The Protectorate and Stuff
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
THE WARRIORS [Chapter Three]
Darkness had already fallen over the rolling hills of the Ishmarin countryside, leaving no light but that of the full moon. Or so it seemed at first glance. In the distance at the apex of one of the mountains burned a beacon, a campfire. Two figures sat warming themselves with the fire and the were retelling tales of past exploits.
"So then I says to the guy, 'No, really, that was your cart that you just smashed.'"
The man telling the story laughed. High face was bathed in an orange glow, his eyes but narrow slits. The swords on his back were kept in the darkness, away from the light. He appeared short and unassuming, but any warrior would know who this man was from a merely glance at the sheathed weapons. Each narrow blade was slung across his back, one in each direction; the swords would be drawn down and away from the body. The layperson wiykd merely stare blankly at this unusual arrangement; obviously, the only way to draw these weapons is with a backhanded grip. But this was no normal warrior. He was Aurelis, the master of the Khalis blades. He had almost completely mastered his backhanded sword technique with each hand, although his left hand left much to be desired with this unusual grip. Warriors knew not to trifle with Aurelis, for this man has not patience for any who oppose him. He was bitter and impulsive, to say the best of him.
Aurelis' taller companion was slightly more amiable. This other went by the name Regalia, and was often known as a great inventor in this age of innovation. He had been able, on several accounts, to employ the newly-found potential of steam engines to any number of items, from simple vehicles to sorting devices. However, to some he was known as the Survivor. He was the only one to escape the destruction of Harcolis, his village, which was burned to the ground in a raid years ago. Regalia loathed the fact that he was the only one who made it out, and has lived for the day that he could avenge his home. Attached to each of his thin yet muscular arms was a device which he calls a "Ditralis." Each Ditralis consisted of an outer casing which is secured to the arm by several leather straps, and which houses two short blades that possessed a remarkable power. They were energized, and when in certain positions and proximities could act stronger than the steel from which they were made. These two Ditrali were Regalia's only weapons, for he needed no other.
Their supplies and other possessions sat in a few travel packs on an unoccupied side of the fire. The two warriors were still joking when Aurelis thought he heard something.
"What was that? Did you hear that crack?"
Regalia shot a sideways glance. "I didn't hear anything. Perhaps it's just the wind."
"No, I definitely heard something just now," Aurelis said as he reached back to grab the hilts of his swords. "I think we may have company."
"Don't be ridiculous. We're in the middle of no--"
From the shadows leapt four figures, toward the campfire. Two of them wore backpacks, each connected to the hose and nozzle. One emerged to the left of Aurelis and fired a bluish gel, which hit its target squarely at the left wrist.
"--where ... Shaka! Aurelis, are you --" Regalia's look of disbelief turned to one of sudden concern.
"-- It's only binding gel, I can't move my arm! Go!"
"Roger!"
The other gel-shooter fired at Regalia, who intercepted the gel with his left Ditralis. Regalia's weapons were in their first stage, a claw-type weapon. He used his other Ditralis to cut the gel from his left claw. He then ducked suddenly and barely managed to catch the downward swing of a sword with his claws, crossed in a scissors-block.
Aurelis was still trying to unsheath his right sword when he was forced to sidestep in in order to dodge another swordsman, apparently the fourth figure. While drawing his right blade backhanded, Aurelis was hit by yet more binding fluid, this time on the right hand. Although he could no longer fight with a traditional forehand grip, he extended his arm into a guard stance, as if to taunt the assailants.
"This is gonna be too easy! This one can't even draw his weapon to give a real fight!" exclaimed Aurelis' sword-wielding opponent.
"Fools ... they don't even know who we are." Aurelis mumbled. "I'll show you a real fight!" he yelled as he charged at the speaker, first bringing his right arm behind him and then quickly pulling it forward and upward, as if to catch the other man with an uppercut punch.
The target fell to the ground with a look of terror in his eyes. His leather breastplate split along the diagonal, as did the undershirt beneath it, exposing a thin red slash across his chest. Meanwhile, Regalia caught the other swordsman's weapon between the two blades of his right claw and quickly slashed with his left, forcing his opponent to lose hold of the sword and fall to the ground mcuh like his comrade, but with a neat pair of red lines. The remnants of the attack force, the gel-shooters, fell to their knees as they realized they have been bested.
"Who are you?" cried the one that Aurelis felled.
"I am Aurelis, and this is my companion Regalia." Aurelis' eyebrows furrowed to express his digust. "You vandals, I will spare you for now ... don't let me regret it. If I see you again, my wrath will be quick, but trust me, I can make it painful as well."
The two shooters crawled over to their wounded fights and supported them as the quartet walked off.
"Oh, and tell your other pals not to mess with us as well!" Regalia growled through gritted teeth. "Believe me, it's in their best interest!"
The defeated thieves hobbled off into the distance. Aurelis and Regalia merely exchanged glances, each only mildy impressed with the success.
"Will they ever learn?" asked Aurelis. He shook his head as he examined his Ditrali for damage.
"Probably not," sighed the swordsman as he scraped the binding gel from his wrists.
"Where were we? Oh yes, there was this one time in Kal-Sara when I ran into a gang of street punks ..."
Monday, July 26, 2004
(Date Edit: Originally published 5/26/04. Date changed to maintain reverse-chronological order.)
THE ASSIGNMENT [Chapter Two]
"Enter, Arkanum."
A figure clad in robes of various shades of grey and silver beckoned him in. The elder stood beside the entrance as the subject entered.
A pair of hulking metallic shoulders emerged through the low doorway, merely hinting the strength they carried. As they rose to their full height, one could seem the fiery eyes of the Steel master known as Arkanum. Having devoted his lifetime to the studies of Fire and Earth, which together allowed proficiency with Steel, he now stood as a class-two master of the elements. It was Ja'Moranin, the Steel Magistrate, who ushered him in; following custom, the Magistrate of the one's chosen element was left speak with the member directly, with the rest of the council watching. He saw to his right the Magistrates of Fire, Lightning, and Wind; to his left Earth, Wood, and Water. Ahead there was a vacancy ...
Arkanum had been summoned before the Council of the Elemental League, for reasons he hoped would soon become clear. He nodded to Ja'Moranin, and knelt.
"Arkanum, we have a mission for you."
Another figure, wearing hues of blue and white, stepped into view directly opposite Arkanum, now spoke. It was Jal'Acial, the Ice Magistrate who addressed him; that explained the emptiness from a mere few moments ago. Still, this was most peculiar, having another Magistrate speak to him. Although the council chamber was not nearly as spacious as the training halls, it was still large enough to resound the the Magistrate's words. The echoing reinforced the sense of gravity in her speech.
"As we all know, your brother Archellion has gone rogue in the past. Being your brother, his actions reflect upon your honor as well. There is no good way to say this ... Archelios has again gone renegade."
Arkunam froze. He should have suspected that his summons was related to his brother. That explained why Jal'Acial had the duty of speaking now. A few years ago his older brother, Archellion, mysteriously and seceded from the Elemental League. Archellion changed ... he personality transformed into a great collection of malice. He became bitter, and left in his wake a path of destruction. He even rejected his name, and became "Archelios." The Jal'Acial's use of this alias worried Arkanum even more. His brother had returned to the darkness.
"You must stop him at all costs. While we realize the inherent ... difficulty this may cause for you, but we feel that it is best for you to handle this matter, rather than involving ... others. You know him better than anyone else does. You are the only one who can do this."
The Council knew this as a fact: years ago when Archelios had first surfaced, none but Arkanum could return Archellion back to his proper mentality. It had been difficult. Archellion is a class-two Ice master, representing the union of water and air ... the polar opposites of his younger brother. They are nothing alike, save their lineage. The epic battle between the two battles lasted for what seemed to be an eternity. But that was years ago, before they were full masters. Now, this incident would be a totally different matter. It would be a struggle. Arkanum wondered if he could manage the feat again.
"We leave this task to you, Arkanum. Go, and succeed."
Arkanum rose and performed a curt bow. After he rose to full height, he turned on one foot and slowly exited. He pondered the situation. His mission was to hunt down his own brother. His older brother. Could he succeed?
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
(Date Edit: Originally published 12/30/04. Date cahnged to maintain reverse-chronological order.)
CALL OF DARKNESS [Chapter One]
Time had stopped. The sparsely decorated room that were Archellion's quarters offered little comfort. He sat alone, his pale face stained by countless tears. He had kept to himself since he had returned to the Elemental League's main facility with his only true love -- dead -- and this foreigner that he had been charged with protecting. Archellion simply refused to accept his loss. With a cold fire burning eyes, he swore to himself that those responsible would pay. There was nothing left for him now.
Sensing a disturbance in the air, the master of ice turned to look. Perhaps it had all been his imagination. A terrible nightmare. Maybe ... maybe ... no. He killed the thought as he realized that this was not the familiar gentle breeze that resulted from his beloved Blizzara's entry. This was far more chaotic, crude. His vision still blurred from his tears, Archellion saw a small black figure. As he cleared his eyes, the image focused into the form of a black raven. Well versed in the nature of aviary creatures, he sensed something strane with this creature. Its stance was irregular, and it was not long before he found the message tube tied to the bird's leg. Inside was nothing more than a note written on simple parchment. He unrolled the message and read it.
Master Archellion,
I extend my deepest sorrows to you on your loss. This is a terrible tragedy. Please, do not concern yourself with who I am. You need know only that I am a benefactor who would assist you in course of retrubution, should you accept it. One of my servants witnessed the ordeal and has identified the murderers. I am fully prepared to lead you to them, should you wish to return the favor. You will find me at the base of Mount Hikaros at sunset tomorrow. If you have no interest in my offer, I understand: simply return my raven with this note. Otherwise, I will see you tomorrow.
***
Later that day, a man clad in ashen robes met the return of his bird -- whose message tube was found empty -- with a smile. Like the room in which he stood, his grin was a dark, barely hinting at the malignance it contained. The visage turned to the four young men behind him. Each wore a vest that made no effort to hide the masterful tatoos emblazoned upon his chest. The designs were similar but different: each had a circle with an interior design centered about the brestbone, each pattern the symbol of one of the four elements. Earth. Fire. Wind. Water. The rest of each warrior's chest was also tatooed with seemingly random flicks, but the style of each was again unique. Upon seeing their master's gaze turn to them, the four men stepped forward, each kneeling with his right knee to the ground.
They eagerly sensed his command. He spoke.
"Maelstrom: The time is now at hand. I have seen to the removal of the only credible opposition you would have faced. Go forth and lay waste to those who stand against us. Our plans shall finally come to fruition."
The men raised their heads to their master, their feral grins matching the lust in their eyes. Quietly, they rose and performed a curt nod in unison before executing a perfect turn and leaving the room.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
THE PROPHECY FULFILLED [Prologue]
The cold mountains were a place of solace for the Ice Elementalists, Blizzara and Archellion. Hiking along the trails through the pass, Archellion suspected little of what was to come. Blizzara was often described as a female of fair complexion, with long whitish hair and a soft voice. Archellion on the other hand, had his blond hair trimmed to shoulder length and carried himself much more forcefully. They were a tall couple, and always appeared quite at ease with one another.
"He's here. I can sense him," said Blizzara.
"Who is?" replied Archellion, although he knew that she could only be referring to her prophecy. Blizzara had forseen for years now that a stranger would come along who would need her help. Archellion had tried to be supportive, but he gave little credence premonitions of any sort. But now he could not deny that a cloaked person of average now ran towards them. As Archellion started to say something else, she was already in flight: as Ice Mastery required both Water and Air, most Ice Masters could fly; Blizzara was no exception. She had summoned a pair of gossamer wings to herself, and was swooping toward the man. And, more importantly, the two that were chasing him.
As she hovered in mid-air, Blizzara snapped her arms forward and summoned ice to do her bidding. Crystaline shards appearred between her palms, and then flew right behind the man of the prophecy. The pursuers dodged around the shard, one to each side. Now that they were close enough, she could actually see them: one was dressed in a sleek white outfit, a nifty semi-loose garment that could hold an untold number of items; the other was dressed in a patchwork of shades of shale, an ensemble that seemed more haphazard than planned. The former drew broadsword from his back, then took a half-step into a ready position. *He must've been in the martial school*, she mused. She summoned another frozen slab to send at the assailants.
She yelled to Archelion: "Get the man, and take him out of here." He obliged, grabbed the man, and took flight.
***
"It appears that our targets has some reinforcements," commented Shoranem. He rolled to avoid the second barrage, coming out in time to catch a third frozen spear with his alabaster blade.
"Don't ya worry about *her*, friend, I've got something prepared." Helantos reached into his patchwork vestment and pulled out a flask. As his white-clad accomplice was about to protest, he simply grinned. "I know something that'll do the trick." He guzzled the contents, but kept a little in his mouth. Dropping the flask, Helantos reached into his mismatched garb and revealed two fistfuls of small black spheres. He pitched them all backhanded toward their airborne opponent, who struggled for a second to dodge.
That second was all he needed. He withdrew his lighter and ignited it; then he exhaled the alcoholic fumes that he had stored in his mouth.
He breathed fire.
As the hail melted, Shoranem charged at the mysterious ice-woman. His sword connected, and the two fell. Only one of them managed to rise again. Shoranem slowly rose, wiping the blood from his blade.
"Excellent plan, comrade," said he to Helantos.
***
Archellion fled with this stranger to a small alcove in the mountains. As he set the man down, Archellion felt his heart sink; he saw Blizzara go down. He sped at the pair, descending at such speeds that he almost wondered if he could maintain control. Just above the surface he leveled, and summoned ice into the shape of a weapon, a sword of his own.
The two outlanders looked at each other, and then to him.
"Another ..."
"... Time, perhaps."
The one in white swirled a silver cloth about him; the one in black threw a few black balls to the ground which burst into smoke upon contact. In the blink of an eye, they were both gone.
Blizzara lay on the ground, surrounded by a puddle of her own blood. Archelion ran to her. The wound was bad, irreparable by most standard. He started to heal it, when she interrupted him.
"No. Take him to the ... Council ... I ... luh .. love you ..."
And then Blizzara, too, was gone.
Archellion lifted her body, then went to lead the stranger to the Council of the Elemental League.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Or-Kalim, the Wanderer [orr-KAL-ihm]
A warrior in self-imposed exile, Or-Kalim left the Martial Guild and assumed the title "The Wanderer." Wearing a dark hooded robe, she hides her identity from any who might wish to seek it; she poses as a male to move surreptitiously. Or-Kalim has a strong sense of conviction, and left the school when she felt it became too corrupt, leaving behind all that she knew. She often acts as a vigilante, serving justice where it is sorely needed. Armed with her quaterstaff/walking stick and exploding disks, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Or-Kalim's name is known to few, even among the groups she travels in. She purposely distances herself from others to free herself from the pains of attachment, which may often limit support that she might otherwise receive from others. Although she regrets very little, she is pained at seeing what has become of Aurelis.
Elékius [eh-LAY-kee-us]
A Xetan Elementalist, who has a strong affinity for the Earth element. Elékius has trained for both Earth and Water Mastery, and is intent to become a Class 3 Earth Master. His techniques involve the fluid nature of the ground, and can summon trees and vines to protect himself, or to attack others. He is also attempting to create basic golems, although his efforts have yet to show success.
Elékius' weapon of choice is the Bramble Bow, which he creates by summoning a strong sapling and a vine, as well as other sticks for the arrows.
Elékius was recovered at a young age by Arkanum, and knows little of the world outside the Elemental League. While he embraces these new experiences, he does not know how to handle himself in natural environments. Deprived of his purified training Earth, he is learning the realities of the costs and repercussions of wielding his powers.
Stalako [stuh-LAY-ko]
A Xetan Praetor, Guardian of the Sun (and Light). Noble and righteous; strong and just; confused and uncertain. Stalako often questions his ability to perform his duties as the Sol Guardian. Despite being declared as a master of solar techniques, he still feels as though he is missing something. These misgivings had not been so pronounced when he was with his soulmate Mykirah, but since her fall he has become increasingly introspective. As he was not able to save her, he wonders how he would be able to help others.
Stalako is a skilled and dependable warrior, but when the combat is finished he questions his actions. Worse, sometimes he may second-guess himself in battle. Stalako does everything that he should, but he needs constant reassurance. He also clings fanatically to the belief that he can save his love Mykirah, although there is no actual indication that it can be done.
Regalia [reh-GAL-ee-ah]
Wealthy heir and inventor. Born into money, Regalia never suffered from lack of anything. Despite his best efforts, he was always separated from the rest of his village by a strong social division which others imposed on him. Regalia never learned how to deal with others effectively. Years ago when Harcolis, his village, was attacked, he fled instead of facing the enemy and defending his home. Now shamed, he feels a deep guilt and keeps himself in self-imposed exile. Regalia is also a very practical inventor, creating things to help himself. He created his Ditralis, which is an arm-mounted weaponry system. He takes great pride in his creations, and often puts undue amounts of faith in them.
Regalia has never been a "team player" and is still adjusting to this role. His inner torment over his native village also causes Regalia to withdraw from the Protectorate. As such, he tends to distance himself from the others, creating a rift between him and the rest of the group. The others respect him, though, since he is remarkably skilled at creating new devices and vehicles.
Aurelis [orr-EL-is]
A skilled swordsman from the Martial School. Aurelis was abandoned in his youth and was, as such, underpriviledged. Lacking an elemental affinity, he found that the only place in which he could be considered an equal was the Arena. Aurelis trained and transformed his dexterity into adept use of twin blades. He now carries with him the Khalis blades, which were especially designed for him. He carries a deep hatred for all women, as the only one he ever loved spurned him and then disappeared entirely. He is acts cold and embittered, while is internally very self-concious and insecure.
Aurelis always acts as though he always has something to prove because he feels that there is. He can be very competitive, which is not always ideal for the given situation. One might describe him as unstable at best. His greatest flaw is his tendancy for impulsiveness, rushing headlong into battle without considering the repercussions.
Arkanum [ar-KAN-um]
A Xetan Elementalist, representing the unity of Earth and Fire through his joint elemental, Steel. Like his brother, Arkanum has devoted himself in service to others. Although Steel is one of the mightiest and most imposing elements, he prefers mediation to fighting. He tends to be incredibly persuasive, and will attempt to avoid fighting when it seems possible. Despite this tendancy, Arkanum has no fear of combat, and will do what is necessary for the given situation. When his older brother was turned, it was Arkanum who was finally able to talk sense into him, or so he thinks.
Arkanum's weapons of choice are the Steel Blade, Steel Axe, and the Iron Shield.
Arkanum is typically a sentry, watching out for others. When Elékius was attacked years before, it was Arkanum who came to his eventual rescue. After seeing the young bot's potential, he took Elékius as his apprentice.
Archellion [ar-KEL-ee-un]
A Xetan Elementalist, representing the unity of Air and Water through his joint elemental, Ice. Archelion is a noble figure who believes in service to the innocent. His angelic wings reinforce his regal appearance, and convince others of his noble goals. However in the past that is on the verge of being forgotten, Archelion faltered in his service, and turned against the weak. Finally expressing his disdain for those who did not apprecicate his work, he grew hostile, malevolent. Were it not for the aid of his brother Arkanum, Archelion would have been completely lost to the his dark desires. Since his return, Archelion has viewed his renewed work as a quest for redemption. He hopes to atone for his wrongs, and feels a strong sense of guilt.
Archellion's weapon of choice is the crystal rapier, which he can create at will.
Archellion's greatest fear is returning to his alternate self (Archelios) the version which killed those that he is supposed to protect. Often he may fail to act at all, for fear of that. Other times, he can feel the sinister temptations calling him, must fight them off. His love for Blizzara gives him the strength to continue, but his temptaions seem to be getting stronger ...
Blizzara, the Prophet [blih-ZARE-uh]
Like her boyfriend Archellion, Blizzara is an Ice Elementalist. He specialty is predicting the future; she is the one who foresaw the arrival of Kanamitor, the exile. She has accepted this fate, although others around her may not do so as readily. Her weapon techniques are the cyrstal javelin and the ice bow, which she can create at will.
Blizzara is selfless and understands her role in the greater scheme of events to come. Her ability to see into the future gives her certainty where others have doubts.
Kanamitor [KUH-NAM-ih-tor]
Once the head defense specialist for his nation. When the violent coup began, Kanamitor was forced (by regulations) to leave the city and manage defenses remotely; however, nearly none of his comrades survived. Kanamitor was unable to return to their aid. He also lost his sparkmate, Starstalker. He has since blamed both the regulations, and himself for following them. He carries with him a great sorrow, which he feels will not be relieved until those now in power pays for his actions.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
THE CHARACTERS:
The Protectorate:
Kanamitor, the Chosen One
Starstalker
Blizzara, the Prophet
Archellion
Arkanum
Aurelis
Regalia
Stalako
Elékius
Or-Kalim
The Enemy (I haven't come up with a name yet):
Xerxes
dar' Rivarius
dar' Kitare
Mykirah
The Brothers Maelstrom: Schizm, Whirlwind, Blaze, Torrent
THE LOCALES:
Xeta: A planet engulfed in strife. Civil war has broken out lately in one of the nations, which lead to a coup which brought a select few corporations to power.
Ismar: A region characterized mainly by plains, grassy fields and hills. Its wide expanses were once used by the Martial Guild, until the Guild moved further into the nearby cities.
Harcolis: A city that was once the center a highly prosperous trading hub. It was razed by raiders years ago, although their motive and identities are still unknown. Regalia was from Harcolis, and he is the sole survivor of the attack.
The Elemental League: Traditionally an academy for the defenders of Xeta, in adherence to the four elements (Earth, Fire, Wind, Water). Students traditionally learn only one or two elements, in which they specialize. However, as of late several rogue Elementalists have seceded and now pose threat to all.
As is logical, Earth and Air are opposites, as are Fire and Water. Elements not in opposition can be secondaries of each other (Earth has secondaries of Fire and Water; Water has secondaries of Earth and Air, etc.). Class 4 masters are the only Elementalists who can manipulate both their primary and its opposite.
There is a structured class system used to identify the various masteries the Elementalists learn.
Class 1: A master of a single element, with extensive mastery of its abilities.
Class 2: A master of two elements (a primary and a secondary), with great knowledge of both elements and how they interact, although to a lesser extent than a Class 1 master.
Class 3: A master of three elements (a primary and its secondaries), with the ability to merge the three for potent special abilities of the primary element. Note that the techniques of Class 1 and Class 3 masters are remakably different, but equivalent.
Class 4: A master of all four elements (a primary, its secondaries, and its opposite); Class 4 masters are rare and are able to manipulate all elements, albeit to a lesser degree than their peers of other classes can.
The Martial Guild: Many Xetans who do not posess the affinity for the Elements train here to hone their minds and their strengths. Melee weapons and unarmed techniques are one field of study, as are the Forces of Opposition (Light and Dark). Much like the League, lately some sinister influence has tainted its students, turning them against those they once swore to protect.
The Assassin's Guild: This is an unofficial sect of the Martial Guild; its members are those who either were rejected from the Martial Guild or left because they thought its procedures and rules where below them. The Assassin's Guild is an elite group who will kill anyone for the right price. They follow two different forces of opposition, Order and Chaos. Those who follow Order tend to consider themselves vigilantes, whereas those who follow Chaos kill for the pleasure of it.
Yes, I thought I would make this blog so I could simply record the details of my story. (more forthcoming)
