Ameruk was a vast continent. Filled with numerous environments from the Heavily fortified and savage Dwarvan held mountains of Darumak to the North. To the dusty plains of the Badlands to the South. Filled with many hardened beast and even more brutal 0rks. Or even the vast jungles to the far East. The jungles occupied by more beasts and the mystical High Elves in their capital city of Karulumba. The lands were filled with many more environments from forests and plains to the vast oceans connecting to other great lands far off. All forms of species lived including the Human realms which were spread out with numerous cities and villages. For the most part they got along with members of other races. With the exception of the war hungry Orks in the South. However not all Orks where this savage and rouge. Some even had full settlements. Not the most friendly but hardly the type to kill and eat you for simply being their like the savage types. The Dwarves held great forges in many mountain keeps and had a great number of advanced technologies to help them sustain their empires. Often they trade and deal with humans but as an almost genetic trait are stubborn and faintly arrogant. However they posses a few traits as well. Such as a resistance to magic. For unknown reasons. However they can also not use magic so a Dwarvan mage is less likely to be seen then a High Dragon. The Elves are similar. In most ways the opposite but they hold an arrogance to them which is frankly a fault in most cases but not without good reason. Where Dwarves have great weapons and tech the Elves have some of the greatest mages in all known realms. All species are divided into sub species and factions leading to numerous relationships between all. The varying types of magic increased this. From runes to alchemy and several strands of arcane magic including specifically elements there were plenty of spells to learn for even the oldest of mages. This makes the Ameruk a massively diverse world.
In the region of Calmenra, a diverse and lavish farming region. With many towns and settlements of numerous races mainly human and elf in most. A small town known as Tarif was one of these places. Mildly guarded and filled with a population of around two thousand it was prosperous. Mainly farms and a couple of inns with taverns it was enough to survive as a big trading town. The main threats of the area were wolves and the odd bandit raid. Which the guards could easily deal with. However something which was coming would prove too much. With the numerous types of magic in the world some where not as caring as others. One type was blood magic. One of the few forbidden arts considered illegal by the majority of cultures. A sorcerer who was slowly making his way up the chaotic ranks of the dark curses and becoming mighty was a being called Melstrum. Little is known about where he originated but he seems to come to and from the shadows themselves. But up until this point was no more known then local bandits. Dressed in dark purple, rune encrusted armor and a robe concealing his face he carried a staff. About five feet tall and dawning a head of a six pointed star made of black iron. He made his way into town seemingly invisible to most. As if blending into the shadows themselves. With silence he made his way into the town centre admiring the people and lively populace.
The town was full of people. Men, woman, children, animals. All forms of life. These places were peaceful. The guards where all Human. Potentially some Human, Elvish hybrids which where not uncommon. Armoured with standard armor bearing common gray and the insignia of the local lord. The insignia was a purple banner with three pieces of wheat and a mug of ale with a coin above them. A common combo of things for farming towns. They wandered on patrols as night slowly began to approach. It was dusk and the sun began to set. Setting the town in a faintly blood orange glow. The taverns slowly filled and occupants got their meals and drinks. Mugs clashed and laughter was heard. Some drunk bar fights which where thrown out and many farmers in from a hard days work. The cloaked figure of Melstrum was still unnoticed. Not quiet invisible more of out of your main vision. Something was was going to happen very shortly. To which no one could have been aware.
In the region of Calmenra, a diverse and lavish farming region. With many towns and settlements of numerous races mainly human and elf in most. A small town known as Tarif was one of these places. Mildly guarded and filled with a population of around two thousand it was prosperous. Mainly farms and a couple of inns with taverns it was enough to survive as a big trading town. The main threats of the area were wolves and the odd bandit raid. Which the guards could easily deal with. However something which was coming would prove too much. With the numerous types of magic in the world some where not as caring as others. One type was blood magic. One of the few forbidden arts considered illegal by the majority of cultures. A sorcerer who was slowly making his way up the chaotic ranks of the dark curses and becoming mighty was a being called Melstrum. Little is known about where he originated but he seems to come to and from the shadows themselves. But up until this point was no more known then local bandits. Dressed in dark purple, rune encrusted armor and a robe concealing his face he carried a staff. About five feet tall and dawning a head of a six pointed star made of black iron. He made his way into town seemingly invisible to most. As if blending into the shadows themselves. With silence he made his way into the town centre admiring the people and lively populace.
The town was full of people. Men, woman, children, animals. All forms of life. These places were peaceful. The guards where all Human. Potentially some Human, Elvish hybrids which where not uncommon. Armoured with standard armor bearing common gray and the insignia of the local lord. The insignia was a purple banner with three pieces of wheat and a mug of ale with a coin above them. A common combo of things for farming towns. They wandered on patrols as night slowly began to approach. It was dusk and the sun began to set. Setting the town in a faintly blood orange glow. The taverns slowly filled and occupants got their meals and drinks. Mugs clashed and laughter was heard. Some drunk bar fights which where thrown out and many farmers in from a hard days work. The cloaked figure of Melstrum was still unnoticed. Not quiet invisible more of out of your main vision. Something was was going to happen very shortly. To which no one could have been aware.
'This is home for the time being' I kept muttering to myself as I worked in the mines. I had lived here for about 2 months now , and I still couldn't get over my loss. 'All it took was a couple dragons and those STUPID ELVES! If they hadn't showed up, I would have been able to save them! No one would have died, but now here I am, alone and homesick because of THEM! I'm not sure I could control myself if I saw another one of THEM! I would walk up to them and...' the bell whistled, interrupting my thoughts and signifying the end of the work day.
I was on my normal routine. I had just left my 'home' (I do not consider these mines my home, but it is where i Am residing for the time being) and gone to a random tavern in a nearby city. I often go to random taverns because I tend to get thrown out of them quite often. As I walk in, I decide to take an empty booth and drown my sorrows in rich meats and nearly all the beer in their stock. This was not an uncommon thing to do, and I did it on nearly a daily basis. There were always many people trying to be friendly and strike up conversations with me, but I always refused politely. none of these people knew me like my old home did. It was rough finding a new 'home' and he was still very reluctant I have he made his decision. Most of these people were pretty nice, but none of them really clicked with me.
So today was just another normal day, me sobbing in the corner, drinking as much beer as possible, and shouting obscenities at anyone who looked at me. "I'm not sure there is any more downhill!" I said out loud to myself, trying to cheer myself up a bit.
I was on my normal routine. I had just left my 'home' (I do not consider these mines my home, but it is where i Am residing for the time being) and gone to a random tavern in a nearby city. I often go to random taverns because I tend to get thrown out of them quite often. As I walk in, I decide to take an empty booth and drown my sorrows in rich meats and nearly all the beer in their stock. This was not an uncommon thing to do, and I did it on nearly a daily basis. There were always many people trying to be friendly and strike up conversations with me, but I always refused politely. none of these people knew me like my old home did. It was rough finding a new 'home' and he was still very reluctant I have he made his decision. Most of these people were pretty nice, but none of them really clicked with me.
So today was just another normal day, me sobbing in the corner, drinking as much beer as possible, and shouting obscenities at anyone who looked at me. "I'm not sure there is any more downhill!" I said out loud to myself, trying to cheer myself up a bit.
The rapscallion Riswald lounged at a table in one of Tarif's larger taverns, his legs kicked out in front of him with one ankle crossed over the other. He wore his usual garments, a puffy shirt in off-white linen, tight fitting hosen, leather boots turned down at the cuff ... and his roguish gap-toothed smile, of course.
"Pay up, gentlemen," he purred, laying down his hand of cards to show three Kings. The men he shared the table with threw down their own cards and slid over small piles of copper coins. Chuckling, Riswald scooped the money into his growing pile. He lifted his tankard to his lips and mimed taking a deep gulp, though in truth only took a small sip. He didn't want to lose his head so early in the night, when he still had purses to lighten.
For what seemed like the hundredth time that night, the sound of sobbing floated over to them, making the other men at the table roll their eyes. They would've picked a table further from the drunken dwarf in the corner, but they'd all been occupied. Only Riswald didn't seem to mind--but then again, he was focused on the task at hand.
"Let's move, Rizz," one of the men said. "I can't stand it anymore."
"Come now Darius!" Riswald leaned forward to rest an elbow on the table, still grinning. "Don't try to make this about aught that it isn't. Deal the cards!"
Darius glowered at him over the edge of his tankard. He was a brutish man with wide shoulders and a nose that had been broken one too many times. Riswald pursed his lips. "Ah, hmm-- I see your meaning, gents. Lick your wounds a while ... I'll be right back."
The young ne'er-do-well hopped to his feet and sauntered over to Garlade's corner, one hand propped on his hip. He walked up just as the dwarf speaks aloud. "That's the spirit, good fellow!" he called, setting the tankard (which was almost full) down in front of the miserable man. "Why don't you play a few hands of cards with us, take your mind off your troubles?" And should Fortune bless me, fatten my coinpurse a little ...
"Pay up, gentlemen," he purred, laying down his hand of cards to show three Kings. The men he shared the table with threw down their own cards and slid over small piles of copper coins. Chuckling, Riswald scooped the money into his growing pile. He lifted his tankard to his lips and mimed taking a deep gulp, though in truth only took a small sip. He didn't want to lose his head so early in the night, when he still had purses to lighten.
For what seemed like the hundredth time that night, the sound of sobbing floated over to them, making the other men at the table roll their eyes. They would've picked a table further from the drunken dwarf in the corner, but they'd all been occupied. Only Riswald didn't seem to mind--but then again, he was focused on the task at hand.
"Let's move, Rizz," one of the men said. "I can't stand it anymore."
"Come now Darius!" Riswald leaned forward to rest an elbow on the table, still grinning. "Don't try to make this about aught that it isn't. Deal the cards!"
Darius glowered at him over the edge of his tankard. He was a brutish man with wide shoulders and a nose that had been broken one too many times. Riswald pursed his lips. "Ah, hmm-- I see your meaning, gents. Lick your wounds a while ... I'll be right back."
The young ne'er-do-well hopped to his feet and sauntered over to Garlade's corner, one hand propped on his hip. He walked up just as the dwarf speaks aloud. "That's the spirit, good fellow!" he called, setting the tankard (which was almost full) down in front of the miserable man. "Why don't you play a few hands of cards with us, take your mind off your troubles?" And should Fortune bless me, fatten my coinpurse a little ...
This wasn't Melstrums first time in town. He had been here before as if on a scouting run. That time he had set up six seals. In a similar way to alchemy, blood magic required seals for some incarnations. Set up at six important locations around the town Melstrum drew blood seals. Drawn from the crimson energy source from his own veins the blood drew up the required seals. Each one was positioned on the ground around a farm house, three barns and two inns located on the edges of town. These seals where around forty centimeters in size and where circles with six smaller circles around them and three wavy lines making a 'Y' like shape in the middle. This divided the circles into groups of two and lead to a center point. On their own each seal was little and meaningless but together with the right curse could form a terrible seal. This was Melstrums purpose in town. To form a blood seal and harvest life energy. And with each seal near a even small populated area with the houses having five to seven people and the barns five to ten each. The inns would have the most. Containing from ten to thirty people. The right hour drew near. The sky was the blood orange and fading as stars formed. Melstrum grinned as he reached the town center.
Once the darkness of night began to swallow the town the people began to go into their homes. A guard was nearby the cloaked sorcerer. But due to his veil of darkness he didn't directly see him. Melstrum raised his left hand to one of the six sharp points on his scepter. Squeezing his hand on it he held it there till the grey skinned hand began to bleed. He pulled it off as a steady stream of blood ran out. He grinned beneath the hood. His face concealed. Drawing his palm on the ground he drew a seal exactly like the others but larger. This one was a hundred and twenty centimeters wide and and once drawn Melstrum held his chest with his bleeding hand. He clasped his heart as his eyes glowed a dim red and his wound healed up. With his right arm raised he stabbed the scepter into the center of the circle.
"Now for the awakening." He says with a chuckle. "By the great hands of the old gods. For the ancient scribes of the divine curses. For the essence of magic. My curse is awakening." He says as the scepter glows and begins to radiate a blood red which starts emanating from the seal. As the blood stained stone glows the other seals start the glow faintly. Melstrum chants words in some unknown language as the glow intensifies. "Karum de saluntremp." He says. But now the guard hears and notices the faint glow in the corner of his eye. He turns to see the cloaked figure and his scepter glowing.
"Sir what are you?" He asks before realizing he's a mage of sorts. "Explain your purpose in causing a spell now!" He raises his sword. His dark brown hair standing on end and a chill runs down his spine. Melstrums hand glows and he turns. Two glowing eyes shine from the darkened hood and his right hand glows as faint runes surround it. He laughs at the guard and grasps the scepter.
Suddenly the whole town has a shiver run down every spine as all the seals around glow and fire lights into the sky. A glow appears out of them as a light flies around and connects them. From the center a large 'Y' like shape of red spawns out with Melstrums seal being the center. He laughs as a beam shoots up and once it reaches a point a red barrier engulfs the town. Transparent but a beacon of energy in the country side. The whole town has a red light over it shining from every angle into every window.
"Stop this now!" The guard says ready to strike him. Melstrum holds up his hand to him and chuckles. "I said stop!" He says preparing a swing. Before he could strike Melstrum did. Channeling the energies of the seal a red beam shoots into the man. He drops the sword and holds his chest as he falls down flailing. As this happens at the locations of the other seals people begin to yell and hold their chests before collapsing. Their bodies glow and they seem to bleed out as if cuts are made on their wrists and ankles. Soon their bodies are drained leaving mummified husks. The blood takes almost life and flies along the ground to the middle being absorbed by Melstrums Scepter. The seals slowly begin to grow and as this happens Melstrum raises his hand and says another incarnation. As he does this some of the blood flies around covering the area and creatures emerge. Demonic creatures standing six feet high, averagely muscular but with more strength then a human. They where red and had curved over horns pointing forward. Three dozen of them. Each one seemingly like an Ork. Savage in nature and not very smart.
"Now go! Spill blood and power the seal!" Melstrum laughs as the creatures begin running through the town and slaughtering any in their path. As people died their blood was drained through magic and pulled to the center where it was absorbed. Screams began to echo the town and the glowing barrier was in place to prevent escape. While this happened the seals around would slowly expand to fill the whole town. As they grew they drained live from all plants, insects and any other life form around killing it and sending its energy to Melstrum. The blood oath had begun.
Once the darkness of night began to swallow the town the people began to go into their homes. A guard was nearby the cloaked sorcerer. But due to his veil of darkness he didn't directly see him. Melstrum raised his left hand to one of the six sharp points on his scepter. Squeezing his hand on it he held it there till the grey skinned hand began to bleed. He pulled it off as a steady stream of blood ran out. He grinned beneath the hood. His face concealed. Drawing his palm on the ground he drew a seal exactly like the others but larger. This one was a hundred and twenty centimeters wide and and once drawn Melstrum held his chest with his bleeding hand. He clasped his heart as his eyes glowed a dim red and his wound healed up. With his right arm raised he stabbed the scepter into the center of the circle.
"Now for the awakening." He says with a chuckle. "By the great hands of the old gods. For the ancient scribes of the divine curses. For the essence of magic. My curse is awakening." He says as the scepter glows and begins to radiate a blood red which starts emanating from the seal. As the blood stained stone glows the other seals start the glow faintly. Melstrum chants words in some unknown language as the glow intensifies. "Karum de saluntremp." He says. But now the guard hears and notices the faint glow in the corner of his eye. He turns to see the cloaked figure and his scepter glowing.
"Sir what are you?" He asks before realizing he's a mage of sorts. "Explain your purpose in causing a spell now!" He raises his sword. His dark brown hair standing on end and a chill runs down his spine. Melstrums hand glows and he turns. Two glowing eyes shine from the darkened hood and his right hand glows as faint runes surround it. He laughs at the guard and grasps the scepter.
Suddenly the whole town has a shiver run down every spine as all the seals around glow and fire lights into the sky. A glow appears out of them as a light flies around and connects them. From the center a large 'Y' like shape of red spawns out with Melstrums seal being the center. He laughs as a beam shoots up and once it reaches a point a red barrier engulfs the town. Transparent but a beacon of energy in the country side. The whole town has a red light over it shining from every angle into every window.
"Stop this now!" The guard says ready to strike him. Melstrum holds up his hand to him and chuckles. "I said stop!" He says preparing a swing. Before he could strike Melstrum did. Channeling the energies of the seal a red beam shoots into the man. He drops the sword and holds his chest as he falls down flailing. As this happens at the locations of the other seals people begin to yell and hold their chests before collapsing. Their bodies glow and they seem to bleed out as if cuts are made on their wrists and ankles. Soon their bodies are drained leaving mummified husks. The blood takes almost life and flies along the ground to the middle being absorbed by Melstrums Scepter. The seals slowly begin to grow and as this happens Melstrum raises his hand and says another incarnation. As he does this some of the blood flies around covering the area and creatures emerge. Demonic creatures standing six feet high, averagely muscular but with more strength then a human. They where red and had curved over horns pointing forward. Three dozen of them. Each one seemingly like an Ork. Savage in nature and not very smart.
"Now go! Spill blood and power the seal!" Melstrum laughs as the creatures begin running through the town and slaughtering any in their path. As people died their blood was drained through magic and pulled to the center where it was absorbed. Screams began to echo the town and the glowing barrier was in place to prevent escape. While this happened the seals around would slowly expand to fill the whole town. As they grew they drained live from all plants, insects and any other life form around killing it and sending its energy to Melstrum. The blood oath had begun.
'This man thinks he can cheer me up, with just a littlee card game!' Garlade thinks to himself. 'He doesn't know what happened to me!' garlade stands up, ready to fight, but then decided against it. Something about the gleam in this man's eyes had caught his attention. It reminded him of one of his old buddies back home. He decided to give this man a chance at possibly enlightening his mood.
"Alright, lad, I'll play your ga..." garlade's words are suddenly interrupted by the sudden uproar of screams. He runs outside to see a lot of red lights and orc-like creatures everywhere. The entire town was covered in some mysterious red barrier. 6 of the orcs began surrounding him, looking almost demonic and ready to tear the flesh off him.
He pulled out his battle-axe (as he was always ready and would never leave bed without it) and waved it in the air cautiously, as if attempting to prod the creatures back, and although the creatures did not stop, they did slow their approach. One quite cocky orc decided to take the risk and jumped towards him. Garlade merely lifted his axe towards him, which fended him off temporarily, but as soon as he was distracted by one, they all pounced. He managed to drop 2 of them, and as they fell, they left blood marks everywhere, but then seemed to disappear. After this, he was overpowered by sheer numbers. He fell to the ground and managed to cut a few with his axe before it was flung across the road. The job was done for 2 of the creatures, and they scampered off to some new victims. The final two were growling, snarling, and cutting him as he struggled to regain his feet. He was starting to lose hope, as the orcs were not giving up anytime soon. He doubted anyone would save the poor sad dwarf in the corner, so he began to lose confidence, and knew that the orcs would be having their meal soon.
"Alright, lad, I'll play your ga..." garlade's words are suddenly interrupted by the sudden uproar of screams. He runs outside to see a lot of red lights and orc-like creatures everywhere. The entire town was covered in some mysterious red barrier. 6 of the orcs began surrounding him, looking almost demonic and ready to tear the flesh off him.
He pulled out his battle-axe (as he was always ready and would never leave bed without it) and waved it in the air cautiously, as if attempting to prod the creatures back, and although the creatures did not stop, they did slow their approach. One quite cocky orc decided to take the risk and jumped towards him. Garlade merely lifted his axe towards him, which fended him off temporarily, but as soon as he was distracted by one, they all pounced. He managed to drop 2 of them, and as they fell, they left blood marks everywhere, but then seemed to disappear. After this, he was overpowered by sheer numbers. He fell to the ground and managed to cut a few with his axe before it was flung across the road. The job was done for 2 of the creatures, and they scampered off to some new victims. The final two were growling, snarling, and cutting him as he struggled to regain his feet. He was starting to lose hope, as the orcs were not giving up anytime soon. He doubted anyone would save the poor sad dwarf in the corner, so he began to lose confidence, and knew that the orcs would be having their meal soon.
Riswald shone his gap-toothed grin at the dwarf, though he didn't have long to revel. The first scream made him balk and look around for the source, but more swiftly followed, turning into a chorus of agony. "What the--?" He ran outside alongside Garlade and plenty of the other taverngoers, where he was bathed in an eerie red glow. The streets thronged with terrified citizenry and-- "By Fortune, what the hell is that?!"
By the time the words had left his lips, Riswald was scampering away from the bloodthirsty beasts. He leaped atop a barrel and used it to climb up onto one of the tavern's protruding windows, and from there onto a second-story balcony. From this vantage point he got a good view of the carnage going on in the street. The hideous creatures chased people up and down the streets, catching them more often than not, and the sky looked like they'd been placed under a huge dome made of red glass.
Rizz was about to scale higher up the building when he saw two of the beasts go down under Garlade's axe. He can handle himself, the rogue thought, turning away. But upon glancing over his shoulder again and seeing the dwarf on the ground with two of the orcs left, he knew the poor fellow didn't have much time. Go, climb! You don't owe him anything! But he was unable to. "Curse me for a fool," he grumbled, pulling his crossbow from his back and opening the quiver on his hip. He stepped in the stirrup and pulled back the string with his bare hands, then picked it up to throw a bolt into the tiller. One of the orcs raised its weapon to cleave Garlade's head in twain ... Riswald took aim and opened fire. The bolt whistled as it sunk up to the fletching in the back of the creature's horned head before it could swing, and it dropped to the ground. The other one grunted and looked for the unseen assailant, but Rizz was already drawing the string back for the second shot. As the last orc turned, the rogue pulled the trigger and sent the bolt into its chest. It staggered but didn't fall, and began to lurch towards the human with the crossbow.
"Oh, my Lady Luck, don't abandon me now," he muttered, hands shaking as he tried to draw the string back again. The creature picked up the barrel Rizz had used to climb up. and raised it above its head, as if about to throw.
By the time the words had left his lips, Riswald was scampering away from the bloodthirsty beasts. He leaped atop a barrel and used it to climb up onto one of the tavern's protruding windows, and from there onto a second-story balcony. From this vantage point he got a good view of the carnage going on in the street. The hideous creatures chased people up and down the streets, catching them more often than not, and the sky looked like they'd been placed under a huge dome made of red glass.
Rizz was about to scale higher up the building when he saw two of the beasts go down under Garlade's axe. He can handle himself, the rogue thought, turning away. But upon glancing over his shoulder again and seeing the dwarf on the ground with two of the orcs left, he knew the poor fellow didn't have much time. Go, climb! You don't owe him anything! But he was unable to. "Curse me for a fool," he grumbled, pulling his crossbow from his back and opening the quiver on his hip. He stepped in the stirrup and pulled back the string with his bare hands, then picked it up to throw a bolt into the tiller. One of the orcs raised its weapon to cleave Garlade's head in twain ... Riswald took aim and opened fire. The bolt whistled as it sunk up to the fletching in the back of the creature's horned head before it could swing, and it dropped to the ground. The other one grunted and looked for the unseen assailant, but Rizz was already drawing the string back for the second shot. As the last orc turned, the rogue pulled the trigger and sent the bolt into its chest. It staggered but didn't fall, and began to lurch towards the human with the crossbow.
"Oh, my Lady Luck, don't abandon me now," he muttered, hands shaking as he tried to draw the string back again. The creature picked up the barrel Rizz had used to climb up. and raised it above its head, as if about to throw.
The demon like creature flung the barrel up. It shattered on the wooden railing pushing it back. The creature let out a roar and went to climb up, or attempt to. But then a guard came up and shoved his blade into its thigh. The creature let out a scream of agony and swung around grabbing the man. It tossed him into the window into the tavern. The guards gasps and moans where heard inside as he held his bleeding hip likely broken. The creature grabbed for the blade and pulled it out. This would give the rouge a chance to strike while it was distracted. It raised its arm to throw the sword at the guard which would certainly carve into him.
Meanwhile as Garlade made his way to recover from his painful attackers moves screams where heard from behind as one of the villagers was thrown passed him and impacted on the stone wall leaving a broken mess of flesh and clothing. The blood that leaked out moved across the ground as if alive like a serpent and made its way to the town center. The echoing screams of the town continued to flail around. This very situation was a nightmare made manifest. Melstrum remained in the center. He cackled as the blood and life energy poured towards him. Each kill giving him the energy of a human life and fueling his dark magic. Having created the demons he did notice some where dying. While still holding his scepter he looked in the direction the Dwarf was fighting with a concerned look. Someone was fighting back rather well. Some travelers here are able to keep going it would seem. Similar thoughts ran through his mind as he kept absorbing the energy around.
Outside of town however this literal beacon of dark energy did gain the attention of someone. An executive mage of the great human kingdoms. The man was in his forties a wore a light gray robe with runes on the wrists and base. His hair was dark brown, skin a tanned tone and eyes mystically blue. He sensed the dark presence as he was in the area cataloging the wild life. Something executive mages did regularly but this usually fell into the hands of druids. With his dark blue and silver cane in hand he drew a circle around himself. Slamming the cane into the center a blue glow emerged from the drawn circle and a Pegasus made of a similar blue light rose up. Mounting the back of his summoned familiar like steed he took off into the air flying towards the glowing red town. Magic of this type was bizarre and something he would certainly need to get to the bottom of.
Meanwhile back in town the citizens where mostly butchered. Only around thirty percent remained and of that only about nine or ten guards. Half of which were wounded. The guards managed to take down some of the beats through team attacks cutting into the bulky demons to calve away at their demonic flesh. As they died they dissolved into the magical essence which gave them life. Bodies littered the area. Mostly crushed and shattered to horrific degrees as the life was drained from them. The expanding seals confused all life around killing all plants and anything in the soil to some depth. This was draining Melstrum every drop of energy he could. Something which gave the sorcerer great joy. As his pale hands held the scepter his skin was visible repairing. As if draining the life energy made his fresh and new. Going from pale to mildly tanned and fit. In a few more minutes his harvest would be complete. But not even he was aware of the approaching foe.
Meanwhile as Garlade made his way to recover from his painful attackers moves screams where heard from behind as one of the villagers was thrown passed him and impacted on the stone wall leaving a broken mess of flesh and clothing. The blood that leaked out moved across the ground as if alive like a serpent and made its way to the town center. The echoing screams of the town continued to flail around. This very situation was a nightmare made manifest. Melstrum remained in the center. He cackled as the blood and life energy poured towards him. Each kill giving him the energy of a human life and fueling his dark magic. Having created the demons he did notice some where dying. While still holding his scepter he looked in the direction the Dwarf was fighting with a concerned look. Someone was fighting back rather well. Some travelers here are able to keep going it would seem. Similar thoughts ran through his mind as he kept absorbing the energy around.
Outside of town however this literal beacon of dark energy did gain the attention of someone. An executive mage of the great human kingdoms. The man was in his forties a wore a light gray robe with runes on the wrists and base. His hair was dark brown, skin a tanned tone and eyes mystically blue. He sensed the dark presence as he was in the area cataloging the wild life. Something executive mages did regularly but this usually fell into the hands of druids. With his dark blue and silver cane in hand he drew a circle around himself. Slamming the cane into the center a blue glow emerged from the drawn circle and a Pegasus made of a similar blue light rose up. Mounting the back of his summoned familiar like steed he took off into the air flying towards the glowing red town. Magic of this type was bizarre and something he would certainly need to get to the bottom of.
Meanwhile back in town the citizens where mostly butchered. Only around thirty percent remained and of that only about nine or ten guards. Half of which were wounded. The guards managed to take down some of the beats through team attacks cutting into the bulky demons to calve away at their demonic flesh. As they died they dissolved into the magical essence which gave them life. Bodies littered the area. Mostly crushed and shattered to horrific degrees as the life was drained from them. The expanding seals confused all life around killing all plants and anything in the soil to some depth. This was draining Melstrum every drop of energy he could. Something which gave the sorcerer great joy. As his pale hands held the scepter his skin was visible repairing. As if draining the life energy made his fresh and new. Going from pale to mildly tanned and fit. In a few more minutes his harvest would be complete. But not even he was aware of the approaching foe.
Garlade noticed the human climbing on top of a house. He hurriedly grabbed his battleaxe and ran over to a ledge and attempted to climb up. He jumped and reached twice, but was unable to grab the roof. "Damn these cursed wee legs!" He yelled. He decided to stay on the ground, but also stay near the human, just in case he had anymore trouble. After fighting 2 more creatures, individually without any problem, he noticed that any person that was killed from one of these creature, was turned to a strange red wispy light of sorts, and was brought through town. "Let's get to the bottom of this!" The dwarf yelled up to the human, still not knowing his name. He pointed in the direction of the lights, and began to run towards their destination, not caring if he followed or not. Either way, he wanted to know what was happening to this town.
Riswald yelped and ducked under the barrel, shielding his head so he's not struck by the rungs as they popped free. But he soon scrambled upright and loaded another bolt. The creature was distracted, so Rizz took aim and fired before it could finish off the guardsman ... but with an injury like his, Rizz didn't have high hopes for his survival. Concentrate on your own, he told himself.
He watched the blood flowing down the street in rivulets, though his stomach turned when he noticed that it seemed to be flowing uphill rather than down, and swiftly at that. The rogue swallowed and stared at the blood for a long time, horrified. Garlade's cry brought him from his reverie. "Oh, Luck be with me," he muttered to himself, clambering down from the balcony. With the barrel gone he had to drop a little further to reach the ground, though he broke his fall by dropping into a crouch.
The long-legged youth kept up to the stout dwarf easily, trotting at his side. "It's dangerous, man! We need to get out of the city while we still have our lives!"
He watched the blood flowing down the street in rivulets, though his stomach turned when he noticed that it seemed to be flowing uphill rather than down, and swiftly at that. The rogue swallowed and stared at the blood for a long time, horrified. Garlade's cry brought him from his reverie. "Oh, Luck be with me," he muttered to himself, clambering down from the balcony. With the barrel gone he had to drop a little further to reach the ground, though he broke his fall by dropping into a crouch.
The long-legged youth kept up to the stout dwarf easily, trotting at his side. "It's dangerous, man! We need to get out of the city while we still have our lives!"
The demon Ork falls forward as the bolt struck below its neck breaking it and shattering the spine. It burst into particles leaving a bloody stain where it landed. In the center Melstrum was continuing to absorb more life energy.
"So close." He says shivering. However he began to sense something approaching. Looking out ahead he felt the approach of a strong magical force. But something more prominent caught his attention. Several Orks had been killed to his right and that way something was approaching. Looking over there he waited till he saw the head of the Rouge and shortly after the shorter Dwarf. He winced beneath his robes as he found himself still requiring to hold his scepter. He was fairly defenseless and so He used his magic to do a recall on the Orks. No one could escape the town and most where dead anyway. So he would have them fall back to defend him. However for a minute or two he was defenseless.
"So close." He says shivering. However he began to sense something approaching. Looking out ahead he felt the approach of a strong magical force. But something more prominent caught his attention. Several Orks had been killed to his right and that way something was approaching. Looking over there he waited till he saw the head of the Rouge and shortly after the shorter Dwarf. He winced beneath his robes as he found himself still requiring to hold his scepter. He was fairly defenseless and so He used his magic to do a recall on the Orks. No one could escape the town and most where dead anyway. So he would have them fall back to defend him. However for a minute or two he was defenseless.
"get out?" Garlade asked. "Are you blind? This town is dying from something! Something powerful... and if I left another entire city to die, I'm not sure I could live with myself..." he said, still running as fast as he could towards the town center. "Besides, there's also a strange barrier around the city, and who knows what happens when you touch that thing?" He said as he looked up into the sky at the large dome shaped, blood colored barrier. Garlade could tell they were getting closer to the source, as he could now see multiple streams getting closer as they all converged into one point.
Riswald pouted down at the dwarf when he expounded on having to save the city or aught of the sort. Yet the rapscallion couldn't deny that Gallade had a point--the red dome over the city contained them like a fishbowl. The eerie crimson tint it cast down on them made him shudder. "Then we should hide," he hissed. "Listen, I know a place ... a little alley down by the red lantern district. I've hidden there more times than I can count and it's always served me well--"
Riswald's words cut off when they caught their first sight of the man that seemed to be causing this whole mess. Swallowing nervously, he shuffled to stand behind the stout axe-wielding dwarf, brandishing his crossbow with shaking hands. He wasn't sure what to do next. "T'isn't too late to run away, you know," he whispered.
Riswald's words cut off when they caught their first sight of the man that seemed to be causing this whole mess. Swallowing nervously, he shuffled to stand behind the stout axe-wielding dwarf, brandishing his crossbow with shaking hands. He wasn't sure what to do next. "T'isn't too late to run away, you know," he whispered.
Melstrum looked over to the two as they approached. The stout Dwarf with the same stubborn look most of them had. But the taller one was different. He almost seemed afraid. Clearly he wasn't genetically stubborn like that stunted axe wielder. Melstrum looked side to side hoping his Ork horde would approach soon. He stared down to the two. His hood hiding his face but faint almost fiery wisps flew up from the seal. Some form of magic spark. Shining past his face it showed faint glimpses. Such as what looked like a thin and youthful face structure. Tanned skin could be seen for a moment but that was it. He kept his hands focused on the scepter and looked towards them.
"You killed my creations?" He asks hoping to stir up a conversation for a few moments. Meanwhile outside the Executive Mage flew rapidly towards the town on his magic made steed. He would arrive in about three to four minutes. Hopefully in time to save them from the coming horde.
"You killed my creations?" He asks hoping to stir up a conversation for a few moments. Meanwhile outside the Executive Mage flew rapidly towards the town on his magic made steed. He would arrive in about three to four minutes. Hopefully in time to save them from the coming horde.
"Oi!" Yelled Garlade when he caught the man's eye, "What do you think you're doing here? What are 'your' creatures?". He tried pulling Riswald into sight, as he didn't want to make a wimpy first impression. He stood with a strong stance, chin out, hand holding tightly onto his battleaxe, trying to look as intimidating as possible, While still attempting to force the wimpy elf from his hiding spot.
Riswald yelped as Garlade pushed him out from behind him. He clutched his crossbow in front of his chest and tried not to tremble. If this was to be his end--and Lady Luck please say it isn't!--he wanted to go out with some modicum of dignity. The young rogue watched as the sorcerer's face was lit up by the sparks. He didn't look like the sort of person to be responsible for this madness. "A-ah ... are you, are you going to kill us?"
Melstrum examined the two. The Rouge clearly wasn't the bravest. Though they tended to move towards stealth and not being seen. He seemed like little issue. The Dwarf however. He looked ready to fight. Ready to kill even. Melstrum was nervous. But he felt it. Only a few more seconds till he was safe.
"Me? I have no way of killing you. Why would I?" He questions. Suddenly a sharp roar is heard and several Orks come charging in. "My creations however. Yes. They will kill you." He chuckles and points to them. "Consume the flesh. Break the bone." He says draining more life energy. The dark magic inside the town would start to make Riswald feel somewhat tired and drained. However Garlade was almost resistant being a Dwarf. His natural magic immunity meant he would be phased not in the slightest. The Orks then struck from several angles each mainly aiming for the Dwarf.
"Me? I have no way of killing you. Why would I?" He questions. Suddenly a sharp roar is heard and several Orks come charging in. "My creations however. Yes. They will kill you." He chuckles and points to them. "Consume the flesh. Break the bone." He says draining more life energy. The dark magic inside the town would start to make Riswald feel somewhat tired and drained. However Garlade was almost resistant being a Dwarf. His natural magic immunity meant he would be phased not in the slightest. The Orks then struck from several angles each mainly aiming for the Dwarf.
Garlade began to panic a small bit as the orks completely surrounded him and riswald. Thy seemed to be focusing on him, so he didn't worry about the human too much. As the creatures began their approach, garlade pulled his battleaxe up and got into a battle stance. He held his axe tight and swung very widely into the general direction of the ork. There were at least 15, and garlade could barely take on 4! He was able to take down 3 with his heavy swing, and he tried focusing on all of them at once. His eyes darted back and forth very quickly as he watched them all. He and his axe were already covered in blood from the other creatures. Suddenly, two from opposite sides darted towards him. Garlade swung at one, on!y to miss it by a tiny margin, and the second one landed on his back and scratched him furiously, trying to do as much damage as possible. As he began to think she was going to fall, he looked up to the sky and called out the name "Orsure!" As he fell. The orks began to swarm, not letting their games down as before. He felt his energy draining as his flesh was ripped to shreds. He had cuts all over his body, and he was losing blood fast. He heard a voice in the back of his head, "Your son would be proud!" It sounded like his wife's voice. He let a small tear slide down his face as he suddenly felt a surge of energy. He stood up with 4 orks clasping onto his body. He swung around violently until they all flew off into different directions. He picked his axe off the ground and ran into the small pile of disoriented orks. He slashed into them and pulled his axe out covered completely in blood as the pile of bodies dissipated into nothing. He looked over to the human to see if he needed any help.
Riswald relaxed a little when Melstrum said he wouldn't kill them, though his relief was short-lived. "Oh, fortune preserve us ..." The roar made him shudder and cling hard to his crossbow. The creatures were advancing on them again, making him shrink back closer towards the dwarf's side. He raised his weapon to fire a bolt into one of the advancing monsters, but when he bent forward to nock a second, he found himself unable to pull back and cock the string. His arms trembled violently--it felt as though he had only just woken up after a long sleep, making him feeble. "I--I ..." He managed to get the string back far enough to fire it again, but the crossbow felt leaden in his hands and kept wobbling, so the bolt went wide and missed its target. It was around then that his vision began to blur and darken at the edges and he nearly fell to one knee. "I've been ... I've been drugged ... oh, fortune, not like this!"
Melstrum knew Riswald was not the threat. Frankly given time he would simply have his energy drained. The real threat was that Dwarf. What did he do? He suddenly went berserk and killed several. Melstrum felt himself tremble gently. He looked at him and saw a faint glow which quickly faded.
"Some kind of rune? Or a berserk?" He asks himself softly. "No. I'm not letting you ruin this!" He says as a glow forms on his hand and he tosses it in the air. It pulses and the Orks around, the blood remains used for them began to shake and where pulled to the light. One was about to crush Riswald before it was pulled through the air. Air and energy sparked and few lightly as the demonic Orks, while kicking and screaming flew into the light. As they hit they merged into a fleshy ball made similar to them. "The Orks won't do it. Try an Ogre!" He says as the bodies merge and reveal much large figure. This one was about ten feet tall, had larger horns and a massive club like tail. "Kill them." Melstrum orders as the massive beast charges at the Dwarf.
"Some kind of rune? Or a berserk?" He asks himself softly. "No. I'm not letting you ruin this!" He says as a glow forms on his hand and he tosses it in the air. It pulses and the Orks around, the blood remains used for them began to shake and where pulled to the light. One was about to crush Riswald before it was pulled through the air. Air and energy sparked and few lightly as the demonic Orks, while kicking and screaming flew into the light. As they hit they merged into a fleshy ball made similar to them. "The Orks won't do it. Try an Ogre!" He says as the bodies merge and reveal much large figure. This one was about ten feet tall, had larger horns and a massive club like tail. "Kill them." Melstrum orders as the massive beast charges at the Dwarf.
Garlade hurls himself out of the path of destruction as the ogre barrels towards him full speed. He manages to barely get out of the way just in time. The ogre rams into a small cottage and completely destroys the entire thing. Garlade, seeing the ogre as subdued for a small passage of time, runs over to Riswald and tries to help him onto his feet. He suddenly hears an angry roar and loud rumbling sound rush towards him. He tosses The human aside as far as he can, trying to get him out of danger, inly managing to throw him a couple inches. He pulls his axe out in front of him to defend himself from the monster barreling towards him, and gives a snarl towards the ogre, knowing he won't stop his full force, but hoping to damage him using his own running force.
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