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Vash Warren
SMARTCREW
Smart Deploy
232
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Posted - 2015.11.02 03:04:00 -
[2581] - Quote
Pan-Tal-Man farm, several months after the arrival of the slaves.
Soon after their arrival in Tal-Man ports, they were moved further inland, luckily before the series of revolts that occurred in that area. They moved north to the more rich farm lands of the Kiev area.
After arriving at the Plantation they were under watch of both other slaves and the overseers. The amount that the farm received was not able to do much more than 1/2 of the small farm, but the owners had a easy and ready solution to producing more of them.
After several days of examine the herd, it was figured which of the women who were ready, or about to be, and to match with the best of the male specimen. One girl they received, Mira, was still several months away from being in peak physical condition for reproduction. Now most of the Tal-Man found no interest with the slave race, most others that worked near them found them straight out repulsive. But as always there was at least one who would go against common reasoning. His names was *Deleted From Record*.
After one particularly hard day of work for the slaves, they were on their way back to the slave quarters. That was the moment when *Deleted* called over Mira, she was unfortunate enough to have distracted his eye for to long. With a quick, sad, glace
back to the other slaves as they marched on ward. They wished to offer help, but nothing they could offer would be met with beatings and more suffering for the group. So Mira answered the call.
He lead her to one of the barns on the large plantation grounds, ordering her in and toward a bale of crops. As she neared she heard her come up behind her, she attempted to swing around both claws aimed at the face of the man. He expected hit. With a single gloved hand he caught both hands of the girl, and then they were to the ground, and she was pinned, defenseless, helpless,... Perfect.
The screams that night could be heard all the way to the slave quarters. Any Tal-Man who heard it figured she deserved it, or did not want to see the act. When he was finished he dragged her by the arm to the slave quarters, her clothes ripped, stains of dirt and crops patched the slave garb.
(figured it was only appropriate for the call back on Mira)
Caldari Body, Caldari Core, But Amarr with my Soul.
23 Mil SP, Next Adventure. Amarr Assult/ Caldari Logi
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Vash Warren
SMARTCREW
Smart Deploy
232
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Posted - 2015.11.02 03:20:00 -
[2582] - Quote
Several months after The Event.
Mira belly was that of a melon as she walked, so large as if it would burst on its own accord. Her work slowed to almost none what so ever, but the other slaves covered for her and the overseers pretended not to notice her slowing progress.
Then the fateful day came of the birth, two children, one female, one male. The boy named Roland, and the girl named Hannah. Both were soon confiscated by the Pan-Tal-Man they were much larger than any other Ant, newborn, and still smaller than a Tal-Man Newborn. A new hybrid had been born.
Shortly after the father's position at that company for misuse of company assets. The children were about to be set for adoption but were snatched up by a mid-ranking Pan-Tal-Man official with only two children of his own.
Company policy now forbids the owner ship of any creature that claims relation ship to that of Tal-Man.
Caldari Body, Caldari Core, But Amarr with my Soul.
23 Mil SP, Next Adventure. Amarr Assult/ Caldari Logi
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
21
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Posted - 2015.11.02 20:16:00 -
[2583] - Quote
Spademan wrote:Coenwulf's Tent
Standing upright once more Coenwulf spoke after the Mur's statement.
"And so you come to me to travel a while alongside my forces, is that it?"
Out of what he had heard of the Mur previously, the thing that intrigued him the most were the rumours of the strange powers some seemed to possess, particularly after the mutterings amongst his men about his performance during the recent assault on the Cauti fortress. Without really leaving time for a response to the previous, Coenwulf continued
"On the topic of your people Kal'm, can you tell me aught of the rumours of 'powers' amongst your people? As preposterous as it seemed to me I've heard that there are those that can move objects without touching them."
...... In Coenwulf's Tent
Kal'm found this Human Lord to be much unlike any of the other Lord and Ladies with whom he had treated in the capital. There was a hardness of character about Coenwulf that stood him apart from others. It also made him appear somewhat abrasive if not rude by the standards of the Mur.
Despite himself the Mur found himself nodding an affirmation that he and his forces wished to travel alongside the Osmarii companies until the border zone was reached. From there they would cross into the Mani steppes and make for the from lines where whispers of battle had spread throughout the land. His concern for the matriarch of his people, Shuri'den'shalvys, was evident despite his attempts to maintain his composure.
A moment later Coenwulf surprised the Mur further in asking about the Authorities of the world. Kal'm often found it strange how humans lack many who possessed the necessary mental and spiritual fortitudes to grasp at and manipulate the fundamental forces that governed their world. Such was also not often a point of discussion among the nobles as far as he had found. Most such treated him with a mild curiosity focusing more of the perceived physical differences between their species than the magical or spiritual.
With a very measured and deliberate care Kal'm nodded a second time.
"You are informed correctly Grayscale." He said twisting an a long arm in front of his chest as he affirmed the respect conveyed by the masculine title. "A great many forces exist in this world and many of those are.... perceptible to the people of the Isles. Such are the Authorities of nature."
As if to reinforce his point he cast a tendril of thought out across the room to where one of the Lord's mailed gauntlet's rested probing the metallic object before projecting a sphere of Attraction several feet above it. With a clattering the gauntlet began to rise. As it reached the Lord's eye level he projected a second sphere of Attraction below it on the desk halting its ascent leaving it trembling in the air.
"This is but one task and but one of many forces. With it I could send small objects travelling distant miles until I could not longer sense them or coax the ocean's tides to my will."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
21
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Posted - 2015.11.02 21:59:00 -
[2584] - Quote
..... In Mar'thal (Minutes before the Summoning)
Sia'tri lay restlessly at the edge of their hut's leafy bedding staring at the edge of night and musing to himself about what the future would bring he and Riah. They had been married not three days past at the beginning of the festival of light, and sound, and food, and sensory delights and in that time had done nothing but spend the imperceptible nights and days indolent and tangled up in each others arms.
In that time a measure of peace had entered his heart as hesitant fumbling gave way to practiced caresses, and infrequent and awkward whispers among the leaves turned to intimate and open conversation interspersed between bouts of passion that lasted through the nights and late into the mornings. To them the world ceased to matter and little of consequence was ocurring at the festival that was not within the walls of the open windowed hut.
With a tired sigh Sia'tri pushed himself up and out of the cot careful so as not to wake Riah. In the glow of the almost-full-but-waning-moon she was beautiful. Light played across her skin accentuated only more by what appeared to be a minute sheen of translucent oil, her hair fell down the nape of her neck in tresses, delicate eyes and full lips seemed so to flutter in her sleep.
He was parched. Not because of his 'activities' but instead because not once in the last three days had he been able to find time to seek out the oceans, nor the rivers, nor even a simple tub or basin filled with cool water that was the lifeblood of his people. Instead he'd found himself withering away throughout the days unwilling to let himself disappoint Riah, whom he was sure wasn't quite as aware of the severe and debilitating effects dehydration had on Mur.
He stumbled around the room cursing as his spade like feet seemed to collide with every solid object in the room including what he was searching for, a round clay container filled with water, which produced a single reverberating hollow note.
"Scaleskinned *****." He mumbled under his breath as Riah pushed herself out of bed looking around the darkened room with bleary eyes.
"Husband Sia'tri?" She called softly, yawning in the middle of his name. "You are awake again."
It wasn't a question, more a statement of fact that implied a certain dreaded-but-not-that-dreaded weight.
He briefly considered replying but the lucent stands of her red hair and parched throat made it hard for him to speak. He turns away for a minute and tears the lid off of the container and tosses it aside. It's surface feel rough against the skin of his hand without the traditional membrane of oil to coat it. Without warning he upends it over his head gasping as the cool water within fills his mouth and nose and begins to run down his neck, face, and arms. It splashes against the wooden boards of the floor pooling around his feet.
For the first time in days Sia'tri felt he could breath again whooping loudly as a certain luster began to return to his skin. He repeated the action a second time amidst gasps all the while observed by an amused looking Artyee. Content and refreshed he wordlessly returned to bed. The familiar sounds of the night started all over again.
--------
Hours later Riah started suddenly and bolted upright. Her crimson hair seemed to stand on end and teeth ground against one another. Sia'tri too noticed it. It was as if the shadows lengthened, or the low moaning of the wind began to howl, or perhaps it was the sickening visceral reaction he could feel in the Whorl.
"Something is wrong Husband Sia'tri." Riah mewled pressing herself into the crook of his arm. "Something wrong..... evil has been called."
He realized that she was trembling and wrapped and arm protectively around her. Outside the hut it was apparent that others too had sensed the change and cries of despair and lamentations for what was to come sounded over what had been love making and music. Even the light seemed to dim and bend away from a deserted section of the village.
"I don't want to be here any more Husband. We should leave. Leave now."
Sia'tri nodded. Much of the Artugian way of life was foreign to him but something was going on that evoked a true sense of horror in his lover and her people. If he recalled correctly only spirits could do this to the Artugians, and if someone were summoning and binding spirits it could mean another Ancestor, or a Darker Spirit the kind Shuri'den'shalvys had warned him about after her meeting with K'lo.
"Alright. Pack your things and make down to the shore where we first met. We have boats moored there.... M'kke stay whatever disaster is about to befall this place."
Minutes later they had packed their belonging into small pouched of flayed Artugian skin and were like many other families fleeing across the walkways. Out of the pack dashed Shu'um and a half dozen of Sia'tri's pathfinders with short spears.
"Where is Jon?! Why has he not been seen?" Said the older Mur woman.
"Jon is missing?!" Cried Riah. "Husband he must be found.... he... he.... he was my husband before you and I still care for him deeply."
Sia'tri simply nodded and directed half his men to aid with the evacuation using the Twimblade he had been given while annoucing his intent to aid the Artugian chief to any who would listen.
"We will seek out Jon and bring him back. If aught goes amiss the Mur in the South shall be aware of his fell night and will have prepared themselves. My people will come to lend their aid as we promised Kin-On-The-Land."
To Riah he added.
"I love you and treasure the days we have already spent together. I will return to you.... but I shall try to bring Jon back to you as well. On my Whorl....and on yours I promise. Kalya willing they are one and the same."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.05 10:01:00 -
[2585] - Quote
Outskirts of Mar'Thal, on the Skybridge
Jon stared at the young Artyee. His face showed no emtion, but his eyes gave away his fear. He gripped his twinblade staff and spoke slowly: "Who possesses this youngling?"
The possessed young artyee tilted her head on her side, a smile creeped across her face and she spoke with her three voices, "I am the first one, and I am the last one. Some call me the destroyer, some call me the creator. I am your end, oh Greatclaw."
Jon took in a deep breathe. The legends were true, once again, and now he stands in front of a Twistes one. Squinting in the darkness, he made out three mangled corpses, the corpses of the Council. Jon gripping his twinblade staff tight and took a more agressive stance. "I can not allow you to survive, Ancestor of mine."
The Twisted one laughed darkly. "So naive." In one quick movement, the Twisted one moved right into Jon's face and ripped the twinblade staff from his hand, with such force that Jon was thrown across the bridge.
Jon scrambked quickly, digging his claws into the vine. He growled and bared his teeth like a vicious animal. If he was to die, he would die honoring his ancestors.
He rushed at the Twisted one, slashing at it's face with his claws. The Twisted easily sidestepped and knocked Jon down in one quick motion, laughing as he did. "Yes, struggle, fight! Try and hold on to your pathetic life!"
Jon slowly rose to his feet, his body ached and he knew a few ribs were broken. He spat out blood and rushed at the Twisted one again, this time coming from the flank. The Twisted one hit Jon square in the chest with an open palm, sending him flying backwards, smashing his back against the trunk.
Jon's breathing grew shallow, his back was definitely broken and he could barely move. He started calling out to his Ancestors in the old language. The Twisted one approached, it's eyes glowing red.
"Cry out all you want, Jon, son of Noj, no one will come to your aid." The twisted one started laughing again.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jon saw Brother-Sia'tri, and with his last breathe, he shouted "Run," as his eyes started to glow white.
Director of T-W-L
Keeper of the List
Lord of Scrubs
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Spademan
8
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Posted - 2015.11.05 23:20:00 -
[2586] - Quote
Coenwulf's Tent
As Kal'm spoke about the Authorities Coenwulf couldn't help but remain sceptical, such a thing surely must be impossible. That was until he saw the result for himself. The typically stolid man couldn't help but show a slight amazement on his face. But as miraculous as it was none of what the Mur before him spoke of bore any resemblance to the strange happenings at the siege, nevertheless it did prove that there was more to this world than he knew. He grasped the gauntlet out of the air, staring at it a while as he spoke again
"And this is common among your people? Incredible, though I wonder..." Coenwulf's voice trailed off at the end before giving a slight shake of his head as if trying to reshuffle his thoughts. "No, now is not the time." Turning towards Kal'm he continued "Travelling alongside an army will likely be slower than what you're used. As you are a guest you are welcome to travel alongside myself and my personal guard if you so wish. We begin moving again in two hours."
What're you looking at me like that for? I'll shank you I will.
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The Lizard Merc
Kaalmayoti Warzone Control
14
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Posted - 2015.11.11 02:19:00 -
[2587] - Quote
Jakyll weighed out his current situation. He was opposed by Kilerth of Osmarium, and the Tal-Men.
He had received reports of disgust about the slaves in Talman, and he decided that perhaps he could use this to their advantage and sent word to the Artugian warband of his plan.
Viktor, a contact within the Tal-Men, and personal friend of Jakyll, had informed him of the disapproval, and Jakyll has devised a plan.
The warband would go to Viktor, pose as his slaves, and with him, recruit those whom were opposed to slavery as guerrilla fighters. This would be after a few battles with the Cauti of course.
(Will edit to add more)
You kill, I bask
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
21
|
Posted - 2015.11.13 07:43:00 -
[2588] - Quote
((I'll be on planes for roughly the next 36 hours. Will have written my response then.))
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
21
|
Posted - 2015.11.19 00:18:00 -
[2589] - Quote
Finally after what seemed like hours of bitter close quarters fighting they had made their way around towards the rear bastion of the fortress. Despite their successes more than half of Ruslan's men had been killed or injured by resolute Cauti defenders or explosive tripwires that his men simply couldn't perceive due to their size. Determined to see the battle through and with a defiant battle cry he kicked open the final studded iron door, almost tearing it off of its hinges in the process, and steeped through the breach.
What surprised him most was the lack of sonorous gunfire and burning sensation as musket rounds finally reaped their toll from him. Instead he was confronted by the quivering forms of two dozen Mur. Some cowered against the walls and he noted that only a few even wore clothes and even then they were only leather harnesses around the chests to hold an array of elegant yet cruel looking blades. One however towered over them in armour that appeared to be made of enormous bone segments with a long two handed blade laid over his knees as he cradled the limp form of a strange looking Mur woman with mottled ashen skin.
Two more Tal shuffled into the room rifles readied to fire. They hesitated lowering their guns.
"Who are you?" Ruslan demanded of the Mur. He glanced around suspiciously for some sign of an ambush or trap. " What are you doing here and more importantly surrender or die. Allies or no if you fight back we will break you and take the survivors for slaves."
The Mur seemed to recoil at the inference of slavery but nonetheless the lightly armed Mur skirmishers seemed defiant and raised their weapons trying too look menacing before the armoured giants. To Ruslan they looked like children with strangely lustrous blue skin and strange appendages that seemed to supplant a natural hair.
"I said stand down!"
With a flick of his wrist he slapped aside a Mur who had come too close launching him into another behind leaving them in a tangled heap. A hush fell upon the group of ocean dwellers and the armoured warrior addressed Ruslan.
"Fine..... we surrender. We can't fight even if we wanted to....." He spat the words disdainfully. Ruslan could see how the Mur's hands whitened at the knuckles as her grasped the hilt of his sword. "Do what you like with us but you must seen the Shalvyian woman here back to the company of her people or the Isles. However it would be a poor idea to hold me or my men captive."
Ruslan's eyes narrowed. "Shalvyian woman? And why would that be Fishback?"
"I give orders. I don't take them well..... and if I'm not back in port in a few days 'Marri will be looking for me. She's not as diplomatic as I am."
The Tal-Mani strike leader simply grunted not appearing particularly perturbed but also ignorant to what the Mur was referencing in his threat. Suddenly it dawned on him that this might have been the Mur party passing through the Cauti lands with supplies and led by a foreign diplomat. But is had been days since they had been expected. If the Mur was right this woman was.....
"Signal a general retreat." He said rounding on a female Tal pointing at Shuri'den. "Now! Stop arguing. These are the Skadian representatives and that is Shuri'den'shalvys. Only the most important person in their entire culture. Now go and do your job before I clap you round the head Private Ilia."
He turned back to the warrior Mur.
"Get her up now and follow closely. If you have the supplies on hand then bring them."
Ruslan frowned as one of the civilian Mur explained that they had been left outside the gates however seemed content when Man'tiel ordered several of his men crawl through the castle plumbing to secure them. Smirking when he promised them enough water to bathe for a week after they were done.
Leading the way back to the main gate Ruslan noticed how the furious bombardment of the siege guns had started up again covering their retreat to the forward trenches. Within the hour they were safe. An hour after than they were en route for central command to greet the Tal leaders.
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.19 02:24:00 -
[2590] - Quote
True Adamance wrote:............... In Mar'thal, Night of Darkness (Present Day)
A sharp intake of breath was the only sound audible as Jon's words faded into the night leaving the stunned Mur without words to express their boundless horror at the aberrant manifestation of an ancient Artugian spirit. The pathfinder's eyes widened involuntarily and for a moment the youth lost control of senses allowing them to extend across the suspended bridges and through the boughs such as they could perceive a very tangible wrongness in the air.
Sia'tri couldn't move, let alone run as the fallen Great Leader had commanded and instead a great pity well up within him, for the man who had become his friend and benefactor as he had strove to integrate into Artugian life, followed by guilt for his splitting the love of his former wife Ria between them.
Beside him Shu'um began to tremble, though perhaps more with rage than fear. Despite the revulsion that pervaded her features she placed a reassuring hand of Sia'tri's shoulder dispelling the sense of hopelessness that had fallen over him. Mustering what courage he had before it fled him entirely he bowed, help up the Twimblade in a gesture of supplication, and spoke to the spirit.
"May strong winds bring you good fortune revered Ancestor..... I am Sia'tri one of the People who crossed the Seas and met with your people as a friend sharing our Whorl with them. Whom do I speak to.... and what do you mean to do by harming the rightful Great Leader of Artugia?"
Mirroring his actions with her short spear Shu'um added.
"Aye Lady Nightstalker I beg you not harm Jon..... please. I would do anything to placate your wroth against him."
The twisted one cocked it's head to the side. It smiled, a twisted smile, showing rows of sharp teeth. It licked its lips and spoke, "My name is old and long forgotten, all know it, few dare to whisper it. And what do I mean to do? I mean to destroy and raze and burn. Maybe, I will visit your precious isle Mur!"
It started to laugh darkly and walk slowly towards Sia'tri and Shu'um, venom dripping from it's claws. As it drew closer, Ohk, Mila and Po, Jon's three gaurds burst into the, each of them carried twinblades, each of them snarling like wild animals. Ohk stood forward amongst them and shouted, "We have failed to protect our leader, but we will not fail to avenfe him, oh twisted one!"
The twisted one stopped in its tracks and laughed. "The lambs come to the wolf!" Then in a blink of an eye, the twisted one was upon them and quickly eviscerated Po, killing him instantly. It then turned it's attention to Ohk, who had dropped his twin blade in favour of his own claws. Ohk wasn't as strong or as fast as the twisted one, but he held his ground against it, weaving in and out of it's reach, not really striking, rather distracting it.
Mila grabbed Sia'tri and Shu'um while the twisted one was distracted. "This way Mur-folk," she said, trying to pull them away, "we must flee, Ohk can handle the twisted one. Greatclaw would want you two to live!"
But before they could move, Ohk screamed in pain and fell to his knee. The twisted one finally scratch him, filling his blood with venom. The twisted on turned away from Ohk as he lay dying, and began to laugh again. Mila jumped in front of the two Mur, bringing her twinblade to the high guard posistion, ready to defend them with her life.
"Oh Mila, you can not hope to defeat me," it said getting closer. "You are pathetic, you and the rest of the mortals." It starting laughing again, and then it raised it's claw to strike.
Then Jon rose to his feet, his red hair glowed a magnificent white, illuminating the darkness, his eyes glowed a feirce white and his wounds healed near miraculously, he opened his mouth to speak, but it was not his voice, but that of an ancestor, "You, shall not, harm my descendants!"
The twisted one turned to the illuminated one who possessed Jon and screamed a beastial scream. Within a blink of an eye, the two Ancestor were locked in combat.
Director of T-W-L
Lord of Scrubs
Praise the Sun!
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
21
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Posted - 2015.11.19 03:46:00 -
[2591] - Quote
........... In Mar'Thal, the Night of Darkness
The assembled Mur screamed in abject terror and scrabbled back across the wooden walk ways in attempt to get away from the bound spirits. As he had been before Sia'tri was somewhat struck by the beauty of the spirits, even the Twisted Ancestors had a particular tenebrous and feral quality that appealed to him, while the others simply dropped their spears and ran fleeing for the lifts to the jungle below.
Mila tugged at his arm urging him to follow. He responded sluggishly and with great hesitance. His footsteps were clumsy, joints lethargic, and his tongue heavy. Still he managed to form a the basis of what in his mind was a very complex question that attacked the very heart of the Artugian meta-physical state, however escaped his lips was something very different.
"Is it still Jon?"
He wanted to resist Mila, to turn and fight alongside the Great Leader for all he had done. The notion was foolish and he knew it. This had stopped being a battle between mortal creatures and if he were to fight he would be stepping into the demesne of the eternal, the ethereal, and the implacable.
If only I were a powerful Shaper, he thought bitterly, perhaps then I would not feel helpless like this. Perhaps I could at least help Jon...... if that remains him.
It was his promise that bound him there. The one he had made to Riah, the light of the last three days of his life and he fervently hoped forever more, to bring the husband she loved back to her.
On the wooden floor beside him weeping uncontrollably was Shu'um a long keening sound echoing back to them through the trees.
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Spademan
8
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Posted - 2015.11.22 00:14:00 -
[2592] - Quote
Coenwulf's Tent
Coenwulf found himself slowly nodding as Kal'm spoke about his peoples strange powers. Returning to the task at hand though, he replied to the Mur's question "We shall be making a single river crossing here" Coenwulf brought a finger down to the map to mark out its location. Well over halfway to their destination it would likely be too far for the Mur to manage on foot. "And then on further to the hostile fortress."
The Mur went on to show a level of audacity from Coenwulf's point of view as he requested resources from the army. The various gestures he made made would have made him guess horses to ride upon were it not for the horns. That left cows and aurochs, the latter of which were far too ill-tempered to safely travel alongside. The cows, while useful as a mobile food source and for hauling supplies when horses are not available, would surely slow them down too much. Alongside that he requested water, much of it.
"It's a tall request that you make. I need to know two things, firstly, how many soldiers have you brought with you and secondly, the animals to attempted to describe, are they for riding or for food?"
What're you looking at me like that for? I'll shank you I will.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.22 20:32:00 -
[2593] - Quote
Mar'Thal, the Day of Darkness
The two ancestors wrestled in the canopies of the forest of Artuga, both striking with such speed and ferocity that each blow that one landed against the other sounded like thunder in the distance. Neither was backing down, as there was too much at stake. Should the Twisted one win, unspeakable evil and darkness would descend on Artuga, and possibly the world. Should the Illuminated one win, light would return and the world would remain as it is. Both Ancestors were matched in both strength and speed, neither getting the upper hand.
Their war waged on and eventually spilt into the city of Mar'Thal, whos blooming flowers began to wilt and decay in the prescense of the Twisted one. Those who were still fleeing the city, found themselves rooted in place, watching the battle unfold, yet keeping their distance. Amongst the people present, was Mila, the only gaurd left of the Greatclaws Three. She was young and knew little of the world, but she was a warrior of renown from Durna, having slain three brothers (her mother was known to be an extremly fertile Artyee) at once during her blood rite.
"Is it still Jon?" Sia'tri asked.
"No," Mila said softly as the Illuminated struck a hard blow to the Twisted one. "Greatclaw has died, his soul now lost in the void, never to rest with the Ancestors. Though this was his choosing. To summon him," she pointed towards the Illuminated one, "an Artugian must sacrifice his soul and everything that makes him Artugian. Jon, the Bloody, is no longer amongst us, nor will he ever return. " She choked up on these last words.
She wiped away a tear and continued as the two Ancestors continued their deadly duel: "We have no name for him, nor do we wish to know. We know he was amongst the first who became an Ancestor, we know him to be Ancient, and that is enough."
Just then, the Twisted one gained the advantage over the Illuminated on and had grabbed him by his neck. He then lifted up the Illuminated one with a single hand, his claws digging into his neck. It started to laughed it's twisted laugh, while all the Artugians started to cry out in fear.
As the twisted one readied it's claw to strike a fatal blow to the illuminated one, Mila ran forward, twinblade at the ready, shouting a curse in the old tongue. As she lashed out with her twinblade, the Twisted one grabbed it with his free hand and turned his attention on her. He ripped the blade from her hand and, with a loud crack, hit her with the back of her hand, sending her flying backwards towards the crowd.
However minor the distraction was, it was enough for the illuminated one to break free from the Twisted one's grasp and dig his claws into it's chest. The twisted one screamed out in anguish as it's black heart was ripped from it's chest. Then, in a brilliant flash of light, it was gone, as well as it's black heart.
As light began to flowly return to Artuga, the Illuminated one approached the unconscious Mila. He knelt beside her and stroked her long red hair. He spoke, in only a whisper, but it was a whisper heard throughout the forest: "The Greatclaw, lives, though she is wounded, when she awakes, sit her on the throne of skulls..." And with that, the Illuminated one faded from the world.
Director of T-W-L
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Posted - 2015.11.23 00:51:00 -
[2594] - Quote
...................In Mar'thal, Night of Darkness
Jon was dead.
The words hurt in a way Sia'tri had simply not expected them to. The Chieftain of the Durna Tribe and the Great Leader of the Artugian people whom had been welcoming to him was gone, and the knowledge that his soul would never find it's way to the place where those of his ancestor's dwelt troubled him to no end. Moreover in the ensuing chaos three of his closest friends had been thrown from the narrow walk ways to plunge through the canopy of the forest to the ground below. Shu'um, Dy'shad, and Mor'mel, now Jon. Each name left a ragged hole in his heart which only a numbness seemed to fill.
As the Ancestor retreated Sia'tri ordered the remaining Mur survivor, a boy by the name of Par'thel, to seek out Ria and hopefully help her gather the other tribal cheiftain's moreover he was to as soon as that was done swim south to warn the southern settlements of these grave events.
As the Ancestor faded from existence Sia'tri offered it a single respectful nod which he felt conveyed everything that needed to be said. His thanks, his sorrow, what anger he felt for the spirit at having consumed his friend, a relief that he had survived to return to Ria, and a resoluteness that his support would go to the Ancestor's chosen.
He would hold that to be Jon's last wish.
He rushed to Mila's side with an awkward gait and offered her what support he could while questioning her about any injuries she might have sustained. All around him the flowers and vines had withered into dark reflections of their former selves and an ominous silence pervaded the tree top clearing.
As he looked upon it he felt something break inside him. It was a visceral reaction, equally painful as it was surreal, unlike any he had previously experienced. It was as if a cold wave had washed over him like the violent stormsent autumn tides in the Isles.
"Mila!....... that....I-I don't." The words simply wouldn't form. In the end all he could manage was. "Are you well?" and a half whispered. "I am so sorry."
..................In the Company of Coenwulf
Scruitinised the human map looking to where Coenwulf had indicated the river way his men would have to cross admiring both the artistry with which the Osmarii rendered the landscape and how strange it was that their maps displayed the land from above as if see from above. It was such a foreign concept. Despite that he was gladdened to see that a river way existed that would allow his force to advance without having to march over land for at least half the distance of the journey and would not expose force him to expose the frailty of his people before the Greyscale.
"It's a tall request that you make." Said Lord Coenwulf. His tone was understandably dry. "I need to know two things, firstly, how many soldiers have you brought with you and secondly, the animals to attempted to describe, are they for riding or for food?"
Sia'tri nodded making quick calculations of the number of his men as well as their requirements given the new topographical information. He would later have to have a cartographer offer to make copies of the Osmarii and Skadian maps for general dissemination amongst their people.
"I realise that my request may have seemed audacious and perhaps even rude to you Lord Greyscale and I cry you pardon for it however it seems you may have provided then answer to our woes." He replied tactfully answering the first part of the question. "Including myself and the two Shapers with me our cohort numbers 312 Mur of the Silver Lake and Two Rivers."
It did however take him a moment to process the second part of the question. When he did he looked horrified the concept of eating the beasts. It appeared to the Osmarii that the creatures maintained by the soldiers were not soldiers themselves in Coenwulf's army given the task of bearing the burden of its movements and operations.
"The......oxen they are not for eating." She said slowly having remembered how several women of the court in Burtgun had spend an afternoon teaching him the intricacies of the human tongue, though despite their efforts he still pronounced the word as 'ophren'.
"They would merely be required to transport the water supply with us as we march along side your forces..... such I feel would be an investment in our mutual expedition to the border zone. My people want for little as your lands are bountiful and our supplies shall suffice until we return to the sea. But I believe that not even half so much would be required during our march upon the fortress if my cohort scouts ahead by way of the river. Our force is smaller and we are already readied for travel. I can have runners sent if we encounter the enemy if that suits you Greyscale."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.23 20:29:00 -
[2595] - Quote
True Adamance wrote:...................In Mar'thal, Night of Darkness
Jon was dead.
The words hurt in a way Sia'tri had simply not expected them to. The Chieftain of the Durna Tribe and the Great Leader of the Artugian people whom had been welcoming to him was gone, and the knowledge that his soul would never find it's way to the place where those of his ancestor's dwelt troubled him to no end. Moreover in the ensuing chaos three of his closest friends had been thrown from the narrow walk ways to plunge through the canopy of the forest to the ground below. Shu'um, Dy'shad, and Mor'mel, now Jon. Each name left a ragged hole in his heart which only a numbness seemed to fill.
As the Ancestor retreated Sia'tri ordered the remaining Mur survivor, a boy by the name of Par'thel, to seek out Ria and hopefully help her gather the other tribal cheiftain's moreover he was to as soon as that was done swim south to warn the southern settlements of these grave events.
As the Ancestor faded from existence Sia'tri offered it a single respectful nod which he felt conveyed everything that needed to be said. His thanks, his sorrow, what anger he felt for the spirit at having consumed his friend, a relief that he had survived to return to Ria, and a resoluteness that his support would go to the Ancestor's chosen.
He would hold that to be Jon's last wish.
He rushed to Mila's side with an awkward gait and offered her what support he could while questioning her about any injuries she might have sustained. All around him the flowers and vines had withered into dark reflections of their former selves and an ominous silence pervaded the tree top clearing.
As he looked upon it he felt something break inside him. It was a visceral reaction, equally painful as it was surreal, unlike any he had previously experienced. It was as if a cold wave had washed over him like the violent stormsent autumn tides in the Isles.
"Mila!....... that....I-I don't." The words simply wouldn't form. In the end all he could manage was. "Are you well?" and a half whispered. "I am so sorry."
...Mar'Thal
Mila heard voices all around her. Some where cheering and celebrating as the Twisted one has been vanquised, many more were mourning the loss of Jon and those who had fallen to their deaths. One voice stood out to her more than the rest, it was a deep, benevolent voice that she had heard once, in a dream long forgotten, the voice named her Greatclaw.
As she opened her eyes, she noticed Sia'tri stand over her, as well as her friends and family, and some members of Drisha and the Cursed. "I-I'm fine," she said, trying to find her voice. Her left cheek burned from where the Twisted one had struck her.
She tried to stand, and hands shot out to help her to her feet. As she looked around at the many Artugians and the Mur that remained, she noticed they were all clasping a fist over their hearts and giving her the formal greeting. An elderly Artya, who leaned heavily on his staff, approached her. He spoke to her, but said loud enough for those to hear, "Greatclaw Mila, the Throne of Skulls awaits."
...Grand Hall of Mar'Thal, a few hours later
Greatclaw Mila, known by some as Mila the Blessed, sat upon the bery uncomfortable throne of skulls. For the last few hours, she has had prominent members of the tribes come and go, all pledging their undying loyalty to her, lectures of customs and trade amongst the tribes from the elders, and now she was being lectured about the history of Artuga, as all Greatclaws must know the past if they wish to move forward.
No wonder Jon preferred to work rather than sit, she thought as she fought back a tear. Jon was someone she had loved from a distance for the longest time, but was to afraid to tell him. You see Jon was the son of one of the greatest warriors to have fought during the early days of the Artugian Blood Wars, and Jon himself was considered to be greater than his father. Mila was the daughter of an Artyee who was born with no twin and a father who turned craven during the war. To have been chosen to serve as one of the Three, was as close as she had ever come to him.
Once the Elder had finished his lecture on the past of Artuga, it came time for her to appoint her Three. She was to choose one member of each tribe to serve as her personal guard. From Drishna, she chose Mo, Ohk's younger brother, and, now since Ohk has passed, the best Artugian Pathfinder. From Durna, she chose Loi, a small Artyee, who was devilishly clever but who's loyalty went without question. From the Cursed, she chose Bo, a big brute of an Artya who had been rumored to have survived Artugian venom.
After the appointment of the three, Mila stood up from the throne and proclaimed loudly to all who were present:
"Strong winds, Artugians, today is not a day for celebration, nor should we forget this day. For on this day, our Greatclaw sacrificed his soul so the Twisted should die. We will never forget this.
"However, as time passes, we become legends, myths, stories told by elders to scare younglings. For this reason, we shall work on a way to preserve our history. The Mur-Folk have a way and I wish for us to learn from them. However, we must give them time to mourn their loss, as their friends and family have also passed away.
"For the time being, carry on with the making of the skybridge and the expansion of Mar'Thal."
With that, she and her guards exited the hall and went to seek out Sia'tri and Ria.
Director of T-W-L
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True Adamance
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Posted - 2015.11.24 03:01:00 -
[2596] - Quote
............. In Artuga
Rolling waves lapped against the sable shores of Artuga coming as travellers from a far distant horizon cast in shades of blue where wispy clouds drifted in lazy trails through the heavens. Encircled by two high bluffs and dominated by a tiered network of tidal pools formed the igneous island mineral the vista was as breath taking and serene as could be found in Artuga.
Two figures sat upon the shore separated by an expanse infinitely larger than it appeared as both seemed to retreat into themselves and further away from each other to the point to the point that they appeared more as strangers than those who have been loves. At the very edge of the sea the tide brushed up against a pair slender legs the colour of damp ashes where an Artyee sat, her head buried in her arms, her body racked by sobbing tremors. Not a metre from her sat the figure of a blue skinned male who seemed gangly by comparison, his shoulders sunken and defeated, gazed out across the sea.
Neither spoke a word. What could be said between them that would absolve the events of the night before? What make right their relationship where it had now been sundered?
Such questions spun through Sia'tri's mind mingling with the miserable sense of loss and shame he felt at Jon's passing. Since the coming of the Dark One, which had cost Jon his life, the world itself seemed dimmer, less of what it had once been, and decidedly darker as he couldn't bear to look at it without the filmy lens of the his second set of eyelids.
Hours had passed since the new Greatclaw had been named and the Tribal Leaders had sworn their allegiance to Mila the Blessed as she had come to be known. The dawn crowned the new day with a hopeful radiance that the Mur Pathfinder could not bring himself to appreciate.
How could he redeem himself in Ria's eyes?
He'd boasted like a fool that he would bring Jon back from whatever dangers had befallen him. Instead he'd been worse than useless and he'd come to believe that his inactions had caused Jon's transformation that had cost his soul entrance to the place where his Ancestor's dwelt. When he had tried to explain Ria had simply looked at him with a horrified expression that had pained him more greatly than any physical wound he'd suffered.
He'd not sworn himself to the new Greatclaw yet. He could not in good conscience not without sending word to Shuri'den'shavys or having properly mourned himself. Nor had he promised her the friendship and Whorl Oath, or ship bond, that he had given so easily before.
His thoughts were disturbed by the rustling of bushes from the mouth of the jungle. Shadowy forms at the edge of his perception coalescing into four of the recognisable crimson haired Artugians. At the fore of their procession was Mila, the others were presumably her guardians in the same manner that she had been to the previous Great Leader.
He rose slowly allowing them to see the depths of the his spiritual malaise in the way his shoulders hung, the way the membranes of his fins had fulled and in how they involuntarily dipped in her presence, or how despite himself he could not open his eyes fully which left the sockets appear completely black.
He managed the traditional Artugian greeting with a great deal of effort though it had appeared less formal than he would have wished.
"Strong winds bring you good fortune Great Leader" Behind him Ria flinched as his words reached her. "..... I....we.... that is the Mur have not yet come to a consensus on what to name you yet....... I hope this offers you no offence...."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.24 03:43:00 -
[2597] - Quote
....Artuga
"And may the Ancestors bring you home," Mila said, placing a fist over her heart and bowing low. "I am not offended Sia'tri, I believe I have not earned the title of Greatclaw nor Great Leader. Nor do I believe I can be as great as Jon..."
She blinked away the tears that formed in her eye. Then she approached Mo and took the shattered twinblade he carried, her body shaking as she did. She then slowly approached Ria and got on her knees.
Looking at the ground, she offered the Twinblade up to Ria, saying "Lady Ria, this was the blade of your husband, the Greatclaw. The tribes wish for it to be displayed in the grand hall for all to see, however rightfully it is yours. Please accept it, and my I beg your forgiveness, for failing my blood sworn duty to protect him."
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Posted - 2015.11.24 20:44:00 -
[2598] - Quote
......... In Artuga
Ria took the shattered blade with a reverence feeling the weight of the the irons as both halves lay across her palms. Through her crimson tresses both the warriors and Mila could see the depths of her grief and fresh tears ran down her cheeks to form tiny sparkling beads as they feel to the sand below.
She felt a certainly kinship with Mila. Jon had many wives, some before her, others still remained after his passing lost to their own grief. Mila had been one of his three protectors from the tribes and she had come to understand the affections the woman had harboured for Jon. What Artyee could have dedicated her life to such an Artya and not found herself enthralled.
But Mila had never approached Jon nor had he approached her and for that she pitied them. Perhaps if the Tall Ones had never come they might have been able to live in peace and Mila might have been another of Jon's wives alongside her.
She glanced down at the remains of his weapon again reminding herself that this weapon was not him. Jon had been his claws, his belt of skulls, and after his injuries the purposeful manner with which he limped from duty to duty.
"Thankyou Mila....." She said. Her voice threatened to break suddenly. "...I would like to have this displayed for the Tribes so that they can be reminded of what Jon did for Artuga. I long to keep him for myself but he was not solely mine."
With that said she returned the Twinblade to Mila. Before she could protest she brushed aside Mila's hair and planted a gentle kiss on her brow.
"I'd would have been proud to have seen you as a Wife. But remember Mila now that you are Great Leader of all Artuga that its wasn't you who failed me, and not you alone that failed him. We all did.... Still we are alive now and Jon would want us go back to living with joy in our hearts."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.24 21:33:00 -
[2599] - Quote
...Artuga
Mila wiped a tear from her eyes and rose to her feet slowly. She then offered the shattered blade to Bo, and said, "Take this to the great hall and place it above the Throne of Skulls, were we would have displayed Jon's skull for all to see." She then leaned in and whispered something into his ear.
Bo slammed a heavy fist against his chest and bowed low. He then carefully took the shattered blade and cradled it as if it were a new born child and carried it carefully back into the forest, heading towards Mar'Thal.
Turning back to Ria, she bowed low and said, "I thank you for youe kind words, Lady Ria. Though truth be told, I would have made a lousy wife." She forced a smile at her own joke.
"There is something else," she began slowly, trying to find the right words. "I know we are greiving for the loss of our beloved Jon, however it not only concerns us Artugians." She turned to look at Sia'tri, and said, "it also concerns the Mur."
Before she continued, she gestured for her gaurds to search the surrounding area, including the edge of the forest and the nearby tidal pools. When they found nothing, they returned to her side once more, keeping watch for anyone who dared to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"The incident and the summoning was no accident, but a plot. When the Greatclaw told me, Ohk, and Po to begin the evacuation, I came across a group who were preparing for war. Their claws were sharpened and their blades were coated in venom. Me and Po despatched them and hid the bodies before anyone found out, we didn't want to cause mass panic. We did however leave one alive. Bo is retrieving this traitor now, after he returns the twinblade to the great hall. The only ones who know are myself, my guards, and Mo'q, Ohk's father and now, you.
"Mo'q has loosened this ancestorless traitor's tongue, and has told us about a plot to break the truce between the tribes, and to banish the Mur, going as far as sneaking someone aboard Murk's Warband. It gets worse, they wish to destroy the Mur and the Rough Skins completely, claiming the Ancestors have cursed Artuga by allowing us to become friends with outlanders. I fear, however, we do not know how many people have been corrupted by these Ancestorless bastards."
As she finished speaking, Bo and an Artya who resembled an older Ohk exited the forest. Behind them was beaten, bruised and broken clawed Artyee, being pulled along by a short rope woven out of vines from the forest. Bo brought the Artyee before Sia'tri, Ria and Mila and forced her onto her knees, he then placed the edge of his twinblade by her neck.
Director of T-W-L
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Posted - 2015.11.24 22:57:00 -
[2600] - Quote
............. In Artuga
Sia'tri stirred as the Artyee was brought before them clenching his fists and glowering at her though the translucent pitch dark eyelids.
"Who is she and why did you bring her here?" He made to reach for the Drowning Knife attached to his leather harness but stopped himself gripping his wrist with the other hand. ".....forgive me Great Leader.... but I'm having trouble controlling myself."
He kneels and stares directly into her eyes from no more than a few centimetres away his voice filled with a cold anger than accentuates his measured tone. Looking directly at him is like looking
"She'd better talk.... I want the names of those who betrayed Jon and those who threaten the Mur. If it involves us it is as I said to Jon once..... and now to you. Our enemies will never be able to salt the skins of their ancestors by the seas or rivers so long as we oppose them."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.25 00:11:00 -
[2601] - Quote
True Adamance wrote:............. In Artuga
Sia'tri stirred as the Artyee was brought before them clenching his fists and glowering at her though the translucent pitch dark eyelids.
"Who is she and why did you bring her here?" He made to reach for the Drowning Knife attached to his leather harness but stopped himself gripping his wrist with the other hand. ".....forgive me Great Leader.... but I'm having trouble controlling myself."
He kneels and stares directly into her eyes from no more than a few centimetres away his voice filled with a cold anger than accentuates his measured tone. Looking directly at him is like looking
"She'd better talk.... I want the names of those who betrayed Jon and those who threaten the Mur. If it involves us it is as I said to Jon once..... and now to you. Our enemies will never be able to salt the skins of their ancestors by the seas or rivers so long as we oppose them."
...Artuga
The Artyee spat at Sia'tri's feet and said, "I have no words for you, you ancestorless outlander!"
Mo'q smacked the traitor with the back of his hand with enough force that it knocked her on the flat of her back. He then dug his claws into her shoulder, taking extra care to not sever any tendons or dig too deeply as to sever main arteries, and lifted her back onto her knees and pulled his claws out. "Show respect for the Firewalker, you ancestorless filth!" He barked.
The traitor started laughing. Then she spoke in a low voice, "The Scattered are the ones you seek, oh Firewalker, and not even I know their number nor all their names ans faces. The Scattered will destroy those who dare to take over our land. The Scattered will restore Artuga to it's former glory. The Scattered will destroy all outlanders, and the Ancestors bless us in this. The Scatter have already removed the false leader, and we will remove more until our people are restored!" Mo'q slapped her hard again, this time knocking her unconscious.
"Apologies, Firewalker," he said to Sia'tri. "That is all she will say, I fear I may have loosened her tongue, but her spirit remains strong."
"You asked why we have brought this filth before you," said Mila. "She is to be the prisoner of the Mur, seeing as these 'Scattered' will be targrting Mur. Mo'q will be leading a new task force to find these traitors and will answer only to me." Turning to Mo'q she asked, "I believe you have a name for your task force?"
"Aye, Great One," he said, "We are the Shattered Blade, named in honor of Jon."
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Posted - 2015.11.25 21:15:00 -
[2602] - Quote
......... In Artuga
Sia'tri mulled over the Great Leader's words. The Shattered Blade seemed like a fitting name from a group dedicated to safeguarding Jon's legacy and relationships with his people and he found himself nodding with an open approval. He longed to join them but hesitated knowing what the price of initiation was and found himself for the first time since the incidents of the previous night taking stock of how fortunate they had all been.
"Great Leader." He said confidently standing to his full height. He placed one hand over his heart and raised his chin to bare his throat as a sign of deference and trust among his people. "I would have relished the opportunity to serve you in this endeavour and also to have had revenge on Jon's killers but I have many responsibilities to my people, you, and now my extended family here in Artuga...."
Beside his Ria offered him a slight smile.
".... and I cannot in good conscience ask to become an agent of the Shattered Blade. However I want to offer you the full support of my people and my own services in bringing these traitors down. With that said I believe at this time the best way I can achieve that is to comport myself in the most respectable manner possible in the eyes of your people...... I feel perhaps that few enough of them accept me because I have no twin to slay nor have I ever entered into Durna..... if there is ever such a chance you must allow me to face your enemies in this way. I want none to say I did not show respect for your ancestors and customs.
Additionally you must let me offer the same oaths I offered Jon in public for all the Tribes to see."
Finally he glanced down that the Artyee who had spat at his feet before and nodded.
"She betrayed Jon to be sure and shall not escape without punishment...... but I shall reflect on whether or not to turn her over to the Stormdaughters. She will be sent South and watched at all times. I suspect the Daughter's will hound me night and day for their claim to her..... though I suppose that is to our advantage and they are like to aid the Shattered Blade with their Shapers. In a land like Artuga their Authority over Abrasion I fear will be a powerful and dangerous weapon... so I warn you not to trust them too greatly. The Stormdaughters are...difficult."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.25 22:46:00 -
[2603] - Quote
...Arutga
Mila half smiled and said, "I understand your posistion. To be honest I am relieve that you won't join the Shattered Blade, for Ria's sake. Though, I will advise you that once you enter the forest, and any Mur or Rough Skin that enters the forest, will be watched closely by Shattered Blade agents, for your own protection.
"You may notice them from time to time, however they will not speak nor approach you unless you are in danger. Tell your people that should an Artugian approach them and give them this," she produced a small rounded peice of burnt tree bark, "and should they then whisper, 'Shatter the Darkness,' it means your life is in danger. I would suggest coming to the grand hall as most the Shattered Blade agents would be hiding there.
"I do agree some customs must be fufilled. Swearing oaths in front of the tribes is a good start, however I must suggest you preform the blood rite first. We allow those born cursed, not from the tribe but those who were born without a womb mate, to fight others born cursed. Though be warned, should you choose to commit to the blood rite, Ria nor I nor any of the Shattered Blade agents can step in to help and no weapons may be used. I will allow a small dagger to be used by you seeing as you have no claws of your own. As for the Durna," she smiled widely, "I did not think one would challenge me so soon for the throne of skulls!" She laughed, the first time since Jon's passing.
At the mention of the Stormdaughters, Mila frowned. She, then spoke cautiously, "I have heard rumours of Mur powers, some say you have the ability to summon the strength of the Ancestors at will and change nature itself. Though their aid would be much appreciated, I must warn against using their powers openly. I would also like to ask that a member of the Shattered Blade to be present during the interrogation of this filth, though I understand if it is not at all possible."
She then motioned to Mo'q, who then picked up the traitor and carried her into the forest. When they were out of sight, Mila said, "She will be taken to the ruins of Mihal, where the Tall Ones invaded, the village is abandoned, but well protected by the Shattered Blade. As for myself, I must return to Mar'Thal, there are matters to discuss with the tribes and I must see to the new recruits who have been selected for the Shattered Blade."
With that, she bowed deeply, with a fist over her heart, and made her way back into the forest towards Mar'Thal.
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Posted - 2015.11.26 00:24:00 -
[2604] - Quote
....... several hours later in The Ruins of Mihal
Hours later Sia'tri waited with the Artya and Artyee of the Shattered Blade in the ruins of their ancestral holding. It's name was Mihal, or so he had been told by the others, and it was the first of the places the Tal'Man had landed. The same site where they had wounded Jon and enslaved what Artugians they could find.
It was a place of great misery for the Durna Tribe..... his Tribe. He'd tried to imagine what it would have been like to stare down Mani largebore rifles, to have heard the sound of thunderous gunfire for the first time, to be unable to comprehend why their kin were dying to the giant humanoids. The concept was not wholly foreign to him with the import of such fire arms into his country barely a year ago however their quick adoption of the technology had seen the cannon almost become common place.
He breath caught sharply as the sleek for the Assail came to rest in the bay having sailed with the prevailing winds and on tides shaped by the Authorities. Rigged for swift travel across the oceans there were few Skadian vessels of its like in the world, moreover the ship had been commissioned upon his order and the bowspirit carved by his own hand, besides becoming an Artugian in all but blood this was his crowning achievement.
It caught again several minutes later when a half dozen splashed from the shore heralded the arrival of the Stormdaughters. They we're simply Mur. Each a woman of unsurpassed beauty within the scope of their race possessed of a dozen braids of iridescent orange, carmine, and violet hues, slim and delicate Shalvyian figures, their faces covered with dozens of piercings made of a bone like material. They walked with a practiced stride, slightly less awkward than most Mur appeared on the land, and with purpose. Their eyes, heavily dilated by the cocktails of drugs and stimulants, scanned the assembled Mur and Artugians with looks of mild amusement, curiosity, and a feral cunning. If Ria was an exotic beauty in Sia'tri's eyes these women were the classical embodiment Mur desire.
They were led by a woman Sia'tri recognised as Csh'te.
"Strong Winds Lady Stormbreaker." He said in greeting allowing the other Artugians to offer their own greetings before he approached her to exchange the breath of life. The exchange was awkward and far more intimate that the pathfinder had expected as she wore a heady perfume the spoke of the ocean blossoms carried on spring times. With the formalities completed he returned to his position.
"Strong winds to you Sia'tri...... our Firewalker." Her voiced dripped amusement each word enunciated clearly yet with a lilting purr that he identified as a Skurd accent. "We were told you had an Artyee for us. We've long desired to..... experience one. And here you are Firewalker delivering us the kin of your lovely wife."
(TBC)
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Vash Warren
SMARTCREW
Smart Deploy
239
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Posted - 2015.11.26 23:47:00 -
[2605] - Quote
Ruslan returned from the frontlines of the battle and requested a meeting with his superiors, until then he had the time to himself, he ordered the Fishlegs under guard of some of the regular who had not been in the fortress assault that day.
With time to spare he counted out the casualties from the assault. None captured, several still missing (blown to bit most likely), handful or so more dead, but many more wounded. Thinking back to it, he wished he could have gotten up the walls faster, luckily the Cautie forces splintered under the well organized Tal-Man force.
Ruslan spent several hours thinking back on the battle while cleaning his favorite rifle, washing off the blood from his Dragon Skin Gloves, then re-oiling, he knew he was going to catch hell for retreating but he felt this was worth it. He was then able to get his meeting with the minor General.
Brigadier General, Trovski arrived at the camp, "What do you need to show me so badly but was not able to come back to HQ for, something big enough abandon the siege?" Asked Trovski, obviously upset. "This is the reason I had to retreat sir." Leading the General to the area in which Mur were held. As he turned to Trovski he saw not a look of happiness upon his but of disgust.
"You imbecile!" Trovski screamed and slammed his Dragon Scale armored hand into Ruslan face, "Those are Mur!" Ruslan was sent back, not to the ground, or spinning, but enough to send him back, a sting of shame and anger burning to his face. "Capturing prisoners of the enemy is okay... Releasing captives of the Cautie is okay... Taking prisoners of nations we are in good relations with, you will be lucky if this does not end your career." At this the guards around the Mur stopped and assumed an at attention stance. Trovski approached the leader of the Mur, gestured to the regulars "Release them." The regulars went to work. Troviski picked up the Mur leader and removed his restraints.
"I wish to apologize on behalf of the Tal-Man nation. This fool of a Tal was not sure if you were of enemy or friend. I would be happy if you would care to join me in my tent for dinner, we could speak over this incidence." Trovski offered his hand to the Mur.
Caldari Body, Caldari Core, But Amarr with my Soul.
23 Mil SP, Next Adventure. Amarr Assult/ Caldari Logi
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Spademan
8
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Posted - 2015.11.28 22:58:00 -
[2606] - Quote
Kirath...
Godwin's little colony had become a bustling village since it's creation, and as much help as his administrative mind had been very little would've been possible in the same time had the locals not been as hugely accommodating as they were. Also of great assistance was Gungir, the last of the dwarves, since he was familiar with both the Cathay-Raht as well as the Osmar, even if he was out-dated somewhat on the latter. As cheerful as he appeared to be his age was clearly getting to him, so much so that it raised suspicions that the dwarves may become truly extinct soon.
The people themselves, the kind of cat-man hybrid, have clearly been influenced by their new neighbours. At first glance the most noticeable of these was the clothing, the Cathay bean covering themselves, usually the lower half of their bodies. The Osmar soldiers for their part sparred often in the training grounds with the natives. Most of the time they could not compare with the sheer strength of the Cathay and so they had to find alternate means of besting their opponents. Even Sir Aelfgar, who had been wary of the natives, interacted with them in a positive way. As the most formidable warrior the Osmar had sent he even sparred with King Za'Harr himself.
The King played a very active role among his people, constantly interacting with many of his subjects on a personal level. That was perhaps the strangest thing to many of the Osmar. With the size of the realm and the amount of people under her it was not possible for Queen Aeschild to do the same. Nor could the Earls, not even the Barons of the realm would have the time. Many of them likely would not interact with mere peasants even if they could, though with the small size of his settlement Godwin made the effort.
Godwin was immensely happy with his work. As far as his status went he held more influence in the kingdom than he ever could have as a merchant. He was also rather fond of the new climate, which was far warmer than his homeland, yet not so warm that it caused discomfort or problems with the crops. His living space too was a stark improvement, larger than the dwellings of some barons. He would surely be recognised as nobility for his accomplishments. 'Godwin of Kirath' He rather liked the sound of that. Perhaps he could seek the hand of a Lord's daughter should he return briefly.
The idealistic peace of this paradise would soon be disrupted, at least in Godwins mind, when he receives new orders direct from the Queen herself. Reading the letter there is a single clear message among it. The Crown wishes to extend its borders and vasslise the Cathay-Raht, making them direct subjects of the Queen. King Za'Harr would still rule his own people of course, and they would keep their method of succession. Still, explaining the concept to Za'Harr might prove difficult. Nevertheless, Godwin elected to rip the leech off and get it over with.
Meeting with the King the two friends spoke about a great many things, the state of their respective lands, upcoming feasts, the results of the King's most recent hunt and so on. Then the King noticed something about Godwin. He could tell there was something bothering him.
"My friend, something troubles you. Foul news from the homeland?"
"No, no. The war there goes well. This is another matter entirely." clearing his throat and standing rather stiffly, Godwin continued "My Queen wishes to extend an offer of vassalage to you. She requests that you swear an oath of loyalty to her and that both you and your people become subjects of Osmarium."
What're you looking at me like that for? I'll shank you I will.
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Spademan
8
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Posted - 2015.11.29 00:03:00 -
[2607] - Quote
The Mur's explanation clarified things greatly, despite the fact that the Mur had trouble expressing himself in a foreign tongue. Surprising but most definitely welcome was the offer to scout ahead and construct bridges on their behalf.
"Ophren? Ah! Oxen, now I understand. They are a much less precious beast than a half decent warhorse. Water too can be spared, we'll refill once we reach the river. Very well Kal'm, in exchange for your offer of assistance you shall have what you require in exchange for your offer of assistance. Vadir!"
A stirring was heard just outside the tent after Coenwulf's call. Moments later the plate-clad knight that had first led Kal'm into Coenwulf's presence had returned.
"Yes Fa-" realising his mistake quickly and clearing his throat, Vadir re-addressed his father "My lord?"
"There are now Mur in this region. They are to remain out of this conflict, no Osmar may harm them and they are to be protected if they are in the vicinity of a battle, do you understand?"
After a quick nod from Vadir, he went on.
"Good. Kal'm here is leading a battalion of his own men to meet up with a trade convoy led by their Matriarch. Escort him to the paddocks and ensure he receives as much Oxen, Water and timber as he requires."
"Yes my lord."
Vadir then gestured towards the exit and addressed Kal'm.
"When you're ready sir."
What're you looking at me like that for? I'll shank you I will.
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True Adamance
Praetoriani Classiarii Templares
Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris
21
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Posted - 2015.11.29 21:05:00 -
[2608] - Quote
........ in the Tal-Man Warcamps
As they Mur were ushered into the Warcamps by Ruslan and his warriors Man'tiel allowed the civilians amongst them to care for Shuri'den and carry her still unconscious body to the medical tents. Additionally he asked the members of his crew who still gathered around to remove his armour. After wearing it with little in the way of rest for days on end he needed to swim. River or ocean it did not matter however the foul waters polluted by the Cauti industry.
He genuinely felt bad for the Tal as he was berated by his general. He'd done a good thing even if it had cost them the siege and if nothing else Man'tiel himself would find a way to reward the soldier himself even if he had to sack a Tal-Mani galleon to do it. He'd grown fond of the Shalvyian woman in their journeys together and more than anything wanted to see her home to their people safely almost more than he wanted to get back to the Maestrom and Tamarri'sen.
"General Brigadier..." He said bearing his throat. Through his thick South Seas accent he wondered if the Tal even understood him. " We are much indebted to you and to your soldier Ruslan for having escorted Lady Shuri'den'shalvys away from the battle. She was forced to defend both our people and the Cauti leader Kalimat when one of the Towers collapsed on us..... I am sure she well see that you as the commander of this army are richly rewarded for your service when our people arrive from Osmarium. We are greatly indebted to you."
..... In the company of Coenwulf
"It is a great pleasure to meet you whelping of Grayscale." Said Kal'm with a slight bow. "We appreciate the aid you have agreed to render us and would like to be about as soon as possible. Lady Shuri'den'shalvys has been gone from the Isle long and they wane in her absence. If you would please lead us to the provisions. The Ophren can wait until we cross the River though we will require the timber."
Em shah tey et naGÇÖemsaer ek rahvi, amarr osedah gasi ubday pahk. Ekin tey vahka ijed div ema ziel. Et tey vamatal em.
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Jonny D Buelle
The Warlords Legion
2
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Posted - 2015.11.30 00:03:00 -
[2609] - Quote
...The Ruins of Mihal
Mo'q felt uncomfortable around the Stormdaughters, especially their leader, whom Firewalker called Csh'te. They were Mur, that much was certain, however they had an air about them and a scent that bespoke of powers beyond that no mortal should wield. Ancestors were said to wield such powers, but such were legends.Yet it seems our legends sem to manifest themselves whenever they please, Mo'q thought.
Then it happened, he wasn't quite sure what it was, but he and the members of the Shattered Blade felt it. Most of them did not know what to do, most dropped to their knees and prayed in the old tongue to their Ancestors, others gripped their twinblades tightlt expecting an attack. Then the whispers of promises of things that were to be given if they ventured with these Stormdaughters. Promises of peace, promises of power and promises of love. All tempting, all pulling them away, however they held their tongue. They could not give in, lest they abandon their duty to the Great Leader.
When they finally left with the traitor, Mo'q summoned a young Artya to the ruins of the grand hall of Mihal. This Artya gave up his name after the twisted attack, as well as his family and all else required to be sacrificed to be part of the Shattered Blade.
"Return to Mar'thal,' Mo'q said, "tell the Great One what has happened here today and of Csh'te. She would wish to know. Also take four members of the Shattered with you to remain at Mar'thal to protect the Mur-folk their from these Ancestorless bastards known as the scattered."
The Artya clasped a fist over his heart, bowed then headed off towards Mar'Thal. Mo'q then sought out Csh'te, his curiosity had gotten the better of him.
...Mar'Thal
Mila was amongst her people, mourning with those who lost family duribg the Twisted One's attack, assisting with finishing the skybridge, but also keeping an eye out for attack. Her people were hurt from the recent attack, yet their resolve remained strong. Artugians were strong in spirit and not easily broken.
[TBC]
Director of T-W-L
Lord of Scrubs
Praise the Sun!
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Vash Warren
SMARTCREW
Smart Deploy
239
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Posted - 2015.11.30 03:50:00 -
[2610] - Quote
Trovski smiled a little bit at the Mur's "General Brigadier" stifling a chuckle. He then stopped as the Mur mentioned Kalimat. After the Mur finished "You must join me for a meal now, so much you can share about your recent adventures." Trovski turned around to Rulan. "I apologize for my reaction without knowing, I was hoping to end anymore bloodshed on this field. You have much potential and I would hate to see it wasted." It was quite obvious when Rulan sat up a little straighter at the complement. "But fail me on the next assault, and KP will be the least of you worries." Trovski meant it both as a joke and a threat, and Rulan understood that. But he was feeling a bit better.
"I can have any wounded treated at Tal-Man medical tents, and I shall be waiting near by for the next couple of hours. When your leader awakens have one of my men find me"
Caldari Body, Caldari Core, But Amarr with my Soul.
23 Mil SP, Next Adventure. Amarr Assult/ Caldari Logi
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