NationStates Jolt Archive

The full moon was high in the sky as Maximus peered down on the streets below. A few humans walked past, oblivious to the vampire above them. Maximus was back in Tarlachia, his childhood homeland. He had returned, after living in Assington for a number of years, for primarily one reason.

In the first year of his vampiric life, Maximus had had a troubling dream, a prophesy actually, of Tarlachia undergoing a drastic change in its existence in the future. Maximus had been keeping tabs with his extensive spies throughout Tarlachia, and recent information led him to believe that the prophesy was soon to come true, probably as soon as within the next month.

His information had told him of a recent increase in the activities of other vampires, vampires intent on taking charge of the entire Tarlachian government and population. Intelligence indicated that the activities were coming from a group that called themselves the Vampire Revolutionary Organization (VRO). They desired their own glorious nation of immortal beings to have the upper hand against the mortal nations of the region. And now, they were powerful enough to pull it off. However they lacked the leadership necessary to pull off the plan. That was where Maximus came in. He would make himself the respected leader of these vampires. He would help ensure his own existence in Tarlachia. He was older than all the rest there, even though he wasn’t as old as his sire, Skadi, who was now 858 years old. He was old enough to be given respect, 235 years old to be exact. He was now an Elder. Skadi was now on the brink of gaining the title Ancient. He had become powerful in his vampiric abilities, and had learned the advanced arts of flying, manipulation (of the mind), and transformation (OOC: only to other physical forms, ie: image of other humans, creatures).

Tarlachia was about to undergo a drastic change, a change that would shake the foundations of every home, every building, every individual’s life.

Maximus stepped back from the ledge, just as a red dragon flew swiftly past Maximus overhead, heading toward the mountain. Smoke trailed out of its snout as it flew quickly away. Maximus watched it gracefully command the wind to its favor, its sharp claws slightly reflecting the light of the moon.

OOC: ok, I’m going to need people to bring in characters for military folk, militant civilians fighting against the vampire onslaught, vampires to do the onslaught, characters to side with the vampire’s cause(even foreign species allowed!), and other suggestions from you will be considered…Vampires will have to follow pretty much the same guidelines that are here. They are borrowed from a previous thread RP, with my addition at the bottom:

Immortal (but not invincible)
Fire kills
Sun kills
Silver hurts
All normal attacks may hurt but not kill.
Severing of limbs does not kill (can be put back on and healed)
Supernatural speed, strength and endurance/resistance
Telekinetic and Telepathic powers
Flight (only the older vamps)
Can climb walls/ceilings
Beheading with a silver object will cause death
Silver bullets to the head kill
· Other abilities/weaknesses will be allowed, upon approval by me.
· Shape-shifters (Transformations, only older vamps)

OOC-2: Also, this will be a limited entry RP, probably around 4-6 people, with a cap maximum of 10 people. These people will be allowed to control up to 2 or 3 characters on their own. TG or IM/email me with your ideas with your characters/ideas, and I’ll check them out and respond ASAP, letting you know if you are permitted to join.

Zakli Estaria, an Elven Ranger, sat quietly in a tavern sipping his drink as a human slowly told him about the location of one of the oldest vampires in Tarlachia, Maximus. Zakli grimaced at the long list of crimes and deeds, the Tarlachian vampire had committed and thought back to one of Maximus's most horrendous crimes, the feeding and killing of Zakli's family. Sighing, Zakli nodded in acquiesce to the human, tossed a few coins on the table, and walked out of the tavern...

OOC: Information about my character
Name: Zakli Estaria
Age: 33 years old
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 148 lbs.
Hair: Blond
Eyes: Blue
Bio: Zakli Estaria was a former member of the Royal Guards of Cala tasked with protecting then leader of the Five Civilized Nations, the Duke of Cala, Lance Crusade I (the current ruler is Lance Crusade XXIII), raising his children and loving his wife. But one day, Zakli's life was shattered, when a vampire visited his house, feeding upon his children and his wife. The vampire was Maximus. After feeding upon Zakli's children and wife, Maximus wrote with their blood a scathing note to Zakli, taunting Zakli to follow him and kill him. Fortunately, Zakli was away from the house on guard duty. When he returned, he mourned the death of his family only briefly, immediately resigned his position in the Royal Guards of Cala, and became a vampire hunter. A hunter in the dark alleys and streets fighting against the evil of vampires...

tag, hold a spot for me.

TAG:

Will post soon, Maximus. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Assington, Kain and ATG will also be here :wink:

TAG

Damn straight I'll be here. I'm not missing this.

OOC:This looks cool.

Am I allowed to enter as a Sorcerer? I have a set of 'rules' for magic which I am happy to explain and then you can say if you agree with them.

OOC:
Assington: Accepted
Valient: Accepted
Five Civilized Nations: Accepted

Danneland: Need more information from you about your character(s).
Cousin Eddie: Need to see your rules, and description of character.

Valient: please TG ATG, let them know about this thread. Thanks.

(OOC: I did exactly as asked in the second post, send a TG instead of posting here, but apparently that did not work, so I am now asking here if I could bring a Demilich to the RP. Most of the things needed to know about it I already said in the TG, but I did not get too much into the specifics of the magic it uses. I will tell you more about it if you say if the character itself is usable, if not, it'd be pointless.

Plus, this was a tag/bump-sort post.)

tag, I'm so bringing my guy into this

In the darkness of some obscure alley he appeared, but no one was there to see him. He had finally reached his destination. Apparently there were vampires and other beasts of blood all around the world, but here, currently, they were most active. The darkness around him only intensified as he started walking out of the alley. He knew it would not take long to find those beings, those vampires, who taint themselves with the blood of innocents.

A test they called it. A test to see whether he is as useful for the cause as they had hoped. In his former life he was a man, an old man who was dying, but now he is only known as Gravechill. It is the only name he recognizes. He is no longer a man, he is undead, a demilich, an undying, corrupt being. That is what he is now.

Delete

OOC: I'm going to Rp two characters. Alexander Kelsing and a Valient Intel Agent named Daniel Able.

IC:

Alexander closed the door behind him... he could not face him anymore...

Another vampire walked up from behind him and placed a hand on the young vampire's shoulder.

"How is Driretlen?"

"He's stable for now, Garrien, but he's not out of it yet..."

"Just how many silver bullets did he get hit with?"

Alexander turned and faced his friend. "They took out over 15 slugs. Look, it's what Driretlen would have said to you if he were up and around: Don't worry about him"

Garrien nodded, and then pulled out a crumpled peice of paper from his coat.

"What's this?"

"It just came in through our intel. Concerns someone named Maximus..."

Maximus... yes, Alexander remembered Maximus. The vampire who used Driretlen as a diversion - a pawn - so that he could rescue one of his own.

Alexander read over the note. Looked as if Maximus had plans to overthrow the Tarlachian government. Though he owed him no favours, Alexander realized that it would do him well to check out the situation.

It never hurt to have allies in high places.

"Garrien, fire up a chopper. We're taking a trip to Tarlachia."

************

In another area of Valient, another figure checked out a similar intel memo about the situation in Tarlachia.

His name is Daniel Able, member of the Valient Department of Extranormal Operations. Dealing with issues concerning the paranormal. That would include Vampires.

The Vampire Revolutionary Organization (VRO). They desired their own glorious nation of immortal beings to have the upper hand against the mortal nations of the region.

That's where Daniel came in. He was asked... no, ordered to go and investigate the situation in the city. It was no secret that Valient had guilds of it's own. If all vampires got to thinking this way...

Daniel pushed the thought out of his head and walked out of his tiny office at the DEO HQ. If there was a chance of that happening, Daniel would be first in line to stop it.

On his way out, Daniel grabbed his desert eagle. He also grabbed a handfull of silver bullet clips. He wouldn't take anything for granted.

OOC2: for info on the back story for Alexander, search out the Blood Hunter thread.

Maximus closed his eyes, his thoughts wandering to his past. Much had happened in his life. His mind wandered from the first years with Skadi, and went to the various events he had taken part in, and up to the years when he studied the arts of his ancestry. There, his thoughts lingered, as he relived the clear memories of the days.

Maximus had also done extensive investigation into his ancestry, and found that he had indeed had the blood of Elves within himself, but the magic of the blood had remained dormant for thousands of years, passing through the generations unused.

But now, he had broken this silence of the magic. Ten years earlier, he had finally located another descendent of the Elves of Lothlorien Forest of Middle Earth, an old elf delighted to pass on the knowledge that he had.

For the next two years, Maximus had trained with the Elf, only during the nighttime due to his vampiric state. The Elf had understood this and so, had trained him in the various magic skills of the Ancestors. Finally, the Elf told Maximus that he had learned all he could teach, and Maximus thanked him and departed for Tarlachia.

Opening his eyes again, Maximus was drawn back to the present night. He stood, as he followed the rooftops to the east, the stars shining overhead. So far tonight, things had been peaceful.

A pistol shot rang out, it's bark shattering the silence of the night. A roar of anger sounded shortly thereafter.

" Damn it...spoke too soon." he cursed, and followed the sounds. He quickly came upon a scene of a regular civilian shooting at a single vampire. The vampire had obviously been hunting, the gleam of bloodlust in his eyes. Maximus darted over to the mortal, ripped the gun from his hand, at the same time as grabbing the mortal by the throat, applying pressure to the man's neck. The man gurgled slightly, but passed out quickly. Maximus glanced back at the injured vampire, and tossed the body of the mortal his way.

"Next time, weakling, try moving your sorry butt faster, or I'll just let these mortals kill you off!" he spoke, a coldness in his voice.

He turned and walked swiftly away, the fledgeling still shocked at the abrupt arrival and departure of the Elder. Maximus turned left, and followed the street. A few mortals passed by, in a hurry to get someplace safe.

A knock sounded on the ornately designed oak doors.

“Come in.”

“Sir, I’ve got some troubling news. I just got finished talking to one of my officers located in the city of Krishev. He has reported a 60% increase dramatic increase in savage murders committed upon the citizens of Tarlachia. Apparently there is some sort of outlaw organization behind these attacks, but who they are, we don’t know yet.”

“What the hell do you mean we don’t know? Why aren’t you doing your f***ing job? Damn it man, you work for the government, you have the resources necessary, use them! Find out who the hell is behind this now! I want a detailed report on my desk in two hours. Now go!”

“Yes sir.” replied the head of National Security, Paul Grinsham, immediately departing the President’s Office.

President John Marshall rubbed his eyes as he sat at his desk. He had lately fallen behind in his work, and had been trying to catch up with it, sacrificing his sleep. His brown hair was in disarray, his tie loosened. God, he needed a vacation, maybe to one of Tarlachia’s ally nations. He was drained of energy, and had started to develop a migraine. Opening one of his drawers, he pulled out some medication, and popped a couple of pills into his mouth, and washed them down with water.
___________________________________

“We have finally become strong enough, my friend. Soon we shall begin phase two of our grand plan!”

The vampire who had spoken gave a sinister grin, his fangs protruding. The one standing in front of him was another vampire, who responded after a few moments of silence,

“Have we found a leader yet? None in this organization so far have proven themselves worthy, and none are Elders at the least. We must find someone to lead us, before we can begin phase two. You know this, Varsim, as do all of us.”

“I know dammit, have patience! We will find someone soon Dracon…leave it to me, I’ll take care of it personally.”

Varsim walked over to the armory, pulled out some weapons, consisting of a sword, two Berettas, throwing knives, and a whip. After securing the weapons, he left the house, and into the night to begin his search for a leader.

Little did he know that he was about to cross the path of a powerful vampire Elder that night.

Carath(Name means The destroyer in Ceranissian) flew down to the top of the building and prepared himself this is where he would get his quarry ....

Ever since that battle in Assington, some 235 years ago, Rúmil had been pursuing Maximus. 8 years earlier, Rúmil had been sure it was Maximus's time to go to the Halls of Mandos when he had managed to track him to the dwelling-place of an Elf of Lothlorien. However, Maximus had somehow escaped 1 hour before Rúmil got there.

Skadi stood within the dark litup airport within Tarlachia. Normally she would have flown herself, but Tarlachia was too far away from Assington. The sun would rise before she landed. Finding it easier to take a commercial flight, Skadi was now in the homeland of her fledgeling.

Walking into the street, clad in her standard black trench coat. She wore black leather pants underneath and a black tanktop. Jet black hair flowed over her shoulders as her keen eyes examined her new surroundings. Her abnormally white skin would probably draw attention, she should feed.

Once she fed, she would begin the search for her beloved fledgeling, Maximus.

OOC: Christoniac, I'm sure that my instructions to this thread are clear, because if you had followed it as directed, you would have TG me with your character information, to be under consideration for approval by ME. Until I see such, I will suggest that those that are accepted into this thread, are to I.G.N.O.R.E. your posts. I will go ahead and tell you that your character will need to convince me that it is a good addition to the thread, because as of now, we are currently nearing the full capacity for players.

OOC2: Sorry, been trying to post the following all day:
Olympus: Accepted
Ermor: Accepted
Golden Scimitar: Accepted
Kain: Accepted
AmandaTheGreat (ATG): Pending

As he walked on the streets of the city that is in Tarlachia, he could feel the fear in the humans that ran past him. They did not fear him, no, they did not even see him because of the darkness around him. There was something lurking in the night. He knew what that something was. They are the beasts of blood he was sent to deal with.

Then it happened. He could see a figure, tainted with the stench of blood. It just stood there, in the dark, almost as if it was waiting for something.

The magical darkness around him dissipated as he approached the being.

In an underlit bar hidden in the suburbs of Tarlachia, a man hunched in a corner ordered another beer. He sat back and slowly sipped at the smooth taste.

After 500 years this was still one of life's greatest pleasures. the simplicity of a cold beer, and a seat where no one would pester you.

The man sat, and drank, and thought. Wondering where his life would go next.

OOC: I know you havent approved me yet but I hope you will, and I dont wana get too far behind.

Stephen Malone stood next to his trashed Land Rover. The mechanic looked over it for the hundredth time before looking at Stephen.
"Gona take a few weeks to get the parts in and repair it." he said
"A few weeks? Why not days?" Stephen asked
"Well sonny, you ran into a ditch, flipped, hit a tree. I don't know how you survived. My point is your car is a mess. I basically need to get a whole new roof. Why not get a new car?"
"I like this car. I can afford repairing it. So while I'm stuck here is there a hotel I can get a good cheap room?"
The mechanic gave him directions and Stephen walked over. It was a nice cosy place and above all cheap. He got his room under "lets play it by year" payment and went off to find a pub then call his wife and tell what happened.
He was now very glad his wife said "go alone" to escape what she called his "inner demons", he called them "bad memories".

As Maximus walked on, he fell into a deep philosophical nature, as his mind struggled to understand the world around him:

Within the dark recesses of this world, I sit in disharmony. It is not of my doing. I do not belong in the light of this world.I am of the darkness that thickly coats half of the world. Centuries of existence, centuries of time, history, bloodshed, peace, love, hate, disgust, reverence. Time is my bane, it binds me to the mortal and immortal alike. Both are strong forces, ripping my flesh in searing pain, as they grip and pull in opposite directions. The pain I cannot escape, and have grown accostomed to this. I replenish the cold, undead part of my soul by feeding on humans. Usually they are humans who have committed wrong in some way, or will not be missed by society. But there's also the foolish innocents who dare to try to impede my journeys, dare to forever halt my momentum. They were only mortal, thus they would be easy to kill. I am bound and tied to the threads of time forever, unless one who hears my silent cries for mercy releases me of this infernal world. Unless the thread of time has been severed by higher supernatural forces. Suicide is not an option, and any actions done toward this only are countered by the higher forces' power to quickly heal me of my wounds. I am but a puppet of humor and pain. When shall my torment end? I have learned much more than even the wise men of ancient China. They are restricted by what they know of the mortal world. They are retarded in the supernatural. Who will listen to my experiences, will take heed? Until this time, I roam the shadows, my yellow eyes expertly watching the world around me, seeking the disturbances and evil that roam the shadows alongside me.

And so I shall face my antagonist beast as I had pondered, alone. It seems that as a vampire I am subject to the solitude that is inside of me perpetually. It seems that death is something of a dream upon which I seek; perhaps heaven shall unbolt its magnificent entrance towards my face. Yet I am jammed between many different worlds. The world of the past, the world of the future, the world of the mortal the world of the immortal, the world of the physical and the world of the spiritual, the world of the evil inside of us all and the world that lies our most beautiful potential. Shall none hear my cries in the mysterious? Shall none see my facade before you? I have such to tell you all yet would you listen, would you give ear to a soul in the dark that preaches of light, of radiance unheard of? Perhaps my demise is upon me as I know in order to vanquish my foe I must also defeat myself first. Perhaps I shall yet be with my ancient family in the sky. Alliances, war, pestilence, famine, I have seen all and have scene civilization pass away and be reborn in the womb of the perfect earth. So dark am I, so lonely. I sit hear amongst speaking bones in a catacomb that shall soon see my bones along side the bones of the great inquisitors of the past. Yet I wish to have died with them for my death shall be in vain I fear.

Maximus walked through the door of his apartment, and locked the door behind himself. He walked to his bed, and toppled over onto it, his mind still philosophically working out his existence on Earth.

Master Maximus. A snake like voice slithered into Maximus' mind, one with intellegence, youthful. too youthful for that intellegence. It spoke with confidance, yet with a humble nature that one would expect from someone who was going to ask for something, or was only trying to be on the winning side.

I have need to speak to you. It is about the one who you call Kain Irenicus. I know him as Kain Brightblade, there is much you do not know about him, and much I need to know about him. This is incredibly dangerous for me to speak to you, let alone appear, but I must for this is urgant.

Maximus opened his eyes quickly when he heard the snake-like voice resonating within his head.

Master Maximus

Maximus waited a moment before determining that the voice was indeed real, and not of his imagination. He replied in the same manner to the voice, after listening to the brief speech:

"What do you want? Who are you? And why are you asking me for information about this one you claim to be known as Kain?"

An exchange of infomation is all I wish. Who I am, I can only say once you agree to tell me the infomation I seek in exchange of infomation upon Kain. I believe you want a new leader for you organisation? I care not for such causes, yet I care for Kain current activities. Kain and I have a past, and I wish to know where he is, and what he is currently doing. It does not matter regardless, the infomation that I will impart will beuseful to understanding Kain...and how to get him to join if you should wish, or "deal" with him. So what say you? I cannot say my name, or make a apperance, not until you agree. I am taking enough risks communicating as it is.

Maximus was suspicious of this voice. It hadn't answered his questions as he wanted it to, but any answer was perhaps better than none.

"Speak first of your infomation for me. Once that has been done, I shall reveal my own knowledge. Nothing more, nothing less, for I do not yet trust you."

Maximus sat up on the end of his bed, and rubbed his eyes, as he waited for a response.

Maximus was suspicious of this voice. It hadn't answered his questions as he wanted it to, but any answer was perhaps better than none.

"Speak first of your infomation for me. Once that has been done, I shall reveal my own knowledge. Nothing more, nothing less, for I do not yet trust you."

Maximus sat up on the end of his bed, and rubbed his eyes, as he waited for a response.

Ignus formed in front of Maximus, a whispering shaodw forming in the corner of the room. The being was mortal, that much he could tell....yet...was he? It was hard to tell.

Ignus wore dark robes around him, the obvious sign to one dedicated to the arcane arts. He had a sophisticated look to him, one of intellgent and guile, yet it could be seen that he was a dark character. He held no staff, and his ice blue eyes, cold to the world looked to Maximus. His image was distorted, Maximus realised it was a image of Ignus... a image which sometimes crackled, and was slightly transparent.

"Fine. The one you deal with is not just some ordinary peasent risen into immortality. He was one a powerful ruler of a land called Velmora. Indeed, he was a great ruler, one which was just and brilliant. Indeed, I served him at one point. Although young. Very young at the time. So the point I am making by this, Kain would make a fine leader for whatever cause you wish to him follow, whatever your reasons. Now, my turn. Was Kain carrying a demonic blade, known as the Brightblade?"

Maximus remained silent for several minutes.

Kain....a ruler? Why has he stopped his reign?

The sword....what was the name again? Yes..it was Brightblade, as the stranger here put it. Was he carrying one?

Yes...I remember now...that sword was hidden mostly from my view all those years ago, when I warned him of Drirethlen, but I still noticed it nonetheless. Was this where that secondary power I had detected coming from?

Turning his head back to the apparition, his eyes remaining cold black spheres of experience.

"All right. I am satisfied with what you have told me. As for the blade you mention...yes, he was indeed in possession of one, though I do not know of the blade's name. Brightblade is what you call it? Interesting...very interesting...tell me, does that blade possess its own power? I sensed the power years ago, but couldn't figure out where it was coming from...but now...it seems to fall into place."

Yes. He was a ruler once. But his change into becoming a vampire would not have been accepted by his nation. Sired by one of the greatest vampires, Rave Shentavo. She is a half-vampire half-angel although she had changed in recent times to something else, but that is another story. Kain is utterly loyal to Rave, she saved his nation when they fought against....well an extremely powerful enemy. She and he fled, and with him that accursed sword The Brightblade. Many things occurred, but those things are shrouded in mysteries, and Kain is not exactly my friend. More of the opposite, but that is not important."

Ignus paused and looked around, as if making sure someone was not spying. Satisfied, he turned his ice eyes back to Maximus.

"The Brightblade." Ignus hissed, his black cloaked form clinging to the shadows, his plae white face with those ice jewels the only real feature within the darkness.

"The Brightblade is a demonic weapon which was pretending to be a holy weapon. His people hate him for taking it from the nation, even though it was his birthright. But it reality, by taking it from them he did them a huge favor. It is seen, ironically, as a weapon which brings about peace and prosperity to Velmora, it was only a agent of a corrupt group meant to protect Velmora. A demon trapped within the sword, now all Kain wants to do is-" Ignus was cut short. He simply froze.

His body became taught, and Maximus saw something glint around his stomach. Ignus was in abject terror, his image with it's eyes dilated, and it's hand twitching in pain.

A few long seconds passed, and Ignus screamed silently and fell to his knees in utter pain. And behind Ignus's image was Kain, grim and sturdy, the Brightblade in his hands, with a blue fire around it. The curved demonic sword inspired terror into Maximus, it was like nothing he had ever seen. it was if the light was drawn to it, all hope and brightness was swallowed by that skull hilt.

"Begone Ignus, you snake."

Ignus faded from view, in a cloud of blue dust, the image gone. Ignus at his home, was wracked in pain and would be for many days for this torture.

Kain simply looked at Maximus.

"What did he say? That bastard is a serpent, he twists the truth and makes it serve his own means. What did he say!" Kain said calmly, yet urgently. He was concerned. the Brightblade was still in his right hand, from thrusting the image of Ignus. Kain was angered obviously at Ignus making his presence known.

Stephen was sitting in the pub enjoying a beer when he saw the paper with "Bizzare Murders" on the front page. He picked it up and began to read.
"Cost you a buck fifty for the paper." the waitress said.
"Here. How bizzare are these? Limbs missing?" Stephen asked.
"Sometimes all they find is a arm or leg. Or just a dry pool of blood. One wino was intact but dry as salt."
"What do you mean by "dry"?"
"No blood, no marks on him."
"Sounds like Dracula is in town." One of the other persons said with a giggle.
"Yeah vampires come here to get drunk on wino blood." the waitress said sarcastically. Everyone in the bar laughed including Stephen got a cheap laugh out of it.
Stephen kept reading to varify the waitresses's story of a no blooded wino, and it was true. But he thought, "How could man be drained of blood but with no marks? Must be an explination for that, and all the murders."
Since leaving the Rangers he had been taking classes in Forensics. Maybe that would help. He decided to head back to his hotel room and check his textbook for any clues.

He approached the vampire who obviously thought that it was well hidden. Such youthful arrogance. It would be the last mistake that bloodlusting thing would ever make.

It was already too late when it saw its doom. Of course, it never could have guessed what would happen. It snarled, bared its fangs and tried to attack the figure moving towards it, but it was all in vain. Before it could really do anything, it was wrapped in unnatural vines.

All it could see were two, dim and round red lights in the darkness of the night. It tried to struggle out of the vines, but it was not strong enough, not powerful enough to free itself. It growled. It knew it was trapped.

Then it heard a voice. A cold, dead voice. It was whispering... Quietly. It said, "Tell me what you know... And you will not suffer. Resist... And you will. Choose, now."

It again tried to free itself and found it pointless, once again. In response to the threat, it said: "Go to Hell!"

Then it heard quiet, maddening laughter, and now it heard the voice say, "Very well."

Sudden, sharp pain surged through its shoulder. It tried to scream, but the scream just did not come out. It felt almost like its arm was being cut off. Then it saw a bloody knife, glimmering in the moonlight. So, the feeling was correct... It thought that it would not matter, because it can be reattached.

But then it heard the voice say, "Do not worry about reattaching your arm, beast. I have... Disposed of it."

Its friend would be here soon enough. Then this... Monster would pay! It was sure of its victory. No one could win a fight against a real vampire!

"Tell me what you know, and you will not suffer more," the voice said.

Then came what the vampire had been waiting for. Another young, arrogant vampire. When it saw what was happening, it instantly tried to jump on the one torturing its vampiric friend. But it was useless. The vampire did get close enough to touch, and that was the final mistake it made. It turned into a pile of dust when the unidentified torturer touched its head.

Then it finally realized that it cannot survive this. Horror struck its mind. What is that thing?!

In the end, it broke. All of them do. Severed limbs usually do the trick, as it did this time. Even the lowest ranking ones always know something. He then touched the head of the beast, and it died as well. Killing vampires is acceptable. They are, after all, beasts made with the blood of true innocents.

It was a start. Now he at least knew some things about the place, and what is happening there... But the one he had found was too young and inexperienced to know things, to be of much use.

TAG
Check your telegrams, Tarlachia.

TAG
Check your telegrams, Tarlachia.

OOC:
Wandering Argonians: Accepted

IC:
Maximus's black eyes stared back at Kain, somewhat defiant. He didn't know why he was being like this, but Kain was focused completely on him, his intense eyes probing Maximus.

Maximus noticed the sword, the one called Brightblade...Yes, that's the one I saw... He looked back into Kain's face, and told him of the things that Ignus had spoken of, Kain's past, the true history of the Brightblade, and of the demon inside the blade.

"That is all I know now Kain. I have told you truthfully what you wished to know. Do not get angry, I did not seek out this Ignus, he sought me out, and for what true reason, I do not know."

Then on second thought, he added,

"However, I have a proposition to you. Recent intelligence here in my homeland, Tarlachia, strongly suggests an attempt in the future to overthrow the human government, and replace positions with trusted immortal beings. I am willing to offer you a worthy position for yourself in this government, if you assist me. I plan to take charge of this group that calls themselves the Vampire Revolutionary Organization, seeing as how they do not have leaders to do so. Help me Kain, and you will once again have the glory of governmental power. However, I cannot offer you the highest position, the Presidency, as that position is reserved for me."

"I will let you have the option of thinking this over, until you are ready to give me your response."

Maximus became silent again, watching Kain, watching the sword, watching everything. Kain was known to do the near-impossible, and Maximus wasn't going to be caught off-guard.

The Elven Ranger Zakli Estaria ran through the dark alleys of the Tarlachia, his hatred for the vampire Maximus boiling through his veins. Hunting endlessly for the abomination, Zakli had sacrificed much for his hunt, his career, his life, and his friendship with the king. Zakli hoped one day that his sacrifices would be paid in full by the revenge he would exact upon Maximus.

As he ran, he felt a strange presence in the air around him. He could place what it was, but Zakli knew that it could be nothing but trouble. Drawing his finely crafted tri-titanium-steel elven sword in right hand and his Sithar dueling dagger in his left hand, a family heirloom nearly 200 years old, Zakli silently stalked...

Feeling something around the corner, Zakli cautiously stared around and discovered two men arguing in the darkness. Zakli observed a small glint of light shining off of the teeth of one of the arguing men. As he watched, one of the men attacked the second, sinking his teeth into the second's neck. Realizing that the first man was a vampire, Zakli decided to intervene.

Steeling himself, Zakli attacked, his sword extended and pointed straight at vampire's heart...

OOC: Five Civilized Nations: We're not in an alleyway...you need to read back and get yourself reoriented, cuz you're mistaking the three you see as us, when those individuals you are about to attack are innocent citizens of Tarlachia. :lol: :wink: Maximus is currently in his apartment(which no one knows where it is, registered under a false name, the whole works). He also talking to a sort of "hologram" of Kain right now.

OOC: Five Civilized Nations: We're not in an alleyway...you need to read back and get yourself reoriented, cuz you're mistaking the three you see as us, when those individuals you are about to attack are innocent citizens of Tarlachia. :lol: :wink: Maximus is currently in his apartment(which no one knows where it is, registered under a false name, the whole works). He also talking to a sort of "hologram" of Kain right now.

(OOC: Oh... I'll edit it...)

OOC: ATTN ALL RPers!

We have now maxed out on the number of RPers in this thread. Currently we have 9 officially in it (including myself), and 1 on pending status until I recieve further information from them...you know who you are :wink: ... I also have one overmax spot held for ATG, but I'm gonna put a timer on them. ATG has 3 days from this post date to TG me with character info. If y'all really want to see ATG in it, I know you'll pull strings! :lol: I will absolutely cut the max number at 11 players.

I figured I'd write all those that are accepted into this thread below:
Tarlachia (duh! ya think? lol)
Assington
Valient
Five Civilized Nations
Olympus
Ermor
Golden Simitar
Kain
Wandering Argonians

Other than that, have fun!
:D :arrow: :) :arrow: :( :arrow: :o :arrow: :shock: :arrow: :x :arrow: :evil: :arrow: :twisted: :!:

Now within the streets of Tarlachia, Skadi began her search. She knew Maximus would have hidden himself mentally, but she could find him. People had said the streets were not safe, but with her abilities, and a samurai sword, two berettas and two throwing daggers, Skadi felt completely safe.

From what she sensed of the vampiric population in the area, she was perhaps the oldest in the city. At 858 years, her abilities were vast and powerful. Searching the city, she finally came across a blank spot. What one would find if someone was mentally hiding. Skadi began to send a message of greeting to Maximus. They would reunite soon.

OOC: Just to let you know Tarlachia, I'm going to RP Alexander as a vampire who really is looking for a way to get what he deems as justice for Driretlen :twisted:. At this point, he is looking for Maximus so that they can talk.

Alexander watched as Garrien flew the chopper away from the tiny landing strip he found in a park of Tarlachia. It was late at night, and there would be noone around to see them land.

Alexander strolled out of the park, unhindered. His main task was to get a hold of Maximus, to see what exactly was happening in Tarlachia and how, if so, could the Hyraphore coud help out.

Suddenly, the Alucarde Pendant flashed. There were vampires near. Ones who may know where Maximus and his organization were.

The Alucarde led him to a dark-back ally. Alexander walked into it with his Upir drawn. In the pale moonlight, Alexander could see three vampires finishing off what appeared to be a young woman.

Alexander smiled.

"Are you three finished? I have a question to ask of you."

The three vampires looked at each other and then charged wordlessly towards Alexander. Alexander just sighed.

He dropped his sword to the ground with a clang. The next instant, Alexander reached into his coat and pulled out both desert eagles.

He dropped the two closest vampires with a volly of 3 bullets to the head. The third Alexander delivered a swift kick to the stomach, sending him to the ground.

Alexander stepped over the prostrate vampire and aimed the gun at his forehead.

"I need to know where Maximus is... NOW!"

*******

Second's later, Alexander walked out of the alley back into the street. The vampire knew nothing, and Alexander was no better off than before.

Still, he had to admit, a little bit of target practice now and then never hurt. With bloody shoes, Alexander walked on.


OOC: Is there anyone Daniel Able could meet up with? He would be against Maximus and the Vampires :D

As Maximus sat waiting, his thoughts were suddenly interupted by a voice from his past.

Maximus, I know you're there. I'm just outside, I'll be at your door in a few minutes."

Skadi! She had arrived unexpectedly, but her arrival was welcome. Not changing the look on his face while facing Kain, Maximus sent back a message.

"All right, but come in quietly...I'm...dealing with something right now...I'll tell you about it later...When you get in, stay out of the bedroom, until I say it's safe."

OOC: yeah, send Daniel Able to the President of Tarlachia, get him through security, and offer his services to the worried el presidente :wink:

IC:
"What in cloudy heaven's name do you mean that this rogue group...this Vampire Revolutionary Organization, consist of vampires??!! I think you're lying to me Paul! There no such thing as damn vampires!!"

"Sir, believe it or not, they are there, and what you do now will shape the next several days' fate. You need to address the issue, or we will be having a coup on our hands!"

Marshall fumed, he couldn't believe what he was hearing...vampires...on a killing rampage?? There must be a reasoning behind the seemingly random attacks...

"Fine, get me some killers-for-hire, and get the General in here. We're going vampire huntin'..."

Skadi replied in agreement as she recieved Maximus' instructions. She knew where he was now, and would be there within a few minutes.

Idlely walking through the streets, Skadi could sense many other beings within the city. Some vampiric, others different. Continuing down the dark street, she recieved many strange looks from humans, but they did not bother her. Humans were part of another world, a world that concerned her little.

Maximus was merely five minutes away.

Zakli caught the vampire by surprise. His tri-titanium-steel sword easily stabbing the vampire through. Surprised by the sudden attack, the vampire clutched at the gaping hole in his chest. Quickly, Zakli pulled the sword out of the vampire. Weakened, but not yet dead, the vampire tried to get Zakli out of his way. But quickly, Zakli swung the sword and a moment later, the vampire's head flopped to the ground.

Grinning, Zakli stared at the vampire's victim. Mercilessly, Zakli pulled the victim up and slit the man's jugular, killing him by sending the blood gushing out of the wound. Zakli sheathed his sword in his back sheath. Walking quietly, Zakli disappeared from the alley...

Varsim walked in the shadows of the tall buildings of the city. He had been searching for several hours now, searching for a leader for the VRO.

Suddenly, he picked up the strong psychic vibrations of a vampire nearby. Further probing revealed a black haired brunnette walking away from him, and crossing the street.

"Excuse me miss. I need to ask you a question." he called out, his sword in its sheath at his side, ready to be pulled out if necessary.

The brunette stopped cold in her tracks, and turned slowly toward him, looking out of the side of her view at the younger vampire. Her coal-dark eyes glared at him, her face set in annoyance, fangs slightly protruding.

"What do you want? Do not try anything, or I will rip out your dead heart faster than you believe. I am far older than you, so I strongly suggest you do not get on my bad side."

Varsim gulped noticiably, this was definitely an Elder, perhaps even an Ancient. She seemed powerful and old enough to be one. Varsim continued talking.

"Is there anyplace we can go other than out here? There's too many dangers of others listening in on us. We need an area where you and I can be sure there won't be any disturbance or eavesdropping."

Skadi was not sure about this. She wanted to see Maximus and had no time to bugger around with a fledgeling. But, he was definately polite. She decided to give him some of her time for that much.

"Be quick. I have business to attend to."

Varsim nodded. He was surprised that the older vampire had even agreed to listen to him. She had not suggested any place to go to, but the look in her face convinced him to speak anyway.

"My name is Varsim. I am currently part of the Vamprire Revolutionary Organization, commonly called the VRO. Our organization plans to launch a major mission in the near future, but we lack a leader powerful enough to organize the vampires. I have sensed your power, you would make a wonderful candidate for this......what say you?"

OOC: yeah, send Daniel Able to the President of Tarlachia, get him through security, and offer his services to the worried el presidente :wink:

IC:
"What in cloudy heaven's name do you mean that this rogue group...this Vampire Revolutionary Organization, consist of vampires??!! I think you're lying to me Paul! There no such thing as damn vampires!!"

"Sir, believe it or not, they are there, and what you do now will shape the next several days' fate. You need to address the issue, or we will be having a coup on our hands!"

Marshall fumed, he couldn't believe what he was hearing...vampires...on a killing rampage?? There must be a reasoning behind the seemingly random attacks...

"Fine, get me some killers-for-hire, and get the General in here. We're going vampire huntin'..."

Zakli read the notice sent out by the President.

Great... Now I have a chance to kill vampires, while earning money...

Skadi was now slightly irritated. She had no concern for the business of another coven. Skadi had never been part of a coven herself, she hated the thought of it. Eyeing the vampire coolly, she spoke.

"I have no desire to be involved with such. I must now depart."

On that note, Skadi spun around and continued to walk toward Maximus' location.

In a last ditch effort, Varsim called out to the brunette:

"Wait! Please!Do you know of any other Elders or Ancients nearby whom I can contact?"

Varsim hoped he hadn't annoyed the vampire. She was perhaps capable of making his death a slow and torturous one. His hand inched closer to the hilt of his sword, his other hand reaching for the Socom pistol.

Skadi didn't stop or turn around as she spoke.

"I am the oldest within this city. There are others, but they are far younger than I. There may be one or two elders here, I shall leave that up to you to find."

Moving faster, she left the fledgeling's company, Maximus was very near. Only a few more blocks.

Maximus watched as Kain nodded his acceptance of the time extension, and the image before him dissasipated before his eyes.

To Skadi, he sent a second message:
"All is clear now, come on up."

Getting up, he walked to the door, unlocked it, and smiled. It would be nice to see Skadi once again. Maximus had an idea, and immediately began to work his magic of transformation.

Black ears replaced his human ones, feline eyes and facial features quickly dominated, followed by his body shrinking and transforming into the body of a cat.

He purred slightly, as he positioned himself behind the couch, and waited for Skadi to arrive.

Entering the apartment block, Skadi could still sense Maximus, but something was different. Opening the unlocked door, Skadi entered the apartment. Where was Maximus? She could not see him, but his presence was extremely close. A strange presence though. Not entirely right.

Withdrawing one of her daggers, Skadi slowly looked around the room, ready to meet whatever situation presented itself.

Maximus slinked silently over a few more inches, ready to pounce upon Skadi. Her footsteps were light, but his feline ears picked them up as if she had been jumping up and down trying to make as loud of a noise as possible.

She turned her back to the couch, and peered into the bedroom, still searching for Maximus. Maximus had caught a view of her face, confused, but wary.

Letting out a screech, he pounced, claws still detracted though. After all, he was just playing around with her... Skadi turned quickly, faster than he had expected, and caught the flying feline, and shoved her dagger into his face. Even as old as Maximus was, she was older...and had much better speed than him.

Maximus's muscles tensed. This was too close. His feline eyes blinked, as he communicated to Skadi mentally, "Now is that how you say hello these days, my dear? Please, take this horrifying dagger out of my pretty feline face, and put me down."

Everyone turned to stare at the clattering noise coming from the corner of the pub. The strange man had suddenly jumped out of his seat, sending the table flying. In his left hand was now tightly gripped a four and a half foot staff. The staff was relativley plain. The bottom was thick and had a spiral carved out of it, which stopped a third of the way up the staff. The top half a foot of the staff (just above where the man was holding it) was split into two points; both of which were flat topped. The mans right hand was extended, palm out. There was a single ring on his middle finger, of a phoenix carrying a snake.

His long black hair was tied back in a ragged ponytail, and his white beard was trimmed to a neat point over his throat. His face looked relatively young, but his eyes betrayed his wisdom. For a moment it had looked like the man had mismatched eyes, one glowing white and the other eminating darkness. But in a moment this was gone to be replaced by two quite ordinary brown eyes. His black jeans and t-shirt were almost covered by a full length cashmir trench coat. Only the white cross and pentagram on his shirt shone through. Beneath the jeans a pair of black New Rocks with silver flames could just be seen.

The people just continued to stare.

The man grunted and headed towards the door. He had now outstayed his welcome.

"Oi! What about my table?" yelled the disgruntled barman. The man disappeared through the doorway. When they looked back at the table it had been righted.
**********************************************

In the street outside the man took a shuddering breath. his senses were always clouded after drinking. His paused for a moment to mentally remove the toxins from his system. He reached out with his mind again. The same feeling was returned.

A sense of undying pain. Of a suffering that would not, could not end.

The men weighed up his options. It has been two hundred years since he had last met an elder. To be honest, he thought them all gone. He should stay away. He knew. Everyone thought that his order were extinct. Which they were apart from him. He knew, he had killed them. And a part of him wanted it to stay that way, with no one knowing.

But he wasnt doing anything else at the moment. Maybe he could finally find a friend who would understand some of his past without going mad. Temptation got the better of him. He set off in search of this source. He didnt know what he would do if he succeeded in finding them. But he would try.

Skadi grinned, pulling the dagger back.

"I know it's you. You were the only presence in this room. I'm just playing....."

Skadi sheathed her dagger and put Maximus back on the couch.

"So how did you become a cat?"

"I give up!" Stephen threw his book across the room. Nothing had lead him to finding out how can a man be drained of blood but no marks. He shook his head and decided to head out for a run. He checked the sole of his right boot. The flat knife easy slide out of place. He smiled as he jogged out.
He passed several people but he saw noone else. He kept going till he rthought he had gone about ten miles. He turned around and looked down a side alley. He stood up and walked slowly towards the shape. Stephen pulled out the knife and bent down. It was a young woman. Dead, pale. Stephen pushed the shirt back to see her back. No dark stains where the blood would go. He got a bad feeling and ran for the nearest phone.
The police operator told him they would have a car there in a few minutes. Stephen didn't get it. She had no external injures, but she appered to have no blood. His mind drifted back to where the man said something about vampire. "No such thing," he thought. But for some strange reson he felt he was being watched. Then he heard the sirens and put the knife back.

Once Skadi had put Maximus down on the couch, he began to revert back to his normal self. A few moments later he was sitting next to her on the couch, a large grin on his face.

"Well you see, it's something I've picked up over the years. I learned it from a mage who offered to teach me the skill in exchange for his life, which I had nearly taken away at the moment. It's actually a rather difficult spell, but once one has it down pat, they're good to go, and can transform into any creature they wish, even other humans or vampires."

After a moment of silence, he moved into Skadi, and the two embraced, glad to be in each other's company once again. He leaned back as he studied her features. Even after well over 8 centuries, she still looked young, but her eyes told him otherwise.

"So what brings you here other than to find me?" he asked her.

Name: Xyorph (pronounced Zi-orph)
Age: 512
Height: 6ft
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Has long, uncombed black hair. Relatively neat whit beard.
Notes:
Carries a staff. Necromancer, with competent skills is environmetal manipulation and psychic abilities. Weak healing skills. Can raise zombies, demons*, golems, spirits/ghosts, angels, dragons*, unicorns. [If I think of anything else I will get permission first]. The * creatures are more difficult to raise. I also generally define that an arrow from an angel bow can kill any 'dark' creature except for demons and dragons.
he also carries a compact pump-action shotgun with silver pellets. Just in case. He can transform into a phoenix and a snake. His staff can be transformed into a sword.

Bio: Xyorph was raised as an orphan. He joined an order worshipping a God called Krajyk, and quickly rose through the ranks as a powerful sorcerer. Most of his order were killed by Christian knights. The rest wanted revenge, so he killed them to protect mankind. However, he has suffered many years under humankind himself now. And often regrets this action. He loved once, but the girl was killed by humans who were decieved by a rival sorcerer. Since then he has lived alone as a wanderer. Until now...

****************************************************

He quickened his pace as he felt the mind of this other being growing stronger. Had it not been for the moment of physical pain it had suffered, he would not have noticed it. But now it screamed out to him like a fog horn. He also started noticing others. All around him in the streets, up alleyways. For the first time in 200 years he felt alive. The psychic world around him was thriving. And no one knew he even existed.

Suddenly up above him something was watching. He cursed his appearance. Carrying a staff made him seem old, which attracted the younger, weaker vampires. Frowning in mild concentration, he sent a thought towards the vampire.

"There is easier food on the street tonight. Unless you want a very difficult night, I suggest you go find them". He smiled with satisfaction as the confused vampire scuttled away.

He rounded the corner and was greeted by a blast of psychic signalling. It/they were here. In this building ahead. Xyorph paused. Did he really want to do this? He would be revealing himself to the world. And if the Elder was hostile, he would earna powerful enemy. If he upset the vampire population, he could start a chain reaction that would end the world as he had come to know it.

Ah well, as long as Armageddon provided free beer.

Xyorph entered the building.

Daniel Able checked the memo he held in his hand...

"Well, looks like this is the place... not bad." Alexander quietly murmored to himself. He stood outside the gates of Tarlachia's presidential estate, and looked for a way to get in, or at least contact someone to let him in.

Suddenly Alexander spied an intercom ste in the side of the gate. He pressed the button and waited.

"Buzz.... Yes?"

"Hello. My name is Agent Daniel Able, and I have been summoned by your president on the subject of the VRO... I am a representative of the Commonwealth of Valient..."

ALexander waited for a response. Instead, he saw as the massive steel gates were drawn aside. Behind it stood six heavily armed guards. None of them raised their weapons however.

"Sorry, Agent Able. We have procedures we must follow. If you will please come with us. We will escort you to the president."

Alexander shrugged and nodded. If security was up at the presidential estate, what was happening in the rest of the city?

Stephen lost count of how many hours the police had been asking him the same question. "Did you see anyone else?", each time the same answer "No". When the first cop got there all he did was call in backup and ask Stephen to stay. He stood against a light pole sipping a cup of coffee one cop had given him before he heard on of the cops talk on his mike.
"We just got a regular homoicide, boss. Nothing else." This Stephen knew was a load of bull. He waited till the cop had finished before he walked up to him.
"Did I just hear you say you have a regular homocide." He asked.
"Cause it is." the cop didn't get what Stephen was probbing at.
"You have a girl there with no external injures. Shes pale as snow, and when I looked at here back there was no dark spot where the blood would go. Do you call that regular? What I am reading in the papers is not very happy news. Brutal murders, limbs found, sometimes nothing. Is that regular?"
"What are you getting at?"
"You have something very wrong here. A virus, some animal or something; that appears to have a taste for people. I'm almost finished with my Forensics class so I know what you just told your boss was bull. Everyone else just said 'Stay here, just normal murder case.' Well it isn't. I want straight answers and I want them now!"
The cop motioned for another police man to push Stephen away.
"Go back to your hotel!" the cop shouted after him. Stephen felt like something wasn't Kosher here. He prayed his car parts would come in fast so he could bug out.

"May I see your letter you hold in your hand, Mr. Able? You understand that recent events here in Tarlachia have become dangerous, and because of this, all security is beefed up."

Able nodded, and handed the letter to the one that spoke. The guard looked it over, tilted it toward the sunlight above his head, and searched for the various watermarks and special markings proving that the letter was legitimate. Once he found them all, he was satisfied, and handed the letter back to him.

"Everything checks out here. We will need to confiscate your weapons until you are leaving, however. After that, you will be taken to the President."
********************************
Varsim was frustrated. The brunette hadn't done anything in reality to help him. His face twitched as he struggled to control the anger he felt. She was too powerful, and would easily kill him. No...he would have to follow her, she might lead him to other Elders or Ancients. Perhaps he could convince one of them. He watched silently as she walked into a gated apartment building, obviously being expected by someone. Quickly moving he managed to slip inside just as the gate was closing. He waited for a few moments as he listened to the woman's footsteps, and enter one of the apartments. He moved stealthily up the stairs, following her footsteps, now faint, but audible. He stopped in front of the door he heard the sounds the strongest behind.

Now what? What was I thinking coming here?

Varsim walked over the end of the hall, turned the corner and sat against the wall, his back to the direction of the apartment. He began his wait.

"May I see your letter you hold in your hand, Mr. Able? You understand that recent events here in Tarlachia have become dangerous, and because of this, all security is beefed up."

Able nodded, and handed the letter to the one that spoke. The guard looked it over, tilted it toward the sunlight above his head, and searched for the various watermarks and special markings proving that the letter was legitimate. Once he found them all, he was satisfied, and handed the letter back to him.

"Everything checks out here. We will need to confiscate your weapons until you are leaving, however. After that, you will be taken to the President."


Alexander nodded, and pulled out his single, standard issue desert eagle. He released the clip, and handed both it and the gun to the guard.

"I understand. However, why all of these precautions? Is this standard, or are you all on alert because of the VRO?

"Look, I must speak to your president immediately. I assume that we are on a tight deadline."

"You are correct, Agent Able. Security has been beefed up to better prepare our defenses against this new threat, the VRO."

"Come, you shall meet the President now. He has been informed of your arrival."

The guard signaled for a troop consisting of four more heavily armed guards, to escort Able to the President.
___________________

President Marshall straightened his tie, cleared his throat, and brushed his hair back with his fingers.

Soon, a knock on the door sounded, and the door opened, as a four man escort ushered another into the room.

"Thank you gentlemen, you may leave now."

"Yes sir!" the men responded in uniformity, and promptly left the room.

Facing Able, the President spoke:

"Welcome to Tarlachia, Agent Able. My name is John Marshall, President of the Allied States of Tarlachia. I am grateful for your request to join our crusade against this invading threat upon our homelands. The VRO, aka the Vampire Revolutionary Organization, as you may know is the main body of the threat, and we wish to erradicate them."

Able interrupted, "Vampires sir? Are you sure?"

"Yes, our intelligence is highly reliable, I speak the truth. Now...you will be compensated for your services to Tarlachia, and recognition of your service will be sent to your country, as well as a brand new vehicle to take with you, replacing the junk you own now. However, this is all contingent on us prevailing over these vampires, so you are expected to do your best."

Able looked surprised at the mention of his car. Marshall gave him a knowing look.

"I told you, our intelligence is highly reliable."

Zakli Estaria walked quickly and arrived at Tarlachia's presidential estate. Looking it over, Zakli snarled at such a waste of resources... With dexterity, Zakli easily jumped over the low wall. Immediately he was surrounded by Tarlachian secret service agents.

Zakli raised his arms showing that he wasn't dangerous. As the nearest two agents moved closer to place him under arrest, Zakli struck like lightning, punching one of the agents, knocking the air out of him, and punched the face of the other agent, send him flying. Jumping over the remaining agents, Zakli ran towards the mansion at a quick clip, evading the gunfire from the agents. Diving through one of the windows, Zakli surprised the president.

"Ah, Mr. President, I'm sorry for the interruption, but I'm here for your vampire hunting job..."

Daniel mulled over what President Marshall had said. So it was true. The vampires were behind all of the trouble in Tarlachia. Daniel had faced many back in Valient, and knew all of the dangers involved with such undertakings.

Still, if the job came with a new car...

Suddenly a figure came bursting through the picture window, followed by stray gunfire. Daniel reached for his weapon, but of course found none.


"Ah, Mr. President, I'm sorry for the interruption, but I'm here for your vampire hunting job..."

Alexander relaxed a little. He turned to the President and nodded at the newcomer.

"So is this who I will be working with?"

Marshall was surprised by a figure diving through his open window, and landing on the floor, rolling and jumping up onto their feet.

President Marshall spoke, addressing the newcomer:

"Well, it looks like you didn't like our warm entrance procedures. I have to commend you for your ability to point out a potential flaw in our security. It will be acted upon quickly. If you would be kind enough to provide me with your name, for our records, I would appreciate it."

"You two have the option of working together on this, or striking out on your own paths. I shall leave it up to you to decide. When you two are finished, I shall direct my assistant to take you to the armory, where you are free to obtain any weapons you may require. And once again, thank you for you services."

P.S. Valient, my IM's on if you want to chat. For those of you that would like to chat with me, my MSN IM is dmexcel@hotmail.com.

Zakli stood up and brushed the glass shards off of his body with his hands.

"The flaw in your security is your wall. Its both too low and too unprotected. Raise it five feet and electrify it... Anyways, my name is Zakli Estaria, an Elven Ranger from the Five Civilized Nations, originally part of the Black Watch Royal Guard protecting the King..."

Gesturing at Daniel, "I can work with him. As my dad always said, two heads are better one..."

Xyorph's heart was pounding as he went up the stairs. His footsteps echoed around him; as if the building itself had a slow, terrible heart beat. He knew that each step brought him closer to a decision. What would he do when he confronted the Vampire? He could just attack. Take it out before it got him. Or he could try and talk to it. For the first time in centuries he would have a friend. His head spun as he climbed further up the tower, forcing him to contemplate things he had left behind. Never to face again.

Before he knew it he was outside the door.
What to do...What to do...

OOC: Cousin Eddie: Where are you??? If you're talking about yourself about to run into Maximus and Skadi, then you might want to edit your post, and replace the word tower with apartment building. :wink:

Stephen had spent most of the night wondering why the cop had called it a "regular homoicide". That didn't make any sense. After he had gotten his breakfast he sat down on his bed and began to make a list of possiblities for the murders.

1. Infulencing a jury's desicion in a trial

2. Mob Hits

3. Drug Wars

4. Psychos

and for fun he put something he quickly ruled out.

5. Vampires

To him numbers 3 and 4 seemed the best. But then again why would the cop call it a regular homoicide? He started another list.

1. Stupidity

2. Goverment Cover up

Thats all he could think of. But overall Drug Wars seemed the most promising. He decided to find out more about this place and if it had a history of drug trafficing. Stephen then thought, "why would they drain the blood from the victims?"

He thought back to Pablo "Smoking Man" Mendez, before his team got him he use to cut off limbs of his rivals. But never siphon them for blood.

OOC: :oops: By tower I meant the stairs. I kind of imagined a square spiral stair case going up the inside.

I am going to post the part where Xyorph enters, but I cannot guarantee next time I can connect. So I suggest you do a bit of time jumping and continue thier conversation if I'm gone too long.

Xyorph stood facing the looming doorway. There didnt appear to be anything special about it. It was just an ordinary APARTMENT BLOCK [ :wink: ] doorway. The way he saw it, he had several options:

He could blow the door off its hinges and make a dramatic entrance. This would be cool, he mused. But actually very unhelpful, He would just end up with a startled vampire. Not a good move.

He could march a Golem through the door to apprehend the vampire so it would be restrained whilst he talked to it. He liked the sound of this. Thw problem was that Golems are slow, and might not be able to grab the vampire without destroying the room. And he didnt want to send anything else in in case it injured the vampire. If it had to be killed, he would rather do that himself later.

Another option was to take his snake form and enter the room. The vampire probably wouldnt notice. And then he could observe the vampire for a bit before revealing himself. Or not. Maybe he would just kill the vampire and leave.

Xyorph nealt down and touched a mouldy spot of plasterboard by the door. With a bit of encouragement it crumbled away, leaving a nice snake sized hole. He began to transform.

The worst part was that by becoming a snake his staff manipulated itself into Xyorphs body. It was kind of uncomfortable. The process of liquidising and reforming was no longer as bad as it once had been. It was almost pleasent.

Pausing once to stop his animal instincts from making him chase after a frightened mouse that had just fled from the room, Xyoprh slithered through the hole.

Zakli stood up and brushed the glass shards off of his body with his hands.

"The flaw in your security is your wall. Its both too low and too unprotected. Raise it five feet and electrify it... Anyways, my name is Zakli Estaria, an Elven Ranger from the Five Civilized Nations, originally part of the Black Watch Royal Guard protecting the King..."

Gesturing at Daniel, "I can work with him. As my dad always said, two heads are better one..."

Alexander looked at Zakli and nodded.

"The pleasure is all mine. Tell me, what experience have you had in dealing with vampires?"

"And President Marshall, do you have any leads that we should investigate first?"

Zakli stood up and brushed the glass shards off of his body with his hands.

"The flaw in your security is your wall. Its both too low and too unprotected. Raise it five feet and electrify it... Anyways, my name is Zakli Estaria, an Elven Ranger from the Five Civilized Nations, originally part of the Black Watch Royal Guard protecting the King..."

Gesturing at Daniel, "I can work with him. As my dad always said, two heads are better one..."

Alexander looked at Zakli and nodded.

"The pleasure is all mine. Tell me, what experience have you had in dealing with vampires?"

"And President Marshall, do you have any leads that we should investigate first?"

"I am a vampire hunter. I hunt vampires for a living. Ever since my wife and children were killed by a vampire named Maximus, I resigned my commission in the Black Watch Guardsmen and began to travel the world, killing vampires... Last night, I tracked and killed one vampire and was forced to kill a human, because he was bitten..."

Stephen left the pub. His trip to the library had given him no clues. He couldn't find anything about drug trafficing, nothing. He had gone to the pub for dinner after the library closed. On his way there he swore he was being followed. Just before he left he went into the men's room and pulled out his knife and put it in his pocket.
Stephen went just within sight of his hotel when he was shoved into an alley. His attacker grabbed him by the chin and shoved, Stephen pulled out his knife and stabbed. His attacker moved off yelling. From the light coming from the street he saw his attacker grabbing his stomach.
The man charged, and Stephen stabbed again. The man backed off and hissed at him. Stephen noticed that he appered to have fangs. The attacker ran down the alley. Stephen cleaned his knife from a newspaper and put it back on the bottom of his shoe. He decided to call Emma.
"Dear, its me Stephen."
"Hows the car doing?"
"The mechanic is still saying a few weeks."
"Steve, you sound like you ran a bit."
"A wacko tried to mug me. But I'm fine, I'll talk to you later. Say hi to Jessica for me. Love you."
"Bye dear."
Stephen hung up. Before he turned off the light he wondered what his attacker was doing pushing his head up. He placed a photograph of himself, his wife Emma, and his 2 year old daughter Jessica next to the lamp. The attacker also had big teeth. "Must of had a lot of milk," he thought.

<delete> server trouble

OOC: Damn this forum to hell! My two-page intro is gone... better re-type it...

IC:

In the darkness of a run-down apartment in the inner city, a hunter prepares for his nightly excursion with his same nightly ritual. The hunter's golden eyes gleamed under the illumination of a single bare bulb, suspended from a power cord above a shabby card table. The table was covered with various weapons, books, and compact discs.

The first item the hunter attached to himself was a pair of katanas, named after the most powerful elements in Argonian religion: Wind and Thunder. The twin blades went across his back, arranged in opposite directions. Upon the pair of blades was a series of straps for a collapseable R93 assassin's rifle, the stock of the weapon sporting a series of spare .308 rounds. The rounds themselves where designed to fragment on impact, leaving shards of silver in ther wake as they passed through the target. The next item was an old Colt M1911A1, crafted from black steel and sporting lithium night-sights and pacmar handgrips. The weapon was loaded with a different type of ammunition; Bullets made from semi-fragile plastic filled with liquid silver nitrate. Upon entering their target, the silver nitrate mixture would enter the bloodstream of the unfortunate victim, spreading the mixture throughout the body. The old .45 was tucked into the hunter's belt, at close hand for close-range encounters. A pair of micro-PDW's rounded out the hunter's preferred arsenal. Loaded with silver 9x19mm rounds, the PDW's where his preferred assault weapon. The small SMG's where attatched to his hips, in special tactical holsters.

The next few items where of a more traditional nature: Strapped to the inside of his left forearm was a pair of Argonian Blackwood stakes. Blackwood was a material that thirsted for blood, draining the substance from the body if driven into the heart. Blackwood was a natural choice for a wooden stake designed to kill a vampire. Affixed to the back of the hunter's right hand was a device of strange design. Known as a 'punch-gun', it was in essence a mini-shotgun, fired through the movement of muscles in the wearer's arm. The final item was a small throwing knife.

With his hunting gear in place, the hunter donned a 'Cover your Six' level 2 tactical vest, studded with numerous spare ammunition magazines. During recent hunts, the hunter had found that his prey had become proficient with firearms, and he had taken steps to adapt accordingly.

The hunter was known as Whiptail, a Dark Argonian warrior from the Black Marsh. At the age of three-hundred and eighty-two, he was still in his prime as a hunter. His advanced age had allowed him to hone his perceptive, combative, evasive, and acrobatic abilites to near perfection. Whiptail was a resiliant being, his species able to match a vampire in most physical aspects. Magical abilites presented a problem, however, such as the vampiric levitation. Whiptail had found that a well-placed fragmentary .308 would disrupt a vampire's concentration enough to bring his target within reach of something a bit more lethal.

Whiptail carried such an array of weaponry because he never lingered in an area too long, once it was clear of vampiric taint, he would move on. This had been a cycle for the past two and a half centuries, one he had grown accustomed to. Tales of powerful anchients in this area had drawn him, in hopes of finally finding decnet hunting. The so-called 'fledgelings' that constituted his usual prey where never skillful enough to present much of a threat to him. With his gear fully secured, Whiptail threw on his threadbare black cloak, pulling the large hood over his reptillian fin-ears. He padded silently out of the apartment complex and into the darkness of the night, his keen senses reaching out into the blackness, methodically seeking a wafting scent, a residual taste of vampire in the crisp night air...


OOC: A note on the punch-gun: The thing's loaded with silver buckshot, and is fed by a three shell magazine. Whiptail has it set up to fire when he flexes his bicep muscle on his right arm, an un-natural action to prevent accidental discharge. This results in a sight wavering of his aim. Whiptail is a true hunter, he will stalk his prey, set up a sniper's nest, then wait for the precise moment to squeeze off a well-aimed round. Whiptail's honor prevents him from killing unarmed opponents, or those he deems good-natured. Kain Irencius is an example of this.

"Sounds good there Zakli, you sound qualified for the job. As for any clues to this situation, I'm afraid I cannot help you right now, seeing as how these troublemakers keep attacking in random patterns."

I will would like to to work your way as you see fit, and your efforts put into the job. This won't be easy, and as of this moment, you are officially on your mission. Now please follow the assistant to the armory. Thank you once again, and take care of yourselves..."

"Sounds good there Zakli, you sound qualified for the job. As for any clues to this situation, I'm afraid I cannot help you right now, seeing as how these troublemakers keep attacking in random patterns."

I will would like to to work your way as you see fit, and your efforts put into the job. This won't be easy, and as of this moment, you are officially on your mission. Now please follow the assistant to the armory. Thank you once again, and take care of yourselves..."

"Hm... A couple of guns with silver bullets could work..."

"Plug that bleeder!" Stephen shouted over the noise of explosions and machine gun fire. Ranger platoon 4 was pinned down by several technicals and about a company of "weeds". Stephen sat about six yards from the front trying to get the assistant M60 gunner's bleeding under control.
In the operation against Pablo Mendez the stuff had hit the fan. Now the four Ranger platoons numbering a total of 130 men were pinned down across a half mile front.
"Got it! You are going to be fine Pete!" Stephen shouted. He looked over and saw a "weed" with an RPG try to blow away his aid station. Stephen fired his M16 faster. The weed fell to the ground.
"MEDIC!" Stephen left the aid station to the other medic as he crawled forward. He started to fix the corpral's hand when he saw a figure with what appered an AK-47 in some trees. Stephen fired a burst and a M203 grenade. When he moved to the back he heard another call thru his headset.
"Steve!"
"Mike?!"
"I'm hit! One of 'em got me with a machine gun and grenade."
"Where are you?"
"In the trees, two o'clock!"
"Be there in a second!" Stephen was stunned that's were he saw that weed. Stephen ran in front of the lines to the trees just hearing another man shout "Rocket!"
He slid next to Mike. Who was a mess. Several bullet holes and a massive gash on his side. Stephen started to work. He knew how it happened. He did it.
"You'll be fine Mike!"
"It hurt!" Mike shouted back. Stephen heard something over his headset.
"Sargent Malone!"
"Yes, Lt?"
"Get back here!"
"Mike is hit! I'm not leaving him!"
"Thats is an order!"
"Stephen," Mike said. "Get out, I'm done for..." Mike was slowly dying. Stephen tried to get him back.
"Mike, stay with me! MIKE! MIKE!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stephen shot up in a cold sweat, a dream, a bad dream. Stephen took a cold shower to wake him up. He slowly remembered what had happened the night before. He was mugged by some wacko, after he tried to find evidence of drug cartels. He decided to go back to the library to find a list of unsolved murders that were like the one he found.
Maybe they were contected. He still belived that drugs played a major role here. He walked outside glad to smell fresh air. The alley were he was attacked was deserted. He didn't find any blood. He got a quick drink at the pub to try to wash away his memory of Mike, like all the times he drank before to forget, it work. For a little while.

Kain was about to say something to Maximus...but then a raging tornado hit his mind. He became dizzy, disorientated. His face contorted in pain, yet he was behind Maximus so he did not notice it. Kain spoke out, his usual deep voice resounding, but it was one of irritation.

"I will return when this is more conveniant for...both of us." Kain snarled, and faded away into mist, falling into the floor before Maximus could say anything.

What the hell is going on Demon? Kain snarled.

BASTARDS! The Demon roared in responce. It appeared that he was in the middle of a conflict.

What is going on? Kain asked urgantly, wanting to know what this unexplained pain as from.

The enchantments around this blade are collapsing! In a act of irony, I am having to maintain my own prison to remain alive! If it does not, I will be crushed and destroyed, cast into Limbo! The Demon roared, frustration and anger within his voice.

Long minutes passed. Kain waited nervously for the result....if the demon failed to keep the enchantments binding him to the sword, and the sword to this world, he would die the worst way a vampire could.

Starvation.

I have....maintained it. That will be the first and last time that occours. Without the Seer, they cannot repair the blade.

The pain faded, and left Kain's mind. He was left domant within the soil as mist for some time recovering.

Good. Bad time for it.

Kain slowly recovered under the soil, collecting his disarranged thoughts.

Whiptail's soft tread attracted little attention as he entered a local establishment, a bar as the softskins called it. For many years, Whiptail had pondered the possible reasons why a place for drinking and fellowship was known as a bar, but the exact reasoning behind the name still eluded him.

The hunter seated himself in a shady corner, his senses still working overtime to detect anything suspicious. From past expeireces, he had found that some vampire clans mingled with humankind during the darker hours, doing hunting of their own.

At present, he detected no scent of vampire, only the distinct smell of ethenol and the smokey tang of burned tobacco. A residual hint of gunpowder suggested that a few of the patrons where armed. Whiptail kept his weaponry clean, and also made sure that the bullets he fired where sealed extremely tightly, so as not to interfere with his weaponry detection...



OOC: I am glad to see that most everyone is still setting up their backgrounds for their respective characters, so I may still have a chance at catching up.

Once Skadi had put Maximus down on the couch, he began to revert back to his normal self. A few moments later he was sitting next to her on the couch, a large grin on his face.

"Well you see, it's something I've picked up over the years. I learned it from a mage who offered to teach me the skill in exchange for his life, which I had nearly taken away at the moment. It's actually a rather difficult spell, but once one has it down pat, they're good to go, and can transform into any creature they wish, even other humans or vampires."

After a moment of silence, he moved into Skadi, and the two embraced, glad to be in each other's company once again. He leaned back as he studied her features. Even after well over 8 centuries, she still looked young, but her eyes told him otherwise.

"So what brings you here other than to find me?" he asked her.

Skadi smiled as she observed the form of her fledgeling.

"I decided I needed to get out of Assington. The streets of Emerald City have never been the same since that battle. And so I come here, to see you and your homeland."

OOC: Sorry I haven't been on. Lightning killed my internet for a while.

Maximus listened as Skadi told him of the harsher laws passed in Assington, more heavily armed police patrols, and of civilians taking classes with the police on vampire fighting. People had gotten quite upset in Assington, and were beginning to take their own stand against the vampires.

"Ah, alas, we remain the scourge of the Earth..." Maximus replied.

A faint sound came from the direction of the doorway. Maximus's head snapped in that direction, his senses instantly alert, eyes scanning the wall and floor carefully. Talking to Skadi telepathically, he spoke:

"We've got company..."

His fangs slid out of his mouth in anticipation, as he picked up Glamdring silently from the table next to him. He stood quietly, and braced himself toward the doorway.

He called out to the incoming visitor:

"Come out of hiding...I know you're there!"

Skadi also rose as she sensed the intruder. Drawing on her two throwing daggers, she awaited the presence to show itself physically.

"A fledgeling may have followed me back here. Perhaps I should have disposed of him."

Varsim was one of little patience, and made up his mind to walk in on the apartment. Getting up, he started for the door, his feet slightly shuffling, until he stood at the doorway. Suddenly a voice called out to him.

"Come out of hiding...I know you're there!"

Varsim cursed to himself...somehow the male voice had sensed him. Varsim's eyes widened as he realized the true problem at hand...the brunette had entered this room, she was at least an Elder, which suggested a strong possibility that the male was also one of equivalent ranking. And he, Varsim, was merely a fledgling!

He opened the door, and strode in, trying his best to keep calm. He noticed the female's eyes instantly fire angry looks his way. She was pissed...already things were going bad. Sweat began to form on his brow as he stood there, speechless.

"Well? Speak dammit, and you've better have a damn good reason for disturbing us!" the male commanded him. Yep...he was an Elder too, the power emanated from him as well.

Varsim had the sudden feeling that he would perhap wet himself in fear...

Daniel looked at Zakli, and the at the president.

"If you have it, I'd like some sort of short sword. Preferably silver."

Daniel and Zakli left the presidential office and followed the assistant to the armoury. There, he saw a vast array of weaponary. There were various swords, and Daniel selected one. He rolled it around in his hands and nodded at Zakli.

"This is all I need. Hopefully I can get my Desert Eagle back before we depart.

"Do you have what you need?"

OOC: 5CN, any particular plot thread you want to explore?

Skadi had no patience for the wordless fledgeling. She rushed toward the scared creature and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him into the air with ease.

In the other hand she held one of her daggers, pointed at the heart of the vampire.

"Give me on reason why I shouldn't cut your heart out right now?"

The venom of her anger was obvious in those few words. Earning the wrath of Skadi was not a wise move.

Varsim struggled in her grip, her hands clenched tightly around his throat.

" Ah.....whant.....tuh......offeh.....him....whaaat....ah offehed yuh" came the forced reply, Varsim still fighting for his air.

Maximus was curious, this one wanted to offer him something, perhaps it was something he could find useful.

He thought a few moments, while enjoying Skadi's obvious dominance over the fledgling.

"Drop him, I want to hear what he's got to say, and if it isn't good, then you've got my blessing to kill the son of a bitch."

Skadi nodded and released the creature within her grasp. He fell to the floor in a gasping thud. Skadi continued to glare at the fledgeling, flexing her wrists.

She was irritated that this vamp had the nerve to follow her to Maximus. Normally he would already be dead.

The two debated the issue at hand...

"Well...what do you think? It might give us vampires a chance for a life Varsim kneeled on the ground, gasping for air. Skadi's hands had left deep bruises on his neck, and had nearly taken his life by those means alone. Suddenly he was yanked up onto his feet roughly by Maximus.

"Stand you pathetic excuse for a bloodsucker!" he demanded.

Varsim obeyed, offering no resistance.

"I wish to ask if you would become a leader for the VRO in our goal to transform the majority of the population into vampires, and eventually taking over the government. We have the strength to do so, but now...we need the leadership. You two would serve just fine for our cause."

"I do not serve anyone who is weaker or younger than I. However, your proposition is an interesting one."

Maximus roughly pushed the fledgling onto a chair. "Stay here, we'll be right back. Try anything, and you will die, I promise you."

Beckoning to Skadi, she followed him to the bedroom, and closed the door behind them.

Maximus spoke, quietly:

This will allow us vampires to live as we wish, if this groups intentions are acheived. This would be much different than that of Assington.

Skadi immediately voiced her opinion.

"Normally this one would be dead. He has no diplomacy and is arrogant for his age. As this place is not my homeland, I have no concern for the government, but I shall stand by your side, no matter your choice. But I shall not create another fledgeling for obvious reasons."

He had found a relatively secure place for his body to be as he was going to, in a sense, leave his body behind for a while. Astral projection, whilst moderately dangerous, is usually very hard to detect. And he was undead, so it would not even matter if someone "detected" his presence. His body regenerates in ways a living being's body could not.

He had found out some interesting facts about this place and what is happening in it. Although the vampire he had dealt with earlier had given him some information, he never expected it to be this serious. He had even learned of a few more powerful vampires that were within the very city he was in, as he had followed some careless vampiric youth. Now he knew enough, just enough for him to act. He chose to return to his body.

As he returned, he rose from the dirty floor and looked around. He had been sitting, taking support from a wall, but now he was standing. He saw someone... No, he could see several people looking at him. They were only meters away from him. He could see the fright in their eyes. He could feel that they were not human, not really. No human, not even the homeless ones, would stay in a place like this.

"What do you want?" he said, in his cold, whispering voice. The red light of his eyes illuminated the room, as they blazed with an unholy fire.

(I suppose it would be to late to join? ah well, here is my character anyway)

Name: Celina
Age: 21?
Height: 5' 11
Weight: 119 lbs.
Bio:
Celina is known as a dark hunter; an elite member of an ancient soceity focused on ridding the world of vampires. The society, also known as Cyro, was based out of the magnificant city of Kyri. Through Kyri it thrived, devising a network of paths throughout the city. It was a wonderful time, as all the vampires had been exterminated from the city. When this was accomplished, they began to spread out to other territories as the numbers were extinguished...or at least thought to be extinguished.

It prospered, but at the changing of the times, a raid was made upon Cyro. The blood seemed to flow upon the ground like a river that terrible night. It was a slaughter. They were killed at their own front, unaware of the threat that had been growing all along.

When dawn approached, the sun was tainted red, and it cast an eerie glow upon the lanscape, drenching it in the scarlet silk of death. And as the rays cast down upon the center which lay in ruin, it fell upon the face of the only one whom survived.

Celina cast her eyes up toward the sun as it rose upon her, and stepped into the darkness. Maybe she was alive to retell the story. Maybe she had gotten away from them. Or maybe it was something different. She placed her hand to her side where a long wound lay gaping open, cut open from a blade. Two bullets were lodged in her upper arm, and she fell to her knees. Everything seemed to fade into darkness.

It has been eight years since that day. She has turned against the darkness, upholding her former Cyro status, and fighting as the sole survivor of the society. But things have changed; for better, and for worse.

Description:
Her hair is straight and a deep black with a tint of red as if it were stained with the blood spilt so long ago. Her eyes; violet with black along the rim like the sun to the moon in an eclipse. Her skin is clear, and somewhat tan. There is a large scar running across her left side as well as two small ones upon her right shoulder.

Stephen had hit the jackpot. The librarians were more than helpful of getting him the info he wanted. He had several dozen photos, articles, and newspapers covering his bed. But after pouring over them the whole night he only found common aspect. Most of the crime sences had no blood. He didn't know why he was so interested in getting this case closed. He looked over at the picture of his wife and daughter.
He didn't want the killer or killers to get over to his country. He narrowed the murders down into three catagories.

1. No victim but blood.

2. Just limbs.

3. Victims no blood in bodies.

He examined the catagory 3 homicides closer and notice each had a mark on their neck as if someone had grabbed them. In the mirror he found a faint mark where his attacker had grabbed him. I had him! In my grasp! I let him get away. Well, not tonight. I'll go out and see if I can find him. Stephen thought. He twirled his knife in the sunlight, when he turned his head to get a bacon strip, he didn't notice a small stain of blood slowly shrinking into nothing.

(tag....can't not read a good story :D )

As long...as that does not occour again....

It will not Kain.

Kain was leaning against a wall of a allyway, almost completely held within shadow. Kain, not that anyone could see him, would have appeared an extremely pale green, his eyes dilated, and a small trickle of blood dripping from his mouth. Breathing heavily, Kain was revoering himself. He could not maintain the mist form, and so rested within the shadows.

His shallow rattling breath was the only thing heard, whilst Kain sorted out his mind, making the jigsaw complete again so he could work with it.

OOC: yes Orphen, we're maxed out already, sorry!

IC:
"Well Skadi, I don't know about you but I am tired of being persecuted by these ignorant mortals. If I take over as leader, that means that I can see this country change as I see fit. As for the other one in the other room, we have extracted enough information now. He shall...."

Maximus growled as he opened the door quickly, as the fledgeling fell to the floor. Varsim looked up at Maximus, fear now great in his eyes.

"You bastard......I told you to stay and not try anything. You obviously don't give respect when it's demanded...You shall die for you insolence!"

Both Maximus and Skadi neared in on Varsim, who quickly was halted by the wall. "No, wait...I didn't mean to... I"

Maximus and Skadi pounced on him, both of them plunging their fangs into Varsim's neck, extracting the sweet essence. Varsim struggled slightly, and was stopped by Skadi kneeing him hard in the groin.

Finally the two of them finished, and dropped the dead body of Varsim. Maximus looked over to Skadi, noticing the blood on her face. He reached out, pulled her closer, and instead of kissing her, he began to lick the blood off her face, and she did the same to him...

Kain walked out of the ally after a while of clearing his head of the gloom of confusion. The fear faded, for he understood now. He went out....it was raining slightly, a light drizzle which was pleasant. It rattled against the windows and roofs around him, and a light twinkling of the drains being occouped by the rainwater filled Kain's sensitive ears. It was almost pleasant to Kain.

Kain took shelter in a small covered place of a abandoned building. It gave Kain some protectiong from the rain, not that he would have any adverse effects from it. He produced a small cigar, but not any nomral cigar. One of his own creations which he took some pride in.

He put it to his lips, the red paper tasting good against his mouth, and Kain ordered a flame into existance. It did so, and Kain began to puff on it.

Vapourous blood filled Kain's mouth, and slowly condensed upon the back of his mouth. It was an extremely pleasant experiance as Kain smoked the cigar further, blowing out red fumes and then sucking them back in. It did nothing to aid his thirst, it was like a drop in a ocean of thirst.

Kain simply leaned against the wall in the shelter, and contemplated recent events.

Dracon had been walking along the streets, looking for his friend Varsim, who had not returned after several hours, and Dracon had begun to worry.

The rain drizzled around his face, as he continued on, telepathically seeking out Varsim. He was nowhere to be found, and Dracon was just about to head back, when he sensed him...

A dark soul.

In the abandoned thrift shop next to him.

A powerful being. One who could be recruited to help the cause...

He slipped inside the building, and called out to the unseen presence:

"Come out stranger, I bring you no harm!"

Kain sighed. He breathed in the last part of the cigar and then threw it out into the street. It ignited under Kain's will, leaving nothing left. He simply said.

"I am here. If you want me, come to me, but the reason best be worthy of my time." Kain said rather dryly, irritated at this beings interuption of his private time.

(OOC Character description please so I know who I am dealing with)

OOC: Dracon: Vampire, young fledgeling, only about 85 years old as a vampire, so still pretty weak compared to the older vamps in this story. Has basic vampiristic skills, and is one of the semi-leaders of the VRO.

IC:
Dracon heard the voice command for his own approach. He walked closer, until he felt the presence very near. Finally he noticed the pale green skinned creature/vampire standing in the shadows.

"I have come to ask if you've seen my friend, Varsim. He was on a quest to find someone powerful enough to lead the VRO in our mission to overtake the government. We are plentiful in number, but lack leadership. You possess great power in yourself, and would be a great asset to our organization. What do you say? Would you like to take part in controlling the lives of millions?"

"And why would I wish to join you? What altruistic goal do you have hmmm?" Kain said in a synical way, not looking at him, but looking at the falling rain at the crashed against the pavement.

His eyes remained locked onto the falling rain, seeing the sparkles in it as the moon shone upon it. He heard every minte sparkle of water as it exploded in a joyful injury of it's pearl shaped existance. Kain saw it all, and yet he did not. He did nto see the beauty in it anymore. Robbed from him, it was. Punishment from The Seer for being what he was. For that chocie of turning into a vampire, of going against thier carefully laid out plans.

"You are a vampire, that I know. And as such, vampires tend to want to survive in the world, against all odds. Thus this opportunity to further secure our own existence on this miserable planet is one that appeals to many. My colleague, Varsim, was searching for one of great power, and a little while ago, he had sent me a message stating that he may have found a leader. However, I know that great nations do not rise out of the desert from the influence of one. It is more a team of people who work together, each with their own strengths being used. You possess great power, as I have stated before, thus, you are a perfect candidate to lead our armies. I am offering this to you, I advise you to take it, for you may never get this chance again......"

The rain continued to plummet to the unyielding Earth, each drop shattering into millions of molecules, splashing everywhere. Dracon looked at the presence in front of him, who seemed to not even be paying attention, but vacantly watching the rain splatter onto the ground just outside.

My, he is powerful indeed. His physical physique is strong, but I feel that is not where he draws his power. Yes...if I can only convince him to join us, we will become rather unstoppable...

How about it? An army. Certainly, they would allow us a certain intellegence on ways to release myself yes? And out of obligation, you must find a way to release me.

Allow me to indulge in some questioning first. That vow only goes so far.

"Armies against whom. What faces vampires which requires such a movement? And why should I care for vampires? I am not a vampire anymore, not by any of your standards. But I share the same dislike for you as I do mortals, all beings have thier flaws." Kain stated coldly.

"All manners of species stand against us. Human, mages, and many other foul creatures of the earth. You may hold disdain for us, but we still ask for your help. You are correct when you say all beings have their flaws, and indeed we vampires have our own as well. You claim to no longer be a vampire, yet you still possess the traits of one, except for one thing...you do not emanate blood from your pores. It is almost as if you do not need it. How you manage to do this, and still remain powerful is a mystery to me, but no matter, your power is strong. What do you say? Will you join us?"

Dracon was getting slightly unnerved by the calm yet cold nature of this being in front of him. A trait that would be quite effective against any enemy...

Stephen climbed out of the shower feeling better. I'm going to find that mugger. I'll see what he knows. he thought. He looked at himself in the mirror and his smile faded. From his waist up scars, burises, cuts riddled his body. Some might think he had gotten these in many battles, he had gotten them in four hours of hell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"MIKE!" Mike was dead. Stephen slung his M16 and picked up Mike just as he heard an order.
"Drop your weapon!" Stephen saw a man in a tan uniform pointing an AK-47 at him. Several other men ran over all dressed the same way. Stephen put Mike down and before he unslung his M16 he felt a heavy blow against his head.
He woke up blindfolded, bare chested, hands tied behind his back and barbed wire holding him to the chair.
"What is your name?" He heard someone say. Stephen looked at the man's shoes. Custom made, must be an officer he thought.
"Sargent Stephen Malone 4561807" he said.
"What is your unit?"
"Sargent Stephen Malone 4561807" Stephen felt a heavy blow against his stomach and his head.
"I ASKED FOR YOUR UNIT!"
"I can't say that. The army will come after me. I can only tell my name rank and serial number."
"Yes. Stupid law. How can you get information from POWs when all they say is their name, rank, and number? Well, I know your special forces. What are you doing here?"
"I'm not special forces. I'm just a common soldier. I don't know jacksh*t. Its the officers who know. They tell us what to do."
"People don't send their men into hot zones knowing jacksh*t. I'm not stupid you know." Stephen heard the officer whisper for a while. "Goodbye Stephen." For the next three and a half hours Stephen was beaten and tortutred.
He was only saved when he heard M16 fire and he was grabbed by his mates. They had gotten Mendez. Out of 130 men a remarkable 13 were dead. After the operation, he left the Rangers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pain shot thru his body. Stephen got dressed. He walked outside and instead of trying to find his mugger to extract information, he walked down the twelve blocks to the pub. Instead of getting one shot of whiskey he got a bottle. Stephen walked to a dark corner sat down and started to drink.

"All manners of species stand against us. Human, mages, and many other foul creatures of the earth. You may hold disdain for us, but we still ask for your help. You are correct when you say all beings have their flaws, and indeed we vampires have our own as well. You claim to no longer be a vampire, yet you still possess the traits of one, except for one thing...you do not emanate blood from your pores. It is almost as if you do not need it. How you manage to do this, and still remain powerful is a mystery to me, but no matter, your power is strong. What do you say? Will you join us?"

Dracon was getting slightly unnerved by the calm yet cold nature of this being in front of him. A trait that would be quite effective against any enemy...

"Yes it would be rather effective against enemies. You might indeed become unstoppable, but that is where I worry. I do not seek a genocide against mortals, I admire and respect them for they will taste the sweetness of death and planes of the after-life, whereas we shall not. I would seek a counsil with your leader. To see what plans he speaks to me of." Kain said, knwoing what the being before him had just said. Qui had taught him, what could someone expect?

Kain turned and looked at this messanger, looking directly at him, arms crossed.

"Genocide? No, this is not what we want. Although many of us are young, we do not wish to be engaged in an all out bloodbath. Doing so would cause foreign nations to be forced to impede, an action we wish to avoid. We are strong enough to take over this government, but not strong enough to hold off the world. I shall go deliver your request to meet with the leader."

"What is your name, so I may relay this to the leader?"

"Kain." was the sole response.

And with that, he left, headed back toward the VRO HQ. He did not notice that Kain began to follow him from a distance.
________________________________

Maximus looked at Skadi, and smiled slightly. It was tantalizingly refreshing to taste blood once again.

"We must go find the VRO Headquarters. That is where we must begin pulling things together."

Maximus gathered his weapons, walked over to the closet, pushed a button, and watched as the back of the closet flipped over, revealing a wall with mounts holding up an impressive array of weapons. Maximus selected two SOCOM pistols, grabbed silencers and extra ammunition for them, and finally closed the arsenal. He knew that Skadi would have her own preferred weapons.

Maximus holstered the two SOCOMs, and sheathed Glamdring. He looked over at Skadi, who had finished getting ready. He remarked to her:

"Beautiful yet deadly....I love that combination..."

Skadi smiled and followed him out of the apartment and out into the light rain of the night. The rain didn't bother them, they were quite used to it, having experienced plenty of it in their travels together.

Soon, Maximus had led her to a large building on the edges of the city, enclosed by a steel fence, twisted in various beautiful designs. Maximus walked up to the front gate, aimed and fired one of the SOCOMs at the electronic box on the side, disabling the security system for the gate, and kicked the door open. Both strode up to the front door, and kicked it open, the double doors slamming open, the two's silhouettes blocking the doorway, their guns drawn.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Night...We're taking over!"

Just then a single fledgling came forward and spoke:

"You must be the leader Varsim promised us...thank you for coming. My name is Dracon...but wait...where's Varsim?"

"Varsim did not belong in this world." was the curt reply from Maximus.

"Oh...well then...I have a message for you then. One named Kain wishes to speak to you."

"Kain??!!" Maximus spoke quietly, only Skadi hearing him. The name echoed in his mind, as he remembered the past run-ins he had with the demonic vampire. Turning toward Skadi, he spoke:

"We must go find him. Kain is not one to be disregarded."

The two turned, and started to leave the way they had come...

A pillar of flame erupted from the floor, roaring and magnificant in all of it's flame. Yet it did not scorch anything around it, but the flames were as hot as they looked. And from it, came a figure as the flames died. Two eyes emerged first, the eyes contrasting to the passionate flames. They had no warmth within them, cold as death's icy breath. Those eyes glowed completely blue, a glowing cystal.


The figure emurged, his entire skin aflame in it's own blue flame in responce to the magical flame, his long hair glowing a eerie blue as was the rest of his boyd. And as the pillar of flames preceeded, they realised who it was...as those eyes became brown, his hair white, his flesh green.

Kain.

"Indeed I am not. Speak of your intentions with this organisations, and the methods of which you aim to make these dreams a reality." Kain said slowly, knowing the dramatic effect which his method of showing himself would have effect upon them. Kain held no weapon upon his person, no ring, no magical ring, for this figure was far too powerful for that. Although he did have his own magical creations at hand if he needed them in times of dire need.

Kain looked at Maximus with his full attention, his eyes giving out that horrible reflection of what he saw within all living beings.

Death.

Maximus jumped back a few feet, surprised by the sudden arrival of Kain.

"Sh*t Kain! You definitely have gotten better at concealing yourself now."

Kain said nothing, waiting for Maximus to continue.

"As you may have noticed, I have just taken control of this organization. They intend to take over the government, as peacefully as possible, to ultimately create a nation favorable towards immortals like you and I. It will be a haven of security, in which all immortals are welcome, so long as they are obedient of our laws and mind their own business, nor cause trouble. I intend for us to work our way up through the nation, until we reach the President's office. This organization has already started its first step, with the general public, and now we are ready to dig to the core of this nation."

Maximus paused for a moment, forming the next words in his mind while catching his breath before continuing:

"This one over is Skadi, my sire. She will be assisting us in our endeavor. As you may have noticed already, the three of us are basically the three most powerful beings in this area right now. Therefore, I propose that as such, we form an alliance, an alliance of power, one the world has never seen, where we shall attract immortals the world over to join and habitate Tarlachia. If you join, I will make it my personal responsibility to provide you with anything you desire to become settled down. You name it, I'll find a way to get it for you, I have an extensive network of contacts within this nation, and this organization only enhances what is already there."

***Double post***

After getting rid of the onlookers and leaving the building, he knew where he should now go. To the place where the beasts gather. It was not far from here. It would be a waste of resources to relocate there. Yes, walking was the best option.

It was raining, but the rain did not even touch him for some reason. His pitch black robe stayed dry. It almost seemed like the rain itself avoided him. The stench of death became stronger as he walked towards the place. He would see it with his own eyes soon enough.

Whiptail watched as a man exited the bar, followed by a few comrades. They acted strange for humans, and Whiptail believed that he had located some sport for the evening. He followed shortly, moving within the shadows behind the group of three. The scent of vampire hung over them like a cloud. Whiptail darted into an alley, intentionally upsetting a trashcan in the process.

The group followed... and Whiptail was ready. He relied on the wooden stakes in his small aresenal for two reasons: Bullets where expensive, and there where people nearby. The first had no idea what had hit him, but the wooden shaft impaled his heart and withdrew before he could react. Whiptail's tail caught the second across the face, his rough scales drawing blood. A follow-up stab killed his target. The third drew a handgun, a Berretta of unknown caliber. One of Whiptail's stakes impaled his hand, and the Berretta fell. A lightning-quick follow-up finished him off. His nightly death-dealing complete, Whiptail departed into the night...

OOC: Does your vampire group have a symbol they display openly? If you would like, these unfortunate vampires could have been members of your organization. This would allow me to get involved more in the RP, instead of randomly slaughtering nameless extras.

Kain gave it some thought....looking out to the rain a moment which flowed down upon him, although not dampening his hair, clothes or flesh. The entire scene was somber now, Kain closing his eyes feeling this sensation of water flowing down him slowly.

"Alright. But I require many things, mostly space. I require a building, a large one which is secure and rather discrete. I will take care of renovations of it, I just need a building as large as possible. Also, I need privacy. I will take care of it, I will be able to operate with my own forces within a week. I need to bring them here from my previous dwelling. Needless to say, I do not wish to be disturbed during this period unless I give permission for people to enter. My agents will be able to assist your intellegence, although the more space I have, the better the intellegence will be. It will all become apparent when I have finished." Kain said, preparing in his mind what he would need to do. It would not be easy, yet Kain enjoyed challenges.

OOC: Yeah, here's the pic...enjoy!

http://www.yiya.de/games/baldur2/gifs/logo_tob.gif

Maximus was surprised. Kain had accepted his proposal, and required little of him...as of this moment. He hadn't expected this to happen, in fact, he had expected Kain to turn away and refuse to help.

"Great, your assistance will be greatly appreciated. I know of a mansion just outside of the city borders in which you may reside. The previous owners.....well, decided to move out rather quickly. It is yours. I will send some of the others here to stand guard for you as you prepare the place."

Turning toward the now congretated mass of vampires assembled behind him, Maximus pointed to two dozen vampires, varying in gender, to step forward.

"You all will accompany Kain here to his mansion. Be warned though, should you antagonize him, he will deal with you as he sees fit...and it will not be in your favor..."

OOC: Just foi, I'm concentrating on my hunter character Daniel Able right now. Alexander is off wandering, and may join the VRO later.

I'll post later, when I have time. Where are the other hunters?

Stephen left the pub. He had drunk two bottles of whiskey to help him forget his past. The owner tried to get him to rest and sober up but Stephen had none of it. Instead of turning left to head back to the hotel he turned right. He didn't even notice.
After a while of stumbling the cold air sobered him up some. He was able to stay on the street without any trouble. A light fog appered from nowhere. He was drunk so it could have been there since he had left. He stumbled into a park and saw something that made his blood run cold.
Several figures were bent over a young girl. One of the figures spotted him. He had bright red eyes, eyes of fire. The group began to move towards him. Stephen taken over by some unknown terror, turned and ran. He turned to see the figures had picked up the pace. He hoped doing track in high school would help.
He turned to look and ran into a light pole. His pursuers where around him. Two men and a woman. One of the men bent down and ripped Stephen's old army dog tags from his neck and pocketed them. One of the men bent down to Stephen.
"Stay out of this, your out of your league here. My friend will be happy to know who stabbed him. Lets go."
"What? What are you talking about?" Stephen asked. But the trio had left. Stephen got up and went back to his hotel. These murders are done by more than one. Politcally modivated? he thought. He sat down at the one of the hotel's resturant tables for dinner. They have my dog tags. They know who I am. Probably take it to their superiors.

Kain was satisfied, he walked for the benifit for the vmapires would would serve him for this moment, until his own forces came forth. He walked with long steps, his crimson cloak flowing with the rain which was coming down slightly harder now in that blackened sky which brewed around them. Kain found no dis-satisfaction in it, although the vampries who attended him did find some dissatisfaction in it.

Kain walked through the watery pavement, a splashing noise as his feet waded through it. It was really torrenting down, yet Kain did not mind, his person did not become damn and he certainly was not going to get cold.


He arrived at the mansion....and looked at it witha scrutinous eye.

"It will serve my purpose." Kain said out loud and continued out to it.

It was rather humble looking, some parts of it in disrepair. Kain sent a minds eye to investigate the place before he entered it to explore it, so that he would not blunder around in it. He would get straight to work.

It had many vast rooms, and large basement. Kain could easily work with this.

Arriving at the two great doors, Kain said to his escorts, "Guard this area, no-one comes in, no being gets out. I mean that, unless it is of the direst urgancy. If you wish to contact me, give the password "Shirak" to the door and it shall pass a message onwards to me in due time. But only in the mose urgant of times, for my magic must not be interupted." Kain stated, and the vampires set to guarding the area.

Kain opened the athe great doors...and they closed with a deep boom. Kain immeditately turned around and touched the door. He incanted a runic spell, and upon the door, came a eye....and a mouth ingraved into the wood of the door. It was wide and eerie....as though it constantly watched you.

Kain set about making this his new home...

Kain walked around with his new mansion considering what to do, where to place things. He contemplated all of the rooms....all in his grand scheme. He first went straight to the basement.....walking down the dusty paths, making no sound, making no trace of his passing even though the place was covered with dust.

He walked down into the basement. It was a wine cellar, a vast wine cellar. He looked around....not wanting the wine racks to be there. He outstreached his left hand, and his right hand to the floor.

"Discontortum, magnitum pretitos wilim!" Kain commanded, pointing to the center of the room, whilst his right hand pointed to the floor.

First...nothing. And then...a rattle of glass against glass....the bottles where shaking, moving. And Kain, with his sensative ears, could hear wood creaking as it began to rip away from it's hold from the walls, the wooden holders of the wine.

Soon, the gravity within the center of the room became larger and larger, only held within the room. Kain of course was not effected, he had commanded that he was exempt from it's effect, providing a greater gravity to the floor than the sphere of gravity he had summoned.

The wine bottles wher the first to enter flight. They span around this epicenter of gravity, soon hundreds of bottles flying around...all emptied by the previous owners....or by robbers. Kain narrowed his eyes and they collided with one another, forming a great mass of shattered glass...again and again smashing into one another, creating a fine dust of shattered glass.

Next, the wood. That began to flow around the powdered glass. Kain had no use for the wood, and so he spiraled his right hand clockwise, and simply said.

"Ignitium."

The wood burst into flames, becoming ash which dissipated into nothingness.

Kain now released the gravity field, but kept the dust afloat. He had a use for it in his next spell, what this basement was intended for.

This basement has too many walls Kain thought. He extended both of his hands to both directions to the side of him, bringing them around in a circle. And as he did so, he moved around in a magical dance it seemed, chanting, a sound which was like pebbles rattling inside a barrel.

The walls....did something remarkable. They rose and fell, becoming the floor and ceiling. Yet the basement did not collapse! It was a feat of magic Kain had to maintain for the moment, it was draining his resources. It was taking his will to maintain this spell, for it was holding the basement up. If he failed this spell, or broke his concentration, the entire building would fall upon him. This was the reason why Kain wanted no disturbances.

Satisfied with his most recent progression, the now empty and massive basement was vacant and ready for Kain's need. Commanding the glass to fly, Kain sent the glittering powder all around the room, upon the walls, upon the ceiling, upon the floor. Kain made himself float now, so that it could be done.

Kain was pleased. The entire place sparkled wonderfully, but this act had a purpose. This was the more difficult part, but the crucial part to this entire proceeder.

"Impri, kredo vidicitine est tu le fiene risenith, risenith!" Kain commanded, repeating it over and over, making the magic flow from him.

The green powder around the room....began to change.....it became something else.....crystals. Cystals which began to grow and change in pigmentation! They became a strong red colour, which began to glow...the walls became completely cystal. Kain knew that this place would soon become totally crystal, not a trace of stone within the basements construction. But for now, the crystal he had created and grown from the simple possibility that it could be so. In other words, through his arcane ability with magic.

Kain was pleased. He put himself back upon the floor, the smooth surface now walkable upon. Now....a test of this growing power source.

He looked to the left wall, and formed ideas within his mind. He began to chant, and form something new....a golem. A crystal golem. It's form soon was created, arms, feet, hands, eyes, legs. It was magnificant. It slwoly began to come to life, Kain's mind becoming tested with maintianing the wall and the golem at the same time.

The golem ripped itself from the wall, and bowed down to Kain.


http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/psi_gallery/Psi_41.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_20010316a


"My purpose Master?" It asked, a grating noise for a voice.

"Guard this area. You may rest until you locate an enemy. Allow no-one into this room, unless they have my direct permission to do so." Kain instructed the golem.

"Yes Master Kain." The golem said, forming back into the wall, making itself appear as though it were never there.

Kain was pleased....and he slowly released his own drain from the golem into the jeweled room. The jewels where sources for arcane power, and Kain had provided a natural enchantment to them. They would mask thier energy patterns, so that no-one not inside the building would detect them.

The power source to all of the spells Kain was going to weave within the building had been created, and it's powerful guardian grew in strength as the power source grew within the basement, making the basement smaller with thickness of the walls. But it would only go so far before stopping, making the massive basement seem only like a small room. Kain was pleased, smiling at his success.

His new home was begining to become his own creation.

The group of vampires that left the building he had seen whilst outside of his corpse peaked his interest. He chose to follow them instead of examining the building, and that he did. This was a test for him after all, and the orders he had been given were not too detailed.

He followed them until they stopped in front of a building. A mansion by the looks of it. He observed as one of them, one who was a bit different from the others, entered the building. Apparently the beast that went inside was of higher rank than the ones who were left outside. He chose to wait for a while. It would not even matter if the beasts saw him, but then again, it did not matter in the first place.

After he had finished dinner Stephen ran over to a store and purchased a role of black duct tape. He then went to a hunting store and bought a 24 inch machete and was able to get five deep red roman candles with five minute fuses. He left and went out back.
With his machete Stephen cut the fuses on four of the canldes to less than a quater of an inch. He then taped all the short fuses around the one with the long fuse. He put the machete back inside his jacket and put the canldes in his pocket. He was going to get his dog tags back, he headed for the park. He didn't go far inside.
"Is this the bozo who stabbed you?" Stephen heard a cold voice say. Same voice that told him stay out of it. Stephen stood there as the girl and the two men walked in front of him.
"Yeah, he is the one." On pure instinct Stephen pulled out his machete and threw it behind him. There was a harsh cry then a dull thump. He pulled out his candles and his zippo lighter. He backpeddled to find his mugger with his machete thru his stomach stuck to a tree. Stephen jammed the candles into his mugger's mouth and put the zippo close to a fuse.
"Who are you and want do you want?" Stephen said.
"None of your business, you'll be dead!" the girl said.
"I don't think so my dear. I'll light a fuse and when the TNT goes off we all die." Stephen light the longer fuse. "Tick, tock, tick, tock. Answer my question. But first give me back my tags!" One of the men threw them back to Stephen.
"Why are you commiting these murder!?"
"We have to feed." the other man said. Animals, friggen animals Stephen thought.
"Who are you?" the girl asked.
"Stephen Malone, your worst nightmare. Tell your leaders if your group bothers me there will be hell to pay. But if you leave me alone I leave you alone. Okay?"
"Your just another aragont a**hole. We'll make short work of you. You'll know the meaning of pain!" The first man said.
"Aragont? I know the meaning of pain." Stephen ripped off his shirt. None of the trio moved. In the street light they saw his scars. "Try four hours in Pablo Mendez's torture room.
Barbed wire to keep you to your chair and they whip you with it. They stab you shallow so you bleed, but don't die. They hit you with sharp and blunt objects over and over. They run electricty thru your body. Use you to snub out freshly light cigarettes so they can burn you. Ohh, I know more pain than you'll ever know.
I say again, leave me alone I leave you alone. Your leaders can talk to me at the Mapel Tree Hotel. Now, if I see any of you bums again. I'll kill ya." He pulled the machete out of the man's chest and snubbed out the fuse. "Now f*** off."
The trio grabbed their friend and left. Stephen walked calmly back to his room and sat on his bed. Need to feed? What does that mean? he thought. Stephen lay checked his money, $450 left. He smiled and pulled off his belt. Fifty gold and fifty silver coins lay in it's leather interior. Another trophy from his army days.

President Marshall looked at the two men sitting in front of him.

"Mr. Clarke, Mr. Khan, what can I do for you two gentlemen?"

The two looked at each other and chuckled, trying to imagine themselves, both long time hunters of magical and immortal creatures, as gentlemen.

"We're here for some vampiric pest control. We hear you've got yourself quite the infection within Tarlachia. We hail from the Black Mountains on the western border of this fine region. We have together hunted and captured quite the variety of magical and immortal creatures that exist....including vampires. Now we understand that your nation does not have much experience with vampires, and because of this, we wish to provide our expertise to you."

President Marshall digested this information, then spoke:

"Wonderful, you two will do just wonderful. Welcome to Tarlachia, and thank you for your services. You are free-lance hunters, therefore, you have complete jurisdiction over your activities. I only expect to see a halt in this problem, and a possible elimination of it. There are two other hunters out on the streets right now, so keep your eye out for your allies. Use them as necessary, as they will undoubtedly use you."

The two men stood up, shook the President's hand, and walked out of his office.

"Well Khan, what do ya think? Think we can do this?"

"You're damn right." was the reply, followed by the two men laughing at their joke. Damn right they could do it, they were among the best human hunters in the region, little would stop them from achieving their goals. The obtained their weapons from the guard and walked out the door, as a moderate rain fell upon the Earth.

Skadi remained silent as the conference with Kain and the other vampires progressed. She had little concern for the politics of this nation, but Maximus wanted this, and so she would acompany him.

Many vampires glared at her in awe, it was extremely rare to see a near ancient within the city. Skadi returned an ice cold stare, unflinching and unrelenting. The fledgelings quickly looked away.

Finally she spoke.

"Do these beings realise their full potential?"

Dracon looked over to Skadi, as she spoke.

"It is unlikely. Even I do not know of my full capabilities..."

Just then Maximus turned back toward the group, and quickly caught gist of what was discussed.

"It is true Skadi. I have observed these vampires for some time now. They are pathetic. Perhaps we can work together to nurture their skills?"

After he had finished dinner Stephen ran over to a store and purchased a role of black duct tape. He then went to a hunting store and bought a 24 inch machete and was able to get five deep red roman candles with five minute fuses. He left and went out back.
With his machete Stephen cut the fuses on four of the canldes to less than a quater of an inch. He then taped all the short fuses around the one with the long fuse. He put the machete back inside his jacket and put the canldes in his pocket. He was going to get his dog tags back, he headed for the park. He didn't go far inside.
"Is this the bozo who stabbed you?" Stephen heard a cold voice say. Same voice that told him stay out of it. Stephen stood there as the girl and the two men walked in front of him.
"Yeah, he is the one." On pure instinct Stephen pulled out his machete and threw it behind him. There was a harsh cry then a dull thump. He pulled out his candles and his zippo lighter. He backpeddled to find his mugger with his machete thru his stomach stuck to a tree. Stephen jammed the candles into his mugger's mouth and put the zippo close to a fuse.
"Who are you and want do you want?" Stephen said.
"None of your business, you'll be dead!" the girl said.
"I don't think so my dear. I'll light a fuse and when the TNT goes off we all die." Stephen light the longer fuse. "Tick, tock, tick, tock. Answer my question. But first give me back my tags!" One of the men threw them back to Stephen.
"Why are you commiting these murder!?"
"We have to feed." the other man said. Animals, friggen animals Stephen thought.
"Who are you?" the girl asked.
"Stephen Malone, your worst nightmare. Tell your leaders if your group bothers me there will be hell to pay. But if you leave me alone I leave you alone. Okay?"
"Your just another aragont a**hole. We'll make short work of you. You'll know the meaning of pain!" The first man said.
"Aragont? I know the meaning of pain." Stephen ripped off his shirt. None of the trio moved. In the street light they saw his scars. "Try four hours in Pablo Mendez's torture room.
Barbed wire to keep you to your chair and they whip you with it. They stab you shallow so you bleed, but don't die. They hit you with sharp and blunt objects over and over. They run electricty thru your body. Use you to snub out freshly light cigarettes so they can burn you. Ohh, I know more pain than you'll ever know.
I say again, leave me alone I leave you alone. Your leaders can talk to me at the Mapel Tree Hotel. Now, if I see any of you bums again. I'll kill ya." He pulled the machete out of the man's chest and snubbed out the fuse. "Now f*** off."
The trio grabbed their friend and left. Stephen walked calmly back to his room and sat on his bed. Need to feed? What does that mean? he thought. Stephen lay checked his money, $450 left. He smiled and pulled off his belt. Fifty gold and fifty silver coins lay in it's leather interior. Another trophy from his army days.

Daniel, after having left the Presidential estates, slowly and methodically made his way into Tarlachia. He didn't know where to start... where to begin.

Suddenly he heard a voice cry out.

"Why are you commiting these murder!?"

Daniel looked around the corner of the tree in the park. He spied a man and a number of vampires. One of them was impaled to a tree.

"We have to feed."

Vampires. Daniel didn't know whether or not he was fortunate.

By the time everything was said and done, the man had let the vampires go.

"Now f*** off."

Daniel was stunned. Didn't that man know how dangerous the vampires were? About the plot to take down the government of Tarlachia?

The man was leaving. Daniel decided to follow him, and see how much he knew about the problems.

"He sure doesn't look like a hunter..."

He followed him into a hotel. It was a tad rundown for his tastes, but then again, he wasn't the one staying there.

He trailed him up the stairs, and saw him close the door to his room

"Well, may as well get this over with..."

Daniel went up and knocked three times.

Skadi was doubtful. It was obvious that most of them had been sired by other fledgelings and there was no elder behind their creation or learning. But it may work.

"Perhaps. They definately need to be informed of what they can do or victory shall be quite difficult."

Skadi continued to glare at the gathered fledgelings, intimidating each and everyone of them.

Maximus walked over to the far side of the large room they were in. Grabbing some of the vampires by their clothes, he threw them in the air toward the middle of the room.

"You lot are pathetic! Training will begin immediately! I want half of your to go to Skadi, she will teach you. The rest, come to me."

Maximus watched as the hordes of vampires quickly gathered as instructed.

"Now, I want you all to take your turns to charge me and give me your best shot."

A half dozen of the fledgelings charged all at once. Maximus could already detect their errors, and painfully showed each their mistakes. One by one, he quickly fired back powerful hits to their bodies, sending the fledglings flying all over the room.

"Whoo! Come on! Bring it on!" he cried out, a wicked smile on his face. This time many more charged at him...finally...a challenge for him!

Skadi nodded and the others immediately rushed toward Skadi. She didn't move at all. The vampires drew nearer and still she didn't move. Drawing within a metre of Skadi, the fledgelings halted to a frightened stop as Skadi whirled around, withdrawing her sword and swinging mere mm's from their exposed faces.

She had moved so quickly that the fledgelings only knew she moved because the sword was now in her hand and a blur had replaced her stance. Replacing the sword, Skadi smiled.

"Come on then."

Some of the braver fledgelings charged toward Skadi, fists and fangs beared. Skadi remained still as she sent a wave of psychic power, knocking all the fledgelings metres back, into various objects and walls.

(OOC: Kain summoned a Crystal Golem!?! :shock: No way, my elf can handle that... He has never seen one, let one hurt it... And my elf has to kill so powerful vampires!?! Hopefully he gets some special stuff or he's going to be toast... :x )

In the rafters of the building, Xyorph stared down at Maximus and Skadi as they trained the new Vampires. Fortunately, no one had noticed the phoenix entering through a back window. Vampire culture had certainly changed a lot since he had last been in contact with them. Were Covens not fashionable anymore?

He should have followed Kain. He knew. There was immense power there. Maybe even a match for him. He had felt the summoning of the crystal Golem, and relished going to see what it was guarding. But first he wanted to talk with this Maximus. He liked the sound of his cause, but wanted to see what could be offered as an exchange. And maybe find out a bit more about this Kain before going to see the Golem.

Not wanting to wait any longer, Xyorph unfolded his immense wings and flew down from the rafters, landing quietly on the floor behind Maximus and Skadi. He tranformed back ito his human form, and stood waiting to see who would notice him first.

OOC:
5CN: Your elf doesn't have to kill the vampires, just....spar with them...however...the fledglings are open for hunting season lol!

IC:
Maximus grinned as the group rushed him. He had a trick up his sleeve, which was guaranteed to surprise these vampires...

Maximus chanted a spell, as he continued to fight off the oncoming vampires, yet they still came coming. Soon, he was growing in size, changing in physique, his head became elongated, his arms bulging into massive muscular limbs. A long tail quickly began to sprout, and an array of sharp fangs lined his mouth. Large expansive, leathery wings emerged quickly, until he stood before the astonished vampires, who had stopped dead in their tracks as they watched him transform.

He had become an immense dragon, covered in red scales.

Maximus grinned to them, as he allowed some smoke to curl its way out of his nostrils. He lowered his head, to bring his massive face in front of the vampires. An odor wafted its way up to him, and he made a disgusted face...some of the vampires had actually crapped themselves in fear.

He shook his head slightly, then took one of his forepaws and swatted the fledglings away, their bodies flying over Skadi and her students, who had also stopped fighting her to watch his magnificient transformation.

And with that, Maximus let out a roar, creating deep cracks in the windows. He reverted back to his normal body, and stepped over to the fallen vampires.

"You have much to learn weaklings..."

"An impressive Dragon Maximus. You need to work on the tail a bit though. You would have had difficulty flying." Xyorph called out.

Skadi smiled as she watched Maximus transform and fought off fledgelings simultaneously. Her strength was enough to send the creatures sprawling away from her with ease.

It wasn't long before the fledgelings were too injured to continue, which wasn't a problem as Skadi decided to direct her attention to the man waiting behind her.

"What is your place here?"

Maximus turned toward the voice. A man stood there, grinning at him.

He ignored the comment from the stranger, and instead spoke:

"What do you want stranger? You are impeding on our training, make it quick!"

"Yes. Training. What exactly are you planning to do with this bunch? And its more what I can offer you. Why dont we leave this lot to practice on their own and we can go have a talk."

Seeing the aggression, Xyorph continued.

"I dont mean you any trouble or harm. I just wana talk."

The time of waiting was over. He would enter the mansion, the beasts guarding the door would not stop him. He would cast a few spells and it would all be over for them...

First, the wind changed... It became oppressive. With it came horrible, unnatural screams and sighs. Then Gravechill came visible, his black, hooded robe covered him. All that could be seen were his eyes, which burned with red, unholy fire and his hands... They were burning as well. Something was forming in his hands, and then he extended his arms to his front...

He let out a chilling shriek, and threw a ball of holy fire at the beasts of blood. That should take care of them, but just to make sure, he casted one other spell at them, sending at least two dozens of otherworldly darts which glowed black at the vampires. If the spell did not kill them, it was likely that it would rend their minds beyond repair.

Skadi watched as the newcomer conversed with Maximus. She pondered why she was here, trainging fledgelings to fight humans when she could be in Assington. Then she realised she would probably be fighting off a combination of humans and vampires. This situation was slightly better.

Xyorph looked up before Maximus could reply and noticed the one called Skadi looking at him. He gestured for her to come over to. It seemed that they were in this together, and he didnt want to have the same conversation twice.

Stephen finally decided to answer the door. A man stood who appeared quite tired. Stephen looked him over.
"Yeah?"
"I'm with the goverment I need talk to you."
"Sure, can I get dressed?"
"Fine. One question who are you?" Stephen invited the man in and went to get changed.
"Stephen Malone at your service."
"Second why are you here?"
"Car accident."
"Third, do you know who does people were who attacked you?"
"No. Bunch of weirdos, probably contected to those murders you've been having." Stephen came out of the bathroom. "I know a pub a few blocks down we can talk."

Maximus turned back toward the group of fledglings behind them.

"Get working! I want to see improvements in fighting styles when I return!"

Turning back to the stranger, he followed him to one of the back rooms where he closed the door for privacy. Skadi remained silent, as the two started their conversation.

"Why do you seek us? What can you possibly have that will benefit us?"

Stephen finally decided to answer the door. A man stood who appeared quite tired. Stephen looked him over.
"Yeah?"
"I'm with the goverment I need talk to you."
"Sure, can I get dressed?"
"Fine. One question who are you?" Stephen invited the man in and went to get changed.
"Stephen Malone at your service."
"Second why are you here?"
"Car accident."
"Third, do you know who does people were who attacked you?"
"No. Bunch of weirdos, probably contected to those murders you've been having." Stephen came out of the bathroom. "I know a pub a few blocks down we can talk."

Daniel walked out of the apartment first, waiting as the man who identified himself as Stephen locked the door.

As they exited the hotel and walked down the streets, Daniel thought to himself: "Gee, a man of few words."

The finally entered the pub, The Flying Dutchman, and quickly sat down at the bar. The cool evening had somehow turned to night.

"I wonder where all of the VRO are tonight..."thought Daniel.

He pushed the thought out of his head as the waitress came over.

"What'd ya want boys?"

"I'll have whatever you have on tap... what about you Mr. Malone?"

The man across the booth from Daniel thought for a moment, and then replied. "The same. Thanks."

The waitress took away the coffee cups and walked to the next table. Daniel slipped off his trench coat, exposing his shoulder harness and black vest (Lined with Kevlar). Daniel took out his desert eagle and placed it on the table.

"So, Mr. Malone, tell me all you know. The fact that you know about the murders we've been having tells me that you know more than you are saying."

Stephen finally decided to answer the door. A man stood who appeared quite tired. Stephen looked him over.
"Yeah?"
"I'm with the goverment I need talk to you."
"Sure, can I get dressed?"
"Fine. One question who are you?" Stephen invited the man in and went to get changed.
"Stephen Malone at your service."
"Second why are you here?"
"Car accident."
"Third, do you know who does people were who attacked you?"
"No. Bunch of weirdos, probably contected to those murders you've been having." Stephen came out of the bathroom. "I know a pub a few blocks down we can talk."

Daniel walked out of the apartment first, waiting as the man who identified himself as Stephen locked the door.

As they exited the hotel and walked down the streets, Daniel thought to himself: "Gee, a man of few words."

The finally entered the pub, The Flying Dutchman, and quickly sat down at the bar. The cool evening had somehow turned to night.

"I wonder where all of the VRO are tonight..."thought Daniel.

He pushed the thought out of his head as the waitress came over.

"What'd ya want boys?"

"I'll have whatever you have on tap... what about you Mr. Malone?"

The man across the booth from Daniel thought for a moment, and then replied. "The same. Thanks."

The waitress took away the coffee cups and walked to the next table. Daniel slipped off his trench coat, exposing his shoulder harness and black vest (Lined with Kevlar). Daniel took out his desert eagle and placed it on the table.

"So, Mr. Malone, tell me all you know. The fact that you know about the murders we've been having tells me that you know more than you are saying."

"I'll you everything I know. I came down here one night for a bite to eat and I saw a newspaper with "Bizzare Murders" on the cover. I read about it and took a look at my textbook for any clues. I'm taking classes in Forensics. I didn't find anything, so I went for a jog. In an alley I found a girl, pale as snow. No external injures.
I called the cops, they came. One officer called it a "regular homicide", crock of bull. I thought something related to drug trafficing, a possible coup, crazies, or get this. Vampires. Vampires. Yeah, Dracula is in town. I went to the library to find evidence of drug trafficing, nothing. I went again if I could find articles about the past murders.
I was walking back and I was shoved into an alley. The guy pushed my head up and I stabbed him. "
"You stabbed him?" Stephen picked up his right foot and pulled the knife out about an inch.
"Every Ranger has one. Well, I'm an ex-Ranger, left three years ago. So he ran to the other side of the alley, he attacked I stabbed. He ran. I went for a drink, got drunk and without knowing it I went to the park. I saw a girl and two guys bending over a young girl. I turned and ran, they followed. I hit a light pole. One of 'em grabbed my dog tags. They told me to "stay out of it". I went to dinner, then I purchased a 24 inch machete, tape, and roman candles.
I met them again, this time with my mugger. I impaled him on a tree and shoved the candles in his mouth. He thought the candles were TNT! They said something about feeding. Freaks. I let their friend go, but instead of being dead like he should be he. He moaned!
I went back to my room fell asleep. I decided to answer the door and here we are. So what are you all about? What's going on here? I want to get back to my wife ASAP. This nation is a madhouse. What is going on here?"

(OOC Yes he has, but of course the golem cannnot exit the mansion, as can most of Kain's creations. They rely upon a power source, one of the reasons why the crystals are so vital.)

Kain breathed out, pleased with what he had done. He closed his eyes and cleared his mind of all the strife within it, so that the next action could take place.

Readied, Kain exited the basement, walking purposefully to the center of the mansion on the first floor. He began to chant, summoning his servants and constructs.

He first summoned the basis of the renovations, small intellegent beings of pure magic, either red or blue, they alternated colour depending on thier task at the moment. Around 50 where formed from nothing, rising slowly from the flow, giving blue illumiation to the room.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MotP/Xag-ya_Xeg-yi.jpg

Kain simply ordered them.

"Build."

And they did so, floating in a mulittude of directions,

Kain, satisfied that his work had been almost done here, that his orbs would see to it that his plans would be set into motion for the main part of the construction. Kain knew that they could not make everything, and Kain would return later to see where he needed to add touches and create new areas. The mansion had four floors....he had intentions for the forth one....

Kain snapped his fingers and the windows bcame darkened as he approached the main door out. They shaded over, allowing no-one a glimse to the wonders of creation taking place from the orbs. They where building his home, the way he had instructed them, the orbs having the ability to float through walls and floors, easily going to all areas of it.

Kain opened the main doors, the rain still coming down. He looked out, and smiled with satifaction as the rain poured down. He came forward as the spells came forth towards him. Two of the guards had fallen, the others in a state of panic. The two bodies where burning black, a grim face of death upon their charred corpses.

Kain was irritated by this, he extended one of his hands and spiraled it anti-clockwise. The magic faded from view, saving most of the vmapries lives with a simple gesture. Kain tapping into his mansion's power source, the cystals granting him unfathomable power.

Kain was puzzled. Why would anyone wish to attack the mansion now? It seemed that he already had enemies.

Kain walked forward, apparently unpreturbed by the sight of two of his guards being totally immolated.

"Gravechill, why you wish to die so much! You will be the first to be an example!" Kain said, extending both cloven hands towards him. He forced through will alone, through telekinisis, to make Gravechill float, held within this suffocating and smothing grip of nothingness. Kain began to chant, and Gravechill was begining to feel that he was being drawn towards the mansion...towards the door with alarming speed. He loked at the door....those terrorifying eyes of that door sparked into life, and the eyes centered upon him. Kain did all of this with gravid ease.

The vamprie guards looked at how easily Kain did this, massive energies being lent to him by the power source he had created for himself. Kain was like a God here, all in admiration of this power which he had.....but they were shocked at the death of thier freinds....that could have been them who had been burnt there....

(OOC You can of course try to get out of this through spells, but please do tell me if you want your character to be kept. I proberbly will not kill him....scar him most likely. :twisted: But bear in mind, Kain is not to be messed with ESECIALLY in his own land and home. You can try and escape, but you would have to be powerful to get out of it. But if you follow what I am going to do, your character will live, yet he will havea grim reminder of Kain's power.)

Meh...

Maximus turned back toward the group of fledglings behind them.

"Get working! I want to see improvements in fighting styles when I return!"

Turning back to the stranger, he followed him to one of the back rooms where he closed the door for privacy. Skadi remained silent, as the two started their conversation.

"Why do you seek us? What can you possibly have that will benefit us?"

"Before I start explaining who and what I am, why dont you confirm for me what's going on. You and your lady friend here are taking control of this fanatical bunch of revolutionaries. And you plan to overthrow the human government to create a land for supernaturals like ourselves to live in. Am I correct?

Can I first ask how. And then secondly explain a bit about this Kain person to me. You seem to accept him as an ally, but not an entirely comfortable one. Tell me who or what he is, and where he fits into this? I would also be interested to know his power source. There's something not entirely settling about him.

In return, I can offer you a powerful assistance. My name is Xyorph, I am the last sorcerer of the order of Krajyk. And I believe myself to be the last true sorcerer on the planet, all the remaining magicians being demons or minor wizards etcetera. My preferred area of magic is necromancy, a useful tool for both scaring and killing humans. But also one that can be used against vampires. Catch my drift?

I have no love for humans. For too long they have persecuted our kind. But tell me, why should I support a vampire government more? What can you offer me in return for my services?"

"Gravechill, why you wish to die so much! You will be the first to be an example!" -- The vamprie guards looked at how easily Kain did this, massive energies being lent to him by the power source he had created for himself.

His body was afloat and he had lost much of its control. But unlike Kain had expected, Gravechill laughed. It was twisted and evil laughter. He did not fear the impudent fool in front of him. Obviously the vampiric beast had no idea of what he was holding. "Yes, crush my body, destroy it. I can feel your power, I would be a fool not to notice it. But do you really think you can *kill* me, beast?!" The wind only intensified, the voices continued and only became more horrifying...

Then his red glowing eyes flashed. They burned, and the color changed into a deep, sickening green. He raised his skeletal hand and pointed his finger at Kain... But it seemed as if nothing happened. He then said, "You are marked now, fool. You will never know peace."

(OOC You can of course try to get out of this through spells, but please do tell me if you want your character to be kept. I proberbly will not kill him....scar him most likely. --)

((OOC: I think you are missing something here. Gravechill is no normal sorcerer, nor a vampire. He is a demilich. Destroy his body, and he will return. Maim him, and he will recover. Crush him, it makes no difference. Of course, it takes a while for him to return to the exact place of his "death", unless there are corpses near by...))

"I'll you everything I know. I came down here one night for a bite to eat and I saw a newspaper with "Bizzare Murders" on the cover. I read about it and took a look at my textbook for any clues. I'm taking classes in Forensics. I didn't find anything, so I went for a jog. In an alley I found a girl, pale as snow. No external injures.
I called the cops, they came. One officer called it a "regular homicide", crock of bull. I thought something related to drug trafficing, a possible coup, crazies, or get this. Vampires. Vampires. Yeah, Dracula is in town. I went to the library to find evidence of drug trafficing, nothing. I went again if I could find articles about the past murders.
I was walking back and I was shoved into an alley. The guy pushed my head up and I stabbed him. "
"You stabbed him?" Stephen picked up his right foot and pulled the knife out about an inch.
"Every Ranger has one. Well, I'm an ex-Ranger, left three years ago. So he ran to the other side of the alley, he attacked I stabbed. He ran. I went for a drink, got drunk and without knowing it I went to the park. I saw a girl and two guys bending over a young girl. I turned and ran, they followed. I hit a light pole. One of 'em grabbed my dog tags. They told me to "stay out of it". I went to dinner, then I purchased a 24 inch machete, tape, and roman candles.
I met them again, this time with my mugger. I impaled him on a tree and shoved the candles in his mouth. He thought the candles were TNT! They said something about feeding. Freaks. I let their friend go, but instead of being dead like he should be he. He moaned!
I went back to my room fell asleep. I decided to answer the door and here we are. So what are you all about? What's going on here? I want to get back to my wife ASAP. This nation is a madhouse. What is going on here?"

Daniel steepled his fingers together, and pressed them to his nose.

"If he does not know," thought the Agent, "than perhaps the vampires have not made their move yet. Perhaps there was still time to end it without public panic."

"Well, Mr. Malone, my name is Agent Daniel Able, and I represent the Government of Valient. Long story short, I was assigned to this Tarlachian crisis."

"I am afraid that I am almost as much in the dark as you are. All I know is that there is an ever-growing faction of Tarlachian and foreign Vampires, or Draculas as you so put it, and they are plotting to overthrow the current government of Tarlachia."

"For what purpose? Unknown. How they will achieve this? Unknown. All that is known is that unless we quell this uprising before it grows any larger, Tarlachia, and soon neighbouring regions may fall under the might of the undead."

The waitress reappeared with their two beers.

"Here you go, boys! Enjoy."

"Thanks, hun." replied Stephen

They both opened the bottles with their bare hands, and took a long swallow.

"So tell me Mr. Malone, you were a Rang..."

Suddenly, a shadow passed underneath a light standard across the street. It was followed by another 4.

Daniel slowly slipped his desert eagle into his right hand. He looked at Stephen and gestured outside.

"Mr. Malone, you say that you were a Ranger. Well, if you can, please show me what you remember."

At that moment, 5 lithe vampires crashed through the large plate-glass window. Daniel recognized one of them as the vampire Stephen had impaled earlier in the day.

He still had a small open wound, Daniel thought.

The same vampire jumped upon a table, ignoring the frightened diners and winos who fled however they could. He instead pointed a hand at Stephen.

"Do you KNOW HOW MUCH THAT HURT? You are going to SO pay for that."

(OOC: Zakli Estaria is still around, he's just running around, killing vampires...)

A gravelly voice drifted through the broken window...

"Hold your tongue, vampire... lest I cut it out and you are forced to do so..."

A grim-looking Whiptail stood out in the street, a katana in his left hand and his .45 in his right. Firey anger blazed in his golden eyes. He raised the pistol, aiming for the leader's head.

"I promise this will hurt even more, but only for a short while..."

Whiptail fired, sending a .45 ACP SN round crashing into the vampire's skull, liquid silver quickly moving through his veins, dripping out of his mouth and eyes. The vampire collapsed backwards with a soft gurgle.
Whiptail still stood in the street, a faint tendril of smoke curling up from the barrel of his weapon...

"I believe that the odds are more even now..."

Whiptail said with a slight twinge of satisfaction in his voice...

OOC: If you object Valient, I will rework my posting. I found it to be a fine opportunity to get back into the game, as it where.

A gravelly voice drifted through the broken window...

"Hold your tongue, vampire... lest I cut it out and you are forced to do so..."

A grim-looking Whiptail stood out in the street, a katana in his left hand and his .45 in his right. Firey anger blazed in his golden eyes. He raised the pistol, aiming for the leader's head.

"I promise this will hurt even more, but only for a short while..."

Whiptail fired, sending a .45 ACP SN round crashing into the vampire's skull, liquid silver quickly moving through his veins, dripping out of his mouth and eyes. The vampire collapsed backwards with a soft gurgle.
Whiptail still stood in the street, a faint tendril of smoke curling up from the barrel of his weapon...

"I believe that the odds are more even now..."

Whiptail said with a slight twinge of satisfaction in his voice...

OOC: If you object Valient, I will rework my posting. I found it to be a fine opportunity to get back into the game, as it where.

A gravelly voice drifted through the broken window...

"Hold your tongue, vampire... lest I cut it out and you are forced to do so..."

A grim-looking Whiptail stood out in the street, a katana in his left hand and his .45 in his right. Firey anger blazed in his golden eyes. He raised the pistol, aiming for the leader's head.

"I promise this will hurt even more, but only for a short while..."

Whiptail fired, sending a .45 ACP SN round crashing into the vampire's skull, liquid silver quickly moving through his veins, dripping out of his mouth and eyes. The vampire collapsed backwards with a soft gurgle.
Whiptail still stood in the street, a faint tendril of smoke curling up from the barrel of his weapon...

"I believe that the odds are more even now..."

Whiptail said with a slight twinge of satisfaction in his voice...

OOC: If you object Valient, I will rework my posting. I found it to be a fine opportunity to get back into the game, as it where.

Stephen looked calmly at the man over is beer.
"First, Vampires don't exist. It's impossible reanimate a corpse. He has PCP in his system most likely. Can I finish my beer before I kill you? One thing Dan, is never wait when you have the chance to strike. It might just hurt you." The man stood there, and in one movement Stephen had his knife out and in the person's neck. Stephen knocked him over and threw the man into the liquor behind the bar. "Such a waste, see what he did. He had the time to kill me but he didn't. Second, always bring a spare weapon." Stephen pulled out his machete. "Third open a can of whoop ass!"
Stephen rushed foward and sliced down against one of the intruders. It dogded but Stephen cut back and hit it in the back. "Always follow thru. I'm not really good at hand to hand, but it's always the most fun." The intruders backed off to the entrance. Stephen looked behind the bar to find his attacker still laying on the ground. "I think it's time you get your hands dirty Daniel. CHARGE!"

Maximus looked this sorcerer over, psychically analyzing the nature of his being, of his magic. This one seemed to be trustworthy. Telepathically, he asked Skadi, "What are you thinking? I sense distrust of this one from you. Either way, he is offering his assistance for information, information we have... and his assistance can be put to good use. Speak to me Skadi, you are the only one I completely trust."

Turning toward Xyorph, he spoke, this time a little more calmly, "Xyorph, this organization has plans to overtake the government by means of a combination of force and persuasion. Many in Tarlachia are still ignorant to the existence of supernatural beings, except in the case of dragons. Many do not even know how to deal with these fledgling vampires, for if they had, this organization would have failed its goal quickly. The organization wishes to avert from causing foreign nations to send in their own reinforcements in support of the human government. Thus, that is why they have quickly been turning many humans to the dark light of the night."

As for Kain, I do not know much about him, but I warn you, he is one of immense power. However, despite this, I understand him, and what he wishes. He wishes to be left alone in the world, to not deal with the constant challenges he recieves from others. Kain has been through much in his life, and now seeks peace. His source of power seems to come from his sword, but I suspect another influence, perhaps within himself or the sword."

"When this government is taken control of, I plan to take the highest position, the President's Office, and control the nation fairly. Tarlachia will become a nation co-existing peacefully with mortals and immortals alike. However, the nation shall be one that lasts ages, as the nations around Tarlachia collapse into the folds of history and time."

"For your services, we shall have to work out some negotiation for anything you desire. My contacts in Tarlachia are extensive, and now this organization only expands that network. Be assured, I will make it my personal responsibility to make sure that you are given what you request."

Maximus glanced over at Skadi, who had turned away to study some of the artifacts that were in the room, but he could tell she was still listening, albeit not truly concerned.

He spoke to her silently once again, "We shall leave soon, we'll go hunting, have some quality time together, I promise."

Turning back to Xyorph he questioned,

"Are you with us?"

Clarke and Khan grabbed their gear and weapons from their vehicle, left the vehicle in the government compound, and walked out the gates onto the streets. The cool night air blew at them, ruffling their clothes, as they passed down the street. Two hardy men, both with a list of creatures captured or killed in their careers, looked a little out of place in this city.

"Hey Clarke, let's get some grub at the restaurant down here, before we head out huntin'."

"Good idea." Clarke replied, and the two made their way to the restaurant.

As they drew near, they noticed that one of the front windows had been shattered all over the sidewalk and inside the business. Patrons were running out in a panic.

"What the hell?" they both exclaimed, as they immediately drew their FAMAS rifles, clips with silver bullets, and stepped quietly closer. Inside, they could see some figure standing on one of the tables, as he was yelling to two men sitting at another table. The figure hissed, and was accompanied by four others hissing as well.

"Sh*t, vampires..."

They watched as one of the men jumped up, and quickly moved to attack the vampire. Suddenly, another being appeared inside, a rather odd looking creature, who aimed his gun at the vampire on the table and fired, his bullet exploding into the skull. Clarke and Khan brought their weapons to bear upon the remaining vampires, aimed carefully and began to dispose of the vampires, a bullet between the eyes for each.

An eerie silence came over the place, as the fighting ceased.

"Whoo! Two more for each of us!" Khan exclaimed, "which brings us to...346 vampires total!"

Clarke smiled, as he nodded and spoke to the other men and the creature still remaining in the restaurant.

"Hey guys, names are Clarke and Khan, glad to see you're ok. We're on an assignment for the President, hunting vampires threatening the nation. Who are you guys?"

Clarke slung his FAMAS over his shoulder, and walked over to the bar, picked up a glass, filled it up from the tap, and drank the alcohol. "Whew, that's some good sh*t!"

(OOC: Zakli Estaria is still around, he's just running around, killing vampires...)

OOC: ok lol, if you want, you can bring him to the restaurant where the other hunters are..might help to get everyone acquainted with one another...

OOC: I should make clear to everyone who Stephen Malone is.

Character: Stephen Malone Ex-Ranger 29 years old
Speciality while with Rangers: Medic, M203 gunner
Married: Wife Emma, 2 year old daughter Jessica
Bio: Ex-Ranger, left after an operation against Golden Simatar's top cartel man Palbo Mendez. During the action he accidenty killed one of his friends and was captured and tortured. Other Rangers got him out of the prison after four hours of torture.
He started to drink to forget the incident, but that didn't work. He left the Rangers and began to take classes in forensics. After waking up several nights screaming Emma told him to go for a trip by himself to reorgainize himself. He crashed and is stuck in Tarlachia.
Discovered a vampire victim and didn't know it. Survied two encounters with vampires and got one very pissed at him. He dosn't belive in vampires or anything like that. But with what has been happening he has been having second thoughts. In back of his mind he thinks everyone here is crazy.

(OOC: Zakli Estaria is still around, he's just running around, killing vampires...)

OOC: ok lol, if you want, you can bring him to the restaurant where the other hunters are..might help to get everyone acquainted with one another...

(OOC: He'll be there...)

OOC: No problem, WA. Good to have all the hunters together again :D


"Hey guys, names are Clarke and Khan, glad to see you're ok. We're on an assignment for the President, hunting vampires threatening the nation. Who are you guys?"

Daniel looked up at all the imposing figures who stood in front of him.

There was Stephen Malone, an ex-ranger who still didn't quite believe in vampires, an Argonian who looked only slightly less menacing than the vampires, and the two men, Clarke and Khan, who seemed to be prepared for anything.

Daniel suddenly realized he was holding his unfired desert eagle in his hand. He did not fire one shot... With a shrug, Daniel slipped it back into his holster.

"I am Agent Daniel Able, and I represent the Government of Valient. I am currently on an exchange assignment, and, like you two, am trying to bring about a speedy resolution to this problem.

"This here is Mr. Stephen Malone. I am unsure exactly how he got messed up with all of this, but he's against them, so he's with us."

Daniel walked past Stephen and knealt down by a severed head of one of the vampires. With a bare grimace, Daniel pulled back the top lip of the Vampire, revealing two distinct fangs.

"Oh, and Mr. Malone, if you want to remain in good health, you should realize that these are not some punks on PCP. Your perception that they do not exist give them the advantage... still, thank you for your help so far."

Daniel stood up and looked at the Argonian.He recognized the race from the intel he recieved before the mission. Argonians were excellent hunters, usually of Vampires.

"Well, we've all introduced ourselves... what about you? What brings you into this debacle?"

OOC: 5CN, Zakli can come in anytime... :wink:

Maximus looked this sorcerer over, psychically analyzing the nature of his being, of his magic. This one seemed to be trustworthy. Telepathically, he asked Skadi, "What are you thinking? I sense distrust of this one from you. Either way, he is offering his assistance for information, information we have... and his assistance can be put to good use. Speak to me Skadi, you are the only one I completely trust."

Skadi replied, her distrust evident, even in a telepathic speech.

"I trust none here save for you. You have earned it, they have not. Especially this one, he seems a little too interested in our ally."

Skadi feigned a lack of attention as she examined the room, but it was evident to Maximus at least she knew exactly what was going on.

OOC: No problem, WA. Good to have all the hunters together again :D


"Hey guys, names are Clarke and Khan, glad to see you're ok. We're on an assignment for the President, hunting vampires threatening the nation. Who are you guys?"

Daniel looked up at all the imposing figures who stood in front of him.

There was Stephen Malone, an ex-ranger who still didn't quite believe in vampires, an Argonian who looked only slightly less menacing than the vampires, and the two men, Clarke and Khan, who seemed to be prepared for anything.

Daniel suddenly realized he was holding his unfired desert eagle in his hand. He did not fire one shot... With a shrug, Daniel slipped it back into his holster.

"I am Agent Daniel Able, and I represent the Government of Valient. I am currently on an exchange assignment, and, like you two, am trying to bring about a speedy resolution to this problem.

"This here is Mr. Stephen Malone. I am unsure exactly how he got messed up with all of this, but he's against them, so he's with us."

Daniel walked past Stephen and knealt down by a severed head of one of the vampires. With a bare grimace, Daniel pulled back the top lip of the Vampire, revealing two distinct fangs.

"Oh, and Mr. Malone, if you want to remain in good health, you should realize that these are not some punks on PCP. Your perception that they do not exist give them the advantage... still, thank you for your help so far."

Daniel stood up and looked at the Argonian.He recognized the race from the intel he recieved before the mission. Argonians were excellent hunters, usually of Vampires.

"Well, we've all introduced ourselves... what about you? What brings you into this debacle?"

OOC: 5CN, Zakli can come in anytime... :wink:

The door of the bar swung open as a badly wounded vampire was thrown in. Right behind the thrown vampire was an elven hunter who walked, his sword drawn.

Glaring at the vampire, Zakli menaced him with his sword.

"Now, I'm going to ask you for the last time, where are you and your brethern gathering?"

Clarke and Khan looked on as the Elven Hunter threatened the wounded vampire.

"Heh...looks like we've got another guy huntin' too..." Clarke remarked to Khan.

Suddenly, the vampire roared in defiance, as it spoke harshly to the hunter.

"I shall never tell! Kill me, for otherwise, a burden I shall be!"

Placing his foot on the vampire's chest, Zakli stepped down hard.

"Now, if you don't tell me, I'll make you wish you were never born..."

Without warning, what remained of the pub's door swung open, courtesy of a prostrate vampire.

Closely following behind was... Zakli, the hunter he had met along with the president.

"Ahhh, Zakli. I am glad you have finally made it."

Daniel looked around at the others, and at Clarke and Khan.

"Do not worry. I've met this gentlemen before... I am sure that he will be willing to introduce himself when he is... finished his interogation."

Daniel suddenly reared his foot back and kicked the vampire in the head, kocking it back onto it's haunch.

"Go ahead, Zakli. This is all yours."

Zakli nodded at the other two hunters.

"Pleasure to meet you gentlemen... Now, let me handle this..."

"All yours buddy." Khan replied, as he reached behind the bar and refilled his glass once again.

OOC: Hey 5CN, check your TGs in a few moments...

(OOC: okay...)

Nodding, Zakli pulled out of his belt two silver spikes. Stabbing one each into the shoulders of the vampire, Zakli moved his head close, as the vampire writhed in terrible pain.

"Now are you going to tell me or not?"

The vampire screamed in agony as the spike burned into his shoulder. Snarling in the hunter's face, he snapped his fangs at him and hissed at him:

"Is that all you've got???!!! You call yourself a hunter?? I'll never tell you, scourge of the earth!"

_______

"Now that's interesting there Khan...an Elven hunter being called "scourge of the Earth" by a vampire..."

"Oh, the irony!" was the reply, followed by raccous laughter from both.

Grinning evilly, Zakli pulled out another silver spike. Scraping it all around the face of the vampire, Zakli menaced the vampire.

"Now, we don't want to mutilate your pretty face, now do we?"

"The illusions of this world are false, hunter! You of all should know that better, being an Elf!"

The screams heard in the following minutes echoed to the night scene outside. The hunter had plunged the spike into the vampire's stomach, twisting it around, maximizing the searing pain the vampire felt in his entrails.


"Pain is only a medium of emotions! Emotions are misleading! I SHALL NEVER TELL!!!"

Zakli felt very frustrated. With his hands, he pulled the intestines out of the vampire and tied them around the vampire's neck.

"The time has come for you to die..."

Skadi continued to watch the conversation between the mage and her fledgeling.

The vampire lay on the ground, it's entrails draped around its neck, as it lay dying slowly...horribly.

His eyes began to lose the light of life...as he stared quietly into the face of his hunter. He whispered in a low tone, only the hunter head him clearly:

[i]"The VRO....is....**coughs violently**.....on the western border of......the city, near the......"

His voice trailed off as he died, his eyes still open, but now vacantly looking upward.
______

"Well damn, he didn't tell...." commented Khan, a surprised look on his face.

"No sh*t, Sherlock." whispered Clarke.

A little unhappy, Zakli pulled the silver spikes out of the dead vampire, licking one of them and tasting the blood coated on it.

Hm... A mere fledgling... This is not good...

Standing up and licking the blood from the spikes, Zakli spoke for the second time to the other hunters.

"This is not good, this is the nineteenth fledgling, I've killed this week... We're having a major influx of these things... This is very bad..."

Licking clean one of the spikes, Zakli smacked his lips.

"Nothing beats tasting fresh vampire blood..."

Xyorph looked across at the one called Skadi again. She was listening, and he wished she would make a comment. When only one was talking, it was easier for them to lie. Something had passed telepathically between them. He couldn't hear what it was, but something had been said.

"Thank you for the information. I think I will seek this Kain out myself.

I would like to help you. It is about time we beings had somewhere to call home. Tell me how I can serve you best, and I will do so.

As for what I would like in return, I ask for the most difficult thing of all. Your trust and friendship. For the last two hundred years and more I have barely spoken to other beings, and have never had anythig like a friend. I would like to be a member of your nation, and be a councillor to you if you will have me. I know I need to earn your trust, but give me the chance and I will do so."

Xyorph extended a hand. He stopped breathing as he welled with emotion. He was nearer to having a friend then he had been in years. And nearer to having a purpose. And finally, perhaps he would be able to have revenge.

Clarke was disgusted at the sight of the Elf licking the blood off the spikes.

Khan cringed.

Clarke then had a suspicious look to his face, as he brought his FAMAS rifle to bear upon the Elf.

"Wait a minute there, pal...How do we know you're not one of them?"

Khan stood by him, his own FAMAS aimed at the Elf as well. His eyes narrowed as he watched every movement of the Elf.

OOC: Cousin Eddie, check your TGs in a few moments...

Glancing briefly at the horrified faces of the other hunters, Zakli grinned and continued to clean his spikes by licking them.

Disregarding the guns pointed at him, Zakli offered one of his spikes to the hunters.

"You guys want some? You do know that vampire blood is quite healthy for you, right?"

Maximus stood there, as he looked at Xyorph. Then an unexpected thing happened. Xyorph cried slightly.

His request is genuine...rarely have I seen such truth in one's face.

His thoughts lingered momentarily on Skadi's words of warning about Xyorph's unnatural interest in Kain. He would have to keep an eye on him for a while, at least until he was reassured that Xyorph was harmless.

He raised his hand, took the man's hand in his own, and shook it firmly.

"Welcome to our alliance. You will be watched for your contributions to this organization, and I suggest that you perform to the best of your ability as necessary. Room and board will be up to you, but the financial aspects shall be covered by the Organization, so you will have not worries."

Maximus didn't look at her, but he could tell that Skadi was boring her eyes into the back of his skull, waiting silently.

Speaking telepathically to her, she said:
<<<This will be for a trial period first, before we fully accept him as equal. I promise you.>>>

"Xyorph,, your friendship will be appreciate. Thank you."

Xyorph fell to his knees as he rejoiced of his luck. Finally, after all these years...

Xyorph knelt on the floor and pressed his chin onto his chest so that the vampires could not see the overwhelming emotion on his face. He was happy that he had a potential friend. He was glad he know felt he had a purpose. He threw praise to Krajyk that he had been given this chance, and also promised himself that he would not do to these friends what he had done to the last.

He took a moment to control himself and then rose to his feet.

"Thank you for this chance Maximus. I am very grateful, and I hope you will not regret it. I look forward to serving you. And maybe I can do something about your friends distrust"

Xyorph turned, still feeling the emotion radiating of Skadi. He strode towards her, and inclined his head in a slight bow, suddenly realising the link between the two.

"A fine fletchling you have there. He does you honour. May I ask, what is your favourite colour?"

Skadi stared at the mage, still not trusting him. There was something about him that Skadi didn't like, perhaps his emotions. His weakness. Skadi didn't nod or acknowledge the greeting at all, she merely spoke one cold, harsh word.

"Black."

Xyorph laughed.

"Yes. I understand your mistrust, though I assure you it is uneeded. To try and solve this, I wish to give you a gift."

Xyorph screwed up his face and help up his hands in front of him. Concentration furrowed his brow, and droplets of sweat glistened on his forehead.

The ring on Xyorphs right index finger started to glow hot. Slowly, an image formed on the palm of his upward facing hands. A silver necklace was forming. It glistened menacingly in the artificial light of the building. It looked delicate, but to the feel one knew it was unbreakable. The clasp was a bird talon. On the front of the necklace a black gem was forming; Large enough to dominate the palm of a hand.

When the image became solid, Xyorph held it up and offered it to Skadi.

"When you are wearing this, you will be able to tell where I am. Grasp the gem and close your eyes, and you will see what I see. I hope that this will give you some assurance that I wish you well."

Maximus saw the necklace he held for Skadi.

"When you are wearing this, you will be able to tell where I am. Grasp the gem and close your eyes, and you will see what I see. I hope that this will give you some assurance that I wish you well."

Maximus was curious about this necklace, and so he spoke:

"What about vice-versa? Can you see where she is with it?" Then as Maximus continued to look at the necklace, he realized something dangerous...the necklace was made of silver...

Drawing Glamdring, he brought it to bear on Xyorph, and said menacingly,

"Why do you try to trick her? Do you think I do not see the silver??!!"

Stephen's stomach couldn't take it, he went behind the bar and threw up. The man called Clarke laughed.
"Weak stomach?" Stephen smiled and looked at the Elf.
"That is sick. I don't argue with stabbing him, but licking his blood!? I need a drink. Drinks are on me if anone wants one." He pulled off his belt and flipping the bucket and shook out a gold coin and put it in the register. "That should cover it."
"Mr. Malone, do you now belive in vampires after what you've seen?" Daniel asked him.
"No, it is impossible to reanimate a corpse. From what I understand in the movies that a vampire sucks it's victim dry. Correct? Then it gives the victim it's own blood. Well, no matter how much blood you pump into someone after their dead isn't going to help."
"After what you have seen you must belive now. He survived being impaled, stabbed and thrown. What do you take that as?" Daniel said. Stephen looked up.
"You, saw me in the park, you didn't come to my room by order you followed me. Well gents you may continue in your hunt for "vampires" without me. I'm going to the car repair to see how my car is doing. Good day." As Stephen turned to leave the elf put his hand across the door.
"Your not going anywhere."
"Don't tell me what to do, who are you?"
"Name is Zakli. If you walk out that door, the vampires might capture you and try to get information out of you. Way I see it, your in this too."
"There are no such thing as vampires, but it seems that if I walk a get a bullet in my back. So I'll help. I have a price."
"Name it." Daniel said.
"Land Rover '04 Range Rover, brand new hot off the line. I like green. Also the first ticket on a plane back to Golden Simatar."
"Deal."
"I'll only work as a medic."
"We probably need one before this is over." Daniel shook Stephen's hand and smiled. What have I gotten myself into Stephen thought.

Clarke shook his head, closing his eyes temporarily, before opening them and focusing on Stephen.

"Listen up you! You better get started on believing that these damn creatures exist, and who better to tell you than I??"

Pulling his sack off his back, he reached in and pulled out a large bag filled with white vampire fangs, and thrust the bag into Stephen's hands.

"Look at that, and then tell me they don't exist dammit! My partner and I have killed many vampires in our time, and we continue to hunt them, for they shall always continue to HUNT people like you!"

Khan nodded in agreement as he walked over to the four vampires that the two had killed earlier, and pulled out plyers. Opening each one's mouth, he gripped one of the fangs and yanked hard, sucessfully pulling out the fang. He stood with four fangs in his palm, as he walked over to Stephen, held his hand out and plucked several of the fangs from the bag in his other palm. He held the two hands together, palm opening upwards, as he spoke:

"Notice the similarities, Notice how all of these are shaped exactly the same. Now....do you believe the evidence before your eyes?"

quote="Ermor"]
His body was afloat and he had lost much of its control. But unlike Kain had expected, Gravechill laughed. It was twisted and evil laughter. He did not fear the impudent fool in front of him. Obviously the vampiric beast had no idea of what he was holding. "Yes, crush my body, destroy it. I can feel your power, I would be a fool not to notice it. But do you really think you can *kill* me, beast?!" The wind only intensified, the voices continued and only became more horrifying... [/quote]

"No." Kain replied. "I cannot kill you yet. But there are fates far worse than death as I am sure you know." Kain brought Deathchill towards himself, face to face with him. He stared into him, not faltering. Neither did falter.

"Admirable. You mark me? Your threats are empty, I never would know peace anyway." Kain said dryly, and sent Deathchill hurling towards the door of his mansion.

The doors flew open, the great doors seemingly opened by the wind, but it was obvious it was not so. Kain had commanded it. The winds blew harder around them, Kain's crimson cloak whipping around him. Gravechill was hurled into the mansion....and the doors slammed behind him.

Kain stood there, thinking about what would occur. Yes....this would work. He would have to change his plans somewhat, but it could become possible. It would all depend upon him.

Walking back to the charred vampires, he knelt to each one and touched them. He spoke a few words, and they crumbled into ash.

"May you find peace in whatever unlife grants you." Kain whispered to them, his white hair streaking out behind him in the wind. A few moments of silence from Kain, and then he got up and did the same to the other.

He addressed his vampire guards, standing in front of them. He began to talk in a rather quiet and praising voice. It was strange….and like a drug, the vampires wanted it more and more.

"Those who are destroyed today do so for me, and for our purpose. You did not flee from this, for that, I commend you. When this mansion is completed, you shall see the first floor alongside the other masters. Few will see it, you are greatly privileged to be able to see it. Continue to be obedient, and you shall prosper. You have done well, continue this work." Kain commanded and faded in a green mist away, carried by the wind into nothingness....

---

The first floor of the mansion was still covered with dust, Gravechill rolling onto the floor in a pile from the force of Kain's telekinesis. The doors slammed, magically warded.

The sight was rather strange....the first floor now had no walls! It was one massive chamber....covered with dust. In places, Gravechill could see where the walls had once been.

The entrance to the basement was in the centre of this chamber, a square glass door downwards. The "door" as such had no handle, no sign of how to operate it, but it seemed obvious that you could get down there. Gravechill could sense the enchantments around it, that it was indeed a door downwards. Yet how could one get into there? Gravechill could only see the basement consumed by those red crystals....

Directly in front of him were stairs....a stone one which where covered with the same dust. They spiralled upwards...

The air had a the sense of the calm before the storm, that something was about to come forth and strike him. A sense of foreboding as the dust fell slowly like ancient snow. Not a sound was within it....


(OOC The doors are locked completely, the enchantments powered by the massive power of the growing crimson crystals, the upward staircase repeats itself. You go up a few steps and without knowing it, you will be walking the same steps constantly. You need permission from Kain to go up there, again that spell is powered by the crystals. The basement door seems like a trap, it has no handle or anything. Magically operated, any good mage would work out how to open it. It would require a great deal of effort to do so however, but it can be done. I will tell you what happens if you open it.)

Directly in front of him were stairs....a stone one which where covered with the same dust. They spiralled upwards...

The air had a the sense of the calm before the storm, that something was about to come forth and strike him. A sense of foreboding as the dust fell slowly like ancient snow. Not a sound was within it....

There is a reason why true undead are not welcomed to the orders of Astral magic, nor any other order of magic for that matter. They taint everything that they touch with the corrupting power of the Underworld. This is how Catharsis, the King of Elemental Fire became Anthrax, the King of Bane Fire in ancient times.

"Yes... I can feel the power," he thought. Vampires were not of the Underworld, so how was Kain supposed to know how Gravechill's dead corpse would react to the pure, chaotic magic inside the mansion? The taint of the Underworld slowly corrupted it and animated his corpse. It empowered him. He had not felt stronger in his life, nor in his unlife.

"Empty threats, he said... Let us see what he says when the horrors find him..."

His eyes flashed deep red, and he whispered something. After a while, a longsword appeared in his hand. It looked like any sword, but it was not: It was the bane of mages, the destroyer of magic, but it has only one name. It is the Mage Bane. You could say that it eats magic and beasts animated by it, whilst it protects its user from the effects of it. It does not matter whether the user is a mage himself or not.

He slashed the glass door with the sword.

(OOC: I will give you the opportunity to choose what happens. The magic is strong there, yes, but the sword is *made* to unravel it. But whether it works or not, your call.)

The glass gave out a high pitched whine, as of a normal wine glass being struck. Then it rang onwards...becoming a lower hum.....and then the glass faded from view. Gravechill's sword arm became cold and numbed by it.....which only faded later on.

The crystals where there before him, all crimson and like blood before him. Unbelievable power.....it was the raw essance of magic, it aided the constuction of a spell like no other type of item....it was beautiful!

It lay there, shimmering, a wall of crystal which filled the entire room....but Gravechill could detect that there was more purpose to this place.....a thought entered his mind....as it represented something that he had seen and read before....somewhere....

Somethign he heard learnt with his experiance of the other realms, of the Underworld. But how could Kain know of this? Such knowledge was....impossible for him to know!

With the correct, very specific words, the chamber would become steps of crystals, allowing Gravechill to go down....

Stephen took another pull from his whiskey bottle. He looked at the fangs in front of him. Then at the men standing around him.
"No, I do not. Tell me this, how is it someone who is dead comes back to life? It is impossible. How do they do it? The body of the girl I found had no external injures. If vampires existed wouldn't there be a bite mark?" Stephen took another pull from his whiskey. "Tell me, any of you. How is it possible for someone who is dead to be alive again?" Stephen picked up a fang and looked at it. "These are sharp, sharp things leave marks don't they?" Stephen sat down and looked at Clarke. "Why are you grilling me? Grill Zalik. He's the one haven the blood of these things. All I want to do is get back to my wife and daughter."
As Stephen brought the bottle to his lips Clarke grabbed it and threw it across the room.
"Why did you do that!?" Stephen demanded.

It took a while for him to regain his composure. Of course the one who calls himself Kain could know. He appeared to be quite old, old enough to know things, even about the Underworld. Although he obviously did not know of the reaction a true undead would cause so close to his magical source. For once, he was glad of his death and reanimation. A mere human could not have done what he had done already. Such power in front of him... He had felt it before, but now it was all within his grasp.

In a way.

There were... Complications. He was not free. He would lose the power when his so called "creators" would demand it. Rebelling would mean instant, and irreversable death. The Lord of the Underworld might become interested in him, if he was to gain much more power. Such interest is... Undeniably deadly. Would it be worth the possibility of true death?

Yes, it would.

His eyes flashed, the glow was pitch black. He whispered unholy chants in the language of the Dead he had "learned" in the Underworld. It was less learning than having something forced into your skull. The crimson crystallic substance turned light green, and he felt a certain dullness in his spirit. The chaotic, raw magic in the room was now... Unholy, and the very air reeked of death. A path opened before him, and he walked down it.

The outcome did not matter to him anymore.

Stephen took another pull from his whiskey bottle. He looked at the fangs in front of him. Then at the men standing around him.
"No, I do not. Tell me this, how is it someone who is dead comes back to life? It is impossible. How do they do it? The body of the girl I found had no external injures. If vampires existed wouldn't there be a bite mark?" Stephen took another pull from his whiskey. "Tell me, any of you. How is it possible for someone who is dead to be alive again?" Stephen picked up a fang and looked at it. "These are sharp, sharp things leave marks don't they?" Stephen sat down and looked at Clarke. "Why are you grilling me? Grill Zalik. He's the one haven the blood of these things. All I want to do is get back to my wife and daughter."
As Stephen brought the bottle to his lips Clarke grabbed it and threw it across the room.
"Why did you do that!?" Stephen demanded.

Zakli walked next to Stephen and tapped him on the shoulder. When Stephen turned around, Zakli's fist connected with Stephen's chin. Shaking his head, Zakli glanced at the three other hunters.

"What an asshole..."

Propping Stephen on his back, Zakli pointed to the exit and gestured to the others.

"Now should we prove to this prick that vampires exist or shall we go hunt vampires?"

Clarke smiled as he took his glass, drank the rest of the contents, then sat it back down on the counter.

"Let's prove him wrong, then go hunt..." Khan replied, as he looked around at the rest of the hunters.

Clarke nodded, as he followed Zakli out the door.

"Well, the best place to find one is in the clubs, so let's get moving."

His eyes flashed, the glow was pitch black. He whispered unholy chants in the language of the Dead he had "learned" in the Underworld. It was less learning than having something forced into your skull. The crimson crystallic substance turned light green, and he felt a certain dullness in his spirit. The chaotic, raw magic in the room was now... Unholy, and the very air reeked of death. A path opened before him, and he walked down it.

The outcome did not matter to him anymore.

The crystals formed a stairway...a strange one. Every step formed a new step into this place....

It sparkled with an intellegent molevenance, the crimson cystals seeming to move constantly around him.....and at the corner of his eyes he coudl sense something else...

Eyes....

But was it simply a trick of his mind? Or something else? Gravechill could not tell....


He walked forward, and something new formed. The cystal parted form him, revelaing a corridor.....and at the end of it was something formed. (OOC Forgive my wording, I do not know what it is called, and I cannot find anything which I want it to look like)

In the middle of the wall something formed as the cystals parted, but still remained the walls. It was extremely ornate....ornate with runes. It simply was encrusted with them....a indentation inside the wall. It had a shallow dip inside it, for liquid. However from this distance....it was not visible to what was in it. But Gravechill could tell something remarkable was there....something extremely powerful....and strangely intoxicating. It was as though he could smell that magic within that pool....and he was drawn towards it.....

But then, for a while, he was able to resist the feeling, and looked around. For some reason this place had not become corrupt when he had recited the ancient words. He chanted for a while, and he became ethereal. He continued chanting but when he stopped it, nothing visible happened.

Something was wrong.

He chose to stand still for a while, to "pacify" the surroundings, to corrupt them. Who knows what traps might be here. When he was content with the progress of the contamination, he chose to summon something. He chanted once more, quietly. He threw a purple gem into the air, and soon came a portal, and from it came something black, in humanoid form... To serve him. He told it to go forth and examine the pool for him. Then he unsheathed his sword, the Mage Bane, and wielded it once more.

He would not take any unnecessary risks. Not at this point.

Xyorph stared at the sword blade aiming at him, unsure of what he had done. Then he looked down.

"Ah cr*p!" he moaned. Holding the necklace up, the chain exploded, leaving only the jewel in his hand.

Slowly he reformed the necklace with a platinum chain.

"An honest mistake. Really. The last girl I made jewellery for liked silver." He paused for a long moment, seeming melancholy. "I know you don't know me, but that was an honest mistake.

In answer to your question, I have no partner gem for this one. It only works one way. That is if you will accept it."

Xyorph once again offered the necklace to Skadi.

The cystals refelcted the darkness, and the the depths of it began to gain a new dimension it seemed, of darkness and light....it was indeed odd. As the shadowy figure went forward towards the pool to inspect it, it forze...completely paralysied. But it was from no spell...

It was the contents of the pool...what it was....what it held at this point....

The shadow looked at it in utter terror and was caught in a paradox. Step back and it would disobey its master....step forward...and it would defy that! And such a thing it could not do, so it froze.

At this point, a figure came behind Gravechill....Kain had formed once more, at the top of stairs looking down at him.

"Why did you seek to attack my mansion?" Kain simply asked softly, totally calm, even though of that sword to which it carried. Kain had been told of what that could do recently, and he was not going to be taking any risk of it....

Xyorph stared at the sword blade aiming at him, unsure of what he had done. Then he looked down.

"Ah cr*p!" he moaned. Holding the necklace up, the chain exploded, leaving only the jewel in his hand.

Slowly he reformed the necklace with a platinum chain.

"An honest mistake. Really. The last girl I made jewellery for liked silver." He paused for a long moment, seeming melancholy. "I know you don't know me, but that was an honest mistake.

In answer to your question, I have no partner gem for this one. It only works one way. That is if you will accept it."

Xyorph once again offered the necklace to Skadi.

Daniel walked out into the dim light of the light standrad. He looked around at the carnage, and at Stephen on Zakli's back, and sighed.

"People like him..." thought Daniel, "They are the ones who get caught in the crossfire. What a s***tty world..."

The agent looked back to ensure that the Argonian was following them, and then walked quickly to Clarke.

"My friend, I believe you are right about the clubs... but I believe I caught something that the vampire said... something about thge west side. Should we not head in that direction first?"

Daniel walked out into the dim light of the light standrad. He looked around at the carnage, and at Stephen on Zakli's back, and sighed.

"People like him..." thought Daniel, "They are the ones who get caught in the crossfire. What a s***tty world..."

The agent looked back to ensure that the Argonian was following them, and then walked quickly to Clarke.

"My friend, I believe you are right about the clubs... but I believe I caught something that the vampire said... something about thge west side. Should we not head in that direction first?"

(OOC: Is Wandering Argonians following us?)

Zakli walked out of the bar, heading towards the western suburbs of the city...

The shadow looked at it in utter terror and was caught in a paradox. Step back and it would disobey its master....step forward...and it would defy that! And such a thing it could not do, so it froze.

Gravechill saw this, and ripped the information from the black servant's mind and disintegrated its body, returning its spirit to the Underworld. It was of no use anymore, and it was weak. Then he saw Kain teleport. Gravechill had been waiting for him to come for some time now. He knew that Kain wouldn't just give his magic power to him freely.

"Why did you seek to attack my mansion?" Kain simply asked softly, totally calm, even though of that sword to which it carried.

He whispered coldly, "Can you not feel it? The mansion's balance of power is changing." He chanted something for a moment, and a group of wights, wielding bane blades and wearing full chain armors appeared with a sickening green flash. "It requires less from me to summon beings from the Underworld now."

The wights took a guarding position around Gravechill.

He speaks a bit louder now, but still his voice is quiet and cold. "The mark I put on you... It was not an empty threat. The smell of blood, the unnatural, blood soaked death your 'friends' are causing, attracts beings closer to your kind..."

He watched Kain, the beast of blood, although he did not quite "smell" as bloody as the ones he had encountered before. Maybe it is a bit different, but it doesn't matter.

"Have you ever heard of Horrors? For that is what the mark on you attracts. It is practically impossible to remove. Intense magical concentrations attract them, but the unnatural killings, done by the vampires attract them even more. Combine those two, and it is more than likely that they will appear. Be marked, and it is very likely that they will attack *you* instead of anyone else."

Maximus looked at the mage carefully, seeking any sign of deceit in his face.

"All right then, you're forgiven this time." he replied, as he resheathed his sword.

Now, if you don't mind, Skadi and I would like to go hunting on our own, so, as your first task, you shall train these vampires here in the arts of combat. Also, if you don't mind, a use of magic to seal this place of foreign magic would be appreciated, however, you must allow Kain to enter should he arrive. I assume you are capable of that, yes?"

Maximus walked to the doorway, and turned, waiting for Skadi.

<<<Come, let us hunt.>>>

______________
(Meanwhile, on the western section of the city...)

The hunters arrived a block down from the club, all sorts of people walking in and out of the place.

"There's a club...Khan and I will go in and search for a vampire. Undoubtedly there will be a few mingling with the crowds, searching for their meals. You guys, just stay here, we'll be back soon...and try and see if you can get the idiot awake huh?"

The two left for the club, concealing their weapons as they neared the entrance. Flashing their IDs they passed through and into the dimly lit club. It didn't take long before Clarke spotted a young woman eyeing the crowd. He watched her as she drank the alcohol she held, and briefly noticed the fangs through her glass.

"There's our bitch, meet me outside, in the alley." he told Khan. Khan nodded, and filtered away into the crowd, headed toward the front door.

Clarke straightened his coat, as he walked nearer the woman. She instantly noticed him approaching, and gave him a seductive smile.

"Hello there, darling."

"Howdy ma'am, havin' a good time?"

"Yes, especially now that you've shown up."

She moved in on him, and placed her hand on his arm.

"Let's go somewhere quieter, what do you say?" she asked, her eyes glinting from the lights.

Clarke nodded, and led her outside, where the cool humid air refreshed them from the heat of the sweating bodies inside. She took the lead, as they neared the alley in which Khan was hidden, chains from a nearby fence in his hands, ready to be used to restrain the vampire. She neared closer to him, as she made to kiss him. Then she sensed him...Khan...behind her. Snarling, she whipped around, only to be gripped in a powerful bear hug by Clarke, as she hissed and grunted in his grip. He didn't let go, as Khan wrapped the chains around the vampire quickly, binding her hands and legs together, making sure she couldn't escape.

"Good, let's go..."

They dragged the struggling vampire down the alley and back to the other hunters. Clarke threw her to the ground, her brown hair dishevled.

"Now...let us begin..."

Zakli bared his teeth in a forced smile. Drawing two silver spikes from his belt, Zakli dropped Stephen hard onto the ground and moved closer menacing the vampire.

"I'm gonna enjoy mutilating you, vampire..."

Licking one of the spikes, Zakli touched the vampire's face gingerly with the other of his spikes. Grinning from ear to ear, Zakli gestured for the others to hold the vampire down.

"Anyone have a gag?"

As Zakli threatened the vampire, Stephen became conscious.

"What the hell!?!"

Zakli turned around and glanced at Stephen.

"Okay, now we're going to prove to you that vampires exist..."

Stephen was trying to remember what happened. One minute he was talking to Clarke then he saw a fist moving towards his face. Zakli's fist. Stephen turned to him finding everyone holding down a girl.
"You decked me!" He shouted at Zakli.
"You were being an ass." Zakli said.
"So? What are going to do to her?" Stephen demanded.
Everyone smiled and looked at Zakli.
"Show you vampires exist." Zakli began to move a spike towards the girl. Stephen wouldn't let this happen, he wouldn't let him murder her.
"If she is a vampire put her in sunlight!" Stephen yelled.
"We would have to wait." Zakli said. Stephen pulled his knife out of his boot and moved to free the girl but Khan grabbed him and restrained him. "Now watch." Stephen's face turned from red to grey as Zakli started his work.

Daniel nodded at Stephen.

"I am truly sorry, Stephen, but if you are to remain with us, you have to believe in vampires. Too bad this is the only way to prove it to you..."

Stephen recoiled with disgust.

"Who are the real monsters..."

All of a sudden, a dark blur leapt past Stephen and Daniel. It leapt over Clarke and Khan, and jump-kicked Zakli off of the bound and gagged female vampire.

The female vampire was bleeding from several deep gouges to the side of her face. The unknown figure knealt down to her.

Daniel quickly whipped out his desert eagle and pointed it at the darkness shrouded man. "Freeze. This is government authority."

The figure slowly stood up and turned into the light. The light glinted off of... two fangs.

"I am sorry... but this is wrong... so wrong. Do not force me to hurt you."

OOC: Double post...grrr..

One minute, Clarke and Khan had been standing to the side as the demonstration to Stephen was shown. The next minute, a vampire hovered over the body of the bound female vampire. Daniel had been the first to act, with Clarke and Khan following shortly thereafter with their FAMAS rifles trained on the vampire, the laser sights aimed strategically.

Clarke spoke in reply to the vampire:

"I'm sorry, but I think you're a little outnumbered here buddy. Now if you don't wish to die by our hands, you will be granted escape. However, she remains here."

Cocking their rifles, Clarke continued:

"Now, what's it gonna be?"

OOC: Valient, IM....

OOC: I'm at school Tarlachia :wink: I'll be on later.

Oh, and I will wait until some more of the Hunters post. :D

Zakli was hit in the chin, snapping his grinning mouth shut. Falling onto his back, Zakli groaned. Annoyed, Zakli rose from the ground his blue-obsidian sword in his right hand and a crossbow armed with a pair of silver spikes in his left hand. Glaring at the vampire, Zakli growled.

"Stand down, vampire and I'll let you live another day. If you don't stand down, your head will decorate my trophy room..."

Moving forward, Zakli raised his crossbow and aimed it at the vampire's head.

"You think what we're doing is wrong? Then tell that to Maximus, he toyed with my family as they begged for mercy and finally killed them..."

Growling, Zakli moved closer.

"Vampire, you are way over your league..."

Clarke moved quickly when he saw the attack on Zakli. The business end of his rifle was jammed into the vampire's jaw, as Khan moved to behind the vampire, his own rifle pressing into the back of the vampire's head.

"I'm warning ya mate, ya better get a move on outta here, or yeh gonna be seein' the light of day with your pretty friend here."

The vampire's eyes widened, as it realized the situation it had foolishly jumped into. He would need to alert some of the others to the hunters' presence.

"You shall pay for this, elf! Mark my words, we shall come..."

With an air of finality, he reluctantly turned away, sprung to the rooftop, and quickly ran away. As he disappeared, three words were howled to the night air:

"You shall fail!!!"
_______________________

"Where is the Elder? I have urgent information for him!"

"He is not here, but he shall return soon. He left me in charge here. Speak your business to me." replied Xyorph.

The vampire scowled. He didn't like this mage, but the looks from the other vampires told him that the mage spoke the truth.

"Very well then. There are several hunters roaming the streets, sadistically killing off our kind.....And one spoke of the Elder, he has reserved much of his anger toward him. I fear for his safety."

The mage smiled, then chuckled, and finally burst into a full raccous laughter as he heard the last words.

"Trust me, Maximus can take care of himself against petty hunters. I will relay the information to him. Now go and join the ranks!"
_______________________________

Maximus sat with Skadi on the rooftop of the tallest building in the city, and they surveyed the city below them. In the distance, they could see the building that the VRO resided in currently. To the left, Kain's mansion was faintly visible in the mist of the departing rain.

The moon passed from behind the rain clouds that had unleashed their burdens and were passing away toward the horizon. Just then a warm breeze floated by, carrying the sweet scent of the rain.

"Tell me Skadi, do you think I am wrong in my dealings with this organization? Do you think I have overstepped the bounds which I know you hold true to? I am troubled by this, yet I still wish to help create a nation where beings like us can reside peacefully."

Zakli massaged his swollen chin as he sheathed his sword and strapped his crossbow on his back. Staring at the runaway vampire, Zakli swore.

"Oh, you can run, but you can't hide..."

Gesturing at the bound and gagged vampire, Zakli turned to Stephen.

"Now, go to that vampire and open her mouth. You'll notice the two very long, lethal canines..."

OOC: Guys... I was gonna introduce Alexander back again :shock: :wink: well, her we go again...
Oh, and I'm going to RP a bit as WA, just in case he will come back.

Daniel scowled. He had not foreseen the activities of the vampires to be so rampant, so quick and purposeful.

He had let one slip through and attack. He would not let that happen again.

As Stephen creeped closer to the vampire on the ground, Daniel and the others looked around, determined not to be caught unawares again.

Suddenly Whiptail whipped around and leveled his gun at a nearby rooftop. "Over there."

Everyone turned around and drew there weapons.

"Come on out to where we can see you. No sudden moves." cried Daniel.

With a sudden leap, the shadowy figure leapt down. With an amazing show of discipline, no one fired.

With a purposeful stride, the figure stepped into the light.

"Now, now Agent Able... do you not recognize me?"

Daniel took a closer look at the figure. He did recoginize him, but did not put down his gun.

"Alexander Kelsing... of the guild Hyraphore. What is your business here?"

Alexander put his hands up slightly.

"It is not what you think... now how about you all put down your weapons, and step away from the girl. She's innocent...

"Well, as innocent as she can be..."

Clarke and Khan had their weapons bearing on the new vampire.

Things just kept getting better and better.....

"Wait a minute! You know this bloodsucker?" Clarke demanded to Daniel, swinging his gun to bear on Daniel, as he was suspicious of his connection to the vampire.

Daniel did not look at Clarke, though he knew that the man had a gun pointed at his head. He did not lower his weapon he had pointed at Alexander, who stood very calmly in front of him.

"Perhaps I did not make it clear in the beginning. I come from Valient, where the vampires have somewhat of a agreement with the government."

"True, interupted Alexander. There, we don't try and overthrow the government.

"Although we could if we wanted to..."

Khan swung his weapon up towards the vampire.

"Shut up. What do you know about what going on in Tarlachia?"

Alexander turned and looked at Khan. He smiled.

"Well, for starters. I know that the man you are looking for is named Maximus..."

Xyorph looked around at the rag bag assortment of vampires in front of him. He didn't like being given a babysitting job, but he knew it was necessary to earn the repect he wanted. He had tried to relay the message to Maximus, but the Elder appeared to be sheltering himself, and so Xyorph was unsure whether he had recieved the warning.

The vampires didn't like him. He knew it. Perhaps a show of power was in order.

"I've been told to make an army of you lot by Maximus. I expect your all very good at taking out individual humans, but what you are getting involved in is a war. Its gona take more then a slap and your fangs to take out the enemy." Thre was a muttering amongst a small group of vampires. "Yes?" Xyorph asked.

A vampire in a torn leather jacket and wearing more metal then flesh stepped forward.

"I said, I bet I could take you with a slap and fangs."

Xyorph's eyes narrowed. "Bite me. If you can that is".

The vampire charged. Almost casually, Xyorph raised his arm and fired the vampire ito the back wall. Seeing their friend in trouble, three other vampires charged at the sorcerer. Xyorph began whirling his staff over his head, and in a moment it had become a long silver sword. His eyes had changed now. His right eye was glowing with a pure white light, whereas the left eye looked as if nothing was there. His voice became an inhuman growl.

"I suggest you think very hard before continuing this escapade". Either side of him, two large, black rock golems were forming, wearing sheets of armour that would crush a man, and both also equipped with silver swords. They bellowed their defiance at the oncoming vampires, who leaped up at the Golems and were systematically slaughtered, thier remains being ground under the feet of the two rock giants.

"ENOUGH" Xyorph roared. The Golem's froze. "Now that we have that out of the way, lets begin the proper training. The Golems are now told not to kill, but I want you to try and disarm them. I am going to seal the building. I will be back shortly." Before anyone could utter a word, Xyorph swept past them and out of the main door. Eyes still blazing.

Stephen was unaware of everything going on behind him. The girl was his interest. Stephen picked up his kinfe and began to examine the body.
"Zakli, what are those spikes made from?"
"Silver, why?"
Stephen looked around the areas the spikes had penatrated. It was burned. Stephen opened her mouth and poked around the teeth to make sure. Stephen, there are no such thing as vampires. The evidence! Silver spikes, burns around the entry point. The fangs are as real as it gets. Stephen turned to find everyone looking at him.
"Zakli, can I borrow a spike?" Zakli tossed him one and Stephen took it and placed it on her body. Smoke rose from her and Stephen faintly picked up burnt flesh. "My God."
"See what we've said all along." Daniel kneeled next to Stephen.
"You were right, a regular human would never react this way. In a way it's hard to believe. But I've seen enough to convince me." Stephen stood up and looked at everyone. "What do you want me to do?"

Xyorph stared at the sword blade aiming at him, unsure of what he had done. Then he looked down.

"Ah cr*p!" he moaned. Holding the necklace up, the chain exploded, leaving only the jewel in his hand.

Slowly he reformed the necklace with a platinum chain.

"An honest mistake. Really. The last girl I made jewellery for liked silver." He paused for a long moment, seeming melancholy. "I know you don't know me, but that was an honest mistake.

In answer to your question, I have no partner gem for this one. It only works one way. That is if you will accept it."

Xyorph once again offered the necklace to Skadi.

Skadi merely stared at the mage, an angered glare in her eye. Silver. This man was obviously not accustomed to vampires. Either that or he is not trustworthy. Skadi deemed the later the more likely. After he reformed the necklace, Skadi gracefully accepted, placing the necklace within one of the many pockets in her black trenchcoat.

The near ancient vampire allowed one more glance at the mage before following Maximus out of the building. It was getting late, the sun would rise soon, so Skadi moved quickly, searching for her meal.

"He better not betray us......"

Skadi didn't seem in the mood to say much, she didn't like the idea of just accepting anyone that turned up offering services.

Xyorph stood outside the building. It was unfortunate that he had had to do that. But dissention in the ranks was not allowed, especially if the vampires wished to succeed here. Some of the beings in this room do not appreciate the momensity of the task they are undertaking, he mused.

He turned and looked at the building behind him. Seal from foreign magic.... Hmm. The simplest thing would be to simply block all people from entering without permission, but that might ruffle some feathers.

Xyorph closed his eyes and raised his arms, staff still clasped firmly in his left hand. In his mind he pictured the building. In his image he slowly drew a bubble going around the building. Building up from the floor and sealing at the top. Then he pictured Maximus and Skadi, granting them primary access through the bubble. He extended the access to allow all vampires without magical ability through.

He opened his eyes and saw the bronze bubble hovering over the building. He gently lowered it on, and removed the colouring from it. He pondered Kain. Maximus has said to allow Kain access, but Xyorph did not partiularly want Kain sneaking up on him. He pictured Kain in his mind, and released a thread of red smoke from his hand. Should Kain walk through the bubble, Xyorph would now be notified.

[OOC: Kain will not be harmed in anyway]

The building was now proof against any outside form of magic. As an extra precaution, Xyorph created two full equipped suits of armour and raised spirits to enter them. To the casual observer, they would appear to be door ornaments. But if a human walks through the bubble, the guards will spring to life.

Xyorph nodded in satifaction. The building was now secure against magic, magical beings and humans. Now to the more difficult task, making an army for Maximus. He slammed the doors shut behind him.

[quote="Ermor"]
He whispered coldly, "Can you not feel it? The mansion's balance of power is changing." He chanted something for a moment, and a group of wights, wielding bane blades and wearing full chain armors appeared with a sickening green flash. "It requires less from me to summon beings from the Underworld now."

Kain shrugged callously.

"Indeed the balance does change....yet have you considered that I cannot deal with this change? That this change is not advantagous to me? The horrors you speak of, they serve higher powers than yourself. If faced with a dilema, they will serve the greater power before the pawn. My ally is of a great power, you would be most unwise to anger it. There are some things greater than us Gravechill....we must recognise what they are...." Kain almost whispered.

He held out his cloven hand....and a black shadow formed from it....a shape of a wave like sword. It became more and more material...and Gravechill felt that presance which would have forced lesser beings to cower in terror. For that blade held something beyond this world....a world that Gravechill knew very well, but may never had reached.

Gravechill sensed an ancient being within that blade....a being most terrible and as Kain said, a higher power. It was...

"You are correct. It is a demon within this sword, one whom I work with as it works with me. In this state, though weakened from what it would be....a warlord of the Hells....is nothing compared to it's former power, I do believe your mind, however strong, would be irrevocably destroyed. Especially seeing as I and he can draw out energies from the cystals you have tainted. And out of the two, you or us, I think the undead would rather serve the higher power yes?" Kain said strongly, pointing his blade towards Gravechill. The skull hilt of this sword, with it's deep eyes which within it burned those demonic eyes glared evily at Gravechill....the vortexes of demon kind swirling within it.

"But I do not want that. I could destroy you. But that would not serve either of our intentions, and there is a far better solution to this situation. Do you wish to hear it? Or become a soul devoured by this blade, and my own minions to which the Demon has taught me to raise.....your choice." Kain said, putting the Brightblade by his side. He kept his eyes....they kept there eyes completely on Gravechill.

There was something the way that kain spoke, utter confidance and everything in a mtter of fact way that kind of disarmed Gravechill....it was...like nothing he had ever seen. A symboitic relationship between Kain and the Demon.....very odd....


And terrorfying at the possibilities.

"Zakli, can I borrow a spike?" Zakli tossed him one and Stephen took it and placed it on her body. Smoke rose from her and Stephen faintly picked up burnt flesh. "My God."
"See what we've said all along." Daniel kneeled next to Stephen.
"You were right, a regular human would never react this way. In a way it's hard to believe. But I've seen enough to convince me." Stephen stood up and looked at everyone. "What do you want me to do?"

Even in the face of Khan's weapon, Alexander still remained calm. He shifted his attention to Stephen,

"Well, for starters, how about you turne around and heal whatever you did to her... you are a healer, mais non?"

"Who are you to give me orders?" queried Stephen, "Don't you see all the guns pointed at you?"

"Just do it," yelled Daniel.

"Yes, please do, smirked Alexander, and then afterwards, we can go and hunt for the real menace..."

Stephen decided he didn't have a choice.
"She bites me, her head is coming off." Stephen said. He reached in one of his pockets and pulled out a sliver case.
"What's that?" Clarke asked.
"This is a shiny thing, and I love it." Stephen unwraped the medical kit. Stephen pulled out a small glass and looked at the burns. Small first degree. Nothing this can't handle. Stephen pulled out a small vial and a cloth and put some of the clear liquid on it and smeared it on the burn mark he made. She stiffened.
"I said help her!" Alexander said.
"I am, it stings a little bit but it is like a cast to a broken leg. It kills the germs then begins to harden thus protects it the burned area and slowly heals it."
"How long?" Alexander asked.
"Day or two. No missy be nice or I'm not going to help." The vampire tried to move her head to him but Clarke pushed it back down. Stephen took his glass and looked down. "Three holes, no important things hit. Just the meat. A stich or two and some of this sealer and she'll be fine."
Stephen pulled out a needle and thread and carefully stiched each scar then put some of the sealent on.
"I can't tell the exact time it will repair for you undead, but in a normal human it takes about a week." Stephen stood up and packed up his gear. "Just who are you anyway?"
"That does not matter. Get yourself a weapon." Alexander said.

((OOC: Because I felt that your message requires an immense amount of replying to the talking, I'll quote it in parts and answer to them. Might become a bit long and nasty to read, but this is how it has to go, I think.))

IC:

"Indeed the balance does change....yet have you considered that I cannot deal with this change? That this change is not advantagous to me?"

Before he spoke, his black eyes turned green.

"I can sense that you truly cannot, although I understand that you think you can. This pure unholy power can only be controlled by undeads 'born' from it. You are different, all vampires are. It would consume you."

"The horrors you speak of, they serve higher powers than yourself. If faced with a dilema, they will serve the greater power before the pawn."

"You are mistaken. The Horrors do not bow down to anyone, not even the Lord of the Underworld, nor the three Demon Lords of Hell, who are weaker than him. They revel in the darker feelings that are there in everyone, and are summoned by senseless acts of murder, and by concentrations of magic, as I told you before. And... By astral beacons. There is no dilemma. There is no paradox. They feed."

"-- a warlord of the Hells....is nothing compared to it's former power, I do believe your mind, however strong, would be irrevocably destroyed."

He laughed and his eyes flashed into a fiery, strongly glowing red. "Believe whatever you wish, vampire. He might have been a so called warlord in the Infernal wars, but so are all the many Arch Devils of the fiery realms of Inferno and Ice Devils of the icy realms of the Inferno, the Heliophagii of the Abyss and the lone Pazuzu of the stormy realms of the Inferno. Do not think I have not heard of them. And let me assure you, I do not fear them. Why do you think they have not attacked the Underworld or the Netherworld? Ever? Hell itself is less a horrifying place!"

Especially seeing as I and he can draw out energies from the cystals you have tainted.

His eyes became dimly red, and he spoke. "You are mistaken, but you are not the first one to do such a mistake. I have heard of this happen before, long ago. You brought me into this place, and unless I take control of this, now, everything will come to an end. Depending on your skills... It might be just this mansion."

"And out of the two, you or us, I think the undead would rather serve the higher power yes? -- "

"I am fairly sure the undead would serve their Lord and Master instead of you and your lowly demonic friend. You still do not understand."

"But I do not want that. I could destroy you. But that would not serve either of our intentions, and there is a far better solution to this situation. Do you wish to hear it?

"Can you not see?! This is pointless! I would survive even if the Lord of the Underworld himself sent his children here, but I doubt you would. Do you not understand whom I now, here, am forced to represent?"

"But I will play along. Tell me, what is it that you have on your mind?"

The wights still stood around him. He was growing weary of all the talking, something had to be done. He could feel the source of what corrupted him was drawing ever closer...

Stephen decided he didn't have a choice.
"She bites me, her head is coming off." Stephen said. He reached in one of his pockets and pulled out a sliver case.
"What's that?" Clarke asked.
"This is a shiny thing, and I love it." Stephen unwraped the medical kit. Stephen pulled out a small glass and looked at the burns. Small first degree. Nothing this can't handle. Stephen pulled out a small vial and a cloth and put some of the clear liquid on it and smeared it on the burn mark he made. She stiffened.
"I said help her!" Alexander said.
"I am, it stings a little bit but it is like a cast to a broken leg. It kills the germs then begins to harden thus protects it the burned area and slowly heals it."
"How long?" Alexander asked.
"Day or two. No missy be nice or I'm not going to help." The vampire tried to move her head to him but Clarke pushed it back down. Stephen took his glass and looked down. "Three holes, no important things hit. Just the meat. A stich or two and some of this sealer and she'll be fine."
Stephen pulled out a needle and thread and carefully stiched each scar then put some of the sealent on.
"I can't tell the exact time it will repair for you undead, but in a normal human it takes about a week." Stephen stood up and packed up his gear. "Just who are you anyway?"
"That does not matter. Get yourself a weapon." Alexander said.

Whiptail approached, still bearing his katana and forty-five. His unsettling golden eyes narrow as he sees the humans begin to heal the vampire.

"Do not waste medical aid on this beast. Interrogate, kill, and leave the body for her fellows. It will send a clear message that we are not to be taken lightly."

Whiptail says in a curt fashion, disgusted by the actions of the human hunters. To him, vampires where naught but deer, something that, if winged, was simply shot again for good measure. Stepping forward, he rips the insignia from her shirt, then drags it through a small puddle of vampiric blood mixed with a bit of liquid silver from the leader's head.

"If you insist on letting her live, send her with this emblem as a courier."

Stephen decided he didn't have a choice.
"She bites me, her head is coming off." Stephen said. He reached in one of his pockets and pulled out a sliver case.
"What's that?" Clarke asked.
"This is a shiny thing, and I love it." Stephen unwraped the medical kit. Stephen pulled out a small glass and looked at the burns. Small first degree. Nothing this can't handle. Stephen pulled out a small vial and a cloth and put some of the clear liquid on it and smeared it on the burn mark he made. She stiffened.
"I said help her!" Alexander said.
"I am, it stings a little bit but it is like a cast to a broken leg. It kills the germs then begins to harden thus protects it the burned area and slowly heals it."
"How long?" Alexander asked.
"Day or two. No missy be nice or I'm not going to help." The vampire tried to move her head to him but Clarke pushed it back down. Stephen took his glass and looked down. "Three holes, no important things hit. Just the meat. A stich or two and some of this sealer and she'll be fine."
Stephen pulled out a needle and thread and carefully stiched each scar then put some of the sealent on.
"I can't tell the exact time it will repair for you undead, but in a normal human it takes about a week." Stephen stood up and packed up his gear. "Just who are you anyway?"
"That does not matter. Get yourself a weapon." Alexander said.

Whiptail approached, still bearing his katana and forty-five. His unsettling golden eyes narrow as he sees the humans begin to heal the vampire.

"Do not waste medical aid on this beast. Interrogate, kill, and leave the body for her fellows. It will send a clear message that we are not to be taken lightly."

Whiptail says in a curt fashion, disgusted by the actions of the human hunters. To him, vampires where naught but deer, something that, if winged, was simply shot again for good measure. Stepping forward, he rips the insignia from her shirt, then drags it through a small puddle of vampiric blood mixed with a bit of liquid silver from the leader's head.

"If you insist on letting her live, send her with this emblem as a courier."


Aexander quickly whipped out his desert eagles and pointed both at Whiptail.

"Beast? This is coming from a walking, talking Lizard?

"Don't patronize us, Argonian, and do not presume to undermine my authority. I believe that I am still the one with all of the information.
on the VRO..."

Alexander ignored the hunters and their weapons.

"Go ahead and send her back to the VRO. Just... don't... touch her again..."

Maximus sat with Skadi on the rooftop of the tallest building in the city, and they surveyed the city below them. In the distance, they could see the building that the VRO resided in currently. To the left, Kain's mansion was faintly visible in the mist of the departing rain.

The moon passed from behind the rain clouds that had unleashed their burdens and were passing away toward the horizon. Just then a warm breeze floated by, carrying the sweet scent of the rain.

"Tell me Skadi, do you think I am wrong in my dealings with this organization? Do you think I have overstepped the bounds which I know you hold true to? I am troubled by this, yet I still wish to help create a nation where beings like us can reside peacefully."

Skadi sighed, differing opinions is what pushed her and Hondur apart. She stared out into the dark sky, observing several things a mortal's senses couldn't pick up.

"Maximus. If I was in your place, I would not do such a thing. I have never been part of a coven, and I never will. That is my way. I do not agree with your decisions as I do not desire all that you do. But I respect your choice and stand by your side whilst in your presence. I ask that you don't expect me to stay here all the time. I am nomadic, I enjoy moving around."

"I understand Skadi. However, I feel I shall only stay in power for as long as necessary until stability is ensured. After that, I feel I must move on. When you leave, do tell me please. I will follow shortly after. We have been through so much. I do not wish to live out the years of my life alone.

Well, I think it's time we head back, the light of day comes soon."

Maximus stood up, and held Skadi close.

"No matter what, I want you to voice your opinions to me Skadi. No matter what. I will listen."

Skadi nodded as she embraced Maximus, switching to mental speach.

"You will always be able to find me. The link between a sire and fledgeling can span the globe. Indeed we should return. I am in need of rest."

Skadi leaped off the building, landing on another, far distant one. She began her treck back to the building, expecting Maximus to follow.

Soon, Maximus and Skadi arrived back at the headquarters. They slipped in quietly, watching as Xyorph harshly trained the fledglings in physical combat. They had definitely improved since the two had left earlier for their hunt. The two elders remained in the shadows as they watched for a few more minutes.

"Xyorph, we have returned. The sun will rise soon, and as you may know, vampires sleep during the light of day. Therefore, I would like to thank you for your assistance tonight. You have met my expectations well. Now, if you'll excuse us, we shall be heading to sleep. Tomorrow we shall begin training these fledglings in their powers of the mind, one I think you will enjoy challenging."

Maximus headed toward the back of the large room, walked into one of the bedrooms, and lay on the bed, the darkness of the room surrounding him. As he waited for Skadi to arrive, he thought to himself, not bothering to shield his thoughts:

"What have I gotten myself into?

Skadi smiled as she slipped of her black garments and slipped into the bed.

"You shall soon find out. But for now, it's time to take your mind off that."

Skadi wrapped her arms around Maximus, embracing her vampiric lover.