Post: #1

Three black coaches crossed the fords of Ikaana. The first contained Simon and Sariah. Despite the loss of the artifact they had gone to collect in the first place Simon was in good humour the information he had recovered from Karak Eight Peaks was far more important though he hadn't mentioned it to the others. "You're in a good mood despite everything thats happened" observed Milosh as they all exited the coaches. Simon smiled as they entered the throneroom "I'm in a good mood Milosh because Nagash has just shown how frightened of us he really is. If he wasn't he would never have sent Arkhan after us and with any luck Arkhan will deal with Magneqrox and maybe even Mannfred for their failures. Our enemies are divided and suspicious of each other whereas we are united in a common goal." Simon settled on to his throne "and I think that in itself is cause for celebration don't you?"

Post: #2

''I would't say that'' Mircea observed. ''Arkhan is the favoured servant of Nagash, it is only natural that he would use him to do his bidding, more however we have taken his notice, we can no longer operate indiscreetly'' he said.

Post: #3

Derek looked over to where Simon and the others were standing. "Your cousin Simon seems a little too cheerful for my liking, especially after our failure."

"I agree Derek. But we have bigger concerns at the moment."

"Like getting Niamah back?" the young Blood Dragon asked eagerly. Seeing a pained look spread over his mentor's face, he knew he wouldn't like the answer.

"No Derek. As much as I hate myself for saying this, there are more important things for us to deal with then finding Niamah. Nagash must be stopped, as well as his pawn Mannfred."

"But my lord Niama - "

"Niamah will be fine. I doubt any of the arisen understand the Paths of the Old Ones as Niamah does. Come let us join the others."

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As the two joined the group Simon jumped up to greet them. "Drako old boy! Glad to see that you're back to being sociable." Before Drako clould respond, Mircea interrupted.

"I get the feeling that you three have information to share. Perhaps you would care to inform us as to where the hell you where while we were fighting Arkhan. By the looks of your appearance I'd say you've been through a fair bit. Explain please."

Nodding to Mircea, Drako told them of their encounter with the Skaven and the appearance of Garth Fleshbane, an Ogre Tyrant he'd killed, who'd been resurected as a killing machine by Mannfred von Carstein. He described their escape and how he and Niamah were confronted by Mannfred in the tunnel and beaten; the arrival of Derek and Baron Adrulza, Garth Fleshbane's reappearance and Arkhan the Black's interferance, finishing with Niamah casting a spell of ancient power and her disapearance.

Having listened to Drako, Milosh now spoke. "I'm curious about a couple points in your story, Drako. First of all, Where is Niamah? I have seen wizards lose control of the spells they cast or being drained from the effort of casting a spell, but never have I heard of one just disapearing. My second question is about Mannfred? Why create an undead construct that is only interested in killing you? And when he defeated you and Niamah why did he disapear, rather then join Arkhan in eliminating us? Doing so would've ensured victory for him. Why pass up such an opportunity?"

Having anticipated such questions, Drako answered accordingly. "Where Niamah is now is a place those of us present could not get to. She has used magic that I doubt even the greatest sorcerors/sorceresses of the world know of." Drako looked down at the mysterious runes that had been branded into his wrist when Niamah had cast the spell of her undoing. "Even I do not know the full effects of the magic she used and I was with her when she discovered it. Regardless she is trapped within the paths of the Old Ones, a place even Nagash would find hard to enter. I hope that someday she will be able to free herself, but for now we must focus on our current mission. As for your second question, Mannfred has always been fond of bringing me harm. My appearance is testament to this." Drako tounch the side of his ruined face before continuing. "After Vlad was cut down at the battle of Essen Ford by Hans Schliffen, I sought to stop the power struggle by killing Posner and taking control until a proper leader could be decided on. Mannfred learned of my plan and intercepted me. I was left to die in the sun, but was saved by Niamah. By the time I had recovered Vlad had laid siege to Altdorf; I arrived in time to see him die. I recently learned that he is the one who gave me the Blood Kiss; he saw me as unworthy of the gift, but Vlad made him sire me. Perhaps our grandfather suspected that Mannfred would betray him and wanted someone loyal to him to be close to his eldest get, I don't know. All I know is that Mannfred has always seen me as a troublesome bastard and as such is giving special attention to killing me." Having finished his explanation Drako sat down. "Sooo...What's our next plan?"

Post: #4

"Yes, I would like to know of our next plans, if there are any yet." Sweeney Todd said as he stepped down onto the ground together with Mrs. Lovette.

"By the way, you wouldn't mind if I bring in my 'entourage', would you? They should be here shortly, if we may?" Todd turned to Simon and asked, placing special emphasis on the word 'entourage' to make sure that he knew Todd was referring to the Unholy Patisserie.

Post: #5

"By all means Mr Todd feel free" said Simon. Turning to Drako he said "We wait! Several friends of mine have gone on a trip to the darkest regions of the next world. It wouldn't be proper to start planning the new world order without them. Would you excuse me for a moment?"

Simon left the room and stepped out on to the balcony where he was joined by Nar-Zuul "Mannfred's presence in the tunnels and his failure to join in the fighting concerns me Nar-Zuul. He might possess the same information as us which would be disastrous for my plans. I want you to go and begin the search once you have located the most likely site come and get me there's going to be a guardian standing in the way a wolf in fact I hate to think what condition he'll be in." Nar-Zuul bowed "Very well young master" he said before fading away.

Post: #6

Anya walked slowly through the streets of one of the many farmer towns surrounding the Nexeternus. She looked in wonder at the farmers and sylvanians, who seemed to pay her obvious vampirism little regard. Even with her two sleek, elegant silver blades hanging from her belt and her long pistols next to them, the townsfolk seemed not to worry at all; in fact, they seemed more interested in her smooth curves showing all too well through her alluring leather armour. She loosened her long, black hair and shook it in the wind while looking intensely at a farmer who had stopped working and leant on his shovel, before hissing her pointed teeth at him. She was disappointed at the complete lack of fear in his reaction; he actually winked at her smartly and waved!

Baffled, Anya moved through the strange village towards her destination. Rising above her, she saw one of the most awe-inspiring fortresses she had ever seen. Nested deep within a steep valley, the Nexeternus towered over the rolling plains in front of it. She was glad that she didn't have to come here in a more hostile errand.
Eventually, she reached the two huge gates blocking entrance to the valley. The skeletal guards inspected her thoroughly, but let her pass as she explained her agenda. After passing the second gate, she entered the dark valley, and moved along a road leading to the main tower. Camps of soldiers could be seen on either side, their campfires darkening the skies further. She relished in the shade and paced quickly towards the main gate.

After crossing a bridge across the gaping chasm beneath, Anya was approached by another group of skeletal guards. These were heavier than those before, and clearly more sinister. Drawing on the winds of light, she wove a magical web over her weapons before letting the skeletons search her. For a moment it seemed like the spell had failed in the gloom evening, but after a pause the skeleton straightened up and looked at her. It spoke in a ghastly voice,
"What leads you here?"
"I come here to speak with your Master, and the Vampire Council," Anya said.
The skeleton pondered for a second, before waving at a nearby guard.
"This one here will show you to your destination," he said as the skeleton opened a nearby door and went inside. As Anya walked past him, the heavy skeleton grabbed her in the arm.
"Stranger... you try anything; you'll regret you ever came here. The Master does not approve of troublemakers."
Anya wrestled her hand free and followed the other skeleton. She hoped it wouldn't come to that.

After climbing stairs for what seemed like an eternity, her skeletal guide halted at the end of a long corridor. Two more skeletal guards stood on either side of a large, decorated door. The wide hallway and artefacts lining the wall told Anya that she had finally reached the Council. As the skeletal guards opened the door, she found herself wondering how this would turn out. Then she took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

Post: #7

Milosh was worried, he had expected to return and find Lesa back, they had spent much time in Karak Eight Peaks and to find his wife still in the realm of Morr troubled him. Still Damek and Reshorn had managed to keep the portal stable and they advised everything was ok as far as the contact with their master went, as his mind turned to other things Milosh began to wish it hadn't after the defeat by Arkhan and the loss of the gem shamed him.
After interjected and listening to Drako's explanation Milosh nodded though he did not share the other's nonchalance, having Nagash's interest would only lead to misery and that was something he would like to aviod, as Simon walked out of the room the disappearance did not go unnoticed, Milosh had noted he had been doing that regularly, no doubt he had intentions and plans he wished to remain secret, well that was fine as long as Simon held true to his alliance, shaking his head Milosh knew he was being to cynical, Simon was renowned for keeping his word, if he had other plans they were none of his business.
The arrival of a new vampire brought a much needed distraction to the proceedings, with Simon absent Milosh mentioned to Rayla to fetch him whilst he welcomed the new, attractive, stranger.
"I am Milosh von Carstein, Uncle to Simon von Carstein who is Master of Nexeternus. You have intruded on a meeting of The Vampire Council, what is your business?"

Post: #8

Anya watched the gathering for a moment before responding, taking in her surroundings. Then she gave a quick curtesy and spoke.
"Greetings, Milosh von Carstein. I apologize if I interrupted anything of importance, that was far from my intentions. No, I am here to convene with the Council. I have a matter of grave importance to me, and what I believe is a fine offer to make, if this Council is what I've heard it is."

Post: #9

''Simon your security is absolutely atrocious, it seems today anyone can walk into a private meeting thse days.'' Mircea grumbled. he then tunred to the other vampire, eyeing her with some suspicion. ''Alright, spit it out, what do you have it so important to us?

Post: #10

Anya scanned the room, and felt a little disappointed at the scarce number of Council members. She'd been hoping for a larger audience to influence.
"I had been hoping to see Lord Simon here as well. I must thank him for his... hospitality."

Post: #11

"Then I will not disappoint you my dear" Simon's voice came from above. Everyone looked up to see Simon standing in the gallery looking down upon them. "Its so nice to have a visitor who doesn't feel the need to murder my border guards or destroy my front door to try and make a point." Jumping down from the gallery he swaggered over to his throne and sitting down eyed Anya steadily "So what brings you here to my realm?

Post: #12

Anya stepped further into the room as the Council members got seated. Standing on the bare floor, surrounded by these powerful figures, she tried to make the best of the situation. Turning to Simon, she began her appeal.

"Lords and ladies," she said, "I come here to tell an ancient tale, I come to make you an offer, but most of all, I come here to plead for your help." There, she'd said it. Power balance snipped to zero. Now to reel them back in.
"More than four millennia ago, in ancient Khemri, a man was called the Hohenheim of Light. His skills in mastering the Wind of Hysh was rivalled by none. He was a rising star in the earliest precedents of the Witch Hunters, before he fell to the shadow. Slowly he was corrupted by the works of Nagash, the tempting treats of necromancy. He paid a dire toll, but his reward was well worth it. A draught from the very Elixir of Life, Nagash's greatest creation. Granted it was one of the earlier experiments, not like the cups presented to the vampires of the first generation, but one of vast power nonetheless.
The newly reborn Hohenheim set out on a quest to slay a terrifying enemy, one of the master daemons of Hell; Tartarus. To this end, he gathered from the far corners of the world twelve of the deadliest Witch Hunters, Priests and others hunting the creatures of the night. We were trained for centuries in the art of slaying the abominations of the world, creatures of Chaos, Hell and, Vampires. We are the Everslayers."

Anya took a breath before continuing, reliving past memories.
"But in the end, we failed. Tartarus proved too strong. Half of the Order died that day. We who remained decided to shackle Tartarus, trapping him so he could do the world no more harm. But even that we couldn't do. The binding stone shattered as he broke loose in his rage. With no other options other than unleashing the furious beast on the world, Hohenheim sought to contain the daemon within himself. We dragged him to the remains of the binding stone. We tied him up, chained him tightly. We chanted the spell forcing the daemon into his soul. We condemned him to eternal damnation, and now he wrestles with the daemon for eternity."
As Anya paused again, a faint "Aw, how touching," could be heard from Mircea, but Anya pretended she didn't hear. Now for diplomacy.
"Tartarus," she continued, "is breaking free. The spell is fainting. In a few more weeks, he'll be back on the surface, no doubt quite enraged after being imprisoned for two thousand years. First he'll slay anyone still alive in that cavern, before setting out to avenge himself on our kin. He'll hunt down any Vampires for the pure relish of it, and he will do so with ease. Believe me when I say this; you are not prepared for this. We thought we were, and we had a little more than a few weeks to prepare. If this creature is unleashed upon the world, hard times are ahead for any Vampire. He must be stopped, and for that, we need the Hohenheim. He has fought the daemon for over two millennia. If anyone knows how to defeat it, it is him."

After Anya finished her story she looked at each of the Vampires in turn.
"Here is my plead. Aid me in correcting my wrongs. The cavern is sealed my magic I cannot begin to comprehend. Help me enter that cursed place, and release the Hohenheim. With his knowledge and your force combined, we can defeat Tartarus, lest he will slay us one by one.
Here is my offer. You have an even grander task on your agenda, bringing down the mighty Mannfred von Carstein, hell, you're even up against Nagash. We, the Everslayers, have faced these creatures time and time again. Vampires are what we do. The horrors dispatched by Nagash are our trade. With the Everslayers stalking his minions, Mannfred will truly tremble!"
Anya fixated her eyes on Simon, summoning all the willpower she could muster.
"What say you, lords of the Night?"

Post: #13

Milosh listened intently to Anya's words and saw her attempt to gain the sympathy of Simon before shaking his head,
"You think wrong if by swaying one of us that you will gain the aid of the council, we are all in agreement or not at all and I do not think your cause is one that demands out attention." Rising to look the attractive vampire in the face Milosh carried on,
"I do sympathise for your plight but risking our lives to save your master is not something we would agree to without good cause, and I don't feel you have provided us with one. The daemon you speak of may or may not come after the rest of us, if it does we will deal with it then. As for your warriors, we have the armies of Simon, Mircea and Vekarin as well as the wraith army I can summon, magic wise your master cannot be more potent that my wife who has mastered all the lores bar life including the Lore of Hysh, we also have the assistance of a Necrach who is extremely magically powerful. The only thing we would gain which we do not already have is another risk to our lives, and I for one an not interested in such an offer."

Post: #14

Simon listened to everything said before speaking himself "I'm inclined to agree with Milosh" he said "We've already got the attention of a lot of powerful foes last thing we need is a demon possessed vampire running around."

Post: #15

Anya got a sinking feeling in her stomach. This wasn't turning out how she had imagined it. But they must understand! For their own good, if nothing else...
"I understand your doubts, Milosh von Carstein, but I urge you to reconsider. You must see that our strength lies not in raw magical power. It lies not with strength in numbers. We have no castles or land for you. But what good is your armies if the enemy commanders go undetterant and simply replenish their hordes from the safety of their castles? What good is your greatest magicians, if they cannot get close to your opponents? We are Witch Hunters by nature, we dedicate our lives to slaying the very enemies you face. While thousands of troops will wash from your enemies fortifications like the waves, a small team of our members can hunt down the enemy generals and rip out the rotting heart of your foes before you even have to fight them!
More so, your overconfidence in your ability to handle Tartarus saddens me. Have I not just told you what he is capable of? This daemon will require a joint effort if we're to have any chance of halting him. He will fall upon you when you are separated and weakened, and he will destroy you."
She studied each of the Council members in turn, trying to figure out if she had any support at all.
"Honoured Council. I implore you to see reason... You speak of the risk combined with aiding me, but the risks you take by refusing are graver by far!"

Post: #16

"You vastly underestimate us, "Milsoh returned, "Gathered in this room alone are some of the most powerful vampires to exist, those who are absent include one is would only be beaten in combat by Abhorash himself. You speak of witch hunters as if there are something to proud of, we have destroyed witch hunters like the vermin they are. Whereas you may not be able to contain the might of the daemon do not doubt they we cannot, you are simply hoping to use us to do something you cannot, you have nothing to offer and we have nothing gain from such an action. Unless you have something additional to offer I see no point in you belabouring the point."

Post: #17

"Do not compare the lowly, mortal scum you call witch hunters to our sacred craft. Yes, we were amongst them once, but you seem to forget that we were gifted eternal life. You're so-called Witch Hunters have what, fifty years maybe, of experience? We have perfected the trade for millennias, we are nothing like the enemies you're so proud of having destroyed!
For over two thousand years, we trained for the sole purpose of bringing Tartarus to justice. Do you honestly think that you, with whatever sheer force you can produce, are more prepared than we were in past times? The only possible way to destroy Tartarus without suffering horrendous losses, is in that cavern. We have him trapped, we have optimized the odds to madness in there. The Hohenheim has shared his very being with it for thousands of years. If we can utilize the knowledge he must've learned of, coupled with your power we may have a hope of defeating Tartarus, but you are very wrong indeed to think that you are any match for him in a head on fight. Very well. Tartarus will find you, and in time you will regret your mistakes. Remember this day Milosh von Carstein, for your blindness will haunt you soon enough..."
Anya breathed heavily, this had gone all wrong. 'Fine,' she thought, 'suit yourself you arrogant vampire scum.'
"If that is the Councils decision... then I have no more business here. I'll show myself out."

As Anya turned around to leave, she let go off the magic covering her weapons, and was rewarded with a small grimace from Simon. Then she quickly turned on her heel and marched out of the room, blasting the doors wide open with a slick twist of her wrist. She was halfway down the stairs before she could hear the vampire's faint voices start to mumble.

Post: #18

Mouse sat in the shadows watching the Vampires "Great the council is getting pretty powerful Pretty soon it will take the entire Imperial army to beat them" she thought . Her stomach growled hungrily "Dammit" Mouse cursed she was sure that the undead heard that.

Post: #19

"I'm feeling peckish myself" laughed Simon "come to me Mouse I could do with a light snack." He held out one of his hands and slowly against her will Mouse began to move towards him.

Post: #20

As Anya walked out Milosh sat back down shaking his head,
"Such insolence, reminds me a little of Lesa, " he said with a wry grin before addressing Simon,
"I could do with something to eat myself, have you anything on tap?"