For the first time in what felt like months, Richard clawed his way to the surface of his mind and watched from behind the bloody film that covered his eyes. He was not in control, but at least he could finally see after being suppressed by Baerron Jael for so long. The strain Baerron Jael endured to break the last three Seals on the Shrines took a heavy toll and he lost much of his ability to keep Richard in the dark... for now at least. The daemon slumped in the stained chair. His breathing was rough and ragged, even for him. Bubbles of black ooze dribbled from the corner of his mouth as he watched with weak eyes, through the Magic Wizard's Eye, the gathering of Lightbringers in Magincia. Richard could feel Baerron Jael stir. The daemon was perturbed, but he was so many steps ahead of the forces of Light that he was not worried. But something about this gathering of Lightbringers seemed to gnaw at the daemon's thoughts. No matter how many individuals or entire guilds he strikes down, more rise up against him. It was a disturbing trend, and he was hoping for the opposite effect, that the Lightbringers would suffer great attrition at each costly battle; but no, their numbers only seem to increase like cockroaches. With the Grey Wizard of Paws gone, Baerron Jael thought for sure those Virtue-mongers would have nobody to rally around. Instead they rally around the likes of Antos of Yew, the Great Council, and like this evening, Lord Krake Vestahl... The large gathering of Lightbringers in an act of Humility donned grey robes. It was made apparent to the group by Lord Krake Vestahl that they were chasing down a lead to aid them in the cleansing of the Shrine of Humility. They started at the Yew Moongate and searched their way through the town to find the person they sought. The daemon was not one to remain idle, though. He might have been too weak of body to challenge the large force personally, but the grounds the Lightbringers traveled were littered with ancient bones of the dead. Baerron Jael focused and the dead arose, aided by the forces of his underling Azmordacai who would lead the defense against the Lightbringers. Baerron Jael watched as the orcs were taken by surprise. Muguk led a small assault against the Lightbringers, but it did not go well. At last the Lightbringers located who they were looking for. Baerron Jael did not know this person, but there was something deeply strange about him and the birds he tended... In a very strange turn of events, one of the Lightbringers seemed to snap and started murdering the birds. Baerron Jael chuckled and watched as his companions were forced to physically stop him. The Caretaker agreed to take the Lightbringers to speak with... a statue and a bird? The daemon coughed and a glob of black clotted blood spatted against the floor. The orcs, not to give up so easily, and... pirates? The daemon was amused once more. The Lightbringers again found themselves in heated battle. The daemon once more felt himself at a loss. He did not know this statue existed, but noted that once his strength is regained he will pay it a visit. One of the birds the Caretaker spoke with was indeed no common bird... Who was this entity that helped the Lightbringers? It was powerful, though not as powerful as the master... The Lightbringers found themselves face-to-face with a band of pirates led by Scurvy Pete and Zeke the Plumber. They must have set up in wait there in the hopes of easy prey. The daemon would need to speak with these men of ill virtue for future endeavors... The Lightbringers pushed through the Pirates awaiting at the end of the white gate and moved in the direction of the Shrine of Humility, where Azmordacai was preparing his forces. The daemon lieutenant had set some surprises to slow the Lightbringers along the way... And then it was time for Azmordacai to strike! Alas, the Lightbringers pushed Azmordacai's forces back and defeated him, in spite of the massive casualties that rivaled even the massacre that was the Battle of Honesty Shrine. The resilience of the Lightbringers needed to be crushed. ============================================================= ============================================================= ============================================================= ============================================================= *OOC* This went very smooth, with very few issues along the way. A big thank you to everyone for participating and a big thank you to Pegbyter!
