[Location] House Chaos Dawn, Third House of Har'oloth

Kalinda · March 6, 2005, 10:23 AM

The shadows danced and enveloped the caverns with their blackened grasps, clinging to the tunnel walls and stealing the light from them. The absence of luminosity derived from the fact that this was the subterranean demesne of Har’oloth, where entropy ran rampant and virulence prowled behind every corner. To those spawned upon the surface world, travel within the precarious city was ever a risky prospect, for perils beyond the magnitude of fear were prevalent at all moments. Yet, to those accustomed to this conventional lifestyle, the traditions of the Undercity were welcomed and embraced. For only races that were acclimated to the darkness dared dwell beneath Telath’s mainland. Few braved the depths of the subversive realm when unnecessary. After all, a minority of places to and fro the extremes of Alleria were familiarized with the omnipresence of danger. There was one race in particular, however, that was more than habituated with this chaotic type of existence. They were a nation renowned throughout the histories of Telath and their very names inspired fear in all who’d heard of them. They were a society born betwixt the parameters of war, and bred for the sole purpose of sowing destruction.

They were the Vysstichi.

The expansive fortress remained situated on the lowest plane of the sinister city, exuding a foreboding presence that testified to its authority and strength. Albeit paling in comparison to the grandeur of House Crescent Moon and Embracing Oblivion, House Chaos Dawn reeked with pride and arrogance attributed to its unique splendor and construction. The cave in which the noble manor was located spread for nearly one hundred meters across and half as many high. The subsurface castle extended the width of the mouth of the immense cavern; equating in a formidable and tightly secured stronghold whose sole entrance was at the front of the colossal estate. A framework of obsidian linked pikes formulated the perimeter gates of the fortress. Each of the neatly crafted poles were chiseled and sharpened to a fine point atop and elongated to nearly a dozen feet in the air, resulting in a virtually impenetrable barrier. However, it wasn’t the magnificence of the handiwork of the metal pieces that was staggering, but rather the myriad vines that weaved around the circumference of each pole. The tendrils were tainted in the emblematic hue of jade, though they radiated a rare and unusual crimson aura that suggested magical properties pertaining to them. If one dared brave a touch of these mystical additions to the gates, they would swiftly discern the anguish that these devices would bestow.

There were no apertures in the fence save the center where two onyx elven-steel gates were poised on finely oiled hinges. There was a miniscule mechanism and pulley system positioned on both the left and rightward side of the entrance. Both apparatuses were manned by a contingent of male dark elves who were adorned with regal armature and weaponry tempered from the forges of House Chaos Dawn itself. The Vysstichi entourage consisted of no less than fifty soldiers at all times, providing the backbone and security of the entire compound. Each of the warriors were well-trained and sported modernized equipment manufactured by the most elite blacksmiths within the city. Prevalent upon each of the plate mail breastplates of these vigilant warriors was the perceptible emblem of House Chaos Dawn. A jade moon underlined what appeared to be a manipulated long sword. The blade was green and the cross hilt was a wisp of a vine. Finally, the hilt was carved out in the imitation of a six-legged spider, whose eyes gleamed almost surreally with a ghastly ebony hue. The insignia was representational of the combination of druid and necromantic heritage from which the clan was distinguished from most others.

Beyond the scope of the ominous perimeter were the parade grounds. Countless dark elves dotted the earthen field at intermittent times in the brightening, though it was predominantly trekked by thin columns of Vysstichi guards on patrol. Their purpose was to secure the magnificence of the fortress behind them, which towered spectacularly to the peak of the cavern ceiling. The same vines that had interwove around the fence hugged the adamant fortification, ensuing in blackened walls embellished by a ruby radiance. The castle contained four tiers, limited by the height of the overhead maximum. However, the base of the manor stretched for quite some time until becoming wedged against the side of the cavern. The main facility was bordered by an outer wall. Crossbowmen and other armed figures lined the ramparts of the area and remained lookouts in the event that the initial gate had been breached unexpectedly. The battlement formed an arc over the secondary pair of doors, which were reinforced by an elven steel pole that reached horizontally across the diameter of the pieces and could only be removed from the inside to prevent passageway.

House Chaos Dawn itself was an imposing sight. Each part of the multileveled stronghold contained ledges in which defenders could line, spewing forth weapons of destruction capable of stalling if not entirely disassembling their enemies. Two towers replaced the corners of the facility, serving practically for defense and design purposes as well. The center of the primary wall was elevated near the summit of the cave's altitude, ultimately to intimidate and forewarn any visitors of the elegance and vigor of Har'oloth's third noble clan. Winding from the secondary gate to the chief entrance of the castle itself was a narrow road from which individuals or patrols alike could trek. A trail of yellow lights dotted the outline of the pathway, finally leading to the Third House of Har’oloth itself. The walls, which were once dominated by shades of black, were obstructed by miniscule blemishes of druidic overgrowth. Many of the vines in which had coiled about the stagnant fortress had implanted their offspring in the thickened walls, fostering for others like themselves to gradually overwhelm the entire facility.

Beyond the front doors was the prime foyer, which was heavily furnished in elaborate arrays of green and onyx shades. The floor itself was not assembled by normal means of wooden boards and nails, but rather a finely strewn blanket of grass knitted tightly together to serve as a solid foundation. Insidious flora decorated the walls and the ceilings, growing out of the purposefully carved cracks and flourishing along the interior. The main hall was octagonal in shape and each side steered off in long passageways that led to other locations of the castle. On the sides of each additional doorway was a pair of jade statues molded in the shapes spiders. However, these spiders were unusual as each of their six legs contained a multitude of weaponry including swords, spears, whips, and axes. The figurines glowed intensely with a fluorescence deriving from magical means, insinuating something unique about each of the sculptures. A grand stairway was present in the back of the octangular room, gradually ascending upwards through each of the tiers of the mansion. There were openings on each side of the flight of gold-embroidered steps as well, branching off as to allow travelers entrance to the other floors. At the very summit of the stair case remained another illustrious set of doors. Each frame was predominantly crafted from countless numbers of tiny emeralds and finally outlined in bands of pure gold. This was the throne room of the Matron of the Third House of Har’oloth: Varelinen Vhid D’issan

Contrary to the other houses in Har'oloth, the royal chambers were instilled with activity subsequent of the many figures that often inhibited it. The matriarch of the clan often held counsel with those amongst her most trusted administrators, which primarily included her three daughters, three sons, the Weapon's Master, the House Mage, and any other consorts who'd entered her ring of trust. The anteroom was constantly occupied by two neatly lined columns of guards which flanked the dais in the back of the matron's throne. Unlike the rest of House Chaos Dawn's soldiers, however, these were the matron's personal escorts. The 'Dark Druids' were a company comprised of all females rigorously tutored in the arts of druidism and swordsmanship. Their prowess and effectiveness on the battlefield had earned them a notorious and revered title throughout all of Har'oloth and there were none within the Vysstichi city who didn't recognize their rank. Their allegiance was granted solely to the master druidess of House Chaos Dawn and there were few places that she traveled in their absence.

Albeit having a relatively absent voice in the politics of Vortex's Vysstichi realm, they were a force to be reckoned with and regarded at all times. For whilst the others hoarded wealth and influence in their homes and directed it towards the surface, House Chaos Dawn amassed its power and readied for the moment when its grandness would be translated unto the rest of Har'oloth. The Third House had remained comparatively 'quiet' over the duration of the past several patterns, though this was all subject to evolve soon enough. The once abeyant clan whose presence had been obscure and nearly absent outside of its own residence was beginning to unveil portions of its' flourishing nature. And this revelation would soon enough become conspicuous to all of Har'oloth and eventually the world.

Written by Faust D'Rinishad.

Malice · January 1, 2007, 03:17 AM

Malice knew from her mother she would never have the pure blood to be accepted but the Kitrye'veresi. Nor did she have any intention of joining a doomed house like Esh’lahier, thought Malice knew her chances were slim, at best they would merely laugh in her face at worst Malice didn't want to think about it.
Malice strolled towards the gates of Chaos Dawn, her hart pounded with fear as she remembered the stories her mother told her of this very house. Malice knew the stories were to scare her into obedience along with threats of abandoning her at the gates of this house but this was her best chance at a life. When Malice came to the two onyx elven-steel gate she looked up and along the wall that severed as the houses defense, taking a deep breath Malice drew her dagger and placed it on the ground before her before. Standing there Malice didn't wish to provoke the guards and was willing to submit to the guards.

Kalinda · January 3, 2007, 04:08 AM

On the contrary, the Kitrye’veresi would have been most likely to accept one that was half human – their last Matron had consorted with the lesser races, and there had even been rumours that she had given birth to a lightborn’s bastard – but that House was a bad choice for other reasons. It was undergoing great changes, changes that could either make it stronger or lead to its destruction. While chaos ruled the First House, the Third House, the House of Dark Druids, was still strong. It still followed the old rules, the old traditions. House Chaos Dawn was showing no signs of weakness. The people of Har’oloth were talking about how it would rise in rank and replace the half destroyed Second House.

Fifty men guarded the onyx gates at all times. The Matron took no chances. She was not as foolish as the Kitrye’veresi or as ridiculously tolerant as those of the Second House. She knew what really mattered and how one survived in this city. The warriors had seen Malice long before she had seen them. The Third House knew everything that was going on in Har’oloth. Every visitor, every potential ally or enemy was noticed. Nothing escaped their eyes.

The guards did not move as she approached. They stood there, weapons ready and regard her. As she put her dagger on the ground, she could hear whispers. Vysstichi wearing heavy armour suddenly appeared all around her. Swords were pointing at her. “Explain yourself, half breed”, one of the men said. “What do you want?”

Malice · January 3, 2007, 06:15 PM

knowing that what she said and did mattered more now, then ever before. replying "I wish to join the ranks of house chaos dawn". Malice paused a bit to settle her nerves before adding "your house is the strongest and the stablest on the houses of Har'oloth. Great times are in-store for chaos dawn, and I wish to be on the winning side" Malice hadn't realized that she was grinning as she said the last part. Having been ridiculed as a half-breed by her every mother Malice had learned to pass off any insult as a gesture of her bloodlines and gave her strength to show she wasn't a mere halfbreed but held the soul of a true dark elf, thus she prized her dark blood more then her anything even loyalty.

Kalinda · January 17, 2007, 02:38 PM

„Don’t they all“, the guard said, more to his comrades than to her. “You are right. Great times are in store for House Chaos Dawn and its Matron, great times indeed, but Varelinen Vhid D’issan does not take everybody that shows up on her doorstep in. Some are sent away, some are killed, and some find themselves in the slave pens. You need to give us two reasons why this kind of fate wouldn’t be appropriate for you. Why should Varelinen Vhid D’issan let a woman whose blood is tainted join her House?”

Amber Brightwing · January 17, 2007, 03:46 PM

Brightening 1 of the First Cycle of The Month of Ponutis in the Season of Winter
Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening

A Vysstichi walked up to gates. He wasn’t a member of any of the houses though, but instead was dressed in the black and purple uniform of the Vortex guard. He had come to deliver a letter baring the cities seal, the last of three he had been carrying The city above had a new thane and he was her messenger.

Secrets :

Malice · January 17, 2007, 05:43 PM

Closing her eyes Malice reached out and grasped her dagger, standing with her head lowered so they couldn't see her face. Malice wasn't a person prone to quick anger, not after what her mother had put her thought. "tainted yes, I'm tainted with filthy human blood but I pride my Vysstichi blood" Malice's tone held clam but her anger was clear. None of the guards would of expected Malice to lash out and not at her self, her dagger flashed and blood flowed as Malice's stabbed her dagger into her hand. Twisting and snapping it out Malice then said "thought tainted my blood is as black as yours, I see my self as a Vysstichi more then any human". smile Malice knew there was no true reason or prof as to why they should allow her to join their ranks, she then said more calmly " there is no reason that would suffice. Very thing has a price, I would gain protection at the cost of service, strength at the cost of my sacrifice and power at the cost of loyalty. I offer myself, loyalty and life at the price that I might gain protection, strength and power, after all thats the way our kind work".

Ai'den Vhid D’issa · January 18, 2007, 12:14 AM

Malice

Slowly, calmly, carefully, the young boy prince stepped out from the gate. His eyes were deep red, sharp and aware. Ai'den's hair was light, nearly white, and while he wasn't large, the boy was an image of the vysstichi male, lean, toned and smart enough to know his place. His place however was slightly better then the one Malice faced, here, among the dark druids she was already dead, the half breed simply wasn't wise enough to know it yet.

Still, here was a half breed wishing to be of service, and the matron's child cocked his head to one side as he watched the male guards question her and her tainted birth.

It was true, his mother might have limited interest in this one, but her youngest son, he could use a pet. "My mother does not bother with the weak." Ai'den said simply, stepping forward and helping to secure the girl's fate.

"Let me have her, I'll give the half breed a moment's notice. I'll check her for branding, for we do not deal with the run away slaves of other houses girl."

"Please, follow me" He gave a passing glance to the lead guard "or you might die where you stand."

ooc: hope you don't mind a new party.

Malice · January 23, 2007, 04:39 PM

OOC: I'm very sorry for being late. and I don't mind if anyone join-in it makes it more fun.

IC: Malice hadn't noticed Ai'den Vihid D'issa standing with the boundaries of the house gate. It was when Ai'den Vihid D'issa finally spoke that Malice noticed him, though at first it didn't seem that he was talking to her or any of the guards. Malice watched Ai'den walked over to her, noting the way he held himself and how walked but kept her thoughts silent. As he spoke to the guards Malice couldn't help but look into his eyes and face, he was quit hansom with his sharp eyes and smooth skin. Malice wasn't as ignorite might of seen, her mother had told her stories of how slaves were treated and of the horrors of torture that nobles did merely for the pleasure of entertainment.

Sheathing her dagger into it's scarab under her tunic Malice followed Ai'den Vhid D'issa, she didn't miss glance he had given to the guards as he added in the last set of words. He would have her killed if she didn't follow but Malice wasn't a gonna ether, her hand ached from the gash she had made and blood dripped from her fingers but that merely made her mind more aware of her surrounding .

Amber Brightwing · January 26, 2007, 01:18 PM

Brightening 4 of the First Cycle of The Month of Ponutis in the Season of Winter
Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening

Just like a few months before a Vysstichi dressed in the black and purple uniform of the Vortex guards walked up to gates to deliver a letter bearing the seal of the Thane of Vortex.

Secrets :

Ai'den Vhid D’issa · February 10, 2007, 05:14 PM

The male saw Malice as only a passing entertainment. She was a half breed, and within the pure house could never be anything more then a slave. That was simply the way of things. She could be a slave feared in the city, but she would need to accept the simple fact that her blood was no longer hers to spill.

He didn’t ask her what her name was, and likely didn’t care. What he did say was one calm word, one that he expected she follow.

“Strip and leave your things.” He expected she would disrobe, in public, and leave her belongings, her weapons and wealth behind, as though there was no other choice. Ai’den didn’t say it, but there was indeed a threat.

If she did as ordered, and followed him they would come to a hall, one with a large lit fireplace. To the right there was a table, a wooden surface coated in blood and covered with small wounds.

“Lay your arms down, facing up on the surface. I’ll return.” With a hint of a smile the dark elf walked off for a moment, leaving her to do as told.

Malice · February 11, 2007, 07:10 AM

Malice wasn't as naive as she portrait her self, the death of her own mother proved that. Smiling at the image of her thrashing about made malice forget her place, suddenly realizing that the young noble has asked her to strip. while Malice wasn't going to comply to such behavior, she also knew it wasn't an option.
Stripping was easy as her clothing was simple, but Malice was reluctant as to part with her knife in fear of being unable to defend herself.

Knowing what was going to happen didn't help Malice feel any better, but she had little choice now that the matter has progressed this far. Malice had walked over to the table and waited till Ai'den Vhid D'issa had left before taking a position near the door way, waiting silently with her arms folded for the noble to return.

Ai'den Vhid D’issa · February 18, 2007, 03:06 PM

The young darkling returned, with a brand in one hand. It was the same iron press that surfacers used on their cattle, and it was seemingly for her. Ai'den was quiet, his feet hardly made a sound as he moved through the hall, carefully placing the brand in the fire to heat.

"My name is Ai'den." He said simply, moving towards the table, and bidding Malice to follow. "lay down." He ordered, not expecting that she was stupid enough to say no. She had been ordered to wait, with her arms turned upward, but she hadn't. There were pleasures, gifts to be had in a vysstichi house, even as a slave, but one needed to know their place. A slave needed to know how to listen and do as commanded. It was a lesson Malice had to learn if she were going to survive.

"Lay DOWN!"

The male hissed, looking to the knife she still clung too, having refused him a second time.

Malice · February 19, 2007, 01:40 AM

As smile crossed Malice's lips, as she bowed and stated "I shall obey as I have done for with my mother. But in return I shall only serve you" Malice then bowed again but with her head lowered this time.
Malice's body was much like any other Vysstichi's with it's supple with lean muscles, her black skin pickled with goosebumps as through of how she was playing with fire. Her movement was careful and precise as she walked over to the fire to where Ai'den had placed the brand, causally Malice tossed the knife into the fire as she looked into the eyes of the young noble. The Iron had grown to a red hot, and Malice knew that Ai'den would take pleaser in making the branding more painful for her defiance. As Malice made her way to the table she said " I acted in defiance as my last act of freedom, now you may make my a slave of chaos dawn". With the table in front of her Malice waited for Ai'den to brand her, she knew it was going to hurt but it was the only course open to her now.

Ai'den Vhid D’issa · February 19, 2007, 01:27 PM

Only serve him? The young male was curious why she made the offer, though she failed to understand that she wasn’t in a place to make conditions regarding her slavery. Still, it was amusing to hear none the less. It left a smile on the slender elf’s lips, and as she threw her blade into the fire his smile widened a hair. She wasn’t stupid, that was good. She was learning and that was better, but there was still a ways to go. There were still lessons to be learned.

The young woman, the half breed had to learn about respect, and more importantly, about fear.

He circled Malice, and wore the same, spiteful smile. His hand rested on her shoulder, and gently turned her to face him. He turned her so her back was to the wooden bench, and then the fingers wandered. Parted, they drifted across the woman’s skin, over her chest, and he seemed to dare her to stop the process. In the end though, his hand stopped mid-chest, between her breasts. Ai’den drew close for a moment, and took a small breath, as though he was about to say something, and firmly pushed the half breed back onto the table.

He pinned her, using the weight of his body, and turned her right hand over so the palm faced upwards. The Forearm was held flat and though he didn’t move there was a simple order.

“Close your eyes.”

He didn’t leave though, but waited patiently as she was expected to do as told. Ai’den waited for her to close her eyes like the good little slave, and once she did, if she did, a knife would be plunged through the palm of her hand, pinning it to the table. Blood would pool, and there would be a lesson in the pain.

“Don’t move, don’t touch it.” He eased off Malice, his weight and warmth pulling away, and he walked to the fireplace for the brand.