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Post by Admin on Feb 27, 2008 16:30:06 GMT -6
The sun beats down hot today.
The familiar whipping crack of wood and metal ring from the armory as a good number of elite have over run the arena to train and spar.
Today the elite will be addressed by Regent and given an update to assignments and postings to quell the far too frequent uprisings in the outland. Outlaw brigands and the disquiet malcontents taking what they consider to be their own. No matter how long it has belonged to someone or something else. These insurrections have become very serious and spurred the inevitable intervention of the crown dispatching small contingents of the Elite to intervene.
Regent weighs the thoughts of this matter as they sit heavily on his mind. He has decided to step up the training for his commanders. Those who have shown the most promise among the rank and file of the legion. Those have been summoned here today in hopes to settle the score and begin the process of choosing the new leaders of the elite. Those who will lead the army of hell into the jaws of the coming conflict. A conflict Regent has feared since his awakening. He must stop the free bleeding wound that is the ragtag remnants of the crown in hopes of reviving the young queen's reign... before it unravels completely in his hands.
He watches these elite and he waits for the rest of them all to gather as ordered.
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Post by Thane on Feb 27, 2008 17:06:00 GMT -6
Thane is practicing his scimitar on the chopping dummies. He is free of his usual tunic and the black chain glistens in the midday sun along with his thick black fur waving in the low breeze. His form is powerful and swift as he hacks through the dummies in record time. They explode into tiny splinters from his heavy blade acting like a relentless machine mowing grass. He dodges and weaves through the rows leaving a wide swath of ruin behind him. The counter arms swing for him and they whistle by him as his canine agility make his motions look effortless. The giant hound bobs and charges making short work of the training dummies. He finishes his form and sheathes his black blade after wiping it clean. The field behind him littered with slashed and splintered dummies. With in seconds the little army of demonlings swarm the arena to gather up the broken splinters and hang new dummies on the battered posts ready for the next round.
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 1, 2008 10:15:44 GMT -6
Lysandor spars against two demons, one armed with a bladed whip and the other with a wickedly curved scythe. The Fallen, armed only with his clawed bracers, ducks and dodges the attacks, kept at bay by the long-reach weapons. The whip is sent to the Fallen's head, whistling in the air from sheer speed. Lysandor intercepts the whip, raising his amored forearm and letting it wrap around the bracer with a sharp snap. He yanks the demon off his feet, pulling him close to deliver a series of blows that leaves him dazed and out of the fight. Lysandor turns to the other demon, and charges inside his guard. The demon has no time to readjust his grip, and is taken out with the same quick efficiency.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 3, 2008 16:35:59 GMT -6
Regent begins to drift over the arena as he inspects the fighters below him. His eyes drift over them with expectation and hope. He hovers over the center of the arena and he speaks with the roar of a lion.
"Mighty Elite... Defenders of the peace, champions of the crown... As your Regent I have need to call upon you. The land is in turmoil, the peace has been disturbed... and noble blood shed over petty disputes. We will answer this call... but not with our legions to enact martial law, but to make the ruling power of the crown to be felt in the outlands. And we shall do so without an over dominating presence to squash the morale of the people. I have called you here to bring order to the realm and realign the disorderly conduct of these criminals and bring them to hell's justice... I need volunteers to lead this expedition, Who shall answer my call?
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Post by Thane on Mar 6, 2008 10:19:27 GMT -6
Thane's red eyes revolve upward to view Regent. He stands with his hands down to his sides and a look of concern across his face. Upon the call to action his hand shoots up almost involuntarily. With his hand held high he marches forward to Regent.
"Thane son of Daden shall answer your call lord Regent! Let mine be your blade of justice, and at my hand, the will of the crown be served." He bellows above the sea of hands in the air.
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 6, 2008 13:08:46 GMT -6
Lysandor listens intently to Regent, and like Thane, when the Elite are asked for volunteers, he raises his hand and steps foreward.
"Lysandor of the Elite," he calls out. "I will help make known the will of the crown and return justice and peace to the Outlands."
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 6, 2008 17:48:17 GMT -6
Regent smiles to himself at the great many volunteers. Such a response was expected but he used it as an excuse to pick two very distinct individuals from the bands of elite. He begins to select several packs of 6 for different areas of the outlands duty... When he has finished assignments he calls to the rest. "Glory be to the empire for she has many worthy and mighty protectors." As the elite receive their orders only Thane and Lysandor remain. he drifts down to the floor and he motions for them to approach him.
"A new dawn approaches and the screams of the empire chill my bones. For months now this tide of hate and disapproval has been brewing... it is almost relieving to see it for what it is rather than dwell in fear its arrival. For you my orders are simple but not easy will be your tasks. should you accept your mission will begin immediately without the benefit of preparation for it must remain top secret."
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Post by Thane on Mar 12, 2008 12:20:24 GMT -6
Thane nods, "I accept your mission Chancellor as I am always prepared... this shall be no different... My lord. I am ready." Thane says looking up to the Regent. "What are the mission objectives?" The hound says chomping the bit wanting to get to the heart of the mission specifics.
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 13, 2008 9:18:06 GMT -6
Lysandor's brows crease slightly, thoughtfully, when Regent tells them they will have no time to prepare, but he nods as well.
"I accept," he says, and waits for Regent to tell them their objectives.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 13, 2008 11:46:05 GMT -6
Regent nods to his elite compatriots. "Very well. I saddle you with this task for I believe no others may be able to accomplish it in time..." he walks out of the arena and up the long corridor leading back to the palace. I need you to retrieve an object... an object of great value and power. I caution you, others seek this treasure out as well, you are authorized to use what ever force necessary to claim the object and return it safely... unspoiled in any fashion... to me and me alone." Regent stops in his tracks, turns to stare into their eyes and looks hard at his elite. He raises a black finger to emphasize his point. His ghostly voice almost hisses as he whispers to the elite before him. "If you can not return it to me undamaged then it would be the best for you not return at all.
Regent lowers his hand slowly as his eyes widen with anticipation. A minature ethereal hare appears in a puff of smoke and it solidifies into a golden statue before their eyes. The illusion widens as the tiny apparition bounds about on the floor in a cavernous stone room lost to time, in ruins and covered in dust.
"Needless to say this is not a task for the timid and all the hopes of the empire rests in your capable hands Elite. Should you wish to recant your devotion to this task, I will allow it, without punishment or rebuke. Know this... it is a matter of life and death. To complete this task your wit, devotion and might will be tested to their breaking point... there is no margin for error, nor failure..." He closes his fist with a snap and the illusion disrupts into billows of smoke that bubbles and dissipates as fast as it appeared.
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Post by Thane on Mar 14, 2008 12:04:21 GMT -6
The gruff hound looks Regent in the eye as he turns to address the elite. The point is clear and he nods a bit to show his understanding. Thanes eyes shine from the illusion of the golden hare prancing about on the floor.
He turns his large head up and his velvety ears snap forward toward the Regent as he snuffs. "All I need to know is: Where it is, and where you want it delivered." Thane says bluntly. The sorted details are mere formality to him. The order is given, Thane would never back down now even if it meant reaching into the very jaws of death to steal the prize away.
Thane has become visibly excited and he fights to remain calm and not wet the floor. All the Regent need say to Thane is 'sic 'em boy...' and he'd bolt out of the palace to retrieve it without a moments hesitation. Even if the entire legion were laying in wait there to stop him, he'd let nothing get in his way to fulfill his mission. Regent wants an unblemished, golden hare, an unblemished, golden hare he'll get.
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 14, 2008 14:33:52 GMT -6
Lysandor frowns now at Regent's words, and he watches the illusion of the hare pitter about. He can't help but wonder why Regent would need he and Thane to catch this small creature, or why it should be so secret, but he turns his mind away from questions to concentrate on the mission at hand. He glances to Thane and senses the hound's excitement. It's catching, and Lysandor is almost impatient to get the details and be gone. Difficult and dangerous sounded just up his alley.
"I am with Master Thane," Lysandor says. "When do you want this... item?"
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 15, 2008 13:52:45 GMT -6
Regent smirks a bit to the elite's eagerness to deliver. He turns to the wall and the stone reforms before them into a map of the empire. To the far south past the desert is a lonely mountain range that cups a small but highly fertile valley. Regent points to the map at the end where a cavern enters the mountainside half way between it's peak and the valley floor.
"It is rumored to reside here... in the valley of shadows. This may be a fools errand though my research confirms my instinct that it is the true location. I have sought this location since my awakening, and every fiber of my being says it is here. The valley contains many rare and dangerous beasts and creatures forgotten to time... be on your guard. Even for your masterful skills the beasts of the edge that reside here have proven more than a match for many elite. I may be sending you to your doom just as easily. Many have entered the valley in chase of this treasure... only 2 have returned intact to tell its tale. One being our late emperor... The Prince of darkness and the other... the blacksmith known as Brimstone. I have spoken with him often of this treasure and by his own eye as witness to its existence do I send you forth to seek it out. Be hasty my elite for time grows short. I do not wish to hasten you on this parlous journey across the sands and into the unknown but I must. I would seek it out for myself, alas, I am needed... here. I estimate 3 days for you to journey to the valley across the sands and 3 days to return, that leaves you a single day to seek the hare... One week... and I'll expect you to bring it to me in my chambers before the stroke of midnight on the 7th day. Remember, this mission is Top Secret... tell no one what it is you seek and never... never... let any one see it... for that would bring more trouble to your quest than you could possibly imagine."
At that the map disappears from the wall and a small crystal appears floating before the elite. On the floor a large heavy leather bag with a shoulder strap appears from the void. "This crystal contains the map you just saw... guard it with your lives... your breath must cross it twice to reveal the map. Take this satchel as it will afford the protection to the object that I require. Your task is set Elite, 7 days and a long arduous trek. Accomplish this task and your names shall be synonymous with glory, immortalized in the pages of hell's history.
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Post by Thane on Mar 18, 2008 14:06:50 GMT -6
The look on Thane's face is one of complete interest. He takes up the satchel and looks inside it. The leather bag is just a covering for a dimensional pocket. The insides look very dark but he could swear it contained a little apartment from what he can see. He closes the bag and looks back to Regent with wide eyes and lifted brow of surprise. "We shall require desert mounts to traverse the sands as quickly as you desire for us to make our deadline. The winged scrabbernewts from the stables would be the ideal steeds for this mission. Swift and hearty enough to withstand the desert heat with little need of water." Thane nods to Regent as he is so ready to leave he can hardly stand still.
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 18, 2008 18:07:42 GMT -6
Lysandor grabs the stone and breathes on it to look over the map before he and Thane head out. He looks back up at Regent.
"Will this be all, Lord Regent?"
Like Thane, Lysandor is eager to start the mission. Glory and immortalized name mean almost nothing to the Elite, but a new challenge for one as old as he, that was something worth a little danger and possible death.
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Regent
Bourgeois
The Regent of Darkness
Posts: 246
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Post by Regent on Mar 19, 2008 16:14:53 GMT -6
Regent nods to his elite. "Very well then. Yes indeed Thane, a pair of hells best scrabbernewts are already prepared for this journey and await you in the courtyard as we speak. One last thing Master Lysandor... I have sent word to armory that 2 Elite will be making special -requests- today."
He then turns back toward the palace and starts to walk away. He stops and turns his head back to the elite in a last bit of warning. "I can't caution you enough about the Valley of Shadows my brave soldiers. Be sure you collect weapons needed for aerial combat, and it may be prudent to take an ace up the sleeve backup just in case. One never knows what may await you beyond the desert sands." At that he turns back to the palace and he waves farewell as he walks away. "I shall delay you no further... Make haste champions... 7 days to deliver my prize... You are dismissed and best of luck Elite... you are going to need it...."
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Post by Thane on Mar 19, 2008 23:29:11 GMT -6
Thane bows to Regent as the elite are dismissed. "By your command Chancellor..." as his words rumble forth. He then slings the satchel over his shoulder and looks to Lysander with a big smile on his mug. A smile so big all his pointed and gnarly teeth shine brightly. "It would appear we need to report to the armory before we can make for the valley." Thane shrugs a bit then he slaps his huge paw between the fallen's shoulders with a very friendly and jovial spirit. Something very unlike Thane to do dispite how rarely happy he may have appeared before today.
"It is good to be of service once more. I have grown weary of the monotony here at the palace. This mission is better than any I could have hoped for Master Lysandor, and I can even stomach the company. It has become a glorious day indeed... Glorious!"
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 21, 2008 16:07:25 GMT -6
"Lord Regent," Lysandor says, bowing as Regent takes his leave. The Fallen takes Thane's mood in stride, and even manages a brief, faint smile himself. He moves in step with Thane toward the armory.
"It is indeed good to be of service once more." He gives Thane a sidelong glance. "Glorious, Master Thane? Is that not a strange word to utter here, in the abyssal pit of darkness which we call Hell?"
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Post by Thane on Mar 23, 2008 12:22:38 GMT -6
Thane nods with conviction as he strides to the armory door and swats it open for them to enter. "Indeed... Master Lysandor, by my experience, such a day comes only once in a life time, and to those who know only this life... can appreciate and see it for what it brings. Even we demons can be uplifted, when we recognize that glory... for we know none other. I have never been as elated before and I doubt I shall ever feel this way again. This is as good as it gets for a war hound... and glorious best describes such a day. For my entire life have I longed for this opportunity. To be tested to the fullest... To prove myself beyond reproach with the highest stakes of life and death that temper the mettle of the hardest warrior. All ready to crumble off the pin head balance of the ever so fragile hope for success. All my efforts have finally led me here. My wishes are manifest right before my very eyes. A real quest... legendary, Master Lysandor... this is a day I shall always remember with pride. It shall warm me when my last ember burns cold, and my fire of life is snuffed out in the line of duty."
The great hound puffs with pride. His already huge chest looks as if it will split if is gets any bigger and his still beating heart will pop out right into Lysandor's hands.
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Post by Lysandor on Mar 24, 2008 12:11:49 GMT -6
Lysandor smiles as Thane speaks.
"Few, indeed, may know such elation," the Fallen replies, his tone closer to warm than the icy stoicism. "It is a rare day that one is given the opportunity to enter into legends. In all the centuries I have lived, I have seen only two such days."
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