The Festival of Light. (Open to All!)

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

( Moderator Note: I am concluding this thread as a Solo Quest, thank you! )

~0~
June 13th, C.P. 1812
1:30 P.M.


Concordia Forest. In the middle of the huge mass of trees, there was a certain town. A village of strangers to an even stranger planet. There were roughly ten-twelve brick-stone buildings that were squat in nature. Each building had the shape of a rough cuboid. Colored brown on the outside, the buildings were mostly workshops belonging to the native settlers of the village. An outcast community, the people within the village were outsiders. They operated underneath the watchful eye of the Corone Empire, in secrecy.

Known only to the Syndicate and to the Coalition forces operating in Corone, the settlers in this town had a unique export to offer. Machines. The skilled inventors and technicians of the village were artisans with their craft. They offered the world of Althanas proper their unique trade. Machines were built by the town's elders that were quite advanced in nature. A certain house contained a certain family of the settlers, and they were living about five individuals in the house. It was located in the eastern most section of the town.

But today, today was not about inventing. Today was a rare festival that was meant to offer thanks to the native deity, Karshook. The town was lit up with fireworks, firecrackers and other noise makers. Small explosives popped in the air and created streaming energy that crackled and sizzled through it. The town's settlers were out in mass, many of the individuals cooking food, drinking, dancing, and offering thanks to the deity named Karshook. The Eldest of the townsfolk, a man named Zenthum Prisido oversaw the village proper. He was a highly skilled Engineer and one of the original settlers that crash-landed on Althanas proper.

Visible grafts on his body, the man looked like a clockwork amalgam himself. One of his eyes was missing and was replaced with a synthetic eye used to a analyze various substances from afar. It rotated and had a metallic appendage attached to the side of his skull in the temporalis region. The man stood at about six feet and five inches, weighed well over two hundred pounds, and had a meaty, healthy build. He was somewhat hunched over with all the machinery attached to his body. He was missing his right arm, advanced gears were attached to his shoulder. The synthetic arm had three long, fully adjustable fingers.

Whilst several wars were being waged across the world of Althanas proper, the small township prepared to test its youth in their greatest challenge yet. The Festival of Light. Preparing to face The Scourge in a cavern that was located to the Northeast of the town, well within the depths of the Concordia Forest, the young men and women Inventors of the town were readying to prove themselves. Zenthum looked upon the gathered and prepared to speak. There was a statue in the center of the village with various offerings of incense, livestock and gold. Each family was required to participate in the religion of the race.

Zenthum spoke with a booming, synthesized voice that was projected even through the voice. "Young ones! You are now of age to undergo the Trials of of the Festival of Light. When our Ancestors landed upon this planet of Althanas, many things changed. Radiation from our technology spread across Gorandis! We must venture out and snuff out the mutations that have emerged as a result of our tampering with the natural resources of this world. Now, at this eve of Summertide, our youth prepares to face their greatest test! You there, must go to the Caverns of the Trial and overcome the challenges of our ancestors!"

****

And that's how it went. That's how Sabatykos Maelstrom learned of his destiny. He prepared, alongside a small group of other adventurers. Four all together. One girl his age, and two other lads. One of them had already attempted the trial before. The all put together their equipment and prepared to face the Caverns of Trials. Sabatykos sheathed the weapons his Father and Mother gave him, and put the Tools in his pack. Armed with a small stipend of money, and a map, the youth prepared to venture out into Gorandis. "Well friends. This is where we part. We must all go our separate ways from here."

They were on a hill that overlooked Gorandis proper, some yards away from their town. Sabatykos bade farewell to his companions and they parted ways. Each of the young Inventors was required to undergo their own path to the Caverns of Trial and complete their own Trials. The Ancestor Spirits would guide each Inventor to their task. As of yet, the youth had not yet earned the markings of Karshook. He walked down the trail and into the forest, it was already beginning to grow dark by the time Sabatykos had set out to the Forest. He unsheathed his iron broadsword and prepared to face what challenges lay in The Dark.

((Open to All))

[The International]

For this thread I will be using Esme & Alix (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19097) instead of Vespasian Villeneuve. I apologize for my tardiness for it took me some time to find the character of the Villeneuve Parents.

There are many places a married couple would have liked to been o their anniversary. If one were to ask your average couple they would have answered with a nice vacation in the tropical regions of the world, a night at one of Radasanth’s grand resorts. Alix and Esme Villeneuve, however, were spending their anniversary in the forest of Concordia. They were not your average couple. On the contrary, they were quite possibly the farthest thing from it. They were in Concodia because they wanted to be.

While most wives would have been cutting down the heavens us under with a tongue as sharp as Kachuck mythril, Alix Villeneuve was silent in her admiration of the beautiful forest. While most husbands would have taken a tongue lashing more brutal than whip of the Ethereal Sway, Esme was reveling the satisfaction of getting things right once again. The Villeneuves jaunted down a dirt path hand in hand as they took in the sights. They felt as though they were in a mansion as golden pillars of sunlight held up an emerald ceiling. The floor was decorated by baby blue, magenta, and violet flowers that emitted enticing scents. Cardinals and blue jays fluttered about singing songs of life like a flute ensemble. The couple was lost in the innocence of nature, for who would have thought that a bloody civil war was raging on not far from here.

“Three kids, a ship, and a successful trade business.” Alix said as she plucked a flower from the ground. “We could afford all the trappings of a luxurious holiday, and you chose to take an expedition through an island empire torn by civil war?”

“Yes.” Esme nodded as his burnished brown eyes met his wife’s hazel sparkles. “I’m good, right? I am the master of all things delightful.”

“You did great.” Alix said with a chuckle as she put the violet flower in her auburn hair. She made sure to put it on the left side, for someone once told her to put a lower on a lady’s left side was to signify that she was spoken for. “Although it was never too hard, was it?”

“No. It never is.” Esme said. The Villeneuves were two of a kind. As the story is told each was born a little less than fifty years ago to noble families of powerful nations. They both had a love for adventure and intrigue, and as dangerous as that love was they found themselves working as agents for their respective nations’ interests. Their careers as agent provocateurs for rival nations forced them to cross paths and swords, until finally they fell in love. Knowing that neither nation would accept this Alix and Esme faked their deaths, stole a ship, changed their names, and became merchants by day and private agents by night. It was their love of adventure that brought them together, and it was their love of adventure that kept them together even as they became mother and father.

“Well what do we have here?” The two Villeneuves came across a hill nearly thirty hands in height. Its concave shape revealed the mouth of a rocky abyss. “… Should we?”

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

After walking for a time through Concordia, Sabatykos made his way towards the Cave of Trials. Sabatykos was close to his goal when he saw something up ahead. Merely a few paces away from his position was an oddly paired couple. Sabatykos had seen individuals in love before and found it somewhat uncomfortable. Grass, shrubbery, and earth crunched underneath the inventor's soft boots as he made his way towards the strangers' position. He ran his hand through his hair. His dreadlocks were shoulder length and tied back in a bundled ponytail.

Wearing a kind expression on his face, Sabatykos looked upon the forms of the two he'd discovered. Sabatykos overhead one of them speaking, and decided that he should respond. After all, Concordia Forest was not a safe place for lovers out on a stroll with all the bandits about. The recent wave of crime against travelers was well known. It was ironic that these individuals made their way to the Cave of Trials. Sabatykos looked at the couple for a few moments with his dark eyes, and began to speak.

"Hey." Sabatykos said. "This is sacred grounds. It's not safe for normal people around here. I'm surprised not of the contaminated found you first." Sabatykos hinted at something darker lurking in the forest. "Anyway, now that I've found you, I guess we should work together." Sabatykos walked over to the pair staying a respectful few paces away from them. He bowed deeply to them and stood up straight after that. His hands rested at his side, and he appeared to be very calm.

Sabatykos was a young man that appeared to be in his early twenties. He had long, black dreadlocks that were kept in a shoulder length bundled ponytail, bushy eyebrows, a square jaw and chin, and a muscular build. He wore a black linen shirt that had no sleeves, black baggy pants, leather boots, and leather gloves. He wore simple glasses kept close to his face. Sabatykos had a canvas backpack on his back, and had several pieces of equipment visible. Two sheathed daggers, and one sheathed sword.

Sabatykos smelled the various fungi of this region. The thick scents of the cavernous abyss before him flowed in the breeze. Sabatykos smelled various scents of mold and other scents from the cavern's structure. He stood atop the center of a hill that overlooked the couple. His eyes were locked on both of them. "You shouldn't be traveling this deep in Concordia by yourselves. My people know this area really well. I can guide you through the Cave of Trials if you want to come with me." Sabatykos said calmly. "There is treasure in the Cave. I'll gladly split it with you."

[The International]

Esme looked at Alix, and Alix looked at Esme. They both smiled at exactly the same time. It wasn't just the prospect of adventure that gave them glee in their hearts. No, there was also the element of surprise. This young fit man, perhaps a teenager, had no idea who they truly were, which was no accident. The couple decided to traverse the forest clad in long emerald cloaks held together by ornate bronze pins. Therefore Alix's wakizashi, which rested horizontally across the small of her back, and Esme's rapier, which hung at his left side, were nowhere in sight. They truly did look like two of the most harmless Humans one could ever cross. Esme lifted an index finger to the muscle bound boy.

“If you would allow the two of us to consult, young man... Marriage of equals.” The two took a few steps away and turned slightly so that the boy couldn't hear them. It wasn't a question of whether or not they actually wanted to step into a cave that actually contained contents of conflict and calamity. Of course they did. They just wanted to coordinate what con, if any, they would pull on this boy.

“What is it with every little kid in Althanas asking every passerby to join their party?” Alix said with a shake of the head and her hands on her hips. “You know what? That's only something the boys do. Women wouldn't trust just anyone they see on the road. That's bad news.”

“Nevertheless.” Esme adjusted his cloak just to make sure his rapier wasn't seen. The next statement would come in jest. “Maybe you should talk to our girls about talking to strangers.”

Alix chuckled from the depths of her diaphragm. Spy business was the Villeneuve family business. They all talked to strangers on a regular basis. “Maybe you should talk to our son about it. He's the pretty one. So how do we proceed? Good Cop/Bad Cop, Bad Bluff, or Deus Ex Machina?”

“Deus Ex Machina. Let's surprise him.” Esme rubbed his chin for a moment then nodded his head towards the kid. “Follow my lead.”

Esme approached with a smile and decided to extend his hand for a shake. “Pleased to meet your acquaintance. My name is Esme Ouellet and this is my wife, Alix Ouellet. We hail from Scara Brae and we decided to come up to Corone for our anniversary to explore the Concordia forest. We were told it possessed such beauty and we haven't been disappointed yet. After some discussion we've decided it would be a great show of courtesy to escort you through the Cave of Trials.”

“And you can keep the valuables.” Alix said with a curtsy. She continued in a peculiar chipper tone. “Time with my one and only and helping those in need are all I treasure... Unless I see something I like.”

“She'll see something she likes.” Esme mumbled through a pearly smile.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

The man had a solid hand shake. Sabatykos found himself immediately liking the pair. Partially, they reminded him of his own parents back home, Malus Maelstrom and Imerti Maelstrom. Malus was a kind blacksmith that had obtained the exclusive status of mastersmith. Imerti was a ranger, a skilled member of her people. Sabatykos missed his family something fierce, but knew that he would have to undergo the trials of his people. Wherever these might lead him. Sabatykos took a position nearby to the man. "There will be many threats." Sabatykos began. He was glad to have some help for the trial. They would not understand the deeper mystery of his people. "My Father has said that the Cave of Trials is crawling with the Contaminated. It is not a trial meant to be taken lightly, but all of my people must undergo them. Perhaps it is fate that we were meant to meet today." Sabatykos said for conversations sake. He was also attempting to inform them of the situation at hand. Sabatykos, drew the broadsword in his possession, and walked in a basic combat stance forward.

It showed that he had some fighting experience. Sabatykos pointed the sword to the ground, the tip a few inches off it. He walked over to the cave entrance and walked in, being consumed by the darkness of the cavern. Sabatykos' eyes soon adjusted to the low-lighting in the cavern. He looked about the main chamber that he'd discovered and heard water trickling from stalactites. Several outgrowths of mushrooms and fungi were visible on the floor.

Sabatykos' boots walked against the granite floor. Looking about, he kept his ears sharp, and his nostrils flared. He was concentrating on the area around him. He'd never once been to the Cave of Trials before, so he had limited knowledge of spelunking.

Sabtykos looked at his companions. He saw that the earth below had some footprints from previous Saenorakym Prime youth traveling through the Cave of Trials. Sabatykos noted that. Many other youths his age were busily undergoing the trials of Karshook. Sabatykos felt pride swell in his chest as he began the trial. He wished that there was better lighting about, and regretted not having a lantern with him. Regardless, he would have to do with what he had. He turned towards the pair. "Hey, it's pretty dark. Do you guys have a lantern with you?" He wondered how the Contaminated would react to the light. Sabatykos had never encountered them before, but had heard the stories from the Elders. The Contaminated were rumored to be vicious creatures. They were mutations of the local wild-life and the youth knew that they were dangerous from the warnings that the Elders gave him. "We will have to be careful. We should try to defeat any Contaminated that we come across."

[The International]

The muscle bound boy rambled on about his task, peering at the Villeneuves with amber eyes of naivete. It was cute. It reminded Alix and Esme of their children, all at least four years this boy's senior, when they first faced the adventures of an adult world. They couldn't properly recall their own forays into adulthood, for they were old and it seemed like thousands of years ago. As time went on fresh memories became subject to perception and emotion. Every time they reminisced details were tampered with. Some were completely cast aside, others were exaggerated, and eventually the emotion one felt at the time was lost to the emotion one felt when recalling that memory. At least that was how they felt about it. Alix bit her lower lip too keep from laughing. She didn't want to make offense even though she was sure to draw blood from her tightly clenched teeth. Esme rubbed his face in a facade of contemplation, so much so that his grin of amusement was completely distorted.

The boy kept his monologue going even as he drew his broadsword. On several occasions the two spies looked at each other with a mix of humor and confusion. Who or what were the contaminated, and why did the boy speak as though they knew of these things. The Villeneuves followed the young warrior matching his every step like cats stalking their prey. As they came close to the mouth they could feel the cold breath of the earth exhaling out at them. The stalactites hung like saliva coated teeth along the ceiling, and the mushrooms and such grew like a cavity in a dirty Orc's mouth. It was almost as if Althanas herself was crying out with an empty stomach... Feed me. The Villeneuves, fearless in most endeavors, would have happily obliged. They were confident that if the mother land took them into her stomach she would only regret it and eventually regurgitate them. They just lacked the information needed to create the proper food poisoning.

They halted their slow progression when the boy finally stepped behind the curtain of obsidian shadow. Esme crossed his arms, and Alix put her hands on her hips as they both said in unison, “Hold on!”

“Light?” Alix said with a quizzical gesture of the hands. “Why would we have a light? You're the one diving into caves. Why don't you have a light?”

“Come on.” Esme said as he stared into the darkness. He could only imagine what an outsider would make of this. It probably looked as though he and his wife were talking to an imaginary friend. “Come back out here, young man. In our business we plan before we take action, and the more we know the better. What are these contaminated you keep on mentioning? What are your objectives?”

“... And what's your name again?”

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos paused when more questions came his way. Are they being serious? How could they have survived this long? He wondered as they asked questions of various matters. How could they not know of the Contaminated? Maybe it was only his people that knew of the race of monsters living this deep in Concordia. Turning on his heels, he walked back to the family. "I take it you don't have a lantern? I could always make one for you guys if you have the proper supplies. I have some supplies with me, but I'm not sure if I can build a lantern on my own." Sabatykos said cautiously. Then he realized with a start, I haven't introduced myself yet! He blushed at that for a brief moment and then began his introductions where appropriate. "My name is Sabatykos Maelstrom. My people live in a town not too far from here." Sabatykos said in case they needed to go resupply before the venture. Sabatykos looked at the mouth of the cave for a long moment and suddenly realized how much of an amateur he must look like.

His people only gave him the basic most supplies to travel with. As he thought further about the situation at hand, he realized that he'd been given enough parts for a lamp or a basic lantern of sorts. He turned to look at the duo again. "I must apologize for not informing you sooner. I am just eager to get my journey underway. I was simply going to trust the Ancestor Guardians to guide me." Sabatykos said in a matter-of-fact sort of way.

He listened to the breeze that flowed from the cavern. Different sounds were carried in the breeze that Sabatykos could just barely make out. He could also see fresh footprints in the earth from where previous members attempting the trials stepped. Thinking on the matters at hand now, the inventor decided he'd better prepare a simple lantern. He took off his backpack, removed his took kit and what basic supplies he had, and worked for approximately half an hour.

As he worked, he could not do any other action. Concentration, when tinkering with devices was an utmost necessity. He came up with a mental plan of the device he needed to build, and put together the gears and other pieces of the machine together. Once it was complete he had a functional lamp in his hand, the process taking an hour roughly. He stood up and held the lamp in his free hand. After turning it on, the glow orb inside of the lamp gave off a powerful glow. "There. Not too shabby." Sabatykos said calmly as he looked at his invention. "If you guys need anything repaired, I'm your man." Sabatykos said, but he doubted any of them had any clockwork devices on their person. "As for the Contaminated...they are vicious monsters. They used to be animals that lived in these parts of Concordia. But for some reason they've mutated into something far more dangerous. We defeat what Contaminated we can find. At least we attempt to defeat them." Sabatykos knew he was being very vague. "There are many different types of them. Some more dangerous than others. If we encounter any of them, you'll know it." Sabatykos said with a hint of warning in his voice. At least he was taking the threat of the Contaminated extremely serious.

[The International]

“Sabatykos...” Alix repeated, continuing the act of naivete.

“Sabatykos...” Esme followed suit as he tilted his head in curiosity. He and his wife suddenly burst into a duet of broken syllables. All the while they looked at each other and exercised their face muscles with random expressions galore. They probably came across as retarded to the boy. “Sab.... tikitiki.... Sabaaa... Kos.... Sabasaba... Yayayayaya...”

They paused for a moment of silence and suddenly said in unison. ”Maelstrom.”

Esme turned to Sabatykos to gauge his reaction. Before the boy could respond he spoke up. “We're merchants and we find useful memorize people's names as quickly as we possibly can. So we use word association.”

“Associate the word with something wild and crazy.” Alix said as she waved her hands in the air. “We can guarantee your name has been etched in stone in these noggins.”

“So do you know how long or far you're supposed to venture into this Cave of Trials, S...” Esme starred into space. His pupils darted left and right in hopes of finding this boy's first name once again. Of course he and Alix weren't old hags who would forget a name in an instant. They were in their mid forties and could pull off an age ten years their junior. Their minds were sharp, and they weren't oddball couple they were making themselves out to be. He hadn't forgotten Sabatykos' name that quickly. He just wanted to play with the boy. After a moment of contemplation, Esme mumbled, “...Damn it.”

“Get your head in the game, honey.” Alix said with a scolding wave of the finger. “We've got light. He's got a plan. Let's get this show on the road! Lead the way, Sabbatical.”

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

With the lantern in his hand, the youth turned it on. Immediately, an ambiance was created that offered up a glow roughly five feet in diameter. Sabatykos held the simple clock-work device in his hand, so that they could see it's basic function. "Just a glow-orb. Nothing too serious. I think we should have enough light to make it through the cavern okay unless there are problems that arise with the Contaminated." Sabatykos gave silent thanks to the Ancestor Guardians for his good fortune meeting Esme and Alix. They seemed like genuinely good people, at least they did so to the youth's inexperienced eyes. Sabatykos nodded towards the duo. "Well its time. Let's go in and have a look around. I have knowledge of the area, but this is my first time actually venturing into the Cave of Trials." Sabatykos suddenly had a sad look on his face. "I'm sorry that there are so many risks involved in this journey, but no good things ever happen to those who are stagnant." Sabatykos said. He ignored their making fun of his name for the time being, as the youth was focused on more serious matters.

Traversing the Cave of Trials was not a joke to his people. Contaminated were everywhere. Or so that's what their Elder lead them all to believe. He'd never even stepped foot inside of the Cave of Trials so he didn't know what to expect. He kept his sword in one hand, and the makeshift lantern in the other. Sabatykos moved forward into the Living Dark. His body was consumed by the Living Dark until the glowing lantern became but a minute point of light in the cavern's entrance...

***

Once inside the cavernous structure, Sabatykos investigated his surrounding. He heard noises carried in the breeze. Some of them were the natural sounds of moisture dripping off in the distance, whilst other sounds were the sounds of various creatures stirring in the Dark. Sabatykos assumed that these sounds were the sounds of the Contaminated that lurked within the Cave of Trials. Sabatykos had a specific goal in his heart, and could not get side tracked by needless battles.

The youth took a look around the main chamber. Above, stalactites were visible that jutted down several yards at length. A few of them were several feet above his head. Sabatykos saw other formations of rock growing from the cavern's floor. He sighed at that. There was fungi and other plants everywhere and a particularly moldy order filled his nostrils. It was a strong and sweet smell that smelled almost like a rotted perfume. Sabatykos felt a wave of nausea fill his stomach for a moment but fought it off well. After a moment of breathing in the dirty air, the youth got used to the intense sensation even as it made his eyes sting. Sabatykos turned to look twards Esme and Alix. "Okay. There are a couple of passages. My gut instinct says we should go that way." Sabatykos pointed to the Northernmost exit of the chamber. It seemed to contain a visible path through the room into another room located beyond. All though small creatures stirred in the foliage of the cavern, including bats, Sabatykos could not see any of the Contaminated anywhere. At least not yet. Sabatykos started to walk towards the Northern passage.

[The International]

The land held her cold, damp, dark mouth open awaiting for fresh, warm meat to enter its mouth, but upon ingestion one had to wonder if she could close her mouth, would she have done so. These creatures entering her belly were bound to cause a problem of some sort. Indigestion, gas, heartburn, diarrhea even? It was obvious these morsels were something unhealthy as they entered carrying about.

“Now that I know what these contaminated are.” Alix said as she looked up at the multiple rows of stalactites. They reminded her of a shark's jaws. “I'd like to lay claim to any contaminated mink running around in here. If there's a rabbit, I want his contaminated foot. Ah, and if there's a contaminated gator, I'd like his skin. It would make a great belt.”

“And great shoes for me...” Esme concluded as the two of them drew closer to Sabatykos. The short range of luminosity from the lamp compelled them to do so as the light of the sun began to dissipate. In a normal situation the both of them would have lingered just outside the makeshift lamp's range, but they were playing a role. “So what are you supposed to do in here, Maelstrom? Have your people given you specific instructions.”

“I think that's what we're in here for, honey.” Alix said as she tossed her auburn hair and rolled her green eyes. She suddenly froze as her short term memory alerted her to something her eyes caught. Her left hand clamped down on Esme's wrist and he turned to see her gaze fixated on the low ceiling.

Above them hung a landscape of earthen hue fur that swayed not to the will of the wind, but to the whims of animal impulse. They were the ears of bats, dozens of them, moving and twitching in a half asleep daze. Esme's hand landed heavy on Maelstrom's shoulder as he whispered “...boy!”

The attempt to move undetected was too little too late. They had been rambling on all this time under the watchful ears of cave bats, and if they knew anything about cave bats it was that they never missed anything. If they hadn't been startled by now, then they weren't afraid of the Humans, and if they were going to move, they would move with the intention to strike. The Villeneuves slowly lowered into a ready stance and waited for their tour guide to give them further instruction.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos paused instantly as he held the glow-orb in his hand. He found himself clutching at it for a moment, and then he lowered the orb to about the middle of his center of gravity. The young inventor stared at the river of the Contaminated. There were literally hundreds of them if not thousands of them. Sabatykos' hand went to his masterwork sword but he soon saw that the gesture was useless. "Megachiroptera. Species number 52." Sabatykos whispered to himself as he prepared for imminent attack.

The first of the bat-like Contaminated species began to flutter awake from a deep slumber that the humans disturbed. The wings had a significant wingspan of about four feet or so, and judging by the muscular nature of the bats, the creatures were lethal. Their faces had upturned nostrils, large ears that were pointed up, and their maws had many rows of sharp teeth. Sabatykos was trained to spot the core of the Contaminated. "Damn, the core is not exposed! Expose the core and we can take them out quickly but don't destroy the core. The cores can be salvaged, it is a valuable commodity for my people. Spare what cores you can spare."

Sabatykos said and was on the move. He hoped that his two companions could keep up with him as he sprinted forward. He knew there was no way he could take on all of the Contaminated. Further more, the Contaminated were known to pass on infectious diseases since they were creatures of Ruild. Sabatykos moved quickly but the attack began. He saw several of the bats begin to spread the wings and screech loudly. The sound soon spread until thousands of the bats were screeching loudly! This gave Sabatykos a distracting headache, but he was able to fight through it somewhat. With his enhanced reflexes, Sabatykos moved with nearly precise movements.

Sabatykos trained in the ways of his people. He was not a warrior. He was not prepared to handle a battle against an entire army and that was what these creatures were. "Esme! Alix! Run!" Sabatykos yelled to his two companions even as he felt the first set of snapping jaws come in his general direction. Slowing down significantly, the youth ducked underneath the first of the incoming bats. They were swooping down in an arching movement one by one, then moving as a massive horde. Sabatykos started to swipe his blade upwards hoping to catch some of the bats with at least minor injuries. Wishing he were more combat trained at the time being, he moved forward until he spotted another exit. "This way guys! We can make it!"

And then the worst happened. Coordinating their movements in some language known only to them, species number 52 created a sudden bottleneck swarm. The swarm looked like a cloud of insects and flowed downward towards the trio. Sabatykos had no way of defending against the swarm except to run his ass off. He ducked down against a stalagmite and covered his ears against the horrible noise that the swarm gave off. He used his advanced reflexes to move as quickly as he could towards the next stalagmite and ducked behind it, barely avoiding the swarm. Sabatykos knew he would have to evade his way into the next chamber and hope that the species number 52 did not chase him. "Guys! Hurry!" Sabatykos yelled hoping that his friends hadn't been caught by the swarm.

[The International]

Esme opened up his cloak and placed his arm around the shoulder of his wife as he watched the young adventurer's reaction to the creatures above. He didn't know what to make of Sabatykos. He wasn't sure whether the adventurer was stunned by the sight, or whether he was stunned in sheer terror. From what he was gathering the latter seemed more evident, but a spy's job was to expect the worst. He began to scan the room for possible routes of escape. His wife was already a few steps ahead of him. Instead of speaking, Alix proposed her plan with her hand, pointing at a stalagmite then directing his attention from one terrestrial pillar to another. She wanted them to take cover behind the stalagmites and quickly move from one to the other until they reached the entrance to the next chamber. He began to comply as he stepped forward but suddenly stopped with an epiphany all over his face.

Esme began to mouth out Raiaeran words, and Alix immediately knew what he was conjuring up. The Master of Songs was about to use some good old Raiaeran magic, but Alix didn't know exactly how he was about to use it. Despite the situation, she still didn't want to give away the fact that they were more than the ordinary civilians. So she whispered. “Ice?”

Ice was the only element that Esme used that wasn't naturally incandescent. Using something like that would give them away, but using ice would be perfect in this situation of limited visibility. He nodded and directed her attention to the archway that would get them out of this tiny chamber and into the next. All he had to do now was wait.

He didn't have to wait long. The sound of the first pair of wings gave way to thousands of followers and filled their ears like the trade winds themselves. With a hiss of the mouth Esme summoned up a thick umbrella of ice that protected the majority of the back of their upper bodies. It was just in time for the first mutated bat rammed into it causing a small fissure in its center. The Villeneuves charged forward. They had the assistance of 'Species Number 52'. Every few moments, one of the deadly creatures attempted to strike from above providing a little push forward.

“How about you hurry?” Alix said as they crossed under the archway and into safety.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Just a small note bro, the chamber was pretty big. But its not a big deal man.

Seeing his two companions make their way towards the other chamber much faster than he, Sabatykos assumed they were more than human. Many Althanian humans had mystical powers, he knew that to be true. So he wondered if they were amongst that lot. In the low-light, Sabatykos had a hard time seeing what it was that his newly discovered companions were doing. A trudge through the cavern was not exactly a good way to make friends.

Sensing magics in the air that were foreign to him, Sabatykos turned to face his newly found allies. Unable to completely see the magics that were called, he could sense the change in temperature in the air. Wondering exactly what it was that they had done, the youth could only wonder. In his momentary pause, he saw that they moved quickly through the chamber.

The horde of bats made their way through the room, arched in unison and continued their attack. They were exceedingly fast. Diving forward, he did not need to be told twice. Sabatykos nodded from his position to theirs when they had passed his person. They were standing in the next chamber already, and the youth had to catch up to them. Utilizing his full reflexes, Sabatykos dived forward, and broke in a sprint at his best speed.

Running like hell, he could sense the wings of the mutated bats just behind him as they flapped in unison. Sabatykos' heart raced as he struggled to keep up with his much faster companions. He couldn't. Super speed was not amongst his powers. The bottle-neck of bats made their way towards Sabatykos. Billions of hungry, snapping maws.

With his reflexes, he was able to move against the mass of the bats.

Moving in one direction in a arch like movement, the bats flowed downward in an attempt to pick Sabatykos up and off the ground. Sabatykos reacted by leaping forward into a rolling maneuver and skillfully moving into a run towards Esme and Alix. Sabatykos finally caught up after the near mishap with the bats. The bats moved upwards to avoid crashing into the wall, and Sabatykos was home-free. I'm never doing that one again... Sabatykos thought as he caught up with Esme and Alix.

"Lets avoid that room in the near future okay?" Sabatykos said trying to catch his breath. "I'll need a minute or two to catch my breath."

In the next chamber, it was more of the cavernous expanse. This room was very similar to the previous chamber sans all the bats. Sabatykos smelled a horrible smell in the room, and kept his hand on his weapon just in case the smell belonged to another one of the Contaminated. Sabatykos knew a bit about them, but he only knew what was common-knowledge to non-Hunters. Hunters had all the knowledge of that race of monsters as a whole. Sabatykos would have to learn from scratch if he was to survive the Festival of Light. Feeling a pull in his gut, Sabatykos turned to look towards the general eastern-most direction of the new cavern. This particular chamber was considerably larger than the previous chamber. Stalactites had intricate patterns upon them and were much more crooked than the ones in the previous chamber. Also, the smell in the chamber was incredibly intense. It didn't smell like rot, or anything like that, but rather it was a sweet sort of smell. Sabatykos did not like it at all. He inspected a nearby stalagmite and saw that there was a strange growth on it.

The growth gave off a mysterious sort of air. Sabatykos shook his head, he had no knowledge of the fungal growths in this region. So he would simply have to avoid danger in the future.

Catching his breath, Sabatykos looked at his two companions.

"You did well back there. Sorry I couldn't do more. I'm still young in the ways of my people. One day, I will be much more of an asset to you. My people have sacred caves throughout all of Concordia. This is merely the first such cave. Each region has various treasures within it. I am only interested in one object that is important to me. Whatever else we find we can split equally, I have no problems sharing." Sabatykos said with a smile on his face. "The treasure will be my payment to you."

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

All of the sudden, Sabatykos realized that he was all by himself. He could not find his two stalwart companions anywhere! Previously, he was talking to himself it seemed as he waited for his presumed friends to enter the room. Sabatykos assumed that they hadn't survived the attack and sighed. Back to square one now. He thought to himself as he prepared to venture onward. There was naught he could do but continue on with the mission at hand.

As far as he could see, layers of granite, sediment, and pure stone were visible. The youth studied what he could quickly but knew that lingering in one spot would be bad for his well being. In this next chamber, the technician found himself in a completely empty room. He moved quickly through it to observe the natural landmarks of the chamber. On one of side of the chamber was a natural wellspring that forged a large pool of water. Tempted to drink of those waters, Sabatykos was glad that he had his own water skin. There was no telling what was in the pool!

With a scientific mind, the youth explored the caverns. So far, his spelunking had proved fruitful. He made progress through the caverns without interference from The Contaminated. In fact, Sabatykos had not encountered a single living being since the bats that he'd discovered earlier in the journey. Those creatures were still fresh on his mind as he made his way through the depths of the cavern. He knew that even more warped mutations could still be waiting for him further in, and he did not want to take any chances against them. He clutched at his weapon's handle, drawing the iron broadsword with a tension in his heart.

As he traveled through the new chamber, Sabatykos made a quick mental map of the area around him. The chamber had several new passages in it that he had to check. Sabatykos knew that the trials were difficult, but he had no idea that spelunking could pose this much of a thread to his physical well-being. Sabatykos sighed. He was getting tired and impatient to find what he was looking for. The Trials' documentation stated that he had to seek out specific portions of the caverns, and discover The Ancestors living within the cavern. The Ancestor would commence the trial. Sabatykos did not know anything else other than that. His only other lead was that he had to search for a certain room that had a key marker in it. Sabatykos did not know the nature of the marker, only that it was what he sought.

And so, Sabatykos searched. Walking towards the closest of the new doors, the youth wiped sweat off his brow. He had not come across another living being since the bats and his former companions. Sabatykos found that a bit disturbing. Aren't other people taking this trial? He shook the thought from his head as he walked forward. Suddenly, he saw a physical manifestation appear before his very eyes. On the cave's ground, there appeared a complicated series of glowing symbols. These symbols formed a trail heading towards the door he was walking to. Shrugging at the sudden appearance, the youth was lucky he had guessed right. His eyes were adjusting to the darkness now, and he was having an easier time seeing. The youth traveled into the next chamber hoping that he would find what he was looking for soon enough...

He knew that the longer he stayed in the cave the shorter his life expectancy became.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

From the depths of the next chamber, the youth discovered a tremendous presence. Glowing energy clung to the air as it manifested into a physical form on The Firmanent. Sabatykos drew his sword as he readied himself for what he assumed would be combat. Spheres of light ferried themselves through the air as the presence manifested before Sabatykos. The youth's muscles tensed as he studied the magnificent power he had discovered. What is this power? Why does it seem so familiar? Sabatykos thought to himself.

A scientific mind demanded fact and inquiry. What he saw before him defied fact and reasoning. Parts of the youth wanted to shut out the sight as it appeared before him. Then, he saw something that he did not expect to see at all. The runic symbol of Clan Maelstrom. A highly stylized "M" written in a syntax of The Elder Saenorakym Prime that Sabatykos had not seen before. The symbol of power shown brilliantly in the air and traveled to the core of its source. When that happened, the energy took a definitive humanoid shape and burst onto The Firmanent as a sentient being. Before him, after the energy cascaded towards the individual, floated a middle-aged man of Saenorakym Prime origins. Sabatykos immediately deduced that this entity must be The Ancestral Ghost he was looking for. After a moment, he relaxed his guard and sheathed the weapon he held back in it's scabbard. Sabatykos knelt before The Ancestral Ghost.

"Young Sabatykos. Your name has reached my ears." The Phantom spoke, his words echoing through the youth's head. He felt the words as much as he heard the words echo through him. Sabatykos immediately respected the power that The Ancestral Ghost clearly wielded. As The Ancestor hovered there, several inches off the ground, the Maelstrom symbol floated before The Phantom, cupped in it's hands. Sabatykos raised his eyes towards The Phantom, they were filled with a plethora of questions. "I see your gaze young one. You must be wondering what purpose have I?"

Sabatykos nodded in silence. He did not have the courage to speak before the powerful Phantom.

"I am an ally." The Phantom said. "It is to me that you must pay tribute to in order to past your trial." He continued. "The Thayne that our people worship, they are a mysterious lot and work in wondrous ways. The Light of Knowledge and Science." The Phantom spoke, his voice deep as the caverns of trials themselves. "I am your Ancestor, young Sabatykos. Patron of Clan Maelstrom. Your forefathers are my siblings and cousins. A proud Clan are you a part of. Many times before you has a member of Clan Maelstrom appeared before me. You would do well to honour that legacy." The Phantom said, finally pausing to allow Sabatykos a chance to ask questions.

"Sire..." Sabatykos began. "...What would you have me do?" Sabatykos asked. "What is my trial on this day? Tell me that I might overcome it and do proud my Ancestors before me."

"Straight to the point my young Maelstrom heir." The Phantom said. "That is good, but do not let a feeling of haste cloud your scientific mind. All pursuits of inquiry must be given full analytical study before the answers before you are made clear. You must clear your heart and mind of any remaining doubt you have in them. You are stronger than you yet realize. Today, your purpose for living shall be discovered. You must savour this moment young heir of Clan Maelstrom." The Phantom smiled. He continued with a solemn tone to his voice. "Behind me, behind this chamber, there lurks another such chamber. Armed with your wits and only what you bring with you, you must face a challenge from deep within The Living Dark." The Phantom explained. "Within that chamber, there rests a key object. 'Twill have the power for the symbols that you seek. The marks of clan Maelstrom will be yours should you win the hour." The Phantom continued. "Remember always the principles of scientific inquiry young Maelstrom. Our Master, Karshook, has bade me this test that you must undergo. It is within your power to surpass this challenge. Go forth Sabatykos, and conquer the trials of our people."

Sabatykos stood up with a newly found sense of bravery. He nodded in the general direction of The Phantom. His eyes were locked on the powerful, glowing symbol of Clan Maelstrom. Those symbols, after the trial, would be emblazoned someplace on his body and imbue powers needed for further scientific inquiry. Sabatykos was fighting for the achievement of manhood amongst his people, a crucial trial for The Saenorakym Prime. Running his hand through his hair, Sabatykos moved passed The Phantom, and then felt the incredible power passing through his body as he placed a hand on his person. It sent cold electricity surging through him.

"Sabatykos." The Phantom said. "Be not afraid of The Living Dark, for being so will invite a terrible evil upon you." He continued the warning. "You will know once you have completed The Festival of Light. Afterward, you will grow more powerful." The Phantom then let go of the youth's shoulder.

Sabatykos nodded.

"Thank you for choosing me worthy to undertake the trials. I shall continue onward so that I might conclude the scientific study." Sabatykos said carefully. His youthful mind, still adventurous. "I will be certain to pay tribute to my forefathers." Sabatykos said, and then prepared to walk forward with the blessing of The Phantom before him.

"Go with The Ancestors." The Phantom called to Sabatykos.

Sabatykos paused for a moment and pondered saying something in return. However, he did not want to damage the sublime nature of the moment at hand. His mind had already learned so much. He observed the very nature and demeanor of The Phantom that manifested before him. In that matter of moments, Sabatykos pieced together a great deal of information that he could do nothing with at the moment. However, he had a feeling that it would be of benefit to him later on. Always, his mind returned to the bats that he saw in the earlier portion of the cavern. The creatures were not normal bats native to this sector of Concordia Forest. Sabatykos wondered partially if the bats were even legitimate organisms, if they were figments of his imagination or not. A part of him suspected that they weren't real at some level, but he could not prove that. Not with his current knowledge of science.

Sabatykos could feel the rocky ground beneath him as he walked through the rites chamber. As he moved, he felt the power of The Ancestor fade away and eventually vanish all together the farther he moved. Light remained in the chamber to assist the youth with his ability to see. Sabatykos, naturally, assumed that The Living Dark would attempt to fight him in some way. Sabatykos, as a scientist, did not believe in supernatural power. He believed in the mysterious concepts of energy and matter. His people were great engineers, technicians, and scientists. Walking forward now, he saw a portion of the wall moving of its own accord. This made the youth pause as he attempted to scientifically break down the mechanism behind the movement. He saw no machinery, no archaic symbols. It was as if some force had willed the solid wall to move on it's own.

The door locked in place somewhere above the youth's head. Clutching his weapon tightly, Sabatykos sighed. He knew that the real journey was about to begin.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

An all consuming darkness filled the hallway as the door behind him shut of it's own accord. Blinking several times, the youth attempted to see within the hallway. Throughout the trial, the youth had been awarded help in some form or another, but somehow, his mind deduced that there would be none this time. He held the sword in his hand tightly, palms sweaty from tension. Sabatykos could feel his arms twitching against the weight of the cold darkness all around him. Immediately, his mind felt that he was still somewhere within the caverns, there was structure and organization to the chamber. Without light, it was difficult to see anything before him. Sabatykos could feel his heart beating in his ears as he walked blindly through The Living Dark.

At first, there was an ominous feeling that saturated the oily substance all around him. Then, the feeling became more oppressive the deeper he went into the chamber. Step by step, movement by movement. He was inching across the hallway, hoping beyond hope that there was no sudden pitfall to end his life. He placed a hand against the wall at his right as he felt his way through The Living Dark. Suddenly, a ringing sound in the substance came incredibly louder as he moved quietly. There was no sense of direction. There was no North or South, or Up or Down. There was simply only The Living Dark. It was as if the final trial was designed to test the very soul of any Saenorakym Prime that venture through those chambers. The weight of his sword became the only sense of comfort guiding the youth forward.

With the sword pointing forward, the youth paused every few paces to gather his strength and courage. Something about The Living Dark ate away as his courage, sucked away his good nature. A part of him wanted to leave the oppressive chamber and never return, but the youth knew that all things had scientific origin. If there was a source to The Living Dark, he could find it, analyze it, and use science to overcome it. Sabatykos felt his sword quivering in The Living Dark as he inched forward ever so quietly. His breath sounded like a percussion instrument, he could hear himself breathing loudly in the darkness. As he moved, The Living Dark seemed to get more oppressive, more alive, and soon, all sense of direction was gone. The wall kept turning in various strange angles, and the youth forgot himself as he made his way deeper in the chamber.

There was no scientific organization in his wanderings. He was simply lost without any hope for finding a way out. There was no choice but to move forward now. Sabatykos attempted to construct a mental map of the chambers he was exploring, but it was to no avail. So he continued to move within The Living Dark.

About a half an hour into his journey, the youth started hearing the sound more acutely. At first, it was merely a ringing sound, but soon, the sound expanded to become a choir of screaming voices. Each of the voices, and there were hundreds, screamed out in agony. Sabatykos wondered what version of The Pyre he had stumbled upon now. For a few moments, the sound was so overwhelming that Sabatykos found himself throwing up in the darkness. The contents of his stomach splashed against the solid ground beneath him. Each passing second meant that the screams of agony were growing that much louder and louder to the point where Sabatykos' vision cleared. The Living Dark parted and he saw...

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos had to blink repeatedly at the sight before him. All around, within the depths of this vision of The Pyre, were people. No. They were members of his, race, The Saenorakym Prime. Sabatykos recognized some of the symbols that were on the naked bodies of the gathered people before him. They were tearing each other apart! The Saenorarkym Prime fallen were clawing, gnawing, punching, kicking, and tearing through the epidermis of the people around them. There were literally thousands of the fallen. Sabatykos wanted to get sick again, but he fought it that time. His eyes were locked upon the scene. This orgy of flesh and blood. Each member of the fallen was organized into a different section of the chamber by Clan. Sabatykos knew the symbols of his people's Clans well.

The walls all around him were lit up by a blazing dark-purple light. He was witnessing a classic, Pre-Demon War interpretation of The Pyre. The sheer terror he felt at this sight made him want to retreat back into The Living Dark. Only human, the youth hesitated and look back. Behind him there was a solid wall. He sighed knowing that there was only one way forward. Sabatykos had to approach this event with a fearless heart. All around him people were suffering, his people. He knew, deep down, that these were people who had fallen from grace and abandoned the favor of Karshook and The Thayne of The Saenorarkym Prime from many ages prior to this point of history. Putting up a bravery front, the youth walked into the orgy of pain and attempted to hold his chin up high.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Attached to the ceiling of the chamber, was an intricate array of cages that held many of his people. The people in these cages were also tearing themselves apart, even while their flesh mended itself. The process was ongoing across eternity. Some maddening energy, Madness Incarnate, compelled the people within this chamber to become less than animals. Watching the whole thing were many shadowy entities armed with various accoutrements of devastation and chaos. These weapons and items were employed against The Saenorakym Prime that writhed within this hellish plane of existence. Before him, was a kiosk, and atop that kiosk, rested a certain entity of The Living Darkness. It was a Pyre-Born being. Sabatykos could see the king of this layer of The Pyre from his position in the chamber. He immediately sheathed his weapon. His scientific mind knew that his pitiful Iron Broadsword would do no good against such an entity. Sabatykos decided that this entity represented the next portion of his test...

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Before Sabatykos was placed the large entity that he could only label as a Demon. Though the Saenorakym Prime did not share the religious beliefs common to The Thayne practices of Althanas, they still followed a version of The Thayne Codex nonetheless. The Thayne of The Saenorakym Prime were simply just another pantheon, but they were still Thayne nonetheless. The rest of reality manifest was kept true to the ancient scriptures of The Thayne Codex. Right then, the gravity of his situation affected Sabatykos hard as he heard the cries of his people. In some ways, seeing his people suffering was a fate more terrifying than death itself.

The deeper that Sabatykos made his way into the chamber, the more intense the smell of blood and carnage became. The chamber itself was a living tribute to suffering. A suffering that was wrought upon the fallen of his people. A suffering that would last through the eons. When Sabatykos made his way to The High Demon, he felt a tremendous evil intention flowing from the creature before him. It sat on a throne made of people that were moving and also tearing one another apart. Organs were spilled on the floor even as fresh blood leaked across the ground to be swallowed by the gathered demonic horde. Sabatykos walked on a platform that separated the various sections of the carnage, he shook with fear even as he made his way forward. He struggled in between a maddened state of bravery and hysteria.

Seeing what he saw, the youth was locked in a living nightmare. As he saw his people acting no greater than beasts in the field, Sabatykos found himself wanting to rip out his own eyes. Resisting that dangerous urge, the youth finally stopped directly in front of the infernal entity. Sabatykos wanted to scream at the creature before him, but he showed incredible physical restraint at the horror before him. As his mind observed the horror, he studied it. Gathered up the valleys and mountains of its form. In all, Sabatykos was impressed by the height and stature of the creature. It stood and an awesome height of roughly fifteen feet tall, Hill Giant size. Detailed and intricate black horns jutted out of the sides of his skull. Sabatykos saw the orange-brown hide of the creature and noticed that it was almost like a living energy.

Coils of power rippled across the basic form of the entity. It had a humanoid built, albeit incredibly muscular. Sabatykos saw purple glowing eyes radiating from the creature's eye sockets. Something about those eyes seemed familiar to the young scientist, but he wasn't certain where else he had seen such eyes before. Shrugging the feeling aside, the youth awaited until he was addressed by The High Demon.

"You are wise to pay tribute to me young Sabatykos." The High Demon said, its voice impossibly deep. "I am called Halphas Nroket." The High Demon introduced himself at last. "I am a Commander of The Pyre's armies, and I shall sing the defeat of The Glorious Light." Halphas said. "But that is for another time. I take it, today then, you are here for this?" The High Demon extended a hand, adorned with clawed talons, and a powerful object manifested in the palm. The object was a glowing relic that Sabatykos assumed was his goal for the trial. He needed that relic to be awarded The Clan symbol of Maelstrom. The creature chuckled when he saw Sabatykos' reaction. "Very well then. I can see you are ready to begin the final test." The High Demon said. He snapped his fingers and the relic vanished.

"What would you have me do?" Sabatykos found the will to ask the simple question.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos cringed when the creature before him laughed suddenly. There was a momentary pause, and the youth felt an exceeding sense of danger as the demonic horde seemed to subtly inch closer to Sabatykos. The youth could see a hunger, along with a certain distinct greed within the shadowy demons. The shadows had a definitive form of monstrous humanoids. Many with several sets of limbs and wielding many weapons of torture. Sabatykos could no longer analyze things past scientific study. He was too terrified for rational thought, but was hiding it quite well. For the first time since the trial began, Sabatykos feared for his personal safety. His hand went to his weapon's grip when the shadows drew closer to him. He immediately took a defensive combat position. Fear was etched on his face and a heightened sense of hysteria at what he was witnessing. All he could do was wait until Halphas spoke again.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

"The Test, for the prize you seek, is quite simple." Halphas began. "Even one with your caliber of intuition should be able to figure out it's simplistic nature." As the creature spoke, Sabatykos felt the evil saturating his pores. "You see Sabatykos, me and my colleagues are called to test your people to their very core whenever they come to this realm." The thing wore an eternal smile, it seemed to be a mask of taunting. "On this Trial, your skill will be tested to it's fullest. Your skill will have a price to pay." Halphas said hinting at some ominous intent. "What I will ask of you will be quite simple, but quite difficult at the same time. A pair of Souls will be picked from the clutched of The Pyre. You will decide which Soul will be saved, and which Soul will be damned." Sabatykos' face became a mask of terror when he discovered the nature of The Trial. "You will be given tools and parts to complete a Machine. An Infernal Machine. This Machine will be completed by your design." Halphas added, revealing The Trial. "The Soul you choose will be used as fuel for the machine. The Soul you save will accompany you forever in freedom." Sabatykos forced himself to continue to listen to the devilish entity. "One Soul will rise, one Soul will fall, the choice is yours." Halphas said. "Forfeit, and both Souls will go to The Pyre." Sabatykos could tell that Halphas was enjoying himself now.

Finally, Sabatykos mustered up the courage to speak.

"If I refuse, these Souls are damned. If I accept, one Soul will be damned by my own choosing. Am I correct here?" Sabatykos asked. "If that is the case, what would you have me build?" At heart, Sabatykos was a scientist and his mind was in the realm of the logical. He could not dwell on hypotheticals. He simply had no choice but to continue with the trial. He had no idea that he would be facing something this vile.

"This." Halphas said simply and snapped his fingers once more.

Before Sabatykos there manifested a complex machine. Sabatykos had no idea what Infernal Machines were. What they were used for, or how they functioned. He only knew that the monstrosity before him required completion by the hands of Saenorakym Prime Inventor. As The Infernal Machine appeared, it gave off a treacherous energy. Sabatykos did not like what he saw at all. The image of the thing was burned into his mind forever.
Even as Sabatykos tried to shut his eyes from the object, he could still see every line and curve in his head. Each piece, every small portion of machinery, with all its functions a mystery to him. Yet, Sabatykos' mind could partially piece together what The Infernal Machine was for. As he reopened his eyes, he looked to the suffering masses of The Fallens. Thousands, no millions of his people were trapped within the confines of The Pyre forever and ever. Something happened to Sabatykos that day.

His long-held faith in Karshook, in The Thayne, was broken. He could not accept that The Thayne would allow a realm where his people suffered to exist. Sabatykos mentally cursed The Thayne. He developed a terrible hatred for The Thayne, and knew he would one day confront Karshook about the fate of his people. So many of his people, suffering and writhing in the fires of Hell itself. One day, Sabatykos would have the power to free his people. But for now, he would play that Demon's games. Clenching his jaw tightly, Sabatykos looked at Halphas with an expression full of hate and rancor. But instead of his sword, Sabatykos drew his tools. His technician's tools, that would be used to cause harm to his kin. Sabatykos looked at The Infernal Machine for a long moment.

At that moment, there was another manifestation, this time, on the floor directly in front of the inventor.

"You are required to use those plans." Halphas added to the whole trial another dimension of the terror that Sabatykos felt. "And those tools." Another manifestation appeared and they were a complex array of tools that Sabatykos knew were The Pyre in origin. Then, Sabatykos saw that Halphas developed an expression of amusement. "Now, you shall see the Souls that will be yours to judge. As is the destiny of your people you shall become a Judge of your own kin. For you are foreign to Althanas, and only a Judge forged of your people may pass judgment on your people." Halphas explained, and the nightmare only grew more terrifying. Sabatykos saw that Halphas looked to The Pyre, and pointed to one of the shadows. The Shadows moved to pull two Souls, as promised, from The Pyre. "One added thing Sabatykos." Halphas said. "The Souls will attempt to petition you for salvation. And that will be the true Final Test." Halphas leaned forward, his eyes full of horrors yet to come. "Salvation and Damnation. You decide Sabatykos, the clock is ticking." With that, Sabatykos shook where he stood when Halphas began to laugh with vile pleasure.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

On either side of Sabatykos there manifested a woman. The sights made Sabatykos cringe as he realized the game that was being played. Sabatykos was being tested to his very core to earn the symbols of his people. Sabatykos did not recognize The Clan symbols that rested on the foreheads of either of these two women. Judging from the intricate nature of the symbols, Sabatykos realized that he was looking at Saenorakym Prime that were quite old indeed. One was an older woman that appeared to be in her late forties, quite motherly and ancient. The other, appeared to be in her early twenties and had a certain air of youth about her. The Souls were both skyclad (Naked) and appeared quite handsome indeed. Sabatykos noticed that there were markings all over the Souls' bodies. The marks were symbols of an ancient Saenorarkym Prime dialect. The syntax was relevant to scientific studies, and somehow, the beauty that the women possessed alongside the symbols on their bodies were a mockery of art.

Sabatykos looked at the two women for a long moment before he began the great work. One had red hair, the older of the two, and the other had, green hair. The younger of the two. Sabatykos saw that the the younger woman had blue eyes and the older had almond coloured eyes. The older of the two women had a more rounder appearance, whilst the younger had a more athletic appearance. Intelligence native to The Saenorarkym Prime was apparent in both pairs of eyes. Pulling off his shirt, Sabatykos placed it on the ground, knelt before the plans and began to study them. He knew he had no choice in the matter. One would rise and one would fall. With shaking hands, Sabatykos took up the hellish imbued tools, and memorized the plans before him. By the time he was done memorizing, he knew the internal clockwork of the machine by heart.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos felt Halphas' eyes upon his person the entire time. Sabatykos knew the weight of his mission. He had to build The Infernal Machine under the pressure of damning the souls of his own people. Not only that, they were going to tempt him by petitioning for their freedom. This is going to be terrible. Sabatykos thought to himself as he put on a serious face and began to work on the art of Invention. Sabatykos used his skilled hands to piece together the knowledge he obtained of science and math. Organizing himself, the youth acted with a precise plan. He placed his tools in a certain array and organized the parts he would be using as well. Each of the different units was manufactured with the archaic design of The Pyre. A part of Sabatykos respected the quality and engineering of the units before him.

The Demons of The Pyre require mortal workers to forge Infernal Machines. Maybe there is something to this all. But I must hurry now, I have to decide which one of these women will fuel a machine I complete with my own two hands. This is not good. A weight came upon his heart as he worked silently, never once complaining. There was too much at stake for him to voice his opinion at his point in time. One day, he would fight to set his people free from The Pyre. Those thoughts consumed Sabatykos as he worked. Time passed, he went into a trance-like state of work. He was not prepared when the first hand touched his sweating body. The two women began to press themselves upon his person adding a whole new level of stress and challenge to the event. A hand went into his pants. Sabatykos groaned, but managed to find focus despite the events happening around him. If this was The Pyre, he wanted no parts of it.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

That very moment defined the very meaning of working under pressure. Sweat flowed down his body as the two women touched and groped him in ways he could only dream of in his wildest dreams. Sabatykos continued to work through the intense situation, his eyes ever focused on the task at hand. Though they were both equally handsome, the dangerous thought still lingered in the back of his mind. One of them will fall by my hands. Sabatykos continued the great work with his hands shaking, he concentrated on the matter as he worked on the small bolts and gears of The Infernal Machine. As Sabatykos touched the parts of the contraption, he could feel darkness flowing from it and wondered when would this nightmare end. In his youthful vigor, he had ejaculated several times already when the girls used their hands against him. He continued to concentrate.

Despite it all, he continued to concentrate. His eyes were filled with the fierceness of an Inventor, and face had a serious expression on it. He looked at the clockwork device he worked on as he applied his full knowledge. As he worked, his hands moved almost of their own free will. The intense nature of the two women on top of him seemed to hasten the arrival of the final test. As Sabatykos worked, he focused on what he was good at, what he lived for. Though he was not a skilled inventor by any rights, he still had an incredible knowledge database to work from. With the skill of ages upon him, the youth constructed that which no mortal should be required to built in his lifetime. He troubled and toiled, a sudden thought crossed his mind. Maybe all the others failed their rite of passage... Sabatykos cringed at that thought.

The work continued, and the youth had lost track of time. But in the depths of The Pyre, time had no meaning. Only eternity mattered, and the youth would work on the machine all he needed to until it was done. He feared what would happen when he was done. Though he was coming to intimately get to know the two women around him, his mind was never distracted. He felt heat all around him and soon got used to it. Though he never liked it. Sabatykos' hands continued the chore until a great deal of time had passed, then, at long last, the great work was complete and the hour for Sabatykos' final test had come. Whilst Sabatykos worked, the youth thought greatly about about what his ultimate decision would be. In the end, he had finally decided but would not reveal the information until he was prompted. He placed the last bit of clockwork into The Infernal Machine. A powerful rumble erupted from within signaling that it was ready for the sacrificial lamb...

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

With the task complete, Sabatykos saw the machine showing the early rumblings of life. Sabatykos sighed and then turned to Halphas, The High Demon was nodded with pride. He stood up from the throne of bodies and walked slowly towards The Infernal Machine. Sabatykos saw the creature place a hand upon the great work. He shivered when Halphas looked at him with a certain pleasure in his eyes. Sabatykos clenched his jaw when the thing started to laugh sickly.

"Such is the curse of your people. Your work has been done to exceeding quality." Halphas said. "You have brought great honour to your clan. Now, take the mantle of the final test. Decide which soul lives and which soul dies."

Dreading this part of the contract, the youth had accepted that he had to perform the grim task. In order to pass his trial and save at least one of the souls, the youth had to choose. Life or death, eye for an eye, he had to choose. The two women had long since stopped pleading their cases to them, both of them awaiting the words of their judge. Sabatykos' heart felt like lead as he looked at the two equally beautiful women. They both represented completely different walks of Saenorakym Prime life. Sabatykos had his answer, and he knew that either of the two choices would forever alter him. Sabatykos hated that he had to damn a Soul over this sick situation, but logic dictated that the needs of the many far out weighed the needs of the few, or the one. With an answer in his heart, Sabatykos approached Halphas.

"I have my answer." Sabatykos said.

"Good." Halphas began. "You will bring great honour to your people some day Sabatykos for passing this trial."

"I choose not to appease you, Demon." Sabatykos said and was taken aback when he heard the malice in his own voice. Every second he stayed in that realm was a second too long that was feeding off his negative emotions. "I choose because I have no say in this matter. Logic dictates explore all possible solutions to a problem before you take a step forward in an experiment. You have me a stand-still now, Demon, but I sweat to my Ancestors, one day I will make you pay for this." Sabatykos threatened and the creature laughed right in his face.

"State your choice." Halphas said. "One who is to be freed, and one who will die."

Taking a long look at the two women, Sabatykos memorized their appearance. He memorized every aspect of them with photographic accuracy to be certain that neither was ever forgotten. Making the choice proved to be the most difficult moment of his life thus far. But Sabatykos knew his hand was forced. There was no other way to look at it. I choose because I have to, because I must. It is the only way I can help them... He thought to himself. Tears started to flow from his eyes and he started to shake. He looked from one woman to the other, both of them staring at him with pleading eyes. By my hands, one of you will die. What sort of test is this? Sabatykos thought to himself. His mind still could not comprehend the gravity of his decision.

"What I choose now..." Sabatykos began. "I choose out of necessity. Let both of your Souls rest peacefully knowing that I made a choice without having one of my own. With that stated, I choose knowledge and experience over youth and vitality." Sabatykos walked over towards the older woman and kissed her deeply on the mouth. Sabatykos cringed when the younger woman screamed and vanished from The Firmanent. Sabatykos did not see her Soul get syphoned into The Infernal Machine. A terrible scream filled the air and The Infernal Machine suddenly rumbled to life.

"You have passed The Final Test." Halphas said and clapped solemnly. "You will one day understand the gravity of your decision as you will be required to return here periodically." Halphas continued. "What you have witnessed here today is for you, you must never tell anybody the events that have transpired here. Now then Sabatykos, go back to your world. And remember all you have learned today." Halphas concluded.

Sabatykos saw that Halphas waved his hand strangely. And him, and the woman in his arms blacked out...

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

A scream echoed in his mind. Sabatykos thought that the sound was familiar to him. Feeling the floor against his person, the youth suddenly realized he was holding something in his hand. It emitted a great power that coursed throughout his entire body. Strangely, it gave off a pulse that reminded the youth of a beating heart. You will one day understand the gravity of your decision as you will be required to return here periodically. Echoed the words of Halphas in his head. A warm body was pressed against his person as he slowly came to, his eyes adjusting to the physical coil of The Firmanent. He heard the woman whisper something to him in an ancient dialect of The Saenorakym Prime. Sabatykos had chosen wisely. She would never abandon him, not for anything in the lands of Althanas. Images of The Pyre, and the people suffering within it flashed through his head forcing him awake.

He suddenly sat up with a start. Feeling powerful arms wrap about his person, the youth turned towards the older Saenorarkym Prime. She had the symbol on her forehead that was flashing brilliantly. After a few more moments, it faded away into her skin. Sabatykos felt tears flowing down his face as he looked at the woman before him. She held him tightly.

"No more tears little one." She said. "You did what you had to do."

"But I killed her, by my hands she's trapped within that...thing!" He yelled out and suddenly began to weep freely. The images flashed more powerfully in his mind, taunting him. "By The Thayne, what is gonna happen to me now?!" He cried into her arms. His hands holding onto The Relic tightly as it vibrated with power.

"Don't worry my boy. I will always be with you." She said carefully.

Comforting Sabatykos by running her hand through his hair gently as he shook in place. Sabatykos nodded and allowed himself to cry. His hand held The Relic tightly and he remembered why he was there. Get it together man, you've lost so much already. Sabatykos thought to himself as he wiped the tears from his face and looked at the woman who would be his eternal companion. He nodded toward her.

"Let's finish this." Sabatykos said to her. "I want my symbols."

"Then you know what must be done."

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

A few moments later, Sabatykos was standing up with the assistance of the woman. Blushing, he suddenly realized one important thing. Turning towards her general direction, he nodded to her and spoke.

"I don't even know your name." Sabatykos said. "I am Sabatykos, Clan Maelstrom." He said casually.

She chuckled softly. "I am Pheia Useoma. Clan Useoma."

It was then that Sabatykos realized she was still skyclad.

"Oh, mi'lady, forgive me. You are not properly clothed." Sabatykos said and blushed.

He dug through his packs for an extra outfit he kept with him in case his main outfit ripped. He handed her the change of clothing and she put it on in front of him. The denim pants fit her perfectly and were tight around her hips and shapely thighs. Sabatykos found himself staring. He saw her put the shirt on last. with no undergarments on, he could see every aspect of her femininity. Sabatykos continued to clutch The Relic in his hand quite tightly and turned to look at it. He studied Pheia's eyes for a moment, there was an intensity there that he admired. Then, he looked around the chamber, he was in the same room as before where The Ancestor Guardian had presented himself.

Sabatykos looked at Pheia's general direction. Then he walked over towards where The Phantom had manifested. A few moments later, he showed up once more, impressive as ever. The images of The Pyre still burned in his mind as he considered what had just happened. He'd fought long and hard for The Relic in his hand. Sabatykos stood next to Pheia as the two walked towards The Phantom. Relic in hand, Sabatykos held the object up towards The Phantom as an offering.

"I have that which you seek!" Sabatykos yelled with a sudden confidence. He looked at The Phantom with a new found ferocity in his eyes. "Forge me my symbols that I might be away from here!"

"Very well young Sabatykos...close your eyes..."

***

~I~

Wednesday, June 14th, C.P., 1812
10:30 A.M.

Finally, after what seemed like ages, Sabatykos Maelstrom returned to the village of The Saenorakym Prime with his prize. Sabatykos had been awarded the symbols of Clan Maelstrom and it was emblazoned upon his right shoulder. The symbol was a stylized "M" that glowed with tremendous energy. However, the energy was stored and dormant. Sabatykos walked over towards the awaiting members of the township and his family. They were all there. Gathered. Along with the others who had survived their trials that day. A full Althanas day had passed. Sabatykos felt tired, very tired and knew that he needed to rest after the ordeal. Despite the power he had gained from the symbol, Sabatykos felt a certain weight on his back. He had changed, and not for the better. In The Pyre, he had seen too much, felt too much, suffered too much to forget what he had learned.

Sabatykos' hair had developed several strands of white hair at the horrors that he had seen. A certain level of maturity also touched his heart as well, he was truly ready to take on the responsibilities of an Inventor of The Saenorakym Prime. Sabatykos walked towards where the people of his clan, and the rest of the township waited for him. The Festival of Light was still underway, and there had been much celebrations for those who completed their trials that day. A coming of age ceremony was no laughing matter, and The Saenorakym Prime were no different. As he walked he heard the clapping of his colleagues, friends, extended family members. His eyes narrowed to thin slits, of all of the other youths who had undergone their trials, Sabatykos had returned last. He had grown darker, and his change reflected that darkness he had developed.

Pheia was proof of that darkness. Sabatykos turned towards the woman for a moment as they walked side by side. Sabatykos knew that she represented Sabatykos' will for survival. He had grown significantly from his first trial in The Citadel. Strangely, he preferred the carnal violence of The Citadel to the trials of his own people. There was a certain sense of barbarism in what he had just done. Yet, Sabatykos knew that he had also saved a life. That was crucial to his growth as a man. Placing his hand on the hilt of his weapon, Sabatykos looked at Pheia once again, and then turned to look at his Father, Malus Maelstrom. Sabatykos noticed that the man stood alongside The Elder, Zenthum Prisido. Sabatykos saw that The Elder held a bundle in his hand.

Stopping a few paces away from his Father, Sabatykos suddenly drew his sword. He turned towards Pheia and she nodded as if granted the youth permission.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Zenthum suddenly called. "You have passed your trial, why do you draw your sword?!"

There was a commotion in the crowd by then, and all festivities stopped.

Sabatykos rotated his weapon and stabbed it into the ground.

"I bring a toll to you 'O Elder." Sabatykos suddenly called, his eyes glowing with energy. He raised a relic in his hands, the same relic he was carrying earlier. "The Thayne demand a sacrifice for The Trials." Sabatykos said, calling out the recital and walking towards The Elder.

"T-This is...but how!? H-how did you find something like that?!" The man's eyes were wide with fear.

Sabatykos' eyes were solely upon The Elder. He sent me to The Pyre. A part of me stayed there. A part of The Pyre came back with me. Sabatykos thought to himself as a certain edge of madness touched his vast mind. Capable of great salvation or great destruction, Sabatykos understood what had just happened to him. The Elder is sending my people to The Pyre and expects us to live. Sabatykos held the glowing relic in his hands as images of The Pyre flashed before his very eyes. Sabatykos was now standing directly in front of The Elder. Glowing with a ferocious power, The Relic gave off a tremendous energy in the form of an aura. Sabatykos' eyes were narrowed. All eyes were upon the unfolding situation as the two powerful minds confronted one another. Once, Sabatykos saw The Elder as a friend and ally. In the moments after receiving his symbol, Sabatykos was awakened to the truth; Zenthum Prisido was his enemy.

Somehow, exposure to the energy in The Pyre warped Sabatykos' mind. He was no longer the innocent young man that initially went to The Caverns of Trial. Instead, he had become something obsessed with finding the truth in things. Mathematically, Sabatykos' mind had become something far superior than the other individuals who took the trial. By a cruel twist of fate, Sabatykos was shown a vile image of The Pyre for his trial. Something that no mortal should ever have to see. Sabatykos knew something bad was at play here, and that something bad was The Elder. The Relic in his hands told him so. With those precise moments, Sabatykos understood that his mission in life was to seek the truth. Sabatykos held The Relic in his hands so that all could see it. As it rested in his hands, it gave off a terrifying high pitched sound.

"Hear me kindred, this man is not who he says he is!" Sabatykos called. "The Relic in my hand reveals the truth in things. This man sends our ken to The Pyre with a smile on his face. No true Saenorakym Prime would endanger the lives of his fellows so hastily. With this object, I shall expose the truth!"

Suddenly, Sabatykos' Father, Malum Maelstrom, dashed towards his son and attempted to reach for the youth's shoulder.

"Sabatykos, listen to me, it's that Relic. It's a deadly object! It's Madness Incarnate, you are not well, you are not yourself!" Malum yelled.

Sabatykos merely looked at his Father.

"Behold, the light of reason and knowledge!" Sabatykos called.

"Sabatykos, don't!" His Father yelled. But it was too late.

Then, The Relic shifted on it's own and opened up. The high pitched became suddenly louder. Many Saenorakym Prime that were gathered covered their ears except for Sabatykos and The Elder. When a brilliant burst of light flashed out of the core of The Relic, The Elder became marred and corrupt. He gave off a twisted dark green energy even as his limbs snapped and popped whilst they grew elongated. The face of The Elder eroded into something like a rubbery mask with many layers of fatty deposits visible. His eyes burst into liquid and poured down his face as solid bolts of energy pierced out of the eye sockets. The Elder was screeching in agony as he transformed, limbs cracked, broke, and shifted back together again. A twisted apparition stood before The Saenorakym Prime.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Exhausted at that point, Sabatykos fell to his knees and dropped the relic in his hands so it crashed uselessly against the ground. It's single use purpose revealed, the relic was designed to reveal a truth about The Saenorakym Prime as a society. Our Elder is an impostor! Sabatykos thought as the next few moments became a blur to his eyes. Immediately, the phony reacted to his exposure and became violent. It lunged at Sabatykos who was too tired to do anything. In an instant, it grabbed the youth and forced him up and off the ground, into an unwilling embrace. Sabatykos clutched a the arms of the wretched creature, his body struggling against the more powerful assailant.

"Anyone plays the hero, and your childe will die!"

The wretch yelled in a hideous accent. It sounded like a deep voice, filled with rage and a paranoia. Sabatykos growled as he attempted to free himself, but lacked the strength.

"I demand safe passage out of here!"

The impostor yelled to the gathered crowd as the stunned people watched on.

It was Malus Maelstrom, Sabatykos' own Father who reacted to the situation first.

The next few moments were a blur. Sabatykos saw his Father rushing at his position, along with a few other guards. Then, darkness settled in. The youth lost all track of time, and soon, lost everything else that went with pure shock. He was never aware of anything that happened in the moments that he went under. The last thing he remembered seeing was his Father's panicked face spinning as it became a black void.

***

Time passed.

The End.

***

~Spoils~

001--Saenorakym Prime Symbols Level 0-Earned from a complex ritual involving The Ancestral guardians of the Saenorakym Prime, these tribal markings are elegant tattoos that are located on Sabatykos' right deltoid region. They cover much of his upper arm as well. In truth, the tattoos represent a free-organism that is bound to the symbols. For now, the symbols are purely aesthetic in purpose. Eventually, the free-energy (At level 1) will unlock more potential as it grows. At level 1, the first symbol will unlock the ability to manipulate energy in the form of elemental light. These manipulations results in beams, blasts, or explosions imbued with the properties of elemental light. They will have a determined range (Adjusted by ROG Moderators) and power level, especially versus Dark Elementals.

The first symbol is a rite of passage for Sabatykos and marks his growth into manhood for the Saenorakym Prime people. The symbol is laced with Saenorarkym Prime writing and would make no sense to people unless they know how to write in the native language of The Saenorakym Prime. The symbol is currently at level 0 and has only stored energy within, but has not awakened to it's true power at the moment. Furthermore, the resulting end game events of the thread has caused another change to occur in Sabatykos which will be discussed in a follow-up Solo Quest. For now, the symbol is my only spoil request as this will be part of the main "cannon" of my character's storyline. Thank you very much. Just so you (The Judge) knows, the symbol will eventually unlock power, but not quite yet. (Possibly around the level 1-3 range) I just want my symbol.

[Taskmienster]

Continuity 6

Setting 5

Pacing 5

Dialogue 6

Action 5

Persona 5

Technique 4

Mechanics 7

:: The International :: Plenty of little mistakes in the spelling, even in the beginning of your first post I counted 2 already.

Clarity 6

:: Sabatykos :: There are a few times when the word usage was skewed by the way you used it. Such as using a certain form of a phrase that made it stand out more and was more difficult to read compared to the rest of the writing. Also, there are times when you used a word which was not supposed to be there… such as this passage from the first post.


“Zenthum spoke with a booming, synthesized voice that was projected even through the voice.” – It either means that there was a synthetic voice that was projected on top of the regular one, or you intended to put something like “even through the noise” or some other word instead of the second voice. Not sure, though it was a bit unclear.


“The all put together their equipment and prepared to face the Caverns of Trials.” – They, should be in place of the first word that you have as the.

Wild Card 6

Score: 55!


Rewards:
Sabatykos :: 800 exp | 200 gold
((Spoil approved))

The International :: 375 exp | 50 gold

[Taskmienster]

Exp and GP added.