Signs In the Mist: Pt I: Team DEATHDEALERS.

[Archelon]

Light... ... Darkness... ... Shades of grey... That was what the mist was , formless, seemingly without quantity or quality that made it real. Other then it was cold. Cold enough to send the chill down the spines of the four who ventured forth. The merry band, (if you could call them that) would find themselves nearing the edges of town, passing away from the possessed and emerging into the farmlands which surrounded Sunberth. Here the going would become rather odd as they progressed towards the Dust Pit, the cemetery where a simple man hid within his shack armed with a crossbow lay looking warily towards the door as he sipped his mead. But that would come later though. For now, the party would find their passage odd as the enclosing mist seemed to part for them, only barring their sigh if they turned away from the Dust Pit's direction as they began to put space between them and any possessed within the city. At times they would see greyish ghosts flit to and fro in their path, but then the mist would thicken completely around them to hide their presence until the ghosts would past. It was certainly strange, and the nuit, yes the nuit would gain an inkling that this 'mist' was not mist at all. So would the mage, as for the barbarian and the fighter, both would find themselves given a moment of respite to catch their breaths before the party would come to the old Iron gates which barred entrance to the dust pit. From inside the howling of wolves could be heard, in the direction high upon the seaboard cliffs where the oldest crypts were kept. The gate was locked, locked with a metal chain, and a rather large steel lock. Only the stone arch of the shack's secondary entrance with a light inside the window made it seem as if there was any life amongst the small grey spires of tombstone, barred from the rest of Sunberth , as if the very plot was caging whatever was inside from coming out. But for the party... the party would have to find some way to get in... perhaps there was someone nearby they could call or signal that they were there?

[Rayage]

Their progression through the city was nothing but eerie. The mist would get thicker and they would see a ghost or two, or three, and then the screams of those being assaulted. Though all that was left behind them, yes, left behind them in the city, but not completely gone. No, if ghosts have indeed taken over Sunberth they would, or as one would think, have originated from the cemetery which oh so happens to be the groups destination. Oh the joy. Nothing was quite like taking the fight to the enemies front door, now was it? Or perhaps the majority of ghosts are busy in Sunberth rather than sticking around the grave site. Hopefully it would be the latter.

The group was lead faithfully to the great gates which housed the final resting places for the dead, or in this case not so final. Upon reaching the gate and seeing it barred with iron and steel the nuit sighed and turned to his companions, ”Any of you know how to pick a lock?” he asked, and for good reason too. They were in sunberth, a lawless place, ONE of them, by those standards, should know how to pick a freaken lock. Waiting for an answer, but if he got none after a while he would say, ”No? Ok then.” pointing at the barbarian, ”You,” he said, ”Think you are strong enough to break it off?” he challenged the named Cades abilities, ”And if not, do you think your boss might have a trick or two up his sleeve?” his voice sounded almost sarcastic. ”He can create a lightning wind, but is unable to destroy a lock…” he muttered to himself before looking down the fence (wall?) that bordered the cemetery to find another entrance. Well, another possible entrance.

If it was agreed that none of them could break or otherwise open the lock that denied them entry to their destination then the nuit would point out the building seemingly built into the border of the cemetery. There had to be a person inside. If not, it would be all the easier to break into the place and go there. After all, it was easier to climb through a window or break down a door than it is to melt oneself though an iron gate. What will happen however will be left up the skills that their group possessed.

[Eryss Waldu]

[Progress out of Sunberth was made easy for Eryss who wanted less to do with the possessed and the spirits with every passing moment and so he never turned nor looked back as the group of four made their way to the outskirts of the city. Only when they were outside of Sunberth did Eryss pause and consider leaving the group, he would feel no hesitation over abandoning this quest normally, however when the mist made its collective sigh the Mage had decided that the strength was in numbers yet again and that it was to his benefit to remain with the others. The Mist wasn’t a mist at all though but something else entirely and Eryss sensed it in his very bones even though he wasn’t sure what he had come face to face with.] [Upon reaching the dust pit and coming face to face with the steel chain and the large lock baring their passage Eryss remained silent initially. The Nuit spoke up though, asking if anyone knew how to pick a lock, and Eryss couldn’t help but laugh at the predicament all of them found themselves to be in...”Pick a lock? Not I and no one else either I think. Ironic.”...he was being both sarcastic and serious seeing as how none of the men in this group seemed like thieves even though they were all residing in Sunberth, the lawless city. No one else seemed like they had anything to say though and Eryss, looking at the others and the lock, would silently begin to assess the situation. Looking at his ally the Barbarian, Cade, as though he knew what the next move should be.] [Glancing in the direction of the Nuit after he’d heard him mention that Eryss might have a few tricks up his sleeve the Mage would answer...”As a matter of fact I do.”...before moving towards the lock on the gate and motioning for Cade to do likewise. Looking back over his shoulder he would focus on Cade and tell him very clearly...”When I tell you strike the lock. Not before or after.”...then, after waiting to ensure that Cade understood, Eryss would turn back towards the lock barring their passage and focus on it once again. Rubbing his hands together once as he did.] [Moving closer to the gates barring entrance to the Dust Pit Eryss would stop within arms reach of the chain securing the entrance. Outstretching his right hand he’d place it over the lock within inches without actually touching the steal and then, focusing, he would stir the djed in his body and begin to create a small amount of res. Evoking the res as a continuous gaseous thread Eryss would direct it into the lock itself via the key hole and begin to ignite it as he did so. Creating a constant flame via this method he’d heat the internal mechanisms of the lock while concurrently heating the steel as well. The Spell was relatively minor but still nothing to overlook, Eryss didn’t want to prolong any use of his djed as he might need it later, but for now it seemed as though it were up to him to get the group inside and on their way to the destination.] [Feeding the fire into the lock the metal would eventually begin to heat, the inside of the lock itself being much hotter than the outside, but Eryss held on. Using the thin stream of res he was creating to continue to infiltrate the inner mechanisms of the lock before igniting it the process would continue until the steal was at least a dull bright in color and then the Mage would step aside. “Now Cade!”...Eryss would shout as he consumed the remainder of the res that was made and moved out of the way so that the Barbarian could act. Lifting his sword Cade did not disappoint as he let out a guttural sound from his mouth and swung his Longsword down, busting the lock off the gate and the chain in one blow, shattering the mechanism that had barred their entrance to the Dust Pit.] [They had both done their part and Eryss was pleased, it showed in the subtle smirk gracing his features beneath the hood he wore if anyone could see it, and nodding his head the Mage would help pull the chain away from the gate so that the entrance to the cemetery could swing open for all of them.] [Once this was accomplished he’d move back towards Cade, standing next to the Barbarian, before telling the others...”After you.”...and then moving into the cemetery with them.] OOCI have permission from Cades player to use Cade for the small part of this post that I did.

[Cade]

The lock shattered upon impact of The barbarian's sword, releasing its hold on the gate. The barbarian gave the Dark Mage a grin of satisfaction and a job well done before Eyrss took up position behind the obvious meat shield. Cade did not mind being first, just meant more action for him and at this juncture the gate was no different.

There would be no point in being silent about entry for the twang of steel on steel would alert any of those with in the area to their location. So the barbarian kicked open half the gate, forcing it to swing back while he regain his footing. Both his hands grasped the hilt of his longsword, ready for about anything that the dust pits can throw at him.

Cade slowly manoeuvred past the gates and just out from his peripheral vision he could see a wolf, with blood red eyes only a few feet from where he stood. A cold chill ran up the barbarian's spine as two more wolves appeared, one directly in front and another off to the left. This was another ambush, just of the K-9 variety.

"Frek!" Was all the half blood savage got to whisp as the wolves pounced forth. With panther like reflexes Cade jumped back into Eyrss, dodging the first wolf's pounce from the right side. With a fluent motion Cade's longsword hailed down from the heavens in a over hand attack that cleaved into the back of the first wolf partially splitting the beast in half.

The second wolf thrusted forward, his toothy maw snapped for the barbarian's throat to only be countered by a meaty back hand slap from Cade's left arm that sent the wolf sprawling off to the side while the next one rushed in. Cade's blade was still trapped in the first wolf's chest cavity and as struggled frantically to get it released with his right hand just the next wolf pounced for the kill. His Left hand still extended out from the back hand slapped he placed upon the last wolf gave Cade the momentum he needed to place a straight punch to the third's snout.

Cade's fist impacted hard on the beast's nose, with such force that it crushed the possessed animal to the ground. The barbarian wasted no time placing a heavy foot on the throat while he used his strength to rip his sword from the carcass of the animal's brethren. Then with in a blink of an eye he sunk his blade deep through the shoulder of the wolf, piercing the heart and long for a quick death.

Cade would of placed his focus on the last remaining wolf but with in the dust pit something caught his attention from the shadows advanced more daemonic beasts in the form of wolves. Red eyes glowing in the eerie dark waging war on Cade's nerves and iron will. This was going to be a long day.

"More puppies!" Cade warned as he squared off to the advancing pack, hoping that someone else in the rear would of taken care of the other wolf he smacked off to the side, for he was about to be very busy. All were going to be very busy.

[Darian]

In the blink of an eye, the iron wrought gates shuddered forth, and beasts emerged from the shadows to bring tooth and claw against steel. The barbarian handled the first charge well, dispatching two of the beasts in a matter of heart beats, yet one remained unattended and looking up Darian quickly understood why. Piercing red eyes shadowed them from the gloom, their breath ragged in the cold air, the ominous presence they gave off enough to have sent a lesser man running in terror. Those that found themselves apart of this group though where not mere men. No, they found themselves made of harder stuff than a commoner, and Darian steeling his own nerves raced out to the wolf angling to get at Cade's exposed back.

Clearing the distance in moments, his sword came crashing down just behind the beasts skull where it's head met it's neck, and with a crack bone separated from flesh and the creatures head tumbled off in a crimson spray of gore. The clear distraction was not missed, and before he knew it a beast had flanked him, sinking his fangs deep into his calf only to be met by cold steel as Darian plunged his sword down through the crown of the wolf's skull, effectively impaling it in place. Two more of the creatures where quick to take it's place, and behind him he could here the low pitch of a growl announcing the arrival of a few more of the beasts just behind him. Instinctively he moved to slash his sword across but lost his grip on his longsword when the blade stuck in place in the creatures skull, and cursing his luck, the bitter cold, and all the damned spirits running about he pulled free a dagger strapped to his thigh, turning as he did so to keep the wolves off balance at least for a moment or two. Oh how he wished he could see how the others where faring.

[Archelon]

Howling, tearing, rending, and the yapping of animals. These were heard up upon the hillsides of the Dust Pit close to where the land dropped off the cliffs to the sea. The wolves attacking the party now were just ones of many in the cemetery this evening. Each one spurned like dogs in heat to run around and ramble as they fought amongst themselves. Though that would not last for long, no not nearly as long as the inkling of wolves cry down by the gates would herald the message that prey was near. It would be a long and dangerous climb, past the rows of gravestones, up the winding slickened trails of half moss covered steps. All to barely reach the end goal: A series of crypts , dug into the earth which urban legends had told seemed to be as old as time itself. Amongst these crypts perhaps they could find stone to put between them and the hordes of animals? Or perhaps they would find a place to venture amongst the larger graves, cutting down the feral beasts which would continue to rush them in waves as they continued up towards the ridge? Who knew what would await the party up there anyways? Only time would tell as they fought their way through the packs.

[Eryss Waldu]

[Unprepared to see Cade moving backwards Eryss was almost ploughed into by the Barbarian who retreated against the advance of wolves before managing to leap aside. Eryss, not entirely graceful, didn’t exactly manage of surefooted landing though as he came down off balance and went crashing onto his stomach with a moan. Well he wasn’t complaining though as he could have faired the same as Cade who was now dealing with the wolves hungry for the taste of his flesh after he’d opened the gates to the cemetery and apparently there were a lot more of them coming. No time to remain down and out now Eryss was telling himself.] [Peering up from the ground Eryss saw as Darian dispatched the wolf that had moved to attack Cade from behind and he was grateful as that meant it wasn’t on him to protect the Barbarian this time and that these swordhands, as Eryss tended to consider Rayage and Darian to this point, were coming in useful. Rolling over onto his back so that he could climb back to his feet Eryss was met with an extremely surprising sight as red eyes, glowing, glared towards him and with a snarl a vicious wolf advanced. “Well no time like the present.”...he muttered to himself as the wolf strode closer before his right hand slid down and into his robes to retrieve his dagger.] [Without warning the wolf would rush towards Eryss too, circling around him just enough to come in at an angle, and the Mage raising his left arm in defence would attempt to shield himself from the beast as it struck. Maybe it was luck, or possibly what the wolf intended, but the animal sunk its teeth into the robe Eryss wore missing the meat of his arm and just grazing it before it pulled back and started shaking its head violently with the robes still captured. The Wolf was strong too, it jostled Eryss about on his back, pulling back once in a frenzy and even throwing him onto his stomach instead as the Mage withdrew his dagger and attacked with it.] [The Shields were advanced but not enough or maybe this wolf was just particularly skilled, Eryss might need to weave them tighter, but anyways the teeth of the wolf seemed to have penetrated where the hands of the other possessed had not.] [With his arm still being shook in the jaws of the wolf Eryss would slide his knees beneath himself before lunging as the animal shook its head again. Plunging the dagger ahead as he did this Eryss would sink the steel blade into the neck of the wolf creating a bright red bloody wound before he heard a satisfied yelp as the wolf released his arm. Eryss wasn’t done yet though and reaching for the fur of the animal to slow its escape he’d thrust the dagger in again, this time striking the beast somewhere in it chest, and a third time, scoring another blow to its large neck, before the animal dropped and was dead. Breathing Eryss gave a quick look around to ensure the others were all still alive and the wolves dead or dying.] [When he was able Eryss moved back to his feet, the robes covering his left arm were a tattered mess now, he’d quickly position himself near Cade and say...”On your flank Cade.”...letting the Barbarian know that he and the Mage were all but back to back now. Other howls were heard and Eryss found his dislike of the situation growing as he stated...”We need to make it into the cemetery quickly. Stay alert and sharp for the wolves. If we wait here they will swarm us like the possessed in Sunberth.”...though Eryss wasn’t completely certain it’d be less dangerous moving into the cemetery and the belly of the beast as it were.] [Glancing around Cade once Eryss would point out towards what looked like a hill, or ridge in the distance, before saying...”Lets go. Through the cemetery and to the crypts.”...then he was pressing his left hand against the back of Cade who would lead them while Eryss went second to him. At the moment he was conserving his djed, the Mage didn’t want to waste his magic in case there was a bigger challenge ahead, he knew the wisdom in being frugal at the moment. Once his had had pressed against Cade Eryss would have turned his head and told the others...”Like in the city but keep your eyes open. Wolves will likely be all around us as we cross through the gravestones.”...then unless anyone had any objections was hoping that the group would be off on their way.]

[Rayage]

The alchemist watched as the mage and the barbarian worked together to break the lock. It was impressive. He wondered what kind of magic the mage wielded, but the other half of him didn’t care one bit. It was a power obviously not meant for him or he would have possessed it already. Power was a thing that couldn’t be commanded or sought after. Power chooses its wielder, or at least that was the nuits philosophy. The nuit gave one clap to performance; it was very dull and barely audible. In fact, with the excitement that happened next he doubted that his actions were even accounted for.

Wolves. How lovely. Not wanting to get in the middle of the fight the nuit, almost instinctually, took a step backwards and further away from the advancing creatures. Ghosts, the miserable things, and now wolves, he thought readying his blade, taking the handle in both hands. Even still the blade wobbled a bit. He wasn’t used to wielding a sword, and so he was sloppy and unconditioned. He was a researcher more than a fighter, and his body couldn’t take much stress. Though as the group got into the fray and more and more of those wolves started to show up it was obvious they were hungry, and that they were not going to stop. The howls chilled him as it seemed they called for more and then more showed up.

More hacking and slashing went on around him and finally there was a little hiss that could be heard through the chaos of the fighting. The source of the hiss was the creature perched on Rays shoulder, the one he dubbed H1-A. The furry thing had its hair raised and was staring at an approaching wolf daring it to come any further. Of course the animal dared, not that threatened by H1-A or its master. Turning towards the canine, it was a showdown; a stare down of sorts went on between the guardian of the graveyard and the undead.

The wolf seemed to revel in the one on one showdown as it licked its chops. It probably was too hungry to even care that Ray was a rotting corpse. It stepped closer and then lunged. Things seemed to go in slow motion, the hiss of H1-A grew louder as it too leaped off Rays shoulder to attack the advancing wolf. Ray, more out of conditioning than anything having learned that he could solve most things with hypnotism, sent out a single emotion of fear to the wolf; his djed being transferred through his very presence through the air the single spell suggested that the wolf should be afraid. However, the being seeing no reason to be fearful, or perhaps the rush of the hunt getting to it, the magic the nuit cast had little to no effect on the beast.

H1-A landed and clawed at the wolfs face viciously before it was thrown aside with a shake of the canines head. Specks of blood were drawn by the lizard and it had managed to slow the wolf down, the lunge was half hazard and it gave Ray a chance to bring his blade down and slash the wolf in the face, opening its wound even deeper. A slight grunt came from the wolf, a cry of pain, but it launched itself forward again. Freezing up the nuit barely had time to drop the blade to the wolfs level which used the dogs own momentum to impale itself. Another cry of pain, and a couple yanks and the blade was out of it, the wolf fell over dead. Ray did not like this.

It was then Ray heard ‘the bosses’ voice directing them to go further into the graveyard. Seeing the mage get behind the barbarian in the fashion of which they were traveling he prepared himself to move. Taking his blade, still clenched in both hands, he let it drop to his side relaxing his undead muscles. Getting back into formation, ”H1-A” he called to the lizard-thing who was busy clawing at the corpse of the wolf they just slayed, but upon hearing its ‘name’ called the creature scampered up and climbed the robes of the mage to perch back onto the nuits shoulder. He was ready to be lead, his party was all taken care of, and there seemed to be more wolves on the way. The faster they get in there the better? Oh, this better be worth it… ”Yes,” the nuit chimed in, ”let’s make way deeper into the graveyard.” it was hard to tell if he was being sarcastic of serious.

[Eryss Waldu]

[No one seemed to object and Eryss had no intention of waiting around long enough for any of the wolves nearby to attack a second time. Nodding his head once he turned to Cade, pressing his hand against the shoulder of the Barbarian, before directing him into the graveyard where he’d take point once again. That sword Cade was using would be well stained with blood before the night was through and the Mage had no doubt his comrade might claim many wolf skins as his own after this. Moving ahead too Eryss would follow behind Cade so that he could act as the support if the Barbarian was rushed by multiple opponents. Behind Eryss should be Rayage, the Nuit, and then Darian who was expected to watch the rear with his own steel which had been proven capable enough. Thus the group would likely trek further into the graveyard if the other two continued following Cade and Eryss.] [The Mage called for Cade to...”Move quickly and keep your eyes open. No telling when the wolves will strike.”...as they moved beyond the gates and into the cemetery. There were rows upon rows of gravestones, half of them appeared to be falling apart due to age, but Eryss knew that whatever they were looking for couldn’t have been there. No the Mage had an inkling that they were searching for something that was higher up in the crypts of the graveyard itself and though he had no desire to venture deeply into the earth the course was set now. Looking back over his shoulder to ensure that the others were nearby as well he’d have went on to say...”Dogging these wolves shouldn’t be an issue until they attack in numbers. When we reach the crypts one of us may have to remain outside on the hilltop and hold them off while the others search.”...unless anyone else had a better idea seeing as how Eryss certainly wasn’t volunteering for the job.] [Eyes were busy darting from side to side as they progressed through the graveyard, always watching for an animal that might be waiting to ambush, several times Eryss thought he may have seen a set of glowing orbs staring back at him and his mouth pursed with disdain. Unable to see clearly in the darkness it was either a trick his mind was playing on him or the animals were actively waiting for their moment to strike. Maybe another would have more success being able to identify something, anything at all. A rough idea of numbers would have been helpful.] [Progress through the graveyard to the hill would have been swift if the group wasn’t attacked by a large force and Eryss ensured that Cade kept a lively pace as he trekked ahead. Only once, hearing a terrifying howl, did Eryss bade the Barbarian to cease but when nothing occurred he would begin the forwards momentum of the group again. Retreat was no longer an option seeing as how the wolves would likely pick off any stragglers if they turned in the other direction. Moving in a straight line it would take long for the party to move through the graveyard and reach the hill where the climb towards the crypts they had been destined for would become more perilous.] [Indeed when the group reached the hill it seemed as good a time as any to rest momentarily, catch their breaths briefly except for the Nuit, before Eryss voiced what all of them likely already knew...”Whatever we’re looking for must be guarded by more than wolves too. I suggest being prepared for the worst.”...though his guess as to what might be encountered when they finally reached the crypts was up in the air. The Mage was no more informed on this than anyone else. When he finished growling, nearby, alerted Eryss to the fact that they were not alone though.] [Outstretching his right arm, a small amount of res no larger than an apple summoned to his palm as he did so, the Mage would hurl a fireball at a wolf that leapt from the darkness. Igniting the res just before it struck the beast in the face the Mage would watch as it howled once and then fell lifeless to the ground its head still smoking from the blast of flame that had struck it. If that was all then it would have been no matter but there were hordes of wolves in this graveyard and they were all closing in now causing Eryss to shout...”Cade! Kill them all!”...so that the Barbarian would know that it was time for him to go to work again. The Others too.] OOCHope nobody minds but this thread hasn't been posted to in awhile so I moved it along a tad. Lets do this people!

[Darian]

A cacophony of yips and growls echoed around him, and growling through the disturbing sounds, Darian lunged forward, meeting a wolf mid leap with his dagger that happened to be more of a defense then an attack. Hot blood sprayed against his hand as the wolf found it's throat ripped open and flying to the side to land in a swirl of dust, but Darian had no time to gloat with three wolves still working hard to get a snap at him. A nip at the back of his boot sent him spinning around, slashing haphazardly with the wide bladed dagger, and slashing the wolf's snout deeply and sending the creature in a brief retreat. He had barely started chasing after the beast when another wolf leapt after him, and toppled him over into the dusty ground in a flurry of fangs and steel.

The night leather covering his arm graciously kept the wolf's fangs at bay as the creature had little chance to put enough pressure behind the bite, and bringing his danger around, he impaled the monster in the throat, choking it's growls short as it slumped on top of him, and he pushed it's dying form off of him and struggled up to his feet only to find the other wolves dead or having retreated.

A long sigh rattled from him at that, and cautiously he walked over to his sword as he wiped of his dagger on his armor and stowed it away. The wolf's where dead for now, a fact he could take comfort in but he knew it was not close to over. This was just the beginning, and the start of an uphill battle at that. His boot planted at the base of the creature's neck roughly, and gripping his swords' hilt in two hands, he tore it from the beasts skull and quickly set about following the group while keeping a wary eye on the path behind them.

Shadows darted here and there, while luminous eyes stared at them but overall the trip to the hilltop was without much in the way of battle, and Darian took the moment of rest to catch his breath, and listen in on the 'leaders' words. It was almost as if it was seasons earlier and they were on a job again, but a quick look of the situation reminded him quickly this wasn't so. It was far more dangerous, and as far as he knew, he wasn't getting paid for this. The growling attack of one of the beasts took him from his contemplations in any case, and refocusing on the task at hand he took up position of rear guard to fend of the coming flood of wolves. He met the first one tearing through the darkness with a slash of his sword, tearing the creatures feet from under it. The second one met a similar end when his blade bit through it's muzzle to drive into it's brain. Every strike took a breath from him, and his arms already weighed heavy with weakness as he began to tire out. His heart pounded in his chest as he began to tire, but he knew he couldn't stop, for all their sakes. The only question was when this flood of blood, fur, and teeth would cease for they couldn't fend off an endless tide forever, like it or not.