NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is both FT and Magic. See below for more.

It was a bright beautiful day. Not a thought in the world of evil, or darkness, or anything of the sort. Infact, in some villages, they were holding dances to celebrate the 5,005th year of Lady Ri-an's personification.

The feeling was mutual all around the world. Even the creatures were peaceful.

However, not everyone liked Lady Ri-an. Not everyone thought her rule was a good one.

After all, what entity can go through their entire life, without enemies?

Three years ago, the Shadow Realm...

"I WILL RETURN! MY DESTRUCTION IS NOT FOREVER!" screamed The Shadowlord, an entity made entirely of the night.

The Shadowlord then shattered into Seven fragments of a soul, which scattered accross the Shadow realm. They were lost forever, or so it was thought.

The Shadowlord, the most feared entity ever in the history of Ri-an was defeated at last.

Two Years and six months ago, Shadowrealm.

The Seven fragments of The Shadowlords soul, became seven individual Souls, each containing one Seventh of Shadowlords power. The Souls began to move together.

Six months later...

A new group known only as The Min istry of Shadow emerges. The Ministry contains exactly seven people, their identities unknown. The government issues a 500 Billion Dollar reward for whomever, or whatever, can take them down. The Ministry of Shadow disappears. It is from this point, that people and things, begin to disappear. Those that return, are either dead, or insane, gibbering about White Eyes in the Darkness.

Modern day...

To Date the disappearences have never stopped.
But now, The Ministry was Strong.

SR 358, Milky Way Galaxy.

It was an uninhabitable planet. It had an atmosphere, but that was all it had. It was alone in the cosmos, no Star, no solar -system. Nothing of Value in any way, shape, or form.

Seven People cloaked in the Darkness, emerged.

"Is this the place?" said one.

"Yes indeed brother one. This is the planet Father has lead us to. This shall be our staging Ground for Conquering the world of Ri-an." said two.

"But sister Two, our supporters, they are not as we. We must find ways to provide for them. Ri-an has sealed off our ways into her for their supplies. The white one has also ordered his scientists to seal off the great Ocean." said 7.

"Brother seven makes a good point. But we shall Terraform this world with the power of Darkness. For light and warmt we shall use the Dark fires of hell. For Plants and similar things, we shall use the darkest things to be found in the forgotten forests of days gone by. For beasts, the creatures of the underworld. For water, we shall make one last foray into the great ocean." said 5.

The seven vanished.

Days go by, and water floods SR 358 making three oceans and two landmasses. They also return with a seemingly innocent artifact, a Crown made of seven diffrent pieces of Coral. Its importance would be made known with time.

The Gates to the underworld were thrown open, and gruesome creatures best not described crawled into the open air, as Hellfire spewed from Volcanos. Then The Ministry brought their supporters, all the people they had kidnapped and brainwashed over the years. Their stolen ships began to appear, and patrol space around the planet.

The Ministry of Shadow had come, and times were looking dim for the peaceful peoples of Ri-an.

OOC: This is open, The first thread is based upon the massive reward. I plan on having The Ministry of Shadow all but destroyed. The Ministry itself will escape, along with some followers. However, if you move too slowly, I will destroy them myself. I will not use magic if your an all Science nation. If you use Jedi/Sith or some form of Magic, ten I can't make that smae promise, but I do promise not to use magic unequal to that which is used.

But think of it this way. Suddenly, there is activity where there wasn't. It isn't too much of a stretch to find this threatening.

OOC: Great post! I'd like to join in if you don't mind. If possible, I'd like an ADF research explorer to be passing through the area with a small escort of two ADF gloria class cruisers, which detect the activity as they move through space on a mission of exploration. As they move in to investigate, they could be destroyed or something like that, but not before sending out a message to a small fleet of ten ships, containing one battleship three, purity class cruisers along with three frigates and three destroyers. Also, the crew contains people who use symbology (aka magic) to varying degrees.

OOC: Great post! I'd like to join in if you don't mind. If possible, I'd like an ADF research explorer to be passing through the area with a small escort of two ADF gloria class cruisers, which detect the activity as they move through space on a mission of exploration. As they move in to investigate, they could be destroyed or something like that, but not before sending out a message to a small fleet of ten ships, containing one battleship three, purity class cruisers along with three frigates and three destroyers. Also, the crew contains people who use symbology (aka magic) to varying degrees.

OOC: Well, the sooner they get here, the sooner I can Pwn them. It is also possible that you heard at least rumors about the 500 Billion somehow, some way.

SR358 awaits.

OOC oh this will be a good read

OOC oh this will be a good read
OOC: Thank you.

OOC: Right-o. Also, please be gentle. ^^

IC:
An hour earlier, there was a flash of light as three ships reappeared in normal space, two ADF gloria class (http://classic-space.com/plugins/autogallery/Gallery/BigShips/12712-17-601318.jpg) cruisers along with a Impostis class research explorer. The large 2.5 km exploration ship cruised to a halt as did its escorts.

Captain Friedrich Ta-in, yawned loudly as he entered the bridge of the Vision (http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/desktoppics/IDA_Frigate(800x600).jpg).

Walking over to his second-in-command, he asked, "So Marius. Did I miss anything?"

Glancning at Ton, Marius replied, "We dropped out of gravitic warp an hour ago as we entered this area of space. According to the last transmissions from the ADF scout probe that had passed through this area, some activity has been detected here. As per the orders of ADF High Command, we've deployed several probes to scout out the area before we move in."

"Good, good," muttered the captain, "Well, if you need me, I'll be in the mess hall grabbing a bite to eat."

"Understood, sir."

-----ADF Scout Probe #2425463a--------------

The small probe processed the latest information from its scans before transmitting it to the Vision. Receiving orders to move closer and investigate a nearby planet that contained a large amount of activity, the probe powered up its small engines and began its silent trek through the coldness of space.

OOC: I hope this is sufficient. If not, please tell so and how I might change it.

OOC: Right-o. Also, please be gentle. ^^

IC:
An hour earlier, there was a flash of light as three ships reappeared in normal space, two ADF gloria class (http://classic-space.com/plugins/autogallery/Gallery/BigShips/12712-17-601318.jpg) cruisers along with a Impostis class research explorer. The large 2.5 km exploration ship cruised to a halt as did its escorts.

Captain Friedrich Ta-in, yawned loudly as he entered the bridge of the Vision (http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/desktoppics/IDA_Frigate(800x600).jpg).

Walking over to his second-in-command, he asked, "So Marius. Did I miss anything?"

Glancning at Ton, Marius replied, "We dropped out of gravitic warp an hour ago as we entered this area of space. According to the last transmissions from the ADF scout probe that had passed through this area, some activity has been detected here. As per the orders of ADF High Command, we've deployed several probes to scout out the area before we move in."

"Good, good," muttered the captain, "Well, if you need me, I'll be in the mess hall grabbing a bite to eat."

"Understood, sir."

-----ADF Scout Probe #2425463a--------------

The small probe processed the latest information from its scans before transmitting it to the Vision. Receiving orders to move closer and investigate a nearby planet that contained a large amount of activity, the probe powered up its small engines and began its silent trek through the coldness of space.

OOC: I hope this is sufficient. If not, please tell so and how I might change it.

OOC: Its good. And, I promise to be as gentle as Steel wool against a sunburn :D J/K. We'll see how it goes.

IC: The Aquamarinians language never really could be understood. Aquamrinians were, among all Ri-anese, the smartest of people. They came from Fluidic space, and were like Giant Octopus Creatures. Like some species of Earth Octopi, they had shells beneath their skin. This allowed them to remain upright. They had two blue eyes, and a mouth just beneath them. Other than that, they were like any other Octopus, except in color.

They all sounded Exactly alike, and felt alike. All males, without exception were the same uniform color of grey, like confederate america, only darker, and the same size.

The Females were all Brightly colored in diffrent patterns.

Other than that, there was no diffrence. AT ALL.

In the Aquamarinian Psionic Hive mind...

A probe approaches.

Destroy it. The seven do not wish to be disturbed, just yet.

The source?

An Aztiluthian ship in vector 7.

Action, offer a chance to join. Denial will result in their immediate destruction.

A ship that looked like a giant red octopus extended one tentacle, and a phaser blast destroyed it.

A ship that looked like a gigantic sea snake undulated in space, and made its way to Vector 7.

"We are the Children of The Ministry of Shadow. The Ministry seeks to regain its place as Gods. Join us in their quest to destroy those that destroyed them, and rule once again as terrors in the night." The ship's captain said over a high range frequency.

"Sir," shouted an officer aboard the Vision, "One of our probes just has been destroyed!"

"What?!" shouted Marius.

A loud beeping sound rang throughout the bridge as the Vision's powerful sensors picked up an object moving toward them.

"Alert the captain, quick!" ordered Marius.

"R-right, sir," answered the officer.

Just as the message was sent to the captain, a message from a large serpant -shaped ship was picked up.

"We are the Children of The Ministry of Shadow. The Ministry seeks to regain its place as Gods. Join us in their quest to destroy those that destroyed them, and rule once again as terrors in the night."

Marius responded, "Greetings Children of the Ministry of Shadow, I am most interested in what you have just said, but I cannot make such a choice as you requested. Please give me some time to inform my captain of what you have said before we reply. I do apologize for any inconvience that this may cause."

Closing the channel, the comm officer looked at Marius expectantly.

"So, sir? What are we going to do?"

"Tell the command staff to meet the captain and me in the conference room immediately," answered the officer.

"Right."

Several Minutes Later, Conference Room, Research Explorer Vision

"We can't agree to this," said Freidrich.

"Why not?" argued a young symbologist who had just joined the crew, "Surely this will help promote the power of Aztiluth!"

"NO!" shouted Marius, slamming his hand into the hard oak table," Doing so will surely be a betrayl of the oaths we took to serve the Light."

Spitting in disgust, the symbologist stormed out of the room, leaving the others to watch his departure.

"Don't worry about it, Marius," said the captain, "We'll prepare a immediate gravitic warp jump as soon as we deliver them our response."

"Yes...but what about Lantulis?" muttered Marius.

"He'll be fine," said another officer, "Just give him some time to cool down."

"Right...."

ADF Symbologist Lantulis's Personal Quarters, Vision

Smashing his glass of wine onto the steel desk, Lantulis watched as the glass shattered and the crimson liquid splashed all over the place and trickled down his gloved hands.

"So much like blood..." he muttered.

Glancing at a computer terminal for a moment, Lantulis suddenly stared at it, his resolve to betraying his oath strengthening. Walking over to it, he paused for a moment to collect his thoughts before steeling himself and opening a secured channel to the serpent-shaped vessel.

"I promised to protect Aztiluth, but I didn't say how," muttered the symoblogist as he opened a channel to the ship.

"This is ADF Symbologist Lantulis of the research explorere Vision. I have contacted you to inform you that I wish to join your cause. Unfortunately, my superior officers are of a different mind. They plan to refuse your offer and try and escape to contact a larger fleet. Then it is most certain that they will try to turn the entire ADF against you! If you could transport me to your ship covertly, I can provide all the information you need on the specifiications of these ships and how to bypass their defenses."

Glancing nervously around, Lantulis waited for a response.

"Sir," shouted an officer aboard the Vision, "One of our probes just has been destroyed!"

"What?!" shouted Marius.

A loud beeping sound rang throughout the bridge as the Vision's powerful sensors picked up an object moving toward them.

"Alert the captain, quick!" ordered Marius.

"R-right, sir," answered the officer.

Just as the message was sent to the captain, a message from a large serpant -shaped ship was picked up.



Marius responded, "Greetings Children of the Ministry of Shadow, I am most interested in what you have just said, but I cannot make such a choice as you requested. Please give me some time to inform my captain of what you have said before we reply. I do apologize for any inconvience that this may cause."

Closing the channel, the comm officer looked at Marius expectantly.

"So, sir? What are we going to do?"

"Tell the command staff to meet the captain and me in the conference room immediately," answered the officer.

"Right."

Several Minutes Later, Conference Room, Research Explorer Vision

"We can't agree to this," said Freidrich.

"Why not?" argued a young symbologist who had just joined the crew, "Surely this will help promote the power of Aztiluth!"

"NO!" shouted Marius, slamming his hand into the hard oak table," Doing so will surely be a betrayl of the oaths we took to serve the Light."

Spitting in disgust, the symbologist stormed out of the room, leaving the others to watch his departure.

"Don't worry about it, Marius," said the captain, "We'll prepare a immediate gravitic warp jump as soon as we deliver them our response."

"Yes...but what about Lantulis?" muttered Marius.

"He'll be fine," said another officer, "Just give him some time to cool down."

"Right...."

ADF Symbologist Lantulis's Personal Quarters, Vision

Smashing his glass of wine onto the steel desk, Lantulis watched as the glass shattered and the crimson liquid splashed all over the place and trickled down his gloved hands.

"So much like blood..." he muttered.

Glancing at a computer terminal for a moment, Lantulis suddenly stared at it, his resolve to betraying his oath strengthening. Walking over to it, he paused for a moment to collect his thoughts before steeling himself and opening a secured channel to the serpent-shaped vessel.

"I promised to protect Aztiluth, but I didn't say how," muttered the symoblogist as he opened a channel to the ship.

"This is ADF Symbologist Lantulis of the research explorere Vision. I have contacted you to inform you that I wish to join your cause. Unfortunately, my superior officers are of a different mind. They plan to refuse your offer and try and escape to contact a larger fleet. Then it is most certain that they will try to turn the entire ADF against you! If you could transport me to your ship covertly, I can provide all the information you need on the specifiications of these ships and how to bypass their defenses."

Glancing nervously around, Lantulis waited for a response.

Lantulis found himself surrounded by a darkness he couldn't see through, no matter what spells he used, and any light would remain unseen. He was in the Shadowrealm.

seven pairs of eyes looked at him in the darkness. The eyes were very big, and the only thing visible. They were not round like a humans, rather, they were slits, like a demons. The eyes were pure white.

Lantulis would get the impression the seven before him were seated, like on a throne.

They spoke, and it was with one voice they spoke.

"We are the Ministry of Shadow, the children of Darkness itself. You are favored among your kind, and we shall allow you to rule your brethren in our stead as ruler. Betray us, and you will surely die." They said.

Meanwhile...

The Great Sea serpant ship sent out a signal. Two other ships joined it. Both like giant red Octopi.

"We have recieved your answer. Death awaits you."

All three ships opened fire on all three ships simultaniously.

The Serpant used a giant phaser cannon.


The two Octopi opened fire from each tenticle with regular Phasers.

When the three ships opened fire, the explorer vessel was instantly destroyed, not having the chance to deploy its shields. The two cruisers though managed to deploy shields and evade the first shots. Weaving past them, one cruiser fired from its frontal phase and disruption cannons before launching a volley of missiles. Unfortunately, no sooner had it fired then was it hit by another phaser shot. The shields flickered momentarily, holding back the blast, but then two more beams hit the ship, joining the first beam, and eventually overwhelmed the cruiser. While this was occuring, the remaining cruiser had sent distress signals on all frequencies, calling for any possible aid and warning other ships to stay away. Hopefully, someone would receive it. As soon as the messages were sent, it too was destroyed from the combined firepower of the three strange vessels.

As the light from the beams faded, the pieces of twisted steel and hull could be seen floating in the emptiness of space, a body occassionally drifting by.

While this was all going on, a small ADF fleet had just entered gravitic warp after picking up the transmissions. The small cluster of ten ships hoped that they could make it in time to help.

Oh how wrong they were.

When the three ships opened fire, the explorer vessel was instantly destroyed, not having the chance to deploy its shields. The two cruisers though managed to deploy shields and evade the first shots. Weaving past them, one cruiser fired from its frontal phase and disruption cannons before launching a volley of missiles. Unfortunately, no sooner had it fired then was it hit by another phaser shot. The shields flickered momentarily, holding back the blast, but then two more beams hit the ship, joining the first beam, and eventually overwhelmed the cruiser. While this was occuring, the remaining cruiser had sent distress signals on all frequencies, calling for any possible aid and warning other ships to stay away. Hopefully, someone would receive it. As soon as the messages were sent, it too was destroyed from the combined firepower of the three strange vessels.

As the light from the beams faded, the pieces of twisted steel and hull could be seen floating in the emptiness of space, a body occassionally drifting by.

While this was all going on, a small ADF fleet had just entered gravitic warp after picking up the transmissions. The small cluster of ten ships hoped that they could make it in time to help.

Oh how wrong they were.

The fire from the ships was disrupted by Dark Matter Shields.

After the destruction, a special bomb was laid for anyone coming to the rescue. It was a Gravity Bomb, and scanning the area would activate it. It would increase local Gravity to 300X the common strength of a Black Hole, but only for a few seconds. Long enough to cause massive destruction.

The ships disappeared in the darkness, laying an obvious trail, an invitation.

OOC: i would like to join this rp
my nation is made up of nomadic sailors (there space vessels look like old sailing ships, ships that they have sailed on "their" 95% water planet.)
it is possible that a group of them were travelling in the area. i will roleplay the current heir to the archlord throne on an excursion on whence he was fired upon-and landed in ri-an. (i assume its close)

OOC: i would like to join this rp
my nation is made up of nomadic sailors (there space vessels look like old sailing ships, ships that they have sailed on "their" 95% water planet.)
it is possible that a group of them were travelling in the area. i will roleplay the current heir to the archlord throne on an excursion on whence he was fired upon-and landed in ri-an. (i assume its close)

OOC: Unfortunatly SR358 is in the Milky Way Galaxy. Ri-an is in The Andromeda Galaxy. There is no spacial Phenomena connecting the two. However feel free to stumble accross either one. Stumbling accross the world of Ri-an would be unproductive. They have no idea currently what's about to happen.

Stumbling accross SR358 would advance the storyline along. I do have a Ri-anese Armada in Milky Way, if you wish to stumble accross them.

OOC: i will stumble across SR358
i will write that soon.

Some distance away from SR358...

A blinding white flash of light, and more ships like those around SR358 appeared. Only, these were marked Sacred Empire of Ri-an. The ones at
SR358 were marked Ministry of Shadow.

The Ri-an ships moved on, unaware of SR358.

Elsewhere...

The Ministry of Shadow had deposited Lantulis on SR358

"So, Ri-an sends her lackeys out searching again." 4 said.

"yes, indeed. She has never quite given up on those we3 revealed the light too. She still tries to find them to cloud their eyes over with darkness." 6 said.

"Shall we perhaps, send out a welcoming party?" 3 said.

" Legion one shall go forth, and greet our kinfolk properly." 4 said.

The seven stood, and they spoke with one voice.

"Then, let us bring forth Glorious destruction upon The Mother and her followers, in the manner and traditions of Father Shadowlord. We will Carry with us the banners of Almighty Kajeenith, and in their name, destroy those that would destroy us. Let it henceforth be known that Ri-an will be controlled By the Ministry of Shadow." The Ministry of Shadow said.

Legion 1 went out.

Ri-an, I'm tagging this. I think it's time I give some real story to Tenarius, probably a bounty hunter or something.

Ri-an, I'm tagging this. I think it's time I give some real story to Tenarius, probably a bounty hunter or something.

OOC: well, come on in if you like. I promise you this, you will meet things far more powerful than a silly Red Dragon.

OOC: Moving on, since nobody seems to want to try and STOP ME!

IC: It wasn't long before the Ri-an Fleet encountered The Shadow Fleet...

The Ri-an fleet was moving on silently, gracefully.

In the darkness, the shadow of a large asteroid, The Shadow fleet hid.

The Ri-an fleet passed, as a lamb to the slaughter.

Then, The Shadowfleet hailed the Ri-an Fleet:

"We are the Ministry of Shadow. The time has come for Ri-an to die. Death awaits you."

Then, without warning, The Fleet opened fire on an underprepared Ri-an fleet.

Five Clam shuttles were immediatly lost, two octopi ships took damge and lost some manuverablity. one Whale ship took severe damage and hid behind the rest to repair itself.

On both sides, The Dark-matter shields were Raised.

The Ri-an fleet began to return fire, probing out the weak points in the Dark Matter Shields.

The Shadow Fleet fired a massive Gravity Bomb. crushing the remaining shuttles that were fleeing towards safety.

The Ri-an Fleet began using the Dark-matter Rail Guns, and tore an Octopus Ship to shreds in the Shadow Fleet.

On board a Whale ship...

A pair of Space sorcerers began to cast spells crushing the largest of the Whale Ships.

But the Ministry of Shadow had planned for this, and used the Dark Sorcerers of Space to counter. 360 of them attacked the pair of Ri-an space sorcerers at once and banished them to a black hole.

The Aquamarinians began to throw Psionic bolts at the Shadow Aquamarinians. The two titanic Hive minds battled back and forth using Illusions and psionic powers strong enough to kill several innocent bystanders 13 light years away.

The battle seemed to be Mutually assured Destruction, but The Shadow Fleet fled, crying victory, and confusing the Ri-an Fleet. Why Flee and cry Victory. Then, a Single Shadow Whale ship that had stayed behind Self-destructed, causing the Twin Engines within to Self-Destruct. This act in and of itself was perhaps the most destructive attack ever devised by the Ministry of Shadow, and even they didn't think of it. Their God did.

First, The White Hole Engine Self Destructed, Bombarding everyone and everything within a five Light Year radius in an uncountable multitude of Atoms, Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, and particles, destroying half the Ri-an Fleet. But before the other half realised what happened, The Black hole engine destructed, Causing a Massive Black Hole to spawn Temporarily and utterly destroy everything in the area. It faded, Neutralised by the lingering safegards in the engine.

The decimated Fleet of Ri-an drifted in space, completly lifeless, and dead.

OOC: If ever there was a more obvious opening for people to jump in, I would be hard pressed to find it.

Tenarius sat at the bar, gazing at the glass of Scotch.
He quickly downed it and left the bar, tired and grumpy.
He took a look up into the night sky, as other persons zoomed over him with their hovercrafts, going to who knows wherever and whatelse.
He sighed. Maybe he could get another assignment soon.

Tenarius sat at the bar, gazing at the glass of Scotch.
He quickly downed it and left the bar, tired and grumpy.
He took a look up into the night sky, as other persons zoomed over him with their hovercrafts, going to who knows wherever and whatelse.
He sighed. Maybe he could get another assignment soon.

OOC: not the opening I thought you'd take, but alright. I'll let you know about the 500 Billion dollar bounty ICly, perk up your intrests ICly.

IC:

A couple of people near him were talking quietly.

"So glad your back Wedge. What news you bring this time?" asked an elderly non-discript gentleman.

"Oh, not much news this time. Things were quiet on my route, although, I did here something intresting from a friend of mine back at Orion's belt Station, located of course, in Orion's belt. His Name's Sorgei, and he's a trader for The Sacred Empire of Ri-an, strange bunch, odd happenings. Appearently their all a bunch of them weirdo finger-wigglin sorcerers you hear about in fairy-tales." Wedge said. He paused for a drink of whiskey.

"Well, go on, what was so intresting?" The gentleman asked.

"Well, appearently, their having troubles with something called The Ministry of Shadow." Wedge said.

"Really? wow. How bad is it?" The Gentleman asked.

"I don't know, and Sorgei didn't go into detail, but Sorgei said it was bad enough, that the Government publicly declared a 500 Billion dollar bounty for the person or thing that takes them down." Wedge said.

"Wow, 500 Billion, you want to try for it?" The gentleman asked.

"Biggs, we're old. Unless their afraid of Shuffleboard and friday night bridge games aboard a rickety old frieghter, I don't think we stand much of a chance." Wedge said.

"Yeah, I suppose your right. Now that young man over there, I think he'd stand a chance." The elderly gentleman named Biggs said, indicating Tenarius.

"He'd have a chance alright. I think he could probably take Death herself and win if he wanted." Wedge said.

"Well, lets go before Kiros and Ward start without us." Biggs said.

The two Elderly Gentlemen quietly continued on their way.

OOC: On a side note, Tenarius is actually very old, given the nature of his soul. And he actually doesn't even look young, more like late 40s.
I will say, his abilities are slightly different from the one you've seen. He's kind of like a Sith now, with a few differences, the biggest one being that except of the Force, he uses air and his eye.
IC: Tenarius's ears perked up. 500 billion? Shit, he could do whatever he wanted. Devote all his times to finding someone who could beat him.
He hurried to the two old dudes.
"Sir, what's this about a 500 Billion bounty?"

OOC: On a side note, Tenarius is actually very old, given the nature of his soul. And he actually doesn't even look young, more like late 40s.
I will say, his abilities are slightly different from the one you've seen. He's kind of like a Sith now, with a few differences, the biggest one being that except of the Force, he uses air and his eye.
IC: Tenarius's ears perked up. 500 billion? Shit, he could do whatever he wanted. Devote all his times to finding someone who could beat him.
He hurried to the two old dudes.
"Sir, what's this about a 500 Billion bounty?"

OOC: From the perspective of two 90 year old men just recently retired, Tenarius looks young.

Biggs and wedge stopped.


"Oh sorry, don't mind our blathering. But, from what I understand, The Sacred Empire of Ri-an has encountered Strong opposition from someone or something called The Ministry of Shadow. The offered that 500 Billion to the person or thing that could offer them help in taking it down. I got a friend, Everyone calls him Captain Thames, he's sailing for a station in Orion's Belt where trading captains regularly go. Look for a captain named Sorgei. He usually stops there on the return trip to Ri-an, being Ri-anese himself. He knew the full details, and said to send all intrested partiese to the station and he'd let them know about the details of the Bounty.

Sail with Captain Thames, he leaves tomorrow from the port. I'll be there myself, and get you onboard for free. Remember, port 9, 9 am. Can't miss it, its the only ship there that looks like a whale." Wedge said.

The two Gentlemen left for their bridge game.

While Tenarius was making his way to Captain Sorgei, other things were happening.

Ri-an...

Father Star was dawning. The first rays hit the peaks of the Belgese Mountains, illuminating their snowy capped peaks, and slowly sank down into the valley and onto the broad plains below, illuminating the massive rebuilt capital of Ri-an, Elru.

The birds were the first to stir from their nightly slumber, and took to the air looking for the unwary worm.

Over the next hour, this side of Ri-an came to life. Flowers burst open into the sweet spring air, and the sky, normally a deep tranquil blue, painted itself gold, red, and purple, with a hint of orange over the sea.

The city itself was partilly already in motion, as those who worked through the night to keep the city safe sought the comfort of their beds and loved ones, while in the residential sections Children ran off for school, and adults readied themseves for work.

The Great Coral Palace, an ancient Relic from a massive 50 year world 4850 years ago shone brilliantly. It was made entirely from Coral Reef that had grown in the spot where it now stood.

At its feet lay the Grand Square, and within, the the single largest market in all of Ri-an, which was also The Department of Public Commercialisim, stirred to life as people hurried to and fro.

Within the Great Coral Palace The government continued its tireless scurry ensuring that all Ri-an laws were kept, and that the Shrine of Lady Ri-an was thorougly watered, being that it contained a beautiful Garden one would be hard pressed to find an equal to.

In the upper most room, 10 people, and 15 Aquamrinians sat.

"Their last transmissions indicate that they were moving in to look at what was possibly an uninhabitable planet, that was atmosphere only, no sun no nothing." King Aqua said.

"Indeed this is so, they were in the vicinity of such a planet. Last time we were in that area, it was reported lifeless and abandoned as worthless." Laet the space sorceress said.

"We called it SR358, but transmission was quickly cut off, and something outside the great hive seperated their lower hive mind. It was like, a cold bitter night." said an Aquamarinian.

"The Ministry of Shadow?" Schotty, sorcerer of Science asked fearfully.

"I fear it may be so Schotty. Their the only ones capable of that much power, but, they don't have those abilities, unless, no. It couldn't be." Tiel said.

"Unless what?" Jale, sorcerer of Winds and Lightning asked.

"Well, I was just thinking, all those people and things that have mysteriously vanished with no trace, What if, what if The Ministry took them, and brainwashed them into following them?" Tiel asked.

"That would explain much then, my daughter." Lady Ri-an said.

Marill then stood.

"Then it is appearent, that we must move to defend ourselves, and seal off Fluidic space. I shall have Laeviathan most closely inspectanyone who comes to Ri-an, including our own people." she said.

"But, are you sure it IS the Ministry of Shadow?" asked Jyralyn, The Dark Priestess.

"Who would have reason to completly decimate our fleet without letting them run?" King Aqua said.

"What if they ran into something else? what isn't to say thay ecountered something far stronger than anything previously imagined? All I'm saying is, there's no point in getting all wound up over a theory that could turn out to be false anyway." Jyralyn said.

"Then, what do you suggest we do?" Marill asked, sitting down.

Jiralyn stood. The room was actually a black void, thus, anyone who was in there, could project their thoughts outward for all to see.

A 5 lightyear map appeared, with a one foot scale for one quarter of a light year. SR358 was in the center.

"So, we know they were investigating SR358, and that their last known transmission was one light year away." Jyralin said pointing at the appropriate spots on the map.

"So, what you do, is you send another Legion to investigate, but not just any Legion." Jiralyn said smiling.

"You don't mean," Marill said, pausing. Everyone know what she was talking about.

"Send the Royal Legion." Jiralyn said.

"But, sending out the Royal legion has always stood in defence of Ri-an's home borders." Marill said.

"Exactly. Those ships contained the knowledge of how to get here. Supposing that whatever they encountered found its way here? would you really be willing to endanger the entire world just for a little safety now?" Jiralyn asked.

Marill tried to object, but could find none that couldn't be countered. Still she had to try.

"But, our defence here..." she started.

"Can be handled by the rest of the legions." Jiralyn finished.

"It IS important my daughter that we find out exactly what happened, lest a great threat be unleashed against the entire Universe." Lady Ri-an said.

Marill just hung her head in defeat.

The next day the Royal Legion set sail

It contained:

30 Whales,

40 Octopi,

50 Clams

The Leviathan destroyer,

Laeviathan, Guardian wurm of Ri-an

15 elder Space Dragons, also known as Stargons

5 Juvenile Stargons.

156 Space Mambos

The Master Sorcerers of Ri-an.

Lady Ri-an.

and finally King Aqua,

Jiralyn stayed behind to see to Magickal defences.

In Jiralyns private chambers...

It was a void, like the special room in the palace.

"It is done milord."

"Good. They have taken the bait then. The other legions are as a cookie cutter force. Once you've faced one, you've faced them all.
Better to remove the serious threat now. Geheh Don't worry, I'll inform the Ministry of Shadow, and allow them to do my work for me." said a familiar, yet diffrent voice, from an unseen person.

"Very good. So until they arrive, whose side am I on?" Jiralyn asked.

"Lady Ri-ans of course. What if some intrepid fool of a bounty Hunter decides to try and cash in on the 500 billion? Our delicate plans may be foiled by unseen forces." The voice said.

What would happen to the Royal Legion?

SR358...

The Ministry of Shadow stood on a bluff overlooking the world.

"The lady and her followers come to us." 4 said.

"Yes, indeed, and we shall slaughter them as we did the other legions." 5 said.

"Why don't we send them an invite, personally?" said 1

"Its what Father would do." 7 said.

"Its what got father destroyed." 6 said.

"But we're not Father. We may have come from his shattered Soul, but lets face facts, Father doesn't exist any more. It is time we stop doing things for father, and do them for ourselves, Each other. Without each other, we would be weak." 5 said.

"Indeed, but should we not honor his memory anyway?" 4 asked.

"Indeed we should, but, no more games. Playtime is over." 3 said.

"Yes, this time we are serious." 2 said.

"And no fluffy worldspirit or god is going to stop us from taking over Ri-an, and casting a Long Dark Shadow over Creation." 1 said.

"Then, we are in agreement. We are perfect, and without sin. Let us then, cast the first stone." All of them said at once.

Together they channeled their energies into one single impressive bolt of energy, and cast it in the direction of The Royal Legion.

OOC: From the perspective of two 90 year old men just recently retired, Tenarius looks young.

Biggs and wedge stopped.


"Oh sorry, don't mind our blathering. But, from what I understand, The Sacred Empire of Ri-an has encountered Strong opposition from someone or something called The Ministry of Shadow. The offered that 500 Billion to the person or thing that could offer them help in taking it down. I got a friend, Everyone calls him Captain Thames, he's sailing for a station in Orion's Belt where trading captains regularly go. Look for a captain named Sorgei. He usually stops there on the return trip to Ri-an, being Ri-anese himself. He knew the full details, and said to send all intrested partiese to the station and he'd let them know about the details of the Bounty.

Sail with Captain Thames, he leaves tomorrow from the port. I'll be there myself, and get you onboard for free. Remember, port 9, 9 am. Can't miss it, its the only ship there that looks like a whale." Wedge said.

The two Gentlemen left for their bridge game.

At nine am the next day, Tenarius showed up.
"The ship that looks like a whale... Here it is."

At nine am the next day, Tenarius showed up.
"The ship that looks like a whale... Here it is."

OOC: See you found some freetime.

IC:

Wedge was talking to an odd looking old man who looked like he lived his entire life onboard ships.

The ship itself looked like almost exactly like a whale. It was called the Serria Vista.

Wedge motioned for Tenarius to come over.

"Captain Thames, This is Tenarius, he's the one I told you about, looking for Sorgei at Orion Station." Wedge started.

"Yes, yes. Cargo's on board times a wastin. Second here, loses a dollar there ya see." Thames said.

He drew Tenarius on board the ship and hit a button. The hatch sealed itself.

"Now I understand you want to take up bounty hunting. Mighty fine offer that 500 Billion Invest it right, and you can retire for life. Not that its any of my business, but I do suggest you be careful. All of us Ri-anese are strange. I'm the only human aboard this ship, oh, besides you of course. But really, I bet you already have an Idea of what your in for." Thames said guiding Tenarius along the ship. A veiwing window showed that over the course of Thames's talking, they had slipped into Fluidic space, and was going alongside a giant fish that could not concivably exist on a planet. It looked like a crossbreed between an Eel, and a Blue Whale, and was larger than most asteroids, and 5 times as long.

"Oh don't mind this space, the Aquamarinians control it. They hail from this place, and look like giant Octopus creatures." Thames said.

A grey Aquamarinian swam through the water on the ceiling.

In fact, as Tenarius looked, he found that the ship had giant hallways, and was completly flooded with water, except for the Air Bubble Thames and him were in.

"Now, I'd offer you a room, but really, we're almost there. Step on over here, and I'll take you to Sorgei. Really odd man, loves to tell stories. He has the only Mostly human crew in All Ri-an. But we better be quick, he waits for no one, and has been known to leave his own gobvenment behind, even if they were so much as a second late." Thames said as they went to another hatch. A viewing window showed that they had re-entered space and were finishing docking with a huge station. Ships from many space faring nations could be seen there.

The hatch opened, to another Whale ship.

A man stood waiting for them. He had a white Cap on, witbh the image of an Anchor on it. He had white hair, a corn cob pipe, a white scarf, a blue sweater, brown pants, a black belt and black shoes on.

"Thames! you almost missed me. Crews going over the cargo now making sure everything checks out. yer first mate said you had a passenger for me." Sorgei said.

"Aye! indeed this man wishes to tackle The Ministry of Shadow." Thames said.

"We'd better hurry if we want to catch the Royal Legion then. They set sail for SR 358 yesterday, and ordered all Ri-an vessels to stay away." Sorgei said.

Thames nodded.

Sorgei gestured towards his ship.

"Cargo's all loaded, Ships setting sail all Hands aboard!" called a voice from his ship.

"Come on, time for introductions later," Sorgei called as he dashed towards his ship. He held the door long enough for Tenarius to dash aboard.

Then he too sealed his ship.

"Unlike Thames, I don't cheat and use Time Crystals to expedite the journey. That's how he turned a three day trip into a five minute Jaunt." Sorgei said.

Sorgei grabbed papers from his first mate, a Tall Black man with an Eye missing, detailing the Cargo.

"I'm Captain Sorgei, No one told me your name. We have a good three hours before I have to go make sure the crews doing their job right. Join me in my office for a drink while I go over the details about the Ministry of Shadow, before that though, what's your name, and, do you have anything against traveling in Transwarp?" Sorgei asked.

*to himself*

"3000 tons! The order was for 2800! I'll wire payment for the diffrence. Oh well, at least I have the Tritanium." Sorgei said.

In a diffrent section titled Passenger Manifest, he waited for Tenarius to introduce himself.

OOC: Just speeding things along.

"My name is Tenarius, and I don't know what the hell Transwarp is, so I guess I'm fine.
At any rate, so what is this Ministry of Shadow?"

"My name is Tenarius, and I don't know what the hell Transwarp is, so I guess I'm fine.
At any rate, so what is this Ministry of Shadow?"

Sorgei wrote Tenarius's name down on the Passenger Manifest.

The stars outside were a Blur as the ship entered Transwarp.

"A fine Question, a Fine Question indeed. Fact of the matter is, I don't know. They Claim to be the children of The Shadowlord, a Demon borne of the Shadow of a Moon. Shadowlord Tormented the world of Ri-an for thousands of years, but was destroyed in a great battle a few years ago. If what the Ministry says is true, then all seven of them will have his powers. They Rule from The Shadowplane. The Shadowplane, is Night Eternal. It is Impossible for Light to exist there, or so I understand. But, their not content with finding and establishing their own nation, their trying to take ours down, but, we've never discovered how to get to the Shadowplane, and thus, we cannot stop them. They keep assaulting our nation, and stealing things, and people. The bounty was offered not only to get them to go into hiding and leave us alone, but to Destroy them, if not ferret out information on how to get there.

However, that's not the end. Recently, They've taken possession of a planet called SR358, a planet with only an atmosphere, no star, no soil, no water no life, no Solar System, nothing Valuble in any way.

Our first Legion, a branch of the Military devoted to exploring The Milky Way Galaxy, got ambushed by the Ministry when investigating SR358.

Now, the Royal Legion, our strongest and most powerful force, is headed there to destroy the Ministry. I'm sure if I can get you there first, or at least at the same time, the Government will happily give you the bounty for your efforts.

Say, how long you been a bounty Hunter?" SOrgei asked.

Unexpectedly for the men, Tenarius started laughing.
He laughed and he laughed and he laughed loud and hard.
When he stopped, still chuckling, he grinned, and he spoke, his tone filled with mocking and condecension.
"So this great terrifying Ministry of Shadow are just Shadowlord's whelps?
Whatever. After all, monsieur, you're talking to a guy who's fought Shadowlord- and beaten him. It was over 300 hundred years ago."

Unexpectedly for the men, Tenarius started laughing.
He laughed and he laughed and he laughed loud and hard.
When he stopped, still chuckling, he grinned, and he spoke, his tone filled with mocking and condecension.
"So this great terrifying Ministry of Shadow are just Shadowlord's whelps?
Whatever. After all, monsieur, you're talking to a guy who's fought Shadowlord- and beaten him. It was over 300 hundred years ago."

"Ahh, but I haven't told you the last part. The Ministry of Shadow, and Shadowlord, all serve The God of Nothing. Beware, or you yourself will find yourself against the one once known as The Mad God of Darkness. Deranged beyond belief, Kajeenith is out to destroy all things, including himself. It is unclear if these recent events stem from him, but all the same, be warned, Kajeenith is not one to be taken lightly." Sorgei said.

Tenarius sobered up slightly.
"Well, so I have to destroy this ministry for the bounty, is that all?"

Tenarius sobered up slightly.
"Well, so I have to destroy this ministry for the bounty, is that all?"

"Pretty much, yeah. I'd be careful 300 years is a long time for an old Defeated enemy to learn new tricks." sorgei said.

"Care to rest and prepare yourself? we should be getting there Early tomorrow." Sorgei said,

"Sure. Where do we go?"
OOC: Like I said earlier, Tenarius isn't really that different 300 years later. The biggest two changes are he uses lightsabers instead of swords and he carries a belt of various knives with him now.

"Sure. Where do we go?"
OOC: Like I said earlier, Tenarius isn't really that different 300 years later. The biggest two changes are he uses lightsabers instead of swords and he carries a belt of various knives with him now.

"I stay here and run the ship. Markeel here will guide you to your room, and show you the nearby Holodeck, which of course can become anything you want, just don't damage my Ship." Sorgei said.

Markeel of course, showed Tenarius to a sparsely furnished room, that had a Replicator for food, drink, and most physical items smaller than five foot cubed.

Nearby was a decent Holodeck.

Markeel quietly left Tenarius to his own devices.

OOC: Although The Ministry of Shadow does come from the Seven fragmented shards of Shadowlord's Soul, they are diffrent from the Shadowlord, Having some of his powers, plus some of their own unique skills.

Tenarius pulled out his lightsaber and looked at it.
Taking a long draught of beer, he went straight to sleep.

Tenarius pulled out his lightsaber and looked at it.
Taking a long draught of beer, he went straight to sleep.

He gets a good long rest, which is interrupted by a blast to the engines, sending the whole ship crashing on SR358.

Sorgei Teleports Tenarius to an escape pod with him.

"Damn, lost most of the Cargo." he says.

"At least I saved you. Well boy, you wanted a shot at the Ministry of Shadow, here's your chance." he says.

The pod lands on a plain. There's no sign of life, and due to the absence of a nearby star, Pitch Black.

"I can't help with food, but, here's a flashlight. Sorgei says, handing Tenarius a Flashlight.

"You pull your wits together, I'm gonna look at these scans from the local area." Sorgei says, walking over to the pilot consol. The lights go from dim to full.

The escape pod is quite small, and Tenarius was on a crate in the back by the engines.

"Empty." Sorgei said.

The lights flicker off.

Tenarius would find it felt like seven people were around him, but nothing had changed. Despite the lack of lights, Tenarius could seeseven pairs of white slits in diffrent places.

"Welcome to our world Tenarius." A male voice said.

"Yes, Welcome. Father remembered you. You were the one to defeat him in the Dreamworld." A female voice said.

"Well, we did swear to destroy those that destroyed Father." said a diffrent Female voice next to Tenarius.

A hand brushed accross his chest, but was gone.

"Oh, lets give the man a sporting chance." said another male voice.

Then the lights came on.

A longsword had decapitated Sorgei.

The engine was destroyed.

The door was open.

Tenarius was alone, on an alien world, with presumably no one but hostile forces against him.

Tenarius, if anything, felt kind of relieved.
He hated spaceships. He couldn't do shit to other spaceships, and it was annoying as hell to watch stuff get blown up which he couldn't participate.
At least, he could die fighting on this planet, if it actually came to that.
He saw a path that led somewhere and set off on it.

Tenarius, if anything, felt kind of relieved.
He hated spaceships. He couldn't do shit to other spaceships, and it was annoying as hell to watch stuff get blown up which he couldn't participate.
At least, he could die fighting on this planet, if it actually came to that.
He saw a path that led somewhere and set off on it.

It lead to a to an Outcroping of Rock.

The seven entities returned.

"So, here's what we're going to do." said a deep male voice.

"See that Volcano way over there by the Horizon line?" asked a light Female voice.

Far away, barely visable, a Volcano erupted.

"We'll meet you over there, and fight you. Its what you came for obviously. You must have heard that our deaths would bring you much money. So its no question we all want you dead, as much as you want us dead. That's where we'll all play. But, here's the downside." Said all seven at once.

Tenarius could see large numbers of things littered all accross his path to the Volcano.

"We promised them a reward too. The one of them that kills you, will be made a member of the Ministry. This then, will be the rules of the game. There are no rules. If you survive, we'll be seeing you later." All seven disappeared, Leaving Tenarius alone to figure out how he was going to fight his way through an entire army of creatures that Heaven wouldn't take, Purgatory wouldn't save, and Even Hell itself rejected.

OOC: After all, how much fun would it be if I just let you get to the Volcano unmolested? Either way, you won't be alone, Help is on the way, but the help doesn't know it just yet, and niether would Tenarius. The only ones that do, are us, and anyone reading this thread. But that knowledge of course, is OOC. Using it IC would be cheating.

Tenarius quietly closed his eyes, and began making a very long series of hand motions- someone who was watching him would probably figure that he was playing with a invisble marionette.
Finishing the sequence, he opened his eyes, and slammed his hands on the ground,
"Great Tornado!"
Immeadiately the air changed. Inivisible blades flew everywhere throughout the rocks, leaving no nook and cranny that did feel the force of wind blades throughout.
Finally, Tenarius closed his eyes and closed his hand into a fist.
A great shockwave of air erupted, followed by what felt to many there was a giant fist that came and crushed all in its past.
The fist left a giant cloud of dust, to which Tenarius couldn't see.
Tenarius sat down, breathing heavily.

Tenarius quietly closed his eyes, and began making a very long series of hand motions- someone who was watching him would probably figure that he was playing with a invisble marionette.
Finishing the sequence, he opened his eyes, and slammed his hands on the ground,
"Great Tornado!"
Immeadiately the air changed. Inivisible blades flew everywhere throughout the rocks, leaving no nook and cranny that did feel the force of wind blades throughout.
Finally, Tenarius closed his eyes and closed his hand into a fist.
A great shockwave of air erupted, followed by what felt to many there was a giant fist that came and crushed all in its past.
The fist left a giant cloud of dust, to which Tenarius couldn't see.
Tenarius sat down, breathing heavily.

Around Tenarius at least, there was no creatures. The rest were well out of spell range.

The was a rumbling in the ground beneath Tenarius. A massive Claw came up out of the ground around Tenarius, and closed in.

Doing a backflip in mid-air, the hum of a pair of red lightsabers could be heard as Tenarius whipped them out.
Tenarius used a cross-slash and watched as the hand was sliced off.

Doing a backflip in mid-air, the hum of a pair of red lightsabers could be heard as Tenarius whipped them out.
Tenarius used a cross-slash and watched as the hand was sliced off.

The Claw regenerated itself.

The rest of the creature came up. Two eyes were on stalks, maybe fifty feet up in the air above Tenarius. The Creature, made out of stone, looked like a crab. This was probably why it was called a Rock Crab. Both Claws came for Tenarius.

The claws crashed into an invisible barrier, which was hard as diamond.
Tenarius smiled, closed his fist, and watched as the Crab was crushed to tiny bits.

One down, many, many more to go. The Volcano was in the distance.

Meanwhile, back at the Royal Legion...

The Magic attack had made it, and crashed through the frount lines, exploding the Space Mambos.

The Royal Legion threw up their shields, and teleported to the surface below, spreading out to combat the Hellspawn.

The ships above scanned each other, eying each other, waiting for the other to strike.

"So. they sent the Royal Legion. This, could be difficult." The Ministry said.

They vanished to the Shadowplane, to browse their options.

Tenarius snapped his fingers, and hurled a tidal wave of flame throughout the region.

Tenarius snapped his fingers, and hurled a tidal wave of flame throughout the region.

The Creatures paused, looked around, shrugged their shoulders, or the equivalent there of, and went back to their business, which consisted of killing each other.

while tenarius started his journey, other things were happening...

SR358, Surface....

The Ministry came back from the Shadowplane, with Their half-brother, Id, The Demon of Elru. He smiled, and walked off, into the darkness.

Elsewhere on SR358...

Lady Ri-an, her son, the Master sorcerers, King Aqua, and an armed detachment of Gareens, who had only recently been taught to weld weapons, followed by the Aquamarinians.

Lady Ri-an knelt, and felt the planet.

"This world, though it bears and supports life, is dead. It has no spirit. It is to me, as a lich is to most magi. The Ministry must be behind this. What other force would want to take the time and trouble of doing this?" she stated.

she stood.

"More troubling, that nice young man that defeated Garthox is somewhere on this planet. Though there's so much interference, its really quite hard to tell.

Sorcerers, go find him. Deuce, take your groupies and head off to the East. I'll split to the west with the Aquamarinians. King Aqua, keep some Junior sorcerers, and a few of your people, and set up a base camp here. Remain in contact with each other and the ships at all times, who knows what surprises may come up." Lady Ri-an commanded.

Deuce took his groupies, all one million of them, and lead them all east. He wasn't a fighter, nor were his people, but he was a very good distraction. This didn't mean he couldn't fight, only that he was better at drawing attention to himself.

Lady Ri-an took four million troops, that's 2 million Aquamrinians, and 2 million gareens, and split off to the west.

The sorcerers headed north.

King aqua kept 50,000 troops with him, to establish fortifications.

Up in space...

The space dragons had decided to make the first strike. They looped around the back ship of the Royal Legion, and headed for the ministries fleet. Their claws began to glow with radioactive power.

The younger Stargons, more ambitious and less cautious than their elders, struck first, ripping holes in five diffrent ships.

The 15 elder Stargons shot their breath attack, strong as any phaser weapon, at 15 other ships.

Both sides raised shields, and the Shadow forces shot back, burning the wings of one stargon, and removing the the tail of another.

Tag

Some time had passed since the division of the Ri-an forces.

Deuce had reached a broad flat plain, and did what he did best, served as a distraction, throwing a party so large and wild, it borded on criminal.

Lady Ri-an and her forces, had set up a semi permanent encampment in a large valley, going back and forth with the bulk of the Shadow forces.

Up in space, The two fleets were shooting volley after volley of Transphasic Torpedoes at each other.