Katzchen's Knighting

(Maldaathi): Vadimuses says, "Maldaathi. Report to the Central Courtyard."

(Grunts): Vadimuses says, "Grunts. Report to the Central Courtyard."

Central courtyard.
A noxious, red-hued fog overwhelms the area with a thick, palpable vapour. Some graffiti has been scrawled here. It reads, "All glory to the Master." A Rajamalan woman has been nailed upon a ridged, blood-stained cross and left to perish. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. There are 2 beleaguered slaves here. A stone fountain of dark fluid murmurs quietly. A dark granite statue of Lord Kaelin, of The Maldaathi casts its forbidding shadow upon the area. A sewer grate looms darkly beneath your feet. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. There are 5 infernal wraiths here.  Sir Arador Aristata, Disciplinarian of the Maldaathi is here, shrouded. He wields a Shield of Absorption in his left hand. Sir Titonus Lichlord, The Impaler is here. He wields an iron-tipped whip in his left hand and a needle-pointed dirk in his right. High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov is here.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, and down.

With perfect form, you proudly bring your blackened hand to your forehead in a formal salute.

(Grunts): Vadimuses says, "Do either of you not know where it is yet?"

Vadimuses gives you a respectful salute.

Arador gives you a respectful salute.

(Grunts): Kuum says, "I do not Lord."

Titonus's blackened hand leaves a faint trail of ash as he performs a formal salute.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to Arador, "Could go to obtain the Grunts?"

Titonus says in a raspy, draconic voice, "I will round them up."

"Ok!" Vadimuses exclaims at Titonus.

(Grunts): Titonus says, "Meet at Pestilent Way. I will collect you from there."

(Mhaldor): Vadimuses says, "Mhaldor. Squires Katzchens Knighthood ceremony will commence shortly. Gather at the Central Courtyard."

Titonus leaves to the south.--TITONUS LEAVES TO SOUTH--

Citizen                                                     Rank CT  Class
-------                                                     ---- --  -----
Sir Arador Aristata, Disciplinarian of the Maldaathi          5  On  Infernal
Grunt Kuum                                                    1  On  Infernal
Devoto Thiev Fuil'gra                                         2  On  Monk
Grunt Cyrantos                                                1  On  Infernal
High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov                                   6  On  Infernal
Apostle Quei, High Priestess of Torture                       3  On  Shaman
Sir Titonus Lichlord, The Impaler                             3  On  Infernal
Droch Earionduil Moliuvia                                     2  On  Magi
Executor Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador                   4  On  Infernal

Quei arrives from the south.--QUEI ENTERS FROM SOUTH--

Quei lowers her head respectfully.

Vadimuses gives Quei a respectful salute.

You give Quei a respectful salute.

(Grunts): Titonus says, "Grunt Cyrantos. Report to Pestilent Way."

Thiev arrives from the down.--THIEV ENTERS FROM DOWN--

Thiev inclines his head politely.

Vadimuses gives Thiev a respectful salute.

Earionduil appears, a look of love in his eyes.

A nearly invisible magical shield forms around Earionduil.

Earionduil takes a drink from a stygian vial.

Earionduil casts a spell over himself and a reflection of him appears next to him.

Earionduil sits down.

Vadimuses gives Earionduil a respectful salute.

Earionduil stands up.

Earionduil gives Vadimuses a respectful salute.

Vadimuses takes a drink from a stygian vial.

Earionduil sits down.

The glassy obsidian of Achaea's innermost ring gleams with a dark lustre in the swiftly advancing daylight.

(Maldaathi): Vadimuses says, "We'll start without Grunt Cyrantos. He's not responding."

(Mhaldor): Vadimuses says, "We commence shortly now."

Vadimuses begins to wield an ornate steel rapier in his right hand.

Earionduil takes a drink from a stygian vial.

Kuum arrives, following Titonus.
Titonus arrives from the south.--TITONUS ENTERS FROM SOUTH--

Titonus's blackened hand leaves a faint trail of ash as he performs a formal salute.

Vadimuses gives Titonus a respectful salute.

Kuum gives the world a smart salute.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says, "Maldaathi, Mhaldorians - today, we gather to honour one of our own, Squire Katzchen, for her achivements as a Maldaathi."

Vadimuses unsheathes his rapier, and sketches an outline of a pentagram on the ground.

Vadimuses mentions to the attending Maldaathi to gather around the pentagram, facing to the inside.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says, "Maldaathi, we gather here on this day to witness a rare and sacred event: the passing of a Squire into Knighthood."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says, "From time immemorial, mortals have been called to come together under the banner of Chivalry and Honour. To these individuals, those words have specific meanings. Indeed, they are a religion unto themselves."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says, "Chivalry and Honour. Pride and Brotherhood. These words form the backbone of the institution that is called 'Knighthood'. Knighthood alludes to a vision of a certain type of character, one who is noble and brave, selfless to their brothers, facing certain death at the hands of ravenous enemies..."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says, "... and winning."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Strength and resilience. A power that comes from within."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "It is that vision that Lord Sartan had when He created, for the glorification of Evil, a guild that was to serve Him and Evil to the very end - our ancestors, the Infernal Knights."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "And serve Him they did, until the guild was dissolved and the rogue Infernals were scattered about the realm. Some fell away. Others knew in their hearts that this was not the end."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "It was not long before the call of the Lord summoned our ancestors to sacrifice themselves to free Him from His bonds, so that He may once again rule over His faithful."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "And they did. In giving themselves over to the Lord, they were rewarded with the land you stand on, as well as a new guild - The Maldaathi Knights, the Infernal Knights reborn. This land would be theirs, and their guild would exist so long as they served Him and followed the path of Evil. Stray, He warned, and He would wipe all of them from existence."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Forever."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Maldaathi... the lesson to take away from this is that all we are and have - this city, this guild, and your own existence - is a gift from the Lord. Therefore, the glorious and humbling privilege of calling oneself a 'Maldaathi Knight' is a gift as well. As our ancestors earned this land through sacrifice, so too do we earn the privilege of Knighthood through our own blood and sweat."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "It is the virtue of Evil that progress is made through toil and hardship. The path to Knighthood is a long one, and only the most dedicated will ever make it, but the goal is seductive: to become a Knight of the Maldaathi, a pillar of Evil... the epitome of our core values."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "It is for this reason that Squire Katzchen has journeyed the path to Knighthood and now stands before us."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "Squire Katzchen, you have journeyed the path as a Squire and have been judged worthy by your brothers and sisters to join them as a Maldaathi Knight. You have overcome all the trials set before you and have conquered your own weaknesses. Your training is complete."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to Arador in Mhaldorian, "You have seen Maldaathi Katzchen grow. Share with us your thoughts about her."

Poised at the very peak of the firmament, the fiery sun casts its radiant gaze across the land.

Arador says with a guttural, trollish accent, "Maldaathi are unique in this world. My mentor, Lord Ramoor used to say that if you were not born with the capacity to be a Maldaathi, you will never be able to make it. So when I was met this Squire and heard she came from Hashan I started to worry."

Arador says with a guttural, trollish accent, "Everyday we are faced with the weakness from the outside world and we see every day how their pitiful lives make them even weaker."

Arador says with a guttural, trollish accent, "Yet what I came to see was that Strength inside her was not muted, it was not broken down by her previous life. What I saw was an incredibly strong, dedicated and intelligent Squire with a drive to reach her potential."

Arador says with a guttural, trollish accent, "It is these qualities that make a Maldaathi Knight. No matter where we come from, no matter our lives. That dedication to the Lord's teachings and the will to personify his message to us. That is the Maldaathi Knight."

Vadimuses nods his head at Arador.

Arador says with a guttural, trollish accent, "I have been honoured to guide her on her last stretch and I have learned as much from her strength of character as I have been able to teach her about being a Knight. Squire Katzchen. May you be an inspiration to others as you have been to me."

Arador gives you a respectful salute.

You give Arador a respectful salute.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to Titonus in Mhaldorian, "Sit Titonus, your turn."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Sir, rather."

Titonus says in a raspy, draconic voice, "I was not present for the majority of Squire Katzchen's move through our ranks."

Titonus says in a raspy, draconic voice, "But, in the short amount of time I have gotten to know her, it has been a great pleasure, a privilege and a refreshing view of what one who is dedicated to our mission can accomplish."

Titonus says in a raspy, draconic voice, "She displays everything that we seek in a Knight, displaying honour at all times, regardless of whose eyes are upon her."

Titonus says in a raspy, draconic voice, "I am personally quite proud to call her my sister in arms, and welcome her to the ranks of the Knights of Mhaldor."

Titonus says to you in a raspy, draconic voice, "Congratulations."

Titonus's blackened hand leaves a faint trail of ash as he acknowledges you with a formal salute.

You give Titonus a respectful salute.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "You may address your peers at this time. Reflect on your journey."

You nod your head at Vadimuses.

You say in Mhaldorian, "Since the day I turned my back on Hashan's distasteful ways, and joined Mhaldor with little more than a dream of greatness, I have risen from the lowliest of slaves to the aspiring knight who stands before you today. There are no short-cuts on the path to Knighthood. Indeed, it is only achieved through hard work and determination to succeed."

You say in Mhaldorian, "I have shed weakness, cut ties that did naught but hold me back, and grown in strength under the watchful gaze of Evil. I have been taught to fight with skill, reign destruction on our enemies, and conduct myself with honour in all things."

Quietly, a slave enters from the northeast.

You say in Mhaldorian, "The Maldaathi has been there every step of this journey, and every knight among our ranks, and many others outside have aided me in one way or another."

Going about his work, a slave leaves to the north.

You have tmoted: Katzchen acknowledges each of those surrounding her with a small nod, her gaze coming to rest on Arador last.

You say in Mhaldorian, "For this I thank you all, and for accepting me into your ranks."

Quietly, a slave enters from the north.

With perfect form, you proudly bring your blackened hand to your forehead in a formal salute.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "Squire Katzchen, step forward and kneel before me within this pentagram."

You have tmoted: Katzchen takes a step towards Vadimuses, and drops to her knees inside the pentagram.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "Place your weapons on the ground at my feet."

You have tmoted: Katzchen removes her rapiers from their scabbards, and places them carefully on the ground in front of Vadimuses.

You take a Soulpiercer from a Sartanic scabbard.

You take a Soulpiercer from a Sartanic scabbard.

You drop a Soulpiercer.

You drop a Soulpiercer.

Silver sparks dance across the heavens as the dazzling orb of the sun rushes past Achaea's three rings, the second brilliantly coruscating at its passing.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "Open your palms toward me, Squire."

Going about his work, a slave leaves to the down.

You have tmoted: Katzchen raises her hands, turning them so her palms face upwards towards Vadimuses.

Vadimuses quickly draws his blades and flicks the sharp edge against both of the Katzchens's palms, the open wounds dripping crimson trails of blood into the pentagram below.

Quietly, a slave enters from the down.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "Swear the Oath to your peers and unto our Lord."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "I am Maldaathi."

You say in Mhaldorian, "I am Maldaathi."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Knight of Terror, Pillar of Evil."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Knight of Terror, Pillar of Evil."

As Katzchen speaks, the pentagram underneath her body begins to hum a faint, dissonant chord, its shallow channels filling with blood from her open wounds.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Compassion is unknown to me."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Compassion is unknown to me."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Mercy is weakness - conscience, my enemy."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Mercy is weakness - conscience, my enemy."

With each spoken word the pentagram sparks to life, the outer circle arcing and crackling with bolts of necromantic energy. The earth begins to rumble as the energy slices ever deeper into the ground, driving itself into the heart of the fortress below.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "I reject the Light and hold in the highest contempt the whole of its works."

You say in Mhaldorian, "I reject the Light and hold in the highest contempt the whole of its works."

Arador utters a short incantation, his body slowly fading from sight. Only his laboured breathing warns you of his presence, and in seconds even this grows muffled and silent.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "In embracing Evil do I find Strength - the Seven Truths are my Law."

You say in Mhaldorian, "In embracing Evil do I find Strength - the Seven Truths are my Law."

Katzchen's wounds fill the unholy star, its vertices draining crimson lifeblood over the edge of the circle and into the earth. Almost immediately the cool air begins to vibrate, becoming thick and oppressive as the pentagram is reinforced with deep, glowing lacerations over its sharp lines. Many unseen - but not unfelt - presences fill the dead space around the pentagram, the rustle of ancient armour plates filling your ears as Katzchen recites the Oath.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "I will dominate that which is pure and innocent. Suffering and Oppression will be felt in my wake."

You say in Mhaldorian, "I will dominate that which is pure and innocent. Suffering and Oppression will be felt in my wake."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Men, women, and children alike will fall to my blades. None will stand before the glory of Evil."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Men, women, and children alike will fall to my blades. None will stand before the glory of Evil."

The entire pentagram flares as the dissonant hum becomes more harmonious and begins to pulse rapidly. Tortured screams of the innocents slain in Katzchen's career briefly fill the room, their agonized visages flashing before your eyes.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Without reservation, I forsake all other ties and swear loyalty, now and forever, to my brothers in the Maldaathi and to the Mhaldorian state."

Going about his work, a slave leaves to the west.

You say in Mhaldorian, "Without reservation, I forsake all other ties and swear loyalty now and forever, to my brothers in the Maldaathi and to the Mhaldorian state."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Chivalrous and honourable, I will preserve and defend the legacy of the Maldaathi Knights and the institution of Knighthood."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Chivalrous and honourable, I will preserve and defend the legacy of the Maldaathi Knights and the institution of Knighthood."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "And to my Master, Lord Sartan, I deliver into Your hands my eternal soul to do as Your will commands."

You say in Mhaldorian, "And to my Master, Lord Sartan, I deliver into Your hands my eternal soul to do as Your will commands."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Should I neglect my oath in a moment of weakness, I beg to be slain until repentance."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Should I neglect my oath in a moment of weakness, I beg to be slain until repentance."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "If I should bring dishonour the guild and my Master..."

You say in Mhaldorian, "If I should bring dishonour to the guild and my Master..."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Purge me from existence, brothers."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Purge me from existence, brothers."

Searing agony rushes through your head from behind your eyes as two horrifying voices intone in harmony from within the pentagram: "Bind yourself to Us, Katzchen! Seal the Oath!"

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Delivered by Evil."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Delivered by Evil."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Bound by Honour."

You say in Mhaldorian, "Bound by Honour."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "I, Katzchen, accept the mantle of a Maldaathi Knight."

Quietly, a slave enters from the west.

You say in Mhaldorian, "I, Katzchen, accept the mantle of a Maldaathi Knight."

As Katzchen utters the final words, the blood is sucked into the pentagram and the glow fades away in an instant. The room is left in total silence.

Dusk steals silently over the horizon and crimson and ochre engulf the firmament, their seductive tones beckoning the sun to its nightly repose.

Going about his work, a slave leaves to the north.

A violent gust of wind howls through the room, coalescing into an enormous ethereal screen of mist that towers overhead behind Vadimuses. A living scene takes shape within the mist: the terrifying form of Lord Sartan the Malevolent, newly released from His bonds, lords over an audience kneeling at the Baelgrim Fortress.

Quietly, a slave enters from the north.

"Knights of the Maldaathi," Lord Sartan intones to the assembled knights. "I gift unto you this guild, it is to serve one purpose, Evil."

Going about his work, a slave leaves to the northeast.

The Evil Lord raises His right hand toward the spires of the Baelgrim Fortress, his eyes fixated on each and every one of His knights. "I gift unto you the Baelgrim Fortress as a place of sanctity. I command unto you to strengthen the castle and the surrounding area to become a city to rival the power of all combined."

You tell Sir Arador Aristata, Disciplinarian of the Maldaathi in Mhaldorian, "Thank you... for everything."

The assembly grows. As the view zooms out toward the Spire of Annihilation, Knights minted in the first century post-founding are shown in the audience, clinging to every word as Lord of Evil commissions them.

The voice of Lord Sartan intones once more: "I gift unto you the Spire of Annihilation as your guildhall and command unto you to use it for the purpose of strengthening your mind and body for the tasks I shall set before thee."

Quietly, a slave enters from the northeast.

The knights listen in complete silence. Their faces reflect both fear and admiration for their Lord, and a deep gratitude for His gifts. The view settles again toward Lord Sartan, behind the backs of the last row. Again, the audience has grown: this time, all of the Maldaathi Knights knighted up to today are found kneeling before The Malevolent One.

Going about his work, a slave leaves to the northwest.

Lord Sartan stares into each of His knight's eyes as He instructs them: "Never is this guild, this city, nor the body to become corrupted with the morals of the weak. The morals of Evil are the only guide by which to live and die." The knights nod in silent worship and acceptance of the Lord's words.

Arador tells you, "It has been my pleasure and will always be."

The Lord's visage grows dark. His hateful eyes draw low, His fist clenches, and His words take on a tone that can only be described as vengeful and malignant: "The day this guild betrays me," he warns, his voice growling violently, "shall be the day it is wiped from existence."

The knights accept their commission with shouts of praise to Lord Sartan, swords held high above their heads. Lord Sartan is seen nodding His head toward His knights, as each of them are seen in the crowd thanking Him and swearing eternal loyalty to the path of Evil.

A bolt of lightning tears through the mist, threatening to rip the scene apart. The vision of The Commission fades in and out before flashing the final scene, fading away as the mist flows out of the room. Before the mist dissipates, however, the final scene depicts a new face: Katzchen, kneeling apart from the crowd before the Lord, his eyes burning with the intensity of a Knight, humbly echoing those final words: "I, Katzchen, accept the mantle of a Maldaathi Knight..."

The room finds itself once more in total silence. The pentagram has faded, and the ethereal mist has left the room. All is left as it began...

The argent radiance of the moon seeps into the sky, waking the stars as darkness descends over the land.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Maldaathi! The Oath has been sworn in blood and the offering has been received. It can never be broken."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "The Squire Katzchen is dead. In her place, a new Maldaathi Knight shall rise."

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Therefore, let us acknowledge that which Evil has already willed."

Vadimuses places an iron grip on his rapier and draws it from his scabbard in an upward slash. His eyes search out Katzchen's as the rapier is lowered at an angle above Katzchen's right shoulder. For a brief moment, the silence remains, as the two knights take part in the most ancient of warrior rituals.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "By the authority of the Lord, and with the blessing of your peers in the Maldaathi brotherhood, I dub thee, 'Lady Katzchen...'"

Vadimuses lifts the rapier from above Katzchen's right shoulder, transferring it over his head to the left shoulder.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "'Knight of Mhaldor'"

Vadimuses ceases to wield an ornate steel rapier in his right hand.

Vadimuses gets some gold sovereigns from a wyrmskin pack.

You will now be known as Lady Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador, by order of High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov.

You will now be known as Lady Katzchen Xanatov, Knight of Mhaldor, by order of High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "Rise, Lady Katzchen, and take up your weapons. You are a reborn a Maldaathi Knight."

You have tmoted: Katzchen picks up her weapons, and sheaths them as she rises to her feet.

You pick up a Soulpiercer.

I see no "rapier" to take.

You put a Soulpiercer into a Sartanic scabbard.

You put a Soulpiercer into a Sartanic scabbard.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov exclaims in Mhaldorian, "Hail, Lady Katzchen, Knight of Mhaldor!"

Arador says with a guttural, trollish accent, "Hail, Lady Katzchen, Knight of Mhaldor."

You have tmoted: The faintest flicker of a smile crosses Katzchen's lips.

Vadimuses gives you a respectful salute.

Vadimuses applauds you heartily.

You give Vadimuses a respectful salute.

Titonus gives up a round of applause.

Arador's blackened hand leaves a faint trail of ash as he acknowledges you with a formal salute.

Earionduil stands up.

Quei lowers her head respectfully.

Arador ceases to wield a Shield of Absorption in his left hand.

Arador's knuckles grow momentarily white as he strengthens his grip.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says to you in Mhaldorian, "Well done, and congratulations. It has been a long time in coming, and is well deserved."

Quei tells you, "Congratulations."

You tell Apostle Quei, High Priestess of Torture in Mhaldorian, "Thank you, Apostle."

Droch Earionduil Moliuvia says formally, "Hail, Lady Katzchen, newest Knight of Mhaldor and champion of Evil."

Splashed with the reflected radiance of the stars, Achaea's outermost ring glitters ghostly pale against the night sky.

Vadimuses has appointed you to the position of 'Knights of the Maldaathi' in the Maldaathi.

You say to Vadimuses in Mhaldorian, "Thank you, High Lord. I look forward to doing the rank justice."

You have been appointed to the position of Knights of the Maldaathi of the clan Military Institute of Baelgrim.

Titonus narrows his eyes and then blinks rapidly, several times.

Titonus takes a drink from a stygian vial.

High Lord Vadimuses Xanatov says in Mhaldorian, "The ceremony has completed. Thank you everyone."

A small demon cackles hysterically and gleefully hops away to chase a rat.

Earionduil takes a drink from a cedarwood vial.

Earionduil nods curtly.

Earionduil leaves to the south.--EARIONDUIL LEAVES TO SOUTH--

Kuum gives the world a smart salute.

Kuum leaves to the south.--KUUM LEAVES TO SOUTH--

You have been promoted to a full member of the Maldaathi!

Quei says in an unusually soft voice, "That was a wonderful ceremony. Thank you for allowing us to watch."

Quei's blackened hand leaves a faint trail of ash as she performs a formal salute.

You give Quei a respectful salute.

Quei leaves to the south.--QUEI LEAVES TO SOUTH--