* Now talking in #ethresh * STd is now known as STdave * Dire_Memento has joined #ethresh * Dire_Memento is now known as Echoing_Words_From_the_Darknes * Echoing_Words_From_the_Darknes is now known as Echo there's really not much on tv * Echo is now known as Guest137081701 though i did see the last ep of starfate *stargate * Guest137081701 is now known as Echoing_Words the battle one? O'neill gets frozen in that junk yeah crazy good yeah, I was impressed i want to see how in gods name they explain that when does that spin off start? real soon the 7th i think hrm, I hope its good feels like a money grab from sci-fi how are they going to explain the G'ould fleet bombarding earth man.. soon it'll be Stargate: Special Victims Unit and the entire Nimitz battlegroup? heh yeah, looks like the world knows well, most of the governments do perhaps the start of the new show. maybe ultimately it really wouldn't change much In real life it would suck for the public to find out, I wonder what they'll do yeah, i wonder what we'd do i'm pretty sure I wouldn't riot, but i can't speak for the rest of the human race considering about 90% of the world is quite religious, finding out were not the only race isn't so good no kidding that's the entire story to HALO we meet another race they realize they're not alone totally flip out proceed to exterminate us with extreme prejudice how many new religions would start? I bet a G'ould religion would pop up and we're just like "oh nos, all our base are belong to them!" something like that heh, yeah I need to get some more classical music. Something creepy and dark for this campaign heh so you'd like to do your prelude tonight? sure i can't remember Echos half-brothers name wish i had written it down Just a general warning, my spelling sucks real bad, so just go with it i did once, but his diary got wiped doh wasn't in Garen or something? yeah, i think Garen sounds right hmm, let's see...where to start Ok, since our preludes for the devil's dues went well, you can pick your setting yarr, the high seas oh, and for the time being I'll just use my dice roller and tell you the results, if it comes up tonight okay probably won't hmm very well then, the high seas... i'd like to do pre-exaltation leading into his Second Breath very well, though I do forget the specifics of the story you told me Alright how about this, I'll draw up the setting right quick with a bit more detail sounds good It's a dark and stormy night. The ocean is tossing the creaky Lintha-made boat around, but its anchor keeps her steadfast against the torrential downpour and vicious waves. I can't see anything. I can't speak. I can only hear their muffled words, and even then only when the waves cooperate, and when the thunder is not too deafening. The rain cracks against my burlap hood as smartly as the ones fist. I cringe and lick the blood as it streams down my face. Or perhaps it's just saltwater. It tastes as sweet as wine...I can already feel the black touch on me. The Bodhissatva and I had our deal, and it would be kept. These idiots were condeming themselves to death simply by carrying out orders I had given myself. I loved it. My blood was their death. However, i would have to bleed a bit more before the touch was mine. Bound, gagged, and slammed face first into the stern of the ship, I feel their daggers pierce my back. They certainly were going the extra mile, weren't they? I would have to keep them around afterwards, they certainly do a job well. Another slashing. And another. Another still. Now the pain has removed my ability to count. Hrmm...perhaps I have damaged these men in some way, and they actually -want- me dead? How sad for them. Another one now. But they've stopped for now. The saltwater stings as it soaks into my bloodstained and tattered clothes. What was that, twelve, thirteen stab wounds? Dreadfully painful, that. I gasp for breath, and I find no air there. I am overboard. They certainly do work fast. Ah, and weights on my legs too. A shame I wear this hood...I would have rather liked to have seen their faces. As I sink I tilt my head back and exhale. The sooner I near death, the sooner the gift is mine. I open my eyes, even as saltwater bangs against them. It is solid black...and then their is light by way of lightning. I can still hear thunder...and in the dimming light I see my own blood swelling up past my vision. I couldn't help but smile and reflect on what tremendous events had brought me to this prodigious point. I inhale, and all goes black. Beautiful, pure, inspiring..black. My eyes open and I can see...myself. I'm standing with two other men, debating about the budget for next years festival in the Deathlords honor. This was where it began... * Yhal turns to you, his face flush with irritation. "Look, these concessions were part of the agreement! There is no way my province can support that kind of expense, look, we just need some help here okay?" The other man, Gram, was his name? snorts derisively and looks at you.* * Echoing_Words smiles brightly. "Your province can support it, Yhal. It's just a matter of...sacrifice. Next years festival is important to you and your people, isn't it? I know the men and women of this town do not want to be flayed alive..but then again, I don't speak for -your- people." * Both men wore the kind of garments you would expect of the lower province leadership. Gaudy but entirely inexpensive. They greatly enjoyed showing off in those poor sections, flaunting their pathetic objects and hoping the funerary garb they wore would impress the Bodhisstva. Yhal's eyes dart between you and Gram, "No, no we are all servants of the Dark Lord, we are." A true believer this one, and scared out of his mind perhaps 23 hours of the day at the thought of failure and its punishment. Gram was much more calm and a good bit older, his hair thining and his smile sly. * Echoing_Words on the contrary, is wearing a solid white tunic, under which is a reinforced breastplate made specifically for him by the finest dead blacksmith on these isles. His entire body is a flamboyant white, actually, all save for his hair, which is a mixture of white and solid black. One can assume his extremely meek god-blood was to blame. Still, it made Johan stand out, so he appreciated the gift. "Then its settled, Yhal's word is made that the black banners will be ready in time." He pauses for effect, "And are of high quality. My people will bring the barges as always. Johan, are the Lintha truely ready for their share of the festival?" He referred of course to the high price the Bodhisstva has set for this year's celebration. A Lintha ship is to be burned in his honor. Complete with its crew.* * IRCMonkey has joined #Ethresh * IRCMonkey is now known as Lukan (Don't mind me, just had to see if this IRC client worked) "Of course we are ready. I am here, aren't I? All is in order." Johans gaze turns to Yhal for a moment. "It's just a matter of convincing Garen to bring his ship and his crew to ..partake in the festivities." (BRB, cat) (And I need Ed's Exalted) "The Bodhissatva asks little of us in comparison to what he promises to give. Imagine an entire world ripe for the taking. A world without the Dynasty warcruisers. A world without Dragon-Blooded buffoons and rivalry. It shall be ours. If a few people die along the way, who's to argue? Many have already died, have they not? Of course they have." Johan pushes his tiny, round glasses back up onto the bridge of his nose. Yhal nods dumbly but Gram frowns, deep lines forming on his mature face. The man rolls it over in his mind. His own half brother? I must make a note to stay clear of this one, he is truely ruthless. "If anyone can handle it, I'm sure you can Johan. Remember, the Bodhisstva's fleet is the top priority in this day and age. How do you intent to lure your brother here?"* "Lure him? It's not a lure..it's a request from his faithful, dear brother. Besides, he won't come, he doesn't trust me enough. He'll send his favored captain, Sympania." Johan smirks again and crosses his arms. "And once she gets here, well...we'll go from there. Oh yes, and Yhal, do bring a dozen concubines with you when you travel to Vindeego tomorrow. The men there have been promised good company." "As for you Gram...you needn't worry yourself about the festival. I shall speak to the Bodhissatva personally regarding his final demands." * Yhal blinks and nods, unable to argue. He figets a bit more and excuses himself sheepishly. Gram watches calmly as the young representative leaves the hall before turning to you. "I'm sure you will Johan, I'm sure you will. Tell me, what is your reward in all of this. Surely you aren't trying to rise through the ranks of the Lintha again are you?"* "Oh Gram, you know me so well." Johan smiles. He'll have to die, Johan ponders. Pity. "The Lintha Family hasn't technically disowned me, despite the ..incident 4 years ago. I'm simply trying to rebuild the bonds that were bent askew by that terrible tragedy. How could I have known those were -our- ships...? All the same, this alliance is mine to forge, Gram. And you shall be right there with me, you know that?" "You want little in this world, wise old Gram. I too ask little of this world. However, I will take what the Gods give me. This, is a blessing, and it is mine to take, my reward for years of arduous work. Don't you think so? I think so." Johan grins. He throws his alabaster cape behind his back and grabs a glass of wine..from somewhere.* Gram smiles slightly. This young fool, he thinks, too ambitious and too talented. A dangerous combination. Gram begins to respond as something catches his attention. The older man moves to the nearby window and looks through at the harbor below. "Hrm, isn't that your brother's ship Johan? Seems he's coming into port at full mast. What do you think his hurry could be?" Gram finishes his sentence and turns... almost. A shocked expression flashes on his face before it goes limp, along with the rest of his body. The dying light of the day hits the small dart in his neck as the man tumbles to the ground.* * Echoing_Words takes a sip of his wine and then quietly places it on the counter. Without so much as a glance at the window, he nods. "Garen is here to see me. How nice that he visit his dear brother." Johan looks up as Gram falls, then his brow flutters a bit. That always happens when something happens that he didn't plan. Hence, it's unusual. "And someone else, apparently." He frowns as he extends a single finger to push his glasses back up. * From the back of the room a deep shadow has seemed to have grown. Your days around the Bodhisstva's minions has taught you to fear and respect such things, the works of the dead. From the shadows two eerie red eyes shimmer. "He has a role yet to play in our game, Johan. You were lax in your recruiting, these men you sent are crude. Do you think they can properly execute, " A pause and a chuckle comes from the shadow, "you clever plan? You brother is sure and swift and is here sooner than expected."* (you clever) "you clever plan? You brother is sure and swift and is here sooner than expected."* "He has no role to play, except to be my eternal puppet. I have many such marionettes at my disposal. Why does he trouble you so?" Johan asks with a bit of irritation in his voice. He pours some more wine, this time in three glasses. He takes one, and holds out the other.* (the other...of three. Yes, there are three) More chuckling from the shadows. They move this time, in concert with the sounds of amusement. The darkness itself seems to pull inward and a figure steps out, a young looking man in his twenties and appearing entirely un-ghostlike. "You assume too much Johan, not all things revolve around you. He bows slightly with a look of irritation this time. I am Haumphantine, here to provide for your success at our master's whim." * Echoing_Words is now known as Johan Haumphantine, this name is known, though rarely spoken of inside the Bodhisstva's realm. It is the name of Dark Lord's oldest and finest Nemessary. He in neary a thousand years old and still clutching the afterlife seeking power and prestige. He is loyal to a fault to his master, but the arrive of the Deathknights has signaled his falter from power. He is not pleased with such things. "Prepare yourself, child, for the journey ahead. All face it, but only a few become more powerful because of it. We shall see what you are made of soon." With that he simply walks... right into the wall. The slight chill on the back of your neck lets you know he has not actually left.* (as in he dematerialized into the wall, if that wasn't clear, sorry) * Johan snorts. Of course everything revolves around me. Why else would I exist? "Good enough for now, Old Ghost." With that Johan slugs down the cup of wine meant for Haumphantine, then puts his glass back on the counter. Time to go out to meet his kin. Hopefully Garen wouldn't be as combative as he was last time. * Muffled voices from the floor below inform you that your brother is even quicker than you had expected. Thundering footfalls fill the stairwell and with a crash, you heroic brother and a group of heavily armed me storm the room. They pause when they only see one person, apparently they were expecting more. Garen smiles slightly at the sight of his brother and strides over to you, arm extended in greeting. "Brother, we haven't a moment to lose. I've uncovered a plot to kill you, we're leaving for the safety of my ship." It was not so much a greeting or a question as much as a command. The same commanding voice you've heard all your life. That voice. The one recieving all the praise. The one first in all things. The one that always knows best and now plays the galliant hero. With a worldless gesture he dismisses his men to guard the first floor. "My ship will have completed docking soon, we should wait here in the mean time."* Well, his kin has come to meet -him-. How nice. "It's good to see you too, Garen. How nice that you came to protect your dear, beloved brother. However, I do not believe anyone intends to murder me...where did you hear this from?" Johan asks, legitimately curious.* Garen nods and walks about the room, checking out the windows in concern as he speaks. Somehow he hasn't noticed the slumped and happily sleeping Gram on the floor, no doubt the old ghost's doing. "My men intercepted a communication between some fringe members of the Lintha family. Apparently family members of the men that died in your... accident. Seems they want some revenge." He pauses, giving a thoughtful glance to you, "Odd how I stumbled upon it, but who knows the ways of the gods?" He shakes his head, "The damnest thing too, just before I left more than half my men got sick, I had to replace them with some of Andrianna's men."* "Oh do they?" How long it had taken him to worm his way into the good graces of the Bodhissatva...how long had it taken to successfully entreatie the Linthas to permit him as the emissary to the Dark One? This was but the last small part of his plan. For a moment Johan goes about cursing dozens of names in his mind, condemning them to horrible deaths if they screwed this up for him. However, when he hears that it is Andrianna's men aboard... * Johan hides a deep smile behind a mask of frowns and fake sadness. "I am...saddened to hear that. After all these years..? I have worked non-stop to repay my debt to them! And your men becoming ill..an omen I think. We should take extra care I think, then." Johan sighs. All so perfect. * A knock at the door signals the entrance of one of the armed guards. "Sir, all is ready, we should depart shortly. Looks like a squall, a big one Garen, right out of no where." Garen nods and turns to you, "Lets go, we can discuss this further on the ship." * Johan nods, then stops his brother, placing a hand on his shoulder as Garens turns to leave. Johan watches the guard depart, then says, "Garen...if the worst happens...if this conspiracy reached deeper than you have uncovered...can I ask you to do something for me?" Johan offers, sounding as sincere as he ever has.* He turns to you and nods honestly, "You know I will." * And with a twinkle in his emerald green eyes, his grip tightens on his brothers armored shoulder, and he whispers, "Avenge me. Find those responsible, and put them down for the good of every Lintha, even if not for me."* Garen looks fiercely at you and nods, his solemn oath given for all eternity. He turns and heads for the door, beckoning you. You follow your brother out of the building and make your way through the crowded market to the harbor. During the trip his men tell Garen that a number of local constables were willing to lend a hand and help provide security. Garen greets the news happily and the group makes haste to the docks. You see a number of respected people throughout the mass of humanity with whom you are well known. They don’t immediately notice you, but it occurs to you that it would be wise to have such witnesses eagerly tell the authorities that it was your brother who was last seen with you. Especially hauling you away surrounded by armed men.* * Johan dutifully follows, keeping his head held with dignity and grace. He gazes through the crowd that has assembled upon seeing the vessel and armed men arrive with such haste. In a loud voice Johan turns and bows to the crowd. "Goodbye for now, my dear people. I shall soon return! My brother, the great Captain Garen Lintha, safeguards my passage! For now, Goodbye." With another flourish, Johan returns to his march towards the boat.* The hastey pace you walk gets the group to the ship in mere minutes without the slightest incident. The constables have joined up with you group... an odd lot by the looks of their expensive dress. Unusually elegant for a constable's monthly stipend, but no one seems to notice. * Lukan has quit IRC (Quit: Chatzilla 0.9.64c [Mozilla rv:1.7/20040626]) You and Garen are not on the deck more than a moment before the crew begins to depart. Garen shouts orders and two heavily armed men stand beside you looking terribly serious. Garen mentioned their names were something and something, it didn’t matter, but they did seem quite loyal to their captain and eager to keep you safe. “Olger! Rameiz! Where in the leviathan’s corpse are you! Answer me!” Come Garen’s shouts from the helm. Apparently his command crew is quite missing. He arrives back to your location on the bow just in time to see his two friends’ bodies being dumped over-board. "What is this!" He screams.* (Uh...i dunno...what is this..) (oh, you don't have to answer, you can react if you'd like, or not) * Johan looks just as shocked as his brother. "Who...who are these men? He asks, backing away slightly."* Garen looks around in shock, the entirety of the crew is staring at him, weapons drawn towards him. "You bastards, you won’t get away with this." With that a man steps up from below decks with a grin on his face. To your relief you instantly recognize him as Raze, one of the men you hired for this ‘business’. With a dismissive gesture Raze motions to Garen. In a moment Garen is grappled to the ground, trying to free himself of the dozen or so men atop him. "Take him below, but don’t kill him." Commands Raze. * * Johan eyes Raze. Instantly recognizable with his scar that reaches from the end of his right hand all the way to his face, there was no question this was the man alright. It took some work to get a whole band of killers paid, but not nearly as much as Johan would've guessed at. Perhaps it was his popularity that had earned him such hatred. Perhaps it was his reputation. It didn't matter now anyways, the act was on. "You will never get away with this!" Johan hissed. "Not in a hundred years. You'll be hunted down and killed for this duplicity." Johan added. Was he convincing enough? Hopefully.* An angry ‘constable’ waving a bloodied dagger snarls at Garen as he is being drug away. "You know what this is about you fool! Your brother slaughtered our family and friends with his incompetence four years ago and it’s about time for some pay-back." He turns to face you, "All the better that we’re even being paid for this job! Somebody out there really hates you buddy, almost as much as we all do." He cackles merrily. Garen shouts in anguish as he is forced belong decks. He bought it all, hook, line, and sinker. Seems the killers don't even know whats going on. All the better, only Raze knows the truth and that's easily taken care of. By now the squall is really starting to kick up. The sky has blackened significantly and the wind is now ripping at the sails. Rain is certainly not far behind. "I took the liberty of hiring some... friends of yours. Dirty business this. I think their gusto will be quite sufficient for the task at hand. Any last words Johan?"* (doh, that was Raze speaking) * Johan thought back for a moment. Four years ago...ah, the incident. Garen and three other ships had rallied together 2 miles off of a Lintha port. A pity Johan informed the Dynasty about it. Of course, it was more a family outting and party than a pirate battlefleet, but the Dynasts did exactly what he expected them to; take no prisoners. It all worked out for Johan in the end though. The end being..now, apparently. "Last words...hmmm...no, I don't think those will be for quite awhile. For now I'll say..goodbye. Oh, yes, and..Whatever you do, leave my brother out of this!" Johan shouts the last part nice and loud. He meant it though. And with a nod and a hidden smile, Johan accepts the fate he has laid for himself.* The cackling man produces a hood and places it over your head. As he does you look into the dark, swirling sky above, happy that it is the last sight your mortal eyes will ever see. And the rest, as they say, is history. (anything else you'd like to add before were take a moment to set up the campaign?) (Nah, I can reflect back on the necrosurgeons laboratory in-game) (it's something he doesn't like to remember anyways) (oh, it will come up in due time, but for now...) (btw i gotta get going soon) That was six months ago and to this day you still remember it fondly. With a deep breath of the salty sea are you reflect on you past and your infinitely limitless future. (sure, 15 minutes or so okay?) (sure) The ship rocks beneath your feet and you survey the upper deck. Its all corpses now, of course. The negotiations had gone as you expected, poorly, and the results was unfortunate for the members of the crew and the foolish ambassador. War ghosts patrol the ship now, scouring it for useful documents as you wait to disembark for your next mission. (See, now I think the negotiations probably went well then) Johan is now known as Echoing_Words A raspy bird call above you draws your attention away from the work at hand. Spiraling downward an old raven spins in towards the ship. Landing lightly on the deck in front of you the bird waits. Its left wing is badly damaged and bone shows through the flesh. Its dead eyes are covered in the white film of decay. Haumphantine.* "Old Ghost, it's been awhile. So what brings you out to the open seas? It's really quite a flight. We were returning to shore now. Certainly you'll come have a drink with us? Well...with me?" The Echoing Words From the Darkness smiles.* With a shudder the bird falls to the deck, motionless. Shimmering into the air before comes the young Nemessary's true form. He smiles tightly. Though your prior encounter was cordial, he has since taken a dim view to you. As an abyssal, it seems, you have garnered more favor with the Bodhisstva than he had in hundreds of years. It is only a matter of time before he is second in his master's eyes. * Echoing_Words hasn't changed much since that fateful night. He still carries 13 stab wounds on his back, though they are just scars on his ivory flesh now. His complexion is pale for a man who spends his days on ships or travelling. His hair is no less freakish, however. Still a brilliant white with multiple streaks of icy black in it. Echos perfect green eyes have become more obvious, more colorful since then. "Perhaps later, child." With that he reaches _into_ his stomach and roots around for a moment. The sight is rather disgusting, but in a moment be produces what he was looking for. The soulsteel cylinder was almost a foot long and 3 inches wide, like nothing you've ever seen before. He no longer needs glasses, though he still wears them for the sake of maintaining an aura of mortality around those who would be concerned with such things. More likely he simply wears them out of habit. His dress is changed, obviously, into that of a Black Touched. His armor shimmers black and cold, soulsteel and not much else adorns him. Perfect white bone makes up the linings of his clothes and hang from his armor like ornaments. (Just needed to toss in my description) "Here, this is for you." The ancient ghost snorts, how has he been reduced to delivering mail to a young upstart like this? "Straight from the master, open it immediately and do not tally. I cannot tell you more, but we... all of us have need of your skills." (thanks) * Echoing_Words smiles broadly. "What a wonderful compliment! I appreciate it, Old Ghost." With that, Echo scoops up the cylinder and looks it over curiously. He has been quite busy since his Exaltation, though he doesn't tire as easily as he used to, so these little quests are less concerning, and more fun.* With that Haumphantine vanishes like he does so often. Taking the canister in your hands instantly breaks the seal on the outer chamber. Inside is a piece of parchment, it simply states "To Stygia, young one." It is in the unmistakable handwrithing of the Bodhisstva himself. Under the writing is an address within the great city of the dead. The canister has 2 more chambers still sealed. It seems you are off on your first real quest with more surprises to come. (just to wrap it up quite for you) (quick, that is) * * Echoing_Words pushes his glasses up onto his nose. "How...nice. Make for port in the Crimson Waterfalls." Is all Echo needs to mutter to get the ghosts into action. The sails expand, and the winds howl. It seems as if even the weather wants you in Stygia. Another trip to the Underworld...should be entertaining, at least. With a grin, Echo eyes the horizon, then turns to enter the lower deck.* We'll end there for tonight I think Sorry I don't have a picture of Haumphantine yet, he was a very recent addition to the cast mkay