Roleplayer Guild - Forum Roleplaying Games

The five moons of Pangea glowed with an erie light, casting pools of light on the mossy floor of the forest; broken only by the tall thick trees that stood in its way. A figure stepped into the moonlight, his footsteps so quiet that it could have been mistaken for leaves being blown about from the soft wind that was passing by. A ray light hits the figures face, revealing black hair, blue eyes that were two orbs of glacier ice; and a cold evil smile that seemed unnatural. He loved to go hunting on nights like these, it made him happy to see blood flow from his prey as he goes in for the killing blow. He was closing in on his prey now, two figures could now be seen sitting beneath the moonlight, looking up at the constellation of stars above them. He moved silently as he closed the distance between him and his prey. Moving siftly, Valcenz grabbed the young females elf's head with his left hand, and with the other grabbed his hunting knife from its sheath and slit the womans neck. Blood flowed from the wound as she fell to the ground like a ragdoll. The other young male elf gave a cry of despair and outrage as he jumped up and grabbed his long dagger from its sheath. However, Valcenz was too quick for him, he slashed the male elf's left arm, cutting it from the top of his shoulder, all the way down to his wrist. The elf screamed out in agony, the sound ringing through the empty forest as he fell to the blood stained moss floor of the forest.

Derek woke with a start, beads of sweat pouring down into his face. His forest green eyes shimmered with tears as they fell down his cheeks and to the ground, leaving a ichy, salty trail behind. He quickly rubbed the tears away not wanting anyone to see him crying. His eyes scan the surrounding area, they were in the entrance of a canyon, a fire roared merrily a few feet away from him. He remembered that they were headed to Canyon City and had camped for the night because trackers patroled this area at night and they didn't need any unnecessary attention. He slid a calloused hand through his semi-long chocolate brown hair and scratched the top of his head. "Damn nightmare." That had been the fith night in a row of dreaming the same nightmare, the night that his wife died. He could still she her face, drained of color, eyes lifeless, lying dead on the forest floor, not able to turn away because his own wounds kept him from moving. He remembered every second as he layed there for what seemed like hours, crying and in denial that his wife was dead. He gazed up at the horizon, the first sun was starting to rise, "we need to get moving soon", he thought to himself.

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The startlement was but a whisper in a forest of whispers, but Jakob turned his head and gazed back through the sleepers to see one of his companions sit up and wipe his face. Just beyond, the first of the sun's light sleepily rolled over the clouds above, not yet touching down onto the severe cliffsides on either side of the deep valley they rested in.

Morning had come. Jakob yawned and stood. He'd taken last watch, being the lazy one, or perhaps the one who liked best to have it all in one go. Let the others deal with the need to wake and sleep. Jakob had never been very good at that. The going back to sleep part, that is.

He walked to the almost dead fire and reached out, gathering up some twigs and poking them into the coals. Some prodding and a little of breath (the fire could easily have been remade by one of their number, but Jakob didn't object to doing it the long way) and it flared back to life.

He drew up the canister of water that they'd put aside the fire for emergencies or for morning tea. This, he hung over the roughly constructed tripod which was set aside Pulling the tripod back, he hung canister over fire and settled back on his haunches. His dark eyes found the waken ones and he gave a small smile.

They'd gone too long for him to do more than nod a good morning. He really didn't see cause to get into some long, drawn out conversation when this day would be just like all the rest. Besides, it wasn't like Jakob to break silence. He was the quiet one, always with his somewhat put-upon expression as if the entire venture had been someone else's idea and he'd merely been roped into it. He never stated this because in actuality, he'd grudgingly (he never did anything that wasn't related to planting without silent complaint) volunteered simply because he'd felt that no one else could have done his part. The fact this was perfectly true didn't soothe his injured peace, either.

Still, he had a complacent, calm half smile lingering about his mouth that morning. The rising sun turned the world purple gold and Jakob tended fire for the others, enjoying the last moments of quiet before everything and everyone became more active.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis

The screams were ringing through the dungeon, music to a certain drow's ears. A close look revealed all manner of torture tools, ranging from simple to extravagant, all kept as clean as if they belonged in a hospital.

"Don't faint yet, my pretty little toy. I haven't even gotten to the best part yet."

Past a corridor, showed a bloody and cut elf chained to the wall, clothing covering the bare necessities.

"Please... just kill me..."

A crazed gleam appeared in the drow's eyes, which, combined with the blood staining his clothes and his very skin, made him appear every bit the deadly predator.

"Now, now my pretty. What would be fun in that?"

-TORTURE SCEEN-

Placing the elf on a hard, wooden table, Kon grabbed a simple tool, similar to a small pair of tweezers, he carefully slipped the instrument between the elf’s index fingernail and the nail bed, savoring her pleads for mercy, before slowly pushing down on the tool, causing the finger nails to be painfully lifted up. Her beautiful screams echoed through the chamber, her back arching.

"So beautiful. Don’t worry; i won't hurt your face, not yet anyway. I want to savor your beauty, before i rip it from you."

"Please... i don't know anything!"

A deep chuckle echoed through the room, the drow shaking his head.

"I know that, my dear. I just love hearing your beautiful screams."

The elf’s eyes widened and watered her expression of one in shocked disbelief. Savoring her suffering, the sadistic drow repeated the process slowly on each finger, pushing down quickly at the end in order to snap the nail off. He then reached for a bottle, pouring it down on the crying elf’s fingers, who screamed with absolute pain at the moment of contact.

"We can't have you getting sick. You’ll die much too quickly."

Putting the alcohol bottle down, he grabbed a torch and a small dagger.

"I suggest you don't move. This can get messy if i miss."

He tied down each of her fingers, carefully placing the dagger as to cut off the end of a single finger. The elf screamed her loudest scream yet, struggling and pleading to be free. Paying the screams only the attention he needed to enjoy them, he pushed down on the dagger, removing the first digit of her index finger, before bringing the torch to keep her from bleeding to death. He noticed that her body was responding minimally, and put down his tools, frowning when he realized that she went into shock.

-END TORTURE SCEEN-

"I had such high hopes for you. Ah well. GUARDS!"

Two very reluctant men came into the chamber, almost spilling their lunch when they saw the elf.

"Take this trash out, and get me someone with a high pain tolerance."

Laeris' eyes had shot open at the shuffling he heard all around him. How disgusting, he thought to himself. He had slipped out of reverie and into the less aware sleep where dreams could take him. Thankfully, none had decided to leave their mark upon his conscience. Slowly, he sat up and looked disdainfully to his pile of brass armor that was slowly losing its sheen; though it still gleamed he lamented, and with that, began calmly strapping the armor on as it belonged.

There was no need to be worrying too much about the state of his own equipment. He doubted his companions were faring as well as he in the efforts to remain clean shaven and well kept. But that wasn't a thought for now. Going through his morning ritual, he stood once everything was buckled in its place; including that light weight, fancy sword of his, and raised a hand to tip his helmet as it should be, before he knelt and began rolling up his bedroll; which was like him, barely even ruffled in the night's passing. Laeris didn't particularly like this whole heroic crusading thing, under the nose of the enemy; former allies. It made for an increasingly dirtying soldier, with no servant to polish his leather boots, or shine that brass armor... Of course, those were laments he passed without a flicker of further thought or emotion as he finished packing up his part of the supplies and looked to the others.

He kept silent, and didn't survey for long; for in short order, not being one to converse; or even let his precious supplies go neglected, he sat upon his rolled up bedroll after drawing his sword and began steadily polishing it while he waited for the others to rouse. Ah, he didn't like carrying all this stuff on his shoulders either. That's what his good horse had been for! A fine, muscled steed; swift and strong; but alas, he had lost that as well when he fled as a refugee. A glance at the camp made him wonder if he had truly picked the winning side after all.

Regardless, he had picked the righteous side. Or at least, that's what he had told to himself.

Remaining silent and to himself, as he always seemed to do, he focused his full attention upon the length of the sword. Like Jakob, he was also the type of person who didn't like to break silences; but that was due to years of discipline.

[assuming you're on Valcenz's side... the profile didn't really say]

The guards parted as readily for him as they did for the drow currently prowling the bowls of the dungeon. Of course they would, Valcenz thought to himself. They wouldn't dare displease the one who so proved his ownership over them. Yes... he liked the sound of that. He didn't rule these people, or these lands. He owned them, and they were quite verily his. He had spent a long time to wrest these wretched lands from the hands of the so called goodly. He had every right to own his winnings.

But of course, though the thoughts were ultimately pleasing, they were not his concern. "Now now my dear little butcher," the figure purred, throwing back robes that seemed more smoke, than actual material as the hem of it roiled away, licking at the floor in translucent puffiness. The only patch of skin that was shown was his smooth, angular face; taking up the form of that of a young elf, perhaps no older than fifty or sixty, for surely he liked to appear handsome. Either way, malice glittered in a jet gaze as he studied the latest victim being cleared away. Where the guards showed disgust, his eyes gleamed in clear approval which showed in the way of a cruel smirk.

"You're going through them so fast." he purred, his voice a soothing, low growl; with undertones of something deeper, and possessed of malicious intentions. "What must I do to keep you sated? Kidnap maidens from the street? I hear those of the brothel type are truly hardened. You might like that," he offered with a small flourish, but the material that was flourished vanished away in a puff of smoke like debris. "I do try to keep my favourite torturer happy. I may need you for an upcoming job" With that, the figure turned away from the room; gesturing for the butcher to follow him.

"Come, we must speak business"

__________________
I will not kill you... in all technicality time will kill you. I'm just a contributing factor ~ Damarian Vasilis Zaccheo

I do not get moody. I get murderous ~ Saigyn

[A Guest?] ~ Advanced -Arlix-
[The Five Lights] ~ Advanced -Laeris Etheral Jostish- -Valcenz-
[Dove's Bane] ~ Advanced -Alloyscious Haryiel-
[Labyrinth] ~ Advanced -Triton Ochayne Demisou-

Dreamless, blissful oblivion; It was a wonderful thing. One that Casidey was fully enjoying at the moment, curled up into a ball and lying on her side as she slept. She was cocooned snugly in a tattered, raggedy wool blanket that looked far older than the elf whose content face was the only thing sticking out from beneath it.

Casi was a creature of the night, usually staying up into the wee hours of the morning and sleeping in well past noon. Which was not unnatural for one of her occupation; thieving is done so much easier in darkness. But unfortunately her inner clock seemed to be just as stubborn as the rest of her and didn’t want to readjust to going to bed early and waking up with the sun. So when the first morning’s rays splashed across her unprotected face and woke her with a blinding orange glow as the light permeated through her still closed eyelids she was less than happy.

With something between a growl and a groan she flipped over onto her stomach and hid her face in the pack she used for a pillow in a last ditch effort to hold back the advancing day. It didn’t work. Within a moment she pushed herself up into a sitting position that could barely be considered vertical, eyes still clamped shut, and rubbed the whole of her face with a sniffle. Then she blindly grabbed her pack and searched within its depths until she pulled out a canteen of water. Unscrewing the cap she took a quick swig before dumping the rest of the contents over her head in a morning ritual that had began with their journey. Only then did she venture to crack open her eyes and take in her surroundings.

Several of the others were already awake before her, no surprise there, and she mumbled something incoherent that served as a greeting. She couldn’t even bring herself to make some kind of sarcastic comment or witty insult about Laeris being obsessive compulsive with his overly orderly cleanliness, which she would have jumped at during any other time of the day. It was just too early. Instead she settled for just staying hunched in the undyed blanket that still clung loosely around her shoulders and tried to keep awake while she waited for the tea.

__________________

For a moment Derek gazed at the glorious sun creeping over the horizen, spilling light over everything it touched. The suns rays caressed his face with warm light, as he remembered the day when he first met Alexandra, his wife. He was collecting rocks at Dolphin cove for the research center at Volcanium. Her golden hair glowed, her ocean blue eyes seemed to reflect the ocean itself. He came back to reality when he heared his shoulders crack as he rolled them in a small circle. He could hear Laeris packing his things up, making sure that everything was in its proper place before taking a seat on his bedroll. He never understood the guy and how he could be so nitpicky about everything, but he was a good fighter and on their side so he couldn't ask for anything else. However, it always seems to be fun to poke fun at his weirdness, actually he had fun poking fun at everyone. He turned his head to find Laeris cleaning his sword, Casi attempting to get some more sleep before they headed out and Jakob who was making he asumed was tea. In his mind he thought tea was the best drink in the world, he had stopped drinking a while back because he promised someone long ago that he would never drink again. He called out to Laeris "Yo, Matches, turn the heat up in the kettle." His voice cracked at the end of his statement, which ruined the effect of trying to get him pissed off. He casually walked over to Casi, and nudged her in the back with his foot. "Hey feathers, you up yet?" He gave her a small smile before turning his head to look at Laeris. "We should arrive at Canyon City within the next hour or so. We will be able to stay there for at least three days to stock up on supplies and take a bath, and maybe eat a decent meal too." The prospect of sleeping in a real bed and eating a good meal was making him anxious.

__________________

Jakob waved off the attempt at an addition to the fire. It wouldn't make the water boil that much more quickly. But then, that was Derek's way - always wanting things to go faster, get there sooner, rush toward their doom sort of thoughts. It wasn't something Jakob intended to have in his life and he did his best to undermine whatever Derek did that was against Jakob's timeline.

Of course, if Jakob had had anything but the nonchalant, comfortable pair of shoes personality that he did, Derek and he may have had words over it. As it was, the others chose to follow Derek or give Jakob his space, dependent on what they desired at the time. Jakob didn't mind, so long as he could say his piece.

So a glance toward Laeris and an assuring nod that he really didn't need aid was his way of turning the universe in his favor, should the stars align and all of that nonsense.

While the water heated, Jakob stood and moved from camp. It wasn't far he had to go. Natural plant life was abundant almost anywhere but for the deep central deserts where even cacti couldn't grow. At those times, Jakob would find his own stores to make such things as tea. But then again, no one would want tea anyway, so it would be a much different act of plant directed culinary arts which Jakob could perform.

Still, out there, in that forest, Jakob's sense of smell was unerring and such scarcity was far from the problem. He actually was somewhat later than usual because he'd found a particular canyon moss that he'd wanted to add to the mint he'd discovered in a sunny patch and the moss was more difficult to acquire than the usual herbs which were his wont.

He whistled low, a bird like trill, and reentered camp, ripping the mint in his palm, the small bag at his side filled to the brim with moss. Noting that others were well on the way to leaving, the allure of being so close to civilization (bah, he could do without it, to be sure) too much to let them have a leisurely cuppa, he made a quick act of tossing everything in, the moss more carefully done - just a seasoning, as too much would serve as a diuretic and he was fairly certain no one would thank him for that pleasure.

While it simmered, he opened his pack and pulled out his own tin cup. It was battered about, having seen many a day in the woods. He laid this out on the grass beside the fire pit where others would congregate as well, all ready to be filled before the morning's travels could ensue.

The others, his eyes glanced over them. There were so few of them, if one considered what they were expected to do. It was suicide, of course. But then, it wasn't as if he'd had anything fascinating going on in his life until that point. He'd had his losses, of course. He'd lost his loved one, though he never talked of that, nor would he. He did not expect anyone to understand, really. They hadn't while the pair of them had been alive, why would death change anything?

But his loss was long over. He had moved on, as the loss was but a gateway to elsewhere. He'd never expected to have it in the first place. He was not surprised to find it gone.

Yet, each of them had lost. Some carried it closer to the heart, letting it guide every step they took. He could read it there on Derek's face every morning. Others, like himself, seemed untouched. If they were or not, did not seem to be any of his business. Or rather, they had not been together long enough for him to delve into the hearts of any of the others. That, if it ever did come to pass, would have to wait for some later time. He was in no rush to see it arrive, either.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis

Hearing his master’s call, the only one who Kon would bow down to, he quickly set down all his tools, sloppily, as there would be an assistant to fix them. Guards always said that they were the strongest of all, yet a simply tortured maiden can cause one of them to collapse and lose their lunch. He remembered the time he almost got to the best part before the elf went into shock. One of the guards fainted. Quickly, he walked over to his lords chamber, giving a bow not deep as to be recognized as a simple servant, but still giving all respect.

"You're going through them so fast."

At this he gulped, and resolved to find a more tolerant one, even if it means that he must give up the beautiful screams of the maidens. He had no desire to anger his lord, the one who can order him put to his own methods. Any elf, and any drow for that matter, would break under them. It was only a matter of time.

"What must I do to keep you sated? Kidnap maidens from the street? I hear those of the brothel type are truly hardened. You might like that,"

He winced at this. They were hardened, yes, but not to the pain he inflicted. They would perhaps make a few digits, possibly a whole hand, but they would break before he had fun. Enjoyment, yes, but no fun. His master did not understand. He ruled by fear, not pain. He did know how to torture, but people can become resistant to one kind of torture, but still break at a moment from a different torture.

"I do try to keep my favorite torturer happy. I may need you for an upcoming job."

At this he let true enjoyment show, with a small shudder, as if he was a jaguar told that he would be given the largest meal of his life. He was given a job now and then, and he always tried to keep his toys safe. It just wouldn't do to let the most tolerant of them die, not without his approval. He once went so far as to hit another torturer who said that his methods were too slow.

"Come, we must speak business."

At this, his down cast head rose, and he followed his master, almost giddy in anticipation of what he could do. He sometimes had to improvise with his tortures. Those were fun no matter how quickly it was over.

Laeris irked a smooth brow at the mention of his new name; which was apparently matches, though he paid no mind to anyways. Derek seemed to have a love of pestering the other members of the rag tag troupe. Not that Laeris was going to complain; he supposed to friendly banter lightened everyone else's spirits, but Laeris was used to the gloom of war camps. At war camps, joking around in such a friendly manner was dangerous business; especially with the stiffs Laeris had been set with. Probably where he got his own straight faced attitude from.

He looked to Jakob, his calm gaze taking in the other male's assurances before he went back to polishing his sword. Jakob was essentially right in his thoughts, though it wasn't like Laeris could read thoughts. And besides, as the members of the group probably already were aware of, Laeris wasn't exactly... in control of his element. Of course, he hadn't said a word as to why, whether or not they had pushed him to answer. It was just something he would not do for now. Sure, he had to travel with them, for the good of some prophecy, or however it went. But that didn't mean he had to be all chummy-chummy-best-friends with any of them.

In fact, he quite preferred to keep to himself. Less people bothered him when they didn't know much about him. Though he wasn't about to deny; the other people did have a quaint friendliness to them. He'd give them that much, and for the most part, they were compatible people... for the most part he decided as he held up his sword, tilting so its length glittered in the sun. He couldn't help but smile; a small twitch of the left side of his lips as he noticed the blade come out shining from his arduous task. Sighing, he knelt forward so he could sheathe the sword back at his hip before settling back down.

He noticed Jakob had started one of those delightful teas and his features seemed to relax. Truly, that man made an amazing tea. Much better than what he was used to. He'd give them credit for that much. His gaze then caught Casi with a rather unamused appearance. "You know, if you actually slept better, you'd perhaps be more than a walking zombie when you woke," he pointed out with a shrug.



Valcenz entered the lone chamber he had reserved for his presence in the dungeons. The only room deprived of gore, and Valcenz preferred to keep it that way. Not that the gore bothered him. It held no deep effect in the least. He did indeed quite like the atmosphere it set; but because not all were so comforted by it as Kon was; this chamber meant for dealings was meant to stay clean. And by the gods, if it didn't; Valcenz would make the culprit lick every cubic millimeter of the room clean. That was a very likely possibility though, if the figure were feeling particularly humorous at the time.

He mused as he gazed steadily at the dank, featureless walls around him before turning rapidly so he faced his loyal butcher, his eyes glittering hard and unforgiving like the gems they had been fashioned to resemble; for this was hardly Valcenz' natural form. Of course, though none of his malice was currently directed at the drow; he decided not to point that out. Keep the figure guessing as to where Valcenz's hand or desires would fall. That was truly the fun part of ruling out of fear as opposed to that so called righteousness. They called him evil for his ways, his manipulations, and his deeds, but it took someone truly powerful like him to rule a world such as the one that rested at his fingertips. At least under his rule; he was the only one committing such heinous acts. Everyone else was too afraid too. No one saw the necessity of having people like dear Kon around. Valcenz did. Such cruelty was a necessity. A vital part of ruling. Leaders were not meant to be happy and cuddly. They were meant to be figure heads that people would pay attention to!

Valcenz tilted his head, raising a slim, long fingered hand to caress his chin thoughtfully as he mused on what to tell, and how much of it to tell. "There is talk of some prophecy coming about. Truly, it concerns me little; but I would rather not rush in uneducated. I give you command of a small army should you need it; but I want you to take in anyone spouting off the nonsense of this prophecy. I want to know what it is. Something to do with five elements... I trust you'll find what I want. Once you figure your information is accurate, by all means; do tell me all that you discover, my loyal servant," he purred out, his tone hushed, yet inevitably drawing the attention of those listening.

"Perhaps, depending on how well you do your job; I'll let you follow up and dispose of whoever this prophecy involves." He seemed to forget that Kon was in the room as he muttered off like a tangent; focusing on his issues. "I have no time to pay attention to some young, stupid upstarts trying to dethrone me from what is rightfully mine. It is so bothersome to put up with such pests while ruling..." shaking his head, he turned his gaze back to Kon. "I realize I give you with little to start on, but I have confidence in your wit and abilities." He took on a musing stance again. "However, I regret that should you disappoint me in this... mayhap it will be you hanging on the meat hook; dear butcher"

__________________
I will not kill you... in all technicality time will kill you. I'm just a contributing factor ~ Damarian Vasilis Zaccheo

I do not get moody. I get murderous ~ Saigyn

[A Guest?] ~ Advanced -Arlix-
[The Five Lights] ~ Advanced -Laeris Etheral Jostish- -Valcenz-
[Dove's Bane] ~ Advanced -Alloyscious Haryiel-
[Labyrinth] ~ Advanced -Triton Ochayne Demisou-

"There is talk of some prophecy coming about. Truly, it concerns me little; but I would rather not rush in uneducated. I give you command of a small army should you need it; but I want you to take in anyone spouting off the nonsense of this prophecy. I want to know what it is. Something to do with five elements... I trust you'll find what I want. Once you figure your information is accurate, by all means; do tell me all that you discover, my loyal servant,"

He had heard rumors pertaining to this, mostly how his lord came to rule. Of this, he did not speak. His lord would only be interested in rumors if they were researched, or if it were during a time in which a true threat was established. If he came running to his lord every time he heard someone spouting off at the mouth about a rebellion, ninety percent of which were proved false and the other ten percent were no more then a dozen old men, and about ten young men, then he would never get anything done.

"Perhaps, depending on how well you do your job; I'll let you follow up and dispose of whoever this prophecy involves."

At this, Kon began to search his mind for any possible references to this, as well as deciding where would be the best places to look. By the time his lord had spoken again, perhaps not even speaking to his as much as thinking out loud, he had already narrowed down a section of the library, as well as several shady lanes.

"I have no time to pay attention to some young, stupid upstarts trying to dethrone me from what is rightfully mine. It is so bothersome to put up with such pests while ruling..."

This was obvious. Kon had never understood the children’s books where someone would take over a city, be labeled a villain, and a 'hero' would kill him. This would not happen with his lord, Kon would die himself before seeing that happen.

"I realize I give you with little to start on, but I have confidence in your wit and abilities."

Though he may sound a bit full of himself, Kon agreed with his lord. Anytime he had the proper incentive (torture), he could devote nearly twenty hours a day to study and search. The last time he did that, he was in bed for exhaustion for a few days. But his lord got what he wanted, so Kon had no problem sleeping. Provided he was in the dungeons.

"However, I regret that should you disappoint me in this... mayhap it will be you hanging on the meat hook; dear butcher"

This went without saying. it had no effect on kon, who was used to getting incompetent servants, but his lord was probably used to saying it, for he had a single price for incompetence, as far as kon knew, due to him never enacting another; death by slow torture. He did not stand; when his master decided it was time for him to leave, he would tell him.