Dark Age Legends

[Xorlak]

Looking rather serpentine, The lizard Grav rubbed his left claw over his right, which was resting upon his staff.

"The Dark Emperor will be here shortly.  We are waiting on a number of other guests, which are unfortunately less punctual than you.  Fear not, for we will not wait too long..."

Standing next to Kronos' chair, he turned and pointed his staff at the far end of the chamber.

"In the meantime, I've arranged entertainment.  Enjoy the melodically charming music of my homeland!"

Three tan lizards entered, these ones looking feminine, carrying long flute like instruments.  They began to blow over the slits at the ends of the metal pipes, creating a god awful squealing sound that reverbed throughout the dining room.  Grav closed his eyes and smiled his huge reptilian grin, obviously enjoying the racket.

Just then the door at the far end of the chamber burst open and a disgruntled looking Jayce stormed into the room, still wearing his full black body armor with the sinisterly huge scimitar strapped to his back.  One of the flute playing lizards nearly backed into him, and he shoved her aside with his massive hand, knocking her over.  As she fell, the flute made a distressed sound that actually sounded better than what she was originally playing.

"Blast it!  Where's the food?!"  Jayce growled, noting the emptiness of the table.

Grav quickly fell out of his trance, and began running down the length of the table.

"My prince!  All of the guests haven't arrived yet!"

Jayce took his seat to the right of the black throne at the far end of the table, removing the sword at his back and placing it on the floor beside him in the process.

"Get me something to eat or I shall consume the flesh of your servants."

He began to drum his fingers on the table impatiently.

"Y-yes, my lord!"

[D. Ein]

-"Urg. I'm fine.", said Ein, and collapsed on the floor, positively asleep.

--- --- ---

"My ears were still ringing after the "performance", when I heard an M-grid call from Roland. He was telling me about some sort of captive... I couldn't quite make out his words, there was some sort of interferance. I decided not to dwell on it, though, and concentrated on the current events. Forcing a smile at the performers, I turned around to the black-armoured man, throwing him a cool glance.

-"Nice sword. And who would you be?"

I looked over at my accomplices. Steorra was staring blankly into the gem from her staff, which she removed earlier. It seemed to be reacting with the golden glow of the room, strange mists swirling in the gem's depths. I bet if I let her sit there long enough, she'd have lines of spittle running down her mouth. That's how immobile she looked.

Arlin, on the other hand, was carefully inspecting the gilded chamber. The gold seemed to be of high quality, although personally I did not enjoy the blinding shine from the walls. Gold's just not my colour..."

--- --- ---

The Necromancer was delivered to the main tower of Sizri, built on the side of the Enigma complex, which was humming mysteriously. The wyvern rider escorted the captive inside the tower, where the Chief Overseer of Arcane Practices was waiting.

-"Well, who do we have here. If it isn't the necrophiliac that the entire nation already knows about."

-"It's NecroMANCER, moron, and I don't think that your leader will be happy when he knows how you call the little hobby of his."

The COAP visibly blushed.

-"Ahem. Anyways, as I was saying. Welcome to the Kandarinian Sovereignty. What is your name?"

The warlock thought for a moment.

-"I prefer to be called the Supreme Lord Of All Zombies From Hell And Beyond. Mmm, yeah. Sounds nice."

-"Err..."

-"Just kidding. Can't you take a joke, dimwit? Name's Jacob."

At that point, Soghol angrily burst in, followed by Hasterb.

-"GAWD! So now, after being TOLD off by that JERK Vorren, I gotta BABYSIT this KID?!"

Hasterb looked like he was about to say something, but changed his mind at the last moment. Instead, Jacob spoke.

-"GAWD, can't you see I'm trying to have a conversation here, MORON?!"

Soghol snarled, and reached for his sword. Jacob took a defensive stance, but Hasterb quickly interfered.

-"Whoa, whoa. Calm down, kiddies. This isn't the time or the place to be gnawing at each other's necks. That's what the practice room is for."

Insulted, Soghol spat a "GAWD!" to the side, and sat down at a nearby bench, looking gruffily at Jacob. He rested his unsheathed sword on his laps.

Then a voice came from across the room.

-"A Necromancer, eh... I see..."

Vorren slowly glided from the shadowed corner where he was lurking, his black cloak dragging on the ground. His rough features conveniently complimented the bleak room, making him look more menacing than ever.

-"How can you see that I'm a Necromancer, fool? That's not quite--"

-"The dragon skull in your hand as well as the human one on your shoulder are a bit of a giveaway, at that."

With a grim smirk, Vorren approached Jacob. Before the latter could react, Vorren's hand pinned Jacob by the neck to the wall with frightening speed.

-"Listen, small stuff. I don't care if you're a Necromancer. I could give less bintmeat if you have 60 tonnes of gold in your basement. However..."

The grip tightened.

-"...if you go mouthing off around me or Arlin or even Hasterb, there won't be a second chance..."

Struggling to breathe, Jacob managed:

-"A... second... chance... of what... idiot?"

With the last word, the dragon skull came crushing down on Vorren's head, knocking him backwards. Jacob landed back down on the floor, massaging his neck.

-"Looks like someone's gotta work on their threats, and it sure isn't me... More like the moron standing in front of me holding his poor little forehead. I'm surpirsed you do that, considering the thickness of your skull and all."

Sensing defeat, Vorren awarded Jacob with a piercing look.

-"This isn't over..."

Slamming the door with a satisfyingly loud BANG, the senior commander stormed off. Jacob noticed that Soghol was looking at him with a lot more respect than before.

-"As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted... shall we continue?"

[Dude Man]

Only a few moments after Jayce entered the room, the sound of metal boots, stepping on wood could be heard.

Several lizard men turned their heads to the doorway.

A large reptilian stepped into the room; his deep green eyes scanned the room. He saw Jayce acting like his usual rude self, and Grav being his usual cowardly self in Jayce's presence.

The lizard man was wearing a black leather vest, grey pants, dusty brown knee pads and dark green wrist bands, steel toed spiked boots and a pickaxe was strapped to his back. He had a large snout and two sets of three small horns above each large eye lid he had a green skin, it looked as if he had spent most time either indoors or underground. He had the Dark Empire symbol tattooed on his right arm. By the way he stood and looked around, it seemed like he was on whom was of some importance. Typical, for a High General.

Two other lizard men were with him. One was a seven-foot burly brown skinned lizard, wearing a suit of armour that was able to fit him. It seemed highly unnecessary for a lizard that size to wear armour, yet nobody ever gave it much mind. The other was about the same size as the general; he had a slightly dark bluish hue to his skin. He wore metal shoulder and kneepads, over his simple black clothing.

"Ahem" The blue skined lizard, coughed. "High General Gorus Van'deln of the Subterrain." He announced.

"Thank you, Xarn." Gorus said, in his deep voice. Xarn, and the big one, named Thogus, had been solders in Van'deln's division since his father was the High General. They were a couple years older then Gorus, yet they gave him great respect, as he was an even greater warrior then his father was.

Gorus stepped deeper into the room, while Xarn and Thogus took their seats at the table.

He looked at the other visitors. He noticed a rather interestingly dressed human like being, a female human looking into some crystal, and another human who seemed to be inspecting the area.

"Greetings, Prince Jayce." He said to the young prince. He then looked to Grav. "Ah, Prime Minsiter Grav. It has been awhile."

Although he had actually seen Grav much earlier then Jayce, Gorus preferred the company of Grav a bit more. Not because Grav was a more respectful person, but merely because Grav was another lizard man. Gorus had spent most of his life underground, and with other lizard men; he was rather uncomfortable around other races. One could say he was a racist. Yet most wouldn't go that far.

"So, where are the others?"

[Xorlak]

Jayce turned to Kronos down the table, skowling a bit.

"Who am I?  Who are YOU?"

"My lord!"  Grav almost covered his face.

"These are our guests from the Kanarinian Sovereignty, the robed one Marshal Kronos himself!"

Jayce's expression lightened a bit.

"Oh, the undead guys.  New allies, huh?  Good choice, good choice...  Prince Jayce, of the Dark Empire.  I look forward to... working with you in the future..."

He was quickly distracted from the Kandarinians as Gorus took his seat across from him and down the table a bit.

"Gorus!  It's about time you showed up.  I was afraid I would have to command the Vi'zar all by myself.  Too many troops means the commander doesn't get to do the fun stuff himself, if you know what I mean..."

He smirked at the lizard High General as Grav made his way back around the table.

"Glad to have you here in Gaian, Lord Gorus."  The much shorter lizard wringed his claws.  "We are expecting several more officers, I'm sure they'll be here shortly.  The Dark Emperor wishes to discuss some issues that must be dealt with."

During this time, the servants were lining the tables with appetizer trays.  Small things like bite sized rolled meats and cheeses and the like.  A few more lizard men made their way in, the table now about halfway full.

Jayce picked up one of the entrees.

"What is this crap!?  Get me some real food!  God blast it!  And bring some MEAD!"

----

A bright blue flash emanated through the open archway and quickly darkened.  Eleven figures emerged from the shadows, walking slowly but confidently.  An armored lizard man approached the silver furred fox at the front of the procession, who was also the shortest in the group.

"Welcome to Gaian, Lord Virmir."

The Velken nodded, flicking his tail.  The lizard continued, falling in step with the entourage.

"There has been a change of plans.  The Dark Emperor wishes for you to attend a banquet before receiving your mission."

Virmir's left ear swiveled a bit, turning towards the lizard, but the rest of his attention remained on the dark hallway before him.

"Oh?"

"Think of it as a gift and example of His Darkness' generosity.  Did you bring your crown?  There will be foreign diplomats in attendance, and the Dark Emperor wishes for you to look your best."

"I'm afraid I did not as I've not much use for it anymore, especially for a trip I thought would be spent in battle."

"You will be provided a replica then.  You may take two of your warriors as guests.  Allow me to take your weapons..."

The lizard extended his claw.

The fox stopped, his tail hooking downward as he held his hand to his side and shook his head.  The lizard took a step back as Virmir unbuckled and removed first the longsword Flameberge from his back, then the cumbersomely long and thin Wind Serpent, instead handing them to the lightly armored fox to his right with a nod.  The taller silver fox accepted the weapons with a short bow.  Virmir then turned completely.

"Relos, Helex, come with me.  The rest of you wait in your rooms."

Relos and Helex, the first one of the five lightly armored knights, the other one of the five robed mages, smiled at the High General and stepped forward.  Virmir smiled back at the obviously excited warriors, though the other eight seemed a bit disappointed.  The three foxes then turned and followed the lizard, the rest of them heading in a different direction.

[D. Ein]

//Xorlak, you're like the fourth person I know that knows what mead is\\


"My forced smile was getting harder to keep.

-"Yes... the undead guys..."

Twiddling the roll of meat in my hand, I was struggling to not attempt a resurrection spell at it. Without thinking too much, I threw it down my throat. Mmm, chewy.

-"So, Prince Jayce, was it... Why is it that you use those as manpower?" I casually shook my head at the larger lizard, apparently named Gorus, on the other side of the table. "I mean, come... all it takes is but a large enough flesh wound, and they will be incapacitated, at the very least."

I reached for another appetizer, a small red fruit wrapped in a green leaf. It reminded me of my favourite Kandarinian berries for some reason.

-"But of course, to each their own. Myself, I prefer to use ... more disposable forces, if you understand. Heavier jobs occasionally require artillery, but that's just details."

Once again, I distracted myself from the small talk to check on my cojourners. Arlin somehow produced a book out of his coat, and was busy reading it; Steorra was still focused on that toy of hers. I shook her a bit - she was still dazingly glaring at the crystal. Annoyed, I snitched the crystal from her hands.

-"Wha... huh? Oh... You can look in it, if you want..."

Her face was going visibly red. I looked into the crystal.

[there were some ink marks on the page at the point, as if the person holding the quill was unsure whether to write something or not.]

I do not believe that the images I saw were worth placing into this log. I handed the gem back to its owner. All I can say is that my own face would've gone red, too, except the pale skin kind of denied that. With an embarassed look, Steorra put the gem away, and concentrated on her food."

//I think this is the longest single page in DAL so far, containing two of the top ten posts! Not counting the BIG page, of course.\\

[Dude Man]

//I agree Ein.\\

"I wouldn't miss something like this." Gorus replied to Jayce. He then rubbed his lower jaw as Grav spoke to him. "Yes, I made it here as quickly as possible. I'm sorry I'm not as well dressed, I spend all my time in the subterrian so I don't have a lot of proper clothing."

As Kronos made his comment, Gorus glared at the Marshal. He had a good mind to go storm towards him, and bite his head off, but he'd rather not make a huge scene at such a time, especially to a new ally.

As the entrees came he was rather disappointed with the size. He picked up a cheese slice, and looked at it. He knew that it was cheese, yet he never had cheese before. He tossed it into his large mouth and chewed it a bit. The taste was quite odd to him, he wasn't too sure about it; it was to soft for his sharp teeth anyways. He then picked up a handful few meat rolls, tossed them in his mouth and chewed on them for a little wile before swallowing them, with a bored expression on his face. He had a large appetite, so eating a lot before the real food gets here would not be a problem at all.

----

Marshall shrugged as Ein so quickly fell asleep. "It's been a long day for us." Marshall said to the man. Marshall's stomach then growled. "Yeah, I haven't had a lot to eat today. You got any food? Maybe some bread and butter with some chicken?"

[Zeros']

Zeros' had followed them all from behind, but, he seemed rather distracted, as if focusing on something only he could see, only idly following his companions towards their destination.

Another visit to Retan... How amusing this shall be...

//So, so sorry... RL being crap. \\

[Dude Man]

Duilin and Aegidius kept focused on their destination, flying in front of the group.

Duilin was actually quite surprised that he was ahead of everyone usually it was Zeros'. He noticed that Zeros' has been rather quiet lately, as if he was distracted with something. He's acted like this before when danger was near, but never for this long.

Whatever it was, Duilin would protect his friends at all costs. He nearly turned on them before, and he needed to prove that he was loyal. Maybe his friends still trusted him, but he didn't exactly trust himself...

[Burton_projects]

Galak entered his place. Troops where lined up and ready to go. Each one with special Cytanic-steel armor. So strong no sword can break through it, made in the fires of the earths core.

"Men I need you Gei needs you. Thhe surface people are strong. We will relcaim what was once ours."

The men started banging there spears and pikes. The crowds outside the palace started banging on things. A gaint drill made of the same armor was shipped towrds them in a large crane.

[Xorlak]

"Ah, but that's what you would think."  Jayce angled his head down the table, a bit more interested now that the conversation had turned to matters of war.  "Have you seen the Lizard Men's scales?  Tough as nails.  Inflicting a flesh wound on them is no easy task.  And then there's their claws.  Really, I must show you the Vi'zar in battle...  It is quite a delicious sight...  They are far superior to the mere human fodder we used before, several times over in every way..."

His grin crept upon his face manically.

More guests stepped into the hall, these three shorter than most.  Virmir scanned the table for important figures as he lead his mini entourage towards a few open seats.  He now wore a thin crown on his head, supported between his two triangular ears.  It was a very simple design, a straight half circle with the only embellishment being a single ruby encrested in the center.

Spotting Jayce, who he recognized as the Prince and heir to the Dark Empire, he offered a polite half bow to the menacingly dark figure.  Jayce ignored him completely, being engaged in conversation and not paying attention.

Continuing on, the three silver foxes took their places opposite from the Kandarinians, Virmir offering Kronos a quick nod as he sat.  The place was crawling with lizards, smiling their toothy grins and begining to make a ruckus as more and more began their independent conversations.  Being Velkins, the three had rather excellent senses of smell, and to them these lizards simply reeked.  Virmir shot the knight and mage to his left and right a cold stare as the two began to grimace at the odor, at which they immediately stopped.  There was something else in the air, though, something which made even Virmir a little uneasy.  The stench of death hung close.  Virmir's eyes darted back and forth until he realized he was sitting across from a group of undead...

More servants appeared, offering mead, wine, or whatever their preferred beverage was to the guests.

Suddenly, a set of side doors to the dining room opened rather forcefully, as if to attract as much attention as possible.  A black caped man entered the room, the crimson lining of his armor almost glowing with the torches lining the dining hall.  Another one Virmir didn't recognize.  At least he's not a lizard...

Jayce froze, turning his head towards the man and delivering the must disgusted of scowls imaginable.  Draven returned the frown, glaring back at the Draken, but his mouth slowly gave way to a devilish smirk.  As slowly as possible, he strode towards one of the few remaining open seats, wearing his mocking smirk as deliberately as possible.  Jayce looked about ready to jump over the table and attack the human.  Draven took his seat, on the same side as the Kandarinians just a few chairs down, as one of the serpentine servants made her way towards him.

"Wine, please.  Red."

[D. Ein]

"I looked over at the newcomers. First serpents, then some hippo, then foxes, and now humans? is this a banquet or a zoo? Deciding not to ask who the other people are, I focused at the discussion with Jayce.

-"Hmm, it would be an interesting sight to watch, at least the way you portray it. However..." I leaned a bit closer to Jayce. "Tell me... can these lizards assemble gargantuan beasts, which could easily smash through the toughest of the walls? Do they have weaponry that could send a cascade of sharp projectiles at an enemy army, potentially taking out hundreds at a time?"

I took a short break between the talking to help myself to an elegant glass of wine. The hunger was kind of getting to me, and the main course still hasn't arrived. I wanted to urge a servant for it, but changed my mind.

-"Not to mention all sorts of items that are craftable from disposable flesh... Armour, weapons, jewelry. All sorts of things."

I stopped again to throw a dark look at Gorus. This filty scum should not be allowed to live...

-"In any case, I suppose each side has its own pluses and minuses. The Undeads, for example, are rather easy to take down, but are repaired with equal ease. They are soldiers who do not feel pain, do not feel hunger, do not feel cold... There is, however, a large disadvantage to undeads. You see, all one has to do is destroy the person controlling them, and incidentally, that happens to be me..."

I looked away, studying the new arrival, a person outfitted in red armour. Something looked painfully familiar about him..."

[Dude Man]

Gorus glared back at Kronos. 'Who does he think he is? I honestly should just swallow that skinny little brat whole.' he thought, as the necromancer had the nerve to even look at him.

He looked at the two newcomers; he slightly recognized one of them to be Virmir, of the Sky Division, he has heard of him, but never met him in person and knew he was one of those fancy Velkens. He did not recognize the human however. He assumed it must be that Eastern Division High General, who started his own. The only overworlder High General he met was Jayce, the other ones he never gave too much mind.

Gorus continued chewing the meat rolls, looking rather bored of waiting. He eyed the necromancer a few times, attempting to catch the guy looking at him again.

[Burton_projects]

Galak and his army entered the drill. There where smaller drills that held the reinforcements. They set course for the uperworld. The drills had to make the earth vibrate enough that anyone could fell it. It got through a 10 meters every few seconds. They would arrive were Galak retreated. Taking over the uper world would not be easy. Galak knew this, but was determind to complete this task.

---

Nick felt a small vibration that kind of felt good. As it became stronger and more unpleasent Nick got up and started moving further away. He ended up backing into Asgaria's wall.

[Xorlak]

Before Draven arrived, Jayce replied to Kronos,

"Well, of course the lizards can't do that.  They're just infantry.  We've other methods for smashing walls and mowing peons..."

The Draken flashed a grin and a wink, tightening his right black metal gauntlet.

"I will give you that I am curious to see what some undead can do, though.  Perhaps we can trade a platoon or two some time, all in good fun.  It seems quite an improvement over worthless living humans, at least."


The last guests to arrive were some demons, decked out in their crazy armor and long horns and such.


Then the golden brightness of the room dimmed, as if repulsed by the black figure entering through the main set of doors...

Grav stood, shouting loudly and holding up his staff.

"The Emperor arrives!"

Every member of the Dark Empire suddenly stood up at once, making a fist with their right hand/claw and slapping it to just under their left shoulder, elbow held out so their arm was horizontal.  At the same time they all shouted,

"Hail Dark Emperor Retan !!"

which was quite dramatic given the number of different species in attendance.

Two wraiths eerily floated behind the Dark Emperor as he strode to his throne at the head of the table, taking their positions on either side of the door.  Gav hastily stood by the left of the throne, claws resting on the top of his staff and head held high, trying to look as important as possible.

Retan spoke as he approached the table, long dark cape flowing and eyes as burning embers beneath the blackness of the helmet.

"Welcome, allies of the Dark Empire... and welcome to our newest allies from the Kandarinian Sovereignty... Do sit and enjoy the meal..."

He took his place at the head of the long narrow table, Jayce already seated in the first position to his right, Grav taking the seat to his left.

The servants were out in full force now, filling the table with all sorts of exotic meats.

Retan leaned to his right side slightly.  His voice was booming, though he didn't speak loudly.

"As you all know, Gaian is the largest world known to us.  Yet it is filled with the frailest of sentient creatures, with the oddest of wills.  We have tried to tame these humans, yet they scoff at my generous gifts and rebel.  I wish to know the opinions of my Generals on humans, and Kronos' as well, if he would be so kind..."

Jayce bit clean through a chicken leg, snapping the bone in half and consuming the whole bite in a few chews.

"Humans are inferior creatures that don't deserve to live, even as slaves.  They should be purged from Gaian to make room for superior races."

He glinted at Draven, snapping another chunk off of the meat.

Draven folded his arms, looking disgruntled.  He really was the only human here, and was beginning to feel most unwelcome...

"All races have their gems and dirt.  I've worked with my own kind all my life.  I'm sure the Dark Emperor will remember our success in taking over the eastern regions.  They merely need guidence, and their will removed..."

Jayce snorted.

"If you pit two armies of retarded children against each other, one side will still win."

Draven bit his tounge, anger building too quickly to think of a snide comeback.

Virmir looked up and realized the crimson eyes of the Dark Emperor were looking upon him.  His heart raced and his voice faltered a bit, as he never did like speaking in front of crowds.

"I've little experiance with humans, my lord, so I will trust those with more expertise."

Retan nodded, then turned his head towards Gorus and Kronos.

[Burton_projects]

The earth rumbled, walls and such crumbled all around Gaian. Asgaria had to be almost completely destroied. The wall started to fall upon Nick. He started to run away from the site.

Sir Kronos theres something coming, something big. He kept stumbling as he ran.

A platoon of five large drills and 10 smaller drill carried a total 15,000 men through the earth.