The Tower

Billgar · The Tower

Awaking at last archaic looks around him. The scenery has changed. Instead of being in the tavern of the Validian dragon, he found himseld in a dark stone room guarded by iron doors.

Archaic

*Archaic awakens and tries to pick himself up. Disheveled and confused he does not recognize where he is or what hes doing here. The last thing he can remember is standing in the Validian Dragon and encountering the powerful man. Shaking his head a bit he recalls pulling out his weapon and the man freaking out on him. What the man didn't know was that this is exactly where Archaic wanted to be; probably in the enemy base.

Getting up, Archaic walked to the bars and tried to see if they would budge. He figured they were probably locked, but it would seem unnatural to just stay put.*

"Let me out of here! And where is here? Somebody give me some answers!"

Billgar

Shaking at the cage a bit, it is indeed locked.

Archaic

*Archaic, tired of trying to open a locked door decides its best to carefully examine the room while he waits for somebody to come and get him. Starting from the front left, Archaic slowly examines the edges of the cell and moves in towards the center to make sure to get a very thorough feel for the room.*

"This is just great... I can't wait to see a minion so I can bathe in his blood."

*Frustration began to build up within Archaic and he realized he never checked to see if he had his gladius. Reaching down in panic Archaic makes sure he is still equipped or if he needs to be on his best behavior.*

Billgar

the gladius is surprising at archaics side. Searching the room, you come accross not much, except for a toilet. . .

Archaic

*Finding his gladius at his side, Archaic grasps it and leans against the wall to sleep*

"You would think that they would at least provide a bed for the captives, but I guess that's too much to ask. At least there's a toilet though..."

Billgar

Archaic basically just killing time in his cell waits patiently, after a while he begins to perspire profusely. It seems that during the heat of summer, even dungeons are not safe from the cold. Waiting the heat only increases and soon becomes near unbearable, soon the head of a large red reptile pokes its head through the bars. As its skin passes in between the steel, the bars turn red and melt away. The heat in the cell is intense, and almost an attack in and of itself.
Archaic feel himself becoming sluggish because of the heat. As the lizard enters the cage, the stone floor becomes hot. Strange orange stones protrude from its back. Straitening its spin, it points its head forward and lets out an ear shattering screech at archaic.

Archaic

*Archaic doesn't let the beast finish its screech before slowly approaching the beast. It was unlike any other creature he has encountered before as the heat just built up with every step. Shielding his eyes from the light, Archaic took a slash at the beast's head.*

"This is so unbearable, but at least if I defeat this I can make it out of this cage. The only problem is facing the heat this thing emits."

Billgar

Archaic slashes at the creatures head and leaves a deep gash along one side of its face. Perhaps the heat was just so much that it slowed the strike alloking for the creature to avoid the blunt of the blow? In rage and retaliation, the beast opens it mouth a disgusting ball of dripping molten material flies towards archaic. Unfortunately taking the attack head on due to the distance, the Baron feels the heat as it tears into his flesh, not only causing burns but impact damage was well.

*Hestiss takes 305 dam*
*archaic takes 596 dam*

Archaic

*Archaic fights to maintain his balance, but manages to do so. Looking at the gash he already left in the head of the beast, Archaic smiles as he knows where to aim. It was also reassuring to know that the beast is relatively weak as it already looked injured. If only its attacks were weaker too though! Archaic feels his injury and smiles while letting out a wicked laugh. Grabbing his gladius, Archaic smiles as he dashes to the beast, or rather moves as quick as he can under these conditions. Gladius in hand, he jumps up and tries to dive the weapon into its injury and thus into its skull.*

"You've caused me enough pain... DIE!"

Billgar

Overdoing it slightly,archaic cuts off the front portion of the creatures skull. Instantly, the stones on its back fade to dust and its flesh bursts into flames, leaving nothing but s smoldering pile or charcoal. Looking up however you see that the bars have melted enough to get through them.

Archaic

"Heh serves that creep right. How dare it hurt me as much as it did... its only a shame those crystals on its back turned to dust. Looks like they could have been worth a pretty penny on the black market. Oh well, it's time to get out of here."

*Archaic brushes himself off and silently makes his way out of the bars. Hugging the sides, he looks around to see what the possible directions are, as well as to see if there is anything else approaching.*

Billgar

No voices can be heard. And it seems that the other cells that line the walls are empty. Possible paths to take are simply left and right

Spoiler:

Archaic

*Archaic looking around decides it would be best to turn right and go out that way. Typically if people are lost they go left, and thus Archaic was not going to fall into a trap. Heading right, Archaic runs as fast as he can heading straight.*

"Well lets see what else is here shall we?"

Billgar

After wandering about for a while, archaic hears some sounds coming from down the hallway. A rather rotund man in some form of distressed northern vest makes his appearance. With a bone in one hand and a chunk of meat in the other, he looks like some sort of primitive. With to where to duck or hide, Archaic is spotted immediately.

"Hrmm..... I dont recall seeing you around here. . .or in my shop for matter. Oh well, i guess you need to die!"

Sitting down he places the bone on the floor. It begins to glow reg and suddenly three forms appear in from of him. A ducerarboris, a poison gnar, and a red mere.

All three creatures ready to attack

Spoiler:

Archaic

*Archaic glares at the caveman with an expression that signifies Archaic's blood lust. Taking his gladius in hand, Archaic dashes to the poison gnar and slices at its body a few times while continuing his dash. After running past the beast, Archaic tries to stop himself and slides on the ground as he prepares to be attacked.*

"I may not recognize you, but I am most certainly not afraid of your primitive ways or your lowly summons. I alone will be more than enough to take you and your stupid pets on. Also by the looks of it, you rely on your pets to fight for you so you must be weak anyway! Prepare to suffer like the gnar over there."

Billgar

Archaic, slashing at the Gnar tears its flesh aprat with ease and quickly ends the creatures life. With a look of horror on his face, the primitive man enters a state of panic. "Soil! break his soul!"

The Ducerarboris lets out a low growl that reverberates in archaic rib cage. Explosively, the walls to archaic's side break apart as vines burst through the rock and entangle his body. while the thorns on the vines cause some bleeding and discomfort, there is no major trauma. the attack with vines is followed by a laughable headbutt delivered by the red mere that fails to even tickle the bloodthirsty assassin.

Spoiler:

Archaic

"Soil eh... what a fitting name for that pilel of feces. Well Caveman it looks as though he will be next, but don't worry, you can just use his remains to bury your other pets when I'm through with them."

*Archaic lunges at the Ducerarboris and aims for its eyes. Gladius in hands, he digs it as far in as he can before pulling it out and bracing for the impact of other attacks.*

"Well lets see if I can damage or find a better means of attack against this thing first... it felt like I literally just went into mud."

Billgar

After piercing through the outer layer of the Ducerarboris, Archiac is surprised to feel his blade grind ito something that provides the same sensation as muscles. However, their true identity is soon realized, as from the wound near the beasts eye, an endless amount of infinitely fine vines burst out and grab at the blade. Archaic however is far from weak and soon overpowers the pull of the vines. Bracing for the next attack, A large chunk of ceiling falls separating him from the cave man and his pets.
*some shuffling is heard from beneath a pile of rubble on archaics side of the newly formed barricade*
*archaic took 200dam from the falling debris*

Spoiler:

Archaic

*Archaic pushes through the rubble and gets up. Bruised and bleeding, his injuries from earlier have finally caught up with him as he limps away.*

"Hahaha, you think this pain and barricade will stop me? Ill kill you caveman! I'll kill you!"

*Archaic, enraged that his fight ended so soon without any real conclusion tried to break apart the barricade with his gladius and his hands, but finds he is getting no where. He decides to look around and begins walking down a path he feels will lead him back to the caveman. He suddenly stops and turns around to let out a yell*

"I don't know this area, but I will come looking for you, and if you don't see me within the hour, I expect your cursed being to meet me at an area were we shall meet again. I promise to be the reaper you're sure to fear."

Billgar

As archaic shouts his warning at a pile of rock, the shuffling beneath the small pile of rubble subsides

Spoiler:

As archaic continues his walk forward, he feels as though something is lurking in the shadows on the ceiling

Spoiler:

Archaic

*Archaic feels a presence from the ceiling and decides it better to strike first rather than be stuck in an ambush. Picking up his gladius and his fighting spirit, Archaic jumps up and slashes at where he thought the being was.*

"I'm getting so sick of these surprise fights... why don't people just show themselves instead of having to test my ability to sense their presence. Now die with disgrace."

*Archaic realizing that this may not have been the most intelligent move decides that its too late to fallback and that he has to just go with it.*

Billgar

Stabbing at the darkness, Archaic misses his target. From the ceiling behind him, a dark figure drops down. Landing on 'his' knees, it is an oddity. Having heard of something similar during the emergency meeting in The Chamber of Truth, it appears to be a shadow with depth. Looking at archaic, the muscular man-type shadow cocks its head to the side, perhaps it is examining archaic.

Spoiler:

Archaic

"Tsk, just what are you guys exactly? You are different than anything I have fought in the past. I've heard tales of people fighting you before though so I know you can be defeated. I also get the feeling that you are not here to protect or guide me, but rather serve as either a test or an executioner. Whatever the case may be, prepare yourself!"

*Archaic charges at the shadow like beast and slashes at it furiously. Regretting not bringing any rope, Archaic can only let out another "tsk" as he braces himself for the potential impact of the enemy's counterattack.*

Billgar

Archaic attacking, gets in close on the foe. His armor grazes at the side of the form just after his blade cuts into it. As if undoing some cursed magic, the form immediately begins to dissipate. In its place a creature floats through the air, with dark skin and a sealed mouth, bits of red show from openings in its jaw. As it hesitates for a moment, Archaic feels the blessings of the Lucky Orb that resides within his blade. Willing himself forward, he strikes for a second time and lands a successful blow. Immediately following his attack, bright white claws slash at Archaic's side. Blood flows from the open wound.

Spoiler:

Archaic

*Archaic clenches his wound with one hand as his other hand goes into his inventory and takes out a petal. Opening his mouth, he consumes the petal and gets ready for the next vicious attack.*

"A strong one eh.. well we'll see how long you'll last wont we."

Billgar

Archaic eating the Quasin Petal feels his body creek back into place, his boens reset and his skin heal. Truly miraculous herbs these are! Bracing himself, he takes another hit from the Phasma.

Spoiler:

Archaic

*Archaic smiles at the light blow he received from his enemy. Brushing himself off he jumps up and down a slightly to feel how much stronger he feels being nearly at 100%. Smiling with his gladius in hand he decides to do something he hasn't done in a while and throws it fiercely at his enemy while running along side of it. When the gladius struck its target, Archaic picked it up and laughed.*

"God it feels good to be back in full strength, now as for you shadowy beast... why don't you just surrender before I send you to the under Nocte."

*Archaic holds his arms up and crouches down as to brace for yet an other retaliation.*

Billgar

Oh how long it has been since archaic last threw his gladius. The familiar feeling was nostalgic and beautiful. Recalling the long time he had spent with it, the faces of countless victims flashed through his head. Blood! Blood Everywhere! Insanity seemed to close in on him for a moment, but just before archaic was lost to it, he was able to pull himself back.

Holding one end of the rope in his right hand, he could feel the fibers of the chord harden and contort. A dark blue light dashed along the rope turning it black and making it strong. The gladius seemed to unfold as it made contact, fanning out into a wide edge and cutting the enemy clean in two.

Looking to his right hand, archaic saw an unfamiliar blade, cool and dark. He could feel its bloodlust and new that it rivaled even his own. A whisper was heard in Archaic's ear "Nosferatu".

Looking ahead, the opponent had been obliterated, such a strong foe, taken down with a single blow.

Spoiler:

Archaic

"Nosferatu eh. Well my friend lets go shall we? After a strike from you that latest enemy was made into mincemeat for us to feast upon. However, that was but a blood pack in this blood bank of a tower. Lets continue onwards in search of the true enemy, especially for that darned caveman whose blood is powerful enough to summon beasts... Beasts. Come to think about it, if not for that random lizard I would not have been able to escape if not for that firey dragon creature."

*Pondering the appearance of that creature as well as why the caveman was in this tower, Archaic made his way straight looking a way to either return to the caveman, or to find a window to tell Archaic just where in this tower he could be.*

Billgar

wandering for while archaic comes to an intersection to the left, a long corridor with a red door at the end. To the right a flight of ascending stairs.

Archaic

*Archaic heads to the right and approaches the red door. He still wanted to test out Nosferatu's potential a little more as the last fight was over far too quickly. Arriving at the door, Archaic takes Nosferatu's bladed part in his left hand, and swings the axe part with his right hand. Archaic continues this for a bit more before suddenly stopping.*

"Yeah this feels better... now I don't need to chose between throwing or slashing. This will be fun! Hahaha."

*Archaic opens the door and swipes the axe part across the room.*

Billgar

As the axe part strikes a metal pole, some sparks fling about. One spark traveling up ignites the torch atop the pole. Convenient. As the torch ignites the previously pitch dark room gains some semblance of light. Some shadows can be seen, but nothing distinct.

Archaic

*Archaic enters the room cautiously while swinging the axe part of Nosferatu while tightly gripping the blade's handle. Getting close to the center of the room Archaic stops as an idea strikes him. Using the shiny metal of his weapons, he reflects the light coming off of the fire and tries to better illuminate the room as to make out what those shadows were. Examining the room slowly, Archaic waits to see if anything seems suspicious.*

Billgar

reflecting the light, archaic is able to identify three more torches, one in each corner of the room.

Archaic

*Archaic looking around and not seeing any tools to light the other torches with decides to try something else. Sticking his blade in the fire, he waits for it to heat up a little before going to the torch furthest away from him and sticking his blade on it, hoping the heat will cause an other fire. As he does this with his left hand, his right hand swings the axe towards the closest unlit torch and strikes it, hoping to cause an other spark to light that torch.*

"I apologize for the rough treatment, but this will also serve to test how strong you are eh Nosferatu."

Billgar

The blade emits a hateful aura as it is heated up as if scorning the person who commited the action. Scorn aside however, when placing the blade onto the second torch, it does indeed ignite. The hay inside must have been very dry. Throwing the axe half however seems frivolous.

Archaic

"Nosferatu, I realize this this is going to seem rather painful, realize the possibilities of a well light room inside a tower such as this. Surely it will beckon a few creatures for us to feast upon, if not show the way t some sort of treasure. But I will only do it once more, as I also have to test out my ability to throw your axe around."

*Taking the axe in hand, Archaic heats it up before throwing it at the closest torch, running it through, and then swinging it towards the last unlit torch hoping to ignite both of them in one swing.*

Billgar

As the fourth torch ignites, the room begins to shake, and small pufts of dust fall from the ceiling. a section of the wall recedes revealing a small closet like room. A treasure chest is located withing the small closet.

Archaic

*Archaic smiles and gently rubs the blades of his weapon as he approaches the closet.*

"Thank you Nosferatu, I only hope this treasure was worth putting you through the fire."

*As Archaic reaches the closet, he swings the axe part of his weapon towards the chest and tries to wrap it around to pull it close to him. If that doesn't work however, he plans on walking into the closet and getting the treasure himself.*

Billgar

Entering the closet, archaic picks the lock on the chest and opens it. Gazing inside he finds a . . .

Spoiler:

After closing the chest he hears two voices come from down the hall.

"Did you light the torches in that room?"
"Nao, jus got here for me patrol, better go take a look. . "

Archaic

*Archaic hearing the patrol approaching quickly thinks about what to do. If he stays inside the closet then he will obviously get caught, or worst. If a torch is unlit then its possible the closet will close on him and he will be trapped. However, if he just runs out then he be attacked on sight, but this fight seems unavoidable anyway. Taking a deep breath, a smile forms on Archaic's face as dashes out of the closet as quickly as he can and hides behind the red door, waiting to ambush the patrolman. He knew that if he didn't take out the patrol in one shot, then reinforcements may come to save him.*

"Here piggy piggy, slaughtering time."

Billgar

Following protocall, one gaurd remains at the entrance with his back to the wall ensuring that no one enters the room after them. The other gaurd enters the room to look around, at first he doesnt see archaic.

"I suppose one of the servants must have lit them? maybe that new guy? Anyways, waste no want not." The guard proceeds to extinguish the torches.

Archaic

*Seeing the room grow darker and following the guards footsteps, Archaic uses what he learned from previous quests and tries to silently approach the guard. If successful he plans to try to slit the guard's throat silently.*

Spoiler:

Billgar

As the rooms grows darker, archaic creeps up behind the guard and executes a flawless execution! However, as a minute or two passes by and no response is given by the now deceased guard, the other enters the room with his serrated club ready.

Archaic

*Archaic hides in the shadows as Nosferatu feasts on the blood of the fallen patrol. As he hears the other one enter, Archaic creeps towards some open space as he spins the axe behind him before launching it towards the guard, aiming to go a little bit behind him as to allow Archaic to pull it back and have the rope itself wrap around the guard's neck and thus allow Archaic to interrogate him.*

Spoiler:

Billgar

Ducking and dodging the ax as it approaches the guard is safe for a moment. As the blade returns, the guard skillfully uses his weapon to catch the chain. Almost by its own will however, Nosferatu seems to stretch a bit and as the chain wraps around the serrated staff, the axe manages to decapitate the guard.

Spoiler:

Archaic

"Feast, my blade, and when you are satisfied or the blood runs dry we shall make leave."

*Archaic lets the blades touch the blood as he crouches down and searches the inventories of the two fallen guards.*

Billgar

Looking through the guards pockets, archaic finds a ring with three keys on it. Finding the rest of the room to be empty(or at least not contain anything salvageable, the only other path to take is to the stairs previously not explored. Heading there, archaic ascends the stairs and pauses before the door. There is a large lock on the door.

Archaic

*While facing the door, Archaic tried the keys until he found the one that fit in the door's lock. Turning it, Archaic readied to open the door, but decided to hide behind it and force it open from an angle. This way if any guards were behind the door, Archaic would be the one with the advantage as opposed to the other way around.*

Billgar

Archaic creeps the door open slightly. Looking through the opening on the other side is a gorgeous room that nearly rivals The Golden Pagoda. Golden torches line a long central passageway, as tall pillars of support(elegantly carved and in sold white) stagger to the sides of the path. Gold silver, and white marble cover the room making for an elegant and serene settings.
Suddenly a yell is heard however and a spray of red covers a portion of the wall on the far side. Two men are seen backing up near the spray. A look of intense fear is shown in their eyes.
"Incompetence!!!!!! Worthless!" archaic hears come from a familiar voice(not belonging to either of the two men)
The dark haired man who had before knocked archaic out makes his way into view. Approaching the two men, anger clearly shows across his face. With a swift back hand his breaks the neck of one of the men and the corpse fall to the ground.
Moving for a slightly better view archaic sees the body of the first victim that was no doubt the source of the blood spray.
"N......Necar.......It, it c-couldnt have been......" studders the remaining man. However is rumbling is cut off by the dark figure(presumably named Necar) mocking him.
"Weh Well...Th-Then, THIS COULD NOT BE AVOIDED EITHER!" his face turning red with rage, Necar removes the scythe from his back and cuts the man in half.
"Servants! Someone clean up this mess!!!!!" Necar begins to walk towards the other door of the large room to make his exit. Archaic went un-noticed.

Archaic

*Archaic waits in awe of the site he just saw. Of course that man would be the enemy of Nocte... it would take a man as powerful as him to strike this level of fear into Archaic. As Necar leaves, Archaic thinks about what to do next. Rushing in and fighting may not be the best idea in the world, but he would get no where just waiting here. Either way Archaic knew he had to escape and report to Billgar that he knew where Necar was.

Taking a deep breath, Archaic walks into the room and eyes the servants as well as the blood all over the place. When he enters the room he tries to look for all the possible doors leading out.*

Billgar

Entering the room, there are no windows and the walls are cool. It appears as though this floor is underground as well. Necart being particularly perceptive sense that another presence entered the room that he just left. Re-entering, he faces archaic. It seems his anger has subsided a bit.
"Welcome. . . . . ." Curiosity is heard in his voice. "And how did you manage to get out of your cell? Well, no worries I suppose that someone of your caliber would be able to escape simply by picking a lock? Correct? Well. . . . . . . . Though I didnt plan on speaking with you so soon, now is as good a time as any. I have heard of your blood lust and I sense that your blade desires carnage as well. What do you say? Any interest in aiding me in my quest to bring an end to Billgar and this pitiful excuse for a Kingdom? The land is rich with spiritual energy and is even home to the Forest of Souls. I have traveled the world for millenia, and though other kingdoms know not of Nocte, I do promise tou that there is no land where the Forest is absent from their mythologies."

Archaic

"Well Necar, I hate to upset your expectations, but I just can't betray this capital. While I do have a high level of blood lust, I can quench my thirst by murdering the simpletons that plague the cities. I am also not willing to go against Billgar or Koku. They have presences that only the foolish would go against. So now I must ask you to show me where I can leave."

*Archaic puts his weapon away, knowing better than to have it out with Necar in front of him.*

Billgar

"Truly. . . . a shame. Well. . . its best to have allies rather than more enemies. . . Not that you could truly stand against me anyways. . . "

Necar charges towards archaic and stamps down right right foot in front of him. Forming a solid stance in the blink of an eye, he swings down his scythe, ready to end archaics life. As the blade rushes down however, the clanking of metal is heard. Opening his eyes(instinctively closed through fear), archaic sees the form of another man just inches away from him.

Stepping back, Achaic gets his space. A man wielding a magnificent blade stands in front of necar, holding his sword out to block Necar's scythe.

"Brother." Necar greets the man.
Archaic eying the newly appeared potential adversary sees that he is wearing what appears to be a modification of the traditional "Armor of the Gods," the key difference being in coloration, whereas this set of armor is all a blazingly brilliant red.
Necar continues, "Its a bit early for a reunion, we only spoke a few hundred years ago."

"Don't be so stubborn little brother," The man in red answers. "You always shun me whenever I come to visit."

Necar's tone turns to that of great annoyance. "Thats because you never visit. Your greatest skill is simply to nag!! Now be gone, i have business with this man here."

The man in red approaches archaic with a serious face. Each step that he takes echos throughout the hall. Standing a good 8 feet tall, his arms are massive and his body well built. Bending down to look at archaic, the stoic assassin feels his heart rate increase.

Without warning the elder brother of Necar embraces archaic over-affectionately and tries to give him a kiss on the lips. Squirming, archaic does his best to escape but cant seem to break away from the mans powerful grasp. However, with an endless amount of effort he is able to dodge the onslaught of kisses!

While still trying to seduce archaic, the man dressed in red armor speaks. "Necarrrrrrrr. . . . you cant kill him! Hes so cwwwwwwwwwute!"

Necar slapping his hand to his forehead retorts. "This, brother is the other reason that i cant stand when you visit! Very well, you can keep him. . .being with you is a fate worse than death anyways......."

Necar exits.

Archaic

*Archaic tries hard to escape from Necar's older brother and his displays of... compassion.*

"Sir while I am flattered that you feel so... positively about me, I really must be going now. You see I have some things to attend to back at the capital so if you can just."

*Archaic breaks off the sentence as he takes a closer look at the armor and thinks back to how he escaped from his cell in the first place.*

"Enough of the comedy, you've been following me the whole time haven't you. At first I paid no mind to the firey lizard that freed me, but it has been bugging me ever since. And now you come and save me just in the knick of time, and you're wearing specialty armor that looks like its on fire. I believe you are the source of that lizard, and if so I thank you, but please I must ask for you to let me go."

*Archaic bows and tries to make his way to the only door.*

"But before that, perhaps you can help me with something. I have a box that has no locks, no hatches and no inscriptions, but holds within it an invaluable item. Allegedly it is cursed and there is only one way to open it, but I cannot think of it. Do you know of this box perhaps, or more importantly, the way to reverse this curse?"

Billgar

Releasing archaic, the man looks a bit sad. . .

"Oh. . . that old thing! Necar was the one who locked it away. That thing never shut up when it was free. Well, Necar's magic is beyond me, so your best off asking him. Though, i dont think he is on good terms with you at the moment. . . ."

Archaic

"Yeah I refused to join his conquest to take over Nocte. It is just too good of a place to hand to a person who makes this sort of a mess in a glorious place."

*Archaic points to the blood in the room and looks up at the man.*

"I apologize for killing your pet by the way, but I had a feeling it was kill or be killed and I had to act upon it. To apologize perhaps you should follow me and I can introduce you to a more valient knight than myself. Someone who is worthy of your attention. His name is Beanbaker, and he will surely be at my next destination."

*Archaic waits for the man's response before moving.*

Billgar

"Oh, dont worry about that hestiss, they are all apart of myself." The man snaps his fingers, and five appear in formation behind him. with another snap they all disappear in a puff of smoke.
"Well, I am sorry that i cant take you up on your offer, but i must be on my way."

*archaic blacks out and wakes up at the doorstep of The Golden Pagoda"