(First posted by Xeranad on Fri Jul 03, 2009)

For the past 15 years, the Dark Lord Xeranad has cast the world of Relanisia into a war cloaked in shadows. No race is safe from his lust, no matter their allegience. The dwarves, orcs, trolls, titans, and drow have all succumbed to his might. The elves have managed to keep his Stygian Army at bay for now, but Xeranad's patience is waning quickly, and it's only a matter of time before the great elven civilization burns to cinders and ash.

Knowing that his army has no chance at surviving against the Stygian onslaught, King Gallon of Escartes, the ruler of the greatest human civilization, calls upon the aid of heroes across Relanisia, hoping they can end Xeranad's evil reign.

And so... our story begins...

The Spire of Kandrakar - Throne Room

"KYAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!"

A scream could be heard from all over the spire. Kojiro rushed into Lord Xeranad's throne room. "My lord, are you all right?"

What he saw shocked him. Xeranad stood, buffeted by the darkness of his domain, holding a dead maiden in his left, clawed, gauntleted hand. With his other, he caressed her cheeks softly. He looked up at Kojiro, and while no one could see it beneath his mask, he smiled.

"This woman's beauty may have enchanted everyone else, but what I saw was her cold, black heart. She believed that she was entitled to whatever she wanted, just because she was beautiful... in my eyes, however, she was nothing more than a doll for my amusement." He threw the limp body of the young maiden down the steps.

Kojiro looked down at the maiden, then back up at his master. "I suppose this means she isn't worthy of my lord's generosity?"

Xeranad cackled in the darkness. "Kyhahahahahaaaa... that's right... but, now, she is more beautiful than she ever was... wouldn't you say so? Skin as white as snow with crimson blood trickling from her eyes like tears... what a lovely sight..."

Kojiro said nothing. Xeranad walked down the steps from his throne, and when he reached the maiden, stepped on her skull and crushed it without even looking, as if her head was a pumpkin. He looked directly into Kojiro's eyes. "Any news of the events concerning the Elves?"

Kojiro nodded. "Yes, my lord. It seems the elves have us still locked in a stalemate. No matter what General Ackerak tries, the Stygians always are forced back. I know this is troubling, but I feel that we must pull back, sire."

Xeranad laughed in the darkness once more. "Kuhuhuhuhuuuu... pull back, you say? I don't think so. I believe a change in tactics is called for, wouldn't you say? Hmmmm... keep Ackerak where he is, and I will figure out a way to put these arrogant nature dwellers in their place... in the ground."

Kojiro bowed. "I will do as you command of me, My liege." And with that, he walked off.

Xeranad looked down at the dead maiden. "Another failure... my heart is more hollow than your knowing, and you failed to fill it with emotion... I'm disappointed."

Escartes Castle - Grand Hall

Aria stood there, in awe of the splendid architecture of Castle Escartes. She had never seen anything like this in her life. However, she realized that her gaping may make her seem unusual in front of everyone else, so she hid her amazement.

She found a chair and sat down, still in awe of the magnificent splendor of the castle, consciously making an effort not to look like a country girl. She looked at the other candidates for this quest: a man dressed in golden armor, a young swordsman, and a girl with a snake tail. She was amazed by the turnout. She sat there and waited, still admiring the art.

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Author guidance for This story

THIS STORY IS NOW DEAD. A RESTART IS CURRENTLY INITIATING. ONCE IT HAS BEEN RESTARTED, IT WILL POST THE LINK FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED IN READING IT.
THANK YOU.

Story by Xeranad

Current Participants:
Xeranad
Rock XIII
Glein

Main Cast "Ownership":
Xeranad- Aria
Rock XIII- Fujitsu Kamoguchi, Charles Hamlington
Glein (Lord_Ganlon) (Leaving for various reasons)- Conrad Hezer, Lynn Taldeer
Harlot- Kara Ticker, Karkid
Rodge the Linkbot (Had to back out)- Click Nomenclature (Originally, Slate Ross)

For the full character sheets, please direct yourself to: The OCC/ Sign-up Thread

updated Feb 29 by Rock_XIII