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Post by Gau Ban on Jan 29, 2023 18:49:06 GMT -5
"Father, what in the name of Amun could have brought you here," spoke a young man as he stood on the path leading to the Black Spire. Some referring to it as an evil place due to reports of spirits roaming the area, specifically wizards that had given their lives in the defense of magic. A rather dirty bit of business that refuses to disappear into the annals of history. The spire itself loomed large even from this distance, like an obsidian blade poised to strike the very heavens. Perhaps the greatest impact was the pull. It felt like a warm welcome pulling one in for an embrace, though the closer one got the more they say the welcome came from the voice of a demon. Although Gau could feel one other thing emanating, and as if he were answering his question earlier he spoke, "Opportunity." He smirked at the thought that perhaps his father uttered the exact same words. He took a final glance behind himself, the beauty was a stark contrast to the path he readied himself to take. He adjusted his bag so that it rested it bit more comfortably on his shoulders, and immediately set forth on his task.
He'd hardly gone for half an hour on the path before he encountered his first obstacle. As the place was mostly abandoned due to the fears of the restless spirits in the area; the place had also become home to many members who preferred to stay away from civilized places. Bandits, specifically. With little to no traffic worth being on guard for, Gau's arrival had caught the completely unawares. "Well, shit fellas." one hooted as he glanced up from picking his nails with his knife, "Looks like a little pup just waltz into the lion's den." At his words several other individuals mad themselves visible, their attention now grasped by the new arrival. Gau first glanced towards the one who spoke first before sizing up the rest. He took immediate notice to the broken down cart he had been resting on and between the two of them was a wooden barrel that appeared to be used to dispose of trash. Eco bandits, he thought as let slip a slight smirk.
Tsk Tsk Tsk
"Pup, am I," he said calmly as he noted there were three men in total, at least that could be seen, "I suppose that makes you leader of the pride and these, churls, your bitches." The sounds of weapons being drawn was his reply as Gau held up both his hands to show he was unarmed. "It appears I have struck a nerve," he chuckled, "Let's backtrack, shall we? I am Gau, your better, and I bring the gift of wisdom." The apparent lead bandit spoke out, "Wisdom from a dead man?" "Indeed," Gau began before dropping his hands and slowly closed the distance between the two of them, "One can learn much from the dead. For one, the spirits here speak to me. They say they desire to fall upon from the heavens." AT his mention of the heavens, Gau pointed upward while never once taking his eyes off the assumed leader of the bunch. The leader's attention followed where Gau had pointed, just enough to expose his neck. Like a serpent, Gau stuck the man full force in the adam's apple before shoving him towards his comrades who were now rushing his way.
With his back now to the broken cart Gau clenched his fist and prepared for the worst. There was no where to retreat to, he had no choice but to go forward; even if it means a trail of chaos in his wake. "Come, Gau will make you a feast for the murder."
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Post by Kalos Savra on Jan 30, 2023 1:10:33 GMT -5
Kalos had been roaming Charon looking for answers, trying to unlock his reason for existing. Since gaining his freedom three years ago, the scarred wood elf had set out on a journey to uncover the truth behind those who had enslaved him, and create a new reason for living. His investigation into the occult group was still an ongoing mission, and was sending him to the farthest reaches of the continent, but today he was not on a mission of revenge, but instead one of understanding. After experiencing the most evil, vile things a person could do to someone in the name of darkness, Kalos had set out to rid the world of all dark and evil forces.
This is what brought him to the black spire today, rumors of spirits and ghost caught his attention, wanting to investigate these stories and validate them. If this place was truly plagued by the undead, then he would help sanctify the place and send them on their way. He hopped they were just stories to scare off locals, but as he investigated more and more, the stories began to seem all to real. But soon after his journey into the ruins began, the sound of conflict caught his attention. It seemed that specters and spirits were not the only danger here, and as Kalos approached the stony ledge he was on, a group of bandits attacking an unarmed young lad came into view.
The elf instantly fell to his belly and watched, pulling his long bow from his back and notching an arrow. His elven eyes narrowed in as the leader of this group of thugs was suddenly struck, the boy using a trick and his advantage to strike the bandit in his throat, sending him into his allies. Kalos's aim moved from the injured leader to his goons. As they pulled knives and began to close in on Gau, Kalos allowed two arrows to fly, one after another. Each arrow buried themselves into the necks of the two unaware bandits. The unarmed defendant would be surprised by the sudden intrusion as Kalos stood, watching both men gasp and hold their necks as they slowly died.
The pale wood elf gave Gau a nod and jumped from his perch above the boy. Dust filled the air as he landed, replacing the bow and pulling his knife out, making his way towards the bandit leader still on the ground trying to recover from the attack.
"Fucking scum, using tall tales to lure travelers here just to rob them. You are just as bad."
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Post by Gau Ban on Jan 30, 2023 2:40:07 GMT -5
He had all but finished his statement when the two assailants in front of him both collapse with arrows protruding from their neck. It had been so sudden that for a moment he could stand and watch as their eyes widen with realization. Snapping out of his trance he immediately shifted his attention to the direction of where the shots had come from. Much to his surprise it appeared to have been an elf, as he stood brazen from his hiding place and descended upon the now murder scene. Though the wanton killing was already issue that would need to be addressed, Gau was more curious as to why an elf was all the way out here near the spire. He had little time to ponder on this, however, as the elf was now approaching the bandit Gau had just struck.
"What is done to a beaten foe speaks volumes," Gau stated as he approached one of two dying men, "That one will live, though he will never speak again. I suppose your method offers the same result, a rather brutish answer to a rudimentary problem." With a hard stomp he would crush the windpipe, before saying under his breath "May you find peace in the manchi." He would do this also for the other bandit, simply expedite the process of dying. "You have my thanks, all the same. I am Gau B-," he paused before he finished his statement. He recalled the ruling of his elders, he was not allowed to claim the family until he had earned his adulthood. "Just Gau," he would quickly correct himself.
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Post by Zen Sellardor on Jan 31, 2023 12:13:21 GMT -5
It won’t be long Zendrix… Your grip on this seal loosens.... Its only time--
"Quiet, I dont have the alcohol left to get you to shut up.” He snared back as he pushed forward, tilting the flask he held in his hand upside down, desperately hoping a drop of substance spilled out, to no avail. Once again he wandered and roamed until he found himself lost. He had ran through his full stock of alcohol, a rare occurrence, as he often carried enough to numb his sensations and the calls from within, to last him the journey. His stomach grumbled as he walked through down the rocky patched path before him. At a distance a large back spire stood tall reaching high towards the heavens. The stone structure was ominous enough, and seemingly radiated a wave of energy that called to any would be traveller if there were any to be found here, its pull calling out like a beacon or lantern in the night. Zendrix was an exception, while feeling the call from the spire, his lack of an internal compass and inability to stay the course had quickly sent him drifting in the opposite direction. He did not seem to react to the strange spire and the energy eminating from it, though he felt its call, the beast within murmured, urging the elf to move in its direction. He ignored the calls for several moments as he moved, not a single thought as to where he was headed, he hoped he’d find a place to rest soon, and perhaps a bottle of ale, he had grown thirsty.
It felt as if he had been walking for hour, endlessly through the night, his feet began to grow tired. He didn’t realize it but somehow he had gotten closer to the spire, although he had seemingly walked the other direction. He paused for a moment, the smell of burning meat and…. Alcohol had pierced his senses, his mouth salivating as he wondered where the aromas came from. Up the path near a stony edge the flickering lights and moving shadows against the trees could be seen. It had appeared someone had made camp, or had decided to take a break from their travels, he thought. He wondered if the campers would be friends or foe, if they’d be willing to share a fire and a meal together…. If he’d have to wrestle the alcohol from the clutches of bandits… He knew the area was littered with ruffians, but his thirst had grown uncontrollable and the screams that echoed in his mind rattle him from within. Without thinking much about it he sped up quickly, the noise from the gathered men becoming louder with overstep. Pushing out from a bush he came up behind the men as an altercation ensued. "Bandits” He thought, his right hand facing gently over the hilt of his paladins blade. The men appeared agitated, their worn out clothes and rugged faces giving off their identities instantly. The source of their ire however, appeared to be a younger gentlemen, who had began engaging the group. Zendrix leaned forward from the bush, ready to leap into the fray but halted just seconds before as an arrow shot out from the darkness striking one of the bandits.
Arrow flew, and punches were thrown, Zendrix watched in excitement as the scene unfolded. The bandits fell quickly, one after another, , beaten, some even near death, in what felt like only seconds. An elf.. perhaps a ranger emerged from his shadowy cover, as the two engaged. A sigh escaped Zendrix, removing his hand from the hilt of his blade as he moved into plain view towards the brutal massacre that had taken place. “I guess im late for the party” he called out, his voice booming and echoing through the campground oping to announce his presence loud enough to not startle or make the traveller weary. “I smelled alcohol and thought there might be some action here... guess I was right" he joked flashing the two strangers a smile as he got closer to them. He lifted his hands in the air, pacifying himself, ensuring to the two he was a friendly. He paused a few feet from them, surveying the campground for a moment. It appeared as if he were looking for something intently, a sparkle coming to his eyes as his gaze met a bottle lying besides what appeared to be a dying corpse. Without hesitation he rushed to it, grabbing it from the ground and taking a long swig from it, a sigh of relief escaping him before turning to the others. He shook the bottle in his hand before plotting down to the ground besides the fire. "Anyone care for a swig?" he asked confidently, as if he had known the men for years. He did not yet know if these men were friendly, but he hoped their mutual interest in taking down bandits would serve as a middle ground for them to a the very least share in their cups.. besides the alcohol he had pouched had technically belong to them and their loot after all.
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Post by Kalos Savra on Feb 2, 2023 1:09:33 GMT -5
Kalos casually walked over to each of the two dead bodies, pulling his arrow from their necks and returning them into his quiver. He scanned the scene as Gau finished the men off, putting them out of their misery. He was a young man who was still learning the way of the world, still a pup in the great wilderness. Kalos on the other hand was experienced, having spent most of his youth as a lab rat for demonic cultist, he had seen what true evil was, and vowed to rid the world of it. Killing someone was nothing to him, as simple as walking or breathing, a necessary evil.
"Those men would have gutted you without giving it a second thought. Your pity is lost on them. Honor is for the dead."
He returned his bow to his back as the pale elf began to make his way deeper into the ruins, turning his back to the stranger before offering him a final statement.
"What brings a young one like you to a place like this anyway?"
Before the stranger had a chance to reply, another voice broke the tension, a third party arriving from the opposite side. Kalos spun around on his heel, pulled his bow, notched an arrow and took aim faster than any of them would have been able to even notice. Another elf was stepping forward, indicating that he had heard the commotion of the fight, and was checking things out. After seconds of realizing this person was not a threat, Kalos lowered the bow and eventually returned it to his back.
"There sure are a lot of people visiting these ruins today. One might say something suspicious is going on. "
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Post by Gau Ban on Feb 9, 2023 15:29:46 GMT -5
Gau said nothing at first, both in regards to the apparent new arrival to the murder scene and also to the retort of the berserker elf. He was astonished by the reaction of the first elf, Gau had blinked and the elf drew his bow. The movements is what intrigued Gau the most, the fluidity and finesse made it look almost poetic. Grace of the elven, he thought. How quickly things had upended around him, just mere moments ago he had been surrounded by bandits. Now he stood among two individuals that gave him no less ease than the bandits, one would even say even moreso. Though he hid his concerns well behind a bored expression, an odd defense mechanisms he'd picked up as a child. You'd do better in gulping down fermented ass, he thought in regards to the new arrivals offer, though keeping more of his attention on the only person among them who actually just killed people. However, Gau was still getting an equal vibe of danger from this man as well. He had the manchi that felt, sick. He simply motion a "no" with a wave of his hand before re-addressing the efl.
"Interesting," he began, "I was taught your kind respected the manchi more than most. All things return to manchi, both the benevolent and the malevolent. To torture the body is to torture the spirit and a tortured spirit returned desecrates the gift of the Gods." He spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, specifically because his people held elves in a higher regard than most. It seemed out of place for one to kill unnecessarily, especially if the kill wasn't swift and merciful; hence moniker Gau placed on him, the berserker elf. He moved toward the last surviving bandit, "Be thankful, imbecile, you get to live. However, " he said as he patted the man's shoulder after helping him to his feet, "Your life is mine. When next we meet, if I should find you are wasting my life with banditry then I will send you with your comrades to the manchi." The last word had hardly finished before the bandit nodded profusely and made his attempt to run off. The sight made Gau smirk before finishing his conversation with the berserker elf, "What brings me here is to prove my worth as man. I wanted to ask my father for advice on the matter, unfortunately we two have never met. Signs point to him paying the spire a visit, thus I stand before thee."
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Post by Kalos Savra on Feb 17, 2023 23:57:05 GMT -5
What a naive boy, he knew guys like this, people who still believed in hope and honor. They were all dead. He smirked after returning his weapons, full attention on the young human. It had been a long time since he had encountered someone with so much spirit, an inner drive to save the world, or be the cause of its ruin. Men like this did not last long in the wild, cut down by a "Bandit who learned his lesson." He saw it all the time, hopeless fool hearted heroes who died because of their pride and honor. Despite how foolish this boy seemed, there was also potential, a desire to grow. Maybe there was hope for him yet.
But the world still had much to teach him.
"You know nothing of torture. This world does not care about your spirit, nor does it care where you end up. It's a cold, heartless world filled with two kinds of people, predators and their prey. You start trusting bandits, you'll end up with a knife in your gut."
His journey was long, he still had much to do and many to hunt down, and normally was not one to take on company or travel with another. But he was getting old, and the effects of his youth were starting to catch up to him. It might not be a bad idea to have another along for the journey.
"What an odd place for your father to be. But there are bound to be more bandits of their kind deeper into the ruins, if you don't mind, I'll tag along, maybe i'll find what I am looking for as well. "
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Post by Gau Ban on Sept 17, 2023 1:08:30 GMT -5
(Ignoring Ken and continuing. )
The elf's reply was as swift and to the point, much like the skills he displayed moments ago. Gau remained silent as he spoke, taking in what he could from such acidic words. Here was one of the elven who unlike the stories carried a darkness in him. This was something that all among Gau's family typically resigned to typical humans. The very thought that even the elven, creatures that borderline divinity, also can be marred in the presence of tragedy. However, those of the Ban are taught to never fight this feeling; rather embrace it in equal measure to the light. "Kindness or cruelty. Honor or disgrace. All things carry the capacity to bring doom, elven. To fear the doom, be ruled by it, allow it to diminish your desire for a brighter tomorrow; that is when you truly are tortured," Gau said as he picked up his bag, the tension easing a bit though his eyes stayed on the elf, "I decide my doom and you can decide yours, elven."
His final statement was to be the his reply to the elf's desire to tag along. While he wasn't sure what his purpose was for being near the spire, so long as he didn't interfere with the objective, Gau was content to have the assistance of one of ancient ones. "I do believe you have me at a disadvantage though. What exactly am I to call you, elven? Or is revealing ones name an honor that could kill me too." The sarcasm rolled off the words, though there was a sincerity to them. If Gau was to travel with this individual, this modicum of trust would at least be half necessary.
Shortly after the Gau's slight verbal jab the wind would pick up, the leaves making a low hiss as they danced at its mercy. There was a slight scent on the wind, breeze blowing away from the spire as if the towering construct had just exhaled. There was a slight chill and the pull was even stronger than before. Gau glanced at the dead bodies before looking back towards the spire. Crazy idea, but would if this land itself around the spire feeds on death. A chilling thought, Gau considered as he resolved himself to find whatever he could that could get him any answers about his father.
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Post by Kalos Savra on Sept 18, 2023 13:16:50 GMT -5
Kalos tightened the leather strap across his chest, securing both the quiver and his bow to his back, ready to push forward into the maze of ruined stone and structure. He ignored the boy's words, choosing to no longer engage with his beliefs at the moment, and simply began to make his way towards a make shift alleyway of rubble. The ruins were not that grand, but twisted and turned, allowing for many hidden nooks that bandits, or worse, could be hiding out in. This place had its reputation for a reason, but before he fully made his way into the spire, he turned once more to look at Gau.
"My name is Kalos, and you can drop the formalities, I stopped being an elf long ago."
He pulled the dark green hood of his cloak over his silver hair and pushed forward, not waiting for an further input from his new traveling partner. If the boy decided to follow, then fine, but he was not going to stick around and play baby sitter. Now moving between walls of stone, Kalos crept along, staying low and listening out, the sounds of muffled voices coming from a ruined tower just a few feet up ahead. His current location provided enough cover to stay hidden from whoever these voices belonged to, but without knowing their number or strength, a frontal assault would be suicide.
As Gau Ban approached, following the elves motions, Kalos held up a hand to signal to stop. In a low whisper he addressed him.
"There is a group of people up ahead, taking shelter in the toppled over tower. They may be nothing, or more bandits, hard to tell."
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