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E1Alpha
07-16-2012, 09:56 AM
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"The light shall cleanse and purify all who stand before us, so that we may forge a united kingdom in honor of the light that guides and protects us."

Said to be the vanquisher of all that is evil, The Sacred One, an ascended human being that became a demi-god, wishes to rid Deiranar of its filth, and unite it all under his banner of peace and enlightenment. With this ideal, he created Archeos, a city state which is adorned by countless shrines and temples to the holy and sacred light. This light has a name, however. It rests by The Sacred One’s side in the form of the Soul Orb of Alu’Terasa, the Radiant Vindicator. His essence is one of light and purity, and now awakened by The Sacred One, it seeks to spread at his command, to create a pure world, which may last forever, through all centuries. Because of all this, Archeos is the only kingdom to have discovered the ability to wield the light as a weapon, and forged their own elite paladin order; the Archain Lords.

The church bells of the sacred city of Archeos rang loud and clear. Doves arose from the holy capital as the paladin order marched down the streets. Crowds stood along the side of the street, waving the paladin order farewell as they marched to battle, to fight for the righteous light of Alu’terasa.

A top the gate leading out of the gate of the sacred city, a knight stood, his armor the brightest white as his skeletal hands held a blade, pressed with the tip against the stone surface of the gate he stood on. Orion had watched countless men march into battle, and saw many of them fall in turn. He silently watched the parade make its exit, as he was joined by another white knight, who donned a blue cloak and wore a spiked helmet. “Reliving your memories, Orion?” The undead paladin had his gaze locked on the scene below him, as he spoke without his skeletal mouth moving: “I merely wished to see the brave walk towards their fate. And the fate of our enemies.” Orion’s voice echoed on itself, giving him a more harrowing effect than his appearance already presented. “Should you not join these men, Palion?” The white knight smirked below his helmet as he looked down at the soldiers, his armor jolting with a spark of white lightning every now and then. “I should, yes… But it is not I who leads these forces.” The paladin turned his empty gaze to the knight, obviously surprised. “Then who?”

Palion raised his hand as he beckoned to the mounted forces of the parade, where one horse was standing out like a sore thumb. Adorned with gold, silver and white silk, the horse’s rider was a woman. But not any woman, it was no other than the queen of Archeos herself, Nayamee.
Orion let out an understanding ‘aah’. “So… The time has come then… The promised age draws near, and the time of reckoning has come.” The two knights gazed down at the scene, before looking up at the palace where the Sacred One resided. Palion was soon to speak up. “Our judgement shall purge the wicked. Our fervor shall cleanse the foul. Our purity shall banish the darkness…” He paused as the lightning infused in his armor jolted to his hand, forming a blade of pure energy. “… And our retribution shall break those who stand against the light.” Orion maintained his posture, gazing out at the palace, before speaking up to fill in Palion’s speech. “May the light of Alu’terasa have mercy on foes, for we shall not.” With those words, Palion took his leave, as Orion remained behind to contemplate on his own.

“The monsters of Disgeran… The foolish of Aeregos… The stubborn of Leongarde… The selfish of Firanos… By the light that sustains my immortal form, they shall fall.” Orion lowered his head again, before raising his blade as he marched away.

In the palace of Archeos, the Sacred One was locked in deep prayer, kneeling before the statue of a winged paladin, with an orb held in his hands. Orion entered the palace and kneeling. “Your holiness… The time has come, has it not?” The armored paladin rose to his feet and nodded silently, before his voice echoed through the hall they were in. “This land has known darkness for far too long. The time has come for us to bring this to an end. My love shall march to reclaim Cayanas, while I sent Ilea ahead to Disgeran. Palion shall in the meantime conquer Aeregos and show them the light.” The paladin walked up to the undead paladin, who remained kneeled. “Orion. My most loyal soldier of all. I wish of you to go to Disgeran… But I want you to secure Meron Pinnacle on the way there. It is an asset we cannot miss.” The undead paladin nodded as he rose to his feet again. “It shall be as you desire, my lord.” The paladin then left the palace, knowing his duty, he would not fail. The light would be victorious, the light always was.


With the joyous noise of trumpets and drums, row after row of paladins marched into the holy city of Archeos. Spearheading the parade, was the queen of Archeos, Nayamee. News of her victory had spread like wildfire, as well as appearance of a divine being on the field. One was truly blessed amongst those soldiers. With the news of the divine appearance, all turned their eyes to the Chosen One, who stood proudly before the gates of his palace, accompanied by none other than Palion, the Blade of Retribution.
Kneeling before her beloved, Nayamee spoke up, just barely hearable as the trumpets and drums still played fervently. “Cayanas has been secured for our sacred cause, my dearest.” The Chosen One nodded silently as Nayamee rose up and stood beside her beloved, who stepped forward and raised his hand to gesture immediate silence. The trumpets and drums promptly halted, as well as the cheering of crowds, as nothing but the wind would stroke the ears of all in the city.

“Alu’Terasa has smiled down upon us today. Your queen has secured the lands of Cayanas for our cause, by the will of his divine light. Not only has she protected those who showed the bravery to face our opponents, but she has also shown enlightenment to many of our former enemies. Accept them amongst us, for they have been shown the path to follow. They have learned of the divine will of Alu’Terasa, and it is by their hand that we have achieved victory!”

With that, the trumpets and drums began playing once more as festivities erupted in the city’s streets. The Aeregosian warriors who willingly followed the paladins were welcomed amongst the population. Amongst them was Zilong, the one who brought Aeregos’ ultimate defeat to bare. He was waving at the crowds as proud as any man would be.

The Chosen One however walked up to Palion. “Bring me the one who gave his men to us. Who gave Cayanas to us.” With that, he proceeded into his palace, accompanied by Nayamee.
Palion silently made his way down through the crowds, in search of the man known as Zhao Zilong.
Once he found him amongst the crowd, he rested a firm hand on the man’s shoulder. “You. His holiness demands your presence. If you could follow me, please.” Zilong nodded respectfully as he followed the man into the palace and through the high, prestigious hallways. The palace’s insides looked more like the halls of a church than a royal living area.
Guiding the man to a large door, the paladin opened the door for him and stepped aside.
The door led to a large balcony, decorated with various statues of holy origin. On the end of the balcony, The Chosen One stood, looking down upon his city.
Zilong approached him and dropped to his knee, resting his fist on the other knee. "My Lord, it is an honor to meet the spouse of the Benevolent and Beautiful Lady Nayamee. My name is Zhao Zilong, but you most likely know me as 'The Sleeping Dragon'. What is it that you wish of me, My Lord?"

The paladin turned around as he set his gaze upon the Aeregosian, stepping up to him with his arms folded behind his back. "The Sleeping Dragon. I have heard rumors about you. To think you betray your own kind." His voice had a hint of sarcasm to it. "I am glad you have come to realize the wrong path you were walking. However..." He walked over to the balcony again, gazing over the city once more. "You are a traitor. You sold your own kind. As such, you cannot be trusted... yet. How do you intend to prove your new loyalty?"
With a tone that indicated a feeling of being insulted, Zilong provided the Chosen One with an answer. "My own kind? I think not. Kaburi was a cruel barbarian. I left them because I saw how pure Nayamee was. The Empress of Aeregos tricked me. I only joined them because I thought they would lead the world to one ruled by benevolence, I was wrong. That is where Nayamee came in. I saw my error, and I corrected it. I will prove my loyalty by doing my duty. That is all one can ask of a man. I will not beg or plead. Nor will I make wild promises that I may not be able to keep. But, as long as benevolence guides Archeos, I will fight for her."

"Is that so?" The paladin placed his hands on the fencing around the balcony, gazing down at the festivities in the street. "Very well then. I will be counting on you to permanently disturb the Aeregosian fools."
He rose his hand, pointing over where the Paladin Grove was. "One of your former kin has assaulted a sacred shrine of our greatest warrior, The Eternal Crusader. In that shrine, a chalice was located. That chalice is the source of that warrior's very life essence. We cannot risk leaving the chalice in the hands of that empress, blinded by the ego of her own bloodline."
He turned to the warrior again. "I shall accept you as one of us, when we march into the hills of Aeregos and bring her bloodline to a definite end."
He promptly turned to his city again. "I will be keeping my eye on you. Now go and join your brethren down in the streets."

As the Chosen One said this, Nayamee came walking in, wearing a gleaming white gown, accompanied by a veil covering her hair. Apparently, that was her clothing she wore when not in public. Hardly disturbed by the queen’s entrance, Zilong continued. "I shall do this, my lord, but I suggest that we weaken them by attacking their outer holdings. Also, I have a request. The men I have brought with me have families still in Aeregos, and they will not be able to fight their hardest if they are worrying about their loved ones. I would ask that you send teams to bring their families over the border. I also have a student that is very dear to me, almost like a daughter. I also ask that you allow me to take a small team to infiltrate my mansion and bring her to Aeregos. She is young, but will be a good addition to our cause."

If his face was not hidden behind his helmet, the Chosen One would have been visibly frowning at the man at his tone towards him. He let out a sigh, but before he could speak up, Nayamee interrupted.
"These poor souls should not suffer under the blind rule of this empress. My love, I believe more allies from Aeregos may be capable to aid us much better."

Grunting, the Chosen One gazed down at Zilong. "We cannot risk countless lives of our men to rescue those people. If we are to get them within our borders, we shall expand our borders to the remaining lands under the control of Aeregos. Regarding your pupil however. If you knew her wherabouts, I shall dispatch some of my own soldiers to aid you. We will not make this a habit, though. Until our rule over this land is secured, we cannot take many risks, or it shall get in our way. Now... Take your leave. My beloved and I must discuss coming matters. Palion shall escort you out."
The afore mentioned paladin was already waiting for the Aeregosian warrior, who gave the Chosen One a final nod and then continued to follow the paladin outside.

Once they were left alone, the royal couple turned to the city beneath them. For minutes, they remained in silence, gazing at their celebrating denizens. Finally, Nayamee decided to take word. “My love? Have we received any word from Ilea?” The Chosen One shook his head once. “Ilea is not one to give notice of her actions. Her mission is clear to her, though. The temptress shall not live long after Ilea has set her sights on her. Now… How goes the situation in Cayanas?” Nayamee smiled softly. “Our loyal followers, both Archeon and Aeregosian are bolstering our defenses there. The Aeregosians shall not take us by surprise.” The Chosen One nodded slowly, gazing about. “Orion must act cautious… We shall keep him within our walls. Order Palion to mobilize his forces. We have secured Cayanas, now we must secure a front line near Disgeran aswell. We shall take the Meron Pinnacle, before the cursed can do so.” Nayamee nodded softly. “I will do so, my dear.” With that, Nayamee left The Chosen One.
Something was brewing, something dark. It had to be Disgeran, it could not be anything else. They are the only true filth of the world, but what of the fog that loomed at the horizon, far above the ocean. The fog was growing. They would find out soon enough if Disgeran was indeed their one, true enemy.

A door slides open as a tall man carrying a sword enters a poorly lit room with the sound of crickets chirping sharply outside. Following behind him is a bruise faced woman, her wrists shackled together with skin showing the red marks signifying the uncomfortable tightly adjust cuffs. As she opens her eyes she is greeted with a strange sight that brings her a bit of joy despite the situation. Dressed in fairly fine garb is being covered in green scales with a very absurd appearance. However this is not where her happiness stems from, instead this is brought about via the pitcher of water and loaf of bread that is carefully placed upon the table. Loosely set is a single chair on her side while the strange one is merely standing watching her every movement.

The girl in question was an Archeos, a young girl of 19. Though she had not been treated particularly well she had not been treated as bad as she might have feared. Shani was very much happy to see the bread and water but she tried her best not to show how much she longed for it and she willed her body not to give her away. The man that watched her seemed keen and despite her poor state and bruised body she made herself stand at her full size, though not much could be said for the small girls height. This was a sort of battle why treat it any differently? She could not afford to be as she was around her own, besides these where not her superiors nor her friends.

"Please take a seat Miss." He loomed over the food casting a dark shadow upon it despite the fact that the room was already dimly lit. With no light behind him this seemed very out of place to her especially as she witnessed the darkness slightly crawl. The feeling of almost forbidding crept on the girl, the shadow was the reason of her fear but she still did not know why she so feared the dark and what lurked inside of it. However, she was not given much of a choice on the invitation to sit. More or less forced back into the chair where she remained. Upon her seating his right hand traced its way across the table dancing about and stopping between her and the meal. With just one finger he seemed to prod at the wood while cocking his head and looking down upon her. His voice was fairly hushed, "Now then Miss how has your stay been? Are you well accommodated?"

Shani peered up at the man through her short bangs her darker eyes narrowing at the man as he spoke. Was this some kind of tease a joke, could he not see her? however. "For one held against her will?" she asked coldly "well enough even if she would rather die than be in the hands of a serpent." He shook his head at her and made a slight clicking noise. "There is no need to be hostile Miss. While this is not a happy situation we must make the best of it." Oko broke off a piece of bread that was quite small and held it up near to his nose taking a large whiff. "Such a fresh product the people can make wouldn't you agree? Whenever I smell such food I wonder if perhaps my senses are leading me to disappointment." He held it out in front of her. "Don't you ever feel misled?"

The girl looked at the bread though hungry she made no move to take it. Why would they offer a prisoner such a thing? Other then to take it away from their lips before they could eat. "Why do you ask such a question?" she asked casting her gaze away from the tempting offer of food before her. "Does it look as if I feel misled?" hostile indeed she had expected at least a hit for that remark what was staying their hands now? The fact that she was a women had not. The serpent like man smiled at her and placed the bread on the table leaning back while standing. Both of his arms folded over one another behind him causing his chest to puff out. "Miss we are all misled at one point or another. The question is whether we will seek the truth or ignore it." His head turned away as he looked at one of the windows. "Will you now cooperate with us? May I help you in finding the truth?"

"You ask me this and yet I've told them I will not, do you think simply changing the man who questions me will change my mind?" she demanded glancing up at man. He himself was less hostile and demanding than the others that had tried but if they thought a gentler approach would make her spill to them, then they where wrong. She looked at the bread and then cast her eyes down to the floor again. "I know the truth of my heart and that's what I will follow." He placed his hand gently on the table flattening it out with fingers spread. The cloth of his gloves wrinkled slightly showing some of the design's imperfections. With his mouth shut he merely gazed upon her intently as words seemed to form out of nowhere. "The truth and the heart are not what mix together child. That is your faith which is admirable but perhaps misguided." Now his jaw clenched slightly before speaking overtly unlike the moment previous. "Yes they've asked me to speak with you. Often when one path is blocked either a new one is found or forged. It would be foolish of them to simply look at a wall wouldn't it be? While others perhaps demand things of you I will listen to your words Miss. Even if I do not wish to hear it I shall." His shadow reeled backwards forming behind him upon the ground.

Shani's eyes widened and she gave a slight jerk at the words she heard but not from the man's lips even as she glanced up at him his intent stare caught her. Both fear and shock plain across the girl's face. She seemed pale. It took a moment and a bit of swallowing to bring the wetness back to her mouth and to compose herself though she was still shaky. "I have nothing to say." The serpent chuckles and leans in towards her. "I think you are mistaken Miss, you do have something to say. You just aren't speaking." He pushed the water towards her slowly letting the sound of it churning reach her ears. "You perhaps are too parched to let loose your tongue? If you would tell me your name I could spare the wait and allow your thirst quenching at this moment."

The girl stared at the water, it was so very tempting almost overwhelming. Just her name? She could... the girl bowed her head struggling for a moment. "I dare not tell you my name should your lips taint it when you speak it..." she said finely. Oko smiled at her in a manner that would be considered warm if it were not for his repulsive appearance. "Then I will not say your name. Though where your hatred of me stems from is not to my understanding. It's not as if I'm the one who killed your Queen." His hand slipped to the back of the pitcher grabbing at it and suddenly pulling it back towards him away from her. "I'm not asking much of you Miss. Nothing more than what a stranger might ask of another politely."

The girl tensed at the mention of her queen dead. "Lies... she cannot be touched..." this was said helplessly but with an most determined tone. She could not believe it, she would not! The water presented itself to her followed by a whisper in her ear, "Drink." Now that the pitcher was in her reach the Aeregos man nodded to the guard while now resting both hands upon the table again. He seemed to be framing the bread which was beneath his chest now. "You have no reason to trust my words Miss so no matter what reassurance I can give you to the validity of my statement there will be no peace of mind. However I do offer you this sentiment." His left hand was now placed daintily upon his chest. "You people do have my deepest regards. Losing an idol is terrible for all."

The girl made a sound that only spoke of annoyance. "You mock me..." she refused to drink, eat they could force her if they liked but she would leave this place dead or alive. Nayamee dead? was it at all possible? part of her doubted both herself and his words. What was she to do? She would not roll over to them, had she hope to escape? Rescue, no who would rescue some one with no name to herself? His words seemed to be spoken slowly now. "I do not mock that which I do not understand Miss. The water is yours. Should you wish to get your bread all you must do is let me know your name. How do you expect people to wish to listen to you if you won't even share such a little part of yourself?"

"Why should I?" She challenged "I do not want to be listened to, for I have nothing to say to you, if at all. I wish to be released or dead as I should have been upon the battle field. You expect me to tell you anything you can use against me or the people who gave me a home when I had no other? Would you not do the same as I should an enemy take you?" Oko pulled back slightly placing a finger upon his rubbing it. "Were I to be captured I'd more than likely be more polite than you have been to me." His head tilted left and right in though. "I'd probably feed them false information while lacing it within the truth to mislead them. Rather than just accomplishing nothing by a lack of words I'd assist my people. If the enemy was smart enough they could perceive the false words though even then they would have nothing still." The digit was removed from his face and instead pointed in her direction while bent downwards due to their positions. "I've never expected anything of you Miss, I'm just here for a conversation."

The girl was silent as she gazed up at him, at his finger and then his face. "I tell no lie nor am I artful in the way of deceiving I leave this to the monsters of the dark lands, Disgeran." she said in a low tone, a shudder running through her frame at the name. "Therefor I remain in silence and respect only those who earn it from me." The Serpent's hand was once again upon the table with digits spread fairly close to Shani. He head was cocked to the right while he looked upon her with kind disgusting eyes. "Thank you for realizing the true darkness here Miss. While we may not be on sides that are on friendly terms I'd never forget what is really at stake should those to the South take hold. If we were to win your people would still live and their culture could survive. If they win it will be destroyed along with everyone you know and love." As he pulled away Oko picked up the bread and let it lay flat right in front of her. "You have earned these for your words Miss. I do not mock you nor do I wish for you to feel lesser than me by affording you the necessities. Death is not something I seek nor will I warrant it from negligence."

The girl listened staring intently at the bread very much confused by this man's words and actions. Not once had she been punished for lack of information. Not only this he gave her bred for acknowledging darkness. He was far kinder then the others at least on the surface but she had to remind herself maybe it was all a ploy. She had never been in a situation like this before there was no one here she could trust but yet this man, serpent, before her offered her bread and water. She though was still not sure if it would be safe to take what was offered her, uncertain and fearful she simply stared. The interrogator walked around the table standing besides her and looking down. With the dim lighting and heavy shadows now showing upon his face it caused his eyes to stand out strongly. "I can see that you've had enough for today Miss. I shall leave you then to reflect on the state of this world and our people. Perhaps next time I can get your name." He bowed lightly since their proximity did not allow him to fully lower himself.

Oko turned away now nodding to the guard who followed behind him as he walked out of the room with whispered words finding their way into her ears, "Okotshuchin." As they left two more guards appeared a man and a woman. They were to escort Shani back to her holding place after she had finished her humble meal. The guard with the serpent shook his head at the man, "You didn't get a damn thing out of her other than that they are a stubborn people. We already knew that." Rather than agree Oko merely let out a light chuckle. "Gave me nothing? She gave me enough. When you force one to defend they will try to protect whatever is vital to them. Fortunately for the attacker this also highlights just what is worth striking. Perhaps she won't survive the trials ahead but at least we will have an idea of how to break the Archeos will so that we may mold their minds to do our bidding." The shadow of his finally was within the correct spot trailing just behind the man as he walked through the halls triumphantly.
Complete silence hung in the war hall inside Archeos’ palace. Paladins of various branches of the order sat around a large table, including Orion. The immortal warrior had recovered from the initial shock of having the artifact that secures his existence stolen. His harrowing presence now once more decorated the Archeon war hall, but like the others, he had nothing to say.
After a couple of very awkward minutes of complete silence, the large door in the back swayed open, as the Sacred One emerged, marching towards the table. In rapid response, the paladins all stood up and bowed, remaining in this position. The Sacred One stood by his own decorated seat, slowly sitting down again. “Be seated.” The men and women in the chamber responded promptly, as once more, the same harrowing silence filled the chamber.

Finally, the Sacred One took the initiative: “So… Both Palion and my dearest Nayamee have fallen? And we have lost our most sacred glade?” None of the men answered, but the expressions in their eyes said more than enough. The Sacred One nodded to this, letting out a deep sigh. “Looking at you all… Do you truly deem this reason and give up your faith? Have you all lost hope that Alu’Terasa would guide us to victory?” His words burned in the ears of everyone in the chamber, safe for Orion. He had already faced death once before, and as such he knew better than to let it doubt his faith, before pushing himself. “Your holyness, if I may.” The undead paladin begun, turning to the men and women in the room. “Was this how you, the greatest warriors of Archeos were when I fell in battle? When I died a glorious death? No. You kept holding on to your faith. Our queen has left this plane, but her heart still beats in this glorious kingdom. She now rests with Alu’Terasa himself. And she shall guide our hand to avenge her death. And keep holding on to your hopes, for one day, she may join us once more!” The men and women flourished. He was speaking the truth. When Orion died, it seemed hopeless, but they kept on fighting, and their famed warrior returned to them. To give up now, is to bring disgrace to their fallen queen.

With these thoughts now fueling the commanders in the chamber, Orion took his seat again, before the Sacred One pushed himself up. “We shall not surrender. We shall not be beaten into submission by those who are blind to the truth of our cause. We shall never tire, nor falter. We shall fight on, until our legs have been shattered, until our blades lie broken, until our shields have stopped all they could and until Alu’Terasa welcomes him in his warming presence!” The commanders stood up, crying out in unison. “For the Untouchable Grace! And for Alu’Terasa!”
Almost instantly after, the Sacred One took a more decisive stance to it. “Ranger-General Dawnwind, take your longbows and beat back that Aeregosian filth from our glade. General Orephon, move into the Meron Pinnacle with your forces and take Palion’s position. And Commander Goldfelt, take your men and go to Cayanas. This encroaching mist must not threaten our lands. Orion has regained enough strength to fight. He shall join you.” Those he spoke to nodded firmly, bowing to their leader, before taking their leave, along with Orion. The other paladins left the room aswell.

After a moment, the Sacred One turned to leave the chamber, heading back to his private quarters. “Nayamee. I sense your presence in these halls. All may not be lost yet. The men will fight on with this knowledge. I know you shall fulfill your duty, and keep their faith in us strong.” With that, he retreated into his chamber, to have a moment for himself.


ndles flickered around the walls of the war hall as the paladins of Archeos sat in silence. Outside the sun slowly disappeared below the horizon, darkness eagerly claiming back the land for the long night ahead. Of all the paladins sitting at the long table, alone Orion stood, facing the Sacred One who sat at the opposite end of the table. All those in the room could feel the change in the atmosphere. It was not one of anger or joy, but of sadness. Never before had the great war hall felt so empty, so many of its seats were now empty.

The Sacred one leant forward, clasping his hands together and resting them on the table before he spoke, “You return alone Orion, with half the force that was sent with you to Cayanas. I see a dark fog on the horizon, encompassing the high peaks that were once visible for miles around. The light from the north has been lost.”

“Godfelt fell on the field of battle to one of the Ekro avians, while rallying our troops from the brink of collapse.” Orion replied, his voice monotone as he relayed the news. “I ordered a retreat rather than let our soldier’s morale crumble after his death fighting a foe who was a perfect counter to us. Cayanas is lost to the mist my lord, to have stayed would only have killed more of our soldiers for no gain.”

“A perfect counter?” one of the paladins inquired, a hint of anger in his voice, “What force could counter our paladins?”

Orion turned to the paladin that had spoken, “Do not let arrogance blind you, Sir Prelis. The Ekro that faced us seemed designed to fight us specifically. While their main ground soldiers were easily dispatched they were seemingly without number, simply pouring out of the mist constantly and returning to it when they were killed. But they were not the real danger. Giants who wielded the power of lightning backed up these mist warriors. Our knights and paladins were killed in droves by every bolt they released.”

“And what of the archons, Orion?” General Orephon asked, “The ones Godfelt sent into the mist.”

“The archons encountered dozens, perhaps hundreds, of the avians within the mist. They were massively outnumbered and stood no chance. They were driven from the mist by the avians and many died.”

Silence fell as Orion finished his report and the paladins absorbed what he had said. The defeat at Cayanas would at least help them prepare for the next battle which would perhaps be at the Archeos capital itself. The silence was broken by the arrival of a messenger, who bowed before passing a scroll to the Sacred One.

“Some good news at last brothers.” he started, “Ranger General Dawnhand reports he is in position at last and will strike when the time is right.” The statement was well received by the paladins and helped to ease the pain of Orion’s news. Dawnhand’s actions would be of great importance to Archeos’s plans. “With that news it is time to move on to our plans for the future. For now we need to plan our next offensive. General Orephon?”

“Yes sir?”

“I am tasking you to take the province of Nin Yhao from Aeregos. They managed to defeat the offensive Disgeran launched against them during the Ekro assault; however that will leave them weak. While their forces are depleted we will strike and take the province from them. In our hands it will be a much stronger bulwark against Disgeran and along with the pinnacle it will create a wall o flight sealing the northwest from the advance of darkness.”

“By the light of Alu’Terasa it will be done my lord. We will claim this land so the darkness cannot claim us. I will take my leave now sir, to prepare for the attack.”

The Sacred One nodded at his request, “Now my warriors of light, sleep while the cold of night is upon us. In the morning we shall meet again as the light rises.” With those words the rest of the paladins took their leave, dispersing in small groups. Orion alone remained, staring north to where he had failed. He knew the darkness would not stop pressing onwards, and now Archeos was surrounded to the north as well as to the south. The light of Alu’Terasa would be facing many harsh trails ahead if it were to survive.




Power Treshold
75

Members
NPCs

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad198/bailey_067/o_crown.gifThe Sacred Onehttp://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad198/bailey_067/o_crown.gif
The Chosen of Alu'Terasa
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Nayamee
Slain by Corporal Kaizan Kurotsubasa (Jacogos) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&p=1021252&viewfull=1#post1021252) at the Paladin Grove

Orion
The Eternal Crusader
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Palion
Slain by Mildred (Cfavano) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&p=1024147&viewfull=1#post1024147) and Hierophind, the Prophet of Darkness at Meron Pinnacle

Ilea
The Vanquisher of Shadows
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Rune Tablet
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Player Characters

Shani Alhema (P.K.) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&p=1016016&viewfull=1#post1016016) - Runes (http://oi46.tinypic.com/15711mb.jpg)
Miranda (Love Amore) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&p=1144147&viewfull=1#post1144147)
Hastur Tereth (DoughGuy) (http://role-player.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32533&p=1161283&viewfull=1#post1161283) - Runes (http://oi50.tinypic.com/mvhq4k.jpg)

Territory Controlled

Archeos
Horstead
Meron Pinnacle


Beastiary

Militia
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Peasants who have taken up arms to bring the name of Alu’Terasa to the nonbelievers. Though their weapons vary, usually they are subpar, as is their armor. The only reason that they stand a chance at all, though, is that the Radiant Vindicator himself sheds his Light on them, protecting them and lending them his strength. Spread so thin, though, this brings them up to par with most other basic infantry, while being far more numerous.

Knights
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Armored and usually armed with lances and swords and sometimes shields, the Archeon Knights are powerhouses of death marching. In the name of Alu’Terasa, they will strike you down, as they make up the majority of the Archeon army. Their faith gives them morale above and beyond most other factions, and it takes a lot to bring that down.

Archers
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Archeon Archers are not that special. Though capable and numerous, their only true bonus is, like other warriors of Archeos, they have a morale that is nigh impossible to crush do to the faith they have in their leaders and god. They usually sport light leather armor, which leaves them vulnerable to melee attacks.

Battle Priests
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Those dedicated to Alu’Terasa are granted the power of the Light. Those who do not take up arms, though, practice the more beneficial side of the Light, healing and protection spells. They still use the Light as an offensive purpose, but they are mostly support units, and thus are very vulnerable.

Divine Longbows
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Dressed in white cloaks and leathers and sworn to silence per their mantra, Divine Longbowmen are the upper class of archers, wielding bows that require no arrows. Instead, they use their limited Light magic to form their projectiles, which almost always strike true, with the blessing of Alu’Terasa. They are not vulnerable to melee, as they are also trained swordmen, but will not resort to using steel unless forced. They are also known to have spot-on accuracy at great distances.

Paladins
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Wielders of Light magic and steel swords alike, Paladins are magic-using knights who are the very epitome of faith itself. All Paladins carry shields and swords, which they will use to cleave through their enemies. Healers at times and vanquishers of evil at others, they believe that where they go, Alu’Terasa himself watches over their march.

Archons
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Those who are the truest servants of Alu’Terasa become much more than human. They become embodiments of Light magic, or angels, if you will. With their shining blades that seem to be made up of nothing but Light, they cleave through their enemies and bring justice to the unclean. They prefer not to dirty their hands, though, and usually just use powerful Light magic to smite their foes where they stand. They can die, though, just like anything else.

The skulls indicate difficulty:

No skulls: Regular Enemy
1 bronze skull: Strong Enemy
2 silver skulls: Very Strong Enemy
3 gold skulls: Super Enemy
4 platinum skulls: Legendary Enemy

GOLD: Primary Treat
SILVER: Secondary Treats

Axe (Skirmisher):
Heavy Physical Damage at Close Range

Ballista/Crossbow (Ballistic):
Massive Ranged Damage

Bow (Ranged):
Standard Ranged Attacks

Cogwheel (Siege):
Massive Damage to Structures

Dripping Dagger (Assassination):
Powerful One-Hit Kill Attacks

Eye (Controller):
Masters of upsetting the balance of a battle

Fist (Brute):
Great Durability/Indestructability

Flame (Elemental):
Elemental Entity, Strong Against Physical assaults, Weak against Magic

Foot/Shoe (Rusher):
High Mobility

Mask (Lurker):
Stealth/Invisibility

Reticle (Sniper):
Extremely Accurate (from either ranged or in close-combat)

Shield (Defender):
Very Capable of holding defensive lines and forming unbreachable barriers

Sword (Soldier):
Standard Melee Attacks