JS & QS decapitated? Oh my. How can life go on?
Full Version: Blood and Corruption
The talking sword is very clever - and what a wonderful name Soularious is. Reminds me a tad of Lilarcor in BG II.
JS & QS decapitated? Oh my. How can life go on?
JS & QS decapitated? Oh my. How can life go on?
Anyone noticed this is an anti-hero fanfic, yet?
Chapter Eleven: Heritage
I looked into the mirror, my flesh had returned to normal, my body was free of the agonizing effects of the ritual, however I retained the benefits. I poured some water into a basin to clean my face and the reflection wasn’t my face. It was a bony, dark-faced Dunmer… The image I stared at in the basin was me in my past life.
I blinked and it was only me. The cold caverns that made up the home of Clan K’Thex had become much more homely to me, now that I was given a manor by the Master. When I lied down on the soft bed, my mind faded away into the dream world.
I saw a Dark Elf in black armor with a gray trim standing in front of me. At his belt was Soularius. He had a black cloak with the hood pulled up, hiding his identity from me. “Many years have I waited for you to finally discover the truth about your heritage,” he stated calmly. “You have heard legends and tales about the War of Necromancy. Let me show you what really happened.”
The setting of my dream suddenly changed to a war-torn city, the Imperial City. Skeletons and dead guards littered the ground. However, Zalphon’s army still lived. Quick-Strike and J’skooma stood at the doors to the White-Gold Tower and the Arch Lich growled, “The two worms that fled my wrath in Argonia. Remove yourselves or my sword may just find your heart.” His raspy voice inspired fear in even I.
“You know how this’ll end, Zalphon,” the Argonian hissed with rage. “Stand down or die.”
The Dunmer’s blade came to life in his hands, elegantly slashing and thrusting. J’skooma barked, “J’skooma shall slay you!” Like the mad mage he was a portal opened and out came a river of lava onto the Dark Elf.
“Gods…do…not…die,” Zalphon growled as his blade came out. His armor was white-hot as was his blade. Quick-Strike’s blades lunged into the flesh of his foe. The deity grabbed his side and fell to his knees.
“You always were a better swordsman,” the Villain sighed.
“Indeed.”
The Mer fell to the ground, dead… The vision ended as I awoke.
“You and I nearly conquered Nirn,” Soularius recollected. “Your former life is the past, you will live to finish where you left off.”
“Soularius, many things will occur when I make my presence known. Tamriel will be the first to crumble, and then the rest will fall into place,” I replied. “I have been in the Dreamsleeve for centuries, waiting…”
I looked into the mirror, my flesh had returned to normal, my body was free of the agonizing effects of the ritual, however I retained the benefits. I poured some water into a basin to clean my face and the reflection wasn’t my face. It was a bony, dark-faced Dunmer… The image I stared at in the basin was me in my past life.
I blinked and it was only me. The cold caverns that made up the home of Clan K’Thex had become much more homely to me, now that I was given a manor by the Master. When I lied down on the soft bed, my mind faded away into the dream world.
I saw a Dark Elf in black armor with a gray trim standing in front of me. At his belt was Soularius. He had a black cloak with the hood pulled up, hiding his identity from me. “Many years have I waited for you to finally discover the truth about your heritage,” he stated calmly. “You have heard legends and tales about the War of Necromancy. Let me show you what really happened.”
The setting of my dream suddenly changed to a war-torn city, the Imperial City. Skeletons and dead guards littered the ground. However, Zalphon’s army still lived. Quick-Strike and J’skooma stood at the doors to the White-Gold Tower and the Arch Lich growled, “The two worms that fled my wrath in Argonia. Remove yourselves or my sword may just find your heart.” His raspy voice inspired fear in even I.
“You know how this’ll end, Zalphon,” the Argonian hissed with rage. “Stand down or die.”
The Dunmer’s blade came to life in his hands, elegantly slashing and thrusting. J’skooma barked, “J’skooma shall slay you!” Like the mad mage he was a portal opened and out came a river of lava onto the Dark Elf.
“Gods…do…not…die,” Zalphon growled as his blade came out. His armor was white-hot as was his blade. Quick-Strike’s blades lunged into the flesh of his foe. The deity grabbed his side and fell to his knees.
“You always were a better swordsman,” the Villain sighed.
“Indeed.”
The Mer fell to the ground, dead… The vision ended as I awoke.
“You and I nearly conquered Nirn,” Soularius recollected. “Your former life is the past, you will live to finish where you left off.”
“Soularius, many things will occur when I make my presence known. Tamriel will be the first to crumble, and then the rest will fall into place,” I replied. “I have been in the Dreamsleeve for centuries, waiting…”
Nice flashback. Sheds some light on the past.
Really great flashback! But would J'Skooma really have killed Zalphon, or is the sword misleading him?
Zalphon still lived, until the strike by our heroic argonian.
Chapter Twelve: Heritage II – Pilgrimage
“Your memories are vague at best,” Soularius stated. The Obsidian Tower lies in ruins, however your castle in the Black Marsh is still there. The Castle of Soul’s Reach was where you trained your finest.”
“It must be simply a ruin by now,” I replied. “Centuries have passed since I last walked in it.”
“The Castle still stands because of the Order of the Black Soul. Your order will try to kill you, since you died a power vacuum was left. The vacuum was filled by your former advisor, Lord Kyrian Ravenblood.”
Mental images filled my mind. I saw a skeletal dark elf sitting on a throne formed by the bones of many races. He wore dark robes and in his right hand was an ebony staff. At the head of the staff was a skull being grasped by the ‘claws’ of the staff.
Then I saw around the fortress. Hundreds, if not thousands of men marched or sparred. Skeletal magi hissed spells, torturing those that didn’t meet their standards. I saw the torture chamber that had blood-stained tools. I watched an Imperial Guardsman be restrained as they amputated his limbs.
I saw the barracks and there stood a pale-skinned knight in ebony armor. Behind him flowed a black cape. At his side was a sword that inspired fear in even me. The Castle was built from black bricks and banners fell from it. The image on the banners was two crossed long swords and above it a skull.
“Kalarn, Kyrian will not let you take back your title. The Order of the Black Soul shall try to kill you. You must destroy the Order or wrest your title from Ravenblood.”
“Soularius, I will take what is mine. Do not doubt what I’ll do.”
I walked out of the caverns and none of the K’Thex Vampires challenged me as I walked out. A horse looked at me, startled. I muttered under my breath and the steed’s flesh slid right off. Black flame replaced its eyes and armor covered it. “Hello, Nightmare,” I greeted the horse.
I began my ride to the Black Marsh. I would not give up my throne to a pathetic lich…
“Your memories are vague at best,” Soularius stated. The Obsidian Tower lies in ruins, however your castle in the Black Marsh is still there. The Castle of Soul’s Reach was where you trained your finest.”
“It must be simply a ruin by now,” I replied. “Centuries have passed since I last walked in it.”
“The Castle still stands because of the Order of the Black Soul. Your order will try to kill you, since you died a power vacuum was left. The vacuum was filled by your former advisor, Lord Kyrian Ravenblood.”
Mental images filled my mind. I saw a skeletal dark elf sitting on a throne formed by the bones of many races. He wore dark robes and in his right hand was an ebony staff. At the head of the staff was a skull being grasped by the ‘claws’ of the staff.
Then I saw around the fortress. Hundreds, if not thousands of men marched or sparred. Skeletal magi hissed spells, torturing those that didn’t meet their standards. I saw the torture chamber that had blood-stained tools. I watched an Imperial Guardsman be restrained as they amputated his limbs.
I saw the barracks and there stood a pale-skinned knight in ebony armor. Behind him flowed a black cape. At his side was a sword that inspired fear in even me. The Castle was built from black bricks and banners fell from it. The image on the banners was two crossed long swords and above it a skull.
“Kalarn, Kyrian will not let you take back your title. The Order of the Black Soul shall try to kill you. You must destroy the Order or wrest your title from Ravenblood.”
“Soularius, I will take what is mine. Do not doubt what I’ll do.”
I walked out of the caverns and none of the K’Thex Vampires challenged me as I walked out. A horse looked at me, startled. I muttered under my breath and the steed’s flesh slid right off. Black flame replaced its eyes and armor covered it. “Hello, Nightmare,” I greeted the horse.
I began my ride to the Black Marsh. I would not give up my throne to a pathetic lich…
Really powerful ending on that - Kalarn is impressive !!!! Great Write, Zalphon !!!!!
I still like the talking sword.
Some effectively evocative images herein- The symbol on the black banners. The horse's transformation into Nightmare.
Some effectively evocative images herein- The symbol on the black banners. The horse's transformation into Nightmare.
Thank you, Acadian and Malx 
Well, well...Oblivion's Edge'll be published I think... And I'll be loved by my english teachers!
Well, well...Oblivion's Edge'll be published I think... And I'll be loved by my english teachers!
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 1 2010, 10:45 PM) 
Thank you, Acadian and Malx
Well, well...Oblivion's Edge'll be published I think... And I'll be loved by my english teachers!WOO HOO !!!! That is awesome !!!
Not by anyone important, just by the school magazine. 22,500ish words about made the guy need to change his pants...It's for short stories...
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 1 2010, 10:50 PM)
Not by anyone important, just by the school magazine. 22,500ish words about made the guy need to change his pants...It's for short stories...
Still, keep a copy of that school paper, so if you go for a job in the field of writing later you can attach a copy of your work to your application. It is an honor, regardless of it being a school paper - everyone starts somewhere !!!
They may not, because it's so big.
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 1 2010, 11:02 PM)
They may not, because it's so big.
Can it be shortened? What is their limit on words? I had trouble with that Feyfolken because it was limited to 3000 words and you had to get a whole story into that.
They want around 5-10 pages, that'd mean cutting 50-55 pages out.
Chapter Thirteen: Magicka
Nightmare stopped at the castle that was rightfully mine. Two guards sprinted over with swords drawn, “Lord Ravenblood has no desire for initiates or—you, my apologies, follow me.”
One of them motioned for me to follow into the castle. The place reeked of death and on the ground some of the stone tiles were knocked out of place by dead roots. Eventually after navigating the castle we found the man in my visions. “Kyrian you are a usurper to my throne!” I barked.
“Finally he comes, my dearest thanks old friend.”
Soularius floated out of my sheathe and into the hand of Kyrian, “I almost felt pity for this sack of waste and blood. Kalarn have you figured it out yet?”
“I’m no heir to him, am I?”
“Nay,” Ravenblood stated, his voice was firm, but ancient. “But you were special in another regard. We needed the blood of a Dunmer Mage. You fit the criteria.”
“You N’wahs! How could you betray me like this Soularius?”
“Guards ‘escort’ him to the Council Room of Lich Craft,” Ravenblood ordered. They firmly gripped my arms and led me up some stairs, Ravenblood following quickly behind.
Once we got in the room, I saw six ancient liches standing in a circle. “Kyrian has the time come for the Ascension?” one of them asked inquisitively. “For many centuries have I awaited this day.”
“What’s happening?” I questioned as I scanned the room. “Are you guys going to try some potions so you’re not vile-looking?”
“Cute,” Ravenblood sighed. The guards escorted me to the center of the circle and it wouldn’t have mattered if I was the strongest man in Mundus, I was bound by some magical chains that couldn’t be seen.
Ravenblood stepped to the spot at the emptiness. “Moon and sun, star and space, hear our calls,” he chanted. “We shall have all the power of Aetherius. Moon and sun, star and space, hear our calls.”
“Flesh and soul,” he continued. “Blood and spirit, hear our calls. The blood of the Magnus shall be the blood of us.”
“Arcana Mortalitas,” they hissed together. A blue orb about half a foot in diameter appeared in front of them and about half a foot above my kneeling head. Nirn was doomed. The orb let out a screeching noise and less than a second later…exploded.
Nightmare stopped at the castle that was rightfully mine. Two guards sprinted over with swords drawn, “Lord Ravenblood has no desire for initiates or—you, my apologies, follow me.”
One of them motioned for me to follow into the castle. The place reeked of death and on the ground some of the stone tiles were knocked out of place by dead roots. Eventually after navigating the castle we found the man in my visions. “Kyrian you are a usurper to my throne!” I barked.
“Finally he comes, my dearest thanks old friend.”
Soularius floated out of my sheathe and into the hand of Kyrian, “I almost felt pity for this sack of waste and blood. Kalarn have you figured it out yet?”
“I’m no heir to him, am I?”
“Nay,” Ravenblood stated, his voice was firm, but ancient. “But you were special in another regard. We needed the blood of a Dunmer Mage. You fit the criteria.”
“You N’wahs! How could you betray me like this Soularius?”
“Guards ‘escort’ him to the Council Room of Lich Craft,” Ravenblood ordered. They firmly gripped my arms and led me up some stairs, Ravenblood following quickly behind.
Once we got in the room, I saw six ancient liches standing in a circle. “Kyrian has the time come for the Ascension?” one of them asked inquisitively. “For many centuries have I awaited this day.”
“What’s happening?” I questioned as I scanned the room. “Are you guys going to try some potions so you’re not vile-looking?”
“Cute,” Ravenblood sighed. The guards escorted me to the center of the circle and it wouldn’t have mattered if I was the strongest man in Mundus, I was bound by some magical chains that couldn’t be seen.
Ravenblood stepped to the spot at the emptiness. “Moon and sun, star and space, hear our calls,” he chanted. “We shall have all the power of Aetherius. Moon and sun, star and space, hear our calls.”
“Flesh and soul,” he continued. “Blood and spirit, hear our calls. The blood of the Magnus shall be the blood of us.”
“Arcana Mortalitas,” they hissed together. A blue orb about half a foot in diameter appeared in front of them and about half a foot above my kneeling head. Nirn was doomed. The orb let out a screeching noise and less than a second later…exploded.
Epilogue
Kalarn died in the Castle of the Black Soul. He was but one of the many casualties of the Orb. The Orb wiped Nirn nearly clean of life, due to the magical explosion of it. Those that survived were the last.
The Black Marsh’s swamps flooded the province, making it completely under the water. The few Argonians that survived tried to live there, but were forced to leave when the dreugh started attacking.
Morrowind’s jungles were even more rampant than before. Imperial forts and outposts were over-run by the plants. Some of the survivors said the plants were intelligent, as they watched vines take up surviving pilgrims into a place where they were never seen again.
Cyrodiil’s lush and beautiful forests were turned to desert with little water. Few could boast survival in the harsh climate. The Imperial City was in ruin, much like all cities, however the Imperial City’s iconic White-Gold Tower was destroyed.
Elswyr’s desert changed little. However the khajiit had to leave their ancestral home, because as they say, “the sands have been tainted.” Their homeland is rarely entered, because the sand is filled with dangerous predators and vicious cut-throats wander the desert, looking for their next victim.
Valenwood’s forests became jungles that survived a fate similar to that of Morrowind. The creatures became far more aggressive and would even attack the natives of Valenwood. Many Bosmer that survived called Valenwood, “The Land of the Deathly Plants.”
No one knows what became of Summerset Isles, because all contact was lost with them after the Orb exploded.
The Redguards of Hammerfell lost their honor and most of the survivors went mad or became marauders. Their new homeland had a giant fissure between the north and south sides. The north is called, “Orsimer”, the south is called, “Hammerfell”.
High Rock sunk low below the ocean, never to be heard of again.
Skyrim changed vastly. In the center of it, a huge fissure appeared, from north to south. The two peoples are vastly different on the West; they live in tribes, usually raiding other tribes. In the East, they live in the ruined cities of the old world. The West is called, “Hircine’s Moon”, the East is called, “New Skyrim.”
Nirn changed as a whole, from Tamriel to Akavir to Pyrondea… Nirn was changed forever…
Kalarn died in the Castle of the Black Soul. He was but one of the many casualties of the Orb. The Orb wiped Nirn nearly clean of life, due to the magical explosion of it. Those that survived were the last.
The Black Marsh’s swamps flooded the province, making it completely under the water. The few Argonians that survived tried to live there, but were forced to leave when the dreugh started attacking.
Morrowind’s jungles were even more rampant than before. Imperial forts and outposts were over-run by the plants. Some of the survivors said the plants were intelligent, as they watched vines take up surviving pilgrims into a place where they were never seen again.
Cyrodiil’s lush and beautiful forests were turned to desert with little water. Few could boast survival in the harsh climate. The Imperial City was in ruin, much like all cities, however the Imperial City’s iconic White-Gold Tower was destroyed.
Elswyr’s desert changed little. However the khajiit had to leave their ancestral home, because as they say, “the sands have been tainted.” Their homeland is rarely entered, because the sand is filled with dangerous predators and vicious cut-throats wander the desert, looking for their next victim.
Valenwood’s forests became jungles that survived a fate similar to that of Morrowind. The creatures became far more aggressive and would even attack the natives of Valenwood. Many Bosmer that survived called Valenwood, “The Land of the Deathly Plants.”
No one knows what became of Summerset Isles, because all contact was lost with them after the Orb exploded.
The Redguards of Hammerfell lost their honor and most of the survivors went mad or became marauders. Their new homeland had a giant fissure between the north and south sides. The north is called, “Orsimer”, the south is called, “Hammerfell”.
High Rock sunk low below the ocean, never to be heard of again.
Skyrim changed vastly. In the center of it, a huge fissure appeared, from north to south. The two peoples are vastly different on the West; they live in tribes, usually raiding other tribes. In the East, they live in the ruined cities of the old world. The West is called, “Hircine’s Moon”, the East is called, “New Skyrim.”
Nirn changed as a whole, from Tamriel to Akavir to Pyrondea… Nirn was changed forever…
Holy Cow, Zalphon !!!!! The ending of Chapter 13 was AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!! I didn't think you would kill Kalarn !!!! And having Soularius turn on him !!!! GAAAAH !!!!! I was suspicious of Soularius at first, then grew to trust her !!!!! ARGH !!!!!
Give them this story instead of the other, Zalphon !!!! This one fits the size, and is the best story you have ever written IMHO !!!!! I love it !!! And the epiilogue - whew !!!!!
Give them this story instead of the other, Zalphon !!!! This one fits the size, and is the best story you have ever written IMHO !!!!! I love it !!! And the epiilogue - whew !!!!!
FYI, just because in (i.e.) New Skyrim doesnt mean they don't have villages and visa-versa.
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 2 2010, 09:31 PM)
FYI, just because in (i.e.) New Skyrim doesnt mean they don't have villages and visa-versa.
Huh? New Skyrim? Is that a hint that TESV is coming out soon? WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT !!!!!!! GAAAAAAAAAH !!!!
A rather epic ending, Zalpon. Well done!
Eastern Skyrim is New Skyrim, silly Malx
I'm glad you liked it, because the next story'll be set in this ruined world. Racism, prejudice, treachery, dictatorship, oh I'm as giddy as a school girl But I'm also working on something on the Bethesda forums in the fallout section. You guys'll know it's me, but don't say hey Zalphon!
You'll know, because my profile is Kalarn. Seriously, keep it quiet over there. I could get banned for telling people (in public at their forums).
I'm glad you liked it, because the next story'll be set in this ruined world. Racism, prejudice, treachery, dictatorship, oh I'm as giddy as a school girl
But I'm also working on something on the Bethesda forums in the fallout section. You guys'll know it's me, but don't say hey Zalphon! You'll know, because my profile is Kalarn. Seriously, keep it quiet over there. I could get banned for telling people (in public at their forums).
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 2 2010, 10:16 PM)
Eastern Skyrim is New Skyrim, silly Malx
I'm glad you liked it, because the next story'll be set in this ruined world. Racism, prejudice, treachery, dictatorship, oh I'm as giddy as a school girl
But I'm also working on something on the Bethesda forums in the fallout section. You guys'll know it's me, but don't say hey Zalphon! You'll know, because my profile is Kalarn. Seriously, keep it quiet over there. I could get banned for telling people (in public at their forums).
Don't worry Zalphon. I'll call you Kalarn, especially after reading this story - I'm pretty hyped up on Kalarn !!! (mourning his betrayal and death !!! )
Well here it's safe for Zalphon. Over there my story is "Two Worlds" about an Enclave Soldier in Circa 2242 (Fallout 2 era)
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 2 2010, 10:33 PM)
Well here it's safe for Zalphon. Over there my story is "Two Worlds" about an Enclave Soldier in Circa 2242 (Fallout 2 era)
Do you know, I still have not had the time to open up my FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAAAAAAAAAH !!!!!!
Just read it Malx! I think I may submit it to the next one, that or this, I'm not sure yet. Depends on how that one goes.
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 2 2010, 10:40 PM)
Just read it Malx! I think I may submit it to the next one, that or this, I'm not sure yet. Depends on how that one goes.
I'm going to try to open it and play this weekend if I get a free minute. Read what? GAAAAAH !!!!
Two Worlds in the Bethsoft forums.
QUOTE(Zalphon @ Dec 2 2010, 10:58 PM)
Two Worlds in the Bethsoft forums.
Before I read it, I am going to open my game and play it, lol. I can't wait, it is killing me to see it laying around unopened !!! lol.
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