Quest The Shrouded Lords

[Smiling One]

(OOC: Prologue)

A hooded man walked through the bustling city of Elbion he looked at the people brushing past him with disdain. He always felt rather awkward in big cities full of people preferring to be in an isolated area with his brothers and sisters. Maintaining his hood on and playing with his black metal grieves he approached the slums and took a sharp turn into an alleyway. He was almost there, the walk towards the place was long and narrow full of Rats who skated out of the way when the hooded man waved his hand.

"It seems that you guys were watching me," he muttered. "It's not my fault that the meetup place was so far away. If we are to begin our ritual, couldn't there be a different place?! One that is closer to home?!"

He walked all the way from the Dwarven city of Kal Palthras barely escaping a Cyclops attack and walked nonstop for days. His feet were aching and his whole body just wanted to collapse and dissolve into black smoke. But all this complaining was getting him nowhere, all that matter was that he was here and that they were actually going to do it. "He has called us," the man said. "One of them."

Approaching the rusted the metal door, the man gave a loud knock. He was too deep into the alleyway for anyone to hear. After about a second, the door began to transform into a portal in which the man walked through. Instantly he was teleported to the underground sewers where there were other hooded figures walking and chanting prayers. A thick dark cloud was above them making noises what sounded like a piece of harmonious music.

"Seesssh Ira," The dark cloud began to produce a long strand that transformed into another hooded figure his face was covered in a black mithril helm along with black grieves with a Longsword embedded with runes on his waist. "We've been waiting for a long time for you. Didn't think you showed up was getting bored."

"Oh shut up Ser Nicolas!" Ira retorted. "You informed me of this last minute!" He removed his hood to reveal that he was also wearing a Black full helm and looked up at the sky again. "What I've told you?!" he said. "Nothing was to be done until my sermons were complete!"

Ser Nicolas took a step back in mockery. "Chill out boss!" He said casually. "Got orders from the head honcho that he wants this world now. Can't say no to him!"

"He's a Shrouded Lord Ser Nicolas!" Ira growled. "One of the many Lords whom you and I have served for as long as we can remember. Show some respect!"

Nicolas shrugged. "He seemed quite amused!" he said. "Albeit grumpy. In any case, the feeding has begun."

Ira stared at Nicolas in disbelief. "Already?" he asked. "But I must say why are we here in Elbion? Tell our brothers and sisters that we need to find a place so we can initiate the feeding in secret. We can't let the mages and monster hunters catch wind of this."

"Elbion is where the magic is strongest!" Ser Nicolas explained. "Already the Shrouded Lord grows stronger by the day! He is rather satisfied with this place! Be a matter of time before we get to finally see the big man in action! It'll quite a riot!"

"At last we will reveal ourselves," Ira said. "But there's much to do."

Ser Nicolas walked closer to Ira. "So you wanna try to prove yourself to the Shrouded Lord?" he asked with a hint of laughter in his voice.

"Of course!" Ira responded emphatically. "More than anything."

"Well our Shrouded Lord doesn't tolerate lateness." Ser Nicholas responded. "He needs you to go to the Monster Hunter School and steal some artifacts for him." he tossed a scroll at him. "Don't disappoint."

Ira stared at the scroll which had the magical seal of the Shrouded lord on it. "You've been talking to him?" he asked. Ser Nicolas said nothing and transformed into a strand of black smoke. "He's giving you some of his minions," Nicolas finally said. "It'll take a few days for them to arrive but you'll have reinforcements. Be a good boy and say thanks!"

Ira stared at the cloud. "Thanks," he muttered.

(OOC: A few days later

)

”Dragon?” Willis laughed, taking one big swig of Rum and slamming it down on the wooden table. Business in the Golden Sturgeon was slow today only a few men showed up eating salted bread or playing dice. The Elven Bard who arrived at the was playing a song unfamiliar to Willis but it was pleasant to the ears.

The Elven maid strummed her fingers along her wooden Lute giving the crowd sultry smile as some men tossed her some silver. Willis focused on the bard’s tight corset, exposing her curves. The young man smiled, motioning the bartender to refill his cup and turned his attention back to the drunken who he was dicing with.

“Aye!” the man said, placing the two dice in the cup. “Saw a Dragon not too far from Elbion! Smelt like a pair of burning trousers!”

Willis rolled his eyes watching the Dice roll on to the table: Snak eyes. “Are sure you aren’t describing yourself?” Willis snorted. “You smell like you just fell out of a Dwarf’s asshole.”

The man's became red as a Beet he began playing with his tattered clothes flashing his dark yellow teeth at Willis while he took a bite of Garlic. "I knows what I saw!" he shouted. "It was near the Gilded Feather! Let me tell you them Mages are always up to somethin! I saw the shadow of the flaming beast! Always knew that one day them magic people will try to take over the world! Best be leaving them to a hangin!"

"I think your odor has affected your perception," Willis said placing the dice into the cup for his roll. "It's affecting your mind causing you to hallucinate. I mean there hasn't been a Dragon attack in this city for years." Willis released the dice and smiled seeing that he achieved a perfect. "I win!" he grinned taking the man's coin purse and the drink of Rum that the Bartender bought him.

"How the fuck?" Before the man could finish, Willis was already heading for the exit.

 

[Valencia]

The clamor of heavy boots and clanging metal rang loud against the bustling street, as a commanding voice yells "Stop!" and "Arrest her!", booming across the street. The city guard were hot in pursuit of a criminal, and that criminal was Val.

She wasn't sure what she'd done to draw the ire of the authorities, but she was all too familiar with false charges. Here she was, darting between the throngs of pedestrians, attempting to lose her pursuers in the traffic; but the guardsmen after her were cut from a different cloth. They had been doggedly pursuing her through several city blocks now, and while they could never catch up to her they always seemed to know where she was. The thought that the guards might have had magical assistance had crossed her mind, and it irritated her greatly. At least they can't use it directly, I think, she thought, as she effortlessly avoided another law-abiding citizen's attempt at tripping her. Scaling the buildings was a terrible idea, leaving her vulnerable to the guard's crossbows. She thought of surrendering to the guards, but whatever trumped up charges she'd been slapped with would probably be exacerbated by her attempt to evade capture. There was only so long she could keep evading them before she'd be cornered, this she knew. No sooner had she thought that when ahead, she spotted glistening helms wading through the sea of bodies; she'd been caught in a pincer at last.

Frustrated, she ground to a halt before quickly changing her mind and making her way towards the nearby tavern. She wasn't going to try and lose the guards inside; no, if it came to an altercation, she'd rather have her back safe against a wall. Here she stood, relaxed and appearing as non-threatening as possible as she awaited her pursuers. She did not have to wait long, as the lieutenant soon pushed past the gathered crowd of onlookers, striding forth with powerful steps. Wordlessly he motioned his men to approach, as a pair of crossbowmen moved into position, taking a knee and training their bolts on her, as another pair flanked their leader, spears lowered and pointed towards her. More guardsmen soon stepped forwards, forming a semicircle ring around her, weapons trained on her. She counted sixteen altogether, a squad of crossbowmen and 6 spears. Their eyes were hard, and it suddenly dawned on her that this might just be an execution squad. The lieutenant began to approach her, and in concert the ring of spears began closing in.

"There's no escape now, miss. Come quietly," he announced, procuring a set of irons and a writ of arrest ... except the name "Fontaine" was the only word scrawled on it. Fontaine ... she remembered him. The cocky, flamboyant merchant princeling and duelist whom she had permanently silenced years ago. It would seem that his family's memory was long. She caught the slightest of gestures from the lieutenant; the signal to fire.

Without a second thought she leapt into the air with a graceful somersault, the bolts just grazing the hem of her skirt as she narrowly avoided becoming a pincushion. Loud gasps of shock and excitement erupted from the crowd as the two spearmen flanking their leader lunged forward ahead of the rest of the troop.

Landing like a cat, she quickly spun on her heel, the blade of one spear landing a glancing cut on her back before she had both polearms trapped under her arm. Moving fast, she launched her own counterattack, her staff springing forth thrusting into the exposed neck of one before quickly turning to smash into the armored skull of the other sending one reeling and the other rolling on the ground clutching his head.

Taking hold of one of her newly liberated spears she took quick aim and threw both her staff and the spear at the retreating lieutenant, kicking the last spear off the ground into her open palm as she launched herself at him with frightening speed. He had narrowly avoided her projectiles, but one of the crossbowmen wasn't as lucky as a howl of pain rang out, the man pinned by his shoulder to the ground by a 7 foot pole.

The next few moments moved like a blur, as the guards rushed forward to help their lieutenant fend off the tiny woman's ferocious assault, but were too late. Within seconds, she had him on his back, speartip against his neck, glaring at the rest of her assailants.

"Back!" she barked.

 

[Aldren Cordale]

The sound of ringing steel echoed across the room filled with weaponry. The ambience was lively with many people working in repairs, new fortifications and refitting the armory. The initiates, serving as helpers, rushed from one side to the other as they accompanied the blacksmiths in their tasks. The sun burned bright above them, clear skies as a omen of good things to come. After everything that had happened in the past weeks, the Order surely could use good news.

But alas, happiness was fleeting.

Strolling across the courtyard was a man, walking with purpose and in long steps, holding his sword at bay on his waist. Many of the soldiers greeted him as he passed, and he in turn smiled and nodded at them. The sign of respect he always wanted, always craved for. Rapidly, he took the steps up towards the main tower of the Temple as the hard labor stood behind him, nonstop.

"You called for me, Temple Master?", asked Aldren, kneeling in respect for the authority in front of him, carefully reading a roll of paper with many inscriptions.

"Brother Aldren. I've received... disturbing reports of devil hands at work near the city of Elbion. There are talks of beasts murdering villagers and foul sorcery, threats too great to be overlooked."

The old and bulk man folded the paper and turned to face Aldren, now standing. "I also know of your wish to work outside of these walls. Your skills both as a Templar and a warrior are proof enough to put me at ease about this request. But first, i must ask something of you."

Aldren nodded in response, joy almost flowing from him.

"Take two able brothers and ride across the Aberresai Savannah, towards a small village called Easthaven. Purge this evil and you'll be free to resume your wanders. I only ask that you do not forget your home and return when you can", said the Master, a short smile on his otherwise serious and rusty visage, surprising Aldren.

The young Templar smiled with great gratitude, nodding in agreement. "As you wish, Master!"

The talks finished and he set out to find two Templar brothers free of any work. Carsen and Erlan. He met them in their fight against the conspiracy that almost destroyed that Temple and threatened to tarnish the already frail reputation of the Templar Order.

After gathering the necessary supplies for the long journey ahead, the trio crossed the large gates that guarded the entrance to the Temple, galloping hard and true towards Elbion, to rid the village of Easthaven of the dark magics that assailed the weak and innocent.

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds."
-Orison Swett Marden
It wasn't often the a young knight such as Karl left his homeland, a homeland that he swore his life to protect, but sometimes the realm called for interactions with entities outside of it's borders. Among those interactions, the most common for of these were trade agreements and what not, and often times it is necessary to send people out into the wider world to communicate with these larger entities.

This was one of those times.

Karl von Stehlen had ridden for Elbion with a message from his cousin, whom was negotiating a certain type of trade terms with the council...a fact that Karl had little knowledge about, but whatever was in the letter certainly held a sustainable amount of weight to warrant a knight being dispatched as a messenger, as normally the protocal was just to send a normal messenger or even carrier pigon to dispatch the information. Karl had decided to personally take up this assignment, as he was already in the family estate when the letter was drafted. It was also an excuse to get out of the realm for a bit, which was always nice; Karl didn't have any immediate assignments after this, and so he had some free time on his hands...time he decided to spent doing a little sight seeing around the city.

It was around early in the morning when Karl had arrived to the city, making he made his way through to the proper administration building just as it opened. Talk about timing. It was after getting the letter sorted into the right hands, was Karl's assignment complete, and he had the rest of the day to wander the bigger city...before he probably would begin riding home either later that evening or early tomorrow morning.

Karl had trotted a good deal of the bigger city, taking in all the sight and sounds of such a large city. The city back in the realm was big, but this...it was a testimony of the tenacity of the city's engineering. Granted, it wasn't so much of a surprise...after all, this wasn't the first time Karl had been to one of these larger cities. Fact is, Karl had been to the trio of cities upon the continent, on various assignments(mainly for his family), and was thus at least a bit familiar with the layout of each.

Alliria may have been Karl's favorite city out of the three for obvious reasons, although Elbion was a close secound, and Vel Anir...well, let's just say if he had to deliver somthing to that city, he probably would have delivered the message and left within the same hour.

Karl meanwhile, had taken the time to travel through most of the merchant district, visiting a couple of shops...picking up a couple of things here and there, even some souvenirs for his siblings, a habit that the knight picked up whenever he traveled to one of these cities. Karl in of it himself was quite the spectacle, a man in full jet-black plate armor riding about...turned some heads, although not the oddest to be seen in this city. After a bit of traveling, Karl had decided to stop by a local in for some lunch, eating alone in the corner, which was surprisingly not uncommon for such establishments to see...afterwards, he had gone outside to brush down his companion, Daisy, readying her for the trip home.

It was here out in the street, as Karl was brushing down Daisy's manes, did some sort of commotion land not to far from where he stood. It was a women, a small women to be exact, and she was being chased by a great deal number of guards...a contingent that would only grow with the minute. The women had put up quite the spectacle, her movements quite fluid and graceful in the face of the onslaught, managing to somehow beat back the squad of guards all on her own.

This little spectacle was nothing new to Karl, the garrison back in his home city had to deal with such people all the time. Even he himself had had a part to play in catch various of rouges and wanted. What made it more interesting to Karl, however, was how the guards of a city such as Elbion would deal with the situation...although at the moment, they seemed a bit overwhelmed.

She then yelled one word at them, which...kinda of reminded Karl of an old lady with a walking cane, as furiously shaking it at a group of teenagers, who took a joke too far.

Kinda amusing...although no doubt deadly...still, this wasn't any of Karl concern(yet)...so he simply returned his attention back to grooming Daisy's mane...occasionally glancing back to the action to see how it was progressing....​

 

[Smiling One]

Willis gave took in the breeze of fresh air the moment he exited the Golden Sturgeon. That drunk was single handily stinking up the tavern to the point where he could hardly breathe. Willis loves taverns but one thing who couldn’t stand was the smell. Part of Willis wanted a hygiene law to enacted, foul odor with citizens should be against the law. Being a Pirate, a Mercenary and a Monster Hunter Willis should know this. He remembered his time servicing under Captain Davis: the Pirate Lord who took Willis in when he was a child.

One thing that set Captain Davis apart from other Pirates was obsession with cleanliness. Willis remembered when he first boarded the Sea Dog, the first rule was to always wash yourself and keep the ship spotless. The crew spent hours scrubbing the decks and making sure that every room was rid of dirt and grime. Captain Davis would inspect the ship afterward and if he found even a morsel of dirt he would force them to clean the entire ship again. Captain Davis taught Willis how to boil his clothing and basic lessons on anti-biotics. The lesson stuck with Willis as soon he was obsessed with getting himself clean when he can it helps that being a Monster Hunter meant that you must wash regularly because some monsters grime could be infectious.

Allegedly Captain Davis’ fear according to his first mate: Larry was stemmed from when his first crew died of the plague which was caused by poor hygiene from the crewmen. Captain Davis himself was bedridden from the event as well. Whether it was true or not was a mystery to Willis but he recalled witnessing Captain Davis Keelhauling a man because he forgot to wash. Willis’ trip down memory lane was interrupted by some commotion. There was crowd gawking at something, Curious Willis pushed through the crowd to see a young woman holding one of the city guards by the tip of her Spear. There were sixteen guards the incapacitated one notwithstanding yelling at the woman that she was under arrest.

She had long black hair that reached past her shoulders, a dress that exposed her curvy figure and brilliant green eyes. Willis gave a smirk she looked beautiful and the scowl she wore made her even more lovely in Willis’ eyes. A possible scoundrel who kicks guards asses? His kind of woman. Just then one of the guards came from behind and grabbed the woman by her long hair forcing her to drop the spear and dragging her by the ground. “You stupid bitch!” The guards said spraying spit all over her while grabbing a fistful of her hair. “You're under arrest!”

“This won’t do,” Willis muttered stepping in front of the guards. “Gentlemen!” Willis said smiling. “That’s no way to treat a lady!”

“Step back!” The guard who is holding the woman by the hair said. “This has nothing to do with you!”

“The crowd must know!” Willis said. “Why is she being arrested? Last I checked being a beautiful woman isn’t a crime!”

“Besides beating one of us up!” The guard retorted. “She is wanted for more heinous crimes!”

“Such as?”

“It doesn’t involve you!”

Willis looked at the crowd. “Aye, I say it involves the good people of Elbion!” He announced. “We can't let the guards go and randomly brutalizing based on arbitrary laws! Were a city of intellectuals and progressives! Not the backward fossils like Vel Anir!”

“This man is correct!” A fisherman piqued. “I don’t want to be arrested for pissing in a place that we were not to supposed to piss.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Willis muttered noticing the crowd being riled up. “But whatever.”

“Aye!” A busty prostitute came forward. “Little Davey boy grabbing the young lass by the hair thinking he’s a big boy!”

Davey gripped on the woman’s hair harder backing away a bit. “Shut your mouth, Margret!” He shouted. The prostitute continued, however. “He thinks he has a big dick when he handles a girl like that but I know that deep down he has a little knife. Why don’t you let her go and move on.”

Willis smiled, it was working more than he imagined. The crowd began to close in on the crowd. “Stay back!” Davey cried forcing the woman up by grabbing her hair. His words didn’t sway the crowd as fists were exchanged by the crowd and the guards. Men and women were thrown on to the ground while the armored guards were pelted by stones and horseshit.

Davey backed away beginning to drag the woman by the hair as Willis approached him. “Let her go,” he said simply. “No!” Davey said. “I’m calling the watch Captain! I have a wanted criminal!”

Willis sighed. “We have to do this the hard way then eh?” He asked raising his fists.

 

[Valencia]

She stared down the remainder of the troop, as they continued to advance before coming to a halt, eyeing her and their lieutenant warily, hesitant to act without further orders. The man at her feet was silent, seemingly unafraid of the prospect of death. She glanced him over warily, watching for a flicker of the eyelids, a movement of the fingers; anything that might be a signal to his men. She took in the information around her and began processing the likely scenarios and avenues of escape. She failed to notice the clinking of chain rings coming up behind her until it was far too late to react to the new threat. Her head snapped back abruptly as her hair was gruffly pulled, a cry of pain escaping her lips. She gripped her weapon tightly, knuckles white, but before she could counter this new threat a jolt of excruciating pain travelled across her spine as a sharp, powerful blow to the small of her back caused her to fall to her knees, dropping her weapon in the process as she was unceremoniously dragged by her hair by her assailant.

"You stupid bitch! You're under arrest!" he spewed vehemently. She surveyed the rest of the guardsmen in panic and bewilderment, but found that they too were just as confused by this turn of events. It would seem that this man was a genuine guard. Before she could think on what to do with this new information, a man in the crowd stepped forth to address the spectacle. He seemed to be on her side, appealing to and whipping up his fellows into a frenzy, though her scowl noticeably darkened at his remark on her home city. She decided that the best course of action was to stay put but ready, and let the scene unfold.

 

[Smiling One]

The guard hesitated, still gripping the woman’s hair beads of sweat forming on his brow. The weight of Davey’s half helm was too much now judging his head sagged. It was utter chaos behind Willis and Davey. Guards began to pull out their swords, gripping their hands on the blade and using the pommel to strike at the peasants. One poor soul got whacked in the skull by a guard knocking him out with blood trickling down from the middle of his forehead.

Some peasants took out Sickles, Knives, and Rocks fighting the armored guards tooth and nail stabbing at them at the arm, leg, groin, and eyes. One peasant hit a guard in the face with a potato while he was busy subduing a woman who was slicing a guard’s face with a knife. The guard staggered before the potato thrower threw himself on to the guard, sending them both tumbling onto the ground scuffling. Screeches of metal and shouts of rage filled the streets and blood of the peasants and guards spilled onto the concrete floor. Willis’s plan worked a little too well. The mob always enjoys a good spectacle, whether merry or bloody.

Davey pulled the girl by the hair and tied it against a lamppost. “You fucking shit!” he yelled, raising his plated iron hands. Willis smirked rushing towards Davey and ducking a right hook, Sidestepping, Willis did a sweeping leg kick to the back of Davey’s feet. Davey landed on his back while Willis stomped his nose with his boot knocking Davey out.

Willis knelt down, grabbing the guard’s coin purse. “I’ll take that.” he smiled as a peasant went flying past him and landed on the floor. The fishermen got up bloodied and bruised but otherwise returned to the fray. Willis went to the woman and untied her hair was on the lamppost what an unusual way to trap a person.

“Come with me if you want to hide,” Willis said, grabbing the woman’s hand. “I know of a place to lie low.”

 

[Aldren Cordale]

"You're a lucky and stupid man, Aldren! I can't believe you didn't go after her!", laughed Carsen while they trekked on horse back amongst the mudded roads. Rain fell hard from the skies, making it hard for the Templars to continue their rapid journey towards Easthaven, but at least they were able to gain a few day's worth of travel through the Savannah. It was a very rispid place to be around, especially that time of the year.

Aldren laughed in response, taking the mockery easy as he prompted his faithful steed, Helen, to move a bit faster. "She was my friend, you fool. And i took a vow, one that you don't seem to remember taking, by the looks of it."

He answered back to the previous jest from his friend, earning a few laughs from Erlan this time, with Carsen shamefully put back in silence. The Templar trio rode on ahead, with many miles still left to cover before the night arrived, their cloaks sheltering them from the curious looks from merchants and travelers along the roads.

The people were still fearful of the Templars after the many troubles started by them, many years ago. But maybe their luck would change this time.

After two more hours of horseback travelling, Aldren caught sight of a overtaken wagon laying in the distance. He signaled Erlan to take a turn and scout the perimeter for any survivors or hiding ambushers that sought to surprise them while he and Carsen went on to check on the wagon.

"Good God..."

Said Carsen in a low tone while looking at the horrible scene ahead. Bodies thrown about, and blood all over the place. A few boxes were left open on the ground, their contents full. Certainly the sight of a bloodbath, not a common robbery. Aldren looked ahead with a bit of anger in his eyes.

The men dismounted from their horses and took different directions to check on the scene. Aldren went straight to the bodies while Carsen stood behind, going for the wagon.

With a quick glance, Aldren saw the most of the bodies were maimed beyond recognition, with even children joining the body count. By their smell, they seemed to be dead for a long time as well. One corpse, however, stood out for being the only one in a good state to be worth checking. And as soon as Aldren went near it, he saw the ravenous bite marks on the neck. A careless move from the blood sucking creature, to leave such a clue behind. Vampires were indeed growing bolder in this region.

Carsen called out for Aldren while Erlan arrived to join them after his scouting, reporting that he'd found nothing in the woods surrounding the road. Opening the wagon's doors abruptly, Carsen jumped from it and allowed Aldren and Erlan to see the horror inside.

Dismembered parts forming a worshipping circle, albeit different from the ones Aldren saw in the past. This one had inscriptions he couldn't recognize. Darksbane also started to react to the foul magic nearby.

"A vampire working with a demon worshipping cult? Now that's curious...", said Erlan while looking over the circle as well. It's common knowledge that vampires like to keep their distance from society, keeping only to themselves or others of their kind. If they were working alongside a cult bent on summoning other demons, a larger power was at play.

"We'll find our answers in Easthaven", Aldren spoke firmly before going back to his horse. The others soon followed, hastily. The Templars mounted and quickly set out back to their path towards Easthaven, leaving behind the carnage.

 

[Valencia]

Chaos erupted before her eyes as the throng of spectators evolved into a violent mob.For the moment she forgot the danger, stupefied by the spectacle. These people are savages, she thought as she watched dumbfounded as two men overpowered and held down one of her assailants while a woman clobbered him with his own helmet. She was soon jolted back to reality as she felt the painful tug on her hair as she was unceremoniously dragged across the ground towards a lamppost, before realizing with horror that her locks were being tied to it. An anger she had not felt in years welled inside her and threatened to burst forth at this indignation, but before she could act on it the perpetrator had already stormed off to challenge her 'rescuer'. He then had his face stomped in short order, as the man who instigated the riot came up to her, undoing the knot with little difficulty.

“Come with me if you want to hide,” he said, grabbing her hand. “I know of a place to lie low.”

She eyed him warily, before nodding in response. "Wait," she said, pulling away from the man as she made her way over to pick up her staff.

"Okay, lead the way."

 

[Madame Valkery]

had gone on a walk to recharge when a group of soldiers chasing a woman interrupted her stroll. A thriving city such as Elbion was teeming with aura energy, its residue was left on every surface, making it an easy place for her to keep a continues to supply for magical use later. However, cities like this were also prone to crime and a contingency of guards attempting to apprehend a criminal of some variety was no strange sight for any big city.

Valkery stopped and watched the scene unfold from a safe distance. Others also stopped in their day to day duties to gawk and discover exactly what this woman was charged with. Valkery was unconcerned. If the woman was guilty then there was no reason for her to intervene. However then a man stepped in, demanding an explanation and writing up the crowd. Vakery scowled, such undignified behavior was disgraceful. A full-on riot broke out, blood and violence staining the previously peaceful streets.

It just went to show how easy it was for humans to turn into a monster if given the chance. Humanities capacity for great good and comradery while at the turn of a hat capable of great monstrous evil. This kind of violence could not be allowed to continue. Valkery was dressed in a fine chocolate high collared gown and a fancy lady's hat held in place by a large hat pin. She strode forwards, as she passed both guards and commoners alike began to fall to the ground unconscious. They were all human, it was a simple thing for her to use the aura she had collected to stop their breathing just long enough for them to pass out, nothing more.

Reaching the center of the mob were the man who had incited this was she reached into a slit in her gown and drew out a rapier. She leveled it at the man as he was about to lead the condemned woman off. "I'm sorry but I cannot allow you to incite such violence and escape with a wanted criminal. No matter her crimes, your actions are unacceptable." As she spoke more of the rioters continued to fall around them.

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

"SILENCE!"

A voice echoed through the streets, spooking almost all the combatants into a halt, as they practically halted whatever they were doing, turning their attention towards the source of the sound. And the source itself? It was the black knight from prior, facing the crowed with a rather grim expression plastered on his face.

This debacle had gone too far and had gone on for too long.

Yes, perhaps the knight should have stayed out of this ordeal...after all, this wasn't his city or his people...let the guards deal with it...it was there responsibility after all. But Karl could only watch the whole ordeal play out for so long...as it wasn't the fact that the mob had scooped up Daisy's feces and tossed it at the guards, nor the excessive amounts of people stumbling into the brick wall that was Karl.

No, it was the first sight of blood that made the upcoming actions unacceptable.

Taking up arms against one another, much less against a member of the standing army, was almost unheard of and a very big taboo within Strojland. You'd probably get tackled to the ground bystanders in the city before you had the chance to do anything regrettable, to think nothing of the garrison soldiers. Even then...Strojland soldiers were much more disciplined in the ways they went about apprehending someone compared to...this. Lord knows how many complaints would have been filed into Otto's office if even one of them was heard yelling like the way some of them did.

Regardless, the crowed slowly churn to a halt, as all eyes were now on Karl. His expression remained stern, as his eyes rolled over each and everyone of the members of the crowed. Many were on the floor, injured, but luckily no one has yet fallen completely as a direct result of the massive brawl.

It was only the fishermen from previous began to process, wanting to question who this man was, what made him think he had any authority over him...until one glare from Karl, only one glare...shut up the ragged fishermen up. If Karl's voice didn't project authority, his size and stature did. No matter how drunk or wasted a fellow may be...it didn't take that many brain cells to realize that trying to tackle an armored man of that size was more then futile.

Karl's stern expression hardly faltering in the wake of his initial exclamation, a harden expression that could have been interpreted as a subtle angry...although things are more then they seem...as the knight took a step forward into the crowed, his eyes swayed back and forth...glaring at everyone whom had taken part in this almost nonsensical brawl...yet saying nothing...for gaze said enough; it was not an impressed gaze, it was gaze that spoke shame on soldier and citizen alike...for letting any of this happen...and while he was by no means a local, it was clear

Perhaps the knight could have said somthing, could have pointed out the sloppiness of the guards actions, or scolded the citizen for such unaccap

But instead, his glare fell upon the cause of the issue...first on the women, then on the man...then briefly upon a women, who was clutching her bleeding head...then back upon the man.

"Do you have somthing to say for yourself?"

Guards and citizens alike turned their attention to the what the knight was looking at, their attention had completed surrounding all four individuals...as leaving would be more then difficult, and chase would only resume from there...​

 

[Smiling One]

Willis grabbed the woman’s hand and was about to leave the chaotic rumble that he created until Willis saw some men and women fighting beginning to collapse. Frowning, Willis saw peasant and guard alike began to fall face first onto the ground sleeping. “This must be the work of magic,” he thought.

And sure enough, a tall woman strolled towards them. She had pale skin with shoulder length hair to match it, green eyes that were as bright as the woman beside Willis and wore a fancy dress. The woman also drew out a Cutlass and pointed at the two of them. She wasn’t an authority figure but she sure as hell acted like one judging she chastised Willis for starting a fight and claimed that the woman would come with her to answer for whatever crimes she has.

“That will not happen,” Willis said, drawing his Cutlass and moving in front of the woman. He was confident the young man had plenty of experience fighting magic users. They were tough but with the right weaponry and tactics, they can go down like anyone. Being a monster hunter had also had Willis face monsters who had magical abilities he knew what he was doing.

Then immediately a shout echoed throughout the streets, causing the surrounding people to stop fighting. Grinding his teeth, Willis whirled around and saw a man cladded in black armor try to establish order in the streets, which was the last thing Willis wanted right now. “A fucking knight,” he mumbled. “Who knew?”

Knights in Willis’ eyes are glorified mercenaries they shun mercs like Willis yet they kill and pillage just like them yet the only difference is that a Knight wipes a Lord’s royal ass. Self-Righteous cunts is who they truly are. “Well,” Willis replied to the knight, smiling. “I thought we could get away clean,” he shrugged feeling all eyes descend upon him and the woman. He slowly reached for his smoke bomb, which was in his little black bag and activated it. “Oh, well.”

Willis slammed the device onto the ground and black smoke began to pour out covering the streets. Willis punched a guard and yelled that a peasant tried to beat him and despite the smoke obscuring their vision, the fight continued with men and women blindly punching each other. Taking the woman's hand, Willis ran as far away from the scrap as possible. Along the way, Willis grabbed a white cloak with red arrows on it from a merchant's wagon and headed to the alleyway.

"Put this on," Willis handing the woman the cloak while keeping a close eye on who is chasing them. He had to admit the woman was well dressed in a green dress and brown boots. Her hair was messed up a bit due to it being pulled but it made the disheveled appearance made her look more lovely. The things he does for lust. "We're heading to the Monster Hunter Academy," he said. "I got some good people there."

Taking her hand again, Willis exited the alleyway and headed to the town square looping his arm over hers. "Keep your hood up," Willis muttered taking out his brown jacket and wrapping around him. "And pretend to not have a care in the world." Soon Willis and the woman were in the crowd going towards a horse escort. "I'm Willis Reede," he mumbled. "What's your name?"

 

[Madame Valkery]

He drew a sword of his own, responding with cocky overconfidence. She kept her blade raised. Even though her magic was almost depleted from having to knock out so many townspeople she was nowhere near helpless. She never would have survived the front lines, countless monster attacks, or pandemonium if she had been helpless. Valkery felt more than saw Willis reach into his bag. She took a quick step back, expecting some kind of attack. but instead of flinging it at them he threw it to the ground. A Smoak cloud began to spew from the alchemical grenade. Like that would be able to stop her. She didn't need her eyes to see. She could sense where everyone's aura was. She felt Willis and the woman run off and followed after, walking briskly through the cloud. Walking with purpose but not running. They had made a grave mistake trying to hide from her. Now that she knew their aura's there was nowhere they could hide from her.

Emerging from the cloud they were already out of sight but she could feel the footsteps their aura they had left behind. She sheathed her rapier and continued after them. No rush. They would stop running once they thought they were safe, she would catch up to them.

 

[Aldren Cordale]

After another hour or two of wandering through the woods, Aldren and his Templar brothers arrived at the village, finding it deserted. Not a single sound was heard coming from the small, almost makeshift buildings of that otherwise cozy village. Easthaven, no longer feeling like a haven.

Rain poured nonstop from the grey skies above, soaking his cloak and armor. With water dripping from his beard, Aldren's hazel eyes scoured through the vicinity, looking for any sign of activity. But in his mind, he knew it was already too late. This echoing suspense only added to further disappointment down the road, to think that there could at least be someone alive there.

No blood stained the mudded roads and no merchant stalls were turned over, everything was intact but there was no one there. If this poor village was indeed massacred, they were dealing with a completely different beast than they thought of dealing with before.

He turned his head to face Erlan and Carsen, signaling to them with a quick nod. The trio separated, Aldren entering the village through the opened front gate while his comrades circled around the village outskirts, trying to find any clue as to what had happened there.

Helen slowly trekked through the mud, neighing a few times. She was clearly getting restless, a bad omen in such situations. Aldren halted the advance of his mare, gently stroking her at the side of her head before dismounting. Metal rang as he took out Darksbane from its scabbard, hoping to announce to whoever was there the danger of hiding in attempt to try and attack him. If the beast had any mind towards such strategy, he would be extremely disappointed with the outcome.

Aldren carried on to the village chapel, sword in hand. The doors stood closed, with no signs of fighting or breaking in, which prompted Aldren to stay even more vigilant for any surprises inside. Slowly, he opened the way to behold the monstrosity that fell upon the folk.

Bodies and blood decorated the ground and walls of the chapel, the holy images torn to pieces, resting along the human parts and guts all over the floors. At the center, a burned corpse was stuck to the ground with spikes, resembling a cross.

Aldren gripped tightly the hilt of his sword as he noticed the presence behind him. A man, no taller than him, his skin pale as snow with his eyes swollen with blood. His head was bald and covered in strange runes, shining with magical light. Aldren could feel the evil magic emanating from him. However, before he was able to make a move, the man threw two heads at his feet.

Carsen and Erlan's heads. The monster's final play.

Aldren's eyes lit with magical power, his own sword now lighting up as well, the runes etched on the blade waking along with the primal power that dwelled within. The man started speaking in a unknown tongue, but as time passed by, the spirit that rest inside Darksbane once again came out to speak with him, on his mind, whispering the words now clear on his head.

'Behold as the Lords come forth. Your blood belongs to me, your soul to them!'

The Templar paid no heed to the cryptic message, rushing forward to meet the man as he let his vest go, revealing his true nature. A monstrous vampire in its true form. His huge claws grazing Aldren's arm only slightly after the monster dodged his attempt. Aldren swung again, cutting open one of his small wings. The creature roared, in pain. Aldren held his blade forward, a bit to the top of his head, holding his stance.

The vampire vanished in thin air, reappering beside Aldren who barely blocked his attack, claws inches away from his face thanks to timely defense. Aldren let his own power surge forward, driving the monster a few steps away before cutting open his palm. The creature screamed again, lost in his anger just long enough for Aldren to quickly strike at his hand once again, separating it from his body.

As the vampire was stunned with the sheer brutality and strength that came from Aldren, the Templar held his blade forward, holding it with both hands as pure magical energy took over the runed blade. Aldren let it out in one swing, hitting the beast clear on his front and sending it against one of the merchant stalls in front of the chapel.

The monster crawled away from the smoke in his humanoid form, drained of power and coughing up dark and fetid blood. Aldren went on to meet him, slow and timed steps as he reveled in the pain that the creature was in. He held his sword up, blade facing down, the skies splitting open to reveal the bright sun once more. The man looked at him, his eyes now two holes, no life coming from them.

"The Lords come for you! Elbion...", he spoke in the common tongue now. His final words before Aldren came down with the blade, planting it deep on the monster's head, dark blood splashing around as it was caved open by the mighty blow.

With no time to rest or mourn over the lost lives of all those people and his Templar brothers, Aldren got on his mare and rode fast to the only city nearby, the place that the monster spoke of.

Elbion.

 

[Valencia]

"Valencia. You may call me Val if you wish," she replied softly. They strolled along at a brisk pace, arms linked together like a couple on a stroll around the city, hoping to blend in and avoid their pursuers.

They stopped before the carriage, her new companion politely helping her in first before coming up behind her. He gave the coachman directions and with a "Yip! Ho!" they were off.

She soon spoke, eyeing her new companion carefully. "So tell me Willis, why did you risk life and limb for matters that concern you not?"

 

[Madame Valkery]

Valkery walked through the crowd following the trail When she spotted another patrol pass by. She hailed them and informed them of the riot "It's only a few blocks away in front of the tavern. The soldiers who tried to subdue the riot broke protocol and used unnecessary lethal force well beyond what was needed to subdue the riot. You should find them all unconscious in front of the tavern but you should hurry, they will be waking up soon," She explained before walking briskly away after her target leaving them slightly bewildered and grateful for her information.

It wasn't long before she came to a place where the trail seemed to end. She paused and looked around. People's aura's did not just disappear and it wasn't raining, nor was there any water around to muddy the trail. Which meant they acquired horses or a carriage. With that knowledge, she was able to detect the trail of a pair of horses leaving from that spot at the same time that her targets trail disappeared.

They had made a grave mistake trying to hide from her, she would catch up to them, she wasn't known as the white reaper for nothing.