Roleplayer Guild - Forum Roleplaying Games

When the Twelve Duchies came under attack, the call to arms was answered with a fervor bordering religious fanaticism. Men and women from every city, every town, every small village and fishing outpost flocked to banners of their Duchy. The world had never seen all twelve factions united in such a way, not since the fall of the old empire and the Great Break.

People who had lived a mile from each other but had never met, never been willing to trade or help or forget thousand year old prejudices were forced to do just that. Enemies became brothers and allies and the world was given a glimmer of hope when the banners of the Duchies flew in unison over every city and fortress and marched out to face the invader.

But it wasn't enough. The armies of Nosferris slaughtered thousands in the first week of war. The three hundred and twenty mile front was forced back halfway across the country to cope with the heavy losses suffered by the Duchies. After three months the front was split into three fronts, each around forty miles in length, bordered on both sides by mountainous regions too treacherous for any army to cross, too treacherous even for a vampyre.

But as the bulk of the Duchies forces pulled back from the lowlands, Commander Arkalii Teramine of the Heavens Gate fortress, the last stronghold at the summit of the mountains received a message from the Hierarchy;

Commander, our forces are being hounded at every turn by the enemy. They are faster, stronger and untiring, we cannot pull back safely with things the way they are. It gives me great pain to do this, my son, but I am ordering you and the garrison of Heavens Gate to hold the fortress until you can be relieved. I have great faith in you, child, do not let the Duchies down. Do your father proud

Commander Arkalii Teramine gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, crumpling the message in a powerful, gloved hand. He brought the other up to his face to pinch the end of his nose and block some of the wind that stormed over the south-west facing battlements.

"..until you can be relieved." He could have laughed if he wasn't so infuriated.

Arkalii had seen too much in his relatively short years. He was both a soldier and a murderer. He had watched brothers fall in his place, children die at an order, women raped in anger and lust and victory.. He hadn't taken part but he hadn't stopped it. Always for the cause. Always loyal. If an order is given you follow it. He was of noble birth and as such was expected to be a noble person. Yet it was nobles who gave the orders to rape and kill and pillage. If he lived.. was that his destiny? To be the evil man behind the evil men?

No. Better to die. He had no fear of death, he never had. He had no one to miss and nothing to lose except his body. His soul had died long ago. Let them come, he thought. Let them come and end this once and for all. But..

"What about my men..?" He spoke to the wind. In response it just blew harder, running up inside his steel breastplate and across his spine.

He straightened his back. His powerful frame was the frame of a swordsman. His long black hair was tied back into a warriors ponytail at the nape of his neck, gently brushing against the hilt of the longsword he wore on his back.

The enemy were close. For a while it had been hoped that they were pulling back, unwilling to risk the heavy casualties it would take just crossing the mountains of the Duchies before they even reached the remaining forces. Vampyres couldn't survive in such cold conditions, especially without their precious Byre. They lived so deep underground that they couldn't adjust to the climate so high above sea level.

At least, that's what they'd thought. But Intelligence had got it wrong. They weren't pulling back, they were digging in and bringing supplies from their homeland. But they were digging in at the three passes to the mountains, on the summit. Heavens Gate was right in the middle of where they wanted to be.

Arkalii smiled a grim smile, his emerald green eyes watering as he stared uncaring into the bitter wind. With a sigh he swept up his fur cloak from the battlement wall and wrapped it around his shoulders. He turned to the parade ground, watching the garrison soldiers scurry about on some unimportant errand or another just to keep warm. After a moment or two of scanning the crowds he spotted what he was looking for.

Dukei Delugyh. A giant of a man with a fuse a fraction of the size of his body. He was standing in the courtyard, barking orders left, right and centre.

Dukei had been promoted to Sergeant because he commanded respect from the lower ranks. He was a handy man to have at your side in a fight, Arkalii knew from experience. He had been serving at Heavens Gate under Arkaliis' command for a year or so now and had earned his promotion in several skirmishes with the Northmen of the mountains. Total nutcase. Arkalii liked him.

"Sergeant Delugyh!" The commanders voice boomed down from the high walls and echoed across the crowded courtyard. "Summon the men to parade!"

He turned back from the man, not waiting for acknowledgment, and stared out over the snowbound plains of Heavens Rush. Dark storm clouds loomed over the horizon, an omen of things to come.

"It begins.."

(OOC - OK, it's on! Feel free to make your introductions but just make sure that you're all at the parade ground in your places when Brivta's character makes it happen. Gavaroc, as a Sub-Commander you'll be at my characters side. What else..? Well, enjoy yourselves.)

__________________
Life is like a box of chocolates - dark and messy.

Recruiting members for my RP - Lost Cause. Sign up!
http://roleplayerguild.com/f14/lost-...il-death-4757/

Daelin Thalan walked arrogant and proudly on the parade grounds. He had heard the call from the Commander, it was impossible not to when a wizard was busy at work practicing the mental spells best used for flaying a group of charging foes and causing a man to combust at a flick of the finger. Frustration curled his brow as he recalled that loud peal of sound erupting into such sought after and rare silence. It was even rarer concerning the proximity of a residence so close to the parade ground.

Yet he decided now not to wait for the bark of a sargeant's orders or the summons from the commander of the Arcani here. He could sense the trouble, it was by no magic means, it was just there. That same sense that grows in the old bones of those accustomed to the taste of blood and the iron of a blade, it was crying out to him. There will be death before the day is done," It seemed to whisper silently to him. His momentary acts of meaningless defiance or thoughts of pride would not be the cause a single life was lost today.

Despite his loose clothing and age, he held the bite of cold from the wind at bay. He stood proud, his small fur cloak drawn fluttered behind him with a brown soldier's tunic of the lightest cloth and breaches of the same material worn on the rest of his body. Arms rising from his sides, they crossed to reveal a short blade on his left hip and a barely noticeable dagger on his right. He was no stupid, boastful youth anymore. Bones would crack and bleed just the same, but now he knew to never go in without blade and flame at the ready.

Alone he stood, gazing at the top of the wall, waiting for the chaos of those busy with lesser duties to halt and heed the call. Aged fingers ran through loose greying hair as he frowned. This day would be long, the thought was heavy in his mind as he stroked a short auburn beard, struck randomly by streaks of white and grey.

Dukei marveled at military protocol, watching the ears of his men prick up as they anticipated being called indirectly to parade. " You heard the man, kids, fall in", he said simply, adding, " On the double!". The shout made his privates jump, and at least hurt the ears of any lieutenant around. He snapped his neck and brought a lamb's skin flask to his lips. The familiar burn was solace on the brisk morning, and he felt warmer. He knew he felt a glare coming from someone, but he shrugged it off. Spitting onto the ground, he followed his men to parade.

He cleared his throat, and massaged his temple, his headache was getting better. He was up late the night before, laying with his eyes closed in a familiar environment, sleep eluding for a reason he could not comprehend. He was loyal to Parvcall, and that was all that mattered. However, Parvcall had allied itself with the worst filth of the land, to fight even lesser filth. But it was all to save the gems from destruction. This was what he had told himself, all was well. It still made him sick, but he was against the greater of the two evils. What did they even fight for? Mindless beasts, he supposed. He had dealt with their kind before, and they always regretted what they did when he had a personal, face to face conversation with them. It always boiled down to a bunch of nonsensical other-language gibberish, but a scream didn't have to be translated.

He could have been stuck with a worse leader, he supposed. Some rabid moralist who insisted on insane institutions like clean and upkept enemy prisons, or a strict interrogation policy regarding the lives of those in questioning after they gave their info would just hinder the job that needed to be done. The enemy camp was full of mindless beasts who deserved to be stuffed and mounted in a trophy room, not to be held in higher regard than the commander's own kinsman. He had had problems with leadership like that before, and it always led to defeat in a close struggle. Such ineptitude could not be afforded now. However, he had never had a relationship with his betters, military or not, unless they did something to restrict him. The army could have been worse as well. Although he hated to admit it, the filth had some capable soldiers. An ill-received gift, he figured. But to those of the lands he had never heard of, he realized the few differences between cultures that had rarely communicated. Only a few strange customs here and there that were mostly innocent, it was intriguing to listen to a foreigner. He didn't know why, but it seemed like he was meeting family he had never seen before. Some resembled filth, while others resembled gems. They were all innocent until they wronged Parvcall though. Until then, he would permit himself to receive them with open arms. And if they were to go back on any agreement, he would personally address as many of them as he saw fit.

All in all, he enjoyed many aspects of uniting the duchys, but at the same time, living with subhuman monsters was sickening. For the first time in years, he saw the familiar armor. They were here, amongst them, disgusting beasts of hell.

__________________
There will be a time for words.

A Study into Evil and Corruption

Euron sat crouched out a few miles away from the Fortress a few of his fellows were around him in the Darkness Kneeling down and pressed against a Low rock so just their eyes were above looking down at the fortress. The Captain was here with them this time it was a important mission. Well in reality it was only important because it would delay the attacks a little bit but the attack would still come that could not be stopped but Darallus needed more time.

A Hand raised up in the moonlight to his left and made a few quick signs. Nodding Euron and 2 of the Five who were with him stayed crouched and ran to the edge of the cliff that was overlook the storehouse. They used their Psychic powers to let themselves run straight down the wall to the right the other three were doing the same thing. About 10 Feet from the bottom they jumped and it seemed the Axis of the world rotated as shifted to land on their feet and ran behind rocks.

His group wore Grey protective vests and Fore arm guards wrapped around with ties. Under that they wore Black clothing and on their heads they wore a Grey and black Mask which locked together and was split vertically into two pieces. On their backs were long slightly curved swords on black baldrics. Various pouches on the pockets padded inside to make the metal tools quiet. Everything was quiet and somber down to the boots.

Running from wall to wall they went to the actual wall of the storage area and using their psychic powers ran up walls and vaulted over like ghost. Making more hand signs in the near complete darkness he drew out a flint and steel while the others drew out torches. The gloves had Grey lining on the sides to make them easier to see. It was time to do their work.

--

Many hours later the group arrived back into fortress thankfully they did not lose anybody. Walking through the grounds he and the others had their masks half off the other side of the mask was on the back of his head. If the clothing and the mask weren't enough the tattoo of their symbol which took the entire shoulder covered his right arm like all of his Psyblades. So as he walked it was typical to get a few comments from the other soldiers in the fortress. Most people called his group insane and unstable. In truth many of his group were unstable and some of them insane, the Psychic use and tough situations put a large strain on your mind and your soul. Euron was one to snap occasionally when somebody talked to him.

Shaking his head slightly Euron sat down in the parade grounds. and ran a gloved hand through the short cut black hair on his head and his dull blue eye looked out at the other people who came into the grounds.

__________________
GT: Comandersnow
Song of Ice and Fire/WOT=Best book series EVAR!

(OOC - Just need a couple of others to post intros before I continue this.)

__________________
Life is like a box of chocolates - dark and messy.

Recruiting members for my RP - Lost Cause. Sign up!
http://roleplayerguild.com/f14/lost-...il-death-4757/

__________________

Sub-Commander Gavaroc Fevinor stared down at the masses of soldiers gathering in the parade grounds. He scanned their faces; one by one, determining by the way they carried themselves their experience in war and their self-certainty in their own skills. Many soldiers showed showed the same worried expressions; those of fear and doubt. They were waking up to the reality of war.

Gavaroc was the first to reccommend the alliance between the Duchys; having fought for unification all his life. Although Forjun was always his primary concern, he saw no need for the suspicion and distrust between the Duchys and constantly put forward suggestions of truce, trade and alliance. It seemed as though the only thing that could unify the Duchys was a common enemy. Perhaps, if Nosferris was defeated, the Duchys could continue their union? Of course, there is the matter of actually finding a way to win this damned war...

His examination of the soldiers below stopped abruptly when his eyes fell on those of Dukei Delugyh. Gavaroc had only recently been sent to Heaven's Gate; a replacement for the previous Arcani Sub-Commander who had fallen in battle. He had arrived a mere week before the crisis had began, and had relatively no knowledge about the officers at Heaven's Gate. However, the instant he had heard of Dukei Delugyh, he researched all he could of the dangerous man.

At the Commander's call Dukei organised the troops, while Gavaroc quickly approached Teramine. "This is foolish," he warned, "Delugyh is a loose cannon! The day we have sadistic fools such as this leading our armies is the day we lose this war! Who is to say he will not betray us and lead the soldiers into a trap? Haven't you been told of his history? How can you trust such a man with the lives of those men? A Forjun Commander would never even allow him into the army, the risk is far too great!"

Arkalii gazed upon the assembled men with pride. Many of them were inexperienced, having only been posted to the garrison mere weeks beforehand to compensate for the heavy losses they had suffered. He had seen many good men die in the last few months. Many, many good men. Loyal men throwing themselves at the Vampyres to allow others to escape certain death, battling to the last drop of blood to guard the Standard.. It filled him with sorrow.

Having been a soldier and an officer for most of his life, he had seen scores of brave men fall under his command. It was the curse of an officer, privilege and power came with a great burden. But no matter how long he lived or how hard he fought, the weight never eased. If anything, it just got heavier.

"Delugyh is a loose cannon! The day we have sadistic fools such as this leading our armies is the day we lose this war! Who is to say he will not betray us and lead the soldiers into a trap? Haven't you been told of his history? How can you trust such a man with the lives of those men? A Forjun Commander would never even allow him into the army, the risk is far too great!"

Arkalii smiled fondly at the Arcani Sub-Commander. The aging sorcerer had only been there a week but already he was growing fond of him. It was to be expected in such close confines and dire times that bonds sprouted, they had to. You can't fight beside someone if you can't trust them.

"I know about him, my friend. I make a habit of knowing all of my men. And that's exactly what they are; my men. They won't betray me. They'll do their job and they'll do it properly. We've all got enough to worry about without getting paranoid.

But, if you're truly concerned, you have my permission to keep an eye on him. I wouldn't want you breathing down my throat, you old dragon."

He slapped Gavaroc playfully on the shoulder and moved to the edge of the battlements, addressing the parade.

"Brothers!

I know you are all anxious to leave this place, to rejoin your friends and loved ones in the mountains. I know that I am. You have fought long and hard for your country and your people and they are proud of you."

A cheer went up from the crowd, full of hope and expectation.

"But, for that country and those people, we have been given a new task."

The hope died as quickly as it had come. Most of them knew what was coming. They knew the situation, how the Nosferians had come fast and hit them hard, relentless and ungiving. They knew they weren't going anywhere.

"The Council of Hierarchs has deemed us worthy of a great honour. We are the rearguard for our forces' retreat. We are to stay here and hold Heavens Gate until we are relieved."

Now a cheer of a different kind; full of anger and dissapointment, frustration and hopelessness. They had known it was coming but they had refused to give up hope. It was why he loved them.

Someone shouted from the crowd "THIS IS SUICIDE!"

"THEY'RE LEAVING US HERE TO DIE!" Came another.

"SILENCE!" Arkaliis' voice boomed over the courtyard, echoing from the dark grey walls and washing over the crowd like a wave. They obeyed.

"Would you rather run? Would you rather see your friends and family slaughtered like so many others before them? Everyone here has lost something in this war. The Vampyres hound us at every turn. They do not rest, they do not surrender, they are without mercy! How many more children are to be butchered in their beds, how many more fathers are to bury their sons..?"

He let his words roll over the men and saw the anger fade in their eyes. They knew he spoke the truth.

"I know that I am not going quietly from this place. I won't surrender the last fortress in the Lowlands to the enemy. I won't sheathe my sword and walk away from MY PEOPLE!

For the first time in a millennium our people are as one. We are a beacon in this storm. We stand together, in chaos and blood, through fire and pain. We are united!"

In a smooth motion he drew the longsword from his back and lifted it towards the dark clouds that crept over the distance, his cloak falling from his shoulders, beautiful sunlight streaming down the blade and gleaming from the burnished silver of his armour.

"Tomorrow the enemy will come over those hills in a force the likes of which no one here has ever seen. They will come at us with tooth and claw and blade and magic. They will hit this ancient bastion of our people like a tidal wave.."

He allowed his words to sink into the minds of his men. He saw eyes glaze over as they remembered the horrors they had already seen and multiplied it immeasurably.

"But we will be here to meet them! With OUR blades and OUR magic! We will strike at those teeth and those claws with our valour and indeed our very lives. Yes, my brothers, they will come..

AND WE WILL STOP THEM!"

A roar swept up from the assembled forces of Heavens Gate, weapons were unsheathed and stabbed into the air. As the sunlight finally died, it felt like you could touch the courage in the wind, highlighted by it's postmortem rays. In the last instance of sunset the men of Heavens Gate shone like a flame in the night and screamed their rage and defiance to the hordes over the horizon.

"I'll stand with you, brothers. It will be my lifes honour to fight and die at your side. Now go, prepare yourselves for the enemy. Sharpen your blades, string your bows, hone your talents.. Make your people proud."

He stood back and watched, in awe, the renewed vigour and purpose of his men. Turning to Gavaroc he smiled a sad smile and spoke softly, barely audible over the rising wind.

"So it begins, my friend. Have the officers report to the War Room in two hours. We have much to discuss."

__________________
Life is like a box of chocolates - dark and messy.

Recruiting members for my RP - Lost Cause. Sign up!
http://roleplayerguild.com/f14/lost-...il-death-4757/

__________________