Fantasy Arva: Tides of Darkness [IC] [Closed]

[Dmaster]

The Aervis' immobilizing spell was a success it seemed, and he and the rest of the group worked to dispatch the foul champion. After witnessing such a brutal beating befall both Arnas and Waylond, Da'Vost had seen enough. Charging a condensed bolt of Aetheric energies, he unleashed a burning beam at the champion in the hopes to incapacitate him. While initially it seemed successful, Da'Vost gasped as he began to order his troops to attack.

The Fateseeker stepped back and began to weave more magic between his fingers, knowing that above all he would protect Lanya during the incoming charge. Yet suddenly weaponry and implements began to fall from the sky, getting him to look up as these strange forest dwellers had come to their aid. He kept his guard up, trying to get a better read on their saviors. Were they allies of circumstance or truly here to help?

After an exchange with the others they lowered their weapons, and Da'Vost did the same with his hands. Slowly he shuffled forward as they beckoned for them to go back with them.

"They at least appear willing to converse. That alone should allow us to better get our bearings. I say we go with them, meet with their leader." he crooned.

 

[CaptainFizzgig]

Everything ached. Like exercising well beyond her limits, like sickness. She couldn't find a part of her that didn't ache with the energy taken from .her to fuel Hughin's having. Invira couldn't imagine what the primary caster felt like.

She readied herself to fight as if nothing hurt, as if she could breathe without her ribs reminding her she hadn't had time enough to heal.

But help descended from the trees and while she was glad for it, there was also an unease crackling within her. They likely wouldn't survive fighting these creatures but what were they? What were their aims?

She started to rip more of her shirt, it was ruined anyhow, and looked around the ground before finding a stick of appropriate thickness and snapping it to her desired length and approaching Arnas. "This should do well enough as a splint. Will you be able to keep it still or should I fashion a sling?"

Words were more difficult with the weight of her exhaustion on top of her injuries, but she managed them enough.

 

[Auda]

After what it seemed like forever, the fighting finally came to an end along with the champion. Unfortunately, it looked like they were still surrounded and some of Aureal's companions are severely injured but luckily enough, they were saved by monkeys, weirdly enough. The Elf glanced at his surroundings as he took in the condition of his friends. Friends? Aureal thought, hesitating. Surely after knocking on death's door multiple times they can be considered as so. A small smile slowly made it's way on Aureal's face before returning his focus on the matter at hand. It appeared like Hughin has been stabilized while both Waylond and Arnas seemed to persevere considering they took the blunt of the fight. Everything seemed fine, considering their circumstance.

After tense exchange between the party and the troop of monkeys, it looked that they'll be venturing further into the forest to meet their king. Things were starting to look up but with their luck for the last few days, Aureal knows it's not going to last long. Still, he'll enjoy this feeling of relief for a few more hours.

 

[Viper Actual]

Pain echoed throughout Eirana's body as the healing process reached its climax. Her muscles twitched and convulsed violently and her hands shook uncontrollably as well. At this point she was completely oblivious to to the fighting around her. Eirana briefly looked up at Invira and Zakala, sparing them only one single brief glance each. Whatever pain the two of them had absorbed was simply half of what Eirana had chosen to burden.

When Hughin came to his senses Eirana immediately stopped the healing ritual, causing her to slump downwards into a sort of limp sitting position. She was exhausted and barely overheard the commotion caused by the monkeys and their surprise ambush on the unknown hostiles.

She tried to steady herself and summon enough strength to stand up but she was simply too fatigued to stand on her own. "I... I need help." She said with a broken voice, hoping that someone who was in better shape would be able to support her.

 

[joshuadim]

As Hughin's woke up rather groggily he knew that he was alive from the dull pain he still felt in his shoulder along with the myriad of distant voices talking about. While his wound was healed, it didn't bring back the blood he had lost and thus he would remain weak for some time. Slowly but surely he was able to make out in general what was going on, including the fact that they were now surrounded by monkeys with spears and bows much to his own confusion. He wasn't exactly sure what to make of the situation and so opted to not comment for the time being as he looked over to Eirana, who seemed practically drained in saving his life and nodded to her: "Thank you." he spoke quietly as he took a deep breath.

The splint fashioned by Invira certainly helped Arnas, although getting it on also hurt like hell as he grunted in pain. "I'll manage... thanks. And yeah, Da'Vost makes a good point." he replied with a smile before returning his attention to the monkeys, all of whom were getting ready to leave at a moment's notice. A good idea considering the dangers that the group had encountered thus far and the leader of the monkey group seemed more that ready to leave. "We go soon. City not far."

"Well hold on now, not all of us can walk well after that fight-" Zakala began to say aloud as her head throbbed in pain but was quickly cut off by a sudden deep pain in her forehead causing her to wince and grasp her head with her hand. The monkey leader looked to a few of his underlings and grunted, which made them leave for a few moments before returning with what appeared to be stretchers made of twine and bamboo. "If hurt, we carry."

The statement prompted Arnas to quickly look over to where Hughin was and rushed over to him when he realized that the man was conscious again. "Dad! Are you alright?" he asked Hughin as he kneeled down to him, who gave a weak nod as he looked to the young man's arm with more worry for him than himself. Arnas noticed this and grinned: "It'll be fine... I hope. But we're safe now, we're gonna get you out of these woods."

"I hope so... I had enough... fighting for the night..." Hughin replied in a half-asleep manner. "I just need some shut-eye... is all."

"Well you'll get your rest old man." Arnas jested with a smile before heading over to Eirana. "I only got one arm but I can try to lift you..." he proposed to the elf.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Looks like that little woodling child Sharad met earlier is right after all; there is a monkey king! Though, he does remember what he had said after, that they'll have him "roasted on a spit." Recalling this, Sharad shuffles over to Zakala, intent to warn her.

"Joony said they'd roast him in a split, remember?... You think they can be trusted?" he quietly hushes to her.

 

[CaptainFizzgig]

Perhaps not ever, she didn't deserve to do that, not really. splinting an arm doesn't take long and she did it efficiently, perfunctorily. Tying the stick to the arm to help stabilize the arm, something easy she'd learned very early on in her training on the days she was too weak to train in her fighting. Invria couldn't...quite look Arnas in the eye, not yet. Perhaps not ever, she didn't deserve to do that, not really, though she couldn't help but give him an assessing look when he denied a need for a sling.

She looked over her mages next. They needed to be--okay. They needed to be safe and it was her job to make sure these monkey-creature-things didn't harm them.

So she noticed Eirana and rushed to kneel beside her, wincing at her aching body.

"What can I help you with M--Eirana? I can--whatever you need."

She was failing, or so close to it. Hughin had almost died, Eirana looked a moment away from passing out, she'd nearly killed Arnas.

(And no one had punished her, what would it look like when they had time? She deserved that punishment. What--).

Taking a breath to steady her thoughts, she looked between Eirana and Arnas, "What should I do?"

 

[Infab]

Drokos took note of the wounded and tired, eventually lowering her poleaxe to her side. "I can carry some wounded if need be." she stated, motioning towards her back with her thumb.

 

[joshuadim]

Zakala looked over to Sharad with a worried look and shook her head: "At this point... I'll take monkeys over those horrible creatures." the demoness whispered back with a dry humor. "If they haven't killed us now... well, we have better odds."

Lanya in the meantime was practically ecstatic to see such strange creatures, in her eyes in any case, and looked to Da'Vost with a giddy expression: "I neva seen monkeys before Vost!" she stated with a grin, "What da ya think the king is like?"

Arnas looked to Invira and nodded: "Help me get her up so we can get her to one of those stretchers. Arm over your shoulders and such..."

Arnas and Invira 1d8: 6. Pass.​

Both Arnas and Invira had a bit of difficulty getting Eirana up to her feet considering Arnas was working with one functional arm at the moment, but they managed as they were successful in their task and managed to bring the elf over to one stretcher, laying her down as gently as they could so that the monkeys could carry her. With their objective completed, Arnas looked over to Invira and looked her over before raising an eyebrow: "Is everything alright Invira? You've been acting... odd."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"If they haven't killed us now... well, we have better odds."

"Maybe... If not, then I hope they enjoy the taste of 'phaal'." he jokes back.

Looking around at the monkeys surrounding him and the rest of the group, he steps aside from Zakala as he waits to see whether or not the others will follow them or not. They might've saved their lives but he still worries that their troubles aren't over yet; and these monkeys are just another predator in this land, just as Joony suggested.

 

[Adobe]

"What the... fuck." Eidunn muttered to herself. She took a seat on a large root, staring towards the, 'monkeys'? Letting out a groan, she placed her head into her hands. "What the fuck is going on?" she whispered, looking up at the rest of her companions. You're not going to find out by acting like this. Getting up from he seat, she ambled her way over towards Zakala and Sharad. Compared to the rest of them, she's got off scot free. "Who are these 'people'?" she asked the two, looking towards the monkey in question.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Who are these 'people'?"

"People? Why, these are Hughin's Helldogs, my dear!" Sharad responds sarcastically. He gestures over to one of the monkeys. "And those are monkeys."

 

[CaptainFizzgig]

Hefting Eirana on one shoulder, Invria diligently ignored the weakness in her own knees. She didn't want to relinquish Eirana but knew it was likely best--the elf would be more comfortable there and she would be free to defend her--any of them--if necessary.

Arnas' question startled her more than a little bit, tensing under his scrutiny. She couldn't lie, lying had been trained out of her system as early as breathing had been instilled in her, but admitting weakness didn't seem wise. "I--I am alright. The situation is difficult but I can perform my duties." This wasn't hard. It wasn't like she hadn't been punished before. It had just been so long, she'd thought she was doing so good and then this place was one thing after another and she kept not doing as well as she knew she could.

 

[Dmaster]

Da'Vost was somewhat relieved to see that their saviors were assisting with the wounded, his own injuries mild in comparison. Fortunately it seemed that they would make it through this ordeal, which was enough cause for mild, internal celebration. The Aervis shuffled about in place, looking about with rapid swivels of his head to see when they would be departing to meet this monkey king. Though Lanya's excited exclamations got him to look down at her, part of him wondering how she could be so lively and ecstatic after all of their lives had been threatened. Perhaps it was the adrenaline?

With a chuckle he nods to Lanya with a smile. "Hmm... I do not quite know. I imagine he'd be regal, at least. Hopefully friendly."

 

[Viper Actual]

While incredibly relieved to see Hughin talking unhindered while also being grateful for the help the others offered her Eirana could barely look at them, much less thank them. She would have to express her gratitude later on. As she was placed on the stretcher her eyes narrowed and locked unto the sky. A beautiful sky. Its contrast to these lands is astonishing.

She sighed and tried to look to her left though in the end only her eyes ended up moving. Eirana studied one of the monkey warriors. Their armor, weapons and very appearance were unknown to her. Either the ship had truly reached its destination or the mercenaries had ended up in some other truly alien land. She grimaced. Thinking made her head feel even more dizzy than it was, prompting Eirana to simply close her eyes in an attempt to rest and recover.

 

[joshuadim]

Arnas wasn't entirely convinced by Invira's response but opted to not press further as he gave her a nod and left it at that. He would then head over to where Hughin was and , with Zakala's help, would get him onto his own stretcher as well. For those who were more wounded than others, they would also find themselves taking a place on one of the free stretchers and soon enough they were off to move with the monkeys to where was presumably their leader resided. The group, after having dealt with such fighting for the night, felt no desire to sleep as they moved with the monkey cohort further into the woods and further into ever more differing flora. Fantastical, large trees shot up towards the skies and strange plants of all kinds could be seen growing all around. One could easily discern that they had now entered a jungle as they pressed on through until the early morning hours, where a short rest was mandated by the monkey leader. After recuperating and scouting to ensure they had not been followed, they continued on forward...

That night, further West...
Gazrok and what remained of his retinue had managed to retreat out of the woods and headed towards the warcamp established by his kin. All that remained were bloodied, battered, and practically near death, the Champion included, but through sheer force of will they had managed to return. The warcamp came into view in all its menacing glory had walls made of blackened steel that seemed to extend far out, ladened with spikes and construction as the toiling of elvish slaves could be heard. A cry to open the gate was heard as Gazrok and his men approached, and the steeled maws of the entrance opened to welcome its warriors home. As they re-entered their outpost, Gazrok nearly collapsed to one knee as he felt blood continue to surge out of his wounds. He had severely underestimated the strength of such stragglers and paid the price for it... and worse still he would have to explain his failure to his superior.

Rather hesitantly, he walked his way up a steep slope towards a main building that had been established on its peak. He knew that many eyes of his compatriots were watching him as he made his way towards what very well could be his last conversation, but the pain he had been experiencing from his combat detracted his attention from such judging eyes. As he entered the building, he saw a singular figure clad in rather ornate green armor standing in front of what appeared to be a charted map of the region. He managed to take a few steps before stopping in fear as the figure spoke up:

"You return with the stench of failure upon you, Gazrok."

"General Thazzron... I-"

"Choose your words carefully. I do not tolerate excuses."

Gazrok took a moment to ponder his words before opening his mouth again: "I... I underestimated the strength of the stragglers you had pursued. And they were aided by the monkeys of the jungle... forgive me for my failure." he spoke as he fell to a knee and sent his gaze to the ground in fear. A few tense moments passed as he nearly held his breath for what he believed would be his last, but was rather surprised to hear the General walk in front of him as the latter gazed down upon him with a disgusted snarl.

"Do remember, Champion, that your position can easily be taken away. Our lord does not tolerate failure in any capacity. And that extends to me. And if you fail, then by extension I fail. Next time, I will be forced to make an example out of you should you repeat your mistake."

"I... I will double my efforts to hunt them down-"

"No. You have another task from now on. We require more slaves for our plans. You will lead raiding parties against the Elvish realm to the north. Sow chaos in their country alongside our insiders."

"But... what of the stragglers?"

General Thazzron gave a chuckle as he walked over to a window and oversaw the entire encampment. Dozens of machinations had been erected for portals that continually brought in dozens of soldiers every minute. They were practically swarming after all this time, and were preparing for war. "They matter not. They cannot stop what is to come."

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END OF CHAPTER 1​

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[joshuadim]

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ACT 1
CHAPTER 2
THE CALL OF THE WILD​

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As the Company travelled with the monkeys, they made their way through a number of jungle vistas that included grand views of the jungle canopies, thundering rapids, and venerable waterfalls that dotted the landscape. Fortunately for them, it seemed as though these were regular pathways for the monkeys, as there had been rudimentary paths and bridges already established to cross such natural formations. The sun had reached noon as the group finally found themselves escorted to what appeared to be ancient and overgrown walls, guarded by a few larger monkeys atop its ramparts that watched the newcomers with suspicion as they were led inside.

​

Further in, the establishment of huts and buildings both under and atop the trees could be seen as they pushed through what appeared to be the main street of a city. Monkey of all kinds stopped going about their day as they watched with confusion, suspicion, and excitement at seeing such strangers enter their realm. Younglings swung about and jumped from roof to roof the catch a better look as the adults remained on the ground and conversed with one another as the cohort led the group further and further in. Eventually, they were led into a large and vastly open area where one could see mountains and peaks surrounding the region as well as numerous ancient buildings and constructions dotted about.

​

One such construction seemed more magnificent and grand than the other with its close to pyramidal top and grand pillars signifying its entrance, and that's where the Company was being led to. It didn't take long to arrive at its entrance before the monkey leader turned to the group and raised a palm. "You wait. I return soon." he stated as he walked into the building through its ancient stone doors, leaving the group in relative privacy apart from the monkeys from the cohort that had helped bring them to this strange place. Lanya was in awe in what she saw as beauty personified in the mixture of building and wilderness and had been practically tugging on Da'Vost's robes and pointing at nearly everything as they had been walking through the city. Hughin sat up from his own stretcher, having had the chance to properly rest for a bit, and stood up rather weakly as he looked about. "A whole city of monkeys... I used to think I've seen everything." he stated with a dry humor as he leaned onto Arnas for support. Zakala remained continually on guard as she remaine rather tense and not willing to relax. She didn't know if their 'saviors' could be trusted in the slightest, as she had no idea what their intentions were in the first place.

 

[Viper Actual]

Despite her weakened state Eirana tried to take in as much of the surroundings as she could. Whenever she was too tired to actually open her eyes Eirana did her best to focus her hearing.

From what she could tell the monkeys had escorted them deep into their own territory and- hopefully- relative safety.

"This place... Truly we must have reached the continent which we sought out?" Said Eirana with a soft voice, still lying on her stretcher.

 

[Fauxs]

Along their travels, Cain was once again indulging on more time to skim through his journal. Aside from this, he started to notice how fast things were changing for him and almost forgot his true goal; finding his missing father. His whereabouts still remain unknown to Cain which was caused by his father's sudden disappearance. As the sun shined upon Cain's face, his thoughts dispersed almost immediately as he saw breathtaking mountains, peaks, and ancient infrastructures inhabited by talking monkeys. Cain was still however, concerned about the company's knowledge as to where they are and what the goal of this ancient civilization may be, he then remained cautious of their surroundings.

 

[joshuadim]

A few tense moments of quiet passed as the group loitered about as they awaited the return of the monkey captain from inside the palace while the guards maintained their gaze without waver upon every one of the Company. Soon enough however, the monkey captain returned and nodded his head: "You go in. Talk to King." he spoke, motioning towards the doors to beckon the Company to enter. Hughin took a deep breath and nodded, "Well, we ought to do what he says I suppose." he said aloud as he, with Arnas' help, walked towards the doors. Members of the company would follow shortly after as well in entering the palace.

What was rather surprising was how different the interior of the palace seemed when compared to its weather and time-scarred exterior. Whereas the latter had all manner of plant life growing into it as well as erosion and weather rather visible, the interior seemed completely pristine and well furnished with a large variety of treasures, art pieces, and other trinkets and furniture from all around the world it seemed. Yet rather than it being placed elegantly as one would expect, all these items were haphazardly strewn about without much care or thought put into it as if it were nothing more than a hoard. Jade states from Liudong, meticulously crafted incense smokers from Manwon, marble sculptures from the ancient empires of man, shamanic runestones from the orc tribes of Ergos, and much much more. It was all fantastic and grand, and at the center of such a strange court was a massive stone throne embedded with jewels of all kinds... yet with no one sitting atop of it.

This confused Hughin and company as they moved through the massive and lavish throne room, carefully avoiding to knock over anything in particular as to not insult their "host", even if said host was nowhere in sight at the moment. "...where is this king?" Arnas muttered with confusion. Yet as he spoke, the massive stone doors leading into the throne room suddenly slammed shut behind the Company, leaving the group basically locked inside. Before Hughin could sound an alarm, the very lighting inside the throne room seemed to dim rather unnaturally as smoke seemed to appear out of practically nowhere, leading up to the throne itself as two beacons of light shone upon it.

"Ho ho ho! Welcome to my realm, mortals! It's not often I get visitors from lands afar..." a voice suddenly spoke aloud with significant reverb and intensity within the area. To those that could sense it, a very powerful presence materialized somewhere in the area to the point where it was nearly overwhelming. Hughin raised an eyebrow at the notion that they were 'visiting' and spoke up: "Visitors? We were practically marched here by your troop."

"Indeed! By my orders as well, fu fu fu! But of course I would take an interest in those who witnessed a god be driven to near death."

"What the- how do you know about that?" Zakala asked aloud, spinning about as she tried to find the source of the voice.

"I know a great many things... as is natural for a King!"

 

[Breadman]

The entire journey had left Waylond and Pottrey tired. The knight from his battering and the squire due to being slightly out of form and from helping his ser walk when he needed the help. The hit he took to the head was more severe than he thought initially. The monkey business they were in was grating to say the least. This king was a trickster of some sort. A prickly one by the sound of it.

"Then you should know that we pose no threat to you, king of the monkeys."

 

[joshuadim]

"Threat? Ha ha ha! I'm sorry but you couldn't even lay a finger on me even if you tried, Knight of Merish." the voice of the King taunted in a playful manner, the source region seemingly changing from place to place as it continued to speak. "If you must know, I also mean no harm... no, you are all here as esteemed guests of mine!"

 

[Adobe]

Eidunn shifted around, following the smoke as it flowed through her legs. Looking up at the two beacons of light, the voice took her of guard. Whatever the smoke was, it was definitely alive, or close to alive as smoke can be. For the king of the monkeys that had saved them earlier, he did seem to be a lot more well spoken. But the thing that captured her attention most was the various artefacts and objects littered around the room, more importantly, how they got here. Yes, I agree with that sentiment Eida, tread carefully with the word you say.

Clearing her throat, She look towards what she assumed was the things, face? "Well, It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesty." She said, curtsying before the stone throne. "And it has to be said, It is a rather nice collection" She said, gesturing around at the room beyond her.

 

[joshuadim]

"Well now, someone knows how to flatter and woo me it seems!" the King spoke once more in response to Eidunn, his voice echoing from elsewhere in the room once more as he chuckled. "My collection spans nearly ten-thousand years of culture and history from the mortal peoples of the world. I do happen to... walk among you from time to time. That's why there's so many different interpretations about me out there! But of course..."

The smoke quickly coalesced and spun towards the throne, whirling together in a large ball before puffing out and dissipating entirely, revealing a large figure clad in bronze-gold armor and wielding an intricately crafted staff of the same material.

"Behold! My true form! He he hee! The splendor of viewing a god is magnificent is it not?" he asked with glee before sitting down on his throne cross-legged and placing his weapon on his lap.

 

[Auda]

The inside of the palace was grand, to say the least. The littered objects around them piqued Aureal's interest and he had to stop himself wandering around the halls. The Elf would like to examine them up-close, each item with its own piece of history to unravel. His trail of thought was disturbed by the grand entrance of the monkey king. His majesty is probably the closest thing they have to an answer and will hopefully help in answering the questions in their minds. Following Eidunn's lead, Aureal gave the King a respectful bow before looking at their armored figure.

"I am humbled. His majesty's kindness knows no bounds for not only did you help us, but you also gifted us with your presence." The lights reflecting from the King's armor made Aureal squint his eyes and avert his gaze. "If I may ask, would you please tell us more about the land we're standing on?" Flattery will get you everywhere, or so they said.