TVC II Chapter 3 - The Second Council

[Ghouly]

As the godly aura filled the room Graveclaw winced slightly as his skin began to blacken and burn, angrily the Strigoi gritted his teeth unwilling to reveal the pain the holy light put him through. As the light faded Graveclaw relaxed slightly, but still he glowered angrily at the surrounding vampires. He growled as the two ginger haired twins appeared taking an immediate dislike to them. After Rowhaine explained how chaos was draining Necromancy, the Strigoi rose to his feet there was a dry popping sound as Graveclaw cracked his neck “Undead can eat dirt and die for all Graveclaw caresssss” he snarled “BUT GRAVECLAW WILL SSSSSSSSEE CHAOSSSSSSS SSSSSMASSSSSSSHED!” he ended with a roar.

 

[Sweeney Todd]

Kenshiro took an appraising look at the vampire twins who had made a dramatic entrance, but said nothing. Their shapeshifting skills could come in handy, but whether or not Rowhaine would accept them was another matter entirely. And since Rowhaine had in turn thrown the ball to the Truimvirate, there was little more to say in that regard. Temporarily ignoring the newcomers, the Easterner turned his thoughts back to the matter being discussed.

"Thank you for the explanation, Champion of Nehekhara. So the problem is in fact twofold, having both a martial aspect and an arcane one. My expertise does not lie in the realm of spellcasting, but I too will pledge my strength to solving the problem nonetheless. However, while the solution for the martial aspect of the issue is obvious, the same cannot be said for the arcane. In other words, how do we know that by defeating this new Champion of Tzeentch, whoever he may be, the diminishing of necromancy may be slowed or halted? Our efforts may well be futile if we slay this warlord, only to find that our endeavours did not solve the crux of the problem at all." Kenshiro said in an unusually lengthy response for one such as he. Only when Rowhaine directly mentioned Asaph did he suddenly become conscious of the faint tingling caused by the Champion's divine aura, but it was no more than that.

"I do hope by crushing this Tzeentchian Champion, we can kill two birds with one stone in a manner of speaking. But it would be foolish of me not to anticipate that the problem may be much more complicated than that.

 

[Lord_Mortis]

This was intriguing. Of course, Ezra never used necromancy or any other art besides that of the silent death, but the complete decay of it could render all undead, including vampires, even those without the use of the black arts, utterly powerless.
And if what Rowhaine was saying was right and that Tzeentch had taken control of necromancy, they could all be serving him instead of themselves (or employers, of course). Actions had to be taken to stop this champion and Ezra was not going to give herself up without a good fight. And besides, she always loved a challenge.

She reconnected with young Elanor, ignoring any surface thoughts.
'I will join you people in this fight, for I fear without necromancy we may be without our control'

 

[Get of W'soran]

Nekhlior growled, a surprisingly bestial and powerful sound from his fragile appearance.

"The Changer of Fate, I am not surprised that he is involved." he hissed.

He Necrarch remained silent looking furious, his hate for Tzeentch and his witless followers clear for all to see.

"Clearly as the greatest sorcerer present by far I am capable of learning this new method you speak off and willing to do so for the good of this council." Nekhlior said arrogantly.

Considering how this new method of arcane manipulation might work the Necrarch went silent.

--------------------

Dieter allowed the vampire to transform and fly away without destroying him, unwilling to assault an unknown vampire during the gathering of this council.
At least not without his master's permission.

Taking his place between Karl's and Simon's thrones he listened to Rowhaine's words, nothing the champion said interested him so instead he returned his attention to the two new arrivals and watched them, his expression one of open disdain.

-------------

Karl shrugged slightly at Rowhaine's words and glanced at Simon.

"I'd have the two fool's decapitated on the spot but since you are the one who is taking part in this council Nephew I'll leave the decision of what to do with the two to you." the Regent said sounding bored.

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion snorted at Nekhlior's words. Greatest sorcerer by far? How dare he be so presumptuous!

The bitter truth of the matter gnawed away at Morturion's mind, but he moved onto more important matters, saying, "Evidently, your mind is not as sharp as it used to be, Nekhlior. Rowhaine said that this method of necromancy can only be used by the followers of Tzeentch. As such, if we try to use it, we will probably develop chaotic mutations, and eventually become pawns of the Changer of Ways ourselves. Tzeentch did not know how to manipulate necromancy before Nagash's death: in all likelihood, he would need one of our kind to divulge secrets of the dark arts for him to use them. That means that someone may have betrayed necromancy. The question we should be asking is, who?"

 

[Get of W'soran]

"I am sure I could find away given time, magic is magic, there are no limits to one such as I although I'm sure you face many sorry limitations. Although the time for such research may not be possible." Nekhlior replied dismissively "And as for mutation we vampires are utterly incorruptible by chaos, our very nature makes it so."

He give a seemingly pitying smile as he looked at Morturion "Although I understand that a mere mortal man such as yourself would fall victim to such."

"As for learning the 'secrets' of necromancy, it is hardly a great difficulty for even a simple man to learn, as your existence proves Morty, so why would the architect of faith, the God of Sorcery or his followers find it impossible to learn without a collaborator."

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion responded, incensed by the necrarch's arrogance and insult, "Vampires are 'utterly incorruptible by chaos?' I think this logic needs questioning. This was a widespread belief, but so was the belief that only necromancers and vampires could use necromancy, before the followers of Tzeentch started to use it. With the death of Nagash, the Old World is changing, and those of us that cannot accept this will crumble with necromancy."

Morturion made a slight pause, then continued, "In fact, the idea that you have no limitations is a further sign of where your limitations lie: you seem to be oblivious to the fact that your power decreases with that of necromancy and will continue to do so until our problem is solved."

Morturion smiled smugly. "As for the matter of my induction into the dark arts, it was my wisdom that led to me taking up necromancy, instead of letting that idiot priest save my feeble town. Everyone else was either trying to run or fight the undead: their actions were stupid and utterly predictable, which is why only the cleverest of us become long-lived necromancers."


"And I did not say that Tzeentch would find it impossible to bend necromancy to his will without collaboration; only that help from an undead quarter could very well have been the reason for this change in the arcane winds. Why, for thousands of years, has Tzeentch not been able to do this, up until now? A vampire who had remained silent for years could quite possibly divulge the secrets of necromancy to Tzeentch, in the assurance that they would be safe fromNagash's wrath now that he is finally dead."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Nekhlior glared at Morturion growing annoyed with the human.

"This is not open to debate human. Extended study of the vampiric condition has been done by many magi of various bloodlines. Our souls are not connected to the Aethyr as yours would be, as all of humanity's would be, this is why we are untouchable to chaos, this is why chaos hates us, the nature of our soul is not changed by the death of Nagash or the weakening of Necromancy. If we where connected to Chaos then the blood-thirst of our kind would not exist, our very nature would be different, we would not be vampires." he rasped.

He looked at Rowhaine for a moment wondering if the Old Gods had reattached his soul to the Aethyr to reverse his vampirism back to humanity. It was an old thought.
He looked away and stared upwards at the ceiling as he continued.

"As for Necromancy being the province of only vampires and Necromancers that is a rather idiotic statement. Necromancer is just a word for a mage who is a student of Necromancy. One can be a Necromancer and also a sorcerer of the architect of fate."

"And you will stop saying his name." Nekhlior growled, flinching at Morturion's repeated use of the Chaos God's name, whilst Nekhlior did not exactly fear Chaos he would rather not hear the God's name too often.

"Now as for the Changer of Ways "knowing" Necromancy, I disagree, the intellect and knowledge that such a being knows is beyond our understanding. However his followers have been known to raise the dead before through sorcery so the powers of Necromancy are not beyond his flock, and it would take little for an accomplished Sorcerer of Chaos to find a tome of Necromancy to study the art himself or a Necromancer to instruct him. Indeed I could imagine a Necromancer turning to chaos. As to how he could suddenly gain control over Necromancy perhaps Nagash's death allowed him to move that sphere of the arcane into his domain? After all although only a Liche he was a greatly powerful one who invented the unliving arts and at one time I would have said he had the power of a Diety or close enough for the difference not to matter." the Necrarch mused.

Locking his gaze on Morturion he smiled slightly and turned to face the Necromancer.
"And for your other point...perhaps you'd like to observe my limits?" he threatened coldly.

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion raised his voice, "On the contrary, this is open to debate. Rowhaine reversed his vampirism; what if the magic of the Changer of Ways could somehow do the same? And despite your greater age and -I admit it-power, I don't think you can compare your knowledge of souls superior to that of mine. Have you been studying souls recently? I tell you, I've looked at many, and I say that if a soul was somehow 'sold' to chaos, it could be manually warped by them, leading to mutations in the body of the person who had the soul. This could happen to anyone, and using Chaos necromancy could be, inadvertently or no, selling your soul to chaos. Remember, any soul can be transferred, and so any soul can be changed."

Morturion adopted a thoughtful look. "I am certain that Nagash's death was a part of the rise of Chaos necromancy...this magic is new, and so it's mysteries are still unclear to us. That must be changed."

"Observe your limits...hmmm..." A humorous smile played on Morturion's features, "I believe they were last observed when you fell face first unconscious into the dirt on the battlefield today."

 

[Get of W'soran]

"'Sold' to Chaos, stop blathering your pseudo-sorcery nonsense Morturion, although I admit it reminds me of the amusing 'research' you conducted amongst the Nagashi. The champion is indeed unique but the ancient Nehekharan Gods are not the the same in nature to those of chaos. Now let me explain the basics of the Vampiric Soul. A vampire's soul is locked inside it's physical form and unlike a mortal's which are partially in the physical and partially in the Aethyr. That can -not- change, it is intransmutable and incorruptible apart from the fact it ages due to it's very nature of being disconnected. And of course I have studied souls recently, the study of unliving encompass both the physical and spiritual." he growled.

Nekhlior's smile vanished at Morturion's last comment, as did the Necrarch in a swirl of shadow, he reappeared several feet from the Necromancer and pointed the Staff of W'soran, the tip of which was glowing, at the Necromancer's face.

"I think I'm going to kill you Morty." he stated happily sounding cheerful.

 

[Count Darvaleth]

Kraskor snarled as Morturion continued to argue with Nehklior. Considering what Rowhaine had said earlier, Kraskor cooled himself a little before speaking.

"Morturion, whilst your knowledge and experience are appreciated, I do not believe anyone has any patience left for the throwing about of insults. Such is a waste of breath when we have more important matters at hand," Kraskor paused.

"Although I cannot claim to have the same arcane knowledge as either of you, I can observe on your debate. Morturion, you say that Rowhaine's return to "humanity" could mean other vampires may have done similar under the Changer of Way's influence, and therefore allowing them to be corrupted and spill the secrets of Necromancy. There are flaws in this argument; if a vampire was somehow reversed, then he would no longer be a vampire and so corruption should be perfectly possible. This would not prove the corruptibility of vampires, because it is not a vampire being corrupted. Furthermore, as far as I know Lord Rowhaine is the only vampire ever to have fallen from vampirism, so for the Changer to be able to do what the Southern Gods did is not hugely likely," Kraskor turned to the Champion, "Excuse my use of the word "fallen", my Lord, but your current state... disturbs me, just as a vampire disturbs a mortal. The mortal would describe the vampire as having "fallen" into vampirism, as they are polar opposites, so I apply the same to you. No disrespect meant of course."

As he addressed the Champion, Kraskor's skin itched. The warrior's inner light burned, and Kraskor had to look away. Turning back to Morturion, he continued:

"As for the Changer needing a collaborator to learn Necromancy, I think this too is false. His followers would only need as much as any human would need to become a Necromancer; an unholy book, or a teacher. Just because it comes naturally to vampires does not mean they are the only source of Necromancy; it came from a bastardisation of elven magic originally, as I understand it. No vampires existed to teach Nagash, that's for sure. Why then, has the Changer only now turned his attention to it? The answer is obvious, surely? A power vacuum, left by the Liche. He wasn't just the creator of Necromancy, he was bound to it somehow. I don't know if you saw the Great Battle, but his affinity for Necromancy was on another level. With his absence, the Changer was likely able to shackle the Wind to his own will, bend it and reform it. Now that he's slowly draining it, we're losing control of our own Necromancy."

"As I said, I am by no means an expert, but this is how I understand the problem based on what I have read of Necromancy and what has been revealed here," Kraskor hastily added.

 

[The Dread King]

At the sight of Nekhlior's staff pointing him in the face, Morturion was about to call Defiance for aid, but then he realised that the weaker necromancer was still unconscious. I have little chance of victory against Nekhlior. I'm afraid a retreat is in order.

Cursing under his breath, Morturion summoned all his power and kept his eyes fixed on Nekhlior. I hope the wards were turned off while I was absent...I must try to escape now, or I'm doomed! he thought, before attempting a teleportation spell with his cloak. The wards were still, in fact, cooling down, so Morturion managed to teleport a couple of metres away from the necrarch before the magical backlash slammed into him and he fell to the floor, shouting in pain.

 

[Malochai]

Shah sighed once more and would have rubbed his temples had it not necessitated removing his mask. He stepped forward. "I understand that I have no authority here, and may not be amongst the very oldest here ..." He paused and took an unnecessary breath. A habit he'd retained since his days as a mortal, more than seven hundred years ago.

"We are here to work together, against an enemy we cannot overcome together. If we do not work together it is likely we will all perish. Nekhlior, I would ask you to lower your staff; despite the necromancer's attitude, he is still a member of this Council. He has already been admonished by Rowhaine, and this competition between yourselves does neither of you any favours. Put your arguments behind you - at least until after ... Indeed, if this threat is defeated. You are both older than me; that is clear. Act like it."

Fixing the necromancer with a steely glare, he continued speaking as he made his way back to his place against the wall once more. "Whilst I have no authority here, necromancer, besides being a vampire of this Council of Vampires, I am in no doubt that Nekhlior is your sorcerous superior and would suggest you accept that, and take what he says seriously."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Master Nehklior," Rowhaine spoke softly, "if I could request for retribution to wait until this meeting is concluded. As one of the Dark Lord's followers, Morturion may present certain information that only those who were recently in his service may be aware. I understand the distaste of many present of consorting with one who by his own admission as never recanted on those loyalties. However at the more our need is urgent."

"If I may my Champion." Anya's husky yet strong voice spoke, causing an almost imperceptible raising of Rowhaine's eyebrow in surprise. How true to character he half bowed to the princess and gave her the floor.

"I present the Warrior Princess Anya, Chosen of Neru, Heir to Raestra." Stepping aside Rowhaine let the striking woman take the floor. Striding forward with confidence she greeted the council without fear, making eye contact as one would expect of a warrior.

"Greetings all," she said simply before moving onto business, "I speak now as the Chosen of Neru. As some of you may know the goddess provides protection against the darkness and as such as great insight into the winds of the arcane.

Allow me to clarify further on the information provided by our illustrious Champion. As you all know Necromancy is not a "wind" in itself. It is shall we say instructions on the use and combination of the known winds primarily the use of Dhar with slight use of Shyish. It is this knowledge that Nagash developed and what is commonly used today.

However the new variation uses different codifiers, different instructions. The best analogy I can think of is imagine a book where the actual words give you strength when reading, but only if you understand the words. Now imagine that next time you read the book one or two words are in code. All the power is still there for the taking, it is still the same in its content, but our effectiveness in accessing is the issue. Overtime more and more words become encoded until in the end you can understand nothing and you no longer have access to the power.

This is effectively what is happening. The literal words of Nagash are loosing their potency, the works of the Changer of Ways is somehow rewriting the keys to accessing the power of undeath, and we do not have the code. The greatest minds of Nehekhara and even our gods cannot see how this has been done, but it is likely only something that those who truly follow the Dark Gods will be able to understand.

As for why this happened now, as Lord Kraskor spoke, the only obvious connection is the death of Nagash. He must have had some connection with Necromancy, and whilst he was present he effectively "locked" the secrets, using the previous metaphor, made the words of power unchangeable. Somehow, the powers of Chaos have managed to take over this connection and that is one thing we do not understand how they have done.

The one thing we can perhaps surmise is that another has somehow taken Nagash's place. It would have to be someone of extreme potency and strength.....and also someone who was undead themselves. If such a person was willingly or forcefully made in the new focal point for Necromancy, this could be the cause."

Anya looked back to Rowhaine as she gave him the floor back.

"Thank you Princess. Certainly a more descriptive version which I hope clears up some of the questions. I know that many of you will now be wondering what can be done or if there is one that we can identify as the new focal point. I have received information, and the battle outside has as much confirmed it." Rowhaine turned to Kraskor, and for once the mask changed into something sorrowful, "A warrior matching the description of Vekarin has been noted in the forces of Chaos coming from the north. As far as we can tell he has joined the forces of the new Champion of Chaos, and we believe is now acting as their focal point.

It was he would presented through the Wyrm and who I sacrificed one of my men to banish. I would surmise the Chaos Champion has ordered Vekarin to ensure we do not prove a threat, however we did not expect him to move so fast.

More than anything this proves to be our greatest threat. Vekarin is one of the oldest vampires in existence, second only to the legendary Abhorash in martial skills, and with his armour, immune to nearly every magical weapon or spell. Only one I know of had the strength to negate him and the Mistress is sadly no longer with us.

This is the threat we face."

 

[Count Krieger von Blutstein]

The twins listened intently to the conversation going on around them as they chewed, making note of the amusement or annoyance that many in the room displayed towards them, and taking good note of who could take a joke or not. It appeared that they were going to remain silent initially, as they seemed to be waiting on Lord Simon von Carstein's approval of their offer.

However, once the name of Vekarin was brought up, they visibly brightened, and hurriedly finished chewing the candy already in their mouths before speaking.

"If we have two parts to the problem, why not two solutions?"

"Those of us who understand dusty scrolls and boring old books can fix this magic we need..."

"While the rest of us who like fun and games and crushing mewling things can go and pop this Vekarin-fruit's pips out!"

As they spoke, they moved away from one another, one pointing with excited fingers at every obvious wizard in the room, the other doing the same to those clearly of a more martial sentiment.

"Besides, if this Champion of Vulture-Face is unable to be hurt by charms and dwoemers, the fuddy-duddy scholars would just get in the way!" they chuckled, returning to one another's sides.

 

[Malochai]

"Thank you, Warrior Princess. It is ... Somewhat clearer, although the true magnitude is beyond me, I fear to say." The Lion bowed slightly, and then turned to the two fools who were speaking insanity. "I assume you did not hear what Rowhaine said about Vekarin Banespike? He is a get of Abhorash, second only to him in skill ... He managed to strike down Nagash. If it truly is Vekarin who has been sighted amongst the Chaos forces," He flashed a glance at Kraskor, to see how he was taking the news, and then continued, "then it will not be a matter of splitting our forces and combatting the two threats separately.
"I would think that, if there is some hold over Vekarin that has caused this ... Alarming turn of events, then that should be dealt with primarily - or he should be removed from the equation first. That would take probably all of our forces combined.
"Then, with the threat of Banespike removed, we could refocus on the new focal point for Necromancy. As we don't even know who this is ... It is a problem that should be considered concurrently, but dealt with after. if we confront our main enemy too soon, with such a warrior in tow, we will suffer the true death.
"I shall not leave this world by following such a poorly thought out plan!"

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Laughter filled the room as the occupants turned away from the Rowhaine to its source which was Simon.

"Nephew. Is there something you wish to share." asked Karl looking over to Simon with a concerned look.

Simon wiped the tears from his eyes "I must apologise Uncle and to you too Rowhaine. It wasn't that long ago that Vekarin was openly plotting to destroy the House of Carstein he even tried to misle the Knights of Blood Keep into attacking us. Said we were a threat to everything and had to be destroyed." Simon sniggered "Well it appears now that miserable excuse for a vampire has to be put down like the mad dog that he is." Simon climbed to his feet "THAT PATHETIC LOWLIFE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE FROM DAY ONE!" He shouted. "WE GAVE HIM BACK HIS WIFE AND HE SQUANDERED THE OPPORTUNITY AND MURDERED HIS OWN BROTHER ON THE EVE OF THE GREATEST BATTLE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF US ALL."

He slumped back in his chair "If we survive this I want him dead, so dead that he never returns, No forgiveness, No second chances."

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"If he has voluntarily chosen this path, then I cannot argue you," Rowhaine replied to Simon's outburst, "such a threat cannot be allowed to every return. However we must consider however small the possibility that this is not his own choice. Certainly if it is not, if there is someway to "free" him, then this would make things much easier. However we can be sure of at least that his mind in one way or another has been turned to working for the powers of Chaos."

Turning the back to the Lion and the twins Rowhaine nodded to Shah,

"I must agree with you. We need a more definite plan, yet to do that we must know our foe. Until we are sure of what we face, I fear we will not be able to adequately decide on a plan of resolution."

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion's feelings were a mix of terror and joy. Terror, because of the disastrous news that had just been told to him, and joy, for not only had he been saved from Nekhlior's wrath, but he would finally get the chance to kill Vekarin Banespike, and be congratulated for it too!

Quickly, he drew himself to his feet, and brushed the dust off his armour. "It's true that I know much of Nagash; I noticed an unnaturally excellent performance from Banespike whilst fighting at Nagashizzar. Did any of you notice the runes in his armour? That plate was chaos armorial, and it glowed in a way that only armour that is infused with extreme power does. In the final battle, it was almost as if...as if some part of Tzeentch was possessing Vekarin's armour. Without it, he would have been killed many times over by Nagash. If we destroy his armour, our task will bemuch easier; of that I am certain."

He gestured to his army, and a ravening horde of strange humanoid monsters came to the fore of the entrance. A particularly large one stepped forward up to Morturion. "As one who works with souls, I know much to aid this council. Behold: the souleater. After decades of research, I managed to split up captured souls into multiple parts and transport them into forms that come into unlife after their possessions begin. These creatures always hunger for more life force, knowing their own is not whole, but not being able to kill each other: they are in thralldom to me. They thrive off the souls of the dead that they devour, yet the sustenance they gain can never fill their insatiable appetite. Indeed, I have even managed to manipulate them so that they hunger for the life force of daemons. They will prove a formidable enemy against our foes.

"And finally," Morturion added, "I strongly believe that the corruption of chaos on Vekarin Banespike's mind will be too great to be reverted. I believe his existence must be ended for necromancy to survive, and for the greater good for our kind. If he is set free, he will only turn to Tzeentch again. He must be eliminated. He must suffer the final and true death."

 

[Count Krieger von Blutstein]

The twins seemed rather amused by Simon's explosion of emotion, so much so that they appeared to forget the Shah's warning remarks within moments.

It was also more than disturbing that the moment he had begun to laugh, they did the same...and their laughter became more wild and uncontained the longer his outburst went on. Everyone was so focused on Simon now that they failed to notice the pair strutting up to the thrones. Well, to be sure, they figured Dieter had to have noticed, but was pretending not to because he hated them already. Fair enough.

Abhorash? So? There is no care to offer that we Jesters can give, Lords and Ladies, not if you said the name W'soran or Neferata!" they cackled. "The only name we respect is Vashanesh! Only von Carsteins understand what it is like to have fun! Only they understand fun and games! That is why we are here! That is why we think this Vekarin-fruit is squashable!"

"Vulture-face likes fun and games, but his never end, and he never really plays..." one muttered, crossing his arms and kicking an imagined dustball.

"He never bothers to enjoy it! And people say we are mad!"said the other, his eyes wide and teeming with endless, bloody possibilities.

"So even if this Vekarin-fruit is nasty and spiny and hard to goosh, and Vulture-face has made him nastier and spinier still...." cackled one, pantomiming a grotesque parody of martial prowess and physique.

"All of us together can certainly enjoy driving him deliciously mad before making him end his own life!" snarled the other, somehow producing a strange sort of doll that looked vaguely like a vampire and even more vaguely like Vekarin Banespike, which he then made impale itself repeatedly with a wooden stake.

"Besides. If magic cannot touch Vekky, Boy of Destiny, why worry about having party magicians around to combat him? We just break a rock with a harder rock!" they finished in unison, one tearing up a stone from the floor and the other smashing it to dust between his now massive, rotted, calciferous hands. And just like that, they were themselves again, quietly waiting for a reaction.

 

[Ghouly]

Graveclaw snarled at the mention of Banespike of the entire council Vekarin and Lesa were the only two he would not have enjoyed tearing limb from limb, as Simon started to laugh Graveclaw growled angrily. “Carssssssstine” his voice came out little more than a whisper “don’t talk sssit about the one, who isssss twice the man then your entire bloodline” a twisted smile split the Strigois face “during the battle Bonehead ssssmacked your entire bloodline around like a Tilian whore, you ssssscrawny little puke” Graveclaw tugged on the chain around his neck “Graveclaw ssssssssmassed Bonehead and took hisssss crown, even drug your womanly assssss out of the fire, Banessssspike killed Bonehead, while Carssssstine lay on the ground like a whipped cur” Graveclaw grunted “Graveclaw going to ssssssmas Chaos” the Ghoul-kings ears drooped and a tired tone entered his growl “and if Banesssssspike with Chaos, Graveclaw ssssssssssssmas him too, Graveclaw not going to enjoy that”.

 

[Count michael]

In the Dark woods near Drakenhof walking around in circles for about an hour Mikhail was very annoyed "Bloody southerner map" he cursed tearing it up. looking around him Mikhail tried to make sense of where he was. "I should be near Altdorf" he thought "I don't get lost its impossible I am just misplaced that's all"

For the hundredth time Mikhail wondered why his love Katrina the Tzarina of Kislev sent him to his cursed place in the first place "I'm not a dipolamat I'm a damn warrior I don't speak fancy words I kill stuff, its those bloody nobles fault they have always said I am tainted by my blood and should be killed if they knew I was Katrina's lover they would try killing us both, when I get back their will be Ahhhh" tripping over a tree root Mikhail crashed head first into a tree stunned and angry "by Ursuns hairy arse, I knew I drank too much probably wandering around drunk might not be a good idea but those bloody dwarfs thought they could out drink a Kislevite ha I have more chance getting attacked by a vampire" he cursed

Suddenly Mikhail had a strange feeling he was being watched by something, he couldn't see anything but his instincts were warning him about something "Hello" he cried "no one better try attacking me or else.... hello????..... If anyone is out there show yourself and I might not kill you.... Hello???" seeing no one Mikhail turned and began walking off in some random direction again humming to himself

 

[Mello]

Alastor had been sitting down against the wall for some time now, the argument had nearly resembled a meeting since the arrival of the disturbing Rowhaine. Hearing that he had descended form Vampirehood scared him a little as well. He hoped that never happened to him, he needed the power. All this inactivity had calmed him somewhat, and for the first time in hours he was no longer worrying about Marie and was almost reaching rationality as his mind tackled with the current problem.

"Well, we know the problem, naturally what follows is a solution. Now I imagine leading an army against a giant chaos force that has been preparing for years and led by a, well I was told legendary, magic immune vampire is akin to suicide.

So assuming that's not the current course of action, I guess our next port of call would be to find this source of.. the change of necromancy? and destroy it. That'll give us the ability to take on the chaos force too.

We either do that or finding some allies or some magical trinket or weapon to fight the chaos force. Do we have any idea how long we have until they encroach on Sylvania?"

Alastor shook his head slightly, twitching. All this rational thinking was odd. He snickered a little.

 

[Kavok]

Kavok glances around the room, looking at the other members as they talk about the problems with necromancy. '... Warrior princess... Of course... Why would I even dream that she is someone even remotely normal. And what is with the warrior part? Do her people send women out to fight in their battles? Well... I guess I could understand if she is a magic user. Damsels are very powerful, and quite the force to be reckoned with if you get on their bad side. But why is it 'warrior' princess? Gah... Learning their culture is going to be difficult I can just tell... Though from the sounds of things they live happily with the walking dead. I wonder how that works out... Might be something similar to the situation I'm in, though I get the feeling the undead don't go around eating people there. Still not sure how I feel about that. On one point I feel sorry that they can't help it... But on another they are eating people...' Kavok winces in pain, as he puts a hand on his head. 'Ow... Why does my head hurt... At least it is getting better. Maybe if I can just focus on fewer things at one time it won't be as bad.'

Taking a step towards the group, Kavok puts his hand down and clears his throat before speaking. "Sorry to interrupt, but I get the feeling that I don't have much to loose right now. I'd say I'm a dead man walking given my current situation, but in present company... I feel there are definitely others that fit that description better. Now that I know that the force stealing your necromantic magic is the forces of chaos, I actually feel slightly more inclined to help then I was feeling previously. I don't know much about magic, but I'd prefer chaos not get their hands on necromancy as well."

"Though a suggestion to the chance that this Vekarin is on the side of chaos, and that he is as strong as you all say, then why not find this Abhorash person and ask him to help us. You all seem to think he is stronger, or at least most of you seem to feel that way, and if he is a vampire as well, I feel that these matters may trouble him as well to some degree. And even if Vekarin isn't on the side of chaos, would it not be better to have a very strong person fighting with us against chaos?"

Glancing over at Kraskor, Kavok shifted his feet for a moment before continuing. "I mean no offense to either you or Vekarin. I don't know him by any means, and I don't generally care to pass judgments on people before I actually get to know them. Though going by how highly someone as honorable as yourself holds him, I would have to say I find it very unlikely that he is willingly serving any of the gods of chaos."

'Well... That was be-... Oww... Never mind...' Kavok would wince ever so slightly, though would try to hide it as best he can.

 

[Dark_Wolfen]

When Anya spoke, Nimrais listened keenly. She was very impressed by this warrior princess, but found it hard to look at her since she stood so close to Rowhaine, who fankly, seared her eyes a little. Rowhaine was the oppossite of what Karl was: a shining aura.

Replying to Kavok, she shook her head.

"Finding Abhorash is going to be difficult," Nimrais replied. "I've heard he hasn't been seen since he slew that emperor dragon, though I'm sure others would correct me if I'm wrong. And then there is the question of his nature. As I understand, one must prove his worth against him before he'll even consider you worthy to be in his presence. It would be easier to attack this Vekarin head on!"

Looking over at Alastor she nodded.

"I agree with Alastor. If all this is true, then Chaos must have been preparing for a long time. Fighting them head on may not be the best way to use our resources, not unless we can get allies to fight with us! We'd need to weaken their power before approaching the army or Vekarin directly."