To Gather Once More...

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

The Month of Optia in the Season of Summer, of Era II of the Celestine Mandate (Current Pattern) Era XI Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad

An assembly had been called deep within the depths of Dar Havark, beneath the towering spires that stood empty and silent amongst the clouds. Even as vigilant sentries stood guard at the two gates, the host of Dar Havark gathered in ordered ranks in the throne room. Speaking in hushed tones and brief words, the Brotherhood was an assorted group of skilled individuals. They lacked the numbers like the Alyssans or Veldar, yet they were a fierce group, fanatics, and loyal. Still, the group was relatively unknown, having remained in secret as their Lord continued to consolidate power.

The hall was large, immense, crafted by the skilled hands of hundreds of ratta. Depictions of beasts, dark creatures, and war ran throughout the walls, whilst at the center rose a large throne of black stone, a smaller pair on each side. In the center sat Avanthar, as more of his minions moved into position. As usual he was garbed in his mithril armor, an aura of tangible power radiating off his black form as he brooded silently. Nemesis, his powerful sword of death, stood at his side, beaming with malice and excitement as usual. A great many now stood before it, its thirst for blood ever consuming the spirit trapped within… yet with an absent tap of its crafted hilt stemmed the murderous desire.

Sitting upon the right was Mistress Kyoko, a draconess Necromancer of exceptional beauty whom regarded the assembly with her calm and cool demeanor. Pale, her long blonde hair was unusually long as she absently tapped her arm rest with long black nails. Garbed in a sleek black dress, her perfect features had been passed on to a smaller figure who sat on the opposite side.

Azumi regarded the assembly with disinterest, her large yellow eyes half closed from boredom. Unlike her mother whom primarily resided within the darkness, Azumi was tanned and strong, and garbed in leather, showing the signs of one whom enjoyed hunting and fighting. Smirking absently at some murderous thought, her innocent appearance hid something terrifying. She was unique… evil… unpredictable… and her powers…

Barog, a striking blond haired man and green eyes, carries an angry red spar running down the right side of his face. Smiling as always he stood in attention as the man whom headed the Irregulars, 35 men whom wielded assorted weaponry at varying levels. Once a simple rabble, they were hardened and re-trained, honing what skills they had against each other after months of hard practice.

Next came goblins whom stood at attention, their beady eyes anticipating the arrival of the great one. The Wolves were a pack of goblin wolf riders whom were skilled with bows whilst mounted and also skilled in the ways of short blades. Gavak, a shrewd goblin adept at poisons and other toxins were their leader, appearing very much like the others save for a tattoo upon his forehead.

Powerful Orcs in heavy armor came next, the powerhouse of the group that hungered for battle. When set loose they unleashed their savage strength, they remained a strong contingent though they numbered only 19. Fearless, they maintained control and order when needed, often frightening lesser kin or the ratta into submission. Erlok, the head captain of the Brotherhood led the Black Guards.

The Blades of Anguish were a small squad of Vysticchi adverse in the arts of stealth and assassination. Even amidst the assembly they chose to stand near the shadows to one side. Masked and dressed for mobility, they carried a myriad of weaponry that were unusually deadly and desired for silent killings. Heading the small division was Sorrav, once from Herozzal, yet was hunted by his kin for some unknown reason. Still it didn’t show upon the merciless assassin, caring little that he would be hunted and killed in his home city.

Perhaps the strongest and most deadly were the Chosen, twelve Dark Ones who had mastered their art to Journeyman. Experienced and well versed in the dark arts for years, they were very well on their way to attaining the next level if such an opportunity rose. As the remaining survivors of the great armies within the Carmelya Ruins, they were simply homeless, Dar Havark proving to be their second home. Though they were all equal in rank and strength, it was the elder Kargon whom led.

What dominated the cavern were the Ratta, the Shadows, over six hundred of the black armored ratta stood unusually silent, most bearing spears, whilst a small proportion carried swords and shields, others had short bows. Talose was the representative of the band, the most cunning and brave amongst them all. Outspoken, he had an unnatural habit of yelling sometimes, much to many of the Brotherhood’s distaste.

Standing offside were those without squads to maintain. The great Sylphis, a powerful Tri-Anklios saurid well versed with warcraft, Grovan and Elkar, the Half-Cyraxins, Terralia, the Priestess, Dekar and Seraphis, the Journeyman Sorcerors, and finally Youek. Each possessed different strengths and weakness, yet recognized for what they brought to the fold. Standing highly amongst Avanthar’s council, they, and the branch leaders, aided Kyoko in the running of Dar Havark. The odd dwarven butcher huddled in the dark corner, absently aware of what occurred here…

Soon they had gathered. With the surprise renovations of Dar Havark, Avanthar had been more than pleased with its results. The many spires that rose to almost impossible heights could house thousands, the desire for the once dracon to build a home for his brethren would prove true, that, and the possible reinforcement of The Brotherhood. Likely candidates to strengthen the forces would eventually come… and soon their numbers would grow once more. The assembly was about to begin, and plans for their next step would be planned here and now as an entire body.

OOC:
- Just a thread to describe some of the NPCs I have here…
- Ready to go hunting for some normal citizen NPCs
- Maybe opportunity to further train NPCs~

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Lifting himself off his throne as he stepped forward proud at what gathered here, he knew that his own forces were nothing compared to the assembly within the Carmelya Ruins where thousands upon thousands of Dark Ones and Half-Cyraxians gathered. That, or even the host that had been sent against Zerdagia, though he cared little for their survival. No. Avanthar connected with the Brotherhood more than any other that followed him, for these were his true loyalists armed with faith. Silence swept the cavern in anticipation of what was to be discussed.

‘Brothers… we have been ill treated… attacked by those of Acumin due to ignorance and blind hate. Yet we showed our wrath and defended our home by strength of both arms and will. We must continue to do so… and not just us… but others less fortunate…’

‘It is time for Dar Havark to grow. We have abided here long enough, now, even our weakest member is capable of holding their own… it is time for us to lend our strength against similar brethren… and perhaps guide them to our cause.’

‘Our power… will grow… up above we have prepared to hold a greater community… both upon the surface and the underground. We shall strengthen our links with the Vysticchi… and consolidate our strength up above. Already negotiations have been underway in the hope of forging powerful alliances.’

‘For the present we remain to defend Dar Havark and maintain peace… I believe that we will attract the notice… both bad and good… and prepare for it. We already have secured enough resources for our continued life here… but the demand will grow… it is something that needs to be worked on.’

‘We shall be busy in the coming months in the management of the top side… but in the end it shall be worth it… each and everyone of you shall aid me… all shall be responsible for the haven we seek to build… I believe that we are able to accomplish the task... I trust you all...'

'We must have patience... patience will eventually give us the chance we need to act. Soon... the true war will be at hand... but we are preparing for it... are we not?

There was little distrust among the Brotherhood. Avanthar had always led them to the right path, gifted them with protection and likely brothers. Here these races mingled more as equals, personal strength and skill weighing far more than race and birth. That, and the fact they truly believed that what they did was for the good of the empire… or more importantly their souls. They were soldiers of death... to pit against the force of chaos upon the world.