Group 38 - Chapter 3 - Darkness Awaits

Jcitalia4 · Post by **Jcitalia4** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:50 pm

Gaelus shifted his weight on his bedroll. He had found a suitable resting place among the higher ups in the camp. Not having much equipment of such position, however, he had to settle for a corner near a warm hearth. He heard several passing conversation, shouts of revelry, moans of ecstasy and the very occasional silence.

He briefly opened his eyes to look at the chains attached to his arm. Just beyond, the desecration corpse of the elven mage stared blankly upwards. He smiled at his new situation. Reflecting on the previous battle things could have really gone south for him very quickly. He was satisfied with his performance, however. He had stared into the chaos of battle and held fast. He knew his courage in the future would be bolstered by these experiences. Yes, today was a good day indeed, he thought to himself as he shut his eyes to drift off to sleep.

Bedded down for the night

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:43 pm

The other shadow warrior was ill-prepared for Nathra as she burst from the trees with a quickly aimed strike, as the elf clumsily swung up to parry her attack she changed it's angle to swipe inside his arm and sever it at the shoulder. She grinned, amused, as blood spurted from the wound in most pleasing fashion. Wasting no time in revelling on her easy victory over the clumsy prey, she struck again to sever the shadow warriors head and send it tumbling with a bounce towards the male shade in the clearing.

She watched as the corpse collapsed to the ground and bent down over it. The female shade quickly searched it for any valuables or equipment she could put to use herself, them being of a similar background, perhaps she might find something more useful than a few gold coins. Glancing over to the male shade, she could see that he was indeed not too shabby in a fight, since he still seemed to alive. Lucky sod.

Perhaps nothing more than a hunch, she suddenly got the feeling that her and the male shades chance meeting was more than just coincidence. But why would he be looking for her? He was present at the generals pavilion when he administered the promotion of the foolish warrior, so what had happened when she left? She had no interest in a meeting with the general and decided to play it safe, on the off chance their meeting was perhaps coordinated by the general or the male shades actions. Quickly appraising the corpse for any distinguishable feature she then roughly cut it off - she took the token of her kill simply as insurance.

Nathra did want to take any chances with the male shade, she knew that he alone would not be enough to persuade her by any means necessary to visit the general, a general whom she knew for certain was hoping for a meeting with her. Taking whatever items she could, she then melted into the forest.

Nathra will swiftly kill the Asur scout. She will loot the corpse for anything useful and for proof of the kill. She will then sneak away into the forest once more and ensure that Umbra will not be able to find her so easily.

Smiler666 · Post by **Smiler666** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 5:47 am

Umbra stayed hidden behind the tree he had dived towards for a few moments, wondering why the so-far dogged asur had stopped shooting at him, it wasn't till he peered tentatively out of cover that he saw that they were in no fit state to fire a bow, in fact breathing might have been an issue for them now. Umbra was pretty sure he saw a winged figure disappear further into the forest and shook his head, "such a sociable woman." Umbra relieved the two shadow warriors he had killed of their quivers and gave each a quick pat down for anything of value they may be carrying then considered what to about sleeping arrangements. He didn't really think sleeping with the collection of corpses was a good idea, but he didn't fancy sleeping with a bunch of untrustworthy soldier types and arrogant officers and noble, in the end Umbra wandered a ways further into the trees, sat at the base of a tree trunk with his bow across his knees in easy reach and fell asleep there.

looting then sleeping in the forest

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:36 pm

Nathra wandered carefully some distance into the forest. She knuckled down on a low branch and cocooned herself in her harpy cloak like an upside down bat. There she sat for a time keeping an eye out for the male shade. But it seemed he was not interested in following her. An interminable time later, what felt like hours, she uncurled herself and silently stalked over to the clearing.

On her way there she stopped by the corpse of the first Asur to be slain and put the back of her hand to his chilled face as she squatted next to him. They tell us not to envy the dead, but I envy you. To be dead, that is easy. Living is difficult, and I have slept enough. Since there was no pressing engagements to attend she took her time going through the corpses pockets and possessions for anything of value. Once finished she made to pull her shuriken from the corpses eye, but after tugging on it the star-shaped projectile seemed well and truly stuck - ever the pragmatist, she supposed it served her right for throwing it so damned hard.

Moving back into the forest again she thought she heard a low sound. Is that... snoring? Following the gentle sound she soon came upon a sleeping, skinny, emancipated male shade with his bow lying by his side. Couldn't be bothered chasing me, huh? Wise move. The beautiful shade decided to leave him to his rest and silently moved away to a nearby tree, which she climbed and settled into a comfortable perch.

If the experience with the Asur scouts was anything to go by, then this male was not accustomed to being out in the wild. So, she would watch over him until the dawn came, or until he woke up, in which case she'll welcome him to the new day with a "good morning".

Looting the other corpse and watching over Umbra as he sleeps. If he wakes up, she'll say a pleasant 'good morning' to him.

Nightcall · Post by **Nightcall** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:35 pm

Umbra and Nathra had been more than a match for the four Shadow Warriors, who now lay lifeless beneath their feet. Looting their corpses, Nathra smiled to herself as she found a curved gutting knife on the hip belt of one of her victims. Umbra had taken the quivers from his two victims. One had been damaged from the fight, but the other was in good condition. In the stained black leather of Nagarythe, he stuffed a bunch of arrows from the damaged quiver into this, adding to his new horde.

Cade, Heldrana, and Khitai, were back at the camp, and were completely aware of the enemy scouts’ manoeuvres in the darkness, as Nathra and Umbra slipped away to find their own places of solitude in which to rest. In a flourish of vengeance, Umbra hung one of the corpses from its ankles from a nearby tree.

Guards kept watch along the boundaries of the Dark Elf camp. Mindful of further attacks, or enemy scouts, they paced the edge of the encampment quietly, ever ready to deal with enemies. Save the odd wolf or carrion bird, no living creature dared near the resting Druchii warriors.

The night passed quickly and without further incident. The slaughter of captives continued until dawn by the Hag and her beautiful maibds, until the cauldron was overspilling with blood. Bathing in its heady contents, the devotees of Khaine relished the essence of their victims, and were rejuvenated both in strength and appearance upon emerging from the bloody shrine. The sorceresses had taken the mages staff to pieces, and the valuable blue stone was now kept safe in a locked box. Clearly it was an important icon of some sort. As the light of day tried weakly to banish the shadows, one of the sorceresses took the box to the general’s tent; his guest leaving quietly as she approached. The two women noticed each other, but did not say a word, as the visitor mounted a black steed, and rode quickly away and out of the camp, back towards the coast.

The sound of hoof-falls woke Nathra and Umbra as the female rode at a gallop past the woodland in which they were camped, and it was not soon after that a clarion call of a war horn was blasted. The troops at the camp were ordered to rank and file.

Cade’s sergeant roared orders to the whole host, and the Cade was called to stand with the general and his retinue, holding the grim standard aloft. Now that the whole host could see the mutilated remains of the Asur champion, cruel laughter and remarks of approval were uttered as they saw or passed the elf who held the flag high.

Fires were extinguished, but the bodies of the prior day’s battle were left to rot where they lay. A suitable reminder to their weak kin that there would be no mercy for those who opposed them. It was not long before the camp was packed up entirely and ready to move out. The well fed hydra at the rear of the ranks we sluggish in the cold morning, but would soon liven up once the host was on the move.

The general scanned the host before him as he sat astride his steed. His cruel eyes glimmered with determination as the Hag approached, carrying a brass bowl filled with blood. A witch elf held a goblet out to her, and she poured some of the bowl’s contents into the goblet. The witch passed the cup to the general in a symbolic rite to absorb the essence of the fallen. He drank deeply, but spared the last drop for Khaine, tipping it up so that the contents pooled on the ground below. The Hag approved, and wetting her hand in the bowl, marked his cheeks with a bloody line with her thumb, before continuing past the other high ranking elves and blessing them in a similar fashion.

‘Today brings doom to those pathetic whelps at the gate. Let us waste no time, it is certain our cousins are eagerly waiting to welcome us. Onwards!’ He shouted, raising his sword and sweeping it forwards. At once all the horns of each unit belted out the order to march, and the sound of many feet marching drummed the sound of nearing death to the elves of Ulthuan.

Nathra, - 1 shuriken ((sorry, forgot to include this with my last post))

Nathra, + 1 gutting knife ((6 inch long curved dagger))

Umbra, + 1 leather back quiver, + 24 arrows ((armour piercing tips))

((End of Chapter 1.

As explained in the OOC thread, you now get your upgrade points. I have based this on participation to make it fair. If you want your full quota of points, then please post regularly, or at least let me know if you are going to be absent.

Nathra, Cade, Umbra, each have been awarded 1 Stat Point & 1 Skill Point

Heldrana & Khitai have been awarded 1 Stat Point

Add the stat points to your current stats, choosing what you would like to improve in. If you wish, you may save up your Skill Points, or choose a new skill now (with a 1 point cost). You can see a full list of what is available in the Character Creation thread.

Please post with your next post here, or in the OOC thread what you have chosen, to help me keep tab.

Don't forget to update your sigs!))

Jcitalia4 · Post by **Jcitalia4** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:46 pm

The pre-dawn shuffling around the camp had awoken Gaelus long before the horns and shouts of the army's leadership. He heard the familiar barks of his old sergeant far into the distance, exerting his new position effectively. He had already washed and tended to his equipment by this point. After a quick stretch and refocusing his mind on the day's possible outcomes, he finished strapping his armor and weapons to his person. What interesting turns will this day bring?, he thought to himself. He knew he was all the closer to his goals. With a quick grin, he gripped the gruesome standard and prepared to move out to take his place with the General. Let's go greet your new followers M'Lord Mage, shall we?

With a step into the early morning air, he erected the standard high. Immediately, those passing or nearby mutters, nodded or snickered. All approving in their own way. Gaelus moved with purpose to the Generals camp place and found many of his retinue gathering. After a short period of time, the general appeared before his assembled army. He conducted a few practiced rituals with the temple's representatives and addressed the army. Today brings doom to those pathetic whelps at the gate. Let us waste no time, it is certain our cousins are eagerly waiting to welcome us. Onwards!, he shouted. With a move of his sword, the horns and drums beckoned the army forwards.

Gaelus paced himself alongside the General, taking in his surroundings and being sure that the standard was well in sight of the troops. Immediately he saw the effect it had. Those within eye shot of it were always more disciplined and seemed to march with purpose. The knowledge of the General's presence, even without seeing him directly, was a very potent motivator. Gaelus was sure to remember this stratagem.

It had been what seemed forever since he escaped from his old past among his cathartic family and the nobility. He walked with a purpose and gait that so many months ago wouldn't've been his own. He was beginning to believe that he was becoming the persona he had made up. In fact, he believe that he could replicate this fairly quickly if he needed to. This realisation filled him with a new confidence as he held the standard even higher.

Marching time

OOC: Disguise and Intelligence +1

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 5:26 pm

Dawn was fast approaching and Nathra could already hear the army mobilising for war. The night had been mostly peaceful, with the male shade sleeping soundly at the base of a tree and the female shade keeping vigil through the night. Looking out over the tumult and chaos of the arising army, the sun's corona sparkled the clouded sky with a myriad of yellows and oranges.

Yesterday was a slaughter, and today, judging from the army quickly mobilising for battle, today there would be another. And what role are we all to play in this... war? War, for whom, for what? Is our glorious general here for our wretched King's petty hatred to gain favour, or for other personal reasons? The general had certainly been pleased with the death of the Asur mage, but for all she knew, he was potentially just a stepping stone in a far greater scheme. War is never simple...

Awoken from her reverie by a galloping horse, Nathra looked up to see a female rider flogging it along towards the coast - probably just a messenger. The raven-haired shade jumped from the rigid branch and landed softly in the tall grass, looking over to where the other shade slept she could see him stirring awake. Languidly, she stretched her arms towards the heavens then idly scratched at her athletic stomach, only for her nails to come away covered in dry blood. Looking down, she was still covered in much of the gore she had accumulated yesterday. Ugh. This will not do...

"Good morning," she said sweetly, greeting the male to the new day with a pleasant smile as she continued to stretch her blood encrusted limbs.

Another day beckons.

Smiler666 · Post by **Smiler666** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 3:02 pm

Umbra ignored the hoofbeats that dragged him to conciousness at first, probably just some idiot highborn lost after a night at the flesh houses, the others would set them on the right path soon enough, minus a small fee of course. However as the sound continued Umbra couldn't help but think something was awry, the hoofbeats were far more muffled than they should be and his bedroll seemed to be softer than he remembered, perplexed he opened an eye to assess the situation. What greeted him was a very different canopy to what he was expecting, at the sight of the greenery Umbra leapt to his feet with a yelp, tripping hisself over in his panic and quickly re-finding the floor.

"Good morning." Umbra looked up as the winged shade greeted him and recent history clicked back into place, of course home was a long ways away and he was currently under the employ of the witch-king's armies. Pulling hisself out of the dirt and dusting hisself off Umbra nodded, embarrassed, to the shade, "morning friend, why is it you always seem to be around when I fall on my face?"

And some of us greet it less gracefully than others

OOC: +1 dexterity and the skill point saved since you asked bosslady

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Sat Dec 01, 2012 5:20 pm

As a result of the stretching of her pale limbs much of the encrusted blood had flecked off. Morning welcome issued, stretching continued, Nathra was fully bent over with legs straight and palms fully flat on the level ground when a disturbance garnered her attention and she looked over to see the male shade trip over his bedroll and fall flat on his face. She giggled girlishly and quickly rose to her full, not intimidating height before the humoured spasms in her stomach keel her over completely.

With an amused grin and a twinkle in her emerald eyes, she looked over to Umbra as he dusted himself off and regained some of his posture. Friend, am I? You don't even know me! "And why do you fall on your face whenever I am around?" She retorted quickly and turned to face him. Given his current lack of grace out here in the wilderness, it seemed entirely plausible that he was indeed not here by his own volition.

"The army marches. Shouldn't you be reporting back?" Looking out through the vegetation of the forest, Nathra quickly assessed a reasonable direction to travel. "There are things to which I must attend." Turning, she took a few steps into the forest and paused momentarily to wonder if he would follow her or not - she did not really mind either way, just so long as he could be quiet. "Alone, if you don't mind."

Stretching, talking then walking.

OOC: Aye :lol:

Nightcall, I have given Nathra +1 Strength and Basic Stealth

Nightcall · Post by **Nightcall** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 5:36 pm

The had army begun its journey in a southerly direction, the General’s retinue on horse walking forward with grim purpose; Cade with their ranks, their captors flayed hide flapping against the standard pole. Behind these followed the horse Cavalry, then a fervent procession of Khainites and Witch Elves, led by the Hag. The remaining Warriors and Mercenaries followed these, the Hydra at the rear. They would continue for four leagues before fording the river Naganthe, and then their path would weave to the west then south again as they wound up the pass towards the Griffon Gate. It would be late afternoon before they reached the gate, something that the General had planned deliberately. Darkness would conceal their true numbers allowing the host to form up in safety before presenting to the enemy. The fading light would match the fading hopes of the Asur as their champion Mage was returned to them.

Umbra had failed his task in bringing Nathra to the General. On top of this, neither of the Shades had reported on the scouting party of Shadow Warriors that had struck in the night. Would this have consequences later in the day? Neither was concerned, yet they were intelligent enough to avoid showing their faces to the higher ranking officers, instead trailing the host’s rear ranks. It seemed neither Umbra or Nathra had any ambition of becoming any kind of official unit. Perhaps the sight of what had befallen the host’s Shades en route to the previous day’s battle had reminded them that lying low was more beneficial to one’s survival rates than offering to make oneself… useful.

As they crossed the small plain upon which the battle had been fought, the sweet smell of death was thick in the air. The deafening row of carrion birds would be carried for miles around as they squabbled over prime cuts of elf and horse flesh. Stranger beasts had begun to converge from the deeper forests, gathering on the edge of the battlefield and stealing away scraps. Beasts the host would be better to avoid. The hydra sensed them and hissed as its many heads scanned the area, but a few jabs and whips quickly moved the monster forward and back into line with the army.

Heldrana had followed along with the main mercenary force. Her arm was painful, but that meant it was healing. She rested her stolen Chracian axe on her shoulder and cast glares at her companions. The Khainite who had joined her and rest of her group at the campfire the night before had disappeared completely, slipping away into the night, or dragged off and murdered for Khaine as much as she cared…

The sound of many feet marching across the land became hypnotic, each elf in his or her own thoughts about the possibilities before them. Wealth, blood, death… anything was possible.

((OOC: Just a transition post here. To give you all an opportunity to settle in before things get more lively again.

MH – Will you be continuing with us in this next chapter?))

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:29 pm

Nathra set off into the dense wood feeling somewhat peckish, her pack was running low on provisions and the meat was finished during the small hours of the morning. Before she gave thought to joining the army once more she had several things to take care of, first and foremost was a bath, then she would worry about breakfast. Many beasts and animals had a good sense of smell and it was no good hunting them whilst reeking of blood, else you may become the prey, and the cleaner you were the easier it was to remain undetected.

After a while the shade broached a wide lake which sprang up out of the foliage like a pop-up picture. Taking in the sight, Nathra breathed a contented sigh. After jogging up to the waters edge she slung off her pack and jumped right in. The water was cool, clear and very, very chilly. However, growing up in the harsh and wintry climate of Naggaroth, the cold did not bother her at all. She lingered long enough for a leisurely swim, and to rid her flesh and armour of the the accumulated gore of yesterday.

When she was satisfied she swam to the shore and basked in the barely-warm glow of the waning sun as she sat on a large rock. There she sat for a time letting her body dry and drying her head as best as she was able. Then she turned her thoughts to breakfast. Her wander through the forest had not revealed any clear signs of a large animal she could hunt - boar, wolf, bear or dear - but plenty of signs of easier prey, rabbits and hares seemed a common sight.

So, making her way slowly back to see where the army was headed, Nathra kept a watchful eye open for her breakfast. Spotting a strange, small furry creature with bulging cheeks and a bushy orange tail sitting on the branches of a massive tree some distance away. The female shade raised a curious eyebrow then walked closer to where the funny looking creature sat. Readying a shuriken, she let loose, in less than a second the star had flew a graceful arc then pinned the animal to the tree trunk, almost severing it's head.

A quick climb later she retrieved her projectile and set about preparing the creature for breakfast.

Bath and breakfast.

OOC: Not the greatest post I could have done. Not in a particularly great mood today and I've still got a mod post to write for my group - saving my energy for that!

Jcitalia4 · Post by **Jcitalia4** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 6:35 pm

The army marched forward at a steady pace. They crossed the previous day's battlefield and already nature was reclaiming what was theirs. Gaelus looked out to the various pivotal points in the battle and where he was among it. The moments relived flashed a grin across his face and he found his blood pumping at the anticipation of battle to come. Some of the generals retinue looked curiously at him as he smiled, and he adjusted his eyes to show a malicious mirth which caused them return the smile. They understood his thinking. The glory of defeating the Asur was a pleasure every Druchii could not deny.

The day dragged on and Gaelus indulged in various conversation with the leadership of the army. He wanted to investigate their strengths, weaknesses, vices and ambitions. Constantly, he would adjust his tone and speech to match one that flattered, inquired, intimidated or coerced this information as needed or necessary from his fellows. Small and innocent enough as it was, such information was priceless among the nobility. It was a trait he carried along with him in his new identity and some old habits died hard. Especially ones that fit the druchii so well. Besides, one never knew when a friend would instantly become foe in a power grasp. Better safe than sorry.

Some of the chat was simply small talk and not without its pleasure. He enjoyed the feelings of pleasure and comradery that came about from the playful banter he had with his old Sergeant, now Knight Commander, Saulk. They jested and goaded each other, the tense moments of the previous day gone and them both the better of it, each remarking on each other's actions leading up to and during the battle. Much of this caused a merry laughter among those soldiers in ear shot and helped alleviate the tension many might be experiencing. Gaelus sincerely hoped that his path would never cross Saulk's for the worse, he was beginning to respect the chap, which was saying a lot for him.

Marching and getting acquainted with the leadership

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:27 pm

At dawn Nathra was peckish, now she was ravenous. The resourceful shade quickly skinned and gutted the chubby-cheeked creature with the recently acquired hook-pointed gutting knife, emptying out it's innards with a sickening plop! Minutes later she had several large chops of meat to cook, taking a handful of herbs and spices from her pack, she quickly marinaded the meat and set it to the side. A quick search of the immediate surroundings provided her with kindling and two stout sticks with which to make a fire. Carving one stick into a miniature spear and gouging a hole in the other, she set them aside then untied one of her boot laces which she wrapped around the spear and, placing the holed stick in amongst the kindling, the shade then 'sawed' the sticks together. A couple of minutes later and she had a small, fitful fire burning. And a few minutes after that, she had perfectly roasted animal chops to eat.

Throughout all of this process, the raven-haired shade was extremely vigilant of her surroundings. Smoke, and now the tantalising aroma of dead animal, could well draw unwanted attention. Though she had contained the little devil as best she could, it was inevitable that some of its fumes would escape. Normally she would not dare risk cooking in alien territory but it had been days since she had eaten a hot meal. Nathra had boarded the vessel unseen and remained invisible for the entire voyage so had brought only cold supplies to eat.

Mouth salivating, Nathra stuck in the knife and prepared to eat breakfast.

Nom nom nom... Breakfast!

OOC: Well, Smiler, looks like Umbra has a choice: do his own thing, report back to the general for a potential thrashing or join Nathra for breakfast!

Smiler666 · Post by **Smiler666** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 11:46 am

After the harpy-winged shade had left to attend to things that needed attending to Umbra stayed where he was for a while, still recovering from the shock of waking up in an unfamiliar environment and not quite taking in what the shade had said as she walked into the forest. Umbra was brought out of his revery by the smell of meat cooking nearby, the conscripted troops like him had been eating dry rations since the start of the voyage and the smell of fresh food set his stomach growling, besides Umbra wasn't exactly enthusiastic about rejoining the army so he decided there was no harm in following his nose. A handful of minutes later he came across the shade again, getting ready to tuck into a roasted rodent.

Umbra politely extricated hisself from the surrounding foliage, though something told him the shade was probably already aware he was there, clearing his throat he piped up, "erm, hi again. I don't suppose there's any of that going spare?" Umbra tentatively sat down a respectful distance away from the shade and continued, "the name's Umbra by the way."

'please miss...'

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 4:25 pm

As she worked away on her cooking she mentally hummed a song she had learned from a wandering bard many years ago - Libation Unto The Shades Who Lurk In The Shadows Of The Temple Of Anhur - though the song itself was pretty terrible, there was certain quaint charm to it's title that she rather liked. The bard had recently returned from an expedition to the Lands of Khemri, or so he claimed. The tune had stuck with her ever since.

Well before her meal was fully cooked she sensed a presence skulking unshadily around in the foliage and was not unduly alarmed when the malnourished form of her awkward male counterpart appeared in her peripheral vision. She had been gone an hour or more and briefly wondered what he'd been up to in that time; he certainly hadn't stalked her to the lake and back... or had he?

Umbra? Is that supposed to be funny? Looking around, the male shade had sat himself a respectful distance from her, as if too timid to invade her personal space. Nathra flashed him a beautific smile to make him feel at ease.

"Going spare? Why, no." She appraised him sideways, noticed again his impoverished and scruffy state. "But I would gladly share." Nathra gently threw the small gutting knife to the opposite side of the tiny fire and motioned for him to have a seat. "Come sit. Help yourself." Once invited, Nathra tore of a sizeable chuck of her breakfast and sighed contentedly. Damn. That's good!

Inviting Umbra for breakfast.

Nightcall · Post by **Nightcall** » Tue Dec 25, 2012 6:25 pm

The Naganthe could be seen ahead as a thin ribbon of silver weaving its way across the grey tones of The Shadowlands. The sound of the marching host broke the silence and gloom, no attempts were made to conceal the determined host. Why should there? Terror was a weapon to be used against the enemy. As if to mark this ideal, the new banner held by Cade was held aloft high with the General and his retinue at the front of the host. The wet skin was drying nicely, and the mask of the Asur's peeled face gaped upwards forever frozen in a scream of agony.

Nathra had taken her time, cleaning the gore from her toned body and having a quick breakfast. Once ready, she had fixed herself up, checking her provisions, and blended away quietly in the larger force. As had Umbra. If ambition were measured in a cup, it would appear that these two were fearful to fill it. More likely they had their own ideas.

Two miles from the ford, General Thaekan raised a hand to signal a halt. Horns blew the signal, and the entire host came to a slow stop. "We wait here a while. Send some scouts ahead to take a closer look." he instructed, pointing at the ford. A bridge that had once crossed the river, was now in ruins. The Druchii lord was not foolish enough to suspect that it had been through accident or neglect. They were being herded to the water.

"And Saulk, if your men bring back poor information, I shall hold you personally responsible." he added, with a cold smile.

The army has halted 2 miles from the river Naganthe. We need volunteers for a quick scouting task to the water's edge. Hint-hint-MG-Smiler-hint hint!!

((I think it's safe to say we've lost MH, haven't heard anything from him for a while))

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 10:09 pm

Nathra was rather disappointed with breakfast, not breakfast itself since she was a fantastic cook and could make even the dreariest chunk of dead animal taste exquisite. No, she was disappointed with the company, this from someone who so very rarely had company - at least, company in the form of an supposedly intelligent being - to share her deliciously cooked fare with. She had expected more.

After breakfast and the scintillating non-existent conversation with the awkward Umbra, the female shade quickly packed up her belongings and slunk shadily away to join the army once more. All in all she had herself a rather splendid morning; it was doubtful the same could be said of the common soldiers. Indeed, as she approached the flanks of the army from the outskirts of the forest, melancholy infused the air like rank clouds emanating from the knaves in thick, boisterous waves. Or perhaps, they simply hadn't had a chance to have a bath recently. Perhaps they didn't care.

At any rate, Nathra inserted herself sleekly amongst the loathsome curs that composed the latter-ranks of the army. The need to prowl around unseen was no longer a priority so the raven-haired beauty nonchalantly walked through the ranks of smelly soldiers towards the front of the army. All who seen her watched her almost naked form walk amongst them, lust, envy, hatred and desire flashed in seedy eyes as she strutted past. Strangely, none of them bothered her, despite the fact she was clearly highborn, and thus, possessed of a greater calling in life, Nathra was still accustomed to the usual thoroughfare of riff-raff pestering her without fear of their pitiful existences coming to an abrupt end. She often concluded the majority of the male specimen’s good sense quickly took a long walk over a short pier as soon as any remotely beautiful female traversed upon their path in life, and Nathra was prettier sight than most.

Only once was she stopped. A sergeant stepped out in front of her and held up a hand for her to stop. She had spotted him but ignored his attempts to get her attention - he obviously felt the need to assert his authority. Nathra stopped and placed her palm on the hilt of her sword, her fingers curling around the leather bound hilt in slow, measured motions. Her luscious lips grimaced into a snarl as she looked him straight in the eye.

"Which -"

"How dare you accost me, whelp! Have you no sense in that maggot brain of yours?" Nathra practically spat the words at him, her tone one of a master admonishing a slave before slicing out his innards. "Direct me to General Thaekan at once." The sergeant hesitated for barely a moment. "Do I have to cut your testicles off before you will answer me?" To add vital energy to her threat the shade took a single step forward and slowly, expertly began to pull out her sword so that it scraped along the scabbard. The unwholesome sound it made was most unpleasant.

The sergeant snapped a crisp salute and bowed his head to hide the embarrassment and shame in his eyes. "At the head of the army, ma'am. You can see his cold one from here... if you look closely enough." He pointed vaguely to the head of the army.

Nathra looked and spotted the good general several regiments away astride his glorious nauglir. She then smiled sweetly at the Sergeant. "Thank you."

The shade brushed past the startled elf and made her way closer to where the general was situated. She navigated the forest of interested eyes - that were, for the time being, particularly interested in her - until she was close enough to hear Thaeken shout out orders to his commandants.

"We wait here a while. Send some scouts ahead to take a closer look." The general’s voice carried clearly to the nearby troops as they stood to attention. And Nathra heard the command easily enough from where she stood, some distance directly behind him.

Hearing the orders, deciding what to do...

OOC: Only half a post, I'm afraid. Will get another post up once JC has posted! This way I'll be able to post more often

Jcitalia4 · Post by **Jcitalia4** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:38 pm

And so the march continued. The dead silence was only so very fitting for the landscape. The shadowlands they called it. Gaelus found this ironic because there was hardly anything there to cast a shadow. And if it was meant to be a metaphor for old Nagarythe, to say this was a shadow of anything like that would be insulting. This place was nothing, held nothing and he was keen to no sooner be rid of it. The quiet was only softly disturbed by the constant tread and march of the beasts and warriors. An occasional word was exchanged, Gaelus himself busying himself to such conversations often if only to break the monotony of it all, and of course, to learn a thing or two.

He saw a thin sliver of water up ahead. The Naganthe. That meant the gate was not far from them. The general gave a halt and requested a scouting party, along with a subtle threat to Gaelus's old sergeant, Saulk. He almost felt pity for the man, but it never actually came. Performances were expected at that rank and either they succeeded or they perished. It was the way of the naggarothi and was how they grew stronger with each generation. He had no doubt that Saulk would succeed and if he didn't, well, that just meant Gaelus was one step closer to another promotion.

He scanned the lines expecting volunteers to make themselves known. He knew many of their scouts were already thinned from the battle and their old hated Nagarythe kin, the shadow warriors. The remaining shades were already deployed running screens for the army and who knows what else what. He didn't envy those who would volunteer. Thinking they'd get some great glory, theyd more likely become the first druchii to wet their hated kins blood that day. Still, hopefully enough would survive to return to the army with information so they would get things going in earnest. Gaelus was looking forward to another day of battle. He didn't notice it, but a slight grin was creeping up his face.

standing with the army, engaging in conversation when the opportunity presents itself

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 5:32 pm

"We wait here a while. Send some scouts ahead to take a closer look." A call for volunteers sounded and several made themselves known. From her vantage point, Nathra again noted the macabre standard of the generals new dogs-body. At least the unfortunate elf was settling into his position nicely and seemed comfortably attached to his banner pole. Could the same be said for the banner bearer?

The raven-haired shade had to decide what she would do. There wasn't a chance she would sit amongst the common troops to give them the freedom of ogling at her willy-nilly and she couldn't exactly volunteer to be part of the scouting party without the general noting her presence. Assuming, of course, that he was still looking for her and there was no reason why he shouldn't be.

She would join the scouting party but not as a volunteer, that was her decision. She fixed her face into an expression of imperious hatred - an expression that seemed the norm for the majority of Druchii nobility, an expression which came easy, her being of noble birth and all - then set off amongst the ranks of the soldiers to find the opportunity to slink away and follow the scouting party.

Nathra will follow the scouting party once they set off and immerse herself into the group when they are away from camp. She will not volunteer or make herself known in the vicinity of the general because she assumes he's still looking for her.

Nightcall · Post by **Nightcall** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:39 pm

Nathra was directed to the General. It seemed Umbra had already volunteered, and her seething glare as she recognised him was met with little response, infuriating her further. Now was no time to teach him a lesson however. The General looked at Saulk’s chosen, seemingly having forgotten about his plans for Nathra, and then conferred with his own band, leaving the sergeant to give instructions. Leading them from the main host, Saulk turned to face the Naganthe as he described what was required.

‘Looks like the bridge has been sabotaged. It’ll slow us down crossing the water, and to me that looks like that’s where an ambush is waiting. Those cowardly bastards hide in the trees and won’t come out to meet us face on. You are to use all your stealth, don’t let yourselves be seen. We want no warning that we are prepared. Go down to the river, cross it if you have to… then come straight back and report of your findings.'

He looked at six scouts before him. Three appeared to be Temple Assassins, their black clothing covering all but their eyes. There was a male with a bow, and a female in a strange cloak, as well as another female with her hair in tight braids, armed with two knives on a hip belt.

'What are you waiting for? Be gone.' He ordered, dismissing them before returning to the General.

Back at the head of the host, Cade waited restlessly. His new lion pelt rested majestically on his broad shoulders; combined with the standard he made for quite a terrifying sight. Saulk marched up to him and threw him a mirthless smile. 'Don’t get any ideas, son. You might have earned yourself a pretty flag, but ambition can be a dangerous thing. Best not draw too much attention to yourself.'

The host waited reluctantly as the scouts were on their mission. Refreshed and ready to fight once more, the prospect of smashing through the Griffon Gate and slaughtering their weak kin was delicious.

Nathra and Umbra have gone with 4 other scouts to check out the sabotaged bridge and the ford at the Naganthe.

Cade is killing time, waiting.

((OOC: Do you think I should advertise for more RPers?))

Jcitalia4 · Post by **Jcitalia4** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 12:23 am

Gaelus looked me behind him at the entourage of 'volunteers'. Three equally deadly and mysterious looking assassins, dressed to the full. I never will understand that religion..., he thought to himself, knowing that such thoughts would always be just that, to himself. Alongside was a rather timid looking male shade, he seemed out of sorts here in the wild. How very ironic, he thought with a grin. Then his grin widened further when he recognized the last one. An obvious scowl on her face, she obviously did not like the idea of being dragged up this close to the general's gaze. She was, after all, involved in the mage's death.

With that thought, Gaelus regarded his standard once more. It didn't end up all that badly for him. Almost as if in answer to his thought's, his old Sergeant Saulk spoke, Don’t get any ideas, son. You might have earned yourself a pretty flag, but ambition can be a dangerous thing. Best not draw too much attention to yourself.

Gaelus looked at him quizzicaly, Is that truly just advice for me or are you stating that to remind yourself as well?. With a wink, he returned his gaze to the troupe of scouts who were now making their way towards the river. He hoped they hurried along, he didn't like just sitting here on the road in an army arranged in column. It made the center of his back itch, like he felt an arrow just aiming right at it. Not a comfortable feeling at all.

Milling about, watching everyone leave

OOC: NC yes! 2 at least, I'd say!

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:16 pm

Nathra stood amongst the volunteers for the scouting mission and made no attempt to conceal herself from the generals gaze, since there seemed to be no point in doing so. Her emerald-eyed stare shifted from the general to his standard bearer, who had a stupefied expression on his face. The shade scowled at him for no particular reason. Idiot.

Once the orders were given, Nathra turned to move out. The elf who had delivered the orders then rebuked the others with an impatient comment. 'What are you waiting for? Be gone.'

Be gone... and never come back. She wished that she could, but she was stuck here in this war. So far, aside from the general, she had only encountered two people of interest: the male shade, whose first impressions were those of a blubbering fool and was awkward in her presence, and the newly appointed battle standard bearer whose stupid antics had earned him his role - he still seemed oblivious to the fact she had saved his life.

She looked around at the other members of her group. Three khainites, whom she had no interest in because they were who they were. The aforementioned male shade, and another potential person of interest; a female who at least looked like she might be good for something.

Beginning the mission.

Nightcall · Post by **Nightcall** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:15 pm

The sergeant snarled quietly at Cade. Only the day before, this upstart was a mere soldier, meat for the battlecrows. Now he held the battle standard; not just a flag waver, he represented the host itself and Saulk was in no position to reprimand the warrior. Still, his position was precarious. In the spotlight, his every action would be noted, and the enemy would see him as a prime target to crush the moral of the Druchii host. ‘Just keeping an eye out for you son.’ He replied, doing his best to veil his frustration.

The scouting party had made good time, nimbly finding a course to the ford through scrub and undergrowth. Here and there, tracks were found. Beast and bird only, no sign was there of the light-footed Nagarythi. As they reached the water, they used all the cover they could. The female shade went first, crouching as she walked with her back against the ruined wall of the bridge. Reaching the first of the arches, she backed into it to become hidden in the shadow, and beckoned to the others that there was nobody there. If they chose to follow, she cared not. It would be their own bloody fault if they stayed there like gaping fools and got stuck full of arrows.

The river was wide at this point, measuring about ten meters across. The water was shallow, and gurgled as it rushed over stones and cobbles. In the gloom of the Shadowlands, the deeper waters seemed black. The banks on either side sloped gently to the water, and there were signs that it had been crossed recently; horse hooves had churned the mud passing from the north side of the crossing to the south, and towards the Griffon Gate.

The bridge ruins were to the right of the ford. Made from granite blocks, it once sloped over three arches. The bridge was completely demolished on the far side of the river. Half of the central arch, and the nearest arch which the female shade was investigating still remained. The stone blocks lay in the water which foamed as it rushed through the debris.

To the right of the bridge, the banks steepened and the water became deeper. Thorn bushes and trees clung to the side, roots hanging like gnarled fingers towards the water. To the left of the ford, thick beds of reeds and rushes grew. The wind would occasionally cause them to sway and rustle, giving the group the impression that they were being watched.

((20 minutes have passed since the last GM post.))

Cade – The host is still in position.

Nathra, Umbra – Explore the ford for danger or signs of your enemies.

Syjahel – Feel free to introduce your character. We have a Temple group with the host; a Hag and witch elves, as well as some assassins. The host is halted at the moment whilst a ford is being scouted. It is mid-morning in the Shadowlands. Weather – gloomy.

Syjahel · Post by **Syjahel** » Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:00 am

The grey sky was matched by the sombre riverside, withered reeds sighing with a thin, mournful breeze. Or perhaps, as the scouts had doubtless been deployed to find out, those foolish enough to spy on their encampment. If such was the case, then no doubt their vengeance would be swift and Khaine's Will would be served.

Kirael rested easily next to one of the Temple braziers, his dark eyes alert for the least sign that he should slip forward to do the bidding of the Hags. For now though, the bloody sisterhood sat like so many pale statues, or sharpened weapons, or discussed esoteric tortures among themselves. His professional interest noted many of these, but the young assassin was keen for the shedding of blood with his own blades. It was a prayer he needed to make, and he knew that some of the maibd felt the same stirrings of bloodlust too. He smiled unseen beneath his hooded cloak. Such savagery was always worth seeing, provided of course that one was not the unlucky victim on the altar. With a glance at the field commander he thought of the old Druchii proverb: If you buy a nauglir, keep it well fed.

There would no doubt be holy death to come. Along with the sighing of the wind, and the low voices, there was something else stirring his blood. This was the Shadowlands, all that remained of lost Nagarythe save for the Black Arks. Kirael had made a study of his history, the better to present a convincing front should he have to infiltrate one of the noble houses, He knew well of the mournful desecration of their ancestral homeland, and part of him felt both outraged and privileged. Outraged at the loss of their land, and denial of both its rightful King and of the destiny he would bring to all Elvenkind; privilege to walk this sacred country, touch the stones, taste the air, feel the deep resonance in his soul for this hallowed place of Khaine.

The assassin watched the warhost, and shifted his position slightly. If an order came, he would be ready.

Minigrift · Post by **Minigrift** » Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:31 pm

Nathra led the small group of skirmishers nonchalantly from the army. She led more by virtue of going first - because she was not one to wait around needlessly and the sooner she out from under the generals stifling gaze, the better - rather than a genuine desire to actually lead the group on their mission. The noble-born shade was in her element out here in the wild, though it was infinitesimally more cultured than that, and she quickly found a course through the vegetation to lead the group to the bridge. The quarter-hour journey passed without incident, with no sign or signs of the enemy and only the passage of wild creatures marking the path and it's surroundings.

The bridge soon dawned from the fading light and the shade could well see the end crumbling away into the gloom. Nathra, who had spun her cloak about her long before arriving here, held her hand out, signalling for the group to halt. Crouching down low, she listened intently. Nothing seemed amiss. Gingerly, she paced along the shadows of the bridge until she reached the centre arch. Once again, she stopped to listen before signalling for the group to follow in her steps.

While they either made or didn't make their way across, Nathra studied the vicinity. She got a good, vivid mental image of the place and also noticed the horse-hoof prints at the southern edge of the ford - they didn't look dangerously recent, but from this distance in the gloom, it was difficult to judge with any degree of accuracy. The raven-haired shade could not shake the sense of being watched, though she was sure it wasn't hostile, the wilderness often had a way of making one feel uneasy - especially in 'enemy' territory.

Before she acted further she would have to make sure there were no enemies about, which was no easy task since there were any number of places for them to hide, in the vicinity of the bridge itself and even out with amongst the plains and forests surrounding the ford.

Nathra will stay where she is to ascertain if there are enemies about or not.

OOC: Apologies for my tardiness!

Most of this post would have been me reiterating your mod post so I just narrowed it down to 'Nathra got a good, mental image of the place'. Not that she would be returning to the general to report her findings, she'll leave that particular part to the rest of the group!