Cilan Rora - The City of Stars is the northern most metropolis in Lorist. The city shines with thousands of lanterns and torches against a sea of black.
A little under two centuries ago, Cilan Rora was the home of the Archmage Thenis Grend, who ruled over the city and acted as its protector.
When the invading forces of Vudinera laid siege to the city, Thenis cast a great deal of magical barriers and enchantments to protect the city. Amongst them, was a blanket of perpetual darkness over the land.
Unfortunately, Thenis' choice in his Apprentice was a poor one, and Thenis met his end in his sleep to his protégé who surrendered the city to the Vudinera.
Even still, years later a great deal of the magics cast by Thenis remain in effect, the most noticeable being the permanent darkness that swallows the landscape.
Despite the unsavory methods that the Vudinera gained control of the city, it has actually prospered in the last century.
Cilan Rora is treated as its own city-state and the Vudinera stay out of their affairs in most matters.
Today, Cilan Rora is amongst the largest cities in all of Lorist, home to one of the few academies for magical studies and housing two institutes of war. Some of the best and brightest minds and soldiers in all of Vudinera or even Lorist hail from Cilan Rora.
More recently, the previous government being a parliament was overthrown by a group of militants. Though this should have caused a tumultuous affair in Cilan Rora, the groups were careful to change exceedingly little in their seizure of power.
As such, the city is now ruled by a group of nine leaders all in control of a clan. These clans in the next few years would become increasingly more powerful, each of them becoming a sort of army in and of itself.
Life at the present in Cilan Rora is one heavily influenced by clan activities as each clan vies for power either openly or behind closed doors.
For whatever reason you have come to Cilan Rora, or perhaps you were born here. In either case you found yourself in need of a clan. Perhaps you wanted work, needed protection from those who wished you harm, or simply were looking for adventure.
Whatever the case may be, you find yourself an initiate to the Night Wolves Clan. Where you and several others wait in a large room awaiting to be addressed, uncertain of what's to come.
A very large man sits on the cold stone floor of the room. Cross legged and seemingly in quiet contemplation. He holds a greatsword with a large skull hilt which lays vertical with the hilt against his broad shoulder. His hair looks like it is composed of large quills which slick back from his head and along his exposed back. His right arm appears to be encased in a oversized stone gauntlet.
Completely contrasting the strangeness of some of the other individuals *cough* Taur Freak *cough*, a gallant Human of normal proportions immaculate armor and well made weaponry. You see the hilt of a relatively large greatsword clearly of warrior stock. A red scarf adorned his neck ending in a elegant cape that. He introduced himself as " Arnesto the Tradesman! "
Off to the side of the room is an odd looking Half-breed observing everyone. What you can see of the left half of his body covered in green scales and a golden dragon eye. His right half is almost completely human with the exception of the single horn curving back, down, and then forward on his head. To complete this look he seems to be a burly person, wearing simple farmers clothing. As for weapons you can see a spear beside him, a case of javelins on his back, and of course his left scaly hand ends in claws.
"Ah yes, introductions. Hello, Arnesto! I am Enten Emesh. Oh, you shall meet my traveling companion, Bova, later. What is your name my spiky friend!"
Ttaur looks up lazily with one eye at Enten, half annoyed, half intrigued. "Ttaur." The big man says gruffly and closes his open eye.
Arnesto is both astounded and disgusted at the individuals. He is doubly so by the fact both seem to speak! What a great find. Pointing at the two he notes their mass, perfect for bodyguards indeed!
" Well, it is quite good you all seem to be able to speak the language of men. I'm sure you'll make quite the backbone of this organization no doubt! "
He seems to smile and ring his hands somewhat comfortably.
On that note a man, whom prior to now, was sitting on the far end of the room keeping to themselves, approaches. His movements casual as he removes his hood. Beneath it, a human like upper torso, various tribal like markings, his visible eye, (left), yellow with a black slit. Shaggy brown hair covers his right eye, but seems to not effect his sight. His skin, a visual variation of a normal human's until his mid section, gradually becoming more apparent with that of scales. The same is noteable for his arms as they appear to fade from typical skin to scales as your eyes ascend the features of his arms. Typical leather pelts sewn together forming his cloak and beneath it, leather armor which was currently undone showing his abs, seemingly befitting of him.
At each of his sides are sheathed dagger's with slightly longer than normal blades, on his back is a quiver with a shouldered bow.
"Greetings, you each seem more lively than the rest...." He says casually nodding behind himself at the rest of the initiates. Reliquishing a hand from the safety of his side and outstretching it with simple introuduction towards Arnesto, then the others, "Loki".
A man in simple robes approaches the others, "Hello everyone. My name is Nicholas Cage Elige. I'm a wizard who just finished his apprenticeship."
"Well nice to meet you Ttaur."
Enten turns to the new person. Shaking the hand that he offers. "Greetings to you as well Loki. Yes this surprises me a little. Figured as we are to be clansmen together soon we would all want to know each other a bit."
Enten turns to Arnesto."Of course I do. How else would I sell my goods at the markets? Talking is a fair part of that as you should know. Seeing as you said you are a tradesman. While I'm sure you didn't mean it you may want to watch how you word the things you say. I don't care but that sounded a bit racist. May not be the best thing to be when at least a few of those clansmen you will be joining, and may end up watching your back, could take offense."
Enten nods to the newest person to join our conversation.
"Nice to meet you Nicholas Cage Elige. Ah, magic. I paid to have my crops growth enhanced one bad year, most useful."
Elige nods to Enten, "I'm afraid my master was much more... Offensively minded. Nevertheless it's good to be with those who appreciate the arcane rather than fear it."
Arnesto seems to be relatively calm about his reaction to the alleged Farmer Half-breed, while nonchalantly shaking this Loki-individual's hand with a plated glove.
" Well, Well I suppose my language will have to be toned down somewhat to accommodate. Never fear, Arnesto is nothing if not flexible. I am good with my words.... and my hands. "
Suddenly a door to the large room opens and a man enters.
The man is garbed in a suit of chain that is colored green and appears very ornate. Around his shoulders is draped a fur cloak fashioned from the body of an enormous grey wolf. He carries only a single slender longsword at his hip and a small hand crossbow strapped to his leg.
The man appears to be entering into mid age as the corners of his black hair and beard are beginning to grey.
The man stretches out his hands to address you all when he has your attention.
"Recruits! Welcome to the Night Wolves!"
"My name is Vasper Galel, most call me the Dusk Wolf. I am one of the three lords of the Night Wolves. Along with my companions Wyla Sheen, the Black Wolf; and Yuran Rosh, the Sheep."
"You all have been accepted into the Clan because you show talent or promise. In the coming days you will have plenty of opportunities to prove yourself to the Clan and for you to benefit from the Clan."
"Tonight however, is one of celebration."
"But first, I can see some of you have already begun to get to know one another, good, comradery is one of the most important aspects of the Clan."
"However, we Night Wolves believe one learns to most from a foe or a friend from combat."
"It is for that reason you've been brought to this room. Get to learn it, it will become one of your most hated, or beloved."
"We Night Wolves were very lucky to acquire this building in the early days, for this is the only one like it that we're aware."
"We call it the Blooded Room, an enchantment by old Thenis, best we can guess."
"Any injuries sustained in this room, even death, are cured upon leaving the room. For this reason, we use this room for live sparring exercises."
"One of which, we'll have, right now."
"Let's see, there are 15 of you, let's split you up into three sets of five, yeah?"
"You five there." he says pointing to the group of Ttaur, Elige, Arnesto, Loki and Enten.
"Against you five, and you five." he finishes saying.
"Learn your brothers in arms abilities and weaknesses, after this exercise is complete I'll lead you off to get this celebration with your new brothers underway proper."
Vasper sits down on the tile stairs at the north of the hall and claps his hands, "Begin."
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Arnesto seems to perk up at the announcement, somewhat confused but astute. " Well then, it seems I will not be able to hide my skills any longer. How disappointing. " He pats at the blade on his back somewhat playfully.
"Oh goodness, I do not fancy the experience of a blade in my gut, temporary or not."
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Enten nods at the speech. As soon as he hears Dusk Wolf mention live sparring exercises, he knew what was about to happen. Enten straightens up holding his spear in left hand. Drawing a javelin in his right hand.
"Well this shall be interesting."
Enten starts laughing as he prepares himself to fight.
Ttaur gets to his feet as Dusk Wolf speaks. At the statement that the room will revive thoughs slain, Ttaur cracks a sharp toothed grin and gets ready for a fight.
"Guess I'll start this show!"
Pulling his bow from his back, Loki notches an arrow with incredible speed.
"...too slow!" Loki jests as he then steps behind Ttaur, "Don't mind me big guy!"
The arrow thinks into Samwell's arm, piercing his chain shirt with ease.
"Son of a b+#&&! That really hurt!"
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Krenshaw fixes eyes on Milk and slashes his own wrist which begins to seep purple ichor.
After a moment three bolts of arcane energy spit from Krenshaw's hands and slam into Milk, exploding his chest cavity and leaving him dead on the floor.
"Thank You Mrrrgo!" Krenshaw yells out maniacally as Milk hits the floor.
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Seeing the destruction that Krenshaw brought upon his teammate, Theo rushes him down and tries to smash him with his mace.
But he misses.
Carl gets ready to attack.
He throws an axe at Arnesto and just barely dodges the counter attack from Enten.
But the axe bounces harmlessly off of Arnesto's armor.
Tornin assists Theo in trying to bring Krenshaw to justice, charging him down with a greatsword.
"Protect Krenshaw!" calls Aszeera.
She moves up and attacks Theo with a Longsword.
Aszeera lands the hit but fails to cause any damage to Theo past his armor.
Beth turns and throws two daggers at Tornin.
Both daggers thud painfully into Tornin who gasps in shock and pain.
Tandy moves up and slashes Tornin with her longsword.
Tornin slams into the ground, blood spilling everywhere, not dead but just barely hanging on.
Jordan charges at Beth with a handaxe.
But she misses.
Anersto looks down at the arrow and sighs. " Very well fatman. Though I have in my code to never hurt a lady, so I suppose you volunteered yourself. "
He makes a leisure stroll back some 25 feet whips out the crossbow on his back, which is now clearly made of Mahogany with Silver Filigree and shoots Carl.
Carl takes the shot, staggering him, he looks wounded but the shot misses anything too fatal.
" Ah.. I see the rolls are useful for something... Elige, Cook the pig "
Samwell moves up and tries to slash at Loki.
But he misses!
"As you say, friend Arnesto!"
Elige shoots an enormous lance of fire at Carl, which misses terribly.
"Ah... I... apologize Arnesto, this is my first actual experience with combat, I shall not miss again!"
A sharp whistle is blown from Loki's lips, "Get 'im girl!" He drops his bow and with a crack of his neck draws his daggers.
Five footing inbetween Nick Cage and Ttaur, Loki grins, "Slim pickings tonight I suppose friends"
Loki cuts one of Samwell's legs clean off and nearly manages to sever the other. He hits the ground and cries out in pain.
Spinning his daggers in various directions Loki smiles, more alive now than before, "Sit boy"
Looking at the completely exploded body of Milk, Ttaur will turn to the rest of the remaining group. "No sense crying over him..."
Ttaur, now with skin that resembles rock and earth; holds out his greatsword with his left arm. He then grasps the blade itself with his right hand (Which is the one with his stone gauntlet) and with a sharp stroke, runs his hand down the length of the blade. Dancing blue electricity now glazes the blade, arcing off randomly.
Krenshaw steps back and attempts to finish off Tornin with another Missile Storm.
The bolts tear into Tornin, ripping apart his legs and scarring his chest. He soon bleeds to death on the floor.
"That's what you get for cutting up my arm." says Krenshaw.
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Theo steps forwards to attack Krenshaw once more, "Be slain cretin!"
Theo brings his mace down hard on Krenshaw's shoulder, caving in not only his arm but his entire right half.
Hitting the ground hard Krenshaw looks up at Theo as the life exits his eyes, "Ah f!&+, I can't believe you've done this."
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Enten moves towards Samwell. "Well, I guess I should try to put you out of your misery."
Samwell dies soundlessly as Enten impales him.
In the meantime, Carl runs over to the recently dead Krenshaw. "I'll save you Krenshaw!"
Blood rushes from Carl's body and into Krenshaw, reviving him.
Carl's chest explodes outwards in blood as Krenshaw is revived.
"Thanks tubby!" says Krenshaw.
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"Show some respect Krenshaw!" says Aszeera, slicing at Theo.
Aszeera hits Theo twice more but still is unable to hurt the Cleric.
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Beth eyes Arnesto after he shoots Carl, and her eyes move to those defending him.
"Are we just going to ignore the other group and kill each other? Get them too, cmon!" Beth says to Jordan as she runs up and attempts to stab Ttaur.
Beth drives the Dagger straight into Ttaur which sinks in his flesh hardly an inch.
Beth slowly looks up into the eyes of Ttaur, her eyes wide in terror.
Tandy moves up now and tries to assist Aszeera with dispatching Theo.
But she misses.
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Jordan shrugs as Beth runs off and turns around and attempts to bury her hatchet into Krenshaw.
Jordan slams her hatchet down onto one of Krenshaw's legs, severing it and killing him in moments.
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