[ATS] Darkness Descends

Characters: Arek, Althaia, Cherubin, Erius, Morvin, Vaysh, Aeolus, Jeremis
~An announcement written in precise, legible script is posted in prominent areas of the city~

The city has come under attack once more. Brief but unprecedented, and thus no less lethal than many that Tralisia has suffered in the past, the attack took its toll of victims, as well as damaging much of the city itself. Many were wounded or fell in Tralisia's defense, as its citizens took up arms as well as its soldiers.

As many accounts have told, Lamishtis Kaervek, known as the former student of Erius Riesuts, was led into the center by a certain Cherubin Soleil earlier today. Claiming to have been blinded by a being of malicious intent, he gave the guards a disturbing portent. The details of this are unclear, but it is known that a watchman by the name of Tytan Mountain-Hammer was dispatched to investigate. The result of the investigation has yet to be released.

Shortly afterwards, however, a vortex opened in the heart of the city, and darkness fell over Tralisia and the surrounding lands. Wayfarers have claimed that the darkness extended throughout Ama'rane, and perhaps all of Eihydia. Creatures that can only be described as demonic then issued from the vortex and commenced attacking all those they encountered, slaying a great number before the guards were mustered to defend the city.

After several unsuccessful attempts to withstand the demon horde, a remnant of the surviving citizens then gathered in the Temple of Iniquity, and under the leadership of the priest Jeremis Silbeck returned to the center of the city to mount another counter-assault.

Erius' timely arrival coincided with this effort, and the Arch-mage managed to defeat the demons and dispel the darkness that lay over Eihydia. There has been much speculation as to the demons' origins and as to why they had attacked the city, but no conclusive evidence has been found, and the Arch-mage has yet to release any announcements to the public. Meanwhile the city remains in a state of emergency, and all citizens are to be cautious in the event of further attacks.

(OOC: This log, though fun, was insanely long, so I'll cut to the chase and post just what happened in between the fighting and after the battle.)

Temple of Iniquity
You stand in the entrance hall of the Temple, the plain stone
walls stare at you in bleak silence. To the north is a large
room where the masses come to listen to the many sermons and
worship the Dark Lord, Iniquity. To the west is a small door
leading to a private prayer alcove and to the east is a door
leading to the office of Jeremis Silbeck.

[Exits: north]
A golden plaque is bolted to the wall.
A thick wooden door leads to the office of Jeremis Silbeck.
A small door leads to a prayer alcove.
A wooden double door leads back outside.
Morvin the Dwarf is resting here.
Arek the Indago is here.
Althaia the Cryinale Elf is here.
A serious-looking guard is here on patrol.

You rest.

Aeolus arrives through a thick wooden door.

A Tralisian guard enters the room and leans against the wall. He is badly wounded.

Arek sits down and rests.

Vaysh covers his mouth with the back of his hand, absently sucking on a gaping slash that he'd sported since coming into the Temple. "Facing them doesn't seem to be working. Any more ideas?"

a Tralisian guard says, "Too many! Too powerful!"

Morvin says, "Get a beer?" (rofl)

Arek says, "The solution, I fear, does not rest with strength of arms or even magical ability. At least not the magical abilities taught in the academy."

Morvin says, "We need to organize."

Cherubin nods.

Cherubin says to Morvin, "True."

Cherubin says to Morvin, "Does anyone have any ideas?"

"Every great force has but a weak point, the large tree that you cut just right to make it fall, the massive pile that requires just a small tone to be removed for it to disperse, we just need time and I'm sure we'll find it" Althaia says as she walks over towards the indago, placing a hand as if to encourage the other to allow her access to the wound, "Let me see it."

Cherubin says, "It doesn't seem that we can close the vortex."

Morvin says, "I don't know bout healing, but if divide roles..."

Cherubin nods.

Aeolus says, "And even if we could, the fiends would still roam the city."

Althaia sheaths her bastard sword in a black leather scabbard encased in intricate silver framework.

Morvin says, "Are there any guards left? We should use them as our shield."

Wiping his own blood from his armour, Vaysh reluctantly allows the elf to examine the bleeding cut, his grimace belying the disgruntlement he felt. "Just a shallow wound, you've probably seen worse. It galls that force can't do much in the face of this, but most problems never have an easy answer. Who else would know how to form a seal over the vortex?"

Pacing about the room, Arek thinks deeply for a long moment before stopping in his tracks and speaking, "There is no sense in risking our lives without a plan. The solution to this problem exists. We must find it before doing anything rash. For now, let the beggars feed the beasts."

Cherubin nods.

Aeolus says, "... Sacrificing innocents... but I suppose there is not much we can do. I am willing to follow, just give me orders."

Cherubin says to Arek, "Well that seems the only sane way."

Morvin says, "As long as they don't drink the beer..."

Jeremis arrives through a small door.

Jeremis says, "My Lord has answered my prayers."

Cherubin says to Jeremis, "Any luck out there?"

"I've seen worse? I'm no doctor, I just have the luxury of divine energy" Althaia muses, canting her head as the iron that protects it creaks slightly, "You'll live" she says, rubbing a hand over the wound. The Indago's own shadow flickers as it is drawn over the gash and then fades, revealing but a slight scar in its place.

Jeremis says, "Iniquity has granted me the skills to fight against the demons."

Cherubin smiles.

Arek looks at Jeremis, "Yes, I believe he has... I've seen that look on your face before. What is it that we must do?"

Cherubin says, "Well then i say we all follow Jeremis."

Cherubin says, "And keep him alive."

Morvin nods.

Jeremis grows silent for a moment, his breaths steadily becoming deeper and faster.
You notice a strange gleam in Jeremis's eyes as he screams a single word incoherently with crazed delight.

Jeremis pleads with Iniquity, quickly asking for protection.
Jeremis is suddenly surrounded by a field of holy power!

Jeremis says, "Let us go forth to do battle!"

A soft snort from Vaysh, and he twitches his other, free hand, waving it in a somewhat helpless, negatory gesture. Something of relief flickers briefly over his features as the wound vanishes, and he draws his hand closer to examine the scar with interest. "We'll see if I continue to enjoy that good fortune," he comments dryly to Althaia, straightening.

Aeolus says, "Very well, I will do my utmost to assist everyone."

Cherubin nods.

Jeremis raises his mace high into the air screaming at the top of his lungs, "FOR TRALISIA IN THE NAME OF INIQUITY!"

"Assisting a stranger? It's always the craziest ideas that somehow end up succeeding, logic enjoys spiting us," Althaia murmurs as she departs from the Indago.

The sound of the creatures being killed echos throughout the city streets! You look out and see strands of blue and powerful forces of the arcane shoot forth!

Morvin raises his voice in a bloodcurdling battle cry!
Morvin instils confidence into Morvin with his rousing battle cry!

Jeremis nods.

Jeremis says, "We go!"

Aeolus nods. "And we will follow."



(after the fighting is finally over and everyone had their share of -dying- several times)

Arek says to Erius, "You've joined the party, I see."

Erius slowly nods and sits down on the well and takes a deep breath.

Cherubin says, "Perhaps you can shed some light on this"

Cherubin says, "A force came looking for you..."

Cherubin says, "Lamishtis stood up to it and then the demons came"

Cherubin says, "Now Lamishtis is gone."

Aeolus nods. "Yes, it calls itself, 'Rak-Lam', the same that you defeated long ago...

Erius closes his eyes and then raises his hands into the air chanting strange words. His body begins to glow bright blue and suddenly millions of strands leap outwards and as the strands touch the darkness, it fades, clearing the sky!

The unwavering darkness that covered the lands is shattered by an unknown force!
The world of Eihydia returns to it's normal state.

His chest heaving, Jeremis looks about with a crazed look in his eyes. "I must kill them all, all of them will die in the name of Iniquity!" He then heads off in search for more quarry to kill.

Jeremis leaves east.

Cherubin says, "Well the darkness is gone..."

Erius sighs heavily and then waves his arm towards the group. "Yes. These creatures from indeed from the abyss and I have no doubt they are looking for me."

"A simple spell clears the darkness, no wonder you took your time. Really the suspense was killing me...no wait, it killed me a few dozen times, a bit painful," Althaia says, her voice tinged with annoyance as she speaks to herself mostly.

Aeolus says to Erius, "Yes, but why? Why do all these creatures come for you!?"

Morvin grins.

Cherubin says, "And what happened to Lamishtis?"

Arek holds his right arm close to his body, protecting his cracked ribs, "I don't think that you made very many friends among their kind, Arch Mage. Though you could have left the sanctuary of your abode a bit sooner. You lost a lot of citizens this day."

Vaysh spits some blood on the stones, clearing his throat softly from where he sits on the ground, unheeding of his own disheveled state. "I would believe the question would be...how they came to break the barrier that divides this world from theirs....if there indeed was one."

Erius turns towards Aeolus and grins slightly. "These creatures appear to have been controlled by another force. A force that I know and have seen...and fought. Yes it must be him." Erius mutters something to himself quietly.

Erius says to Arek, "I deeply apolygize. I was away in the wilderness and I rushed as quickly as I could."

Jeremis yells, "Demons! Fiends! Quit your hiding and show yourself to your destroyer!"

Aeolus nods slowly. "I... see. I do not know, but this may not be the best time to discuss it. I will do what I can to help."

Teetering on her heels, Althaia turns away from the group, casting a glance around the center and down its streets as if to survey its condition, "Their world? I wonder if the Entities have their own realm, or come from that. Ah...yes, what an angry beast, that must be Empathy," she says, shaking her head.

Erius folds his arms and looks around sternly, and sadly at the mess that covers the streets.

Erius says, "These creatures come from the abyss. A place I have visited. These specific creatures are only a mere glimpse of what lies in there..."

Cherubin nods.

Erius says, "We are lucky he was only able to gain control of the lesser minions."

Erius mumbles something under his breath.

Arek staggers in pain to Erius, magic welling up in his hand. The Indago is clearly angered by his pain, "This city has two leaders... two heroes. Yourself and Jeremis. Why do I see Jeremis bleed daily for this city and rarely see you lift a finger to help? You are a coward despite your power."

"You dispelled them so easily, you are a one man army, I suggest a good's night rest before you save the world, really," Althaia adds, chiding the human almost as she muffles a laugh.

Cherubin says, "If it weren't for Erius, we'd still be running from demons?"

Cherubin says, "Would you rather he returned to the wilderness and left us on our own?"

Cherubin says, "Take help where you can get it folks!"

Aeolus says, "Yes, that is true. We should merely be glad he arrived when he did. "

Erius turns to Arek's rather rude comment. "My title of Overseer requires other duties then policing the city streets. It is not your place, or the the time to judge me. I am not judging you."

Seething with rage, Jeremis lets out a low growl. He scans about the area, "It would seems as though they are completely gone."

Turning to Vaysh, the elf tilts her head, "Do you need rest, Indago?" Althaia asks, lifting her voice just a bit as if to allow it carry it over the others, "Perhaps it isn't best to idle in a trouble town."

Aeolus says, "If only there were others like you, sir, who could defend this city at all times... I can only hope Lamishtis can do this once his training is complete."

Cherubin says to Jeremis, "It seems between you and Erius...you've run them all off..."

"I would for one take what blessings we yet have rather than decry them." Vaysh staggers to his feet, wincing as the movement inadvertently sets his injuries to hurting once more. He slants a humourous look in Jeremis' direction, shaking his head, before Althaia's comment reaches him. "No. If that was just the beginning of more troubled times, I should get used to it."

Arek pauses for a long moment, controlling his anger, "Of course, Arch Mage. I withdraw my remarks. Though it is frustrating to see you away from the city during times of trouble. It simply leads to chaos."

"The ghost that appeared in the well when the tailor came, it glanced at the Tower. What is in it exactly?" Althaia asks, turning on her heels as she shoots a glance at Erius, "Something it wants, for you look at it as well."

Aeolus says to Erius, "Is... there something about that tower? I've noticed you observing it before."

Erius turns around and nods quickly to the young Indago. "I will pretend those words never came out of your mouth." He then pauses for a moment to ponder the significance of the tower.

Jeremis walks over to the well and begins to pull forth a bucket full of water to splash on his sweaty brow.

Aeolus says to Erius, "Was it not some mad sage who had it built, and in the battle you were sent to the abyss? I have heard about it, but do not know much... why was it built? He must have had a reason..."

Erius says, "Ah yes, the tower. The Sage Derium crafted this tower. Afterwards he used it to channel the nearby energies and proceeded to destroy the city."

"Then use it to channel your energies and erect a barrier. It's just a big wand, then. Unless they plan to use it first to destroy the city and more," Althaia muses out loud, humming a bit afterward as if in thought.

Erius pauses for a moment and continues speaking. "I confronted him in a magical battle. He used an ancient spell and sent the two of us to the abyss. There...we fought vile creatures that words cannot describe. There the Sage met his fate, or so I believed. It seems he is still...alive..." he trails off and once again stares at the tower.

Aeolus nods at Althaia. "What one can use for evil, we can use for good, right?"

After several cool splashes of water, Jeremis turns to face the others. "That big "Wand" sucks all the life energy from the surrounding land, destroying all life."

Cherubin raises her eyebrow.

A relatively mild smirk curls Vaysh's lips, his pale features cast in neutrality. "That it has been allowed to stand so long since brings me to the conclusion that taking it down would seem simpler said than done...or would that be assuming too much?"

"A wonderful landmark really," Althaia says dryly, "I'm assuming it can't be destroyed or do Tralisian officials enjoy living dangerously?"

Erius says to you, "The tower holds much interest for me. I wish to investigate it when I have more time."

Erius waves at the city streets, his oversized sleeves following closely. "But as you can see I have no time."

Cherubin smiles.

Cherubin says, "Seems like you tend to keep busy."

Cherubin grins.

Jeremis says to Erius, "So you think that this was all caused by Derium?"

Erius slowly nods to Jeremis.

Jeremis laughs.

Aeolus says, "I see... that would explain why he went after Lamishtis, and you as well."

Jeremis says to Erius, "Most excellent, that madman was most fun to toy with."

"Perhaps if there were someone...you would entrust with some of your less pressing affairs, Arch-mage. This one seems more of a grave matter than many others." Vaysh utters a short cough, sliding a keen eye to the tower once more.

Cherubin says to Erius, "The same Derium that we have no way of knowing where he is, or when he'll return right?"

Erius nods at Cherubin.

Cherubin sighs.

Aeolus says, "Is it possible he could have returned to our realm, much like you?"

Cherubin says, "At least part of him seems to have."

Arek says to Erius, "I am just glad you survived. It would be a pity for me to meet a King for you and return to have you killed the very same day. It would be the waste of a trip."

Arek chuckles.

Erius says, "Ah yes, I wish to teach a young mage the knowledge of the Arcane."

Cherubin says, "The form we saw earlier..."

Cherubin says, "It didn't seem entirely here in our realm."

Erius chuckles softly at Arek's comment and nods.

Cherubin says, "At least Lamishtis had said it hadn't completely materialized."

Arek says to Erius, "I'll try and wash the blood off of his letter before I meet with you tomorrow."

Erius slowly puts his hand to his chin. "Perhaps I will attempt to summon him from the abyss and confront him..."

"If you summon him from the abyss and he escapes your control...ah right" Althaia adds, chuckling as she merely shakes her head.

Aeolus says to Erius, "And what if he manages to send you into the abyss after you free him? "

Jeremis looks intently towads Erius, "Would you like a guinea pig for that cube again? I can think of a few people we can use."

Cherubin says to Erius, "Well if you can summon him, at least that won't leave us wondering when he'll return."

Erius says, "Ah, valid concerns. It was foolish on my part in the past to underestimate the Sage. I will not make the same mistake twice."

Cherubin says to Erius, "Either you can pick the time or leave it to his choice...i say do this at your bidding."

Erius says to Cherubin, "You speak wisely for a Disorain."

Arek says to Erius, "I would suggest summoning him away from the city. I would assume that a single powerful spell from either of you would level an entire city block. Or, perhaps you can fight in the poorer section of town. That would be acceptable."

"When you underestimate someone, Overseer, you give them power over you. It is only in time that they shall decide to exercise such power, tread carefully," Althaia adds, glancing over at the disorain and then back to the human.

Jeremis says, "I would suggest by Worlos' brick store."

Cherubin says to Erius, "Well i can't say i've ever seen a fiend from another dimension...but i know a fight when i see one"

Arek laughs.

Erius says to Arek, "Sadly I have managed to damage quite a few buildings in the center of the city from my spells."

"Is there not some plane that would serve as middle ground for the two of you?" queries Vaysh mildly, flicking a brief look at the sorcerer. "I don't know whether physical distance would matter very much if he did gain the upper hand. We would be doomed regardless...if he decided to push through with his plans."

Erius listens closely to Vaysh's words. "Perhaps that would be most acceptable. I will have to study my tomes to find the best solution."

Erius bows gracefully. "I must now attend to sorting this mess. I will take my leave now. I must rest from the battle. Be well."

Jeremis perks up, "Speaking of Tomes, have you found any regarding the Supernatural? That I could use?"

Aeolus bows. "Yes, this is quite a mess. If I may help, you need only tell me"

Erius says to Jeremis, "I have not had much time to investigate on your behalf."

Erius nods at Aeolus.

Arek says to Jeremis, "I could write my father. He sells tomes in Vanyelar."

"And yourself, Arch-mage," answers Vaysh, inclining his head to Erius. "It was timely intervention on your part, even if some have perished from this..attack. Let us hope it does not happen again....soon."

Erius says to Aeolus, "I believe the city will need wood and brick to rebuild. Perhaps you and the rest of the city can do this."

Jeremis nods at Arek.

Erius nods at you in agreement.

Jeremis says to Arek, "That would be most helpful."

Erius says to you, "We can only hope. I will be on guard now."

Erius waves.

Aeolus nods. "I will do what I can."

Erius leaves east.

Arek says to Jeremis, "Tell me what you need and be specific. He deals with many ancient and rare tomes and has contacts throughout the continent."

Jeremis says to Arek, "Mostly books on the undead, spirits and demons."

"I believe I shall gather my things, just in case. The docks shouldn't much of a travel with the obligation to endure pushing at your heels," Althaia says to Vaysh, tapping his shoulder briefly, "Be well" she adds.

Althaia leaves south.

Aeolus leaves west.

Cherubin says, "Well off to get materials."

Arek says, "Perhaps a company of soldiers could militarize Worlos' shop for the common good. We need the materials to rebuild."

Jeremis nods at Arek.

Jeremis says, "Of course, I would prefer to circumvent his store and gather the bricks on my own...just to annoy him a bit."

Arek says, "Why circumvent his store when we could just transfer ownership?"

Jeremis nods at Arek.

The happy clown outside of Worlos' shop begins to go insane as a group of guards rush in to remove a store of bricks for the city!

Jeremis laughs.

Arek chuckles.

Jeremis yells, "Hang the clown!"

Arek says, "I already miss the grandeur of Vanyelar. The royal guards would have been able to put down these demons with ease."

"My, won't Worlos be displeased...ah well. Profit can be overlooked in the face of hardship." Vaysh rubs a hand on the back of his neck. "Pity about the mess, it'll probably only disaffect the townsfolk more..."

Jeremis looks towards Vaysh, "You still feeling injured from the battle?"

Arek says, "Worlos is a non-factor. Attacking him simply honors him as an opponent. It is best to ignore him and all that he does."

"Just a little weary." Vaysh quirks an eyebrow, "I'm still unused to being battered senseless by such eh..creatures. Not that any that I've ever encountered are anything like them.'

Jeremis smiles. "I prefer not to let those who have fought along side me to remain injured." He then chuckles a bit, "Especially if I couldn't protect them earlier."

"Anyone would have had difficulty doing so." Vaysh rubs a finger along the side of his nose. "Erius seemed to have his hands full in the beginning, though he did manage to vanquish them all."

Arek says, "Erius had hidden powers that he doesn't show. I do not believe him that he was away and could not help in the beginning. I think he simply wanted to gather information and used us as test subjects."

Arek says, "He would have learned nothing by destroying them all right away."

"True, there were quite a few of them." Jeremis looks towards Vaysh and adds, "Erius can destroy this whole town with a single spell. This I know for fact. He is quite powerful indeed."

Arek says, "Erius is powerful. But not a paragon of goodness. There are wheels turning inside his head that are neither noble or ignoble."

The sun begins to rise in the sky, lighting the lands before you.

"You know him better than I," replies Vaysh with a cryptic shrug of one shoulder. "If he were so willing to risk our lives and that of Tralisia's citizens in the duration of that...test, then there is more to him than is readily apparent to such as I. Then again, I have scarcely spoken to him."

Arek nods as he thinks for a moment, "No, at first glance he comes across as wholly good-natured. But, he will always take the longer view. He will sacrifice many people for the long term benefit. He could have stopped this instantly but didn't care if a few guards were killed. He needed information."

"The same could be said for many who have too much on their shoulders to consider decisions made in haste." Vaysh's eyes crinkle slightly in a good-humoured grimace. "Such as the leaders of nations. In any case, I must ensure that I've not suddenly been cast out in the street for lack of a room to sleep in. The extent of the damage worries me somewhat." He inclines his head to Arek. "Another time, under better circumstances, perhaps."

Arek nods.

Arek says, "I doubt that. But perhaps we shall meet again before this city is in ruins."