(Regional Quest) Will of the Defiler

by **Verilian** on July 6th, 2012, 6:40 pm

OOC: Only post here if you want to go on the quest to Sahova, and have already signed up
Timestamp: 50th of Summer, 512 AV

Everyone was gathered in the courtyard of the Vitrax, a place usually forbidden to all but members of the Ebonstryfe and Black Sun. This day things were different, however, and the courtyard was crowded with mercenaries and adventurers alike. For the past ten days Ravok had been recruiting, though few people knew the exact details of the mission they were going on. All they did know was that the reward would be great, and that they would be fulfilling the wishes of Rhysol himself on their mission. The crowd chattered idly as they waited for the announcement that was to come, waited to find out just what exactly they would be doing.

A hush came over the crowd as a massive man walked out onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Though few present save for the Chaon marked themselves had ever seen the man personally, almost all the Ravokian's recognized him immediately. It was Ebonlord Gru'tral, leader of the Ebonstryfe and the current ruler of Ravok with the Voice being away on business. The man raised a hand for silence, though it was unnecessary, all attention was already upon him.

"My faithful Ravokians," his voice boomed out over the courtyard, "It pleases me that so many of you have enlisted in this most holy undertaking. I'm sure many of you are wondering what exactly it is you have enlisted for, and I will tell you."

"In five days we will be traveling to the island city of Sahova, home of the undead Nuit. We have discovered that the Knights of Syliras are going there in force to claim an artifact of great power.. we must get it first. This is the will of Rhysol, and it is our job to see it done. We must do everything in our power to make sure the Knights do not lay their hands on this artifact. It belongs here, in Ravok, and that is where it shall be!"

The Ebonlord paused for a moment, allowing the crowd to process the information so far. They all knew they were going to be going on a dangerous mission, but they hadn't know exactly where they were going or who they would be facing. The Syliran Knights alone were dangerous foes, but rumors of what the Nuit could do were almost as frightening.

"We will, of course, be rewarding anyone who returns successfully from their mission," Gru'tral started once more. "Return home triumphant, and you may choose between two rewards. A sum of five thousand gold mizas, or a single item of your choice from the Ebon Vault."

The reward had many people chattering and cheering. Five thousand mizas was enough to set a person up for life, but the Ebon Vault was rumored to contain all sorts of powerful magical items. The Ebonlord left the balcony, leaving the people to decide for themselves what they wanted to do. There was a registry that needed to be signed, and a choice that needed to be made, though if they wanted to change their reward when they returned they were welcome to do so. After that, they had five days to prepare for the journey ahead. The Ebonstryfe would not wait for anyone who fell behind.

OOC Information :

Edit: I changed the quest reward, so please make sure you reread.

by **Rhakash** on July 6th, 2012, 11:29 pm

Rhakash had been laying low as he worked at the docks, biding time, waiting for an opportunity, keeping an ear to the ground for any whispers of Uldr and his followers. He began hearing whispers of a gathering in an area known as the Vitrix, a place he'd never visited. He'd asked around, confirmed, reaffirmed, until he was certain this meeting was happening, and it was something big. And he would be there.

Rhakash shoved, elbowed, and growled his way to the front of the growing crowd, ensuring a spot right in the middle of the front row. His neck craned back as an absolute mountain of a man stepped out onto the balcony. Even from all the way down here, he was absolutely huge. He was clearly not a man you'd want to meet in fair combat, but could certainly be a powerful ally. In a voice, much deeper than expected, the man spoke, and Rhakash listened to every word. And he heard what he'd been waiting for. Sahova. Nuit. If anyone had a connection to Uldr, it was the undead, and rumors of Sahova spoke of the island brimming with them. He'd never really run in with the Syliras Knights, but everyone knew of their large numbers and peacekeeping attitudes. Never bother. He'd be killing two birds with one stone on this mission for Rhysol. Maybe he wasn't such a bad god after all. After all, look at the glory and beauty of his city, the nature of his people, the devotion of the whole.

No one loved Uldr, the god himself ensured it. He heard the rewards, money was tempting, but unknown goods from the treasure chest of a god? That could not be passed up. For if he wanted to kill a god, he'd probably need the help of a god. The people were exploding in cheer, celebration, and divine fervor. Rhakash saw men setting up some paperwork, and he assumed it to be a way of keeping track of who was coming, and he made sure that he was at the very front of the line. He signed his name on the registry, and opted for the vault reward, and not the Mizas. Looking the registrar in the eyes, "You have my axe, my devotion, and my unbeating heart. I'll see you again in five days." And with that rare admission of his state of being, he turned, and left, planning on packing everything he owned, in order to get one step closer on killing the god he hated, and releasing the woman he loved with all his heart, his dead heart.

by **Rezren** on July 7th, 2012, 12:39 am

Rezren sat at the corner of the courtyard patiently waiting for the next part of the gathering to commence. He didn’t trust any of the mercenaries or cutthroats that were there so keeping his back to a corner where he couldn’t be flanked or backstabbed seemed like the natural thing to do. He was taking notes in his head while the others chatted or sat silently. Rezren wasn’t totally unfamiliar with some of the faces, and while he made observations, he also was pulling information he had stored away about people he knew. It was all habit after years of training, but the mercenary still wasn’t particularly great at it.

His process was interrupted unfortunately by a noticeable hushing of the crowds. The silence was sudden and total. The source couldn’t be debated… Gru’tral dominated the crowd with his mere presence. Rezren had never seen him in person, but he had heard rumors and stories. None of the stories really did the man justice though. He was truly an enormous man. He considered momentarily whether calling Gru’tral a man was even appropriate. “A monster actually…” He muttered under his breath.

The Ebonstryfe leader’s voice felt like thunder in Rezren’s chest. The man’s words managed to inspire him despite his skepticism. The purpose and direction he hungered for would be satisfied by the quest… at least for the time being. The results could easily kill one dream and fulfill another, but he was also worried about his life which was equally as killable as his dreams. Nuits and Knights were not enemies to be trifled with, but perhaps his allies would prove even more formidable. With such a significant reward, Rezren wouldn’t be surprised if some powerful people decided to tag along.

The item interested him more than the gold. He imagined the Ebon Vault carried some very desirable items. No matter where he was in terms of identity or ethics by the end of the quest, such an item would no doubt prove invaluable. Rezren went to the registry and filled out the information. After a moment of feigned consideration, he opted for the Vault reward. With a satisfied smile, he walked away from the crowd signing the registry. He looked around for some of his future allies. Maybe he could create some friendships or alliances in order to aid survival.

He whistled a friendly tune and strolled around. Looking for people to talk to but looking equally willing to strike up a conversation if someone saw him.

by **Yaotl** on July 7th, 2012, 7:06 am

For once, she was in a truly pleasant mood. The sun was shining, glaring down upon Ravok like a happy harpy, and the air was crisp and fresh, bringing with it a revitalizing scent of the docks and the fish being processed there.

She really did hate seafood.

Yaotl had her hair done up, her appearance tailored to suit the impression she intended to make on the Ravokians. Although her ledgers had dipped into the red after Spring, she did not allow this to reflect too openly upon her appearance. Sure, her dress was a bit loose, and there were dark rings around her eyes, but she acted with the same decisive, judging cruelty that she had seasons previously.

Listening to Gru'tal, the Priest all Ravokians knew on sight, if not in person, Yaotl took his words as invitation to a chance of great profit, and great renown. The hoighty-toighty men and women of Zeltiva, and the snobbish Knights of Syliras, would remember the day that the true visionaries of Ravok beat them to the object so coveted by the living dead of Sahova. The Ebonlord, in his dirty, defiling greatness, seemed to grin maliciously as the people of Ravok hooted and cheered at the sound of the reward. It seemed most were glad at the chance for money, but even as she glanced around, some of them seemed just a tad bit cowardly around the eyes. What use were they if they stayed home and lazed about as the Defiler ordered them to go out and retrieve something for him. These were contracted people, mainly. What was their purpose for being in the great, waterlogged city if they couldn't do what they'd been bought for?

Foreigners. Seriously.

The thought of a special item from the ebon vault was truly something to slaved over. What could be found there, gathering dust, that she could put to use? Maybe she could find something that would help her reach divinity, or maybe she could find something that could kill a god all on its own, but whatever reward it turned out to be, she sure hoped it would be well worth having to deal with sweaty people for who knows how many days.

Green eyes found the tables of the registrars, and her body turned to step towards them, idly. She liked to listen to the words passed between carelessly flapping lips, so while she waited her turn in the growing line, she overheard many people telling their oh so interesting recruitment stories to one another.

When she stood before a registrar, she looked down the bridge of her nose at him, disdainfully at best. In such a good mood that she was, she didn't actually scowl at him, or turn up her nose to look down even lower at him.

"I want in," she said. "I'm a loyal resident and citizen of the city, and Rhysol's will just so happens to lead the same way mine does." She took the form he offered, amused with how these people seemed to like their registries, and signed her name, as well as the reward she desired. She knew they would succeed, as whose will could deter that of a people led by a god? She selected the reward from the vault, as there were more important things than money, and returned the registry, retaining the following information dispensed by the registrar before stepping aside for some other person.

She decided to linger.

by **Jeram** on July 7th, 2012, 8:40 am

The courtyard that everyone was gathered in was a familiar sight for Jeram. As an apprentice he has walked through this place to get to the Vitrax many times. Unlike the normal people of the crowd he was standing off to one of the sides like all Ebonstryfe members and apprentices were that were attending. Before anything had started Jeram decided to stay quite and not mingle yet. He noticed a few familiar faces in the crowd but most of them were strangers. He was mostly looking for anyone that might be suspicious as it would be annoying if any trouble might occur. Of course everyone was probably tested before they were allowed to come but you could never be too careful.

Since he wasn't a soldier yet he still didn't have a uniform that all members of the Stryfe wore so he was currently in his street clothes. Though his flail and shield might make him stand out a little along with his slightly above average frame from working out. It was soon that Gru'tral made his appearance and gave a terrific speech. Jeram had seen the statue many times so he recognized the Ebonlord instantly. It felt like such an honor to be in the presence of such a strong and powerful being. The druvin was not something that Jeram didn't recognize but Gru'tral was always different. While most druvin looked neat and perfect Gru'tral looked more tough and accustomed to battle, such as the supreme leader of the Ebonstryfe should.

After hearing the speech Jeram was a little surprise. Even with his connections he did not know that they would be going to Sahova. It seemed like a burden to travel so far away from their great city but it was a thing that he had to do. Not only could finding this item help the city of Ravok and Rhysol himsel, it would also net himself a pretty good amount of money or a large house if he wanted. Also he might get the satisfaction of bashing a Sylrian Knight or two while they were there which always sounded like a pleasant thing to do. As the Ebonlord began to walk away, the whole entirety of the Ebonstryfe that was in the courtyard cheered "For Ravok! For Rhysol!" which included Jeram. He didn't hesitate to quickly sign up at the registry in which he would register for the mizas for now since he could still choose when he came back. After he finished signing up he made sure to stay and keep watch in case anyone decided to go out of control.

by **Hush** on July 8th, 2012, 5:39 pm

And so it was with roaring applause they would be marching to shallow graves. A man his age already knew that behind the cash prizes and promises of artifacts of untold power that at the source of it it was nothing more then a clever ploy to entertain ones wildest dreams. The offer usually is to good to be true. You had to weigh consequences, this looked like a suicide mission.

When this hits the fan it will collapse in on itself and become a vortex swallowing everything in its path; a regular shyk-tastrophe. When the calamity was over probably half the people would be dead, those lucky enough to still be considered alive would then be dumped in the grinder and blended to puree in tides of clashing steel.

They screamed Rhysols name with wildly savage vigor.
Mark his words; this thunderous boom would turn to pleas of salvation.

Funny thing the gods, how they sit perched on mortal shoulders proclaiming there greatness when it is man that carries them.

Suprising that the mercenary wasnt in it for the money, something pulled at the old dogs strings. A chance to get even the only way he knew how, with blood and iron. A fools folly, but what was left for this collosus of a man?

Signing away his life or what was left of it after the wait at the registry he was ready to be deployed.

For those that cared he opted for an item of his choosing in the vault.

by **Bojovnik Vybutit** on July 9th, 2012, 3:24 pm

This was it. It was going to begin very soon the quest to take this magical artifact for Ravok. The will of the gods meant nothing to Bojovnik the money or the item made him most excited. Whatever he could find would more than likely set him up for life. Not to mention what he might find on the way to the city.

The crowd was cheering and so was Bojovnik, he had to make it look like he was doing this for the gods if almost everyone else is doing it for that reason. He figured they would be leaving Ravok and that made him feel safer knowing he stayed in this city far to long. Not every day you get to come to a city and get to leave with your eyes set on riches and nothing was better then getting a reward. When it finally clicked that the Syliras knight's are going to made him worried. Not only where they strong but they had numbers. Numbers it looked like these would be adventures didn't have.

Bojovnik scanned the crowd knowing many would most likely not be coming back from this grand adventure. He walked up tosigned the paper and passed by a familiar face. Rezren, he hadn't seen the fellow mercenary in a long time as he walked by he gave him a nod but continued walking and signed a sheet opting for the gold but figured he could change it again later.

by **Verilian** on July 18th, 2012, 8:50 pm

Many people had come to sign up, and the Ebonlord was pleased. There was plenty of reward to go around, Ravok was pulling out all the stops for this mission. And he was certain that they would succeed. The knights had their numbers, but they were followers of a dead god. With Rhysol on their side, the Ebonlord knew Ravok would prevail. They would take the fragment for themselves, and for the glory of the defiler.

OOC

Okay everyone, feel free to keep signing up in this thread. I will post the timeline again so you know where you are and when. Also please feel free to thread on your own. I will run some modded threads, but you can also make up stories with each other. You'll be traveling to different cities as well, and will have time to RP in them outside the boundaries of the quest. Here is the timeline one more time:

55th of Summer - The Group leaves Ravok, headed for Nyka.
70th of Summer - Ravok arrives in Nyka
10th of Fall - Ravok leaves Nyka by sea
20th of Fall - Ravok arrives in Sunberth
30th of Fall - Ravok leaves Sunberth
35th of Fall - Ravok arrives in Sahova

So, you can do threads in Ravok up until the 55th. Any threads between the 55th and the 70th need to be in the Wildlands. Then you are free to play in Nyka until the end of the season. Keep a look out for any quests that may pop up there. When fall gets here, we'll head for Sunberth.

Finally, here is the first of many modded threads to come. It's open to the first three who enter:

Just a Simple Scouting Mission

Remember, you must post in this thread first to be eligible for any of the other threads. If you have any questions, send me a PM.

by **Raenfae** on July 19th, 2012, 1:12 am

Raenfae stood waiting, having found his way here through the easy sound of people talking, of interesting happenings, of the courtyard being open to the public, and of great rewards. Seeing a chance to make new friends, new contacts and to gain rewards to further his life.

A large man, a face anonymous to Raenafe but yet known to him as well. Gru'tral. The man was the leader of the Ebonstryfe, a man that should be respected at the very lest and probably feared as well. As the crowd turned to him, he began his speech, his voice deep and powerful. He spoke of a...holy...quest to gain an artifact that the Ebonstryfe claimed belonged here.

To Raenfae, it did not matter. The dance of gods and goddesses was beyond him and until one so marked him as theirs, he would not claim one as his. Though, in Ravok it was Rhysol, as it would be on this quest. After all, to this diety he was but a tool, so why not use the diety in the same manner.

Raenfae listened, at the same time looking around at the others gathered here. Outsiders and Ravokians alike. To him, it did not matter. Everyone was a potential ally and potential enemy, even on this quest.

Listening to the speech, Raenfae decided officially to go. He knew his lover would understand, the chance for such treasure too good to pass up. Moving to the table, Raenfae signed his name and signed up for the gold. He figured digging an item out if he changed his mind would be easier than getting five thousand gold mizas ready. Stepping back, he took one last look at who else was here, deciding he should probably get to know someone...maybe.

by **Malice** on July 19th, 2012, 6:22 pm

Leaning against a pillar, Malice listens to Ebonlord Gru'tral give his speech about the importance of retrieving a artifact of great importance from the Nuits before the Knights of Syliras do. Malice would really care less about the politics involved in acquiring this object of great power, but the words that really perked his interest was five thousand miza reward. A large grin appears on his face when he hears his favorite words money or magical reward. Oh his enemies will pay a steep price if he got either of those handsome rewards. Malice decides to make his way to the front of the crowd to the sign up desks. Malice decides to take his place in the ever growing line of treasure seekers. Malice knows everyone in this line has their own reason for going on this quest. All Malice knows is it is opportunity of a life time, and whatever happens during this ordeals on Nyka. Malice will make a name for himself one way or another.

Coming to the front of the line, Malice waits there patiently for his turn to come. He twists his neck a little to stretch neck muscle. He looks over the table with two armored clerks behind the table. He hears one of call, “Next person. Please step to the table.” Malice makes his way to the table and smiles at the clerk. The middle man looks him over and nods with a straight face, “Sigh your name son and tell me the reason you wish to gain this artifact for the glory of Rhysol.” Malice looks at the man and takes the quill and dips it in the ink and sighs his name. After he is done, Malice straighten up and flashes him a grin, “Honestly friend I care little for what Rhysol wants to do with this artifact, but for the money Rhysol is offering for this artifact. I would sell my mothers soul for a chance to get my hands on that kind of money or magical reward for the glory of Rhysol.” The armored clerk smirks at the half Zith and laughs quietly to himself. He sticks out a hand to Malice and says, “Good luck to you Malice Ravenmoon and happy hunting to you warrior of fortune.”