Underneath Hanseti

[Mirtok 2853]

The air surrounding the Wachter Stadt keep is quiet and calm. The Hochmeister sits upon his throne casualy thinking to himself. Four figures pass by the windows that the overlook the Stadt grounds and quickly find themselves in front of Mirtok. Lion and his recent squire Rookie escort two robed figures to the forefront of the Hochmeister. The taller and significantly more fleshy one takes off his tall wizards cap while the Lich hisses with each word spoken. After greetings are exchanged the conversation is taken into the Order University. Mirtok takes the Wizard Ambros to the library and leaves the others to talk amongst themselves. Several minuets later they emerge from the library arch- a furrowed expression on Ambros face- and Ambros quickly makes his way in the direction of the Mages tower while Mirtok slaps Rookie on the back with humorous vigor.

[Mirtok 2853]

*Winter air blows through the grand hall of the university as Mirtok fashions a furred cape to his back. A familiar face rushes by, a Sariant faintly seen for several months. Rightly, Mirtok calls out to the soldiers and the two exchange quick pleasantries. He asks him if he would like to accompany the Hochmeister on a matter of great importance, the key component to the Order's latest project. As normal for a man of the Order, he accepts. Minuets away lies the Mages tower where the drop off is scheduled to take place. Many figures appear waiting at the gate when the Teutons arrive, two in robes and one under a tall pointy hat. Everyone gathers around the little cover there is from the blowing cold air. Rising slightly from the sloped terrain, the group begins the deal.

[Mirtok 2853]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-gwzUbcuGo&feature=related

*A crowd of Sariants are seated around one of the great tables in the university. Each of them engaged in their own conversations of valor or everyday experiences. A sharp breeze rushes through the hall and stirs the fire crackling away in the grand hearths. Mirtok strides in with his hands behind his back and an expressionless face behind the cold metal that is the Hochmeister Helmet. The chatter dies down as Mirtok motions for them all to follow him further into the university.

*The soldiers file into a long room lined with several sets of tankish armor lining the walls. Big heavy suits better fit for decoration than armed combat are held up by pulleys. The Hochmeister makes his way to the end of the room and beings to speak.

"It is done my brothers! Before you stands the new age of The Order. With the collaboration of our most brilliant minds, Hansetian tech and a little pinch of magic- we have the power to transcend The Cloud that holds us back. With these suits we will be a force to be feared by our very sight. And with these suits new possibilities await us, we just need to uncover the right stone. Now, who wishes to be the first among the crosses to wield this marvelous weapon? You! Linorok, come forth."

"Now, the process is quite simple if we cut out the technical mechanics of these suits. Climb on into the leg compartments and do you best not to fall into one. Next, lift you arms up at 45 degree angles and await the aid of one of your brothers. We will lower the top portion of the suit over you and lock it into place with the lower half. Yes, there you go! Balance yourself as we lower it on. Once you hear all six locks engaged, it is safe to turn the dial located on the right pectoral chest piece. Once turned you should hear a slight click and a thud accompanied with rushing air. Hearing such will mean the suit is operational and the enchanted locket piece is working! You should feel the suit become less encumbering and your body better occupying the space inside. Now, do note; I have no clue what those Mage boys did nor do I know what kind of adverse effects it will have on your body; but nothing ventured, nothing gained."

*The Hochmeister with the aid of Erik the Orc, lowers the incredibly heavy piece of double plate armor over the Sariant. They engage the six locks and tap on the helmet piece with the intent of signaling success. A hissing sounds emits from the armor as the suit begins to rise up to proper proportion. The heavy suit remains motionless for a few moments before the wearer swings his arm around and lets out an excited chuckle. A slightly deeper and more metallic voice begins to speak from the helmet.

"A little heavy but damn amazing!"

*The rest of the Sariants clap and cheer as they rush over to their own set of armor. The Hochmeister along with Erik preps and engages the suits for each of them and soon the whole room is full of bulky men in armor. After each of them has become acquainted with their new suits, the Hochmeister is finally strapped into his own suit. A slightly more sleeker and golden bordered suit with decorations to emphasis the wearers identity is lowered over Mirtok. His voice now amplified and altered booms out orders for the Sariants.

"Men! Today we recover the Mother Land! Today we rectify the evil of this world! Today, we embark on our own crusade in the name of the Emperor and the Goddess Celestia! Oorah!"

*A line of massive plated figures marches out over the lands of Hanseti with Mirtok at the lead.

[Mirtok 2853]

"Men, suit up. Much of our purpose still awaits us in the hostile undergrounds of Hanseti, but with these new armor variants all shall be attained!"

*Nine behemoths of hardened plate and black paint march to the Eastern peaks of Hanseti in a single file line. Mirtok- adorned in his sleeker and stylised variant- leads the men into the crater that ushered in the Pink Armageddon that plagues Hanseti. Their specialized suits repel the evil and danger of the Pink Cloud as they descend deeper into the soil and rock. The familiar carvings and soon architecture of the Ancient Hansetians lines the hallways as the men march along. They proceed into a larger chamber and begin to search what remains of the brilliance that once was the Hansetian people.

*Mirtok tears away from the larger pack and finds solitude in an office with scraps of ruined paper hanging on the walls. The desk located in the center of the room appeared to be in good standing but with a heaping pile of assorted papers and scrolls. Mirtok approaches the desk and begins to cycle through the different tomes and diagrams until stopping on a single piece that interests him greatly.

"Brothers! Clean up your gear and pack away the relics; We have found what we came here for."

[Mirtok 2853]

*The sounds of heavy feet and booming voices echo through the hallways. Mirtok stands alone in the spacious library of the Teutonic University, scrolls under one arm and small bag in the other. The Hochmeister slowly steps closer to the chatter origination from the great hall. He emerges from the dim hallway and the Sariants go quiet, their movements subside and they all await his words eagerly. Mirtok walks to the end of the long table and lays the scrolls over the free space and carefuly places the bag on the corner. He pauses for a moment and then booms out in a deep, raspy, and metallic voice . . .

"O Emperor, in wrath rejoicing at bloody wars, fierce and untamed; whose mighty power doth make the strongest walls from their foundations shake. All-conquering Master of Mankind, be pleased with this war's tumultuous roar. Delight in swords and fists red with enemy blood, and the dire ruins of savage battle. Rejoice in furious challenge, and avenging strife, whose works with woe embitter human life!"

"Give your life in his name and your sword to his will and we shall finally see the greatness that men can create. Immortalize and venerate his greatness; give up your individual and selfish agendas and make manifest the Emperors will. If your life is given in service to the Emperor, your death shall not be in vain, for our duty ends only in death."

*Mirtok reaches into the bag and pulls forth a black cross (Click me) the size of his mighty palm. He grips the sides and holds it out for his brothers to see.

"To the brothers who will join me on this path of higher purpose, I will bestow upon you a badge of honor. We wear our crosses with pride and loyalty, accept one more with his greatness at heart. Take the oath and forever be immortalized as the men who upheld the Emperor's will in the face of all evils and danger! Here shall be the vow of the cross and the way of the Sariant."

Trust in the Emperor at the hour of battle. Trust to him to intercede, and protect his warriors true as they deal death on enemy soil. Turn their seas to red with the blood of their slain. Crush their hopes, their dreams And turn their songs into cries of lamentation; May he lead us from death to victory, from falsehood to truth. Lead us from despair to hope, from faith to slaughter. Lead us to His strength and an eternity of war. Let His wrath fill our hearts. Death, war, and blood; in vengeance serve the Emperor and the name of Gaius! I give the my life and future lives if it must be done to uphold all that I have promised and all that is our duty to be done.

*The loyalist of the Sariants rise at the Hochmeister's words and repeat the oath with the utmost sincerity. Mirtok then beckons them forth to receive their badge and to place on their right shoulder as a symbol of the Emperors might into the tip of their blades at the thick of battle.

[Mirtok 2853]

*A silent group of shadowed figures move along the mountainous landscape barely hidden by the ever thickening Cloud around them. One of the figures stops suddenly, the pack behind him bumping into each other ever so slightly bumps into one another. The leading shadow bends down and unearths a long rope from under the snow. The men grasp onto the old fibers and pull themselves even higher atop the Eastern mountains. They continue on some unknown path for hours before reaching what looked to be an abandoned mining camp. The tattered remains of Teutonic flags flap upwards from a harsh breeze emanating from a large hole in front of the men.

"I'd say it's 'bout time we foun' this bloodt hole! Let us take res' in this 'ere tent."

"It would not be wise to delay this any longer, Brother. For if everything is as it should be, the Mother Land shall be ours once again."

"If it is ye will and of the Emperor's too, th'n I suppose restin' truly unwise."

*The wings on the figures head move slightly in the constant rushing of air and cloud. He moves towards a wooden fence, a porous gate blocking their path. In one slow but powerful motion, the door is kicked in by the hulking figure and the rest file in behind the leader.

[Mirtok 2853]

*Mirtok walks along seemingly endless corridors, walls cracked and degraded with age while the ceiling sags low from its supports. He shuffles along in his heavy protective suit, periodically checking himself for any signs of containment breaches. After what seemed like miles traveled and hours passed he comes to an opening. The blinding Cloud- a dark magenta with red ribbons- occupies the space all around him, every moment trying to reach his flesh and corrupt his being. He walk through the dark room until reaching the other end. The Hochmeister scans the are behind him hoping to see anything in the thick Cloud. The sounds of footstep echo from the hallway in front of him, a beam of light slices through the particle rich air. . .

"Anything yet my Hochmeister?"

*Mirtok responds with a metallic undertone . . .

"No, brother."

"Maur and Erik split off into another hallway, perhaps we should regroup and see if they discovered anything."

*Mirtok nods several times to himself . . .

"Lead the way Sariant, but make haste, our suits are due for cleansing soon and missing our deadline would be highly detrimental to our progress."

*The two carry on through the dark corridor with a quickened pace, eventually meeting up with the others. They emerge in a larger room than before, causing them to split up and fan about the dark space. A faint but distinct thud periodically sounds from somewhere close by. Mirtok edges his way through the Cloud, growing closer to the sound. He comes upon a heavy door, its locks decayed and hinges fragile. With a fluid kick the door falls to the ground in a loud clatter and thud. The Sariants turn their attention towards the Hochmeister, the glowstone lamp pointed in the same direction. Mirtok holds two fingers signalling for his men to wait on standby as he disappears through the newly freed doorway.

*The thudding sounds have become more dominate in the silent air of the Hansetian Underground. The Hochmeister remains out of sight from his brothers for a little over 2 minuets. The Sariants begin to grow uneasy with the suspenseful separation but that is quickly interrupted. The large thudding sounds ceases in a rigid screech and eventually silence. The sounds of rushing air blast from the dark room containing the Hochmeister, a heavy red light flashes periodically from inside. The men watch eagerly, trying to figure out what had happened. The light gives off another flash, the silhouette of a large helmet can be seen. The sounds of slow footsteps come closer. Another flash, a large body is projected in complete darkness. The steps become louder. Another flash, the Hochmeister's whole body is silhouetted with a red outline, his wings slightly transparent under the background light.

"It is done my brothers."

"What is done my Hochmeister?"

*Mirtok motions for his men to follow him out of the room. The red light still flashes behind them as they leave, the curious Sariant looking back one last time to witness the final flash and to see some enormous object beyond the darkness. As they continue through the corridor their vision slowly improves. A small breeze of air encircles them the whole length, the intensity of the pink haze slowly depleting. The men reach the light of day and the gift of the Goddess' radiance. They each take their turns being hoisted out of the crag and unto the powerful Eastern Peaks of Hanseti. Mirtok walks out to an overlook, standing motionless at the sight of his frozen country. A deep magenta haze floats lazily over his once treasured lands. . .

"Two more . . . two more and we shall have back what is ours."

Beliae doe Moedor Lent

[Mirtok 2853]

*Mirtok finishes storing his large Tac suit in the leeching room, the suit gives off a light pink mist as it hangs on the pulleys. He exits the room and makes his way up towards his keep and to the warm embrace of his mighty hearth. Just as the Hochmeister slumps into a comfortable position, a lone Plebeian bursts through the front gate. His loud footsteps cause Mirtok's eyes to flutter for a moment and then jar open. . .

"Hochmeister Mirtok, I bring the latest Cloud levels."

*Mirtok sighs and moves his hand in a circular motion, urging the Plebeian to continue . . .

"The Eastern walls are still holding back the vapors from pouring into Wachter Stadt, but not for long. I took the measurements to the University and they informed me that we have less than a year to stop the sources of the Cloud or we will lose the Stadt. Furthermore, the Western walls are too reaching their limit. They were built too short and are estimated to become breaches within the year."

*Mirtok moves his hands to his face and applies a slight pressure before forming a cone and ending contact over his nose . . .

"Well ****, tell the boys to get their gear ready, we have more work to do."

*The Plebeian gives a quick note and darts out of the keep while Mirtok lazily rises from the warm bed and moves towards his desk.

[Mirtok 2853]

*The Sariants continue their sweep of the Eastern Peaks, stopping to rest every so often. The potency of the Cloud provides a major obstacle for the progression of their wok, forcing them to return home periodically to clean their suits. The men this time without the aid of the Hochmeister come across another Cloud vent. Though not as large as the others they had investigated earlier, the pressure of the expelling Cloud was very high and the hue much darker. Ignoring the oddities they continue down the vent attached to a small network of pulleys. The men make touchdown one by one and form up in a small chamber with several hallways leading into darkness. . .

"Where to brother? We have a choice of death, death, and darker death."

"Not now Sariant, we have pressing work to conduct and without the light of Celestia to guide us, we need all the moral and focus as possible."

"Just trying to lighten the mood."

*The Sariants split into the groups of two and each group takes a hallway. The men disappear down the cold stone corridors, peering into each opening along the walls. One pair of Sariants decides to take a small breather before continuing on. . .

"What are we even lookin' for? Mirtok was very unspecific."

"He does so for a reason. There are many parts of the darkness and many vessels of evil that would love nothing more but to puncture our minds and corrupt us. The more we know the bigger targets we are."

"That still does not help us find what we need, you remember the last time we were down in a place like this- with that thud that kept going off."

"I do brother, and the Hochmeister silenced that sound and brought us one step closer to regaining the Mother Land."

"But how did he silence it, how did it bring us closer to getting rid of this blasted Cloud?"

"That is what we are here to find out, he told us little for a reason, he has faith that we will discover it on our own."

*The Sariant sighs to himself while his partner rises from his crouched position, He grunts as he too rises and the two press on down the hallway. . .

"Do you hear that?"

"Describe it brother."

"That's the sound, we are getting closer!"

"In due time brother."

*The men carry on as the thudding grows louder. They come yet again to a locked iron door; However this time it appears to have stood up well against time. The two try to jar it open and gain access to the room beyond but despite their hardest efforts they are still left on the other side. . .

"Can you see anything?"

"Nothing, just the sounds of our prize beating on in there."

*The two look around for another access point but find none. One of the men shifts his attention to the large pack slung over his shoulder. . .

"Perhaps we can just . . . blow it up."

"And risk another calamity like before? You're mad and ignorant to the past."

"That was the fault of the past, this is now and we have a problem. We also do not have much more time to figure this out, we are due back soon."

*The other Sariant gives him a nod, helping him prep the TnT for detonation. After they are confident that it will work they unroll the long fuse and back out of the room. Mid way through the hallway the spool ends. . .

"Light and run, brother."

*He nods, lowering the small flame to the fuse. It his a spark and the little flame engulfs the fuse, spreading its light down the length. The Sariant stares at it absent mindedly before being yanked by his brother to hurry out. The two rush to the end of the corridor and meet up with their brothers just t before the explosion creates a large boom from the echoing hallways. The sounds of earth rumble and a constant crashing sounds from the dark hallway. The men scramble to be lifted from the hole and to the surface as the walls around them shakes and drop dust. . .

"Let us pray that that is all that was needed to end this plague."

"With the light of Celestia once more on our backs, I am confident that it was."

[Mirtok 2853]

*The Hocmeister leans on the railings of the outstretched platform. He is barely visible from his men below and they too resemble tiny insects silhouetted on the blur ice. He looks out at the lands of Hanseti- his home- and reflects on the events leading up to now with pain. The loss of his many friends, the death of his people, the collapse of his country and the stripping of his land. Though much has come from the calamity, much has been lost forever. However, a smile breaks out under his white beard. The Cloud appears to be less intense than in the past, its hue shrinking from a dark magenta to a light pink. The Cloud still floats lazily over his prized snowy lands but it does so with less occupancy. . .

"Soon . . ."

[Mirtok 2853]

Thud . . . thud . . . thud . . . thud . . .

*The Hochmeister once more walks into a darkened room, disappearing from sight. He remains in the darkness for several minuets while his brothers wait anxiously for his emergence.

Thud . . . thud . . . thud . . . thud . . .

*The constant pounding slowly dies down and is replaced with a momentary screech and finally silence. A light flickers in the dark room, creating a silhouette of the Hochmeister as he moves about the space. His footsteps could be easily heard clanking on the cold stone floor. With the familiar sight of the red light, the Sariants pack up and begin to depart while Mirtok still remains in the room. As the last Sariant moves through the heavy stone archway, he hears the beginnings of a distant chuckle.

[ski_king3 0]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.