Journey of the Accursed: A Dark Souls RP (closed, PM if interested)

[IFS]

"Heh, fell for it," The phantom spoke as he quickly changed direction to avoid the attack, his apparent attack had been a feint and Marcus had walked right into it. He rolled past the blow, landing along side Marcus and striking with a quick slash aimed for Marcus's leg, where the armor was weakest. The sturdy armor still deflected much of the force of the blow, but as the wraith jumped back red could be seen on his blade.

The cut he had inflicted on Marcus was thankfully not terribly serious, if only because of the armor, but even so it was a clear sign of the wraith's skill. The wraith gave a short barking laugh as his jump following the strike placed him a step back from Marcus, and he began to return to his defensive posture.

 

[JudgeDAN]

"Bah!", shouted Marcus as the blade slashed his leg.

Marcus fell back a bit, leaving his shield in front of him to protect himself, he fell for clever trap. He should have known as much, though frankly he wouldn't fall for that again, hopefully anyway. He could hear him laugh and take a huge step backwards. His anger was boiling, it was hard to keep calm with his opponent mucking up his tactics and making him feel weak. His thoughts began to cloud his judgement, the thoughts of his failures and his weaknesses started to lose himself. As insane as it may have been normally, it was time for a change of plans. ATTACK!

"You want to play? Very well..."

He boosts himself up, blood dripping from his leg. He drops his tower shield, griping his great axe with two hands. His head lifts, filled with rage.

"Let's play you two faced bastard!!!"

Stomping and rushing with all his speed and adrenaline, he jumps forward and goes for a jumping slam attack on the dark spirit.

"I break you in two!"

 

[IFS]

"I break you in two!"

The wraith dove and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack though its suddenness caught him off guard enough that he did not manage a counterattack. He moved quickly to his feet and stepped cautiously back, though his laughter continued, more subdued but still low and mocking. He raised his sword and pointed it straight at Marcus, his posture settling into an En Garde stance.

"Eheheheh," he laughed quietly at first, though gaining in volume somewhat "Is that it?"

 

[JudgeDAN]

"Is that it?"

To be honest, it felt like it was. Marcus was out of breath and his rush had started to ware off. There was no way that he would be safe from another foolish attack like that. He felt very inexperienced against this kind of opponent, he felt like he was being led. Worst yet that annoying laugh was getting to him too. Marcus gathered himself and turned, his opponents stature was familiar to him, like a fencer almost. Marcus brushed himself of and prepared himself. For now he was shieldless, but he wasn't out, not by a long shot. He whistled again for his pet bird, hoping to maybe catch his attention. In the distance he saw a small blue spec fly around in the distance, It was Derrick! Now he had a plan... almost at least.

"Hahahahaaaa... I'll admit, you are indeed a worthy opponent, in fact you are quite skilled, it is a shame you would let your own greed for souls delude you. But I digress, I have misjudged you, from this point forward you will have a worthy fight."

Marcus took a deep breath and began to focus himself. In a fluid stance he stood, axe over his shoulder, legs spread front and back, and his left hand in front of him, taking careful measure to keep it in front of him, almost as if he is planning to defend with just his arm.

"Now, lets try this again..."

 

[DarkRawen]

Rang was watching the fight, subtly casting the spell that allowed him to move soundlessly. He then positioned himself better, went to a place where he could see the details of the fight. Marcus seemed to be getting more and more tired. The wraith was clever, he used feints and read the situation well, clearly having somewhat of an upper hand. Rang knew he couldn't act just yet, he had to wait for the right time, but it was hard to do. He didn't want Marcus to get more hurt, but he had to wait until he was sure the other wouldn't get hit as well.

I hope I'm doing this right.

It was against Marcus' honor and all that, but it was more important to get rid of the opponent.

"Now, lets try this again..."

Marcus whistled, very suddenly. Rang didn't realize why at first, but then he saw the bird react, and realized what Marcus was trying to do. As the sound would probably distract the wraith more than the bird would, Rang quickly moved, unseen, and got into the position to attack the hooded man from behind, from a distance, of course. He then used the same spell he had used earlier, the strongest one, and hoped it would work. Worst case scenario, it would fail, but it would still allow Marcus to act while the enemy was distracted.

 

[IFS]

The wraith seemed to hesitate, he had been expecting another assault from Marcus that he could turn against him. He began a twirl of his blade, began to speak another taunt, but was interrupted by a high pitched noise and a flash of blue. He began to turn to see what had caused the noise only to be met with a number of streaks of blue light. His attention had been focused on Marcus and Rang's sorcery had enabled him to get the drop on the phantom. His seemingly empty hand opened somewhat and wisps of darkness curled around it, but too little too late.

The soulmass struck him in sequence, each striking in a flash of blue eliciting grunts of pain and surprise from him. He snarled and stumbled from the impacts, wounded, thrown off guard and left open for further attack.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Isis-​

As Marcus and the Wraith had their duel, Isis stood by and watched closely, hoping for an opening, a reason to draw her bow and fire. And as she watched, she had to admire the fire in Marcus' first few attacks, but it was clear that the Wraith was more agile, and was using that to his advantage. He would simply dodge and weave, leaving Marcus to tire himself out. To make things worse, Marcus had abandoned his shield to put all of his strength behind a single attack, one that missed.

While she had a feeling that Marcus, at the best of times, was a formidable warrior, he was at a great disadvantage. So when he whistled, Isis tilted her head to one side before remembering that the Knight of Catarina was hardly alone. He had reinforcements in Derrick, she thought with a wide grin behind her headpiece.

The combination of the spirited blue bird and a surprise attack from the Sorcerer, Rang, the Wraith was finally wounded, though she couldn't tell how badly. But, as he stumbled, she spotted a few dark wisps emitting from his empty hand before he was interrupted by another soulmass.

At that, she quickly drew her longbow and nocked a poisoned arrow on its string, but even as she aimed it at the Wraiths head, she hesitated. The Wraith needed to die, but Marcus deserved a chance to avenge his fallen brothers. So she quickly changed her aim to his supposed 'free' hand, and loosed the arrow as true as she could.

 

[JudgeDAN]

Derrick continued to pester the Dark Spirit at Marcus' command, and although his pet was doing well for himself, Marcus was still very worried about his pet's safety. This worried him more when a massive array of homing soul mass chased the dark spirit. Angrily, Marcus turned and saw it was Rang that casted the attack.

"Watch where you are attacking you fool!"

Just as he yelled at Rang, an arrow flew past him towards the Dark Spirit. Marcus was getting annoyed, it was bad enough that his match was being disrupted, but to have help made Marcus feel less likely to be of any use to the team, at least so he thinks. Still Marcus took this as a sign his chance to strike.

"Time to die."

Marcus rushed forward with axe in both hands for another leaping strike, this time for sure that it will work in full affect as he slammed his axe right through the spirit.

 

[IFS]

Recovering from the impact of the spell the wraith saw the arrow coming and threw out his seemingly empty hand in its direction. From it came a wave of blackness forming a shifting barrier before him, deflecting the arrow. Even so he had not fully regained his footing and barely had time to turn and attempt to stop the monstrous axe. For a moment the darkness held against the blow, but the force of it was too great, the wraith's defenses crumbled and he was crushed to the ground beneath the blade. His form faded away leaving only a dark smear of the phantom's essence on the ground, and a low quiet laugh hanging in the air. The phantom's bloodstain was an indistinct mass of souls, stained dark by the essence of humanity lingering within, only one of the group could claim it.

Behind them the bonfire seemed to come alive once more, no longer dimmed by the phantom's presence and the heavy feeling in the air brought by his arrival dissipated. In the distance the sounds from near the keep grew in volume once more.

 

[JudgeDAN]

Standing over where the Dark Spirit fell, Marcus awed at his accomplishment and raised his hands in cheers!

"Hahahaaa! Next time, fight like a real man!", Marcus laughed as he stood over his defeated foe's pool of blood and souls.

"Did you see that! That was amazing! Right Derrick!...."

Everything was silent for a moment, he could hear some small chirps here and there behind him.

"...Derrick?"

He turned toward the direction of the chirps and saw his bird, lying on the ground wounded from battle. Marcus' eyes widened as he ran post haste towards his pet.

"No! What happened!", franticly he picked up his pet and examined him, he saw that his wing was clipped slightly, from what he was unsure. However from the looks of Derrick, a mere clip of his wing was hardly the problem. The bird looked ill, as if whatever hit him actually made him sick... or worse poisoned him. The bird began to twitch more and more in pain. Marcus looked up eyeing an arrow in the distance. He remembered an arrow being shot in combat. In anger, he turned and stood up. He didn't want to fight, not now, he just needed some help, though his emotions conveyed in some way a small bit of hatred for whoever fired the arrow, though not much at any rate.

"My bird is poisoned... will someone help it." He said it in an almost threatening voice.

 

[Tactical Pause]

Caelius watched the entire fight from a distance. When others began to join the fray, he moved to as well, then halted. Though it now appeared to have been a simple ruse, Travis' words had meant something to him. To attack now would show both a lack of honor, and a lack of faith; and these were not things he was willing to display. So he hesitated, stepped back, and observed as his comrades beat the phantom to the ground with sword, spell and arrow. It was an impressive fight, to be sure, but he made a mental note of the two who had aided Marcus in the battle.

"My bird is poisoned... will someone help it?"

"I would assume the pyromancer has some purple moss," he said. "It would be most difficult to live in the swamps without it."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Isis-​

Her shot, as true as she could make it, only managed to be deflected by some black wave that emanated from the Wraith's hand. But, her arrow, as well as Rang's soulmasses, were enough to give Marcus the opportunity to finish the foul phantom off with a single, crushing blow of his axe.

She smiled behind her headpiece and sighed out of relief. But as she slung her bow over her shoulder, she noticed Marcus leaning over a quivering blue bird.

"My bird is poisoned... will someone help it.".

All of a sudden, her expression was one of horrified guilt, and she rushed over without any of the grace she had earlier. "Birdie, no!", she cried, before crouching next to the bird itself.

The poor thing had been clipped by her arrow, she was sure of it. So the fact that it was poisoned was her fault.

"I would assume the pyromancer has some purple moss. It would be most difficult to live in the swamps without it.".

Shaking her head, she dug into her pack and pulled out a clump of her own purple moss, tearing off a small piece and placing it gently against Derricks beak.

"I have some. This is my fault. I'm so sorry little one, but here. This should help, if only a little.", she said softly, her free hand lightly stroking the birds head.

 

[sage42]

Avina sighed as the battle ended and released her grip on her sword. These duels of honor made no sense, especially against one who had a clear advantage. She was glad to see bot Rang and Isis intervine on behalf of the knight. She wanted to know more about the world outside of the swamp. She would not get it from the dead. Well, the crazy dead, if herself was any indication.

She smiled when she saw the bonfire spring back to life, happy to see the magical flames dancing once more. Her attention was grabbed however when the Onion knight carefully picked something up.

"My bird is poisoned... will someone help it." Avina shook her head, it was a sad day when something happened to the innocent. But life would go on.

"I would assume the pyromancer has some purple moss. It would be most difficult to live in the swamps without it."

She heard Caelius say. Avina shook her head, the hood barely moving. "I'm afraid I don't, I died in my sleep and I was sent with nothing but the robes on my back and my weapon."

She smiled under her hood when Isis stepped forward. Good, the bird would not die today. The Little speck of blue would be a welcome sight in this dreary place.

 

[JudgeDAN]

"I would assume the pyromancer has some purple moss. It would be most difficult to live in the swamps without it."

Marcus turned toward the pyromancer and she shook her head.

"I'm afraid I don't, I died in my sleep and I was sent with nothing but the robes on my back and my weapon."

Marcus nodded holding the bird in his hands, but just then Isis came forward with her own bit of moss, handing it over to him.

"I have some. This is my fault. I'm so sorry little one, but here. This should help, if only a little."

Marcus looked down on Isis, with some disgust and nodded as she fed Derrick the moss and petting it. Marcus was angry, but that is how any parent would if someone they cared about was in danger. The battle was won, and no one including himself were killed. It would take some time to get acquainted with his new comrades and much longer for Isis to gain his trust, but if he had anything, it was time and patience. With the situation handled with care, Marcus placed the bird inside his helmet for safety and rest. Of course now his concerns were geared towards a new problem, finding shelter and figuring out where the noise was coming from within the area.

"Umm... Not to add more problems to the mix... but what's that noise?"

 

[DarkRawen]

Rang thought he had done well, he really did. The wraith was hit, and Marcus had the chance to strike. Yet, he was being yelled at.

"Watch where you are attacking you fool!"

Rang had been startled by the tone, he had thought Marcus was nice, but now he sounded angry. Of course, it had to be Rang's fault, he had messed up. Again.

I'm really just in the way.

He whimpered, dejected, and walked away, increasing the distance between himself and the others. Perhaps if he stood far enough away, they could tolerate his presence. Or perhaps they would just leave him there. The wraith had been killed and the others were talking, but Rang didn't pay attention to what they were talking about, since he was far enough away for it to be difficult to make out the words. He stood like that for a while, wanting nothing but to crawl into a little ball, and be out of anyone's way. However, Rang shook his head, mentally.

I have to apologize.

He made himself move, reluctant, but swiftly. "I-I'm sorry," he muttered, making his way over to them. "I-I-I just..." He looked down, and spotted something, not far away.

What's that?

He stopped in front of the small stain on the ground, and squatted, examining it closer.

Are these souls?

He asked himself. Rang had never actually seen souls in this state in person, however, he had heard a lot about it. And that dark part... humanity?

We can't just leave it.

No one was paying attention to the stain, for some reason. He didn't have the courage to ask, it might be all because of him.

I wonder if they could make me more useful...

He shook away the thought, he had to tell the others.

I hope they won't chase me away if I speak up.

"H-h-hi... wh-what about t-this?" Rang pointed at the stain, timidly.

 

[sage42]

"H-h-hi... wh-what about t-this?" Avina turned to see what Rang spoke of. A stain on the ground that they had forgotten. Avina stepped closer and crouched next to it. It looked much like a bloodstain, a small remnant of the creature that had just died on the spot. But the sickly red glow emanating from it told another story. The pulsating black spot at it's center another.

"Hmmm what indeed?" I wonder... Avina though as her hand moved slowly towards the black center almost of it's own accord. As her hand finally met with the glowing mass she felt a strange surge of.....something. She couldn't quite place what. Not like the soothing feeling of the bonfire, but certainly not unpleasant. Almost as if touching the stain made her feel...stronger.

Her hand wrapped around the black center which felt solid, despite look ethereal. It also felt incredibly fragile, like she could crush it in her hand. Gently lifting the object to her eye level she examined it closer. It looked for darker than it had first appeared, as if the small shard held an unfathomable abyss within. Around it pulsed a white aura, almost as if it were writhed in a pure white flame.

Avina smiled slightly and absentmindedly tucked the small shard within her robes.

 

[IFS]

The clanking of armor could be heard, and a figure dressed in weathered Astoran armor, marking him as an elite knight of some sort. A crest shield hung on his left arm, though it showed signs of damage and age more clearly than his armor, and bore a strange crest; a mark resembling a closed eye. In his right hand he held an Astoran straight sword, and a winged spear rested on his back, he waved with his sword arm as he approached.

"Greetings, I felt the presence of that phantom, was it you who slew him?" the figure asked as he drew closer, "I am Alden, knight of Astora, by what names do you each go by?"

 

[Red_Fog]

Travis' hand had been resting on the head of one of his throwing axes, ready to hurl it at the invader, but Isis proved it unnecessary as she followed up Rang's attack with a loosed arrow before he could even free his axe from his belt. Curious... he thought to himself. She had been so quick to accept a one on one duel and yet didn't even hesitate to interfere with one when given the opportunity. Then as it became apparent that her arrow had gravely wounded Marcus' feathered friend she was stricken with remorse and rushed to the bird's aid. What a peculiar woman this Isis is... and further more what of these wraiths? Something tells me we'll be seeing more of them, and something worse tells me we'll be seeing more of that specific one and the same trick won't work twice.

Travis had been too deep in thought to notice the stain or Avina stashing the humanity when yet another newcomer appeared.

I am Alden, knight of Astora, by what names do you each go by?

Travis brought his fist over his heart as he greeted the Astorian, "Hail, Sir Alden. I am Travis MacWilliam, also of Astora. Marcus here of Catarina dealt the wraith the final blow yes. Have you been here long Alden? I'm sorry but you appear to have been of some position, and yet I'm unfamiliar with your name or your crest."

 

[IFS]

"Hail, Sir Alden. I am Travis MacWilliam, also of Astora. Marcus here of Catarina dealt the wraith final blow yes. Have you been here long Alden? I'm sorry but you appear to have been of some position, and yet I'm unfamiliar with your name or your crest."

"Well met, and yes I suppose you could say I've been here some time now, if I had been counting the days I would have lost track long ago," the knight said, clearly gladdened to see a fellow knight of Astora "As for my order it is an old but short lived one, I believe I am its sole remaining member."

The knight's gaze wandered over the various members of the group, examining each one in turn "An odd group you lead Sir Travis, I take it you seek the rite of kindling? I have met groups such as yours before."

As he spoke the knight seemed to relax somewhat, his posture slackening though he did not sheath his sword.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Isis-​

One she was finished giving Derrick a small clump of Purple Moss, Marcus picked up his bird and set him inside the nest in his helmet. Isis nodded and stood, before noticing an approaching figure, one who wore similar armor to Sir Travis. Tilting her head in curiosity, she kept her hands near her weapons as she strode up.

"Greetings, I felt the presence of that phantom, was it you who slew him? I am Alden, knight of Astora, by what names do you each go by?".

Seeing that he was likely another member of an earlier expedition for the Rite, Isis bowed and introduced herself. "I am Isis, of Carim.", she told him, before glancing at Travis as he did the same.

"Hail, Sir Alden. I am Travis MacWilliam, also of Astora. Marcus here of Catarina dealt the wraith final blow yes. Have you been here long Alden? I'm sorry but you appear to have been of some position, and yet I'm unfamiliar with your name or your crest.".

The new Astoran Knight seemed to be happy to meet another Knight from his homeland, though she couldn't tell clearly with his helmet on.

"Well met, and yes I suppose you could say I've been here some time now, if I had been counting the days I would have lost track long ago. As for my order it is an old but short lived one, I believe I am its sole remaining member.".

There was a pause as he looked over the group, before speaking again.

"An odd group you lead Sir Travis, I take it you seek the rite of kindling? I have met groups such as yours before.".

At that, Isis nodded again. "That we are, Sir Alden. If there is anything you can tell us that may help us, it would be greatly appreciated.", she said politely.