To Heir Is Human- Playground XIV, The 14th Options

[The Metal Mallet]

Flogir

Flogir shifted his grip to hold Eurod by the armpits, allowing Aerona to carry him by the feet. They waddled their way to the cellar. They had to stop, and set Eurod down in order to open the heavy oak doors and remove the wooden bolt that kept it shut.

"I'll walk in backwards with him," Flogir instructed Aerona as they picked Eurod up once more.

As Flogir walked down the steps, he knew by the extremely musty smell that the cellar hadn't been used for awile. Flogir placed Eurod down once they were fully inside the cellar. Examining the cellar, Flogir coughed at the stirred up dust. Pretty much all the walls were lined with either casks of drink, probably wine or ale, or racks containing some bottles of various drinks. Flogir was happy to find that they way they came in was the only entrance. All the walls were solid stone.

"Well, we should probably gather up these supplies. The soldiers might need them to disinfect wounds and whatnot," he turned to Aerona, "Do you think we got enough time to gather it all up if I get some soldiers to help out?"

[Priest of Sithis]

Astratus

He felt a cold sweat form on the back of his neck, and sudden pulses of his heart scared him. The old soreness above his knees was gone, as well as the pain in his shoulders. He was sitting in a chair, when he heard commotion at the end of the hall. The female Narza'Tai healer came back to him and told him a brief description of Rann. Astratus remembered him from the gate earlier, and stood up. He fell immediately to his face, because of his recent growth in stature and loss of balance. Astratus slowly rose, and then walked with the help of the healer down the hallway.

When he came to the room, he saw Rann and the others, and wondered where Karn and Ian were. He had to catch his breath, because he was nausious and dizzy. He looked at Rann and said, "You, I saw you at the gate. Why don't you fight? Men are dying, surely you weren't sent here for me?" Astratus made a motion of head shaking, but abandoned the idea when he almost lost his balance. Astratus felt his body temperature rise and he grasped the wall for support. He looked Rann up and down, then said, "I'm sorry if I came across rude, but, as of now, I am in no condition to help my men, and soon, I will become a monster and fight the brethren I came across the Empire with. I feel alone, and I can already tell that there is a problem with command, mostly due to my forgetfullness of replacement should this happen again. I need to speak with Ian and Karn, about command, and you are welcome to attend. That is, if I am still myself in a few hours..."

Patholos

"Lycanthropy," He whispered, then escorted them down into the part of the sewers they were holding Astratus. Patholos saw the infection in Astratus, and it made him wonder what stuff the man was made of, to hold out against the disease that weakens the body so. He looked and saw that the years of alcoholism had almost ruined his liver and hardened his veins, making it hard for the Lycanthropy pathogens to circulate through his bloodstream. Patholos was truly amazed by this, but said nothing. He heard Astratus's voice, albeit weaker, in the distance, then the three came into the room with Rann and Astratus.

Patholos looked at Rann, and all the repressed anger from Rann's dissaproval of Patholos caught him in a flurry. He dragged the blade of his dagger across his palm, and Patholos's blood activated the deadly enchantment. He held the blade low in the folds of his black robe, and his eyes were visible as red discs behind his eyecloth. He said to the assembly, "Excuse me, there is a matter I need to take care of." And he slipped into the dark abyss that was the surrounding sewers. He would wait for Rann, and take his vengeance. There was a small voice in his head, a friendly voice, telling him it was wrong, but Patholos shook his head and hide well, waiting for his quarry.

[Lord Revan]

Ian and Karn

"Stand down, Alastor." He ordered the Altmer calmly. The leader relaxed and bowed his head, but his anger concerning Rann was still there.
Karn turned to address the younger Dunmer, but Ian beat him to the point. "Diplomacy is clearly not a strength of yours, Rann. I would never send you to negotiate with trained warriors." The Imperial chided Rann lightly.

The sensei added dryly, "It's wise watch what you step on." To the Narza'Tai around them, he commanded. "Back to the shadows." Not only did the group disperse, the magical flames dimmed enough to allow for moderate concealment.

[Dantrag]

Rann

Rann thought his diplomacy was just fine; he wasn't making remarks about how the Narza'Tai was the Brotherhood in everything but name and was even hiding his disgust for each and every one of them.

After thinking about his hatred for the guild, and the current situation, though, Rann made a conscious decision to be more diplomatic in the meeting that he was most surely attending. If the meeting was about leadership, and Ian and Karn were the candidates...

He would push for Flogir's election. He most certainly didn't want the leader of what he considered to be the Dark Brotherhood in charge, and he didn't want a traitorous vampire, either. Flogir was a trained soldier with knowledge of tactics and strategies and was good at quick decision making. Not only was he Rann's first choice, but he seemed better suited to the job. Karn was best with his band of assassins, and Ian was best at doing different sorts of special missions. Not to mention the fact that many would be wary of following a vampire.

"Sorry about that," he said in a tone that was as close to meek as he could get, "I didn't know they were on our side."

This post has been edited by Dantrag: Aug 24 2007, 06:12 AM

[Lord Revan]

OCC: Since Ian and Karn were the first combatants of the initial battle, and remained at the forefront of the battle, most of the soldiers only know about them because of that. So, despite what they happen to be, and who they already command aside, they are probably in pretty good graces with the soldiers.

Karn

In spite of how convincing Rann's apology was, Karn doubted that the Dunmer regretted anything he did, no matter how impulsive. From what he'd heard from Patholos, Serene's grandson had a hatred for the Dark Brotherhood.

Understandable, after all, isn't that why the Narza'Tai will outlive its predesesor. The Sensei mused, If the Dark Brotherhood gathered again, the intense hatred for them would lead to their demise. The 'family' was a gang of homicidal cut-throuts and sadistic maniacs with an over-developed urge to spill the blood of others....
This image of the Dark Brotherhood was one of the elements that had inspired the birth of the Narza'Tai. Where the former was simple a cult of killers, the Narza'Tai would have a true purpose, they would have duty instead of savagry.

A sudden thought broke his revere, the look Patholos had when he'd departed. He and Rann hated each other, Karn wondered if his lieutenant would go so far.....

Plys'Iea

A sound of thunder roared from the nearby storm. The alien stood still in the middle of the streets leading to the gates, small pieces of flesh clung to the spikes on his staff, human blood stained his jaws, covered his tongue.

The mangled remains of the Nord lieutenant was barely recognizable. He looked down at the corpse, into the sightless gaze of the man. The Plys'Iea snorted and swiveled his head to gaze at the eight remaining werewolves who were gorging themselves on the bodies of the dead.
A tiny drop of rain splashed on his snake-like head, then another three. And then the sky dumped its sorrows upon the world below. As the rain fell, he pondered what to do next, the King of Worms had dissappeared again.

Before he could get far in his brooding, a brilliant flash nearly blinded the alien. A wolf howled in surprise.... and was rapidly cut off. Even without his half-gone vision, the Plys'Iea knew the mighty beast had crumpled to the ground dead.
As they scattered, he chanced a look at the battlements and spied two individuals.....

Satyana, joining 'Issac

She looked at her sister, slowly moving her head from side to side....she was right!, but so was Issac! Amrita hadn´t known either of them fo very long, so how could she promise everything would turn out ok? Unless of course.... Satyana shrugged, Amrita would of course pull some magic stunt on Rann! She doidn´t trust her anyway, but decided to maybe try her.

But that had to wait a while since she found Issac on the barriers throwinbg fireballs....Her place was with him! She approached him, touching his arm..

"Issac, sweetie, I´m here I´ll help out"

Satyana Sarethi prepared for her big show.....Small blue flames surrounded her, her amethyst-eyes glowed with an eerie light...she took a deep breath, stretched both her arms forward and spoke the incantation, so famous...so lethal!....

"Flammor, förtär dina mål, inifrån och ut...förtär tills intet mer än aska kvarstår"

A blue-white cloud emerged from her hands....

Issac

He grinned slightly when Satyana appeared, "I would perfer help from none other." The spell she cast was very impressive, but Issac would never forget how her eyes looked at that moment, if he could help it, they were so captivating.

The werewolf Satyana's spell struck was put to an end instantly, not going too into detail. "It looks like their pulling back...." Issac said as the wolves and giant reptilian creature retreated. The brief gaze the mysterious creature at him caused Issac shudder involuntary.


This post has been edited by Lord Revan: Aug 24 2007, 07:42 AM

[Florodine of Hlaalu]

Dalrus, Green Emperor Way


Dalrus stood there with nothing to do, everyone had left. She thought about how she could help the defense, besides fighting. How could she help lead a group. She would gather the mages! That was it, the mages guild was dead, but she could make a new one, a better one. Dalrus would not call it the mages guild, a different more ancient name would suit it better. She thought more and more about it. They would use the Arcane University, that had more than likely fallen...or had it? Dalrus would need to get there, though it would more than likely be surrounded by enemies. With the arch mage's credibility shot, Dalrus was sure they would elect a new leader. But not just that, she would gather any retired mages in the city, Rindir was supposed to be very good and there were definitely many other mages who had come to the city to defend.

Dalrus begand writing an announcement. It read: "To all users of the Arcane arts, Mages Guild members and non Mages Guild members, now is not the time to quarral. We are in dire need of unity, especially when we are up against mages greater than any we have ever faced before. Put aside your differences and unite! If all the mages work together, a unified resistance could be strong. The mages guild should be abolished, it has fallen and cannot get back up again. Let us create a new order, something stronger, less manopolizing, more welcoming to those followers of the Arcane arts. I call all of you who are in the city, meet me at the Arboretum, we will get our magical brothers and sisters out of the university, from there I will talk to all of your in person," Dalrus looked at her handiwork. It was not great, however, it was heartfelt, and she was in a hurry.

She sprinted off towards the Market District, where she could use the printing press in The Black Horse Curiour



Eurod, Closet


Eurod had many dreams as he lay barely alive int he cellar. He was running, he was not sure where, but he was in a hurry. Something exciting was ahead of him, something he really needed to reach, otherwise he didn't think he could survive. He ran, though he seemed shorter than usual. He ran faster than he had run before. Suddenly he came over the hill to a cliff side. The trees were less plentiful and the great circlular moons of Nirn came into view. At the end of the cliff, pleading for his life was a man. Eurod suddenly charged at him and tackled him to the ground. He bent down and ripped open his stomach... His paws clawed at him...what was happening?!

This post has been edited by Florodine of Hlaalu: Aug 24 2007, 06:42 PM

[jack cloudy]

Flint Ironwood.

He put a hand over the edge of the well.
,,Finally, fresh air." He mumbled.
,,You can take of the blindfold now." One member of his escort hissed before they all descended back down into the depths.

Flint tore off the dirty piece of fabric and threw it to the ground. He looked around and saw that he was standing at a camp. Soldiers buzzed around all over. Flint scratched his head.
,,Guess we're still fighting. I'll just go see Flogir first before making any decisions, such as getting a new weapon. All I've got left are a dagger and some portable smithing tools. Not exactly handy in a massive melee."

Flint asked for directions from one passing soldier.
,,Sure old man. He went that way, carrying our commander. You probably shouldn't bother him now though. There was a really hot woman with him, if you know what I mean."

Flint rolled his eyes and said something random before moving off in the direction he'd been pointed to.
,,Really, soldiers these days. So uncivilized."

[Dantrag]

Rann

Rann stood there as nobody said a word. Karn seemed to be in some sort of deep thought, while Ian just stood there silently, his face not giving any hint as to what went on behind it.

"So...this meeting..." he said, trying to fill the air with something besides awkward silence.

Aerona

"We don't have time to get it all, but do bring some soldiers down here to get some of it. She looked to the unconscious man.

"He's already having the dreams. Have them grab everything off the shelves, but leave these crates here; we'll need them to barricade the door."

[The Metal Mallet]

OOC: I don't remember, isn't the VC a touch only spell? Or is that just for Clash of the Titans purposes?


Flogir

Flogir nodded before vacating the cellar. "Just scream or try to knock him out if you notice that he's beginning to change," he said before leaving.

Just as he exited the cellar, he saw that Flint was making his way over. Flogir grinned. "Flint! You lucky sod! Glad to see you! I need you to do a favour though. Bring some avaliable soldiers that aren't on duty. We need them to gather some supplies," he called out before entering the cellar once again.

"Help is coming shortly," he said as he began gathering the bottles that were placed on the racks.



Voltar

Voltar had followed Issac and Satyana to the wall. He got there just in time to see Satyana's spell.

Voltar's eyebrows arched slightly, something he rarely did.

My my, that little lady possesses quite a powerful spell. I might have to inquire about that when I have time...

Voltar began assisting the troops around him as the storm began to grow heavy. Taking advantage of the weather, Voltar used the Staff of Worldly Demise to assist him in summoning 4 Storm Atronacts to assist in the battle. Empowered by the thunderstorm, the Atronacts began to decimate any bandits or goblins nearby.

[jack cloudy]

Flint Ironwood.

Flint rose an eyebrow.
,,Lucky sod? I nearly got ripped apart by the Sil, literally. Oh, and Green-Root is apparently in the sewers with a whole collection of friends. He was still trying to tell me not to trust Altair and his assistant. Like damn, as if I would take the word of a heartless murderer over the word of a civilized man." He complained but then swiftly left, relayed Flogir's orders and returned with five Brumans in less than a minute.

,,Here are your guys. So, why exactly are you imprisoning that man? He looks injured." Flint started but then he got a better look.
,,Blast it all. Now we've got Lycanthrophy to deal with as well? Why aren't things ever easy nowadays?"

[The Metal Mallet]

Flogir

Flogir told the Brumans to help him unload the bottle of booze on the racks. As he assisted them, he talked with Flint.

"Well, if he somehome dies, we could possibly have an undead werewolf to deal with. Does that sound better?" he asked with a grin. His mood was brightening knowing that Flint was reasonably ok and acting like his usual pessimistic self.

At the mention of Green-Root, Flogir scoffed, "I wouldn't trust him either. I don't like those assassins down in the sewer either. Really, they're only helping us to save themselves. As you may have noticed, I think the death toll between us and the assassins are much larger, and that's percentage wise, not numbers wise!" he said with some heat in his words, "If we make it through this, we better keep an eye on those murderers...."

Seeing that all of the loose bottles were removed, he brushed the dust off his shirt. He looked to Aerona, "Well now, I think we're ready to barricade this place up. Do we need to leave the Captain here anything, like some food or water before we go?"

[Lord Revan]

Narza'Tai

As Flogir finished his sentence about the Narza'Tai, there was a sharp crack and a cloud of black smoke exploded not to far away from them. A Narza'Tai mage looked around and then focused on Flint and Flogir. "In light of your sending the young Dunmer into the sewers seeking Astratus, our Sensei sent me to inform you of the commander's condition."

The emmisary's eyes were not visible, her mask resting atop a face veil. The silver-like metal had a red-tint to it, signefying her of being in the middle of the hierarchy. "Commander Astratus has been striken with Lycanthropy; he called for an audience with our Sensei and the vampire in bloodied robes. The boy you sent to find the commander has chosen to remain for the duration of the meeting as your envoy."

The Narza'Tai spellcaster spoke in a formal, but gentle fashion. She showed no signs of hearing the suspicions voiced earlier of her kin.

[The Metal Mallet]

Flogir

Flogir jumped at the noise that the appearing mage made. He listened to her words carefully. The impersonal attire of the mage gave her words a slightly muffled sound but they were still clear.

Flogir cursed. "Now both potential leaders are sticken with Lycantrophy... Pass that message on too if Rann hasn't stated that yet. Captain Eurod of the Bruman forces has been stricken with the same disease, we have him locked away in order to protect the troops."

At mentioning Rann's name, Flogir couldn't help but remember Rann's hatred for the Dark Brotherhood and essentially, this new "guild" only consisted of members from the Brotherhood. He grimaced.

"I hope my envoy hasn't caused any... complications. When I asked someone to find Astratus I didn't issue the order to anyone in specific, Rann volunteered before I could recall the potential... situation the meeting between him and your guild could bring," he said with an embarrassed smile.

"But anyways, please bring immediate word to me after the meeting is finished. I will more than likely be atop these walls. Thank you."

After the mage left, Flogir cursed again. He looked to Flint. "They heard me didn't they? It seems a little too coincidental for them to appear right after I voiced my suspicions on them... By the Divines!"

[Lord Revan]

Karn

When one of the senior mages appeared with a response from Flogir, Karn nodded understanding the situation was deteriorating worse than he'd thought at first. "Continue," the Sensei said when the emissary had finished.

The envoy, along with her fellow emissaries, departed to spread the bad news. The Dunmer took a deep breath before explaining. "So, there truly is a lack of leadership....."
He gathered himself, as Ian said to Astratus. "Whatever has to be done, it would be wise not to squander what precious time we have."

Plys'Iea

Once out of the spellcaster's line of fire, he looked over the wolves who were still with him. They seemed weary; tough they were, but the near-constant melee was sapping even their animal ferocity. They can't remain in their beast forms for much longer, I'll have to continue on my own....

The alien snorted, getting the wolves' attention, and lead them back to the camp of the Silhoutte. Despite the obvious barrier in true communication, the man-wolves understood what he was doing. Leaving them at the camp to transform back into their normal selves, he went back into the Temple District.
The rain was now pouring down, but since only the alien's head was not covered, he didn't care. Stowing his staff, the hunter climbed to the rooftops to begin the hunt.....

This post has been edited by Lord Revan: Aug 25 2007, 07:34 AM

[jack cloudy]

Flint Ironwood.

Flint simply nodded.
,,Let's hope they're a tad less volatile than Rann. No offense, but the kid can get pretty wild at times. I'd rather not see them suddenly turning on us. Not now. With the sewers in their hands, they could really turn things into a mess." He commented before turning back to more important matters. If the Narza'tai became a threat was still only an if and until it happened, they simply didn't have the manpower to guard all the mancovers.

,,As for the Bruman captain, give him some bottles of water, preferably packed in something that doesn't break like glass. Or maybe just pour it into a hole dug into the floor. I should be able to carve out a hole with my Telekinesis. For food, bread and vegetables. The fewer scents that might trigger the Lycanthrope's response, the better."



Green-Root, somewhere in the Sil's camp.

He listened for any sounds, the mancover raised only a fingerwidth's above the ground. No one was near at the moment, good. The Argonian reached down with one hand and grimaced when the bottle was placed into it. His job was the most dangerous one but that was understandable. He was expendable.

Still nothing. Green-Root raised the mancover just a little higher and then rolled the bottle onto the cobblestones. He then retreated into the sewers, sealing the mancover.
,,It is done." He gestured with his hands. Now all they could do was wait.

The bottles were filled with a clear liquid. The bottles themselves smelled of alcohol and looked like the ones normally used to contain the stronger beverages. As far as beverages went, this one was very strong indeed. If uncorked or broken, the contact with the air would cause the liquid to evaporate and turn into a gas that could kill even in low concentrations. The high walls themselves would keep the poison sealed in and enhance its effect. Still, the effect would only last for about a minute before the poison had become too thin to take effect.

One minute, one minute of death repeated all over the Silhouette's portion of the city by bottles that had seemingly been carelessly rolled in the dirt. Would they ever place the link between unexplained death and the innocent opening of a bottle of booze? Green-Root didn't know, though he was quite sure the Goblins and most bandits would not figure out unless someone smarter did for them. Too bad its effect on Argonians was negligible and on undead entirely useless. Not that zombies held an interest in alcohol in the first place.




OOC: The poison is probably similar to the one Karn used once, the one that inhibits breathing. Also, the area of effect is going to be too small to wipe out the whole army, just a small fraction. Most of the army is probably still outside the city anyway.

This post has been edited by jack cloudy: Aug 25 2007, 01:31 PM

[Lord Revan]

Issac

"Are you alright, Satyana?" He asked, rain was now pouring from the clouds above. Issac thought he saw something in Satyana's eyes when her spell struck the werewolf. He gently guided her into the keep on the battlements to get them both out of the rain.

[Priest of Sithis]

Patholos

Red fire careened across his mind, and he was starting to lose his sense of personality again, just as before, when Rann had challenged him over what to do with the vampire. Patholos's senses heightened, and his stomach, empty for a long time, stopped its grumbling. Patholos felt burning spots on his arms where the muscles began to tear. He was so tense, and he liked it. Patholos waited, and watched for the Dunmer to walk by, and by Sithis, he would die.

Astratus

The first stage of the disease was almost complete, and Astratus's fatigue up and vanished. He said to the three, "There is a problem with me, I don't feel tired anymore. I know you must be thinking of possible candidates to replace me, and I would like to say one thing. Have the new candidate meet me before I turn, there is something I must share with him in private." Astratus sat down on the floor and folded his legs. Each of the three others looked to be in their own personal world. Astratus flexed his left arm, and he saw the bulging vein quicken. He drew his dagger and laid it in his lap.

He thought to himself, I will be no monster, I will be myself when I die. He felt a wave of sadness and regret wash over him as his end came into sight. He despised unnatural things, and he would be no werewolf.

OOC: I do declare a choice for the poor Commander and the Captain!

Lieutenant

A lieutenant and six men appeared, all clad in Guardsman armor. They were tailed by the Narza'Tai and there was a Bosmer member of the Narza'Tai leading them. They saw Astratus sitting on the floor, and pushed past Karn and Ian, until they were right next to the Commander. The Lieutenant bent low to whisper something to Astratus, then he got up and sheathed his knife. His eyes widened, but then he sighed. As the lieutenant finished, Astratus spoke, "There was a house that had been hoarded with all sorts of potions and cures. The lieutenant had just been asking around with the survivors and a family said they had stocked when the City was evacuated. The family did not elaborate as to what they had stocked, but I am willing to go and look. Sadly, the house is in Green Emperor Way, and might be destroyed. What do you think?"

[Dantrag]

Rann

"I don't think you should go anywhere," Rann answered, "You could turn at any moment, and it'd be best if you weren't amongst your men when you do."

Rann was beginning to be a bit scared; if Arastus went to investigate this house, and something happened before he named the next leader, then their forces would become disorganized for a time. There was no way they could afford such a blow.

[minque]

Issac

"Are you alright, Satyana?" He asked, rain was now pouring from the clouds above. Issac thought he saw something in Satyana's eyes when her spell struck the werewolf. He gently guided her into the keep on the battlements to get them both out of the rain.

Satyana

She shrugged, never ever could she get used to how gross this spell was! She had seen Serene use it, several times and she never liked its effect. Back then she promised herself never to use it unless necessary. Now this moment she thought it necessary though...she wanted to prevent those beasts to get anywhere close to Issac...hopefully the illustrous effect of the spell would discourage them to further attacks....

But the smell! Burnt flesh! Ewwww

"I´m Ok Issac.....I just do not like that spell one bit!, Besides it´s exhausting to cast it..I´m totally worn out"

She squeezed his arm devotingly

[Lord Revan]

OCC: I just got back from Church, so let's continue.

Issac

"Fair enough," He replied. A small group of archers moved past them to take positions on the wall.

"I think they have this handled; since the Tiber Spetim is gone, the King and Queen is the best place to rest." Issac lightly ran his finger over Satyana's cheek.

Casting a weak shield spell so they wouldn't get drenched before the third step outside.