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Doom
Sept 14, 2008 23:26:18 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Sept 14, 2008 23:26:18 GMT -5
A cold wind swept through the Great Cleft of Kalor, nestled in the Broken Range, the home of the mighty fortress-city of Capital City. In the Royal Keep, a smaller more martial royal structure than its predecessor, the young Adrie Steele, new Queen of Kalor gazed out her window over the Royal District, over the Residence and Market Tiers and into the valley. "Uncle, they are coming aren't they?" the young girl spoke quietly. "Indeed," came a voice from across the room. "Now step away from the window, or you'll catch a cold." The great bulk of Zhan Silverman, Royal Military Advisor and Commander of the Paladins, took up a corner of the room. Clad in the now traditional armor and robe of a paladin, the old paladin continued. "The forces of Evil are coming at us with well over a million men. Elves, Orcs, Goblins, Shades, you name it. The whole of Fabian's forces are arrayed against us."
"And none will come to our aid?"
"After the Demon War, no. Even our allies the dwarves are too battered, and the bloody Zargonians and White Sash..." he paused. "We stand alone."
"Uncle Ziggy, when they come you'll protect me right?
"Of course..."
Marcus Alexander of the Last Queen's Regiment, the final remaining mounted Kalorian Knights stood at the brink of a cliff overlooking a column of Elven and Orish troops, in the middle of them was a massive armored wagon. "What's in there Sir Daniel?"
"We don't know sir, it's very well guarded. They are headed to Capital City"
The Last Lord stroked his beard slowly. He raised a hand and clenched it into a fist. The heavily armed column of Knights moved forward, they would wait until the Elves began to ford the river...
One hundred thirty-three armored knights of the Last Queen's Regiment, led by the Last Lord of the Knighthood, Sir Lord Alexander of the Queen moved into a wedge formation, before them, unsuspecting, six hundred orcs and elves began crossing the river. The ancient sigil of the knighthood, crossed lances over a tree, and crown over them, fluttered on the Lord's lance. He brought it down sharply and they charged.
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Doom
Sept 16, 2008 21:09:13 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Sept 16, 2008 21:09:13 GMT -5
A lone elven sentry, heard the rumble of heavy horse before he saw them, he sounded the alarm. Even with the element of surprise gone the knights charged on. Pike laden Orcs formed ranks and deadly elven archers fired volleys into the charging wedge of men and horses. Arrows were deflected by heavy armor of steel. They crashed into the line of pikes, the sheer force of the charge broke the line, but now the outnumbered knights were surrounded. They fought to the carriage and set it ablaze using torches and oil, the Lord ordered not a retreat but an attack.
Onward into the heart of battle, fought the sons of Palador. Outnumbered many times still, they fought on. Blood poured forth from their wounds deep into the earth. Vultures waited for the broken shells that once were bodies but Palador alone would choose the when and how they would enter his Halls, and in their hour of need He sent forth onto them a Holy Rage Now gods embed, they rose up from the ground screaming like wild animals. And such is the gift of divine power: No blade or weapon would hurt them, they killed elves and orcs alike And all who stood before them died that day.
Smoke rose from the charred remains of the armored carriage, the bodies of elf, man, and orc lay twisted in silent effigies of death, monuments to the great battle that took place. Two Hundred thirty three humans lay upon that battle field, mixed with six hundred twenty-one elves and orcs. Not a soul survived the battle, not a soul lived to tell the tale, save one. A old farmhand, a former knight-squire even, had heard the clash of steel and had watched, hidden, with his dog. Only he knew the tale of the Last Charge of the Last Queen's Regiment, led by the Last Lord of the Knighthood. He picked his way across the field, looking for signs of life. A weak groan sounded form a pile of orcs and elves, pulling them away the boy found himself looking into the eyes of a grizzled old knight with soft eyes. The knight smiled weakly, as the boy stared. "Don't worry about me boy, I am dying. My name is Marcus, I led these men, these Last Knights." His hand drew forth the tattered banner of the knights. "You were once a, I see it in your eyes, what's your name son?"
"Rufus Malleolus , I was a child squire, my liege. I fled at the battle for Capital City...I.."
"Shh, take this banner..." he held it to the farmhand who took it gingerly, "I Sir Lord Marcus Alexander, with this passing of the banner name you, Sir Lord Malleolus, Last Knight of the Kalorian Knighthood, Champion of.." The dying lord cough violently, "Champion of Her Majesty Queen Steele, Protector of the Realm and People of Kalor, and Lord Knight Grandmaster..." They last lines came out as a whisper"...take my sword, take any knights armor that fits you...go to Capital...capital........city...." The great Last Lord died, his breath taken at last.
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Doom
Sept 16, 2008 21:20:24 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Sept 16, 2008 21:20:24 GMT -5
My Lord Commander
I am Sir Malleolus, Last Knight, and this the tale of the Charge of the Last Knights, I was bid to come to Capital City, assumably to take part in the battle, I assure you I am on my way. However I deemed it prudent to scout the local area for enemy movement and supplies.
Sir Lord Rufus Malleolus, LKK. CHM. PRPM. LKG
"He seems to be adjusting to his new role well," though Zhan as he read the letter. A paladin clad in white robes lay a few piece of parchment on the desk in front of him. "Thank you, Maladinus." Looking at the parchment he read aloud. "Squire during the Elven War...Common Soldier during the Orc War, 17 years old and commanded a banner of men as a sergeant...militia commander for a few years of the Old Mills Militia...retired at the oh so young age of 30 to be a farmhand in New Hedia Village. Impressive credentials, I'm surprised we have such good records here..."
"Sir, the knighthood records that survived were very precise as you know, some one was even kind enough to mark his name to lead us to the Military Rolls, which listed his retirement date, and what he was doing after. And as my lord knows the Old Mills militia is here in the city."
Zhan laughed, "Good Good, lad. I was just thinking aloud..."
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Doom
Sept 21, 2008 18:33:56 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Sept 21, 2008 18:33:56 GMT -5
A week had passed since that missive was sent, by that time the Last Knight at returned to the city with a handful of militia volunteers. The fortress city was filled to the brim with soldiers and citizens alike, all awaiting the coming of the great army that lurked just over the horizon.
On the battlements of the Keystone Fort at the Mouth of the Cleft, Zhan strode among the ragged ranks of the last of the Erodean elves. He clasped hands with their leader, "Remember as soon as they take the walls or breach the gate, retreat. We just want to bloody them a little." The much improved fort held about seven hundred men and elves ready to defeat the pass from the first waves of the assault. Behind the fort was an impressive array of pikemen and cavalry whose objective was to keep the enemy at bay to allow the elves time to fall back. At dawn the morning fog lifted an the Kalorians got their first look at the apposing army, like a black sea of death it rolled over the hills, Orcish infantry, elven archers, shade support and goblin fodder all charged the fort without even so much of a challenge. The Free Elves responded with a volley of steel tipped arrows, their human allies responded with a warcry. Orcs fell, looking like pincushions. The Fabianite Elves returned fire and the battle was on. Humans threw spears and oil at Orcs at the bottom. Runed blades turned shades into wisps of smoke. However in less than 2 hours the Free Elves and Kalorians were runnng helter-skelter across the Field of Honor, pikemen held the breached gate until the cavalry charge, spliting down the middle to allow it through. The Kalorians retreated back to the relative safety of the city walls. The dark army moved into the clef, and settled for the night.
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Doom
Oct 2, 2008 16:35:15 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Oct 2, 2008 16:35:15 GMT -5
The next morning the siege began in earnest, with each side throwing everything it had at the other, however the combined powers of the Shades, elven Black Mages, and orcish shamans were able to force there way through the White Mages shields and destroyed the Kalorian defensive siege weapons. The Market Districts Mages Conclave shook as a stone landed nearby. "We have to act Desdorius! These is our home!" shouted a Red Robe mage, follower of Avan'Jolee and Zargon. "We cannot act, the Gods forbid it." The lead Red Robe replied unconvicingly... On the battlements soldiers hunkered down as the bombardment continued. On soldier leaned up against a barrel of arrows began to sing: Alas, my love, you do me wrong, To cast me off discourteously. For I have loved you well and long, Delighting in your company. Another soldier joined in, followed by another, until the majority of the battlements were singing this soft folk tune. Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
Your vows you've broken, like my heart, Oh, why did you so enrapture me? Now I remain in a world apart But my heart remains in captivity. Your vows you've broken, like my heart, Oh, why did you so enrapture me? Now I remain in a world apart But my heart remains in captivity.
Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
I have been ready at your hand, To grant whatever you would crave, I have both wagered life and land, Your love and good-will for to have.
Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
If you intend thus to disdain, It does the more enrapture me, And even so, I still remain A lover in captivity.
Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
My men were clothed all in green, And they did ever wait on thee; All this was gallant to be seen, And yet thou wouldst not love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
Thou couldst desire no earthly thing, but still thou hadst it readily. Thy music still to play and sing; And yet thou wouldst not love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
Well, I will pray to Gods on high, that thou my constancy mayst see, And that yet once before I die, Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.
Greensleeves was all my joy Greensleeves was my delight, Greensleeves was my heart of gold, And who but my lady greensleeves.
Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu, To Gods I pray to prosper thee, For I am still thy lover true, Come once again and love me.
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Doom
Feb 9, 2009 15:28:23 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Feb 9, 2009 15:28:23 GMT -5
In the center of the market the remaining white robes stood in a circle, hands clasped and raised to the sky trying to maintain some sort of protection for the troops from the various spells and stones they crashed all around. The Kalorians had repulsed numerous assaults and the dead began to pile at the base of the walls like dead wood, but the Kalorians were not unscathed, most were wounded in some way. When the next assault began the white robes fought back, but the combined weight of the evil magic users could not be repelled. One white rove fell, exhausted, then another. When it looked hopeless, out of the smoke and fire came came the red robe mages of the Neutral School of Magic. Red robes swirling about them, they reinforced the mages line. Desdorius, leading mage in Capital City, said, "This is out home, we will defend it." As soon as they began to add their magic to the whites, the power of the Doors left them, but the Pantheon was with them, and with their selfless act of defiance their robes shimmered and turned pure white, except for a small strip of red around the sleeves to show all their part in the defense of the city. With the power of all the mages aiding the defenders, the latest attack was repelled and Capital City survived.
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Doom
Feb 9, 2009 17:20:29 GMT -5
Post by Fallen Archangel Cathina on Feb 9, 2009 17:20:29 GMT -5
((Mind if I join in here, Child of Palador?))
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Doom
Feb 9, 2009 17:33:06 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Feb 9, 2009 17:33:06 GMT -5
((Of course. I never have closed RPs. 'Sides I was getting bored of RPing with myself....))
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Doom
Feb 9, 2009 18:03:24 GMT -5
Post by Fallen Archangel Cathina on Feb 9, 2009 18:03:24 GMT -5
((What's the time frame? Before Demon War? After? and how long so... Need to know so I'll know what kind of condition Cathina would be in from her would during the war))
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Doom
Feb 9, 2009 18:16:11 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Feb 9, 2009 18:16:11 GMT -5
((It's set between Demon War and present. I dunno year? 6 months? after the Demon War?))
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Doom
Feb 9, 2009 21:01:14 GMT -5
Post by Fallen Archangel Cathina on Feb 9, 2009 21:01:14 GMT -5
As the last of the attackers was repelled, Cathina doubled over, panting. The wound in her gut had healed, but the taint from the weapon that caused it still caused her pain and sapped her strength at times. She slowly stood up straight sliding her two swords into their sheaths that crossed on her back. She had found them weeks ago to replace her holy sword which still stood where it was left on the Daemonbone Flats, the Field of Full Spectrum, still tainted with unholy energy. She began moving along the battlements, healing everyone she could, using the last of her energy to restore those on the wall. Deep lines had set into her face, making her previously beautiful, young looking face seem old, very old.
She made her way down off the wall and through the streets. A few minutes later, she found the Temple of the Light. Parts of the stone work had broken off and there were a few holes through the roof, but on a whole the temple was still in good condition. Cathina walked down the aisle past the bits of roof to the front of the temple, where she slowly and painfully went down to her knees, to rest.
(I hope you can do something with this... if you can't or don't want to, that's cool too)
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Doom
Feb 10, 2009 0:16:45 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Feb 10, 2009 0:16:45 GMT -5
A hand rested on her shoulder, and she could smell a mixture of blood, leather, and steel. Warmth flooded into her, rejuvenating her. A gentle male voice spoke. "I figured you would seek solace here, but don't you think a bed would be nicer. We really bloodied them this time, they won't attack again for awhile." When she turned to see who spoke to her she saw the crinkled old face of Zhan, his blue eyes sparkling out from underneath bushy brows and beard.
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Doom
Feb 10, 2009 23:03:25 GMT -5
Post by Fallen Archangel Cathina on Feb 10, 2009 23:03:25 GMT -5
"Thank you, but I prefer to come here first. If the soul is at peace, the body and mind will rest more fully. Is there something I can do for you, Zhan?" she asked as she started getting to her feet. She put her arm across her stomach as she stood, due to the pain in her gut. She tried to hide the pain, but wasn't very successful as it was easy to spot behind her eyes.
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Doom
Feb 23, 2009 14:53:30 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Feb 23, 2009 14:53:30 GMT -5
Zhan started forward and helped her up. You should know better than to try and hide your pain from a Paladin, Cathina." Zhan smiled wryly. "I am sorry there is nothing more we can do for that wound, it was an amazing work of demonic prowess." He began to lead her out of the temple. As they exited he paused, "I need to tell you something, Archangel. We cannot win this battle, we are outnumbered and stretched thin, we are facing a determined enemy that can rotate troops out and keep fresh ones on the walls. Our reserves are manning walls and keeping the city at under control. I want you to understand this, today the regimental commanders are telling their troops that, and the men have a choice as do you. You can leave, you can flee and take the light of the Pantheon else where. Or you can stay with us, the Paladins and risk painful death and torture." He sighed. "We prefer to die, sword in wind, showing the world that we will not go quietly into darkness, that the last Good Nation died fighting for what it believed in."
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Doom
Mar 1, 2009 22:50:27 GMT -5
Post by Fallen Archangel Cathina on Mar 1, 2009 22:50:27 GMT -5
"I knew there was little chance for victory when I joined this fight. But I will see it through to the end." Cathina replied. She had lived a very long time and seen all there was to see. She was at peace with herself. She was ready to go. She rested a hand on Zhan's shoulder, "Do not worry, the Light will go on. There is another nation that will soon take up the torch. The seeds have already taken root, whether they know it or not."
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Doom
Mar 2, 2009 1:13:53 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Mar 2, 2009 1:13:53 GMT -5
Zhan smiled a grim smile. "Oh I know, and even though we may lose this battle, humanity will survive. We always do, each human a candle in the dark world. I..." He was cut off by the sound of a horn blowing. A battered man came running to the pair, "Lord Zhan! Dark sorcerers, human and otherwise have penetrated the Royal Keep, they have summoned monster of the Abyss! They seem intend on taking the Queen!" Zhan gave one glance Cathina and bolted.
In the Keep a battle raged in full swing. Minor demons clashed with the purple garbed royal guard. The Guard were the only uniformed service in Kalor, consisting of the former Watchers and other elite soldiers, outside of the Paladins they were the best trained men in Kalor, wielding great tower shields and polearms they formed walls at the end of hallways and steamrolled demons as the charged, but the elven sorcerers and and a few human black robes simply summoned more to take their place....
Zhan barreled in the front gate like a bat out of the Abyss, slicing and burning everything in his path the Paladin was holy wrath personified incinerating a group of spellcasters and charging up a flight of stairs.
In the throne room, the young Adrie Steele sat upon a throne much to big for her twelve year old body, twelve guards surrounded the dais on which the throne sat. "Where are you, Uncle Ziggy?" the young girl whispered as the sounds of fighting began to grow closer...
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Doom
Mar 3, 2009 19:01:18 GMT -5
Post by Fallen Archangel Cathina on Mar 3, 2009 19:01:18 GMT -5
Cathina leapt up into the air, her wings giving a mighty thrust, sending her skyward. She flew straight to the keep, reaching the gates just behind Zhan. She landed hard on her feet at the foot of the stairs then she turned drawing her blades. Her wings folded behind her. The swords erupted in holy fire. "Back to the void!" she shouted as she cleaved a demon in half that had jumped at her. More made for the stair but Cathina dealt with each of them in turn with a swift slice of her swords.
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Doom
Mar 5, 2009 21:39:04 GMT -5
Post by Kalor on Mar 5, 2009 21:39:04 GMT -5
BOOM BOOM, the doors to the throne room shuddered as a powerful slammed into them, a handful of purple clad guards braced the door and the remaining half close ranked around the child-queen. She sat on the Throne of the Kings and Queens and Kalor a small slender rapier across her lap. "Uncle Ziggy...."
Zhan and Cathina slowly crept up the stairs fighting as they went when Zhan ran head long into a human spellcaster, he roared and he tried to cleave through the shield. Zhan's mighty sword rebounded against the shield, shattering it and causing the man to collapse. Zhan stood over him sword poised to strike. The human mage chuckled, "You are to late, they are about to breach the throne room. Your precious Queen will die." The sword tumbled from Zhan's now trembling fingers. He reached down and picked up the mage by his robe, and looking into his eyes he saw only the truth. Zhan bellowed a cried of pain and threw the mage headlong into the wall. Without a second glance at Cathina the enraged Paladin ran off, sword forgotten. It wasn't to long before the paladin ran into resistance, a massive drooling hellhound lunged at him jaws extended. Zhan caught it by the jaws and pulled and with a sickening crack the body went limp. A number of spellweavers threw spells at the Paladin, lighting and fire and poison, Zhan shrugged them all off with a flurry of fist they were laid flat and the Paladin continued on.
The door cracked and splintered with the next few hits, and with one final band the door was thrown open and a number of elven hunters charged in bristling with weapons, the Royal Guard counterattacked, pole arms crashed through Elven shields and into Elven flesh, short swords flashed and Elfs fell, but so did the guard.
Zhan burst through the shattered doors of the throne room and stopped, he's eyes wet in horror. The room was covered with bodies, and the remaining elves were clustered around the throne. Zhan screamed, they turned, the rushed them with his hard hands. When Cathina found him he was sitting on the floor in front of the throne. In his lap he held the tattered and torn body of a small girl, his great niece Adrie Steele.
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