[IC] Dark Souls: The changing of Ages

[PandaBrady]

Terrace. The Sprawling Capital of the world, and home of the king searching for Undead to slay the Dragons. King Sroak, a powerful king who is searching for a way to stop the Dragons forever. Sieg had just arrived to the Gates of the Capital citadel, and found it guarded by Giant Sentinels. They let him through, upon removing his right gauntlet to show them his darksign. He replaced the glove and walked through the gate. As he strolled down the street, he gazed in amazement at the size and grandeur of the city and it's buildings. His hometown was miniscule and comparison, and the Occula capitol like a 5 square block radius to this. It was nearly overwhelming.
He quickly shook off these feelings, and gripped his sword's handle to draw courage from it. He had been given it to him by his father, and it was supposedly an ancient sword, said to have been given by the Gods to destroy dragons countless Millenia ago. How it had managed to stay as sharp and durable as it was today was beyond him. His father said it was a Miracle placed on it. He was confident in his skills, being a skilled swordsman, and having been taught the Bolt Dart Miracle. Walking onward down the street, he aimed straight for the main castle to report to King Sroak for the Dragon Erradication Duties.
Upon his right was a woman in a blue robe carrying a rose in a silk wrapping. She seemed to be heading in the same direction as he, and he glanced towards her. She looked at him slightly, then looked down, a single tear running down her cheek. Sieg wondered what kind of story she may have, but decided that at the castle, he would find his answers, even if he didn't want to.

[Lotrix Molick]

Altheia approached the gates soon after Sieg. The guards were not as quick to allow her entrance. So, she bared her teeth and showed her armament, telling them her intent to kill dragons alongside the Undead. They looked at her in disbelief but let her through as even though she was a demon, she was obviously a civil one desiring the same goal. They gave her a warning to not go on a rampage as expected and watched her until she left sight.

The largeness of the city didn't strike Altheia as hard as it may others, considering her living in a capital city prior to travelling here. Her abnormal height also attributed to her feeling less antlike among the buildings. People around her, once they realized that she was not a normal human, began to give her a wide berth. The cleared sphere around her would have been far bigger if they realized she was a full-blooded demon. She also saw the woman in a blue robe and assumed she had a story relating to their goal, so she figured it best to tag along, from a safe distance of course.

[Argetlam350]

He strode through the streets of Terrace with his destination at sight. He walked with a step that showed what he was doing but in truth he had no idea, in fact he hardly had any recollection of his old life before a few weeks ago. The little he knew was his own name and what he had picked up from others. He was cursed, branded by the Dark Sign meaning he was undead, some would view it as a blessing others a curse. A blessing for the person branded never truly dies, yet if one looses hope, then the true curse comes, the person looses all sanity and becomes hollow. Along with this grim truth was only one thing he remembered, the dying words of an ancient beast he slayed, the first dragon he ever killed. In its dying breath he heard it speak one word:

Crossbreed

What this one word meant he did not know but he was determined to learn what it meant along with all the other things he had forgotten, even if it meant to kill every single dragon with his bare hands. His shield was enough to prove he was capable of slaying a dragon, it came from the same beast that gave him his new mission, the skull of the dragon with marks of what he could only assume were counts of the beasts he had killed in his three year journey. If that wasn't enough he could produce his bow which came from the bones of defeated animals and beasts with very few men being able to draw it and launch the greatarrows it fired.

Along with these weapons, he also had a sword with a magnificent blue blade. A greatsword named Lunaira, a sword that had been passed from father to son for several generations in his family. This was the blade he used to slay many foes in his travels. His armor told the story of where he came from, the fact fur was part of the design proved he came from the kingdom Ural, the kingdom far to the north famous for it's discovery of cryomancy. He knew little of the magic but enough to help as a final defense in combat.

He went up the steps of the Grand Citadel, taking off his armor and lifting up his shirt and turning around, showing the dark sign that marked him on his shoulder blade. Upon doing so he put the armor back on and entered walking through the throngs of others that were there. One person caught his eye, mostly because of all others who stood away from her. Why they did this he did not know but he would much rather stand in an open space then amongst the others so seeing an opportunity he managed to get out of the crowd and stand in the clear sphere that was made around the tall woman. He considered himself tall but she still stood another several inches higher then he, perhaps her size was why people kept clear, intimidated by her. He on the other hand did not mind and remained in the sphere awaiting for whoever would be giving them their task and telling them where to go.

[Vigild]

Vensi sat in the courtyard that stretched beyond the gates that lead to the interior of the castle grounds with a sack of gold coins at his side and a clenched golden fist open only long enough for him to peer at it's shine before closing his fist. He hypnotized himself with the sight of the manner in which the golden surface caught the light of the sky. One by one he dropped the gold coins into the bag mouthing the numbers in which he counted by methodically. At the point he reached ten he seemed at a lost as his gaze was attracted to the overhanging sky. At the realization he'd lost count he cursed under his breath and threw the entire handful into the bag and took out a fresh handful to begin his count anew.

He leaned back against the stone wall he sat beside with a sigh as he'd finally surrendered attempting to count his stash as he discovered it a fruitless endeavor and instead looked to the new arrival and near jolted to his feet at the sight of a well armed demon. The guards seemed to have no qualms in letting her past, or at least not many so he would assume he should not trouble himself in such matters. It wasn't his job to, his job was to slay dragons and she sure didn't appear to be one. The larger of the two men who had walked it looking as if he were armed to wage a war on his own unnerved Vensi the other seemed like a remarkably fresh faced lad, even more so than Vensi himself. Well at least he'd have someone his age around to pursue monsters with.

[Grothnor]

Kareth of Vale had no issues entering the Citadel of King Soak, or King Croak, or whatever his name was, he couldn't remember that detail and deemed it too insignificant to try to remember. He had been ambushed by bandits a few days prior and bled to death after slaying the lot of them. It had taken him almost an entire day to remember his purpose before returning to his journey towards Terrace and he still bore the green tinted skin and dead eyes indicative of those who had just begun hollowing. Simply lowering his hood in the presence of the Citadel Guards was enough to let them know he was undead.

A thick, leatherbound tome was clutched in his hands and chained to his waist, covered in stains and worn with use. This book contained his purpose: the accumulation of knowledge. Knowledge was power, and with power, he could uncover the secrets of this world. And cursed with undeath, he needed not fear death, it was now only a setback. The King sought undead to bring low the powerful dragons, and if they were powerful, according to Kareth's reasoning, they must know many secrets. Plundering such secrets would be quite enjoyable.

He noticed several people heading towards the Castle and fell in line with them, spending a brief moment reminding himself of his name and goals. "Kareth of Vale, knowledge is power, kill the dragons, learn their secrets." He muttered to himself.

[PandaBrady]

Sieg noticed the stares he was getting, and the wide berth given as well. He was worried. Did they know he was an undead? Did they think he would hollow at any moment. He glanced back to see if the people were continuing to stare, and was met with a tall unhuman woman. He lept backwards in surprise as he gripped his sword. What stood before him had to be a demon, there was no other possibility. "W-what are you?" he asked the woman, one hand also grasping his Talisman. He didn't know how she managed to get through the Sentinels, but if she did, then she must be strong, or cunning.
The hooded woman glanced back, and looked towards the commotion. She was surprised, but not shocked. She continued on, as the Castle was not very much father.

[Lotrix Molick]

Althaeia's reaction was sudden and swift. One hand reached back to grab her schiavona as her other moved into a defensive position. The man seemed both fearful and hostile, and she was not going to stay her hand should he attack. "What am I? I am a civilized demon from Arnor. A better question is what are you other than an Undead? Why do you hesitate when you obviously wish to begin hostilities?" She gave him a nasty sneer through her helmet, her eyes narrowing only slightly. Her stance was shifting as she spoke, ending in a comfortable fencing stance. She drew her blade a few inches to show her lack of hesitation to defend herself. "Now, most importantly, do you wish to continue this meaningless aggression or shall we peaceably go to the castle so we can get to saving the world?"

[PandaBrady]

A demon? Saving the world? Sieg had never heard of such a thing. Her reply to him allowed him to think for a moment. "I'm a paladin from Occula." He says slightly confused by the turn of events. She hadn't attacked anyone yet, and the way she acted seemed to be enough proof for him that she would be well behaved. He let go of his sword, talisman still clutched.
"Sorry for jumping to conclusions so suddenly. It's just, where I come from, we are sworn to slay demons, because we're taught that they are all evil. I've never heard of a civil demon though." He said. "You said save the world? Then you must be off to the castle as well. I'm Sieg." He said offering his now free hand.

[Argetlam350]

Zaccar payed little attention to the conversation that happened near him. His only interests were the fact that the rather tall woman in the crowd was a demon. A peculiar site to find a demon wanting to aid in the destruction of dragons. He noted to himself that he would keep an eye on her, from the little he remembered of the three year journey to reach the city in his wandering, he had ran into his fair share of demons and his dealings with them, left him with little trust to have one by his side in the daunting task that would be presented to them by the king. He left the two talking fighting his way through the crowds to reach the castle and see the king as many other undead would be doing. Some got out of his way just by looking at what he carried. In honesty though he thought what he carried was modest, with the only true thing showing his strength being his shield. The bow was merely a tool he found necessary to take on certain foes and had crafted to bring those who were airborne to a fair fight along with gathering a decent meal.

Despite his armor having fur on it, he felt rather cool within his protection and wore the armor of Ural with pride, at least knowing that he had had the title of knight to his name before loosing everything to the curse that branded him.

[Lotrix Molick]

Instead of taking the offered hand, Altheia gave a shallow bow. "I am Altheia. The assumption that all demons are evil is not far from the truth, Had I not be summoned to Arnor, I likely would have eventually been killed. Demons as myself that do not find their way out tend to be attacked until we are worn out and finally killed. Demons believe that we are some form of evil omen, a bit of bad luck for them. For those like me that escape, we tend to either hide among humans if we are not obviously demons or fight alongside them to gain their trust. I did a mix of both. A good assumption to make about demons is that those that could readily blend with humans like me are the ones that are normally civil. The more bestial ones are not. If we meet any of those demons, I shall savor ripping their heart out of their chests." Her last statement was rather bitter but sincere. It seemed she had quite a bit of history with the truly evil demons. She resumed her trek through the crowd, assuming if Sieg wanted to keep talking, he would follow her.

[PandaBrady]

Sieg followed a little distance between them, as the last thing the Demon Woman had said to him made him a bit unnerved. He continued, until they finally reached the Marble and Ivory covered Castle, gleaming in the sunlight, like a beacon to the city. The Sentinels there wore a cowl and opened the gates, inside, a near army had gathered, many of the colorful sort stood around the courtyard, conversing and waiting. A squad of 15 White Knights stood in an area being spoken to by a golden knight with dragon-like designs in his armor. He held a large bone like spear in one hand. The White Knights had full platemail with intimidating sharp designs and large swords at their side, their shields, decorated with the crest of Terrace, the sun above the castle. On the other side of the courtyard, the woman in the blue robe handed a knight in blue armor the rose, which he then placed on the ground gently to his side while embracing the woman. She placed a mask over her face, a mourner's mask, and slowly walked away, as the blue armored knight picked up the rose and stared into it. He was then pat on the back by another knight, this one in a caramel colored armor. The many groups continued speaking amongst themselves as a herald stepped forth from the castle doors.
"The King shall be arriving here shortly to tell you all of the plan. Please be prepared once he has arrived."

[Vigild]

Vensi chose to stay his distance from the two that seemed to be socializing. The irony of a paladin speaking to a demon quasi-casually was not lost on him and served to bring out a few chuckles in his mind. The odd juxtaposition was not enough to completely divert him from the task at hand however. As the two began to navigate further into the palace he allowed himself to follow suit and marvel at the lavish furnishings of the place as he treked deeper towards the innermost parts of the castle. Now he was truly regretting his own inability to lift any valuables from such an erudite local. Had he taken a handful of goods he'd been financially secure for the rest of his days, well not his now immortal days however as per fault of the Undead Curse. 'Be prepared for his arrival' indeed. Vensi understood what would be tasked of them and if he were to make it out of this task with his riches and sanity intact he would have to find companions to trust in him, foolishly nonetheless but he did not have many options.

He approached the demon and paladin with a rather cheery disposition considering the gravity of their situations and spoke articulately and politely "I couldn't help but notice what a strange duo you two were."

[Lotrix Molick]

The two near her were significantly shorter than her and so she had to look down at them. She took off her helm, revealing her ashen skin and fully uncovering her unnatural eyes. Her smile served to only accentuate her demonic features, her sharp fangs almost gleaming. Her reply was curt but not hostile. "We are not a duo nor allies. We happen to have a similar destination, that is all. One day, perhaps he may become a friend, but for now he is simply an Undead seeking to kill dragons." She eyed the newcomer carefully, noting the roguish armor and the general shifty feeling surrounding him. She would need to keep an eye on him, though if he tried anything, she would gladly break some bones. "If you will excuse me, I must follow other regulations to join. Enjoy the speech."

With that, she walked over to the group of White Knights, raising her voice to specifically call to the golden knight. "I am not an Undead. I am instead a demon seeking to assist in destroying the dragons." She waited patiently, noting the mixed reactions of the knights as fear and slight hate seemed brewed when she mentioned being a demon.

[Argetlam350]

Once more Zaccar stood on his own amongst the other groups that were awaiting on whatever it was that they needed to be able to go forth and slay the wretched beasts that plagued the lands and destroy the king amongst them. He stood in stoic silence his mind going in and out from the present and the odd dreams that began coming to him through the cold, long, lone nights. Imagines of snow and ruins clouded them, not the kingdom or Ural but somewhere else, a place that seemed familiar but was not. Along with the images came the same word that plagued him: crossbreed. What did it all mean? He sighed in frustration on not knowing what to figure out from the images and what they were trying to tell him.

[PandaBrady]

The golden knight stood closer to the demon before him, looking her dead in the eye before looking over her and then walking around her, observing her form, equipment, and strength.
"A demon eh? I always thought you guys were supposed to be far larger and imposing. Those Necromancers must not be telling the truth all the time." he said. He slammed his spear butt on the ground, forcing the white knights to stop their discussion.
"I think a demon is a perfectly fine ally, as long as she gets the job done." he said. "I look forward to fighting with you mrs." he said outstretching his hand. "My own buddy the executioner is part demon himself." he says.

"Definitley not a duo. I hate thinking I have to have a Demon on my side, but she wishes to help us. I'm sorry, we haven't met. I am Sieg Paladin of Occula." he said offering his hand to Vensi.

[PandaBrady]

The golden knight stood closer to the demon before him, looking her dead in the eye before looking over her and then walking around her, observing her form, equipment, and strength.
"A demon eh? I always thought you guys were supposed to be far larger and imposing. Those Necromancers must not be telling the truth all the time." he said. He slammed his spear butt on the ground, forcing the white knights to stop their discussion.
"I think a demon is a perfectly fine ally, as long as she gets the job done." he said. "I look forward to fighting with you mrs." he said outstretching his hand. "My own buddy the executioner is part demon himself." he says.

"Definitley not a duo. I hate thinking I have to have a Demon on my side, but she wishes to help us. I'm sorry, we haven't met. I am Sieg Paladin of Occula." he said offering his hand to Vensi.

[Lotrix Molick]

Altheia took the offered hand and shook it firmly. "The demons that are larger and more imposing are also incapable of being civil. Those are the thralls of Necromancy. I, on the other hand, am immune to their control magic and can and do live among humans. I just hope we can get more of my specific type of demon able to publicly reveal their full identity. It is a shame our strength cannot be appreciated except in times of war, no?"