Somewhere in my mind

Arbiter Proof of Concept

2010-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Moving through the police station it seemed odd knowing their intent but could do nothing as this hulk of flesh and my word bound me. No matter, it shouldn't be difficult to make them understand. How things had changed since before, the halls seemed to have a minimalist look to them and devoid of any sound except the echo of footsteps from the two officers on my side, myself, and the few others going about their day.
A short walk landed me into a classic interrogation room with a table, 3 chairs and the glass. Waiting for the inevitable questions I sat down. “Thank you for coming down Miss.”
Thinking of a quick answer I responded in a low but shaky voice to give a feeling of fear, “No problem.”
“As I mentioned before my name is Frank and this is my associate Kat.” Looking over at Kat's flowing brown hair and a face that was experienced yet had a kind of innocence to it gave me a cold stare in return. She seemed to be examining the short rosy red hair and thin physique of my partner. “We have been doing sweeps for strange reports,” Frank looked at me to see if I was paying attention and continued, “As yours claims a short coma followed by a total personality shift, is this true?”
“Odd question from a patrol officer.”
“It is a harmless question.”
Looking over at Kat it hit me, it was a literal witch-hunt. Deciding to play along with the game I skipped the introductions. “Don't beat around the bush reaper, I am an arbiter and this is my charge.”
Kat seemed to be pondering on a response for a second but was shocked at my straight-forward answer. As was the custom these reapers try to hunt us down. Religious bull that they try to cling to when the answer is obvious. Guess this isn't about the speeding ticket. Should be ready to fight regardless and make sure the girl doesn't do anything stupid. Finally thinking of an answer while Frank just sat and watched Kat broke my train of thought with, “Your kind is prone to secrecy. Why open up to what you know is a death sentence especially with a joke of 'charge' and not 'slave'?”
Alex, the girl whom I had been watching over, was on her own as I pushed out of the hunk of flesh and moved into the officer who was watching with an obvious look of obliviousness but instead of saying anything or making any move I used his body as a means for the others to see me. Appearing as the shapeless and barely tangible husk I made my point clear right away, “You harm a hair on the girls head and it will be your last move reaper.”
The poor officer was scared shitless and pushed away from me into the corner of the room but it did no good as I had an anchor for projection now. Knowing this Kat made a quick move towards the officer but stopped when she saw Alex gaining control of her motor skills again. “Are you all right?”
Before the girl could answer I intervened, “Know this reaper, the girl is unstable. I saved her from a suicide attempt. Do you wish for me to finish the story young one?”
Alex nodded her head from side to side giving me the floor as the reaper seemed interested and commented, “Why would you save this girl? There is nothing in it for you when the person you possess is known to be unstable and ultimately doomed for the very thing you fear.” Kat seemed to be easing up and the glyphs grew dimmer.
“Let me explain what happened after she almost ended her life for no good reason. Not wanting to see a husk emptied early, which would have served as a vessel anyways by the way, is what compelled me to make a simple proposal. Go on with what you are doing or allow me to show you life is worth living.”
The reaper didn't seem surprised by the comment and asked Alex, “You just made a deal with some specter that popped out of nowhere?”
“I was driven in my act until I lost control of myself and he intervened. Like a guardian angel.”
“Oh what a foolish teenager you are.”
Breaking into what would probably have been a long moral lesson I laughed, “Foolish to have someone help he-”
“She needs professional help, you obviously have better motives then a lot of your brethren but that doesn't give you a reason to take her over.” The glyphs disappeared entirely meaning I had convinced the reaper to see at least a little reason.
“I am a professional. Shrinks have a few years of reading from books while I have 200 years of first-hand experience with life. The reason for my undeath is understanding, every person you join with becomes part of you and ultimately teaches a lesson that 1000 textbooks couldn't match which can be used when needed.”
“Get out of here Arbiter, you had good intentions but I want to get her help if she is suici-”
A quiet but distinct, “No,” came from Alex as she stood her ground. “A string of bad events led to some bad choices which have been helped thanks to guidance. I won't just have you cast out one who helped me.”
“You don't understand child-”
“Funny coming from someone barely 30 herself don't you think kitty kat?” This comment from me had the intended effect of making her shut up and letting me talk. “I won't play that what I know is perfectly right but don't drag me down here in a vain attempt to pull me away from Alex. Being honest with you was me giving, now you give something or do you not know common courtesy?”
“Bite your tongue reaper, the reason we haven't clashed glyphs yet is you being too soft for your own goo.”
I couldn't help but laugh at this comment which seemed to take Kat and Alex by surprise. “Were I soft the girl would be dead and I would have never left the only place I have my own projection that is tangible. Instead of continuing to exchange insults how about we actually try to come to an agreement of some kind? You don't like me and I don't like you.”
“Hey, something we can agree on.”
“Who would have thought? Now am I going to have to force my way through you with her or will Frank here pretend like this never happened and escort her out?”
As if pondering the situation Kat gave an answer that to this day surprises me, “Get out of my sight, both of you. If you step away from this symbiotic relationship you have created I will hunt you down.”
Without another word I broke the anchor of making my projection tangible and took my place back inside Alex but not before she nodded and said, “Thank you.”
Do you wish for me to take control again Alex?
Yes, you lead and I shall follow.
Frank during the whole exchange was still in the corner trying to put things together but stood up and tried to act unphased. In a bad attempt at a brave voice he responded, “You have done nothing wrong, I haven't the slightest idea what went on here and leave it to the people with jurisdiction. Come.”
Not wasting any time I took control of the body again and moved us back through those empty hall-ways that were completely clear now. Except for the echo.

Hunter Part 3

2010-06-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

Anxious to make my way home I left the portal quickly into the empty office that is used as a cover should the local authorities decide to start snooping around. It has been quite a while since one of the order has been bothered but, “Better to be safe then dead” as father would always say. Stepping outside it never ceases to amaze me the temperature differences between the two locations. In the barracks it is warm and almost always blazing hot but this hunk of ice never heats up except for August it seems like.
Taking the long way home wasn't desirable so I cut through the short route passing Roberto's Bakery and a floral shop I stopped into so that I could buy flowers for Martha. What kind does she like again? Blue, yellow, orange or red it makes no difference I guess. These will do. Grabbing some roses I wasted no more time and finally reached that brick home that looked to be a couple hundred years old just like my old man.
Pushing the door open sounds of shock erupted from the living room while a smell of an unknown food assaulted my nostrils. Putting down my flannel I called out, “Martha?” No answer. Odd as she usually meets me by the door.
Following the noise into the TV room Martha was in a trance watching the TV with a clip playing in a loop as is the habit for those attention seekers who run the media networks. Standing silently I decided to see what had peaked her interest so much as Martha wasn't one for news in the first place. A reporter started by giving out useless information on the network then let that same clip play.
President Henry was giving a speech about economic reform since the nation was in the shitter as usual. On the closing line of “Reform is upon us,” the light behind the president disjointed into an array of colors until a human was visible. Slender and eyes blazing with fury the figure grabbed Henry and took a few steps forward towards the microphone, “Finally the politicians are onto something.”
Nervous the president bobbed his head from side to side, “What do you want?”
“Nothing you haven't given me already. The attention of all of these people will do.”
“Who are you?” The movements of the president were getting more like a mouse trapped in a corner by a cat.
“Call me the voice of the forgotten. A long time has passed since the world saw my kind. Call me a keeper.” This FOOL. Hardly controlling my rage while staying still and silent the exchange went back and forth.
“Keeper of madness?”
“Perhaps, regardless we are back will carve a domain out once again.”
“Idle threats will not get you anything but killed. The second you try anything these agents will be all over you.”
Taking a look around the figure saw every FBI agent had a drawn weapon and a few were closing in. One directly behind the figure had his pistol ready to pistol-whip him until slamming into an invisible wall that was revealed through a flicker upon the agent hitting it. “Really now? Don't take my kind for an easily disposable threat. Guardians, this is an open declaration of war and the fall of man.” Using the mist blade that had been kept at the president's throat a shower of blood hit the field causing a red wall to form while the president fell lifelessly to the ground. Smiling for the camera the Keeper opened a portal and disappeared just as quickly as he had appeared with the crowd in a panic.
Following the series of events the reporter appeared again to give some kind of update. “President Henry died in the care of emergency officials. Nothing has been found on these mysterious Keepers but the FBI have given full assurance the terrorist group for this will be brought to justice.”
Unable to contain my anger any longer I slammed a fist into the wall which startled Martha. “I didn't hear you come in. How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to see what happened. Young men trying to raise chaos and start a war no doubt.”
“It took us by surprise this morning. It has been all over the news, is this the first you saw what happened.” Nodding my head up and down Martha slumped into the love seat.
So nothing is known about us Keepers yet. This would be a really bad time to tell her so just need to spend the evening as usual and sort out this mess tomorrow. “Forget this for now, what else did you do today?” Immediately sitting up she seemed excited as I rarely asked about the day and she never asked of mine. Feigning interest in the other topics of the day kept her mind off of things while giving me time to prepare. Topics ranged from her playing golf with the neighbors and some competition her gardening club was holding. Within a couple of hours seemed to be more cheerful like usual. “Feeling better?”
“Much, thank you for listening.”
“Anytime, I couldn't let you be so filled with grief while being able to stop it.” At least one of us is easy to calm down. For now anyways, if... No, when it comes out I'm a Keeper this is going to get rather complicated. Putting my hand around her chest and embracing her seemed to help me a little actually. Sadly, this little equilibrium was broken by Martha breaking loose of my hand and running for the kitchen.
“The ribs! How could I forget them?” I spent the next few minutes listening to her fiddle around with various pots and pans while she pulled everything out. Coming into the room a few minutes later a look of defeat was on her face. “They can't be salvaged sweetie.”
“Forget the food, this news has killed my appetite. I'm going to sleep.” Not saying another word I hugged and kissed Martha then made my way to the bedroom. Usually Martha comes to bed later and lets me get to sleep first. No rest would come tonight though, only thoughts and questions.

Hunter part 2

2010-05-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

Within a moment I returned to the barracks where recruitment for initiates is handled. Scanning the general area for the mark no one but a slender man puffing on a cigar in a chair whom was waiting for me was to be found. Using my symbols I closed the portal and moved towards the man who had now taken notice of me and yelled, “Hey Joe.”
Joe has been a gate-keeper and watch-out for these barracks since before my assignment here 10 years ago. According to the old battleaxe, that sent me off for formal training in the aether arts, it was an accident while tracking down a stray that was close to revealing the order where his hearing was hurt and forced him out of work. Every time I look at him it makes me sad after hearing heroic stories from my youth of the maiming of the most elusive rogue by the hand of Joe.
Getting up and embracing in a hardy handshake Joe nodded and gave an account of what had recently passed, “Didn't hear you come in Keith. Just got done getting that ruffian of yours to calm down. Needed two soldiers to restrain him while I explained the process, really doesn't like us but what else is new?”
“He was a pain to catch, even a couple of the best Guardian hunters, who said hi by the way, couldn't get him. At least that is one less chance for the general public to catch note of us. How did he fare when you told the process to him?”
Throwing his cigar on the floor and stomping it Joe continued, “Rather well actually, once I pressed a few memories into him and it made the point crystal clear. Nothing makes a point better then Guardians killing uninitiated who think they are hot shit using aether magic with no regard for their own well-being.”
Surprising that Joe would use something so strong on an uncooperative initiate. Regardless makes my life easier of not having to track him down again. “He looks like good scout material, what do you think?”
“The lad looks like he will take well to symbols so its possible but regardless I am going to stick him with an instructor that knows stabilization after the aptitude tests are done. Have you sent the report in for the council?”
“No, I just returned and will submit it in the morning when I decide on a recommendation for him. I am thinking Alyssa since she is good in stabilization and accustomed to dealing with the more difficult cases.”
“Isn't she already swamped with recruits who are so pathetic it seems like they just hit of age?”
“Perhaps, last I heard it was only three or four. Another couldn't hurt.”
“I'll get you a list of suitable ones by the morning if you want to put off the report, after all we have three days to report a recommendation.”
What would I do without Joe? “If you have time it would be great, aren't you swamped with your own reports from the influx of recruits and stragglers we have gotten?”
“A lot less have been coming in over the last few days. Quite odd as it gave me time to finish the backlog and I'm getting bored to be honest.”
Patting Joe on the back I nodded and replied, “Thanks man. I appreciate it.”
Joe pulled out a couple of cigars from his drawer and held one towards me. Nodding my head side to side caused him to put one away. Biting off the end and chomping on what was left a flame appeared from his hand to light the cigar. “Back to pretending like I am tending the gate I suppose, good day Keith.”
With a two-fingered salute from the forehead I passed through those empty barracks. Must be drill-time. Not even a single person in the pressure chamber. Entering my office felt unusual. After a hunt it is normal to spend some time meditating and instructing the rowdy recruits with the occasional troublemaker. Just another day as a Hunter I suppose. After working through a pile of paperwork about hearings and lists of possible Aether users for a couple of hours my boredom was getting strong. Too dead for me, time to go see Martha.
After finishing the last form about the new recruit I set everything into a couple of neat stacks and grabbed a flannel from the rack of various cloths for different conditions. The place had livened up a bit with a few initiates sparring with mist-blades but no sign of the mark. Towards the gate room I nodded at Joe who was overseeing the sparring match. Upon entering the reinforced area of the room I slammed a hand forward and pulled back the now physical portal. Not wasting anytime I left for home for some rest.

The Hunter

2010-04-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Everything is ready. Not a single scenario lies unnoticed. Checking the traps carefully laid out by my skillful hands I started to remember some details of the mark. Blue eyes, brown hair, rugged look and a love to phase. Good luck phasing out of a stabilizer. My arms glowed with symbols of a long dead language as the spot on the floor that contained the trap hummed silently as if joyful of its one purpose in life.
Upon checking the traps I retreated to a dark corner in the room using the symbols as a light and called upon them again. The perspective of my sight shifted to blood-red as my form disappeared from all but the most trained eye as the wait began. Two, three, maybe even four hours passed me by as the chase by guardians began for the mark. Little did they know the council of keepers has an ever vigilant eye and deployed me ahead of time. This one should have potential, let us see how he fairs with their hunters.
Noise erupted from the perimeter of the building outside that was giving away the presence of both hunter and hunted. Crashing and a frantic pacing informed me the guest of honor arrived in a cloud of black smoke with the clank of boots not far behind. Into the room he came and was thrust right into the middle of the floor that contained the trap through some help of kinetic pushing from my symbols.
Black appendages grabbed hold of the mark so he could barely move without yelling in pain. Perspective flushing from red back to the normal multitude of colors I eyed the mark to get a closer look on his features and aptitude as was my duty. A weak body was normal for using of aether magic so it didn't surprise me in the least to find him dangerously thin. “Fool, such is the way of youth I guess.”
The mark had the look of a trapped animal while yelling to me, “You are with those fanatics aren't you?”
“Depends which group of fanatics you mean, the ones trying to capture and maim you? No.”
“Then let me go,” clanking of boots was getting closer and the noise had an effect on the mark as his resistance grew more fierce as was to be expected.
“Hold just a minute, do you understand what you wield in a way to attract those 'fanatics' like moths to a flame?” In a maddening frenzy the mark slammed and jerked as the appendages tightened their grip and I raised my hand which caused a blueish glass object to cover the perimeter of the door. “Calm down, I have no intention of letting them take you unless you want them too. Ultimately your fate is not mine or theirs to decide without your input.”
“What do you mean, they are going to come and kill me after breaking that glass?”
“Back to the topic at hand I will be brief, aether is what you wield and allows you to move short distances with no bearings to physics or any other scientific laws. One of the many abilities you can wield unless 'they' get a hold of you. Then you either join them and wield runic energy or have your conductor for aether energy cut off. We all wield the same abilities as you but use finesse in a way to avoid them and can only recruit based on choice. So which side will it be?”
“How about neither?” Terror left the mark's body as a rage seemed to overtake his face. “Ever since I discovered this blasted thing my life has been in shambles. I don't want to join either of you and I sure as hell don't want to listen to someone who has me bound by these tentacle-things.”
“Then shall I leave you here for them while I make my leave?” I pulled my hand forward then back and a rip emerged from the surrounding area creating a hole big enough for a grown man to climb through.
“NO! Just get me the hell out of here. I don't want to be poked and prodded by them so what you have is probably better then this.”
“Wise choice.” Raising my hand towards the trap caused the appendages to disappear. “Get into the portal and follow the instructions provided by the Sergeant. Dealing with these other hunters won't be too hard for me.” Looking at me and the portal the look of possible freedom seemed to burn in the mark's eyes but disappeared as he bolted into the portal.
Within a couple of moments the clanking stopped outside the room and pounding was heard on the door. Lowering the glass object I opened it and nodded at the Guardian hunters. One was middle aged with streaks of gray in his hair while the other was rather muscular wearing a police uniform labeled Frank “Long time no see Tom and Frank.”
“You too, beat us to another mark I see. Little hellion was a pain in the ass to catch I bet. He had us chasing our tails.”
“I laid down a stabilizer trap to stop the little bugger and that was that.”
“Good idea, both of us had to go armed only with runic bullets. Was about to just shoot his ass and be done with it. Oh well, time to call it a night. Tell Joe I said hi will you?” Frank leaned in to shake my hand and I obliged.
“Gladly, take it easy now.” Not wasting any time I spent a moment or two cleaning up the remnants of that floor trap by picking up the trigger that was in the middle of the floor then went through the portal.

Till Death Do We Part 1

2010-02-19T18:38:00.001-08:00

Love is the undoing of men. Every day of my life this proved itself by my uncle whom made a game out of burning those he found had committed adultery. Say a phrase after giving the 'sinner' a chance to repent and a purifying death that was supposed to cleanse the sin from the individual. What of the shame and other things? It still remains in me.
On this eve, as many others, I bid farewell to the safety of the cottage donning my squire armor to remove suspicion. Moving through the desolate streets only greeted by the yelling and staggering of drunks from the nearby tavern, the path began to wind down towards the appointed spot. It had been three years since meeting her and still do those days of chasing ring clear in the sanctum of my soul.
Sparring with a friend who was nearly completed with the apprenticeship and whose place I would fully take my eyes fell upon the passing entourage. An umbrella and flower decorated veil covered her silky white skin from the sun. So intense was that infatuation that my sparring partner had to whack the sense back into me. Ending the match I vowed her to be mine, no man can stand temptation of that kind and not act on it. Moving slowly towards her as to not catch attention from the accompanying women, whom were most likely friends, by some stroke of luck that portrait of perfection gave me her innocent but forbidden smile. A smile, such a small gesture meant the world to me.
Nothing could keep the two of us apart, my focus now was on passing the hurdles of the aristocracy. A noble born woman of that kind must surely be given off as some pawn in the games of nobles with no thought to her feelings and surely not to a low birth squire such as myself. Oh, her feelings. That sweet, sweet thing surely loves me. A smile is forever.
Whenever given the chance I would find her. Following her once home was all that I needed. Every inch of those grand grounds was embedded into my head as new plans were hatched every day. It became more and more clear that these plans were futile and something directly needed to be done to secure our love.
Luckily the lady of luck smiles upon me, on the eve of All Saints my uncle announced that the very same family had invited him to a masquerade as payment for the labors of weeding out examples. Seeing the chance I at once evoked a guile that had never been present and talked my uncle into letting me attend in his place. After all, he is too old and a young squire like me needs this. Without it, or so he thoughts, connections would never be mine. After the death of my father in the retaking of the holy land it had been made clear to me that my uncle intended fully to not let me be some commoner.
Fine for him. Shrouding all my imperfections with a plastic skin of a sadistic smile only reserved for me. Mine, this chance will NOT fall out of the grasp and our love will be forever. Reciting this phrase so many times it seemed to overtake me like a trance. Finally the time to play the puppeteer-made-marionettes as I entered a world that was not my own.
A stringed song filled the halls as I moved among the marionettes looking for what was mine. Never hearing that voice of perfection made the game of cat-and-mouse so much harder but finding her voice rang in those halls was my life-goal. It beckoned to me, chatting with friends about some state of affairs that didn't concern me. What did concern me was using this god-given chance. Giving casual nods the conversation changed to include me. It started with casual chatter as I contemplated a way to test success without alerting others of my intent.
After what seemed like an eternity it occurred to me that this was her families estate. Excusing myself from the conversation I made note of the area and started making my way through the halls decorated with silk curtains and chatter.
One thing that always stood out to me was this girls fascination with flowers. Finding what appeared to be her room I went back to the other world and rejoined the same alien conversation. Eventually a chance arose as I whispered into her ear, “Come with me to your palace of flowers. Something needs to be told that the virgin ears of this hall cannot be desecrated with.” Letting my charm work it was complete.
Letting the woman lead our journey to the very same room caused a smile similar to that of my mask to take over my face. Motioning for me enter to I played the role of marionette and did as commanded. With some coaxing she finally removed that fox mask. It was her, all of the hard work was finally coming to fruition.
Introducing myself as the son of a Grand Inquisitor after removing the mask seemed to bore her. Using what little of that alien world I knew it became a game of telling her what she wanted to hear. After a couple of hours with only small talk I finally was given something concrete, Cassandra. That was the name of this angel. In the end of that night bowing I sealed what would become many more visits.
Returning to the desolate streets, my mind started to wander upon reaching the designated meeting spot. Sitting down in the tavern caused little in the way of reactions. I was known among these souls as a squire who was a fool for risking his life in such a minute manner but not a word was said to me of course except from the same few drunks.
Fear rose from the bowels of my heart when she did not show. Absolving to know why my love did not show it became apparent fate had not chosen me this day. Asking the barkeep if he had laid eyes on Cassandra tonight yielded answers that did not ring well in my ears. Leaving the tavern three armored sergeants surrounded her throwing accusations of the worst kind. Or so I thought. Upon entering into the conversation it became immediately clear how wrong I was. Pointing at me with disgust this woman whom had sworn to me we would be forever that it was I that committed these crimes. Crimes against whom? Well, the church and god of course.
With faith as the armored sergeants weapons no cunning or guile could escape these charges while Cassandra was being pampered and I dragged for dead.

Machinations of a Curious Kind Part 1

2009-11-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

What a great view. Standing atop a massive structure that swallows everything in it's magnificent golden glow that was enhanced by the cloudless skies sun as I admired all of the landscape. A concrete forest swallowed up the lush green forest that seemed just out of reach. On this concrete jungle metal machinations of some unknown origin to me danced like marionettes to the song of advancement.
Unnatural noises penetrated my ear as if death itself was coming to seek me out. Clanking and whizzing the unnatural symphony continued on its chorus. Time must be so valuable to these things while I take my place among those guardians of Terra.
Pulling my pilot goggles looted from ages past over my glassy amber eyes set sights out into that green forest that was just within reach. A grin went from cheek to cheek. Over the edge I went with a speed few knew.
Following my descent the concrete jungle changed. Taking no notice of my presence coming towards them the machinations decay became apparent. An army of red invaders had overtaken what was supposed to be eternal. Tick-tock. Deeper into the melancholy hole I fell it became more apparent why it is like this. That unnatural symphony was on a crescendo as the dark-gray ground was within reach. Clanking of metal along with screeching overtook my ears. Louder and louder.
Time for an exit. Snapping my fingers in a quick motion an object that was red as blood from men who forged those machinations appeared in the way of my descent. Overtaking me the decrepit noise faded as did the concrete jungle.

Fall of an Empire

2009-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

A woman was sitting in a tavern alone drinking some mead. This tastes like shit, will have to get something a little stronger next time. It was very lively with an assortment of men singing while banging mugs of ale together and someone retelling the siege of Sentinum. “The walls of the Necromancer fortress stood strong for two full moons with fierce resistance. Necromancers tried valiantly to hold the walls with several small skirmishes scattered throughout the area trying to repel the attack. With food rations gone and a wall weakening the commander went to offer a surrender to the Guardians. His answer was a sword through the chest with the promise he would watch the slaughter.” How many times will this fool retell this story?
Most eyes were on the storyteller at this point while he downed an entire mug of ale in one go. Content with the taste he continued, “Cutting down the commander raised morale of the Guardian troops which led to a final assault that night. Some say only a few Necromancers were able to get out but one thing is sure; from that moment on it was war.” The room broke into applause and hearty yelling with a couple of men patting the storyteller on the back.
One of the men sitting around a round table called for the boy giving out ale, “Boy,” the man pointed and yelled, “A round of ale for everyone at this table.” Nodding the boy started towards the man but tripped which caused the ale mugs to crash on the floor along with hitting a soldier in chain mail.
“What do you think your doing boy?” Standing up from his chair the soldier grabbed onto the boy's arm and pointed to his armor. “This took me half a day to polish and you go spilling ale on it. What are we going to do about this?” Looks like its time to show these pigs a thing or two.
“Stop.” Letting go of the boy's arm the soldier looked around for the source of the voice. After looking through the bar he realized it was the woman near the back.
“Stay out of this missy.” The tavern grew silent as the woman stood up and approached the man who was eying her by now. She had flowing brown hair with amber eyes that seemed to pierce him with no visible armor aside from some worn leather armor.
“I think it is you who should back down.”
“We have a mouthy one here boys.” A group of 3 soldiers stood up surrounding the woman while the boy scurried back to the barkeep.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Why don't you enlighten me?”
“I am Keith, captain of the regiment that stormed the walls of Sentinum. So it is in your best interest to get back to your children and show me some respect.” Laughter bellowed from the men surrounding her.
In an instant the woman's right arm was swallowed by a black mist which took the form of a blade. It cut clean through two of the Guardian's fingers which caused Keith to howl in pain. “Let me introduce myself to you Keith-missing-two-fingers. I am Alicia, Necromancer and defender of neutrality against your kind that pillages for your own gain.”
With a stunned look on his face Keith drew his blade as did the three surrounding Alicia. “Y-you bitch! I was going to let you go but now the only thing that awaits you is a painful death, to arms brothers.”
One of the Guardians swung their sword at her which bounced off a barrier that appeared from nowhere. Glowing red marks could be seen all over Alicia's body at this point. Not wasting the chance Alicia cut through the Guardian's chain mail to her side making blood cover the side of her leather tunic.
The Guardian hit the ground with a grunt. Two others attacked from opposite sides while Alicia rolled away from Keith who was watching the fight as if waiting for an opening. Slashing a leg one of the Guardians mid-roll caused him to drop to his knees while clenching his teeth and swinging his sword which completely missed Alicia but almost hit the other Guardian. “Watch where you're swinging that sword Will!”
Regaining her posture Alicia parried a swing from the Guardian on his knees while letting Alicia's other hand was engulfed in the same black mist which formed a blade that cut clean through the Guardian's armor. Coughing violently he slammed into the floor.
Turning tail the last Guardian started to bolt for the door which caused Alicia to swing her left hand through the air making some of the mist break off and impaled the Guardian. Looking confused the Guardian took two paced forward, looked down and collapsed.
Alicia let out a laugh. “Sentinum fell to the likes of you? I don't believe that for a minute. These Guardians are so green they should be holding wooden swords.”
Gripping his sword Keith gave Alicia a stare so cold it would freeze anyone who wasn't battle-hardened. Runes that decorated the sword lit up with a white glow. “You die here Necromancer, your kind is a plague to God.”
Lunging forward Keith swung his two-handed sword with ease while Alicia raised her right hand-blade. The metal slid off of the mist while Alicia quickly slammed her left hand-blade through Keith's plate mail. Clenching his teeth Keith fell to his knees. “Your victory will be shor-” Alicia pulled out the hand-blade and put the right one through his upper chest which sprayed blood to her neck and torso.

Concept of factions for the Summoner

2009-04-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

This is my first post here and a little background on this; "the Summoner" is a book I am currently working on and decided to post various bits here to help me organize my thoughts.

Humans-This is a term given to a person with no special abilities and is often referred to as a human in an inferior sort of way. These people survived the Onslaught of the idles but just want to live instead of devoting their lives to training or joining an organization. After the genocide that the demons brought when they pushed back and took the realm they had been banished from thousands of years ago these people were either enslaved or went underground. Those who remain enslaved are stuck there until someone can save them.

Remnants- These are a people that escaped the grip of the demon genocide and hid underground. These once proud people were driven from their homes but they remained resolute to hold on to the technologies that remain. Even in the years after they researched and continued to make new discoveries and advance where the "old" world had left off. To conceal themselves they have developed cloaking technology that shields them from the demons view.

Necromancers-This proud group was formed from exiled priests and acolytes of the idles. The necromancers were different from demons however in that they used markings called scars of glyphs to channel energy in order use arcane power instead of letting it flow freely and corrupt you. Once the glyphs had been developed well enough and they had a good enough understanding how to use the arcane magic they joined in the war against the idles. A long and hard siege was fought on the capitol city of the idles, Babylon, while the majority of the army was away on a campaign to crush the other factions. In a crushing victory against the idles the necromancers won and banished them from Terra in a ritual that cost a lot of them their lives. They then rendezvoused with the other factions that were holding out and beat the idles army into the ground since it was weakened with no idles (it was above the idles to fight).

Peace was known for centuries as the land was divided up the idle menace gone until the Paladins gained favor and waged war on the demons and necromancers. The necromancers were pushed out after the long and hard fight for control of their dominion and was forced to stay in hiding for centuries while continuing their influence.

As time passed humans forgot about the outside influences as the necromancers worked in secret and the paladins died out until the demon genocide occurred. A few necromancers like who would become known as Saint joined the paladins and tried in a futile effort to push them out while the rest simply stayed out of it. After the war was over the necromancers joined in a pact with the demons and received land along with power in the new government.

Paladin-This group was formed when the necromancers and demons had a strong influence on the realm of man. Most saw them as above others and a few took note of this and formed an order with a new god (idles were also called gods) and launched an assault using propaganda to amass a large number of men with limited magic use that typically consisted of runic magic. Through these means the necromancers were forced to retreat and the demons were banished after both sides nearly being killed off.

They enjoyed a lot of power until the 'common threat' was all but forgotten and they went to war with each other over petty differences and they faded from the world except for a few devout soldiers. When the genocide came these few devout soldiers were ready to take up arms against the demons alongside a few necromancers and were ultimately killed off. Some say a few remain.

Elementists-The most secluded of all the groups. These were the closest to the idles and mainly being priests that swore loyalty to the elements from which the idles were based. When the war was started they joined the side of the demons and necromancers and fought as best as they could. At the last stand they held off the idles army while reinforcements from the other two factions arrived with troops confront them. A glorious victory followed.

After this victory the elementists decided to make a dimension and live in seclusion away from others. They have since enjoyed peace and have little to do with the outside world. When the genocide came the demons offered land but it was declined and replaced with a simple agreement of nonaggression and friendship. It has been said some support the remnants and necromancers.

Demons-These poor creatures have had it the worst off. They started out as human priests who wanted power but took too much and it corrupted and reshaped them into something else. When the great war hit they took up arms against the idles and helped defeat them and enjoyed a small bit of land.

Later on the paladins rose to power and made quick work of the few that weren't strong enough to defend themselves. The rest of them created a dimension and left before they were slaughtered. They have since stayed there rebuilding their numbers and arms until the genocide. With great numbers and arms they descended upon Terra and started slaughtering people by the thousands and only spared those who they deemed fit.

Since this time they have sat at the seat of power over Terra but have been dealing with milita ever since the start.

Idles-The gods that created the humans to begin with. These gods were seen as corrupt and very self-centered. After years of oppression the factions took up arms to banish them from the world. Not much else is known about them except for they are sure to want revenge.