NationStates Jolt Archive

The emperor of Parkus, Caldas III watched anxiously. "What more can you tell me?"
The scientist who was slicing the brimstone looked-up to better provide his attention. Yanking-off his goggles he spoke: "this mineral came from a world that exists alongside our own. A world which was made to punish those guilty of certain infractions. A possibly supernatural world."
The emperor blinked quickly. "You mean...Hell?"
"Precisely. On a recent excavation of the Thermo mountain range we discovered a pit, which turned-out to be a porthole to this world."
"How can be you certain it's Hell?"
"Well, technically we can't. But several factors point in that direction. An immense amount of heat was emanating from the porthole, we found this unusual element nearby, and this..." the scientist approached a large case and pressed button to open up the outside, and reveal window. Inside was a creature 25 centimeters tall, crimson in colour, with protruding fangs and wings of ebony.
The emperor let out a quiet scream. The scientist nodded. "We found this fellow jumping out the pit at us. Sir, I say we should send a team down there. Think of the possibilities!"
The emperor now nodded. "Get our best experts on this 'field' together. I'm sending a message to the other national leaders concerning this. Do not let the press hear about it. In the meantime, let's not jump to any conclusions about 'Hell'.

You know that by admitting that hell is in your country, you have made yourelf a joke, right?

OOC: Subyc, why should he have made a joke of himself? He didn´t say that Hell is in his country, he said he found a porthole to Hell.

OOC: Cool! demon killing! Very original, expect an IC post later

Scientists stood baffled around a screen. "Sir, we sent a probe down. While the beginning seemed relatively benign, further exploration led to the discovery of unpleasent weather--a tremendous subterranean hurricane. The probe barely survived it, only to be subsequently be crushed by hail."
"Team?" inquired the emperor.
"Well Sir, along with several scientists we have selected Conz Tyspet for the mission. He is a general in the Parkus military and would be valuable should--" The emperor held up his hand. He already knew Tyspet, the youngest officer of his rank in the Paran army. "In addition we are working on a vehicle which could withstand the rigors of this journey. Any news from other leaders sir?"
"Not yet," said the emperor. "I take it that when they do respond they will have something to provide for the expedition, perhaps even a team member. Keep me apprised."
"Sir."
The emperor was about to take his leave when his daughter Jomfey appeared. The emperor nodded in recognition. "Any more news?" she asked.
"A probe was sent, but it was destroyed. Also, they're sending Tyspet along."
"Would it be alright if I accompanied the expedition?"
"You're a grown woman now. Ask the scientists, not me."

From: Imperial Ministry of Science and Agriculture.
To: The Parkus Empire.

We are very intested in this discovery. If we are permitted, we would like to send two men to accompany the expedition. These men are colonel Erich Neuman and captain Maximilian Beyer. These men are among the highest trained and most experienced soldiers our country have. We could also, if requested, provide you with a sum of $3,000,000, to help finance the expedition.

~Official Imperial Democracy Message~

The Imperial Democracy has taken interest in this subject. We wish to send a squad of Ghost Operatives to defend the team of scientists.

Sincerely,
Ingram Hasley
~Presidential Secretary~

~Official Imperial Democracy Message~

The Imperial Democracy has taken interest in this subject. We wish to send a squad of Ghost Operatives to defend the team of scientists.

Sincerely,
Ingram Hasley
~Presidential Secretary~

From: Imperial Ministry of Science and Agriculture.
To: The Parkus Empire.

We are very intested in this discovery. If we are permitted, we would like to send two men to accompany the expedition. These men are colonel Erich Neuman and captain Maximilian Beyer. These men are among the highest trained and most experienced soldiers our country have. We could also, if requested, provide you with a sum of $3,000,000, to help finance the expedition.



Your contributions is accepted. We will inform you when the mission begins.

NeoAztec Message
We have a keen interest in this development and would like to send a team of experts. We will give you their names when you reply.

NeoAztec Message
We have a keen interest in this development and would like to send a team of experts. We will give you their names when you reply.

Your team would be most appreciated. We have developed an excellent vehicle for exploring the world, and are making its final touches.

Incense and the other customary fragrances of devotion hung heavy on the hot air. Wisps of faint blue smoke occasionally wafted through the opening of the Convocation Hall’s doors, where two pikemen stood with statue like solemnity. Inside raised voices and occasionally bashing could be heard over the ever-present chanting of lamentations and signing of psalms, it was a very difficult thing to stop even if one intended to. First one would have to find an accurate map of St. Michael’s cathedral, or be swallowed up by it’s massive area, then be able to move at lightning speed to stab every monk in every monastery across the entire complex. There were 480 daily songs, psalms, laments that had to be chanted by the denizens of the Basilica constantly throughout the day and night.

It like all traditions did not have a starting point but did impress visitors, and the baritone voices echoing down the marble corridors and through pillared halls and salons is how it had always been done. Waldenburg was much a jewel hidden away from the desert sun, it’s traditions, it’s religion, it’s very existence depended on a belief system the world across scorned, to kill for God, to make the sacrifices of piety devotion everyday, to sing sweet laments at every second. It was perhaps a sad thing, one that begged attention but the most cognate pondering a Bishop was inclined to do was where his dinner was coming from. Thousands of the senior clergy honeycombed this place stuck into rooms where they may not be disturbed for decades or possibly even forgotten about in the scuffles of the Church.

Everyone had their place though, and every one of them ruled with the mandate of The Cenobiarch, and in theory God.

“You believe you can summon demons and rip holes in space? You think they are more powerful then the prophets?” Swishing red robes clinking with the sounds of heavy jewelry announced the entrance of His Imminence Francis the Cardinal Mendly perhaps the one man who God could not smile on. His retinue swept past by the double doors, dripping aides and attendants, all robed and sweeping to the best of their abilities past rooms and doors.

“It is simply bluster, they know not of what they speak,” the Cardinal held up a gloved hand arching and flexing as if trying to set itself free of writing cramps. “Still we must be kind to these people, let them down slowly as it were.” The Cardinal slowly pulled of his glove and dipped his hand in a pool of water, allowed it to drip for a moment before crossing himself and turning to face the crowd at large. His cheekbones were high pulling already thin and sallow face to parchment thick layers. Because of his high cheek bones or possibly his nature the face was always creased into a sneer, the eyes, an icy blue always probing for the secret sins. He was a joke cardinal, conforming to the stereotype of power behind the throne menace, although no one would laugh.

“The Cenobiarch has already written permission for a little missionary work, and perhaps this is the way to start, we must fight ignorance somewhere. Until I send for you all again leave and notify their Graces the Bishops Henry, Rokewood, Fleter, Rose, Fry, and Pembroke that we shall be forming a delegation to this ‘Parkus Empire’.” The quotes clanged into place barely missing the sarcasm dripping from the man’s tongue. Threw round about routes the crowd of followers left Cardinal Francis standing in frescoed corridor still stinking of Mir, and whistling a tune between his teeth. It was very rare to hear someone actually say they could enter hell, very rare, an opportunity not to be missed. If in fact this was the case Waldenburg, with it’s many cloistered rooms, and hunched abbots, would perhaps find a use for this hell perhaps make it’s own way.


Francis Mendly tapped his hand against the wall as he meandered down the hall, not much to occupy him for a while, except the anticipation, which would hardly be a substitute. As his hand made contact to the wall in rhythm with Agnus Dei, which floated down the halls from a distant nunnery, a small metallic sound cut through the silence. An impossibly old ring tapping along with sacred melodies more wearing the owner then the other way around. On it, in silver etched on a back of hematite was a looping design made of several triangles and odd arches. Around it’s silver rim was a band of bright metal, platinum perhaps that had not been kept in fine polishing, one ruby sat with a dull glory at the rings head, and in blades made of bronzed grasshopper wings, or so the story went, a pair of tiny keys was carved into the glowing stone. It was an oddity of the Church that the Cenobiarch may hold the crown, but the Cardinals would hold the keys.

Diplomatic Message From: His Imminence Francis the Cardinal Mendly
To: His Majesty Emperor Caldas III

We have heard of your, discoveries and are naturally intrigued. To that extend my Cenobiarch has mandated that a team of seven of the senior clergy shall accompany, if allowed, you in any future discoveries. My compatriots and I represent the Ancient Studies of the Hells, and the Hierarchy, should Hell be indeed what you have found then I believe we would be of great assistance. We shall come only with our books and associated tools, and quickly for this is a once, or possibly eternal, in a life time chance.

Signed:
HI Francis the Cardinal Mendly

OOC it's been awhile since I brought the old demonologists out.

OOC: Remember Executive Orders? It was my puppet but I feel like doing some Role Play with it now.


-Executive Orders Corporation-

The Executive Orders Corporation, a New Brittonia registered and highly professional private security firm has seen the international response to the "discovery of Hell". First of all, I have first hand experience in surviving with Hell, and I know it is a very loud, dangerous, nagging, annoying, accusational place. That's why I got a divorce. Secondly, as I Hell is a dangerous place, we wish to open the opprutunity to contract several of Executive Orders' contractors for security and guard work on the scientists. If you accept this offer, please reply with a suggested price we can negotiate upon (Operations will run around 1 million euro for a team of 5 men).

Thank you,
CEO Zuko King

OOC: Here are the specifications on my squad:

-Harry Kilwrath: Squad leader, M-16A2, MP7 (Golden bullets)
-James Knight: Rifleman, M-16A2, Blessed Ceremonial Blade (Golden bullets)
-Rowan Chezanski: Priest, MP5, Blessed Ceremonial Blade (Golden Bullets)
-Robert Chezanski: Designated marksman, M-14 DMR, MP5 (Golden Bullets)
-Delan Jarrenhiem: Support gunner, MG3 (Golden Bullets)
-Jack Nagelkirke: Grenadier, XM8 with AG-36 (Golden bullets)
-John Bowstead: Medic, G-36, MP7 (Golden bullets)

OOC: Here are the specifications on my squad:

-Harry Kilwrath: Squad leader, M-16A2, MP7 (Golden bullets)
-James Knight: Rifleman, M-16A2, Blessed Ceremonial Blade (Golden bullets)
-Rowan Chezanski: Priest, MP5, Blessed Ceremonial Blade (Golden Bullets)
-Robert Chezanski: Designated marksman, M-14 DMR, MP5 (Golden Bullets)
-Delan Jarrenhiem: Support gunner, MG3 (Golden Bullets)
-Jack Nagelkirke: Grenadier, XM8 with AG-36 (Golden bullets)
-John Bowstead: Medic, G-36, MP7 (Golden bullets)

OOC: You know that really puts me out of buisness? LOL

OOC: I really doubt you would need anything less than assault rifles if you're going to hell

OOC: I really doubt you would need anything less than assault rifles if you're going to hell

OOC: I know, golden bullets though? Does that put my guys out of work though?

The helicopter set down. The emperor bowed in recognition of the teams. "On Parkus' behalf I thank your nations' contributions. Please follow...."

Coming to the inside of the mountains, the emperor indicated a protected porthole. "Out means of travel is almost complete. Would you care for a refreshment?"

A woman entered the room. She wore an unusual skirt made of simple white cotton. In her left side it barely extended past her hip bone, but it slanted in such a way that it covered the right side of her left knee, and draped her entire right leg down to her ankle. Her torso was shrouded in a scarlet poncho, and she was barefoot (as Paran ambassadors traditionally are). Her brown hair was weaved into single long braid which passed over her left ear.

"This," said the emperor, "is my lovely daughter Jomfey. She will be acting as a diplomat of Parkus is case of an encounter. And...General Tyspet please...ah, her he is."
Tyspet was adorned in a fine leather vest. His trousers were of horse-riding military fashion, his footwear was simple, but sturdy. They might be described as rugged slippers. On his head he wore a cavalier, although barely embellished, lacking the usual plume, and merely bearing his rank insignia. All was ebony.

"This is General Conz Tyspet, and he will function as acting captain on this expedition."

Tyspet bowed.

Official Diplomatic Communique to the Parkus Island

We are sending the former President Jack R.Arnold, along with 9 Calizorinstanian scientists to help in the research of this "Dante's Inferno" and 9 of the elite "Falcon" group, armed with XM-8's and Colt Commanders for protection.

Signed,

Terry Max
Foreign Minister
Calizorinstan

A scientist approached the emperor. "Ah," chimed the emperor. "The transportation is now ready. We shall depart as soon as you are all ready."

“Capital, we were under the impression that we would be late,” Cardinal Mendly, flanked by hi six bishops flowed into the from, silk robes sweeping up a small torrent of particles and drawing them in a haze to the men’s lungs, all trying with different amounts of success to contain their coughing. All their arms, accept naturally the Cardinal’s, were stuffed and packed with ancient looking books, and duffle bags hung from every shoulder.

“We do apologize for the baggage but when is hell…” he laughed gently and dipped a republican curtsey to who held himself like an emperor should. The others with more or less dignity bobbed curtseys, robes splaying open like rather manufactured flowers. Embroidered roses, saints spread open and along the lining of several inner cassocks an array of weapons could be seen. The Bishops would not be skilled with them, if they were to be jumped by an avenging demon it would be unlikely that lead would stop them, a good incantation would serve them better then any lead. “Are we all here I wonder?” Francis removed from a robe a small vile of water examined it for a moment before removing the cork and holding out his hand for an ornate scepter. “If you would not be too scandalized I should wish to bless and sanctify this vehicle before we should do anything.” Without waiting for permission the Cardinal, smiling faintly began to walk away whistling Laudate Dominum under his teeth and looking at everything.

His staff watched him solemnly out of the room before dropping the duffle bags heavily and moaning on various parts of their anatomy. One, perhaps the second in command which was a very dangerous position fumbled in his bag for a few moments before coming up with a small leather bound book, looking anticlimactically rather new.

“If I may just take the time, I am His Grace Bishop Fry, a demonologist by everyday terms.” The artificial light momentarily shone of silver etched “Semita Um Divinus” shallowly etched into the book. “According to the Prophet Ceno,” with gloved hands the old man crossed himself reverentially and turned with an almost unnoticed shudder back to the book.

“And from the nine circles burned the forgotten of the hells, forever denied God’s grace. Bewigned creatures of grotesque build and spectrum spiriting them to eternal damnation, rising in a smitten tower the nine circles did arch out to the “Veni Portius”,” the bishop cleared his throat, “translated as gentle gate but more literally it could mean rending gate. We are of course unsure, not much chance to check. In the first tier lain upon the chains of bone are the scoundrels, liars, and beggars. Imps and Knights of Hell beset them daily with red irons and ill divined tortures unknown to the world of men. Luck accompanies them for they are unaware of the agonies of the murders, pirates, and rapists bar the wails emanating from the lower levels.” Again the Bishop paused and looked to his audience, “this has been updated for non church use. However it is directly translated from the Latin version as written by St. Ceno the Prophet who entered the first circle of Hell in the year 999. It is reported he brought back several items with him including the Demona Pivitum Orb of Demons although we certainly have never found it.”

“Skipping a bit, Great Smoke and flame rise from the center and pool around the first tier clouding all wander eyes from the horror below. Through which all can be divined is a great causeway, Highway Of Penance, paved with the skulls of departed victims leading lower in a spiral towards the Ninth Circle. Though the elevation is hardly a trial and in actuality quite a short journey it is beset by peril, and the pleads of the damned. Walk there with care, hold God to your side, Hold the angels to your heart, and hold the Saints to your mind hold the Cross to your mind. Faith is the ultimate arbiter, for who may look the devil in the eye with a guilty mind, and proclaim his innocence? Steel to yourself your weapons, they shall die as they have lived spilling the unrighteous blood, damn the infidel, burn the heathen, crush the pagan and always hold dear your faith. As I have walked so must many though perhaps none while still alive, those who do dare traverse the dread portal keep to you your faith the Demons have no power that they cannot wrench from travel as you live with the arm of the Church.”

All six bishops bowed their heads and began to speak Latin utterances and bow their heads to an arbitrary point. “ I’m afraid this can be taken so many ways and indeed depending upon where we enter the geography may be completely different, or indeed might have shifted over the years. However we do believe that the arm of the Church travels with us, we shall bless the vehicle, whatever is may be and pray that it shall be enough, armed with the trappings of the Church. If there is anything we may look up before we make the plunge I shall be most happy to do so, let us see your ‘hell’ sarcasm once again clicked into place.