[C] Cadra: There are jackals hunting. Do you hear them?
[C] Khizan: They are always hunting.
[C] Cadra: Something is different this time.
[C] Cadra: Come to my altar.
An unnatural cold lingers around the altar here, its gloaming marble held aloft upon a base of entwined bones; the osseous contours of the dead are braced in flourishes of gold. Looming at the northernmost point with a visage shrouded by the skull of a jackal, the semblance of a woman carved from stone looks down upon the altar, her pale and sapphirine eyes awaiting sacrifice. Verexa Talmarian is here, wreathed in a cloud of bile. The undead form of Revenant Cadeyrn Vaskal is here. He wields a Souledge Sabre in his left hand and a lunar shield in his right. Maevral Sol'Anlumaire is here, smirking smugly. She is holding a rough-hewn blackthorn cavalry shield in her left hand. The ever-shifting visage of Aulani, Aspect of Moradeim, is here. She is holding a truesilver shield in her left hand. Aslak is riding on a pallid stallion. He is holding a buckler in his left hand. Khizan Vladin is riding on a massive warhorse. He is holding a truesilver shield in his right hand. Khizan Vladin is here. Lady Aulani Vladin is here.
Maevral flashes you a joyous smile.
Iniar creases his brow in a frown.
With gentle calm, Iluv brings his clasped hands to his forehead as he bows, slowly, at the waist.
The howling of jackals fills your ears as the temperature abruptly plummets, leaving you feeling shaken and uneasy.
Maevral peers about herself unscrupulously.
Lais looks curiously to the altar.
Ahkan emerges into the room from ether.
The howling continues to a deafening volume as images of a giant pack flash before your eyes.
Calmly turning towards you, Iniar brings his clasped hands to his forehead as he bows before you, slowly, at the waist.
An unsettling shriek of childish laughter suddenly cuts through the howling, the sound both joyful and chilling.
You have emoted: Kanthari adopts an odd expression, head tilting to one side.
Aulani brushes her palms down over her dress as she shifts uneasily from one foot to the other.
[C] Cadra: The jackals have found something I've been seeking.
[C] Khizan: What is it?
[C] Kanthari: Oh?
[C] Cadra: Shall we join them?
[C] Cadra: They've led me to Demon's Pass.
[C] Kanthari: Indeed.
[C] Iniar: Certainly.
Lais intones with a laugh, "Chasing ghosts."
You say, "Follow."
[C] Aulani: Yes.
Khizan quickly flings a card with the image of the Universe at the ground.
A shimmering, translucent image rises up before you, its glittering surface displaying the verdant grasslands, soaring mountains, sprawling settlements and deep blue seas of the Aetherian mainland.
| Somewhere in here, I embarassingly pause to ask Khizan how the eff Universe tarot works. |
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says to you, "I am with you, Sazuran."
You reach out and touch the map before you. Your surroundings spin as you melt effortlessly into the image.
Atop a scorched hilltop.
The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. Dozens of jackals have gathered here in a great pack, snarling and pacing restlessly. A mesmerized zombie lumberjack is swaying back and forth here, his gaze fixed on the distance. A disgruntled enchanted zombie is here, pounding his fist in the direction of an unseen point. Cadra stands here, her waif-like form casting an unnaturally tall shadow.
Cadra grins mischievously.
Calmly turning towards Cadra, you bring your clasped hands to your forehead as you bow before her, slowly, at the waist.
Calmly turning towards Cadra, Iniar brings his clasped hands to his forehead as he bows before her, slowly, at the waist.
Caelya peers at a host of snarling jackals unscrupulously.
Cadra smiles impishly and says, "Look what I found."
Taking on a rigid posture, Cadeyrn wreathes his hand in crackling black energy and gives Cadra a respectful salute.
You see Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor yell, "Hush, Silantor!"
Lady Aulani Vladin says, "The undead fortification?"
Aulani raises an eyebrow questioningly.
Lais points accusingly at a host of snarling jackals.
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Lais shifts uneasily in his saddle.
Cadra squints suspiciously at her surroundings.
Lady Aulani Vladin says, "Is that what the jackals were searching for? Could have saved some time by asking."
Cadra shakes her head.
Verexa eyes the pack of jackals uneasily as she leans against her sister, Caelya, for support.
probe jackals
An immense host of jackals, far too many to count, prowl and skulk in the shadows here. With amber eyes alight as if with inner fire and elongated ears pinned to their skulls, these ferine creatures snarl and snap at any who draw too near.
A host of snarling jackals looks to be crushingly strong.
Cadra says, "They've found something much better. There is something special about this place."
Aulani tilts her head and listens intently to Cadra.
You have emoted: Kanthari tilts his head to one side in a distinct fashion, inquiring, "And what is that?"
Khizan Vladin says to Cadra, "The promise you spoke of?"
Cadra grins mischievously at Khizan.
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade asks, "Promise?"
Verexa tilts her head and listens intently.
Cadra says, "There was a great battle here many years ago."
Iniar frowns, confusion playing across his features.
Maevral pulls her cloak tighter about her shoulders as she observes, eyes intent on Cadra.
Khizan grins mischievously.
You have emoted: Kanthari clasps his hands behind his back, head yet tilted as he listens intently.
Khizan Vladin says, "Though, I believe I know which battle you are speaking of."
Khizan grins mischievously.
Cadra says to Khizan, "Tell them."
Verexa gives Khizan the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.
Khizan Vladin says to Iniar, "This is where the Demon Lords entered the world, after we broke the seals on their prison."
Khizan Vladin says, "Gods fought here."
Caelya Talmarian says, "Oh, right. I was there."
Comprehension flashes across Verexa's face.
Khizan Vladin says, "Some even died here."
Iniar smiles impishly at Khizan, "Ah."
Verexa Talmarian says, "I missed that."
You have emoted: "Gods died here," Kanthari affirms in an odd tone, eyes cast for a moment toward the earth at his feet.
Lais looks about suspiciously, his unpaired gaze soon falling to Cadra.
Cadra says, "The earth hasn't forgotten. A great power lingers here."
Aulani taps her lips in thought as she looks from Khizan to Cadra and then scans the area.
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade asks, "Power that we can control?"
The pack shifts restlessly as Cadra shifts her gaze to the ground beneath her bloodied feet. The waif suddenly grins and bends to place her palm against the frozen earth.
Cadra smiles impishly and says, "Yes, power that we can take."
Cadra says, "The ground whispers with the secrets of the dead."
Iluv rubs his hands together as an evil grin creeps across his face.
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says, "Even dead gods."
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Khizan nods his head.
You have emoted: "The Maiden and Her jackals, before ours, fell in that last battle," Kanthari muses aloud, gaze cast thoughtfully upon Cadra, "The Lord of War, as well."
Khizan grins mischievously.
Cadra gives you a slow nod.
Khizan Vladin says, "Yes. She did die here."
Lady Aulani Vladin says, "Hmm."
Khizan Vladin says, "As did others."
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor smiles and says to Cadra, "So, what is it that the jackals have found?"
Cadra says, "The sleeping power that the dead left behind."
Cadra grins mischievously.
Cadra says, "What do you think, Jackals. Shall I wake it up?"
"Aye," Iluv mutters aloud.
Iluv waves about a black jackal-etched bone sabre energetically.
You say, "Do what you must."
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says, "Fate will only befall those who test the limits."
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says, "The rest shall spectate."
Aulani nods her head in agreement.
Iniar urges Cadra onwards.
Cadra rises to her feet and throws her arms above her head with a shrill shriek. The ground begins to rumble and shake as the waif tosses back her head.
Khizan Vladin says, "I am curious as to what will wake."
Caelya shrugs helplessly.
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says to Khizan, "As am I."
Khizan Vladin says, "Who will wake."
Iniar rubs his hands together as an evil grin creeps across his face.
Verexa sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.
Caelya Talmarian says, "Khizan and I were curious enough to open a rift and unleash demon gods, why not this?"
Bright lights begin to seep from the ground as the waif laughs childishly. The motes gather around her tiny figure and for a moment all is eerily calm and quiet.
Maevral looks about herself suspiciously.
You have emoted: Kanthari levels a baleful gaze upon Caelya for a moment, his attention soon turned back to Cadra as motes of light gather about the entity.
Lais steps down off of a rugged Gyanis mustang.
The swirling light is suddenly absorbed into Cadra and the jackals snarl and howl once more as the waif begins to glow radiantly. The entity's delighted laugh abruptly becomes an alarmed shriek that mingles with those of the jackals.
Iniar shields his eyes against the bright light, muttering dark incantations as the forces unravelling in front of him play out.
A sudden rush of air knocks you back as a flash of light momentarily blinds you. The jackals begin to scream and snap at one another as Cadra's osseous form shatters with a deafening sound.
Lais winces at the noise, his hands lifting to cover his ears.
Verexa gives a short gasp, her gaze fixated on the scene before her.
From Ahkan: Entities Kanthari is involved in talking into death: 2.
You have emoted: Kanthari throws a hand up to protect his eyes as shards go flying past him, lowering it cautiously with a look akin to chagrin.
Stepping closer to Khizan again, Aulani grabs his arm in a white knuckled grip as she hunches against the noise.
From Ahkan: You have earned the DARK WHISPERER achievement.
Iniar winces in pain.
Khizan grins mischievously.
High Lich Silantor yells, "Foolish child-god, you think you can master death? I am the only master of the dead, their power is mine! You are nothing!"
Iluv looks on sternly.
Sai Ahkan Dios, Ultimatum of Sukhder says to you, "Khandava excels at killing these things."
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Verexa wrings her hands in nervous anxiety.
Iniar pats Verexa in a friendly manner.
Verexa leans on Iniar seeking consolation.
Khizan Vladin says, "The entities formed from the fragments of power left behind by the dead Gods. In a way, this is just more of the same."
Khizan sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Iluv gives a jealous glance at Iniar.
Caelya nods her head affirmatively.
The dark laughter of the lich echoes within your mind, the sound horribly mocking and cruel. His voice thunders throughout the pass, silencing even the jackals. "Your wretched creation was too weak to absorb what was rightfully mine. Now kneel to me, mortals, or perish with that foul imp!"
Revenant Cadeyrn Vaskal says, "Looks like we'll all be dying."
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade says, "Not today."
Verexa grins mischievously at Cadeyrn.
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says, "Aye, not today."
The ground all around you begins to rumble and shake, great crevices opening in the ground with loud cracks. A shiver of excitement runs through the great pack and the jackals begin to lope in a circle around where Cadra once stood.
You nod your acknowledgement of Iluv.
Aulani shakes her head.
Khizan Vladin says, "Regardless, though, I do not kneel."
Someone powerful says, "It is my power, lich!"
Lais Bonecaster mutters, "This can't ... well."
Lady Aulani Vladin says, "I didn't kneel to Samaos, a lich is nothing."
Iluv braces himself for what is to come.
You have emoted: Kanthari observes the jackals as they pace, an indifferent expression upon his features.
As one, all of the jackals howl a long note to the sky as the earthquake continues without pause. The ground beneath the bloody footprints trembles violently and a great slab of stone rises from the earth. The stone abruptly splits in half, revealing the skeletal form of Nyrohi, the Undying.
Nyrohi appears out of thin air.
You see Sai Ahkan Dios, Ultimatum of Sukhder yell, "It's rather uncomfortable to kneel when we stand on a mountain formed of your dead minions, Silanthor."
She is a radiant diabolus. She is a tall and willowy creature, her frame unnaturally skeletal and gaunt. Her bloodless flesh appears cold and eerily pale, causing her to resemble a corpse risen from its tomb. The very air around her seems unnaturally cold, as though the chill of the grave clings to her. Further adding to her harrowing image, her eyes are jet black and utterly devoid of any white. They gleam brightly behind the top half of a jackal skull she wears as a mask. She has adorned herself in morbid pieces of armour crafted from bones held together with strips of dried flesh, while patterns in blood-red war paint have been traced along her pallid skin. Her waist-length, ivory hair drifts about her on an ethereal breeze, the wispy strands trailing behind her as she moves. Her lips have been stained with blood, and when she speaks she reveals an unsettling set of wickedly pointed teeth. The strange being casts two shadows that seem to constantly flicker and move behind her regardless of the light, one tall and one waif-like.
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade says, "The Undying."
The howling of a great pack of jackals reaches a deafening volume as Nyrohi, the Undying, emerges from her crypt.
Calmly turning towards Nyrohi, Iniar brings his clasped hands to his forehead as he bows before her, slowly, at the waist.
Taking on a rigid posture, Cadeyrn wreathes his hand in crackling black energy and gives Nyrohi a respectful salute.
Khizan Vladin says, "The vessel... just had to reform."
Khizan gives Nyrohi an acknowledging nod.
Nyrohi steps from her tomb, her lips twisted in a sneer. She lifts a palm and the great pack abruptly calms and looks towards her attentively. "Be silent, Silantor!" She snarls, her voice resonating terribly.
Verexa eyes Nyrohi uncertainly and asks, "How do we know this isn't Silantor's doing?".
Khizan Vladin says, "If he could have used this power, he would have done so long ago."
High Lich Silantor yells, "You think you can contain such a power? Flee or kneel, I am your master!"
Nyrohi scoffs arrogantly.
You see Nyrohi, the Undying yell, "Cower, lich! The tombs of the world belong to me!"
Aulani looks over Nyrohi with a gleam of approval.
"Aye," Iluv mutters aloud.
Nyrohi raises her arm and a great bone halberd carved with snarling jackals appears in her outstretched hand. With a scream of fury, she brings the weapon down upon the ground. A massive rift opens in the earth and continues at a blinding speed toward the lich, crackling with energy.
You see Nyrohi, the Undying yell, "You are master of nothing!"
Sai Ahkan Dios, Ultimatum of Sukhder says to Nyrohi, "It's hard to respect a lich who lost a war to a zombie fairy, isn't it?"
The temperature plummets and the air crackles with energy as the shrieks of Silantor echo throughout the pass. The lich gives a final howl of dismay before falling silent.
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade exclaims, "Good shot!"
As the screams fade, the pack begins to walk amongst the sect and Nyrohi turns her gaze towards those gathered. She tilts her head to the side and grins wickedly. "Ah, my Jackals."
Iluv tilts his head and listens intently to Nyrohi.
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade says to Nyrohi, "I am at your command."
Iniar steps forward, a dark visage engulfing his facial features, causing him to appear briefly as an emanciated soul. "Greetings, not-Cadra. Who are you?"
Khizan grins mischievously at Nyrohi.
Nyrohi grins mischievously at Iniar.
You have emoted: Kanthari observes Nyrohi for a moment before inclining his head in a polite bow. "It does us well to see you've survived," he intones, a faint smile touching his features as he clarifies, "After a manner."
Khizan Vladin says, "Ah, my Lady."
Verexa nods her head in agreement.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "I am the Undying, and that foul lich knows little of the power of death."
Maevral peers quietly at Nyrohi, inclining her head with a faint smile.
Aulani idly touches her fingers to the back of a jackal as it passes by her.
Lais tilts his head to the side as he observes Nyrohi and smiles.
Nyrohi raises a pale hand and inspects it curiously, a devious grin creeping across her face. "I've grown taller, it seems."
Verexa grins mischievously.
Khizan Vladin says, "A bit."
Lais laughs abruptly.
Khizan looks thoughtfully at Nyrohi's profile, pondering the situation.
The smaller shadow behind Nyrohi shifts eerily and giggles, cause the diabolus to scowl over her shoulder at it.
You have emoted: Casting a look up at Nyrohi, Kanthari intones with no little amusement, "Just mind your head if we set about skulking in tombs, aye?"
Nyrohi gives you a shifty little smile.
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor says to Nyrohi, "What happened before? We were concerned when we heard your screams, well, I was."
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Khizan Vladin says to Nyrohi, "Still cute, though. I like the war paint."
Iniar chuckles long and heartily at Khizan.
Nyrohi points a bone halberd engraved with snarling jackals at Khizan.
Aulani gives Khizan the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.
Verexa gives Nyrohi a wry smile, her eyes lighting up deviously.
Nyrohi, the Undying says to Iniar, "The power was overwhelming. It was nothing like I expected."
Iniar tilts his head and listens intently.
Khizan leans comfortably against Aulani.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "It had the desirable effect, however."
Nyrohi grins mischievously.
Iniar gives Nyrohi a slow nod.
Bat-Rider Iluv Bialystone, the Crux Shade asks Nyrohi, "Oh?"
You have emoted: "We stands where Gods were felled," Kanthari muses with a faint smile, intoning to Nyrohi, "I doubt any have seen the like of that power before, or will again."
Nyrohi, the Undying says to you, "Then it is fitting that we took it."
Calmly turning towards Nyrohi, Ahkan brings his clasped hands to his forehead as he bows before her, slowly, at the waist.
You say to Nyrohi, "Indeed. Indeed, it was."
Sai Ahkan Dios, Ultimatum of Sukhder says to Nyrohi, "Welcome home."
Nyrohi, the Undying says to you, "There were other battles, yes? Perhaps there will be more power to come."
You give Nyrohi a wry, shifty smile.
Iniar Nullheart, Inquisitor frowns and says to Nyrohi, "What shall we do about the usurper in the south, then, now that you've silenced this Silantor?"
Verexa tilts her head and listens intently to Nyrohi.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "Should that wretch challenge me, he will regret it."
(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧
15
Comments
Also, damn you Kanthari for sucking me back in!
-Monarch Square-
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter nearly trips over his feet as he runs into the square.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "Prophetess..."
You blink incredulously at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter.
You ask Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "Is something amiss?"
(Khandava): You say, "If you are unoccupied, Aegnor is at the Square."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "The Leechwood is slowly making its way to Mylani. I ...I don't think we should allow this! Is the entire world going to fall to its taint?"
Rowynn blinks, gaze sliding curiously to you.
Aleutia tilts her head subtly to the side, answering, "The Leechwood is our livelihood, Aegnor. Are you finding issue with it?"
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "It is corrupting everything we once protected, have you forgotten that?"
(Khandava): Iniar says, "I am checking up on my newly planted saplings."
Aleutia narrows her eyes briefly. "Corrupting is such a foul word."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "I believe the taint is what is causing ...those beast."
(Khandava): Iniar says, "Excellent."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter glances about the room, making sure he was not followed.
Khizan raises an eyebrow questioningly.
Rowynn Sol'Anlumaire looks skeptical and asks, "Beasts?"
Khizan shrugs helplessly.
The shifting form of Iniar, riding a Graytrem draft stallion, Aspect of Moradeim enters from the west.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "Yes..the ones that howl."
You say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "The Deadwood harbours the fae and those who can survive. They are hardly beasts."
Calmly turning towards Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, Iniar brings his clasped hands to his forehead as he bows before him, slowly, at the waist.
Khizan leans comfortably against Rowynn.
The ground shakes beneath you as jackals howl in the distance.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "They are coming!"
You tilt your head curiously.
With a little laugh, you say, "It's only jackals."
Khizan Vladin says, "Ah. Those ones."
Iniar rubs his hands together as an evil grin creeps across his face.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "They have been chasing me through that forest of yours, they wish to kill me."
You ask Iniar, "How would you feel, being fed to jackals?"
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem says to you, "Shredded."
Iniar smirks.
The chill of the grave overtakes your surroundings as the whispered voices of the dead echo beneath you, heralding the arrival of Nyrohi, the Undying.
Nyrohi narrows her eyes at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter in an unnerving manner.
Iniar kneels before Nyrohi, swearing his allegiance to her.
Khizan flashes Nyrohi a joyous smile.
Khizan Vladin says to Nyrohi, "Hello, you."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "No...no."
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem says to Nyrohi, "Lady Undying."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter attempts to flee but trips over his feet, falling to the ground.
Softly, you say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "Do you not wish to empower them?"
Under her breath, Rowynn Sol'Anlumaire says, "Graceful."
Khizan grins mischievously.
You say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "A death by a jackal should be an honor, I would think."
"I see the little wretch found his way into the council." Nyrohi muses, her voice a soft snarl. "I found him skulking about earlier."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter slowly begins crawling away, hoping to go unnoticed.
Nyrohi grins mischievously at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter.
Khizan Vladin says, "If you keep trying to squirm away, I will pin you to the ground."
Nyrohi cackles hellishly.
Khizan Vladin says, "Just a warning."
Nyrohi, the Undying smiles impishly and says, "He seems afraid."
You say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "You really shouldn't fear the forest."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "You all are bringing an end to this council! I will not have a part in it!"
Iniar gives Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.
You frown at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter.
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem frowns and says to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "Everything that begins, ends. And every end is a new beginning. I cannot understand your distress."
Nyrohi weighs her halberd in one hand while regarding Aegnor with an unsettling smile. "Do continue."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "You have all been touched with this... taint. You are all delusional."
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem says to Khizan, "I'm certainly not delusional."
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Khizan Vladin says to Iniar, "You kind of are, hate to break I to you."
Iniar cackles hellishly at Khizan.
Sharply, you say, "If you wish to be gone from this council, then do so."
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem laughingly says, "Perhaps."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter says, "I will leave then..."
Iniar pets a bleeding treant ingratiatingly.
Khizan sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Khizan Vladin says, "It is not a corruption."
Rowynn Sol'Anlumaire smiles impishly and says, "Do tread lightly, lest the jackals hear you trip again."
Iniar snickers softly to himself.
Khizan Vladin says, "If anything, it is an improvement. The Council has purpose, for perhaps the first time in mortal memory."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter slowly rises to his feet, and starts backing out of the room, nearly falling several times.
Aleutia frowns subtly, her gaze slipping towards the Leechtree.
Khizan Vladin says to you, "If you're going to feed him to something, the jackals have dibs."
Khizan gives himself an acknowledging nod.
Iniar gives Khizan a slow nod.
Nyrohi smiles wryly, a look of amusement passing over her features.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "The pack does hunger."
Nyrohi looks thoughtfully at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter's profile, pondering the situation.
Khizan gives a smelly woodling the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.
Iniar claps his hands and his treant reaches over casually and trips Aegnor.
The ground shakes violently as the howling of the great pack reaches an alarming volume.
You say, "Ah.."
Softly, you say, "They're nearly on him now..."
You whisper to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "Running shan't help."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter turns to run, tripping over his feet once again, flinging himself through the air to land with a bump.
Rowynn glances after the hunter, a faint smirk touching her features.
With a frown, you say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "You should delight.. Your body will nourish the jackals, and they the Tree, when they pass."
Iniar barks a command and his treant hurls itself at Aegnor, clasping his ankles with shrivelled stumps and pinning the writhing hunter to the ground.
"Tsk, tsk," Khizan says as he waggles a finger and scolds the world.
Dozens of jackals begin to slink in, their teeth bared in terrible snarls.
Khizan Vladin says, "If you don't let him run, they won't get to chase him."
Khizan gives himself an acknowledging nod.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter claws at the treant, scratching the flesh from his legs in hopes to escape.
Khizan Vladin says, "It's always more fun to play with your food."
You ask Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "Is that not beautiful? To become part of Nature?"
Nyrohi grins mischievously at you.
Iniar looks meaningfully at Aleutia and then Nyrohi, "Is it your pleasure to watch him run, or squirm?"
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "This is not Nature!"
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "This is an abomination!!"
Nyrohi, the Undying says to you, "I do not think he will appreciate such beauty."
Nyrohi cackles hellishly.
Aleutia whispers unkindly, "This is the Nature of Khandava."
Iniar chuckles long and heartily.
Khizan shrugs helplessly.
Khizan Vladin says, "It's Nature in general."
Iniar gives Khizan a slow nod.
Khizan Vladin says, "Big fish eat little fish."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter cries out in pain as he rips one leg out of the treant's grasp, his ankles bleeding from the muscles being torn out of his leg.
Khizan waves at Aegnor. "Goodbye, little fish."
Softly, you say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "I think your mind has narrowed, and turned from Our purpose.."
You say to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "You are bound in service. To
your towne. Your council.."
You frown at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter.
The jackals begin to circle Aegnor, several darting forward to snap at his limbs.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "I am not your servant!"
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "Let me be! Let me leave!"
Sharply, you exclaim, "You are Khandavan!"
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter exclaims, "I refuse to live in this infestation!"
Iniar smirks as the treant extends the other stump up Aegnor's good leg, the tendrils writhing slowly up his calf. Small shoots begin sprouting forth from the tendrils and penetrating into soft mortal flesh.
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter continues to work on his second leg, clearly not caring for the damage he is doing to his leg.
With growing anger, you say, "My forest is beautiful. She harbours My uncle's designs. You, of all, shall not slander it."
Nyrohi gives a harsh laugh as she regards Aegnor, her dark eyes gleaming behind her bone mask. "Shall I give him to the jackals, Prophetess?" She inquires politely, a wicked smile tugging at her blood stained lips.
Iniar gives a dwarven battleaxe to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "He refuses to live, after all."
Iniar smirks at Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter.
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem says to Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter, "Try that."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter throws the battleaxe to the ground, refusing to fall into Iniar's trap.
Her eyes bright, Aleutia replies to Nyrohi, "Consume him."
Khizan Vladin says, "Brilliant move, there."
Iniar gives Khizan a wry smile, his eyes lighting up deviously.
Khizan Vladin says, "Throw away the axe when you're being attacked by living firewood."
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem frowns and says, "I'm not the sharpest."
Aegnor Inlorion, the Veteran Hunter begins thrusting his leg into the treant.
Iniar snickers softly to himself.
Moving to stand beside you, Rowynn gives her mother's arm a light squeeze, her gaze yet fixed on the hunter.
Khizan Vladin says to a host of snarling jackals, "Well?"
With a gesture from Nyrohi, the jackals lunge towards Aegnor at once. Screams fill the air as the pack begins to rip apart the man's flesh with an unsettling ferocity.
Nyrohi's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.
Iniar shudders in ecstasy, mirth dancing on his lips.
Khizan Vladin says, "This is good. The whining was getting tedious."
Khizan leans comfortably against Rowynn.
Aleutia peers impassive at the carnage, her gaze cold.
Iniar pats his treant as it extricates itself from the mess of flying skin and flesh and returns to its master's side. "I love your work, Lady Undying. As always, it is beautiful."
Carefully, you ask Nyrohi, "You hold sway over the undead, do you not?"
The jackals slowly draw away from the body as Nyrohi steps forward to inspect the corpse.
Nyrohi gives you a shifty little smile.
Iniar grins mischievously.
"I have not tested the extent of my power." Nyrohi admits as she paces around the corpse.
Khizan Vladin says, "You can test on Iniar if you like."
Khizan gives himself an acknowledging nod.
Quietly, you say, "Perhaps you ought."
Iniar cackles hellishly.
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem says, "I love science."
Nyrohi offers you a sly smile before lowering her gaze to the dead man.
The temperature plummets as Nyrohi reaches down to grasp the corpse about the throat. Rising to her feet, the diabolus lifts the dead man in the air and tilts her head to the side.
Aleutia pulls her cloak tighter around her slight frame, her verdant eyes bright.
Iniar strokes his treant idly as he awaits the results of the deadly experimentation, his lips pursed slightly while he whistles a silent tune.
The hushed voices of the dead begin the scream beneath the ground as Nyrohi bares her teeth in a ferine snarl. The corpse begins to tremble in her grip, the limbs moving with a jerky motion.
As one, the great pack howls as the corpse begins to scream.
Aleutia winces subtly, her hands moving to shield her ears from the noise.
A sirenflower ghoul rises to its full height, looking about the council with a glazed stare.
Iniar gives a sirenflower ghoul the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.
Nyrohi steps back and regards the ghoul with a delighted grin.
Iniar nods slowly.
The sound of rushing water is heard in the distance as an aloof river selkie shaman enters the square.
Aleutia tilts her head subtly to the side, her hands lowering from her ears as she observes the ghoul.
An aloof river selkie shaman says, "My, the Council is lively today. I came to see what all the commotion was about."
Aleutia glances from the ghoul to the selkie, soon answering, "Nyrohi has been having a bit of fun with a weakling."
Khizan Vladin says, "Nothing much."
Khizan Vladin says, "Feeding elves to jackals."
Khizan Vladin says to an aloof river selkie shaman, "You?"
Nyrohi smiles pleasantly at the selkie.
Iniar bares his teeth in a wolfish grin.
Aleutia steps closer to the ghoul, her hand lifting to lightly stroke at one of the flowers growing upon it.
An aloof river selkie shaman spots the ghoul and turns her attention to it. She steps up to its deformed form and purses her lips as she studies it.
Rowynn's brow furrows a bit as she eyes the ghoul, head tilted faintly to one side.
Nyrohi, the Undying smiles impishly and says, "I think it is a great improvement."
An aloof river selkie shaman says, "This is marvelous."
Aleutia asks in a hushed voice, her expression curious, "Aegnor?"
Iniar gives an aloof river selkie shaman an acknowledging nod.
An aloof river selkie shaman says, "Are you able to duplicate this?"
Nyrohi gives an aloof river selkie shaman a slow nod.
A sirenflower ghoul twitches lightly at the sound of his old name, then shrugs it off, his new form bringing him new meaning.
An aloof river selkie shaman says to you, "I have a proposal for you, Prophetess."
Aleutia's lips twitch into a smile as she leans closer to the ghoul, her voice dropping to a whisper.
You whisper to a sirenflower ghoul, "This is your penance. Bear it well."
An aloof river selkie shaman circles the ghoul, her eyes lighting up with delight.
Khizan Vladin says to an aloof river selkie shaman, "She won't leave her husband for you. I've asked."
Khizan nods sagely.
Aleutia turns her attention to the selkie, asking, "Aye?"
An aloof river selkie shaman slaps Khizan on the cheek.
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Khizan utters a deep, rumbling laugh.
An aloof river selkie shaman says, "Men, their mind only ever in one place."
Nyrohi points a bone halberd engraved with snarling jackals at Khizan.
Rowynn smirks.
Khizan Vladin says, "It's a nice place!"
Khizan gives himself an acknowledging nod.
An aloof river selkie shaman says to you, "if Nyrohi agrees to make more ghouls like this for the Council, I will speak with my sisters to come and assist as well."
Khizan Vladin says, "It's a nice place!"
Khizan gives himself an acknowledging nod.
An aloof river selkie shaman says to you, "if Nyrohi agrees to make more ghouls like this for the Council, I will speak with my sisters to come and assist as well."
An aloof river selkie shaman says, "They would make great warriors, and we would heal them in their efforts."
The fat woodling greedily takes up a handful of desiccated leaves and soil, and stuffs it into his mouth hungrily. He chews briefly and then looks up at the higher boughs of the Leechwood. With a shameful expression, he regurgitates the mulch into his hand, and places it within the hollow of the tree.
Iniar pokes at a fat woodling.
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem says to a fat woodling, "Stop."
Aleutia looks contemplative to Nyrohi, a smile touching her lips. "I think that would be lovely," the elf agrees. "To serve the council as Aegnor seems quite an honor.."
An aloof river selkie shaman says, "I will go speak with my sisters. I will leave the rest to you all."
Nyrohi grins mischievously at an aloof river selkie shaman.
With a haughty sniff, an aloof selkie shaman leaves to the west.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "I shall enjoy the practice."
Nyrohi's eyes sparkle with amusement.
Svorai tells you, "Alright, she's in that room."
Khizan Vladin says, "I think I like her."
Khizan gives himself an acknowledging nod.
Iniar grins mischievously.
Iniar gives Nyrohi an unequivocal thumbs-up.
You say to Nyrohi, "We can sow the flowers in Mylani, if you are agreeable."
A sirenflower ghoul twitches lightly as he stares about the square.
Nyrohi gives you a slow nod.
Aleutia looks once more to the ghoul. "I think Mylani could stand a new crop to grow," she muses.
Iniar stares warily as his treant marches up to the sirenflower ghoul. The bleeding treant stares blankly at the sirenflower ghoul for a moment, before stretching out a gnarled branch to stroke the petals on the resurrected body. Iniar raises an eyebrow before turning to Nyrohi, saying, "I think it approves."
Nyrohi gives a sharp laugh as she regards the ghoul thoughtfully. "As do I. It no longer whines and cowers."
Iniar grins and nods at Nyrohi.
Aleutia says quietly, "The flowers remind me of my uncle's mare.. Do you know where they grow?"
Iniar sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "No, I've never seen anything like it before."
Khizan sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Aleutia gives a little nod, murmuring more to herself than anyone present, "The towne can cultivate them.."
Nyrohi glances at you, her dark eyes gleaming behind her mask. "When I turned him, I felt the forest tremble."
Iniar tilts his head curiously.
Aleutia says quietly, "The Deadwood keeps its own.."
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "I raised him, but it was the forest the determined his new form."
Iniar ponders Nyrohi for a moment and says "Hrm..."
Nyrohi, the Undying says, "At least, that is what I believe. I have not done this before."
Nyrohi grins mischievously.
Iniar cackles hellishly.
Aleutia lightly strokes her fingertips over one of the purple flowers. A fleeting smile touches her lips before she murmurs, "It is beautiful work."
Nyrohi nods her head.
Khizan Vladin says, "Ah, well."
Khizan Vladin says, "Practice makes perfect."
Nyrohi smiles wickedly, her pointed teeth flashing behind her bloodied lips. "It went well, I think. I did not explode this time."
You smile wryly, quite clearly amused.
Khizan Vladin says to Nyrohi, "Exploding is generally bad, yes."
Nyrohi, the Undying says to Khizan, "In most cases."
Iniar Nullheart, Via Secta Fidem frowns and says, "I like explosions."
Khizan Vladin says, "Well."
Khizan Vladin says, "It is not good when you explode yourself."
Khizan Vladin says, "In most cases, at least."
Khizan looks thoughtfully at Nyrohi's profile, pondering the situation.
Khizan Vladin says, "Worked out well for you though, I will admit."
Iniar gives Khizan a slow nod.
Nyrohi grins mischievously.