The air was stagnant and dry. It felt harsh on the throat to breath the fetid air, though there really was no other option. Most of everyone has had their mouths and noses covered by a thick cloth to try and filter the air they were breathing. It really didn't help all that much unfortunately.
The day was high, the sun was hanging over head casting its sickly yellow gaze down upon the area. The lands were dead, grass yellow and dried, the dirt hard and cracked. Any plant life around the white citadel was either dead or dying. The poor trees were gnarled and twisted into horrors of their kind with bark as black as night. Most of them were barren and empty, though those who still clung to their sparse leaves were brown and crisp to the touch. It looked as if the world was dying, and it was heaving its last, strangled breaths.
The party was accompanied by a small curtail of guards. Though the ride had been mostly silent as the dread of going into the lands silence most of the company that escorted the few souls that were going to brave the depths. All six nations poured their resources into this effort, making sure they could equip the few heroes with what they needed before sending to them to what many though was their deaths. Their names were already recorded on a monolith that stood at the edges of the citadel lands, as if they already wrote off their chances of success.
It was a last ditch effort, and the somber silence only made it feel more so. It was almost like they were walking to their own funeral.
They arrived shortly before the open, rotted gates of Dillium Das. The walls loomed overhead, empty and barren from the ages of absence of anyone calling this place home. The road from the gate lead in, moving straight towards what appeared another gate for the inner walls of the citadel. All the buildings remained intact and erect, but just empty like the shells found on the beach.
The horses were restless, their muscles tense and their movements jittery. The guards armor clinked and clicked as they shifted in their saddles. The company that rode from them was a small detachment of every nation, acting as safeguard that they will not be harmed, also as the ones who will be setting up on the edge of the territory, awaiting the parties return.
The lead of the company turned his horse around, looking at the chosen ones with a grim gaze. "This is it... this is Dillium Das, the grave of many..." His hand waved out to motion towards the white walls of the citadel, to emphasize his words. "Is there anything you will be needing before departing our company? All of our resources are yours to take. By the gods your going to need them."
Rhoman Ke, the warrior of the plains returned their guide's gaze. "We have need of what food you can spare. Traveling alone, food is easy to find, but in a company of six," he commented, as he looked around, "food that would feed one will not feed all."
Rhoman had ridden hard and fast to meet the company, and hadn't the chance to meet or speak with his allies yet, but he trusted in their strength, as he would share his with them. He looked upon the shell of Dillium Das, remembering the times he had ridden past it, looking for battle. At last, here, he might find peace and honor in saving his people. Perhaps there was a chance that even the Nash L'nog of Huth'han could be saved.
Oliver took a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped the sweat from his brow. "My thanks." He tells the horseman. "Any additional gunpowder, shells, or lead you have would be appreciated. Makes hunting easier..." The long rifle on his back has an odd green cast, and the wood of the stock and grip are black as night. The revolver on his hip is of similar metal, but the grip looks to be made of bone or ivory.
Taking his rifle off his back, he brings the scope to his eye, and plays it over the time worn walls of the citadel, looking for signs of life... or unlife.. as the case may be.
The guard nods his head in response, motioning the company to give up what they had. No one rose a complaint as they all knew they were going to need every piece that they can carry.
As they rifled through their items they were able turn up quite a bit of food and items. They already went into the process of packing the items in the bags on the horses, distributing it equally where need be.
"There is about a weeks worth of rations for your group. We also have several boxes of shells and powder for you sir. Will that be all?" The guard looked to the rest of the party, awaiting their responses.
When they were finished packing the food and extra ammunition one of the couriers approached them with a scroll, handing it out to the appropriate spell user. "When you enter the main citadel, read the scroll, this will signal us that you made it to the central citadel. The magic then will report back to us every two days to let us know of your continued survival."
Roet was young, but not impetuous. He received the rations and quickly organized them as he could, immediately thanking the men.
I thank you for your generosity. - he smiles, and his serenity looks as that of an elf, as much as he's clearly Orcish, with a somewhat green complexion and monastic/shamanistic tattoos covering the arms and torso - I shall have what I need, and may the gods shine our path and feed us for all our journey.
The mystic monk looked around, to his companions, and once again greeted them, before sighting the gates of Dillium Das. The diseases had to stop. People and wild life were starving, withering and dying. Lur'dalen trusted in his bare hands this honor - and he would prove they were right in doing so.
He pronounced a new and silent prayer, waited for the companions, and with them started marching.
Ciaran respectfully takes his share of the rations from the men and then cracks a large smile, with gratitude and mirth in his eyes, towards them.
"Thank you very much sir's" he says "I'll be sure to put these to good use"-he turns and stares at the large citadel, his smile unfailing, but the brief gratitude in his eyes is replace with a fiery determination-"don't worry about us though" he continues to the men that guided them"we are the hunters that'll tame the hungry graves of Dillum Das" "after all" he thought to himself "we cant afford to fail at this point"
with those as his final words to their guides he continues to look at the citadel and thinks to himself "maybe this is the place where I can finally find a peaceful sleep" he then chuckles to himself"maybe ill find a peaceful rest, but i wont let that happen till I make sure that all of these brave men make it back to their families and friends" and then turns to his new companions.
"afternoon lads!" Ciaran says cheerfully, his large grin now recedes into a friendly smile. "you'll have to forgive me for not knowing of each of you, but could you honor me with each of your names? mine is Ciaran of Irullia, but I don't expect you to know who I am"
Looking at the gates before him he smiled. He had been here before. It was a sight the whispered to him those many years ago. A site whose very essence seemed to want to cry out to him. The others except maybe Adornis were young. He himself was not that old by dwarven standards but still few truly understood the breath of age like he did.
Aside from the fact he was a dwarf, and the only dwarf here, he had been here before. He had felt the overwhelming physic energy that poured from the very stone seeking to speak to him to call to him. Infact he could feel it from here. it was ominous and inviting at the same time. For the physic sensitive dwarf it was so overwhelming that he barely missed the conversation.
" Yes sorry, Food is always good." he said smiling as he turned his turned his donkey over to the men and smiled."Lets get this business done." he says. Before he pulls out his compass and kisses it. After that he traces the simple sigil on the outside of it before he utters a quick prayer to Torag.
With that the dwarf was ready. he would record there journey, on top of the stories he finds via the vast items of the ancient place. Here he would test his skills, here where ancient mysteries lay untouched he would see them anew. That was why he was here, he could read the very essence of an object its history, as if he were there in that moment.
"Names Augar Stonefist, of Guzzathan. Scribe, nice to meet you"He said as he blinked up again looking through cracked glasses in a copper frame. This would be an interesting delve indeed.
Twenty-seven years. It took ‘just’ twenty-seven years for the kingdoms to send an expedition towards Dillium Das and for twenty-seven years Adornis had been preparing himself.
Adornis looked lengthily each of his companions.
All of them seem to expect to return home, bearing the glory of this conquest... I do hope they are right but I am not counting on it. I do not need to go back, I have nothing to go back... And this is how the famous professor ended his live! Adornis could imagine how a book about him would end.
Adornis thanks the men that gave him the food then faces his new companions.
Pleasure to meet you all. I am Master Adornis Vrastoyllar, former dean of the Great Academy of Jaartha in Redale, and owner of the House of Ink in Vilkas... or was. Adornis amends. Hum... lets make a deal: you keep me alive during the fights and I keep you alive between them, we do you say? These might be the last faces I see in my life, so let those be friendly faces.
Oliver looks up from his rifle scope, and smiles. "Greetings all. I know it's somewhat of a tradition to hold introductions until now, but it seems rather foolhardy. We should have gotten to know each other on the road here." He shrugs. "But what is one to do against the power of tradition. I am Oliver Ebonlocke, Priest of Serenrae. However, I'm afraid I'm not very good at healing, so don't get your hopes up." He grins, and pats his odd looking gun. "I'm much more of a hands off type, who specializes in trouble shooting..." His eyes twinkle. "Obviously, from Redale, as if needed saying."
He thanks the individual soldiers, as they deposit supplies in his saddle bags. He looks down at the horses. "I wonder... I doubt we'll need the horses in the citadel. I assume they are trained to return to their owners?" He asks of the guardsman leader.
Roet bows profusely, showing a nice smile to his companions.
I'm Roet Heineous, from Lor'dalen. - he said, blinking slowly and peacefully - ... And I'm afraid not too good at curing wounds, either!
He laughed openly. If he was nervous or anxious for being there, he definitely didn't show.
I'm just a humble monk, but I hope I can still be of service. It's a pleasure being around such illustrious members of my neighbor nations.
As much as some animosity could exist between the nations, he sounded genuinely humbled and happy of being there.
"A priest who is bad at healing? That is intriguing, and a noted scholar. This group is eclectic indeed" he said with a chuckle as he slipped the ancient looking compass into his pack. He would need to invest some power in a few of his items. Be it his shield, glasses, compass or pick.
"So I guess what little skill I have will be needed to heal.Granted I am no priest and my power far from the divine I shall do what is needed of me."Augar finished as he pulled his little glasses from his face and slipped them into a shirt pocket. he would need to get more pouches eventually, relics would be found stories told. He hoped they would return, if not maybe in the afterlife he would find some piece from his gift.
Hearing his new companions speaking about healing, Adornis retrieves a couple of items from his backpack.
"Well, I am no healer too, but this two," Adornis shows his two wand of cure light wounds "might do the trick… at least for a while!"
Adornis smiles then secures his precious wands back into his backpack.
The guard simply hooked a thumb towards Rhoman Ke. "The horses aren't from us, m'afraid, there from him and his clansmen or wherever he got them." He gave his nod and thanks to the others before making his rounds, curtailing his men to mount and begin their trek back towards the border.
"Do not forget to read the scroll when you get to the central citadel!" The guard called out before heading off, "Good luck to you and may you rid us of this plague! We will be waiting south!" With that the guards were more then ready to get the hell out of these lands, leaving the party alone in front of Dillium Das.
The wind rustled, bringing a foul stench from the Citadel towards the party members, something akin to rotting flesh and decrepit corpses. It was strong enough to make you want to gag on the smell.
"I wish mine was as easy to explain Professor, but alas it is not. I am neither priest nor wizard. I am not martially trained, nor possess skill in traps. I am sort of an oddity. I sense things. Sometimes hidden power others revelations of the past. That is why I am here. I have sensed things from here before, Ancient things." he said as he ran a finger across the dull colored pick on his side. It was hard to tell others of his strange gifts.
The Dwarf had only learned of his craft through self study. Aside from that a few strips of lore scattered about Guzzathan even spoke of his gift. Now he the supernatural seer, was sent away, partially do to his previous encounter around here, but because his gifts frightened many of his stoic kinsmen.heck sometimes he frightened himself.
"all that aside I can heal"Augar said before he fell into a wide smile and nodded."Wands though are a great asset to have on this perilous journey."
Oliver nods. "Not all priests are called to the healing arts. Some of us are called to the more martial pursuits, or to the arts of soothing the souls of men. I am more of the latter two, than the healing type." He nods. "Well, hopefully the horses will find their way to a better home if we needs be abandon them."
He returns his rifle to his back. "Shall we head out then, no reason to dally. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to push our way forward, given the history." He gives the guardsmen a salute, and then chucks his horse forward, moving it toward the citadel.
Adornis nods to Oliver and approves his objectivity.
"I agree with you Mr. Oliver, we shall not waste our time. We have already waited too much time..." turning his attention towards Augur, "and while we ride towards the citadel, could you tell me more about your ‘gift’, Mr. Augur? In all my years of study I had found only a couple of books about the occult and it would be my pleasure to learn a bit more!"
Saying this, Adornis follows Oliver, even though a bit uncomfortable riding such a big animal.
"The horses of Huth'han will serve you well, and none swifter nor more sure will you find in all the land than those of Rhoman Ke, the Nash L'nog," Rhoman remarks quietly. "As with any ally, if you serve them well, their strength will bless you." As they rode, he indicates to the bag that hangs from his saddle. "In here we have some bandages, blessed by the holy men of my people. They will serve us well on our journey."
Allowing a rare grin to appear, Rhoman remarks to Adornis regarding his obvious discomfort, "Peace, friend. In Huth'han, our children are raised on horseback, and our horses know the value of the cargo they carry.". Checking to make sure Adornis was situated properly, he then speaks again "If you'll take the bandages I've brought, I can promise you my sword will always rise in your defense."
Falling back into the ranks, Rhoman to Ciaran and comments, "My people have heard much of the Grey Wolf of Irullia." Looking sideways at the good-humored man, he says "Though far from our homes, the battles we.shall fight will be sung in the tents and on the sea."
Augar just shook his head. These humans so young and yet so eager. He was here for the past. Granted the plague needed to be vanquished but he was here for the history. everything bore some sort of history some more than others. With his power he could see it and feel it. To him this was more an understanding of what had happened here before this expedition.
"A horse is a horse to me?" he said unsure of what exactly to say in response to animals such as these. He mostly rode in carts or wagons, or walked. This was uncomfortable to him but he would not be in the saddle to long.
" No problem Adornis,but my skills are not as powerful as some of the ancient tomes out there. i merely read impressions left on objects, unlock the latent power they possess, and well can read the aura of people. I wish I could say i had some of those interesting powers like telepathy but alas that is not my gift."
As the group rides their horses into the first gate of the Dillium Das, the change in the air was palpable. It was dead quiet besides the click clack of the horses hooves against the old stone road and the parties voices of their conversation. The buildings around them stood silent, as if they were mute spectators, judging them from above and aside.
The buildings themselves were a softer white then the walls, some were even hues of a soft tan, though the color palette was still high in the white spectrum. Any colorful decorations, tabards, canvases or anything of the sort had long since been removed or decayed into dust.
The time that this citadel has been around has been rumored to be longer then the six nations existence. Though it was mainly speculation and legends, no one really knew how long the citadel stood for, who created it and who lived there. One theory claims that everyone originated from it from the central divination of all the gods will, and that this plague was brought upon their children for ignoring their gods. This of course created religious fanatics, telling everyone to travel here and repent.
The road was straight and true, it would lead up to the inner gate as the party would've had no problems in the outer bailey of the citadel. Though something was different about this inner wall and gate then the previous one.
Its massive draw bridge was up, the moat around it was dry and deep, but the gate itself was still secured. That in itself was an oddity as there were times other adventurers or treasure seekers entered the depths of the citadel, but did they find another way around or was this gate only recently closed?
The buildings still stood, though they were uniform to keep at least thirty feet of distance from the moat line that separated them from the inner wall.
Oliver unlimbers his rifle, and begins scanning the draw bridge through the scope. "So, someone climbs up and takes the chains down. Or I try to shoot them loose, if they look rusted enough, or we find another way in. Ideas? Anyone good at climbing? Have a spider climb scroll or potion?"
"If you'll take the bandages I've brought, I can promise you my sword will always rise in your defense."
"Well Mr. Rhoman, we have a deal!"
"No problem Adornis,but my skills are not as powerful as some of the ancient tomes out there. i merely read impressions left on objects, unlock the latent power they possess, and well can read the aura of people. I wish I could say i had some of those interesting powers like telepathy but alas that is not my gift."
"I have to disagree with you Mr. Augar, your gift shall prove more valuable than powers like telepathy in my opinion."
While Adornis observes the drawn bridge, he tries to remember if he had already read any history book or heard any tale about how the adventurers entered Dillium Das.
Think... think, I am almost sure I had already heard of it...
He also tries to determine if it would be too hard to climb the bridge.
"I might try to climb if there is no other volunteer, but I will be almost helpless up there alone."
Something must've changed since then.
"If one has rope, we might be able to ascend the wall and reach the gate that way," Rhoman remarks.
Walls are such a primitive notion, he thinks, considering the task before the party. But were these designed to keep us out, or something in?
On his own, he examines the gate for any sign of weakness. Surely they would have no need to close it, for they planned on returning. Any foe they met would fall to their might.
Realizing they may have arrived missing some tools, Rhoman proposes "Could we return to the soldiers and see if they have tools we can use? Rope, or hooks, perhaps?"
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Oliver shrugs, and pulls 10 ft of rope out of his pack, as well as an oddly shaped device. He touches the device, and as he looks at it, it sprouts three hooks and a loop on the opposite end, turning into a grappling hook before everyone's eyes. "Anytool. Comes in a lot more handy than carrying every tool in the blacksmith's shop."
Roet notices the others looking around, and tries to help searching.
I can probably try to climb as well, my friends - or even jump and reach a certain height, depending of it. Especially with your help.
He agrees with Oliver.
... And with these tools, I could try to tie and throw a rope. Or are we going to try to throw it up and hope it grabs somewhere?
Adornis guides his horse a lit bit ahead, just to get the attention of everyone.
"In accordance to all the legends and reports about Dillium Das and its intrepid, and stupid, adventurers, all of them just entered. In other words, the bridge was down." Adornis makes a pause to make sure all of them understood his words. "This probably means that, for some unknown reason, the citadel, or most probably its inhabitants, do not want us to meddle with their business."
Adornis makes another pause before continuing his lecture.
"The only change perceived was the plague itself, so it might be connected to the bridge being up: It might be up to prevent the plague to spread; or to prevent the nations to intervene. I bet on the second hypothesis."
Adornis thinks a little bit then continues.
"I do not know for you, but if I decide protect something inside a wall and close its gates, I would as well place guards to protect the aforementioned wall."
But could be another way...
"Gentlemen, what do you think of we look for another entrance? A great number of historical fortresses and castles have secret passages, either to allow a quick scape during a siege, or to send a secret message or spy... this could be the case with Dillium Das."
Ciaran gives a hearty laugh.
"I like you lad, you're a smart one" Ciaran says to Adornis "I have to agree with you, lets look for another entrance, besides" he looks up at the imposing wall "im not looking forward to climbing that monstrosity, t'would be a shame to die before the real adventure began after all" he looks back to Adornis giving him a large grin and scratches his beard "and even if we can't find another way in, we could always try my one of my favorites and take a large hammer and knock"
Ciaran guides his hose to be behind Adornins
"you lead the way sir" his grin grows a little wider"im less of a thinker and more of a Breaker"he then laughs out loud"or at least that's what my first captain told me after I sailed his ship into the middle of a pirates galley he continues laughing for a little bit "oh I'll never forget the look on those scoundrels faces when they saw a burning war ship lodged in the hull of their pathetic excuse for a sea faring vessel"
he then chuckles to himself a little and then looks at Adornis "so which way to find this secret entrance of yours? I'm eager to get in, we have history to write after all"
Oliver nods. "Acceptable plan. As a back up plan, I believe I have enough parts to work up a blunderbuss, which I could use to fire the grappling hook over the wall. No reason we can't do so in another location, away from the drawbridge, if we need to. I'm sure we all have rope." He comments, scanning the walls again, this time looking for arrow slits or other places for concealed watchers. "If we are going to posit that there are enemies within, then we should put up some effort to keep them from seeing what we do..."
Oliver frowns. "Tons of arrow slits, especially on the towers. Also, saw a shadow of movement on top of the third tower from the left of the drawbridge. We do have someone or something inhabiting the citadel. We need to break line of sight. Find somewhere to leave the horses, out of sight, and search for this secret entrance. Then, tonight, we can climb over the wall if need be by darkness."
Ciaran's smile turns into a playful smirk as he looks up at the tower
"well preacher, at least it wont be dull now." he turns back to Oliver and say "your advice makes sense, but it might be best if only a few of us search for the entrance. Berserkers, like me, aren't known for being good at sneaking around" his smirk becomes a little more evil and dark "but if you can make a flare of some sort for them to use when they need help then I'll come charging and looking for blood"
Augar pauses as he looked to the others. it was odd that the bridge was down. he also thought it odd that he did not see any guards. he looked to the others and shrugged.
"True side entrances would be made to ensure the ability for messengers and scouts to go back and forth." He said almost to himself as he looks at the walls.
(with stonecunning)
"If I could get close I might be able to read the wall?" He said walking and thinking as he went.
You begin to believe that if the place was so symmetrical, and your knowledge of structures, that there could possibly be more then one secret passage built into the walls. And the best location of them being would be placed the farthest away from all the gates, which would be right smack in the middle, between the two inner most towers on the wall.
Usually as most castles are built they do hold these passages and the builders tried to set them the furthest from the gates, which would the army typically assault in any regular siege due to the ability to get siege weapons to them easily, unlike the buildings surrounding the left and right of the gates were too crowded to move any large force with success.
"Hum… I think it is improbable that those inhabiting the citadel are not aware of us, and it also does not means that even them knows of the existence of this supposed hidden entrance."
Adornis looks towards Oliver.
"Mr. Oliver, I am thinking of crossing the moat and looking for this entrance, while you keep watching their movement. This way, a couple of things might happen:"
"In any case, if I do find something, I will not enter, I will just mark the spot, so we can enter at night, with the helpful eyes of our friends here." Adornis points out to Roet and Augur.
"What do you think?"
" I remember the area being symmetrical and from the basic design the secret paths would most likely be between the two towers between both gates. its a long shot but check there."
"Also Am also not much of a stealth type. My armor especially lets me stick out like a sore thumb." he said looking at the others with a smile before he went back to looking at the wall.
Oliver nods. "Yeah, I can make some flares, but you'll need a gun to put them up. Anyone besides me have a gun?" He asks, looking around curiously. "And yeah, sniping is not an issue..." He hefts the rifle and scope.
" I remember the area being symmetrical and from the basic design the secret paths would most likely be between the two towers between both gates. its a long shot but check there."
"Hum, it makes perfect sense Mr. Augur. So I'll check for this passage, I just need to cross this moat."
Adornis looks down the moat, looking for any danger.
The moat showed no immediate danger. It was basic in its design. Though dry it would still prove to be a challenge to cross. The sides were incredibly steep, almost vertical. It would prove to be difficult to climb down and up though there were many foothold and rocks that would make the trip a bit easier. The moat itself at its deepest was an impressive forty feet.
Over the years from the absence of water filling it, a rough yellow weed flourished before the plague really began to settle in to the land.
Rhoman looked on in silence as the others made plans. He'd never been at home around buildings, and the silence was deafening, discomforting. At Oliver's question, he pulled his bow off his saddle and began notching it. Eyeballing the distance, he remarks, "Not a gun, but an arrow can do just as well to keep enemies down."
Gathering up the reigns, Rhoman pulled the horses away and out of sight of the ramparts, tying them up with loose knots should speed be required.
After tying the horses, he would hurry back to the group, taking care to pay attention to the silent buildings around him.
Adornis looks down the moat.
"Hum... It might not be that hard to cross." Saying this, Adornis leaves his heavy bags behind and climbs down the moat.
Not happy with the dangers that this yellowish weed might hide under its leaves, Adornis runs to the other side and quickly starts to climb up.
When he was almost on the top of the moat (30ft. high), the stone he was grabbing suddenly gives off and he finds himself falling to the bottom. In a desperate move, he softens the fall with a roll, but ends up with a scratch in his eyebrow.
That was close... Adornis thinks while he dusts his coat and cleans the blood of his face. Well, up again.
With slower climb this time to avoid another fall, Adornis manages to climb up the moat.
"Get ready gentlemen... if anything moves but me, shoot them."
Oliver takes up position behind something convenient. If nothing is, he'll use his horse as cover, although he prefers to use objects, not animals.
Oliver takes up position behind something convenient. If nothing is, he'll use his horse as cover, although he prefers to use objects, not animals.
When Adornis made it across the moat, a putrid stench began to rise from the ground. Just his presence against the wall seemed to have triggered something, but there were no signs of movement atop the wall nor anywhere near Adornis. Everything seemed safe... so far.
Oliver gets set up on the balcony, and watches through the scope. If anyone follows him, he comments in a whisper. "Movement inside the arrow slits, can't make out who or what it is. Don't want to shoot unless it's hostile."