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Author Topic: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising  (Read 297109 times)

BerkaZerka

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1050 on: April 17, 2015, 06:58:20 am »

"My only hope is to some day attain the heights of 'normal' failure, my lord; moving as far from 'great' as possible," Steeple replies facetiously.

"And I have learned some things that might be of interest you," Steeple continues, not giving his sire a chance to upbraid him for his wisecrack.

"Vykos may have arranged for Marelle to harry our progress, so that he could step in and help 'solve' the problem, which he did, binding us to a boon of some kind with gold and emerald dragon rings."

"It's all very foreboding."
« Last Edit: April 17, 2015, 07:24:52 am by BerkaZerka »
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Prince

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1051 on: April 17, 2015, 07:02:21 am »


Arnulf embraces his childe vigorously and informally.

"A good welcome indeed! I see you've done well in building your castle, I am happy to see it."

Letting go of his sire, Daniel asks, "What will you do now? I am soon to be a Prince; surely there's something to make of what to do next."
« Last Edit: April 17, 2015, 07:23:18 am by BerkaZerka »
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1052 on: April 17, 2015, 07:37:03 am »

"My lord, your praise more than we deserve."

Kiril goes on to tell Basilio about Myca saving them from Mitru; meeting Anatole and Lucita at the building site; finding the gold translation key; the others confronting Marelle; Myca showing up to save them from financial ruin and giving Lucien his ring; and someone stealing the key from the rest of the group.
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Daedalus

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1053 on: April 17, 2015, 08:07:53 am »

"Indeed i have." Lucien replied with a smile. "You look tense, is something bothering you?"
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Forge

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1054 on: April 17, 2015, 10:33:08 am »

Heldric finally smiles in his "it almost looks like his face is splitting but he wishes it was a nice smile" way. "Thankyou sire, and I will not dissapoint. I shall help spread the dream as we both desire!"

He kneels and drinks from his sires blood.
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Drakilian

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1055 on: April 17, 2015, 04:01:25 pm »

The taste of his sire's ancient blood drives a slight thrill through Heldric, its potency almost drives him to try and take more...

Maleki heals the wound he'd made, and then goes on solemnly.

"Rise Heldric, Prince of the Siebenburgen, Ruler of Balgrad, Emissary of the Father and his chosen."

---

Sandor takes his time before replying. He answers in an almost dead tone.

"I am here to finally grant you your own domain, in a city called Shaasburg located on the Mures River, not too far from my vovoidate. But I must say, I am weary of granting it to you, for I fear what might come of too much power slipping into Radu's hands.” – Sandor.

---

A dark look runs over Basilio's face.

"Of course I will request copies of the translation key and the tablets for myself. Of course the Tzimisce keep on working to sabotage my ventures, the vovoides have wanted me out of their precious country for too long already. That they would try to destroy my alliance with Radu is typical.

But you must be mistaken about Marelle, she was given over to the ancient lord that resides over the Cathedral of Flesh, if she should be so unfortunate as to still live then her mind would be twisted beyond comprehension.

Yes, it seems Vykos has taken advantage of your situation - perhaps even caused it himself. Smart of him, you have something to learn from his maneuvering. Pay him back as soon as you can, don't want him holding that over your heads for centuries.

But enough of Vykos. You have both done well, and as promised, you will both be given just rewards. Anton, for your service I give you Kronstadt; the city holds a bastion of Teutonic knights, I thought you should appreciate the pool of soldiers to work with. Be careful that you don't draw lord Jurgen's attention, however. The blue blood might take offence if a bastion of his soldiers were turned into your servants.

And to you, Kiril, I grant seneschalship of my city of Sofia. Should I ever leave the city, you will rule in my stead, and when I am there you will serve as my voice and my arms."

---

Arnulf's deep laugh reverbs across the tent. He looks out at the festivities wistfully, a sort of hunger is felt in his voice.

"More? Of course there is more! You are a prince now, my childe. You have grown from the weakling cub to a fearsome beast worthy of my blood. When we finish here tonight you will go to Muhlbach, a growing metropolis within Transylvania, and you will claim the city as your own."

---

"So you failed to do anything until Vykos came to save you as you floundered, and only then realized that he was manipulating you? It sounds like Vykos did all the work. Perhaps he should rule Temechburg.

Nonetheless, you fulfilled the terms of our agreement, however tenuously. Temechburg has a lively marketplace, perhaps you could actually learn something of merchandising while you are there. All you need do now is partake of my blood so as to assure your loyalty."

Vladivostok bites into his wrist and lets blood drip down his finders. He holds out his bloody hand to Steeple.

"Don't do it." Maurice commands.

"Don't let yourself be bound to this sad thing."
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BerkaZerka

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1056 on: April 17, 2015, 05:54:17 pm »

"Maybe.. maybe not..." Steeple shrugs, tilting his head and watching his sire's blood drip to the floor impassively.

"I did what needed to be done with what I had to work with."

"As for loyalty... I have demonstrated it (and will continue to do so) without the taint of synthetic compulsion."

Steeple then stands there, clearly not going to drink.

'By the gods Maurice!' Steeple thinks to himself - only his tremendous willpower allowing him to stand so stoically in the face of what will surly be the shit-storm of the century - 'I hope you know what we're doing!!!'
« Last Edit: April 18, 2015, 06:48:25 pm by BerkaZerka »
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Not Aman

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1057 on: April 17, 2015, 05:58:30 pm »

Quote
But enough of Vykos. You have both done well, and as promised, you will both be given just rewards. Anton, for your service I give you Kronstadt; the city holds a bastion of Teutonic knights, I thought you should appreciate the pool of soldiers to work with. Be careful that you don't draw lord Jurgen's attention, however. The blue blood might take offence if a bastion of his soldiers were turned into your servants.

Anton nods to his sire.
"The work of the clergy can be subtle, my lord. I thank you for granting me such a boon." Anton replies.
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Daedalus

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1058 on: April 17, 2015, 06:46:15 pm »

If Lucien feels down at the lack of shown confidence in him he doesn't show it.

"And this is the time when i talk you into granting it to me anyway?" Lucien replied smiling. " I have faith in your abilities, and i know you have faith in mine. What else would be in this?" He gestures to the ouside where the tower is being built.

"And know this my dear sire, i dont have any intention of being anyones pawn in a game of chess. There is but one person i take any "suggestions" from and that is you. Let me your 'queen.'" He said with all charismatic points but he made sure to add "metaphoricly speaking ofcourse, i have no wish to be a real queen" he laughed slightly at the last Part.
« Last Edit: April 18, 2015, 01:11:34 pm by Daedalus »
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Sethaniel

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1059 on: April 18, 2015, 01:08:43 pm »

Another Kindred might have been dismayed.  His brother, (and most likely the others,) granted cities, princedoms of their own- theirs to rule and control as they see fit.
For Kiril, only stewardship, basilio's prize lackey, nothing of his own.

"I am honored by your gift, my lord."
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Forge

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1060 on: April 18, 2015, 02:51:34 pm »

Heldric stands "Thankyou Sire, this will be a great step forward for us in spreading the dream. I have many plans that this new position will enable me to perform." He looks back toward where the others were. "Am I right to presume that the cities we have been given are all close together or is our small coitery being spread to the winds?"
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Drakilian

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1061 on: April 18, 2015, 08:41:55 pm »

"It's good to hear that you've learnt what subtlety is, Anton," the dark prince says, a twinkle of good humour in his eye.

"I am also glad that you hide your disappointment so well, Kiril. Fear not, I will not leash you as would a lesser prince, you will have power within my domain. Husayn has councelled that I keep you within Sofia - if not for myself then for your family, and I agree with him."

Husayn nods to Basilio as he is acknowledged.

---

Malachite considers Heldric's question.

"For the most part yes, you have all been made princes of the Siebenburgen, both because Radu has power there and because the cities were already free of a cainite ruler. Those who had claimants soon found themselves lacking."

---

Sandor considers Lucien.

"If you truly wish to assuage my misgivings, to be my "queen" in this grand game, so to speak, then swear to me a second oath in blood, that I know your love for Radu does not surpass your love for me."

---

Vladivostok's normally scowling face somehow takes a turn for the worse. It's almost as if the air around him darkens; madness creeps into his voice as he answers Steeple.

"I've raised a snake."
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Not Aman

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1062 on: April 19, 2015, 12:40:59 pm »

"It is simply not my favored tool, my lord." Anton replies simply.

"And it is good to see another of Lord Basilio's allies here, Husayn. It certainly brings honor to us both."
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Daedalus

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1063 on: April 19, 2015, 01:58:57 pm »

Lucien chuckles lightly at Sandors word. "I dont think thats possible personally." He replied. "But i know the strength of a blood bond. Very well. If thats what you think is wise."
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1064 on: April 19, 2015, 02:46:42 pm »

Daniel smiles for a moment, and then goes serious again. Princedom of a city? There has to be a catch.

"Was there something in the city I would rule that you wanted part in?"
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BerkaZerka

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1065 on: April 19, 2015, 03:22:29 pm »

"Hiss?" Steeple replies questioningly.
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Sethaniel

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1066 on: April 19, 2015, 09:36:03 pm »

Kiril wasn't disappointed. Being of service to ones sire is always good.

"I appreciate your concern for my family," he bows slightly to husayn.
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Drakilian

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1067 on: April 19, 2015, 10:24:14 pm »

Basilio continues then:

"With our business settled, why don't I see what festivities you've lined up for us this evening?"

---

The madness is more and more apparent as Vladivostock's tone rises.

"Worthless. You were worth less than the dirt of the grave you would have lied in had I not turned you, stupid as a newborn child and weaker than a mewling kitten. I give you the gift and this, this viper is what I am given?!"

An almost primal snarl escapes Vladivostock.

"I banish you from all of my domains under the moonlit night and the burning sun. Should you ever come near them again I will be waiting eagerly to strike the viper's head from its shoulders.

Your business ventures will begin failing. Perhaps forever. As my final parting gift, I give you this -"

Vladivostok darts forward, faster than a striking cobra. He grabs Steeple by the neck in an absolutely crushing grip, and brings the malkavian's face uncomfortably close to his.

"- remember it well."

Within his mind Prince Maurice screams. Steeple collapses.

When he wakes, he finds Vladivostok gone and the tent around him in ruins, as if from great physical destruction.

Looking down at his own body he finds that his clothes are torn and his body is covered in fang marks, he is missing chunks of flesh. Chunks that he soon finds are in his own mouth.

"Come on lad, get up lad, it's okay, he's gone now, he's gone..."

---

"Nothing but the obvious, of course." Arnulf replies.

---

Sandor smiles.

"Very well then Lucien."

His flesh splits along his arm, much like Radu's. Blood drips down onto his hand, which he hands over to Lucien.

"Come, be my queen."
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Not Aman

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1068 on: April 19, 2015, 10:46:27 pm »

Anton expresses his distaste.
"If one can even call it that." He says with a grimace.
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Drakilian

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1069 on: April 19, 2015, 10:57:59 pm »

"Oh really?"

Basilio quickly forms a wickedly sharp blade out of nearby shadows, and forms a circular Grail out of much the same. Cutting his hand he lets his blood cool into the cup.
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BerkaZerka

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1070 on: April 20, 2015, 05:35:23 am »

Steeple wearily rises, uses Dominoe of Life to swallow all of the flesh in his own mouth, then burns some blood to heal the damage.

"I don't get it?" Steeple murmurs in confusion, "Farking lousy ass gift if you ask me. Do you think the man has any idea about such concepts as 'fun', 'humor', or even 'NON-ASS WHOOPING GIFTS?!?'"

"No, he does not!"
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Daedalus

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1071 on: April 20, 2015, 06:45:00 am »

Lucien smiles Weakly at him. "Please dont call me that. I used it as a metaphor." He said before grabbing his sires hand and consumed some blood.
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1072 on: April 20, 2015, 01:34:43 pm »

"Well, then. I'm content with this arrangement. So let it be."
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Sethaniel

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1073 on: April 20, 2015, 02:23:58 pm »

Kiril willingly partakes of the blood before passing the chalice to Anton.
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Not Aman

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1074 on: April 20, 2015, 02:39:44 pm »

Anton drinks of his sire's blood, allowing basilio to dematerialize the goblet.

"It is... certainly not a festivity that I could condone, my lord."
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Sethaniel

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1075 on: April 20, 2015, 02:49:38 pm »

Anton, what is wrong with you?  Why do you have to ruin everything?
Our sire pleasantly asked to see the festivities we prepared for him, and you get that sour milk look on your face and tell him you don't approve.


"Anton," Kiril says, bright and brittle,  "Why don't you go and get those translations Lord Basilio asked for?"
Turning back to Basilio and Husayn, "I'll be happy to escort you, my lordships."
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Forge

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1076 on: April 20, 2015, 03:06:44 pm »

Heldric nods at the reply from his sire "A network of cities controlled by princes owing a huge debt to Radu and who know eachother well enough from this past task. We shall be a powerful force to further the dream in time, it will be harder to separate us than it would if we were mearly squabbling candidates pushing their own merits and plans." He smiles again in his special way letting himself get uncharicteristicly happy for a brief moment "I look forward to what I can achieve!"

He then remembers himself and returns to his normal look "Some of my coitery have planned entertainment for the evening, a contest of sorts. I do not know if it will be to your liking but shall we attend?"
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Not Aman

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1077 on: April 20, 2015, 03:20:53 pm »

Anton, what is wrong with you?  Why do you have to ruin everything?
Our sire pleasantly asked to see the festivities we prepared for him, and you get that sour milk look on your face and tell him you don't approve.


"Anton," Kiril says, bright and brittle,  "Why don't you go and get those translations Lord Basilio asked for?"
Turning back to Basilio and Husayn, "I'll be happy to escort you, my lordships."
"That sounds wise." Anton says, nodding.
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Sethaniel

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1078 on: April 20, 2015, 03:27:16 pm »

What's the entertainment again? 

Oh, Fark.

It's those idiot fleshcrafters and their mutilated waste of a servant.

Shit, Anton actually had a point. He was going about it all wrong, but he had a point.

How am I going to make this not seem like barbaric insanity?

Farking Malkavians.
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Drakilian

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1079 on: April 21, 2015, 04:52:50 pm »

"Are you okay Steeple?"

There is worry in Maurice's voice.

Steeple finds that his wounds are not healing properly - likely because they were dealt to him by his own fangs, dangerous weapons in any combat.

Before he can find Lucien or Daniel, he finds that he is bid over by Radu - naked, damaged self and all. The count appears to be waiting for him.

---

"Of course, i'm sure whatever your colleagues have planned will be wondrous."

Maleki goes with his childe to the Arena (Fade-out for Forge).

---

Arnulf and Daniel head to the arena for the "festivities". (Fade out for Prince)

---

The sweet taste of Sandor's blood invigorates Lucien. Sandor smiles when Lucien is done.

"I knew I made the right choice with you Lucien. Now come, I can tell you're eager to show me something. We can discuss your reign over Shaasburg later."

---

"Lead the way then, Kiril." Basilio says.
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Daedalus

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1080 on: April 21, 2015, 05:14:48 pm »

"Indeed." Lucien smiles. "Let me lead you the way." He walked off.


Fade?
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BerkaZerka

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1081 on: April 21, 2015, 05:19:48 pm »

"I will be." Steeple replies brusquely, irritated by his sire's outburst - or was it Steeple's outburst... odd, for some reason, Steeple could swear that the shredded tent had been insulting him in some manner not too long ago and that Steeple had to make an example of it. But that's just crazy. It was Steeple's favorite tent. No way it would insult him like that. It must have been Vladivostok's doing, instilling hateful rude thoughts into his favorite tent. That's just the type of thing that vindictive bastard would do - knowing how much Steeple had prized his marvelous tent!

Steeple then strides confidently to the count, making airs of dusting himself off - as if his torn clothing and bit-to-hell self was nothing more than a piece of lint he could casually whisk away.

"Yes my lord?" He asks Count Radu with a bow.
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Sethaniel

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1082 on: April 22, 2015, 04:22:45 pm »

"I'm sure it's hardly the quality of entertainment you're accustomed to, my lords," Kiril politely opines as he heads towards the "festivities."
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Drakilian

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1083 on: April 25, 2015, 01:22:27 pm »

All the Cainites gather at the makeshift arena Steeple had constructed - all of them except Steeple himself and the Count. A raven sent by Radu to Heldric informs him that the Count is busy with other matters and that they may begin.

Barabus sits chained on one end of the arena, his hair is patchy and thin, his body thick and bulky; his teeth inhumanly sharp and his gaze strangely intelligent for the beast he's been formed into. He stumbles a bit as he stands, looking at his opponent as the others release it from its chains.

The warbeast that Daniel had constructed is an impressive affair; all it's hair has been removed so as to show off its massive rippling muscles, its teeth have been elongated into long, almost needle-like spines and its claws are viciously hooked. It's body, despite the lack of hair, is a dark, sleek black that would almost make one think it still had an infinitesimally light coating of fur.

It growls loudly at Barabus, a low grumble that makes some of the more queasy members of the audience move around uncomfortably. Sherzhina looks at the ghouls with disgust plain on her face - Carinus looks on with a mild interest.

Joseph holds something on his chest within his robes, where Anton knows the brother's cross is, and he closes his eyes, his lips moving in silent prayer.

Each of the sires ask their childes what, exactly, has been arranged for them.

---

"I wish for you to show me my castle. Come -" The count motions for Steeple to follow him through to the fort that they'd built. The revelries continue and no one seems to notice the naked, almost-ripped-to-pieces Steeple as they walk through the human crowd - which moves out of the way of the two vampires.

(Assuming Steeple does his utmost to show of the castle to Radu).

They walked through the finished first floor, Steeple showing the Count the many secret passages and hidden rooms that Zelios had designed.

Eventually they made their way to the cellar. There he revealed that a sub-basement was being dug out for use as cold storage and a stockade. Finally they came to the original staircase, now properly finished, and to the cunning-door that was still hidden within the well’s walls.

The chambers within were opulent. Where once there was hastily dug out hole now there was a series of three, two smaller rooms, one a den and library, ready to be stocked with its master’s books, the furniture was hand crafted and luxurious. The floor and walls were covered in carpets and tapestries. On the far wall was a small pit, heavily recessed and perfect for a fire.

The other room was a bed chamber, though where a bed might be in a mortal home, here stood a gilded sarcophagus. Upon which was a mural of the great inhuman battles fought by the Tzimisce to protect their homeland. This room was closed by a door that few mortal men could hope to move, and locked into place a by sliding bar made of the finest reinforced granite, from without the door was nearly invisible and further hidden by a tapestry hung over it.

The main room held a great fireplace, again, heavily recessed into the wall furthest from the other doors. There was a desk and many couches and carpets. The center of the room was dominated by a great table, one on which sat a map of the region.

“This is truly magnificent, Steeple. You have honored me, not just with this beautiful work of art you call my home, but in refusing to bow before your scheming sire, though I am sure it pained you.” - Radu
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BerkaZerka

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1084 on: April 25, 2015, 02:52:02 pm »

"I offered my unadulterated loyalty to him, untainted by magical compulsion," Steeple replies, "and he is the one that refused me."

"As such, he has banished me from his domain."

"I am as dust in the wind."
« Last Edit: April 25, 2015, 07:03:01 pm by BerkaZerka »
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Daedalus

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1085 on: April 25, 2015, 04:16:38 pm »

"That would be Barabus, once a human ghoul belonging to Steeple." HE gestured to Barabus. "He talked back to him, and even tried to attack me." Lucien chuckles at that. "After that steeple gave me permission to turn the poor sod into that."

"A grand intelligent war beast, superior to his human form. The one thing he's lacking was the time to get used to  his new shape." He explained.

"And that, is Daniels creation." he gestured to the snarling thingy. "Its likely used to its new form since it hasn't changed much from its original. But it lacks any intelligence, but is likely more ferocious instead.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2015, 12:47:39 pm by Daedalus »
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1086 on: April 25, 2015, 07:40:16 pm »

Heldric sighs a little as he explains "As always there is a lot more to the story, but in short, we have two flesh-crafters in our merry little band and this is their competition of their craft. One turned a dog into a warbeast and the other a human into an intelligent war beast." He glances around the others "It is not my personal choice of entertainment but they seemed quite set on this spectacle.
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1087 on: April 25, 2015, 10:44:33 pm »

"This is Leopold the Great and Mighty God-Hound; but I call him Fluffy. I enjoy irony, you see..." Daniel's eyes wander as her reflects upon the beauty of Literary Techniques but soon returns to reality.

"Some might say that I was more humane in using an mighty hound from the wilds over a well trained ghoul for a beast; but in the end, I find that dogs are simply much stronger. Particularly because weapons won't be useful in this fight." Daniel explains. "This is a competition, you see. A game to discover who's Vicissitude is more powerful; Lucien or myself."

Daniel whispers to Arnulf, "If there's anything you would do to help me in this venture, I would truly appreciate it. After all, trading favors here and there should be trivial since we're both following the same quest to keep the expansions of the cities in check."
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Not Aman

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1088 on: April 26, 2015, 12:24:07 pm »

"It is a.. game the fleshcrafters seem to take pleasure in. Something childish for the others to take pleasure in." Anton states.

"Unfortunately, more civilized entertainment was unavailable."
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1089 on: April 26, 2015, 01:08:21 pm »

Before the monsters are let free from their chains, Ennius goes to Barabus and commands that he fights and not flee once released.

---

Basilio looks on then, at the fight.

"Barbarians." He mutters under his breath - Kiril gets the impression it's for his benefit more than anything else.

"Quite a foolish pastime, yes - but they've earned it with what they've achieved today," Husayn mentions.

---

Arnulf looks at Daniel in what could almost be called shame.

"Do not sully the honour you've earned this day with pitiful requests to help save yourself from your own weaknesses."

---

A low growl escapes Malachi's throat.

"It's because of Fiends like these that we are so reviled, Heldric. They are monsters, as much or more so than the monsters they create. They are the reason the Dream is so hard to keep, as they gnaw at it's foundations. But let them have their games today, for what they do they are reviled, for what we do we are worshipped."

---

"An interesting venture, I will watch attentively; I have no doubt in your success," Sandor says.

---

The Count smiles.

“While I am not permitted to granting you the domain your sire would have I can promise you a place to call your own. Should you choose to stay on and administer the building of my Castle I would grant you the right to use it as your own in my absence, even as your services would be required elsewhere you would always have a home here in this tower.
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1090 on: April 26, 2015, 01:57:19 pm »

Lucien smiles at his sire then he turns to Ennius and nods. It's go-time.
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1091 on: April 26, 2015, 03:07:49 pm »

Steeple immediately perks up - "My lord, I would be honored!"

"There is something in these majestic peaks - that I was loath to think about leaving so soon. To stay and see this grand fortress come to full completion would be most welcome!"
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1092 on: April 26, 2015, 04:06:28 pm »

"I can only hope that you two are not offended by it." Anton states.
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1093 on: April 26, 2015, 11:34:41 pm »

Heldric nods along "Even if they are barbarians and monsters, we can use them to help further the dream. That is so long as we can keep them in check so they do not weaken the foundations."
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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1094 on: April 27, 2015, 08:53:42 am »

At least I tried; you never know when luck will happen to shine on you after all.

"Pardon me, sire." Daniel replies apologetically.

Daniel looks to his hound with curiosity; wondering if he made the animal dangerous enough to devour its combatant. Daniel licks his lips excitedly.

The time has come; let the violence begin.
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Don't blink. Blink and you're dead. I'm fast. Faster than you can believe. Don't turn your back. Don't look away. And don't blink. Good luck and let the hunt begin.

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Re: Chapter 1: Dark Tides Rising
« Reply #1095 on: April 27, 2015, 10:01:41 pm »

Radu motions Steeple towards him.

"Come then, let us revel in our successes!"

Radu and Steeple arrive at the arena just in time to watch the fight between the two monsters - Radu asks no explanation and Steeple gives none.

---

Barabus steps forward. Everything feels wrong.

Kill the Master. Kill the Shaper. Kill the Knight.

He repeated it to himself every day, every night, every waking moment that his flesh and bone was warped by that hideous monster that cowered behind the man with the powerful voice.

Remember who you are. Barabus. The strong, the terrifying, the ravaging, your name is Barabus.

They release the hound on the other side of the arena from its chains. It lets out a savage roar.

They try to destroy me with such pitiful things. They try to scare me. Fools, nothing will scare me, not anymore.

It begins circling the arena, edging towards him. He circles with it, his long clawed paws leaving scratches in the dirt.

The old master was good. He was so very terrifying, so very powerful, so very mad. But he would never do something like this. He would kill horribly, but he would kill.

It snarls at him and darts forward. He moves backwards and stumbles, forgetting  again that his legs are angled differently. The thing sinks long, spine-like fangs into his neck.

Maybe this is their way of showing mercy?

It jerks its head back, and Barabus feels the blood leaking into his lungs as his throat is ripped open.

Kill the hound, fight back and do not flee.

No, of course not. They would never have mercy on me.

The thing's teeth are stained with his blood. Dark, beady eyes look at him. Dull. Angry. Vicious.

I will kill you, beast. They give me no choice.

Barabus retches the blood in his lungs into the thing's black eyes, and he cannot see them anymore. He moves to the side, knowing it would lash out blindly in fear.

I am not sorry for this.

As the thing moves forward, exposing its side, Barabus sinks powerful teeth directly into it's back. He locates the spine easily, the lack of fat and fur outline it for him. It jerks around in pain and rage. He almost loses his grip.

But they will be.

Barabus harnesses the strength of his old master, of the ancient blood that still flowed through his veins. He pushes down with his claws and he jerks his massive head and jaw upwards.

Kill the Master. Kill the Shaper. Kill the Knight.

The thing's spine tears slightly off its back. It slumps over and begins twitching, no longer able to move.

My name is Barabus.

The wound at his throat has begun to knit closed. He looks down at the beast and sees its eyes through the blood, asking him for the mercy he's been denied.

I am Barabus.

Barabus is careful to sink his teeth exactly where the beast had sunk his own.

The thing takes a while to die.

End Chapter 1
« Last Edit: October 04, 2015, 08:48:12 pm by Drakilian »
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