Domitorem Corvo

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Smough's Flagship
Smough watches the makeup burn off of Gaul. He curses and pulls the jacket off of a nearby pirate. Throwing it at Gaul Smough watches the Sky Ship growing ever closer. There is a slight displacement of air and Valkyrie is standing on the deck with Smough.

Valkyrie is stunningly beautiful yet just presence is that of authority. She is undeniably Viking. She could be Freya herself. As she turns and looks at everyone on the deck she remarks: "A couple new faces." Her mismatched red and blue eyes scan around a bit longer before her attention stops on Smough. A single lock of snowy white hair zigzags through her braid.

"To what do I owe this visit?" Smough says with a smile, though his eyes are daggers. Valkyrie doesn't answer. She walks around the deck. Her boots thud loudly on the well kept wooden planks.

"I was in the area. I figured I'd say hi." Valkyrie narrows her eyes scanning Smough. "Because I'm friendly like that."

"So this isn't an inspection?" Smough asks.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm to busy at the moment. Rumors of offworlders trying to upset the status quo." Valkyrie sighs. "I swear, you people just can't learn your place."

"Freedom isn't something sacrificed lightly. I figure you'd know that better than anyone." Smough says. Valkyrie lets out a sound that's a mix between a laugh and a scoff.

"Glory to The Father." Valkyrie says before she vanishes leaving a vacuum that rocks the boat.

Smough relaxes slightly. The whole encounter was tense for him.
"She's like a cat. Toying with its prey." Smough takes a swig of rum from his flask. "It's a good thing I'm a clever bastard."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Nicholas is still anxious but speaking with Lexianna is helping calm his nerves.
"Most of those who volunteered are friends of those that were stationed there. I'm not sure what we'll find. At best I'd hope that it's just an epidemic. That would make sense. You don't want to risk it spreading. At worst..." Nicholas pauses. "Let's not think of that." Nicholas is talking as he leads Lexianna to the Port Crystal.

"I don't know much about The Mystic. He's a recluse and has established a barrier around the Bastille. No one but his Knights and prisoners can enter. He never leaves either. He just stays in there and works on his inventions and experiments." Nicholas makes a face. A grudging sort of acceptance. "He's actually pretty brilliant. He showed us that what we thought was heretical magic was science and knowledge of its application. He invented guns. Made crops heartier and more bountiful. Medicine, flight, transportation, and even recreational pleasures. He has honestly made life better for a lot of people."

Nicholas sighs almost sorrowfully. "A mind like his is honestly a gift. It's a shame he's on the other side. I suppose that's why The Father chose him." As they arrive at the three foot tall shimmering crystal Nicholas greets his comrades. "The Maiden has agreed to accompany us." Nicholas addresses the fifty men and women present. The soldiers cheer. One man approaches Lexianna and gifts her a silvered trinket. An idol fashioned in her image.

"For the Goddess." The man says and kneels. Everyone follows suit, taking a knee.
"You'll have to forgive them. This is the first victory they've had in years." Nicholas chuckles then orders them to take formation. As soon as they are set he activates the crystal.

East Point Wastes
Nothing could have prepared nicholas for what happened next. East Point, for as far as the eye could see, was marred by tendrils of hyper advanced technological growths. They cut through the landscape in sharp angles that formed a grid like structure. Interlinked spires pierced upwards for miles and cast ended webbed shadows across the land below.
"Captain!" A soldier called for Nicolas. As Nicholas rushed over he spotted the scouts that had come first. A net of razor thin wires bind them to a converted tree. The technological infection has almost completely overtaken them. They struggle to speak. And when they do they say one thing.

"Run."

Just then dozens of converted humans break free from the spire in the center of the town. They let out a tortured mechanical howl and produce spears and shields. The Converted cluster into a phalanx and begin to approach menacingly.
"Shield wall!" Nicholas commands. The soldiers with shields stack up and interlock their shields. Archers take position and Nicolas commands them to begin firing on the phalanx. "Don't be reckless just because you're under the Command Sphere! Scouts with me!" Nicholas turns to Lexianna. "I'm going to go find the Intel our agents gathered on the barrier. I don't know what you can do but a miracle would be welcome."

Nicholas takes off with ten scouts in tow. The Converted phalanx has reached the shield wall and are beginning to push them back.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Nicholas returns Lexianna's smile. But it slowly slides off his face.
"We haven't heard from our agents in over a month. Not only that, all of the main roads in have been impassable. The Swamplands are difficult enough to traverse as is. But now it's impossible. We do have a way in though. A step crystal. Networked pathways in space. The one to East Point has been inactive since the roads shut down. Normally a Step Crystal can only be activated from the user side. Our quartermaster got it to work somehow. We sent over a team to secure the crystal, which they did, and do a little recon." Nicholas seems excited to be talking with Lexianna. "I've gathered volunteers to follow me over and investigate what has happened. About fifty. As of now that's everything I know. We can leave as soon as you are ready."

Smough's Flagship
As Blaze and Flame are about to clash a small frame appears in a swirl of Shadows. He stomps Flame's sword down into the floor. For Blaze's sword he locks the teeth of a swordbreaker around it and applies tension. Not enough to break it but more than enough to lock it in place.
"No fighting aboard the Admirals ship." A soft yet assertive young male voice calls out from behind the shrouded mask and cowl. Every inch of the boy is covered in assassin's garb.
"Indeed. I don't care that you two are having a squabble. I do care that it is in my home." Smough's lax demeanor is now replaced with an authoritative one. "You are guests here. Don't do anything to make me regret my hospitality."

Just then from above a pirate calls down.
"Admiral, Skyships!"
Smough throws his hands up in exasperation. "For fucks sake. You two go to the pantry at the back on this floor. Stay there until I say." Smough wheels about and storms up the ladder. The assassin boy lets the two have their swords back. He looks at each one in turn. Then leaves without saying any more.

Up top Smough extends a spyglass and spots Valkyrie's Flagship approaching quickly from the west. Smough finds Gaul and tosses him a small jar of a make up in his skin tone.
"Cover your tattoos." Smough says at Gaul. "That goes for any of you that have them. If you are stupid enough to get caught I can't help you." Smough addresses the rest of his crew. A few men begin checking their arms and backs. Yet more help each other cover portions of tattoos that should be familiar to Gaul. The rest begin to make preparations to be boarded.

Smough looks around for the barge with the women and goats but it is gone.

Barge
The fish Sia had held smacks Chron in the face and he yelps slightly. He snarls at the flopping fish and eats it. As Chron swallows the last of it he licks his chops and looks expectantly at Sia. Raia bursts into uproarious laughter.
"So graceful. So majestic." Raia shakes her head in amusement. "Hold onto something Ladies. We're going home." The world melts away and is replaced with a rush of lights. The ships now rests in the middle of a plains valley right behind the West Point Castle.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Karnariel sighs. Lexianna is persistent on getting him to talk. He considers it for a moment. Then decides against it.
"Karnariel wants the Lords dead, Valkyrie especially, because they directly brought about the death of his parents." Jaylen says poking his head back into the tent. Karnariel looks furious.
"Say not another word or"
"Or what? You'll kill me? Strike me? Banish me?" Jaylen steps back into the tent. "I don't answer to you." Karnariel is livid. Visibly fuming. He storms out of the tent pushing past Jaylen who doesn't step entirely out of the way.

With Karnariel gone Jaylen rolls his eyes.
"That man is dangerous Lexianna. He is filled with hate and malice. I don't blame him. When the dimensions fell he was here in the mortal world. An emissary to the royal family. You see, long ago Karna brought fire to human kind. The ones he bestowed this gift were christened Starborn. I'm assuming you can guess that the royal family surname is. Karnariel tried to flee the castle with the two princesses but was stopped by his half sister Kara Sun. The Valkyrie. Karnariel only managed to escape with Stella, the younger princess, because Sabra, the elder princess, sacrificed herself to stop Valkyrie. Karnariel has been hiding the young princess for the last ten years." Jaylen continues his long winded explanation without breaking stride. "You see the late Starborn King was warrior beyond measure. But to stop the Great War exacted a heavy toll. The Gift of Stars was never meant to wielded by humans. It sears their body and soul eventually leaving a more and more frail husk until, eventually the fires overtake the vessel. And they perish in an inferno that leaves to traces of their physical being. Such was the result of many Starborn. Indeed almost all. Save for the late king."

Jaylen say set himself back at the table and is finishing his orange slices.
"The late king had enough constitution to father three children. Kos, Sabra, and Stella. Kos, the only male, was the Regent. He locked his father away in a tower and ruled by might and fear. He hoarded wealth and finery. He was harsh and often cruel. All the corruption in the land could be traced directly back to him. In a way, you could say that he was responsible for creating the Lords. He was also the only child to inherit the Gift of Stars." Jaylen having finished his orange gets up and waves goodbye to Lexianna. The leaves her alone in the tent.

After a moment the tent flap opens. Nicholas enters and sets his gaze on Lexianna.
"You got the sphere." He says quietly. "I need help with something."

Nicholas explains that the Sun Cloaks, though fierce, are missing their Bright Blades. The Bright Blades of the Sun Cloaks were arrested for treason and imprisoned in East Point. Nicholas asks Lexianna to accompany him to rescue the Bright Blades and strengthen the Sun Cloaks battlefield presence.

"Please, I know that if you are with us we can save them. They aren't just soldiers. They inspire their comrades and can turn the tide of decisive battles. They represent hope. Something we desperately need in these times."

Smough's Flagship
Smough's eyebrows raise at the sight of the Jolly Roger.
"Oh?" Smough opens his mouth and fish hooks his cheek to reveal a jolly roger tattoo on the inside of his cheek. He removes his hand and laughs. "I thought the black flag was just where I'm from. Good to know that elsewhere are similar customs." Smough laughs repacks his pipe and takes a long drag.
"Sia, let's go!" Raia calls for Sia from the barge with women and goats.
Smough hands Sia the rest of his pouch of tobacco. "We'll have to trade stories sometime."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Jaylen eats another slice of orange.
"The Lords all have Soul Void, yes. It's a blessing granted by the False One. You see, their physical body isn't their true form any longer. They sacrificed it in exchange for a more powerful one. This True Self is hidden away in the depths of the Soul Void and a proxy is created to interact with the waking world. The Soul Void is also where a lord is at their most powerful. They can shape reality to their inner most truths. Their True Self is also where their mortality lies." Jaylen licks the juice from his fingers and wipes the rest on his tunic.

"This power the Lords possess is a direct result of The False One performing experiments with blood of the Messiah. You've come across Blood Stones. Perhaps even a Blood Gem. But the Lords were each gifted with a Blood Wish. That's what allowed them to utilize their respective Reality Marble. Their Soul Voids."

Father's Prison
Nevermore sighs.
"That's it? Just break it?" Nevermore groans. She considers complaining more but decides against it. She observes her shackles. "Stupid reality breaking power."

Smough's Flagship
Smough chuckles.
"Sorry to tell you. But Vikings aren't around anymore. The culture is dead. The bloodlines now follow Lord Valkyrie. Those tattoos in most civilized parts of the world will warrant a death sentence." Smough puffs his pipe. "If you want to help man a rigging and keep us on course. We are heading to Tinder Bay. Around the tip of Southpoint and northeast along the shore. You'll know it when you see it." Smough reaches for his pocket flask realizes it's not there and produces a flask from a different pocket entirely. "Or if you'd prefer to rest we have plenty of cots below deck. I'm sure the cook won't mind fixing you a meal. Your choice."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Smough's Flagship
Smough smiles at the mention of Royalty and Haust. He considers questioning but realizes he doesn't care to know. The information will come around to him. Always does.
"Lexianna yes? I've been delivered her message. It's our current heading. We will arrive in a few days time and I'll be heading to Shadowhold myself." Smough states coolly. Raia narrows her gaze.
"What's going on at Shadow's castle?" She interjects.
"I've had my eye on the late Lord Admiral's Command sphere. Their friend has pinched it for the little rebel boy." Smough answers.
Raia's eyes go wide. "To Karnariel?"
"The very same." As Smough answers Raia is glaring with anger, suspicion, and uncertainty at Blaze, Flame, Gaul, and Sia.
"Does she know that that boy wants us all dead?!" Raia is getting worked up. "Is Shadow?"
"If he was dead you would be first to know." Smough states. Raia ponders for a moment.
"I'm coming to Shadowhold. I'll need to be there first hand to get a grasp on all this. But first..." Raia turns to Sia. "I made you a promise. I don't intend to break a promise to my soon to be wife. I have to go back to west point with the rescued. My people will need to know about this development. After that I will go to Shadowhold. What will you do?"

Taking a long drag of his pipe Smough hands it to Flame and pulls her aside.
"Seems to me you are all a long way from home. I'd ask for riches beyond my reckoning but I don't see that panning out." Smough clicks his tongue, looses a rougeish grin, and blows his smoke into a strong ocean wind. "What do you think is fair compensation, My Princess."

Blackout 482,004,911
The woman has a white knuckle grip on her staff.
"Peaceful?! You are ones accosting me without justification! I've done no wrong! My healing is Science! Not witchcraft! Why won't the church believe me?!" She is visibly shaking. "You're all zealots!" As she jabs the butt of her staff into the ground Umbral Reality courses outward and becomes a vibrant garden of thorns and flowers that quickly closes in on The First. Zaak intercedes and blocks the deadly black thorns with a wall of Infinity Crystal. The wall instantly shatters and with a curse Zaak unleashes his own Umbra in a pulse to counter the Woman's attack.
"Stop this we aren't with the church! The power you found is dangerous!" Zaak attempts to reason with the woman but she isn't listening.
"Liar!!" With a swing of her staff more deadly flora is cast in their direction.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Smough's Flagship
Casts a curious glance at Gaul. Then to Blaze who berates him. After a moment of look back and forth between the two he kneels to check Flame again. When Flame jolts upright Smough chuckles slightly. He lies her back down on the deck with a pillow under her head.
"Eh, I prefer opportunistic naval commander. But, I've been called worse." He sits back on the deck. And gives the signal to set sails once more. "I believe proper introductions are in order. I am Admiral Smough Ghat. I command the Storm Raiders. And yes. I am a practicing surgeon master and doctoral healer." Smough stands and walks over to the railing.

Smough sets himself on a tied barrel as they crest a wave and are break into open waters. They are in sight of the shoreline and headed south. A seemingly unnatural wind ushers them on. As Smough packs a pipe with tobacco he enjoys the strong sea breeze.
"So. What are the names of the brave,fierce, and mighty Mountain Breakers. And what led you to find yourselves in such a predicament?"

Before anyone can answer Raia has appeared on the back of her Great Wolf. Chron chuffs aggressively. She levels her rifle bayonet at Smough's throat with one hand. With the other grips her pistol in its holster.

Smough smiles smugly. "Hello there Warden. What brings you out this way?"
"Go check your fiends." Raia says to Sia who is riding behind her.
"They're fine I assure you." Smough answers pretending to be hurt.
"The word of pirate filth is about as trustworthy as pig shit. You profited off of the suffering of my people for nearly a year. And you expect me to trust you." Raia barks. Smough sucks his teeth.
"Now, that was just business. And as I recall you were more than happy for the steel that mountain produced. They may be brutes. But they held up a deal better than most others." Smough raises his hands in mock surrender. "I've got your women. I've got your goats. I return them to you unharmed, as a measure of good faith." Smough nods to the barge full of cheering women and bleating goats. While everyone was fussing over Flame he had them transferred.
Raia eyes Smough suspiciously. She lowers her weapon. "If you try anything I'll cut you and your miserable bilge rats down without a second thought."
A deck scrubbing scrawny twig of a man raises his head. "Hey, I ain't miserable!"
"Cheers to that matey." Smough says and lights his pipe.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Smough's Flagship
Smough goes through the routine checks. He checks her from head to toe with an emphasis on her head and upper torso without so much as a second thought for the blood. He seems calm and focused. Like he's done this before a thousand times. He muses for only a moment.
"I should be able to resuscitate her. Assuming this is physical. She's suffering from extreme exhaustion." Smough opens her blazer and begins CPR. "Come on. Stay with me sweetheart. I'm not losing you today." Smough says between breaths. Flame doesn't stabilize and Smough curses. He rummages through a doctors bag and comes out with a bag of liquid nutrients.

"There is only one god I pray to. The god of death. You know what I say?" Smough says as he sets the IV. A young pirate holds the bag up while Smough produces two syringes. He fills each with a different medicine and takes a deep breath. "Not today." Stabbing the larger of the two directly into her chest he presses down on the plunger injecting adrenaline directly into her heart. In the same fluid motion and with surgical precision he gives her another shot of mild sedative to relax her body.

Blackout 482,004,911
There is a rustling. A shuffle of many feet from within the cottage. A young woman, no older than 19, steps out from the cabin. She is absolutely terrified. Her heart hammers in her chest.
"I've nothing for you. I am no witch. Just a woman who wants to tend to these orphans. If you leave now that'll be the end of it." She proclaims. In her hands is a gnarled and knotted staff. Aside from the branch she looks like a normal village girl. Then it happens. The feeling. Reality shakes as Umbra swells and rises from within her. She clutches the staff in both hands and stares them down.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Rebel camp
Jaylen picks up a slice of orange and pops it in his mouth.
"Poe is in the Soul Void of Lord Admiral. After landing a fatal blow a door to the Admiral's Soul Void, the personal dimension where their true body resides, opened and Poe managed to invade this realm. And I can only assume he was successful in finishing Lord Admiral."

Karnariel speaks up.
"Then where is Poe? Why hasn't he returned?"
"I am not sure. There are three possibilities. One, Poe defeated the lord and was trapped in his Soul Void. Two, Poe and the Lord killed each other. Three, Poe was captured by The False One. The Father."

Father's Prison Cell
Nevermore stirs. She groans in pain and spits dried blood onto the floor. Her eyes are filled with dried blood as well. She slowly shifts and sits up against the wall.
"You still there Razz?" Nevermore calls out. The dried blood is like knives in her skull so she keeps them shut. Her voice is raspy and weary.
"He's still here." Nel answers.
"You too?" Nevermore is surprised to hear Nel. "I don't suppose you have the keys."
"No." Nel answers.
"Razz, any ideas?"

Mountain Fort Cove
Smough has his men throw a wide net to catch Blaze and Flame. The nets lower them safely down to the deck. Smough looks up at the ruined mountain.
"The two of you took the Mountain? That's a story I'd like to hear." The ship doctor is busy administering sedatives to the women so Smough himself begins to check Flame. Smough stops though turns to Blaze. "May I?" The fleet begins to set sail.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blackout
Rebel Camp
Jaylen let's Lexianna fuss over him with a mildly annoyed expression. When she asks her question. He smiles.
"He has run out of raw materials. So to compensate he used his own blood in the mixture. The instability of the mix means I can't use the light or my demon blood. But I have certain knowledge regarding this stolen world. Such as, I know what happened to the one called Poe."

Mountain Fort
Ghuul is paste. The surviving Bloodmen who had been watching begin to charge but stop short when a scrawny and frail member blows a horn. The Scrawny Man approaches slowly. He reaches down careful not to move too fast. When he stands he has a wriggling spinal cord which he holds out to Gaul.
"Kill him. Fire work. You earn." The Scrawny Man says as he ignites a small torch. "Am Ratguts. Bloodmen Shaman. Not fighter." Ratguts says and shuffles away. The Bloodmen resume their battle ready stance but don't rush. Instead they seem to be waiting.

Caverns
Something deep in the lowest submerged cavern calls to Flame.
"We are born of the blood. Made strong by the blood. Do not fear us, oh seeker mine. Come, claim us." Deep beneath the surface a ringing whisper calls and ther image of a hexagonal ruby beckons.

Pirate Cruiser
The pirate looks down at the fox and blinks a few times. He rubs his eyes and looks closer. Then proceeds to toss his flask over the edge of the ship.
"Sure thing little pup. What do you need?" The pirate says not believing any of what's happening. The rest of the crew stare is just as much awe but the Pirate doesn't notice. Just then a crow flies up and lands on his shoulder.
"Smough." The crow says.
"What?" Smough complains aat the crow.
"Bird." The crow says.
"Yes I know you're a bird. I'm trying to handle my drunk hallucination." Smough says. The bird looks at Blaze then back at Smough. Smough realizes Blaze isn't a hallucination. His eyes go wide as Lexianna's parrot lands on his shoulder.
"Bird." The crow says again.