Post: #1

She sat in a room, surrounded by darkness as blacker than midnight upon the haunted Sylvanian mountains. It clung to her body, engulfing her, covering in a blanket of freezing gloom. The cold burned more thoroughly than any fire, freezing her naked body and seeming to tear at her very bones. Yet she ignored the burning darkness, and her sharp eyes stared straight ahead, but saw nothing. As she sat, curled into a corner of the black space, she stared into the darkness that not even her vampiric senses could pierce in sorrow. Her tears had run dry, and her life had no meaning, for she was trapped for an eternity within her own pain.

Vekarin sat upon a great chair before a table within his own, dusty chambers. On the table sat a quill, a parchment and a small container of violet ink. But is attention was elsewhere, for before him also sat a block of crystal that reflected his balefire eyes like twin orbs that it contained underneath it's perfectly smooth surface. Inside the crystal was a rose, one of violet on which all his attention was bent. He rested his chin on his armored hands, forgetting why he had sat here in the first place. Writing was not a hobby he took to often, and it surprised him that he would turn to it at such a time, despite the reason. He mused that it probably had something to do with the dammed Council, and his eyes flashed at the thought. The more permanent defenses of the Citadel had been erected to ensure that no one waltzed into his fortress without express permission, and he was still almost expecting that fool of a Cromwell to return, begging for forgiveness. But his thoughts had turned as he stared upon the perfect rose, encased in immortal stone. At last he grew overwhelmed at the object, and his voice rang out in an unintelligible curse as his gauntleted fist descended upon the glass inkwell. The violet liquid splashed around the small crater left by his hand, soaking into the sepia-toned parchment and covering his dark gauntlet. He stood slowly, pushing the heavy chair back effortlessly as he turned to face the chamber he had not dwelt in for near a hundred years. Letting out a scream of rage his fist flew out again, a post on the great bed within the chamber splintering under the blow, sending dust and drapes flying across the room. Another blow flipped the entire bed, the sheets throwing up impenetrable clouds of dust and surprised spiders as the remaining posts cracked under the weight of the bed and the force of the blow. Another punch sent a rack of swords cascading from the walls, the weapons skittering across the floor as Vekarin fell to his knees.
"Forgive me." He whispered and lowered his gaze. The fires within his eyes ceased to flame and his entire body shook with tears of sorrow.

Post: #2

The portal opened, a great black abyss hardly visible in the pale light of the cavern. Through it fell the travelers, Graveclaw tumbling through, curled up into a ball of muscle, V'azrin flying through, barely keeping balance as the black hole spat him out. Behind them stepped Lesa, gracefully, smiling at the disheveled Nechrarch and Strigoi vampires as energy shimmering about her shapely figure. Before them was a cavern larger than any that could have existed in the Old World. It was miles across, a great, flat plain broken only by greats stalagmite pillars and pools of cold cave-water. Across from them stood the gates of Erebus, Hell, Pandemonium; a place told of in the myths of every civilization upon the Old World. It exuded malice and sorrow, and the Vampires could here the terrible screams of the damned echoing about the cavern like the wailing on restless specters even at this great distance. It's walls were of fire, so hot that they blinded the eye and melted any material unfortunate to come in contact with them. They impenetrable by any means, neither magic nor force could part them. At the center of the wall was a great gate of red iron, so thick that no force could move it and nothing bend or break it. Before the gates sat great hounds with a dozen heads, flames of blue and purple rising from their great nostrils. They were taller than any beast of the earth, and one could easily flatten any building erected by mortals. Six of them sat before the gate, ever-watchful of intruders upon their master's realm.

Vekarin slumped upon his throne once again, brooding sullenly. He wondered why the council would do such a thing as resurrect Victarias. He knew the effort was fruitless and they would all die without help or a way to gain passage through the impenetrable outer walls. None could defeat Morr's watchdogs. At least, none without help.
But why should he help them? They had little more chance at defeating the guardians of Hell's seven levels as he had, and his was less than slim at best. However they had offered to help, for whatever reason. Vekarin beat his hand upon the table before him in frustration. He did not wish to see the entire council die for their own endeavors, but he also did not wish the promise of Victarias' resurrection and his own loyalty twisted into a chain and used to bind he and his love to the Council. But he knew, whatever the reason, the Council would not succeed without his knowledge, and he resolved to aid them. Decided, he stood and called for his Necromancers.

Post: #3

Graveclaw pulled himself up onto all fours "Thissssss place hassss no ssssmell" the Strigoi said sounding slightly afraid. His main form of finding his way around was by smell and in this place the Strigoi was hampered.

Post: #4

Though Lesa would have normally laughed at V'azrin's ineptitude the sombre atmosphere of this place stopped her, as she looked at the formidable defences guarded by the fell beasts doubts began to creep into her mind. Even Graveclaw seemed to daunted and up until now he had shown no fear at all. Turning round she could see the portal still pulsing with energy but it would only remain open for a limited time, the necromancers could not keep it open indefinitely,
"Graveclaw, V'azrin, I think we should both make one thing clear before we proceed," Lesa said turning back to the two vampires, "I know trust has been, thin on the ground shall we say but in this place we will need each other, that means we will have to trust each other implicitly, I do not need to to worry that anyone will try to strike me when we should be looking out for each other," that last comment was directed more at Graveclaw who was looking at her with his usual hate filled stare,
"Well? I will go no further until I am sure who I can rely on."

Post: #5

Katrina stepped out of the portal behind Lesa "You don't have to worry about me Lesa" she said gripping the sword belted at her hip "Its the Strigoi I am worried about" she said before the gloom of the realm settled on her "Let us hurry and be gone from this place".

Post: #6

Graveclaw growled "here issss not the place for killing" . the Ghoulking was nervous ever since he had entered this place he had felt his strength draining away, soon the other Vampires would have the upper hand. "Graveclaw won't go down without a fight" he thought.

Post: #7

"Of course Mistress Lesa...a battle between us..ah...allies...would be foolish in this place...suicidal perhaps" said the Necrarch smiling coldly he tilted his head and his expression became a frown as he murmered to himself
"The winds of magic are...uneasy here"
Raising his voice he spoke mostly to himself yet pitched so everyone could hear
"Time and death run hand in hand, there are places for speed...but this may not be one of them, caution would be wiser I think...I don't plan on allowing Morr to have me quite yet"
Looked up at the beasts and the wall of flame he nodded allowing his chilly smile to return
"It was to be expected"

Post: #8

Katrina reached out with her mind to the winds of magic. "I can barely reach them" Katrina spate angrily gripping her sword. "Can you reach them Lesa?" Katrina asked panic in her voice.

Post: #9

Turning his back on the girl he allowed his smile to expand
Little frightened child...Lesa seems to attract them. Of course one of her abilities...
Stiffling a laugh he pondered the next course of action
Ask Lesa? Mocked a voice in his head causing all humor to vanish from the Necrarchs face.

Post: #10

Concentrating Lesa could still pull on the winds though they seemed weak,
"Yes but only just, I think our spell casting is going to be compromised,"she replied, gesturing with her hand the Master Sword appeared but that was still an effort, and the sword itself was not thrumming with the power it normally had,
"I think we're in a vast dampening field, no doubt to protect against what we are trying." Turning to Graveclaw she started to speak,
"I think your strength will be inval-" before stopping in shock at his appearance, the normally fearful Graveclaw looked almost scared and his look alone was enough to cause the same response in Lesa,
"Graveclaw? Are you ok?" she asked in sincere concern, it was bad enough this place was messing with their magic, it would be even worse if the one vampire who relied on strength would be no use as well.

OOC: Edited as requested.

Post: #11

V'azrin looked at Lesa
"Perhaps..." stopping he looked uneasy
"I had perhaps...but didn't think...well...This is a place of death...real death not our ah...living death. Perhaps as such...our kind will lose some of the abilities that our deathly life should grant us, be it magic...or maybe we may lose our supernatural strength" he finished with a slight nod Graveclaw who was looking suspiciously at the other vampires..
Lesa stared at him and he suddenly sensed a change in her mood
"Only a theory that is! I have no proof or evidence beyond what we see...I am making guesses which I suppose show how desperate I really am"
Looking away from her he allowed himself a weak smile
Luckily holding the gate open wasn't the only thing Damek is doing he thought happily

OOC:Fixed to fit in when GK's transformation

Post: #12

All other talk stopped as Graveclaw howled in pain. writhing beneath his skin were what appeared to be worms,dropping to his knees he slammed his fists on the ground sending cracks across the ground around him. Every muscle in his body tightened to their extreme limits,clutching his face in his hands everyone could see his claws retract his huge muscles began to writhe and shrink. Brown hair sprouted from his scalp, throwing back his head he roared before it changed into a mans cry of pain,his green hide changed to a light pink bones cracked and reformed into smaller ones. His fangs shrunk leaving only his canine teeth unchanged.his yellow eyes turned a pale blue. His bat-like ears shrunk and turned round. With a final shiver he fell forwards on all fours. Lesa walked towards him "Graveclaw?" she asked quietly
the man looked at her "M-m-my n-n-name is K-k-Karl" the man gasped.

Post: #13

"Ah...I hate being right sometimes" said V'azrin watching the transformation occure
"And...that of course will mean...." the Necrarch trailed off as he looked at the pink, very human looking, flesh that was beginning to appear on his hands
"Oh dear" he murmered

Post: #14

Things were turning from bad to worse as Lesa realised they would not be able to rely on Graveclaw's / Karl's strength in the upcoming struggle. Shaking her head she turned to V'azrin hoping he would have some idea's when she noticed the same happening,
"On no..." she said softly, "Not you as well."
"What do you mean?" came the arrogant tones of the Necrach," If anything I feel stronger!". As he should thought Lesa as the withered form slowly filled out, the dessicated skin healing over its many gaps and rips turning a milky white. There was a ripping sound as the frayed robe he wore proved too small for the newly bulging muscles, brown hair sprouted from his bald scalp growing until it spilled over his shoulders in a tawny mane. Looking at him Lesa felt astonished especially when greeny-yellow eyes of the femininely handsome vampire looked into hers, before with a final tear the rope dropped showing a slim and toned body, trying to resist and failing Lesa looked down and her eyes opened in shock,
"By the gods, no wonder your so pissed-off all the time if thats what you lost when your body withered," she said awestruck.

Post: #15

V'azrin stood quietly with an odd expression on his face with a click of his fingers his black robes blazed brightly to be replaced by an ancient dark red and purple tunic. He looked down at himself and felt a smile touch his lips
"Ah...just like Lahmia" he though feeling amused.
"I had...thought this was possible...with the most inhuman aspects being washed aside...I wonder though..." he cut of and with a wave of his hand held a curved dagger made of the pure light, with a quick flash he cut his hand, for the slightest second his face transformed to something more bestial, before quickly being replaced by the all to human expression, slowly the hand knitted itself back up.
"Well...thank W'soran for small mercies, it appears I am still a vampire...although a clearly inferior one" he said calmly looking at his flesh covered hand.
Looking up at Lesa he sighed and spoke with the voice so unlike the rasping corpses, instead it was soft and gental with an icy undertone.
"I think that in this realm of Morr parts of undeath are being undone...as I have said our gifts may weaken...luckily it would appear we are still all of the bloodsucker family yet, I am starting to think he that the young bloodknight was right...haste may be the best course of action...the longer we dwell...well more changes may occur." he informed in a measured tone speaking as though nothing had happened, whatever had affected his body it was clear his mind was still intact.

Post: #16

Katrina stared at Karl in shock, Admiring his chest and stomach muscles the Goulking was obviously a fighter in life "what are you looking at?" Karl asked angrily."Er....Nothing!" Katrina said.

Post: #17

Feeling slightly disappointed that V’azrin had covered up his body Lesa turned at Katrina’s comment, Karl still looked powerful even without his eight foot height so perhaps the expedition was not to be a failure after all, catching Katrina’s eye she could see they were thinking similar thoughts about the newly revealed men,
‘Hmmm, perhaps Katrina is more outgoing than I gave her credit for’ thought Lesa, as if reading her mind Katrina gave a slight grin before going to help Karl. Realising V’azrin was right and they would have to get a move on she walked back towards him,
“Have you any idea of what to do now?” she asked, “I have no knowledge of this area but we can’t keep on standing around.” As she said this she noticed he seemed uncomfortable, fidgeting he seemed to be trying to turn away even as his eyes remained glued to her,
“Ah..yes….yesâââ€​šÂ¬Ã‚¦we should start…yes going..” he stuttered seemingly distracted, puzzled as to his behaviour it dawned on Lesa that with the reduction in their vampiric strength there came a responding reduction in their ability to resist her aura, and at the edge of her vision she know saw why V’azrin was trying to turn,
‘this is going to get interesting’ she thought, ‘difficult but interesting nonetheless.’

Post: #18

Karl stood trying to keep his over sized pants from falling down,And to make matters worse the Blood Dragon was looking at him like a piece of meat. "Not going to happen" he thought "Eight hundred years" he said quietly before bringing his attention back to the others "So if you Bloodsuckers are done eyeballing me and the Necrach could we get this over with" he said angrily, almost losing his grip on his pants he grabbed them up again quickly. "But first does anybody have some rope?" he asked

Post: #19

Siezing Karls words V'azrin nodded
"Yes quite, we should definitely get moving" said the Necrarch quickly then snapping his fingers he watched as the air around the strigori shimmered and soon he was dressed in a clothing of a similar style to V'azrins only with much more lace and of bright blue, the look on vampires face made the old Necrarch burst out laughing
"The image of Ushoran himself" he snickered
After a few moments he stared at the wall and sighed
"Well...the wall is seemingly impassable...and it would appear the first course of action would be to destroy those beasts...yet I havn't the slightest idea of the battle prowess or abilities...I dislike this plan incredibly. The vampiress isn't worth the danger...but we need Vekarin so I guess we either blast our way in or try and find an alternative entrace.
Looking at the other three he smiled faintly
"Simply put, as it stands, we may be doomed"

Post: #20

"A distraction I can do that" Karl said before taking off running towards the Monsters. "Hay you three headed sons of a bitch, I' me a Bloodsucking abomination to Morr come and eat me!" he shouted waving his arms above his head. as one all of the monsters guarding the gate roared and started charging towards Karl. "Shit!" Karl shouted running out of sight all of the demons on his tail.