Journey in Death - In Character

[DukeGod]

It's been 10 years since the Scarlet Empress disappead. However the world didn't change much. Enemies remained enemies, wars are still fought

But various beings had time to plan. And start those plans
====================
Visage, Shattered Moon and Prince

You three stand upon a corpse. It's missing it's arms, legs and it's head. Thankfully, the head is just a few feet away so you know it is the woman you're looking for. You don't know her name, she was a deathknight in service of the Lover such as yourself. What you did know is why she was killed. Yet another knight, jealous of how this woman spent more time with your master than he, killed her. This kind of things happens every few years in the Lover's court.
================
Scholar

You are in Thorns. Your latest creation has just been done, a new weapon. It stands proudly, and actually starts walking on it's own! You didn't expect that.

A laugh comes from not far. It's a deathknight. He is the King of Bloodbath. A third Abyssal, should also be in Thorns, currently where almost all of Mask of Winter's Abyssals are at. The King seems to find genuinely funny, that a weapon of destruction, forged from corpses has just started walking and then fell for no reason et all. He sits atop some zombie who knows better than to complain.

The reason as to why you're all there, is because of the reports from the spies in Lookshy, that the military was particularly active about Thorns in the last few months.
=================
Gift

You were at the Thousand. The Lion's Fortress. A massive army of ghosts, with more coming. The Lion seemed to start making a move, despite his current sealed state. His army was amazing, but now it grows even more. Yet now, you are in a desolate place of the Underworld, surrounded by black mountains

Someone is coming. You never really knew who he was, but he was seen in the Court every now and then. The Lion sent him on secret missions and no one ever knew what they'd been. Some say that even his trusted Moonshadow was not allowed to know. Currently, you see him, walking, rather slowly, for someone returning from a secret mission. He walks calmly, is smiling... Your task, is to get him back to the Thousand. And if that becomes impossible, to bring back his corpse
===================
Chandor and Syrenica
You're both at Sijan, both for pretty muich the same reason, but not together. Both of you want to get to the shadowland nearby, and from there to the Underworld.

Syrenica, was sent by the Yozi to act as some sort of representative, to who knows what. More details should apparently be given once you're there. The Yozis used their networks to get you some help from the Guild. You're supposed to meet whoever is going to get you there in an inn

At the same time, Chandor was contacted by a friend of his, who says that apparently, someone is trying to get to the Underworld using the Guild. He knows you're interested in it, and lets you know the information was hard to get, even if it's something relatively trivial. You own him one

(Chandor heard about Syrenica, who without the proper Contacts and Influence couldn't exactly keep this low-profile. So, yeah, you're meeting in an Inn most likely)

[Maugan Ra]

Gift of Welcome Oblivion, currently garbed in the the nondescript military fatigues she often favored, approached the oncoming operative cautiously. He was moving slowly, and smiling, and that could not fail to make her wary. He was far too relaxed for a returning spy.

She said nothing, though. If she knew enough to recognize him on sight, then unless he was one of the most incompetent spies she's ever known, he would know her as well. Words were unnecessary.

[Perdue]

Sadness and Onyx Scholar was looking at his creation, Big Boy walking on his own and was fascinated by the results, while still taking notes to see what was wrong with it and how he could improve it. He came to investigate a possible military faction in Lookshy with two other abyssals. Well, at least, he would try to find the third one.

"Activity of the Military in Thorns, they must be pretty foolish to attempt anything around here. Do you see anything unusual King?"

[DukeGod]

Gift

The spy approaches. He's wearing a silk robe that covers his entire body. As he approaches though, you can hear the sound of metal, implying he wore at least some armor beneath all that

He reaches out and actually touches you in the cheek, but before you can do anything a weird feeling comes. Your mind refuses to even consider this man as anything but harmless, the notion of attacking him is absurd. The feeling is still there once he stops touching you. Still smiling. He doesn't recognize you, but obviously also refuses to believe you're could even remotely be a threat. Then he simply awaits, hands behind his back

==============
Scholar

"Not really. You see some attacks at Thorns every now and then, but never nothing serious. I'll assume the Mask simply wants us here to disencourage any rebellion from the inside, the reports showed some shades of it if you knew where to look. Or maybe we're about to strike back, who knows."

The King apparently was a bit smarter on this whole war and battles thing than he seemed.

[Durami]

She stands behind Prince, her eyes scanning back and fourth, her ears perked. her muscles where tight, the essence here always felt horrible, wrong. but this was one of the few times she'd actually gone into the underworld with her mate, she's glad he'd never asked before.

"Prince,Visage, what do you make of this?"

I roll a perception+awareness to see if I can spot anything interesting about the body in particular it's in the ooc

[Maugan Ra]

Gift automatically reaches up to touch her cheek, staring at the spy with eyes that mingled outraged offense and friendly acknowledgement in one paradoxical expression. It vanished a heartbeat later, hidden once more behind a mask of professional detachment.

"I am Gift of Merciful Oblivion. The First and Forsaken Lion has commanded that I... accompany you back to the Thousand, where you are to give him your report." she says, every word spoken with a careful precision. What goes unsaid, but almost certainly acknowledged, is the implication that the Lion would hardly send a Dusk as a mere traveling companion, nor that he could ever imagine a loyal servant simply getting lost en route.

That said, the soldier stands aside and waits in turn, before falling into step with the mysterious stranger once he begins moving.

Unless he doesn't, in which case things might get interesting.

[Perdue]

Sadness and Onyx Scholar took note of that, after all, there was nothing worst than underestimating the mind of people close to you. He adjusted his mask, making sure that the face underneath, wasn't revealed, as it tended to make some people around him uncomfortable.

"I see. I suppose all the war machines and hungry ghosts weren't enough to dissuade some foolish souls endeavors. Let's locate the other deathknight, hopefully, he didn't start the fun without us."

[Myllinnia]

Ah Sijan. How... depressing. Syrenica walked through the streets likely the most colorful if not the most obvious person in town. Her hair was long falling to the small of her back, and the shiny gleaming red of her hair was the brightest of colors here. Had she known the city was all about white and being mournful all the time she would have chosen her outfit a bit more carefully. Ah well, she was here now, time to find the inn and hopefully her contact. The sooner she could leave tearsville the happier she'd be.

It didn't take long presumably to reach that Inn and when she opened the door to enter she took a careful look around. Dematerialize, her familiar Ari'Zarae slipped through the door looking even as uncomfortable as her, the sexy demoness found a simple corner trying to look quite innocent in amongst the city closest to the Underworld. Syrenica placed a finger over her lips and smiled at her as she took a seat nearby.

[Grim ranger]

Arrow already nocked on bowstring in case trouble appears, Shifting Visage of Endless Night examines the rather thoroughly killed corpse with trace amount of interest, apparently not surprised by the gruesome manner of death. After all, when it comes to spats brought forth by jealousy, the deathlord he is shacked to with chains of servitude is perhaps one of the most understandable things to fight over in the Underworld. He considers himself fourtunate that he himself does not have any relations to his deathlord that others would deem a threat.

Indeed, Visage is perhaps the least influential of Lover's deathknights, merely doing his work and keeping himself intentionally out of the power-plays and competition for the favour of the Lover... Something that, while making sure he is not afforded much power or prestige, also means that he is not a target to the other deathknights or other inviduals always striving to prove themselves worthy in the bordello of a court that serves as Lover's base of operations.

Frankly, the entirety of Lover's realm and operations disgust him, but that is not something he is about to say out loud, save to his co-conspirator.

"This kind of thing happens every now and then", Visage comments, his pupilless blue eyes turning to regard the lunar from behind his ebony funeral mask. "It is all part of games that the rest of the court plays. For power, and for supposed affection of our...wonderful patron. Someone saw this poor fool as a threat to their own position in the court, and likely as rival for affections of our mistress... The resulting scene is bound not to be pretty."

[Volthawk]

Chandor walks down the streets of Sijan, his form that of one of the morticians that work in the city. This one is a pretty new one, hunted during his time in the city as the previous owner was getting suspicious about him. It also meant that he could blend in a lot better, which was useful.

As he walks, he thinks about the new information his contact gave him. Probably not a native. Hmm, given that, they'd probably find a place of comfort and familiarity. The local inns should be a good place to look.

Once he arrives at the inn Syrenica is in, he immediately picks her out as something of interest. Given her appearance, I'd say she easily falls into the category I'd place this target in. He then sits down at a nearby table, keeping an eye on Syrenica for anything unusual or her meeting anyone, although he doesn't focus on that to the detriment of keeping an eye on the rest of the place - after all, the hunch may be wrong.

[DukeGod]

Visage, Prince and Shattered Moon

Nothing on the body truly stands out, but it's painfully obvious that despite the head being not far away, neither of the other removed limbs are anywhere in the vicinity
========
Scholar

The King makes a face that says quite clearly "Meh, don't feel like doing it"
========
Gift

The man starts to follow you, but sighs. Apparently he wanted you leading the whole thing
========
Syrenica and Chandor
A man, dressed a bit like a mercenary steps in quiickly and seats right across you. He spends some time silent, looking at you. He gives a small smile before he starts talking

"You're not one of those Flamberge Priestesses are you? You lack the, you know, the big sword they call Flamberge. But still, you do dress like one of them. Hmm, no, wait" he takes yet another look, this time focusing on the lower body "there's too much white...oh well, just saying, folk get scared of them. None gave any reason really, but there's plenty of bad stories. We don't believe in them, but then again, my ma' always said I'd be a fool if I didn't listen to Old Britte, and she says those stories. Now, let's talk business"

Chandor sees a man sit close to Syrenica and start talking. He's talking in a low voice, and the joy chatter and drunken boasting of everyone around certainly doesn't help

[Perdue]

Sadness and Ivory Scholar, looked at the King for a moment and simply kept walking with his Big Boy walking war machine in the front. After all, he wouldn't be to fall into some kind of a bad surprise.

"I'll look for the other. Feel free to come along or we will meet back up around here."

Scholar decided to go look for the other deathknight, assuming he wasn't one of the sneaky kind and was just hiding in the shadows. Now that would be a problem, as he wasn't going to find him.

[Myllinnia]

Syrenica gives the man gentle smiles, "You'd be right, I'm not of the flamberge, but that doesn't discount other things." She giggles for a moment, "Anyway yes business. I would not be here at all unless it was." While the giggle was loud enough to be heard by those not her, her familiar, or the man, her common talking was just as low toned at his, though it held the accents of her native Firetongue.

[Maugan Ra]

Gift considers making a point of the contact's unprofessional manner and generally annoying conduct, but decides against it. She's been in the Lion's service long enough to know that not everyone on their nominal side possessed anything resembling military discipline. She was probably lucky the spy wasn't randomly bursting into song.

So, mastering her irritation, she simply takes the lead as they head back towards the Thousand, though she refuses to entirely let down her guard. She might not legitimately expect an attack, but it was always wise to be prepared for one in any case.

[Durami]

She folds her arms, her eyes narrowing "I guess who ever did this wanted the arms as a trophy? or the beasts nearby took them." she turns to look at the others, "well...mission accomplished, what's the plan now?"

[Grim ranger]

"I believe what is expected of us is to return to Fortress of Crimson Ice to report our findings to our liege... Not that I expect her to be very interested" Visage says drolly, shaking his hooded and masked head slightly. "I do not think that...she...should return there with us, though" he adds somewhat darkly "given that I would wish no one, not even one of the...stewards to fall into her clutches. No one deserves it."

Looking at the Prince for a long moment, Visage stops for a moment, as if pondering. "However... We are now away from underneath her watchful gaze, and have bit of a headstart... We could maybe make it to another deathlord's territory if we left right away. I know we have been planning, but... are we ready?"

[DukeGod]

Visage, Prince and Shatterd Moon

(I'll wait for on the decision, wether you go back to the Fortress, or you run away)
=============
Scholar

You look around, ask questions, all that. It seems that the other deathknight is not as a matter of fact someone who just hides in the shadows. He was last heard of in some dark, shady alley of the city. In the shadows, but not hiding
=============
Gift

The man returns with you quietly. You arrive once more at the armies, and at the Thousand. Nothing seems to have changed
=============
Syrenica and Chandor

"Okay then, we got two options. There are two shadowlands close to Sijan, the Black Chase, ridiculously nearby. We could end up there today probably, but it's not a safe choice. Ever since the Walker moved away from it, no Deathlord managed to get a claim on it, and after all these years that means anything could be there. Now, to the south, there's the the Walker's shadowlnad, the Ebon Spires. It's not exactly a good choice either, the Walker pretty much just kills anything that is not dead already, meaning we don't like that place. But a safe trip, might be arranged. The Walker's got an embassador here in Sijan. People say he used to be an ex-gladiator, and he can grant us safe passage. Not sure on what he'll ask for it though"

[Perdue]

Scholar headed toward the last known location of the deathknight. He found it curious that the man didn't try to contact them yet and he was still being followed by his Big Boy creation.

[Maugan Ra]

Gift walks through the ranks of the gathered army with confident steps. She looks from side to side as she goes, evaluating the status and evident skills of the various units that she passed with the ease of long practice. The Lion's army was perhaps the single largest force she had ever had the pleasure of working alongside, and she always enjoyed being reminded of their sheer might.

Still, she couldn't afford to take too long here, and headed for the central fortress, where she expected to find the First and Forsaken Lion.

[DukeGod]

Scholar

At the alley, dead bodies are piled up everywhere. There's also a man sitting, back against the wall, terrifying smile on his face. A sword is by his side, made of soulsteel, and another, of moonsilver rests on his lap. Blood is splatterd everywhere, and constantly dripping from his hair. Two or three weird spirit wolves are eating parts of the bodies and start to growl at you

"Hiiiiiii"

He says, more of a snarl really. Spoken through clenched teeth
================
Gift

As you approach the Thousand, you begin to see some new troops. They stood out from the other. They stood away from the other troops. They wore different outfits. They were all ghosts, that much was sure. They didn't speak to anyone of the normal troops. Something that seemed the leader was by the door, doing nothing. He was clad head to toe in armor, similar to the Lion's own. Some of the drawing etched into it almost remebered the throne upon which he sat too. Even seeing you both approach, the ghost does not turn to look

[Maugan Ra]

Gift frowns as she spots the new troops, and the heavily armoured leader they had by the door. Hardly an unexpected development, to be honest - the Lion's army was always expanding - but she hadn't realized they were expecting a new, professional unit to join so soon.

Of course, they might not be the Lion's forces. Armed escorts for visiting dignitaries were hardly unusual either. Though for a serious military force like this one... The Mask of Winters, perhaps. In any case, she's surely find out what was going on soon enough.

Not allowing her confusion or surprise to show, Gift headed straight for the entrance to the Thousand.

[Regalus]

"Prince,Visage, what do you make of this?"
"Business as usual," he remarked with a frustrated sigh as his partner explained the situation. It was a shame really how this all came to be, kind of ironic given the Lover's stance on this sort of thing; a hedonistic women who fancied herself a wise sage, one who preached about the pointlessness of pleasure by drowning those around her in it. He'd morbidly wondered more than once if she had ever managed to get her someone to see things her way, or rather what the state of the poor wretch who does so.

One would think that after so many others had failed to get her message 'the right way', and made her loose Knights like this she'd keep her thoughts to herself; or at least stop trying to sell it to us, he commented to himself as he took a good long look at the remains, consoling himself with the fact that she may have been better off with a quick death than eternity enthralled by their mistress.

He didn't even know her name. Prince felt as if she should be given a few words, or at least a proper burial; but knowing what fate, or rather lack their of, awaited she had met he knew such an act would be mostly pointless by this point.

"I doubt it Sely. The wounds are too clean for it to have been a beast; not to mention they left the torso mostly intact, which is where most of the meat and blood is. Had to be done by a person, maybe the killer, or someone who found her before us. Besides, if they wanted a trophy they would've taken the head; not the extremities. Might've just been a surgeon looking for materials or spare parts for their collection or latest work. Who knows?" He mused as he studied the blood and the wounds left in the remain, trying to guess how long ago the young lady had been struck down by how fresh her blood seemed; along with the form of the wounds, in hopes of getting an inlking as to the type of weapon used given his knowledge of the 'tools' commonly used by his compatriots.

Prince had only been dimly aware of his companions' discussion during his musings, taking note once he had been directly addressed by his partner. "Agreed," he replied pensively before finally tearing his gaze away from their fallen sister, and turning his gaze towards his old friend "Might be best for you... to..." he trailed off as he noticed Visage's steady stare; recognizing the man's expression, before raising a brow in curiosity towards Visage.

""However..." began Visage as the gears in his mind spun. "We are now away from underneath her watchful gaze, and have bit of a headstart..." he elaborated, Prince's eyes widening ever so softly; realizing what the man was likely to suggest and hoping he'd end it there, alas he would not be so lucky. "We could maybe make it to another deathlord's territory if we left right away. I know we have been planning, but... are we ready?""

Prince resisted the sudden urge to groan or face palm, barely. After going through such painstaking measures to speak amongst themselves freely and safely; it seemed almost ironic that his partner, a Day Caste exemplar, would inquire if they should begin their flight so casually within their mistress' domain. Oh sure, they were quite a distance from the Her abode; yet part of him already feared that the hounds had already been unleashed to hunt them down.

The young Midnight had hoped that they would be able to conceal their intent a while longer; long enough for them to be sent to creation once more on mission, and simply never return. A whole realm of existence sounded like a fine head-start for their flight; he should have known better. Moreover, if Visage had spoken this it meant that his mind was already set; were they to return he doubted that he'd be able to keep up appearances as well as before and would not doubt slip in spite.

Though his compatriot did have a good point; there wasn't much else to do. All of his remaining worldly goods were either at his personal manse, hopefully, beyond the Her reach, or on his person; and to his knowledge Visage's only possessions were carried with him at all times. In addition, they by good fortune they had Sely by their side; in good health and high spirits no less. He had been hoping to form a bit more collateral before reaching this point; but given their skill set, such things could be easily dealt with if needed. In the end, Prince struggled to think of any counter-argument beyond personal preference; going so far as even deducing arguments in favor of the decision in his analysis.

"As ready as we might ever be I suppose," he replied reluctantly after a moments silence as he felt his heart quicken it's pace. "Now if we're doing this we best make haste; no telling if someone will come back for what's left of her, and I'd rather be far gone from here before our intent and departure become noticed. Though do note; if we flee now the killer may try to frame us for this murder," he told his companions, hoping the latter part had not come to pass as of yet due to his partner's indiscretion.


What the hey, for fluffs sake Perception/Intelligence* + Investigation for time of death and inkling as to the type of implement used to sever the limbs. Let me know if I get to roll stunt dice.
[roll0]
[roll1]

*I'm not sure which one of the two should apply, but since my dice pool is the same regardless it matter's not for the roll itself.

[Durami]

She had been waiting for this for some time, without a moments hesitation she drops to all four then she leaps forward, as she does so she begins her transformation, as if passing through a portal the front side of her body transform first, her arms and head, followed by the rest of her body until standing before them is a fine example of a Haltan horse, it's green mane and dark olive skin just barely covering it's fine muscles, his armor transformed into what appears to be a saddle with her necklace still around it's neck. "that's part one down" she says in perfect low realm her hearthstone allowing her communication with the others through even her equine form. after a few moments Large Black wings burst from the horses body until standing before them was a monstrous looking Black winged Pegasus. "you said to not waste anytime right? that should cover the problems with terrain."

3 motes for transformation Haltan horse and 4 motes of Abomination Wings using my knack Hybrid body rearrangement

[Perdue]

Scholar looked at the spirit wolves and the man who was leading them. Obviously the one that he was looking for.

"Are these some of the rebels? I see that you are already on the task. Anything unusual or just the people that we were expecting?"

[DukeGod]

Visage, Prince and Moon

As you analyze the body, you can't be sure as to when they died. The head is a clean cut, but the arms and legs look singed

===========
Scholar

"Rebels? Maybe. Who knows? Who cares? They were here and so was I. They are weak and I am not. They are prey, and thus I killed them"

===========
Gift

You enter the Thousand and proceed to the Lion's throne.

"At last you return. I see you brought him back just as I wished. Good. But you will not rest now. Time urges. And now, I must start to spread my influence more into Creation. This mission will take some time. Locked here as I am, I have no capability of controlling any shadowlands without them being contested. Which is why we will create a new one in these lands. You will have to enter Creation through the Black Chase, the only shadowland which we can truly access. Perhaps you have seen the special troops outside, they were trained in a secret location as to not warn other Deathlords, they are my best save for the Abyssals. Take them to Gem, and there, destroy it. I have means to turn the destruction into a shadowland, within these lands. And then, my...exile will be over"

[Maugan Ra]

"Gem..." Gift said slowly, calling to mind everything she knew about the city. Trading hub, famous for it's mercenaries, built into a volcano... Very interesting.

"How much do we know about the defenses, sir? How many forces are there likely to be committed to it's defense? Any Exalted?"

Time to make use of that Liege 4 background. One of the related backgrounds for that is Spies, which I will request that the Lion allow me access to here. Given that he's just tasked me with leading an invasion of the place, wanting some intel seems entirely reasonable.

Beyond that, I can also make use of the Artifact and Manse backgrounds, if allowed. I'll probably be requesting access to those once I've had a look at the options and determined what would be useful to have.

[Maugan Ra]

The mercenary-turned Abyssal pauses as the truth of her assignment hits her.

"Wait. Just those troops? Less than two dozen in total?" she says, just to make sure she's hearing it correctly. "Forgive me, my lord, but they are ghosts. They cannot survive in the light of the sun, unless there is a factor here of which I am not aware. And even if they can... Sixteen warriors, against an entire city? And only one of them Exalted? I am surely missing something here, because at present it appears you are setting me an impossible task."

[Grim ranger]

Making his bow vanish back into space between strands of reality until it would be needed again, Visage's mask and clothes blur, shifting to mimic the attire of Prince of Shadows. Of course, such a disguise will not fool the Lover, but some others it just may trick.

"Yes, we should indeed make haste: it would be good if we could be away from the domain of our mistress before she notices our...unfourtunate absence." He comments dryly. "As for being connected to this particular kill, I would not worry: it is what is expected of us, after all."

Looking at lunar's transformation somewhat warily, the archer disguised as Prince of Shadows sighs somewhat. "I suppose time is of the essence, so I hope you can take two passangers. Were one of us left behind, I am sure that the results would be most unpleasant for everyone concerned before long."

[DukeGod]

Visage, Prince and Shattered Moon

(Where are you running away to?)

=========
Scholar

"Aniway, who the hell are you? You can't just go around asking people questions like that! You know who I am? I'M THE KING OF BLOODBATH"

==========
Gift

"Gem itself is mostly weak, but the place upon which it ****s is treacherous. Their forces will be small, and many might even run before the battle even begins. We have no word of Exalted in there."

He makes a displeasing sound at the last comment. It seemed like metal claws scratching at chalkboard, if the whole thing was later played by a bass that is quite out of tune

"Do not underestimate your warriors so easily. They are no mere troops as you will see. There is a reason after all why I'd allow their leader to wear an armor, aesthetically, so much like my own. They have ways of surviving in the sun but it's best if they don't have to use it. Now, take any equipment you might find necessary and depart

[Maugan Ra]

"Yes, my lord." Gift said promptly, saluting before turning to depart. No sense in pressing the matter once the commander had made the situation clear - long years of military service had taught her that much. All that was left for her to do was make the best of the given situation, and perform her duties to the utmost of her capabilities.

First, she visited the Armoury, and from there took a set of forearm guards forged from shimmering soul-steel. There would be no hiding their sinister origins if anybody in creation managed to get a decent look at them, so she took a decent traveling cape as well, draping the dark material over her shoulders as she walked. It would be somewhat uncomfortable in the deserts surrounding Gem, but the icy blue gem set into the bracers would counteract that. Finally, she chose a heavy bladed chopping sword of exceptional quality, giving it a few practice swings before nodding in approval and holstering it at her waist.

Never let it be said the Deathlords did not outfit their servants properly.

Finally, she visited the general Quartermaster, and from there collected a purse full of jade scrip and other assorted currency that saw use in the South. She honestly didn't necessarily expect to use it, but better to be properly prepared for such eventualities. Into a travelling pack went enough rations to see her through an extended trip, as well as maps of the relevant sections of the Underworld and Creation - getting lost would just be embarrassing.

As prepared as she could be, Gift of Welcome Oblivion returned to the mustering areas of the fortress, finding the new detachment of troops once more. She nodded to the leader.

"The First and Forsaken Lion has given me new orders, and placed you and your unit under my command so that I might carry them out. You will be briefed en route, and I will need an assessment of your abilities." she explains briefly. "Now, let's move out."

[Myllinnia]

Syrenica sighed to herself one deadly threat for the other. Well at least one of them was superior to the other. And a reasonable threat was far superior to the one that was not.

The red head nods then and leans back, a finger toying with a strand of hair, "I would rather take my chances with the Walker and his ambassador. I'm pretty sure that I can handle whatever his request might be. Ex-gladiator... I'm pretty sure he won't have much that I cannot handle."

After a moment she looks to the man with a cool smile, "When shall we meet this person?"

[Volthawk]

Chandor slowly rises, attempting to get closer to the talking pair without making it obvious.

[DukeGod]

Visage, Prince and Moon

Mounted on Shattered Moon you fly away. Leaving the Lover, leaving all of that behind. You were not in your mistress's shadowlands, and it does take some time before you reach anywhere. But you arrive somewhere. A city.

(Honestly? I'll try to get you guys together with Perdue. Two groups which I'll then put together)

===========
Gift

The man in charge signals towards two of the men. Their armor is light and they carry short blades and bows. The two quickly begin moving ahead.

"They will scout." is all the explanation the armored ghost provides

===========
Syrenica and Chandor

"Many people say that pretty lady. And many people join his army"

The man takes a bottle of mead from the bar shelves and leaves. No payment no nothing, with you following. Apparently no one in the bar can object to it.

Chandor is behind.

(For now you weren't drawing too much attention. You started doing so. Myllenia can now make an Per + Awareness roll against your Dex + Stealth in order to detect you)

[Perdue]

Scholar looked at the man in front of him who apparently just killed people because they happened to be there. He did understand that tho, since his exaltation, he must admit that he didn't care much for anything that wasn't stronger than him. What was the strangest thing was that he just called himself the king of bloodbath as well.

"You are the king of bloodbath? So who is the King of Bloodbath that I have left behind?"

[Maugan Ra]

They set out, the Dusk caste and her assigned troops, exiting the fortress of a Deathlord at a steady pace and heading out across the endless shadow of creation that was the Underworld. Gift speaks calmly as she goes.

"We are to destroy the city of Gem, and so create a Shadowland capable of moving the rest of the legions into Creation. I am told you have a capacity to operate under the Sun... For what duration?"

The trip will mostly be filled with silence and Gift getting a good feel for the capabilities of her command. I'm otherwise good with skipping until something interesting happens.

[DukeGod]

Scholar

"What are you talking about? I am the only deathknight named King of Bloodbath!"

[Perdue]

Scholar looked at the King of Bloodbath for a moment and wondered what was going on. Could it be that there two deathknights given the same title? It might be possible, Mask of Winters after all wasn't too trusting of his deathknights. He preferred to move slowly away from the King of Bloodbath in the alley. He wasn't quite sure who to trust at the moment.

"I see. I'll go look for the other one."

[Grim ranger]

Looking at ground speeding past as they fly further from Lover by the second, Visage cannot help but wonder how soon the trouble will start. It cannot be this easy to leave, after all, even if they have gone to great lenghts in order to keep their scheming hidden from anyone who could report their intent to the Lover. Still, he doulbts that the attack will come when they are airborne: it is much more likely to be an ambush. But still, they should know when Lover gets word of them fleeing: the link to the deathlord guarantees that.

Framkly, he is quite sure they both will explode with Resonance the second Lover even suspects of their current intent, but that is a problem for another time.

"Do either of you know where we are currently?" he asks, pointing down at the city they are approaching. "That might be a good place to lay low for a while, although we will likely have to continue our flight soon enough. It would be a shame to run out of stamina just when her hounds will catch up to us."

[Regalus]

Prince did his best to focus on the ride and on keeping Visage safely seated with him on the flying mount; trying not to let his thoughts dwell upon the Lover's eventual retaliation. After all, if what they say about scorned women is true, than he prayed never to encounter the Lover again; preferably never be in the same direction as her, but we all have to start with baby steps. For now having made it beyond her direct domain was good enough; though he knew the Lover had spies, beyond her domain did not mean beyond her reach and certainly not beyond her wrath.

"Not as well as I'd like right about now," he replied as he surveyed the lands flowed beneath them eventually giving way to a city. "That might be a good idea; a quick break could do us some good," he added before nudging at Shattered Moon, leaning a bit closer so she'd have an easier time hearing him. "Visage suggests taking a break over there," he said as he pointed towards the city, "I got no problem with a short break, better now than then once we're exhausted right?" he added, knowing that his companion would fly down if she agreed as her response.

[Durami]

With a soft grunt visage began her descent, insuring that they would land a tads bit away from the town, once they had landed she waited until the others where off her back and walked into a nearby pair of bushes, coming out fully dressed seconds later "A Small break is good and well But I do not tire out SO easily...." -she huffs as if considering the fact that she'd be tired after only that time to be a small insult to her training- "well then, lead the way boys"

[Maugan Ra]

Edit - Right, misunderstanding. Ignore this.

[Maugan Ra]

Sijan

It had taken her a considerable amount of time to get here. Months, in point of fact, even using the field craft of her scouts and taking a short cut through some of the upper levels of the Labyrinth. Then her come the ascent through the Black Chase, and into Creation once more.

She'd made a stop over in Sijan, gratified that the constant aura of reverential death and funeral rights here dulled the distinct discomfort of moving around in Creation once more. Partly for resupply, and partly to see if she could find potential traveling companions heading in the direction she needed - for disguise as much as mutual safety. She hadn't found any yet, but one of the scouts had brought back an interesting report he'd overhead - a strange woman, dressed completely out of place for the Dead City, possibly seeking a way into the Underworld. It was very curious.

So it was that when Syrenica left the tavern, she finds herself being watched, and not by anyone particularly interested in hiding their scrutiny. Gift merely leaned against the opposite wall of the street, and made a visible point of looking her up and down, a curious look in her eyes.

Mostly assuming here that if Chandor can discover what Syrenica is up to without needing too much effort, so can Gift and/or her scouts.

[Grim ranger]

"Gladly, shining lady of silver who mere mortals can only dream about seeing in their lifetime" Visage replies in overly elaborate way, his tone just bit too exited to make it funny rather than serious as he bows deeply at the lunar, adopting the mannerisms of Prince of Shadows as his own. He has seen the man more than once, after all, so this kind of imitation does not provide too much trouble.

Beginning to walk towards the city, he has to silently wonder what will happen once they have found a new liege. It is unlikely that Lover will merely let state of affairs like this rest: deathknights are reasonably rare, and losing two in one fell swoop is bound to get her irritated.

[Durami]

She smirks at the passing comment and elbows prince lightly smiling at him as she begins to follow Visage, her tattoos seeming to fade out of existence. after a few more steps she converts her outfit into a long black cloak and covers her head with the hood.

Used my disguise charm hide of the cunning hunter. -2 motes

As she bumped into prince she whispers the following "You should compliment me like that sometimes" in a teasing fashion

[DukeGod]

Sijan Group

The Guild man walking with them takes his hands inside his coat. He seems to be holding some knives. Visibly scared he makes no threatening movement. Yet

===========
Scholar

"Oh not so easy. If someone else is using my name I wanna know who it is!"

Visage, Prince and Moon

The city has spirits and ghosts along with common humans. The humans seem to life a pretty peaceful life. The buildings look old.
You're still not sure of where it is. But you can see a large concentration of undead to the west

[Maugan Ra]

"Good afternoon." Gift said, voice calm and pleasant even as her hand rested on the hilt of her sword. "I heard you were looking to travel into the Underworld. And not the traditional way, either."

If any of the group look around, they'll likely note other soldiers waiting nearby, including at least one in heavy plate armour. None of the dead warriors make any move towards the group, but it can't be easy to miss the weapons they all carry. The pale haired woman smiles at the Guild man and his companion.

"I'm curious as to why."

[Volthawk]

As Chandor continues to follow Syrenica, he notes the new person turn up, along with the soldiers. His eyes then spot the caste mark on the new woman's forehead. An Abyssal. Bad news.

Chandor then backs away into a place where he can hide, and comes out of that place a raiton, circling closely overhead and keeping an eye on the proceedings.

[Durami]

Moon shifts her weight from one leg to the other, her arms crossed slightly as she observes the pedestrians walking around, she leans in close to Prince and whispers in his ear. "So...where exactly are we going to rest? this place seems pretty bustling."

[DukeGod]

Sijan Group

"The traditional way one takes into the Underworld is considered non-profitable by tne Guild and it's associates. We are, as requested by the higher management to find an alternate, more practical way besides the shadowlands we are already allowed to use. Why the interest? I'm sure we are too small for your master whoever it may be, to care"

[Maugan Ra]

Gift is still smiling as she replies, and unusually it appears to be genuine. "Oh, you're quite right on that account. My master is deeply unlikely to hold any particular interest in your operation. Or indeed anything around this region of creation."

She nods towards the striking woman with the Guilder. "This is purely a matter of personal curiosity. Why would someone so... Vibrant, wish to travel into the underworld? If you're looking for someone, it's usually easier to summon them to creation than head down to meet them yourself. Unless they're too powerful to obey a spell like that, of course..."

She looks back at the Guildsman. "Though I suspect you don't know, or won't tell me. The Guild presumably still prides itself on it's discretion, I trust?"

[DukeGod]

Sijan Group

"Obviously. You can't run a drug trade business without it. So, what happens now?"

[Maugan Ra]

"Well..." Gift says, considering. "First, I find out what your customer wants in the Underworld. Then, assuming it's nothing too dire, I see if you know of any reasonably sized caravans heading roughly southwest. I have a need to travel in that direction, and doing so with just my own group might raise several difficulties."

She takes the hand off her sword, and crosses her arms in front of her. "I can pay, naturally, in money or security services."

[DukeGod]

Sijan group

"We probably won't need much in the way of security. Where's your money?"

And then, the stars, to the very south, disappear. A red cloud stands there

========
Thorns group

You take your moment to rest. It doesn't last long. Soon after, the skies redden. The night is almost bright as day, and this clarity brings heat. Everything flashes for just a second...

Thorns burns. The buildings are on fire, stone melting, zombies, ghosts and mortals alike run around flaming, burning to their death. The walls managed to stand, but a roaring sound of steps is made clear, in the distance, Warstriders approach

And then, just as the fire begins to die down, a strong wind comes, and brings it back to life, spreading it all over the town, small hurricanes destroy houses, bunkers where dead soldiers awaited. The walls crumble...

[Maugan Ra]

"I'll see the caravan first, then pay, I think. " Gift says, then pauses and stares to the south, at the red light obscuring the stars. "OK, that's new..."

[Durami]

her hair stands on end as she see's the buildings aflame, she quickly places her back to her master and raises her hands. "Can some one tell me what the Malfeas is going on?!?"

[Grim ranger]

Visage leaps to his feet in one fluid motion, his bow already on hius hands and arrow on the bowstring as he surveys their now burning surroundings. "By the looks of it, the city is under attack. I believe we would do wisely to relocate... I doulbt that those warstriders are going to slow down... And I doulbt even more that they would see us as anything else than new set of targets."

[Myllinnia]

Syrenica frowns slightly hands folded behind her back as she glances to the Abyssal. The Southern stars disappearing however causes her a bit of concern. "Something of that caliber is going to draw unwanted attention." She turns her gaze back to the offering security. "We may need that security after all, I assure you though, that my desires for the underworld are simply to be the voice between my masters and those of the underworld."

[DukeGod]

Sijan group

"Surely, neither of you plan to go towarsds that?"

==================
Thorns group

There wasn't a lot to survey. The attacks, whatever they were had made short work of the city. A good amount of the ghosts you had seen before remained but they couldn't match the attacking force

You see an Abyssal, mounted on some ghost simhata forcing his mount to dash towards a direction, not exactly the downright away from the Warstriders, but more to their side

[Durami]

She turns to the two abyssal and tilts her head slightly, "What should we do guys, You think I should Take to the sky for awhile?"

[Maugan Ra]

Gift looks at the other woman, her face expressionless. "And your masters would be whom, exactly? There are very few that would send a dedicated liaison."

[Myllinnia]

Syrenica smiles a soft smile as she looks to Gift as she debates a few things. She wasn't told not to tell those who worked under the creepy deathlords, nor was she told to tell them.

"Let's just say that my masters are very powerful, if not slightly inconvienced by certain world defining events. And they do so love holding grudges. Is that sufficient? I could tell you, but I am not sure if it will help or not if you know their identity directly. But I can assure you, one of my Masters did help your masters out some years back. You and I wouldn't be if it wasn't for that."

[Grim ranger]

Nodding to the lunar, Visage shifts somewhat nervously. "Yes, I believe that taking to the skies would be the wisest course of action currently available to use. We do not want to take part in this, I believe."

[Durami]

Moon ponders for a moment observing the fires as well as the death knight heading towards the striders, she stops to look at the visibility of the sky and shakes her head slightly. Actually with the skys right now me turning into a giant horse with wings would gather far too much attention...perhaps we should just hide and see how this plays out?"