The Fall of Terrafel

[Forgotten_Memories]

Story:

The world of Terrafel is a living thing, and thereby has a soul. A thousand years ago, a sorcerer by the name of Bethrod managed to capture the world’s soul within an object he fashioned – the Dimenxia. The Dimenxia is the key to the world; without it, water would stop flowing, wildlife would perish, and in turn, all of the people of Terrafel would die.

Thankfully, Bethrod’s was determined to use the Demenxia for good. He figured the world could use guidance, and through the care and nourishment that he channeled into the container, Terrafel became a more prosperous place. However, there were those who wished to get their hands on the object to use for their own selfish desires. Two such people were Bethrod’s own brothers – Gul and Sykis.

Gul wanted power and tyranny; Sykis, on the other hand, just wanted to destroy. And so, battles ensued between the brothers and the forces that allied with them: with Bethrod out of hope, with Gul out of the promise of legacy, and with Sykis out of fear. In the end, it came down to a duel between the three, where Gul and Sykis teamed against Bethrod and struck down the righteous brother. But when they searched his corpse, his library, and his private estates, the Dimenxia was nowhere to be found.

It is still missing today, the only remnants being writings held in several sorcerer academies across Terrafel, and stories spread by word of mouth. Other than that, most people have forgotten about it. Alas, there are still those who are in search of it – some for virtue, others for malevolence. And it is both of these forces that found themselves in the city of Termir that day.

Game:

The World:

1. The races inhabiting Terrafel are as follows: Humans, Elves, Half-Elves, Dark Elves, Dwarves, Half-Giants, Skittar.

The Skittar are talking rat-like humanoids – they inhabit the deserts to the east coast of Terrafel. For more information on races, check the discussion thread.

2. Terrafel, as far as those who inhabit it know, is a large rectangular slab, with a large desert occupying the east coast. There are swamplands to the southeast, and dense forests in the west and southwest. The midlands are generally hilly and green, and the north is cold and lined with mountain ranges. Further to the west is denser forests and more mountains that are very difficult to pass, which is why people have only discovered up to there. Some explorers may have gone further, but not many have returned. There are islands to the south – from where the elves originated.

3. Humans control most of the middle and northern terrain with the dwarves. The skittar reside in the deserts and swamplands. The elves are dispersed in the forests of the west and southwest, and the half elves live either among the Elves or Humans (usually humans). The half-giants don’t really belong anywhere, and live mostly as hermits in the midlands, or poorly among humans – there are very few of them left.

4. Currently, the cities of the Humans and Dwarves are built of stone/steel, and steam-powered technology exists in these parts of Terrafel – including trams and several trains. The elves live in their cities in the trees, apart from the dark elves, whose villages are hidden in the forests to the southwest. The Skittar live in stone huts in the desert in small villages. There is a rumour of a large hidden Skittari city, but as they are a race that keeps to themselves, it is only a rumour.

5. The fashion of the ‘civilised’ world (Humans and Dwarves) is similar to that of 19th century England (Victorian era), and the others are more ‘medieval’.

Technology that exists includes: clockwork machinery, pistols, rifles, steam engine trains, trams, airships (blimp-like), and almost anything else that was around in the Victorian era.

Your Character:

1. You will be playing a character that will get involved in the quest to search for the Dimenxia.

2. Most of the characters will most likely not know anything about the Dimenxia to begin with, and will need a reason to be in Termir, the capital city of the Humans, when the initial events of the story unfold. One incentive could be that the city’s annual Summer Festival and Parade is being held that day.

3. None of your characters will know each other, other than possibly by reputation, or as brief acquaintances. I’m leaving your characters’ profession/lifestyle up to you – you can be anything!

4. Your character can have any fighting style you wish – or even none to begin with. But know that magic has become a bit taboo, the exception being healing magic (practiced vastly by the humans and elves), and not many magi would be seen outside of their academies – unless they were on a mission, hired for a job, or disguised.

5. If you do wish to use magic, be creative with it – relate it to your race and how you want your character to develop. For example, the dwarves use rune magic. For more information on magic, go to the discussion thread.

6. Be descriptive. I don’t want character profiles that give me one-liners for appearance or bios – develop them well and make them fun! :)

Rules:

The same rules apply as with any RPG (I stole your rules for Flame of the Crimson Rose, Honorius!):

1.Read everyone’s posts! Not only does this keep us all on the same page, its fun to know your posts are being read and acted upon. Respond to stimuli and events from other player’s posts.

2. Avoid writing one-line posts or extremely long posts. A range of 40-300 words is good to shoot for.

3.Edit before posting, we’re all here to improve as well as enjoy.

4. No God-modding or perfect characters. God characters = boring RP

5. Fighting between characters should be kept to a minimum, but if there is going to be a fight, no one should die. Also, I would prefer that I be contacted to moderate the fight. I just might want to add in some outside stimuli.

6. Do not control another person’s character without their express consent.

7. If a player is AWOL and holding up the game the character will be NPC’d or brutally killed/tortured/beaten/eaten at the my discretion. If you know you’ll be gone for some time you may hand over your character to another player’s care.

8. Don’t flood the thread with long conversations or extensive actions. Give others a chance to post before moving on.

9. Please discuss any issues in the discussion thread or PM me with your concerns. Gossiping about issues or spamming up the story thread is counterproductive.

10. And lastly… Honorius is co-GM for this RPG, so mine and his word is absolute law! :)

Have fun and check the discussion thread for information about races/magic!

Character Template:

Name:
Race:
Age:
Sex:

Appearance:

Equipment:

Short bio:

Demeanor/Attitude:

[Socrates]

Name: Clairc D. Ericks

Race: Half-elf

Age: 27

Sex: Male

Appearance:

Clairc has pointed ears, short sandy hair, a thin build, and steely green eyes. Rune tattoos cover his arms, chest, and back – though it uncertain to anyone, besides Clairc of course, what any of them do. He is rarely seen outside of his shop, but when he is, he is always wearing his engineering goggles on his forehead.

Equipment:

Engineering goggles, leather armor and pants, leather gloves and boots, a leather backpack, flasks, a few small flat stones for his runes, a knife, chock, parchment, ink, quills, a leather belt with six medium sized pouches and a holster, a shoulder sling used to hold flasks and a sheath, a custom longsword with a rune imbued in the handle, a custom hand pistol, a monkey wretch along with many other assorted tools, and a mortar and pestle.

Short bio:

Clairc was born of a human father and a elven mother. For the first seven years of his life he lived among the humans with his mother and father in a remote cabin a few miles out of a small trading hub. His father was considered one of the best engineers in the North and his mother was a renowned healer and herbalist. His father setup a shop in town and his mother work at a potion shop.

One evening his parents cabin was raided by dwarven bandits. His father and mother attempted to fight them off, but they were quickly overwhelmed. They were taken out back killed execution style in front of Clairc. They had never seen a half-elf before and decided to keep Clairc alive. They ultimately made the decision to sell him on the Lord of Crime's black market as a slave. He was bound and taken north to mountains.

Before they ever made it to the capital dwarven city, a squad of dwarven guards commissioned to ending the raider threat found the bandits and brought them to a swift end. When the battle was over they found Clairc malnourished and in chains, and took pity on him. They brought him back to the dwarven city in the mountainside and handed him over to an orphanage.

He grew up among the dwarves, enrolling in their schools while learning their ways and customs. He never was with any one family long and had a hard time making friends. He was always treated as a outsider everywhere he went and never found a true place among them.

His instructors, even the ones who held raciest ideals, noticed that Clairc was something of a prodigy. He was quick to master any subject put in front of him, everything from swords to runes he picked up with surprising speed.

As he grew older he became increasing obsessed with learning and knowledge. The subjects he studied the most was runeforging, engineering, and alchemy. He was in the sorcerer academy for many years, but Clairc was kicked from the academy for his increasingly dangerous experiments and his refusal to follow the academies rules. By the time he left the dwarven city, his arms, chest, and back were cover in runes from his experiments.

He returned to the Humans and setup shop in Termir as a runeforger and clockwork engineer to fund his constant research and lust for knowledge.


Demeanor/Attitude:

Clairc is not very social and he likes very few people. After his parents were killed, he has been afraid to let himself get too close to anyone else. Despite his sometimes cynical view of the world, he will protect others when the need arises. He often scratches the back of his head when nervous or confused.

[Alexander Wallis]

Name: Kilth

Race: Dark Elf

Age: 125 years old

Sex: Male

Appearance: With dark purple eyes and midnight black hair. His body is lean and muscled from training to be an assassin. He stands at an average height for other elves. Knows enough of Demonic magic to protect himself, but mainly he focuses on combat. His hair is long and wavy, he lets it fall wherever. His nose is a bit crooked.

Equipment: He wears a dark black leather armor, that is hard enough to protect against some weapons but light enough to maneuver in. Carries a short silver sword, and a dark leather holder. He prefers his bow, made from fine Elven crafting with a little Demonic magic to make it as dark as shadows. He usually wears a dark hood over his face, especially in daylight with his blindfold.

Short bio: Kilth was born just as any other Dark Elf, and was raised by normal parents. His father is a librarian, and had their house full of shelves upon shelves of books. His mother a trader that traveled out of Korko on many occasions, but always had a guide. He grew up reading many books in his father's collection, liking his father's taste of stories. What most intrigued him was the Humans and how they could live in such a short time, and be so reckless. He loved to read about all of the great cities that the other races lived in, he dreamed to visit Termir. He read many years, and taking him over one hundred years to completely finish the library. He learned many languages of the other races, and can almost speak as well as the natives. With all the knowledge bursting inside his head he wished to learn another craft, after he read about a secret society of Assassins. He sought them out deeper in the dark woods than even Korko, and they accepted him as they would any other Dark Elf brother. He stayed there learning how to learn everything it would take to stay hidden in plain sight, how to kill with purpose and seek forgiveness, and he crafted his bow out of dark wood from trees deep in the forest. Kilth has taken time to learn many many moves of chess, he meditates every morning and night before he sleeps, he prays for forgiveness after a death. His first task is to travel to Termir and ask questions, he was told he'd know who to kill when the time came.

Demeanor/Attitude: Kilth is always excited to learn or know something new, he loves nothing more than to be around his Brothers and reading. Though he knows his family and friends hate the other races, him and his father have read enough to understand them and wonder about them. His strongest link is to his father and his bow.

[Mr Mr]

Name: Na Bael
Race: Elf
Age: 204
Sex: male

Appearance: Just above average height for an elf, muscled build. Eyes are completely black, due to being cursed by sykis's followers. Wears a hooded robe over a simple lightwieght garb.

Equipment: A small rune enscribed knife given to him by a grateful dwarf and a satchel. The hooded robe hides his eyes from unwanted attention.

Short bio: Born in the elf capital he grew up with a normal life, when he reached adulthood he decided to become a mage. He studied At the academy as a disciple of Gul. He left when he felt he had learnt all he could and traveled to see what else he could learn. At one point he was captured by the followers of sykis who cursed his eyes and tongue as torture. His eyes allow him to see the dead and spirits/demons, his tongue allow him to eat magic, only a small amout or its hurts him, and breath spells. Since then he has wondered healing and fighting against Sykis followers. Adept at elemental magic, he usualy combines it with his knife.

Demeanor/Attitude: Calm and laid back. Mistrusting of any dark-elf due to their relationship with Sykis. Slightly insane at times due to his age and past.

[sidtvicious]

Name:Eenzthk(at least this is the name pronounced by non-Skittari, the name correctly pronounced sounds like a series of squeaks and chitters). Is referred to as "The Book Binder" by some, but these "some" are far and few between and most have ended up in the "dead book."
Race: Skittari
Age: 57 Cycles (Astrologically around 50 years of age, he's an old rat)
Sex:Male

Appearance: Eenzthk's body is covered in matted clumps of graying black hair. Much of his upper torso is completely bald, but slight remnants of hair come and go (for this reason, he is rarely seen unclothed). Upon these, balding spots are imprinted scarred ruins some recognizable as protection others of stranger patterns. His tail seems scarred and useless, but at times presents itself as a prehensile tool holding a candle or lantern. His left eye is a milky white, most would assume he's blind in the his eye. The opposite eye is an image of perfect health, a black almond typical of most Skittari. His whiskers, snow white, droop in a style similar to a human's fu-man-chu. He appears to walk with a limp and is often see with a walking stick, though moves quick ans silent like much of his race.

Equipment: walking stick, rune mateials (differing from dwarven in that they are usually bone, wood, and scrap materials), a ruined bone knife appearing to be for carving, a large leather bound book (which he keeps close to him at all times) various marks upon it a single word written in Skittari across the front reading "knowledge" (i'll let the GM decide if this is revealed to players). He carries several writing utensils, similar to the quill pens of earlier days (in mechanism) but mostly configured from hallowed bone. Certain ones appear to have runes scrapped upon them. Upon his wrist he wears bracelet assembled from teeth, marked with protective ruins.

Short bio: Eenzthk was born on the third Lunar Eclipse of the "new day." As a youngster he showed an apprehension to Skittari ways not often seen. He did not believe that the world was dependent on the stars or that all in the community served their true purpose. He was laughed at the elders for most of his early development, until a Dwarf by the name of Arillast visited the small stone hut village. He brought with him great knowledge of rune magic, and technology not seen by the Skittari. After some time of experimentation, Eenzthk showed promise in the practice of such things. Midway through his teachings he turned to the darker realm of magical schooling. Obtaining texts and knowledge of demon magic from a worshiper of Sykis, he eventually sought to summon and bargain with a demon to solve the problems he saw in his community. The result was the summoning of an elite-demon who smiled and appeared to show obedience to Eenztkh, but at the last minute mustered some ounce of free-will (an event that magical teachings to this day cannot explain to Eenzthk), rather than destroying Eenzthk he made a deal, "I shall cure the famine, bloodlust, and corruption of your rat-hole, in exchange for your living soul" the bargain to bare and he accepted. The demon left him bloodied, battered, and blind in one eye. Not dead. In exchange, sure enough things seemed right in the village. Aside from "accidents" plaguing the area weekly, males dying in their sleep, breeders being infertile, and the young that were born being of monstrous variety. When the Elder's found of Eenzthk's partaking in demonic magic they banished him from the community. He accepted this, but since has been trying to free his own soul from that bargain. He does so by getting others to commit their own in his place. His goal is one-hundred. He has thirty-seven.

Demeanor/Attitude: Eenzthk is very friendly, attempting friendship with anyone. His walking style and appearance make him seem less than a threat, nothing more than an exiled Rat with little to no-combat experience. Regardless, he presents himself as more open than the rest of his race, and much more accepting of anyone.

[Earphone]

Name: Golful'gar Biir'gran
Race: Half-Giant
Age: Thirty-two
Sex: Male

Appearance: Golful'gar is large (even among Half-Giants), and stands at eleven feet tall. He has short brown hair, and a large shoulder length beard. His eyes are dark moss green, and are nearly burried behind his thick eyebrows. He is thick in girth, and wears a simple white sleeveless shirt, and brown trousers; with black suspenders.

Equipment: None, other than a pickaxe and a steel helmet with a candle-holder welded to the front.

Short bio: Golful'gar was born in the hills North-West of Termir. He was raised alone by his mother until the age of ten, when he wandered into a Dwarven outpost, and was captured. He was sold off to a rich Dwarf named Vixtegreen, who owns a reputable production factory, and was set to work mining coal deep within the mines running beneath the factory.

Demeanor/Attitude: Despite his immense height and thick-set features, he is very shy and docile, preferring to keep to himself rather than speak to anyone around him. He holds himself hunched, never standing to his full height, and waits to be told what to do.

[Honorius]

Bella Artire

Age: 23
Sex: Female
Race: Human

Appearance: Bella is tall with a thin figure with a small chest and long, supple legs. She has long, dark brown hair that stretches down to her waist and similarly colored eyes. Her skin is extremely fair, it is creamy white without blemishes, but burns easily, so Bella always carries a parasol.

Bella generally wears dresses with a great many folds and frills in bright colors and pastels. However, she recognizes that some occasions require more practical clothing. In such occasions she wears light outfits of simple blouses, light leather waist coats, tight cotton leggings that are easy to move in, and tall boots.

Equipment: Bella’s only equipment is her parasol sword. It appears to be a regular parasol with an odd, saber hilt style handle. However, the shaft and parasol top are detachable, revealing Bella’s master work; a multi functional saber. The sword is very light, but of high quality metal and is extremely sharp. The bottom of the hilt is detachable and a thin steel chain whip is contained within. The chain whip has a small but sharp blade at the end of it. Also, the bottom half contains a small caliber six-shot revolver. All the hidden aspects of the weapon are revealed through very small switches and buttons on the hilt.

Short bio: Bella was born to a family of weapons dealers. They didn’t sell arms for wars though. They traded in exotic, finely crafted, and custom designed weapons of all sorts. Unusual pistol swords, strangely curved khopesh, long blades encrusted with fine gems and coated in gold foil. The Artire family designed weapons as well. While it is unusual for a woman to become trained with the sword, Bella’s family felt that such training came with the family business. For one to fully understand the value and design of a weapon, they must be able to use the weapon. So, Bella was taught how to design weapons, how to fight with them, and also how to gauge a weapon’s value and the best way and place to sell it. The Artire family remains successful to this day, trading rare weapons, as well as designing their own. The Artire’s family main branch is in Termir, and Bella lives there. Currently, she is browsing through antique shops looking for any fine specimens.

Demeanor/Attitude: Bella appears fragile from a distance, with her fair skin and thin body. In addition to this, she acts with a most polite demeanor. However, she will not tolerate an absence of chivalry or respect. Any lack of respect towards her or her associates is treated not with a sharp tongue, but with a sharp blade. The only teams she has worked with are groups within the family company, never in combat, but she is perfectly capable of handling herself. Also, she is very accepting of other races due to constant interaction with them concerning weapon acquisitions and commissioning weapons from their craftsmen.

[Brandogg12]

Name: Noveen Baptise

Race: Human

Age:24

Sex: Female

Appearance: Noveen is round of face and flat of nose with oversized crimson ears. Her eyes are green and oblong much as two cold marbles and her face often blush with overt but concealed emotion. Her frame is small yet mostly symmetrical with thin, narrow shoulders, auburn hair that touches them, wider hips, and a chest larger than she would like, for it does attract unwanted attention. As for the rest of her, it is concealed beneath her oversized and unrevealing leather gear.

Equipment: Duel silver Dirks with heavily scaled handles, sizeable and lightweight black leather armor-lined with pockets and animal of origin, smoke grenade(s), thieves’ tools, and two pistols of Dwarfish origin.

Short bio: Noveen was raised in the Capital city of Termir born into a family of scandalous merchants. Unfortunately she was seen as an outcast due to her last name and was quickly reminded by everyone she would amount to nothing besides a merchant; however, early in her life she realized that this was not her calling. She spent a good portion of her early life hunting, fishing, and tracking- looking for any outlet she could find to stay away from her mother and her terrorized household, both of which were neglectful and spiteful of her mysteriously gifted green eyes. (Both of her parents and all of her brothers had dark eyes) Even though Noveen’s father knew his wife was unfaithful, he would never acknowledge it and would flat out refute it. This drove Noveen’s mother to madness and to a breaking point.

After a drastic decision to leave for a week and see if she would be truly missed when she was only 11 year of age, she returned only to discover that her father was killed and her four brothers forced to join the war effort, both decision of her tyrant of a mother. All that was left of her childhood home was a note written in her mother’s hand that read “You should never have been born, boy.” (A reference to her masculinity and her mother’s infidelity) These words haunt her every day of her life.

With nothing but a set of seemingly masculine skills, a good head, and a few trusty weapons she managed to obtain by trading hides she wanders the capital city working as a hired hand, a hunter, and sometimes an assassin- selling our her skills to the highest bidder all the while still searching for her place in the world. Fate has a place for everyone, after all.

Demeanor/Attitude: Noveen is rather charming even when she doesn’t wish to be with a tomboyish exterior, a belief in wholesome pure femininity, and a warm face exploding with emotion triggered by even the slightest provocation. She does not let things get to her for long after experiencing the worst in life and seeing death’s face in that of her mothers’. She has a nagging addiction to smoking Steelweed- a flower that is commonplace in the capital city and often has trouble walking silently due to a leg injury sustained by a wolf while hunting.

[yellowm&M]

Name: Ilayda Narcisco

Race: half elf

Age: 18

Sex: Female

Appearance: Ilayda is tall and thin with clear, fair skin. She has bright blue eyes and long, wavy red hair which she wears down to hide the fact that her ears are pointed and elfish. She shares the graceful features and fair skin of the elfish race, but besides her ears looks mainly human and very beautiful.

Equipment: Ilayda usually wears simple dresses in muted colors (browns, greens, blues) as to not draw attention to herself; however she always wears a belt/sash of some bright bold color. Hidden in the sash is a small silver knife and a little pouch for money and other valuables. She carries with her a brown leather satchel which holds her dark red cloak, a book, some food, water, and a dagger that is too large to be hidden in her belt.

Short bio: Ilayda was born of an elf mother and human father. Like many elves, her mother was very against half elves and subsequently was disgusted to find out she was carrying one. She left Ilayda at her father’s house in Termir as soon as possible. Her father, though also discriminatory against half elves, took her in because he felt guilty for her existence. However he was often gone as he was a merchant and when he was home he took little notice of his half elf daughter. Ilayda spent her childhood being picked on by her human siblings and being discriminated against by her family. That, when combined with the abandonment of her mother, left her feeling bitter and angry against the world.

She did receive an education growing up, which fostered in her a unique love of reading. When she turned 16, Ilayda decided to leave her unhappy home and forge her own way. Her plan of leaving Termir was blocked, however, by the discrimination against half elves and her lack of money. Thus she was forced to remain in the town where she has made her living mainly by acting as an entertainer (dancer) and through being a pickpocket (something at which is she sadly quite accomplished).

Demeanor/Attitude: Depending on her audience, Ilayda is very charming and graceful when necessary. However usually she is cold and reserved, and harbors angry bitter feelings brought about by the neglect of her childhood. She loves reading and stories and lights up whenever someone mentions them, however she is very quick to become closed up once more. Being vulnerable scares her and she is very accomplished at hiding her emotions and keeping herself detached from the people around her.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Character slots are all filled up for the time being (unless I give you special permission)

Annnd finally, my character:

Dalia Fletcher

Age:24
Sex: Female
Race: Human

Appearance: Dalia is about 5-foot 6-inches tall, slightly muscular build, especially in her arms, legs, and abdomen, with jet-black, straight hair that goes down to her shoulders. She usually wears a black cap, or has her hair pinned up or pulled back into a ponytail.

She wears a long, tan trench coat, with the collar up and sleeves cut short, a vest underneath, baggy trousers, work boots, and tough leather gloves with studded knuckles. She has a pretty face, with big electrifyingly blue eyes. On the back of her coat there is an emblem of the street gang she belongs to, and a tattoo on her wrist of the same emblem.

Equipment: She wears her studded leather gloves most of the time, with two sets of knuckledusters at her waist – one set with blunt edges and another with sharp, rigid edges. Otherwise, she travels light very light.

Short bio: Dalia was born into a good family – a dishonest family, but good nonetheless. Her father was a smuggler for the Bartem Cartel – the criminal organisation lead by the dwarfish Lord of Crime: Kanen Bartem

Even though she was raised well, and given everything she could possibly want, Dalia was very aggressive in her adolescence, and once ran away from home at the age of fourteen after a quarrel with her father. She ended up cornered in an alleyway by three members of a street gang known as the Emerald Scorpions – an extremely dangerous gang in Termir. Miraculously, she managed to knock out two of the thugs in a fit of feral rage. The third stepped back, as he was one of the leaders of said gang, and offered for her to be initiated.

While she went back home and resolved her problem with her father, she also decided to become a brawler for the Emerald Scorpions, which basically meant that while she wasn’t at home, she was out fighting or training to fight in illegal cage matches.

Eight years later, the Bartem Cartel recruited the Scorpions into their line of work and made them smugglers of artifacts and industrial materials. So now Dalia is in the same line of work as her father and travels from city to city on airships, exporting all sorts of goods.

Demeanor/Attitude: She has calmed down since her adolescence, and even though she can put up a good fight she tries not to come across as too threatening when meeting new people – unless it’s for work.

[losthawken]

Name: Broggen Felbillow
Race: Dwarf
Age: 43
Sex: Male

Appearance: As is common to most dwarves, Broggen is small of stature and large of muscle and girth. His dark beard is highlighted with strands of red. Often dressed in layers, he usually wears a knee length leather duster cinched about hist waist with a wide belt of chain-link brass. Fingerless gloves cover his large hands and knee high boots protect his disproportionately small feet. The hair on his face and head are tightly braided in the traditional dwarvish style. When not protecting his eyes, his aviator goggles can be found strapped around his forehead.

Equipment: Broggen has collected a number of valuable tools and weapons during his trading ventures across Terrafel. He carries a pair of brass adorned .50 pistols at his waist. In his duster he carries a handful of basic tools used in maintenance and repair of airships. When traveling in dangerous country he carries a double-bladed single-handed axe on his back, but he is never without his favorite throwing axe strapped to his leg. Many of his tools and equipment bear dwarvish runes and are imbued with magic, and although Broggen is fairly ignorant of exactly how such things work, he is certain to make excellent use of their abilities.

Short bio: Born into the working class, Broggen got his start building Airships in the mountain factory village of Stone-Eyre. There he met Limelal, his love. But happliy ever after was not in their destiny. Broggen doesn't talk about what happened in Stone-Eyre, but it was the first of a series of misfortunes that catalyzed Broggen's once warm heart into cold stele. As is the custom of dwaves who have lost their partners he would never love another. He left Stone-Eyre and has never looked back. He finds himself as an airship pilot for hire these days. He frequently transports black-market goods but more often deals in the lucrative slave trade.

Demeanor/Attitude: The natural dwarvish boisterousness manifests itself as crass dry humor in Broggen. He views the world as a dark and miserable place where joy is fleeting and pain lasts forever. He uses his resourcefulness to survive, while carelessly journeying to the darkest corners of Terrafel. Usually gloomy and brooding when not in the air, he does not allow anyone to get close to him.

[thenewpeter]

Name: Shara Dragonscale
(the reasoning for the name, although elfs despise dragons, her clan once up on a time fashioned the scales of the dragons into armour for use against them)

Race: Half Elf

Age: 47

Gender: Female

Personality: She tends to be quiet, has only ever worked alone of a job, after so long, she seeks people who share her views. She craves battle, loving the pure ecstasy of her blade spilling blood, but keeps her lust in check, until the fighting begins.

Appearance: she’s 6 feet tall, main noticeable elven feature, slight point to her ears, narrowed eyes. Aged appearance of a 22 year old. Her back is covered in scars (covered in background) as well as her left cheek. Her eyes are different colours, emerald and ruby, a cross of her mother and fathers.
Clothing: armoured left arm and shoulder, the armour is in the fashion of large over lapping scale plates, woven shirt and pants, leather boots and gloves. Woven sack, woven travelling cape.

Specialisations: Talented blades fighter, specialised assassin, expert archer.

Armourment: Always carries 4 blades and bow. A short sword and two different lengthed knifes as well as a short knife hidden on her person. The Bow is of a sturdy wood, with a quiver that holds up to 40 arrows. Current load is 16 stone arrows, 3 enchanted arrows (dwarfen runes carved into the surface, activate on her command ‘Bleah’ translated as fire, attuned to her voice, can be retrieved for reuse, where given as a reward as a set of 8 for an assignment)

Background: Daughter to a human mother and elven father, they lived in human farmlands, the humans there grew restless having the elf living there, even more so by him consorting with a human, multiple unrelated murders took place in the near by village, jumping to arms, the other villagers focused their anger on the elf, the obviase focus for their anger, both her mother and father where killed on the night. Beaten to death, before being burn to ash.
Shara was forced to watch, tied in place, as they took advantage of her position, she holds scars on her body from that day. She remained there for 4 days before someone came along to help free her, as she aged, she took care of each of those involved, returning her hatred to those who caused it’s birth, killing every person involved, working her way to the head of the old rabble, one who she’d always knew hated her father, she tortured him before leaving him in a position where he couldn’t escape, bleeding to death.
Since she’d delt with the last, she began taking jobs as a mercenary, learning anything she can as she’s aged, she always hears out a job, but turns many down, not simply looking to earn money, she seeks to bring justice to the dammed in the only way she knows how, the flash of steal.
She will be in Termir primarily retrieving a bounty.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Termir:

The sound of cheers, bells, whistles and firecrackers filled the streets of Termir as the summer festival began that day. It was a day to be joyous and to embrace the summer season. On that day a parade marched all the way from the commoner's quarters to the crown square, whose doors were open for celebration until late into the night, and a giant brazier hung, basking in flame to symbolize the sun. There were all kinds of floats rampaging through the narrow cobble-stone walkways of the city – those made from wood, paper, clockwork and steel; dragon floats, and floats filled with flowers and images of the sun. It was truly a spectacle to behold.

Termir was not just any city. It was the capital of the world, or so they say. It was by a lake, and built upon the ruins of many other cities before it, but always controlled by the same race - the humans. The humans reveled in the thought of their superiority to the other races of Terrafel, but today was a day for festivities, and even the elite knew how to have fun. Everyone was welcome to the summer festival, which is why the city’s train stations and air ship docks were overcrowded. As everyone was out in the streets, trams weren’t working either – it would’ve been impractical.

The only ones who worked – other than those wishing to earn a bit of profit from the sudden influx of people – were the guards. And there were a lot of them. Nothing was going to go wrong that day.

Airship:

Some way away from Termir, Dalia Fletcher could see the grand city on the horizon. She was leaning on the railing of an airship – where she found herself most days – and dreading the docking. Today wasn’t a good day to be coming in by airship, and especially by an airship carrying three dozen half giant slaves, caged within its cargo hold.

“Dal,” she heard over her shoulder. A man came beside her, putting his hands on the railing. He looked her in the eyes, “something the matter?”

Jaz was another of the Scorpions’ smugglers. He was extremely tall, burly, and had a look on his face that made him seem like he was constantly annoyed. They often paired him with Dalia on assignments. He wasn’t the brightest person, but you were grateful to have him alongside you if things got ugly.

“I’m just running scenarios in my head. You know, in case an inspector comes on board, or a commotion is caused. That kind of thing.”

“Well I wouldn’t worry too much inspectors. I doubt we’ll even be noticed with all these tourists coming in.”

Dalia turned to face the ship, and looked up at the balloon-like structure keeping it afloat. “Mmm,” she hummed, unsatisfied with his attempt at assuring her.

At that moment Jaz’s nuisance of a cat showed up – Whiskers, he called it. The cat was Jaz’s scout, much like a hawk. Dalia never understood why he didn’t get something that could fly, but never decided to bring it up. The damned ginger tabby hissed at her before curling up by its master’s feet.

“She’s never taken to you,” Jaz spat out the obvious, “I don’t know why.”

“Mmm,” Dalia repeated, bored.

Sensing her tedium, Jaz decided it would be a good time to leave Dalia alone. Besides, they would be docking soon anyway. “I’m going to make sure this pilot knows exactly where we’re landing. You know that bunch – always oblivious.”

Jaz left Dalia on the deck, his feline companion in tow, and descended to where the flight cabin would be. Thinking she was alone, the smuggler turned back to gazing at the city in the distance, which was now a lot closer. That’s when she noticed she wasn’t the only one doing so. She could see someone to her left, in her peripheries – a hooded figure in dark, tattered robes, complete with a flowing black sash. She had met or run into most, if not all, of the crew by now, and none of them had dressed in this manner, which made the situation a hell of a lot sketchier. Throughout her many travels and dealings with the underground of Terrafel she could only think of one group of people that would dress like this.

“Hello?” she asked, turning to face the man.

[Earphone]

Golful'gar sat hunched glumly within his crate. To any passerby, the box would appear to be holding seven fragile statues made by the Dwarves to be given to the ruler of Termir as a gift for the festival. (At least that's the story Golful'gar heard the Dwarf transporting him say to the pilot of the airship.) He scratched his head, his knuckles rapping against the sturdy wooden planks above him. He cringed at the sound, half expecting a lash from an enforcer for the disturbance. It was several seconds before he relaxed. Slowly, he reached into his pocket for a small box of matches, and attempted to pull one out, the result being that he dropped the box from his large fingers.

Supressing a moan, he rubbed his aching neck. He didn't know how much time had passed since he'd been placed on the airship. The only light he had was from a small gap between two planks in the side of the crate, the pale dim ray barely enough to see by. Shoving his hand back into his pocket, he felt his fingers brush against something, and ruefully pulled it out. Pinched between his fingers, was a small dap'shir flower. Smiling faintly, he moved the flower so that it was in the strongest part of the light. He leaned in as closely as he could, and stared at the small orange flower, taking in it's shape, and deeply regretting that it was half-dead.

During his years in the mines, he had met a young Dwarf maid who had befriended him. Every morning she would sneak to his cot, and give him a flower that she had picked. The dap'shir had been his favorite, and she had tearfully pressed one into his palm the last time he'd seen her. That had been a week ago. Golful'gar stared and stared at the wilting flower, its petals matted from being contained in his pocket for days. He wondered what the future held for him. More mining, he told himself.

[losthawken]

Standing at the helm of the airboat Broggen managed bellowed into the wind in his deep baratone voice as the wind whipped his braided beard.

"On my boat flies o'er and o'er,

Cross land and sea I fly,

To the Fifth I pays my dues while my time I buy,

My cargo trade one death for ano'er,

an on my boat flies o'er and o'er,

The Shorty there thinks he pays my due,

But what I want is kitty stew..."

The sturdy dwarf looked over his shoulder at the man for whose sake he'd improvised the his the end of his song.

“What can I do fer ye Mr. Jaz,” he asked looking back to the cloud dotted horizon, and the city in the distance. It had been some time since Broggen had been to Termir, and never during the festival.

“Just making sure you understand the plan, Dwarf,” replied the tall human.

“Don't you worry your mother's beard about a thing good Sir. I'll get yer cargo where it needs to go, or I don't make the best damn cat pie you've ever tasted.” Broggen smiled to himself without moving his eyes from the horizon.

'It's been too long a journey with this bloke and his equally stupid pet,' he thought to himself as Whiskers slipped over to him and began to purr and rub against his legs. Broggen looked down at the tabby cat, 'I'll be glad to be rid of you both at Termir.'

[Alexander Wallis]

"And that's how to make kitten soup.", Kilth closed the book and thought for a second. A scowl formed on his face, and he started to gag.

"My first and last Dwarven cook book..." He spoke to himself in a hushed tone. The room was in complete darkness. Kilth took the time to pick up is smooth blindfold and tied it onto his face. He found the door and stepped outside onto the deck of the airship. The air hit him gently and lightly lifted his hair. He took a deep breath and began walking on the tips of his feet, a habit from training to be quiet and stealthy. He carefully picked his steps and positioned his feet carefully for each step. He stopped abruptly, and started to quietly weep.

He thought of his parents back at home, and his Brotherhood deep in the woods. They had sent him on his first mission, and told him nothing of what he was looking for. He had read many times about Termir, about humans and their wonderful city. He had always wanted to visit, but not like this. Not on a blind chase, no pun intended. He felt hot tears start to slowly cascade down his cheeks, he quickly wiped them away and continued on his way. He turned a corner and quickly but quietly pressed himself to the wall. He saw a hooded figure, and thought to himself, 'He looks suspicious, he might be my target.' He slowly stuck his head out to observe the odd looking figure, he saw a woman standing near him. Kilth's eyebrow raised as he scanned the woman, "Interesting." he whispered to himself, with a grin on his face.

[Brandogg12]

Termir
To all, Termir was the indeed the core of Terrafel; a multilingual, multiethnic melting pot which brewed an amalgam of cultural traditions bring the lithe and grace of the elves, the ingenuity and vigor of the Dwarves, and the cunning of the humans, all one set of gates- even if tension and hatred were common side effects. It was the place to buy and trade quality goods ranging from magical elixirs to stirrups, to tell tales of heroic (or not so heroic) adventurers and of their past wars, wounds and skirmishes, to gossip about royal family lines and whom in them are preparing to engage in wedlock. To others, it was nothing special; just a bunch of bustle and noise around the clock and even those were loud if you really listened.

Noveen sat casually on an old crate tucked in a narrow alley between a handful of busy shops. It was days like these that made her hate living in the capital city. There was all the noise, all the questions, and all the pain of seeing others able to have fun so easily while she had no choice but to dwell on her painful past. Everywhere she looked there were people latching onto each other’s arms, laughing, and strolling lazily. It was so easy for them.

She rolled a tightly wound Steelweed cigarette and began to puff away. The noise and the sight of the arriving airships made her head throb and her face flush and there wasn’t a better way for her to ease off the pressure of her skull, as well as her tightened knee. That damned wolf. It always picked the worst times to act up. She was now afraid to get up fearing that her leg would lock and she would fall on her face. It wasn't worth it.

She looked down at her armor instead and wondered if she should dress more formally on occasions like these, especially when festivals were a good time to pick up a husband or beaux… she shook her head and dismissed such thoughts. She began to hum a mildly rueful melody that was popular in Termir:

“Travel along that road until you fall asleep-
Til’ you are so tired that your feet slip and sweep-
After your journey you may rest well and sound
Until the sun sets and a new day comes around;
But be careful now! Our dearest Adventurer, look out!
For In that ol’ Forest… no one can hear you shout….”

"It's going to be a long day," she muttered.

[thenewpeter]

Shara walked down one of the main streets of Termir, people crowded the road, stalls where everywhere, selling all kinds of foods and trinkets. People cheered as a float of some kind appeared around one of the building, people parted ways in the road, leaving a wide path for the first.
Shara turned away from the first float, her thoughts else where, wondering where she could find another job. Her destination lay ahead, the ‘Giants foot’ Inn. A group of human men stood around the door, several called to any women that passed, obviously had more than their fill.
One looked at her, smiled to himself, seeing she was walking with intent of going inside, she move to go around, through the doors, but he stepped in her way.
“What does one of your kind thinks your doing here?”
“Let me through please”
Several of the others turned to her.
“Hu, stupid half elf, get outta here”
“Y... Yeh... stupid pointy ears!”
The one the that gave the last comment burst out laughing. The others smirked. Then began to surround her.
“Hey, tell you what” One of the less slurred said. “You can come in with me, we’ll go around back, have us some fun”
They laughed. “Hey, let me in on that”
“I’ll say one more time, let me through... please”
“You’ll say one more time? What’s a young thing like you going to do?”
Before he realised anything, Shara had grabbed his hand and twisted it, his smirk disappeared as he squealed.
“Let me through”
“You bitch!”
One from the side tried to hit her, she batted the hand out of the way, drawing her knife, putting it under his chin. He stood frozen, panic swallowing his face.
“Just let me through idiots”
They backed away, all but the one she held still. She released him, and he back away, hitting the wall. Shara walked past, into the Inn.
No-one had noticed anything, or didn’t care. People sat around tables, most had drinks in their hands, someone was playing a guitar, several people dancing to its rhymical strums.
She sat at the bar, pulling out a wrapped piece of cloth.
“Well, is it isn’t Shara”
A well stocked man walked from behind the bar. He was a very old friend, Shara and Kirk had grown up together, the difference between the two, he showed his age, her 47 years only showing 20ish by skin.
“It’s been a while, though you must of run into some trouble”
Shara pushed the cloth across the bar shelf to him. He picked it up, looking inside.
“I had some trouble finding him, he could run well”
He disappeared shortly, coming back out with a small bag.
“I’m sorry, the we’re a little short on money, things aren’t going quite as well as we’d like at the moment, so it’s a few gold pieces short”
“It’s fine, have any food?”
“Yep, a new pigs just been cured, started cutting an hour ago”
“Give me a few slices from that, plus something special to drink, wwe’ll call it even”
He laughed as he walked into the back once more, again appearing with the slices of pork, as well as a small canteen and half a loaf of bread.
“Thought you’d need something to eat that with”
“Thank you Kirk, how’s your wife?”
“bah, same old, Emily’s still running things”
The both laughed.

[Honorius]

“Meow!” the kitten mewled while looking up at Bella.

Bella squealed a little and held the new kitten even closer. She had adopted the stray kitten not half and hour ago, having found it running along the streets, desperately dodging the feet of the massive crowd of people here at the Summer Festival. Since then, she had decided to name it after a legendary Skittari swordsmith, Masamune, ordered a great number of toys and food for the kitten, and bought a gilded collar with a crystal bell on it. It was a terribly whimsical thing to adopt a stray kitten and buy so much for it, but this was the summer festival! A time of joy and whims, of appeasing every fancy and desire, of celebration and love! Bella couldn’t help herself. Kittens were her greatest weakness, aside from rare weapons anyway. In fact, before finding Masamune, Bella had purchased a number of unusual and rare weapons from the foreign merchants that were here for the festival. Of course, she had also bought miscellaneous things for the family as well as a new parasol, which she had already fashioned onto her parasol saber. She held Masamune close with one hand and twirled the lacy white parasol with the other.

Now what would she be up to next? Maybe meet up with some friends by that crepe stand nearby the fountain in the trade quarter? Actually, wasn’t the clockwork shop she had heard about just nearby there? She’d have a chance to browse the clockwork mechanisms there to see if the shop owner there had anything that could improve her parasol saber and also be right nearby the crepe stand!

She talked whimsically to Masamune as she made her way to the trade quarter. On her way, she had made arrangements for some friends to meet her at the crepe stand in an hour or two. In the meantime, she would browse the clockwork shop. For now though, she was sitting by the fountain, hiding from the sun under her parasol and relishing the mist from the fountain.

“Meow!”

“Wait!”

Masamune jumped off of Bella’s lap and ran towards the alley next to the clockwork shop across the street fountain. Bella ran lightly after the kitten, yelling for Masamune to slow down and come back. Finally, she caught up to the kitten and picked him back up. Before she could scold him though, she noticed that the kitten had stopped just in front of a girl who must have been nearly the same age as Bella. The girl was dressed oddly for the festival, wearing dark leather armor while Bella was wearing a blue pastel dress with frills and folds abounding, but there was one thing that caught her eye.

“Those knives! The scales on them! How exquisite! And are those pistols dwarven made? Oh please! May I have a look at them?”

[Socrates]

There were many things Clairc didn't like about the summer festival, but there was nothing he hated more than the stench. Foul smelling humans, dwarfs, and elves, sweat on their brows and ale lingering on their breath, would wounder by his stand where he sold miniature clockwork robots and airships made specifically for the festival. Sometimes a potential customer, usually with a snot-nosed brat hanging on their arm, would stop and eyeball his creations, but it was rare that he sold anything. Once they noticed he was nothing but a wretched half-breed, they would cast him a disgusted glance and storm off.

He never really liked people, but then again, people never really liked him either. He could never understand why everyone hated half-breeds as much as they did. Besides his accident of birth, what had he ever done to deserve the treatment he endured on a day to day basis? Why couldn't they understand that the point of his ears didn't define him as a person? Clairc decided that it really didn't matter. All that really mattered to him was his research. These toys were nothing more than a means to keep him alive – all that mattered was his experiments.

The noise of chattering voices and whining children seemed to lessen for a moment as Clairc's half-elf ears picked up a small tune. Looking across the way, he noticed a young human female sitting on a crate in a narrow alley between some shops, humming a simple melody. Despite the upbeat nature of the tune, he could see that all too familiar pain in her eyes. Clairc nearly laughed. He guessed that even humans felt alone sometimes. For some reason, that made him feel a little better.

Seemingly out of nowhere another woman appeared beside her, scooping up a small kitten. Clairc adverted his eyes and continued to tinker with his miniature clockwork creation.

[Mr Mr]

Na' bael sat away from the crowd, unbothered by the festival. He'd been around long enough to have stopped caring. There had been a hundred festivals and there would be hundered more; the humans loved their festivals.

He leant against the wall robe hiding his eyes, gaze resting on a thin sandy haired halfling tinkering with a clockwork contraption. Around him people danced and played. The halfling sat on his own aswell, away from the crowd. Na' didn't blame him. Humans didn't take kindly to halflings, neither did the elves for that matter. It was saddening but Na' was rather fond of them. They were interesting and unusual. He'd been good friends with one until he was killed by some radical humans. Na' had made sure they regretted that choice.

A float rolled past. He looked up assuming it was supposed to be a dragon, being rather badly built it was more akin to a lizard with wings. A thought wondered into his head...

Burn it!

He smiled then shook the idea away. People would see, and the effort it would take to evade the gaurds...why it would be horrendous, best to just leave it be.

Head lowered he went back to watching the halfling.

[Brandogg12]

“Those knives! The scales on them! How exquisite! And are those pistols dwarven made? Oh please! May I have a look at them?”

Noveen looked up quickly and inattentively,not particularly mindful that she was smoking a disgraceful and mind altering substance. They were nice weapons, and the woman seemed to care little of her cigarette anyways. The daggers were forged by the bastard son of a royal line of blacksmiths and were sharpened time and time again, laced tightly with ancient drake scales. As for the pistols- they were nothing to write home about, but they were wildly unique as they had peculiar inscriptions creasing the handles. The eyes Noveen looked upon were those of an undisturbed sleepwalker who was moving through life as it were one big dream, treasuring each and every moment blindly… but still tapping into motivation that seemed to be offered by nothing in particular.

Noveen did not make any impression of the woman, who looked about her age as she presented herself with only a slight crease of worry that was fading quickly on her forehead. She was dressed formally and was cleverly using fashion and function to block the sunlight and weather while still looking good enough to turn heads. She held a cat gently in her arms as its chest heaved air in massive gulps. The woman was using the other to hold a parasol proudly but humbly over the pair. Noveen became quickly jealous as she admired her thin, tall frame and unburdened chest that accentuated her innocent splendor along with her fair skin and unblemished face. She took another puff and flicked near the tip of her cigarette and said something, anything to fill the silence as the woman looked at her with a parted smile, asking her a question to which she had no definitive answer. She mustered enough generosity to return the smile. Her cheeks were flushed with blood and her head began to swim.

“That is a cute little creature you have there. Did it manage to get away from you?” Noveen asked with slight amusement. She did not wait for a response; instead, she continued, and even managed to get up without falling though her legs were a little wobbly. As she got up, she realized she would still have to crank her head back a little to make eye contact.

“ Have a look at my weapons you ask? Sure. You can even touch them if you like!” Noveen beamed.

"My name is Noveen by the way. Noveen Baptise. I would offer you one,” she motioned to the cigarette hanging in her left hand, “but this is my last one, and I doubt you would want one anyways, heh,” she then offered her right hand, and despite the grimy look of it, the woman's face did not suggest that she was hesitant in the idea of shaking her hand.

"Another girl who likes her weapons and doesn't care to get her little hands dirty every now and then. This day might not be so long after all," Noveen thought to herself.

[sidtvicious]

Times of celebration in Termir were always a good time for Eenzthk--at least as opposed to his usual time out after the sunset. The hustle and bustle made it easy for him to wander about the streets, well that and temptation. The abundance of food scraps and unsavory chits to fodder the Dead Book.

Soot, waste, ripening squash, discarded hog meat, and spilled ale; the multitude of scents pouring into his nose was slightly over-powering. He stopped his trek through the commoner's quarters to kneel and scoop up a dropped loaf of bread. Mustering great constitution to conceal his squeaks, he kept walking hood up down the street.

Then, the smell hit him. The perfect chit for the Dead Book. Ale on his breath, clothing and just about everywhere else. Inhibitions were gone. He was open to suggestions.

Eenzthk scurried forward, tossing the bread aside. As he approached the man's back, he ran a hand across his chest and uttered a short Skittari phrase. Once behind the man, he reached forward and tapped the shoulder of the head-taller stranger.

Eenzthk spoke with his mind:Sir, can I offer you lodgings for the night?

[yellowm&M]

The air was full of the chiming of bells, shouting voices, busy craftsmen, and jingling purses being emptied on the various trinkets and food that was everywhere to be found. The atmosphere was infectious. Ilayda had always loved the summer festival, though for very different reasons. When she had been a young girl her love had been for the magical occurence of pure openness and acceptance for a brief period of time-a respite from the neglect and abuse she was used too. Now, however, her love of the festival came from the purely material gain she recieved from so many people willing to see her dance and so many easily stolen purses. Though, a small part of her still felt the wonderment of a child at the festival, and a for a moment she felt the simple innonence she used to hold before it was lost to her.

Ilayda shook her head, now was not the time for nostalgia. Hoisting her satchel onto her shoulder, she began to weave her way through the crowded streets, searching for a place to earn some money-her supply of food was running far to low for her comfort. Soon the strains of guitar music reached her ears through the mess of sounds and she followed the notes until she found the player in front of an inn called "the Giants Foot." It was not place she went often, but there was a large crowd gathered around some clumsy dancers and the guitar player-in other words, a wonderful place to earn a few coins. Setting down her bag she pulled out a small basket and straigtened the pale blue dress she was wearing with a bright orange sash embroidered with large, golden sunflowers; a tribute to the festival.

She shot a smile at the guitar player and signaled him to play something more upbeat. He obliged with a smirk of his own, and soon she was dancing, her feet moving in time to the rhythm of the notes. Her red hair danced around her, turning to a deep, fiery color in the sunlight. The eyes of the crowd were all being pulled to her and she rewarded them with a beaming smile. Within moments people began to drop coins into her basket as they formed a large circle around her, clapping and laughing in enjoyment.

After a few songs she stopped, her legs aching and sweat forming on her brow. There was a collective moan from her audience which brought an almost genuine smile to her lips. A tall, black-haired man approached her from the dispersing crowd.

"Could I buy you a drink?"

"That depends..." Her answer was coy and her voice sweet.

"Depends on what?" He leaned into her slightly, his own voice deep.

"It depends on how much you enjoyed my dancing." She took a step closer so they were almost touching.

"Oh I-" Suddenly he stopped speaking. In an instant she realized her mistake, caught up in the moment, Ilayda had pushed her hair back revealing her elfish ears. "Actually I must go." his voice dropped all notes of admiration and at once became the condescending tone she was familiar with. Abruptly he turned his back on her and walked away. Ilayda packed up her things, 18 years of that kind of treatment and it still felt like a slap in the face when it happened...at least she had managed to snatch his bag of money before he left.

Pushing her way past the drunks in the doorway, Ilayda walked into the dimly lit bar and sat down at a secluded table. Glancing towards the bar she tried to catch the barmans eye, but he was deep in conversation with someone sitting there and didnt notice her. So instead she turned to her money, counting it up and stowing it safely away, before closing her eyes and leaning back in her chair.

[sidtvicious]

The commoner spun around, confused and frightened. Standing at four feet, just behind him was a smiling rat.

Don't be nervous, you just seem under the weather. Eenzthk continued to smile, extending a short claw.

"..." The man attempted to stammer something.

Relax, let's get you to the Hogshead. Another sniff to the air and he noticed two guards approaching.

Quickly friend, before they escort you to a cell. With that, Eenzthk wrapped his small hand around the man's left hand. Dragging him across the street to a small safehouse marked with a simple X above the door was the easy part. Getting into the safehouse with an outsider, would be a little more difficult.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Giant's Foot:

The door swung open to the bustling tavern, and a dark figure stepped in. He was wearing dark, tattered robes, a flowing black sash around his waist. The top half of his face was covered by a drooping hood. The windows of the bar were stained to a point where they didn't let in much light, and so it was even harder to notice the man. The Giant's Foot was usually known as being one of the dodgier pubs, being on the edge of the commoner and trade quarters, but no one would be able to tell on a day like today.

The man made his way through the many tables to one near the bar, where a young woman sat, fiddling with coins she had just obtained. He was there when she danced, and although he didn't see it, wearing a blindfold and all, he was moved by it. "You dance beautifully," he told her with a slight raspy-ness to his voice, "can I buy you a drink?"

Trade Quarter:

A dark figure stepped out of the crowd, making his way over to Clairc's stand. He was wearing black tattered robes, complete with a flowing sash around his waist and a hood drawn over his head, covering the top half of his face. Keeping his head down, the man began inspecting the clockwork gadgets Clairc had on display. He picked up one of the toy airships, touching it intricately. "This do anything in particular?"

Airship Cargo Hold:

Suddenly, the giants heard a lot of movement from outside their crates. It was probably a sign that they were soon to be transported, the vessel was almost at its destination, and a good thing too. They had been picked up from the dwarfish capital, Irstrom, then moved for about a week to the west, to a village on the border of elvish territory, where some sort of supply was picked up. All the while they were given little food, less than in the mines of Irstrom, and it was very uncomfortable in the crates - they weren't made to hold giants.

A loud rapping sounded against Golful'gar's crate, followed by a hollow voice. "Hey, giant, how would you like to be free?" the man said, almost tauntingly.

"What are you doing!?" Another voice asked hastily from further away.

[losthawken]

The sun gleamed over the airship as its massive stern propeller turned gently. Puffy white clouds dotted the landscape below floating like giant jellyfish over the landscape. They were approaching Termir, and the joyous celebration in the city was already evident. Here and there bottle rockets streamed into the sky, and the cheers of the merrymakers could be heard below.

Broggen was still resisting the urge to boot Whiskers overboard without a safety rune. Meanwhile Jaz had lit a cigarette that smelled of smelled of cheap and noxious weed to Broggen's nose. The human didn't seem impressed with Broggen's sense of humor. They were nearing the city limits now. The gentle currents of the day would carry them over the outskirts and across the trade quarter to their rendezvous point.

Barely taller than the helm wheel, Broggen slipped a loop of rope over one of the handles to keep the ship steady and turned to Jaz. He carelessly stepped on Whiskers tail as he did. The cat meowed in protest, forcing Broggen to look down, 'Why do these stupid animals aways crave the ones that hate them?'

“Get yer other Shorties ready,” He said referring to the other mercenary humans on board, “We'll be on the ground in a wink.”

Broggen stooped to pick up a thin braided cord that lay nearby, the other end of which trailed away along the deck of the ship and out of sight. He walked up to Jaz with dwarvish quickness and touched the tip of the long fuse to the end of Jaz's cigarette. The cord ignited in a flash and the burning spark raced down the length of cord and out of sight.

“And ye may want to cover yer ears,” Broggen's hazel eyes twinkled as the ships cannons began to fire successively, bursting flame and showers of confetti over the crowds below. Cheers could be heard from the trade quarter as the cannons continued until one cannon made a distinctly louder bang.

“Oops, must have fe'rgot to load a dummy charge in that one,” Broggen quipped as he moved past Jaz to prepare the airship for landing. All the while he smiled at his own inventiveness, sometimes the best place to hide was right in the open.

[Earphone]

Golful'gar heard movement from outside his crate. Could they be at their destination? He wondered how the humans would differ from the dwarves. He jumped when there was a loud tapping on his crate, followed by a man's voice.

"Hey, giant, how would you like to be free?"

Golful'gar failed to register the scorn in the man's voice, treating it like a genuine question.

"Free?" He asked in a deep hoarse voice. He winced as his throat cracked.

There was no response from the other side. Golful'gar heard new footsteps approaching.

"What are you doing!?" Said a new voice harshly.

[yellowm&M]

"You dance beautifully, can I buy you a drink?"

Within a second Ilayda had shoved her coins into the small purse she carried and put it out of sight of the stranger. Looking up at him through the dim light that filtered through the dirty windows, Ilayda tried to make out his face. However the hood he wore was large and hid his features in shadows. Slowly she examined the rest of him: a tattered cloak, a black sash, a raspy voice. A chill ran up her spine. She didn't know who this man was, or even what; all she knew was that something about him scared her a little bit.

Sitting up a little straigter, Ilayda pushed her fear down and looked at the man with a steely glint in her eyes. Even if something about him was unsettling, she wasn't going to let him see that.

"If you want." She glanced up at him with indifference, keeping her tone hard and closed. If her 18 years had taught her one thing, it was to never trust and never allow your feelings to show.

[Honorius]

“Bella Artire,” Bella said as she smiled and lowered her parasol and attached it to her dress with a small cloth loop that, from a distance, looked like nothing more than yet another fold in the dress, but really acted as a frog for the parasol. Bella knew it was odd to hang a parasol from a frog, but it was a sword, and just sitting one’s sword on the ground when you need both hands simply isn’t practical.

Once her parasol had been set aside, Bella shook Noveen’s hand with a smile, too excited about the weapons to notice any grim or to even wonder what the girl was smoking.

“I’m not one for smoking anyway, but thank you.”

Noveen allowed Bella to take a good look at each of the dirks and pistols, and Bella beamed and admired each, commenting on the workmanship and quality. She really did enjoy a fine weapon. There was something about the way light shines off a sharpened blade and the click of a new chamber being loaded that captivated Bella. And the way something so beautiful could simultaneously be so dangerous. And it was so rare Bella was able to chat with anyone about weapons! Other women were always scared away guns and swords, and most men were either pond scum, so conceited they couldn’t see Bella for anything more than a pretty face, or didn’t know the difference between a ballista and a zweihander. It was refreshing to be able to talk to someone who knew about weapons, wasn’t a business partner, was her own age, and a girl no less!

“What are you doing here in this alley anyway? It’s such a beautiful day! And the summer festival no less! I was just about to visit the clockwork shop across the way. Oh, won’t you come with me? I’ve heard the shop has the most interesting little gadgets and bits of clockwork. And there’s a crepe stand right near by! You’ll come won’t you?”

Bella was hardly waiting for Noveen’s reply as she took her parasol back out, doing a little spin in her excitement. This really was turning out to be a wonderful day.

[Brandogg12]

“What are you doing here in this alley anyway? It’s such a beautiful day! And the summer festival no less! I was just about to visit the clockwork shop across the way. Oh, won’t you come with me? I’ve heard the shop has the most interesting little gadgets and bits of clockwork. And there’s a crepe stand right near by! You’ll come won’t you?”

Noveen thought about the question briefly- but her face did not contort, even slightly, as to covey her thoughts, but again she felt her cheeks flood with warmth as the capillaries allowed fresh blood to travel to her face.

There was something different about this girl she already knew as she glanced at her ectomorphic frame once more. She was surprised she had not met her before, seeing as they were both humans of the same age. Her presence was one that could not be ignored and her questions- asked with little force and with a dash of charm made her think, and then think again, before making an excuse to allow her to wallow alone. If she sat on this crate all day she would be miserable. It wasn’t anything new, but it was something that she was trying to avoid.

She had heard of this clockwork shop, and had made a note to pay it a visit before the festivities ended, for she had a great interest in machinery and how it functioned. The request did sound attractive. She took her first step as if to convey that she did indeed wish to accompany Bella in her excursion across the way and winced, but cleared her throat and realigned her face. No need to make anyone ask questions.

She dropped the remaining inch of her cigarette on the ground and stomped it out without even thinking about it, and took another step. Her leg was not as tight as she thought it to be and her head was not pounding; instead, it was swimming with lethargic disorientation- the way she liked it.

“You know, it is a beautiful day and I don’t know what I am doing on this box. I will accompany to you to that shop and I will have a good time!” Noveen exclaimed theatrically and then giggled. She just hoped that stand Bella mentioned had a pitcher of ice cold water and fruit to top her crepes with.

“May you lead the way, mam?”

[thenewpeter]

Shara had watched as a girl had danced with the guitar player, seeing a man approach and hit on her, only to back down once seeing her ears. She knew that feeling all to well, as she began picking up the coins, she’d turned back to Kirk.

“Do you plan on staying long this time?”

“No, I’ll probably be leaving as soon as I find a good job”

“Dam, 2 years and this is all I’ll get to see you for?”

“You know me, I like to move around allot”

Kirk looked over her shoulder as something moved in her sack around her back.

“What’s that?”

A smirk crossed Shara’s face. She reached around loosening the straps. A small head popped out.

“Yell, I’ll be dammed! A kitten?” Kirk began laughing merrily.

“He’s called mr Fluffs”

Kirk began laughing hard, clutching his stomach as mr fluffs climbed out of her bag and rested on her shoulder.

“He was given to me from a litter over in the farm lands to the east”

“And you named him Mr Fluffs?”

Shara blushed a little. “Well, I thought it suited him, he’s cute, so he needs a cute name...”

Kirk was laughing again. “Well... I’ve heard it all now, I never thought that you’d give into something cute like that, after all these years of knowing you, I’ve never heard yu do something like that”

“Well, I thought it’d be a nice change, it saves me wandering alone”

“Meow!”

Mr Fluffs licked Shara’s cheek. Kirk moved thurther along the bar, still laughing towards the dancing girl and another figure.

"Can I get you anything?" He asked between chuckles.

[Socrates]

Clairc felt uncomfortable as the man approached. He was wearing heavy robes, black and tattered from what appeared to be constant use, with a flowing sash around his waist, and a drawn hood casting a eery shadow over his eyes. Clairc made up a new cardinal rule to live by just for this guy; if a person wares black in the summer and tries to hide their face - they can't be trusted.

The man picked up one of his airships, touching it intricately. "This do anything in particular?"

Without a word and eyeballing the man cautiously, Clairc took the aircraft from the dark figure and tapped the button on it's underside. The toy airship sprang to life, its many turning gears and flashing lights aiming to please as it took flight from Clairc's outstretched hand and started a circuit around his head, swirling, soaring, plummeting. Once Clairc was satisfied with the airships performance, he caught the toy ship out of the air and turned it off by tapping the button again.

“Its makes a nice gift for the little ones,” Clairc said flatly as he handed the clockwork ship back to the hooded figure. Clairc didn't think the man was serious about buying anything. Why was he here?

[Honorius]

If the girl had any doubts or reasons not to come along, Bella took no notice of it. She was far too happy and joyful to notice such a thing, too caught up in her own happiness.

“Oh, that’s just splendid! And look! There’s a little toy flying around! Just splendid! Come, come! This way!”

Bella hardly took the time to turn and make sure Noveen was still there before prancing off to the clockwork shop. What an interesting little shop! Bella thought as she saw the airships and clocks and toys and trinkets of all sorts. Maybe there’d be a toy for Masamune! A little mechanical mouse! And surely the shop owner would know how to improve her blade even further! Maybe he’d have an idea on how fit a dart launcher into the hilt beside the revolver… The possibilities are endless!

“Oh shop keeper! Would you be so kind as to spare a moment for us?” Bella didn’t actually know that the girl was following her, but she didn’t actually think about it. She was simply too excited.

[Socrates]

“Oh shop keeper! Would you be so kind as to spare a moment for us?”

Clairc adverted his gaze from the dark hooded man and faced the cheery voice who interrupted their conversation. A smiling human female stood beside the man, her long brown hair resting on her shoulder, her brown eyes happily greeting him.

This was a very unusual day. First he is approached by this hooded freak that didn't understand how to dress appropriately for the season, and now a human was speaking to him as if she was truly excited to meet him? Perhaps she hadn't noticed his ears yet. No matter. She would figure it out soon enough.

“In one moment dear,” Clairc said in his best sales voice. “Once I am finished with this 'customer' I will help you.”

[Forgotten_Memories]

Airship Deck:

"Hello?"

The man didn't move, leaving only his robes to flow in the wind. Dalia took a step closer, uncertain as to whether it was a good idea or not. She reached out with her hand, ready to grab his shoulder, turn him around, and possibly smack him in the face before he had a chance to do anything. But before she could do all that, he rounded to face her.

The hood he was wearing blew awkwardly over one side of his face, exposing his snow-white hair and an oddity that only affirmed Dalia's earlier beliefs - the man's eyes were black, with an orange glow at the center. She clenched her fists at her waist.

"Where is it?" he asked in a hollow voice.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Dalia responded in all seriousness.

The man looked down, closing his eyes, and made a sigh of annoyance.

"RAH!" He screamed the next second, catching Dalia off-guard, and thrust his arm forward, whereupon it transformed into a sleek black shadow, enveloping itself around her neck and lifting her several feet above the airship's deck.

"Don't play games with me! I know who you are - where is the shard?!" the man screamed at her.

Dalia was gritting her teeth, thrashing her legs, choking. She grabbed hold of the bind constricting her and found that it was too tight - there was no way she could pull it off. Shard? What shard? She didn't know anything about a shard.

"There's nothing onboard - we've already checked," the man proceeded to speak, and further tightened his hold.

Then it hit her. From the lack of oxygen and trying to save herself, she had completely forgotten that two weeks earlier they had transported a very expensive artefact - rich people not wanting to pay tax. It was a shard of Atarandor. Once upon a time, the elvish homeland was full of these magical stones, but now only a few remain.

The man suddenly released her, and Dalia fell, landing on her side. She then began to have a coughing fit, trying to regain her breath. There were sounds coming from below them now, cheers, shouts, music - they must've been flying over Termir already.

"Ashcroft," Dalia wheezed, "Baron Ashcroft."

She couldn't bring herself to say anymore, but it looked like it was enough for the man. He smirked slyly as his hand re-transfigured.

Then, the ship's cannons started to fire. It was a mess of noise in Dalia's head. She could barely tell what was going on. The man seemed unimpressed. He stepped closer to the coughing smuggler, kneeling down as if to check if she was all right.

"I hope you enjoy watching your city crumble, Klara," he whispered, void of emotion, and then stood back up.

Without making sure to check if anyone else was around, the dark hooded man threw his arms out to their widest reach, turning his head to look above and opening his mouth wide. A black circle appeared beneath him, almost as if he were standing above a pit, and shadows began swirling up his legs, then his torso, dividing at his shoulders until the streams manifested in his mouth and both palms, shaped as circles. A few moments later these shot to the sky, cutting holes through the balloon of the ship, and strangely, through the sky as well.

The sky turned dark over Termir, ending the cheery summer feel for the festivalgoers, and the ship's balloon began to deflate - It was going to crash right into the dock!

Cargo Hold:

"What are you doing!?"

"I'm just playing - maybe it'd be useful to have half giant around, don't you think?" The first voice mused.

The other sighed, "What is it with new initiates?"

Then the ship's cannons fired, rattling the crates and filling the entire space with thunderous noise.

"What was that?" came the first voice.

"I don't know, but I think it's our cue," the second responded.

Then everything became uneasy, as if the ship was suddenly having issues staying afloat.

"No - that's our cue!" The first voice mocked, and the sounds of their footsteps running filled the enclosure, gradually fading.

Giant's Foot:

"Can I get you anything?"

Before the hooded man could answer the barkeep, the door of the tavern suddenly burst open. Two more dressed in the same fashion marched inside.

"It's time," one of them uttered.

"Time for what?" shouted a fat man holding a tankard of ale, already drunk. The dim light that came through the windows faded even more, "I'll show ye' what it's time for!"

He stepped closer to the man who spoke, and swung his chalice sloppily. But before he could reach, the hooded man threw his arms to the sides, causing a spread of shadow energy to explode and ripple away from him, knocking over the nearest celebrators, tables and chairs. The other then proceeded to do the same. Next, they opened their mouths wide, black circles forming at their feet, shadows enveloping their bodies, manifesting in their mouths and palms. They fired the energy, cutting holes in the air of the bar.

Everyone stood and watched, most in disbelief.

"It's a shame we couldn't have that drink," the hooded dark elf told Ilayda.

The rifts then grew, revealing dark insides, and next came what appeared to be black paws, equipped with ten-inch claws. These pulled at the edges of the rifts, widening them until the two creatures they belonged to leapt out.

They stood at about four feet tall, looked like dogs, only they had no eyes, and antennas instead. Their tales had spikes, which looked more like nails, and they began to thrash around, snarling, drooling, knocking over furniture and crushing beams. People began to panic, and started to run for the doors, only to find them blocked off by the demonic summoners.

The demon hounds leapt at their prey.

Trade Quarter:

“Oh shop keeper! Would you be so kind as to spare a moment for us?”

“In one moment dear, once I am finished with this 'customer' I will help you.”

The hooded man took the toy airship back from Clairc’s hand just as a real one flew overhead.

The ship in the sky fired its cannons, blasting the area with confetti and fireworks. Everybody was on their feet, jumping and cheering; everybody but the man in the black robe. He tightened his grip on the toy until it broke, then turned his hand over and dropped it on the floor.

Before anyone could interject, he conjured black smoke from his palms, which filled up the surrounding area quite quickly. The crowds began panicking, especially as the sky now turned grey. The man moved to find better ground for summoning, and when he did, he performed the ritual and opened a rift. A few moments later, three black, round and furry creatures emerged. They were small, about three feet tall, had beady black eyes, and more than half of their body was a mouth, which when opened revealed rows upon rows of jagged teeth. They stood on two feet, but had no arms.

One of the fur-balls caught sight of Noveen, and a grin spread deviously across its face as it jumped spectacularly towards its target, still lightly immersed in the black smog.

[Brandogg12]

One of the fur-balls caught sight of Noveen, and a grin spread deviously across its face as it jumped spectacularly towards its target, still lightly immersed in the black smog.

Noveen was still trying to take in the scene that was before her; yet, none of it seemed to make any sense. She had attended Summer Festivals before and never had the sky turned such a sallow, murky color making it look as if it were on its deathbed. The deafening sounds from above were almost to the point where she wanted to cover her ears and cry murder, but she was out of it. She had smoked too much and now she was going to blow things way out of proportion if she did not just stand complacently, and smile as she was told to do when she was feeling emotions too strong.

The dark fog that embraced the whole square seemed to be almost to the point where it was theatrical. The actors were short, furry, and black creatures with narrow eyes and massive mouths that were wide open, revealing layers of razor sharp teeth. She did not fear anything on this day- especially a few children enjoying their festivities in the now shrouded sun.

She looked to Clairc and then to Bella, and then back to Clairc again as the creature leaped into the air, darting towards her. Something was wrong she realized. Her life did not flash before her eyes, but she recall her fondest memories of her childhood: A small mare that was the color of a chestnut and was soft to the touch, a handful of rough and rowdy brothers that treated her like she was one of the boys, and then of her mother's puffy, swollen face. That was when she screamed.

[Socrates]

So it did exist. Demonic magic was real! Clairc had read about rifts and demons, but he never thought it was possible. It was such a perfect, artful rift...

That was when she screamed. Snapping out of his momentary shock, he flipped his makeshift shop stand, pulling a rune from his side bag. “Behind me!” Claric bellowed. Throwing the rune to the ground he whispered. “vindico... barrier of light.”

The rune activated. A bubble of protective golden light engulfed Clairc and everyone standing nearby. The demon hit the wall of light and was thrown backwards to the ground. “This bubble won't hold for more then a minuet. Prepare yourselves. If you need something from my shop this would be the time to take it.”

[Earphone]

"What are you doing!?" Snapped an angry voice.

"I'm just playing - maybe it'd be useful to have half giant around, don't you think?" The first voice said sounding amused.

The other sighed, "What is it with new initiates?"

Golful'gar jumped as cannon shots rang out, causing the ship to quake.

"What was that?" Asked the first voice.

"I don't know, but I think it's our cue," the second responded.

Then Golful'gar felt a horrible sinking feeling in his gut. He could feel the ship beginning to shudder, and descend rapidly.

"No - that's our cue!" The first voice mocked, and Golful'gar heard the two retreating from the cargo hold.

"'Ello?" He asked, his voice still raspy, and his throat aching all the more. There was no reply.

He began to feel panicked, as he felt the ship fall even faster. He had never liked heights.

"'Ello?" He asked, even louder. Still no reply. He pushed against the walls of his enclosure, but the thick wooden planks sat unrelenting.

"Oi!" He called, scrabbling at the crate, until his fingers slid into the gap that the light was emerging from. All at once his surroundings were cast into darkness. Ignoring this, he began prying at the gap in the planks, cords bulging from his arms, until he heard a snap, and one of the planks fell the the floor with a resounding crash.

Taking advantage of the extra room, Golful'gar threw his weight upon the second plank. It fell without much effort, no longer being supported by the first. Light flooded the crate, and Golful'gar threw up his hands to shield his eyes.

Without waiting for them to adjust, he hobbled from the crate, straightening up, his back popping heavily. He swung his head and shoulders to the sides, until they were loosened. He could see his helmet and pickaxe in the corner. Moving quickly to retrieve them, he remembered that he was not the only one of his kind on board.

"'Ello!!" He boomed.

[losthawken]

Broggen had barely reached the first anchor when the ship lurched. Looking above he saw the oblong ballon begin to sag in its tethers. His eyes quickly were drawn the the ominous black tear through both his baloon and the sky.

“By the Cavern!” he exclaimed, “ALL HANDS ON DECK! IT'S GOING TO BE A ROUGH LANDING!”

The crowds below were gasping at the sight of the failing airship as it began its uncontrolled descent toward the docks. But Broggen had no concern for what was below, his soul focus was on keeping his ship in the air.

In a flash he was back at the helm. He gripped the wheel with one hand and pulled a lever with the other. Turning to the brass horn connected to the furnace room he bellowed, “GIVE 'ER ALL THE FLAME WE'VE GOT, AND BACK THE MAIN SAILS. WE'VE GOT TO SLOW THIS FLYING ROCK DOWN!”

A screeching and a fluttering distracted Broggen from his fervor. Looking for the source he saw a cloud of dark fluttering creatures pouring from the rift in the sky.

“Beard of my Fathers,” he gasped. Broggen had seen a great many things in his travels across Terrafel, but nothing so dark or evil as the nightmare that filled the suddenly dark sky. He pulled a pistol from its holster and held it at the ready.

The ship lurched again. They were already on top of the airdock! The long piers that jutted out into the open air meters above the ground could be seen arrayed in festive décor. But those left on them were no longer celebrating, people were scurrying everywhere like dazed mice.

Broggen spun the wheel with all the strength of his mighty arm. The ship groaned as it was forced to comply and turn sharply. But it was too late. The airship's belly collided with the balloon of another docked ship, igniting the explosive gases within. The flames quickly spread to the hull ofBroggen's ship, as it crashed full on into a second docked zepplin.

The violent collision threw Broggen off of his feet and into the air. But instead of falling the dwarf found himself flying.

Some winged darkness gripped him by his wide belt. It slashed and swung at him with a jagged cycle as if flew.

“Go back to Hell, wretch!” Broggen hollered letting off a deafening shot from his handgun. But the massive bullet either missed the creature entirely, or had no effect.

“I'll fix you, ye bloody demon.” Broggen pulled his hatched from its holster in his boot and hacked at the limb that held him. The Specter gave an evil screech and threw the dwarf back onto the burning airship.

He landed with a thud, but thanks to his dwarvish build was mostly unharmed. His quarters were nearby. Dodging flames he quickly retrieved his battle axe and traveling effects. Then the dwarf sought to make his escape.

The evil specters were swooping at him forcing him to fire into the air to drive them back, but he had only four shots per pistol and was running low fast. Dodging a burning timber as it fell he rounded a corner and nearly fell through a gaping hole in the deck. Below he could see the crates the slaves had been transported in. One of the giant oafs was calling to his mates, pickaxe in hand.

“Best make yer escape now Long-shanks!” he called down into the hole, “It's every beast for himself!”

[Earphone]

An explosion threw Golful'gar off his feet. Crates and boxes flew across the room, as the walls were ripped apart, revealing the other sections of the ship. Flames sprung up all about, and Golful'gar rose to his feet, the wails of many Half-Giants suddenly filling the air.

"Gome on!" He shouted, as the fire began to spread to the creates, "Geh ou' a ther!"

“Best make yer escape now Long-shanks!” He heard a voice call from above, “It's every beast for himself!”

He looked up to see a braided Dwarf fighting off a horde large winged monstrousities. What were they? Golful'gar could feel tears falling from his small eyes. He couldn't swing his pick, for fear of hitting one of the Giants within.

"Geh ou', ya lumps!" He pleaded, but the pitiful screams of his brethren merely rose to a frenzy of anguish.

"Damn ya!" Golful'gar roared, raising his voice so that all could hear, "Ya goh no right!"

He charged to where the Dwarf stood, pick held high.

[Honorius]

Just as the shopkeeper replied, apparently he was still with a customer, an airship fired its cannons over head, spraying confetti across the city. It’s beautiful! Bella thought as thousands of pieces of colored paper began to fall from the sky.

Her enjoyment was cut short by a cloud of smoke that began spreading from the hands of a darkly dressed man (Dreadfully dressed really. Messy tattered clothes, and all black? No good for the summer, and definitely too dreary for the festival. But that wasn’t really relevant at the moment. Smoke was coming out of him.) The smoke was spreading quickly, dangerously so. This wasn’t normal, and Bella felt it.

“Hide Masa!” Bella yelled to the kitten as she tossed him behind her.

Everything began going wrong. The sky turned dark, the crowds were panicking, strange man were billowing smoke. The Summer Festival was being ruined. Bella’s wonderful day was being ruined!

And now some kind of stupid looking demon dust bunnies were hopping around coming out of some kind of dark portal. And they were attacking Noveen! How dare they! Attack her friends? Scare her kitten? Mess up the festival? Ruin Bella’s whole day??

Bella hardly took notice of the wall of light that sprouted up before her. She was already dashing towards the creature. Bella flicked a switch on the base of her parasol, and pulled the entire shaft of the parasol off, sticking it into the frog at her side and revealing a long, thin saber. In one clean motion Bella detached the bottom half of the sword’s handle, holding it in her left hand. A long and thin chain whip with a thin blade at the end came with the bottom half. Bella rushed forward, slammed her foot between the legs of the monster and yelled.

“You deranged dust bunny of a monster!” Bella slammed her sword through the back of the creature’s mouth before it had a chance to react.

“You ruined the festival!” Bella twirled the whip in her left hand, pointed the butt of the weapon at the creature, and fingered a switch near the end. A small caliber bullet shot from the whips end and struck the creature in what would be the temple if it actually had a head.

“I’m going to hack you all to pieces! Slit your throats! Blow your brains out! Bash your skulls in! Tear out your hearts! And whip your arses all the way back to the underside of whatever hellish bed you come from!” With each phrase, Bella shot the creature again, and again before finally spinning her whip and striking the creature in the head, the blade of the whip cutting all the way down the top of it’s head.

“I’m not even going to be able to get a raspberry and honey Crepe because of you!”

[Alexander Wallis]

*My last post I messed up by seeing Forgotten and the hooded man, when I had my blindfold on, so I'll just say I was starting to put it on when I heard the commotion. Sorry*

He couldn't completely make out what they were saying, but he heard bits of the conversation. "...where is the shard?!" the man screamed at her.

"..watching your city crumble, Klara," he whispered.

He stepped out from behind the corner, only to see the figure disappear completely in shadow from his view. His jaw dropped, he remained crouching down unable to move or even breathe. He eventually managed to look over at the girl, Klara from what he heard. He picked himself up and ran over to the girl, "Are you okay?" He wanted nothing more than to ask what and who was that, but he knew that from what he just saw she must have gotten the worst part of it. So he would take it one question at a time.

He crouched over the girl, waiting for an answer, while he waited, probably not even twenty seconds passed, but he started thinking of what the strange man had said. About the the threats and his extravagant exit, "Am I raving mad or did that..just..happ.." Before he even finished his sentence a loud noise and the ship began to turn savagely. He heard a loud explosion and immediately covered himself over the girl lying down, to shield her from anything that could fly at them.

[losthawken]

The half giants below began to cry out as the flames crept in upon them. Broggen watched as the free one called to them, but it was too late. The towering creature let out a roar, "Ya goh no right!"

The lumbering sod then charged up toward Broggen. Part of the dwarf's heart wanted to feel sorry for the half giant, sorry for his suffering brethren. But Broggen pushed all that aside, there was too much misery in the world to feel bad for one dumb ogre.

"Get down from here ya big oaf, yer so damn tall them things can't miss ye if they tried" The dwarf motioned toward the side of the ship. There were no easy exits left, nothing left but to jump for it.

Broggen stowed his pistol with his last three shots in it as he fell and pulled his battle axe from his back. Again he landed hard on the street below, and again he was thankful for his rigid dwarf bones. Looking up he saw the swarms of black specters blocking the sun. He wondered if the oaf would make the jump.

Ahead of him crowds seemed to be scattering in all directions, Most seemed to be headed away from the trade quarter, but there were screams of terror coming from all over the city.

[Earphone]

"Get down from here ya big oaf, yer so damn tall them things can't miss ye if they tried"

Golful'gar arrived at the side of the ship, just as the Dwarf jumped. All at once, the horrible birds began descending, and diving at him. Grunting in annoyance, Golful'gar leaped over the side, slamming his pick into the skull of one of the birds as he passed. He pushed the bird under his feet as he fell, and kicked it into the ground with enough force to crack the pavement underneath. He landed heavily upon the creature, which softened his fall considerably.

He scanned the room as he pulled the pickaxe from the bird's head, and saw the Dwarf running, before he was out of sight. Lifting himself to his feet, Golful'gar straightened his suspenders, placed his helmet upon his head, and let out a yell; before giving chase. Never before had he been so upset.

[Brandogg12]

The words, the thoughts, and the actions were all too real and all too unbearable. It was as if she had transcended beyond her own form and was one with the clouds and with the bright white flecks beyond the sagging, dark sky. Noveen’s immediate reaction was not that of surprise as she mumbled and bumbled- but that of relief. The silence, the looming ominous feeling right before she was enveloped in a dark mist and the victim of a freak charge, was intangible and unable to be held in a set of hands and therefore was undefeatable; but this, this was real.

Her head was no longer swimming, and it was no longer confused as to its own state. Her legs returned to her. Her hands did as she wished. Her muscles became tense and taut. She knew who she was, and she knew what the furry, fanged creatures were.

As the shield desperately protected her and the tall, thin, and pure Bella showed a side of herself that no one would have ever expected, it was at that moment that she turned off her casual, everyday demeanor and tomboyish charm. The switch in her head shifted to danger.

She shook her head and her eyes widened. She felt the handles of her dirks, tucked away near the small of her back and basked in their rough, scaled texture. The transition from the grip to the blade was soft and grimy, crusted with the blood of fools and fiends. Though most of her palm was creased with calluses, she knew what the oily, coarse feeling meant.

Death.

She braced herself and charged into the fray, joining alongside Bella and her psychotic rant.

[yellowm&M]

"It's a shame we couldn't have that drink,"

In the few seconds it took for the hooded man to utter those words, Ilayda's world fell apart. The cheers and joyous yells that had been filling the air outside slowly began to turn to screams and shouts of horror. Inside the inn everything was disitegrating into pure chaos and fear. The three hooded men (for two more, identical to the one who had asked to buy her a drink, had entered the bar a few moments ago) were pouring smoke from their hands. At here feet it appeared the ground was actually ripping open, forming black, gaping wounds from which sharp and deadly claws were appearing. The claws ripped and tore at the edges of the holes, widening them until the two beasts could leap out.

The inhabitants of the inn leap up and ran to the doors in a panic, but there was no way out as the three men in their tattered robes blocked them. The hounds leapt at the people filling the air with more screams. Ilayda stood completely shell-shocked by the turn of events. Then something hit her from behind, maybe a piece of a chair thrown in the chaos. The sharp pain of the wood snapped her back into reality.

I have to do something.

Plunging her hand into her satchel she unsheated the long, razor sharp, silver blade that she kept there. Hearing the noise, one of the hounds turned its horrible face towards her. Pulling out the short dagger from her sash, Ilayda took a fighting stance, the blood rushing in her ears. Her fighting ability was decent-it was definately enough to keep her safe in the dodgy alleys of Termir; hopefully it would be enough to buy her a safe exit here as well. She rushed the beast as it started towards her. With a shout she suddenly spun to the side and slashed the hounds leg with her dagger. Enraged it let out a roar and turned back towards her, its claws extended.

[sidtvicious]

The ship in the sky fired its cannons, blasting the area with confetti and fireworks.

Eenzthk's ears rang and at a loss of constitution let out a mournful chitter of disgust. He spat at the ground pushing the drunkard ahead of him, realizing that in his panic he'd just blown any possible cover he had given himself he pulled the cloak tighter around his body. Then, whispering into his nose like a familiar voice he noticed the the repugnant odor of smoke and magic in the air.

[Forgotten_Memories]

She didn't even see the man disappear, but definitely felt the ship drop. Her stomach lurched - she wanted to throw up. Then another man was upon her. She looked up, almost fully catching her breath as he knelt down beside her.

"Are you okay?"

He was wearing a blindfold - the dark elf they picked up from the last stop. She wanted to talk, but could only let out a cough. Then an explosion occurred from below the ship, and the dark elf immediately dove on top of her, shielding her from any oncoming debris or danger.

The ship came to a halt with another explosion from the helm. They had crashed into the air dock, and possibly into another ship. Dalia could hear screams from below, more tiny explosions, and an odd screeching from above. She knocked the elf off of her, and jumped to her feet to meet a full-blown head-rush. She looked around the deck to see Jaz running straight at them, Whiskers in his arms.

"Get the hell off the ship!" he shouted.

Instinctively, Dalia turned and headed for the railing, from which she jumped and landed on the boarding platform of the dock. Jaz and the elf followed suit, and just in time, as what was surely the cargo hold suddenly combusted, taking with it most of the deck. She reached into a pouch that was tied to her waist, extracting her blunt-edged knuckledusters, sliding her fingers into them dextrously - there was going to be trouble.

They ran further down the dock, towards the stairwell and the exit. There were no guards in sight, which was kind of worrying, but she figured it meant that they had already been able to vacate the area. Upon reaching the exit to the air dock, Dalia looked to the left. The dwarfish pilot stood there with a battle axe in hand, alongside one of the half giants from the cargo hold. It appeared that the giant had landed on something to soften his fall - a winged creature with vicious blades as arms.

What the hell is that? Dalia thought to herself.

But before she could ask anything, the group was surrounded by five Termirian guards, all with their rifles pointing straight at them.

"Hold it right there, you heathens!" They especially concentrated on the half giant and dark elf.

[sidtvicious]

As panic ensued, Eenzthk's ears began to twitch. His nose began to sputter pinpointing trouble. Guards locking flint in place, smoke of magical nature, and more disturbing a demonic presence.

I think we should go now, friend.

With a quick trace of his nail and a muttered word in Skittari, the X caved in and the safehouse door opened. The familiar scent of opium, incense, aging paper, and stale ale replaced the chaos of outside. Eenzthk's tail curled around a candle and with a short flick of a flint stick was held forward to provide light.

The drunkard now bathing in a stew of his own sweat, hunched forward as ceiling became lower and lower.

Watch your step. Another Cheshire smile spread across the rat's face.

The corridor of the safehouse grew smaller and smaller, filth and stone cluttered much of the path. Eenzthk scurried along into a single room. Stone floor, simple table, small wood stove, and two chairs. Very minimalist.

Setting a candle on the table, he gestured to the drunkard to take a seat.

Friend, I never did get your name.

"Bar-Barlowe," the man belched nervously taking a seat.

Well, Mr. Barlow, it is a pleasure. I am...I am the book binder. Shall we share a cup of tea?

[thenewpeter]

Shara heard the commotion at first and ignored it, her attention was only drawn when she saw Kirk’s mouth start to gape. She turned her head to see something begin to claw from the ground. She felt her kitten climbing down her back and into her sack.

She reacted on instinct alone, taking her bow from her back and notching an arrow. She’d never seen anything like these hounds before, their flesh gracked, exposed area’s of flesh dripping a thick fluid, their mouths seemed to large for their head, but the eye’s caught her, a white steam lisped out of the sockets, evaporating on the air, behind the sockets where what she guesed to be some kind of sensor.

People began to panic, rising and running to the doors, only to be stopped by robed figures , they pounded at thin air a meer foot away from the hooded figures, as if an wall stood in their way.

In the corner of her eye, she saw the dancing girl brandish a blade of some kind, taking on one of the creatures, she slashed at it as she dived to the side, injuring it. It howled, the sound seemed to be composed of screaming... of pain, but with clear intent for rage. It brandished it’s claws at the girl pulling back to strike.

Shara let loose the first arrow, the bolt struck it raised claw, pinning it too its head. It screamed again, she drew and fired another, this one pinning one of its hind legs to the ground. “Shara!”

Shara saw a blair of motion as Kirk jumped over the bar, he collided with something, falling to the ground. She slung the bow around her near, drawing her short sword. Kirk thought with the beast, but before she could get close enough, the creatures mouth opened, far to wide, she charged as its mouth drew around his head, seeing his body grow limp suddenly, then she was with it.

Her sword lunge sunk into the creatures chest, she drew out as quickly as she could as the beast let go of Kirk limp form, it bandished its mouth for her, jumping into the air, she swiped, the creature landing on the floor beside her, as it scrambled to get up, before it was able to, she plunged the sword through its head, feeling satisfaction at the crunch of the bone.

She drew her bow once more, not bothering to look to see what had happened to the other hound, this time pulling one of her few dwarfen arrows, she pulled, aiming at one of the robed figured.

“Bleah”

Light eradiated from the runes crossing the arrow head, lighting the dimly lit tavern. She saw the robed figures falter slightly from its glow. She released. The arrow flew true, striking one of the robed figures square in the chest, there was a massive explosion of energy’s, the figure she’d struck was flung against the door frame, the wood buckled behind his impact, cracks spreading forth along the walls. He screamed as his body began to degrade from the arrow point.

Shara was reaching for another when she was hit by a sudden force, she collided with the back of the bar. Bottles smashed, covering her in all manner of beverages. She lay still for a moment before getting back up, after making sure mr fluffs was ok.

[Earphone]

Golful'gar skittered to a halt as several human guards appeared as quickly as the creatures, and pointed their rifles at him.

"Hold it right there, you heathens!"

Golful'gar could see more people being held at gun-point. There was a human girl, a blindfolded Elf, but more importantly, the Dwarf.

"Wah you want?" He asked the guard distractedly, looking at their guns. Giants had a fear off firearms. He pointed to the mass of shrieking winged creatures trying to fly past the wreckage to attack, "Fight's ova ther, leave me alon!"

[losthawken]

"Fight's ova ther, leave me alon!

“Muffle Mouth is right,” Broggen added, “Are ye so daft as to not notice the terrors fillin' the skies?”

Standing barely higher that the half-giants knee, Broggen never lowered his blades. These guard types were notoriously dim-witted. He eyed their weapons carefully. They were human made, nothing compared to the good dwarvish pistols he carried. But even so they far out numbered his own, not to mention the fact that one pistol was empty and the other had only three chambers left.

The dwarf took a chance to glance at the others that had joined him. Of all people to survive, the cat-loving Shorty was there, as well as that female Shorty. There was also that Darky, Broggen was never fond of dark elves, but at the moment the guards seemed to be choosing sides for him so it mattered little.

“Dalia dear, these are yer kinfolk. Now'd be a good time pipe-up, 'afore them flyin nightmares come back.”

[Alexander Wallis]

The woman had pushed him off of her rather quickly, but it told him that she was still able to walk. He followed her without question as more explosions and gunfire filled his ear drums. He jumped down with her only to be greeted by several guards aiming their guns right at them. He quickly analyzed the situation, he was with the girl who looked like she could handle herself, a giant that he has only ever read about, and a dwarf. He looked at them in awe, the first time he had ever seen other races.

"Fight's ova ther, leave me alon!" the Giant said. What a weird accent, he had read about it but never really heard it.

“Dalia dear, these are yer kinfolk. Now'd be a good time pipe-up, 'afore them flyin nightmares come back.” The Dwarf spat, just as with the same grit as the Giant.

He quickly snapped out of his euphoria back to the dangerous guards. Kilth looked at the girl, apparently she knew what to do. But if she didn't, Kilth had his left hand right over his small dagger. He calmed himself, and heard screeches. He hadn't really been looking up at the skies until know, he saw what looked like winged demons. He let out a gasp, "What the holy mother Terrafel are those!?"

Kilth rarely cursed, he believed it to be a sign of weakness. But he felt weak at this moment, with armed guards threatening him and demons in the sky. Great first impression of Termir.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Airship Dock:

Dalia raised her arms, surrendering to the guards. The events on the deck finally all came crashing down on her. She didn't know the exact significance of the shard, but was stupid to have ignored it two weeks before. She had to get to the Baron before those acolytes did - otherwise, she would have failed. But, given the current situation, that wasn't going to happen. She looked around for any way of escape, and then at the guard's faces, covered with visors from their uniform helmet. If she were alone, she would've been able to slip away, but there were others at stake. She didn't want innocent blood on her hands.

"Fight's ova ther, leave me alon!" the giant shouted, pointing at the sky.

“Muffle Mouth is right, are ye so daft as to not notice the terrors fillin' the skies?”

"Shut your mouth, Dwarf!" one of the guards spat, turning his rifle from the giant to Broggen.

“Dalia dear, these are yer kinfolk. Now'd be a good time pipe-up, 'afore them flyin nightmares come back.”

A screech came from above, and the guards all looked up briefly for the source. This was it.

"Now!" Dalia shouted, darting for the guard closest to her; Jaz did the same. She wrapped her left arm around the watchman's rifle while turning to elbow him on the side of the head. He let got of his weapon and staggered a little, but she brought him back and into a choke hold, the barrel of his own gun aimed straight at his head. Jaz had managed to do the same.

Immediately, the rest of the guards spun around to focus their attention on these two. Dalia breathed heavily, analysing the situation further. She noticed the dwarf had pistols at his waist.

"Draw now!" she shouted at Broggen, at which point one of the flying demons swooped down and impaled the guard standing closest to the dwarf, causing him to fire at his ally in Jaz's hold.

Giant's Foot:

An arrow fired from the half elf's bow struck one of the black-robed summoners, incinerating him on impact. At the same time, the hound Ilayda had slashed crumbled into black ash. The second summoner threw a tide of shadow energy at the half elf by the bar, knocking her into the bottles behind, while the one who had attempted to woo Ilayda snuck up behind her, drawing a long, coarsely edged sacrificial knife from his robes and holding it high above her back.

[Earphone]

Taking advantage of the guards' distraction, Golful'gar swung his arm at the one in front of him, hitting him square in the chest with his palm. The man flew back, and Golful'gar turned, ready to fight the rest, only to find most had already been incapacitated.

There was a loud screech as several creatures flew past the ruined ship and began attacking.

"Mor'a dem birds!" Golful'gar said loudly, grabbing a passing one by the leg, and throwing it against the ground. It screamed, and tried to pull itself to it's feet lopsidedly. One of its wings had been broken.

Golgul'gar grunted as more and more demons filled the air, targeting him, the tallest. He ducked the attacking birds, swinging his arms wildly.

"Les go tu cova, 's too open hur!"

[losthawken]

"Draw now!" the woman screamed as she took out the first guard.

Broggen didn't hesitate a moment. In a flash his throwing axe was burried in the helmet of the nearest guard. He pulled his last good pistol with his free hand and dropped a second guard with a deafening boom from the short barrel. Once those two were down the dwarf dashed over to the first fallen soldeir and retrieved his tomahawk.

Another guard went sailing past him and landed in a heap some distance away. From behind Broggen heard the might giant holler "Mor'a dem birds! Les go tu cova, 's too open hur.”

The long-shanks was right. The guards were down and it was time to move. A dark creature suddenly swooped over Broggen, nearly slicing his goggles off his head. Broggun holstered his pistol and returned his battle axe to his hand. A second swooped low along the ground and made for the Dark-elf. In a swift sprint the dwarf intercepted. Broggen hooked the lower tip of his axe below the creature's neck as he jumped. Landing on the the other side of the low flying creature he gave a swift jerk that sent it flailing off coarse, tumbling past him. It trailed dark blood from its neck as it slid to a stop on the cobblestone courtyard.

Had he known which way to go he would have just as likely left the others to fend for themselves, but as it was, he wasn't quite familiar enough with Termir to be sure of a quick exit.

“Well didn't anybody hear the Oaf? Lets get a move on!” Broggen made sure to keep the half-giant nearby, not only was he a formidable ally, he also provided good cover from the circling death above.

[Socrates]

“I’m not even going to be able to get a raspberry and honey Crepe because of you!”

Her friend, recovering quickly from her momentary shock, charged outside his field into the fray, alongside the psychotic human. Clairc's jaw nearly dropped. Are they crazy? Who the hell are these women and where did they learn to fight like that? Do they really plan on killing demons with their blades?

Clairc wasn't going to take his chances with the demons unless he had no other option, but he couldn't leave these people to die. The funny thing was he wasn't sure why. He didn't owe this city or its people anything - he was nothing more than a wretched half-elf after all. Perhaps it was some abstract moral principle his mother had instilled in him as a child, or perhaps a hope that they would one day accept him. It didn't matter, his mind was made up. He needed to get to his workshop.

His workshop was located in the stone building right behind his stand. Looking back at the women he realized that if he was going to make a break for it, this would be his chance. As the bubble popped, showering the area with golden dust, Clairc broke out in a dead sprint for the doorway. Frantically flinging open his door, not bothering to close it behind himself, Clairc disappeared into the building.

His shop would appear to be a total mess to a outsider, but to Clairc it was organized chaos. His scorched workbenches were covered with every assortment of clockwork part and tool man could find. Large stacks of books lined his walls, his entire wall space covered with blueprints and experimental runes. What he was looking for stood seven feet tall in the corner. It was time to put his latest invention to the test.

A minuet later, Clairc stood outside, remote control in hand, engineer goggles shielding his eyes. “Good people and demons alike, thank you for visiting my shop! Let me introduce you to my latest creation!” He said theatrically motioning to his doorway as he pressed a series of buttons on his remote. Bending down to exit the building, a humanoid clockwork creation joined him at his side. “This is Model R3-56, my pride and joy!” R3-56 was a life-sized version of the toy robots he was selling out front. Made of a golden steel, its right arm was a large drill and its left arm was a giant pincher, R3-56 was created to protect his shop from would-be thieves and to assist Clairc with his work. Today it was going to serve and greater purpose – to protect the weak.

Claric punched in few more commands into his remote.“R3-56,” Clairc bellowed extending his arm, pointing to a nearby demon, “ATTACK!” The robot began to moved forward at a fast walk, its metal gears grinding with every step, steam shooting out of every joint. One of the 'deranged dust bunny monsters' leaped at his creation, but was met in mid air by R3-56's drill, flinging blood caked pieces of flesh in every direction. The demon, or what was left of it, fell dead to the ground.

“The mind is greater than the sword...” he whispered to himself.

[Alexander Wallis]

Kilth watched as his fellow comrades swiftly took out the guards, "Too slow" he grunted to himself, he felt helpless. He rapidly sheathed his dagger and pulled out his bow from his back, only to hear a screech and see the Demons swiftly upon his party. He readied an arrow but he felt a strong wind pushing against him, he turned to see the Demon coming right for him. He tried to duck but then he saw an axe fly by and hit the creature right in the neck. Blood quickly began to pour out of the creature, Kilth looked over at the Dwarf. Knowing that if he gave too much praise he would seem weak, so he said,

"Not bad"

As he released an arrow at one of the creatures staring at him in the sky, it hit him in the right wing. He measured roughly where it would start to descend and he ran over to it, and took a strong grip of his arrow and tore it through the creatures wing. The creature crashed on the ground, where Kilth reacted quickly by standing over it with his foot on it's neck, "Pass from here, Go Demon!" as he shot an arrow in its head.

“Well didn't anybody hear the Oaf? Lets get a move on!” the Dwarf screamed, staying near the Giant.

Kilth darted in the direction toward his current allies, and almost took an embarrassing spill in some blood but managed to save it and make it look like a cool slide. He crouched next to the Giant and drew two arrows, he looked up at even more monsters. "Merciful Brotherhood, grant me the strength." He closed his eyes and prayed silently as he let his arrow release.

[Brandogg12]

Claric punched in few more commands into his remote.“R3-56,” Clairc bellowed extending his arm, pointing to a nearby demon, “ATTACK!” The robot began to moved forward at a fast walk, its metal gears grinding with every step, steam shooting out of every joint. One of the 'deranged dust bunny monsters' leaped at his creation, but was met in mid air by R3-56's drill, flinging blood caked pieces of flesh in every direction. The demon, or what was left of it, fell dead to the ground.

As the golden flecks graced the obstructive horizon and a brief moment of stunning silence, Noveen heard the spinning of cogs and rickety gears from behind the Crepe stand, coming more specifically from the direction of the shop that she had not yet had a chance to visit. The stand itself was flipped over like a bulwark and the delicious treats were thrown off, littering the ground like so many cigarette butts. It was a nightmare. She had trouble focusing on the enemies when a couple of drops of water were oh so very tantalizingly nagging her in the back of her mind.

After she had unsheathed her daggers and yanked them from behind her back, warming to their touch, one of the beasts had looked away from her and her new human friend Bella. It had more interest in the half elf who was putting on a one man show of his gizmos complete with a demonstration. Noveen heard a couple of letters and numbers and the clockwork object was well on its way to drilling and clamping enemies to submission. She heard a drilling noise, followed by a wet plop.

The demon that had chosen to leap at Noveen fell short only a few inches and had made contact with the runed barrier harshly but a moment before, falling to the ground with a soft thud. Noveen, her head down and her legs moving with as much grace as she could muster, hastily straddled the demon and began to hack at its throat and large mouth in separating motions.

It wailed as the blades sunk quickly and with limited stoppage into its rounded torso and upper appendages. Its warm blood splattered her cheeks, hair and leather vest. In its desperation, it managed to get a brief hold on her arm and it felt like an anvil had fallen on it, pinning it in place. Noveen responded by thrusting her unpinned arm into its canyon of a mouth with so much rage she felt the point of the blade touch the paved floor below. She took a painful breath as she looked up to Clairc, Bella, and the killing machine that was R3-56 through blurry eyes.

“How many are left?” She shouted. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears she did not know if she had even asked a question or not. “Is everyone okay?”

[Socrates]

“How many are left?” She shouted. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears she did not know if she had even asked a question or not. “Is everyone okay?”

“That was all of them and everyone is fine,” Clairc said softly, stepping over the pulverized corps, “Well, besides the demons that is.” He walked over and knelt down next to the wounded female, lifting his engineer goggles onto his forehead. “Here, let me have a look at your arm.” The bite on her arm didn't look very deep, but Clairc didn't know what to expect. He had never dealt with a demon's bite before.

Though he didn't show it, Clairc was excited to meet this woman. He didn't know what it was about this human that interested him. Maybe it was the pained look in her eyes when she was sitting on the crate. “I have some winters root in the shop if you need something to dull the pain. My name is Clairc by the way.”

[Brandogg12]

“I have some winters root in the shop if you need something to dull the pain. My name is Clairc by the way.”

“Oh, no, don’t mind it. It is really not as bad as it looks,” The wound began to fester and bubble, leaving a sticky, tarry residue that stretched across the length of her forearm stopping just above the wrist. It still felt tight and flattened beneath a heavy burden. She shook it as if it was asleep and it began to diminish to the point where it was tolerable. She did not let her pain show, especially in front of someone she did not know. She clenched her teeth.

She looked from her forearm to the half-elf’s ears and then back to his face quickly. It was strikingly handsome with eyes that were shaded with the colors of a warm, placid forest resting beneath an evening sun. His hair, cut and kempt, but obstructed by a pair of goggles, was a sandy color that reminded her of the warmer regions of Terrafel. She saw runes streaked across his arms and for some reason she felt that they emitted comfort and security from his body to hers. Noveen blushed as she held out her unwounded hand as if to make an acquaintance.

“I’m Noveen Baptise, and I could really use some water and a cigarette. Got any contraptions that could fetch them for me in that fancy shop of yours?” She asked with the biggest smile that ever crossed her face, her hand floating and waiting to be shaken.

[Socrates]

She asked with the biggest smile that ever crossed her face, her hand floating and waiting to be shaken.

Clairc laughed. He wasn't sure how to handle this. These humans have been treating him like he was their equal and the smile on Noveen's face nearly took his breath away. What was it about her?

He clasped her hand, accepting the hand shake. “I would send R3-56 inside but I'm afraid he still needs some more work before I can trust him enough to do tasks on his own. He would probably destroy every glass I own before he was finished.”

Accepting the handshake seemed polite at first, but he suddenly started feeling very uncomfortable. Letting his hand fall away, he looked for any excuse he could to advert his gaze. He stood up and turned to the other human. “Sorry about the wait. How may I help you?” He said with a hint of sarcasm.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Gunshots went off and Dalia hid behind the guard she was holding, using him as a shield and dropping her rifle in the meantime. A spray of blood hit her in the face and she closed her eyes. When she wiped it off and looked back at the scene the guards were all dead. Not exactly what she had in mind, but it would do.

"Les go tu cova, 's too open hur!"

The danger still loomed overhead, as the creatures circled around them, swooping in and out every now and then, waiting for someone to show weakness or lack of attentiveness. The dark elf secured the area by shooting arrows into the sky, making the flock break up for a while. That bought them some time, but they did have to get to cover indeed. However, Dalia also had to locate the Baron. She looked around at her newly found allies. They could be of considerable use. Maybe if she lead them with her… It's not like any of them really knew much about Termir in the first place anyway - other than Jaz, and he wouldn't object to anything she said.

“Well didn't anybody hear the Oaf? Lets get a move on!” the dwarf reminded them.

Dalia nodded, "Follow me!" and she started to run up the cobblestone walkway, toward the only place she thought those of highest nobility would be at a time like this - Crown Square.

[Honorius]

“Hell yeah!” Bella yelled in a pure mixture of rage and joy as one of the demons was splattered over the street with the drill of a giant Mr. Robot. Oh, it felt GOOD to slice something up. Sure, Bella got to spare a lot, and had been hunting before, but never actually killed someone or killed in a fit of rage. It felt so good! Slaughtering the cause of her rage. It’d be different if they weren’t murderous demons of course; she wasn’t one to kill someone who simply angers her. She wasn’t insane.

The fluff ball dust bunnies were dispatched fairly quickly, although Noveen was injured. Thankfully, the shop owner had some knowledge of first-aid; which was good, because Bella didn’t even know how to wrap a bandage. There was always an assistant or nurse nearby if Bella got a scratch sparring, so she never learned. While the shop owner, Claric was his name, attended to Noveen, Bella took notice of her surrounding in more detail. The Summer Festival had been reversed totally. Black smog replaced the sunshine, screams replaced cheers, explosions replaced firecrackers, screaming demons replaced cheering children. Termir was Bella’s home. She had lived here all her life. And now the city was burning. Her home, her shop, everything, her entire way of life; she might have to leave it all. Maybe she’d be able to come back, but right now, she had to escape the city.

“Sorry about the wait. How may I help you?”

Said Claric, who apparently had completely forgotten that the city was burning and people were being devoured by giant dust bunnies. Probably due to being too fascinated with Noveen’s bosom... Bella liked Noveen, and appreciated Claric's help, but really now...

“You could start by focusing on the situation at hand,” the entire street seemed to shake as a small airship crashed into a building across the street and burst into flames with a small explosion, showering the street with rock and debris.

“We need to get out of here. Oh! But where’s Masamune gone?” For the first time all day, Bella became truly worried, turning and scanning the street.

“Mmreowe!” Masamune came running down the street towards Bella giving a muffled meow due to the sweet crepe he held in his mouth.

“Oh, Masa!” Bella crouched down to pick up the kitten and give him a quick kiss on the head. “You’re just the sweetest thing aren’t you? The crepe will have to wait though, and I’m afraid I can’t carry you right now, so follow close behind, alright?” Surely the kitten knew no English, but it seemed to acknowledge what she said all the same.

“Alright, we let’s get out of here.” Bella said to Noveen and the shop owner (he looked more like a shop owner than a Claric) as she set Masamune back down and cut a long tear down both sides of her dress, revealing long and lean white legs. “Come on!” Bella shouted as she began dashing down the ruined street, Masamune the crepe carrying kitten following at her heels.

Just as Bella was reached the end of the street, which was just a short distance from the clockwork shop, she spotted another group of people, also carrying weapons, running down the street apparently coming from the airship docks, which had apparently just blown up or caught fire or something similarly spectacularly explosive.

“Hey! You all there! Hold up!”

[Socrates]

“Come on!” Bella shouted as she began dashing down the ruined street, Masamune the crepe carrying kitten following at her heels.

Clairc shrugged, not sure that she understood his sarcasm. He wasn't sure what made him decide to follow her, but no matter how far Claric traveled in life, he would always look back at that moment as the moment his life changed. He took one step, and then another, and before he knew it he was chasing after that half-cracked woman, beckoning Noveen to follow.

[Brandogg12]

Clairc shrugged, not sure that she understood his sarcasm. He wasn't sure what made him decide to follow her, but no matter how far Claric traveled in life, he would always look back at that moment as the moment his life changed. He took one step, and then another, and before he knew it he was chasing after that half-cracked woman, beckoning Noveen to follow.

Noveen wasted no time shaking off her wounded arm once more. She stumbled and barely managed to retain her footing. She noticed that Claric’s eyes, which had at first looked as a knot of slumbering pines, had turned into a fiery blend of jade and emerald. When he looked back at her, beckoning her to follow him as he trailed the tall pretty lady, who at first glance, appeared to be her own opposite, she saw something in his eyes and she believed she knew was it was. Understanding. Appreciation. Change.

She held her dirks tightly in her hands and jogged after the pair as they made their way to the end of the street. For a moment she questioned if she would rather be sitting on her crate smoking Steelweed or playing a game of 5-finger fillet. No. She wouldn’t exchange adrenaline for anything in the world.

“Bella, Bella, Bella,” she muttered under her breath.

[Earphone]

“Well didn't anybody hear the Oaf? Lets get a move on!” The Dwarf shouted.

Golful'gar glared at the Dwarf, as he moved closer to him.

"Oaf!" He said angrily, "Ya sodden shrew, I ain't tho wit'yu yet." He would have struck the horrible little Dwarf, but he was distracted by a call from the human girl.

"Follow me!" She said, and began running down a walkway to where many houses stood. That was Good enough cover for Golful'gar. Letting out a deep "Harumph" to the Dwarf, he began lumbering quickly after the girl.

[yellowm&M]

Arrows came out from nowhere, hitting the hound and buying Ilayda the time to move out of the immediate harms way. She looked around in time to see the woman who had just saved her life shooting a shining arrow.

“Bleah”

With piercing accuracy, the arrow hit one of the summoners in the chest, causing him to burst into short lived flames. Seconds later the furious and wounded hound that would have surely killed Ilayda only moments ago, burst into a billowing cloud of black ash. Ilayda's eyes flicked to the other summoner right as he shot a blast of energy at the other woman.

Perhaps....

It was then that Ilayda realized the summoner who had tried to buy her a drink was nowhere to be found. Cold fear trickled down her back, and she spun around in time to see the summoner behind her, bring down a cruel sacrificial knife. However she wasn't fast enough to avoid the blade. As she spun she could feel the serrated edge, sliding across her back, leaving a line of fiery pain and the sickly, spreading warmth of blood. Pulling her dagger she plunged it into his arm, forcing his knife away from her skin. The wound on her back screamed in protest, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself to hold her postion. If he stabbed her again she didn't know if she could hold on, already her loss of blood was making her feel a bit dizzy.

Without warned she plunged her hand into her sash, and in one swift fluid motion, drove the dagger she pulled from it into the summoners stomach.

"I've given it some thought, and I'd rather you didn't buy me a drink." She hissed at him as he stumbled back. Ilayda began backing up quickly, trying to put some distance between herself and the wounded, hopefully dying, summoner. Her clumy footsteps soon hit a chair leg, sending her flying backwards. The large wound on her bag screamed in agony as it hit the floor, and tears sprung to her eyes as she lay there, unable to get up.

[sidtvicious]

After a short period of fiddling, Eenzthk produced a small canister of sage scented tea. Two simple cups sat atop the table and he poured. He muttered a word of Skittari, made a few flicks of his wrist and spat in each cup.

Drink.

A look of disgust fell upon Barlowe's face. "I'm not..I'm not drinking your spit you vermin...and get the hell out of my head!"

The drunkard rose to his feet, lifted his fist to the air, and swung. A series of chitters occured seconds before the fist made contact.

Barlowe cursed in pain, his hand thumping into the rats face but bouncing forward as though it had just collided with iron.

Please, just drink. You're tired, drunk...and going to hurt yourself.

He glared at Eenzthk, tapping the cup with an index finger. "What is it?"

A special blend.

"Book binder? What the hell does that mean? I take it that you don't plan on reading me stories."

Well, someone's tongue is sobering up.

"Get on with, what do you want vermin?"

Obviously, not so sober as to...play nice. What I want...A cup of tea for one...A plate of bread...maybe fresh maggots gathered from the morning pale...lots

"STOP WITH THE INSUFFERABLE RAMBLING IN MY HEAD!" Barlowe's hands hit the table.

Eenzthk squeaked a little in surprise. You asked what I want

"You know very well what I meant, what-do-you-want-with-me?"

I want you to drink.

A crooked smile spread across Eenzthk's face.

"And if I don't?"

Then, you don't. But you'll be missing out on a life changing exchange...

[sidtvicious]

Eenzthk pushed the tea cup towards Barlow in one grand gesture.

"Life changing?"

Ah, so the chit does have a curious side Slight smirk. Drink.

Barlowe looked down at the concoction before him and grimaced. "How do I know it's not going to kill me, or bu---" a belch stifled his speech. "uuurn a whole in my gut?"

Eenzthk reached forward and slams his own drink in one gulp. Drink.

With an uneasy hand, Barlowe sipped his last free drink. It tasted of bitter sea weed and brine.

Now Mr. Barlowe, tell me your dreams, desires, beliefs...your essence. Time is of the essence. Eenzthk's tail came forth with a bone carved pen while his hands unearthed a heavy leather book.

Barlowe sat silent.

One more thing.. The pen extended towards him within the rat's tail. Breath into this

Barlow blew softly into the pen. The rat smiled, just as he had previously. Tell me your essence.

Barlowe did, rambling forth his greatest desires, intimate secrets, everything that made up his very being. And with each word, Eenzthk would make a small configuration in the book.

To the naked eye, the ritual would seem to take mere seconds but capturing one's soul on the page took time, time that was only magically possible.

With the last scratch of ink on parchment, Eenzthk winked at his business partner. Thirty-eight.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Dalia made sure the group stuck to the sides of houses and buildings, thereby being covered by their roofs from the threat above. There was so much going on, but she had to keep her head clear, and had to make sure they stayed away from any more guards. So far, for the first two roads, everyone seemed to be keeping up fine behind her, Jaz taking the rear with Whiskers cuddled up around his shoulder. Then they made it onto one of Termir's busiest trade streets. Dalia stopped.

Damnit! she cursed, knowing that she must've taken a wrong left. It was dangerous to be out in such a busy place. However, the danger here seemed to have been subdued. As well as a few ransacked and broken stands, crepes, and clockwork toy robots and airships, there were three demonic furball creatures slain on the cobblestone path, their bodies marinading in thick black blood. Standing over them were three people and a clockwork robot. They looked quite satisfied with themselves, but alert nonetheless. Another group of vigilantes? thought Dalia, although, admittedly, they themselves were more criminals than vigilantes - slaying guards and all.

“Hey! You all there! Hold up!” spoke one of the three up ahead. She was tall, fair-skinned, with her hair all done up. A prissly snob, Dalia would have guessed, if it wasn't for the blood on her dress and the tears exposing her legs. She also held a rather intricate weapon.

"What happened here?" Dalia asked, already fully aware of what the answer would be.

[Honorius]

"What happened here?"

"Well, we were attacked by some evil dust bunnies, but they've been dealt with. And judging by the stains, you're group has been attacked as well. I think it'd be best to get out of the city. The Trade Center's train station is just a short while from here, we should head that way." The group was quite an odd one. A half giant, a dark elf, and a dwarf along with two humans. It was unusual to see such a diverse group traveling together. Of course, it was unusual to be attacked by demonic dust bunnies as well. With that in mind, the group was normal in comparison.

"Oh! And I am Bella Artire. This is my kitty cat, Masamune, and these two are Noveen and The Shop Owner." Bella said as she motioned to each of her companions. "Oh, but it'd probably be best to keep moving, not quite the greatest time for pleasantries is it?"

[thenewpeter]

Shara bounded over the bar, throwing a random bottle at the one who’d assailed her, it smashed again air, she smirked, seeing what it was that stopped the bottle. The pressure wave was like a physical force, anything physical can be broken.

Several more bursts of energy assailed her, she dogged the first, striking the second with her sword with as much force as she could muster. The sword was repelled, causing her to spin, she used the momentum to her advantage, as she spun, lining up her blade to strike the next assault. This wave caused her to spin yet again, this time, she was close enough, putting all of her force into the strike, she brought the blade down over his collar bone, it met resistance, which began to sink.

She spun to the other side, aiming for the neck, the blade met resistance once again, this time drawing closer to flesh. The robed figure fell to the ground this time, raising a hand. The next strike broke through the force, the bit through the figured hand. He screamed. She drew the blade back, again striking for the neck, her brought his other hand up to shield the blow, the sword cut through skin, muscle, and bone, stopping halfway through his neck, blood burst from the injuries, splashing on her face and clothing. She didn’t notice the blood, to content on focusing as the figure stilled

She drew the blade out, stepping back and taking her used arrow from the door frame, making sure it was still in shape to be used, then returning it to her quiver.

Ignoring the few that still move, as well as the discarded limbs of people, she walked over to Kirks body, kneeling by his side. He was gone, his throat a mess of mutilated tissue, a tear escaped Shara’s eye, she’d seen so many others die in her years, she’d begun to learn to cope with accepting loss, but this struck a tone that others hadn’t, he’d been to one to free her from her bondage all those years ago, finding her half dead in front of her parents burn husks. She’d never wanted him to die... he was to kind of a man... She felt Fluffs climbing out and onto her shoulder as if sensing her dread, trying to comfort her, she stroked him, thanking him.

Only now did it register of the screams from outside. Shara kissed her fingers, then placed them over Kirks lips, before rising. She saw the dancing girl on the floor, as well as several others, although the others seemed in no shape to move, the girl was in pain, but she seemed more apt.

Shara walked over, offering her free hand to the girl.

“Want a hand?”

[Brandogg12]

"Well, we were attacked by some evil dust bunnies, but they've been dealt with.”

Noveen seemed to take slight offense in Bella’s nonchalant and casual response to this group of total strangers. These were no damned dust bunnies, she deliberated so loudly that she feared they could hear her thoughts. Never before had she seen things like these- or even heard of them. She surmised it was the work of demons; the hounds and horrors of hell. A feeling of nausea surged through her stomach and traveled up her spine, forcing entry into her irritable skull.

“I really don’t think these things are dust bunnies,” she managed politely as she face palmed herself, and then took one over of the group through a fingered screen. They seemed like a suspicious bunch, as they were too diverse. Most in the capital city chose to stick with their own kind for fear of gossip and slander. Noveen herself was not fearful of defamation, for she already meant even less than the dirt beneath a drunk’s clod stompers.

The smell of soot and ash were not far off in the distance. If it wasn’t the demons that would swallow them whole- it would be the flame that would purify them in a righteous blaze of glory.

She wasn’t as trusting as Bella, but she saw no other choice but to put their heads together, if that is what they wanted to do, “I imagine that the trains are still working,” Noven seconded and then stifled her tongue.

[Mr Mr]

Na' watched to see where the halfling and his group would go before making himself known. He's spent the last hour or so watching the group deal with the summoners, they'd done a fine job of it.

He stepped out of the shaddows into their path arms raised.

"Halt!" he ordered. "Your going the wrong way. The Trade district is over run with those sykis bastards and their demons."
He waited for them to take it in before continuing.

"I suggest we head to the Nobles quarter, it would have been better defended and less occupied."

[Earphone]

"Oh! And I am Bella Artire. This is my kitty cat, Masamune, and these two are Noveen and The Shop Owner. Oh, but it'd probably be best to keep moving, not quite the greatest time for pleasantries is it?"

Golful'gar looked at the girl who was speaking. He hadn't been paying much attention to what had been previously said, but did now. He pointed to each person in sequence.

"Belle, catteh, Noveen, Shop Owna." He made a mental note to remember each of their names.

"Noh gud time fo pleasantry, but fer introductions." He said, and pointed to himself, "Golful'gar. If we's gonna be movin' tagetha, I'd loik the rest of yer names. Else I'll jus' calls ya how I sees ya."

[Forgotten_Memories]

"Oh, but it'd probably be best to keep moving, not quite the greatest time for pleasantries is it?"

"Noh gud time fo pleasantry, but fer introductions. I'm Golful'gar. If we's gonna be movin' tagetha, I'd loik the rest of yer names. Else I'll jus' calls ya how I sees ya."

Everyone introduced themselves for the giant's sake.

"Right," Dalia sighed, "let's move out." These three - and their robot - would be a great addition to the group. She would need as many people as she could get. But, looking at this girl, Bella, Dalia knew she wasn't going to be able to lead them as originally intended. Bella's clothes, accent, posture - everything - reeked of Termirian high class. She had definitely been raised here, and that meant she definitely knew her way around as well. The trade quarter's train station was in the exact opposite direction.

"Halt!" , as voice called from behind a stand as an elven figure approached,
"you're going the wrong way. The Trade district is overrun with those Sykis bastards and their demons."

Who is this guy? Dalia thought to herself. How did he know they were Sykis disciples? The man travelled light, and wore a robe. From first sight Dalia would have thought him to be a mage, but what would a mage be doing in Termir, and more importantly, what was his allegiance?

"I suggest we head to the Nobles quarter, it would have been better defended and less occupied."

With that she could agree. The Noble's quarter was a lot closer to Crown Square. She looked up at the sky. The holes the acolyte on the airship had cut into the sky were still there - they seemed to have grown larger. This wasn't a good sign.

Broggen elbowed Dalia in the thigh, clearly annoyed, "quit standing there and lead the way before more of them guard folk or demons turn up!"

She nodded, turning her attention back to the task at hand and ran towards the Noble's quarter.

[Alexander Wallis]

Kilth ran with the group, rather awkwardly for the Giant took up most of the street space. They ran down alleys until they finally came out on a wide open street with dozens of little Demons lying about. He approached slowly with his group as he saw the other group of people.

"Well, we were attacked by some evil dust bunnies, but they've been dealt with.”

“I really don’t think these things are dust bunnies,”

A little conflict in their group already, the leader doesn't really care, or at least she pretends not to care. Kilth put up his bow as he grew used to being surrounded by so many different Races, it took a certain getting used to with the Dwarf. Just so small. But his attention was quickly turned away, he began to examine the other group. Mostly girls, the leader had her legs naked from tears in his dress, "I quite like the view from here."

[Socrates]

Broggen elbowed Dalia in the thigh, clearly annoyed, "quit standing there and lead the way before more of them guard folk or demons turn up!"

She nodded, turning her attention back to the task at hand and ran towards the Noble's quarter.

Clairc remained silent as they ran, still not comfortable with this multiracial group. The Shopkeeper. Sounded like something out of a cliche adventure story he read in his youth. Then again, it seemed to suit the situation. He was battling demons after all.

Clairc looked back over his shoulder. Sure enough, R3-56 was only a few steps behind the party. At least the auto-follow was working. The robot wasn't ready for this kind of field test; He still had a lot of work to do before he could trust his clockwork creation with anything more complicated that punching things in the face with its drill. He quickly made a mental list of what he was carrying in his bags. He should be able to do on-the-spot repairs if anything came up.

He felt a slight mental pain. All the research, all the blueprints he was leaving behind, years of work – gone. He wished there was time to collect them all, but Clairc knew better. He was carrying too much as it was, there was no way he could lug those stacks of books everywhere he went. Right now they had to flee the city.

Well Clairc, what have you got yourself into now? He guessed only time would tell.

[yellowm&M]

“Want a hand?”

The woman who had been fighting earlier was now reaaching a slim hand down for Ilayda's aid. Gritting her teeth against the throbbing pain in her back, Ilayda took the offered hand and pulled herself up.

"Thanks." As she spoke she surveyed the ruined tavern. Screams still filtered in from outside. All her life Ilayda had wanted to leave Termir, and now it finally looked like she was going to, though not quite in the way she had always wanted. Turning to the other woman, she spoke again.

"I think we should find a way out of the city...I don't know if theres any safe place left indside if this is any indication of whats out there." She gestured to the dead bodies and destroyed tavern as she spoke. "I think the best way out of here might be the train? What do you think?"

The other woman nodded "Yeah, I think the train is the best bet."

Ilayda glanced around the room again, then began pickiung her way through the bodies and out into the chaotic street beyond.

[Forgotten_Memories]

The group moved toward the Noble's quarter train station, and even though this area was usually cleaner, more open, and flashier, the devastation made it look no different than the Trade quarter.

"Oi, check over here!" Dalia heard from around the corner. She quickly stopped, everyone else following suit. It sounded like a guard, and he was coming straight for them. Judging from past experience, they had to get off the street quickly.

Dalia looked around, she noticed Broggen expressing the same concern - the dwarf was always alert. There were only houses on this street - some whose entrances were broken or aflame, and others which had completely crumbled or burned down. She picked one nearby that seemed to be fairly intact and motioned for the group to follow.

"Wait! Dal!" Jaz ran up to her, "let me check it first." He looked stern, and Dalia knew there was no way of talking him out of it. She stepped aside and Jaz made his way to the front steps of the house.

Then, just as he reached the door, it burst open. A demon hound crashed through it, sending splinters flying in all directions, and it tackled Jaz to the floor. Whiskers had managed to get away, but the dog dug its claws into Jaz's shoulder, and then lunged forward, biting his neck. Dalia ran forward, fists clenched, when a number of shots went off somewhere behind her. The dog was hit several times, its black blood spraying wildly on the tidy grass of the estate's lawn, and it staggered away from Jaz, who was left either bleeding to or already dead. Dalia didn't want to look away, but holding back tears she turned to confirm her fear - the guards were upon them.

There were six of them, all with rifles at the ready. "Well, what have we hear?" said the one closest to Dalia, "a giant, a bunch of elves, and their conspirers. Arrest them."

"Hands in the air, scum!"

[Mr Mr]

"Hands in the air, scum!" The gaurds shouted.

Na' raised his hands cleching his fists as they moved. The wind roared sweeping the gaurds of their feet, weapons falling from their hands.

He lept towards the nearest. Crouching over him he butted the guard in the temple throught holding his head as his lights went out. Finished with the first guard he threw another barrage of air at the next one and left the others for the rest of the group.

[Honorius]

Why would he attack the guards? They were going to help! All she would have had to do was explain...

"Too late to negotiate!" Bella shouted as she rushed forward. She ducked low as she ran, and lashed out at one of the guard's head's with the back of her sword. The guard went down, and as he did, a thought occurred to Bella there might still be a way to settle this half way peacefully. She didn't want to kill these men. They were guards, good guys. They meant no disrespect, they just misunderstood. There was a difference. Of course, the "Scum" comment couldn't just be ignored.

"Hands in the air scum!" Bella mimicked as she pointed her saber at the remaining guards, cracking her whip simultaneously. "Now you all are going to behave, and either help us get out of here, or get out of our way. Otherwise, you'll have scum growing out of your split open stomachs when I'm done with you."

[Brandogg12]

"Hands in the air scum!" Bella mimicked as she pointed her saber at the remaining guards, cracking her whip simultaneously. "Now you all are going to behave, and either help us get out of here, or get out of our way. Otherwise, you'll have scum growing out of your split open stomachs when I'm done with you."

Noveen admired Bella’s imposing authority when addressing the hands of the capital city. Her threats could be considered treasonous, and as it was, they were already being objectified as conspirators against the Crown. There was little that they could do- and carving murder on their slates would exacerbate things beyond any reasonable degree. She furtively returned the daggers to the small of her back and pulled out her two pistols, already loaded, admiring their gaping muzzles as she raised them. Her trigger finger itched, but she knew better.

She ran to Bella’s side and hoped to further intimidate the guards, who were helplessly on the ground, stunned and disorientated. They were disarmed and seemed to be pleading for their lives; looking to be afraid of not only the demons and the sky that looked to be crashing towards the ground, but of their own bigotry. Such weak men they were; so blindly obedient, so mechanical. She pitied them and knew that they would not last long even if they were spared.

The guard that had been lashed by Bella looked so much like her oldest brother that she could taste the fruit they ate after a long day of play, smell the perfumes they used to make out of assorted herbs and spices, and recalls the plots they used to make of running from their mother. It shook her up when he died years ago of dysentery.

Once she was pointing her guns to the center of the group she said, “I imagine your training didn’t prepare you for being assaulted by demons and imprisoned by a bunch of elves?” she lolled her head back and managed a feint chuckle. She couldn’t remember the last time that happened when her life was at stake.

“I ain't good shot, but I’m on a roll,” the laughing grew louder.

[thenewpeter]

"I think the best way out of here might be the train? What do you think?"

"Yeah, I think the train is the best bet."
Shara moved forwards as her companion did, moving behind to begin with, she noticed the slice mark on her back, that’d need treating, but now wasn’t the time. They plucked their way through the bodies, towards the fractured exit.

The street beyond was pure chaos, bodies littered the streets, stands where over turned, some people ran, further down the street, a women stood over a mess of blood and flesh, crying, a bloodied sword in her hand. She turned, they didn’t need to go that way.

She began making her way through the streets, keeping to the sides, hiding at sight of any movement, see the same thing everywhere, blood, death, chaos, there where demons, but most seemed content with their current hunts, giving neither her or her new friend any mischief.

She couldn’t believe what she saw, everything was dead and burning, what the hell was happening?

“I’m Shara, by the way, what’s your name?”

Half listening to her answer, she was distracted by a group further ahead, a group of guards had weapons trained on a rather rad tad group, they dropped their arms, what was going on? Shouldn’t the guards be looking for the help of anyone able?

Suddenly, the guards where swept from their feet, one darted at one of the guards whilse he was down, another swept out with her blade, but with it’s butt, they must of meant no harm, permanent at least, it must be some kind of misunderstanding...

Shara readied her bow, notching an arrow, she jogged towards them, coming up behind the guards, she drew the bow.

“What the hell is this? I saw plenty of those other things on the way here to know we don’t need this right now, maybe later, but seems rather stupid for now!”

[Socrates]

“What the hell is this? I saw plenty of those other things on the way here to know we don’t need this right now, maybe later, but seems rather stupid for now!”

First demons and now guards? Who were these people? And who the hell are these half-elves? Clairc didn't have time to worry about that now. People were dying and these guards were in the way.

“Agreed, I don't have time for this crap. I think I have a solution to our little dilemma. R3-56,” Clairc said punching in a few commands. “these men are in my way. Please fix that.”

The clockwork creation moved towards the remaining guards who appeared to be quickly losing their nerve. Shots were fired, but the bullets simply ricocheted off the robot's outer shell, failing to slow its approach even in the slightest. It stopped right before them, casting a shadow over the apprehensive guards.

“I suggest you turn around and go back to the holes you crawled out of before anyone else gets hurt.” Clairc said sternly crossing his arms.

[sidtvicious]

Balowe sat in the chair hands digging into his scalp, cold sweat pouring across him.

How do you feel?

He screamed. Eenzthk thought for a moment slid a hand into his now mad companion's pockets pulled from it anything of value: a few coins and an iron nail.

It's common to feel that way, madness is inevitable at this point....Afterall, you've lost all that is yours.

Barlowe wrenched forward spilling vomit upon the floor. Then, screamed again.

That's normal too. Goodnight, Mr. Barlowe.

In addition to the rank vomit in the air, a definite scent of panic was creeping in from beneath the door. Eenzthk crept further to the back of the safehouse and descended a flight of stairs to the sewers. It did not seem wise to be on the streets of Temrir at this moment. A few minutes in the sludge of the waterways and he'd be at the train station. Acquiring seventeen from the capital of the human's wasn't that short of an accomplishment, after all.

[thenewpeter]

“Agreed, I don't have time for this crap. I think I have a solution to our little dilemma. R3-56,”
Shara eyed the one who’d replied, he moved behind what she too as part of a float at first, she stared as it began to move towards the guards, them in return firing at it, one lost his nerve before it and ran, it was sheer genius, the clock work mechanisms within it in continuous motion... the sheer complexity of its simplistic design... She’d never seen something like this before, seemed this was going to be a very interesting day.

Something settled within her, she warily un-notched her bow, keeping her eyes on the guards as the remainder ran. She looked across each of the group; this was a strange group indeed.

“What the hells going on?”

[yellowm&M]

The two of them made their way through the ruined streets and quickly as they could. There was so much blood, so much panic, so much death. Ilayda felt nauseous at the sight of it all. Why had this happened?

“I’m Shara, by the way, what’s your name?”

Her companions voice broke her reviere. As she looked at her she noticed that Shara too was a half elf. It made her feel slightly better to know that she was with someone else like her, and not a human who would turn on her as soon as they got to safety.

"I'm Ilayda." However Shara wasn't paying much attention as they came up to a strange group of races including what looked to be a large golden robot. The group was surrounded by guards. As she watch one of the guards was hit to the ground and another was attacked by someone else in the group.

“What the hell is this? I saw plenty of those other things on the way here to know we don’t need this right now, maybe later, but seems rather stupid for now!”

“Agreed, I don't have time for this crap. I think I have a solution to our little dilemma. R3-56, these men are in my way. Please fix that.”

The one who responded to Shara punched a couple of commands into a small remote he was holding. Instantly the robot began to move towards the guard, unhindered by the bullets that bounced off its chest. The guard cowered as the beautiful machine neared it

“I suggest you turn around and go back to the holes you crawled out of before anyone else gets hurt.”

The guard didn't need to be told twice, as he ran off. Shara readied an arrow as she stepped closer, keeping a wary eye on the remaing, unconcious guards. Ilayda followed her example, pulling her bloodied dagger once more from her bag.

“What the hells going on?”

[Honorius]

“What the hells going on?”

More people? Quite the group was beginning to form, it'd be harder to sneak, but easier to fight. Of course, why would they need to sneak? Next time they found guards, she would just make a point to talk to them before the others beat them up.

"Well, the city is being destroyed, the Summer Festival has been utterly ruined, and there are dust bunnies with big teeth and giant and really mean dogs running around killing people. Oh, and these guards had a misunderstanding. And I'd love to take a minute to introduce us all, but you'll have to do it on the run, because we really need to be going now."

[Socrates]

"Well, the city is being destroyed, the Summer Festival has been utterly ruined, and there are dust bunnies with big teeth and giant and really mean dogs running around killing people. Oh, and these guards had a misunderstanding. And I'd love to take a minute to introduce us all, but you'll have to do it on the run, because we really need to be going now."

“She's right.” Clairc said uncrossing his arms. “We don't have a lot of time. We need to get out of the city before we all end up like her friend.” Clairc motioned to Jax, feeling sorry for the poor man. “We're on the way to the train station. Follow us if you want. There is a better chance of surviving this mess if we stick together.”

Clairc placed R3-56 on auto-follow and began running toward the train station.

There was so much he wanted to ask, so much he wanted to say, but he decided it would have to wait until they were out of the city. Clairc looked down at the rune on the palm of his right hand. He hoped he would not have to use it again.

[Brandogg12]

“We're on the way to the train station. Follow us if you want. There is a better chance of surviving this mess if we stick together.”

Noveen looked to Clairc as his arms began to unfold. He spoke with such calmness and certainty that it seemed as if he had already assessed the
situation and knew he could rely on these people, but was that the case?

There was no way to tell but to go on.

The group that unraveled right before her eyes looked odd; something like she had seen in some of the obscure plays she had been forced to attend where all racial groups had got along and even shared intimate moments; there was the happy ending with the bright colors, the exotic and starchy deserts, and drinking of fine wine. Only this wasn’t going to be happy anyway it was viewed. Everyone she knows would have been forced to flee or had already been burned or devoured. Some of them may even have been imprisoned. She pitied the man that had sacrificed himself for the good of the group.

Maybe they could be trusted.

Noveen did not want to get too far away from Clairc and his mysterious runes for it were those that appeared to save her life when she had nearly been blindsided by the hairy midgets of doom.

She entered a light jog and began to trail the half-elf with the emerald eyes.

“The only thing we’re missing is a big hairy rat to add to our party of conspirators,” Noveen muttered unknowingly under her breath.

[Earphone]

Golful'gar watched the events transpire before him, feeling no need to act himself. He was surprised at how quickly his anger had dissipated. All he wanted to do now was survive. He might have considered running off on his own (he could likely have fended for himself with his strength and endurance), but so used to taking orders was he, that even now he stood dumbly, waiting for an order to follow.

“We're on the way to the train station. Follow us if you want. There is a better chance of surviving this mess if we stick together.” Spoke the Shop Owner, tapping several buttons on his little mechanical log, before setting off in a light jog.

Golful'gar watched unsure, as the man ran by himself, the large golden tin can chasing after him. Soon after, the girl Noveen ran, following after the Half-Elf.

"Folla if'n ya wann'?" He said, more to himself, scratching his neck ponderously, "Neva been giv'n that option a'fore..." He straightened his helmet upon his brow (the thing had a knack for falling over his eyes), and ran.

[sidtvicious]

Kaplunk! A man hole within the Noble's Quarter, just a short jig from the train station, was pushed open. Eenzthk peaked his nose and whisker out sniffing for outsiders, after a few passerbyers came and went, he pulled himself from the sewer onto the cobblestone streets.

He hated the train itself, it's simplistic mechanical fashion, but saw it as the easiest way out. Though fraternizing with the humans, would be distasteful, he would play nice. He always did. Soft words and cheshire grins were what made his job possible.

Eenzthk, pulling his cloak around his face and coiling his tail inward, made his way towards the train station. The flustering panic, thick in the air and making his nose twitch, would offer at least some concealment.

[Cyan]

Name: Crystal Jameson

Race: Human

Age: 16

Sex: Female

Appearance: Crystal is tall, around 5'8, and is slender. She has creme skin. She has long blonde hair that falls along her shoulders. And amber eyes and soft lips.

Equipment: Crystal's usual attire is a white corsolet dress with a black ribbon tied around her waist. She usually wears boots, or goes around barefoot.

For fighting uses she carries a broadsword. There are 2 blue gems embedded into the hilt, and the blade is 2 feet long and made of iron. She carries it in a black scabberd on her back.

Short bio: Crystal was born in Termir. When she was 5 she learned how to use swords. Her father taught her many things about survival, and he gave her the broadsword.

Demeanor/Attitude: Crystal is usually quiet to strangers, but at times can be open and optomistic.

[losthawken]

Things were moving quickly now, more guards, more demons. Quite a gang was forming, but they were still confused and in disarray.

“We're on the way to the train station. Follow us if you want. There is a better chance of surviving this mess if we stick together.”

Several in the group started to follow after the tinkerer and his massive machine.

“Now jest a minute,” Broggen broke out partly talking to himself and partly talking to the group. “I thought that Pointy Ears said we should go to the Nobles quarter.”

Broggen would have just as soon headed for the train station, but at the moment the only one he could trust still seemed in shock over the death of Jaz. 'Too bad that damn cat didn't get it first. We could have used that bloke a bit longer.'

There were far to many peculiar peoples around now. Broggen was beginning to feel vulnerable. He was fairly confident that he could handle the demons and guards, but those eerie rifts were growing larger and larger. Regardless of what he thought of her, there was only one person he felt he could trust.

“C'mon Dali'," nudged her leg for the second time, “You know where your takin' us right?”

[Forgotten_Memories]

After the guards were dispatched of by the elementalist, Bella, and the half elf's robot, Dalia turned her attention back to Jaz. He lay still on the ground, his eyes still open, and for once he didn't look so annoyed, just scared. That was the only time she had seen Jaz scared. Not another one. She thought to herself.

“C'mon Dali'," Broggen nudged her leg for the second time, “You know where your takin' us right?”

Tears almost fell from her eyes, and then she realised that she couldn't do this any longer. She couldn't lead these people into danger. No one else was going to suffer for something they knew nothing about. She would have to do it alone.

"I was never leading you the right way," she admitted, averting her eyes from the dwarf, who seemed to have built up a sort of trust in her. "I know why all of this is happening - I know what they're after, and I have to get to Crown Square. She can take you to the station." Dalia pointed to Bella as everyone began to stare at her. She hated being the centre of attention.

She walked to the front of the group, turning her back to them and reaching into her pouch to replace the blunt-edged knuckledusters with jagged, sharp ones. As the skies above grew ever darker, she knew she had little time.

[Socrates]

"I know why all of this is happening - I know what they're after, and I have to get to Crown Square. She can take you to the station."

Clairc stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't have heard that right. “Wait,” he spun around, “you know what caused this? Just who the hell are you and what's in Crown Square? Is there a way to stop this?”

Clairc winched. His words came out harsher than he had intended. He understood she had just lost a friend and he didn't want to push her too hard, but if she knew how to stop this bloodshed Clairc needed her to talk.

[Socrates]

[double post]

[Brandogg12]

Clairc stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't have heard that right. “Wait,” he spun around, “you know what caused this? Just who the hell are you and what's in Crown Square? Is there a way to stop this?”

Noveen looked to Clairc and then to Dalia’s back. His words felt like spikes in Noveen’s throat, and she wasn’t even the one who had been on the receiving end. She could almost picture the concealed face of Dalia.

He had been so calm and composed and even excited since they had meet, and then suddenly he lashed out like a cornered bitch protecting her pups. It was admirable.

Yet, was this truly the best way to fix things? To take the burden instead of leaving it to someone with stronger, wider shoulders? Noveen seemed hesitant, but then she stopped and turned her heel, standing at Clairc’s side, for she too wanted to know how this all had began.

The mechanical sounds of cogs and gears coming from R3-56 were booming, as it was right at the pair’s heels on follow, but they were stifled by the tension of the moment. The robot seemed out of place. Noveen had to suppress a laugh as she waited for a response.

She felt it was best if she didn’t say anything at all, but she couldn’t help it, “You think you can handle whatever it is at Crown Square on your own? And just who do you think you are, Dali?” she snapped and sprinkled as much cynicism on this last word as she could.

[losthawken]

“You think you can handle whatever it is at Crown Square on your own? And just who do you think you are, Dali?”

Broggen looked from the buxom girl and the Halvsie elf to Dalia. A large part of him wanted to leave the whole lot of them behind. 'Dammit Brog, you've gotten yourself into it now. Bunch of cracker-nut fools!'

The simple smuggling job had turned into a living nightmare in the blink of an eye. Broggen was confident in his own abilities, but he was smart enough to know that he was better off with a group. Now the question was to whether to follow the liar he knew into the fray, or the fools he didn't know toward safety.

The dwarfed heaved a great sigh from his barrel shaped chest. His ammo was low and there was no reason to think the demons were leaving any time soon; not by the look of the rift in the sky anyway. When it came down to it, Broggen was most interested in saving his own neck. He'd find his way to the train station and out of the city with or without help.

“Dali dear, I hope you find what'chyer lookin' for. But this here fight don't have nothing to do with me,” he give her a knowing nodd. It was the kind exchanged between warriors that know they'll likely never see each other again, and added with a wink, “See ya soon.”

“C'mon then Looky Legs, lets get a move on,” continued the dwarf as he turned to the highborn human girl with the slit in her dress.

[Brandogg12]

“Dali dear, I hope you find what'chyer lookin' for. But this here fight don't have nothing to do with me,” he give her a knowing nod. It was the kind exchanged between warriors that know they'll likely never see each other again, and added with a wink, “See ya soon.”

“C'mon then Looky Legs, let’s get a move on,” continued the dwarf as he turned to the highborn human girl with the slit in her dress.

Noveen looked at the Dwarf and could feel his frustration mounting to a breaking point. It surprised her that she was so calm and careless just as Clairc had been, but it was the way she trained herself. Never let your emotions show, but she could feel her face getting warm and her fingers were rubbing together briskly.

"Look, there is no way to know that these demons won't get us on that train, and if the problem started here? Then why not make it end here?" She looked to the group. Even if the easy way was to make an escape- it still didn't feel right. That was what she had always done.

There was something nagging in the back of her mind that was telling her to do the brave thing just as her brothers had done; just as her father had done. They had all stuck up for her. A change of heart burrowed into her chest and seemed to take control of her. Why did she believe it was her turn to risk her own hide for these strangers and for the rest of the vagabonds and hotheaded nobles of Termir?

Maybe she could feel what Dalia was feeling, just maybe. She hoped others could too.

"Whatever it is you hope to find in that Square, I hope you will let me along to find it too. I just don't think you can do it on your own," with that said she reached into her back pocket and thanked the heavens there was a hefty package of cigarettes she had overlooked, "Anyone else coming along?"

She waited and smiled as she puffed the cigarette from the side of her mouth, shielding it from the gusts of wind the pregnant skies bred. She just hoped Clairc would come along too.

She made her way closer to Dalia.

Decisions, decisions...

[Earphone]

Golful'gar stared at Dalia. She'd been leading them into harm's way? Did she really know what was causing all of this? Their rag-tag group was already disintegrating, some going to the train station, others going with Dalia, and still others (like himself) who hadn't decided what to do yet.

He frowned at at the pair Dalia and Noveen. Surely they needed help, they wouldn't make it on their own.

"Whatever it is you hope to find in that Square, I hope you will let me along to find it too. I just don't think you can do it on your own," Noveen said, "Anyone else coming along?"

Golful'gar looked from group to group, then shook his head.

"Wer' all gonna die anyway." He made his way back down the cobblestone street to stand by Dalia, and hefted his pickaxe across his shoulders, then looked down at the girl he was helping, "Les' go missy, I don' wanna wait fer more."

[thenewpeter]

"Whatever it is you hope to find in that Square, I hope you will let me along to find it too. I just don't think you can do it on your own," Noveen said, "Anyone else coming along?"

Shara had no idea what was going on, but she wanted to know. She staired at the female human, wondering if she should draw a blade to her throat now or wait until she heard her out.

She wanted revenge on Kirk in any way possible, she wanted to spill blood, she craved it... but held back.

“I’ll come along with you, I want to know whats happening” She walked close to the human, whispering in her ear. “If you had a hand in causing this, in any way I don't like the sound off... your blood will be spilt today...”

Shara stood to the side next to the female.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Everyone had reacted differently. Their words wrapped around Dalia's mind, suffocating her, she didn't know how to respond.

“You know what caused this? Just who the hell are you and what's in Crown Square? Is there a way to stop this?”

“You think you can handle whatever it is at Crown Square on your own? And just who do you think you are, Dali?”

Some, to Dalia's surprise, wanted to go along with her. It seemed like they wanted to save the city. Alas, such a thing was not possible - it would all be over very quickly.

“If you had a hand in causing this, in any way I don't like the sound off... your blood will be spilt today...” The new half elf whispered in her ear as she came to stand next to Dalia.

Dalia turned back to face the group, looking at their expressions individually. They really were an odd bunch, only one human apart from herself. Why did they want to save the city so much? What had it ever done for them but create misery and pain? Dalia knew the nature of her people, and if anything they deserved this. But she also knew that Termir wouldn't be the end. Maybe the others sensed it as well.

"I can't say much now. We are running out of time. For those of you who want to go, then so be it. I never asked for any help," and with that took to the direction of Crown Square, its giant sun-like brazier casting a murderous light onto the horizon.

[Honorius]

"Hold on," just now that the group had became this big group of mixed and matched races, the group was going to split up, some going to the train-station, some going to Crown Square. While part of Bella wanted to go the train-station, get out of here. But there was something more important to Bella than getting away. Her home had been destroyed, the festival ruined, every aspect of her life had been changed and destroyed. She wasn't about to just leave.

"Those of you who want to get to the train-station can be on their way, but it isn't going to be with me. If what they're after is in Crown Square, then that's where I need to be. Because the leader or general or whatever is going to be there, and I'm going to skin that bastard and use his skin to make a new, fine leather frog for my saber. I can't just walk away from this."

Bella cracked her whip hard against the ground as she finished. There were giant fuzz bunnies she had to kill.

[Mr Mr]

Na' looked around at the odd group that had gathered each deciding where to go. He'd already made up his mind. Wherever there were followers of sykis to be killed he would go. Besides he was curious to see what in the crown square was so important.

Stepping off the now unconcious guard he pulled his knife back into the folds of his robes and headed after the one human who seemed to have any idea what was going on. Na' drew up along side her.

"So what is at Crown Square?" He asked.

[Socrates]

"I can't say much now. We are running out of time. For those of you who want to go, then so be it. I never asked for any help," and with that took to the direction of Crown Square, its giant sun-like brazier casting a murderous light onto the horizon.

Clairc hesitated. Why was he doing this? This wasn't his fight. Why did he all of a sudden begin giving a damn. He didn't owe this city anything - why should he put his neck on the line to save it?

Clairc was about to turn and follow the dwarf when his eyes met Noveen's. Her soft green eyes seemed to be waiting for Clairc's response. Ever since he met this Human he felt a bond of trust growing between them, and he was sure she felt the same. It was like she understood him, understood his pain. What was this? For the first time in a long time, he started to doubt himself. She had committed to helping Dalia, and for some reason, he couldn't bear the thought of letting her down.

A little uncertain he turned towards Crown Square. “I don't like this woman, but we seem to have little choice. If we have a chance of putting a end to this we need to take it – no matter what cost.” he motioned to Noveen. “Let us save some lives this day.”

Clairc followed Dalia's lead, picking up his pace to catch up.

[yellowm&M]

"I was never leading you the right way, I know why all of this is happening - I know what they're after, and I have to get to Crown Square. She can take you to the station." Dalia pointed to Bella as everyone began to stare at her.

Clairc stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't have heard that right. “Wait,” he spun around, “you know what caused this? Just who the hell are you and what's in Crown Square? Is there a way to stop this?”

“You think you can handle whatever it is at Crown Square on your own? And just who do you think you are, Dali?”

“Dali dear, I hope you find what'chyer lookin' for. But this here fight don't have nothing to do with me,” he give her a knowing nodd. It was the kind exchanged between warriors that know they'll likely never see each other again, and added with a wink, “See ya soon.”

"I can't say much now. We are running out of time. For those of you who want to go, then so be it. I never asked for any help,"

Everything was spinning out of control. It seemed only moments ago that Ilayda and Shara had joined the rag tag group, and now it was splitting up. Confusion and questions swirled around in her head, all leading back to the same larger question What the hell was going on?

Now, however, did not seem to be the time to work out the details. She had gathered that one of the human girls (Dalia, was it?) knew something about the mess they were all in and much of the group was going to follow her to Crown Square. So far it seemed as if only the dwarf would continue on to the train station. It was her turn to choose.

As she deliberated the group destined for Crown Square took off, leaving her with little time. On the one hand, the only person she somewhat knew was going to the square, and as much as she generally despised people she was smart enough to understand that in this situation it was better to stick with a pack. Besides, the city was crumbling down around them and she had the chance to help save it. It almost sounded like one of her stories.

But on the other hand, right now she potentially had the best oppurtunity of her life to leave this godforsaken place. It had ruined her life, she didn't owe it or the people in it anything. Especially not saving them.

Ilayda stood for a moment longer, torn between the seemingly noble (though perhaps stupid) choice and the path towards cowardly freedom. It was so much like the stories she adored, and she knew what any of the heroes she loved so much would choose....

"You're going to the train station, right? Because I'm coming with." She motion to the dwarf to start walking. Reading stories about heroes didn't amount to anything...she was no hero.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Crown Square:

Quite a few had run along with Dalia, dodging the onslaught of demons and guards from every corner. In a way she was glad, at least she would have some help – and from what she could tell so far, damned good help. But, she also didn’t want anyone getting hurt. They were nearing the Crown Square, just another corner.

Crown Square was the most historic and beautiful square in Termir. Littered amongst gardens of colourful and exotic plants from all over Terrafel were statues of the royal’s ancestors. The pathways in between lead to the castle of Termir, a grey-ish monolith that used to be white as ivory, but had become dull through many years of pollution – as with most of the stone buildings in the city. There was a large open space with a giant fountain in front of the castle’s gates, and usually, Crown Square was packed with people – noblemen and women, tourists, guards, gardeners – but today there was no one.

Dalia navigated the group to the gates, which were strangely closed. They were always open to the public during the Summer Festival, and were heavily guarded. The group looked around awkwardly, expecting something happen, but only a dreary silence hung in the stale, smoke-ridden air.

Dalia walked right up to the front of the gates. “Hello?!” she shouted, fearing the worst.

Train Station:

Broggen and Ilayda headed for the station, eager to get out of the city, only to find that such a thing was probably not possible – at least through this route. The Noble’s train station was packed with panicked escapees, bundling up in unorganized packs outside of the stations, and there were guards everywhere. All of the elves and half elves present were being arrested and taken to the side, while the rest of the guards dealt with demons flying overhead with their rifles.

[Brandogg12]

Dalia walked right up to the front of the gates. “Hello?!” she shouted, fearing the worst.

Noveen smiled as she tried to stifle the coughs coming from her parched throat, hoping no one in the mix would call her out for it, but there were more pressing matters at hand.

Crown square looked like a ghost town- the massive manors and town halls that were once bloated with pompous, carousing nobles looked like anemic skeletons with bowed legs, attempting to hold up large ingresses. Their frameworks appeared to tremble beneath the ample burden of the crashing, blotched skies.

She figured that this square held the most eventful and expensive parties in the entire world of Terrafel. The rich seldom spared any expense as their wealth was always displayed with ostentatious clothing and lavish jewelry forged with rare metals and gems. It was comforting that were probably be the first to die. They waste so much money on themselves to enjoy their pitiful lives- but when it came to their own safety that is where they had not invested enough. Yet- there did not feel to be any signs of the affluent residents fleeting.

The group buzzed ominously and the killer robot continued to whirl its gears, but appeared to do so more quietly. Maybe it sensed something too.

More of the original party than she had expected had tagged along. They too were probably staring down this gate and pondering what could be so important as to risk their own necks instead of taking the next train out of the capital city never to look back. The worst feeling of all was not the ash or the blood or the rampant terror that raced through Termir; instead, it was the sudden solitude and silence. It felt as if a dome had encased the castle and all of them along with it- shutting out any interlopers who may choose to satisfy their curiosity.

The shouts of Dalia were not enough to block this feeling- she needed to hear more voices. She needed to feel something, or someone, to remind her that she was alive because this all felt very unreal.

She picked one specific individual to seek empathy and comfort from, and that was the half-elf with the unnatural green eyes and sandy hair.

Maybe he could understand what this all meant. She looked to him with pleading, lethargic eyes and got closer to him.

“What are we looking for?” she asked no one in particular.

[Mr Mr]

“What are we looking for?” Na' over heard the human asking the halfling. It was a good question and one the others must be wondering aswell. He looked around at the now empty Crown square. It was almost laughable. Nobles with almost endless wealth had been unable to do anything. For all their money little had been spent on security.

Na' approached the gate. It loomed above him, large metal chains holding it shut. He ran his hands over the chains they were old and worn out, he could easily open the gate if needed. He left the gate and looked around again. It was so quiet...no...it was too quiet. There was no noise, no movement, no anything. His hand found his knife and gripped it, he had a feeling it would be needed.

[Socrates]

Clairc crossed his arms, adsorbing the seine, taking in every detail. There was no mistaking it, Dalia had led them to the right place.

Maybe he could understand what this all meant. She looked to him with pleading, lethargic eyes and got closer to him.

“What are we looking for?” she asked no one in particular.

Clairc noticed Noveen getting closer to him. Their eyes met briefly. He wasn't sure, but it seemed that she was looking to him for answers – for comfort. He had no idea why she trusted him, but he wasn't complaining. He had never been good at making friends - unless he counted R3-56 - and was uncertain how to comfort her. Still, he needed to say something.

He uncrossed his arms and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his eyes narrowing as they continued to scan the area. “Whatever it is, we are on the right path.” he said softly. “It's always the calmest at the center of the storm...”

[Earphone]

Golful'gar looked around, taking in the calm picture before him. Not a sound was to be heard, other than the soft bubbling of the fountain ahead. Just a block back he had still been able to hear the screams of the frightened citizens. It was almost as if they had entered a bubble, blocking all noise from the outside, and keeping the silence on the inside.

Golful'gar suppressed a grin. Truth be told, he was enjoying himself. The thrill of battle, demonic conspiracies, and best of all, companions. Golful'gar was used to a life of solitude, and now, being around so many people made him want to crow with joy; despite their grave situation. He was glad he chose to go, not to save the city, (He bore no love for Termir) but simply to remain in the company of these strangers, if only for a little longer.

He heard several people muttering to each other, but didn't take in their words. It was quiet. Like the earth itself was taking in a deep breath, just before a great conflict.

" 'S soft, ain't it?" He suddenly said, his voice booming through the calm silence.

[sidtvicious]

The Noble’s train station was packed with panicked escapees, bundling up in unorganized packs outside of the stations. The guards were what worried Eenzthk. In addition to dealing with screeching creatures above, they seemed to rallying up non-humans into packs.

He palmed a runed steel ring of about 4 inches in diameter inside his pocket, just in case. He sniffed the air. Fresh blood, coal, and a mix of body odor covered the crowd.

Keeping his head down, he attempted to zig-zag through the crowd around the guards eyeing the crowd for people to arrest. Guards were always so much trouble, not worthy of the Dead Book and always slowing things down.

Out of nowhere his good eye caught a glint of fiery red hair. He sniffed the air in that direction. He could smell fresh blood and the unmistakable scent of parchment, this was momentarily interfered by an all-too-familiar musk, ale, and earth which made up those of dwarves.

Turning his good eye in a squint he could make out the two characters. One a modestly dressed half-elf with a satchel whose hair had caught his eye and a dwarven companion in more industrious attire. Clearly not commoners, or traders for that matter. They could be of use. Staring at the two, with a brief moment of thought, he flicked his chest and activated a rune to speak with them the only way he could deem "safe."

Might want to take a left there Chits, one of you is wounded, quicksteps and zig-zags are your friends. The guards be rounding us...non-humans. He made a quick gesture with a claw as he spoke to their minds, hoping to call one of their notice.

[losthawken]

Broggen and the girl had just made it to the train station. The scarlet halvsie had been injured quit seriously, it only made sense for her to make her escape. Still, he was amazed that so many of the other fools had chased after Dalia instead of looking after their own necks. How could they not know? There was no saving the world, there was nothing but the trading one death for another; it was all meaningless.

'Damned glory hounds, the lot of them,' he thought to himself trying to quiet his prickling conscience.

The train station was in a state of panic, gunshots sounded routinely as the city guards did their best to keep the bladed demons from swooping down and making off with the helpless. Chaos was everywhere, the guards were pushing people this direction and that, but had so far overlooked him thanks to his humble stature.

Might want to take a left there Chits, one of you is wounded, quicksteps and zig-zags are your friends. The guards be rounding us...non-humans.

Broggen froze in his tracks. He was not accustomed to hearing voices in his head and he was not pleased. Grabbing the bright sash he stopped the half-elf, as he scanned the crowd.

“Did you hear that 'Gem'? That voice?”

[yellowm&M]

The pain in her back was reaching the point of excrutiating and warm blood was dripping sickeningly down her back, but Ilayda kept her lips sealed against the cries of pain fighting to get out. The last thing she wanted was attention. Instead, she focused on the people around her, the noises, the smells, the sounds, anything but the pain.

It took little time for her and her dwarf companion to reach the train station, and it took even less time for her to realized that the trip had been futile. People were running and panicking. The whole place was ruled by chaos and any way onto a train was packed with with people. Screams and shouts were added to the din echoing off the walls and ceiling, magnifiying the noise so much she could barely think straight. Off to the side she noticed guards rounding up all the non-humans and instintively she took a step to the side, behind a large group of people, in order to hide from their searching gaze. Damn her red hair.

Might want to take a left there Chits, one of you is wounded, quicksteps and zig-zags are your friends. The guards be rounding us...non-humans. He made a quick gesture with a claw as he spoke to their minds, hoping to call one of their notice.

A voice that was not her own peirced its way into her conciousness. Ilayda spun around in alarm as at the same moment the dwarf grabbed her sash.

“Did you hear that 'Gem'? That voice?”

"The one about the guards and the zig-zags? Yeah...I heard it..." She tried to keep the fear from coloring her voice, but it trickled in anyways, cold and slimy. Slowly she scanned the crowd, hoping that some kind of explanation would present itself. Her eyes locked on a shadowy figure with a dark cloak. It was seemingly gesturing at her with a clawed hand. Shakily she tapped the dwarf on the shoulder and pointed.

[sidtvicious]

Eenzthk stared at the two strangers, who seemed to have received his message loud and clear. The smell of fear was now accompanying the half-elf, alongside that of the increasing severity of the wound. She had noticed him. While the dwarf seemed to be a few steps behind.

I know...you might find my methods of communication a little jarring, I assure you I mean no harm. As a matter of fact, miss I would see the wound tended to...I'm afraid the beasts in the sky have almost as great a sense of smell as myself. I suggest you follow me, Chits. I can help the two of you go unnoticed to the train.

Eenzthk sniffed the air for a moment, and then made an even more elaborate "come here" motion to the two.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Crown Square:

“It's always the calmest at the center of the storm...”

Dalia didn't doubt this for a second - Clairc definitely knew how to put things. The silence was soon invaded by the sound of turning pulleys, and the gargantuan gates before them began to open. The party braced themselves for what, if anything, was about to happen. Nothing occurred for a moment, as the space between the doors grew wider to show the empty courtyard beyond. The giant brazier was held high in its centre by four chains attached to the walls of the enclosure, and was still lit to symbolise the sun for the summer festival.

When the doors came to a halt, now fully ajar, Dalia stepped forward, her fists held up in front of her face. Before she could take another step however, the sound of metal twisting echoed in the silence. Then there was a clang as one of the chains holding the brazier fell against the stone floor. The giant torch rattled in place, and then another chain snapped clean off, causing it to flip over in the air, spilling its burning contents below.

"Get back!" Dalia shouted, rushing to safety, away from the entrance.

She was right in doing so, because right after the rest of the brazier's chains broke off, and it came rolling straight at them like a rogue boulder on a mountain pass, still aflame, and at an incredible speed.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Crown Square:

“It's always the calmest at the center of the storm...”

Dalia didn't doubt this for a second - Clairc definitely knew how to put things. The silence was soon invaded by the sound of turning pulleys, and the gargantuan gates before them began to open. The party braced themselves for what, if anything, was about to happen. Nothing occurred for a moment, as the space between the doors grew wider to show the empty courtyard beyond. The giant brazier was held high in its centre by four chains attached to the walls of the enclosure, and was still lit to symbolise the sun for the summer festival.

When the doors came to a halt, now fully ajar, Dalia stepped forward, her fists held up in front of her face. Before she could take another step however, the sound of metal twisting echoed in the silence. Then there was a clang as one of the chains holding the brazier fell against the stone floor. The giant torch rattled in place, and then another chain snapped clean off, causing it to flip over in the air, spilling its burning contents below.

"Get back!" Dalia shouted, rushing to safety, away from the entrance.

She was right in doing so, because right after the rest of the brazier's chains broke off, and it came rolling straight at them like a rogue boulder on a mountain pass, still aflame, and at an incredible speed.

[Brandogg12]

"Get back!" Dalia shouted, rushing to safety, away from the entrance.

“Stuck,” Noveen tried to shout. She couldn’t seem to have the capacity to say words- and never before had her tongue so crudely failed her as it was now. Her legs were rooted into the kempt cobblestone pathway and her throat was throbbing with tightness and pain.

Too fast…

The chains snapped like brittle bones making her flinch and the heat began to make her half shut eyes drowsy, accentuated by the shallow puffs she had just taken. Her hands tingled and shook as the flames began to encroach on her sacrilegious silence, yet, the silence was too stringent, and she knew it was not to last forever.

“Get back,” she told herself and the words of Dalia, the conflicted, perplexing human rattled her skull, “What is the point? I don’t see any brighter future for me or for anyone… wouldn’t it be better to leave it all behind?” she thought.

Clairc’s murky eyes, the fiery temper of Bella, the streaks of red determination in Broggen’s beard, and the obliviousness of the half-giant all stood out, and each resembled something foreign to her: a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for making her life have purpose once gain.

In Noveen’s mind, this was reason enough to not perish unfulfilled.

She looked to the group helplessly, hoping that she would be saved before it was too late.

[Mr Mr]

Na' watched the brazier hurtle towards them leaving a trail of fire behind. It was an awe inspiring sight almost like watching a meteor fly towards you. He was quite content watching it when he saw the human. She stood still...mabye she couldn't move. Na' sighed. He better help her.

Wind speeding his feet he hurtled towards her. He grabbed her spining her out of the boulders path and to the ground. At the same time he swept his hand along he ground and kicked. The ground rumbled as rock forced its way out and over his head, cracking as the brazier rolled along it.

Na' stood as the rock retreated into the ground and turned to the human.
"Foolish human are you ok?" He asked.

[losthawken]

"The one about the guards and the zig-zags? Yeah...I heard it..."

I know...you might find my methods of communication a little jarring, I assure you I mean no harm. As a matter of fact, miss I would see the wound tended to...I'm afraid the beasts in the sky have almost as great a sense of smell as myself. I suggest you follow me, Chits. I can help the two of you go unnoticed to the train.

The dwarf's eyes finally found the cloaked figure hidden in the crowd. It was gesturing to them to come closer. Broggen immediately recognized the clawed hand and stature as belonging to one of those desert rats. He had done a fair share of trading with them in his ventures toward the south, but had never managed to find much respect for the scavenging, vermin.

Broggen glanced at the girl with him. She looked pail. He was unsure whether it was from fear or from the blood she had lost from the demon's wound. The dwarf sighed, he couldn't just leave her, it was doubtful that she would make it on her own. Besides that the thought of Dalia fighting demonic forces on the other side of the city kept coming back to him. 'Perhaps I can secure them safe passage out of the city for when they come to their sense and abandon their fools errand.'

He slid through the crowd of frightened humans working his way toward the cloaked figure still holding onto the girls sash. As he approached, the smell of the Skittari was unmistakable. He unslung his battle axe, and raised his tomahawk toward the opening in the cloak as he drew close.

“What help do you offer Fluffy, and this time you better use your tongue unless you want me to cut it out.”

[sidtvicious]

“What help do you offer Fluffy, and this time you better use your tongue unless you want me to cut it out.”

Eenzthk glanced at the dwarf in confusion, not understanding a word of his speak. The drawn axe hinted to him that he shouldn't be talking to his mind anytime soon.

He nodded, and attempted in broken dwarvish, "I can get us to the train, if you're willing to follow."

He gestured with one claw to an alleyway a short sprint away.

[losthawken]

"I can get us to the train, if you're willing to follow."

The horrible attempt at dwarvish confirmed the figure's race. Broggen was somewhat conflicted over the joy of hearing his beloved mother tongue again, but so poorly spoken the mouth of the dirty rodent. He looked down the alleyway then back at the girl. He felt uneasy trusting the cloaked Skittari, but the guards were getting nearer, sorting the humans onto the first trains and rounding up the 'others'.

Perhaps it would be best to see how this thing played out. The short dwarf looked up at the lovely red-head, "C'mon Dearee' we can't stay out here. Just keep on steady-like and I'll keep your back."

Broggen turned back to the rat, and gave him a grimacing nod in the direction of the alley.

[yellowm&M]

I know...you might find my methods of communication a little jarring, I assure you I mean no harm. As a matter of fact, miss I would see the wound tended to...I'm afraid the beasts in the sky have almost as great a sense of smell as myself. I suggest you follow me, Chits. I can help the two of you go unnoticed to the train.

The voice spoke again and this time the dwarf too noticed the creature that was speaking to them. He hesitated for a moment then glanced at Ilayda before walking over towards the creature, still holding onto her sash so that she followed him. She had seen a hint of worry in his expression as he had glanced at her and she wondered if she looked as badly as she felt. The pain she had hidden, but now her head was starting to feel light and her vision was swimming a bit. All her concentration was in putting one foot in front of the other without falling over.

“What help do you offer Fluffy, and this time you better use your tongue unless you want me to cut it out.”

"I can get us to the train, if you're willing to follow."

Ilayda looked at the alleyway the rat man was pointing down. It looked dark and creepy and not a very pleasant place to be. Not to mention the creature didn't seem all that trustworthy. However behind her she could hear the paniced screams, the shouting guards, and the unmistakable sounds of non-humans being denied safety and rights. The longer they stood here the closer the guards got to noticing them.

"C'mon Dearee' we can't stay out here. Just keep on steady-like and I'll keep your back."

The dwarf seemed to being thinking the same way as her and his support helped. she gave him a weak smile then looked at the rat before taking a step towards the alley.

[Earphone]

"Get back!" Dalia shouted. The brazier's chains broke off, and it came rolling straight at them like a rogue boulder on a mountain pass, still aflame, and at an incredible speed.

Golful'gar had little time to think as the giant metal torch rolled toward them. The people in front of him dodged out of the way -one being pulled by the blind-folded Elf. Not being as fast as the others, he could only drop his pick, throw up his hands, and brace for the impact.

The torch collided with him with an incredible force, pushing him back several feet. He yelled in pain, as the burning hot metal and flames seared his hands and arms, and put his weight against the thing, stopping it in its place. He leaped back, and fell to his knees.

"Moi 'ands!" He grunted, rising to his feet once more, holding out his charred palms. He knew the torch was only the beginning of their problems.

[Brandogg12]

"Foolish human are you ok?" He asked.

“I’m fine, and thank you, sir. I am in your debt,” Noveen got up quickly and brushed off the dirt and ash that clung to her clothing. She rubbed the back of her neck and felt grime stuck to it.

She must have looked horrendous.

Her eyes were nearly swollen shut by the radiating light and the warmth of the cauldron, and her arm was still festering from the bite of the demon earlier. She tried to lick her lips but her tongue was dry and instead she only got a taste of bitter and sweet soot.

"Moi 'ands!" He grunted, rising to his feet once more, holding out his charred palms. He knew the torch was only the beginning of their problems.

She looked over to the peculiar half-giant and immediately felt gratitude towards him- his seemingly ignorant exterior was perhaps a biased judgment. He meant well and knew his limits, obviously.

His massive hands were blistered and seemed to be trying to spit out the heat- as they looked to already be shedding the layers of his burned epidermis. The look on his face was one stern and severe, but she couldn’t help but smiling. His size seemed to make everything funny.

“You just saved our lives you big oaf!” Noveen said cheerfully and held up her arms. She was still loopy, “Now let me have a look at those hams that you call hands! I have just the thing,” she reached into one of her pockets and lurched towards the indomitable Golful'gar.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Crown Square:

The half giant stopped the boulder at risk of injury. As Noveen tended to his burnt hands and arms, a dark smoke lingered among the wreckage.

"Very impressive," a strangely echoed voice from within the smoke broke the silence, "now it may be wise to step out of our way."

Two dark-hooded figures emerged from the smoke, a man from the left side of the gate, and a woman from the right.

Dalia immediately ran forward at the man, fists at the ready. But before she could reach him he lashed out his arms, transforming them into what looked like sinewy shadows. With one shadow-y ligament he grabbed her arm, and with the other her leg. He then tossed her aside, straight into Noveen and the half giant.

The woman threw forward a blast of shadow energy, aimed directly at Na, who took the hit full-on. He flew backwards, simultaneously conjuring a gust of wind below him in attempt to break his fall.

By now the smoke had almost cleared, and it was apparent that a third figure stood in-between the other two. But unlike the others, he remained calm. From where she was laying, Dalia could see beneath his hood, and the terrible orange eyes that pulsated there. This was the man from the airship, and that could only mean one thing. She quickly peered at his hands, where he so blatantly held and displayed a necklace with what appeared to be a pure white gemstone. They were too late.

The man in the middle raised his empty hand to the sky. "Now the world shall know evil," he said, and brought the same hand back down.

From what the group could tell, the sky began to shake, and it seemed to be rippling from the gaping rift that had been opened at the beginning of the attack on the city. Then the three figures before them suddenly all disappeared into the shadows by their feet.

"We need to get out of here!" Dalia shouted, getting up, one of her arms terribly scratched from how she had fallen. Only, it felt like there was no where to go. For once, she had no means of escape. As others looked at her for instructions, all she could do was turn her head to the sky, where the unimaginable was happening.

Long, finger-like features emerged on either side of the rift, pulling it apart, wider and wider. More spectre demons flew out, their blades whirring around their ghostly bodies, and then what appeared to be a giant head with a white mask - its eyes were large slits, and its mouth a gaping hole. The fingers belonged to this creature, as it used them to push itself further out of the rift. With one final push it threw its arms out from the hole in the sky and slithered down to the streets of Termir like a snake with a never-ending body.

Noble's Train Station:

Just as Broggen and Ilayda were about to follow the Skittari into the alleyway, the sky began to shake. It was odd to think of the sky shaking, but there was no other explanation for it. The crowds looked up in commotion for the source of the disturbance, and began to shout and further panic as more spectres flew from the rift, and a horrific creature slithered out of it.

The creature landed somewhere in the trade quarter, but was still visible among the buildings, especially as its body ran all the way back to the rift - a dark line occupying the sky. The crowds began to hear strange sucking noises, as the rooftops of buildings began to be drawn in the general direction of the new demon.

Soon the guards at the station became overwhelmed by the spectres, as the demons began targeting the ones on higher ground. Demon hounds emerged from the alley the Skittari was going to lead Broggen and Ilayda through, and in fact, more and more demons began to congregate around the train station. Screams filled the air, as well as bodies being dragged by the spectres. They were being caged in, and the giant demon was also making its way in their direction. The only way to go was north, towards Crown Square.

[losthawken]

“Beards of my Fathers!” Broggen gasped as he witnessed the descent of the unholy monster. But there was no time to gape, the demon hordes were closing in on them. Hearing a mortal shriek from above Broggen looked up just in time to dodge a savagely slashed body as it plummeted from the skies.

“Move! Move! Move” the dwarf bellowed as he charged down the alley. But his feet stopped short as two massive hell-hounds emerged from the darkness ahead. Acrid drool dripped from their mouths as their eyeless antennae twitched to and fro searching out their next victim. A second later the beasts charging them.

The dwarf reached his hand behind him and loosed his battle axe. In a single fluid motion swung the axe up cleaving the left jaw of one of the creatures as it leapt upon him. Continuing the motion upward and around his head he buried his blade into the shoulder of the second. A blow to the head from his throwing hatchet finished the beast.

Broggen wiped the spatter of black blood from his brow. More scratching and heavy breaths drew his attention back down the alley. There a horde of fel beasts were emerging, filling the alley in a seething mob of murderous flesh as they approached even climbing mysteriously along the vertical walls of the dark passage.

“Back! Back! Back!” he shouted as he charged past his new traveling companions.

“C’mon girlie,” he shouted pulling at the red-headed girls sash again. “Move or I’ll carry you myself!”

As the group began to move Broggen hastily reloaded his hefty pistols. It would take every trick he knew to get out of this city in one piece. He only hoped that the others didn’t force him to leave them behind.

[Brandogg12]

The man in the middle raised his empty hand to the sky. "Now the world shall know evil," he said, and brought the same hand back down.

“Who the…” Noveen whispered as her jaw dropped.

He then tossed her aside, straight into Noveen and the half giant.

Dalia’s torso and flailing legs were the last thing she had witnessed before tasting coppery-iron blood as it spilled from her mouth poured from her split lips, worsened from her quickening heart; it secreted like a mastiff’s salivary glands upon sniffing a meal.

It was not the taste of blood that shocked her; instead, it was the taste of a wholly mistake and a result of her inattentiveness. She should have known that the fiery projectile was going to be the least of their worries.

The man in the middle raised his empty hand to the sky. "Now the world shall know evil," he said, and brought the same hand back down.

The ground began to shake, and the sky began to tremble and buckle beneath the might of the demonic presence. The tendrils of darkness seemed to creep from the new spawns and tug at the strings of her mind and of her and woke her up. Her cheeks began to redden and she began to think of her weapons, and how it would feel to sink her blades into exposed flesh.

A demon that was an exact replica of the one she had dismembered near Claric’s shop seemed to hobble over to her, fixated to the gaping wound on her forearm. Its massive mouth tore open and its tiny razors and small body seemed to flourish, as they both danced nimbly in the veil of mist.

Before it was close enough to leap, Noveen already managed to predict its move. She knew it was going to pounce, and before it had done so, she pulled out her two pistols and cocked back the hammers. She was proud that they were already loaded. As she felt the heat of its mouth and saw her reflection in its small, unwelcoming eyes, she fired. It divided down its center, almost surgically, and splashed blood on her and those around her.

"We need to get out of here!"

As she wiped blood from her face, reloaded her pistols, and looked around the square as the violence ensued, her eyes drifted to a massive slit-eyed, white mask that had forced its way through the portal. It didn’t look happy.

“Yes, lets,” she moaned to no one in particular.

"Everyone?" she called out.

[sidtvicious]

Demon hounds emerged from the alley the Skittari was going to lead Broggen and Ilayda through, and in fact, more and more demons began to congregate around the train station.

Eenzthk ran forward, tossing the steel ring toward one of the hounds blocking his way. The object opened, extending itself wide enough to reach around the demon's head, then tightened and continued to tighten. The fearful rat ran forward the scent of demonic magic and fresh elven blood in his nose. A gurgling cry followed by a slow hiss, accompanied the tightening rings eventual decapitation of the beast.

In a single fluid motion swung the axe up cleaving the left jaw of one of the creatures as it leapt upon him. Continuing the motion upward and around his head he buried his blade into the shoulder of the second. A blow to the head from his throwing hatchet finished the beast. Eenzthk thought for moment and realized he'd chosen his possible allies well, if nothing else and then with much indecision decided to speak to their minds again.

Quick friends, and try not to kill too many of them. Best not to identify yourself as a threat.

He ran with grace, no longer concealing his rodent appearance, down the alleyway.

[yellowm&M]

Beards of my Fathers!”

Ilayda's mouth fell open as she too looked up at the sky which literally appeared to be shaking and ripping apart above their heads. Demons and hideous creatures began to surround them as screams, the worst yet, filled the air creating a symphony of chaos and horror.

“Move! Move! Move”

A body fell from the sky, mangled and bloody. It made Ilayda's stomach churn and she felt a scream build up in her throat, but pure terror rendered it silent. Demonic hounds just like that ones she had fought back at the inn were closing in on them from all sides and she pulled her knife from her satchel, ready to defend herself. However blood loss had made her weak, and she could feel the knife shaking in her hand.

Before she could even move, though, the dwarf had pulled his battle axe out and smashed the jaw of one of the creatures while the rat man had thrown some device at a differnt hound that seemed to be choking it.

“Back! Back! Back!”

Quick friends, and try not to kill too many of them. Best not to identify yourself as a threat.

The words of echoed in her head again, adding to the din already around her. A tiny bit of relief surgered through her, this gave her a bit of an excuse not to fight. Ilayda felt sure that if she tried, she would find herself to weak to do any good. But she couldn't, wouldn't be labeled as a weakling. She hated being vulnerable and weak, it made it all too hard to be independent.

“C’mon girlie. Move or I’ll carry you myself!” the dwarf grabbed her sash again and began to pull her with him. She stumbled awkwardly behind hime, using all of her concentrationg to keep herself upright and moving down the alley.

[Earphone]

Golful'gar winced as Dalia collided with him and Noveen. Everything was happening a bit too fast for Golfu'gar, he couldn't quite follow what was going on. He saw several cloaked figures, the middle moving his hand toward the ground.

"Now the world shall know evil," The hooded figure grinned.

The sky began to convulse then. Clouds were torn away, and long tendril fingers began weaving their way through an ever growing rift in the sky.

Golful'gar felt something dripping on him, and looked down to see Dalia bleeding from her arms.

"You al'roight?" He asked gruffly, noticing that the hooded figures had vanished.

"We need to get out of here!" Dalia said, leaping to her feet.

"But ya brough' us 'ere." Golful'gar said, rising unsteadily to his feet, "I though' you 'ad a plan, di'n' ya? Wha' were dose thin's? Wa's goin' on?"

[Forgotten_Memories]

“Yes, lets,”

"Everyone?"

"But ya brough' us 'ere I though' you 'ad a plan, di'n' ya? Wha' were dose thin's? Wa's goin' on?"

Dalia looked at the giant, she had nothing to say. What could she possibly tell them? That those people - if you could call them that - were disciples of an ancient evil, hellbent on destroying the world and calling forth demons from some lesser plane in order to do so? Considering the circumstances, the group probably would've believed her.

"My plan ended when they got away," she pointed where the three hooded figures were standing only moments ago, extending her left arm; her right still ached from the fall.

She then looked towards where the giant King demon had landed. So powerful, she thought, and asked herself the same question the giant had asked - who were these people? The King demon was very close now, and looked like it was coming straight for them, destroying everything in its path with a massive sucking wind. They didn't have much time.

As she prepared to motion for everyone to move out somehow, Dalia's eyes caught sight of something unexpected. From one of the alleyways on the south side of the garden came three figures - Broggen, the dwarvish airship pilot, carrying a supposedly injured half-elf woman in his arms, and what appeared to be a Skittari elder was following close behind. They were being chased by four demon hounds.

Dalia set her eyes on the group in the distance and curled her fists around her sharp-edged knuckledusters. They had to get to safety, but they might as well save whoever else they could. She charged, still aware of the pain in her right arm, but the adrenaline would take care of that.

[Mr Mr]

Na' didn't need to look to know the demon king had landed, he could feel the magic radiating from him. It had a familiar feel of Sykis and evil. Across the garden he could see a dwarf carrying an elf and a Skittari persued by demon hounds. The black haired girl was charging towards them unaware of the demon king's arm moving to grab her.

"Oh no you don't." Na' muttered running towards him. He drew level with the girl and stopped. Feet firmly planted in the ground he started drawing in breath, the demons hand getting ever closer. Lungs fit to burst he closed his eyes, concentrating. And released the air becoming flames as it left his mouth. The pillar of fire ripped into the hand, its descent halted. It didn't halt for long or seem to damage the demon in any way. Instead the demon changed his attention from the girl to Na'.

"Well at least that'll by her some time." He thought as he was snatched into the air by a giant hand. Feeling his ribs cracking he sunk his teeth in...and was promptly thrown to the flow in a heap, the ground cracking around him.

[Forgotten_Memories]

Dalia didn't see it coming until it was too late. The demon King's sinewy arm had stretched from the buildings beyond, and was making its way straight towards her, scissor-like fingers outstretched, their tips sharp as swords. She was about to dive away, losing the momentum she'd built up with the charge, when a great blast of fire hit the demon's hand. It changed its direction.

The buildings on the far side - from where Broggen and the rest had just come - were ripped from their places with a disgusting lurching sound, and proceeded to whirl in the air and into the demon's gaping mouth beyond. Its face was haunting - void of emotion, set to killing, or in fact, feeding itself.

Dalia rushed past the others, and diving straight into the first hound she could see, unaware if she had any backup at that point. She slammed into the beast, bladed fist cutting across its face and dismembering one of its sensory antennas. They tumbled for a moment, the beast trying to throw her off, but she held onto its sickly mane. And then she was atop it. As the demon thrust its claws half-blindly into the air, Dalia cut at its throat with both blades, and a large spray of black blood hit her face. The dog went limp, but now the other three were encircling her, and the air suddenly became dryer as a sucking wind came from her right side. This wasn't a good place to be.

[Earphone]

Golful'gar ran a hand through his hair feverishly, as Dalia and the blindfolded elf ran off to fight the new enemies. This was all too quick for him. Both Dalia, and the elf, were biting off more than they could chew. They needed help, but who could he help without endangering the other?

He picked up his pickaxe from the ground with his heavily burnt hands, and swung it upon his shoulder. The great demon was a great distance away yet, the hounds would be on the way.

"Dis is too much." He grumbled, and began to lumber hurriedly to where Dalia was surrounded by three hounds.

The great demon was sucking in air, and the suction was hastening Golful'gar's journey to the alley. He built up his momentum, faster and faster; then with a roar he swung his pick, cleaving straight through the front hound. Losing his balance, and still moving rather quickly, he collapsed atop the second hound, crushing it. He felt its claws penetrate into his stomach, and cried out. He tried to move to face the last hound, but was caught by the barbed claws of the hound beneath him, holding him in place. Every movement was agony. The last hound crept closer, and the demon behind moved closer as well; ever sucking at the air, as if to swallow life itself.

[Mr Mr]

Na' heaved himself up his rib cracking. He looked around to see the giant charging to the girls aid. Slicing the first hound in half he lost his balance and fell onto the second hound, crushing it instantly. Wondering why he hadn't gotten up Na' realised the hounds claws were hooked into his belly. Screams of agony drifted over. He stood, bones complaining, cursing his age.

"I'm getting to old for this." He said setting off for the giant. The wind swept him along reaching the giant in minutes. Dagger in hand he went to work servering the barbs from the giants stomach, those which he couldn't cut he pulled out.

"Sorry big guy." He muttered wrenching another barb out. Behind he could hear the demons vaccum sucking in everything.

"I hope you've got some sort of plan." He shouted over to the girl.

[sidtvicious]

Eenzthk let two more of the runed rings fly, if they didn't kill the beasts they would at least incapacitate and by him some time. In the distance his one good eye caught sight of several figures, one hulking and clearly demonic. The others of a more interesting variety.

He turned towards his new found comrades, the dwarf carrying the injured elf was having a slight amount of trouble keeping up. Slowing his pace to fall back to the dwarf, he rummaged in his pocket before unearthing what appeared to be a large turnip runes inscribed with several odd markings he held it out to the dwarf and gestured with the other towards his own mouth.

It will make you go faster. Once we get out of the line of fire...I can help the bleeding elf.

[Forgotten_Memories]

There was one more hound left after the giant practically risked his life to slay two. The beast lashed towards her, swinging its tail as if it were a whip. Dalia ducked to avoid the first attack, but as the beast recoiled, it swiftly swept its tail beneath her legs, causing her to tumble over backwards, cracking her shoulders against the floor. It rearer and leapt forward, claws at the ready, when it was struck by an arrow, two, three, all down the middle of its face. It staggered backwards, and then a golden mechanoid forced its way past Dalia, smashing a giant fist into the brute. The hound toppled over itself, fading into the black ash all the demons seemed to disappear in.

Dalia spun around, still on the floor, unconcealed hair whipping wildly in the air from the strength of the vacuum, the king demon ever advancing. Her saviours had been the dark elf from the ship, Kilth was his name, and Clairc's creation. The elf was already notching another arrow, all senses working at detecting his target.

Broggen's group had joined with the others as he lay the injured half-elf girl down, some tending to her while Bella and the heavily armored girl were fending off several demonic bunnies. Clairc was waving his arms around, remote in hand, as if to motion for retreat. Dalia looked at the giant next to her, bleeding on the cobblestones, the Elementalist knelt beside him.

"I hope you've got some sort of plan, girl!" He shouted, louder than the wind.

Elementalists weren't the most trustworthy bunch, but they did have their uses. "We move back! You carry the giant, I'll distract the big fucker!" And with that she set to her task - there had been enough hiding.

Dalia rose to her feet and closed her eyes, her trench coat blowing about her. She raised two fingers to her forehead, and then threw her hand to the side. As if there were mirrors, six copies of her spread out in a half circle. They were still for a moment, and then all assumed a fighting stance and dispersed to cover the most ground. The real Dalia turned around and ran back to the group.

[losthawken]

It will make you go faster. Once we get out of the line of fire...I can help the bleeding elf.

Broggen grabbed the strange vegetable. He recognized it as some variety of tuber that grew in the southlands. The runes were very strange but he didn’t have time to look closely at them.

The rat gestured for him to eat. Normally, Broggen would refuse any such ‘help’ from a stranger but in this case he had little choice. He could have run twenty more miles carrying five failing maidens, but his dwarvish legs were not a swift as the demon hounds behind him.

‘One death for another,’ he reminded himself solemnly.

Taking a bite his sense immediately rejected the potent bitterness of the coarse fruit, but the sharp spice seemed to flow straight from his burning tongue to his feet. His body began to move almost of its own accord. He wasn’t sure he could stop moving now if he wanted. Picking up speed he spun full circle to volley a shot at the beasts behind them.

Suddenly the coursing sound of rushing air that had been ever growing as they ran came to the dwarf’s attention. A moment later the buildings to his right crumbled and were sucked away into the insatiable belly of the Demon King. Bob’s eyes widened in horror.

“The damn hounds have been herding us right to him!” he shouted.

But there beneath the beast was a familiar sight. Dalia and the crew that had left behind were fighting for their lives. Without thought Broggen ran toward them. The demon hounds were quickly dispatched as they passed the Dalia and the team with her. Broggen continued on and ducked behind a pile of rubble to set down the injured half elf.

“Some rescue this terned out to be.”

Broggen tapped the girls face gently, “C’mon Deary, this isn’t the time or place. Hurry up Scruffy, put yer magic root-cellar to work!”

"We move back! You carry the giant, I'll distract the big fucker!"

Moving back to defend their position while the others worked on half-dead Halvsie Broggen saw the injured Dalia replicate herself six times over.

“Time’s up Scruffy!” he hollered over his shoulder as he dispatched an encroaching dustbunny in a burst of fluff and blood with his revolver.

[yellowm&M]

Black spots bloomed before Ilayda eyes, growing until they blocked out everything around her. Desperately she tried to keep going as the dwarf dragged her behind him, but finally she found her knees buckling and her head swimming as the world tilted. Hard ground met her body as she fell to the street. Dazed and disoriented she didnt know how long she lay there before strong arms scooped her up and she felt herself carried along. Colors faded in and out of her sight and weird screams and growls drifted into her head twisting and transforming in her mind, trapping her in a terrible nightmare.

She had no idea how long she was carried along, the hounds chasing her and her companions. But at some point a new noise joined the mess she was hearing: a weird whirling and sucking sound as if the wind was being swept away into a vacuum. Desperately Ilayda tried to see what it was, but in her weak and disoriented state she was unable to tell.

"The damn hounds have been herding us right to him!"

The yell sounded right next to her ear. The dwarf. Of course. It seemed as if he had made it his mission to protected her. Soon she would lose track of how many times he had saved her life.

"Some rescue this terned out to be." she felt her body shift as he spoke, the arms holding her being replaced by hard and broken ground. She tried to stand, sit, move but her body wouldn't cooperate; and still the black spots wouldn't leave her eyes. The dress pressed to her back was caked with warm and sticky blood. The dwarf tapped her face, trying to coax her back to true conciousness. "C'mon Deary, this isn't the time or place. Hurry up Scruffy, put yer magic root-cellar to work!"

No! As much as she hated depending on people, Ilayda would much rather be left in the care of the dwarf then in the hands of the rat man (after all, who else would Scruffy refer too?). Besides there was something strangely comforting about being with the dwarf, maybe it was the fact that she knew by this point that she could trust him to have her back....literally.

Suddenly the noise heightened, but the words blurred together into and incomprehensible puzzle. All she could hear was the voice of the dwarf, one of the humans they had split up with, and that hideous sucking noise. Ilayda pulled together all her will to clear her eyes and stand up. Briefly she was able to see the ruined street, the giant white monster that was the cause of most of the ruin, and the a large group of women who all looked strangely like the one human who had spoken. Seconds later the world turned black as her weakened body finally lost it's hold and she spiraled into unconsciousness.

[Earphone]

"I hope you've got some sort of plan, girl!" The Elf shouted, as he freed Golful'gar from the hound's claws.

Golful'gar collapsed at once, bleeding onto the cobblestone street below.

"We move back! You carry the giant, I'll distract the big fucker!" Dalia said, with a clear tone of command.

"N-no, oi can cerry moiselve." Golful'gar gasped, trying to rise to his feet, while closing his fist upon the handle of his pickaxe. He staggered about like a drunk, then began shuffling out of the alley to where the rest of the group were fighting off odd bunny-like demons.

"Where's all dees beasties comin' from?" He mumbled, flailing his pick at the demons, and showering the others with blood.

With one particularly wild swing, he lost his balance, and fell to his knees; several bunnies quickly surrounding him.

"Moi 'ead 'urts so bad." He moaned, releasing his pick dizzily.

[sidtvicious]

Eenzthk clumsily shuffled behind the group making their stand. He looked at the elf as her eye's shifted from slits to closed. She was not going to make it much longer. He unsheathed his bone carved knife and squeaked in pain as he made a slit across his palm. His blood bordering on the color of a blackish/purple sludge.

His eyes darted to the dwarf, who had hollered something at him in the same rough tongue as earlier while gesturing to the dropped elf. When, I start convulsing. Do me the favor of not letting me become a beast's next meal.

This may hurt a bit. He spoke to the elf's mind, with no response. She was unconscious. He had to act quickly. Muttering something in Skittari, he tapped a series of scarred runes across his stomach and placed his open wound on that of the elf.

Eenzthk ears rang as his body wretched in pain. He could feel the pulse in his hand drawing the pain, poison, and death from the elf. The energy entering his own body. His teeth began to chatter, and muscles spasmed, his mouth letting horrid screeching sounds escape him as he gagged and cursed. After a short time, his legs finally gave out, but he kept his hand on the elf's wound. A deep ache filled his chest as his palm began to convulse softly, his own wound beginning to inhale in a leech-like manner. By now, the elf should feel something. He thought as foam began to form around the corners of his muzzle. His palm still spasming against her back, her wound began to close.

[Forgotten_Memories]

She ran as fast as she could across the gardens, the pain in her arm and shoulders now taking its toll, constant throbbing pain. The illusions behind her ran this way and that, evading the king demon's sweeps and attacks. Every now and then it would hit one, and the clone would vanish in mid air, but at least her distraction was working for the moment. She reached the others, all converged by the fountain and halted brazier, its flame now blazing cosily, almost like that of a fireplace, but the scene was far from homely.

"Moi 'ead 'urts so bad." The half-giant wailed, surrounded by the furry demons. He was turning a pale colour, blood oozing from his torso in a pool beneath him.

Dalia's foot crunched against the back of one of the rabid demons, causing it to fly over the giant, whereupon it was shot by an arrow. Broggen let loose one more blast, and blew another away, and the half elf girl who had threatened Dalia before ran in slashing with a long blade. The furballs were dispatched of and Dalia knelt over the giant, pressing her hands against his torso. They had to do something quick.

The skitarri that had joined them was tending to the injured girl, and he was beginning to shake rather profusely. "Somebody stop him!" she shouted over the chaos, then looked back at her clones. Only two left.

"I have a plan." Dalia turned back to see Clairc the shopkeeper kneeling down beside her, his golden droid standing guard behind. "But I need everyone to get some cover." He looked up, straight at the castle, its gates still hanging open, hauntingly inviting. "In there would probably be best."

[Brandogg12]

With the joining of an eccentric rat man, an obnoxious dwarf, and yet another doll-faced deadweight, this parody of a party was something that could easily be written in children’s books. Except in this story, the demons began to become something that was overwhelming and frightful instead of an exciting challenge with a happy ending, Noveen thought.

She had witnessed a turn of events that displayed that she could perhaps depend on others- the hairy midgets (or so she called them) had been made quick work of by the pure strength of the half-giant, the might of the stout dwarf, and adroitness of Dalia.

If it had not been for the paralysis she had experienced for what felt like hours, along with the disheartening feeling the ash and sudden darkness instilled she would have tried to help;the whistling and shrilling of the massive, masked spectator as it tore buildings from their foundations was oppressive to the point that she wanted to give up.

"I have a plan," Dalia said as she tried to herd the flock to the next abattoir only because the blades of this one were too dull for her. Yet, Noveen felt it was not Dalia’s fault nor her intention. She was trying her best and her best was better that nothing at all.

"In there would probably be best." Without a doubt it would, Noveen thought. The castle seemed strongly rooted into the ground, and it looked heavy and thick. Even if it was not a godsend, it would give them time to regroup and think of a way out of this mess. Those clones would not last forever.

With a face on fire and a pain in her chest like she had never felt in her life, she managed to shake her head and shout, “Yes, let us get away from all of this, if even for a moment.”

[Mr Mr]

"In there would probably be best." Na' heard the halfling say. The majority of the group was huddled around giant who lay on the floor bleeding. The rest were heading for the castle gates. Sprawled out on the ground there was no way the massive giant could be carried, then Na' had a thought. Arms wide he started feeling around, looking, searching for it. And there it was.

Rain!

The first few drops started hitting him before he'd even used his magic, at least his job would be easier. He sent out small waves of magic to the rain making it grow. It was like throwing oil on a fire. Lighning roared as the storm grew, a little more than he had intended but that couldn't be helped and besides the lightning should clear the flying demons off.

Slowly he called the rain down, letting it build infront of the giant, he would need quite a bit to carry him all the way to the castle. A sizable wall of water had built up now, Na' could feel it pressing against his hold.

"Hold on to the giant." He cried over the storm. Crouching down with the giant he let the wall go. Breath held the wave swept them away. Crashing through the castle gates they were deposited on the floor in a small wet heap. Na' got to his feet wringing his robe out.

"Well that went well."

[losthawken]

When, I start convulsing. Do me the favor of not letting me become a beast's next meal.

The rat’s now familar voice spoke into Broggen’s mind once again. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to that, but there was nothing to be done about at the moment. It was raining now, but despite it all a well aimed shot from his pistol dropped a swooping terror from the sky. Its myriad of blades clanged on the cobblestone when it hit the street with a gaping hole in its head. Water mingled with its black blood and ran down the street.

A piercing animal screech drew Broggen’s attention back to the Skittari and the half elf. It was a frightening scene; the rat writhed in pain beside the body of the girl. Intense fear welled up inside of the dwarf, what in the name of his fathers was going on? Could the rat really be trusted?

"Somebody stop him!" Dalia shouted. The dwarf looked to see her gesturing for the others to take cover in the castle. Looking back he was shocked to see soft tender pink filling the lovely cheeks of the efl-girl instead of the pallid green he had only ever seen.

“Hurrry it up Scruffy, we’ll have more cover in there!” he pointed toward the open castle gate, not even sure if the rodent could hear him in its trance.

Just then a rush of water caught Broggen’s short legs from behind and swept him off his feet. The giant sloshed past led by another stranger. Water carried Broggen half way to the gate, leaving the girl and the rat behind. The dwarf started to rise before realizing that he was in the open and exposed. Several specters swarmed him forcing him to run. He swung his axe and cleaved one, flying beast. Two more attacked and grabbed hold of his weapon, lifting him into the air. A blast from his pistol killed on and scared the other.

Broggen dropped to the ground not far from the castle gate. He was on his feet in a flash and darted through the gate and found himself next to the soggy unconscious giant, and the elementalist.

[yellowm&M]

Black. All around Ilayda was blackness. She could feel nothing, see nothing, hear nothing. Black, everything was black. She hated it, but at the same time it was strangely peaceful. Ilayda tried to move but her body was unresponsive, it was as if it didn't exist at all. It was eerie and disconcerting. Still she felt oddly calm, almost as if she couldn't feel panic.

Suddenly the blackness around her was ripped apart by something red, fiery, and painful. It started out slow and pulsing, but slowly became more and more unbearable. She could feel her body again, yet she could not move it. Desperately she tried to move. Nothing happened. She was trapped by the blackness that still lingered around her. A she lay there in pain however, she realized something strange. Even though firey pain was wracking her body and red was ripping apart her peace, strength and energy seemed to be flowing into her. Or maybe it was something slippery and dark that felt like death that was flowing out of her.

Ilayda wished for it the pain to stop. Anything to make it stop. She grabbed blindy and was shocked to find her fingers respond. They dug into the ground next to her. Suddenly her eyes snapped open and the weight of her surroundings crashed down on her. Yells and screams and the sound of a tidal wave mixed with the ceaseless pounding of rain. Ilayda looked around dizzily
and saw the rat man jerking and foaming at the mouth, his hand laid across the still throbbing wound on fher back. Shocked, she rolled out from under his arm. A roar caused her head to whip around. Fear knocked her breathless, for a giant white creature was high above her it's eyes hungry.

"Wake up!" desperately she shook the rat, trying to bring him back to reality, but he was unresponsive. "Help! SOMEBODY HELP!" grabbing the rat mans arms she began to drag him through the rain, towards the building behind her that seemed to be the only shelter, hoping desperately that she would be fast enough to keep them both alive.

[sidtvicious]

When his eyes opened, Eenzthk felt himself being drug across the across the ground. He struggled slightly in the half-elf's arms already feeling his health declining. He swallowed hard, with his ears back to avoid vomiting. Speaking softly to the half elf's head.

If you want some of the emotional pain back, now would be the time to tell me.

His eyes watered feeling a burning deep inside his stomach. Tears welled in the corner of his eyes. The problem with energy is he could never predict exactly what negativity he would be taking from the subject. Familiar as it may be to having taken such emotional burdens from "clients" before, he was not enjoying the somber sense of inferiority and insecurity that came from being a half-elf. He meant to drain the pain and suffering of the physical wound, he must have over-shot.

[yellowm&M]

If you want some of the emotional pain back, now would be the time to tell me.

The words whispered in her head, and Ilayda almost dropped the rat in shock..

"Stop doing that!" Right now, with a giant demon and pouring rain, was not the best time to recieve unexpected suprises. "And what emotional pain? What did you do?" There was a touch of anger mingled with fear in her voice. She really had no idea what had happened to her. All she could remember after passing out was the intense pain and the sudden awakening. Her wound was gone, though her body still felt achey. In truth she did feel a little better, maybe a little lighter. Fear shot through her, what did the rat man now know about her?

[Forgotten_Memories]

It had started to rain, thunder sounding from the skies, scaring most of the smaller demons away, but the King demon was as active as ever. He had grown tired of Dalia's illusions and opened his mouth wide to draw the remaining two to their demise. He then faced the group. Most had moved away by now. Kilth shot another arrow, which did little other than bounce off the demon's mask. It lunged forward.

Clairc fiddled with his remote desperately, shaking nervously in the rain. His golden droid sprinted forward only to be taken up and crushed by the demon's horrible claws, plates, springs and screws flying in all directions.

"Get back, now!" Clairc wasn't one for shouting, but the present situation called for it - the demon was upon them.

Dalia and Bella turned to run as Kilth and Shara let loose another volley of shots. The arrows again did little to stop the demon. It threw its shadowy arm out, grabbing Bella around her torso. She flailed in its hold as the monstrosity brought her closer to its mouth.

"Bleah!" An arrow flew from the bowstring of a moving Shara and hit the demon right in the throat, igniting violently in red flames. It howled like an injured dog, only at ten times the volume, crushing the helpless Bella in its hand.

Dalia stopped as the others ran past her, horrified at the scene before her. Another person she didn't know to die for her sake. She noticed Clairc was staring at her, a look of utmost seriousness on his face, like he was telling her to leave. She didn't know what he was about to do, but whatever it was, it better work.

The wind and rain whipped carelessly around his face and the creature roared viciously at the pain in its throat in the background. Clairc turned to face its ugly mask. The demon reared and was now right before him, but he didn't move. They eyed each other.

It's preposterous. The very idea of such a thing goes against everything we know about Runeology! He heard the voices of the dwarfish runesmiths over and over in his head, like haunting poltergeists. But he knew he could do it, and now he had the perfect test subject. Clairc threw away the remote in his right hand and quickly drew the sword at his hip. The demon looked like it was smiling.

“Navitas... energy.” he whispered in dwarven, activating the rune he tattooed on the palm of his right hand, the symbol erupting into fiery light. Clairc could not see the energy around him, but he felt it, surrounding him, its currents flowing through his body and into his sword. “You see, every living thing emits a certain amount of spirit energy.” Clairc said matter-of-factly. He eyed his opponent, “Some more than others. This energy doesn't like to be removed for its source. It will do everything in its power to go back to where it came!

“Teneo... hold.” he activated the rune on his sword. This was the unpleasant part. The rune triggered the flow of his own spirit to enter his blade, forming a field around the collected energy, holding it in place, exhausting him to his very core. His blade began to glow bright blue as the external spirit energy continued to accumulate, until the blade appeared to be nothing more than flaming light. He fought desperately to keep his hold of the power, sweat rolling into his eyes, his vision blurring. Clairc aligned himself sideways with his target, pointing his sword directly behind him, posing to attack.

Clairc smiled. “From the fires of hell you came, and to the fires you shall return!” That's when it happened. “ENERGY WAVE!”

Sparks flew as he raked the tip of his sanguine blade across the ground, swinging his sword in a upward swipe, releasing his hold on the energy. What could only be described as a burning wave of blue light lashed out from his sword, expanding in every direction as I barreled towards the demon. Engulfing the devil, and from what he could tell, half a city block, the fiery light overcame Clairc's senses, blinding him momentary. The deafening sound of rock and stone being torn from the ground, being reduced to nothingness, filled his ears. He fought to stay on his feet as the winds created by the attack threatened to send him flying.

After what seemed like hours, but was only a few seconds, the blast dissipated, the energy returned to its original sources. He slowly started to regain his sight as everything quieted down. It was complete desolation. All that remained of where the demon once stood was a scorched trench, five buildings wide, thirty feet deep, nearly a quarter mile long. What was left of the demon dropped out of the rift in the sky, and began to disintegrate to ash. Most of everything that wasn't directly caught in the blast was now covered in seared rubble and ash.

Despite his pride, his blade rolled out of his hand and fell to his knees, black ash falling from gray sky like snow, landing on his shoulders. His next words came between gasping breaths, nearly as a hushed whisper. “And that's why I was kicked out of the academy. I have done what every rune expert said was impossible – and that makes me a monster....”

Clairc fell silent and collapsed to the ground.

[losthawken]

Broggen rose to his feet with a groan. All he remembered was a brilliant flash of light an incredible blast, larger than an airship full of hydrogen exploding.

“What in the,” Broggen turned and looked out of the gate. The most unsettling thing was that there was nothing to be seen. The demon was gone, and in its place was a massive crater. The scar in the ground was shaped like teardrop. The dwarf followed the lines of broken earth to their peak where the crumpled body of the machinist lay.

“Hammers and Ash,” he whispered under his breath. Without a thought for dangers that still might lurk the dwarf crossed back across the courtyard. As he ran he caught sight of Ilayda and the rat, the girl appeared to have been moving the weakened creature when the blast hit. It was good to see her on her feet again.

“What in the runes happened?” he shouted over to them as he ran.

In another moment he was beside Clairc, his body was limp and pallid. Broggen presumed him dead when a nudge to the shoulder elicited no response. Suddenly aware of the grim half elf girl beside him, the dwarf glanced up at her with the wonder of the awful scene still fresh on his face.

“Did he do this? Did he banish that thing at his own his own cost?” Broggen didn’t expect an answer from the girl, he knew nothing of her other than that she had gone with Dalia and the others and that she smelled strongly of quality Steelweed.

Looking around again he saw the body of the lovely Bella cast in the corner. Who was left? Ilyada and the rat perhaps, the Halvsie with the bow and the scars of her face was across the way, and then of course there was the Steelweed girl.

“A moment like this calls for a drought of the smoke,” he said solemnly, “I’ve got a match if you’ve got any spares.”

[sidtvicious]

"Stop doing that! And what emotional pain? What did you do?"

Eenzthk's good eye went wide, watching the massive blue light erupt behind them as the half-elf pulled him along. The ebbing blue seemed to engulf everything in his line of sight and just like that the chaos of the moment was gone. The demon gone, a black crater left in its place. He was still too weak to move and whoever cast such a spell was likely dead...too much power.He finally cursed with his mind to the elf again.

Seeing as we're at a linguistic fault here...I don't speak your tongue, I'm sorry Chit, but I have to give some of it back.

Just like that he screeched a little and let out a slight amount of negative energy into the elf. It's just the sad stuff, I promise. I can handle the physical...but your mental demons are your own, I can't wear them

[Forgotten_Memories]

Dalia:

Dalia opened her eyes. A moment ago everything was chaos, and now it was silent. Ash fell from the sky, quickly covering the cobblestoned ground in a layer of light grey. The king demon had been slain, but at what cost? She cast a glance over to Clairc, who lay at the tip of the tear-shaped crater his attack had created. That was the most destructive rune Dalia had ever seen.

“What in the runes happened?” Broggen pushed past her, making his way over to the fallen half elf. He knelt and nudged Clairc's shoulder. “Did he do this? Did he banish that thing at his own cost?”

He didn't banish it. He destroyed it. Never before had she heard of a king demon falling to the hands of a mortal.

Broggen was saying something again, but Dalia could no longer hear him - she was assessing the situation. The city was in complete ruins. The once notorious, bustling capital of the human empire an eradicated mess on a cliffside. Bella was dead, so was Clairc, and the half giant mortally wounded. That brought the number of fatalities to four, not to mention the innocent citizens and nobles who fell to demonic wrath along the way - all because she had failed. And it was only going to get worse.

Kilth:

The most incredible thing he had ever experienced. That was the only way to describe the incident. Even though Kilth couldn't see, the light blinded him. It felt like being reborn. All had gone quiet, and he eased his bow arm as soft bits of ash caressed his skin. It was just like the first day of winter, with all of the harshness to look forward to as well. Whatever happened here wasn't a one-off, Kilth had read enough history to understand that. He had left his village to explore the world, and this was his chance.

"So what now, Klara?" he asked Dalia in a hushed tone, who he knew stood only a couple of strides from him.

[yellowm&M]

Before the rat man could answer her, a brialliant blue light erupted across Ilayda's vision. Her eyes blinked furiously as it dissipated, trying to regain her sight. At the same moment the world suddenly went eerily quiet. Where moments ago Claric and the demon had been, there was simply nothing except a huge, blackened crater.

Seeing as we're at a linguistic fault here...I don't speak your tongue, I'm sorry Chit, but I have to give some of it back. It's just the sad stuff, I promise. I can handle the physical...but your mental demons are your own, I can't wear them

Sadness seemed to trickle inside of her. The lightness she had felt upon waking disappeared under the heavy burden of her insecurity. She gasped as though winded, not realizing how much her mental demons weighed her down until they were returned to her. Closing her eyes briefly, she turned away from the rat man as the dwarf yelled.


[“What in the runes happened? Did he do this? Did he banish that thing at his own cost?”

Leaving the rat behind, Ilayda raced over to the dwarf and Claric. Part of her wanted to know if he had somehow survived the flash of light, but another part of her purely wanted to know what was going on. Maybe if she could figue out what the situation was she could figue out a way to leave it all behind. A way to escape. After all running away and escaping was what she did best. As she neared the group standing by the crater she noticed Bella's body thrown carelessly to the side, broken and dead. The sight made bile rise up in her throat. This was all too much. Escape, she had to escape.

"What is going on?" She said aloud, not sure who or what she was asking, only hoping for something that would help.