Post/Author/DateTime	Post
sculyblast 11-06-04, 01:05 PM	Council of Archmages: The Tyranny of Xantoflamis It all had been So Beautiful, The Council of Archmages, famous for it’s huge knowledge of all disciplines of Magic, Had Celebrated Its Seventy-fifth Anniversary. Every one had been there, Archmages of Old, and Archmages of New, Archmages Gold and Archmages Black, Archmages of Power and Archmages of Potential, Archmages of Sanctimony and Archmages of Truth. The Zenith Archmage had been planning the day for months, and the gods had rewarded their work, and blessed the day itself…. … That Day has been the Beginning of the End. The Council had known over two hundred Archmages in service, A number big enough to maintain itself on it’s own. Or that was what the Zenith Archmage Assumed. They decided their eyes could rest for a while, leaving the inside developments for what they were. Bit by bit The Zenith Archmage eroded. Bit by bit Archmages, went and returned, all doing minor research and Filling the Council’s Library at their return. Lord Finwe, Zenith Archmage of Planar and Temporal Magic, Was the First to go on a single person Expedition, In a Lucky Guess He told the Council He would probably return in five months, He never returned. Most of The High Archmages decided follow in Lord Finwe’s example. Three months passed many new Archmages joined the council, and old friends returned. The sky was blue, The Trees Green and the Fields were flowering. That day The Council’s Founder, Andros Of Netheril, Zenith Archmage of Psionics and Magic, decided to leave his council be, and spend time doing the Researches He never could While he was chained to his own council, He would leave for two months. The Three remaining Zenith Archmages: Aravilar Holistacia, Zenith Archmage of High Elven Magic, Lord Caramis, Zenith Archmage of The Elements And Quarius Shadowage, Zenith Archmage of Shadow Magic, Promised Their Leader and Friend to keep the Council going during his absence. What they did not foresee, was the return of Eldarn, Archmage of Deceased Magiks. The Old Archmage had regain youth, donned an Ancient Robe and A Metal helmet, showing no more then his cruel eyes and darkened Hair. He returned two weeks after Andros’ departure. Eldarn had never been the most popular Archmage, therefore only few remembered him, though He was registered in the council’s book of Archmages, written by the hand of Andros of Netheril, Everyone in that Book was welcome in the Halls of the council. Otherwise they just had to join the council and were welcome as well. For four days he baited his time, for the Hemyndia, A holy day of the forgotten deities, to arrive. The fourth day, at the Hermyndia, He walked into the Hall of the Zenith Archmage, where the Remains of the Zenith Archmage were equally seated. In the Beginning of that Afternoon he proposed to Change his Name to XantoFlamis, and his Domain to Magiks Black. In a short Discussion The Remains of the Zenith Archmage Decided not to grand this Archmage his new domain, Magiks Black, or in other words, Black magic, known as the collection of all Illegal magic. At the End of the afternoon XantoFlamis, Vile Archmage of Magiks black, proposed to the remains of the Zenith Archmage to surrender the regime of the council. The Zenith Archmage declined this proposition and an all through the council the Echo of the Alarm could be heard, over a hundred and fifty Archmages gathered. In front of them XantoFlamis had Lord Aravilar and Lord Caramis, turned to soulless statues. While the last Zenith Archmage, Quarius Shadowage, Short in his reign, he had been Zenith Archmage of two narrow years, Bowed his head to The new King of the Council, The Council Exclamed Quarius an Craven, Traitor and Drow, as he was by race, some were slain, some chained, at the beginning of the new Day, all the council had fallen to the reign of XantoFlamis, and some Fallen to serve in Abyss forever. In Three days XantoFlamis completely trusted the Traitor of an Drow, though his trust was misguided, In the third night after XantoFlamis’ Usurpery, Quarius Shadowage, Formerly known As Zenith Archmage of Shadow magic, stole every bit of information in the Council’s library, Every Arm in the Council’s forgery, Every Scroll in The Wizards’ Towers, Potion in a wizards chest and any statue that beheld the glory of the council, And took off to the Plane of Shadows. Never to bee seen again. Andros of Netheril, Who still believed to be Founder and Zenith Archmage of psionics and Magic of the Council of Archmages, Entered His Emptied Guildhalls, Having Archmages Whisper him to run, though he did not. He entered the Hall of the Zenith Archmage, which went with the description “King’s Hall”. When XantoFlamis noticed his Former Leader’s presence, he stopped his experiments on lower Archmages to smile at him. Andros was True, Therefore he suspected a speech, and He got none. In 6 seconds he was banished in space and time. Never to be seen again. And so The Council Lived in Tyranny, Days passed, some Archmages Bend to the new regime, Others formed small groups of resistance. XantoFlamis’d never suspected the council to bend in days. Therefore He placed Pacts of his mindless creations in every corner. Until the day of today, this is the unchanged truth.
necrodude16 11-06-04, 08:11 PM	This Tyranny must stop!!Kayne Shadowborne, archmage of pain, chosen of mask and enemy of Xantoflamis, adresssed the reamining archmages who had chosen to resist the evil that swept the Council. We must rebel against this so called"Leader" of the new archmages.....He resumes his spot in his seat at the small building where the resistance force had gathered, he awaits a proposal from a fellow archmage.
kedi 11-07-04, 08:45 AM	Cheating. Manipulating. Abusing. Power. The Reaper enjoyed intrigues. The Silent Lord enjoyed the naughty games; The Whispering Liar enjoyed cruelty. The High Archmage of Life and Death loved power. "New know nothing," said kedi to himself. The Council was a great tool for him, and talented people, not a tool for fools. The idealism of kind-hearted archmages sickened the reaper. The games of Xanto made him smile. He watched how the Council re-united. Many old archmages had returned and Lord Frostbite was seen as a beacon of hope. The old system had failed thus kedi was no longer a high archmage. Though he didn't care, he actually never had plans to be up in the ruling council for he knew that rulers were sure to pass away but the iconic members, back stones of the council were for ever. He was pretty popular in past system, so he wasn't expecting a warm welcome in new council which "kind-hearted" members formed. He had to earn their trust back, and he had a plan. As the left hand of the previous High Archmages, kedi knew much about the Xanto and his plans and he could tell he was a spy, and no one would know he actually spied for Xanto. Sounded nice to both kedi and Xanto and so they both accepted. Behind the silver shadows, kedi entered the tower and put on a warm smile. "Frostbite, my dear bard friend! Good to see you back!"
Frostbite_Ravenheart 11-07-04, 11:21 AM	This man had no face. Well he had a face but it never stayed the same. He even changed his size. As odd as it seems the man formerly known as the High Archmage of Music and Emotions in what seems like worlds past never kept to his original race, Half-Elven, but often switched to his halfling form now a days as that truly inspired humor in him to keep him going through the day. What had the world of today come? Centuries past the ancient Frosty knew of a Council with one benevolent leader. He really wasn’t even seen so much of a leader…as much as an organizer. Everyone was equal, even he. Then one day came the politics. The corruption, the scheming. Then finally the new regime. Oh how he loathed the secrets and behind-the-scenes government, but most of all he hated the disrespect. He was older than most of the great “Zeniths” of the regime. But now what? Now after he prayed and tried his best to destroy it…it was finally gone…but now the evil was tenfold. He didn’t hate the men of the regime, Frosty would never have attacked or taken arms against them. But this new leader…this forgotten weakling that delved into the shadows to unleash an unseen tyranny upon the council…by the gods frosty would share…he hates this tyrant more than all rest of the council’s spirit put together. Frosty walked to join Kedi “Good Evenings my good friend, how is the harp humming today?. I’m glade you not afraid to walk openly among us again. Don’t worry though, you were part of a not so favored regime but you perhaps the most favorite of them all and they’ll likely forget anyways. The archmages will be happy to know the three bards still stand high to inspire them with our oh so enchanted songs eh?” ooc: Hmm "Beacon of Hope"...I could get used to that... -Frosty Edit: used bad colors...just got rid of dem.
necrodude16 11-08-04, 11:38 PM	Kayne had liked the way the council was run. He was part of what he considered the best thing that had ever happened to him. He didn't mind being ruled and pushed around a little. He was at home with his friends, his fellow archmages. Until 'Xanto' came he took his reason to live. Now he is willing to give his life to get it back.... :eek:
Dsaegus 11-09-04, 01:26 PM	Dsaegus walked into the halls, not knowing what terror had overcome this council. As he had Heard. this should have been the greatest Council in the multiverse... now they were empty halls... he wondered around for a moment, looking for someone to speak to
sculyblast 11-09-04, 02:09 PM	< NpC moment> Lorlenea, Elvish Archmage of War stood, laying her eyes on the Archmage of pain.... "we would strike, if only we could..." she said, with sadness in her voice, followed by a tear rolling down her face. "It's this Drow! Shadowage! He stole all the magic Items in the Halls, we have no arms.. we can't develop any efficent tactics.. WE'RE HELPLESS!" the woman silenced herself, as she sobbed.
aravilar_holistacia 11-09-04, 03:31 PM	OOC: Here's a quick IC background for the day XantoFlamis took over. :D IC: She knew something was terribly wrong even before the klaxon began to echo down the halls of the Council, and with this revelation she ran as fast as her light elven feet could take her down the marble steps. Her pale, bluish-purple hair was fanned out behind her like gossamer strands of silk as she flew down the long corridors, pushed onward by the unfamiliar tingle of warning that was buried in some recess of her mind. He was in trouble--Aravilar was in trouble, she knew almost by instinct, and nothing could stop her from defending him. They were friends, partners, comrades, and lovers. And any force strong enough to threaten his life was a force that would die by her hand. From the many oaken doors she ran past the archmages of the Council stared, some chasing after her, pleading for an explanation, others merely watching and waiting. "My lady! Lady priestess!" they called to her, but in her ears only a buzz of alert held court--she was focused on reaching her love, and that was enough to keep her feet in motion. "Lady Moonstar!" called more of the arcane masters. "What has you in flight?" Their questions were answered only by a loud whistling--the alarm! From all corners of the Council's compound the archmages came running, with the pale-haired sorceress at their forefront. And when at last the girl came to the set of silver doors that marked the inner chambers, she came to a halt. Death lay beyond... no... something worse than death. She understood death--if he was... but he couldn't... And then a pain stronger than any she had ever imagined possible tore through her breast like a thousand or more piercing arrows. She was screaming, her yells and pleas echoing coldly down the halls, and when her thrashes ceased, and her body came to rest, she had known true fear... true sorrow... true agony. The spell had been broken, that life-giving, binding force that she shared with him. He was not coming back. "Lady Moonstar!" cried one of the gathering archmages. She knew this one's face. He was called Zollex Kiirstacia, and he was one of Aravilar's greatest friends. But no... he knew not what torment lay beyond the silver doors... and she could not bear to open her mouth to speak the horrors she had witnessed... she could not bear to tell them... But the doors opened from within, and a man of dark sorcery stepped calmly between them, a void of power seemingly in his mind, an aura of pure night emanating from his very being. He was Eldarn, never a popular one, always interested in the practice of the unholy and the obscene. And he was her death, she thought. This was the man who was responsible for his death... "I am XantoFlamis," the shaded man said simply. "Bow or die." The words caused the eyes of every archmage in the entrance hall to turn in his direction. Gasps of outrage and sheer terror came from the gathered wizards, but he paid them no mind. They were his subjects now. -His- subjects. More cries of awe and fear. Should he tell them of his treachery? He did not need wait to solve his dilemma. Three of the mages had already witnessed his fell deeds. "Lord Aravilar! Lord Camaris! They are..." But upon arriving in the entrance hall, the one who had spoken went quiet, his eyes coming to rest upon the broken body of a pale-haired girl. All the Archmages knew what had happened, their eyes saw the deeds done by XantoFlamis the Black even before their ears confirmed it. Keya Moonstar was bonded to Aravilar like a dryad to its tree. If she was so badly tormented, surely the other must be... surely Aravilar must be... The dark wizard laughed lightly, his own eyes falling on the crying girl. She would never serve him... she was even more powerful than he... but half her soul, her lifeforce, her essence, had been ripped from her. She was a phantom of her former self... a perfect slave to his rule. She would serve him yet.
Aramar the Black 11-09-04, 11:04 PM	"Ah, what a sad day it is that I must sneak off to catch even a glimpse of the natural, unfettered world." though the dark-cloaked mage to himself, as he sat in a hidden niche, high in the mountains. "This XantoFlamis, he brings dark bonds upon us, and takes away our material forces, and our friends. I wonder, do we have true enough strength within us to face him? Light defeats darkness, it is said, and love defeats hate. I just hope we have not lost those holy forces." "hmm, new lores must we forge, and full of faith and caution must we be." Sighing, the mage takes a last longing look at the snow-capped peaks, before speeding away and whispering to the higher powers for luck.
Bait the Bard 11-10-04, 03:09 AM	Da da daa.. Ava has returned ;) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sculking through some of the ancient, Gothic style architecture, ribbed vaults, gargoyles, twisting spiral stairs and the like, in the older wings of the Council, those from the earliest days, Delwyn was happy with the way things were going at the moment. XantoFlamis seemed to have thought him a minor mage, easy enough a mistake to make, though maybe fatal later on, and otherwise not much had changed for Delwyn for the worse, only for the better. He had old freinds here, knew his way around, was good at manipulating, but most of all: People wanted information. And so they came to Delwyn to get it, the master of ferreting out hidden bits of information, or for concealing it. This was good, as he got even more info from the questions they asked, their nature revealing the persons worrys, fears or needs, and he also charged a reasonable sum, in valuable magic goods, again used for his advantage. The sum was to keep him quiet as well, if they paid enough, and not just for the information he gave. So Delwyn was now moving like a shadow through the vaulted halls, near some of the smaller, older, and mostly forgotten libraries. These libraries were frequently looked over by many in favour of the large Council Libraries, those of common knowledge, but to Delwyn's mind, and some others, they had much more information in them, more valuable even, than any of the larger libraries. Older and wiser members of the Council were the only ones one would meet here, and only if they wished themselves to be seen. Which was suprising - as much as Delwyn could be suprised, which wasn't very much - when Delwyn rounded a corner and saw, and the end of the torchlit hall, two figures with heads bent toward each other. The way the shadows fell Delwyn could not see their faces, so he inched closer, carefully, as he had been trained, to see who these were. Ah. Kedi and Frostbite.. It would be interesting to see what they were talking about. Conceasing himself in the long shadows cast by the walls, De;wyn sat on the edge of hearing range, hidden. Many Archmages used only a magical presence to find someone, but scince Delwyn had dampened his, it would be unlikely that he would be noticed. As he waited, Delwyn thought back to the day Xanto arrived at the Council. Delwyn had been discussing important 'bussiness' matters with an old freind, in the central room - well, cavern would be a more accrate description given its size - when a resounding burst og magic came from outside. The defensive sheilds surrounding the Council had just given way. Mages heads all turned in suprise and disbeleif, and some, foolishly, started weaving protective speels around them. Anything that could bring down that barrier could certainly deal with a mage. Delwyns lon traiing caused him to sprint to a shadowed corner, unsheathing and concealing one of his many magic knives as he did so, and preparing spells that might have some use in the coming circumstances. And then Xanto, with his full arrogance showing, had strode into the hall. Delwyn, who had been watching the door, only just noticed Keya's body lying on the floor, and his magicl senses gave him some inkling of what had happened. Maybe this fool was more powerful than he thought, but by that act, he showed what a fool he was. An evil, necromantic mage, and now one with many enermies. Delwyn didn't chose sides..
sculyblast 11-12-04, 01:09 PM	After some wispers had reached his ears, XantoFlamis went to some of his LongCloaked, dark servants, ordering then to bring Kayne, Archmage of pain, to the kings hall, once known as the Hall of the Zenith Archmage. This Kayne had been a trouble maker for quite too much time now... It was time to try one of the older spells on this Archmage... Gniffnix' Paramind... As The LongCloacked, dark Servants went to fetch the apointed Archmage for their master, Xantoflamis Open his third personal chest, filled with his material componets. After securely taking the components out, He Deposed them in the fasion the ancient BlackWarlocks did. closing his chest with his Dark security spells and opening the next to take out one of his many spellbooks, He repeted the texts several times, then he placed the tomb back where it was suppost to be. Closing the chest in his ritual fasion. Only one of these 5 chests could be opened at the same time, further none of them could be out of range the others range for more then 15 feet. As the time past, He started to cast the spell, waiting for his first target to arive.
necrodude16 11-12-04, 11:57 PM	Attempting to strugle, Kayne is quickly overpowered. He struggles with all his mind to summon a spell but is dragged in front of the 'leader' Xanto. " I will not bow before you, i would rather leave the council...."
sculyblast 11-13-04, 01:00 PM	as Kayne was brought in by his LongCloaked, Dark Servants, XantoFlamis turned himself to Kayne, who exclamed, as suspected, a remark of hate. "Why Kayne, Archmage of pain, Don't be troubled, We are all friends, No?" XantoFlamis laughed towards Kayne, who grabbed and pinced with Morfine.. Doubtlessly The Archmage of pain started to feel lightheaded. XantoFlamis Saw the phase of his plan was completed, it was time for the Second, triggering his spell.. Darkness befell the King's Hall, and the candles that had been placed between Kayne and XantoFlamis Enlightened. The Archmage of Magiks Black Arose, Speaking Dark and forgotten words, burning his material, and waving his arms. The he stopped... Possible the Visions of Kayne's eyes unstraightened, the sounds in his Eyes echoed, led by Ancient music without a Source, The Temperatures rose, and honger and thirst vanashed, As did Pain and pleasure, or Joy and Depression. All He could hear was XantoFlamis' Voice, The Voice was Clear, sharp and Gentle. Kayne would do no other then listen. "Kayne, My Friend, I am XantoFlamis, the Rightfull ruler of The Council of Archmages. Do you Remember? We were all Friends? All of us! There stands Frostbite drinking his pale wine, talking to Bait with the Funny black hat he bought from some Random Wizard. You were talking to me, about your lovely sister. You drunk to much that night, and so I and Kedi Brought you to your Quaters, Afterwards the arrival the three of us talked for hours about this and about that. "Do you remember the coming of The Zeniths? No? I was king, you all chose me to be king. but when the Zenith Archmage, mages of Great Power and Prestige entered the Halls everyone forgot me, everyone, Some Looked at me as if I was a Boy king, uncomprehensive of my tasks. I perfectly understood. But in days the Regime of the Council was Dragged away from me and handed to these Five Ego-Tripper: Andros of Netheril, Finwe, Caramis, Aravilar Holistacia and Quarius Shadowage. In All of your forgottenness I left... how long has my Departure been discussed? two hour at most? There were few hearts Filled with Grief over my Departure, but one of them was yours? Can't you remember how much you missed me? How long did it take you to totally forget me? " Eons Passed on my Acount, I missed all of you, I wanted to go home, See my Friends again... But I couldn't.... Unless I could Expell the Zeniths, I spend Ages in Ancient tomes, Speaking to the Remains of that what was and no longer is... I became what I am now... What Time did My Activities cost in your Heart and Head? Seven? Twelve Years? Enough for the whole Council to forget me! To Call me an usurper! I've Emprisoned Caramis and Aravilar, Chased away Finwe, Andros and Quarius... What was my Reward? being Loathed.... Kayne, you are my Friend, you have allways been, Friends must stuck together, Don't you think?" With his last words XantoFlamis Awaited Kayne's Action.. Doubltlessly Kayne would have a hard time, The words XantoFlamis had told him Feld so true, Though his wits told him otherwise? Which should he Follow his Wits of his Feelings... Evenso Kayne Feld his Wits started to Fly. What would the Archmage of Pain Choose? his True Feelings of his Flying Wits?
necrodude16 11-13-04, 08:09 PM	I will not........... I would give my life to see you fall at the feet of the true zenith archmages. Kayne will try summoning the magic for a teleportaion spell.
Demonfey 11-13-04, 11:55 PM	Shadows suddenly overtake the room, and in the time it takes to cast a light spell, Kayne is whisked away from you. Kayne then finds himself in the company of Crowley, in a keep in a different plane than the council building. "Are you okay, Kayne?"
necrodude16 11-14-04, 02:06 AM	Unbelieving of the recent events, he quickly conjoures a protection from evil spell to ward of future attacks. Thank you... Rubbing his eyes his vision returns soon after Crowley isnt it... I gather you are aposed to the recent happenings as well. I suggest forming a rebel group against Xantoflamis He then falls back lightly to the ground. Drained and tired after the recent events.
aravilar_holistacia 11-14-04, 05:23 PM	Why? Why did he do it? Why did he take him from me? Doesn't he realize what he has done? He was my everything. He shared my soul. He was... my husband... my best friend... my protector... my champion... my love. Why did he take him from me? I am not whole. There is a void. There is an empty void inside... I can't hear him. The cool, calm voice that I had heard always in my mind is gone. I am all alone... all alone... all alone...
Bait the Bard 11-16-04, 03:00 AM	Ohh Kedi, and Forstbite.. care to reply? ;)
Lord Tarran 11-19-04, 11:06 PM	Somewhere deep in the forest closest to the guild hall: The air in a small clearing crackles with pure magical power. For a moment it stops, as a rift quietly opens. Then the air roars in pain, as a boy was hurled across the ground through the portal, followed close behind by a creature balors would run from. A voice screams from within the portal, "Jacob, I can't support the portal anymore! But I can't seal it, you'll be trapped!" "Just do it Serenity," he roared in a voice like fire, "before the Klurichir has time to go back. I'll return, don't worry, before the end of this year!" The portal closed, like a wound suddenly healed. The klurichir growled at the boy before him. Jacob, as the girl through the portal had called him, looked to be about 18 summers old, his hair brown, his skin light. His eyes seemed to be prismatic, changing constantly like the insides of a kaliedoscope. His hands glowed with the same power, rolling over his body like a wave, as he stood before the demon. The demon charged first, leading with its great claws, as Jacob through his hand at the ground, and himself into the air. Flying above the winged beast, he drew a rune in the air with his glowing hands, directing it towards the demon. It stopped changing colors on blue, before issuing a bolt of great water, knocking the immense creature from its feet to the dirt. The torrent stopped as Jacob gathered a bolt of energy in his hands. The demon stands flying low and fast towards the mage. The colors stop on green one hand, and blue the other. The magics collided in front of him, as webs exploded out before him, covering the demon, sealing him to the ground. Next the magic in one hand turned brown, the other red, colliding in front of himself to turn the webbings to steel. The demon was stuck for a moment growling at the mage. "Let me go, Jacob," said the klurichir, "and I will let you die quickly." Jacob didn't respond as his hand glowed yellow, the other white, placing them to the web. The web first sparked lightning, followed by powerful light, as they fused to bring the power of electricity to the demon for the first time. It moaned in agony unknown, as it felt its flesh char around it. "Why would I release a creature that would have me dead?" Jacob asked. "Why would I let you live to see the abyss?" The demon's dark eyes faded to actual fear, as the mage's hands both radiated total blackness. Placing it to the web, a dark fire ran up the strands, surround the beast. Snapping his fingers, Jacob watched as the web sprang up to hold the klurichir close together. Smiling almost cruelly, the mage takes one glowing finger and rips a hole in the air. Motioning with his hand, the web lifts, holding the very frightened demon in before a portal full of the greatest and worst of horrors, beyond the abyss. The web went through as the demon screamed, the portal closing behind him under Jacob's watchful eye. Then, at that moment, Jacob started to bleed. The cut on his back, under his clothes, under his arm, finally began to pour blood. A slice under his eyes opened up, a bruise on his hand flowered. Suddenly, his eyes turn brown, a natural brown, as they suddenly are tired and sick, watching as he came close to the ground, as his legs broke beneath him. He felt a dull pain in the back of his head before he fell unconcious. Though he knew it not, a bolts of energy, one red, blue, black, white, green, brown, grey, yellow, and prismatic, exploded high above the trees, giving away his position to anyone who wishes to look.
Aramar the Black 12-14-04, 12:00 AM	"Hmm, perhaps it is well that all has gone quiet here. or perhaps this is merely the calm before the storm." Said the dark-cloaked mage as he moved through the deep and forgotten hallways.