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RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night.

Posted by The EmpressFor group archive 5
The Empress
GM, 297 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Fri 11 Jan 2019
at 17:25
  • msg #1

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Bezaleel, Lesser God of Darkness, Shadows, and the Undead
Lightbane
Questor
Returned Vengeance
The Wrath of Noor
The Paternal Shade
Grimalkitten

Realm: Erebus

Spheres: 46/50
Souls: 4750
Essence: 0

Provinces Explored: 0/4
North: The Tar Flat - 25% Explored - Flat plains filled with tar and a tribe of ghouls.
-Flames Rest
South: Saer-Sar'ah, the Webbed Wood - Unexplored - Forest filled with spiders and a great spider queen.
East: Warrior's Grave - 50% Explored - a great caldera with three populated cities. Base of the realm's military and St. Anastasius, Demigod of Rebirth.
West: Underhills - 50% Explored - Deep valleys with wild jungle sat the bottom said to be home of a witch.
-The Overgrown Portal
-The Temple of the Host

Center Province: Darkheart

Advancement: Heroic Spirit - Shades will aspire for greatness.
Drawback: He-We-I - The Black King may be dead, but some of it lives on within Bezaleel, its voice is there scratching away at the back of his mind and, at times, taking control of the body the two now share. However, Bezaleel managed to purge his body of the entity which he dubbed Leech, the two remained bound, should one die the other will follow, but no longer share a body.

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

People of the Realm

Lifebringer Shoal (Deceased) - Former servant of Greenfather of the Eternal Spring who had lost his realm and god, the immigrant mortal has accepted Belazeel as his new deity and agreed to serve. During the Black Reign, he was slain by Alucard when he uncovered the betrayal of the hero.

Marilla - an antigoddess of Death. Appeared in Erebus and was devoured.

The Blind King (Deceased) - A shade, his eyes stitched shut making him live up to the name the Blind King.

Green Eyed Priest, Esseth - A mummified undead. Adviser of the Blind King, claimed to be the moral and spiritual conduit of the land.

Alucard - A shade and guard of the Forlorn Castle who bears little love for Bezaleel.

Undeine - A shade, the most skilled soldier of the Blind King's service. Currently abroad, he willingly joined the Army of the Tree when the Pantheon summons came to Erebus.

Ungarin - The hulking brute was giant. A zombie, his flesh was dead white, but still bulging with muscle that hadn't rotted away. The strongest laborer of the land.

Yelea - Attendant of the Shrine of the Host

Ophelia - Daughter and divine consort of Bezaleel, ruler of the demirealm of Hemera, mother of unborn twins by Bezaleel. The seductive, bloodthirsty, and beloved Pack Mother.

Places of Interest

Forlorn Castle - The castle at the center of Erebus. With a pair of obsidian doors that lead to a courtyard market and another gate that accesses the castle proper.
The Lower Tombs: The dungeons of the Forlorn Castle are still etched with traces of the Black Kings power, their halls sometimes rearrange or twist back upon themselves.
 - Portal to Hemera: Attached to Ophelia's chamber in the highest spire.

Chamber of the Old Shadow - Beneath the Castle Forlorn lies chambers that are said to house the body of the ancient god of shadows and undeath. This old god was poisoned by a fragment of Blight brought into these chambers and transformed into the Black King.

Sepulcher - Village near the Forlorn Castle. They catch game from the surrounding woods and harvest lumber.

The Ash Plains - An unnatural sun that has appeared in the central province, the areas beneath it have been scoured away by its harsh light.

The Shattered Throne Room - Once the seat of power for the Blind King, then the Black King, the throne room was damaged during the final battle between Bezaleel and the usurper, the walls are now cracked and full of gaps through which a cold wind blows. At times the Fallen Kingdoms can be glimpsed on the other side.

The Corpsewood - A great tree marking the site of Lifebringer Shoal's demise.

The Shrine of the Host - Located in one of the basins of the Underhills along the edge of a hill, this temple was originally from another world. A few of its original inhabitants were left behind and still maintain the places original intent, serving as a center of diplomacy and hospitality. Upon leaving, Bezaleel blessed the place to always be warm. They follow the Way of the Host, a tradition centered on hospitality and graciousness to foster relationships.
Trait: Perpetually warm.

The Listening Shrine of Rebirth - Composed of whatever materials had been on hand, the shrine itself was a mixture of mud, metal and cloth that flapped in the wind. It seemed to roughly resemble a figure, one with hands raised up towards the sky in supplication. It was raised in honor of the god of rebirth, Shak'tek'lon.
Trait: Prayers uttered to the shrine may be listened to by Bezaleel.

The Training Grounds - Four barracks and four training fields lie just outside the Forlorn Castle in the surrounding grasslands. These structures were built by Bezaleel and have the capacity to house and train a large number of recruits.
Barracks Trait: Injuries heal faster here.
Training Fields Trait: Training done here is more efficient.

Great Pumpkin Field - a fertile area within the walls of the Forlorn keep, housing two great pumpkins that contain the unborn children of Bezaleel and Ophelia.

The Tombs - A southern village of the Darkheart that mines up minerals.

Warriors Rest - Four cities in close proximity together that are built around the edges of the caldera that make up Warrior's Grave, the eastern province.
Trait: The center province promotes a sense of acceptance.

The Arena - In the fields outside the Forlorn Castle is a structure of solidified shadow that mimics wood, stone and bone and serves as a place for martial tournaments. Considerably livened by Ophelia's commentating and stage dressing.

Local Color and Culture

Year 255 A.N (After Night)

spiced blood - a delicacy of Erebus.

True Night - An ancient astrological event, a time when the moon eclipsed and the stars were blotted out. It is said the undead went mad. All history from prior to this period has been lost.

The Black Reign - For 83 long years, the Darkheart was ruled by an ancient god corrupted by the Blight. During this bleak period, at least half of the Shades of the region were slain, fell monsters were set upon the land, and the ancient Forlorn Castle was inhabited by the usurper till Bezaleel returned and slew the monstrosity he had unwittingly created.

Erebus Summer - Portals and connections to other worlds tend to appear on land leading to larger numbers of undead.

Erebus Winter - Portals and connections to other worlds tend to appear untethered in the air, leading to a stormy season.

Dangers of the Realm

The False Sun (Deceased) - Born from the Blight, the false sun burned across Erebus till Bezaleel pulled out its heart.

The Black King - Inadvertently born when Bezaleel brought the heart of the False Sun to the chamber of the Old God, the Blight power corrupted the old God and became something greater than either.

The Pack Mother - an powerful, mysterious aspect of Ophelia that acts according to her emotions. Extremely possessive and lustful towards Bezaleel - has demonstrated the ability to attack his connections to other beings and encourages him to sate his lusts.

Unique Creatures and Objects

Indeleth the god-touched (1) - Most talented scout of the Forlorn Castle, touched by Bezaleel.

Cauz the god-touched (Deceased) Horsemaster of the Forlorn Castle, touched by Bezaleel. Rather simple minded. Died during the reign of the Black King.

Thinfinger the god-touched (1) Most talented thief of the Forlorn Castle, touched by Bezaleel, he is an animate skeleton and a mercenary driven by coin.

Ungarin the god-touched (1) Strongest laborer of the Forlorn Castle, touched by Bezaleel. A hulking mass of rotting muscle.
Hero
Affiliations: Member of the Terror Guard

Deamea the god-touched (1) Most talented acolyte of the Forlorn Castle, touched by Bezaleel. A quiet, mousy woman who studied under the Green Eyed Priest.

God-Touched Scouts (3) - The best scouts and survivalists of the land, they survived the Black Reign and were blessed by Bezaleel.

God-Touched Spy (2) - During the occupation of the Black Reign these spies risked life and limb to keep the resistance well appraised of the situation, they were blessed upon Bezaleel's return.

God-Touched Apothecary (1) - A gap toothed old crone, she was the greatest brewer of poultices and elixirs. She was further blessed by Bezaleel.

Shadowsmith (1)- A shade created by Bezaleel with a knowledge of forging shadow-stuff.

Military Trainers (2) - A pair of shades created by Bezaleel who serve at the Trainings Grounds, they were born with an inherent knowledge of a number of militarily applicable skills.

Ravens of Shadow (12) - Created from a failed attempt at mythcrafting, the ravens have four yellow yellows and jagged talons and longer life spans, they are otherwise normal birds.

Deadlight Sprite (1) - An otherworldly entity coaxed out by the Night of Macabre Mischief, the small winged sprite has an angular face, a mirthless smile, and emanates and cold blue glow that seems to mesmerize mindless undead.

Ghostly Attendants (60) - Ghosts summoned up by Bezaleel to attend to all sorts of tasks that are needed for operating the cities of Warrior's Rest.
30 exist in Warrior's Grave helping construct the cities there.
30 exist at the Forlorn Castle and aide in construction there.

Sable (1) - Ophelia's shadowsteed created for her by Bezaleel. She is inordinately fond of the beast.

Ghost Shroud (3 Essence) - An unassuming cloth scarf, when adorned it allows Bezaleel's fire to cause harm and allows him to exist and not exist simultaneously, being both in and out of phase.
Artifact
Trait: The wearer can be engulfed in burning cold flames.
Trait: The wearer exists in two states simultaneously.
Trait: The scarf also absorbs magical effects.

Phantom Terror (2 Essence) - A necklace of iron chains. The metal was rusted and pitted, green with an old patina in places, it felt slick to the touch, much like the Mists themselves. This item was forged from harvesting the essence of a Blight servitor.
Artifact
Trait Enhanced: Allows temporary monsters to be summoned up.

The Ashen Hourglass - Crafted from bone and filled with ash, the sifting sands trickle through to the bulb below. When the last of the ashes have fallen, one year will have passed for Bezaleel regardless of his travels.
Trait: Measures a year for Bezaleel.

Ring of Purging (Destroyed) - Forged by Bezaleel, the ring is dark and ashen woven metal, its singular purpose is to cleanse an entity who wears it, removing all impurities. In the process of cleansing Bezaleel of the Blight infesting him, the ring was destroyed.

Legion of the Second Dead

Military unit established shortly after the Battle of Noor and trained in the newly fashioned Training Grounds, this unit was provided with ample space, expertise and time with which to train and also blessed by Lord Bezaleel himself.
The Peerless Infantry (5) - Several infantry soldiers blessed by Bezaleel, they are the strongest and most untiring of the soldiers on the field.
The Cavalry (10) - Rather than the soldiers themselves, here the mounts have been blessed, ten undead steeds, horses that are more bone than flesh and which burn with a ghostly light, these mighty war horses are larger and faster than the others, they are just as willing to kick and bite as the soldiers riding them.
The Phalanx (5) - Of the spear wielding soldiers, several blessed by Bezaleel are known as the Phalanx, they wield shields and spears serve as a defensive force, a moving wall on the battlefield that holds fast against the crashing waves of enemy soldiers even while they push forward with stabbing spears.

Legion of the Battered Blade

An army composed of soldiers awoken from the Eternal Battlefield when it was converted to Warrior's Grave.

The Gilded Dead

Ophelia's favorites, skeletal soldiers reinforced with shining brass and quality gear.

Gilded Infantry (400): Created by Ophelia. Wield spears and shields. Set to guarding the Forlorn Keep and Portal to Hemera.

Antideath Troopers (1600): Living armors created by antigoddess Marilla. Recognize bezaleel and Ophelia as commanders owing to their stolen powers from Marilla.

Heroes and Myths

Alucard - A guard of the Forlorn Castle who bears little love for Bezaleel. During the Reign of the Black King he proved to be a traitor, striking a deal with the Black King and betraying the loyalists to Bezaleel.
Hero
Trait:

Undeine - The most talented soldier of the Forlorn Castle, superior warrior of Alucard as proven in the sparring arena. Currently abroad, he willingly joined the Army of the Tree when the Pantheon summons came to Erebus.
Hero
Trait: Unknown

Saesin - Hero of the Terror Guard, Saesin is formal and dutiful. Since the reclamation of the Darkheart she has been placed in charge of coordinating the military of Erebus, a role she has embraced. She was also personally trained by Bezaleel to command forces, she was trained out on the Endless Battlefield.
Hero
Trait: Can sense Bezaleel.

The Terror Guard - A collection of shades raised to heroes by Bezaleel.
Olamin - A shade, elevated to hero status prior to the assault on the Castle Forlorn.
Entarik - A shade, elevated to hero status prior to the assault on the Castle Forlorn.
Saesin - A shade, elevated to hero status prior to the assault on the Castle Forlorn.
Hazo - A shade, elevated to hero status prior to the assault on the Castle Forlorn.
Ungarin - Powerful zombie and laborer, trained in cursory abilities of war.
Kaelay - A shade, elevated to hero status at the rebel camp.
Pelemore - A shade, elevated to hero status at the rebel camp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:02, Tue 22 Jan 2019.
The Empress
GM, 298 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Fri 11 Jan 2019
at 17:47
  • msg #2

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

It wasn't supposed to have been like this.

The colourless void resolved itself into black on white, then shades of gray, and finally - from far above - he could see all of Erebus.

All of it.

Erebus was a moving thing, long tendrils grasping at other Realms - but it moved without moving, as if the Realms were lights and Erebus but their passing shadow. Ink flowing through water, flowing through channels in the Tree, always itself, but redefined by context. Erebus was a phenomenon, at the same time it was a place.

Gradually, drip by drip, power was flowing from Taeltresin into Erebus, sharpening the contrasts, refining the lines.

He saw himself resting in the Chamber of the Old Shadow. His awareness of Erebus was perfect - every rotten leaf, every forgotten bone was as if held in his hand. He was sleeping, but yet awake at the same time, one with Erebus.

Bezaleel knew, instictively, as twenty years passed, that the bead of Essence the realm held could be directed - if he wished - to any use he might imagine, but that his interference would create ripples in the fabric of Erebus. Inevitably, issues would crop up. Yet, if he left the energy to dissipate through the Realm, it would be be uncontrolled - perhaps Erebus would make something grand of it, come what growing pains might accompany such, or perhaps Erebus was grow peacefully. Either way, he would have no way of knowing what would occur if didn't direct the Essence himself - and neither could he store it up for himself.

Additionally, while true communication was impossible, he felt a lingering connection to his people even still - if he choose, he could 'whisper' to up to five individuals, communicating his desires wordlessly. They would know it was Bezaleel speaking in their hearts, as unbeating as they might be.

At any time, he could choose to return to his body and end this, but the potential for greater growth would be lost in the process.



It was a time of rare peace for Erebus.

He heard prayers from the Shrine of Rebirth - mostly prayers of gratitude, requests for the forbearance and talent to succeed in their work, and requested for direction.

The military grew over the twenty years of peace, until it became the norm for Shades to spend at least a few years learning the ways of war.

The Shrine of the Host, warmed by Bezaleel's benevolence, saw an increase in population for the first time in decades, as the attendants went about the mortal business of love.

Even the Undead aged, and the Shades too - and gradually, the eldest generation grew into something different - the negative energy that had suffused their bodies for centuries overtook them, emanating from their bodies and surrounding them in flickering shadow, even as they grew to giant size. They were called the Nightshades.

New Shades were born, having never known conflict or a Shadowlord besides Beezaleel.

The Green-Eyed Priest, Esseth, saw to the necessary restoration of the undead that fell to incursions of the mindless ones in Bezaleel's absence, passing on knowledge to her acolytes.

Daemea grew in her craft, and worked with the God-Touched Apothecary, developing the Umbral Unguent - a paste that assisted in enhancing the Undead and Shades by attuning them more closely to the energies of the realm.

Bezaleel felt that now, after two decades, the Realm was within the moment of 'blooming'. It was time to decide what would be done with the Essence the realm had developed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:42, Fri 11 Jan 2019.
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 5 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Sat 12 Jan 2019
at 09:42
  • msg #3

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Lazing about, more like a cat nap, Bezaleel watched as the realm advanced and grew in it's peace.  He took this time to watch the nature of the realm. See where shifts and tides turned about.

Feeling that as if his hand guiding the Essence of the realm wasn't as natural.  Interesting things happen when one lets things flow naturally.  Wondering where it would whisk to and how it would affect the lands gave him joy in the thought.

The way he slept now and connected to the realm, reminded him of the time he did so to search for Alucard. Now more than ever did the land feel connected to him as one.  Deciding it best to use this to his advantage, he watched his people closely. Gathering the lay of the land, seeing how they spread and delegated in his absence away from his influence of presence.

Before Bezaleel spent any real time waiting, he decided however to leave his wishes on a few of his trusted. First he left his wishes to Saesin. Empathetic as they may be, he wanted her to keep an eye on any promising shades or undead who stood out above the rest (Their upgrade as people was heroic spirit, making shades aspire to greatness) and see to they find a place suitable to their strengths. Secondly was to deal with any problems as they arise with wisdom and caution, a raised blade where it is not needed is more harmful.

Extending to King Esseth, he wanted his the knowledge and history taught more widely across the realm, to any who would aspire to it. Secondly he wanted a close eye kept on Ophelia, Bezaleel's daughter as well as notes on all the things she does in the realm for his lord's return. Thirdly he wanted Esseth to extend the religious teachings of the Priests across his realm, mainly in Warrior's Grave. A suitable temple and guidance to the lost new undead arising there was imporant.

Then, to Thinfinger, the thieving skeleton, he wished for him to gather any information about the said Witch to be in the Underhills. Secondly to find any large gatherings of shades or intelligent undead separate from the rule of Darkheart. With these done, he could make a request of Bezaleel for reward.

Running out of major thoughts and wants, he decided to speak to the head of the Shrine of the Host, Yelea. Why she bared little enjoyment or worship for Bezaleel, he felt it necessary to address her. A warning, that while he accepts their place in Darkheart, not all  older of the realm may. He also imparts his hopes of her flock in accepting him.

Lastly he extended his feelings to his daughter, Ophelia. A request, to not change the way my land and people are. Search inside yourself to find who you are. To not be fickle or careless to the children of his realm, as they are quite important to her father.

With that, he took to watching over his realm silently as his body rested in the temple.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:43, Sat 12 Jan 2019.
The Empress
GM, 304 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Sun 13 Jan 2019
at 02:05
  • msg #4

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Essence flowed throughout the realm. The flow of souls was restored with the blight, and the ranks of the mindless dead and the Shades swelled with souls freed from its grasp.

The shadowy, poisoned world heaved a sigh of relief, and what was lost began to return.

Shak'tek'lon - Deity of Rebirth - was resurrected by Erebus. He was undead, but retained the spark of divinity - he was a demigod. Taking the name of Saint Anastasius, he greeted the warlord of Erebus, Saesin, and offered his services, demonstrating a new magic of 'shadowmending' - fashioning the mindless undead into mockeries of life. When practiced on mindless undead, the product were ghouls - loyal creatures that operated on a basic hunting instinct and retained the ability to wield weapons and use armor.

More interesting, shadowmended sentient dead became wereghouls - gaining greater strength and endurance form muscles and organs woven from shadowstuff, but losing some of the enhanced dexterity and resistance to harm that other undead possessed. Wereghouls could bleed, feel pain, and needed sleep to naturally recover by absorbing the negative energies of the realm.

Saesin, seeing merit in the ghouls, struck an alliance with St. Anastasius on behalf of Esseth and Bezaleel. Moral among the foreign dead soared, as they relished this semblance of normalcy.

=

Meanwhile, in Darkheart, the old followers of the God of Purity came to the gates of the Forlorn Castle, and after ceaseless demands, were granted an audience with the Green-Eyed King.

Esseth had grown strange and grand - wreathed in shadow, tall as a house. A Nightshade.

"The Shadowgod made a bargain with us,"

"A promise. In a year's time, to grant us pure bodies."

"Twenty years have passed! And only a few grains have sifted through this hourglass!"

"I know of this bargain," said Esseth. "And the Shadowgod is true to his word. It was a year of HIS time that was promised, was it not? And did the Lord of the Realm not grant you the gift of the hourglass, that you might know when a hour of His time had passed?"

"Twenty YEARS! Are to wait a century for his return? Two? Ridiculous!"

The shadowflames of the room flickered, and Esseth arm elongated freakishly, seizing the pitiful Undead. "A bargain is a bargain, and you struck it in full knowledge. Do you wish to renege? To abandon your faith? Is your loyalty so pathetic?"

A portal shimmered, and a divine stepped through - Ophelia, bearing a scythe with a gilded blade. "My father is many things, and he certainly has a terrible sense of time - and fashion - and parental responsibility. But hm, I agree with your sentiments! You do look terrible. Absolutely atrocious, really. It's high time something was done about the bedraggled state of the citizenry. Hm. I'll be back, with a friend."

She left through a new portal, then returned, a skeletal form covered in solidified slag metal in tow - lines of molten metal showing through cracks in the carapace.

Skeles, god of the forge.

"Old Bezaleel needs MY help, you said? In his realm? He's never asked that of me before, even though we're friends! It must be impor-"

Ophelia came from behind him, cartwheeled forward, swinging the arc of the scythe upward - rammed the blade of the scythe through his pelvis - then threw the rest of weight backward, slamming her legs against Skeles' back, bisecting him - ripping the scythe through his left shoulder.

Skeles: 6/10

The half of Skeles with a still-intact head attached stumbled, fell -

Ophelia spun, the scythe cutting that half of Skeles' in half again -

Skeles: 3/10

then she settled a foot against the stone floor, and swung the blade of the scythe upward, spearing the still-living quarter of Skeles.

Skeles: 2/10

The Living Metal that Skeles wore as bracer on his right arm came to life Ophelia's surprise round ended, severing the scythe in half through the pole and splitting her left arm clean through. She was bleeding horribly.

Skeles: 2/10
Ophelia: 5/10, bleeding out


Screaming in pain, Ophelia caught the remaining haft of the scythe with the blade still attached, and brought the improvised sickle down through Skeles' head.

Skeles: 1/10
Ophelia: 3/10, bleeding out


Skeles was unconscious. Grabbing her own split arm, a searing golden light and heat filled the shadowed chamber - and the wound was cauterized, her arm a burnt ruin.

Skeles: 1/10
Ophelia 2/10, stable

Bracing the still-living head of Skeles' against the floor with her foot on top, she ripped the golden sickle out, and lapped up searing blood the poured from Skeles' neck - which, curiously, didn't harm her.

The light in Skeles' eyes went out. His body was now so much stone.

Ophelia had consumed his soul.

Removing the golden living metal from Skeles' right arm, she placed it on her own left arm. It molded itself over the ruined arm. She flexed the finger of the gauntlet - and it flowed over her body, becoming a suit of form-fitting golden armor.

The battle had taken all of twelve seconds. Ophelia huffed out a breath or relief.

"Now, that's done. Come, Pure Ones. I will grant you new forms."

Light - golden light - shown from Ophelia, and the flesh was blasted from the bones of the Undead. The light dimmed, became dust, and clung as flakes of gold to the skeletal dead.

"I am Ophelia, Daughter of Diadae of the Garden and the Shadowgod Bezaleel, Goddess of the Harvest. Oh -"

She looked at the ruined form of Skeles, a macabre grin on her face -

"and Artifice.

"Are you now pleased? Or do you desire further blessings - would you like jewels for eyes? Shall I clothe thee in fine white silk? My father's bargain is fulfilled. You are now my Gilded Dead. Or Gildead. No, we'll stick with Gilded Dead."

Esseth judged impassively. "You betrayed a god. One neutral to Erebus. We have a new foe, surely, and there will be political consequences among the gods of the servants that took so many to join their army."

Esseth sat back from the throne. "If you remain loyal to the shadowgod, he will share in this conflict. Yet, so too will your mother, who is among that same faction. You have made yourself a stronger piece in the game, and strength earns alliances that honor cannot. It is the weak the must lean on their moral character to beg for the right to live. Perhaps . . this Pantheon will respect us more, now. They would be remiss to engage us in battle on our home turf, so soon after the Battle of Noor."

Ophelia shrugged. "I heard that he hit on my mom. Crudely. Artifice is a powerful domain, and with it I can begin to make a proper killing machine out of the Undead that serve my father. He has more lives to him; they can hardly call me a murderer when my victim is still kicking. It's more like . . hyperviolent mugging."

Soon after, Ophelia began to slowly craft more Gilded Dead, taking her share of the new bounty of souls as she made her elites, and with the king's support, lead them into battle against the rising horde of the living . .

=

. . . lead by a being rumored to be the Greenfather, the once dead - or merely lost? - patron of Lifebringer Shoal. His soldiers were strange - their bodies were shadow, resembling fully armored knights but thin and tall. They only moved when the moon was full, sleeping through the dark. His headquarters was from a new province, to the southeast, betwixt the Warrior's Grave and Sepulcher.

A sizable force assaulted the caldera, meeting with the forces there. The Terror Guard lead the pre-emptive assault, supported by the new ghouls, soundly rebuffing and setting to rout the living forces. Saesin reigned in the Terror Guard, recalling them to the naturally defensible caldera, just in time to partly negate the damage of conjured wave of positive energy that reduced half the ghouls to dust.

That proved to be a feint. Outriders seized the mining town of Sepulcher, establishing a foothold in Erebus proper.

Weeks later, a message was sent by bonebird to the living force, a request by King Esseth for parley.

Taking the role of interlocutor, Ophelia and a detachment of her Gilded Dead met with strange being - not the Greenfather, but his own daughter and heir; Marilla Shining-Sea, Goddess of Antideath.

"Sepulcher and the South are mine. I am no fool. I have tested the strength of your forces, and they are not to be scoffed at. Where is Lord Bezaleel, the Lightbane? I would strike an alliance - I seek to slay Death itself, and care nothing for undead. I believe our mutual distaste for the curse of mortality is enough to give him common cause with me."

=

This all Bezaleel saw, and his desires flew on dark wings to his servants;

Ophelia heard his desires, and traveled to the Whispering Shrine:

"Father, I am a child in a world bereft of kindness or mercy. Each of us is a piece upon the board. The Harvest cannot wait for the readiness of the reaper, and neither can I stay my will for the sake of yours. The shades are our people, and Erebus is our home. I pray that on your return you will understand that I do what I must, and that without you to see after me, I must see after myself, and the realm of our shared birthright.

I do believe that the loyal dead require a softer touch now - they aspire to greatness of their own, and some measure of autonomy and liberty would surely enable their striving.

Already many have established themselves as worthy of note. I will tell you of three.

Draheals, a Nightshade, who has studied a forgotten fighting art. With neither weapon nor protection, he - steps between the moonlight, becoming invisible.

Wotran, a wereghoul, who has distilled shadow into ink. Tracing the patterns of shadow-rivers into the skin of other wereghouls and more intact undead, their bodies flower like water, awash in negative energy. I call them Inklets, but Wotran prefers they be called Umbrals. I guess that's more distinguished and intimidating or something.

lastly, Vuatha. One of the young shades - she display an aptitude for magic that manipulates earth. She fled Sepulcher before the town was taken, detering pursuit by rolling the soil over her pursuers. She's called Gravekeeper Vuatha for that now.

That's about all I've got. I have to get back to work. Can't reap what I don't sow."


=

Thinfinger departed, with the promised reward in mind. He soon left your field of consciousness - it seemed what you had yet to uncover was still hidden from you.

Three years later, he returned, with new nicks in his bones. He too came to the whispering shrine.

"Witch is alive. Lives in a deep cavern. Place was swarming with weird shit. Lots of mindless dead, and some not so mindless. Mutated. Horned purple creatures too. She was talking into a bowl full of something like blood. I ran, got shot at with a hell of a lot of arrows, the dumbasses. Skeleton protip- always wear a cloak. Protip to self: get a new cloak."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:08, Sun 13 Jan 2019.
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 7 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Sun 13 Jan 2019
at 10:40
  • msg #5

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Upon the death of his friend Skeles, by the hand of his own daughter. The realm came. To life with wrath and dissapointment. His eye that was the moon, saw it's vortex of shadow stretch across the surface leaving smaller amounts of light even on the full moon. The lake of shadowstuff that surrounded the Forlorn Castle turned flame upon her actions. Never to return until Bezaleel's rest was over. All of Erebus seemed to whail in discontent and anger it took some time indeed before this feeling queeled.

In torment he knew that Ophelia was his responsibility and that Skeles' blood was shed because of no other but himself. As the realm grew quiet so did Bezaleel. More apathetic now he accepted what happened, knowing that when he awoke it was the first he'd have to address. To his friends, and to Skeles. He hoped that he could keep the issue remaining between just them. That Skeles wouldn't run to the Pantheon they bared little like or trust for.

Then there was the Goddess who demanded his alliance. The very same one who led a campaign and taking of his lands. The hubris of gods were worse than mortals, he scoffed.

Though it begged him to question what it was exactly that was Antideath. To deny death from the living? To halt it's process. To stagnate death and allow life to continue. Some could argue that it'd be life itself, though, it is antideath, not the bringer of life. To kill death was a cause for concern. No, this could be no ally. It was as much of an enemy to the undead as it is to death. If there was no fear of death there would be no undead, there would be no true direction. The undead could still die, there was much proof of that. To cheat death is one thing, but kill death? It was folly. I wonder what Deekin would think of this? There should be no need to bother him with someone who would be a mutual enemy, I think I'll handle her myself.

Maybe it was time he woke up. It seems these years were more chaotic than he had hoped. With hardship and diversity they overtook adversity. Stretching their claws for the moon from the valley of the shadow of death they made themselves something new. Something strong and proud.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Sun 13 Jan 2019.
The Empress
GM, 309 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Sun 13 Jan 2019
at 16:17
  • msg #6

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

[Do you choose to exit Geogenesis, forestalling further progress in your realm? Twenty years have passed, and you must still decide whether to direct the welling essence or leave the Realm to develop as it chooses, and may Whisper to up to five individuals as you descend to your physical body.

Resuming Geogenesis in the future will cost an Essence to jumpstart the process.]

Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 16 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Sun 13 Jan 2019
at 22:10
  • msg #7

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Returning to his body. Bezaleel left more whispers to his children of the realm.  To both Ophelia and Saesin to meet him at his temple to await his awakening. Sending welcoming to Saint Anastasius as well as pride for his new magic.  Deciding it best to leave the welling Essences to themselves in the realm. He would leave this state for now.

Awakening in the temple of the Old Shadow, he looked upon the dark flame lit candle as he blinked. Stretching his limbs some and extending his power about in the room. The fountains of shadowstuff continued to poor endlessly around it. Looking around his silver vortex'd eyes caught where his shadow was. Grabbing it and lifting Leech up, he gazed at his sleeping demon. Deciding he'll probably wake up sometime soon, he released him back to his shadow.

Putting hands in his pockets, a tendril of shadow rose in front him, parting the tomb doors.

Walking out of the dark he greeted all who would watch his return. "There has been quite the uproar in my absence I see. Saesin, glad to see you as always." he smiled.

Looking to the other side at Ophelia... "I fear we must have a long talk, while I appreciate your efforts to quell my court and affairs. The betrayal of one of my allies and whom I consider a friend in my name is not only dishonorable to both me and you but insanely foully in thought."

Bezaleel had a look of disappointment upon his face until it sunk into his scarf only allowing his eyes to be seen. "As you know, I was warded by the council to protect you, but I fear I now must bring you to them for your crime. Such Aramanth is uncalled for, it was not in defense, or anything of the like. He would readily help my people, you, and myself, and was killed in my court on the premise of solving the problem anyway. While you are my daughter, and I do bare love for you. If it had been anyone else. I'd eat them where they stand."

Trying to remain calm the room started to darken and a fog of shadow hugged the floor, "Your lack of judgement was unwise, it would paint a target on our back by any who would be allies, leaving them to be suspicious and guarded. If it were an enemy I might feel more proud of your skill and cunning." even trying to find some sort of positive out of this situation only left him angrier.

Starting to boil with anger his body turned to flames and he spoke chillingly through his wraithed form. "I hope for your sake that I can mend this rift you've caused with Skeles, that I do not have to bring you to the Pantheon to answer your crimes. You are my responsibility and the actions you made are my weight as well. To protect you from such an action would make enemies of everyone I hold as allies on the tree, each and every life for both of us would eventually be whittled to nothing as the Pantheon itself would see us as an enemy with disregard for the current balance of Taeltresin." As Bezaleel spoke all of the light in the area disappeared as it choked with thick shadows, his body burning with flames and his silver eyes shinning with wrath through the darkness,

The darkness didn't just feel thick. It was heavy, confining, Ophelia could find she couldn't move or wriggle in it. Finally, Bezaleel's cap blew. "THE WRATH YOU HAVE WROUGHT FROM ME IS DISDAINFUL!!! YOU THINK YOURSELF STRONG OR INTELLIGENT FOR SUCH AN ACT? EVEN TAKING AWAY ANY VARIABLES OF HONOR OR FRIENDSHIP, IT WAS AN UNCALLED FOR ACTION IN WHICH YOU MUST NOW REAP THE PUNISHMENT FOR WHICH YOU SOWED YOURSELF! ARE YOU NOT AWARE THE SITUATION YOU CAUSED?!! DO YOU NOT KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OR DO YOU SIMPLY NOT CARE?!!" calming himself. He stilled the shadows and lights slowly faded in.

"The Pantheon may overlook the seriousness of the action considering your lack of knowing better. Though the sentence may still be a heavy one." Shaking his head Bezaleel pressed his thumb and finger to his nose as he shook his head.

Rubbing his face with his hands he continued to speak, "This realm, and what you do for it. Is appreciated. Erebus is my nest, one you are welcome in. One which is your birthright. But it is not your realm. This may be your home, but it is I who is it's master. It is lacking of kindness and joy. Full of hardships. You show such great promise in your growth as you stay here. Doing what you must I understand. But something so minor in which I promised to handle was something in which did not befit the betrayal of such a god as Skeles. I would rather make the other end my deal with the followers of purity and slay them all as promised than kill Skeles! Your actions do not equal or outweigh the cause!

Shaking his head again, he halted her from speaking more on the subject. "Now that it is out of the way, we will talk more about it later. I would know more on what all you have learned, what type of world and people you would want for yourself. What it is you drive for. Think about these questions and your actions."

Looking at Saesin, he changed topics, "For the time being though, it seems we have quite the unruly guest here in Erebus. Tell me, what are the number of losses we have sustained from the goddess of antideath and her campaign here. I want numbers of citizens, and soldiers, as well as what battalion they served in. I will greet this hubris personally."
The Empress
GM, 321 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 00:10
  • msg #8

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Ophelia opened her mouth, closed it. You could tell - she'd had an entire speech planned, but in the moment, she'd lost it. You were her father, and you were yelling at her. Tears welled in her eyes.

In a whirl of golden leaves and cold autumn light, she escaped from your shadows and flew out of the tomb without saying a word. A power she'd drawn from you, you knew.

"The Battered Blade's ghoul detachment sustained a loss of 458, about half the detachment. We lost two dozen citizens in the attack on the mining town, and perhaps a little over a hundred were taken captive." Saesin cracked a slight smile. "Your return is most welcome."

Then, you felt Ophelia's divine aura flare, standing above you over where the lake of shadow would be, before the main entry to the Forlorn Castle.

Erebus roared in your ears; the earth shook. She was doing something to the Realm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Mon 14 Jan 2019.
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 17 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 00:41
  • msg #9

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Shaking his head at her leave. He would have to save what else he'd tell her for later.

"Thank you Saesin. I want you to gather the Terror Guard and the elite unit of the Second Dead, they shall follow as an envoy . I want you to press the best shades we have into delving past their numbers. I want them into position of the captives so they may be freed and brought back safely. I want this done now. I will be waiting for you outside the castle gates when ready."

Crafting from the foggy shadow that trailed him, he pulled out a shadowed crow. Making a parchment was easy enough, it would have to be a bit lighter in coloration though. Holding it up with a tendril of shadow as the crow sat on his shoulder, Bezaleel pricked a finger with a claw, letting the blood drip to it's tip and then writing on it. It was informing the Goddess, that Bezaleel would be granting her an audience there. Rolling it up he pulled a ribbon from the fog and tied it to the crows ankle. Lifting it up it flew away to Bezaleel's destination.

Putting his hands in his pockets he sighed. Deciding it best to find Ophelia and continue where he left off. Bezaleel didn't want to yell at her. It happened though, but so did her murder of his friend. Lifting off, he floated through after her.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Mon 14 Jan 2019.
The Empress
GM, 324 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 02:32
  • msg #10

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

The bird took wing, message in talon, and Saesin bowed. It would be as you commanded.



Image:
Ophelia, Goddess of Harvest and Artifice

As you ascended and left the castle, you saw her - standing at the shore of the lake of shadow. Her back was towards you, and the quaking ceased.

She turned to face you. Her armor reflected pale white gold in the moonlight, her scythe glowing red with heat as if fresh from a blacksmith's furnace. Her eyes were reddened and still wet.

In her palm, was a white bead the size of a plum. Essence. The Essence you'd returned to Erebus.

"I am a god of harvest. I know how to draw fruit from the land."

She looked you hard in the eyes, across the distance between you. "Stop there, if you have any love for me."

She gathered her courage and resolve.

"You're stronger than me. Older. Wiser, maybe. I don't know. I was busy while you were gone. I found out - you were forced to create me with Mother. Mother tried to consume you afterward. The Pantheon had it all planned out. They used you. You were a pawn."

She slammed the butt of the scythe into the ground. "And here you are, still acting like one! Planning to bring your own daughter to stand trial before a tribunal of monsters for doing the same as they have countless times! Are you so afraid of the Pantheon you would make an enemy of me? A Goddess that knows your realm, knows your military, knows your defenses - who cares for your people - one loyal to you and you alone - out of fear? When did the god of shadows become so afraid of the dark?

She held up the essence. "You've got a choice here. I'm not going with you. You can try to force me. In that case, I crush this Essence in hand. I send Erebus into invasion defense mode. I go nova. I kill you, and drink your blood. While you're dead, I lead my Gilded Dead and with Erebus enraged, I reclaim the south. I eat the Antideath goddess too. Now I'm two ranks up. Yeah, you'll have one rank on me when you get back here. But you'll be down two lives, and I'll still be four up, and with the powers of three other gods giving me a little extra insurance. I wouldn't bet on your Artifacts being here for you, either."

She let out a breath - her shoulders fell from where she'd clenched them. Threatening you had been hard on her.

"That's the shitty daddy-killing option. Not the option I want. Second option - you talk to Skeles, Komatas, your other friends. We band together. THEN you tell the Pantheon, oh no, little Ophelia has gone and eaten Skeles and the Antideath girl! She's got to be stopped! They can probably see lies, but you won't be lying. They come down here - however many - AND then I tell Erebus it's murder time. Together we kill them. I eat them, since you're all squeamish. Now, through me, you've got a weapon. And you know their powers. You set up your own Pantheon with the upper hand and a victory in the bank."

She steeled herself, readying for combat.

"So what's it gonna be, Shadowdad? Are you going to be a pawn, or a God?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:00, Sat 19 Jan 2019.
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 18 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 02:58
  • msg #11

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Bezaleel cocked his head some. His ears feel forward and the silver band on his right shone silver in the moon light. His mouth hidden by his scarf as the wraps wafted through the air. Hands in pockets as his kusari-gama laid in his sash flapping about with his other loose garments. "I am no pawn. I do not fear the Pantheon as you say I do. But you are too blunt my child. A good plot lays in the shadows until the opportune moment to strike. You are young, bridle with energy and are too ready to reap the harvest when it is not ripe or the crops full. I don't want to turn you to the Pantheon because of what you did, or out of fear. I detest Vex and your mother and the fact that the ruling of them is throw the lives of those that are not their own around. The fact of the matter is, you killed Skeles for a handful of mortals who made a deal with me. One I was to handle. I'd rather you slay them in my court than he. You would press yourself against all of creation because of a lapse of better judgment. Do you not hear yourself? You fear being punished more than anything else. Admit your wrongs and move forward from them. I apologize for yelling at you. But do not threaten me, I am not making an enemy of you. You are trying to make an enemy out of me, and everyone else."

"I may be stronger, but if you turned the whole realm of Erebus against me and used all you had at your disposal and the essence. You wouldn't get a single drop of my blood. You couldn't even kill a single member of the pantheon if you drank all of our bloods. They have more than thousands of years with dealing with God's ploying their deaths. Yet here they stand. That is for a reason. I do not fear them I Will say again. But you underestimate the foe you hold in your eyes. You should always overestimate them to a perfection and come up with a way to leave your foe in desolation in every single possible way with no inch for victory. Especially when you have a number that branches all of Taeltresin.

Stretching his arm out with an open hand to her he did not take a step. "Do not make such a large ultimatum over something like this. Return the essence to the land of Erebus. I want you to come with me to meet the Goddess of Antideath. The one who wishes to kill death. I shall show you how I do things."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Mon 14 Jan 2019.
The Empress
GM, 328 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 04:05
  • msg #12

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

She hesitated, her hand clenched tight around the essence. The she reached a decision - the living metal flower back into just right arm, the blade of her scythe flowing with the metal to rest on her back.

She knelt, and gently returned the essence to the realm.

Then she ran to you, ignoring your hand, and embraced you tightly, her sobbing muffled by your scarf.

"Okay."

She loosened the embrace so she could talk. "I didn't kill Skeles for them. I killed Skeles because I wanted his domain, because I needed power to protect Erebus, and he . . .  is very easy to trick. Mother is evil, and the Pantheon is evil, and the weak and the good are just going to be killed if they don't play the game. I needed to know that I could kill in cold blood. I might be a monster, but I'm always going to be your daughter. And you have to love me no matter what. It's the .  . the only way we'll get to be free."
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 19 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 04:21
  • msg #13

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Bezaleel almost instinctively turned incorpreal as she rushed him. But didn't last second. Wrapping his arms around her he patted her head. "It's okay. I understand, I don't want you to be like them either. I understand the need to be strong to protect what you hold dear. Killing one as innocent and kind as Skeles was cold, and while booning in strength. If practiced and done doesn't make you better than what you consider evil. Those who are good or pure need to be more cunning and stronger than those who would target their back. I do love you daughter. That is why I will do all I can to set these actions straight. It is my responsibility as much as it is yours. But when the time dawns. You will have to reap what you sowed. It is always best to remember to make as little enemies as possible. Use them all to your advantage. It's better to be a leader of a pack rather than a lone wolf. It's easier to take down bigger prey."

Petting his daughter's hair some. He willed the ground to make a beautiful black rose with silver linings at the end of the petals. Clipping the stem with his claw he placed it in Ophelia's hair. "Besides, I am a monster myself. I am the bump in the night after all. What sort of parent would I be if I didn't love my little monster?" giving Ophelia a light kiss on the forehead his cold lips parted from her warm skin.

"Now, Saesin should be waiting by the gates by now. We will meet with this goddess. I have been giving it some thought though my child. But I was wondering if you were happy here in Erebus. Despite it's dark and decrepit features. And if you have given any thought as to what you would want your own world to be like?" walking along with Ophelia he made it to the gates.
The Empress
GM, 336 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 22:37
  • msg #14

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

She smiled at the flower. "I'll win you over to loving gold someday."

As you were walking, you asked her about her preferences. "I want a world like Erebus, If I can't stay here with you. I just want more elegance, more beauty. I want a golden moon, and fields of silvery wheat, and rivers of shadow. I want . . . a world of the undead, but the honored kind, with gorgeous graveyards and lilting dirges and the dead all in their finery. I want soldiers in smart uniforms with glinting steel and warm brass. That's how I'd make Erebus look, if I could. Undeath should be a shadow of life, not a distortion of death."

She was quiet. "I need to fix things with Skeles, I'm sorry, I need to go. I'll be right back, I promise."

She stepped through a portal and left as you came into sight of Saesin.

"Willful, isn't she." said Saesin at the gates. "She'll be back. How are we going to approach the matter of the South?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Mon 14 Jan 2019.
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 28 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Mon 14 Jan 2019
at 22:52
  • msg #15

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Laughing, he shook his head, "Gold will never be my color. It's too full of light and shining."

Bezaleel patted his child. Seeming quite proud of the way he influenced her. He had thought it would be most wildly different than his,  but it isn't too far off. It'd be a place he'd visit. That is for sure.

Nodding some at Ophelia he nodded, "Be safe and full of wit then my child."

Looking at Saesin, he nodded, "Indeed, and quite the handful. We shall head off to meet her. You shall announce my presence, and I will grant her audience.  I want to see what powers she possess, what all her intentions are, as well as any items of power.  You shall escort my shadow, I will puppet it, and speak through it. If I find her lacking or a threat. I'll kill and eat her, send her to meet the Death she so seeks to kill. But she will not meet him."

Sinking into the ground an exact copy of himself rose up from his shadow. It spoke to Saesin for him, "Now. Let us leave."
The Empress
GM, 343 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Tue 15 Jan 2019
at 00:48
  • msg #16

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

A portal opened, and she was back, halfway along your journey to the South.

Well, someone was.

Ophelia was changed. Her skin look curiously like a masterfully crafted doll, even as the living marble of her broke into a grin. The iris of her eyes was gold leaf, and molten gold shone through cracks in the living marble and in the veins beneath her marble-skin - just as magma had shown through the rocky skin of Skeles.

Her hair was metallic, but flowed just like hair. She was taller, as well - nearly of a height of with Bezaleel, a few inches shorter.

"I - I fixed things with Skeles. He said turning me into the pantheon didn't do him any good, but that if I wanted to things up to him, there was a way. He wanted to conduct an experiment. With enough essence . . Komatas was there too, helping . . he could make something that could make an alloy of gods. He said there was something vicious in me, and that's what really concerned him, because I was acting like the Pantheon. And . .  he said that what I did, the Tree doesn't like, that the Tree would punish me in time anyway. Unless something was done."

She bit her stone lip, which reacted just as skin would. It was like she was a hundred thousand sculptures, every one of them beautiful, and her movement was just her moving between variants. It was the perfect stillness of her body when she wasn't intentionally moving.

"So Komatas and Skeles, they made this thing with Essence, it was like a forge. He said that if I wanted to make up for what I'd done, really make up for it, I had to be changed. I went in. I felt like . . like I was drowning and being burned alive at the same time. Then as I . . . felt like I was going to die . . they pulled me out. The machine forge thing broke down right after."

She looked down at herself. "So. I guess . . . I'm different now. They gave me a new name. Komatas came up with it. Saraphine. Or Sara for short. It means I'm glowing and fiery."

"I'm the goddess of the Harvest, Sanctity, and the Slain. He took back his Artifice domain at same time he was 'alloying' me with him a Komatas. Or maybe I never had it. I'm just . . . going by my powers, and how I feel. He took back Forgebane too."

Her left arm was entirely gold, now, and was still shaped like a lithe bit of armor.

"So. I made amends. I'm not sure I like the name they gave me though. Do you want to call me Sara, or Ophelia?"
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 31 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Tue 15 Jan 2019
at 02:21
  • msg #17

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Raising up out of the shadows as Ophelia returned, his double remained in place complacent.

Bezaleel had a sort of a pained look at he gazed upon Ophelia. "Oh, what has happened to you, my child?" touching her cheek with his hands his facial expression remained still and unmoved.

Moving his hand back he brushed her hair back behind her ear. "I see you finally made me see the beauty in gold when it covers you so." his ears fell as he spoke and a more saddened look came upon his face.

Ghost Shroud flapped softly with the wind, exposing a soft smile on his face. "I don't quite like Saraphine. If you feel you are different and must find yourself a new name. May it be one you make for yourself instead. I suppose that will just be her nickname for you. I'll call you whatever you prefer, daughter."

Lifting his hand again he patted her head gently. "I am glad that amends where made at the very least. Come now though, have strength of heart from this humbling experience. It is time to see to the future from these events."

Turning around he started to walk next to Saesin. The shadows twisted and turned. From the thriving pool of shade arose a living shadow. A beautiful black horse with glowing white eyes. Barded with full plate armor decorated in golden runes and chainmail. Flowing clothes embroidered with gold and a saddle ontop of the padded cloth. His double moving and mounting the horse.

Looking back at Ophelia he nodded for her to come this way. Grabbing her by the waist he lifted her up ontop to ride with his double. By the time she went to gaze at Bezaleel, he had already disappeared into the shadows. The double turning his head and smiling at her, "Well, what shall you name your steed?

-50 souls for special unit Shadow War-Horse
The Empress
GM, 349 posts
Hopeless Romantic
Tue 15 Jan 2019
at 03:01
  • msg #18

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

As you touched her cheek, there was a flare of divine power. Her cheek softened - returned to being flesh. The gold faded from her eyes. Her hair returned to its natural hue, adorned with ever-present flowers.

She blinked. "Oh . .  I see. It's as if my powers are cards, and I can only hold so many at a time. When I'm using the abilities that were . .  alloyed to me . . . I echo the god I got them from, and I can't use some of my own powers. When I'm just using my stuff, I'm just me."

She still had the golden gauntlet. "I'll keep this one going - Komatas' power. It's minor, but it doubles the effectiveness of any physical armor I wear. Could you make me some, from shadow? So we look alike?" She said, as she swung up onto the warhorse. "And maybe fix my scythe? It's still broken, since I don't have Forgebane to act as a haft. It's my own Artifact - it cuts through anything like it's flesh, whether I'm cutting steel or shadow. I call it Hunter's Moon. Only the blade is an artifact . . that way I can remake it into a sickle, or maybe into one of the weird weapons you use."

She patted the horse. "I'll name him Sable. And keep calling me Ophelia, please."


Your double arrived in the south, where a pitched white tent marked the agreed meeting spot, in the middle of an old battlefield, with the enemy army's campfires massed - well over a thousand fires.

Ophelia's eyes turned golden. "1600 campfires. This isn't the bulk of their force, and - hm. The way the fires are positioned, it's a little too orderly, and that number is too exact. Real soldiers aren't that neat. I think she's lighting more fires than necessary to make her numbers seem larger." Her eyes returned to normal.

Saesin smiled from her own horse. "Perhaps you will be useful to the Shadows."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:08, Tue 15 Jan 2019.
Bezaleel Shades
Shadows, 33 posts
The Endless Night
Eclipse of the Moon
Tue 15 Jan 2019
at 03:28
  • msg #19

RP-T BEZALEEL: Erebus, the Age of Night

Lifting his hand, shadows mimicked a wooden haft for her scythe Hunter's Moon. Condensing the shadows he smithed them with his control.

Flowing off of his double a thick shadows trailed around Ophelia's body. Slowly with time they condensed into shadowed metal, cloth, and leather. A set matching quite much to his own. Instead of silver accents though, it laid bare with black. Ready to be changed to gold in the areas later. "If that is what you wish my child. I had believed you thought it tacky if I remember" he teased.

Touching her scythe's blade he shook his head some, "I fear that my weapons wouldn't suit you. It would take a long time of practice to master them and make them useful. They are... Quite exotic even among the gods."

Looking at the fires his eyes tightened and opened gaging them all and the numbers. Nodding at Saesin's remark he agreed, "Her other bulk of soldiers aren't here. She wants to show them off to be intimidating and that she has a stronger force with her. The rest are probably holding the lands and positions necessary for her hold here in Erebus. That or in places ready to strike incase this isn't agreeable. There was not near enough time to move enough forces as she'd like, my audience comes to quick for her to prepare properly."

His double smiling and chuckling some, Bezaleel spoke to those around him. "Remember, do not attack or speak out. Until my word otherwise. I will handle this. It is time we announce our presence and that what seeks is here."

His eyes widened until the silver turned into slits. The moon of the realm tightened with shadows, eclipsing it's light. Fogs of shadow creeped from the ground and forests. The fires they held at the camps. Eventually snuffed entirely. The area ahead grew colder than usual as the chill of undeath became apparent.

Ahead of them in the field, the fog hugged closer to the ground allowing them to be more visible. Stone arose from the ground shadows formed into braizers and dark flames lite, shining like stars in the bleak area. Walking forward in the field on the horse with Ophelia, Bezaleel announced himself aloud. "COME, MARILLA, GODDESS OF ANTIDEATH, HEIR TO THE GREENFATHER. I BEZALEEL, THE LIGHTBANE AND WRATH OF NOOR, AM HERE TO HERE TO GRANT YOU AUDIENCE."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Tue 15 Jan 2019.
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