Attack on Dar Havark [The Fighters]

Lichen · April 3, 2004, 06:08 PM

OOC: If your character chose to go with Marnia, post here.

Late Darkening, Kalendryas 25th, an Hour after the Scouts Left
Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Era X of the Age of the Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad
Paradigm: The Coronation of Queen Sharinya of the Fae

IC: About an hour after the scouts left, the fighters were finally mobilized enough to depart as well. Collecting up instrements once used for farming and taking what they could off the dead and the undead alike, they departed. Anyone who'd wanted a pot-tin sword or a heavy wooden club hadn't had much trouble finding one, though anything other than that was usually limited to fists and pointy sticks. Still, any weapon was better than no weapon and thus prepared, the group started off towards the tower.

The night air was filled with the scent of undead corpses and smoke. The raging fire was dying down, though it was far from having died completely. No, that would take several more long hours... but for the moment, it was obvious it was finally begining to decrease in size and the amount of light it put out was just enough to cast flickering shadows. The outline of the tower of Dar Havark, two miles south of town, were clear against the dark night sky... they'd have no trouble making their way there.

Ilmryn · April 4, 2004, 10:20 PM

Ilmryn's travel with the group had been reluctant at best. His cloak was wrapped tightly around him and his swords held lightly in his right hand. At first he thought he should breath through his mouth, but decided that the smell was better than the taste.
His step set him apart from the bulk of the group. not wanting to have one's weapon "accidentally" shoved through him. The determination was hidden under the hood of his cloak, but it was there.
I will most likely die tonight,he thought, but I couldn't live with myself if I let them die.
With a deep sigh he stared at the outline of the dark tower that would be his grave.

Marnia · April 5, 2004, 12:14 AM

Her nose wrinkled at the smell, she hoped that once this was over, she'd never have to smell smoke again. Marnia sat mounted on her gray horse, bred for speed. Against her personal opinion she'd left her possessions back in town, apart from one saddle bag. In that bag, her pet ferret was squirming about making it an odd sight since the top was tied to prevent the critter from jumping out. She wasn't about to be mocked for owning a rodent, and she wasn't about to put the creature in anymore risk than she had to. Marnia probably had more respect for the ferret than the brave members of the group who were willing heading off into predictable trouble.

Her ferret was a small black and white wiry creature, curious as Marnia but lazier. Her horse seemed eager to move faster, but didn't. Marnia personally didn't think it would be good to leave Owa in town, considering all the luck that town seemed to have.

The Katta was at the front of the group, going at a painful slow pace as she'd been instructed to do. Marnia turned her head to face the group as best she could, "If you have any prayers to say, I'd suggest you make them now." She recommended, remembering that while she didn't pray, she should show some sort of respect to those that did. She decided that if this was the last darkening of her life, than she might as well leave with as many good deeds as she could. The idea of death was almost haunting in her mind, though she knew it was a vital part of the world. Of course she could still hope it didn't happen, even to the others.

She turned her attention back forwards, to the outline of the tower. A shiver went down her spine, she doubted this night would end peacefully. Her fur was standing on end, and her perked ears were listening for any sign of... well anything. Marnia figured it was perfectly safe to talk right now, they still had a distance to cover at their pace. That's why she preferred to get any speaking prayers out of the way now.

Her eyes were glued upon the tower as the Katta tried to think of how she ended up from the typical tavern bum back in the Prime to leading a makeshift group of inexperienced fighters into a good chance of death. Her mind pulled back to the Captain's speech, about all the nasty things a necromancer could do. They seemed like distant childhood threats rather than reality, would the fighter group really need to go to battle? Maybe there would be some sort of proof that the scout party finds that this Avanthar wasn't guilty? What if they never report back? Marnia found her mind suddenly bombarded with questions that she could only try to brush off.

Glingal · April 5, 2004, 08:59 PM

The smoky air burned the dracon's eyes, but that sensation was not even comparable to the burning hunger he had for battle. He began to scare himself with his own bloodthirst and thought it best if he didn't fight for awhile after this battle. Would he be able to resist the urge? He thought to himself as he once again lost himself in thoughts. The Ruby dracon snapped out of it whispering to himself, " This is not the time for such thoughts, This is time for battle, for blood." His voice became slightly more exagerated as he thought of blood. Memories of crushing the bones of that undead dracon surged through his mind. Could he be so efficient with his blade again? That could not be said, but he would not die without a fight, without destroying life, if you could call the undead alive.

Glingal stood beside Ilmryn and spoke still looking at the tower. "I know you don't trust me or my people, but I know no one else here and I doubt you know many, if any. If you will watch my back I shall watch yours."

Ilmryn · April 6, 2004, 09:47 PM

Ilmryn's eyes flashed quickly towards and away from the dracon, almost reflecting the light from the moon.
He gave a great sigh," If it comes to it, I s'pose, my friend, but don't expect that fact to keep you alive any longer." He gave a slight shiver as he quickened his pace a little. Metal reflected in the moonlight as he gazed towards the sky, staring at the stars in awe. Such beautiful creations, he thought,and if I am to die, what an honor it will be under such beauty.
A strong breeze picked up, causing his cloak to pull back from him. He quickly tightened his grip and marched on.

Calvin · April 11, 2004, 08:47 PM

The town burned behind them. In front of them loomed Dar Havark, wrapped in unnatural darkness for a night so ablaze with light. Smoke swarmed in the sky, blotting out the stars and any sign of light above them. Still, the little band of mock soldiers marched onward. Toward what, no one could be sure, except that some blood would be spilt in the near future.

As they moved closer to Avanthar's home, the ground began to tremble slightly. Some of the townspeople stopped, a look of pure fright coming quickly over their faces. In front of them, over a hundred torches could been seen hovering ominously one foot off the ground, lighting the way for a much larger army. Whatever was in front of them was small, but what they lacked in height, they certainly made up in numbers.

"By Ioannes," whispered one man armed with a pitchfork. "There must a five hundred of them."

"Five hundred?" said another. "How in Aetheria are we supposed to defeat five hundred soliders?"

"I don't know," responded Mr. Pitchfork. "But all of a sudden this doesn't seem like such a good idea."

On cue, a horn blew in the distance and the army in front of them screamed, turning their voices into one roar. The townsfolk shuddered. It sounded like a thousand rats all charging at once.

"This is madness."

Marnia · April 11, 2004, 10:19 PM

Marnia kept her face void of all fear and silently encouraged her horse forwards. So what if they were drastically outnumbered, and probably out skilled? They were fighting for the good of an innocent town, that was supposed to count more than the outcome of the battle. She frowned at the large army, wouldn't the Captain fellow have said something, sent some sort of message if he'd noticed this army? It was rather hard to miss with the torches and all.

She started to worry slightly for the scouting party, had they already met up with this army or something of the sort? The Katta wasn't too certain if the army was originally intended to go raid anything remaining of Acumin, or if it was meant for the fighting group. Either way, they didn't look very peaceful. She blocked out what the villagers behind her were whispering on about, the fools should've realized they were risking their lives by going.

The roar of the opposing army curiously reminded Marnia of Ratta, which led to the unfortunate memory of her fighting down in some catacombs with some military folk. She pushed aside the memories, this wasn't the time for gory flash backs. It'd be no good for her head to be thinking of the wrong battle. The Tigron silently wondered if the army might in fact be friendly, maybe they're just practicing for a battle to come? Wishful thinking, she knew, but not completely impossible... just mostly. She realized this wasn't going to be a fun night. The Katta drew in a deep breath before turning her head to face the band of common folk pretending to be an army.

"Tonight, we fight for Acumin!" Marnia shouted to the makeshift warriors. She remembered that she was the leader, and it was her duty to make them think they either had a chance, or would not die in vain. The Katta was working on convincing herself of the same thing. She looked at the army, really it looked pathetic to her, most were smoothskins, inexperienced, low hopes, some even armed with pitch forks. Silently she hoped they faired well in the end, and as honest as she hoped they lived it was partially out of pity. Marnia turned her horse back to face the opposing army. She sat up straight, her claws were extended-even those on her bare feet. Using the heel of her foot she encouraged her horse to move faster, not too fast as to stray from the crowd though.

Avanthar Dra'Aran · April 11, 2004, 10:52 PM

They were not fighting against simple goblins, nor a tribe of ignorant rattas whom only sought to survive. What they faced were a well organized, well trained, and properly equipped band of fanatical rattas, totally devoted to their Lord and Lady’s dark mission. This army would fight with no mercy, savagely, and in coordination, knowing very well that they would be backed up by a greater power. Atop the tower of Dar Havark, the dark mistress watched with hate and anger, yet thankful that she had prepared the defenses well enough incase those of Acumin truly sought vengeance.

‘Fools’ snarled the Draconess, her unusual elven beauty marred with an insatiable lust for bloodshed as she measured the opposing forces. Five hundred of her ratta’s against that measly group of what she deemed to be 50, if not less. That, and the fact that they had yet to truly reach the heart of Dar Havark’s defenses where others, more skilled and powerful lay await. Kyoko would gift his rapidly growing minions the chance to have some fun… she and the dark council would only act when needed. Fear was already turned against her foes, needing no further intervention… no not yet.

The thundering footsteps of the rattas across the wastelands could be heard throughout, their chittering and scampering like an orchestra as many screamed ‘Invaders’ at the approaching band of villagers. Yes, it was true, they were entering into their home, their only home after having been forced out others. Kyoko had given them salvation, and each and everyone would die for her if need be. Such were fanatics.

Wielding their finely crafted items, their skills and numbers would see them through... all the whilst a little girl watched from the walls with eyes wide in excitement, her white hair feeling the cold caress of the night’s wind. Little Azumi was finally witnessing death at a grander scale, and her demonic blood called for it. If only Father was here…

Ilmryn · April 12, 2004, 09:08 AM

Ilmryn's stride stalled for but a second when the horn sounded. And with a shrug he made himself move again. With his breath all but gone his eyes narrowed as he glanced to his side to check on the mob of villagers.
He kept expecting them to turn and run, but so far none had.
With a trembling hand he removed the blanket that held his swords and began to wield a saber in each hand. He tucked the banket into a rather large pocket inside his cloak, he planned to use everything he possibly could in this battle.
He gave a small grunt as he cleared his throat and turned towards the dracon.
"Be well through this, friend." He gave an imitation smile as he focused on the approaching hoard

Glingal · April 12, 2004, 07:43 PM

The winged lizard wrapped his taloned hands tightly around the handle of his mighty sword as he charged blindly ahead. His wings flared then pulled close to his body were they where safest. He glanced to the elf and began to wonder, ' What does battle do to such a man? He and his entire race hates me and my people. The hatred within him is implanted in his every being since his birth, and yet when he must fight he will throwaway all he has been taught. How far has he branched away from his own people? Well, this is not the time to ponder, we shall see how far his righteousness reaches.' Glingal let out a bloodthirsty battle cry as he neared his foes.

Mortimer · April 12, 2004, 08:30 PM

ooc: Sorry for the delayed post. Real life came calling.

Mortimer had rode quietly on his pony. He had taken a club from the undead they fought earlier, just in case he had more misfortunes with his axe. He rode behind Marnia quietly. She seemed distressed, heck they all did. They all knew they were going to their deaths.

Once they spotted the army in front of them Mortimer dismounted. Although he could ride a pony now, he could certainly not fight on one. He set the beast on its way, knowing the animal would just head back into town seeking food.

Mortimer listened to Marnia's words and smiled. For the first time in his life Mortimer was doing something. Granted it might be the last of his life, but at least he was about to make a difference, not slave away in a warehouse moving boxes.

Mortimer put his newly found club in hand, and his axe was on his back for quick access. He prepared for the battle. He moved forward with Marnia, prepared to strike.

Calvin · April 13, 2004, 04:16 PM

500 against 50.

50 men standing on the barren wasteland surrounding Dar Havark, naked from any sort of coverage whatsoever. They stood there in a lump of violence, commanded by nobody but their own insane minds.

As the thundering herd of ratta approached, they could tell the army was obviously commanded well as the various regiments performed complex troop movements to better the odds in their favor. A line of spearrats would come at them first, followed by a group of infantry carrying shortswords and shields. Behind them, a group of archers took hold so as to shoot at the fifty citizens of Acumin before they were even engaged. Others followed, the reserves mostly. They would be sent out after the initial attack to crush whomever remained.

It was obvious to anyone with any sort of combat training that this was a fight the paltry group of Acuminers could not win. They would be swept away by a giant wave of rats.

The worst part was, the ratta weren't even what they had to worry about. Maliciousness stirred in the depths of Dar Havark. It would soon rise if need be.

The spearrats were no more than fifty yards away. Soon a rain of arrows would claim the first of the Acumin force. They had but a moment to draw their battle lines or turn tail and run.

Marnia · April 13, 2004, 07:11 PM

Marnia bit her tongue. She knew that as the leader she shouldn't run, and as a Katta she shouldn't run. No matter how large and intimidating the army was. Or how well trained it seemed. Or how it seemed carefully organized. She breathed in and got off her horse, so at least it had a chance of getting out. The Katta muttered something in KattaSpeak to herself as if for reassurance, to boost her confidence. She was too afraid to turn around, afraid that most of the few number citizens had ran off. Marnia knew that their chances were next to nothing, well more like nothing now, but she couldn't flee. It would be weak and dishonorable.

"I'll buy you a drink when this is all over," Marnia promised the Dwarf with a grin on her lips. It was a good time to act positive and optimistic, considering that there wasn't much else to do anymore. She silently promised herself to make sure the Dwarf got through this all somehow, she couldn't help it. He was as good as a friend as she had right now considering that most of her friends were smart enough to leave the Prime way back.

Marnia breathed in deeply like it might be her last breath of fresh air. "Line up!" She shouted to the increasingly pathetic seeming army, turning her head so that her voice would carry to those behind her. In her mind if they were lined up, it would be harder for the enormous army to encircle them, thus reducing the change of an attack from behind. It was all she could think of, time was short and they didn't have much resources to work off of.

The Tigron was completely tense now; her ears were folded back behind her head, her tail flickered quickly like a ribbon in the wind, her fur stood on end, and her whiskers were pressed back. All signs of anticipation and battle. Marnia focused her eyes on the frontmost row of Rattas. Then her eyes flickered to the tower behind the army. If they were to pass this army, there was bound to be trouble in the tower. Still, the tower seemed an awful lot more friendly than the army. Perhaps if there was a way to slip through the army and reach the tower? Surly the tower had to hold the weak link to this seemingly unbeatable force.

It didn't even pass her mind anymore, the chance that Avanthar wasn't the town attacker. It only seemed a little odd that they were facing an army of Ratta rather than undead. The Katta turned to face the makeshift army a final time, "Try to reach the tower," she called to them. Not only did it seem logical and organized to have a goal in battle, but the idea that it might hold some sort of weak link was still stuck in the Katta's head.

With that, the Katta started to charge towards the army in hopes of leading the way. Her claws were extended and she was baring her feline fangs at the rodents. Her mind went blank and her adrenaline rush took over as she realized there was no delaying the battle.

Ilmryn · April 13, 2004, 08:29 PM

Ilmryn's body tensed, his twin saber posed to parry the spears aimed at him. His eyes show fear, and sweat began to show upon his face. Every fiber of his being yelled run, but he could not, he had to fight.

"I do not think this is a wise choice!" He shouted towards Marnia. And he could tell by the looks of those that stood on his side that they agreed. He looked at his allies, to his left was a small peasant that he did not reconized who, Ilmryn believed, had recently urinated on himself. To his right stood the dracon ,Glingal.

"This look like this is it, my friend," He said with a smile, " I wish you well in this battle, but something tells me that doesn't really matter."

With a stern look and a fierce roar he raised his right saber to lead the parry.

Stinli Forpe · April 18, 2004, 12:40 PM

It had been cycles... Cycles since the gnome had been inside the great four walls of the tower Dar Havark. And since he has spoken with his master, Lord DarkSoul, leader of the Brotherhood. The gnome had been in hiding, hiding from the rest of Telath, but it was time to return, time to carry on with the chaos and darkness the gnome had began to spread throughout alleria. It was time to return to Dar Havark… Time to continue his training. Time to learn more of Jorel, the dark lord.

Climbing from under a bramble patch deep inside the Dolwoods the fian gnome began to gather all his stuff, and by mid brightening had set off towards Dar Havark in search of his master and the rest of the Brotherhood. Skylaw carried the gnome through all of the days Brightening and late into the Darkening without any pauses. The little brownie wanted to get there as quick as possible. The bird was tiring by the end of the day, it needed water.

“W’ot is ‘dis!?” Stinli muttered as they flew above the barren lands surrounding the tower, whilst peering through the night at the mass of dark marching figures charging towards another smaller group of figures. “W’ot av me’sa missed!?” he whispered to himself, noticing the glint of armour and sword in the moonlight. The gnome ordered his bird forwards towards the mass of shapes he wasn’t going to miss out on a chance to kill big nobs or the likes. The gnome readied his twig for poking.