MTG Cardsmith Community Forums
Stitia, Plane of 13 Deaths (RPG Style Saga/My First Saga)
This discussion has been closed.
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Comments
//It's OK, we will put her on the shelf from now, until the time is right.
"That voice... it's someone I should know..." Vryx thinks as he looks at the statues while everyone else moves toward the temple.
As Arlin starts to pass Vryx, he starts moving toward the temple as well, making sure to be next to - but just behind - Arlin to make sure nothing happens to her.
To the outside viewer, Verth remain unfazed at the arrival of yet another potential foe. However, things were starting to get out of hand. He was just moments away from defeating Joseph, and so Verth's nemesis once again tries to escape from battle. Even while he has abandoned tactical thinking, Verth was no fool. He remained in his wereraven form as he spoke, ready for any sudden movement that Joseph or his ally might make. "What, so you can trick me again? So you could make Uvras your undead servant or vessel, perhaps? I'm rather insulted that you would take me for such a fool. While I am concerned for anyone in need of saving, who's to say I can't free Norana myself, seeing as you're struggling so much to defeat me that you had to call in reinforcements? You may have taken advantage of my trust once before, Joseph, but I have sworn that you won't again. Unless, of course, we can reach a compromise. Forfeit all of the magic that you stole from Uvras and the other people that you slew to me, without tampering with it in any way, and I will consider letting you go. But only if your side of the bargain is done honestly and without your pathetic trickery."
(Also, I knew Rafael was behind this!)
The temple begins to tremble, unsettled dust falling from the ancient walls and stone bricks begin the crack. As everyone rushes outside, behind them the temple collapses in a cloud of sand. From the cloud rises a demon - Zanletesh - released from his desolate prison after many centuries.
He unflurls his wings, "It feels good to be able to stetch my wings once again, now come my children, we have many trails ahead of us"
Hundreds of chains suddenly spring from the sand around you, thrusting themselves into the demon's arms and back and begin to pull from the sand. Within minutes, every chain begins to drag a lesser demon from the ground and they fly up to meet their masters call.
Joseph chuckles to himself a little. "I may be a trickster, a deceiver, and in the end, a monster... but for over a thousand years, one constant has remained. When it comes to business... I'm a man of my word. My servants aren't mistreated and abused. I give all of them second chances at life, and all I ask in return is assistance when I need it most. Some of them, more or less, were forced or coerced into their contracts, but frequently, they end up getting the better end of the deal. While everyone gets to sit around antagonizing me, spreading rumors and tainting my image, people get to reunite with their families. Long lost siblings springing from the dead with tears of joy... and here I am. I... I'm two sides of the same coin. Every day I try to keep my head on straight... but it keeps falling off. I'll forever be a monster because of you... but part of me enjoys it... this is the kind of life I've avoided for centuries, and half of me is loving every second of it. My blood rushes. My heart beats faster as I embrace every drip of blood and sweat. The thrill of battle... the thrill of the kill... and the utter blissful surge of true power... but... in the end, when my mind snaps out of it, I wake up in the morning hating myself. What did I accomplish? What have I become? When I was given this power, I swore to never use it for my own personal gain. Does achieving near transcendence sound like personal gain to you?" If spirits could cry, Joseph would be doing it right now. His mind has snapped back to reality. The version of him Verth met. Joseph drops to his knees. "Mastiffa. Keep an eye on this man, but don't kill him."
Joseph performs an incantation. As he bellows, a spirit rushes from his body. Uvras. His hands twist and bend as essence rushes in, and a body of light begins to form. All of his focus. His hard work. His dedication. All being poured into this one-
*CRASH*
The incantation stops. A chill runs across all of you as you look up towards the sky. Black clouds and immense thunder and lightning. Suddenly, extreme rain and hail beat down on the group.
"What in the world...?"
A flash across the sky breaks a hole in the clouds. Emerging through it is a gargantuan beast. A dragon.
"Dragons aren't native to Stitia! Did Bola- no. The horns aren't right. Anyways. Back to what I was-"
*CRASH!*
Lightning strikes nearby. The earth trembles. Suddenly, a being emerges from the ground. A titan, bearing three mighty hyenas.
"Wha- that power... it must be... no..." Joseph's spirit collapses to the ground on all fours. He can't control himself. "A god?! Right here before me?!"
"Rise, hyena. You are of my kin..."
"Hyenas?! I'm- I'm not a hyena, I'm just infecte-"
"You are of my kin." Ophion repeats. "You not human. I not human. You already embrace this, yes?"
"No! Don't try to... manipulate me..." Joseph grabs his head. "I have... to cling on... AH! IT'S THAT NIGHT ALL OVER AGAIN!"
"Do not resist, child. Wild calls you."
Verth backs away, along with Mastiffa. It's best they don't deal with things that cannot understand. Joseph shakes as he tries to resist the god's influence, but it isn't working.
"Ahahah! Ah! This power!" Violently, Joseph possesses one of the hyenas, and instantly transforms into his werehyena form, which seems to be greater than before. "This is a sign, isn't it?! An actual god! Coming to me!" Joseph is growing more powerful by the second.
"Embrace your true calling! You are beast. It is in your soul!"
"My true calling?! I've never had one..." Joseph reaches out a paw towards Ophion. "Damn it all... if this isn't meant to be, the powers that be won't let it happen!" A glint, and he locks eyes with the titan. "I know why I'm falling weak to the likes of you, hunter! Even to this day, I still bear guilt. Innocence. I have to go all in... and never go back!"
Joseph grabs hold of the titan, and the power of a god flows through his aura...
Ophion didn't expect this. He came here to aid his ally, and saw Joseph, a man that had embraced the wild, on the verge of defeat. And yet, in this single act of kindness, he had done the worst thing possible; he betrayed his own Pantheon, breaking the curse that bound Joseph to the plane for over a thousand years. The power of a god was just a bonus.
"Mastiffa! Verth! I'll keep my promises. I have higher callings that need answered! I'll have my servants aid you in your journey to rescue Norana, Mastiffa. And yes, Verth. You can have back everything I took from you. It may be the last time we see each other..." Ophion falls to the ground, life taken away. "Know that I could of easily of killed you, and be thankful you survived my wrath..."
With a snap of his finger, a group of servants emerge from a cloud of smoke. They chant, and in a swirl of light, Uvras is returned as though he never died. Verth feels immense energy flow through his body, so potent he grows faint, and four of the servants lead Mastiffa away.
"I bid this plane farewell! Enjoy your newfound power, Verth."
In a warm glow, Joseph walks away from this tormented realm, freed from the shackles that bind him to it, and the battle is over...
Alright, I will be sending a human and a devil, this vehicle is made of cheap wood so it should burn quite easily if we need a distraction.
"You are quite the lucky soul..."
"To be graced by such power..."
Your mind is split. On one note, Joseph was gone, and Uvras was back. With Layre killed twice, once by Joseph's hand and again by yours, you were assured that he was no more. And yet, a bitter resentment swelled inside of you. So close to killing this man, yet so far away. Who would of expected this to happen? For such an opportunity to present itself at a time like this?
"Ah! Verth! What happened?! Where am I?!" Uvras lies on the ground, trying to find his bearings. He stands up, and you really wish his reincarnation came with some clothes. "Oh gods, I'm bare!"
You try to stand, but can't. Joseph's parting gift has put a shock on your system. You can barely think.
"Verth! Are you okay?" Uvras runs over to you. "Where's that blasted werehyena?"
You struggle to speak, and you croak out the shortest response you can. You try to say "He managed to leave the plane" but instead, what comes out is a series of groans.
"You're in no condition to speak. Are you able to transform back to normal?"
You try, but you can't. You put all of your energy into it, and it isn't working. You just feel drained.
"This isn't good. I think I know the way back from here, so I'll take you back to the hut. He could still be around!"
You can't tell him that the hut's been destroyed, but you are shocked to find that, upon arrival, the hut and the land around it has been restored. The door opens, and the remains of Uvras are gone. The safe is locked again. It's as though nothing ever happened to Uvras, but you still can't move...
"My goodness, Verth... you don't even show a single sign of injury. This isn't right." Uvras puts on a set of clothes and steps back into the room, breathing heavily. "I tried to contact Arne, but... the lantern is dark... Looks like there's only one thing left to do from here."
A few hours later
As you ride in the carriage, you are take to Allschurch. At this point, it feels like both your mind and body are paralyzed. The whispers continue. How did Joseph live like this?
"Overwhelmed by my old master's power... you must learn to harness it for yourself. May you not become a heathen like him. I have seen a lot of things, and heard symphonies of other spirits begging for release. Such power comes with incredible responsibility. But I have faith my master chose right."
"Gah! Uvras! Why are you bringing a werebird?!" One of the church guards stops the carriage.
"We just had a werebird incident!" A cleric comes out, scared.
"Everyone! Calm yourselves!" Uvras pleads. "I assure you my friend here will do you no harm!"
"Begone!"
"What?..." Uvras responds.
"Arne has labeled you as a heretic! Begone!"
"Arne?! He would never do that! We're close allies!"
"You meddled with the moon and brought about this major outbreak of lycanthropy! And a little birdie told me that your friend here infected the last werebird we had to deal with!" The guard aims a spear at Uvras. "This is your last warning, Uvras. Turn away or die!"
"Die?! Have you gone mad? My friend here could be passing as we speak!"
"Good. Now surrender yourself!"
The guards suddenly seize Uvras, and board the carriage. As they drag Uvras away, they strike him. A guard approaches you with a stake of silver.
No! Not after all I've done!
"To escape these shackles of power, you first have to grab them, and then you pull with the determination to tear down the very walls they're bound to! To tear away at this paralyzing force! Grab the chains of life! You are the one in control!"
That voice. Joseph. How is he talking to you? Nonetheless, you begin to escape the emptiness. You shudder as you stand, and eye the guards.
"He's moving!"
Your talons seem sharper today, and ready to draw more blood. The power... it's beyond words. Beyond comprehension. And you thought you were unstoppable on that night...
A guard strikes Uvras with his lance. Uvras collapses to the ground, and is bound by chains of light.
"In the name of absolution, we offer to you the heretic Uvras! May your blessings be bountiful as his blood falls for you!"
"NO!"
The power of a thousand souls imbues you, and the guards surrounding you are knocked away with a deathly blast. Your stare alone petrifies the guard in front of you with fear. You fly into the church to intercept the ritual the clerics are about to perform...
Create up to two cards to deal with at least 2 2/2 soldier tokens and 3 1/1 cleric tokens. Points will given based mainly on balance, realism, and syntax.
Your entry will be scored from 0-15. For every point below 10 your entry is, you will take 1 damage, and any score below 8 will be a failed attempt to save Uvras. After the influx of souls, your HP is 10.
Criteria:
• 5 points for overall effect and balancing.
• 4 points for realism, following color pie, and proper rarity. You may lose a point if the effect of the card is unclear.
• 3 points for fitting the colors and themes of your character. (Character: Boros. Faction: Your influx of power gives you access to All Colors, at the cost of 1 damage per color used beyond your identity.)
• 2 points for proper grammar and syntax
• 1 point for flavor (text not required; mainly checking if overall fell of the card fits its art, name, etc.
@EnvyReaper told me tell you that he will not be back online until friday night at the earliest. but i am welcome to carry for me at least till then. Let me know what i have to do and i will do it.
>>
'...'
And in spite of it, the fallen angel laughed an uncanny laugh that was exactly like a madman.
"Ehem, alright, it seems that I only have a bad and a worse choices in this matter. Ha... ha ha..."
Cleared his throat, Rafael then stretched his right arm in an agreeing posture.
"So... I'm waiting."
The old man laughs hysterically. Then he looks at the immense demon before him.
"Bravo! Bravo! Looking at you now, I would be highly willing to make an offer, but... see... I've come across some unforeseen circumstances. It's very rare a god comes across a being capable of stealing one's life essence. I could gladly talk on this more later, but I have more important matters to attend to. Interplanar matters. I'll talk to you later..."
Suddenly, the glow leaves the old man's eyes, and he collapses to the ground. The man awakens, free from his possession, and he looks around frantically.
"Ah! Oh- the temple's gone! Uh... hi- Zanletesh, was it? When my master gave me back my body, he told me that I... should try to make acquaintance with you, Zanletesh. He told me he might not be back for a while, but he definitely plans on coming back."
Here's who's left
Those seeking a deal:
- Rafael - Wants a refuge for the people of Stitia
- Xataxji - Wants assistance in ensuring his "business" remains safe, and in dealing with the threat of the upcoming holy war.
- Alyssa - Seeks fortune, power, rule over the seas, and to find a legendary treasure lost in a forbidden passage.
- Gallagher: Wants to see his wife again, and to make acquaintance with you in the name of his master
Others:
- Nsatar, a Centauri planeswalker, along with Vryx and Arlin, have come to investigate.
"Now for your rewards", the demon pulls at one of the chains in his arm and it comes lose. As the chain falls to the ground, the demon at its end soon follows, becoming a cloud of black smoke as it is pulled from the sky. The smoke comes to rest before the angel and as it clears, you fine a sword of great beauty lying at your feet.
"For the angel, a blade as elegant as it's wielder. The people of this world cannot be burdened by the Gods that failed them if there are no Gods. I believe you will know when to strike and strike true you shall."
"A gem to rival your own", once again a chain is pulled and dropped, the attached demon falling in a cloud of pitch black smoke. Though this time a gem of deep purple, with intricate markings etched on its surface appears from the parting smoke.
"Insurance to say the least. We can't be having anyone not forfilling their duties before their contract is up, can we."
"You have done well to travel this far, Gallagher, and for your devotion to me and your master, you shall be rewarded", again, a demon fell. Before Gallagher lay to rings and as he picked them up, a warm hand lifted the second. Gallagher stands and turns to see his wife once again.
"For as long as you both wear these rings, she shall be protected by me."
(Also Gallagher should stop being mad now)
You are being escorted by a group of four. The leader, a devil in cleric's garb, begins a conversation. "So. I heard stories about a little old Azra in Nasita. Beautiful lass, but there was no love behind her services. She was held against her will, and for the right price... gods. Joseph told me this woman was you sister... Gods! I'd kill the man that locked her up the first chance I got."
A Duskwood Elf turns her head to look at him. "Gods? I've never seen a devil worship anyone but Khantsievth."
"That's the world we live in. I nearly died because of my beliefs. I was a devil, out of my territory. The public harassed me for my heritage. The demons and devils harassed me because of my kindness and my beliefs. If it weren't for Joseph... I'd be dead. And he doesn't even worship the Six!"
"Anyone should be able to live how they want, worship the gods they believe in." A merfolk responds. His staff is adorned with a great multitude of multicolored gemstones, and his book, albeit a book of prayer, seems to be written by himself. "The Six turned away from me, and I called to a higher power. Several of them answered my pleas, and protected me from the Six's scorn. But even then... I had to make a deal with our master in order to escape my human life."
"Escape your human life?" The elf looks at the merfolk quizzically. "So... you're actual a human?"
"Not now. I was reincarnated."
You look towards the back of the group, A short, hooded figure with a sickle follows you. Are they going to speak?
"So... how often does he do this?" The devil asks.
"Pretty often. He said that after his closest ally died on Tommia, he spent centuries studying all sorts of forms of resurrection. I don't care that I had to die for it. No one missed me anyways."
"That's harsh." The elf says.
"Nowhere near as harsh as the reminders that I'm a heretic. A traitor. A devil-dealer. Even now I'm not that well accepted, but at least now I can be free from my past."
"At least you weren't backstabbed by your own allies." The figure in the back drops her hood. A dwarf, with a nasty scar on her left eye. "They say your blood brothers are closer than your next of kin, but they gave me the boot out just like 'em. The one thing worse than never having any friends... is finding out all of your friends have it out for ya. I was in charge of a heist. The captain, the brains, and the front line. We nearly finished robbing an ancient tomb, when suddenly the whole group turned on one another. I was the first one killed, but lucky for me, our master just so happens to have an abhorrent hatred for mutiny, and so, I was the only one who left alive. But... I still died nonetheless."
"Ouch." The devil winces.
"So, elf. You're the only one that hasn't shared your story." The merfolk inquires.
"Do you need to know?"
"No, but you shouldn't be such a stranger. We may of never seen each other before, but we're still acquainted nonetheless, and under the same banner. Be a friend."
"I was... I was... oh Sprot give me the strength to say it."
"If she doesn't want to say it, don't force her to." The devil warns the merfolk. "It's impolite." The devil looks at you with a smile as he continues walking, Triscepter proudly held in his hand. "Anyways, we'll be in charge of aiding you, Mastiffa. Joseph said we were his four most trustworthy allies. That means we'll be taking care of anyone that gets in your way. Trust me. You're in good hands."
As you make your way into Nasita, your group is given a series of strange looks.
"Hey! Nice costume you dingus!" A devil gives the cleric a wedgie.
"Where you takin' that book? To your fanny little church?" An Azra takes the merfolk's scriptures, stopped only by a well-placed sweep from the dwarf.
"Look at the missionary group! They even brought a twig so then snapping them in half'll be more satisfying" A demon grabs the elf by the wrist, and she immediately starts panicking. "Relax! I'm not actually going to hurt you... unless you try to squeak!"
"An elf is a damn fine sight around here!" A strongly built man blocks the way. They yoke up the elf and carry her away. "I heard your kind's the best in bed too!"
"Get off of me!" The elf tries to wrestle free, but the man tightens his grip on her until her wrist lets out an audible pop. "Help!"
A crossbow bolt strikes your shoulder, and you can feel it. The tip is drugged. You try to remove it, but it's already too late as you fall unconscious...
Your mind is dull as you wake up. You are tied to a chair. You look around, and find yourself in an empty cellar. The only other person here is the elf, bound to the chair behind you. A chain keeps you both held together.
"So... you're awake..." The elf is breathing heavily. "I knew we might of come across some trouble, but I was not expecting this!"
A hidden door opens up. In steps two thugs, both Viashino.
"Just so we're clear, you'll be loved fondly. But for now, I'd love if you'd cooperate with us..."
Create a card to deal with a Slithering Cutthroat. Points will given based mainly on balance, realism, and syntax.
Your entry will be scored from 0-15. For every point below 10 your entry is, you will take 1 damage. Your HP is 8.
Criteria:
• 5 points for overall effect and balancing.
• 4 points for realism, following color pie, and proper rarity. You may lose a point if the effect of the card is unclear.
• 3 points for fitting the colors and themes of your character. (Grixis)
• 2 points for proper grammar and syntax
• 1 point for flavor (text not required; mainly checking if overall fell of the card fits its art, name, etc.)
Where his own bauble whipered and murmured, the gem Beirt sceamed and wailed, anxious to be fed. Xataxji could feel the promise of power cradled in his palm. he knew what Beirt wanted. And what it could give in exchange. "Do not fret, my little friend. I have just what you need."
As Zanletesh rose to the sky, savorig his newfound freedom, Xataxji send a telepathic message back to his ziggurat in Padetra. "Secundus, I am done in Descour. Bring us back."
Seconds later, bright purple light erupted around him and Ugalon, forming a runed circle.
"Farewell, Rafael, godless angel. I will not forget your warning. The next time we meet, it will be to deliver a reckoning that will shake the heavens." The purple circle flared, and they were gone.
Only to reappear moments later in the lower levels of the Ziggurat of Jeddam. The lich Secundus greeted them with a short, stiff bow, his dry bones creaking. "Welcome back, my lord. How was..."
"We will have time for pleasantries another time, Secundus. Now, we act. Are the traitors still in the catacombs ?" Shortly after the unwelcome and treacherous summoning of the demon Zulphrek in the heart of his domain, Xataxji had his most loyal followers capture all those within the cult that were suspected of unfaithfulness, which numbered in the hundreds, and lock them away in the gloomy crypts under the ziggurat.
"Yes, although many have attempted to take their own lives, or are famishing themselves," answered Secundus.
Xataxji let loose a raucous laugh. "The fools. They can only serve me better in death." Breaking his disguise, he returned to his original, serpentine appearance, and descended deep in the heart of Jeddam. He reached a balcony overlooking the catacombs, an underground complex comprised in a room of cyclopean proportions. Below, chained to the damp walls, the traitors to the cult wallowed in their misery under the scrutiny of undead guards.
The demon called out to them. "Your judgement has come, worms ! Today, you will redeem yourselves. Today, you will serve, once and for all." The prisoners below looked up, a missfit assortment of humans, elves, dwarves and beastfolk who had all sworn alliegeance to Xataxji, only to turn on him and forsaken themselves. In their eyes, Xataxji could see defiance and anger, but he knew they only tried to hide their fear. He could feel it. It was almost intoxicating.
"Behold. Your redemption." Xataxji released Beirt from his hand, and the crystal, sensing the terrified masses, sprung to life, lighting up and floating out from the demon's outstreched hand. All was silent, save for the strange humming emanating from the gem.
And then the screams started.
One by one, the chained traitors fell to their knees, as tendrils of pure darkness shot from Beirt into their chests. They tried to escape the predatory darkness, straining against their chains, to no avail. Their souls were twisted and deformed, and the crystal eagerly devoured their sanity to the last drop, until their spirit was no more than a pale reflection of their former selves. Beirt then unleashed a wave of magic on his helpless victims. xataxji could feel it was a very ancient power indeed. Forgotten. Forbidden.
A black mist smothered the catacombs. When it lifted, the prisoners had vanished. In their place stood...
"My legion. The first of many. Arise, and serve Xataxji. Serve a new era."
(Also, it's not that relevant, but the leader of the riot was a she XD)
Verth's presence at Allschurch was met with much-expected hostility. Last time Verth was there, he was cleaning up the aftermath of Vryx's rampage. The priests were absolutely right to be upset at them, as they were directly involved in the death of several priests in the past. However, making enemies out of the church would be the worst-case scenario for Verth, as it would sever the connection that he had on his original home. If he could somehow make allies out of the priests of Allschurch, he would have not only them but the Duskwood as well to defeat whatever took Joseph away, or some other unforeseen evil on the horizon.
Verth was as shocked as Uvras to hear Arne's proclamation. Either Arne turned evil or the priests weren't caught up in the current situation in Delvad. It was then that Verth internally breathed a sigh of relief. This wasn't as tense of a situation as he originally thought. He clearly had their attention, and so all Verth needed to do was to resolve the misunderstanding and apologize for his actions.
Without thinking, Verth flew to the center of the ritual and rescued Uvras. Then, as if almost by instinct, a massive wave of white mana radiated from Verth. Verth's control over this magic was astounding to him. The voices were right: his power was absolutely beyond measure at this point. Verth's magic was so potent that it eliminated the hostility of everyone in the room in a matter of a few moments. Once everyone was calm enough to think diplomatically, Verth began to speak.
"I understand that my presence here garners some suspicion and hostility. Because of my actions, I have indirectly caused the death of your comrades, and for that I sincerely apologize. However, there is some information that all of you need to know before you draw your blades against us. The Crimson Moon did bring about a temporary influx of new lycanthropes, but through my work over the past few months the entire lycanthrope population in Delvad has been completely eliminated. Without the use of Uvras' powerful magic, this wouldn't have been possible. Not only that, but I have made significant progress in slaying evil beings in Racrion and here in Ystheria. And who was the being that granted us with enough mana to accomplish all of this? It was none other than Arne himself. With his help, we destroyed the Bloodwood Clan, for goodness sake! So please, I beg of you, do not label us as heretics. We may have made mistakes in the past, but everything that we've done up to this point, including the creation of the Crimson Moon, has been done for your sake and for the sake of the innocent people of Stitia. Join us in this fight against evil, and together we can see the sun rise over Stitia once again!"
Featuring Pathos (@Derain2, Autonomous), @MonkeyPirate2002 as K'Trinop, and Tommia as Wosy and Otaimo, with Special Guest @spookoops as Byro and Tommia as Onaeca. Guest starring Retributionist Arne, Wosy's Crew, and The New Order.
Arne... born to the demigod Ysa, Arne has spent several centuries watching over the cruelties of this world, punishing the wicked. But as time grew, he became more violent. It took a god to keep him from destroying an entire nation in one fell swoop, and his code has become strict enough to include his own allies as enemies to the world. His devotion was growing ever higher, and it was readily apparent that he was approaching transcendence into godhood.
Byro contemplates his position. He came this far for two reasons, and both racked his head back and forth. He was carried by both the gold-hearted will to devote his life to curing the plague, and the stone-hearted desire to deliver his wrath. Can he really trust these angels? But then again, what if he didn't? His hopes to cure the plague could be dashed, but the urge to kill every winged creature in this room seemed ever-tempting. But even then... would Arne be willing to reason? As he stared into those glowing red eyes, he finally made up his mind. For the sake of humanity, he would side with the angel and his allies.
"The hell with it. I don't know what you have against me, beast, but I'm going to teach you a lesson in respect."
A chain dangles from Byro's right hand as he continues to hold the stone from before in his left. It still very much had life in it. In his hand, he held the key to his fullest connection to the underworld, and it was readily apparent that its full power would be put on display here. As Arne prepares to strike, Byro sweeps the chain, which passes through everything around him, and from the end emerges a shadowy being. The soul of a former Duskwood Cleric that fell to darkness, dying in the heart of Padetra from his affliction.
The elf stares at Byro, reincarnated. As he stares into Arne's eyes, he understands his purpose here. Raising his twisted staff into the air, the angels around him begin to rise, their eyes glowing with shadowy light.
"Now hold on! I we were done with these guys!" Wosy gets ready to go on the offensive again, then realizes he's out of coins. "Well I'll be damned!"
"I am here for you. The Archdemon is here for you." The elf utters to Wosy. "You may rest assured you are safe."
"If you knew me, you'd know that's not reassuring."
The angels rise and turn their weapons against Arne, if they still have them. They begin to swarm him, when Arne smiles.
"Pathetic creature, trying to cling to what frayed strings remain. You may of killed a fleet of angels and brought them back to life, but you are making conflict with the right hand of the gods. My devotion rings true, and I carry with me their unrestricted power."
Arne transforms back into his human form, retaining his wings, horns, and a twisted tail, and he sends a blast of radiant light through the air. The blast hits the elf, vaporizing them, then ricochets off every one of the angels in the room before veering towards Byro. He tightly grasps the orb, and braces for impact as a veil of spirits surrounds him.
The blast goes through Byro. The shield protects him from the blast, but the magic creeps through the spirit of the dead elf and seeps through Byro's orb. He flinches, falling to the ground, but he quickly recovers. Then, the blast curves in Pathos's direction.
Pathos is lost in his thoughts. Arne... about a month ago, this being had come to Pathos to warn him of a dark future, one where he is betrayed by his angelic brethren. The prophecy had come in full force, but Pathos had shown he was above it. Now, Arne himself had come to seal Pathos's fate, and he was lost in contemplation. The blast is about to strike him, when suddenly, K'Trinop flies in to aid him.
"Stand down, Arne!" K'Trinop's voice booms from the angel as the blast is dodged. "You may be the right hand of the Six, but today, you stand before gods!"
"Two gods, fractured one. I bear the power of six."
"Outnumber us as you wish, but your rulers are no gods. They are puppeteers, and you are their puppet. Allow me to cut your strings!"
As he guides Pathos's body to attack the demigod, K'Trinop focuses his energy into a psychic attack.
"The God of the Cryptic watches over me. All that fills my mind is my duty. What do you expect to accomplish?"
The mental resistance is great. None before have managed to escape such an attack, but it can only last so long. A blade, imbued with K'Trinop's essence, strikes Arne, leaving a mighty cut in his side. He grunts, and transforms back into a manticore. K'Trinop leverages this moment to try to pry deeper, pushing further into Arne's mind.
"You pry too far, mortal one. Turn back now, or you may find my knowledge... fatal..."
K'Trinop continues undeterred as he sends Pathos in for another attack, and this slash takes off one of Arne's wings. He roars, and the gleam in his eyes becomes blinding as he draws in mana. K'Trinop breaks his focus with a wave of psychic power, and Arne stumbles.
"Arne! This battle is not worth my time!"
Nohel, the God of the Cryptic. Suddenly, all barriers fall from Arne's mind as the manticore takes the full force of K'Trinop's attack. He winces as he falls down, and all of his secrets spill loose. However, K'Trinop begins to vanish as a particular piece of info hits his mind like a freight train. However, he suddenly rematerializes as he feels a warding presence within him.
"We- we have to end this now..." K'Trinop came here to assist in Pathos's heist, and now, a much more dire task has met him. He has learned something dire... he's now the third Triskaidian alive to know.
"Agreed..." Arne is barely able to speak as he rises. "Nohel... you betrayed me... Conse will not have mercy for this... but for now, my greatest concern lies... in front of me. Faer... embrace me with your power."
Suddenly, Arne's entire body roars in flame. His eyes glow bright enough to light the room. Everyone backs away as everything in the entire building catches on fire. The heat is unbearable as armor melts, wood turns to ash, and even divine relics in the shop are decimated by flame. Arne looks K'Trinop in the eyes, and everyone is caught in a blast beyond compare.
Byro is unwavered. This entire time, he has been waiting for the right moment. He's never used pyromancy before, but the flames moved perfectly as he bent them, so he assures himself that this attack will not fail before sending a volley of flames back at the hellbent beast.
For the first moment in the fight, Arne lets out a cry of agony as he collapses. The flames burn away at his skin as Byro focuses all of his power into the blast. It seems to go on for several minutes. Is Arne even alive at this point?
Left drained, Byro falters as the last flame leaves his hands. Such power... has he been sleeping on this for his whole life? Everyone looks at Arne, all fur turned pitch black by the flames. But... he rises from the crater he formed, eyes still burning with resolve. He may be weakened, but he's very much still standing.
"You are stubborn mortals, aren't you? To face me as you have, you must either be very brave, or very stupid. But I must insist this is getting nowhere for either of us. I assure you that next time, you will not be so lucky. Pray for forgiveness while you still can..."
Arne turns back into his human form, then prays. In an envelope of light, he is taken away, and the confrontation is over. However, soon after, the sky is filled with black clouds, obscuring the morning sky. Rain and hail comes down as lightning strikes. A cold chill runs across the plane, and everyone looks into the sky...
To be continued...
In the wake of Arne's rage, the entirety of Yrntrn has been cratered with godly power, killing everyone except the lucky few.
Sector Status:
Arcanum: Forsaken
Yrntrn: Forsaken, Destroyed
Nasita: Plagued
Etsane: Criminal Takeover
All other Sectors: Fine