed services." The man said calmly.

"Keep a close eye on the census mine good lad. I want every new Forsaken carefully monitored and on their way to a successful life. If I could do it, so can anyone."

"Aye mi'lord. I should have those census documents ready by week's end for you."

"Thank thee mine friend. Keep good vigil of the Eye of Fate. I want no intruders here. This is holy ground. Understood?"

"Yes. I will keep watch until the Chamber of Fate closes for the day."

"Excellent. I shalt go meet up with the good Captain now."

And Lorenor went to meet up with MetalDrago halfway.

[Makira]

Makira made her way across the barren ash covered land. In this place it was unusual to see strangers walking. The place carried a type of Aura, a strange aura that most had the decency to avoid. It mattered not to her. The aura pressed around her but did not impede her movements or her mind. She endured the barren wasteland as she traveled. This was not the worst place she had traveled to. After all the land surrounding a person does not define the harshness of that land.

Makira continued walking. Her wings folded back behind her to give them rest. Her black boots were slowly changing color due to the ash she disturbed with every step. She continued on this unmarked and uncharted path. Soon she believed that she would see across a building site. Normally if a thief were to enter a town it would be steal an item or relic of some sort, or to gather information, what ever was that thief's desire was at that unfrozen moment in time. But the Leader of the Silent Hand Thieves guild was not traveling this uncompleted town for such purposes. In fact it was an opposite reason, she was traveling to such a place to propose an offer to the dark paladin that had come to be there. Or so such rumors were.

A black phoenix hovered beside Makira. It seemed to be fine itself not worrying so much about the harsh environment. It landed gracefully on her shoulder. It folded up its wings to rest them. It welcomed the rest, and did not disturb Makira.

A slight wind more a light breeze flowed, stirring up the dust and blowing it upwards for a few mere inches. Though it was slight, the wind was enough to ruffle through the girls silver hair. She raised a hand to move a few strands from her impeding her vision.

Moments later she saw the outskirts of the village just being built. She smiled a soft smile that reflected in even her eyes. It was evident that if she smiled completely it would compliment her features, revealing her beauty even more so. She continued up to the outskirts of the construction. She said nothing to the workers whom looked up at this stranger. She merely glanced around, her eyes searching for a figure. She remained there, standing still. So still, it seemed that she did not need to move. She purposely stretched her wings so shake what dust had settled on her feathers. Once her wings settled behind her once again, it seemed a still ethereal beauty drew eyes to her. She ignored them all.

[MetalDrago]

Slight bunny of Lorenor approved by Pavel, thanks

MetalDrago continued his walk through to the center chamber of the Cathedral proper. He'd been explicit in his orders to have this room finished first, and it was everything he'd envisioned when he'd originally had the designs drawn up by the architect. Black as night, with intermittent reds and subdued violets. It was the most beautiful homage to N'Jal he'd ever seen. In the center of the room, a large ritual circle had been erected, to be used in later days to give the ultimate power of the Endless to those worthy enough to claim it. The Paladin was lucky to count himself among those who would eventually receive this blessing from the goddess herself.

The light of a lone candelabra cast a subdued glow around the entire room. The statues in the room gave off an eerie light of their own, illuminating the room in an almost surreal blue glow. Every day he entered this room, the dark Paladin still felt a chill run through his body. This was, with the single exception of the Eye of Fate, the most terrible room in the entire Cathedral, and it was here the prospective initiates paid homage to the Dark Lady, until such time as they proved themselves worthy of entering the forbidden room within the asteroid itself. In this world of darkness, with black, red, and violet tapestries woven from the finest silk the Spider-Magi would give up, that the door was opened in the hearts of many to the darkness that exists within every heart, a darkness that originated with N'Jal herself.

The Paladin felt his heart fill with a sadistic joy as he felt Lorenor approach. One of the only people in the world he now trusted, Lorenor was not only his Commander, but also his closest friend and ally. Together, they had been thrust under the wing of N'Jal, and together they were destined to plunge the world into the Second Age of Darkness. It had already begun. Within the ranks of both the Red Hand and the Church of the Ethereal Sway, the two Paladins had begun to spread their dark influence. It was only a matter of time before the Darkness began to infect more and more people, until it became an uncontrollable plague that no other Thayne would be able to stop.

The darkness in the room seemed to increase as the High Priest walked into the room, his black and violet robe swaying menacingly in the darkness that seemed so much a part of him. MetalDrago's crimson-scaled face remained calm as the shorter man approached. He eyed him carefully before speaking.

“We have been fortunate to have so many join in such a short time. I was afraid this room would not be finished by the time they arrived.” His brother Paladin was one of the few in the world who would ever hear the Dragonian speak this freely. The trust that ran between them was so powerful as to render all secrets obsolete.

In the darkness, MetalDrago smiled, an act that now, no matter how kindly meant, looked sadistic and twisted. As the military commander in charge of the city, he was among the most cruel and heartless bastards anyone would ever meet, but he never treated anyone cruelly he did not think deserved it, especially among the Forsaken, his brethren. Those who managed to earn his ire got dealt with effectively and precisely. No one was spared, especially when as insolent as Kurt.

“Our visitor should arrive shortly, milord. She has asked, specifically, to speak with the two of us. The Silent Hand provides her information quickly. She could prove to be quite an asset, especially in Corone and Salvar, but we have to deal with her carefully. She could also make a dangerous enemy, even considering her ties with Terramat, my subordinate.” he said, his orchid eyes glowing in the preternatural darkness.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Mosil-Z'sarug. The township now sat where Valinatal's remains were still evident. Simply recycled, many portions of the old city were used for their natural resources. Whatever was spared from the meteor's crash summoned by a no-name Necromancer was used for the good of the township. People flocked consistently to the area as they sought work and safety from Xem'Zund's forces. Many were looking for refuge. Many fled Raiaera all together as the once proud land fell to the Scourge. Xem'Zund's crusade left the very land itself cursed. It would take generations to repair the damage that the Necromancer caused. Battle-scarred and mentally damaged, the people of Raiaera sought refuge where ever they could find it. Even in the embrace of a foreign deity. So long as work and shelter was offered, there was a willing supply of vassals to the dark lady. Many eyes looked upon Lorenor as he walked from the Eye of Fate to the Cathedral proper. He acknowledged everyone who acknowledge him in kind.

Lorenor's escort was spread out around the mutant a few paces in every direction. There were four all together. Two members of the Ambrosia-Strain, one member of the Dragonic Strain, and a member of a third strain that was not yet named. Several parent strains of Lorenor's techno-organic virus were already documented by the people of Mosil-Z'sarug. As the virus matured and mutated, new strains were cataloged. Lorenor walked in between the four guards as they escorted him out in the open. The security measure was an insistence of MetalDragos'. Lorenor attempted to argue the point of having a security escort, but alas, the good Captain's military mind was a force to be respected. The Cathedral of the township was already completed. He looked upon it with great approval even as his escort took positions on the large front steps of the cathedral. Lorenor walked up the smooth marble steps. It was painted a dark obsidian color. Alchemists and architects worked around the clock during the construction phase of the project to see to it that the building was completed on schedule.

Lorenor wanted every major project in the township completed roughly on time. He walked up the stairs noticing the large columns that held the front of the building in place. There was a set of about six of these large columns that held a triangular entryway in place. A symbol to N'Jal was located in the center of the triangle. The entire roof of the cathedral was rounded out to give the pillars a more impressive appearance. The building had character and a dark aura to it. Awful mysteries went on in the structure. Statues to N'Jal were displayed upon the main courtyard of the building in various orientations. These statues were laid out in open defiance of the Dawns' Crusade against the undead. The Knights of Dawn were Lorenor's primary enemy as he waged his campaign to bring about the Second Age of Darkness. The mutant entered the cathedral passing by a large double door that was open. The wood of the door was fine Raiaeran oak imported from the Red Forest. They had a mahogany hue to it.

Upon entering the cathedral proper, Lorenor felt the smell of various forms of dragon's incense. Primarily used to appease the will of the dark lady. At the top of the cathedral was the large candelabra. It gave off a glow of blue fire that cast its ethereal light upon the chamber. Several rows of pillows used for deep meditation were on the ground. These were made of satin or silk depending on their closeness to the alter. The alter itself had various ritual utensils Priests used for the worship of N'Jal. Spider Magi were gathered in the congress. Several people sat in silent meditation as they prepared themselves either to receive the blessings of the N'Jal Protocol, or to receive an Endless. The good captain, MetalDrago, was already waiting for Lorenor as the mutant traveled towards his position. Several Spider Magi, as well as several Forsaken guards lurked in the shadows. They were all there to obey the word of the dark lady. Hearing MetalDrago's words, the mutant paused for a moment. He rubbed his chin carefully, eyes narrowing in thought.

"Ah yes. Terramat. I do recall thy mention of that old foe. If thou says that our guest can prove to be an asset. I believe thee." Lorenor paused for a moment. "I have received new orders from the Dark Lady." He waited for MetalDrago to absorb what was just said. When N'Jal spoke the world listened.

[Makira]

Makira waited there, on the edge of a city beginning to form. She stayed there still as a statue. If one looked upon her as she stood. She'd look to be a fallen angel, her expression that of saddened emptiness. It seemed that she held no emotion and yet if she did it would be sorrow.

She looked over what she could see of this place. Maybe one day it would be a great city, strong and impenetrable, but then it could be a weak place full of people trying to seek perfection so much that all they see is the sky and miss the flowers on the ground. Perhaps she was here for the purpose of protecting her people, or perhaps she was here merely to find ways to merely keep her people safe until an end came about. She truly did not know what would happen to the followers of N'jal. What more is that she only cared what happened because at this point it affect her life.

Makira closed her eyes for a mere moment. Once she opened them she moved. She walked into this foundation that was meant to be a city. No one approached her but as she walked further into town she caused many to look. A mere glance for some and others an appreciative stare. She kept walking ignoring all who looked at her. She was here for a purpose, there was no reason to deviate from that. She noticed more of the N'jal followers, identified by their appearance due to the strands of N'jal protocol. They spoke not a word to her and she returned the favor.

She Continued to walk among the foundations of the different houses. She followed no set path. Merely walked letting herself wander. There was no purpose to this wandering, except to memorize the paths she walked. Even then it was for no exact purpose. She continued this wondering before irritation overtook her previously occupied mind.

She had come here for a reason, and the person she was here to meet had kept her waiting. For the most part she didn't mind the waiting. Normally her mind would be occupied with many thoughts, but in this place, her mind had little to wander about.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

(Moderator Note: We are unfortunately moving on without MetalDrago. He is always welcome to return to this quest at anytime)

And Lorenor carefully thought about the words that MetalDrago spoke. Some of the information was familiar to him, but other pieces of data were not. He'd not yet had time to study the Data Cube that Number 5,325 gave him so long ago. Lorenor listened for a time while his cohort spoke and then MetalDrago became silent. Too silent. Time had passed, and Lorenor suddenly noticed, with a start, that MetalDrago, Anti-Paladin of the N'Jal Protocol and fellow brother in arm, was no longer there. Questions filled the mutant's mind. It was not like his companion to suddenly up and leave unless there was a dire emergency at hand. Thoughts cascaded across his mind as he pondered the situation at hand. He closed his eyes and focused on the N'Jal Protocol. Connected to the Dark Lady are all her followers. Lorenor prayed in silence to the N'Jal Protocol. His heart awakening to the collective as he listened to her song. She responded back and simply said: MetalDrago is no longer with us. Lorenor felt a great pain in his heart and terrible loss for his friend.

Many adventures were shared between the two warriors. They'd come long and far together, shed blood together, cried together, fed together, camped together, and shared many memories. Lorenor considered MetalDrago a brother. The mutant scanned out into the hallways to see if there was some hint of the draconic warrior, but he sensed none. No scent, no heartbeat, no energetic residue. Nothing. The sudden loss filled the mutant with a deep sadness. But to this, the N'Jal Protocol responded. Do not mourn those that pass. Do not fear the passage of death. Of all matters in life, only death is certain. MetalDrago was an invaluable asset, but another asset yet approaches. See to that matter first. Listening to the N'Jal Protocol, the mutant got up from his desk, and headed outside. If there was any condolences to MetalDrago's sudden disappearance, Lorenor knew it was the information of Terramat, and the knowledge that a new guest was approaching. Clenching his fists tightly, the mutant stepped outside, and walked out of the building.

Blowing in slightly from the west, and the southwest, there was a cool afternoon breeze. The air was brisk for it was still early March and the winter was lingering on. Lorenor was grateful for the customary Salvarn hides he wore all the time. They staved off the deep winter breeze before he could feel it brush against his flesh. Snow still clung to the treetops that were visible all around the newly constructed village. Lorenor walked forward towards an approaching figure that was not cataloged in his memory.

Staring at this form, by the way the individual walked, he judged that the guest was a woman. Lorenor moved closer and intercepted her path, even as she seemed to be walking aimlessly about. At least in Lorenor's opinion that seemed to be the case. He observed the girl from well within his sensory grid of twenty feet in every direction, and approached. He walked with confidence, dressed in the attire of a Salvarn nobleman. The mutant saw that several other natives of the village were looking at the stranger that arrived. But so far, nobody had started to cause any problems and she didn't seem a threat...yet. He stopped a respectful five paces away from her front side. "Excuse me there. Are you lost? Perhaps in need of some guidance or direction?" Lorenor asked sounding as polite as his raspy voice allowed him to sound. He was a solid speaker, but his thick Haidia accent was a dead give away. He was clearly a dark individual with an ulterior motive. Lorenor was shorter than most Althanian adult males. He stood at only five feet in height, but was built like a tank. Lorenor waited for her response.

[Makira]

Makira stopped. She observed the male. She judged if she should speak to him, she sighed and decided to. " I am Makira Sheara, leader of the Silent hand. I apologize if i am intruding, but i was under the impression i was expected. Metaldrago was to meet with me, he and another individual." She informed him. Could it be that her information was incorrect. That this was not the location MetalDrago had requested she come to. She found it hard to comprehend her sources were incorrect.

Looking around as she had while she walked the description matched. The other few with the different strands of the N'jal protocol that she had noticed, their presence here confirmed that this was indeed the location.

She waited for him to answer her, As she waited she watched him, observing him noticing small details to his features, or as much of which he allowed her to observe. She noticed the slight chill seemed to bother him, it bothered her not.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Information was exchanged. It was just as Metaldrago said it would be. Lorenor listened to the woman whilst she spoke. His hand went to his chin and he rubbed it gently as she spoke. He kept a respectful distance from her person not standing too close or too far away. Roughly speaking, he was about six paces away from Makira's front side. She spoke of a Guild and just as Metaldrago had said, the Guild was known as The Silent Hand. All though he knew a name, he did not know much more about the Guild than that. The mutant nodded after she'd spoken. He searched within himself for a proper response.

"The one you seek is Metaldrago. He is no longer with us. He is my subordinate. He told me that you would be coming soon." Lorenor revealed, letting her know of the situation. "He told me you would become a powerful asset to our cause." The mutant wondered just how much he should tell her. Flapping in the breeze, his hide cloak danced about giving the small warrior a certain strange appearance. He was an amalgam of different cultures.

On the one hand, he dressed in extravagant clothing made out of the material known as Vlince. It was quite sturdy and offered some sort of basic protection from the elements. His cloak was made out of thick animal hides that heralded from the snowy land of Salvar. Lorenor felt the chill vaguely, but it was nothing like Salvar's endless winter. His arms wrapped the cloak firmly about his person to ward off what cold might be in the air. It didn't bother him, he just didn't like it despite his residence in Salvar.

Lorenor let his words linger for a moment. He knew that she was testing him just like he tested her. The mutant perceived her as an individual with great personal interest to his cause. Listening to the voices in his head, Lorenor decided it was safe to proceed. "There are many projects in our humble town right now. The Enemy is always about." Looking at Makira, Lorenor nodded once again. "We must prepare if we are to survive the coming storm! Come, let us get you situated." Lorenor said and began to walk towards the his house. He assumed that she would follow.

[Makira]

Makira nodded. Her phoenix stretched his wings once but stayed on her shoulder. Makira followed him, once again as she walked her mind wandered often. Though this time it actually had something stray to. MetalDrago was no longer with these people, that could mean many things. She thought over the different possibilities. Metaldrago was a dear friend to her, The only reason she had come out this far to seek him out was because he requested it.

She looked around the buildings once more. She was sure to remember the way and to make sure she was following the man. She did not know his name for he hadn't supplied it when she had offered hers. This man intrigued her. Although whether or not he was to meet with her on information, he knew of Metaldrago. That was what concerned her.

She let her thoughts wander, making sure to follow the man through the paths. She wondered what this man and Metaldrago knew of each other, was he a friend, a family member, or perhaps just a colleague. Perhaps he knew much that he wouldn't or never will share with her about her dear friend. Who knew. The only way to find out of course was to enter his home and discuss such things with him.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

As far as modesty went, the house was a simple structure compared to the rest of the buildings in the small township. Lorenor had insisted on building a multi-floor structure rather close to the smith-shop which was his primary working area. The mutant pointed to his house. Actually, several members of the Forsaken lived in the large house alongside him as it was the largest house in the area aside from the Town Hall. Lorenor had worked alongside the Golems of the Ark to build the structure. He didn't want anything grandiose, but something with a lot of function and practicality. Many rooms for guests, a library, a bathroom or three, and some place to conceal his many wares. As someone who was considered an international traveler, the mutant gathered many wares from many different places. In his main den, where the mutant stayed often, there was a mish-mash of cultural influences. On the one hand, the room was decorated with many oddities from Salvar. The frozen north-land. On the other hand, there were many strange decorations from the local Raiaera.

On the floor immediately visible, upon entry to the chamber, was a thick hide of some Salvarn wilderness beast. The creature's face had a pained expression as it was slain by whatever blade or weapon ultimately felled it. The mouth was agape. Lorenor kept a blue liviol desk in the center of the chamber. A fireplace was erected in traditional Corone style that reflected the mutant's mysterious origins. There were paintings on the wall too. Many of the paintings depicted various battles against the renegade warlord Xem'Zund and his minions. It was a series of paintings referred to as "The Scourge". On the desk was a series of books and ancient texts. Some of them were written in various dialects that were recognizable, such as, Common Raiaeran, but others were written in more bizarre tongues.

There was a collection of these works on the tables. It was clear that the mutant was a collector of various wares. He kept a prevalida sword atop his fireplace, in its scabbard and on the mantle. Along one of the walls there hung a powerful looking masterwork crossbow. Clearly this was a man who enjoyed his trophies. He walked into the room, and noticed that there was a drink on his table. He took a moment to analyze it from afar, and noticed it was safe for consumption. A few moments after the mutant entered the room, a girl who appeared to be a member of the town's work-force showed up. She looked at the mutant with sincere respect.

A demure girl, she had glowing amber-colored eyes. Her eyes were as energies that flowed out from her eye sockets. She had her hair braided, and it was colored purple. Her skin was dark brown. She wore a simple black dress and hide shoes. There didn't seem to be any weapons on her person. She looked from Makira to Lorenor for a moment, nodded and then spoke out loud. "Would either of you like refreshments?" She said in perfect common-tongue, Corone dialect.

Lorenor looked at the girl for a moment. "I'd like a Pitcher of Red Forest Vodka." He said calmly, in the mood for a drink. Lorenor pulled up a chair for his guest. "Please. Do make yourself comfortable. You must be hungry and thirsty. Mi'lady. Please get my guest whatever she might like." He said to the waitress being sure he spoke loudly enough for both of them to hear. Lorenor sat down on a chair that was waiting behind the desk. There was a glow-orb atop the structure and he turned it on to full power. It lit up the room well. The fireplace was lit as well, offering a certain warmth to the otherwise coffin-like chamber. Lorenor allowed no natural light in his personal quarters. The waitress turned to look at Makira briefly with eager eyes.

[Makira]

Makira turned to the girl. She tilted her head in thought, She noticed her phoenix restless, the phoenix settled for the back of another chair. " i think some well cooked meat for my phoenix, and for myself i shall have the same drink perhaps a tray of spiced potatoes with strips of meat as well. if you don't mind of course." She said sitting down in the offered chair.

When the girl rushed off with a curtsy Makira shook her head slightly. " you have a nice home, well furnished if not strange. The weapons... the one over the fireplace. prevalida if i am not mistaken, my lord." she said. She didn't particularly like the title and it seemed to sound odd on her tongue. However he was of yet to give his name so she had little choice but to give him such a title.

She did like this room. The way it seemed to reflect its master instead of a facade of a room that could belong to anyone. The personality of the place seemed to match the master, though she hadn't known this man for more than a few moments and did not know his name. Though being in the room seem to teach you more about him then he would let on.

" you seem to have your comforts and luxuries. A good thing i suppose in hard times." she admitted. It was nice to have such comforts and luxuries every once in awhile, to often though and as far as she'd seen. One became quite spoiled to it. The man was well mannered, hospitable, kind. At least to her, at least in this moment. She could not truly fault herself for mistrusting such kindness, She was the leader of the Silent Hand, a thieves guild.

Mistrust came to her much easier than trust, She hoped though, that the man would not be offended by this mistrust. Hoped that in away he was a kind as he appeared. She almost shook her head to clear such thoughts. She knew why such thoughts were in her mind. MetalDrago. She trusted Metaldrago, and MetalDrago trusted this man, that's why she wanted to trust him.

However despite the fact that she wanted to trust this man, she had to be realistic. She knew who she was, she had told him who she was. This could easily become a difficult and compromising situation. She did her best to remain calm polite, but her thoughts were running in her mind. She was tense. She could feel the slight strain in the muscles of her shoulders. She waited for him to speak.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor studied her for a brief moment. He could see the muscles knotted, and could smell the metallic scent of tension in the air. It had a particular texture to it, like rust. And it added a specific red-like color in the room's atmosphere that was quite subtle. Lorenor was capable of seeing colors and raw energy in its most intimate form. She spoke, and the mutant listened, folding his hands across the liviol desk. His eyes were closed, and the glowing purple energy faded allowing his face to be blanketed by a thin layer of darkness. His hood was down now. She could clearly see his hideous face, terribly scarred. Sad. His skin was dark-gray, and three slits on either hemisphere of his face were visible were a nose would be. He had dreadlocks that hung at the middle of his back, and were quite thick indeed. Lorenor's smell was like smelling the raw scent of death. If one were not used to such a horrible smell, it was known to bring a grown man to tears. A hideous creature, Lorenor was a monster that played at being a nobleman. He did little to attempt to hide his physically corrupt nature.

This room was his personal lair. He had taken a great amount of time and resources to construct the building and its individual rooms. More importantly, he had wanted a personal sanctuary away from the shrine hidden in the basement of this very same structure. Lorenor found himself thinking about the various items in the room, maybe, some would find such a personal quarters rather gaudy. Lorenor had the title of Lordship in Salvar which meant that he was entitled to his own fiefdom. He managed and maintained the fiefdom out of pocket and the resources of his personal contacts in Knife's Edge.

Lorenor did not interrupt her once when she spoke. When she was done, he suddenly realized that he never introduced himself. His cheeks flushed, and his facial features revealed the facial features of someone native to the lands of Haidia. Lorenor had deeply inset cheekbones, a well defined zygomatic arch, deeply inset eye-sockets, and an arching forehead. The wrinkles in his skin were as deep as the crags and hallways of Haidias' bottomless cavern. Once she finally stopped talking, the mutant nodded in silence. He wore a smile on his face when he realized she was well-cultured indeed.

"You are most observant indeed. I could see why MetalDrago trusted you with his vital information. You seem to be very well cultured." Lorenor said calmly, complimenting her. "There is no need for titles here. My lordship is not in this land anyway. And I am merely a servant of the N'Jal Protocol. My name if V'halkulus. Lorenor V'halkulus. I am most pleased to make your acquaintance. I am only saddened that MetalDrago cannot be with us. And I am afraid I have no information about his current whereabouts. He went on a personal pilgrimage. That is the only information I can reveal at this time." Lorenor really wished he knew more than that. But his friend vanished after time passed and that was all that he knew. Lorenor's informants within the town revealed that his companion left on an errand to some distant land. Perhaps Keribas. He didn't know and N'Jal would not reveal any information no matter how much he begged his goddess to know the whereabouts of his lost brother. He knew despite that, that his friend was gone indefinitely. And this saddened him deeply.

"He did tell me that you were going to arrive though. You were expected company. I hope that my township will be enough to provide you with what you acquire. Or perhaps, you are here for religious purposes and seek the N'Jal Protocol for yourself? Mayhaps this might be the case?"

[Makira]

She looked upon his features and didn't react at all, the smell of fresh death hit her nostrils and she didn't even blink. " i imagine you've gone though quite alot in your life to gain the countenance you have." She said leaning back in her chair. The smell in a way was easy to get over. She had killed many and done it often to know the smell. "Thank you Lord Lorenor, for the compliment. But i fear compared to you i am uncivilized." she said her tone light, as if to make a small joke of the caparison no matter how true it is.

" I am sorry to say my lord, i believe little in gods and goddess's. I like to stay neutral and whatever the gods gift me during my travels i thank them for that kindness. I do not however wish to offend you by saying so. My apologies if have." she nodded in her way of a slight bow.

Makira leaned back in her chair, her stomach growled and she blushed in embarrassment. "for....forgive me. it's been awhile since i had a decent meal, i am thankful for you hospitality." she said.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

At that point, the maid-like individual showed up with the food and drink they had requested. She placed it on a nearby cabinet that wasn't as cluttered on the top as his desk was. Smiling politely, she nodded towards the two of them and left the room quietly to attend to other duties. The door was closed behind the maid as she left and Lorenor returned his attention to Makira. "Please. Help yourself to some food." Lorenor said quietly, he got up and served himself a goblet full of the vodka, it had a particularly strong taste and was well known for its warming properties. There were stronger proof liquors out there, but the mutant preferred the tingling sensation unique to vodka as it didn't leave him in a drunken stupor. Lorenor's own hunger could wait until the lady had gotten her share of food first. He took a deep pull of the drink and set the goblet down upon the desk. Once that motion was completed he looked upon her whilst she ate and drank. There was a soft smile on his face. He was generally appreciative of the lady's company. To Lorenor, she was clearly an intelligent woman.

Sadly, the mutant's own intellect probably paled in comparison to the lady's intellect. Not even remotely brilliant, the mutant had in survival skills what most of his caliber had in book smarts. When it came to the N'Jal Protocol however, the mutant was always ready for a good discussion of the minds. There were those who did not believe in the Thayne, and Lorenor carried the N'Jal Protocol with him. He had seen the End of Days.

Removing one of the documents at his disposal, he picked up and walked over to her position. It was a map of the local area, in Narenhad, and the surrounding areas of the Red Forest. Raiaera was well known for its diverse cultures and varying land types. The map was of primarily of several areas within the Red Forest. "I trust your cartography skills are up to par." Lorenor began. He handed her the map. "We are currently in full operation against the enemy of All. Xem'Zund. He has restarted the Burning Crusade against Althanas and has taken much of Raiaera proper. If left unchecked, he could very well lay siege to greater Althanas as whole. We must not allow this to occur. Xem'Zund commands the Scourge. As a race, my people have broken free from the Scourge and ultimately, Xem'Zund's command." Lorenor looked off in the distance as if he were listening to something very far away. Memories poured in his skull. I see my brothers. They are dying to the horrors of the Scourge. I see my enemy, he is the commander of the Scourge. I see my weapons, it is purest Prevalida. And I see my fellows. The men and women of Mosil-Z'sarug. Images of Xem'Zunds' Death Lords fighting his siblings coursed through his mind. He would have his revenge.

"Time is always against us." Lorenor said calmly. "It was one of Xem'Zunds' Death Lords that raised Valinatal and created this Blasted Land. Understand where we have been to understand where we are going. Plans are in motion to attempt to take down Xem'Zund if possible. If it is even within our means to do so. Or perhaps, he has lived so long and waged The Burning Crusade for so long that he has become immune to the ravages of Death." Lorenor said. He was speaking what he knew of the current situation. If she was to be an asset, she needed to know things. "There are terrors out in the Red Forest. Even now, The Scourge move. I need dedicated warriors." Lorenor said. "If you wish to join the crusade against the Scourge, you will be well-rewarded and well paid. I can offer you room and board, a some safety against the coming storm. It is the least I can offer a friend of Metaldrago." Lorenor spoke with true sincerity in his voice.

[Makira]

Makira nodded pausing in her food to look at the map. It was a very detailed map and she stared studying it. She could hear her phoenix eating, but that was quickly tuned out. She continued studying it before she leaned back in her chair. Her eyes closed in thought. there was no reason not to join his cause. If she did her group was well protected from a threat that had no interest in them.

She opened her eyes taking a drink of her vodka. " Room and board. and you'll pay me. I am the leader of a the silent hand. Precisely what would my services be?" she asked. Makira could fight, but she was better at stealth. However that's why she was asking. Her information skills and abilities could help them. She just wasn't quite sure how.

She stared back down at the map, remembering the details of it. marking it to memory. It was handy that she would remember it if she studied it long enough. It would be easier to navigate her way around without carrying the map on her person.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

"I need skilled warriors."

Lorenor began, he let her hang on to the map for the time being. He started to move around the room, pacing back and forth. His thoughts were on the various matters at hand, both here in Raiaera, Corone, and Salvar. Lorenor traveled constantly and involved himself knee-deep in the problems of the world. History would remember men like Lorenor. He listened to her calmly as she spoke. Her Guild, a Thieves Guild, could be useful to him. The mutant rubbed his chin whilst she spoke. He walked over to the desk and took a deep pull of the vodka, feeling its hot effects. He cringed a moment and put the goblet down. Once she was done speaking, he turned to look at her with those piercing amethyst eyes.

With a slight frown on his face, the mutant began with his offer. "You look like someone who is quite capable an adept. There are many in the town who are strong and powerful, but that is not what we need. We need someone who can lead, who can be tactful and who can help us rise above the Burning Crusade." Lorenor allowed his facade of strength and self assurance fade for a moment. He was worried about matters at hand, really worried. "If the enemy remains unchecked, I fear what will happen to our world." Not pious by any means, the mutant knew that without a world to plunder there would be naught but chaos and anarchy. He often wondered what it was that Xem'Zund was really looking for.

There had to be something. Otherwise the Burning Crusade seemed like a pointless endeavor, at least in Lorenor's mind. Why would he wage an endless war? What would be the gain? What would be the profit? Lorenor wondered those things. He would have words with Xem'Zund if he ever chanced upon his presence. Lorenor shook his head. "Come now my friend. Eat and drink for the time being. I will be certain that a room is prepared for you." The mutant said. "You must be very tired from your trip over here." Lorenor had work to do as well for the remainder of the night. He took a fruit, a plum to be exact, and began to slowly munch on it. He sat down again after the small exchange and looked at Makira.

"This is a war for survival. We must find the means to fight Xem'Zund. Though I fear it is already too late for Althanas."

[Makira]

Makira went back to her meal. As she ate she considered his words. A fight of survival, indeed it was. That had been her secondary reason for coming, the first being that Metaldrago had asked her. She finished her meal, unrushed and enjoying the taste. She picked up a provided napkin to clean her mouth. Even having been eating as decorum demanded, spiced potatoes were still a bit messy. She her cup of the vodka sitting by her plate, she drank a sip before looking at him. The hot liquid rushed through her throat. It took her a few moments before speaking.

"Survival it is, I understood this matter when i accepted the invitation to come. Some of my guild members had been executed by this threat, for that alone i wish to help you. I've no desire to see my guild whittled away by men such as under the command of Xem'Zund." she said from her seat at the desk.

She turned to look back at the map, it was all but committed to memory now. The glances she had looking at the map had slowly pieced it together in her mind. "Lorenor, from my understanding of you, little as it is. You don't seem to be the type of man to trust others easily. Yet you invite me, a thief by trade, into your home. Not only that, you've fed me and offered a place to stay." she paused looking back at him, her eyes meeting his. " forgive me if it is forward, but for what reasons do you do such things, offer such kindness." she asked her expression impassive, but her eyes reflected the guarded trust and curiosity.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor sat down at that point. His face looked very tired as if he were constantly trying to hide his true feelings before others. He knew that before Makira he could speak the truth. She would never ridicule him for it, or question his logic in things as most did. There was always a reason to everything. Taking a pull of the vodka, he felt fire go down his throat. Lorenor began to speak.

"MetalDrago spoke highly of you. I once met Terramat and his companions..." Lorenor thought back to his previous adventure with MetalDrago here in Narenhad. "Now Terramat is in league with MetalDrago if I recall correctly." Lorenor said revealing a bit of the past history between himself and MetalDrago. "We fought once. He offered to help me when I was a lot weaker. We quested for a weapon in a cave He accompanied me the entire time. MetalDrago mentioned the Thieves' Guild to me a few times." Lorenor continued. He leaned towards her general direction over the desk. "Any ally of Metaldrago's, is an ally of Lorenor's." The mutant smiled at that. He had other reasons, but that was the basic premise. Makira would become a powerful ally. There was another reason to. He was speaking just loud enough for her to hear what he was saying. "You are a beautiful woman. It has been a long time since I've seen such beauty. Your beauty should be the stuff of minstrels' music." Lorenor said feeling his poetic side emerging. He took another pull of the vodka, grabbed his chair, and moved it so that he could be seated alongside her.

"Please. Speak freely." Lorenor said to her. He was curious of what she thought about the situation at hand.

[Makira]

She nodded listening to his words. She was shocked that Metaldrago had spoken highly of her. She was flattered and humbled by that alone. Then the complement of her looks and a slight blush colored her cheeks. Her thoughts suddenly frazzled and unfocused. She'd been complimented before but by drunks mostly, and those compliments meant nothing.

She looked down holding her drink the blush worsening when he moved closer to her. She was completely off guard when he had complimented her. "T-Thank you." she whispered meekly, a few strand of her hair fell into her face unnoticed. She didn't know how to respond. Had barely heard the last words he said, her mind still reeling for such a high compliment. " I'm hardly worth the songs of minstrels." she managed.

She looked down into her cup of vodka as if seeking answers, how was to act in this situation. She was unfocused, her mind wandering with no idea how to proceed in such a situation.

[MetalDrago]

MetalDrago stood behind the door. After N'Jal had summoned him to deal with some traitorous scum living within the city, he had immediately returned to the hall within which Lorenor and Makira were having their meeting. He walked up to the door just as Lorenor told the woman that she was worthy of the songs of minstrels. He chuckled lightly to himself, his voice muffled by the liviol door.

He had seen Lorenor in action flattering many women before, and he was as skilled as they come. He may have the stench of death surrounding his nearly-impenetrable outer shell, but if MetalDrago didn't know any better, he'd swear no other man in the entirety of Althanas had an easier time making women feel like he was worth something. The money from his estates in Salvar probably swayed any women he couldn't woo with words alone, at any rate.

MetalDrago felt that he has long since wasted enough time merely listening to the conversation. He pulled the door open and walked in, his cloak draped over his entire body. “Makira,” he said, his voice deep, almost hissing, “it has been along time.” He walked over to a chair on the left of Lorenor, next to the table, so if he ever became hungry, he would be able to eat more easily, without having to contort in any weird positions.

"Commander, sorry I left in such a hurry. There was a task with which I was charged for a time, and now that it's complete, I think it's time we got down to business.” MetalDrago walked over to Lorenor's desk and opened a drawer. Inside was a single missive and a fake gold coin with the words De Furta Verita, literally, From lies, truth. The Dragonian Captain placed the missive and the coin on the table. “This coin will allow our spellcasters to find you if you speak the words written upon it. It can also allow you to communicate with either one of us if you cast it into a pool of still water. Think of it as a way to gather intelligence without having to be here at all times, and without the unreliability of letters. We'll be able to know what you know almost instantaneously.”

MetalDrago pushed the missive towards her. “This missive gives you free access to almost all rooms in the cathedral proper, our most secretive fortress. The only room you cannot enter without one of us present is the Eye of Fate. Feel free to ask one of us to give you a tour of the facilities when we're not too busy. But the main room you'll be interested in at the moment is the library on the second floor. We have an extensive collection of books and scrolls that may come in useful to you in the near future.”

MetalDrago sat back and said, “You know, Commander Lorenor loves to flatter the ladies. I hope you don't take his advances the wrong way.” He waited for her response, sitting back easily in the chair.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Sensing the sudden return of his Captain, Lorenor looked in the general direction of his best friend. Grinning widely, the whole mood in the room suddenly changed. As if Lorenor were animated by a great vortex of energy, the mutant stood up and walked towards his companion. Though his smile was a grotesque expression, Lorenor moved to embrace his friend. "You've returned to us, most excellent." Lorenor spoke in a pleased voice. "I have some food and drink available my friend." He sat back down in front of Makira and took a look at them both.

"Now that we are all here we can readily discuss the matters at hand." Hearing MetalDrago's words, the mutant laughed with a sincere, hearty laughter. "It's good to see you too my friend." The mutant, of course, let the comments go and continued with the task at hand. "On the morrow, there will be a tour of the facilities and you can judge for yourself what you would like to do next. But for now, you are a guest feel free to enjoy yourself and take a load off. Whence the hour is late eventide, we shall gather some numbers and venture into the Red Forest."

Lorenor looked at MetalDrago. "We will then proceed to the camp of one of Xem'Zund's Death Lords stationed in the vicinity. We must defeat this Death Lord using any means necessary." Lorenor said. "Out intelligence hints that Xem'Zund himself may be present on the morrow. So get plenty of sleep, we will be facing a serious challenge ahead." The mutant kept his eyes on MetalDrago for a moment.

"When the lady retires, please return to see me MetalDrago. I have matters to discuss with you in private."

[Makira]

Makira listened to his plan. "Why not infiltrate the inside of the camp. or have you already done that?" she asked. She pocketed the coin and the missive, knowing they would be helpful to her. She looked up at Lorenor then to Metaldrago she smiled. Since he had walked into the room she was so relieved. Her friend was well. She had been worried he had passed and no one would tell her.

She stood up and hugged Metaldrago. "The next time you send a letter, bring it yourself and do not leave me to speculate your death." she said in a scolding tone. Metaldrago was after all a dear friend to her, she had no wish to see him dead what so ever.

She took a step back, Her phoenix was now sleeping on its chosen post, the back of a chair. She glanced over to see he had finished his meal and the plates were gone, supposedly taken by the maid that had served them.

She stood waiting for both their responses. She chose to ignore the flattery and compliments, she wasn't after Lorenor for any reason. He had nothing to gain from complimenting her and saying such things. Perhaps it had been merely a compliment, She was to skeptical to believe that. She chose to think of it no longer.

His words were his to say what he wished, compliments, battle plans, or whatever the case maybe. It was not her business. However, she had joined this cause. Deciding to help them, and that was what she would do. Her body tired, her mind weary from the travels. She wished nothing more to be shown to a room and sleep. She closed her eyes for a mere moment, knowing she would retire after such things.

[MetalDrago]

MetalDrago stood and looked at Makira with a cocked eye. “As if anything around here could kill me. I’ve been busy lately, or I would have come myself. I’ve been preparing for a certain ritual for the last few weeks. Soon, I’ll be imbued with even more power than ever before.” As he continued to look at the younger woman, he smiled slightly, and bowed. “Have a pleasant evening. As Commander V’halkulus has kindly told us, we have things to discuss tonight.”

He snapped his fingers and one of the Forsaken appeared. “Please show the dear lady to her room.” He then looked at Makira. “Tomorrow may begin one of our greatest challenges in gaining our rightful place in this world. So rest well. And be careful. There are those who would kill Lorenor and me, and anyone else involved with us.”

The man turned back to Lorenor, his eyes glowing with a bright, orchid light. “Tomorrow, before we set out, I’d like to begin the ritual. I’m going to need the symbiotic armor… I can just tell.” He sat back down, in the seat that Makira had previously occupied. “Our combat teams are ill-equipped for a head-to-head battle with that half-immortal necromancer. We’ll be outclassed in strength, even with both of us carrying the Protocol. The only thing we have is strength of numbers and surprise.”

MetalDrago rolled out a map of the surrounding area and drew a circle around the area that the enemy was camped. He frowned slightly over the map. “As we know, they’ve perched in an ill-defended location in the middle of the forest on the outskirts of Narenhad. They don’t think anyone will be based out here, considering the fall of the meteor, and I think that the forces of Xem’Zund might be underestimating us. That gives us a slight advantage. Their supply convoy resupplies them every ten days… Tomorrow is when the next shipment is due. They’ll be using up the rest of their supplies, counting on the convoy being there by mid-afternoon.”

The Paladin again drew a circle on the map. “This is where they will be camping for the night. If we send an advance team to attack the convoy here…” He drew a line through a spot in the forest, where a trail had been cut by the necromancer’s advancing army. “We can take their supplies, destroy them, or at least halt them long enough to get their forces to start losing morale. Without morale, a soldier is less likely to fight well. But we all know a large number of the Forsaken work for him, and those of our kind require far less in terms of sustenance… The Death Lord is likely the one holding sway over them all… With Xem’Zund there, we won’t be able to completely free them, however. Killing the Death Lord should be a cinch. However… If that detestable necromancer is there, we’ll be more hard pressed to defeat the enemy forces, considering his strength. We can only hope he either doesn’t show, or leaves his Death Lord to take care of our forces. We won’t stand much of a chance against a force as ancient as his, no matter how powerful we’ve grown.”

“As you well know, our forces are prepared to give their very souls over to our cause. If we lose, it won’t be with a single man or woman left standing. But it also gives us a great responsibility. If we die, and they crush the Narenhad once and for all, our legacy is lost, and our mission a failure.” MetalDrago spoke with his hissing voice almost the entire time, dropping to a whisper near the end to put more caution into his words. If Lorenor said it could be done, it could be done, but at what cost to their mission, the Dragonian wasn’t sure.

“I can understand that your impatience at facing the necromancer, but is now really the right time?” He eyes narrowed in slight concern, not only for his own safety, but the safety of his commanding officer, and the people that now followed them. “We really don’t have any idea what’s going to happen tomorrow. I’d prefer if we had more time to prepare.”

[Mutant_Lorenor]

A clock ticked off every second of the night in the hallway. It was and old grandfather clock. Made out of red-dyed oak, the clock was extremely sturdy. Its gears were made out of brass, and its face was made out of a simple material. All in all, it was an elegant device that Lorenor found in the house and kept. For one such as he, the mutant had developed strange tastes in life. He sought to mimic the lifestyle of a nobleman. It was an extravagant lifestyle that suited his greed.

Listening to the clock for a moment, Lorenor roughly guessed what time it was, then he turned his attention back to MetalDrago. Despite all the distractions that the High Priest faced, the mutant was able to distinctly make out what MetalDrago had said. The captain had provided a map with detailed information about the enemy. So far, their spies did the trick and located the necessary information that was needed. Forsaken were different from the Scourge still trapped under Xem'Zund's influence.

If only there was some way to free the Scourge away from Xem'Zund's dominant will at once. If only there was some way to work Necromancy on Xem'Zund himself...

Closing his eyes for a brief moment, the mutant's face went dark. He listened to MetalDrago, absorbing every detail the captain spoke. Lorenor knew MetalDrago explicitly. Not a single movement, word, or action was ever wasted. Everything was planned deliberately which is why Lorenor trusted MetalDrago with his very life. Sitting casually on the chair, Lorenor looked at Makira and MetalDrago briefly. His eyes were locked on the pair for a moment. When Makira was ready to leave, he could begin discussion of the next plans. The key elements of the battle were not for Makira's ears to hear.

Taking a pull of the drink in front of him, the mutant paused for a moment.

Then, he looked at MetalDrago once more.

"We have every reason to believe that Xem'Zund will be coming tomorrow. We can't afford to miss this opportunity to act." Lorenor said calmly.

He continued.

"If we do not act now, we may never get another chance to defeat Xem'Zund like this. And if he doesn't arrive, we can still capture the Death Lord and perhaps turn him to our side." Lorenor added. "If he can be turned into one of the Forsaken, maybe there's a chance that we can topple Xem'Zund once and for all."

"I personally do not care for those bastards Elves, but as Forsaken they can be useful to us." Lorenor said. "We must act either way. Soon our secret location here will be discovered and they will come to get us either way it goes. The Burning Crusade must be stopped."

[Makira]

She followed the servant to her room. The phoenix waking only to choose another spot in the room to perch and sleep on. Makira walked to the bed stripping and folding her clothes. It was a nice room, the bed warm and comfortable. She lay against the feather down pillows, the soft cotton blanket more than a long needed comfort. She smiled. Her wings weren't bothered at all by this.

Her mind filled with thoughts of the next day, She chuckled at herself. There was no way to know the future, to know the outcome of the next day. It was an impossibility to know such a thing. Yet, here she was trying to do that very thing. The best one could hope for in predicting the future, is to prepare for anything foreseeable. That was all, and hope it will be enough. She smiled if nothing else, tomorrow would prove an interesting day.

[MetalDrago]

MetalDrago slowly took in everything his commanding officer told him. The simple fact that Xem’Zund himself was due to show up on the morrow didn’t do much to keep the dragonian warrior’s faith up. However, he believed his commanding officer in that they would be able to win. “If you truly believe we can win, I believe you. The Protocol will not let us die so easily.”

The Paladin sat, his hands over the map, as if considering making another note on the map. However, the ancient necromancer was a complete unknown, the kind of enemy he most despised. Accounting for a random element in plans is almost impossible. It’s a good thing I’m adaptable. MetalDrago thought to himself. He tapped his claws on the desk before picking up a loaf of bread and biting into it. In between mouthfuls, he said, “This is the beginning of one of our greatest challenges.”

Do not fear, my Paladin. The Armies of the Necromancer are nothing compared to my might. Nor is the Necromancer himself. Believe in me, that I will deliver your enemies unto Oblivion, and you shall have nothing to fear.

The cold darkness that was the Dark Lady surrounded the Paladin’s heart once more, giving him strength beyond anything he’d experienced before. “Yes… we will not lose. Not as long as She guides our path.” His eyes changed color slightly, gaining a slightly more azure hue to them, the symbol of his bloodlust. “Tomorrow will bring much pain… I’ll just have to enjoy it as much as I possibly can.” The Dragonian chuckled, which echoed throughout the room.

He stood up and walked to the window. “My Lord, when we first began working together, it was because the Will of N’Jal binds us. I’m not as eloquent as I should be when I speak of things like this. But now… something deeper seems to bind us. Something deeper than any sense of purpose, than any common path that we may walk…”

MetalDrago scratched his claws against the obsidian ‘windows’ that surrounded the room. None of the so-called windows in the entire city allowed light to filter through them. This was because a good majority of the Forsaken were weakened or hurt by sunlight, and preferred the shadows to the light. Considering tomorrow would be cloudy, this was good, as they could stage attacks all day with relative impunity.

Xem’Zund chose a relatively bad time to come and visit one of his Death Lords, that was for sure.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor would be the first to admit that he was afraid. He respected Xem'Zund's power first and foremost. It would be a challenge of legendary proportions. Lorenor had come a long way since he first woke up in those caverns in Haidia so many ages prior. Hearing MetalDrago speak, the mutant understood the lad's concern.

His hand rubbed his chin as he stood there deep in thought. Keeping his eyes locked on MetalDrago's person, Lorenor thought about what the situation at hand called for. For all sakes and purposes, Xem'Zund was a god. They had to take it upon themselves to defeat a god somehow. The mutant's hand clenched tightly until they started to shook and he popped the bones of his knuckles. A deep kind of rage resided in his stomach. Xem'Zund was a blight that was attempting to rip Althanas apart.

Lorenor could not stand for that.

A long pause of silence lasted for about five minutes before Lorenor finally spoke again. He knew MetalDrago had every right to be cautious about the situation. Hell, Lorenor himself was afraid. But that fear was also mixed with a certain level of excitement he had ill felt before this time period. The mutant looked at the floor for a moment and closed his eyes. As he did that, thoughts of the future filled his corrupted head. A future that normally would not exist.

A world without Xem'Zund.

Lorenor took a few strips of monster beef into his mouth and chewed on it for a few moments before opening his eyes again. He turned towards his companion, MetalDrago. There was a look of genuine affection on his face for his chosen second-in-command. The mutant would be the first to say that he loved MetalDrago. As much as someone like he was allowed to love family anyway.

"Indeed. For we are brothers you and I. Though we come from different peoples and different backgrounds, we have been bound by the Grand Scheme. Though we are both dark hearts, we know our place in the Grand Scheme." Lorenor continued. "We are brothers bound by the will of N'Jal." Lorenor said. "Whatever destiny we face on the morrow, we must be prepared to face it without fear. I believe in you my Captain, as N'Jal herself has believed in you."

"Though on the eve of battle, I have a request for you my old friend." Lorenor said calmly. "Walk with me. That we might share in our little township as if it was the last time we might have the opportunity to ever do so." The mutant waited to hear MetalDrago's response to the invitation.

[MetalDrago]

MetalDrago had the good grace to blush in front of his mentor and dearest friend. “You flatter me, milord.” The man said, his eyes gleaming with poorly hidden pride. He took one of his claws and stabbed through a slab of meat, bringing it up to his mouth and chewing it thoroughly before swallowing. “We will face a challenge unlike any other we have ever faced before, my dearest friend. We must be prepared.” He offered no false hopes of success… If they were to die, it was all planned out anyway. Nothing short of snuffing out their souls would be able to keep the two Dark Paladins down forever.

However, their power came at a price, though one that the Dragonian had gladly paid. It came at the cost of the corruption to his soul, forever forfeit in service to the Dark Goddess N’Jal. There were many things in the world that they didn’t understand, but the price they paid sometimes weighed heavily, especially on the newer of the two Paladins. Not often, but often enough, the young one would think of the people he’d lost in his life and lament forsaking their names in exchange for power. He was able to throw off these shackles easily enough, knowing that with his newfound strength, he need not care for anyone but his goals. Once his goals under N’Jal were complete, he would be rewarded with power beyond his wildest dreams, given the strength to make sure he wouldn’t lose anything he cared for ever again.

He clenched his fists as thoughts of the past flooded into him again. He remembered seeing his mother killed, and his adopted son, and all the while, a single, smiling face was ever present in the background, goading him into a cold, dark fury. Seraius Diamondbreaker, his brother. A man he would hunt down and kill with assassin-like precision. There was no force in the whole of Althanas that would stop him from attaining this one goal. It was merely a happy coincidence that N’Jal also wanted him dead, though for a different reason. To Her, he was a deserter to her cause.

MetalDrago stood and motioned for his commander to lead the way out into the village. As they walked, the Dragonian Paladin couldn’t help but wonder what it was that the lord wished to discuss. “What’s on your mind, that you would seek it not to fall upon ears other than mine?”

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Walking towards the end of the single Undead's township, Lorenor allowed his thoughts to flow upon many matters at hand. There were many projects that the town required, and also, there were many jobs. Running a Power Group was quite similar to running a township. With his experiences in Salvar, his fiefdom had grown and prospered. Lorenor had acquired significant wealth and influence. Becoming a steady force of power under N'Jal's influence and guidance. Lorenor felt comfort in the presence of his old ally, MetalDrago. The truth of the matter was, that Lorenor thought very highly of his companion. If not for his captain, the township of the undead might never have come to fruition. Lorenor listened to the will of N'Jal as she whispered in the back of his head, filling it with the promises of darker tomorrow. A safe haven where the Knights of Dawn would no longer hunt him at will for what he was. A place where all the creatures of darkness could rejoice under one banner. Passing the town gates now, the mutant looked at the stars for a brief moment. He had aged considerably.

Looking at the stars, he recalled a battle he had once with a handsome young fellow many lifetimes ago. The man was a poet, and had a way with words. Thinking about the fellow's name, Lorenor tried really hard to remember that man's name. However, he saw a flash of darkness and an image, and nothing more came from the Living Dark. Lorenor shook his head. Perhaps I am not meant to remember that past. Turning from his reverie to look at MetalDrago, Lorenor looked at his companion's face for a long moment. MetalDrago had spoken, and the mutant carefully listened to everything the well-spoken Dragonian had to say.

The question lingered in the air between them for a moment. Lorenor took a deep breath for a moment once he was satisfied he had an answer. The whole world has gone fucking crazy. He remembered thinking before he actually spoke to his long-time companion.

"MetalDrago. The past is a funny thing. I was told by someone I trust that I have had many different pasts, across many different lives. History is like a river, that at any one time we can flow along many different passageways of the river." Lorenor rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I recently acquired the secrets of traversing reality itself. It was one of the many secrets that N'Jal revealed to me." The mutant continued.

"According to the Thayne Codex, there is the Firmanent, the Antifirmanent, and a land called Phantaria. Which represents a Crossroads, a sort of multi-tiered doorway from one reality to the next. I have been to Phantaria several times." Lorenor said, revealing some of his more darker secrets to the Dragonian. "When the time comes, Xem'Zund will strike or we will strike him. It has been written." Lorenor looked into the distance as he spoke, seeing something very far away. As he stared into the abyss, he could see the gray world of the Antifirmanent outside of his sensory sphere.

As Lorenor stared, he could see various entities moving about. This caught his attention for a moment and then he continued. "If I fall against Xem'Zund...I want you to take this place over. I will leave you the inheritance of the Necronomicon's power. I don't know if I stand a chance against Xem'Zund. But I have a plan. I am going to use all of my power against him." Lorenor turned his attention to MetalDrago. "N'Jal says that you are ready for your Endless. Do you wish to acquire this power now?" Lorenor asked getting back to the matter at hand.

He waited for his companion to answer.

[MetalDrago]

MetalDrago would have had no problems if Lorenor had not just stated that he thought he was likely to die soon. He looked at the mutant High Priest and couldn't help but furrow his brow. “Lord Lorenor, you know as well as anyone that there are some things in this world that will not be allowed. Your death is one of those things. The Necronomicon chose to reveal its secrets to you for a reason. You will ascend to Spider-Magi, and you will become nothing short of the most terrible the world has ever seen.” He looked pensive for a moment before he continued to walk through the town, seeming to observe everything without giving any one thing in particular his full attention. I was chosen as your subordinate in all this, and your subordinate I will remain. However...

“There are just some things that can't go your way, Lorenor. No matter how much will you have to change the world, there are just some things that take time to affect. Xem'Zund has been alive for longer than I have, and I've outlived many people who have risen to power and have fallen just as easily.” The Dragonian clenched his fist and looked down at it, watching as the power of darkness radiated from within him. He opened his fist and looked up into the limitless sky. In between each star was an indomitable darkness which no light could fill. “The brighter the light, the deeper the darkness... for one cannot exist without the other, and... I have sensed it in the hearts of the people in this world. The world is full of doubt and fear, but is still full of those with selfless, giving hearts who give the people hope... someone must be their fear, their doubt, the shadows that insult the light by growing deeper as the light shines ever more brightly to destroy them. We must be the shadows, the shadows of those who dwell in the light.”

“Lord Lorenor, we shall conquer Xem'Zund, and anyone else who stands in our way. We will destroy hope for a world without darkness, because the Darkness is eternal, the Darkness is our Lady personified.” The Dark Paladin raised his hand up towards his face and clenched his fist tightly, as if crushing a glass sphere. “Light shall not escape us, as we cannot escape them. They may hunt us out, they will find us, and when they do...” he laughed. “They will wish they had never been born into the light.”

It was at that moment that Lorenor asked him if he would like to venture forth and attain his Endless. He smiled and looked up into the sky once more. So many pinpricks of light in the darkness of the night sky. The moon looked magnificent, the ultimate epitome of all that lay within the shadows. The moon's light was a reflection of the sun's, equal yet opposite... It was then that the Paladin knew his calling was going to live on for eternity. The light of the moon was the Light of N'Jal, the Light that does not destroy the Dark, but deepens it, makes it stronger, compliments it...

“Yes, milord. I am ready to receive my Endless. In the light of this full moon, I shall become everything that N'Jal desired, the first of the Dark Dragon Corps, a commander of the dark underbelly of all races! A terrible, devastating force through which Her Will shall be wrought, be it through sheer force, negotiation, or whatever else need be done. The Darkness shall spread, and I shall be at the forefront, a visage of pure terror to instill within the minds of every being in Althanas the very essence of N'Jal, the Dark Goddess. My evolution into the Dark Form is slowly growing in pace. I can feel it within every inch of my soul. I shall become the first and most terrible Dragolich of N'Jal!”

And so it would be... a terrible, dark purpose filled MetalDrago's mind that night. An evolution so grotesque that the very grass would eventually wither at his feet as he walked through the world, a transformation that would allow him to alternate between his Dragonian self and what he referred to as his Dark Form, that of a dragon filled with Dark Magics. Within his minds eye, he already saw himself as others would see him. And he smiled, a sadistic smile that would chill any normal man with infinite dread, as his red-scaled face twisted in that smile into something that none would be able to recognize. His eyes showed no warmth, no sympathy... in his deep orchid eyes, there were but two thing, an infinite sadism and a depth of purpose that made his eyes both sharp and unsettling.

“Lead me to the Eye of Fate so that we may do as is ordained. The first step in my evolution... the first step towards our inevitable infection of this world. We walk in the shadows, and others walk in the light. Let us not just walk in the shadows... let us become the shadows of those who would seek to be the heroes of this broken world.”

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Surrounding them after a quick, silent walk to that location, The Eye of Fate was around them all now. Lorenor looked up at the tallest expanse of the chamber, seeing as far as his senses would permit him to. The mutant grinned as he observed the statue representations of N'Jal. It was a glorious site. An altar was present before the well-spring that contained the N'Jal Protocol. The mutant looked at the rest of the Priests and members of the Dark Clergy that were present. Lorenor nodded towards them. He had their respect in return. Feeling the presence of the N'Jal Protocol in this close proximity was a reassurance to the mutant. He felt the pulse of the brood that lurked within the well-spring. He also felt the pulse that lurked within his own black heart.

Lorenor turned to look at his brother. Several individuals were praying to N'Jal in the chamber, on their knees. He smiled towards his brother, MetalDrago. As he waited there for a long moment, Lorenor addressed MetalDrago as an equal. There was no rank as far as Lorenor was concerned when dealing with his Captain. His glowing eyes narrowed casually as he spoke. Reaching forward in an attempt to place his hand upon the man's shoulder, Lorenor grinned softly. He spoke a moment or two later, choosing his words to the Captain quite carefully. Lorenor always chose his words carefully, his long education on Althanas had reached fruit.

"The will of the Dark Lady fills us now. As we are her followers, she is also our Master. Our Leader." Lorenor paused. "I need not remind you what we have become. What future rests ahead for our lot. We have freed ourselves from any potential domination from the Necromancers Xem-Zund, and Morian." He continued. "We are the heralds of N'Jal, her Keepers. By her Will our deeds be done. Now my Captain. There is a deed that must be done in order to earn The Endless that you seek." The mutant closed his eyes. When he did this task, he listened to the communion-song that N'Jal whispered in his heart. Studying the song, a vision burned in his mind's eye. As he held on to the vision, the mutant smiled grimly.

"We go to the Red Forest." Lorenor said calmly. "Our objective rests deep within Lindequalme. The Endless. I have encountered them many times before in my life..." Lorenor respected The Endless, he respected there power. "N'Jal has ordained that we leave immediately under the light of the Full Moon. We can take help with us. For this will be no ordinary task. This will be a trial we both must face." Lorenor said and waited for MetalDrago to speak.

[MetalDrago]

The Eye of Fate, the origin of the darkness that had infested the hearts of the two men inside. He felt the shorter man put his hand on his shoulder. “I know our creed well, Lorenor… Things will begin to change as ordained by out Dark Lady. We have long served under her banner together, even before we returned here to build this village around this most unholy of places.” The chamber echoed with the prayers of those within. This was the black heart which pumped an intoxicating power within the two Paladins. Through them, a great power was being returned to the world, while yet another power sought to break free, so that it could poison the land. The Spider Magi and their new brothers and sisters, a new order of Tainted Beast, would spread outward from the shadows to envelop the entire world in the everlasting shadows of the Night.

Through the Dark Powers of N’Jal, the Spider Magi were regaining their once-lost powers, and through the infected blood of MetalDrago, a descendent of the dragons, a new power was being bolstered, brought forth from a place where none had though to look. Those who would take to his influence would become more dragon-like in appearance, and in power. As this new evolution of the Dark Thayne grew, so too would those who chose the path of the Dark Dragon. These men and women were destined, along with the Captain, to become the first of a new breed, dragons infused with dark and terrible powers, just as the Spider Magi had. They would take forms varying between human and dragon, mixed together in various forms, and they would be known as the Black Dragon Magi.

“So we must go into the Red Forest. And I can bring my men, eh? This sounds almost too easy.” But the way his eyes sharpened, the orchid light behind his eyes blazing into his glare, he knew this was not so. Nothing he ever did in N’Jal’s name was easy, but it was also rewarding. Rewarding enough that he’d risk just about anything in Her name. He turned away from Lorenor and glanced out around the Eye. Things were busier in here than ever. Columns had been erected from the stalagmites and the stalactites. Of course, you’d never be able to tell. The columns were twisted, with barbs, spikes, and other torturous looking devices sticking off each on in a seemingly haphazard fashion. Before his transformation, he’d have found it disgusting. Now, he saw the beauty within each lovingly built piece of art. His own sword had changed in much the same way. He fingered the hilt of the Dragon’s Betrayal lovingly, feeling the dark energy flowing through it and into him. The blade was hungry, hungry for blood. So was he… but tonight was not the night for that kind of battle. For he knew something much more dangerous was going to be fought tonight.

The Dragonian walked slowly out of the Eye of Fate, his footfalls echoing throughout the inner chamber. He waited patiently beside the door for Lorenor to exit. Together, they would enter the Red Forest… Though MetalDrago knew he would have to face his Endless alone, he would not truly be alone. His guards approached him from within the shadows. One carried a pair of shortswords, the other carried a spear. They were always silent, but MetalDrago knew he could trust them. They had been with him since his change, and he counted upon them with his life. And so, they waited...

[Mutant_Lorenor]

***

To the very mouth of The Pyre, the small group of Adventurers went. Within the depths of Lindequalme, rested a hill that overlooked a certain cavern. Not on any known maps, this area of Lindequalme was a wild territory. Boundaries between Phantaria and the Firmanent were quite thin in this region. Doors flickered in and out of the physical manifestation of the Firmanent sometimes allowing access to other dimensions, and even other versions of Althanas. The cave before them was a paradox in its own right.

Doors flickered in and out of physical reality. Lorenor's senses were attuned and capable of perceiving the potent energies within the very air. Colours flowed like a river within the wind, residue of powerful archaic energies. He reached out to such a wisp of energy, touched it, feeling a warm and tingling sensation flowing throughout his body. Lorenor turned to his companions, he had hand-picked several members of the Forsaken to accompany him as had MetalDrago chosen his two finest acolytes. A member of N'Jal's clergy was chosen by the mutant, as well as a Paladin. These two individuals were looking around the area cautiously, each one observing various matters of the field.

Grass and foliage in this area was choked out by fungi. Mushrooms gave off a certain bittersweet scent that was both repulsive and enticing at the same time. Lorenor looked about the area around him, his senses having grown significantly since those first few nights as a derelict ghoul. Now, it seemed like that was lifetimes ago.

Feeling the tingling warmth energize him, the mutant turned towards his companions.

"The Endless are here. Be on your guard, they are not your friend until they are conquered." Lorenor began. "Only when the mind has reached peak maturity can an Endless be conquered. They are a parasitical organism, much like a leech might be." Lorenor drew his steel weapon, the Blade of N'Jal. Darkness flowed from the weapon tainting the air with its own kind of power. At his mark, the fellows with him drew their equipment. Moving casually from person to person, the mutant's eyes finally stopped at MetalDrago. "You must be certain conquering an Endless is the path you want to go. An unready mind will become another member of The Scourge and be no different than Xem'Zund's or Morian's forces." Lorenor turned to his High Priest. "Prepare the Seals of N'Jal. And cast any parameters within your spell book. "

Grimly, the second High Priest went about his task. He needed fresh sacrifices to appease the hunger of N'Jal. Lorenor nodded to the man, and turned back to MetalDrago.

"I have encountered The Endless many times in my life." He said. "I am somewhat of an expert on them. If you have an questions now is the time. My brother, there is another matter. When you encounter The Endless, you must challenge them completely on your own. You will not receive any help from us. We must remain outside of the cavern at all times. Only N'Jal will be your guide." Lorenor said, speaking of the rules of the trials that MetalDrago would face. I hate the fact that I cannot go with my brother, but this is the will of N'Jal. My Captain must be tested.

"We shall remain out here whilst you begin your journey. Hopefully you shall return with your Endless conquered." Lorenor said. "Whatever knowledge is mine, shall also be yours my friend." He added. Then, he motioned with his arm towards MetalDrago. "Speak my friend."

As Lorenor conversed with MetalDrago, the Paladin under Lorenor's command proceeded to scout out the area. Needing sacrificial marks for the second High Priest in their ranks, the Paladin worked to hunt locale wildlife. So far, it seemed that The Endless had not left the cavern proper. Each of the men under MetalDrago and Lorenor's command worked to carry out appropriate tasks.

A short time later, the Paladin returned with with a captured bounty. It was a live deer, barely injured, but slung up with rope and strings. Already, the High Priest under Lorenor's command constructed a sigillium of N'Jal on the ground. The symbol began to glow with power. Lorenor had set down the Necronomicon upon the ground and opened its fell pages. He was waiting for MetalDrago Scorpio to address him whilst his companions worked their grim tasks. With the glowing symbols etched upon the ground, Lorenor kept his eyes on MetalDrago. Purifying the area in the name of the dark lady was a task that required a certain level of understanding and devotion.

With his attention focused on MetalDrago, the mutant High Priest could not partake of the current ritual, but he would assist on his own soon enough.

Seeing the symbols of N'Jal etched on the ground placed a smile on the mutant's lips causing the corners to tilt skyward. When the glow of the symbols became particularly bright, the second High Priest chanted the songs of N'Jal and took a ceremonial knife to the throat of the deer. It cried out in the dark of night, blood spilling to power the symbols on the floor. The High Priest and Lorenor's Paladin held the deer down as it convulsed in their mighty arms.

Blood seeped onto the ground and was absorbed by the glowing symbols on the ground. With each passing moment, the symbol glowed with a more intense glare. Lorenor felt the power of N'Jal flowing from the symbol and nodded when he understood that the sacrifice, though not one of N'Jal's particularly favorite meals, was accepted. In time, the deer would be completely taken apart to the molecular level. Every piece of the deer used for the fell purposes of the Forsaken. Lorenor stood up from his lotus-position on the ground, then moved to MetalDrago. As the other High Priest was working on the sacrificial rite, the mutant looked at MetalDrago, the smile becoming a grin.

"N'Jal is pleased. We shall sanctify this area in her name and work the dark lady's teachings here. We shall build a powerful barrier to ward The Endless. In the meantime, you must be prepared. Here my friend, take one of my blades to assist you."

And Lorenor passed one of his Prevaldia, masterwork swords to MetalDrago. It was a temporary loan...

"My friend, I shall not take no for an answer. And you will need the weapon's power."

[MetalDrago]

As they conversed of things past and things to come, the Paladins never let their minds wander from the task at hand. MetalDrago knew going into this it would be a dangerous and very unforgiving process. He took the sword Lorenor gave him and grasped the shorter man in a rough hug. “You know you will always be my family.” he whispered as he released him, so silently that none but Lorenor himself would be able to hear him. He then walked forward and knelt before the sacrifice, silently acknowledging N’Jal in a small but fervent prayer. For he knew his strength now came from Her, and it was through Her and Her alone that had become the man he was now. He stood, his cloak billowing out as the wind blew through the trees. The area was tinged with the smell of death and decay, and it was a wondrous odor.

The power of N’Jal was now a part of this place, another place in the thousands of places that had been coated in her spiritual energy. The sword that his brother had given him felt cold in his hands, seeking to drink of the warm life force of anything it bit into… the sword was likely imbued with the essence of N’Jal, a sword that sought to kill and taste the life’s blood of the enemy. It felt… right in his hands. He hefted the sword and fastened is around his waist, opposite of his own Dragon’s Betrayal. He turned and looked at the others, then straight into his commander’s eyes. He made a single motion with his hand, a sign of respect between the two, and turned and walked towards the cave. He stopped short of the cave just by a few feet and traced a glyph on the stone with one of his claws, a white imprint on an otherwise gray stone. Then, he stepped into the cave, the darkness surrounding him, seeming to block out all of his senses. He felt numb, a feeling he did not like…

His pupils dilated, and he could see slightly better in the darkness, at least enough not to trip over his own two feet. He strode forward with confidence, knowing that the sooner he got this over with, the more powerful he would inevitably become. His smile never left his face as he continued onward into the depths of the cave. By now they should have the protective wards up. I should start really looking by now… he thought to himself. His eyes scanned the room, and then he saw it… a deeper shadow in the darkness of the cave. He felt it more than saw it creeping closer, and then it was upon him. He didn’t even have time to scream as the monstrous creature entered him, drowning out any sounds that would come from him.

And then, blackness fell over him.

He stood groggily, but he knew this was not the world he knew… for before him stood three people… Three people long dead. One of them strode toward him and slapped him hard across the face. “You’re a disappointment to me and to everything I‘d hoped you would be. How dare you come before me after everything you’ve done… after what you’ve become!” His mother’s words bit into him hard, but he stood fast, his eyes upon her, never looking down, never looking away.

“I was a joke! I was a man fighting for a lost cause against an enemy that few men had the power to defeat. The disgrace was in what I was, not what I’ve become! Now, I am a part of something much greater than myself, and a hell of a lot greater than you!” The sword Lorenor had given him sang at his side, even though he knew it was not the physical sword that he’d been given. No, it was the symbol of the bond between him and the only man he had left that he considered family. He drew the sword and summarily beheaded the apparition of his mother. Her body slowly dissolved into nothingness as it fell lifelessly to the ground, making a solid impact on something hard and solid in the darkness. “I am no longer the man you once knew… I am someone, something far greater and more meaningful than that. Nothing you can say will fell me.”

The second apparition walked forward, this one harder to bear. It was the likeness of his father, the man he had idolized for many years. “You are no son to me. You’re weak, useless, just like your mother was before you!” MetalDrago could only laugh. If this was the Endless trying to get to him, it was doing a rather poor job. He’d long put his father in a metaphorical grave, after hearing about what happened to him in Salvar. The sword hummed yet again as the Paladin looked his father dead in the eyes.

“You will never know the pain and torture you put me through, old man, as I tried to please you with shows of strength. Seraius was the only son you ever respected, and I would not expect anything less. To you raw power was the only thing worth pursuing, and here you stand, a dead man because of the power of some worthless blade!” His blade hissed through the air again, cleaving his father’s arm off. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this old man…” He hissed, as he slowly dismantled his father limb from limb, watching with satisfaction as the man dissolved into nothingness in the shadows.

And then, suddenly, there was a light. The cave lit up and became an ancient, arcane ritual ground, a very familiar one at that. The Paladin’s heart dropped, because he knew what was coming. His student, his apprentice, his adopted son stood before him with his old longsword, the Dragon’s Fury, drawn. “You were my teacher, the man who adopted me as his own son, and you let me die. But then... then you turned on me and became the very thing we swore we’d destroy. How can you expect me to ever forgive you?!”

MetalDrago sighed as the sword in his hand vibrated and began to glow with a dark and evil power. “You were my student, and my son. I loved you more than anything else when I was the man you knew… However, times have changed, I have changed, and you are nothing more than a memory!” The swords met in the air as lightning flashed in the background. Master and student faced each other in mortal combat, with the master’s very soul on the line.

“You will not defeat me, master.” the youth spat at him. “You cannot defeat the guilt you feel over my death, because you will never let it go!”

MetalDrago felt himself laughing as his sword began to eat through the Dragon’s Fury. “I think you give me way too much credit, child. You’re nothing more than a memory!” The Dragon’s Fury shattered into a thousand pieces as Lorenor’s sword went clean through it. The Captain of the Dark Dragon Corps lifted his sword and took one final look at his most bitter memory, and then cleaved it straight in half, from the head down. He then turned and looked out around himself as the rain began to fall, washing blood and sweat off of his ethereal body. “The Lady N’Jal is my strength, for I need no other but Her! Do what you like! As long as she is with me, I can overcome any obstacle. You will submit to me!” He screamed at the sky, knowing that the Endless heard him.

And then he was back… he was lying outside the cave, covered from head to toe in a black, symbiotic armor crafted from the depths of his psyche. He reached down and felt it, knew that it accepted him, and no other, as its master. Then he smiled and looked up at Lorenor, the sword having indeed made all the difference in the world.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Trees clung low to the ground but created a canopy so think that no sunlight could ever penetrate this region of Lindequalme. Curious about the paradoxial anomaly, the mutant observed the flickering doors as they burst in and out of sight. Wondering what was the secret of this region, the mutant sat down in deep meditation. Quieting his mind, Lorenor could hear the whispers of N'Jal in the back of his skull, with their promises of power. When N'Jal spoke, Lorenor always listened. His duty was to the dark lady.

With the Forsaken performing their various duties like a clockwork machine, Lorenor could sit down and appreciate the dark place he had discovered. Many doors continued to flicker in an out of physical reality. From time to time, individuals stepped out of the doors and went about their own business. Lorenor never bothered to interfere with whatever they were doing. It had no effect on N'Jal's business whatsoever. All around, creatures of the wild-lands moved in every layer of the Lindequalme. A warm breeze came in from the general direction of Fallien.

Lorenor was well-dressed for the adventure. His robes were warm and his Salvarn hide-cloak was wrapped around his person. Sitting in the lotus, the mutant was performing a ritual that consisted of controlled breathing. The three books of the Necronomicon were spread before him, open to very specific pages. The orders of the books were deliberately placed upon the symbol on the floor. Lorenor read from the books with his eyes closed, an impressive feat. With each of the fell pages memorized, Lorenor could recite the books with his eyes closed. With a spittle set up, and a campfire ready, the Forsaken were feasting upon the edible monsters that they'd captured.

Warmth flowed from the elemental fire. Lorenor could feel the purifying heat, even from his position away from the campfire. As he recited the words in mantra, the mutant listened to his fellow High Priest doing the same. Many long hours were spent in the memorization of the works, the teachings of N'Jal. Lorenor found himself deeply worried about the progress of his companion, MetalDrago Scorpio. However, he also knew that the Captain was a resourceful fellow.

Lorenor continued to concentrate on the daily mantra, his ritual-work an essential process of being a High Priest. As he sat there, the wind passed through his hair and clothing, carrying with it the scent of their food. Also noticeable was a particularly strong scent of recent death. Lindequalme was a dangerous place and still held the legions vast of The Scourge. Understanding that Xem'Zund's forces could attack at any particular moment, the mutant was ready. N'Jal showed him dark tidings, thanks for the sacrifice given to satiate her vast hunger. Then it happened.

One of MetalDrago's Forsaken warriors came running back within the camp, acting as a scout. With him was Lorenors' paladin. A hand quickly went to Lorenor's shoulder. Soon, the mutant broke his trance-like state after a moment or two passed. His eyes opened, the purple-glow of energy burst out from the depths of his black soul. Lorenor stood up quickly, turned to face the paladin and the scout, and carefully studied them both.

"Mi'lord. We bring news. We have discovered remnants of The Scourge in the immediate area. They are here. We picked a bad time to enter this area." He said. "Charles managed to knock one of them out and capture it."

Lorenor nodded.

"Show me." Lorenor said. "If we can be saved, perhaps this one too, can be saved."

Then, Lorenor's paladin dragged a large, wrapped bundle over to Lorenor's position. The package was dropped with a sickening thud that amused the mutant. Lorenor plucked his steel, masterwork sword out of the ground and pointed it at the throat of the creature. Then, the mutant began to speak in Spider-Magi.

"<Hold it down. We will discover the secrets of The Scourge. By the will of N'Jal.>" Lorenor unwrapped the head-area of the creature at his feet. Then, he pointed his sword to the neck of the snarling Scourge member. His eyes narrowed when he saw the hideous beast. Sunken in eyes glowed with a golden, hue, no eyeballs were visible at all. Teeth snapped from a horribly decayed jaw-line structure. It's face was completely sunken in from terrible decay. "<If there is any shred of humanity left in you, listen closely. What we are about to do will hurt. A lot.>" And the mutant began. "<Chain it.>" He commanded, and quickly, the Forsaken around him pulled chains out of their packs and strapped the beast to the ground ensuring he could not spread the disease of The Scourge.

Thrashing about, the beast hissed and howled with rage. Lorenor sighed at the grim task that lay before him. It was going to be a long night.

***

Not soon after they had given the monster the kiss of N'Jal, the mutant watched as the creature had gone completely silent. His eyes were able to see N'Jal working her magic within the body of The Scourge. If Lorenor could be saved, perhaps, all members of The Scourge could. Keeping his steel sword handy, the mutant paced back and forth as he waited. Time passed. Then, Lorenor felt a familiar presence and scent brush up against his sensory grid. After a moment or two, Lorenor identified the scent as MetalDrago. He had returned. Turning to face his exhausted companion, the mutant gathered the second of MetalDrago's chosen warriors. Walking to his Captain, the mutant knelt down to him and spoke in the common-tongue.

"Friend. You have returned. Are you still yourself, or do we need to beat some sense into the Endless within you?" The mutant grinned and waited to see MetalDrago's response. "If you have the strength to rise, you must do so my friend. We are no longer alone." Lorenor offered MetalDrago his hand.

[MetalDrago]

“We are no longer alone.”

Those words rang in the Dragonian Paladin’s ears as he struggled to stand up. As he did, he could feel the living creature around his body reassemble itself around him. It was strange, to be bonded to another being like this, but as soon as he thought about it, his new ‘servant’ altered slightly, becoming more comfortable against his scales. He smiled. This wasn’t going to be so bad after all. He looked himself up and down, the armor the Endless had become glinted slightly in the darkness around them. He could make out small details about it, but not much else. It was largely un-evolved, but it had advanced in growth much more quickly than he had originally been told. His entire body was covered, and he could feel it, his psyche really did show through in the armor.

On his chest, he could see the crossed arms of a dragon, centered above a blue-violet eye design that seemed to pierce the soul. His cloak, the part of him that had once been his wings, had shifted slightly, losing its hood and turning into a cape. When he pulled on it, he was surprised, pleasantly so, to learn that it could be pulled forward to completely cover his armor from the shoulders down.

He smiled wickedly and turned to his companions. “K’xira…” The name of one of his bodyguards came from his lips as nothing more than a whisper, but still the man appeared at his side. “Help me walk. I will be well soon enough, but for now I need your help.” Pride meant nothing among those who trusted one another. K’xira threw the Captain’s arm over his shoulder and helped him to remain standing.

The time to examine the Endless Armor he had acquired would come soon, but for now… the time had come to rest. The Dragonian looked at his shorter comrade and nodded. The time had come for them to mount their offensive. The strength of his voice was minimal, but the conviction was as plain as the moon in the night sky. “Tonight, the blood of our enemies will sanctify this ground in the Dark Lady’s name.”

Spoils:

MetalDrago gains the Endless Armor, a slightly decorative armor that extends over his entire body, including his head. In solid locations, it is as strong as steel. In the more flexible locations (elbows, knees, armpits, etc.) it is as strong as iron chain. The helmet can be called forth at will and dismissed as easily, to allow the Captain the ability to decide whether to cover his head or not. The armor can slowly regenerate itself if broken or torn, over the course of a full IC day. It cannot heal itself immediately. Other than that, it has no special properties whatsoever.

It will grow stronger as MD levels up.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

"There is a task that must be done."

Lorenor said quietly as he observed K'xira's actions. He nodded towards MetalDrago's loyal bodyguard. Turning back towards the body of The Scourge, something unexpected occurred. Something unexpected and quite dangerous. Moving with the boundless strength of The Scourge, the creature that was previously chained to the ground, suddenly pulled himself free of the chains that bound it. Snarling and hissing loudly, the creature began to stand up of its own will, it looked around with paranoia in its eyes. But after a moment, the amber-glow had changed to a darker tone. Quickly, Lorenor and his Forsaken drew their weapons, moving towards The Scourge's evolving form.

N'Jal always had an effect on the psyche of a creature. Always a traumatic experience, the fusion with one of The Thayne was never an event to be taken lightly. Lorenor looked at The Scourge carefully as it stood there raging at everything, and nothing. The creature suddenly turned towards Lorenor, who readied himself for imminent attack. By then, Lorenor could see that the creature had bonded with N'Jal. It proved to be a successful union. Lorenor watched the creature as it walked over to him, no longer limping from decayed limbs. Instead, it walked with a certain notable confidence in its stride. The Scourge member suddenly and quite unexpectedly knelt down before Lorenor.

"N'Jal tells me your name and your purpose..." The Scourge began. "There are more of us in the surrounding area." It said. "I can remember my name now, Xem'Zund robbed my identity from me." He said. He looked up at Lorenor. "Xaellin is my name."

"Xaellin." Lorenor repeated. He placed a hand upon The Scourge's shoulder and knelt down before him. Their glowing eyes locked. Lorenor reached forward and kissed the man on the forehead softly. "If you will it, N'Jal will become your purpose in life. N'Jal will grant you that which Xem'Zund has taken. Join with us Xaellin. Take your place amongst The Forsaken." Lorenor said quietly knowing there was not much time.

"I will do as you command Lord Lorenor. I know that all of you do the work of N'Jal."

Lorenor nodded casually and then stood up, helping Xaellin stand. Lorenor looked around very carefully. There were voices in the wind, sounds from afar. Though Xem'Zund had fallen, the ravages of The Scourge were still prevalent everywhere and with that, the stigma of the undead. Lorenor studied Xaellin's form for a moment as he listened to the wind. He then turned towards MetalDrago Scorpio.

"We spend a few hours there then we have to prepare for battle. The Scourge are near. I can feel them."

Lorenor said casually, something had happened when he placed N'Jal's Kiss within The Scourge. Just as Xaellin had bonded with N'Jal, so too, Lorenor had bonded with The Scourge. Lorenor had a few tents already prepared and the small group of Forsaken needed to get things done. Lorenor mentally prepared himself for the activities ahead. We must save our brothers from Xem'Zund's domination.




~Spoil~

001~Kiss of N'Jal-An Ability. Lorenor has figured out how to transfer N'Jal, through a bite, from his person to a near-death humanoid or monster. This is especially effective versus The Scourge, which is any Undead Minion controlled by a powerful Necromancer like Xem'Zund or Morian. With The Kiss, Lorenor can essentially "free" the Undead Minion from the control of any Necromancer, or, "free" Undead Minions not yet aligned to N'Jal. This intricate connection has also caused a mutation in Lorenor's Auspex Ability. Simply stated, Lorenor is now capable of detecting -any- Undead within his sensory sphere. This is purely an aesthetic Ability. Kiss of N'Jal, also works against humanoids and monsters who have not yet been christened into the N'Jal Cult. Lorenor essentially serves as a vehicle to transfer The N'Jal Protocol at will. Furthermore, used with his Plague Grenade Ability, Lorenor can transfer N'Jal on a massive scale depending on the size of the Undead assault force. N'Jal Protocol is separate from Lorenor's techno-virus.

[Taskmienster]

And So It Begins:: Full commentary, as requested. I’m going to be doing as much as possible, splitting it between the two writers if necessary. If either of you have questions, concerns, or would like further commentary feel free to PM or IM me and I will help as much as possible.



Continuity 5

Setting 5

Pacing 4

Dialogue 4

Action 4

Persona 4

Technique 5

Mechanics 3

Clarity 4

Wild Card 5


Score: 43

Rewards:
Lorenor :: 2557 exp | 50 gold
[[I am approving the use of releasing Undead from the hold of another Necromancer (be it Xem’Zund or any non-N’Jal serving necro). However, the rest is not approved.]]

MD :: 1035 exp | 50 gold
[[Endless Armor; I’m only approving the cuirass, helm (with enchantment as requested), and gauntlets. They are of steel strength with iron chain as you specified. However, I’m not approving the regenerative ability of the armor itself. You can get that in the future, but at this point, I can’t reward that because of the score.]]

Makira :: 411 exp | 100 gold


Thread Notations (Post by Post)

[[Instead of writing all the issues that might arise throughout the thread and placing them in their respective area’s of the judgment, I’m going to write detailed notes about each post as I go and from there I will point out any flaws I might see. I think it will be much easier for me as a judge to do a full commentary, full rubric that way anyway.]]




:: “His cloak drug a trail through them as he walked” – Drug should be dragged.

:: “The Forsaken were the beings employed by both MetalDrago and Lorenor, used as bodyguards, assassins, etc.” – Ect. Is a useful way to say, and other things, but it also detracts from a more formal style of writing. You could, instead, use “…used as bodyguards, assassins, and whatever else necessary as the need arose.”

:: “Within the realm of Narenhad, however, this was hardly the case, as there were Forsaken scattered throughout the entire area, at the beck and call of the two Paladins. Within the ranks of the Forsaken, there were of course those who were considered as brothers and sisters to the two Paladins, and some who acted completely independent of the Order.” – You used “within” to begin both sentences, back to back. It’s best to try and find something else to work with in regards to how to start sentences, or even writing, so that you don’t overuse a single word.

:: “The Paladin then turned around and surveyed Mara.” – Then implies present tense, in order to avoid that you could simply just remove it. Without “then” in the sentence it continues to remain in the past tense easily.

:: “The noise of construction droned as mere background noise in a symphony of dark creation.” – You used “noise” twice in this sentence. It would be simple to find a synonym for either one, but I would suggest (personally of course) something for the second. Like, “mere background buzz”, which also is an alliteration that yields more use of advanced technique.




:: “It was the thick scents of various powerful orders mixed in the radiated air of the room.” – This is a fragment, despite what word says. Due to the fact that it wasn’t linked to the main sentence by any form of conjunction, either a comma or semi-colon. I would suggest in order to make it work better you could have says “was [a this scent]…”

:: In your second paragraph you have “seemed” either every sentence, or every other sentence. That’s a lot of use of the same word.




:: If Kurt is just a lowly worker, why would he deign to take on a Paladin of N’Jal? I didn’t quite get that. The persona of the NPC wasn’t fleshed out quite enough. Maybe adding more to understand his general personality would have helped, but in general it was a bit more fighting and a bit less understandable content regarding his actions and personality.




:: “She was still in a lot of pain from her name.” – Not sure what that even means…

:: When you write dialogue, make sure to separate each person’s own speech. Otherwise, even with Lorenor’s bolded, it gets muddled together into one huge paragraph.

:: Your dialogue seems to change at times… Sometimes it’s oddly phrased old English, sometimes it’s common speech. Not sure why it changes like that, but remember to be consistent.




:: “After all the land surrounding a person does not define the harshness of that land.” – After all should have a comma after it.

:: “what ever was that thief's desire was at that unfrozen moment in time.” – “what ever” should be one word, whatever, not separated.

:: “It seemed to be fine itself not worrying so much about the harsh environment. It landed gracefully on her shoulder. It folded up its wings to rest them. It welcomed the rest, and did not disturb Makira.” – Used “it” to begin 4 sentences in a row. Plus, “seem to be fine itself”, itself isn’t necessary. Since you already used “it” to open the sentence.

:: “She smiled a soft smile that reflected in even her eyes.” – “in even her eyes” is a bit of a strangely worded way to put that. I’d suggest, “in her eyes” or if you must “even in her eyes”.

:: “She said nothing to the workers whom looked up at this stranger.” – “this stranger” causes an implication of present tense disagreement with the rest of the writing. I’d suggest you could reword that easily enough to say “whom looked up at [the] stranger” and it would remain past tense.



:: “Every day he entered this room, the dark Paladin still felt a chill run through his body. This was, with the single exception of the Eye of Fate, the most terrible room in the entire Cathedral, and it was here the prospective initiates paid homage to the Dark Lady, until such time as they proved themselves worthy of entering the forbidden room within the asteroid itself.” – Both uses of This could have been changed, the first, “entered this room” could have been “entered the room” and it would have kept from using this. The second, the beginning of the sentence, could be changed to “It was” and kept the same phrasing properly. Also, the second sentence is a bit of a run-on.

:: “In this world of darkness, with black, red, and violet tapestries woven from the finest silk the Spider-Magi would give up, that the door was opened in the hearts of many to the darkness that exists within every heart, a darkness that originated with N'Jal herself.” – Used this again, but whatev. What I wanted to point out was that the clause between “darkness” and “that” makes the use of “that” not make sense. Think about it if you took out the “with black… Magi would give up.” “In this world of darkness… that the door was opened.” It doesn’t make sense. Remember to link the first clause with its continuation properly.



:: “Whatever was spared from the meteor's crash summoned by a no-name Necromancer was used for the good of the township.” – No offense, but the hole in this sentence comes from a “no-name Necromancer” summoning what could easily be considered the most powerful material relic on Althanas in regards to the Thayne. It seems like a copout in regards to story, and in turn continuity.

:: “People flocked consistently to the area as they sought work and safety from Xem'Zund's forces.” – Again, a bit of a continuity flaw. Why would people flock to this new town, fearing the Forgotten, only to serve the “most powerful” (I use that for storyline purposes and liberally) necromancer-esque deity known to the world? I think, if anything, Raiaeran people should be fleeing any necromancer type force in the world after suffering, especially one that is building a base of operations in the country that was just torn apart by Xem’Zund.



:: “Makira waited there, on the edge of a city beginning to form. She stayed there still as a statue. If one looked upon her as she stood. She'd look to be a fallen angel, her expression that of saddened emptiness. It seemed that she held no emotion and yet if she did it would be sorrow.” – Opening your next post with something that you rigorously drilled into the reader with your last post through the narrative makes the pacing a bit short. It’s like you continued the multiple paragraphs dedicated to explaining her indifferent and statuesque expression, then instead of continuing on in the next post, you kept up that same train of thought.

:: “but then it could be a weak place full of people trying to seek perfection so much that all they see is the sky and miss the flowers on the ground.” – Only quoting this because I liked the way it was worded and written. It is a great example of a metaphor. However, it also struck me as a bit of a sardonic twist of wording… as you’re talking about the followers of N’Jal, who probably don’t care about flowers. It shows a difference in persona of the collected masses of dark followers from the persona of the character itself. Not sure if that part was intentional, but it was interesting for sure.

:: “or perhaps she was here merely to find ways to merely keep her people safe until an end came about.” – Used “merely” twice, in the same sentence. It’s probably more of a pet-peeve, but overuse of a word, especially something that you can substitute another word for, tends to stand out and glare at me.

:: “She Continued to walk among the foundations of the different houses.” – Continued doesn’t need to be capitalized.

:: “She continued this wondering before irritation overtook her previously occupied mind.” – Wondering should be wandering, though you also used “wander” or some form of it 3 times in 3 different sentences back to back.

:: “her mind had little to wander about.” – “her mind has little to [wonder] about.” Used wander instead of wonder.



:: “And Lorenor carefully thought about the words that MetalDrago spoke.” – Shouldn’t start a sentence with a conjunction. Of course, sometimes it’s accepted as a personal style to start a sentence with a conjunction following a previous sentence that it is basically responding to, but this is the first sentence of a new post…

:: “He'd not yet had time to study the Data Cube that Number 5,325 gave him so long ago.” – A continuity issue. For readers unfamiliar, what is a Data Cube or Number 5k+ for that matter? I vaguely remember, because it was some golemn or something that I remember reading about a while ago. But when you’re using something like this, alluding to a past event, it’s best to refresh the memory a little bit.

:: “Time had passed, and Lorenor suddenly noticed, with a start, that MetalDrago, Anti-Paladin of the N'Jal Protocol and fellow brother in arm, was no longer there.” – I know you were going to continue on without him, but that’s not the greatest way to write him out. Perhaps you could have bunnied him a little. Due to the fact that he left, it’s commonly accepted that bunnying is ok. Write that he left and went about his business outside or something. That would have made more sense than randomly vanishing. Plus, the way you wrote him out was dwelt on a whole lot, and then it made him seem like he had actually straight died or something. For pacing reasons, it was simply TOO much thought on MD and him leaving, and not enough on the story at hand.

:: “He walked with confidence, dressed in the attire of a Salvarn nobleman.– Are you wearing N’Jal related robe like attire? Or Salvaran nobleman clothing? Make sure you remain consistent.

:: “"Excuse me there. Are you lost? Perhaps in need of some guidance or direction?" – This is just completely different dialogue than earlier. Either continue with the way you were writing Lorenor’s dialogue, or edit the previous dialogue to comply with the difference.



:: Super short, to the point, but brevity in this situation seems to destroy the overall pacing of each post before it. I’d recommend using the lack of direct narrative to allow for more indirect narrative, such as explanations of the surroundings and a good time to throw in any advanced technique. You don’t need to make every post a full page or more, but suddenly throwing in only 3 paragraphs when there is still so much that you could have added is a bit of a buzzkill.

:: “The other few with the different strands of the N'jal protocol that she had noticed, their presence here confirmed that this was indeed the location.” – “The other few” what? People, creatures, beings around her? Make sure that if you are going to not use pronouns or even if you do, that you remember to put a qualifier that explains what the sentence is referring to, either a true noun or even a description of what you are referring to.

:: “She waited for him to answer her, As she waited she watched him, observing him noticing small details to his features, or as much of which he allowed her to observe.” – This is a run-on sentence. Also, you put a comma instead of a period at one point yet still capitalized the next word. Also, “observing him notice small details to his features” is confusing. Did you mean, that he was observing small features on her? Or that she was observing small features on him?



:: “All though he knew a name,” – should be “although”



:: “She thought over the different possibilities. Metaldrago was a dear friend to her, The only reason she had come out this far to seek him out was because he requested it.” – Again, you forgot a period, but still capitalized the next word in the line.

:: “She let her thoughts wander,” – you use “wander” constantly. It’s not a bad idea to try and find a synonym for the word, as it’s used probably 2-5 times in each post, which has very few paragraphs in each to begin with.

:: “Perhaps he knew much that he wouldn't or never will share with her about her dear friend.” – “will share” is present tense, it should be “would share”.



:: “Her eyes were as energies that flowed out from her eye sockets.” – A confusing way to word that.

:: “He said to the waitress being sure he spoke loudly enough for both of them to hear.” – “waitress” implies that you’re in a tavern or restaurant, not your home. She’s more like a servant at this point, or even a slave.



:: “She tilted her head in thought, She noticed her phoenix restless, the phoenix settled for the back of another chair.” – Same mistake as noted above, no period, but still a capitalized word.

:: “ " i think some well cooked meat for my phoenix, and for myself i shall have the same drink perhaps a tray of spiced potatoes with strips of meat as well. if you don't mind of course."” – I note this, as at this point you felt it necessary to bold your text. Until this point you hadn’t, so when you switch it makes it confusing… as I know you’re talking, but Lorenor has bolded his text the entire time but you haven’t. Also, you didn’t capitalize the I either time you started a sentence.

:: “" you have a nice home, well furnished if not strange. The weapons... the one over the fireplace. prevalida if i am not mistaken, my lord."” – Capitalize the first word of each new sentence. You did it above, in this one, and again the next line of dialogue. As well as the first sentence following the next bit of dialogue.

:: “Mistrust came to her much easier than trust, She hoped though, that the man would not be offended by this mistrust.” – No period, but still a capital letter like their should have been one. Re-read your posts to make sure that you remember the little things.


[[From this point on, the same mistakes were made in basically every post to follow. Things could have been corrected easily if you had simply taken the time to re-read your posts. Or ran them through Word or something. Lorenor, remember to remain consistent with dialogue, persona, and setting. Makira, re-read and check over your writing to avoid all the little mistakes that you made. MD, there are just little things here and there, but your writing has improved greatly.]]

[Taskmienster]

Exp and GP added.