Fri May 12 16:25:57 2023
To preface: This is was a 6 month quest arc following what began back in 2019 when Drakkara took Necrucifer's mantle and began to visit Shadow.
Chamber of Pronouncement
As you descend into the darkness to reach the bottom of the staircase, a
long room stretches before you, with carved black marble placed in entwining
patterned circles as they grace the length of the floor. Standing at the
head of the room is a jeweled throne, each faceted stone catching the light
of each torch and splashing the walls with their color. While impressive,
it is not the only object to catch your eye. As it wanders, you find that
you are within a chamber that resembles that of a courtroom though one that
has a modifying twist. Within the four corners of the room stand unique
objects of symbolism - a small bladed guillotine, a pile of black rubbled
stone, a chair in standing water surrounded by crackling lightning and a
small blood pit filled with viper snakes and bared skulls. An empty
hourglass stands centered between the two outside walls and directly before
the throne while a large tapestry hangs high upon the far wall, above the
throne.
A long golden railing separates the spectator's from the trial.
[Exits: north east west up northwest northeast ]
( 5) (Glowing) A large thick black candle sits here.
The corpse of Telthian Schwartz lies in repose upon a dais.
A throne covered in rare jewels stands prominent at the far end of the room.
An empty hourglass sits near the rooms center, a stain of red on the floor around it.
Behind the rail are rows of seats for each spectator's viewing pleasure.
(WANTED) Abech Harlow [Archmagus of Mayhem][Advocate] (RVA) is here.
(Red Aura) Kaizlark is here.
(Red Aura) Mariahna is here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Khelthrai Helbane, Wizard of Her Tower is here.
(Invis) (Red Aura) Corson Maltese is here.
(Red Aura) Z'Quarus is here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Piknim Cracklespark, Darkfinder of the Black Moon is here, lurking at Rhylgar's side like a shadow.
(Red Aura) Rhylgar ShadowFang is here.
(Red Aura) Wyltte Kayen, Lord Templar of Shadow is here.
(Red Aura) Rahke Millar Kadir Supplicant of the Templar is here.
(Red Aura) Nimiane Schwartz - de la Vega, the Resonance of Verminasia (R) is here.
(Red Aura) Melchaleve Arden, Supplicant of the Gray Robes is here, standing at attention.
(Translucent) (Red Aura) (White Aura) (WANTED) Ezessinth, Noctis Frigore Ventum - [ Eclipse ] is here, keeping vigil near the dais.
(Red Aura) Aa tapestry weaver is here, working its magic to continually weave the tapestries in and out of a perfected state.
The Rip above New Thalos pulses with umbral malevolence, a sinister vigor quickening its vile depths.
The shadows within the chamber swirl and gather, converging at several points at the head of the room. From them emerge figures, resplendent in their dark majesty.
Piknim inhales a full breath and holds it in. She clutches the shaft of her ebony hoopak tight and leans upon it slightly.
Fatale, Lord of Death slowly fades into existence.
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy slowly fades into existence.
Devion, Lord of Lies slowly fades into existence.
Z'Quarus kneels as the deities of Darkness appear.
Rahke kneels.
Abech kneels
Melchaleve kneels.
Piknim settles to one knee and bows her topknotted head low.
Khelthrai slips to a knee in reverence, his head bowed in respect.
Symantha lowers to her knees before the appearance of the Gods, her gaze bowed with respect.
Kaizlark kneels.
Mariahna dips her head respectfully to Khelthrai, her dark auburn hair spilling around her freely rather than restrained in its usual braid. Just as her lips part to answer Khelthrai, she notices the supernal quickening of the shadows and turns to face the emerging figures.
Wyltte kneels in respect to the Dark Gods as they fade into existence.
Kaizlark bows his head.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Good, good. You have some sense to you. Very good, very good. Better turnout than last time, I would say.'
Rhylgar kneels and bows his head deeply
Corson falls to a knee, lowering his head as he does so.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'In quality, if not quantity.'
Ezessinth looks at the entering figures, taking a moment before fully taking in what she's experiencing, and bows her head solemnly.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Before we begin today, I think I would like to start by telling you a little story.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'A little... catch-up, for those of you who have slept away the world turning, or else turned a blind eye to what your so-called "friends" have been up to.'
Mariahna purses her darkly painted lips, ears flattening down on her head as she feels the sheer power emanating from the avatar forms. Staggering beneath the weight of the divine energy, she sinks to her knees.
Devion, Lord of Lies flashes a devilish grin beneath his hood, raising one hand with a flourish and unfurling from his fingertips a web of puppet strings that descend to the floor.
Tritoch left you a quest note: The Chronicle of Darkness
Symantha lifts her gaze, her steely attention settling on Devion and the web of strings.
Chamber of Pronouncement
As you descend into the darkness to reach the bottom of the staircase, a
long room stretches before you, with carved black marble placed in entwining
patterned circles as they grace the length of the floor. Standing at the
head of the room is a jeweled throne, each faceted stone catching the light
of each torch and splashing the walls with their color. While impressive,
it is not the only object to catch your eye. As it wanders, you find that
you are within a chamber that resembles that of a courtroom though one that
has a modifying twist. Within the four corners of the room stand unique
objects of symbolism - a small bladed guillotine, a pile of black rubbled
stone, a chair in standing water surrounded by crackling lightning and a
small blood pit filled with viper snakes and bared skulls. An empty
hourglass stands centered between the two outside walls and directly before
the throne while a large tapestry hangs high upon the far wall, above the
throne.
A long golden railing separates the spectator's from the trial.
[Exits: north east west up northwest northeast ]
( 5) (Glowing) A large thick black candle sits here.
The corpse of Telthian Schwartz lies in repose upon a dais.
A throne covered in rare jewels stands prominent at the far end of the room.
An empty hourglass sits near the rooms center, a stain of red on the floor around it.
Behind the rail are rows of seats for each spectator's viewing pleasure.
(WANTED) Abech is here, floating around Piknim's shoulder.
(Red Aura) Kaizlark is here.
(Red Aura) Mariahna is here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Khelthrai Helbane, Wizard of Her Tower is here.
(Invis) (Red Aura) Corson Maltese is here.
(Red Aura) Z'Quarus is here.
(Red Aura) (White Aura) A cloak of flies huddle and writhe around an armored figure that radiates putrescence here.
(Red Aura) (White Aura) A hooded man looms here like the specter of death.
(Red Aura) (White Aura) A cowled figure gives a crooked smile within the shadows of his hood here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Piknim Cracklespark, Darkfinder of the Black Moon is here, lurking at Rhylgar's side like a shadow.
(Red Aura) Rhylgar ShadowFang <===}-@Black Wolf of Drakkara--{-@ is here, kneeling before the gods.
(Red Aura) Wyltte Kayen, Lord Templar of Shadow is here.
(Red Aura) Rahke Millar Kadir Supplicant of the Templar is here, knelt with his head bowed.
(Red Aura) Nimiane Schwartz - de la Vega, the Resonance of Verminasia (R) is here.
(Red Aura) Melchaleve Arden, Supplicant of the Gray Robes is here, kneeling before the gods.
(Translucent) (Red Aura) (White Aura) (WANTED) Ezessinth, Noctis Frigore Ventum - [ Eclipse ] is here, keeping vigil near the dais.
(Red Aura) Aa tapestry weaver is here, working its magic to continually weave the tapestries in and out of a perfected state.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 36] Tritoch: The Chronicle of Darkness
Fri May 12 20:13:43 2023
To: All Bloodlust Shadow Black_Robes Verminasia Abaddon ( Immortal )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(This story is IC only for members of Team Evil present at the Judgment.
However, it is being sent to everyone simply to share the greater scope of
the Evil narrative)
The Chamber of Pronouncement was thronged with the faithful, sinister, lost,
and wounded. The pain and anger from such wounds were palpable, outrage and
hatred surging in the hearts of those who had lost something dear to them.
A guiding force, a monolith, a relic of a time far more favorable to the
cause of Darkness. A vestige of a time before the Supremacy of the Black
Moon.
Devion curled his fingers in the midst of this cloud of malcontent, allowing
those sensations to form puppet strings that descended to the floor of the
Chamber. From the ends of the strings emerged a vast array of marionettes,
none of them flattering. There was a dismembered creature, little more than
the lower half of a torso and legs with a blood red stone emerging from the
ruin of its trunk; there was a crude little wooden doll painted green and
with both arms removed; there was a dead chameleon, its dying hue a vivid
red; there was a rotund little matryoshka doll that seemed to judder and
twitch on its strings; there was an ebon key upon which a minute wizard hat
had been affixed. The cast assembled, the God of Lies began to speak:
The Judgment. A test to see if you mortals could come together to exalt our
Most Terrible Mother. A test to see what triumphs you might accomplish
together, a test to see if you could set aside your petty differences to
create a wonderful Midnight Tapestry and so bring Mother's rule over this
world closer.
With an expert flourish, the dolls began to cavort on their strings,
pointing at each other as best they could and bouncing agitatedly. There
were no words, but the underlying divisions are laid clear as the puppets
clattered against one another. Fatale watched, bored. Dragoth, inscrutable
as ever, gazed into the throng of mortals filling the Chamber.
Naturally, almost all of you failed. The Tapestry was incomplete, and
"corrections" had to be made.
With a flick of the wrist, Devion whipped the puppet strings of the
truncated leg-doll toward Fatale. The God of Murder did not hesitate, and
in an umbral flash, the puppet strings were severed and the bisected doll
fell to the floor. The bloodstone popped loose and rolled around for a
moment before it, too, came to rest. Devion smirked beneath his cowl,
allowing the demonstration to elaborate for him.
And so you began to play nice, at least for a little while. It was
refreshing, really. Ordinarily, it takes three or four beatings to get it
through your thick skulls, but that is simply how it has been for the last
few centuries. Anyway, you got your collective acts mostly together just in
time for the Sorest Loser on Algoron to get his life together enough to
answer to our last little joke we played on him.
Pinpricks of light, offensively bright in the sanctum of the Umbra, erupted
across the floor, each roughly denoting a landing spot of a Lucent Pillar
rendered in illusory miniature. Devion straightened as he felt the gaze of
the Matron Most Unholy land on his back, selenic eyes flashing dangerously
as the simulacrum of Light was brought into Her domain.
And you proved most entertaining while combating them, as well. Truly
inspired, really, barely needed any help except for all of the important
parts of it. Empowering the wonderful rocks you decided to raise in our
honors with your small little lives, at least one of your hearts, and a few
tears here or there. Honestly, very moving stuff, all said, and the Lights
were banished. Well done.
Tritoch left you a quest note: The Chronicle of Darkness, Cont. 2
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[ 37] Tritoch: The Chronicle of Darkness, Cont.
Fri May 12 20:14:57 2023
To: All Bloodlust Shadow Black_Robes Verminasia Abaddon ( Immortal )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hurried explanation was accompanied by the lucent illusions being
expelled heavensward, soaring away to wink out of existence, with the
exception of three. Devion manipulated his puppet strings further, and a
new actor entered the "stage". A raggedy cloth doll bearing the Umbramark
upon her palm cavorted on-stage, immediately attempting to slip the bonds of
its strings. With a scowl, Devion wiggled a finger to loop the cord around
the doll's neck to drag it to the fore.
The fourth pillar exploded spectacularly, and the dead chameleon twisted and
writhed on its strings as the color began to bleed from it. The matroyshka
doll and the rag doll wept and pined over it, while the other puppets looked
on indifferently. Shortly after, the fifth pillar inverted, seeming to draw
space into itself before it, too, winked away, taking the ebon key with it.
In their place, Devion produced a new "actor", a plank of wood with the
symbol of the black key burned into it. This, too, remained idly by while
the dolls fussed over the increasingly-pale chameleon.
Nadrik, again the sorest loser, left us with a parting curse. Or perhaps it
was his mother, always looking after her special boy. Was more than willing
to let his sister die for him in her place, but I'm getting off focus.
Regardless, your dear, dear Dark Lord was stricken most gravely.
Light-given wounds do not readily heal, and even most attempts to mend them
later only work for a short time. Trust me.
Devion gave a sardonic smirk as the rag doll pushed its way to the front.
Again attempting to escape its strings, the Dark God was forced to pierce
its limbs with yet more cords, forcing it back under his control. This
time, she was joined by a new cast of puppets: a miniature gourd with one
eye gouged out and replaced with a violet marble, an empty ale mug, a rock
with a cut gouged vertically into it, and a clump of moss that stuck to the
"head" of the rock, approximating spiked hair. Occasionally, the facsimile
of a small ghost would rise from the moss before sinking back into the
growth that appeared to simply exist atop the other puppet.
And so the noble Knights of Shadow went on a quest to save their stricken
Hero. Guided by yours most truly, they undertook a quest to acquire the
venom of a beast so ancient and terrible that its acrid venom could destroy
anything, including the infection of Light.
A box appeared, its contents dimly visible. Up close, it appeared to be
little more than a potato, the stalks of its eyes becoming three rotten
approximations of a hydra's head.
Azi Dahaka, one of the Monsters of Eld, was sealed away after my dear
brother Dragoth infected it with a pox that killed it shortly after
Kantilles had it locked in slumber. Fortunately, enough of it was left that
after a few errands...
The puppets ran in every which direction, each of them now sporting a puppet
string that seemed to lead each doll by the nose as they dashed this way and
that, moving with purpose and cohesion, but utterly without direction. The
marble-eyed doll in particular seemed to dash about even more and further
than the rest, testing the limits of its puppet strings as it quested the
length and breadth of the recreation of Algoron before returning to the
gathering with a tiny nail.
Tritoch left you a quest note: The Chronicle of Darkness, Cont. 3
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[ 38] Tritoch: The Chronicle of Darkness, Cont.
Fri May 12 20:16:32 2023
To: All Bloodlust Shadow Black_Robes Verminasia Abaddon ( Immortal )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
... The means to "awaken" the beast was prepared. Naturally, the
records of it surviving were changed by me when I assisted the Knights in
learning more of the monster, and my most favorite sibling Fatale made sure
that prying eyes were blinded by the time they could see what we were up to.
There's no good in spoiling a good prank, after all.
Fatale flashed a grin at that part, his icy gaze twinkling beneath his cowl.
For one moment, he and Devion were alike in aspect before the mirth left the
God of Vengeance and they were once more divided. The puppets climbed upon
each other to unlock the box and from it popped the moldy potato hydra,
leading to a climactic battle between the ragged knights and the rotten
monster.
Dragoth was so good as to play the role perfectly, which is good because
normally he is a spoil-sport. Devion allowed the pun to hang in the air
before pressing on, And the beast was slain, the venom collected, the cure
prepared, and...
The ragged doll clutched a tiny bottle that smoked with obvious toxicity
before giving it to the chameleon. The lizard raised the bottle and, with a
dramatic flourish, downed the entire thing. Without preamble or warning,
all of the strings connecting the dead chameleon broke, and it fell flat on
the floor, doubly dead.
The expected outcome presented itself. Betrayed by his most trusted, the
Carrion Maw died, its soul returned to the Dracon where all wyrms go. Keeps
them out of our spheres of influence when they're gone, and keeps their
souls in one place. Handy, that.
The dolls now gathered around the dead lizard, prostrating themselves before
its mortal remains.
But that brings us to now, for another chance is offered to you. The body
of the Dark Lord is a hollow vessel, ready to be filled. There is simply
one problem. We have too much of him on-hand right now, and something
simply must be removed if we are to fit him back into his earthly shell.
That, my wonderful toys, is where you come in. This is the Day of Judgment.
Devion gave a wicked grin and a laugh, the sound pitched high and echoing
across the Chamber.
The Judgment of Telthian Schwartz.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'This, my dear toys, is the Day of Judgment.'
Khelthrai remains still in his kneeling position, listening intently.
Devion, Lord of Lies gives a wicked grin and a laugh, the sound pitching high and echoing across the chamber.
Piknim narrows her eyes, an inscrutable fire flickering behind them.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'The Judgment of Telthian Schwartz.'
Ezessinth stares at the marionettes, nigh transfixed in a way rather unnatural to her kin.
Symantha glances at the corpse on the dais and allows her inscrutable gaze to linger.
Piknim glances at you.
Devion, Lord of Lies flexes his wrist and the puppet strings snap. All of the dolls tumble to the ground, broken things devoid of value.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'That, I believe, should sum it up nicely. You mortals are always keen on judgment being passed upon you by peers, and since we could not really pack a room with the first attempt at life on Algoron, you lot will have to do.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'That said, however, I would be remiss in not formally introducing the presiding figure of our little gathering today.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Mother?'
Smoke begins to seep from all corners of the room, covering the floor and inching toward those that occupy the room. Near the throne, a figure steps free from the smoke.
Drakkara slowly fades into existence.
Abech kneels.
Wyltte kneels before the appearance of Drakkara, placing his first to his heart in salute.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Don't just gawk, now. Down, once more! Show some respect!'
Z'Quarus continues to kneel, having not arisen from his previous position
Melchaleve also continues to kneel, having not risen
Drakkara says 'Yes, admire my beauty all. I know my own perfection."
Kaizlark kneels and bows his head low.
Devion's voice resounds with a dark fury and a weight presses upon you, drawing you earthward to prostrate.
Symantha lowers her gaze to Drakkara and utters with reverence, from her knelt position, "Dark Queen."
Khelthrai remains steeled on a single knee, a hand raising to grasp the symbol around his neck.
Piknim prostrates herself with a blissful smile.
Rahke hasn't moved from his knelt position, head bowed.
Nimiane remains kneeled.
Rhylgar bows his head deeper at the presence of Drakkara.
Ezessinth remains with her head low.
Symantha lowers herself further in prostration.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'That's better.'
Zethrindor lowers his long neck down and rests it upon the ground in a reverent bow to his creator.
Mariahna looks upon Drakkara with a raptuous expression spreading across her face. Unmindful of revealing her keen feline teeth or anything else, she makes twin crescents with her hands, placing them over her heart as she flatters herself face down onto the floor in verenration.
Devion's fury disappears like a thunderhead, the weight lightening instantly. Beside the Lord of Lies, Fatale simply shakes his head, while Dragoth remains unmoved.
Velandris kneels.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'The Dark Mother shall be presiding over your judgment this day, but while She shall be watching, we have a very special returning agent of Her will who shall be overseeing as well.'
Devion, Lord of Lies gives another devilish grin as he raises his hand, beckoning Symantha forward.
Piknim glances at Devion, Lord of Lies.
Z'Quarus looks at you.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'May I give you, the Killer of Carrionmaw, the Destroyer of the Dark Lord, the Slayer of the Sage. I present Monsignor Symantha Kesepton.'
Symantha nods once as she pushes herself up and smooths her robe as she makes her way to stand by the right side of the throne.
Drakkara takes her time in looking around, seeming to look over the crowd before turning her gaze to Devion. "I do hope to be entertained."
Devion, Lord of Lies turns his back on the gathering on his heel with a performer's grace, 'Mother, I promise, it shall be a show unlike any other.' He gives an actor's bow before he pivots once more, his veiled gaze piercing into Symantha.
The weight of Devion's expectation slams into you as his stare bores into you.
Rahke glances at you.
Symantha meets Devion's gaze briefly and bows her head.
Khelthrai lift his head slightly at the sounds of movement, watching events unfurl.
Piknim covers her mouth with both hands to hide a mad grin of pure, dauntless delight and rests upon her elbows.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'But now that we have established the cast of our little court, let us receive the Condemned.'
Devion turns to Fatale, his movements exaggerated as he wiggles the fingers of his visible hand at the God of Murder, 'Brother?'
Rhylgar raises head just enough to see the events before him.
Drakkara casts an aside toward you before settling herself within the throne. While an almost bored look rests upon her beautiful visage, there is a spark in her eye that looks much like Devion's own mischievous one.
Fatale, Lord of Death gives a sigh, pressing his hands together as the space around them begins to distort. Reality seems to crackle between the palms of the God of Vengeance as he draws his hands apart.
Symantha tips her gaze with great deferential to Drakkara's attention and then determines to peer forward, toward the hourglass, her arms held still at her sides.
There is a glint of gold that peeks from between Fatale's hands, a shimmering image of a rounded object perhaps a foot in diameter that wavers incorporeally.
Piknim looks at Fatale, Lord of Death.
Khelthrai purses his lips, watching the display of divine power with focused interest.
Fatale, Lord of Death says 'From your earthly prison, Chained Wyrm, we call upon you once more. As once your kind were humbled, you shall be again. From your golden oubliette, come forth.'
Z'Quarus raises his gaze to observe the proceedings, his gaze drawn to his Patron.
Kaizlark lifts his gaze slightly to watch.
A streak crosses the sky from the east, a crimson spectre that glows darkly against the darkening sky.
Rahke watches from his knelt position silently.
Ezessinth watches the golden light, unable to look away. The look in her eyes is keen, though she appears frozen with her head on the floor.
The burning flare passes across mountains and seas, over forests, rivers, and desert before it is drawn inexorably into the Rip above New Thalos.
Mariahna cautiously pushes herself up onto her hands and knees and sinks back into her previously kneeling position as she looks at the dais, visible shivers running down her body from the glorious puissance of the four assembled divines.
Zethrindor lifts his head up, watching the event before him.
Piknim clamps a hand more firmly over her mouth to stifle a gasp as a crimson streak sears across the sky, bathing the Chamber in red as it closes fast.
Wyltte watches the streak move across the sky, his amethyst eye shining with the light.
The crimson spectre erupts into the chamber, bathing all present in a terrible heat. It is an inferno, it is the sun, it is the raw essence of a wyrm unbound, funneled toward the corpse of Telthian Schwartz.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'No, no, no, none of that! Fatale! Not all of it!'
Zethrindor hisses softly at the heat.
Ezessinth fans her wings outward under the blast of uncomfortable heat.
Z'Quarus turns his face away from the inferno, the heat singeing his already singed fur further.
Rhylgar watches the crimson light fill the room and takes a deep breath seeming to brace from the heat but yet not moving.
Rahke clenches his jaw as sweat beads on his forehead and evaporates trying to keep his skin from scorching.
Piknim presses herself into the marble floor, black robes billowing in the whorl of infernal heat.
Symantha lowers her gaze from the intensity of the inferno though she remains unmoved before the heat.
Drakkara tsks' softly from where she sits upon the throne, her eyes drawn to the spectre. "Ah, my pet."
The God of Murder shrugs and allows the force pulling at his hands to close. In a flash, he has cleaved through the crimson spirit, severing it in twain. A full half of it is yanked back from whence it came by some other force, taking with it the terrible heat.
The crimson star, half now as large and bright as before, splits the sky a second time westward, retracing its cosmic steps.
Velandris maintains a calm express as the heat and crimson light intensity. His silver wings ruffle and smooth out, the crimson light reflecting upon the shimmering feathers and staining them carmine.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'There we go. Much better. Now if you will allow me to introduce your victims of the night. Distilled for your judgment and execution, may I present Telthian Schwartz.'
Piknim glances at you.
Devion, Lord of Lies produces a handful of playing cards, each painstakingly painted with the likeness of Telthian Schwartz. These, he tosses forth, allowing them to rest upon the ground before a dark flash emanates from them, filling the chamber in un-light.
Telthian Schwartz slowly fades into existence.
Telthian Schwartz slowly fades into existence.
Telthian Schwartz slowly fades into existence.
Telthian Schwartz slowly fades into existence.
Telthian arrives from a puff of smoke.
Telthian the Master
=========================================================================
Eyes: slate grey Hair: dusky black
Skin: olive Hair Length: cut short
Build: stalwart Hair Texture: thick and straight
Face: regal Facial Hair: clean-shaven
Feature: The skin of his chest and shield arm have been transmuted into a smooth expanse of Lightscale
=========================================================================
In the flickering light of a burning orb, the weight of this austere
man's presence absorbs the very essence of the space around him. His
movements exude the confidence and steadiness of a soldier that exudes a
demeanor of confident, controlled power.
Standing at six feet tall and broad of shoulder, his features possess the
timeless quality of a sovereign. His piercing slate gray eyes framed by
thin, dark eyebrows glint with a disquieting spark set above high
cheekbones. His aquiline nose adds to the sharpness of his features, while
his coarse and thick hair, smoky black with a subtle hint of deep crimson,
is well-kept and beginning to show a touch of gray at the temples. A thin
scar runs along his chiseled jawline to the edge of his thin lips, a
testament to battles fought and survived.
A hooded robe of flowing abyss cascades over his body, the priestly vestment
unadorned save for a symbol of Necrucifer's faith that burns with a seething
infernal glow.
Telthian Schwartz is in excellent condition.
Telthian is using:
<used as light> (Glowing) a brilliant paragon of dragon fire
<held> (Glowing) a silver-inscribed dreadwood cane
<floating nearby> (Glowing) an ebony heartwood crystal hourglass
Telthian the Undaunted
In the flickering light of a burning orb, the weight of this austere
man's presence absorbs the very essence of the space around him. His
movements exude the confidence and steadiness of a soldier that exudes a
demeanor of confident, controlled power.
Standing at six feet tall and broad of shoulder, his features possess the
timeless quality of a sovereign. His piercing slate grey eyes framed by
thin, dark eyebrows glint with a disquieting spark set above high
cheekbones. His aquiline nose adds to the sharpness of his features, while
his coarse and thick hair, smoky black with a subtle hint of deep crimson,
is well-kept and beginning to show a touch of grey at the temples. A thin
scar runs along his chiseled jawline to the edge of his thin lips, a
testament to battles fought and survived.
His armor is pocked and ruined, his body mauled and mangled. His handsome
face is scarred and worn, but he moves with assurance and strength. His
stride does not break, nor does his back yield to any, for though he has
suffered, it is clear that no amount of his strength has been lost.
Telthian Schwartz is in excellent condition.
Telthian the Ruler
In the flickering light of a burning orb, the weight of this austere
man's presence absorbs the very essence of the space around him. His
movements exude the confidence and steadiness of a soldier that exudes a
demeanor of confident, controlled power.
Standing at six feet tall and broad of shoulder, his features possess the
timeless quality of a sovereign. His piercing slate grey eyes framed by
thin, dark eyebrows glint with a disquieting spark set above high
cheekbones. His aquiline nose adds to the sharpness of his features, while
his coarse and thick hair, smoky black with a subtle hint of deep crimson,
is well-kept and beginning to show a touch of grey at the temples. A thin
scar runs along his chiseled jawline to the edge of his thin lips, a
testament to battles fought and survived.
He stands proud as the crowned ruler of nations. In his hand is a weighty
sceptre, while the other crackles with umbral power. His is the bearing of
a soul by whose command kingdoms are sacked and family lines are ended.
Telthian Schwartz is in excellent condition.
Telthian the Statesman
In the flickering light of a burning orb, the weight of this austere
man's presence absorbs the very essence of the space around him. His
movements exude the confidence and steadiness of a soldier that exudes a
demeanor of confident, controlled power.
Standing at six feet tall and broad of shoulder, his features possess the
timeless quality of a sovereign. His piercing slate grey eyes framed by
thin, dark eyebrows glint with a disquieting spark set above high
cheekbones. His aquiline nose adds to the sharpness of his features, while
his coarse and thick hair, smoky black with a subtle hint of deep crimson,
is well-kept and beginning to show a touch of grey at the temples. A thin
scar runs along his chiseled jawline to the edge of his thin lips, a
testament to battles fought and survived.
He wears the robes of a statesman, his tongue silver and his eyes keen. In
one hand rests a purse of coins that flow freely, while the other holds a
slender knife upon which an oily substance glints.
Telthian Schwartz is in excellent condition.
Telthian the Killer
In the flickering light of a burning orb, the weight of this austere
man's presence absorbs the very essence of the space around him. His
movements exude the confidence and steadiness of a soldier that exudes a
demeanor of confident, controlled power.
Standing at six feet tall and broad of shoulder, his features possess the
timeless quality of a sovereign. His piercing slate grey eyes framed by
thin, dark eyebrows glint with a disquieting spark set above high
cheekbones. His aquiline nose adds to the sharpness of his features, while
his coarse and thick hair, smoky black with a subtle hint of deep crimson,
is well-kept and beginning to show a touch of grey at the temples. A thin
scar runs along his chiseled jawline to the edge of his thin lips, a
testament to battles fought and survived.
He wears blood-spattered platemail, notches upon the arms denoting the lives
taken in dedication to the cause. The sword in his hand smokes with bloody
retribution, and from its honed edge flows the dying gasps of the Light's
faithful.
Telthian Schwartz is in excellent condition.
Devion, the Lord of Lies says 'Allow me now to explain what shall happen, yes?'
Khelthrai focuses his gaze on the scene before him once more, his eyes flitting between the many forms appearing.
Drakkara says 'Oh yes! Let the games begin!'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'You shall be called, one by one.'
Velandris whispers 'Intriguing. The overarching soul distilled into the core elements that defined his life's journey.'
Telthian scowls and sweeps his gaze across the chamber.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'You shall pass your judgment, for one of these men shall die.'
Drakkara looks at Telthian.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'And you shall pass it by the oldest manner known to your kind.'
Fatale flashes a grin, his eyes brightening as Devion explains.
Melchaleve finally raises his head, looking to each of the images of the Dark Lord in turn
Telthian says 'Here again? Unoriginal.'
Telthian looks at Devion, Lord of Lies.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'My brother would be furious to know that any of you came here unarmed, so you shall leave a wound upon the one who deserves to die.'
Piknim snickers faintly despite the dire circumstances.
Maccus finds his place with the rest of Storm Keep, resting on one knee before the Gods.
Telthian draws the line of his mouth into a sneer as he looks to the galley and the fractured versions of himself.
Devion leans in close. Despite how many people are present, despite the distance between the Lord of Lies and the audience, he seems to lean in to directly force his face toward your own, 'Any questions?'
Abech shakes his head.
Ezessinth inhales a sharp breath through her nostrils.
Telthian says 'I will not sit idly and be judged by those who have stood upon my shoulders, Lord of Lies.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Oh, and for the First Failures in the audience, a single chomp will do. Don't go shaking him around or eating him, or I'll have you up on the platform next.'
Drakkara looks rather amused by the spectacle, as she comments, almost to herself...but not quite. "Ah, my pet is still a feisty one for one in such a precarious situation..'
Devion, Lord of Lies grins, obviously rather pleased with himself.
Mariahna says 'By what criteria are we to judge one who has long stood as an Icon to so many of us?'
Zethrindor lifts his head up to gaze at Devion, then to Telthian, though with there being many, he seems to gaze between each one.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Simple. Which of them can you, or he, do the most without?'
Drakkara looks at Mariahna.
Symantha gazes on Telthian quietly, her steel gaze revealing nothing as she stands stalwart by the throne.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Listen to... whatever passes for your heart.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Now. Without further ado.'
Devion, Lord of Lies claps his hand. The sound is astonishingly loud despite his hand making contact with nothing at all. A scroll appears before him, unfurling to fall to the ground. Upon it are the rolls of names.
Telthian glances toward Drakkara and gestures with an open hand to the ravaged, undaunted version of himself. 'This...is a mockery. They are not even fit to be shadows at my feet.'
Mariahna wavers beneath Drakkara's direct gaze even her citrine eyes widen with the purest adulation. Her ears can't seem to decide what to do, one moment angling towards Devion as the deity speaks and the next both flattening down as she holds her posture of veneration.
Maccus lifts his head, stealing a look to Drakkara and then you. After a moment he'd turn his head back down.
Telthian looks at Telthian Schwartz.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'First we have... Maccus Sturmpound. Dork Lord of Shadow. Please step forward.'
Telthian chuckles.
Devion, Lord of Lies squints at the writing upon his scroll, leaning in to re-examine it.
Rahke clenches his jaw as he watches Maccus approach.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Ah, I misspoke, but I also don't care.'
Maccus exhales slowly and rises feom his spot, "Admittedly, Lord of Lies. I do not have long"
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Maccus Kesepton) 'Then we will make it quick.'
Telthian says (to Maccus Kesepton) 'You dare to judge me, Stormbound?'
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Maccus Kesepton) 'Of the five, put your knife in the one you hate the most. Pretty simple.'
Ezessinth darts her eyes to the speaking Telthian, then to Wyltte.
Drakkara says 'Perhaps he will be the first shadowed stain beneath your feet...'
Maccus chuckles softly and looks to Telthian and then to Devion, "I judge none. For I am better than none and worse than none."
Telthian speaks to the others of him, tilting his head in Maccus' direction. 'I am the best of all of you. Where you were meek I was lean and hungry with ambition.'
Telthian rolls his eyes at Maccus.
Telthian says (to Maccus Kesepton) 'Always saying the words you think I want to hear, never the truth.'
Maccus says in a low toned manner (to Telthian Schwartz) 'What you wish to hear? No.'
Telthian says (to Maccus Kesepton) 'I do not know what is more insulting. That you lie to me so easily or that you think I am stupid enough to believe you.'
Devion, Lord of Lies steps forward, crossing the space between himself and Maccus in an eyeblink. His hand comes up, catching the mortal by the neck.
Abech gasps.
'I urge you. To reconsider.'
Piknim grimaces involuntarily.
Maccus takes whatever time he has to breathe before looking toward one of the shadows
Rahke winces.
Rhylgar shifts as he continues to kneel though his head has risen more over time.
Maccus stumbles for a blade at his hip, drawing it and pointing it toward the Ruler.
Devion, Lord of Lies gives a squeeze that tests the limits of mortal cartilege before tossing Maccus back to his own balance with disdain. The fit of fury passes once more, and the congenial Deceiver returns.
Waak grins and claps
Telthian crosses his arms and waits, his stare unflinching as he looks at Maccus.
Telthian says (to Maccus Kesepton) 'You are incapable of thinking about anyone but yourself because your sense of who you are is that just thin.'
Maccus stumbles to his feet after being thrown, coughing several times before doing as Devion had originally commanded. Placing his dagger to the "Rulers" neck and without hesitation, slitting its throat.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'After all, Mother desires a show. You have all done so well so far. I think a night of betrayal will round off the performance nicely. Well. Aside from all of the other betrayals.'
Devion, Lord of Lies looks at you.
Telthian the Master flashes a sinister grin at Maccus.
Telthian Schwartz, the Ruler, stumbles, reaching to his neck to stanch the bleeding. His eyes flash with outrage as Maccus carves him, 'This will not be forgotten.'
Symantha tips her gaze slightly to Devion, the edge of her lips curving in the slightest smile before it disperses.
Telthian says (to Drakkara) 'I am the strongest. Even they know it.'
Maccus places the dagger into the Ruler's eye at the remark, twisting it at the end before looking over to Devion.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Mmm. Mmhmm. A strong beginning, a wonderful start. Well done, mortal. Well done indeed.'
Velandris holds his hands together on his bended knee. Malachite eyes seem darker than normal as he observes the proceedings, silver wings ruffle once more, blanketing the shadowed floor behind him in his kneeling position.
Nimiane closes her eyes and clenches her fingers around her staff.
Telthian the Master holds his chin high as he looks upon the Ruler with a domineering expression.
Rhylgar shifts again as his hand slowly inches towards the blade at his belt.
Maccus grips tightly at his neck, looking over at you for a moment before bowing his head.
Telthian looks at Telthian Schwartz.
Drakkara turns her gaze to watch Maccus as his blade casts the first 'wound'. A soft bit of laughter escapes her parted lips as she hears Telthian's comment, her words directed to him. "You were, my pet."
Devion, Lord of Lies chuckles to himself with an unknowable grin as he crosses the first name off of the list. He glances up as he examines the next up, 'Next is... Wyltte Kayen, yet another of the House of Kayen. Lord Templar, even. Very impressive. Now, let us see if he has the wyllte to make a decision for himself.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Step forward.'
Wyltte nods to Devion respectfully, stepping forward as commanded.
Ezessinth darts her gaze between the different shades before looking at Wyltte.
Telthian the Master, gestures to the other visages, 'The prodigal Son approaches.'
Wyltte looks between each of the shades carefully.
Piknim glances at Wyltte.
Drakkara calls out to Devion from where she sits. "If he does not, you can take both his eyes.'
The Ruler seems to right itself, the second strike seeming to pass through without harm and the first leaving a wound and what is clearly pain, but it is not fatal. Not yet.
Maccus twitches angrily at the sight of the Ruler. His hand twitching in thought before taking a breath to find himself.
Devion, Lord of Lies gives a little laugh, the sound high-pitched and manic, 'Oh, and I will. Put him in a labyrinth of broken glass to crawl through to find them again.'
Telthian says (to Wyltte Kayen) 'Did I not lead us through the depths of despair, Kayen?'
Telthian says (to Wyltte Kayen) 'Pick any of the others for all I care. We have your tutelage to begin. Who better than I to guide you through the Sanctum.'
Maccus turns to Drakkara, bowing fully to the Goddess and then to the you and offering another full bow.
Ezessinth watches Wyltte and Telthian intently, studiously.
Symantha turns a steely look on Wyltte and raises a slender brow slightly.
Wyltte nods, once again looking at each of those in turn. He turns his face towards the Stateman.
Telthian holds Wyltte steady within the confidence of his gaze and rests both hands atop his cane.
Drakkara taps impatient fingers against the arm of the throne, her eyes narrowing upon Wyltte as she waits for his response.
Wyltte says in a low toned manner (to Telthian Schwartz) 'You have been all things to all people. '
Telthian the Master dips his head to Wyltte in agreement.
Drakkara says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'My my, you get around then.'
Wyltte says in a low toned manner (to Telthian Schwartz) 'But like the hard choices those of the Darkness have to make, the Goddess included, we must choose as our souls tell us.'
Wyltte strikes at the stateman in accordance to the Dark Gods' command.
Khelthrai drums his fingers lightly atop his bent knee, watching the proceedings.
Mariahna purses her lips, scarcely remembering to breathe as she listens, her eyes wide and pupils narrowed to slits. Swaying slightly, her long tail swishes through the shadows behind her in a vain attempt to maintain her equilibrium against the onslaught of emotions and energy present in the chamber.
Telthian, the Statesman, staggers, reeling from the knife wound. He stares daggers at Wyltte, but does not lash out with his own, 'I do not forget, and I certainly do not forgive.'
Waak winces.
Telthian the Master, smirks as the Statesman is stabbed.
Rhylgar shifts again as he almost stands up but keeps himself kneeled.
Zethrindor flicks the tip of his tail as he watches.
Telthian tips his head forward slightly in respect to Drakkara.
Telthian says (to Drakkara) 'I am nothing if not thorough.'
Piknim hangs her topknotted head slightly and keeps her gaze locked securely upon Wyltte.
Wyltte nods as he takes a step backwards, respectfully nodding to Telthian the Master and Drakkara.
Devion purses his lips, this time seeming even a little bit put out by the proceedings, 'I see, I see.'
Telthian glances at Devion, Lord of Lies.
Drakkara says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Oh, I know.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Next we have... hrm.'
Devion, Lord of Lies scratches Wyltte's name off of the scroll before flourishing it again. How he holds it and writes simultaneously is impossible to discern, for he always seems to hold it all at an angle impossible to see the whole picture.
Telthian the Master, glances at Devion and remarks, 'They're doing well. They know.'
Ezessinth raises her head, folding her wings neatly at her side.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Abech. Pixie. Check your jars if you have any.'
Abech flies up.
Devion, Lord of Lies peers intently up.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Hm.'
Drakkara says 'Apparently, he has a lot of jars to check.'
Khelthrai blinks.
Symantha gazes at Telthian the Master and then over at Devion, sidelong, just briefly before allowing her gaze to roam back to the crowd and Abech.
Abech flies in.
Telthian chuckles.
Abech blinks.
Piknim looks at Abech.
Telthian says 'He just flew off!'
Abech says in a raspy voice 'Sorry...'
Abech says in a raspy voice 'Nerves'
Abech chuckles.
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Abech) 'Ah, good. Congratulations on finding yourself.'
Symantha looks at Abech.
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Abech) 'Stab an unworthy dragon or I will put you in a jar and leave it in Dragoth's plague pits.'
Abech nods.
Telthian says (to Devion, Lord of Lies) 'I object to an oversized bat who cannot follow objections stabbing any one of me.'
Rhylgar remains knelt but his gaze is locked upon Telthian the Master.
Velandris whispers 'Not an uncommon reaction, to flee from a divine call.'
Piknim shifts onto one knee and watches Abech intently.
Dragoth turns his head as he is mentioned, amethyst eyes boring into the pixie.
Abech says in a raspy voice 'Easy Enough!'
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Your objections are noted, but you are already condemned.'
Drakkara looks over at Telthian, her voice deadpan. "You scared a pixie. How terrifying."
Abech flies up to the Killer stabbing it right in the eye.
Waak says 'I'm late. Is this like a pinata type game? One of the Telthians has toys inside?'
Telthian chuckles.
Telthian says (to Waak) 'Something like that, you filthy little goblin.'
Telthian the Killer reels, blood pouring from the wound as he snarls. This time, his sword lashes out freely, passing through Abech harmlessly, 'If I live, you die, gnat.'
Abech chuckles.
Mariahna barely manages to contain a tiny gasp of amusement at Drakkara's dry witticism. Schooling her face back to composure, she watches the judgment proceed.
Abech says in a raspy voice (to Piknim) 'Pik! You see that?'
Piknim grins irrepressibly.
Abech says in a raspy voice (to Piknim) 'Stab him right in the eye!'
Devion, Lord of Lies pulls his list closer as he scratches off Abech's name.
Piknim says (to Abech) 'Calm yourself, precious.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Next we have... Mariana?!'
Abech nods.
Devion, Lord of Lies turns to look at Drakkara.
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Drakkara) 'Didn't you send her off to cause havoc amongst mortals some years back? Is she still alive?'
Waak says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'On my way here, I met the new Althanian Empress right after getting in a real good scratch!'
Telthian the Master, shrugs his shoulders.
Mariahna blinks and veritably leaps to her feet, umbral scarlet clothing swirling around her.
Devion, Lord of Lies frets and hems before glancing back over his list, 'Oh. Forgive me. Someone cannot spell. This is Mariahna. Felar. Much less impressive.'
Waak says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'We of course shook hands. Formal greeting and all. I hope she wansn't on her way to a dinner party!'
Drakkara says (to Devion, Lord of Lies) 'Should she be dead instead? Fatale does look bored.'
Mariahna says 'So many people ask whether she was my namessake. mm, yes, I am lesser in many senses of the word.'
Mariahna swiftly answers the call, approaching the aspects of Telthian. Her left arm extends far to her side with a snapping motion and the claws she rarely reveals emerge from her fingers, glinting softly.
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Drakkara) 'I think you sent her back down to mortaldom because she was angrier than Mencius and had all the restraint of a White dragon in a yak pasture.'
Khelthrai watches closely again, his eyes following Mariahna's advance.
Piknim cackles.
Wyltte glances at Ezessinth.
Devion, Lord of Lies looks over the two white dragons in the Chamber, 'Present company included.'
Wyltte glances at Zethrindor.
Zethrindor licks his maw at the mention of Yak.
Telthian the Master, drums his fingers along the grip of his cane.
Nimiane blinks.
Mariahna says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'I have looked up to you since I first escaped from my family and left Icewall. You were the king of Verminasia, a leader in most every sense.'
Ezessinth snorts at Wyltte.
Zethrindor grins at Ezessinth.
Drakkara says 'And now she looks down at you.'
Mariahna firms her expression as she draws closer, her fingers flexing with her claws poised as she turns to each icon in turn.
Telthian glances at Drakkara.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'The red scales have a tendency to shift.'
Telthian says 'I still will be, Magician.'
Waak says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Can I stab at the undaunted one? If I had to guess, that's where I think the Gods hid all the good toys!'
Mariahna says 'There can only be one answer. One aspect most at fault.'
Telthian says 'At fault?'
Mariahna her citrine eyes narrow with a feral light as she looks upon the Undaunted Icon.
Piknim glances at Mariahna.
Telthian says 'Who do you think kept the Ebon and Storm from destroying one another?'
Dragoth casts a grim stare upon Waak. The swarm of carrion insects drones deafeningly loud for a moment.
Waak snorts.
Telthian the Master scoffs at Mariahna's claim. 'Your Tower betrayed the Darkness.'
Rahke clans 'It is what I said earlier, he is a sum total of all of his aspects. Regardless of what is removed, he will not be the same as the man we knew.'
Telthian says (to Mariahna) 'But that is a fine little detail you would whisk underneath the dusty shelves, isn't it?'
Telthian says 'Bodrum sought a great usurpation and you all did nothing.'
Waak looks down and scuffs his foot against the ground
Mariahna says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'I will no gainsay your achievements, only your end, your acceptance of your demise, of what has transpired. I will bear the blame that I must. But unaffected by your own ruination? You should accept consequences, as I shall.'
Wyltte clans 'The Darkness changed when Necrucifer died. and yet here we are.'
Mariahna shakes her head and lunges forward, fur ruffling as she jabs her claws to pierce the chest of the Undaunted aspect, precisely over the heart.
Telthian the Master chuckles, 'My own ruination deserves your knife, then.'
Telthian, the Undaunted, does not stagger as the claws sink past decayed platemail. There is no blood, nor even pus. Only a grim acceptance of the wound, 'What you have dealt me, you shall suffer tenfold when I return.'
Velandris gives a low, barely audible whistle at the precision strike and at the words exchanged by the felar and the condemned spirit.
Devion, Lord of Lies clicks his tongue, scratching out another name on the list, 'Interesting, interesting. A lot of opinions present, a lot of bad blood.'
Telthian the Master nods with some approval at the Undaunted's grit.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Next, next, next. We have...'
Mariahna rips her claws back as though hoping to draw back a heart, as impossible as that might be. Unflinching, she looks into the icons eyes. "There is always a consequence." Turning away from the dais, she returns to the crowd, once again sinking into a reverent kneel to Drakkara.
Devion, Lord of Lies raises his list, making a great show of sounding out the name upon it, 'Zethran... Zaffwin... Zethten... White dragon number one.'
Piknim snickers.
You clan 'Drakkara is faith as well. She is all, now, that He once was.'
Zethrindor slowly steps forward, careful to not knock over anyone as he eyes all of the aspects carefully.
Wyltte clans 'What can we do without? That is the what we look for here. That and our we willing to do what is necessary, as all the Dark Gods have to move on.'
Zethrindor slowly steps forward, careful to not knock over anyone as he eyes all of the aspects carefully.
Wyltte clans 'Aye, exactly'
Wyltte clans 'She rules over all of Darkness.'
Telthian says (to Zethrindor) 'You are a sleepy little thing. Are you sure you don't need to go back to bed?'
Rahke clans 'My dagger will find the space between the rib of the master. Let the faith in Necrucifer die to make way for the Queen. I have made mistakes, but I know better than to defy my Queen.'
Wyltte clans 'Think hard. Look with your soul.'
Mariahna glances over at Khelthrai for a moment before shaking her head, dark auburn hair momentarily masking her face before she quite literally claws it out of the way, roughly tossing her hair back behind her shoulders and returning her focus to the dais.
Telthian the Master, drums his fingers along his cane, increasingly impatient.
Zethrindor flexes his claws at the words, but stares down the statesman then the ruler, he exhales a puff of cold air before swiping one claw across the chest of the Ruler.
Telthian nods sagely.
Telthian looks at Drakkara.
Khelthrai sighs gently, taking a moment to ruffle his hair before shaking his head to let the strands fall loose.
Zethrindor bows his head to Drakkara and Devion, then to Fatale and Dragoth before making his way back to settle near Ezessinth, Nimiane and Wyltte.
The Ruler staggers back another step, his eyes flashing with hatred, 'Know your place, whelp. When you were barely more than a half-cracked shell mistaken for your matron's droppings, I was a King.'
Zethrindor says 'A king who left his people.'
Telthian says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'The weak envy the strong.'
Ezessinth watches Zethrindor, her gaze somewhat thoughtful despite the growing tension in her wing muscles.
Telthian flashes with irritation at Zethrindor and hisses, 'And you have no conception of what would have come had we not.'
Devion, Lord of Lies chuckles as he shakes his head, looking over his list as he scratches out the white dragon's name, 'Next we have... Rahke Millar. Who seems to be lost.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Fatale, Lord of Death) 'Can't you keep your pets in their pen?'
Fatale arches a veiled brow at Devion and does not answer.
Rahke stands, pulling a skain from his belt at the small of his back.
Wyltte glances at Rahke.
Rahke says 'Once lost, but no longer.'
Piknim glances at Rahke.
Symantha shifts her hard gaze onto Zethrindor briefly and then to Rahke.
Drakkara looks at Rahke.
Telthian the Master continues, indignant at Zethrindor, 'Judge me all you like, little worm, but at least I live up to what it means to be Chromatic. You are entirely forgettable.'
Malkavia arrives from a puff of smoke.
Zethrindor makes sounds like what a dragon would say if mocking back words "blah blah blah"
Rahke steps forward, and without preamble steps before the statesman, slipping his dagger between the third and fourth rib of his left side, giving it a little twist.
Telthian the Master rolls his eyes.
Devion, Lord of Lies clicks his tongue, pursing his lips and silently crossing off another name, 'Next, I suppose.'
Drakkara glances at Telthian.
Waak perks up
Drakkara says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Complete with a little twist.'
Rahke pulls the dagger free, wiping it on his sleeve as he steps back, sheathing it.
Khelthrai narrows his gaze at the next assault, shaking his head again.
The Statesman drops a few coins that fade into unreality as they leave his grasp, a wordless gurgle escaping his lips.
Drakkara says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'I do like a good twist, you know.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Next we have... Nimiane Schwartz, the Condemned.'
Piknim glances at Nimiane.
Wyltte glances at Nimiane.
Devion, Lord of Lies reads the line out, then hurriedly edits the parchment.
Drakkara says (to Devion, Lord of Lies) 'Oh, must we?'
Malkavia glances at Nimiane.
Zethrindor turns his gaze to Nimiane.
Ezessinth looks down at Nimiane beside her.
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Drakkara) 'The gribblegrabbles will be punished later. They cannot keep a single fact straight, which ordinarily is what they are for.'
Telthian says (to Drakkara) 'I will endeavor to keep that in mind while your galley of vagrants lay indignity after indignity upon me.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Drakkara) 'Record keepers, however, they are not.'
Nimiane approaches and looks at each of the parts of her father before plunging her dagger into the chest of the Statesman without hesitation. 'I expect my dowry within a week's time.'
Telthian looks at Nimiane.
Mariahna barely catches her from releasing another sound of amusement upon hearing the wordplay employed by Drakkara. Even so, her darkly painted lips curve in appreciation and she gazes up at Drakkara with absolute wonder, marveling at the granduer of her divine made manifest.
Telthian says (to Nimiane Schwartz) 'You are my flesh and blood, and you judge me?'
Telthian the Master speaks as if the prospect gives him no pleasure, 'I gave you everything, child. Anything you might want, and much you did not. I placed obstacles in your path. A bit of grit, adversity, like me.'
Telthian says (to Nimiane Schwartz) 'Lessons. Accountability. Hard truths. Everything you would need to step out from mine and cast a shadow of your own.'
The Statesman scowls, spitting blood that spatters across Nimiane's features. This time, the effect remains tangible. He does not speak, for the Master clamors over him.
Malkavia yells 'WOOOOOOOO!'
Telthian counts on his fingers one at a time, 'Beauty. Power. Influence. Wealth. A Kingdom.'
Wyltte glances at Malkavia.
Khelthrai looks at Devion, Lord of Lies.
Telthian says 'And you chose this. Another knife in my back.'
Telthian says (to Nimiane Schwartz) 'Another betrayal.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Oh, worry not, my little red friend. There are more to come.'
Nimiane pulls her dagger free and looks at Telthian before she moves back to Wyltte's and Ezessinth's side.
Malkavia clasps hands over her mouth to try and keep the lips at bay.
Drakkara says 'Just like her mother.'
Telthian scowls at Devion and gestures to Malkavia, 'Yes, it seems any lunatic off the street is welcome.'
Nimiane says softly 'No, not like my mother.'
Rahke fades into the back of the small crowd.
Zethrindor flicks his tail slowly, snorting softly.
Piknim glances at Nimiane.
Drakkara grins as she looks over at Telthian. "Devion is not off the street, my pet."
Devion, Lord of Lies snorts, seeming almost put out by the abuse as he tears the parchment with the force of his crossing-out, 'Next. Velandris, the winged. Strange experiment of Cliath's, I have to assume.'
Piknim cackles.
Telthian the Master clenches a fist, his anger boiling.
Telthian says (to Velandris) 'I do not even know who you are. Your judgment means nothing.'
Piknim snorts softly and covers her mouth once more, shaking with silent mirth.
Devion, Lord of Lies says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'You would deny the onlookers a chance to make history? Who knows which knife will be the one who ends the story of the Carrion Maw.... again?'
Velandris arches a silver brow, clearly not having expected to find himself upon the divine register Devion so casually and improbably wields. Flaring his overland, silver wings he launches himself into the air, only to vanish into coruscating shadows and reappear before the myriad aspects of Telthian.
Telthian says 'But I suppose the life of some fence-sitter must be terribly boring, so why not come gawk, aye?'
Waak perks up again
Velandris says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'We spoke only once. We were in a similar position you and I, both uniquely entrenched servants of Necrucifer, set adrift by His loss.'
Malkavia walks north.
Malkavia walks in.
Malkavia walks west.
Malkavia yells 'RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!'
Wyltte shakes his head.
Malkavia walks in.
Chamber of Pronouncement
As you descend into the darkness to reach the bottom of the staircase, a
long room stretches before you, with carved black marble placed in entwining
patterned circles as they grace the length of the floor. Standing at the
head of the room is a jeweled throne, each faceted stone catching the light
of each torch and splashing the walls with their color. While impressive,
it is not the only object to catch your eye. As it wanders, you find that
you are within a chamber that resembles that of a courtroom though one that
has a modifying twist. Within the four corners of the room stand unique
objects of symbolism - a small bladed guillotine, a pile of black rubbled
stone, a chair in standing water surrounded by crackling lightning and a
small blood pit filled with viper snakes and bared skulls. An empty
hourglass stands centered between the two outside walls and directly before
the throne while a large tapestry hangs high upon the far wall, above the
throne.
A long golden railing separates the spectator's from the trial.
[Exits: north east west up northwest northeast ]
( 5) (Glowing) A large thick black candle sits here.
The corpse of Telthian Schwartz lies in repose upon a dais.
A throne covered in rare jewels stands prominent at the far end of the room.
An empty hourglass sits near the rooms center, a stain of red on the floor around it.
Behind the rail are rows of seats for each spectator's viewing pleasure.
(Red Aura) Malkavia Camarilla, Blood artist of Fatale is here.
(WANTED) Abech is here.
(Red Aura) Nimiane Schwartz - de la Vega, the Resonance of Verminasia (R) is here.
(Red Aura) Rhylgar ShadowFang <===}-@Black Wolf of Drakkara--{-@ is here.
(Red Aura) Waak is here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Telthian Schwartz, the Master of Shadow is here.
(Red Aura) Mariahna, windsong and moonshadows is here, kneeling in veneration to Drakkara.
(Red Aura) Zethrindor is here.
(Red Aura) Velandris Tinolqa, the last scion. is here.
(Red Aura) A dark-haired woman of incredible beauty stands on a cushion of smoke.
(Red Aura) Kaizlark Fitzsimmons, Dark Knight of the Legion is here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Khelthrai Helbane, Wizard of Her Tower is here, knelt in a single knee, head bowed.
(Red Aura) Corson Maltese, Archmagister of Storm. is here.
(Red Aura) Z'Quarus Daravgar +|Fatale|+ is here, kneeling before the Gods of Darkness.
(White Aura) Telthian Schwartz, the Undaunted stands here, unaffected by the state of his own ruination.
(White Aura) Telthian Schwartz, the Ruler stands here, imperious in his demeanor.
(White Aura) Telthian Schwartz, the Statesman stands here, a purse of coin in one hand and a hidden blade in the other.
(White Aura) Telthian Schwartz, the Killer stands here, sword in hand.
(Red Aura) (White Aura) A cloak of flies huddle and writhe around an armored figure that radiates putrescence here.
(Red Aura) (White Aura) A hooded man looms here like the specter of death.
(Red Aura) (White Aura) A cowled figure gives a crooked smile within the shadows of his hood here.
(Red Aura) (WANTED) Piknim Cracklespark, Darkfinder of the Black Moon is here, lurking at Rhylgar's side like a shadow.
(Red Aura) Wyltte Kayen, Lord Templar of Shadow is here.
(Red Aura) Melchaleve Arden, Supplicant of the Gray Robes is here, kneeling before the gods.
(Translucent) (Red Aura) (White Aura) (WANTED) Ezessinth, Noctis Frigore Ventum - [ Eclipse ] is here, keeping vigil near the dais.
(Red Aura) Aa tapestry weaver is here, working its magic to continually weave the tapestries in and out of a perfected state.
Velandris says '"Right" is a curious concept, what gives anyone the "right" to do anything?'
Zethrindor ponders sticking a claw in Malkavia's cloak to keep her still.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'It's usually the one with a knife.'
Drakkara looks briefly amused by the antics of Malkavia. "I suppose that is what Telthian would like to do right now instead of this.'
Telthian the Master grits his teeth, 'I bled on the Black Moon. And after, I found the waymarkers when few others could see past their navels.'
Abech chuckles at Drakkara.
Velandris draws a silver edged kunai from his hip, the garnet in its pommel flickering as he twirls the black blade, turning from Telthian's prime spirit to the divided aspects, his malachite eyes moving between the Ruler and the Statesmen even as he nods in agreement to Devion.
Khelthrai shifts and switches knees, the previous one having fallen asleep from the amount of time upon it.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Frankly, the Master raises some good points.'
Telthian the Master relaxes somewhat, 'Of course he does. Idiot.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'It's no wonder he has become a crutch to so many, really.'
Piknim glances at Devion, Lord of Lies.
Velandris says 'Only one thing makes right. Strength. I've walked the twisting way of politics myself and I have no taste for it. A Leader must be stronger, yet what of a statesman? Manipulation is grand, succor in one hand, a blade in the other. Yet what I learned when the Dark Mistress eclipsed the Pantheon was...'
Velandris with his right hand twirling the blade, his left hand unhooks a shuriken from his belt and ever so casually flick it into the forehead of the Statesman.
Velandris says 'Strength is lost when we play at politics. Value subtlety and guile, but do not surrender strengthh.'
Devion, Lord of Lies snorts, nostrils flaring as the Statesman takes more abuse, 'I will say that you love the sound of your own voice. Did you take oratory lessons on Tropica? Screaming man? Big armor?'
Zethrindor chortles.
Malkavia cackles.
Velandris says (to Devion, Lord of Lies) 'I can never compare to the euphonious wieldance of your own vocal prowess, Great Lord.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'At least you know where the line is.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Next.'
Waak smiles.
Drakkara looks at Velandris.
Velandris flares his silver wings as he perform a courtier's practiced bow and swiftly retreats from the dais and the direct oversight of the avatars.
Telthian the Master turns the cane about in his grip idly, looking into the galley for the next accuser with nothing but contempt.
Devion, Lord of Lies raises the list, looking at the name for a breath before he lowers it, not even making the attempt, 'White dragon number two.'
Symantha shifts her weight subtly as she watches the Statesman take another blow, though she expresses nothing more outwardly.
Ezessinth raises to her feet and approaches the aspects.
Malkavia cackles.
Wyltte glances at Ezessinth.
Telthian looks at Ezessinth.
Ezessinth says 'She has given this much thought. And she realizes that much has happened in her long sleep, she remembers what the Red taught her.'
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Chew first?'
Drakkara says 'Wear a better color?'
Waak says 'Don't play with your food?'
Wyltte shakes his head.
Velandris shivers beneath Drakkara's gaze. The ariel appears rattled for the first time as he sinks into a dutiful kneel.
Malkavia says in a evil voice 'Don't let your food play with you?'
Wyltte watches the exchange.
Devion, Lord of Lies titters at his own irreverence, the weight of life and death utterly lost on the God of Deception.
Symantha flicks her gaze on Ezessinth, weighing the white dragon quietly as she awaits further words.
Ezessinth lifts one claw, unaffected by the jibes. She places her foreclaw over the head of the Statesman, clenches her fingers, and twists, cleanly breaking the aspect's neck.
Ezessinth says '..The Darkness is One. And it cannot be One with a weak link. So it should be with his soul.'
Zethrindor smiles at Ezessinth.
The Statesman's neck breaks, but he still stares daggers up at Ezessinth, 'Not a one of you dares go for the heart. You follow it instead.'
Ezessinth looks upon Telthian prime and stares at him for a moment before returning to Wyltte and Nimiane.
Corson looks at Telthian.
Telthian the Master arches a brow and remarks, 'They are the weak links. It is good of you to remember this.'
Devion, Lord of Lies sighs and makes his way across the stage, making a shooing motion at the white dragon as he props up the battered Statesman. He applies the same neck-hold as afflicted Maccus previously, only using it this time to realign vertebrae enough to keep the abused simulacrum's head from sagging completely.
Zethrindor agrees with Ezessinth.
Piknim chortles.
Waak smiles.
Velandris whispers 'He who follows the heart, I believe the Oath goes.'
Malkavia smiles.
Wyltte glances at Velandris.
Telthian says (to Drakkara) 'They have seen my strength for themselves, have watched me rise through the darkness of our war, my scales or my armor dark and dripping with our enemies blood.'
Wyltte nods sagely.
Devion, Lord of Lies wipes blood from the simulacrum's body on its own tunic, tut-tutting as he returns to his place to check the list, 'They want you back more than anything, it's true. They see the good old days in you still. A nice vintage piece to look at in the halls of the Keep to remind them of bygone days.'
Telthian looks at Devion, Lord of Lies.
Devion, Lord of Lies says 'Next we have... Kaizlark. Just says Kaizlark.'
Telthian says (to Devion, Lord of Lies) 'I will find a way, Lord of Lies.'
Kaizlark stands as his name is called and make shis way forward.
Telthian looks at Kaizlark.
Drakkara says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'We shall see.'
Malkavia looks at Piknim.
Kaizlark eyes shift between the figures before him as he draws a dagger from his side.
Telthian says (to Kaizlark) 'None of them much like the statesman. Seems the easy choice.'
Telthian glances at Devion, Sultan of Slander.
Telthian says (to Devion, Sultan of Slander) 'I wonder what that says about you.'
Symantha sets her gaze on Kaizlark, watching the dark knight impassively.
Devion, Sultan of Slander says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Politics is an acquired taste, I'll admit, but some of my favorites have played the game well.'
Telthian says (to Devion, Sultan of Slander) 'I did put a bomb inside an Emperor's head. The pinnacle of the craft.'
Kaizlark makes his way toward the ruler looking him in the eyes before driving his dagger into his gut.
Kaizlark says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Easy choices are not how we grow.'
Devion, Sultan of Slander says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Honestly? Truthfully? It was one of my favorite mortal acts I have ever witnessed. I'm going to miss that part of you.'
Kaizlark pulls his dagger from the body stepping back.
Piknim arches a fine lily-white eyebrow and bobs her topknotted head in approval.
Telthian says (to Kaizlark) 'I was worried past humiliations would make you soft.'
Kaizlark wipes his blade on his sleeve before placing it back in its sheath.
The Ruler reaches for Kaizlark, fingers curled into claws, 'I have crushed countless before you. When I am returned, you will be forgotten like the rest, Fitzsimmons.'
Devion, Sultan of Slander says 'Ah, Fitzsimmons. That was the rest of his name.'
Devion, Sultan of Slander says 'I would add it to the record if it mattered at all.'
Telthian the Master smirks as the Ruler is stabbed and shakes his head. 'They need me. And they know it.'
Kaizlark gives a slight chuckle from The Master of Shadows comment.
Kaizlark says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Yet I still strive to move forward.'
Devion, Sultan of Slander arches his brows over the top of his list as he scratches off a name, 'Letting go is the hardest part.'
Kaizlark turns and walks back to take his place.
Telthian says (to Kaizlark) 'Then do be sure you do not continue to choke upon the past mistakes, Kaizlark.'
Waak glances around the area
Khelthrai glances around the gathered before returning his gaze, awaiting the next name.
Devion, Sultan of Slander says 'Next, we have Malachive.'
Devion, Sultan of Slander pauses, looking over the top of the page, 'Wait. Seize him!'
Devion, Sultan of Slander points at Melchaleve.
Khelthrai lets a quiet chuckle slip free.
Melchaleve looking towards Devion, grinning wickedly he says: 'You imply too much power, sire'
Piknim shakes with mirth on her knees, one hand clamped over her mouth and the other clutching her middle.
Telthian says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'How is it you got to be as popular among our dear friends here as I?'
Wyltte glances at Melchaleve.
Melchaleve somberly stands as his name is called, proceeding forward towards the dais.
Melchaleve looks to each of the images of Telthian, then looks to the Mistress saying: 'Each aspect of the Dark Lord serves to further your mission. We...' gesturing to the mortals assembled, 'Are but mortals. He is firstborn. He is the Great Red. What stands before us is but half of a whole. Carrionmaw's shadow looms large over Algoron. He exalts in your name, and snuffs the light. Of these assembled all are aspects of that whole. All must be reassembled to serve the Mistress to the best of his ability. Power, Pride, Charisma. All are needed to usher in the Infinite Night from those who would dare stand against you. Each are aspects that must be drawn upon, each to be used in the appropriate circumstance.'
Melchaleve gets a sacrificial dagger from a spirit hoard.
Devion, Sultan of Slander shrugs with an expression of disappointment, 'Your parents must have liked you even less than I do, mortal, to give you a name certain to cause you this much grief.'
Khelthrai feels his eyes glaze over slightly before shaking his head to refocus.
Melchaleve looking to the Master, he says: 'The Storm needs a Dark Lord, but we already have a Master, don't we?' - Looking meaningfully over to the Mistress, he stabs through the center of the Masters shield hand with the dagger, the point piercing through the back where the lightscale exists on the Dark Lord.
Drakkara levels an eye on Melchaleve, offering a silent assessment of his works and actions.
Melchaleve turns and quietly walks back to his place, kneeling again
Telthian the Master releases a scream of fury that resounds gravely, out of the throat of a giant as he staggers back, wounded.
Khelthrai whispers 'Finally.'
Telthian spits, 'Melchaleve Arden. Dutiful servant of Necrucifer.'
Piknim snickers at Khelthrai.
Telthian says (to Melchaleve) 'Clever, but what do you put that cleverness towards?'
Melchaleve says 'Forever. Until the end of time. But the Mistresses will furthers his now.'
Telthian says (to Melchaleve) 'Crucifying puppies. I'm certain He would be so -very- proud of you.'
Rhylgar nods at Khelthrai.
Telthian says (to Melchaleve) 'Fool.'
Symantha tilts her head slightly, with a glance at Khelthrai that soon returns to Telthian the Master.
Devion, Sultan of Slander pauses a moment in the middle of his belittling banter. Even he seems taken aback by the sheer verbosity of the Shadow Supplicant. As the Master takes its first wound, however, a sinister grin touches his lips, 'First blood, little wyrm. From the lowest hanging fruit, surprises abound, it seems.'
Telthian says (to Melchaleve) 'Without me, you would have had no Keep to return to! Driven off by the likes of Lanival, of all people.'
Devion, Caliph of Calumny whispers 'Lanival... hm.'
Velandris arches a silver brow at the almost allegorical placement of the dagger strike. His malachite gaze watches Melchaleve with a deeper scrutiny for a few moments before he returns his attention to the simulacrums.
Telthian says (to Melchaleve) 'A man so vainglorious he rewrote history to place himself within it. You returned and I welcomed you, I protected you. And you cannot see what it is that makes me strong?'
Telthian picks up his cane from where it fell and wipes a hand down the front of his robes.
Telthian says 'Disgraceful.'
Melchaleve remains kneeling, silent.
Mariahna flicks an ear at the name Lanival, the white gold serpent fang earring worn on the tip of her swaying in response to the flick.
Waak glances at Mariahna.
Malkavia yells 'They are coming for me!! Help! Someone help me!'
Khelthrai looks at Devion, Caliph of Calumny.
Telthian the Master regains his composure, but his eyes smolder still with malice.
Drakkara arches a brow as her gaze falls upon Malkavia again. "Someone should tell him that we are already here.'
Waak whispers 'A stain on the world worse than those found in aged undergarments.'
Wyltte allows himself a small grin at Drakkara's comment.
Devion, Caliph of Calumny chortles at the Master's outburst, shaking his head as he scratches a name off of the list, 'Seems you've got more poison in you than a Green dragon, but not half so pretty.'
Devion, Caliph of Calumny says 'Next we have... Brother?'
Fatale, Lord of Death says 'Z'Quarus the Heartless. Pass judgment on the condemned.'
Fatale, Lord of Death looks at Z'Quarus.
Piknim glances at Z'Quarus.
Z'Quarus rises from his kneeling position to stand at his full height. His eyes are drawn toward Fatale. He bows low toward his Patron before righting himself, a look of terror filling his eyes for a moment. Just as fleeting it disappears.
Z'Quarus looks down to ensure his heart is still no longer there before his gaze sweeps over all five Telthians.
Piknim watches Z'Quarus intently, eyes widening as she catches a telltale glimmer in his gaze. A toothy grin breaks her smile wide open.
Mariahna turns her gaze toward Z'Quarus, watching the Count intently for his pronouncement.
Z'Quarus says in a deep voice 'I suppose question is not which is deserving of death, but which can best be leveraged for our battle against the Light and Twilight.'
Malkavia watches intently.
Z'Quarus huffs a sigh, his nostrils flaring. After another moment of consideration, he takes several steps forward to stand between Telthian the Killer and Telthian the Undaunted, his strides sure.
Z'Quarus says in a deep voice 'Or perhaps the aspect less likely to murder me.'
Khelthrai clenches his gauntlet against the marble floor with a metallic scraping, focused on the Count.
Telthian the Master scowls and mutters, 'Deserving of death? After all I have done, I mistrust the word 'deserve.' This is a farce.'
Devion, Caliph of Calumny watches with what can most politely be described as "Boredom".
Z'Quarus simply nods after Telthian the Master's outburst. He then looks from The Killer to the Undaunted, 'I wonder if those here have truly considered how dangerous keeping either of you alive might be.'
Z'Quarus nods once, 'Let us all hope what rage and vengeance you harbor after this will be turned onto the Light and Twilight and not us, hm?'
Malkavia whispers 'Why not both?'
Devion, Caliph of Calumny says 'Only one way to find out, hm?'
Z'Quarus unsheathes and brandishes a blade, quickly turns on his cloven hooves and, rather ungracefully, stabs Telthian the Master.
Piknim whispers 'Ohoho!'
Telthian snarls and staggers back as Z'Quarus stabs him. He clutches at his chest, shadows leaking from the wound.
Khelthrai gives a short, subtle nod as the strike is finally done.
Devion, Caliph of Calumny flashes a devilish grin, showing a hint of teeth at the sudden betrayal, 'Oh hoh. And here I thought you killed people with dullness, we have a performer among us.'
Devion, Caliph of Calumny says (to Z'Quarus) 'Perhaps I may have a use for you after all.'
Drakkara's lips quirk at Z'Quarus's comment, leaning forward slightly to watch the blade sink deep into Telthian.
Telthian says (to Z'Quarus) 'Priest of Murder, but I think you are as fond of your own voice as Zola was.'
Z'Quarus says in a deep voice (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Impossible.'
Rhylgar grins at Z'Quarus.
Z'Quarus twists the dagger before removing it.
Fatale looks at Devion silently. The chill in the air is more than palpable, it is tangible. Black frost builds on the ground around the Lord of Lies, and Devion retreats a step to avoid his brother's ire.
Telthian spits, struggling for a moment to stay on his feet. Through force of will he draws the shadow back into himself, standing taller again.
Telthian says (to Z'Quarus) 'You cast a ghastly figure, Count - but you aren't even the true ruler of Abaddon, are you?'
Piknim glances at Z'Quarus.
Zethrindor cocks his head to the side watching as the scene unfolds.
Symantha watches Telthian the Master with a deepening air of glacial gravity.
Telthian points his cane at Z'Quarus, 'Underneath that bony, bloody, grotesque thing you call a body I think you soft.'
Z'Quarus offers a shrug, 'No, none of the Counts were.'
Telthian says 'Do us a favor and kill that simpering waste of a Countess.'
Telthian says (to Z'Quarus) 'If you were half the killer you claim she would already be dead.'
Devion, Caliph of Calumny says (to Z'Quarus) 'The worst part is that he's the one who makes sense.'
Waak nods at Telthian.
Z'Quarus turns toward Fatale and bows low before taking his place again and offers a smile at the mention of killing the Countess.
Waak smiles.
Devion, Caliph of Calumny glances over at Fatale, prepared to retreat again.
Devion, Caliph of Calumny scratches another name with a flick of his wrist, 'Next. Corson Maltese. Presumably some form of yinn.'
Telthian shudders for a moment as he struggles to master the pain of Z'Quarus' wound, but manages to compose himself.
Telthian says (to Corson Maltese) 'The 'other' Maltese. I hope you have more sense than Jazaren did.'
Z'Quarus takes his kneeling position again and continues watching the proceedings.
Corson smirks slightly and stands slowly, his knees giving an audiable crack.
Symantha looks at Corson.
Ezessinth watches the proceedings continue, her gaze passing from participant to participant with a grim seriousness.
Drakkara looks at Corson.
Corson says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'I must do to you what I have done to myself.'
Drakkara says 'I don't think we want to know.'
Malkavia glances at Corson.
Telthian says (to Corson Maltese) 'Lurk away back into the shadows like the other Magisters? By all means, go right ahead.'
Piknim snorts.
Devion, Caliph of Calumny says 'I look forward to the Red's lucrative sporting career.'
Telthian says (to Corson Maltese) 'Go, I would not blame you.'
Corson walks to the Master and drives a hidden dagger just above his heart.
Telthian stumbles as Corson stabs him and reaches out to grab at the man, but his ethereal fingers find no purchase. His cane falls, and he drops to his knees as shadow bleeds from him.
Telthian says 'Ingrate.'
Malkavia cackles.
Devion, Caliph of Calumny runs his thumb over his chin even as the quill moves across the scroll to strike out another name. How he can do this, hold the parchment, and write at the same time is beyond understanding. He appears unmoved by the melodramatics of the Master, checking over the names remaining.
Corson whispers 'I am that, and so much worse.'
Corson returns to his original spot, taking a solemn knee.
Waak says 'Am I on the list?'
Devion, Liege of Libel says 'Do you want to be on the list?'
Waak says 'Undoubtedly!'
Devion, Liege of Libel says 'Then no.'
Telthian struggles after his cane, using it to support him as he rises to his feet once again as shadow pools before him.
Piknim says 'The Liege of Libel keeps many lists. Careful which one you end up on, dearie.'
Devion, Liege of Libel prominently turns his back, however, not looking at anything Waak may do next.
Waak sits down on the ground.
Waak sulks
Telthian says (to Corson Maltese) 'I hope, one day, you find a good sense of purpose in a gourd at the bottom of your cauldron Maltese. Truly. I always respected you.'
Malkavia whispers 'lists are bloody good to keep.'
Piknim glances at Corson.
Telthian rolls his eyes as he delivers his statement laced with venom.
Waak glances around
Waak discretely walks towards the Telthian's and then covers his eyes with one hand while pointing with the other
Fatale and Dragoth both watch the ludicrous farce put on by Devion and Waak, both still observing the Judgment.
Waak whispers 'Eeny Meeny Miney Moe. Catch a tiger by the toe..'
Telthian says (to Devion, Liege of Libel) 'Really, if you are going to let some screaming insane vagrant have a stab at me you might as well pull out all the stops and let the filthy goblin debase me further.'
Waak whispers 'If you holler let him go..'
Devion, Liege of Libel says 'Goblin vagrant? No, no. I told him he was off the list. He wouldn't dare do something so crass as defy me while my back is turned.'
Waak looks at the ruler and says "After many run-ins with city guards, I don't like authority much"
Symantha narrows her gaze slightly on Waak but remains otherwise unmoved at Drakkara's side.
Waak says 'But to wield authority, you must be able to enforce obediance..'
Malkavia whispers 'I do believe he colored me insane.'
Waak glances quickly at Z'quarus and Zethrindor and says "And some should have been eaten medium rare or scrambled with cheese."
Waak racks Telthian the Killer HARD
Khelthrai stares toward Waak and the further interruption to proceedings. 'Can we discard this one?'
Devion, Liege of Libel hums as he patiently looks over his list, crossing out other names and pointedly ignoring the sounds of ignoble violence.
Telthian the Killer is unmoved, staring down at Waak, 'I would run, little goblin. If Devion does not turn you inside out, I will.'
Devion, Liege of Libel turns back around with a flourish, ignoring the lowbrow melodrama, 'Khelthrai Helbane, the Replacement. Step forward please.'
Waak says 'That was fun!'
Rhylgar grins a tusky smile at the show before him.
Telthian the Master gestures incredulously at Waak.
Z'Quarus looks between Telthian the Killer and Waak and offers a chortle.
Piknim glances at Khelthrai.
Khelthrai offers a slight smile as his name is finally called. He rises to full height before stepping forward towards the many faces of Telthian.
Khelthrai offers a respectful bow towards the throne before passing the different faces before him. He draws a short, simple blade and stops before Telthian the Master.
Khelthrai says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Those I respect. This. Whatever this is. I do not.'
Telthian makes an unsurprised gesture as Kelthrai arrives before him. 'No accounting for taste.'
Piknim purses her lips shrewdly and nods.
Telthian says (to Khelthrai) 'Yes, well, you are of the brood that thinks you are important merely because you hatched from an egg.'
Devion, Liege of Libel says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Don't forget that they made excellent bait.'
Khelthrai drags the short blade diagonally across Telthian the Master's chest, 'My importance is down to the Mistress.'
Devion, Liege of Libel winces performatively at the prolonged execution, watching shadows flow from the wound.
Khelthrai steps back from Telthian, offering a definitive nod.
Telthian screams as Khelthrai slices him open, the blade coming away clean as shadow flows from him. He takes a swipe at the air where Khelthrai stood with his cane, unable to pursue the Wizard.
Khelthrai says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Zze xsa bzab sax eei zzaa. Zzz.'
Telthian says (to Khelthrai) 'That is debatable. I have shoes that have a longer history of service than your tenure, Wizard.'
Devion, Liege of Libel rustles his page to drown out the screaming, utterly ineffectually, 'Hm, hm. Making friends is so very hard these days.'
Ezessinth looks at Khelthrai.
Khelthrai returns to the gathering, retaking his place of solitude.
Telthian stares balefully at Khelthrai, shadow seeping from the many wounds upon his form.
Z'Quarus looks at Fatale, Lord of Death.
Devion, Duke of Deception scratches out Khelthrai and taps his quill on the next name, 'Rhylgarr. Come forward, if you will. We are approaching the end and Mother's patience is not as Infinite as Her Night.'
Khelthrai glances at Rhylgar.
Piknim looks at Rhylgar.
Rhylgar nods and rises to his feet pulling a dagger from his belt he walks up to the Undaunted and glances it over before looking at Dragoth and bowing his head.
The Lord of Entropy gazes at Rhylgar, the droning insects wrapped around him pitching both high and low to approximate dreadful laughter.
Rhylgar moves on to the Killer and glances it over and then looks up at Fatale and bows his head moving on to the Statesman.
Rhylgar glances up at Devion and grins a tusky smile and bows his head.
Telthian the Master winces, his head tipping forward slightly as his face twists in a hideous grimace of agony.
Piknim watches Rhylgar closely, a smile creeping across her lips.
Rhylgar moves on to the Ruler standing for a brief moment longer and then looks up at Drakkara with reference and bows his head deeply.
Khelthrai follows Rhylgar with his eyes, offering short nods at each stop.
Malkavia watches intently.
Z'Quarus tracks Rhylgar, nodding slightly as he passes each Telthian.
Rhylgar turns to look at the Master a slight sneer upon his lips as his eyes flash red as he steps towards him.
Telthian rolls his eyes as Rhylgar arrives before him, 'Who is it..do you fools think holds us...all together? Without me, there is nothing.'
Rhylgar says in a deep voice (to Telthian Schwartz) 'The Master of Shadows died that night on the black moon, and so shall you.'
Zethrindor studies Khelthrai a long moment.
Symantha remains steadfast in her observance, her pale features locked in weighted regard of the spectacle.
Telthian says (to Rhylgar ShadowFang) 'You were not even there, Orc. Do not speak to me about the Black Moon.'
Maccus offers a very faint smirk as he watches Rhylgar.
Telthian says (to Rhylgar ShadowFang) 'You think you can judge me? ME? You stand on flagstones -I- laid.'
Devion, Duke of Deception drums his fingers against his knee, continuing to support the parchment and quill despite only one hand being visible.
Piknim narrows her eyes and taps a tiny finger to her chin thoughtfully.
Rhylgar grins at Telthian and states 'I am the King now, ALL HAIL DRAKKARA!!' before plunging his blade into the chest of Telthian the Master with a growl.
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'Long live the King, I suppose.'
Z'Quarus glances sidelong at Piknim before look back toward Rhylgar.
Rhylgar pulls the blade out with a twist and a grin.
Malkavia yells 'WOOOOOOOO!'
Piknim whispers 'Oh my.'
Devion, Duke of Deception chuckles at the horrifically grim statement as he puts another line through his list.
Telthian slumps back to his knees as he bleeds profusely, choking as Rhylgar stabs him. His fingers scrape at the stone before him and he looks up in disgust at Rhylgar.
Waak twiddles his thumbs awkwardly
Telthian says (to Rhylgar ShadowFang) 'Orc king. And what did you do to earn that crown, hm?'
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'Stepped on a kender's dreams and possibly her head, if I remember.'
Telthian struggles to his feet once more, defiant still. He weaves slightly as he struggles to collect the shadows that waft from him into his central form.
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'Actually, on that subject..'
Piknim flinches involuntarily.
Telthian says (to Rhylgar ShadowFang) 'Well, your people are known for small minds, and even smaller goals. But do not worry, Blackwolf, I won't judge. '
Rhylgar takes a step back and smirks at Telthian's words.
Telthian grimaces from the pain of his injury yet manages to croak a sarcastic laugh, his features pale.
Ezessinth taps her tail thoughtfully on the ground, quills clattering like glass softly with the movement. She watches the Master through hooded eyes.
Devion, Duke of Deception gestures to Piknim with his quill. For a moment, there is the outline of a horrid little gremlin not three inches tall that hovers in front of him to handle the writing for him, 'If you're quite done, Dead Lord, it's Half-Pint Cracklespark's turn.'
Piknim beams a smile at Devion, Duke of Deception.
Piknim rises to her feet and draws a sacrificial dragonbone kris with the smooth hiss of a razor-sharp edge against oiled leather. She holds it behind her back in an underhand grip, like a child crossing their fingers to tell a lie, and crosses the chamber with short, measured strides to stand before the array of Dark Lords.
Telthian the Master glares, furrowing his brow as Devion speaks. 'A fresh insult. Why not?'
Malkavia whispers 'Advisor, should you wish, I have a claw...'
Devion, Duke of Deception says (to Drakkara) 'I wanted to save the fun one for last. An upside-inside out kender promises to at least be interesting.'
Rhylgar returns to this spot and kneels taking a deep breath as to collect his fury.
Piknim glances at Malkavia.
Telthian says (to Malkavia) 'Shut up. Who are you, anyway?'
Piknim says 'You're a dear mentor, ruler, and father to me.. my three favorite aspects all told! You delivered me into the Darkness and gave me my true name. Darkfinder. You even gave me this knife. I remember what you told me that day. "'An heirloom, though not one to be kept in a glass case and pontificated over.. but to be put to use."'
Malkavia says in a evil voice (to Telthian Schwartz) 'I am me.'
Piknim says 'I'd rather not be tossed off the cliffs outside your lair for trespass or gobbled up after one failure too many, so if some part of you has to go, well.. I thought it should be the Killer.'
Piknim says 'But I changed my mind!'
Piknim steals a glance at Drakkara and beams an innocent smile that fails to reach her eyes. The kender witch hooks a robed arm around Telthian Schwartz the Master of Shadow's middle in a fond side-hug.
Piknim thrusts her dragonbone kris up into the facsimile's heart.
Devion, Duke of Deception says ( to Piknim and Telthian ) 'Careful. Don't get any on you.'
Piknim looks at herself.
Devion, Duke of Deception looks at Piknim.
Piknim says (to Devion, Duke of Deception) 'Oh, drat it all.'
Z'Quarus watches Piknim, his features schooled as she sinks her dragonbone kris into the Master.
Piknim steps back with alacrity and brushes at the front of her robes.
Telthian turns his gaze upward at Piknim's theatrics, fully cognizant of the coming blow. He grabs after the kender's topknot, but seems unable to make any purchase as he howls with pain.
Piknim ducks instinctively and scurries back to her place.
Telthian stumbles but manages to stay standing, he pulls against the chain that binds him, leveling an accusatory finger in Piknim's direction.
Khelthrai gives a subtle nod in Piknim's direction from his place by the shadows.
Devion, Duke of Deception chortles at the mirthless display of perverted innocence, the gribblegrabble secretary putting its quill through the parchment instead of properly crossing the name out.
Piknim blinks at Telthian.
Telthian says 'Running away so soon? Get back over here, you coward.'
Malkavia cackles.
Telthian says (to Piknim) 'A kender Knight, is it? You blanche at the sight of my blood.'
Telthian says 'I look forward to hearing you explain failure on a grand scale to the Queen all because something shiny caught your eye.'
Devion, Duke of Deception allows a slow smile of malevolence to spread across his features as the bile of Telthian the Master spills from shadow-blooded lips.
Piknim peers at Telthian.
Telthian stumbles, coughing as shadows spill from his tattered robes. He continues as best he can manage despite the wounds and the shadows that flee him.
Telthian says 'You, Piknim Cracklespark, are afraid. You are afraid that you will never measure up.'
Piknim says 'I expected better taunts, but you're hardly a kender.'
Telthian says (to Piknim) 'That no matter how hard you labor, no matter how deeply you might feel it in your heart, that you will always be just a kender, and too soft, to emotional, to do what it takes to become what you desperately hope to be.'
Telthian says 'Oh, please.'
Ezessinth rumbles a low hum.
Telthian says (to Piknim) 'If you're going to have a little sob every time someone dies perhaps I should sing you some calming lullabies to help you cope with your grief.'
Devion, Duke of Deception grins widely now, a laugh caught in the back of his throat.
Piknim says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Jokes on you. I didn't shed a tear.'
Telthian says (to Piknim) 'Oh, but you will. We both know it. Just like you did for poor Vaethas.'
Malkavia grins.
Piknim returns to her knees with an indignant huff.
Telthian passes a hand before his face, adopting a stony mask once more.
Piknim says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Pffft.'
Telthian says 'The outside may lie, but I see through you.'
Rhylgar looks over at Piknim and gives her a tusky smile and a nod.
Devion, Duke of Deception laughs gaily, the sound manic, joyous, and vindictive, 'Ah, the anger of the betrayed. This was the music I was hoping for today. I'm glad somebody came through. Well done, well done.'
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'But we are not quite done, are we?'
Piknim blinks rapidly in surprise.
Piknim glances at you.
Symantha shifts slightly to glance at Devion.
Devion, Duke of Deception releases the scroll, which quickly coils back into a cohesive whole before vanishing in a puff of flame.
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'I did say you would be presiding, but I did not quite specify your role.'
Z'Quarus turns his head toward you, his eyes fixed upon her.
Malkavia watches intently.
You nod at Devion, Duke of Deception.
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'You, Kesepton, shall be the executioner of Telthian Schwartz, presiding over his demise in one form or another.'
Piknim turns her head in tandem with Z'Quarus, violet eyes settling solely upon you.
Devion, Duke of Deception says (to You) 'If you like, you can thank me for training you all this time for this.'
Zethrindor flies in.
Ashtiel Kayen floats in.
Zethrindor lands and folds his wings.
Khelthrai folds his arms across his chest lightly, his eyes focused on you.
Devion, Duke of Deception gives a low, mock bow to Symantha, 'I asked you this when the weight of venom still rested in your hands, so I shall ask you again.'
Devion, Duke of Deception says (to You) 'Murderer of the Maw, what do you wish to do?'
Maccus turns his head to watch and face you.
The weight of the knife is heavy, almost crushingly so. To grasp it is to now take hold of fate. To wield it is to command a life.
Melchaleve looks at you.
Symantha angles her gaze slowly from Devion, to gaze over each of the Telthian aspects arrayed while her hand does indeed grasp to the handle of a black knife at her side.
wield knife
You stop using a stygian moonsilver runesword.
You wield a black knife.
a black knife feels like a part of you!
Telthian curls the edge of his lip in sheer disgust at the gallery. He stands upright still, despite the dozens of wounds upon his person though shadows stream from him like vital blood at an alarming rate.
Malkavia looks over at Symantha.
Devion's voice is now solemn, his movements heavy and serious. Gone is the statesman, gone is the mirth. He and his brothers now observe, though the Lord of Lies glances up toward Drakkara.
Telthian says 'Ah. Time for the guilty blade to find a new bearer then.'
Symantha moves down from her place beside the throne, making her way with steady motion and the whisper of robes to stand before Telthian the Master - her steel gaze ignoring all the rest.
Piknim looks on somberly, the color draining from her child-like features as the tenor of the trail shifts abruptly.
Z'Quarus tracks your every move. Out of respect he lets his true face emerge.
Z'Quarus's brow becomes thick and rigid as fangs appear.
Telthian says 'You know my strength, how I soared in the blackness of night, hunting and killing or driving their champions into chains.'
Wyltte glances at you.
Telthian says (to You) 'After everything I have done for you, you would erase me from beneath the heavens with that.'
Telthian lifts a trembling hand to gesture at the blade.
True Death weighs upon the black knife, a hunger that resounds as an itch that crawls against the Umbramark. The weight of a life yet untaken, but fated.
You say (to Telthian) 'I know it. I know it will still be there as well, even without this --" and she gestures at the aspect before her "What do you imagine Drakkara personifies now, in totality, Dark Flame?'
Telthian stares hard at you, his face equally ravaged by the judgment of so many friends and allies. 'If you spite me then so be it, I did not accept this mantle for adoration. This was my duty.'
Telthian waves a hand in the direction of the Ruler, 'I am no fool. But I held my end of the bargain.'
Telthian says (to Drakkara) 'I did as I said I would. Nothing less.'
Telthian says (to You) 'And you.'
Telthian says (to You) 'You would be long dead without me.'
Telthian says 'Storm Keep in ruins. No one had the strength to pick us up from the pit and muck of such suffering, disgrace, and misery.'
You say (to Telthian) 'Did you not offer it to Crelius first?'
Telthian hisses at you, 'I told him to challenge me if he dared to take it.'
You say (to Telthian) 'That was not a risk you should have been willing to take.'
Telthian says 'He fled like a coward. My will was enough.'
Telthian says (to You) 'It is easy for you to judge, Kesepton.'
Telthian says (to You) 'I am not some dirt worshiping heathen that prays for rain, I squeeze it from the clouds.'
Zethrindor says 'Z sesazs dizzzas?'
Telthian says (to You) 'I knew I could send him away in disgrace through one means or another. And I was right.'
Ezessinth snaps her jaws at Zethrindor.
Zethrindor grumbles as Ezessinth snaps her jaws at him and huffs a small cold cloud of mist.
Khelthrai glances at Zethrindor before focusing on the events unfolding.
Telthian says (to Zethrindor) 'Ssix ib, zsaxa, ez zsab A dax zzaa A zass sibx zbb dass eei ab xsa sxzaaxs.'
Zethrindor says (to Telthian Schwartz) 'Sa szs basaz asbasxab zbexsabd sass zzez saz. '
Telthian says 'I have done and given more than any of you asked or deserved, and you would destroy me for it like the cowards you are.'
Symantha pauses for a long moment, to gaze silently on Telthian the Master. Eventually she glances over at Drakkara and then back, unwavering in her determination.
You say (to Telthian) 'It is not cowardice to move forward. To grow in the strength before us, rather than in what falls behind.'
Telthian says (to You) 'Have I not done enough?'
Ezessinth watches you with a cool gaze, draconic countenance unreadable.
Symantha gestures at the hourglass at Telthian's side. "Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind."
Piknim hangs her topknotted head solemnly.
Drakkara looks at you.
You say (to Telthian) 'You've done everything, except this last crucible. We must pass through the fire and come out on the other side as often as it takes to become what we must.'
Khelthrai silently moves away from the gathering, allowing himself a little more space.
Telthian says 'Out of loyalty and love for my kind, I swallowed my pride and I bent the knee. I have done everything asked of me, and I have guided you - even you - through this...Monsignor Kesepton.'
You say (to Telthian) 'Now it's my turn.'
Symantha steps in toward Telthian, to brush her thumb along the scar on his jaw, and drives the blade of the knife unerringly into the light-afflicted heart of the form.
The blade passes into Telthian, but does not seem to harm him.
Devion, Duke of Deception watches as the stabbing ends... somewhat anticlimactically. He frowns.
Telthian the Master lifts a hand instinctively, but the reflex is slowed by his wounds and injuries. His face furrows, however in sudden confusion.
Memories of the accomplishments of Carrionmaw the Red filter past your eyes, colored with new context as your resolve hardens. A caretaker, a protector, a leader, a liability. A millstone, a relic of a Necruciferian era, an island of antiquity in the new order. With it comes anger.
Symantha stares into Telthian's gaze as if seeing something else and slowly, anger begins to filter into her features.
Khelthrai remains transfixed on the exchange. His hand reach to grasp the symbol around his neck, waiting.
Piknim looks at you.
Malkavia glances at you.
Judgment is insufficient. The detached execution of a creature so base. A symbol of weakness, of infirm resolve.
Z'Quarus is transfixed by the act of violence before him, unable to tear his gaze away.
The Umbramark pulses with your quickening heartbeat, the knife singing in your grasp.
Nimiane watches the exchange, her fingers clenched around her staff tightly.
Telthian the Master lets his chest rise as if he inhales a breath, a smile creeps at the edge of his mouth and he shakes his head. 'Of all of them, I am the center. Without me, what is left of him?'
Malkavia watches the events unfold.
Devion, Duke of Deception watches with a widening grin, a realization of his own leading him to crane his neck to look up at Drakkara upon Her throne.
Ezessinth stares at Wyltte.
Symantha withdraws a partial step, her grip tightening audibly around the handle of the knife. Unholy tendrils rise from the mark on her palm to wrap around its equally umbral dark, and she grits her teeth. "There is no Him any more. There is only Her." and she twists the blade upward within the ephemeral Telthian the Master.
Wyltte nods sagely.
Rhylgar remains quiet watching intently a slight tilt to his head.
Piknim nods once with an air of finality.
Kaizlark stands firmly in place.
Ezessinth bares just the tips of her sharp teeth, more of a grimace than a snarl.
You say (to Telthian) 'This part of you will perish with the last of Him! All that was His will, and they will be glad of it, for it is Drakkara that brings wholeness and strength to us all.'
You feel a surge through your entire body as the knife responds. A burst of umbral magics pulse through the weapon into Telthian's body.
Drakkara watches quietly, though the corners of her lips quirk slightly upward, in the faint markings of a grin.
Maccus bows his head in reverance toward the words.
Telthian the Master watches you intently, his angular features pulling into a look of intense, agonizing pain. He makes no effort to mask the horror and betrayal in his voice. 'You took everything from me. I wonder what makes you think I won't cut your throat one evening just to hear you gurgle. I will find a way!'
There is a dark flare as umbral energies course down Symantha's body, the knife audibly turning with a click not unlike a key before dark powers erupt from Telthian the Master's body.
Ashtiel says softly 'Necrucifer is Eternal. You will not remove His memory by destroying the Maw.'
Devion, Duke of Deception glances at Ashtiel.
Z'Quarus glances at Ashtiel.
Zethrindor glances at Ashtiel.
Piknim glances at Ashtiel.
Devion, Duke of Deception snaps his fingers.
Melchaleve clenches his fists at the Chancellors words
Ashtiel disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Maccus turns his head sharply toward Ashtiel, hand gripping the pommel of his blade.
Piknim whispers 'Buh-bye.'
Wyltte shakes his head.
Z'Quarus unsheathes his blade but Ashtiel is gone before he can really do anything.
Telthian brings both hands to the center of his chest to fight for the dagger, releasing a resonant sound of fury that resounds gravely like the voice of a dragon's roar.
Maccus turns his head toward Melchaleve now, watching with a glare.
Z'Quarus swivels his head toward the energies erupting from Telthian the Master.
Malkavia watches, eyes glued to Telthian.
Symantha emits a sound caught between rage and euphoria as the umbral energies course through her and she grinds out, "You will not!" at Telthian while her grip adjusts and tightens further.
Zethrindor watches intently.
Khelthrai grips the Drakkarian symbol a little tighter, bowing his head in a silent prayer as the struggle continues.
Symantha steps in again, as if to push the point of her words and the knife, her steel gaze fiery in its wrath. "I am Her priestess and you are Hers."
The blade sinks deeper as the semi-translucent body of Telthian the Master begins to swell and bulge unnaturally with the power coursing through it.
Piknim looks on with wide eyes, mouth agape and umbral energy reflected in the violet orbs.
Zethrindor curls his tail about his form while gazing upon Teltheian.
Ezessinth studies Wyltte for a moment before returning her gaze to the struggle between you and the aspect of Telthian.
Z'Quarus blinks as Telthian the Master bulges, perhaps fascinated by the power coursing through the body.
Telthian grits his teeth, his eyes wide with the madness of agony, howling in defiance, 'I AM NOT FINISHED! I WILL HOUND HIM, SHATTER HIM AGAIN AND AGAIN!'
Symantha draws on ever more power, unholy flame writhing up around the blade and her own arm as she grinds out once more at Telthian the Master, "Submit!"
Telthian screams as his body is torn apart by the umbral power, defiant unto his last breath.
Fissures open across the body of Telthian Schwartz, erupting with umbral power before he is overwhelmed. There is a blinding flash of violet light before the immaterial body is destroyed, torn apart on the most essential level.
Maccus continues to watch Melchaleve before finally the sounds of Telthian drag his back.
Telthian disappears in a mushroom cloud.
The force of Telthian's erasure rocks you back a step, and the knife goes inert in your grasp, its purpose expended.
Wyltte covers his good eye at the flash
Zethrindor closes his eyes as a the mortal flesh body of Telthian is ripped apart and sighs heavily.
Drakkara says 'And like that, my pet pops like a balloon. Shame.'
Symantha drops her arm bearing the knife, her knuckles and fingers white around it as she stumbles back a step at the force, her gaze lowered as she breathes hard.
Devion, the Duke of Deception says 'Ah, aha, but we are not done, are we, Mother?'
Piknim flings up her arms to shield her eyes from the umbral eruption.
Z'Quarus shields his eyes from the flash of violet light.
Devion, Duke of Deception raises his arms to encompass the remaining doppelgangers of Telthian Schwartz in various states of abuse.
Ezessinth breaks her careful facade of calm to look at Wyltte incredulously.
Khelthrai glances at Devion, Duke of Deception.
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'We must put the remaining pieces back together.'
Piknim glances at Ezessinth.
Devion, Duke of Deception says (to Dragoth, Lord of Entropy) 'If you'd be so kind, Dragoth.'
Waak says 'The arm bone is connected to the.. leg bone!'
Rhylgar says in a deep voice (to Waak) 'So close.'
Khelthrai observes with a keen interest, glancing between the Lords Devion and Dragoth.
Drakkara offers a sudden chuckle. "Oh I do like the leg bone...'
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy raises an armored hand, the metal creaking as rust flakes away only to be lost in the swirling mantle of flies about him. In his rotten grasp is a dragon's egg, one gray and inert.
Z'Quarus follows Khelthrai's gaze, perhaps hoping to glean something from the powerful divine works being displayed.
Corson looks at Dragoth, Lord of Entropy.
Piknim takes a step forward unconsciously, curiosity brimming in her bright eyes.
Devion, Lord of Lies, raises his hand and snaps his fingers. At once, each of the Telthian simulacra collapse as though puppets with their strings cut. As they tumble, they return to their true forms as pieces of the soul, each drawn inexorably toward the dragon egg.
Devion, Duke of Deception slays Telthian Schwartz, the Undaunted in cold blood!
Devion, Duke of Deception slays Telthian Schwartz, the Statesman in cold blood!
Devion, Duke of Deception slays Telthian Schwartz, the Ruler in cold blood!
Devion, Duke of Deception slays Telthian Schwartz, the Killer in cold blood!
Waak sacrifices the heart of Telthian Schwartz to the Gods.
Khelthrai stares at Waak.
Maccus glares at Waak.
Z'Quarus blinks.
Malkavia glares at Waak.
Zethrindor says (to Waak) 'How rude.'
Waak says 'Force of habit'
Maccus shakes his head.
Zethrindor whispers 'Sa zzbxab xe azx xsa sad.'
Symantha closes her eyes and angles her neck slightly, the vertebrae cracking softly. A long steadying inhale follows and she straightens, her shoulders squaring, and she glances at Devion - fiery wrath still alight in her steel gaze.
Zethrindor agrees with Rhylgar.
Zethrindor grins at Ezessinth.
As the crimson energies are drawn into the egg, it begins to pulse with new life, a quickening within its shell bringing a ruddy hue to its outer layer.
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'Though, I will admit.'
Melchaleve grits his teeth, staring at Waak, then returns his attention to the divine power swirling about him
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'I may have told a small lie in all of this.'
Ezessinth keeps her attention solemnly on the deities before her.
Zethrindor looks at Devion, having expected that "small" lie all along.
Maccus rolls his eyes, just a touch at the comment before bowing his head in silence.
Devion, Duke of Deception chuckles, smirking uncontrollably as his shoulders shake with wicked mirth.
Rhylgar glances at Devion, Duke of Deception.
Ezessinth says 'A lie from the Lord of Lies? Perish the thought.'
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'Nobody needed to die. Not truly. We could have put the pieces together from the start.'
Devion, Duke of Deception says 'But I simply could not resist the idea of giving Mother a wonderful prize so close to the celebration of her reign.'
Devion, Duke of Deception says (to Drakkara) 'Mother, would you be so kind as to fill in the gap that the Dead Master's essence has left in the Maw?'
Malkavia ponders.
Zethrindor smiles at Ezessinth.
Malkavia whispers 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.'
Piknim cannot help but smile. The kender witch dips her topknotted head reverently.
Khelthrai glances up to the throne, regarding Drakarra for a brief moment, waiting, before bowing his head.
Drakkara rises from her seat upon the throne and rather than moving toward the remains, she pins her gaze upon you. "Do you bleed from your actions?'
Symantha casts her gaze up to Drakkara, though keeps it from the Goddess's eyes with deference, her arms held at her sides. At the question she lifts her gaze the last little bit and shakes her head. "I knew it had to happen. I have long been prepared for this moment."
Z'Quarus looks from Drakkara to you and back to Drakkara again.
Zethrindor grins a little impishly.
Maccus looks over at Wyltte and smirks just a little before resuming his attention to the Goddess and Monsignor.
Symantha lowers her gaze afterward and lowers herself to a knee. "He was always Yours, Mistress."
Ezessinth tilts her head just slightly at your words.
Drakkara says (to You) 'Preparation and knowing does not staunch the flow of blood, even when it is expected. What value do you place on his life?'
Wyltte nods at Maccus.
Piknim rests a small hand over her heart absently.
Piknim looks at you.
Wyltte watched the exchange between Drakkara and you.
Symantha raises her head slightly and responds, "Immense value. I have also long seen him as a true force for and of the Darkness. But if I could not do this, then I would not be worthy of the mantle I have been blessed with."
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy looks on, the droning of his insect mantle low and muted. In his grasp, the egg pulses with burgeoning life.
Drakkara says (to You) 'And what mantle is that? You killed my pet.'
You say (to Drakkara) 'Monsignor. Your Voice, Your Hand, whatever you need me to be on Algoron.'
You say (to Drakkara) 'It does hurt, but... one who follows the heart finds it will bleed.'
Symantha lifts the knife, as if to present its blade and the moonsilver etching.
Piknim bobs her head in solemn affirmation.
Drakkara continues to regard you, her gaze unmoving. "Would you give your life for his?'
Ezessinth glances at Wyltte.
Ezessinth almost fidgets, shifting her weight just slightly.
Maccus watches you for a moment before turning and watching Drakkara.
You say (to Drakkara) 'Only if I thought he could accomplish what I could not.'
Drakkara says (to You) 'That is no true answer.'
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy watches dispassionately, his grip on the dragon egg tightening slightly.
Piknim glances at Dragoth, Lord of Entropy.
Symantha nods slightly and looks on Drakkara for a time before answering again. "If you commanded it, Mistress. Yes."
You say 'But I believe I understand our worth better now perhaps. I am Yours, and my life is Yours first. Not his.'
Drakkara says (to You) 'I know you will do as I command. But you stand at the precipice and have a choice before you because I am gracious. Take full measure and give me your choice.'
Ezessinth says 'Mistress, if she might.'
Zethrindor turns his gaze upon Ezessinth.
Wyltte glances at Ezessinth.
Khelthrai casts his gaze between you and the Goddess, remaining silent as the weight of the words hang heavy.
Maccus glances over at Ezessinth before looking back to Drakkara.
Waak glances at Dragoth, Lord of Entropy.
Wyltte looks at Ezessinth.
Malkavia glances at Dragoth, Lord of Entropy.
Waak whispers 'I can hold that for you, if it's getting heavy..'
Wyltte glares at Waak.
Symantha rises up to stand and, bowing her gaze to Drakkara, states clearly and confidently, "I would not give my life for him. That is Yours to take and no others. I am Your priestess."
Malkavia whispers 'After you destroyed the remains, I think that is unwise'
Wyltte regains his composure.
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy does not even spare Waak a glance, his amethyst gaze upon Drakkara alone.
Drakkara's gaze does not leave your form as her voice rises higher to be heard. "Dragoth, bring us the egg."
Wyltte watches the egg closely.
Piknim inhales softly and holds in a breath.
Khelthrai feels his gaze drawn to the Lord of Entropy, focusing upon the egg in hand.
Abech shys behind Piknim holding his satchel tightly.
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy walks forward, his stride metronomic and heavy. The buzzing of his mantle grows as he approaches Drakkara, standing beside the Mistress of the Moon and Her priestess. He offers the egg to Drakkara.
Zethrindor looks at Abech.
Rhylgar takes a deep breath as his gaze shifts from party to party.
Dragoth does not speak aloud, but the boiling cloud of flies about him buzz, approximating a voice, 'I bring the egg, Queen-Mother'
Z'Quarus lets his gaze wander to Fatale, unable to help himself. He studies His Gods features before his gaze is drawn back to Dragoth, Drakkara, and you.
Piknim drifts back a step and slips a robed arm about Abech's shoulders gently, steadying the pixie.
Drakkara says (to You) 'Take the egg into your hands and hold it within your palms before me.'
Symantha drops the black knife in her grasp immediately and reaches out to accept the offered egg from Dragoth. She then moves in a whisper of robes to stand before Drakkara, the egg presented.
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy gives you an umbral dragon egg.
l egg
The egg of a dragon burns with umbral power here. A crimson glow pulses within its depths.
Ezessinth shifts her wings and subsides, lowering her head silently.
Khelthrai shifts his gaze back to you, tilting his head at the curious egg, interest shown across his features.
Drakkara reaches forward to place both of her hands over the top of each of your, holding the eggs as well though indirectly. "Now pray."
Wyltte takes a knee, but fixes his gaze up to Drakkara
Khelthrai bows his head in respect, clasping the symbol dangling around his neck once again.
Piknim settles onto one knee and bows her topknotted head low in prayer.
Melchaleve lips begin to move, offering silent prayers to the gods
Abech takes a knee beside Piknim.
Rhylgar bows his head deeply as he kneels.
Symantha lowers her gaze over the dragon egg in her grasp and, uttering a fervent divine incantation, she follows it with equally fervent prayer. "Bathed in Your Celestial majesty, we submit."
Kaizlark takes a knee and bows his head.
You say 'Servants of Darkness, made whole in Your grace.'
Maccus bows his head, hand claiming the holy symbol about his neck in prayer.
You say 'It is with fervent faith, unwavering belief, that we bend the knee - that we walk forward without doubt. Strong in our trust. Stalwart in our duty.'
Malkavia kneels.
You say 'May we ever be found worthy before You, Mistress.'
Wyltte nods sagely.
A sudden crack of lightning sounds and the room becomes bathed in a purple haze of color as sparks begin to fly out from the pair of hands that cup the dragon egg between them.
A mist forms around Khelthrai, hiding everything from sight.
A monstrous umbral arachnid slowly fades away.
Rauglothgar has appeared out of the mist.
Z'Quarus's face returns to its normal appearance.
You feel a surge of power lance through you, drawing on every fiber of your being and your strength, weighing it and testing it.
The sky darkens above New Thalos, the air around the Rip in the Sky becoming ruddy with crimson dark-light as the natural lights of the sky are smothered with a cloak of true Darkness.
Piknim spares a glance up and smiles irrepressibly.
Rauglothgar snorts a short blast of sand at his own untimely arrival, moving to the side and bowing his large head.
Symantha continues to pray, her voice rising with reverence in the Chamber even as a shock runs through her. "Your Dark Moon's shroud encompasses us and with umbral might, we find revelation in the Darkness anew."
Malkavia grins.
You say 'May he be made whole in the might and majesty of Your power and embrace, Drakkara.'
The crimson light swirls and pulses, drawn back into the tear in reality above the Desert Kingdom bit by bit. The pace is regular, pulsing with its own rhythm like a heartbeat as the red essence is drawn back into the hungering maw of the Rip.
Wyltte whispers 'Your will be done, Goddess'
Maccus whispers 'Within the Infinite Night, everything.'
You pray 'Through Your power, which has made me whole, may I be found worthy of this Dark Queen. All that You may desire is Yours.'
The small sparks join together, one and then another until full chains of lightning streak across the room, scorching sizzles that sound deafening with each one piercing through the palms of the hands that hold the egg, as well as into the egg itself. As the mortal girl stands there, her face takes on a hollow almost skeletal against the play of light against the shadows.
Rhylgar says in a deep voice 'Unitas in Tenebris, For the Infinite Night!'
Melchaleve whispers 'Ambactus A Caligo'
Rauglothgar glances at you.
Symantha opens her gaze over the egg, as if to focus divine might into each devotional that spills from her lips with zeal, entirely unaware of the visual drain to her form.
Piknim says 'Ambactus a Caligo!'
Malkavia says in a evil voice 'For the Infinite Night!'
Nimiane whispers 'For the Infinite Night.'
Kaizlark whispers 'Ambactus A Caligo.'
Drakkara continues to call upon her lightning as she releases the eggs into your sole grasp.
The egg is heavy to hold alone, coupled with drained strength and burned hands scorched from lightning.
Symantha looks up at Drakkara and whispers with ardent faith, "For Your Infinite Night." as she barely manages the weight of the egg in her grasp alone, obviously slouching with it.
Drakkara says 'It is ready.'
Piknim rises back to her feet slowly and looks on with bated breath as violet lightning flashes and fulminates.
Zethrindor says 'Bzzasa xe xsa sese Zexsaz zbb saz zass. '
Rauglothgar raises his head to regard the egg once more, his large orb eyes scanning from egg to eggbearer.
Maccus rises from his spot and takes a careful step forward, craning his head to try and get a better look.
Ezessinth remains reticent, watching with an impassive expression.
The three Sons of Darkness bow in unison with Drakkara's proclamation, both retreating as the ritual is completed. Last to vanish is Devion, specifically his wide smile that lingers a moment after his own disappearance.
Rhylgar lifts his head half standing but keeping upon one knee.
Devion, Duke of Deception disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Fatale, Lord of Death disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Dragoth, Lord of Entropy disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Malkavia cackles.
Symantha lowers the egg to the ground before Drakkara laboriously but gently as she also goes to a knee. "Thank you, Mistress."
l drakkara
-----------------------------------------------------------
Your eyes feast on the lithe, slim, captivating form that is Drakkara.
Smoke and what smells like incense covers her feet, while thin wisps of it
curl upwards...sensuously wrapping around her smooth bare legs. Her short
dark skirt is composed at the body-section of strips of nearly translucent
cloth, offering tantalizing glimpses of the smooth pale skin below.
The strips are joined at the neck by a collar of black pearls.
As she moves her head it catches the light in the room, sprinkling her face
in a shower of pinpointed light while her black curly hair, glistening
with moisture, falls carelessly down and around her shoulders.
Finally, you raise your gaze to her face and are instantly captivated
by her eyes. Surrounded by delicately perfect human features, the almond-
shaped eyes command and hold the attention of anyone their gaze falls upon.
Suddenly you are drowning in their depths, and reveling in it...
eyes draw you further into them and call you on....to the inevitable.
A sultry voice in your head murmurs 'Kneel before me, mortal.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drakkara is in excellent condition.
Drakkara is using:
<held> (Humming) a drop of crystallized blood, pulsing with magic
Z'Quarus rises from his kneeling position, his height allowing him an advantageous position for viewing you, Drakkara, and the umbral egg.
Zethrindor looks as if he has questions as he watches between the Holy Mother and the egg and then you.
Waak pulls a small fork out from one of his pockets
Drakkara says (to You) 'Do not build faith in me around one. The tide must rise to all and only then, will it consume.'
Piknim glances at Waak, or more specifically his pockets, but banishes the distraction in an instant, returning her full attention to the divine display before her.
Symantha responds to Drakkara with a single nod. "Yes, Mistress."
Nimiane remains on her knees, but her head lowers more.
Rauglothgar shakes gently as the membranous frills along his back move, showering those unfortunately too close with a light dusting of sand.
Piknim brushes sand from her shoulder with a flick of her hand.
Z'Quarus attempts to conceal a frown as he attempts to brush the sand from his fur unsuccessfully.
Drakkara says (to You) 'You will be the guardian of my pet and will be the protector of the one you betrayed. You will be the one that people will look upon, in envy, in distain...but you will not falter under the weight of any scrutiny.'
Zethrindor grins at Nimiane.
Drakkara gets a blackened silver circlet set with three moons from a satchel that seems to hum with energy.
You say (to Drakkara) 'I will bear it all with the strength You would have Your priestess wield.'
Drakkara looks at you.
Zethrindor looks at you.
Z'Quarus looks at you.
Rauglothgar flashes a set of razor-sharp teeth as he watches the exchange.
Zethrindor says 'Zass xsa Zab szsa xe szxss zdzab? Sxzzx zbaz? Ez zass sa da zs sa zzs?'
Rauglothgar says 'Ax's szza xe sze. Xaza zass xass. Sezaxsabd za zza dsassab zaxs.'
Zethrindor agrees with Rauglothgar.
Drakkara pulls the helmet from your head and drops it to the floor before pulling out a small circlet from within a small mass of energy. She holds it between her hands before slowly easing it down over the girl's head, to rest lightly upon her temples.
a blackened silver circlet set with three moons appears in your hand.
Zethrindor says (to Rauglothgar) 'Sa sazbse as zassab zaxs Sizaeisbass.'
You wear a blackened silver circlet set with three moons on your head.
Maccus cannot hide his grin as he watches you. His hand finally releasing the death grip over the holy symbol about his neck.
Wyltte looks at you.
Symantha bows her head before Drakkara and the placement of the circlet, a position she holds for several moments.
Piknim grins like a Cheshire cat.
l circlet
A circlet of blackened silver is here, three moons set upon it.
l moon
Perfectly round, this stone has been smoothed and is without any blemish, the pitch black orb seeming to absorb any nearby light. It's surface is warm to the touch, surprising for such a cold looking rock though its flawless beauty is undeniable.
l silver
Blackened silver dusted in crushed amethysts has been expertly twisted and woven into a beautiful circlet, it's design one to appear as if two crescent moons, one waning and one waxing, sit upon a horizontal plane, both joined together by a single black moonstone. The round bit of metal glitters in the light except for where the moonstone sits.
Rauglothgar bows his head in reverence to the Goddess, Drakkara and Her Priestess.
Melchaleve grins at you.
Rhylgar flashes a tusky grin
Z'Quarus lowers his head in the respect that is due.
Maccus whispers 'Holy Goddess above.'
Wyltte places a fist to his heart in salute.
Zethrindor lowers his head to Drakkara and you, in a honored bow of respect.
Kaizlark bows his head.
Drakkara says (to You) 'Do not disappoint in your new charge.'
Rhylgar bows his head deeply towards Drakkara and you.
Symantha nods once, firmly, to Drakkara's command.
Someone slowly fades into thin air.
Maccus tells you 'Congratulations, High Priestess.'
Piknim tucks both hands into the wide cuffs of her robe and bows her head in acknowledgment.
Maccus remains at a bow before you, a wide grin crossing his features.
Melchaleve rises to his feet
Z'Quarus says in a deep voice (to You) 'Congratulations, High Priest Kesepton.'
Rauglothgar raises his head once more, regarding the you standing at the forefront of the gather. 'Darkness Bless - High Priestess.'
Wyltte says in a low toned manner (to You) 'High Priestess'
Rhylgar continues to kneel with his head bowed to you
Maccus says in a low toned manner 'Glory and Dark Tidings rise to the new High Priestess, Symantha Kesepton!'
Malkavia says in a evil voice (to You) 'High Priestess'
Symantha wavers slightly as she sets a hand to the top of the egg and then stands slowly, to straighten herself. Once there, she turns to the Chamber and tips her head to everyone.
Kaizlark says (to You) 'High Priestess.'
Piknim says 'Hear, hear!'
Zethrindor lets out a loud roar.
Melchaleve says (to You) 'Quite the showing.'
Piknim raps the butt of her ebony hoopak upon the floor thrice in rapid succession.
Maccus looks at you.
Rhylgar says in a deep voice (to You) 'Your Unholiness.'
You say 'We have work to do now.'
Melchaleve says (to You) 'Aye.'
Z'Quarus nods at you.
Wyltte nods sagely.
Nimiane remains on the floor for a moment, her expression unreadable.
Above Algoron, the light of the White Moon dims. Slowly, inexorably, a shape drifts before it, absorbing its light into itself.
Symantha catches the gaze of each person present and after another beat or several, she nods and looks skyward.
Z'Quarus grins.
Zethrindor whispers 'Zass ssa szsa xe sax ibeb xsa add xe daab ax zzzz... zbb szxss ax? Sa szs see zzbe diasxaebs! '
Malkavia yells 'They are coming for me!! Help! Someone help me!'
Wyltte looks up towards the sky, standing to his feet.
Wyltte whispers 'They just might be'
For the remainder of the night, the Black Moon of Drakkara hangs in the air, obscuring the White utterly. In its umbral silhouette, violet sigils glow, casting a triumphant radiance in honor of the High Priestess of Drakkara.
Z'Quarus look up toward the hungry black moon, basking it its unlight.
Nimiane slowly lifts her gaze and peers over at Piknim.
Maccus raises himself completely to stand before you.
Symantha breathes out with fierce determination, "By Her Dark Tide, for the Infinite Night, we are the Servants of Darkness and we will bring its Shroud to all corners of Algoron."
Melchaleve yells 'Ambactus A Caligo!'
Z'Quarus says in a deep voice (to You) 'We will drown Algoron in a tide of blood and Darkness.'
You nod at Z'Quarus.
Z'Quarus kneels and prays for the blessing of wisdom.
You gossip 'Praise the Dark Queen, Drakkara. Eternal Celestial Goddess. The Infinite Night comes.'
Piknim gossips 'Ambactus a Caligo! For the Infinite Night!'
Malkavia gossips 'For the Infinite Night!'
Rauglothgar gossips 'Zss szas xsa Diaab ez xsa Badsx.'