Fantasy The Black Plague

[Soviet Panda]

Luther had been at the Standing Stones of Amberfall for the past several weeks now, and he was beginning to think those crows hadn't understood him. "I knew I should have gone to the Orders personally," he grumbled to himself as he leafed through one of his many books for the hundredth or so time. "And here I thought I had a knack for picking out the right ones. Guess they look the same to me as they do to everyone else. Perhaps I didn't speak clearly enough and they confused the words. Yes, yes, certainly that has to be it."

The only noise to be heard was the sound of Luther's complaining. A welcoming silence that told of no nearby hordes or lumbering abominations. However, even if there were, Luther was confident in the protective circle he had made. The Standing Stones, a group of rune etched stones that were taller than they were long and in place long before written history, had a tendency to amplify certain rituals. And with a few more ingredients courtesy of the phoenix Illumine, the barrier was nigh impregnable. He also couldn't leave without being burnt to a crisp, but he had supplies to last him another week, two if he really rationed it out.

Luther's complaints were stopped short when Illumine bent their head so their beak was next to the old man's ear. "Oh, you can sense them can you? Must have some really powerful demons with them then. Well I'd certainly hope so, I wouldn't want someone with but a pixie that can only shoot sparks. Now, let's make sure they don't die on the barrier." With that, Luther stood up from his spot on his wagon, groaning as his old body protested his decision to move, and went to extinguish the fire that kept the ritual going. With the flames gone, there was a faint shimmer of green, and the ritual was closed.

"Now let's greet our guests."

 

[Viper Actual]

Seventeen days had passed since Arianne had left the comfort and safety of her order behind. Twelve days had passed since her escort of twenty knights had left her, wishing her luck before turning back towards the fortress. When the call came to send forth their best Arianne was initially not considered. No, the order meant to send either one or all of their most veteran knights. Eventually they were considered otherwise. For starters the information they had received was lacking and some even questioned the credibility of its source though with the world having collapsed all around them the Crimson Blades had settled for at least trying.
When the decision came Arianne not only volunteered but also proved herself in a trial by combat which ultimately made her the representative of her secluded and secretive order.

Now Arianne watched as the Standing Stones came closer and closer. As she walked Arianne noticed how the ancient stones were surrounded by a wall of fire. Fascinating. A grunt could be heard next to her. Glancing over to her left Arianne saw how Uzhkarok, her demon, eyed the wall of fire with amusement. "A simple spell, that one. No match for my own elemental powers," said the demon.

Arianne smiled. "Certainly so, assuming that they've been casted by a simple pyromancer. A phoenix on the other hand? Well..." She let the final words be unsaid. Uzhkarok muttered something to himself. Then, as if it had overheard their converations, the wall of fire vanished and in its place was nothing but a green shimmer.

Uzhkarok looked to his master who simply nodded her head and continued to approach. They were getting closer. It's time for some answers.

 

[NanLia]

A crow arrived at their Order, passing along the request for the strongest and most diligent among their Volkhvy to attend forthwith. There was no question to the citizens, Gothi or other Volkhvy that Faelin would be chosen to go. The Adresprag Called her, summoned her to the Grand Coven and asked that she and Or'galok to Walk in the Depths and be rejuvenated by the Deep One before their long journey. It had been immensely soothing for her, the darkness surrounding her and brought her comfort and focus to the task ahead of them.

Faelin and Or'galok started on their journey in the early eveningt, breaking to the surface once the sun had settled and the heat of the day gone with it. Even in the dead of night the surface was far brighter than the Dark City had ever been so far as Faelin could recall. Stars and a moon illuminated her path, she had no fear of the "dark" or night on the surface. There were other dangers that the night brought but Or'galok could sense the presence of other demons and the pair managed to weave their way through the wilderness to their destination unscathed.

She slept through the day, Or'galok remaining at her side to keep watch. They had quickly discovered his powers were diminished during the daylight hours, though it wasn't a surprise to either of them, it did cause some worry for what their tasks my bring them. After a short rest in the twilight of the morning Faelin rose in the early daylight for the final leg of their journey. She couldn't stand the direct light, the sun causing intense pain in her eyes. She wrapped a cloth over them, channelling Sight through Or'galok she found herself at the designated meeting place, disappointed to be second to arrive.

 

[Xcavation]

Tirich had recently returned from a scouting mission that was assigned by the Overseer. Upon his return a messenger had relayed the message from a crow for him to make way to the Standing Stones of Amberfall.... a location unknown to him. At first he disregarded the message and went to the overseer, "Father i have returned, Permission to speak?" The overseer as usual raised his hand for permission. "Father, i have gotten a message requesting my presence to the Stones of Amberfall, What shall my response be?" The overseer facing towards the window, overlooking the kingdom they resided in, "I have recalled such a location, yet this request does peak my interest. Accept the offer my child. Update me with Omega every 2 days on your journey and proceed with caution. you leave at night fall."

The moon was shining bright and was time for Tirich to departure. Omega had requested to scout further ahead and tirich nodded as usual to let Omega go further on forward. While walking through a forest, the amount of questions he had were bothering him tremendously. "Father rarely accepts outside offers, let alone sending me out with little to no information. Father always needs to know everything." Lost in his thoughts he remembered that his opinion never mattered. It was always about the his Fathers orders, his obedience and loyalty were to always be followed no matter how he felt.

Slowly reaching towards the ridge off the mountainside, Tirich could sense Omegas presence returning to him. Reaching his hand out so Omega could transfer his observations, his hand trembled as the process of information was being linked to Tirich. Two unknown females and an elder male were in the viscinity, nearby the meeting location. Omega said, "I Sense these individuals of no hostility, yet proceed with caution. These humans are no weaklings... I feel power residing within them" Tirich Slowly made his way through the shrouded brush and dirt, till he could see the standing stones move towards one of the women. "Omega go down and greet these individuals... You know what to do if it's a setup" Without any hesitation Omega bowed his head down and disappeared into the shadows.

 

[Ayama]

Aema Starag

Proficient - Summoner - Devotee

"I live to serve the Crow."​

--

Location: [Standing Stones of Amberfall]

With: [Luther, Arianne, Faelin, Tirich]

Mood: [Aware]

​

Aema walked through the woods, enjoying the sound of the breeze in the eaves, the feel of the dirt under her feet, the smells of the leaves... As she walked, a measured voice spoke in her mind, indicating obstacles to step over or around- fallen branches, protruding roots, rabbit holes and the like. It had been a week since she'd left the fortress of the Crow and, though she had traveled the land before, never had she gone quite so far. It was thrilling to be on an adventure like this, and it also filled Aema with pride that she'd been the one chosen for this mission. She felt the weight of responsability on her shoulders. Responsability for the people, to find the source of this terrible plague, and responsability to her Order, to clear and restore their name.

At last, Aema reached the edge of the woods. She could now hear and feel the open space before her- the wind rushing through the tall grass, the hint of a cold bite to the air. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out and began to walk across the plain. Within a short time, she came within view of the legendary Standing Stones of Amberfall. She pictured the sight within her mind even as Tezrian described it to her. Once she got closer, the demon began to describe those already present: an old man accompanied by a phoenix, a beautiful woman wearing the attire of the Crimson Blades, a woman with banded eyes wearing the traditional grey robes of the Volkhvy, and a heavily-armored man from the Children of the Night. All three had powerful demons with them.

Aema stepped forward confidently, inclining her head to the old man, whom she took to be the one who had sent the missive.

"Wise One, I am Aema Starag, Proficient of the Second Wing in the Order of the Crow. We received your message and have come to help."

OOC: Hope that's ok for a first post~ ​

 

[walteryosmite]

"Do you think that poor crow made it here in one go?" Davy's voice would question Aegir, the leader of The Order of the Waking Sea. "The person who sent it likely didn't realize it'd be going so far. Probably would have been more appropriate to give the message to a sea gull." The older man would quip before smirking at the young man. "Well, we surely can't just send one of you. You and the Kraken should begin your way towards the mainland. It'll likely take you longer than any of the other requested Order knights. Gather enough supplies and be on your way, surely the Kraken can get you food if needed, so just focus on water for now." The large man would slap Davy across the back with a proud and hearty laugh. "On it, captain! I just have to say goodbye to everyone!" Davy replied joyously before turning to leave. "Everyone?" Aegir would question with a sigh. "He's going to be the last to get there, isn't he?" He'd grumble to himself before sighing and smiling once again.

It would take half a day for Davy to be satisfied with his goodbyes, his parents of course taking the longest of them all. His mother needed to make sure he had plenty of supplies and brought his shoes with him, his tendency for going barefoot would not be viable on the mainland. His father would take this chance to pass on a favorite fishing tool of his, a favorite of their people, a harpoon! This weapon proudly sported tiered spikes and a massive hook on the backside of the spearhead. This weapon would be easier to push through than to pull out of any wound. However, now that he was fully geared up, he'd go to collect his partner. With the four foot tall jar strapped to his back he would step off of the boat entirely. The curse of the kraken would keep him from slipping past the water's surface as the creature itself would raise to the surface on its own. "Welcome, oh mother of the deep.~ Have you been sleeping well?" Davy's voice would ring out to break up the rhythmic sounds of the churning ocean. The Kraken herself was nearly as large as the Nautilus, the great floating fortress of the sea. However, after dispersing enough water, the Kraken could easily fit within the jar upon Davy's back at least ten times. The jar was filled with salt water for the Kraken to remain in and the top was covered by a simple lid on a hinge, only closing properly when the Kraken pulled it shut.

Now on his way, it would take several days on the ocean surface to ever reach land. The Kraken, of course, would help him go a little faster at times. Whenever he managed to get to dry land he would take his first step on solid ground ever since his birth. This, of course, was jarring. Now on a completely solid object made his inner sense of balance feel like it was expecting near constant, even slight, movements. So, without expecting this, his ability to stand and walk straight took a major dent for at least a full day. With dry land came more and more uncomfortable experiences. Rather than being worried about sea debris getting caught on your legs, there was now spiderwebs and plants getting caught everywhere. Why were forests so thick! There was nowhere to walk inland from this deserted beach! The ground was soon causing his feet discomfort as well and the use of his sandals only made his feet feel restricted.

Though these sensations and experiences were new and uncomfortable at first, he was still so happy to be experiencing something so new to him. Several days into the journey and he had 'accidentally' gotten lost a few times. Truth be told he likely had the least distance to travel on land to make it to the Amberfall Stones, and yet he would end up arriving around the same time as everyone else. Unlucky for every area he was walking along, the Kraken was getting rather homesick. The sound of dryland was not as intense as the underwater world it was so used to.. so only a few days in the kraken began using its powers to summon storms. Constantly being wet was nothing new for Davy, but mud was certainly not something he was used to.

As he was about to reach their destination Davy was beginning to feel more and more giddy. The constant rain left him in a happy mood.. though he had forgotten to request the kraken stop its storms before they arrived. Sorry in advance if anyone of the landlubbers aren't fond of sudden rainfall.

Truth be told, as Davy looked amongst the people around him, looking upon the women and men that gathered in this singular spot, he truly felt a bit out of place. Sea faring clothes certainly were not up to par with the rest of the Knights that had gathered. The Kraken had been made uneasy in her tank, the multitude of fierce presences was exciting. The storm above was slowly beginning to die down as the Kraken's concentration broke... The lid of the Jar opening as the Kraken inside partially absorbed the water in the Jar and grew to fill the jar with its body alone. A loud squeak coming from Davy as the kraken would use his head and shoulders as a means to pull itself up to peer at those around it. "I've never seen you this eager before, Haf'Gufa. What's gotten into you?" the young man said as he giggled, pulling at the tentacles that wrapped around his head. "Have I arrived on time?" The young man would ask those in front of him with an eager smile.

 

[OverconfidentMagi]

"You sent a child to the mainland."

"Now now Roash, I did not send a child. I sent a man with the Kraken."

"I don't care what sort of monster he has with him, you sent a child to answer a fool's quest. The boy's blood is on your hands."

Aegir, captain of the Nautilus, had known Roshar for many years now, and this was not the first time his friend's slow-moving anger had turned to include him in its path. But each time it came, he felt daunted by its weight, like a wave of stone so heavy it might topple over and crush him. But as the lord of the sea, his pride buoyed him above whatever fear he held towards his friend. That was in part how he still managed to call such an unreasonable person a friend after so many years and disagreements. "I'd have preferred to send you," he said evenly. Roshar's cold eye bore down on him. He sighed and shook his head. "Of course I'd have liked to send the best I have on this quest." Aegir met that gaze with both of his own eyes. "But you were quite... immovable about not wanting to return to the mainland. You might think Davy still a child, but he's the only other person I could have sent."

"Because of what he's contracted with," Roshar growled. "You don't care that he's rash and lacking any experience at all. You just want to make use of his monster."

"If that's what is needed to pull off this fool's quest as you call it," Aegir refused to back down.

"You're a seasick son of a bitch," Roshar said as he stormed out.

The other part of how he'd managed to keep Roshar in check for so long was by being rather unreasonable himself. Aegir waited some time, and then stepped out as well to spy upon the docks to watch for when Roshar left to chase after Davy. He didn't have to wait long before he saw his old friend jump off the side of the ship with a dingy slung over his shoulder like a travel pack. Soon the tiny wooden vessel was cutting a V in the sea as it raced towards the mainland, pushed along by Roshar's own monster. Now he'd sent three monsters. Surely that would be enough to see this fool's quest to success.

***

Finding the boy proved a simple matter. Davy's pet was dragging around a storm cloud over his head all the way from the coast to the meeting spot. As soon as the rain began to disperse, Roshar closed the remaining distance and slowed again as he approached the standing stones. He was thinking of whether to beat the boy and then berate him or berate him while beating him when his single eye caught a slight movement. It was nothing compared to the movements of the people gathered within the stones, and that subtlety is what drew his gaze. The thing moved like one wishing to not be noticed.

"Sword," his rocky voice said, and his shadow darkened and from it bubbled up the red ribbon-wrapped handle of a sword. He pulled the blade the rest of the way out and held the sword point-skyward as he judged the distance. In a smooth motion he tipped the blade in the direction of the thing he'd half-seen and hit the butt of the sword with his palm. The blade shot off like an arrow, barely making a noise even when it sank a foot into the patch of shadow where he'd spotted something moving.

Roshar ignored the humans in the stones for now as he walked past them to inspect what manner of thing his sword had struck.

Xcavation

 

[PhantomSamurai]

Marcus made his way across a barren field heading in the direction of the meeting spot that the messenger crow had told him about. He was a little surprised that the crow managed to find him considering he had left the base months ago after burying the mangled bodies of his former comrades. His black wolf armor was stained with the blood from the various monsters he had killed in the past few months. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard a familiar voice "well well well marcus my boy where we off too?" a low voice growled next to him, he did not even need to look to know who it was.

"shut the hell up Azagog I'm going to a meeting of some kind" he answers still not looking in the direction the demons voice was coming from. "oh dear marcus that hurts it really cuts me deep when you talk to me like you dont like me, come on we are buddies" the demon responds placing a clawed hand on Marcus's armored shoulder. "Get the hell off me we are not buddies I'm only stuck with you until our deal is complete then you are going to devour my soul" he retorts shaking the hand off his shoulder. "yes, when the deal is up I will devour your soul...your sweet, sweet tortured soul. But remember you willingly entered a contract with me nobody forced you" the demon responds letting out an evil smile.

"just shut up and get out of sight there are people up ahead" he says to the demon as he sees the standing stones coming into view. The demon says nothing and disappears, Marcus makes his way to the group that are already gathered at the stones but says nothing. He leans against a stone and looks around at the others.

 

[Midrick]

Richter walked through a barren field, the meeting place that the message mentioned was supposed to be close by. When Altasgracias, The grand general of the order selected him to go out and act as representative of the Order. He was recently promoted to lieutenant, above the sergeant's but below the captains of the orders. His bound demon, Ka'bandha, strode beside him, but towered over Richter at a staggering 8 feet. Most ot Ka'bandha was covered in a chitinous armored plating, and below that he was pure muscle and rage. "Are we getting close?." The Large demon growled, usually they would be set upon by bandits or other ruffians looking for someone to prey upon, but the journey had been uneventful, they had barely seen a soul on their Journey from the fortress.

Richter looked down to the left side of his hip, his sword sat in its scabbard, the armor used by the Order was good quality, but the weapons created at the forges of Kadingir were second to none. They were not elegant or beautiful weapons, they were designed for maximum killing potential and they were made to the point of being able to cut through strengthened steel. Escribar, the head blacksmith of the fortress had presented it to him as a gift for his promotion as well as to help him on his journey.

afterra few more minutes of walking and Ka'Bandha complaining about not having anything to beat or rip apart, they had found the stones. "Well." Ka'Bandha asked sarcastically, Richter turned and looked up at him. "Shut the fuck up." He said quietly to make sure that the others couldn't hear him, This earned an chuckle from Ka'Bandha. "The order of the slayer has answered your call wizard." The stomping of the large demon ceased as he came to stand side by side of his contracted human. "Brother-lieutenant Vane, at your service." He said as he surveyed the other people who had arrived.

Soviet Panda

 

[Soviet Panda]

Luther bowed to each as they arrived and eagerly awaited more. But when none came, he gave a small frown. "I was hoping for more," he muttered softly to himself. He took a brief moment to study those that had arrived in depth, his phoenix Illumine bent with their beak close to Luther's ear. Occasionally he would give a small nod or let out a small 'ah', but whatever the bird was saying was kept secret.

"Welcome, I am Luther Pendragora. I'm sure you have all been told why you have been sent here, but let me make things clear. I might have found a way to end this accursed sickness that has wracked the world. It will not be quick, and it will not be easy, but it is possible. But first, we must go into Amberfall. There I have an old friend that has managed to somehow survive the infestation, and her help will help us greatly. However, for the time being, I'm sure you've all had a long journey and need your rest." He wordlessly watched as a sword came flying past and interrupted him, but continued on none the less. "And I'm sure we'd all like a moment to dry ourselves."

Finally he turned to face the masterless demon. "Tell your master he can come out now. Unless they think an old man like me can take them on, let alone several other properly trained fighters with their powerful demons. I don't want him left out of the circle when I reignite the fire." And with that he turned and went back to his wagon, presumably preparing to reignite the ring of fire.

 

[Viper Actual]

Shortly after arriving at the Amberfall Stones a series of rather varied and unique individuals arrived shortly after. Arianne, satisfied with being the first to arrive, smirked and nodded her head to greet the supposed wizard and his phoenix.

Once Luther had spoken Arianne looked at the others and bowed her head. "Lady Arianne Haldas of the Crimson Blades." She then gestured towards the demon by her side. "Uzhkarok the Tamed Flame."

Upon uttering his name Uzhkarok let out an amused grunt causing several flames across his body to flicker and flash momentarily.

 

[NanLia]

Faelin didn't have to wait long before more were arriving. It was no surprise that plenty of other Orders had been contacted for the very same reason; in truth it made sense. The more Orders working together on the same path meant the work could be done faster and, with any hope, safer. She was quite disappointed to see that a magicker didn't arrive themselves but instead sent their demon down so they may remain hidden. It lead her to believe that either the individual wasn't confident in their abilities comparatively or they were seeking an upper hand for nefarious reasons. Or'galok leaned in and whispered much the same thoughts as her own and she nodded her agreement.

Soon enough two more arrived, an eager young woman by the sound of her voice - confident of herself and her reason for being. Moments later a young man who's contract seemed to be a handful given what Or'galok whispered to her. How could he have been the best of the best if he couldn't handle his demon bond? She had no time to question further as two more arrived and announced themselves. It was all quite noisy for Faelin. The sounds of the demons and humans standing around the stones, shuffling in the grasses and dirt. Breathy noises from some who were impatient or giggles from others who she couldn't consider serious. The wind blowing flora about and the noise of rain drops pattering around them. Odd thing rain, as Or'galok had called it. An occurrence that did not happen in the Dark City but something she noted to tell others when she returned.

Thankfully she didn't have to wait long as they were soon addressed by the one that had summoned them. She tilted her head aside curiously as he spoke of his knowledge on how to end the plague that currently ruled all of their lands. Faelin appreciated the mention of allowing them rest - she couldn't account for the others but she would certainly take up the offer. Casting her link with Or'galok once more she used his Sight to lead her path towards the wagon behind the old man.

Or'galok did not follow immediately, taking time to regard the others and their demons with more detail - certainly the man that arrived sword first. He spoke no audible words but grinned slowly at the boy being chastised by the elderly man from his own Order.

Viper Actual Soviet Panda Midrick PhantomSamurai OverconfidentMagi walteryosmite Ayama Xcavation

 

[Xcavation]

Tirich was keeping a keen eye while he saw the elderly man talk to Omega. A sign that the man had no hostile intentions, yet he couldn't let his guard down with all these other strangers gathering around. His connection to Omega is extremely sensitive, its as if they are two beings connected as one. Omega responded to the elderly man, "I shall bring him out" Omega went quickly moved back towards Tirich when a sword suddenly flew in his direction. This startled Omega quickly triggering Tirich into defense mode. Where he drew his spear that was about 7 feet long, sharp to the tip and polished with a shine. He prepped his spear to be thrown in the direction that the sword came from as Omega in the shadows weaved his way back to support Tirich.

The heavy breathing in his helmet made him anxious on whether this was a setup or an ambush. As they could speak to one another without verbally speaking out loud he asked Omega, "Where did it come from?" Yet as he was speaking he sensed a strong presence in the area. He noticed a man with White hair out in the distance glaring towards his general direction. Without any second thoughts he stretched his left arm out so Omega could strengthen his dominant arm, the sight of his left arm was engulfed in a black haze. Then he stood up positioning himself with his aim towards the mans head, he yelled "If you're going to attack you better make sure its dead!"

OverconfidentMagi Soviet Panda

 

[Ayama]

Aema Starag

Proficient - Summoner - Devotee

"I live to serve the Crow."​

--

Location: [Standing Stones of Amberfall]

With: [The rest of the party (-1)]

Mood: [Concerned]

​

After Aema had expressed her greeting, the party was joined by a strange young man with blue eyes, sandy blonde hair and extremely tan skin. He had no shoes save for simple sandals and wore shorts and a simple shirt that didn't quite cover up the multitude of tattoos on his arms. He carried a harpoon and what appeared to be a large jar on his back. Tezrian barely had time to describe this to her, and Aema to wonder that the Waking Sea had even sent someone to join them, when the party was collectively drenched by a sudden downpour. The horned fly was quite irked by this, and buzzed her wings rapidly when the rain stopped in order to dry them. Aema looked quite bedraggled in her feather bolero, but the demon summoned a heat bubble in order to quickly dry her, describing the actions of the kraken in the jar even as her master heard the young man's voice and the question he posed to the group.

She then heard the heavy footfalls of another approaching them, Tezrian describing the man's roughened visage and armored appearance before giving a dissatisfied buzz. Azagog... she hissed into Aema's mind, which the proficient understood to mean this was a demon Tezrian knew (or at least knew of) and disliked. The man came to stand beside them without introducing himself or even saying a word, and Aema wondered which Order he was from. Another man came to join them- Aema could hear the heavy tread of his demon from quite a distance; it sounded quite enormous. The man was the only one besides herself to open with an introduction, which she appreciated, nodding when he mentioned his name, rank and Order.

After this final arrival, the one who had summoned them studied them each in turn before saying "Welcome, I am Luther Pendragora. I'm sure you have all been told why you have been sent here, but let me make things clear. I might have found a way to end this accursed sickness that has wracked the world. It will not be quick, and it will not be easy, but it is possible. But first, we must go into Amberfall. There I have an old friend that has managed to somehow survive the infestation, and her help will help us greatly. However, for the time being, I'm sure you've all had a long journey and need your rest." He paused for a moment as a sword flew past, unperturbed. "And I'm sure we'd all like a moment to dry ourselves."

Aema chuckled at that last part as he called out to an unknown demon. Apparently, two others had joined them but seemed to be engaged in combat instead of coming to meet the party. Aema wondered at this. An old rivalry between their Orders, perhaps...? she mused. The woman from the Crimson Blades introduced herself and her demon, and Tezrian gave a pleasant buzz which Aema understood to signify she liked and/or approved of this latest. She wondered if she and Uzhkarok had perhaps both been gods of the ancient world. The representative from the Volkhvy did not offer any further information, which surprised Aema very little, considering their reputation for keeping to themselves.

As she heard one of their missing members rise from the grass and call a challenge to the other, she stepped forward, cupping her hands around her mouth to ensure she would be heard and saying "Peace! None of us come here in quarrel with the others, as we were all summoned to accomplish a common goal. Please, sheathe your weapons and join us! Luther prepares to reform the protective circle, so that we may rest, introduce ourselves and share information before setting out on this quest. It would not do to have our efforts foiled so soon by a baseless conflict!" She sincerely hoped her words would get through, as she shuddered to think what would happen to them if they were caught outside the protection of the stone circle when night fell.

OOC: Btw, what time of year is it? I was thinking Fall ._. ​

 

[walteryosmite]

Davy would take a moment to inspect each and every person who arrived. Each knight appeared to be older than him, their demons mostly humanoids. Two of the women, that had arrived before himself, appeared blind. Their respective demon contracts whispering to them almost constantly. After each new arrival, it was almost clear that he was the odd man out. None of them look at him with much confidence. In fact, it almost seemed like each one of them saw him as nothing more than a future burden. Sure, he had no experience on land, but untamed ocean demons were a threat to the Nautilus and it was the Order of the Waking Sea to keep the vessel safe.

His concern over these people's view on him would quickly fade as he looked towards a familiar face. "So that's what Aegir meant by not being able to send just one of us." He'd smile as he saw Roshar approaching the stones, his hostile presence was rather hard to miss... the usual unfriendly face appeared to be distracted. "The shark is nearby." The mother of the deep spoke to him, something he was not completely used to. Her words were short, to the point and rare. Her own body language was her preferred method of emoting, which Davy had picked up on rather quickly. "Another has yet to show himself." The mother would comment on the shadow, the seeming focus of Roshar. "Whomever owns it seems far too cautious for his own good." Davy would comment aloud and then smiled joyously. "Are the weak the one who act this way, Haf'Gufa? I've yet to meet one of them."

When Davy finally paid notice to the older man who originally requested their presence, He was almost awestruck by the man's demon contract. A beautiful phoenix that seemed to shine above the others in hostile beauty. It was then that he realized Haf'Gufa's focus was primarily on this bird... wondering if she had met this creature even with her time in the sea or maybe it was just the more interesting appearance... only the mother of the deep could tell. When the older man began to speak of their reason for being here, Davy felt swells of joy. A cure for this worldwide problem? How wonderful to hear! When the man finally finished speaking Davy would first step forward. "May I ask a question before we leave to rest?" He'd say and then asked it anyways without permission, "Will this 'cure' bring the infected back to their original lives? Or have they already been deemed dead?" Davy would ask this seemingly morbid question with little more than an eager smile, either answer would be good to hear, as future infected could possibly be saved before they turn.

When it came time to move towards their resting area, he would do his best to keep near the older man to possibly hear his reply. He would appreciate the rest after the time walking out at sea and on land... his head still spun every now and then from the still new experience of a solid surface to walk on.

Soviet Panda

 

[OverconfidentMagi]

Roshar had continued walking unhurriedly towards the stone circle during and after throwing his sword as the coward's cowardly demon, and he gave Davy a single glare that said he would be berating the boy about something or another later. For now he'd found someone else to torment, and the crow's crying would not keep him from his minor enjoyment of this act. He took a seat within the circle to stare out at the posturing coward, but it was the crow he spoke to without turning from his prey. "Silence yourself girl. I'd rather know if a boy has nothing but air between his knees. Keeps me from getting up the expectation for him to suddenly turn into a man." He let out an annoyed sigh. "No offense lass. I refuse to ever entrust my survival to a yellow-scaled minnow."

The old man raised his head and projected his voice towards the single pair still outside the circle. "Oh, was that a threat? I don't care much for threats." His single stormy eye glared across the distance at the cowardly pair. He brushed aside his jacket for a moment to reveal the missing left arm and raised his right hand lazily in the air. "Quit your barking pup and try it." The old man's body language was calm, as close to relaxed as a man that seemed build of stacked stone could, but that gaze held firm. It held just as much deadly threat as was balanced on the tip of Tirich's held spear.

Ayama Xcavation

 

[PhantomSamurai]

Marcus said nothing, instead he watched all the others suddenly he felt a hand in his shoulder "well well well ain't this a hopping party" Azagog says with a twisted smile on his face, marcus turns his helmeted head and stares at the demon. "hey now big guy I kept out of sight long enough besides i am not the only demon here so I figure I'm just as welcome as you" he says patting Marcus on the shoulder, Azagog looked around at everyone who was gathered "well isnt this just a lovely bunch of rough and tough indivduals" the demon says letting out a throaty chuckle.

Marcus had, had enough of Azagogs talking, he gripped his sword and brought the massive weapon down with a crash in front of Azagog, the demon looked at the sword which was buried in the ground mere inches from his clawed feet he then looked at Marcus and smiled "jeez big guy if you wanted me to be quiet all you had to do was ask" the demon says disappearing for a moment and reappearing beside Marcus.

 

[Midrick]

Richter watched as the other knights made dramatic entrances he could already the one who struck at his demon with an oversized sword. He crossed his arms as Ka'Bandha snorted like a bull, hot air shooting from his nostrils. Like Richter, the demon had a low tolerance for bullshit. He smirked when Roshar made his comment toward the loner outside the circle. "I like your style elderman, but we really should refrain from killing each other until the end." He said with a grin.

Ka'Bandha turned toward Azagog, never had there been a demon that Ka'Bandha had despised. "Quiet, parasite." the demon said as he clenched his fists, Azagog was a trickster and relied on the strength of others to survive. Ka'Bandha hated demons who were weak enough to rely on another demon or mortal for survival.

Richter turned to the crow in there group and laughed when he heard her impassioned speech. "Don't get your panties in a twist crow, no ones getting it on, and if they do we'll just have to knock some sense into them." He said as he motioned toward himself and his companion.

OverconfidentMagi Ayama

 

[LavenderTea]

“…. Wait!!...”

There was a distant cry that was immediately followed by a bulky suit of armor breaking through the tree line. The figure rapidly approached the circle, the sound of metal clanking against metal, resounding with each step of their full-on sprint. The suit carried with it a tower shield, strapped to a bag upon its back, with a sheathed longsword clinging to their hip. Plumes of yellow and green stood out from there helmet, matching the yellow scroll work decorating the armor pieces. They almost appeared to run harder the closer they came to the circle, until finally they entered the ring and skidded to a hard stop.

“I… am… here!” A feminine voice echoed from the helmet, that and some labored breaths, as they doubled over, hands on their knees. They took a second to seemingly recover before standing up straight. With a little bit of struggle, they finally pulled off their helmet.

Wavy red hair uncurled past the figure’s shoulders, and the knight pushed back a curtain of it from their face, revealing a young woman. Her cheeks were still a bit rounded from youth, and as she pushed her hair away from her sweaty forehead, an ecstatic and toothy smile bloomed across her lips. “Temperance Alirisey, Knight of the Order of the Maple, heeding your call for assistance!”

The young woman stood at attention, excitement bright and earnest in her face. “My apologies for the late arrival, I hope I haven’t missed anything vital!”

Temperance then relaxed, holding her helmet beneath one of her arms. Her bright hazel eyed gaze shifted about the group occupied within the ring. She was standing amongst the strongest of the Knightly Orders. It was almost a blessing to be one of the last to arrive, basking in the presence of such greatness! The childish excitement coming off her was practically palpable, her fingers twitching as she waited to be addressed.

Susina, tangled up in a braid of red hair, was about the size of a pixie, and looked more like a doll than a powerful fey creature. With flower petals for hair, and leaves for a makeshift dress, tiny hands began to pat Temperance’s cheek as one would pat an over eager child. It was a bid to get her to calm down, and the knight was doing her damnedest not to begin asking for everyone’s name, order, rank, and favorite color.

 

[Soviet Panda]

Ignoring the more aggressive interactions of the knights for the time being, he decided to focus on what was directed towards him first. "Well, cure might have been to literal. I've found a way to stop it from spreading. I know that it will not do anything for those that have succumbed to the Plague, those that still fight it, however, I do not know. I hope for the best, though."

As he spoke, he was throwing a series of ingredients into a dish, and by the time he finished talking he had thrown the last of the ingredients into the dish. Standing up straight and turning around, he jumped when he saw Volkhvy so near to him, she had moved silently and he had not noticed her take up position near him. And at the new arrival whose noisy, armor clad sprint somehow went unnoticed by the elderly man, he said to her, "I had feared for a moment that the Maple had fallen. I am glad it still stands, and welcome you to our little group."

Now, left with no other choice, he addresses the stand off between the two knights. "Please, I will allow sparring between the two of you, but I don't want any blood shed. Now get in the circle, before night falls. I'm certain you will both survive it, but I'm also certain you'd like a full night's rest. I have food enough for all of you as well, so do not worry about sleeping with an empty stomach." He did not ask them to get along, simply to not kill each other.

"Come here, boy." He said, gesturing with one hand towards Davy to come closer. "Help an old man and hold this so I do not have to get on my knees to light it," he continued, holding out the bowl as he rummaged in a pocket for a flint and steel. He figured the boy did not know much about mortal magic and the need for rituals, considering how young he was and how he was contracted with such a powerful demon. The way he saw it, he only knew about a demon's magic. So he had a perfect excuse to teach, something he didn't do to often since the Plague began to spread. "What I have here is a mix of several dried herbs. Mostly wolfs-bane, but also some mistletoe and a bit of cattail. Wolfs-bane is a poisonous plant, and kills almost anyone that eats it. Cattails grow in stagnant water, water that tends to harbor sicknesses. And finally, there is mistletoe, and though it is associated with mostly fertility, it also signifies protection to some extent. Personally, I'd rather use willow, but I don't have any on hand. Illumine was also gracious enough to give me one of his feathers. Phoenix feathers are extremely flammable when removed from a phoenix, making lighting the fire much easier. And, since it is fire that protects us, it will strengthen the flame. And as for why it's fire, in the past fire has been used to cleanse and purify all that it comes into contact with. The infected will not be able to cross over, and with the Stones amplifying the ritual, nothing will be able to get through other than perhaps a Greater Demon, though I doubt there'll be anyone strong enough to have formed a contract with one other than those gathered here." With that, he finally found the flint and steel that was in his pocket and prepared to strike a few sparks onto the mix. "Once this fire is lit, it'll set the runes around the circle alight and create a wall of green fire. At least that's the hope. Some of the runes might have been wiped away from everyone arriving, though if that's the case it'll be a quick fix."

"All of you, get in the Stones, now. I will be lighting the fire soon, and once lit I will not blow it out until morning."

 

[Viper Actual]

Taking it upon herself to stand watch at the mage's wagon Arianne studied the phoenix in silence. Meanwhile Uzhkarok snickered as two members of the group began to...fight? Arianne shook her head. "One would think there are more important matters at hand," muttered Arianne. Uzhkarok let out an amused grunt. "You expect too much from your kin, master."

Arianne narrowed her eyes as she looked at her demon before returning her gaze to the others. "Perhaps..."

When the Maple knight arrived Arianne bowed her head to greet her. "The Crimson Blades greet you, honored knight." Uzhkarok even spared to nod his head as well. Unknown to most there was a somewhat covert and fragile alliance between the Crimson Blades and the Order of the Maple and while the Crimson Blades held no love for deities they did respect their mission to uphold the purity of nature.

 

[NanLia]

Faelin turned to face the others summoned by the crow. She mildly surprised by the gathering. They were unruly, to say the least. Noisy and boisterous, it was a wonder how many of them had survived this long. What seemed to be the final Order had arrived in a clatter of armour, Faelin thankful for the elder's second and final invitation into the circle for the evening. Already she could feel the air cooling and the tell-tale sign that night would be upon them soon enough.

Or'galok continued to watch wordlessly with his toothy grin, the other demons were of no concern but the ill tempered and chaotic humans that they were bound to were amusing and a far-cry from the people of the Dark City. He turned to regard his bound partner. "Volkhvy." His voice hissed in a whisper, almost inaudible unless you were listening for it. "Have the old one light the fires and send them home. This is no place for children."

Faelin inhaled deeply, she couldn't see what was occurring directly - she had to continue to use her bound demon's sight until the sun finally set and she could remove her blindfold. "Come within the ring, Or'galok, leave them to their own business. If they were sent by the Order then someone thought they were worthy - it means nothing to us if they are not prepared." She waited, silently watching her demon until he finally relented, striding into the circle to stand beside her.

 

[Ayama]

Aema Starag

Proficient - Summoner - Devotee

"I live to serve the Crow."​

--

Location: [Standing Stones of Amberfall]

With: [The others]

Mood: [Curious]

​

The young man asked a pointed question about the supposed 'cure', which Aema appreciated but felt was misplaced, considering the fact that two of their number still quarreled and Luther had not yet reformed the protective circle. Speaking of which, one of the two (the one who had thrown his sword, it seemed) did end up joining them, saying "Silence yourself girl. I'd rather know if a boy has nothing but air between his knees. Keeps me from getting up the expectation for him to suddenly turn into a man." And with an irked sigh, he added "No offense lass. I refuse to ever entrust my survival to a yellow-scaled minnow." Aema frowned in his direction.

"We have all come here to work together towards the same goal," she said, "and creating conflict where there needs be none goes against us accomplishing that goal. As does addressing others in this party in such a manner." Her words were even and measured, as was befitting of a member of the Crow. Tezrian, however, displayed open hostility, quivering her antennae, buzzing loudly and clicking her jaw aggressively. The man then called over to their final unknown companion, who declined to answer or show themselves, before a resounding crash brought all of their attention to the man who was partnered with the demon Azagog. Tezrian's buzzing ratcheted up a few notches, and Aema worried that her dislike for this particular demon might lead her to rash action.

The demon partnered with Vane seemed to share her dislike for Azagog, telling him to be silent, even as his companion seemed more amused by the current turn of events than anything. The posturing was suddenly interrupted by a cry and the sounds of an overlarge, clanking suit of armor. When the suit's owner reached them, she removed her helmet and Tezrian proceeded to provide Aema with a basic physical description as the Knight of the Maple introduced herself. Tezrian seemed intrigued by the knight's bonded demon, even as Aema smiled in her direction.

"Welcome- it is good to have a knight from the Order of the Maple with us on this dark quest." She made a mental note to enquire further about her Order at a later time, as they had been quite removed from worldly affairs for a while now. Luther then proceeded to respond to the boy's question and welcome the new arrival before explaining his procedure to the curious youth. Aema had to admire his knowledge and skill, and her confidence in this mission grew. He warned that anyone not within the stones before he cast his spell would be forced to spend the might outside the protective circle, and Aema hoped that the last straggler would heed the warning. She shuddered to think of what would happen to them if they didn't.

When the lady of the Crimson Blades welcomed the new arrival, Tezrian's buzzing quieted down. Aema could feel her straining against her bonds, wanting no doubt to go and converse with her friend Uzhkarok, but she was for, the time being, bound to stay by Aema's side. There would be plenty of opportunity for demonic conversations once the humans slept. Aema called back behind her once more

"Friend, I encourage you to heed Luther's warning, as there's no telling what horrors might come upon this circle during the night, drawn by the sight of the protective fire. Join us!"

She then stepped closer to the loosely formed circle and sat down on the tamped earth beside her new companions.

"Perhaps, as not all have been present since the first moment, and not all of us have provided identification, introductions (or re-introductions) are in order. I am Aema Starrag, Proficient from the Order of the Crow." She gazed unseeingly at the others, hoping they would consent to sit down peaceably and identify themselves as well.

OOC: Hope that was all right! ​

 

[walteryosmite]

Davy would continue walking with the older man, Haf'Gufa would borble from her tank as the two listened to the older man speak. Davy was honestly saddened to hear that not every soul would be saved, but soon that smile returned in full bloom as he witnessed the older man gather his ingredients and visibly jump as he was shocked by Volkhvy's lack of personal space. With the arrival of the newest soul he couldn't help but grow a bit awestruck by the large suite of armor. A female's voice was inside of it? He wasn't even aware that a woman could grow to such heights... though this was a rather welcome occurrence, as he didn't appear to be the only younger soul there.

Soon Luther would be summoning Davy over to help with something. Moving over to accept the given bowl as he stared down at the contents. Soon, the older man would begin his lesson on mortal magics. Cattails... Wolf's bane.... Mistletoe... He hadn't a clue what these plants were, more familiar with traditional moss, spores and seaplants. He would listen to the man speak of each ingredient, listing off their importance to the spell. Soon, one could see the steam billowing off of Davy's head. This was far too complicated for his first lesson. Far too much of this was being missed from his memories. The constant stare at the bowl was almost dim as he couldn't seem to grasp nearly half of what was being done. The only thing he could comprehend was the phoenix's feather, something he wasn't familiar with but could understand. That dazed look would soon snap into a face of shock as Haf'Gufa would drop a rather large ball of water onto Davy's head. A loud hiss of steam rolling off of his head as he suddenly lifted his head to smile doofily at the elder man. A rather nervous giggle trickling past his lips as he looked back down at the bowl. "All this for a spell?" He'd finally muster the words. "Mundane magic is like science..." He'd mutter to himself before wiping his own hair out of his face. "That we hardly understand." He'd huff to himself as he now felt stupider for having heard all of that. "I'm glad demon magic isn't so....... redundant." He'd finally say as he ran his hands through his golden locks, trying to brush the water off his head.

Huf'Gufa would wriggle her tentacles as she continued looking amongst the surrounding demons, still ever the eager demon as she wished to interact with all of them. Her desire to touch everything around her was also immense, her need to learn was overwhelming at times... Kraken surely learn best through their touch... this was evident as she attempted to touch every piece of the mixture that Davy was still holding onto. It also seemed that the Kraken was drawn towards the Knight of the order of maple... that small demon of hers surely held more than what their appearance displayed.

"Did someone mention food?" Davy would question aloud as his dumbfounded mind was now in need of energy. However, before anyone could bring him food, the blind woman began to speak of introductions. "Oh!~ I can do that!" He'd say as he sat up and looked to the blind woman and her demon. "My name is Davy Belenus! I am one of the Knights of the Order of the waking sea. The grumpy man over there is another one." He'd say, motioning towards Roshar before smiling happily. "I am titled as the Anchor of the Nautilus, the primary protector of the city of the oceans.~" he'd speak joyously of his accomplishment at his age and then thought about more he could mention. "This is actually my first time on land, so everything here is so new and amazing. I've never seen so many variants of Demon before, let alone the surroundings here are rather breathtaking. It's so different here compared to the sea." He'd smile in a deeply endearing manor, thinking of the mini adventure he had when he would manage to get lost along the way to the stones they stood amongst. "Can we also mention our favorite foods?" He'd ask and then immediately answered anyways. "If any of you ever find these things called 'fruits' I have always wanted to try one. Mother spoke of them as wonderfully sweet and I need to try one as soon as possible!" Davy's real answer to this question of his own was 'sweets' in general. Any sweet treat appeared to be a rather easy way to gain his favor.

 

[OverconfidentMagi]

Roshar held the coward's gaze. Neither blinked or looked away. The spear's tip was steady. It did not fly. "Coward," Roshar spat. He turned his back on the knight and his upheld weapon. And still it did not fly.

The old man's gaze rolled like a boulder over each of the individuals gathered within the circle of standing stones. Boys and girls, children playing knights, knights playing hero. Heroes playing dead. But no one told death it was just a game. The orders had sacrificed these children as if they'd laid them down on the altar and drained their blood with their own hands. It was nothing new. The orders would sacrifice much more for their own survival. There wasn't a virtuous one left anywhere he'd been or heard speak of. In that way the orders were the same as the people they were filled with. Not a single good one still living.

"We have all come here to work together towards the same goal," the crow girl said. Roshar wondered if she'd been sent away by the rest because they, like himself, grew tired of her constantly open mouth. "And creating conflict where there needs be none goes against us accomplishing that goal. As does addressing others in this party in such a manner."

He clicked his foot against the stone. "Listen, Ana - whatever your name is, I don't care - your head is full of ideals and other noisy hollow things and they're spilling out your mouth. So shut it. You're only here because of your demon, which this flaming hermit has need of. You're irrelevant. That goes for all of you." His gaze held on Davy before falling heavy upon the only person present that he couldn't call a child.

"Luther was it?" He took in the man and found nothing he hadn't seen in other liars and fools. "You look old enough to know better than to take advantage of the youths. They've always been too eager to toss their lives at the feet of noble-sounding causes." He slowly shook his head and tapped his fist against the stone beneath him. "Do you even plan to mark their graves?"