wraiths of hel

The solution.
And death of the old.

Is it to say that he intends to ruin humanity as a whole? Of course not. As much as humans intend to kill Morok almost on every turn, what his existence would be like without humanity? They complete him.. and in many ways, they are the reason why he became this way in the first place. The trial and error would be needed for him to ascend beyond what he is right now..

But not out of selfish reasons.
It's to change them all.

To change humanity as a whole. The crystal of Lady Erie's Greed was practically brimming with power at this point- uncontested might of countless stolen essences, and among it all, he brings a collared, chained Aeolus alongside with him.

Defeated Nysean Knight.
One who has lost all will to live.

He emerges from the shadows, hidden by the Archon's magic prior to this; at this point, it seems his gaze is almost lifeless, as expected.. but the Archon won't shed any tears, nor he would hesitate.

"Carlisle."

"I will require that golem core. You all can sacrifice Aeolus and perform the standard ritual as you would to sacrifice someone for something. I will guide the effort to empower the gate."

"And this cosmic magi.. I suppose he can observe - or contribute his star's mana to the gate as well."

"As long as it does not intend to mess with it."

Evidently, for Gemini to try and interrupt this ritual could potentially cost his own life. To try and stand in the Archon's way would mean death.

"You can begin."

The defeated Nysean knight is shoved right towards the witches; helpless, and at this point, ready to embrace death.

To kill him would be almost... mercy.
(Morok)

Carlisle ras Petrakis drops Golem Core.

You pick up Golem Core.

".. Star? Sadly you've mistaken me with something else, there's no Stars being used here."

Grabbing at the ends of his cloak, it's held open, allowing the Archon to peer within. There's nothing there, just a swirling abyss of nothingness brought on by the effects of his shadowy magics.

And yet, ever so slightly, green lights would start to emerge. Speckled about he blackness.

"Trust me.. Nothing I'll do will help much of anyone, I'm just here to watch alongside my friends."

Softly chuckling to himself, he'd suddenly plunge a hand within darkness enshrouding the insides of his cloak. Pulling out a small, ceremonial dagger. Grinning from ear to ear, gaze drifting towards the poor captured Knight.

"Mmh. But I'm sure this might help a bit."
(Gemini)

Gemini drops Ceremonial Dagger.

Carlisle ras Petrakis picks up Ceremonial Dagger.

Carlisle ras Petrakis drops Ceremonial Dagger.

A fleeting glance is paid to Gemini. They aren't afraid to make their dislike known seeing as the last time the two were together, Jianyu ignored him entirely.

But, one doesn't need to like the people they work with. So long as the mask wearing individual had some use.

Invading thoughts cease.

"I'll begin then."

No longer a mere rabbit but a Radiant who fell from grace at the hands of a witch. There's an irony there. Truly would he fall at the hands of many.

Jianyu crouched down, finger dragging along the stone floors, circles, lines, patterns traced into existence with a putrid occult. Flames stained the ground, focus made solely on the ritual.

With the circle drawn, they came to a slow stand.

"Human life, human blood, a human soul. A Radiant of azure stripped from his titles and rank, cast away in defense of our sister."

The circle glows, like a deep sunset with violet embers that sought to drain and siphon.


"Join her. It's as though we're conducting a favor. In exchange for such a wanted union, your soul will be cast aside, every drop of your existence feeding and fueling our goals."


Arms raise slowly and the Fortune Telling witch began to move, setting a pace will-

Another takes the life of the Knight. They begin a chant, an incantation. With every movement, turn and twist does a dark cloud begin to form- Stemming from the center of the ritual circle and spreading out to hug at everyone's ankles.


"Kraus is not watching, the Stars are dim, the Angels do not weep, the spirits do not whisper. All there is, all that awaits is the Lord and his warm embrace. Such an ascension is like grace- A fate for the fortunate- Taste upon your lips a violent corposant."


Crimson bolts danced in the little, dark cloud at the feet of the witches, that which hugged around the Knight. Each spark made the circle glow brighter- It's far more potent than before.

It speaks of a coming devastation.


"For Him we give the blood of the good and the holy and the righteous..."


Though he'll die, as though infected with a virus.

Occult radiated within the room, tugging at all near. Violent, bloodthirsty.
(Jianyu Xi)

Jianyu Xi has initiated the Rite of the Sabbath


'You are obsession, I cannot sleep.'


There were vices inflicted upon her in the worst ways. Carnivorous wants that ascertain to the womanly features of avarice that was claimed behind Walter Docro's form. Greed. Does she display. A promise gathering within the form of power swimming through their beings. The witchly markings upon her flesh becoming lively once again, almost ephemeral to those that were about and yet...All so real, all so present.

She falls to the gentle lull of the ritual. The presence of debauchery flourishing with pressure...All things presented represent an untapped, unparalleled power meant to be gathered and embrace, not shunned. But even so, while Jianyu begins taking charge of the ritual, she presents another object meaning to absorb the wilds of magic that pulse within the air.

It is of ice. Cold to the touch, as if awaiting for a key to unlock it's innermost secrets. She holds it within her palms as the night becomes consumed within the dark bolts of thunder and clouds....Her body swiveling, the gentle hands that arise move to the melody of her thrumming heart.

"...And from it, do we reap all things that are sown. The Dark Lord is our shepherd that will lead us. And underneath his will and his way, we will want for naught."

A movement. A pleasure. Lightning thrums through her being...Ice blisters into the realm, tinging the area with her magic. "And as such, I give myself unto him- my mind a place for his thoughts. My body- a vessel for his action. My soul - an ending promise." Meant to Rhyme, but it does not. Instead, it is best fitting to give the lord what is from the heart instead.

A love like no other.
And a sacrifice that rivals all things.
(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

The Drakanite lined up where she had been last time; gaze staring at the nearly completed gate straight to Helheim with a small smile upon her lips. It's only as the Nysean Knight is drawn out from the shadows does she smile. A faint giggle escapes her, despite the sleeves of her robe rising to block such a sound. But it's still heard.

As Jianyu draws the required circle, and begins to speak, the High Priestess of the Fireblooded sways. Thankfully this time her tail did not slam into any of the objects haphazardly placed around her.

"Human life, human blood, a human soul. A Radiant of azure stripped from his titles and rank, cast away in defense of our sister." Raeliana followed suit. While she did not know of Nephele, she recited the words nevertheless. Lightning flickered about the girl's form now.

"Join her. It's as though we're conducting a favor. In exchange for such a wanted union, your soul will be cast aside, every drop of your existence feeding and fueling your goals." She continued to repeat, eyes dipping shut. So too did her arms raise upwards, her own mana beginning to pool and collect, funneling it towards their own Ritual but also that of Morok's gate.

"Kraus is not watching, the Stars are dim, the Angels do not seep, the spirits do not whisper. All there is, all that awaits is the Lord and his warm embrace. Such an ascension is like grace- A fate for the fortunate- Taste upon your lips a violent corposant." She chanted. Her head dipped backwards, hair sweeping across her back as she continued onwards. There was nothing better than this very feeling - the joining of cursed and damned souls, singing the Dark Lord's praises alongside her family.

Her family.

"For him... We give the blood of the good. The holy. The righteous!" She called out. She felt as if the occultic taint within the room was choking her, but there was nothing but a laugh that followed her.

"An ending promise to propel his power to new heights. With this sacrifice and more, we call out to him within this time of our own Sabbath - guide and lead us. Provide us with your boon, oh Lord!"
(Raeliana)

Carlisle ras Petrakis has initiated the Rite of the Sabbath

Gemini picks up Ceremonial Dagger.

Raeliana has initiated the Rite of the Sabbath

The life of Aeolus, Nysean Knight.
Forfeit.

The Archon would not care to spare his life or keep him lingering alive. He wishes to evolve humanity, to push them to something greater... but what use is somebody who has given up life, who does not wish to live anymore? One could see it as a mercy - for they are taking his life, when he was too cowardly to take his own.

As much as he cares for humanity in this twisted, odd way.. he won't shed any tears for somebody who has abandoned all their promise and potential. No, sometimes, people have to die - so somebody more promising would replace them.

"Aeolus."

"You fought well on the battlefield against me. Today, your life will be well-spent in the hands of someone that intends to uplift humanity to be something greater."

"Do not weep."
"At least, your death won't be in vain."

Is it an attemptto re-assure? Unlikely. He sounds impassionate and cold when he says that; more so as if he states it like a matter of fact. Unlike many demons, he wasn't needlessly sadistic - he found no pleasure in torturing someone who's already broken. Why bother, anyway?

"Witness me today, the Damned of Helheim, as I make you all take a step closer to your freedom."

"One day, you will walk this earth once more. You will be given flesh if you obey- you will be given life if you recognize me as your savior."

"And perhaps, a chance to fix your mistakes, if you are brave enough to take it."

The Serpent was always a strange creature. One to give an opportunity to another, but only if they are good and brave enough to take it- there was no place for the weak in this world, and as he turns, as he joins the golem core to the nearly-completed Gate, the runes are inscribed with the shadowy hands.

The runes of a Rift. One that would be necessary in order to unleash all that lies on the other side- involving complex Arithmancy, as well as the energy from the crystal of Lady Erie's Greed. The hour is nigh...

"Show me your echo, if you wish to take it."

While the Archon busies himself with this, the witches are expected to continue. What other method to evoke the Helheim's essence, when they stand on the brink of breakthrough, other than with the servants of Dark Lord?
(Morok)


Consuming and altering.

Can he feel the ritual draining him?

Vital essence siphoned from his body and feasted upon by the Coven that circled him. This black, tainted Sabbath that left the room feeling...

Wrong.

Yet to those present it's only right. Mercy, in a way. A greedy mercy. Aeolus' life was forfeit the moment he did not beg, show passion, fight. Like a solider, one of thousands.

Face blank.
Story unheard.

There was so much to him- Potential he did not let flourish. His life ended with another. Walking as a dead man.

It fills and feeds all present. While upon Eternia does the vile presence of Helheim threaten to tear all asunder. Sparks dance along the Knight's body.


"Like vessels to His will. We offer the soul, we offer life. We offer ourselves alongside him."


A dagger was presented and taken. Gemini acted as an observer. It coursed through them all, stolen essence, the very notion of Hel. Their soul felt tugged upon- Corroded in black, tainted.

All that's done led to a new chapter.


"The future is bright- Our enemies will be struck with plight. Upon their knees, those weak, growing and standing, those strong. Evolve and conquer, braving storms to come. Humanity will feel the strikes of Helheim, the rumbling thunder and the plagues- Let this one be the stepping stone towards such a calamity."


Icy hues flicker, shifting slightly as they drew upon and wielded this magic. The cloud thickened.

Once blue, light in shade shifted briefly to crimson.
(Jianyu Xi)

Within her hand, does she brandish the Ceremonial dagger. When there isn't enough blood- one would be able to see the flashing of her hand. Quick and concise through the storm- where it would cause the stark red to thorn out upon the cobblestone. And the body to slump and push forward, lightning and bolts, storm and helflame lapping at all that spills. Each moment empowers the witches and the gate alike... But the life that spills forth is like no other. Fresh and powerful, mana-circuits that are ravaged by greedy, obsidian hands that reach forth...As if they virulently pull him down to hel itself.

Nevertheless, the movement continues - and the séance of the witches grows ever more grotesque...For the spirits that involves themselves are like no other. They are like wraiths- the promise of turning nethradin found within the manner that they begin to consume the now-corpse of Aeolus inside of the ritualistic circle.


"The future is bright- Our enemies will be struck with plight. Upon their knees, those weak, growing and standing, those strong. Evolve and conquer, braving storms to come. Humanity will feel the strikes of Helheim, the rumbling thunder and the plagues- Let this one be the stepping stone towards such a calamity."


She echoes- the dagger shared across each sister and brother. The promise of more gathering steadily within the clouds and lightning.

"And let them learn of disaster and grief. Turn the heads of all who bring disbelief- and prove to them that this way, this worth, this power goes far beyond their angels and gods. That your might and your presence cannot be denied."

(Carlisle ras Petrakis)

A dagger was offered, because that's all he had to give them.

Gemini didn't hold a connection to any Dark Lord, nor did he care to form one either. The only bonds he cared for were the ones he shared with those that were left behind, stuck singing all the songs that could be sung.

And yet he was interested. It's a learning experience, all in all; the act of sacrificing something wholly spiritual to their Dark Lord of Hel, in exchange for something greater than the sum of its parts.

It gave him a few ideas, as well..

As he watched, though, those darkened hands shot up from the circle. And the Prophet stumbled back. Suddenly reminded of when he was dragged below that abyssal mire. And forced to be put through the process of those that Watched.

Something that still haunted him to this day.
Forever and awlays.

Against the wall he found himself, still watching, yet keeping as much distance between him and those hellish hands that he could.
(Gemini)

Raeliana's head had tilted backwards, closed eyes facing towards the ceiling. Lightning encapsulated her; for her raw mana itself was nothing but lightning pure and true - as evident by her own blessing.

The Knight's blood spills, and the smell of copper hot and fresh hits her nostrils and while ordinarily one may have turned away from such a scent, the dragon within her stirs. An excitement grows within her.

It's only as the dagger was offered her way, does that same palm which had been sliced upon previously is opened once more. Sacred life fluid drizzled forth - her own life essence being offered towards their lord and towards the completion of Morok's gateway.

"And let them learn of disaster and grief. Turn the heads of all who bring disbelief- and prove to them that this way, this worth, this power goes far beyond their angels and gods. That your might and your presence cannot be denied." She repeated once more, following along with her older sisters more than anything else. Raeliana could not rhyme for her life, after all. Their prose was far prettier than anything she could come up with.

If a gateway to Helheim itself was opened up...

Did that mean the possibility of the Dark Lord himself coming through? The very thought sent shivers down her spine - partially out of a strange fear of their lord, and yet also excitement.

"Your presence upon Esshar is deserved - let the mortals see your power first hand, oh Dark Lord!" She called out, a desire so strong that she could not suppress it. Her hand continues to bleed. "Prove to them their fear is founded!"

It was then that those vile obsidian hands reached outwards, dragging that corpse into the gateway of Hel and beyond. The occultic mist which seeped outwards did little to calm her nerves or her excitement. There was a growing...

A n t i c i p a t i o n.
(Raeliana)

In the center of their runic circle, the Radiant is still. The Radiant is quiet.. The Radiant is broken. Some may say that a part of Aeolus had already died once before when his love, Nephele, departed this plane.

Was he here to join her?

His essence- his life force, is sapped from those around him, the practicioners of Helheim's dark magic, and the darkness in the room may even feel suffocating to those not attuned to it. From a portal, vile, obsidian hands reach forth to take the corpse of the Radiant where they had come from; likely into the pits of Helheim..

From that portal going straight into the depths of Hel itself, a potent, occultic mist seeps out if only for a moment; perhaps what they had sought in the pursuit of this ritual..
[Narrate]

Enter the shadows.

A moment of revelation in which the obsidian hands reach out through the gate that leads to Helheim- the very hands that intend to take upon Aeolus after his life has been taken. Isn't this exactly what the Archon wanted to achieve?

To see it come to fruition before his very eyes..

It causes him to smile, because knowing this, nobody would be safe from the wraiths that could come from the realm of Helheim in order to invade Esshar- to shake its foundation, while the one to let them through would be working on evolving humanity into something greater.

It's all he could ask for.
And some more..

It means not just success, but a breakthrough of greater extent- one that would secure all that he intended to do and some more. And so, where they reach, the Archon does not interrupt, but awaits in the anticipation..

"They've arrived atlast."

"But this is merely the beginning."

A mere taste of what's to come. All of the years that the Archon worked on this would finally pay off; with this success, and with Golem Core installed into the gate.. is there truly any need for the Archon to keep up the gate to Helheim open?

It is here that the runes are finally shut out; only after Aeolus is collected whole does the gate begin to shimmer, its lines of mana on the structure soon growing dim.

"In my games, they will fear the shadows.."

"Now, it is only a matter of time."

Time that Esshar no longer had.

Time that they've lost.
(Morok)