((Okay, I know quite a few people are interested in seeing this, so here it is. This is something like a draft, mostly the initial powers with a firm history. This sheet does not mention the powers or number of the Shades he holds sway over, but that will come when I start using them more and more. I wanted to get this finalized and perfected, hoping for opinions and idea's from you peoples. *grins* And I figure I better get everything checked in case some is god-moddish, so I don't get bitten in a duel or something.))
Name: Taren Solther
Age: Looks 18, but is actually about 450...
Race: Unknown
Class: Unknown
Physical Skills: (Enhanced by the Tome of the Mind.)
BladeMaster: Has the trained skill of a blade master, making this person a deadly weapon if a blade is placed into his hands.
Ambedexterity: Can use both hands to the maxium abilties.
Acrobatic: Can perform small feats of acrobatic abiltity.
Martial Arts: Is skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
Mental Skills: (Note: These are somewhat magical, yet also have somethink to do with a mental link. Either that, or I couldn't really describe them as MAGICAL or PHYSICAL)
Essance Link: Taren is magically and permantly connected with the essance of the Shadow Plane, as a whole. Connecting the essance of the plane to his body, soul, and mind... he had lost most of his humanity. Several weakness's come with this great power, yet so do strengths. Shadows can be manipulated without magics being used. Shadows attract to the man, and he attracts to them... In all, he had become a form of darkness itself when connecting to this plane. Only recently has the link been discovered, the power sealed away at the moment of betrayal. Yet at the gathering of the few artifacts that had been scattered, the power was once again rediscovered.
Sense Aura: Can sense Life or Magical aura's, and also see strands of magic as they are used.
Shadow Control: Can directly control a small number of shadows. (1-10) If Taren controls the shadows directly, he can shape them into exact replica's of objects, or people and the essance link.
Greater Shadow Control: Can directly control a medium number of shadows. (1-45) Also, this allows the user to make the shadows a solid form. After the shadows are taken, a made a solid form, the rays of the sun create another natural shadow to replace the one taken. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes and the essance link.
Ultimate Shadow Control: Can directly control a large number (1-65) of shadows. Also, this allows the user to make the shadows a solid form. After the shadows are taken, a made a solid form, the rays of the sun create another natural shadow to replace the one taken. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes and the essance link.
True Shadow: Taren turns into a dark shadow, not being able to be harmed or harm anyone in return. Some restrictions apply to this rule though. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes and the essance link.
Undead Control: This enables user to have direct control over lesser undead, about as many as mind will allow. Also, this skill gives control over a few souls, ones not controlling a body. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes.
Greater Undead Control: This enables user to have direct control over lesser undead, about as many as mind will allow. Also, this skill gives control over a couple dozen souls, ones not controlling a body. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes.
Shadow Walker: Can teleport from shadow to shadow. This skill was enhanced by the Tome of Darkness and the essance link.
Shade Shield: If any magicks that directly effect Taren are cast upon him, (such as paralize, poison, etc...) the effects instead hit the shades surrounding him, nullifyng the effects. This will not work if Taren is directly touched. (Needle, dart, etc...) This is accomplished by the fact that some of the shades contained within Taren's cloak were enchanted by a God, in agreement for protecting the entry to the God's realm. This skill was enhanced by the Tome of Darkness.
Mind of Warrior: Can read the opponent's next attack with some skill. Enhanced by the Tome of the Mind.
Mind of Blademaster: Can easily read the opponents next attack by the way the opponent is positioned or acting. Enhanced by the Tome of the Mind.
Magicks:
Soul Embed: Can take a soul not inhabiting a body or object, and place it inside of another uninhabited body or object. This skill requires the will of the user to overpower that of the soul. This skill was enhanced by the Tome of Darkness.
Dark Rose Embed: A mere marking is made on an object or body and taints the soul... Making a permant loyalty to the placer of the Dark Rose emblem... This has to be done while the target is completely willing for the mark to be made. If it is forced, the mark will only taint the mind slighty. Bearers of the mark will be able to recieve telpathic messages, and have slight control over shadows. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes.
Summon Leaf Sprite: Can summon small earth spirits from any object of the earth. In detail, they are small and ghostly, only about the size of a normal human's hand. although small, they have the strength of a normal young adult. The only real use for their abilities in war have been assasinations. In learning this magic, and using them, the earth sprites have become tainted ever-so-slightly. Every magic Taren uses in tainted by the darkness, and these small beings are no exception.
Energy Orbs: Several different types of magically compressed energy orbs.
Mana Blast: A massive beam of pure magical energies issues from Taren's outstretched palm. It is about 6 feet tall, and 5 feet wide, making it somewhat hard to dodge. This ability was granted by the Ring.
Items and Weapons:
Dragon Dagger- A hand-held silver dagger, the hilt adorned with the small body of a dragon. the dragon's tail wraps around the hilt, and continues up to the head. The head is biting into the bottom of the hilt.
ShadeStalker-
Effect: The sharpness of the blade is increased when the blade is used in darkness, and a person cut by this blade falls prey to dark illusions conjured up by the victim's own fears.
It is a long katana that is a black as night, with lighter flames of black decorating the blade. The hilt is adorned by dark stained leather, providing a good grip so the blade will not slip from the hands of the user. The sheath is dark as well, and made out of metal turned a coal black. The blade is rumored to exist in Kedar, a kingdom known by little men.
Ring of Energize-
Effect: Wearer can issue a beam of massive energy from the palm of his bare hand. Energy power and blast size are determined by the mana of the user. Blast can only be used once per day, as it drains the mana frm the user for 24 hours.
The ring is a simple band of copper worn on the normal finger of a human being. The only thing that sets it apart from normal rings is the fact that it has small runes inscripted into the inside of the ring.
Tears of Ice-
Effect: Protects holder from ice and bind. Decreases power of fire and wind casted by the holder.
The Tears of Ice are a valuable crystal who most jewelers would pay quite a tidy sum of gold to get their hands upon. They are a small round cystal, made from the tears of a ice spirits. They are considered the purest jewel in quite a few kingdoms, but their high value attracts rogues and thieves from all over.
Tome of the shadows- (These books were studied over a course of 150 years.)
Enhances the powers and capabilties of any magic or abilities associated with dark magic or the darkness itself. Not a strong enhancement, but better knowledge and easier use of the spell or ability.
The tome is held somewhere in the great lands of T' gathering, its secrets being left alone or heavily guarded for those who could abuse its powers. There once was a man who could control darkness to his will, and he used the tome to expand his abilities and knowledge. With this great book, he could command and control more shadows then he could alone. The book was passed down to a man by the name of Tuthluc, a chaos mage turned evil by the lure of power. He used this tome to access secrets of necromancy, and to control the undead as he saw fit. He finally died, his own summons turning agaisnt him in a bloody revolt. The tome was never found.
Tome of the mind- (These books were studied over a course of 150 years.)
Increases senses and awareness of the user. Reaction times and reflexes are also improved, as well as the ability to concentrate on more than one task at a time.
The tome is held with the Tome of the shadows, mainly to assist the user in his study of the dark magics. Having to control multiple undead or shadows was a hard task, and some would turn agaisnt the user if his will was not pressed upon the undead at all times. The natural awareness of a person's mind was increased as concentration was increased, resulting in better reaction and reflexes.
History:
At birth, Taren was gifted with the abilties to control and command shadows and the remaints of the dead. Who he was born of, was unknown. Was it one of the many elf races that wandered the lands at that point in time, or it was maybe a dwarf race that had carried the boy named Taren? No one knew, for none of the legends spoke of Taren's natural birth, or un-natural. Whatever kind of birth it was, Taren was created by the flow of the ages, and he was molded by the depths of fate. In his first years, the lands were covered with small villages, all spread out evenly among the great expanse of land that had seemingly grown from the sea in the beginnings of this earth. Taren could not be found in any of these villages, yet he was found in a great wood that was somewhat in the center of this expanse of earth. That was were the legends began. They say the first sighting of Taren was by a famous bard, one who had wandered into the wood to find inspiration for his songs. This bard was also a great Archer. His name was Cayleth. Cayleth had walked into the great forest, and had come back out two days later. His tale was as follows:
I was walking, and I saw a young teenager wandering through the wooods, his dark black hair casting a shadow over his eyes. He was tall, and slim... Slight ripples of muscles could be seen on his arms, for the only garments he wore was a black shirt and britches. Black stained leather boots were also adorning his feet. I would have never noticed him if he hadn't of walked right in front of me... He was as quiet as a still winter night. I called out to him, waving a greeting as he turned his head to catch me in his gaze. He spoke, and then I knew he wasn't normal... His eyes were still covered in the shadows, but I could feel the piercing gaze issuing from the boy. His gaze was like a laser, pricking the edge of my soul and searching for the hidden secrets hidden deep within my mind. His gaze was everything... His voice was cold and calm, but it soon changed into a emotionless void. In the beginning, his aura emitted a cold emotion, but even that faded away. He was soon nothing. I talked for a few moments, and then left. He seemed darkly amused at the fact that I had spoken to him, for what reason, I have no idea...
The people he had informed of this meeting would soon know of what he was talking about. About 25 miles away, in a small village known as Ithisul, a young man had come and defeated every swordsman in the town. The people of this town could only babble about his gaze... And the way he spoke... The warriors spoke of his fight, the way he had moved. He was like a shadow, moving with grace and speed. They could never hit him. And they claimed that, the whole time he had fought, even when he moved into the sun, he had been bathed in darkness. He was a living shadow, and so the legends had started...
It was heard again that the man had gone into the same town, and fought a traveling BladeMaster. He had won, but the man had told the young warrior that he was too addicted to the fight, that he was too loving of the way of the blade. The young man had listened with a close and hearing ear, and then went quietly on his way, back to the forest that he seemed to live in. This was the first step.
The boy had soon came back, and started to learn and fight from this BladeMaster quite often. It was said that the two were like Gods, moving with grace and speed unmatched by mortal man... Even the boy's eyes had been softer, had been gentle as they looked at the BladeMaster. But one night, it all changed... The boy learned that the way of the blade was only one, that there was no place for the weak in this dance of the sword... So was the account of the mayor, who had watched one of the duels between boy and man:
They fought in the light of the moon, both men stripped down to the waist, the shirts removed from their heaving chests. They were both out of breath, and the sticky sweat that had bathed the shirts would only hinder their movements. They leapt at each other, seemingly flowing from a standstill to a clashing fight, each blade flickering in the moonlight. They seemed to be enlocked in the deadly dance, and even then, smiles were upon the cold and hard faces. The smile of joy, the smile of the dance...
They fought on until midnight, when they would both finally unlock blades, a cut across the boy's eye, a slash down the left side of the BladeMaster. They shook hands, and departed their seperate ways. The boy went to his forest. The BladeMaster went home, where he was ambushed by a band of traveling thieves. Weaklings, but ones that attacked from behind, and attacked in the coldness of night. The boy returned once, learned of what had happened, and left forever. I saw him wipe away tears, saw the drops of water fall from his cheeks. Oh, I never mentioned his eyes did I? They were different colors. One red, and one blue. Strange, I know...
The truth is told in that tale, the truth of the blade. The boy had praticed with his blade day and night, fighting agaisnt his own shadow in the dance of the blade. Yes, I did say his shadow. Something made the shadow rise, something made it solid... It wasn't the boy... What was it...? The shadow was completly like the boy, so they were well matched. But when the boy's strength grew, the boy's shadow grew as well. That is why he was so strong, why he was such a master of the sword. He always had a opponent who could match him in skill, a opponent who could match him blow for blow. A opponent that could always fight. it was a opponent that would lead him down the path of the BladeMaster.
And this is what was rumored, that the death of his only friend had turned him from his path. Or maybe it was the path he had chosen to finally take, the path that he knew fate had carved out for him... From that day on, the boy brought swift death to the weak. He believed that the weak were cowards, that the weak had no place in this earth. The weak never fought for their honor, never fought with honor. The weak were like snakes, always attacking with a bite from the behind. The weak were meant to die... This was the oath that was set in his mind, that every weak one would be given up as repayment for the BladeMaster's death. So it would be...
The ages flew by so quickly that they seemed like days, only that man and women alike were affected by this flow of time. Faces grew old and wrinkled, young limbs turned into brittle bones as they faced the fury of time's flows. Man was subject to age, man was subject to live in die all within this flow of time. But more rumors came, more rumors that the boy who had made a legend of himself had been seen. He had been seen with the same face that he had had so many decades ago. Rumors flew that the boy was immortal, that he did not feel the tug of time's fingers. It was party true, the pull did not age him. But with time, came knowledge of the world, and with knowledge, came so much bitter hate.
So the years passed, and each year the killings grew. Hunters who went into the forest came back out, dead... A twisted expression of horror embedded in their faces, one of pain and agony at seeing something hidden within their darkest dreams. Each of the men had a gash on the throat, and on the left breast. And also, each man had the marking of rose petals, stained black by some unknown power. A pure rose, blackened by the night. What was this emblem, and why was it here? More time would flow by, and more time would tell... The flow of time was everything in this land...
Later, peaceful age was about the lands, the small cities united in the common cause of peace. Little adjustments had to be made behind the scenes, people erased that could be dangerous to this new way of living. No one ventured near the old forest that had claimed so many souls, that was rumored to still hold a boy with the blade of a master. The woods were rumored not to be affected by time, or by anything else that had tried to grasp it in fingers of change... Here is the rumor that one villager passed on, that became popular throughout the ages of history:
I saw men set fire to the forest, lighting the dark trees with the outburst of flame that came from held torches. They ran throughout the border of the massive wood, brushing the flickering heat of their torches across dry and hungry limbs, trying to destroy this place. As they ran, it seemed as if the shadows crept toward them slowly, as if they were about going to take blood as payment for the burnt skin of the massive trees... Yet, the shadows held back I think, someone inside controling them for a small while longer. The whole outer ring of the forest was set ablaze, and I ran, from the massive heat emitting from this doomed place...
The next morning, I came back, trying to catch a glimpse of the charred remains. There was none. The forest stood as dark and tall as it had the night before, not even a smell of smoke coming from the outstretched limbs. The fire had simply vanished, the damage had been repaired overnight. It was amazing. The two men who had set fire to the wood vanished mysteriously the night after, and never returned. I think they were claimed by the darkness that held that place...
So many rumors were held around this forest, so many rumors were lies. No one knew the truth about this boy, no one wuld ever know his path. Only the boy himself knew his path, and only the boy himself walked that path. Every single day he praticed with his blade, every day he faced his own shadow until the point of death. He was training himself for something, it seemed that much was obvious. Every single day, every single night. He never came ouut of the forest to eat, and it was rumored that he neither ate or slept. No one could really know what he did. Although, some rumors started to bring news that the boy had been seen in other lands. Other places in this world... He had been seen talking to wolves...
But that is another tale.
This tale I am going to tell now is the most important tale as of yet, for this in when man started to consider him a threat. This is when his power grew in leap and bounds, when his power almost became unstoppable. In fact, it was unstoppable. For even though man would soon take measures to kill the boy, they would not be able to do it. Another one would however, a single man would be Taren's downfall. These people didn't really take Taren as a threat, only his dark powers. They would soon know that those powers were what Taren was.
Oh, that is right. I never mentioned his name did I? I did? Oh well, I am going to mention it again. Taren. Taren Solther to his closest friends. That is what I had heard though, so I suppose you will have to trust me. By the time I am done however, you will never trust me again. You ask why...? Just wait and see. After you are finished reading, everything will be revealed. So here is the story...
This is yet another account of the one known as Taren, yet another tale of his rise to the path. To the crown, to the title of darkness. This is a tale of which Taren would become the true King of Darkness, one where he would almost die. Some tales say it is impossible for this man to die, some said in is easy to kill him. But when time flows, and blades are drawn, then Taren will spill blood, just like all the rest. For man had traveled the road Taren was about to take, men had tried to attain this great power that they lusted for. Yet man had died taking this path.
Among the vast valley's and fields of this land, where golden stalks of grains grew, several caves were located in a nearby mountain pass. These were caves rumored to be haunted, maybe claimed by the ancient ghosts that had once owned this produceful land. One of the more popular tales was one of the Doorways. They said that each cave would eventully lead to a doorway, a doorway that would open and eventully lead out into one of the many kingdoms of the Gods. Some people took these tales seriously, others didn't even think there was a ounce of truth.
Two men stood at the entrance to a cave, both staring inside with a emotionless gaze. One of the figures was quite prominent, his seven foot height dwarfing the other man. This one had long blonde hair that fell to his shoulders, and the silky strands of hair almost covered his crystal blue eyes. The eyes were as cold as ice, so it made a ironic sense that they would also hold the color of a pure cube of frozen water. No flaws or imperfection to those intense eyes... On his body, he wore a gray claok, one that layered his body in a embrace that kept him warm thoughout the dark winter nights.
The other man was much shorter, about six feet in height. although he was dwarfed by the blond one, he seemed to be the more dangerous figure. Even now, as he stepped forward to get a better look at the cave, the one in the gray cloak seemed to shiver, un-nerved by the mere sight of this man. He wore a black cloak that had the same effect as the gray one, covering his whole body in a shroud of black. His hair was black, a few silky strands falling in front of his eyes. His eyes were the most interesting feature about this man... One eye was red, the other eye was a sea blue.
This was the scene that fell apon the world on that day, the point in history when power would surge through this man, when power would bring about a greater wisdom and knowledge that mortal could never attain...
The first one was known as Raphiel, was known as the right hand of Taren. He was quite a powerful figure, one of the most powerful wizards of this world. He did however, have ambition and greed beyond imagination. That was one of the reasons why he had decided to come, for he wanted to see this power for his own eyes. He wanted to see it so badly... It may bring a good penny around, for maybe he could even write a book... Maybe a short story... He knew that he wouldn't be allowed however... Even as this crazy thought entered into his mind, Taren could read the glitter in his eyes... Taren knew that Raphiel was dangerous...
For the shorter one, the one with the black hair... He was the one named Taren. Other people were involved in this story, but that is one to be told later on in time. That is one that will eventully be brought forth for people to see... Maybe later, maybe some other day. But anyway... Taren had been standing here for quite a few hours, just staring into the entrance of the dark cave. I suppose he had been trying to pull together the courage required, or trying to become something else entirely. Something else that could walk a totally different path, a path that wouldn't bring about so much pain. But it was time...
They entered the cave, and that was the last that was heard for a few years. For inside that cave, time aged at a quicker pace. Inside that cave, everything was as black as night, everything was darker then the heart and soul of a demon. It was a entry into the Shadow Plane, a direct door to the Palace of the Shadow God. Some say he had business in that place, some said he just went there for extended training. Whatever it was, it was something completely unheard of. A man going into a God's territories? Impossible. Yet Taren had done it... and he had returned to tell about it.
You say he returned? He must have, for in the end, he was heard from again. Several years later, he was heard from again. 35 years later to be exact... He returned to his forest, but something had changed it the time he had been gone. Armies of men and wolves alike had been spotted, by a few well placed spies of a new and rising army. Who could have rallied these soldiers...? For 10 years, no one meddled any further, not wanting to raise the wrath of these new-found menaces.
But here is the account of a soldier in the new army, the army that was being secretly raised to deal with the new threat... The threat was Taren's army, and the eventual Generals that were sure to rise to power in his dark army... For with darkness, comes great power. And with great power, a higher power must rise to make its place in the other powers... So were the laws of the strong.
I stood in the doorway of my tent, relishing the taste of the fresh air that filled this army camp. We had been training for days, training for some unknown cause, one that was said to be revealed quite soon. Men had joined this army to protect, for peace had been promised to the countries of our kingdom, if only we could erase this unknown menace. My eyes traveled across rows of shining soldiers, dressed in white plate mail. A symbol of a blazing white sun was imprinted on a billowing flag, the symbol of the newfound followers of light. I smiled, fingering the sword held at my side. This very blade would strike at the heart of the evil that had threatened us, and I would use this blade to protect family. Not just my own, but the families of so many others... My eyes turned to watch the wizards pratice their holy arts, watched them speak ancient words... And watched as pure white magicks flowed from their old fingers... It was amazing. The whole camp radiated with peacefulness.. But that would soon end, for a command to ride out had been spoken the morning before... Now we would find out what the threat to our way of life was...
So at the end of ten years, this army rose forth, and made its way to Taren's realm. The forest had been named by a few people in the army, and the name soon spread to other corners of towns and armies... Realms of Darkness... That was the name of the forest that had been fortified as Taren's stronghold. That was the one that held Taren's army, that was the place that they would have to destroy... And so they marched, until they reached the borders of the forest. Word had been heard of another army coming straight for them, so they decided that they better strike as quickly as possible. Unknown to them, the other army had been commanded to go into hiding... Only for a while... To be used later... So, in a rush, they attacked, not taking time to rest...
The army marched on, neat rows of shining soldiers marching to the loud beat of the drum. On they went, to the last battle of mankind. They were the last hope for the people, they were the last hope for the light. Each soldier was suited in white platemail, a bow slung over each back, a sword sheathed at each side. Some rode on gallant white horses, that tossed their heads back and forth in anticipation of the upcoming battle. They had a look of confidence on their faces, almost covered by the pure white helm that rested on the head. Each one of these men were emotionless warriors, knowing that anger or hate would never help them in this battle. They knew that love or kindness would kill them in this battle. They knew that fear and humbleness would strike them down if it was let loose. More rows of white soldiers appeared, now holding knarled staffs in each hand. Long white robes covered their tall and slim bodies, white beards wove their way down the chest of each one of these white wizards. They knew they were too few, but their white magicks would be able to help them in the midst of battle. They knew that they would be able to strike the shadows down with a outburst of power. They knew how to counter what they would fight. The whole army approached the dark forest, the Realms of Darkness that the king rested in. They watched this shadowed place with cautious eyes, knowing that something would soon happen, that something may attack at this very moment. They knew that inside those trees, the very essance of night awaited. They knew that the night itself awaited their swords and bows. But they were ready, and they were sure that they would triumph. Seven Generals rode in a small group, unnatural warriors gathered to fight this menace... They headed straight for the forest, and they had no fear.
They would fight with bravery,
they would fight with passion.
They would love once again,
they would trust once again.
They now had a hope,
they now had a life.
They would enter the battlefield as heroes.
They would enter with a thirst for victory.
they would never fall back to run.
They would never leave alive.
A black void in the space of the heart, allowing none to enter, none to leave. Memories and hopes died, were crushed by the darkest of nights as the shadows came, and one by one the shadows devoured them. Victoms saw the red eyes in their dreams for days, and the fierce gaze haunted them even when they crossed over to the dead. What was this man, who weilded a sword so dark, who sucked the very energy from the souls of men and women alike. He was ever growing, becoming more and more powerful for each victim that his blade impaled. He was mighty, he was unstoppable, he was the King of Darkness. He WAS the darkness. And yet the armies of light came, and fought this man. The man fought, his blademaster skills and control over the very shadows of the earth killing and winning. And yet, the weariness engulfed the man, and he slept. During this sleep, he was turned back by one betrayer, a man by the name of Raphiel. The betrayed's powers were scattered to a region where the powerful ruled, and wandered. They were locked away in artifacts that would never feel the flow of time. The man himself was evicted, sent out into the dark of night to die. And yet he lived. He has returned, with the slightest of memories, searching for the artifacts that he so desprately wants. The ones that shall return him to his throne, to become the King of Darkness. The ones that will remind him of what he is, and what he was. He knows he needs these artifacts to survive, yet he doesn't know what they will bring. He has changed, not knowing the things he did, just knowing that he doesn't want to do them all over again. He strives to protect, to protect himself and the people from his old soul, the one that lies dormant within the tightest confines. The soul leaked through though, the Lich King unknowingly loosening the man's control, the control that the man must have to hold back the old self of many years ago. Yet, the bonds loosen, with every fight that is won, with every body that bleeds. So the man has accepted the destiny that his old soul will break free, but sworn to kill the one who carved this destiny, who loosened the control for the first time. The man has found the locations of the artifacts, and slowly sets out to find them. His memory would be rekindled for every artifact found, every power regained. He would become the darkness once again, in order to kill the Lich. And so he goes, working in the darkest of nights, trying to hold back the soul for as long as possible, yet trying to regain his power. He doesn't know what he wants, he only knows two things. He would be the killer, the blademaster, the dreamwalker... He would be the darkness. He would become the King of Darkness once more, and kill the Lich and bring his power to a halt. Taren Solther, the King, would be reborn. And nothing could be done to stop it. Taren doesn't know that once he unlocks his old self, once he turns back, he will become the red-eyed fiend that once was.
But when he changes, his cause will also change too. Blood must be spilt, and death to the weak would come as swift as lightning. The lich king would be no threat, for the Lich king was a mere speck in the distance. Other reasons are hidden behind a veil of shadows, other reasons are nestled in the darkness that haunts the hearts of men. Even now, another army is being raised. The army that was formed in the past, that was commanded to go into hiding... It is returning... Death to the weak.
For the army of the Dark Rose...
(Last few paragraphs were added from RPing. Anything to do with the Lich was not orginally in the history, but was adfded as the events unfolded in RP.))
Name: Taren Solther
Age: Looks 18, but is actually about 450...
Race: Unknown
Class: Unknown
Physical Skills: (Enhanced by the Tome of the Mind.)
BladeMaster: Has the trained skill of a blade master, making this person a deadly weapon if a blade is placed into his hands.
Ambedexterity: Can use both hands to the maxium abilties.
Acrobatic: Can perform small feats of acrobatic abiltity.
Martial Arts: Is skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
Mental Skills: (Note: These are somewhat magical, yet also have somethink to do with a mental link. Either that, or I couldn't really describe them as MAGICAL or PHYSICAL)
Essance Link: Taren is magically and permantly connected with the essance of the Shadow Plane, as a whole. Connecting the essance of the plane to his body, soul, and mind... he had lost most of his humanity. Several weakness's come with this great power, yet so do strengths. Shadows can be manipulated without magics being used. Shadows attract to the man, and he attracts to them... In all, he had become a form of darkness itself when connecting to this plane. Only recently has the link been discovered, the power sealed away at the moment of betrayal. Yet at the gathering of the few artifacts that had been scattered, the power was once again rediscovered.
Sense Aura: Can sense Life or Magical aura's, and also see strands of magic as they are used.
Shadow Control: Can directly control a small number of shadows. (1-10) If Taren controls the shadows directly, he can shape them into exact replica's of objects, or people and the essance link.
Greater Shadow Control: Can directly control a medium number of shadows. (1-45) Also, this allows the user to make the shadows a solid form. After the shadows are taken, a made a solid form, the rays of the sun create another natural shadow to replace the one taken. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes and the essance link.
Ultimate Shadow Control: Can directly control a large number (1-65) of shadows. Also, this allows the user to make the shadows a solid form. After the shadows are taken, a made a solid form, the rays of the sun create another natural shadow to replace the one taken. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes and the essance link.
True Shadow: Taren turns into a dark shadow, not being able to be harmed or harm anyone in return. Some restrictions apply to this rule though. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes and the essance link.
Undead Control: This enables user to have direct control over lesser undead, about as many as mind will allow. Also, this skill gives control over a few souls, ones not controlling a body. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes.
Greater Undead Control: This enables user to have direct control over lesser undead, about as many as mind will allow. Also, this skill gives control over a couple dozen souls, ones not controlling a body. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes.
Shadow Walker: Can teleport from shadow to shadow. This skill was enhanced by the Tome of Darkness and the essance link.
Shade Shield: If any magicks that directly effect Taren are cast upon him, (such as paralize, poison, etc...) the effects instead hit the shades surrounding him, nullifyng the effects. This will not work if Taren is directly touched. (Needle, dart, etc...) This is accomplished by the fact that some of the shades contained within Taren's cloak were enchanted by a God, in agreement for protecting the entry to the God's realm. This skill was enhanced by the Tome of Darkness.
Mind of Warrior: Can read the opponent's next attack with some skill. Enhanced by the Tome of the Mind.
Mind of Blademaster: Can easily read the opponents next attack by the way the opponent is positioned or acting. Enhanced by the Tome of the Mind.
Magicks:
Soul Embed: Can take a soul not inhabiting a body or object, and place it inside of another uninhabited body or object. This skill requires the will of the user to overpower that of the soul. This skill was enhanced by the Tome of Darkness.
Dark Rose Embed: A mere marking is made on an object or body and taints the soul... Making a permant loyalty to the placer of the Dark Rose emblem... This has to be done while the target is completely willing for the mark to be made. If it is forced, the mark will only taint the mind slighty. Bearers of the mark will be able to recieve telpathic messages, and have slight control over shadows. This skill was also empowered by the two tomes.
Summon Leaf Sprite: Can summon small earth spirits from any object of the earth. In detail, they are small and ghostly, only about the size of a normal human's hand. although small, they have the strength of a normal young adult. The only real use for their abilities in war have been assasinations. In learning this magic, and using them, the earth sprites have become tainted ever-so-slightly. Every magic Taren uses in tainted by the darkness, and these small beings are no exception.
Energy Orbs: Several different types of magically compressed energy orbs.
Mana Blast: A massive beam of pure magical energies issues from Taren's outstretched palm. It is about 6 feet tall, and 5 feet wide, making it somewhat hard to dodge. This ability was granted by the Ring.
Items and Weapons:
Dragon Dagger- A hand-held silver dagger, the hilt adorned with the small body of a dragon. the dragon's tail wraps around the hilt, and continues up to the head. The head is biting into the bottom of the hilt.
ShadeStalker-
Effect: The sharpness of the blade is increased when the blade is used in darkness, and a person cut by this blade falls prey to dark illusions conjured up by the victim's own fears.
It is a long katana that is a black as night, with lighter flames of black decorating the blade. The hilt is adorned by dark stained leather, providing a good grip so the blade will not slip from the hands of the user. The sheath is dark as well, and made out of metal turned a coal black. The blade is rumored to exist in Kedar, a kingdom known by little men.
Ring of Energize-
Effect: Wearer can issue a beam of massive energy from the palm of his bare hand. Energy power and blast size are determined by the mana of the user. Blast can only be used once per day, as it drains the mana frm the user for 24 hours.
The ring is a simple band of copper worn on the normal finger of a human being. The only thing that sets it apart from normal rings is the fact that it has small runes inscripted into the inside of the ring.
Tears of Ice-
Effect: Protects holder from ice and bind. Decreases power of fire and wind casted by the holder.
The Tears of Ice are a valuable crystal who most jewelers would pay quite a tidy sum of gold to get their hands upon. They are a small round cystal, made from the tears of a ice spirits. They are considered the purest jewel in quite a few kingdoms, but their high value attracts rogues and thieves from all over.
Tome of the shadows- (These books were studied over a course of 150 years.)
Enhances the powers and capabilties of any magic or abilities associated with dark magic or the darkness itself. Not a strong enhancement, but better knowledge and easier use of the spell or ability.
The tome is held somewhere in the great lands of T' gathering, its secrets being left alone or heavily guarded for those who could abuse its powers. There once was a man who could control darkness to his will, and he used the tome to expand his abilities and knowledge. With this great book, he could command and control more shadows then he could alone. The book was passed down to a man by the name of Tuthluc, a chaos mage turned evil by the lure of power. He used this tome to access secrets of necromancy, and to control the undead as he saw fit. He finally died, his own summons turning agaisnt him in a bloody revolt. The tome was never found.
Tome of the mind- (These books were studied over a course of 150 years.)
Increases senses and awareness of the user. Reaction times and reflexes are also improved, as well as the ability to concentrate on more than one task at a time.
The tome is held with the Tome of the shadows, mainly to assist the user in his study of the dark magics. Having to control multiple undead or shadows was a hard task, and some would turn agaisnt the user if his will was not pressed upon the undead at all times. The natural awareness of a person's mind was increased as concentration was increased, resulting in better reaction and reflexes.
History:
At birth, Taren was gifted with the abilties to control and command shadows and the remaints of the dead. Who he was born of, was unknown. Was it one of the many elf races that wandered the lands at that point in time, or it was maybe a dwarf race that had carried the boy named Taren? No one knew, for none of the legends spoke of Taren's natural birth, or un-natural. Whatever kind of birth it was, Taren was created by the flow of the ages, and he was molded by the depths of fate. In his first years, the lands were covered with small villages, all spread out evenly among the great expanse of land that had seemingly grown from the sea in the beginnings of this earth. Taren could not be found in any of these villages, yet he was found in a great wood that was somewhat in the center of this expanse of earth. That was were the legends began. They say the first sighting of Taren was by a famous bard, one who had wandered into the wood to find inspiration for his songs. This bard was also a great Archer. His name was Cayleth. Cayleth had walked into the great forest, and had come back out two days later. His tale was as follows:
I was walking, and I saw a young teenager wandering through the wooods, his dark black hair casting a shadow over his eyes. He was tall, and slim... Slight ripples of muscles could be seen on his arms, for the only garments he wore was a black shirt and britches. Black stained leather boots were also adorning his feet. I would have never noticed him if he hadn't of walked right in front of me... He was as quiet as a still winter night. I called out to him, waving a greeting as he turned his head to catch me in his gaze. He spoke, and then I knew he wasn't normal... His eyes were still covered in the shadows, but I could feel the piercing gaze issuing from the boy. His gaze was like a laser, pricking the edge of my soul and searching for the hidden secrets hidden deep within my mind. His gaze was everything... His voice was cold and calm, but it soon changed into a emotionless void. In the beginning, his aura emitted a cold emotion, but even that faded away. He was soon nothing. I talked for a few moments, and then left. He seemed darkly amused at the fact that I had spoken to him, for what reason, I have no idea...
The people he had informed of this meeting would soon know of what he was talking about. About 25 miles away, in a small village known as Ithisul, a young man had come and defeated every swordsman in the town. The people of this town could only babble about his gaze... And the way he spoke... The warriors spoke of his fight, the way he had moved. He was like a shadow, moving with grace and speed. They could never hit him. And they claimed that, the whole time he had fought, even when he moved into the sun, he had been bathed in darkness. He was a living shadow, and so the legends had started...
It was heard again that the man had gone into the same town, and fought a traveling BladeMaster. He had won, but the man had told the young warrior that he was too addicted to the fight, that he was too loving of the way of the blade. The young man had listened with a close and hearing ear, and then went quietly on his way, back to the forest that he seemed to live in. This was the first step.
The boy had soon came back, and started to learn and fight from this BladeMaster quite often. It was said that the two were like Gods, moving with grace and speed unmatched by mortal man... Even the boy's eyes had been softer, had been gentle as they looked at the BladeMaster. But one night, it all changed... The boy learned that the way of the blade was only one, that there was no place for the weak in this dance of the sword... So was the account of the mayor, who had watched one of the duels between boy and man:
They fought in the light of the moon, both men stripped down to the waist, the shirts removed from their heaving chests. They were both out of breath, and the sticky sweat that had bathed the shirts would only hinder their movements. They leapt at each other, seemingly flowing from a standstill to a clashing fight, each blade flickering in the moonlight. They seemed to be enlocked in the deadly dance, and even then, smiles were upon the cold and hard faces. The smile of joy, the smile of the dance...
They fought on until midnight, when they would both finally unlock blades, a cut across the boy's eye, a slash down the left side of the BladeMaster. They shook hands, and departed their seperate ways. The boy went to his forest. The BladeMaster went home, where he was ambushed by a band of traveling thieves. Weaklings, but ones that attacked from behind, and attacked in the coldness of night. The boy returned once, learned of what had happened, and left forever. I saw him wipe away tears, saw the drops of water fall from his cheeks. Oh, I never mentioned his eyes did I? They were different colors. One red, and one blue. Strange, I know...
The truth is told in that tale, the truth of the blade. The boy had praticed with his blade day and night, fighting agaisnt his own shadow in the dance of the blade. Yes, I did say his shadow. Something made the shadow rise, something made it solid... It wasn't the boy... What was it...? The shadow was completly like the boy, so they were well matched. But when the boy's strength grew, the boy's shadow grew as well. That is why he was so strong, why he was such a master of the sword. He always had a opponent who could match him in skill, a opponent who could match him blow for blow. A opponent that could always fight. it was a opponent that would lead him down the path of the BladeMaster.
And this is what was rumored, that the death of his only friend had turned him from his path. Or maybe it was the path he had chosen to finally take, the path that he knew fate had carved out for him... From that day on, the boy brought swift death to the weak. He believed that the weak were cowards, that the weak had no place in this earth. The weak never fought for their honor, never fought with honor. The weak were like snakes, always attacking with a bite from the behind. The weak were meant to die... This was the oath that was set in his mind, that every weak one would be given up as repayment for the BladeMaster's death. So it would be...
The ages flew by so quickly that they seemed like days, only that man and women alike were affected by this flow of time. Faces grew old and wrinkled, young limbs turned into brittle bones as they faced the fury of time's flows. Man was subject to age, man was subject to live in die all within this flow of time. But more rumors came, more rumors that the boy who had made a legend of himself had been seen. He had been seen with the same face that he had had so many decades ago. Rumors flew that the boy was immortal, that he did not feel the tug of time's fingers. It was party true, the pull did not age him. But with time, came knowledge of the world, and with knowledge, came so much bitter hate.
So the years passed, and each year the killings grew. Hunters who went into the forest came back out, dead... A twisted expression of horror embedded in their faces, one of pain and agony at seeing something hidden within their darkest dreams. Each of the men had a gash on the throat, and on the left breast. And also, each man had the marking of rose petals, stained black by some unknown power. A pure rose, blackened by the night. What was this emblem, and why was it here? More time would flow by, and more time would tell... The flow of time was everything in this land...
Later, peaceful age was about the lands, the small cities united in the common cause of peace. Little adjustments had to be made behind the scenes, people erased that could be dangerous to this new way of living. No one ventured near the old forest that had claimed so many souls, that was rumored to still hold a boy with the blade of a master. The woods were rumored not to be affected by time, or by anything else that had tried to grasp it in fingers of change... Here is the rumor that one villager passed on, that became popular throughout the ages of history:
I saw men set fire to the forest, lighting the dark trees with the outburst of flame that came from held torches. They ran throughout the border of the massive wood, brushing the flickering heat of their torches across dry and hungry limbs, trying to destroy this place. As they ran, it seemed as if the shadows crept toward them slowly, as if they were about going to take blood as payment for the burnt skin of the massive trees... Yet, the shadows held back I think, someone inside controling them for a small while longer. The whole outer ring of the forest was set ablaze, and I ran, from the massive heat emitting from this doomed place...
The next morning, I came back, trying to catch a glimpse of the charred remains. There was none. The forest stood as dark and tall as it had the night before, not even a smell of smoke coming from the outstretched limbs. The fire had simply vanished, the damage had been repaired overnight. It was amazing. The two men who had set fire to the wood vanished mysteriously the night after, and never returned. I think they were claimed by the darkness that held that place...
So many rumors were held around this forest, so many rumors were lies. No one knew the truth about this boy, no one wuld ever know his path. Only the boy himself knew his path, and only the boy himself walked that path. Every single day he praticed with his blade, every day he faced his own shadow until the point of death. He was training himself for something, it seemed that much was obvious. Every single day, every single night. He never came ouut of the forest to eat, and it was rumored that he neither ate or slept. No one could really know what he did. Although, some rumors started to bring news that the boy had been seen in other lands. Other places in this world... He had been seen talking to wolves...
But that is another tale.
This tale I am going to tell now is the most important tale as of yet, for this in when man started to consider him a threat. This is when his power grew in leap and bounds, when his power almost became unstoppable. In fact, it was unstoppable. For even though man would soon take measures to kill the boy, they would not be able to do it. Another one would however, a single man would be Taren's downfall. These people didn't really take Taren as a threat, only his dark powers. They would soon know that those powers were what Taren was.
Oh, that is right. I never mentioned his name did I? I did? Oh well, I am going to mention it again. Taren. Taren Solther to his closest friends. That is what I had heard though, so I suppose you will have to trust me. By the time I am done however, you will never trust me again. You ask why...? Just wait and see. After you are finished reading, everything will be revealed. So here is the story...
This is yet another account of the one known as Taren, yet another tale of his rise to the path. To the crown, to the title of darkness. This is a tale of which Taren would become the true King of Darkness, one where he would almost die. Some tales say it is impossible for this man to die, some said in is easy to kill him. But when time flows, and blades are drawn, then Taren will spill blood, just like all the rest. For man had traveled the road Taren was about to take, men had tried to attain this great power that they lusted for. Yet man had died taking this path.
Among the vast valley's and fields of this land, where golden stalks of grains grew, several caves were located in a nearby mountain pass. These were caves rumored to be haunted, maybe claimed by the ancient ghosts that had once owned this produceful land. One of the more popular tales was one of the Doorways. They said that each cave would eventully lead to a doorway, a doorway that would open and eventully lead out into one of the many kingdoms of the Gods. Some people took these tales seriously, others didn't even think there was a ounce of truth.
Two men stood at the entrance to a cave, both staring inside with a emotionless gaze. One of the figures was quite prominent, his seven foot height dwarfing the other man. This one had long blonde hair that fell to his shoulders, and the silky strands of hair almost covered his crystal blue eyes. The eyes were as cold as ice, so it made a ironic sense that they would also hold the color of a pure cube of frozen water. No flaws or imperfection to those intense eyes... On his body, he wore a gray claok, one that layered his body in a embrace that kept him warm thoughout the dark winter nights.
The other man was much shorter, about six feet in height. although he was dwarfed by the blond one, he seemed to be the more dangerous figure. Even now, as he stepped forward to get a better look at the cave, the one in the gray cloak seemed to shiver, un-nerved by the mere sight of this man. He wore a black cloak that had the same effect as the gray one, covering his whole body in a shroud of black. His hair was black, a few silky strands falling in front of his eyes. His eyes were the most interesting feature about this man... One eye was red, the other eye was a sea blue.
This was the scene that fell apon the world on that day, the point in history when power would surge through this man, when power would bring about a greater wisdom and knowledge that mortal could never attain...
The first one was known as Raphiel, was known as the right hand of Taren. He was quite a powerful figure, one of the most powerful wizards of this world. He did however, have ambition and greed beyond imagination. That was one of the reasons why he had decided to come, for he wanted to see this power for his own eyes. He wanted to see it so badly... It may bring a good penny around, for maybe he could even write a book... Maybe a short story... He knew that he wouldn't be allowed however... Even as this crazy thought entered into his mind, Taren could read the glitter in his eyes... Taren knew that Raphiel was dangerous...
For the shorter one, the one with the black hair... He was the one named Taren. Other people were involved in this story, but that is one to be told later on in time. That is one that will eventully be brought forth for people to see... Maybe later, maybe some other day. But anyway... Taren had been standing here for quite a few hours, just staring into the entrance of the dark cave. I suppose he had been trying to pull together the courage required, or trying to become something else entirely. Something else that could walk a totally different path, a path that wouldn't bring about so much pain. But it was time...
They entered the cave, and that was the last that was heard for a few years. For inside that cave, time aged at a quicker pace. Inside that cave, everything was as black as night, everything was darker then the heart and soul of a demon. It was a entry into the Shadow Plane, a direct door to the Palace of the Shadow God. Some say he had business in that place, some said he just went there for extended training. Whatever it was, it was something completely unheard of. A man going into a God's territories? Impossible. Yet Taren had done it... and he had returned to tell about it.
You say he returned? He must have, for in the end, he was heard from again. Several years later, he was heard from again. 35 years later to be exact... He returned to his forest, but something had changed it the time he had been gone. Armies of men and wolves alike had been spotted, by a few well placed spies of a new and rising army. Who could have rallied these soldiers...? For 10 years, no one meddled any further, not wanting to raise the wrath of these new-found menaces.
But here is the account of a soldier in the new army, the army that was being secretly raised to deal with the new threat... The threat was Taren's army, and the eventual Generals that were sure to rise to power in his dark army... For with darkness, comes great power. And with great power, a higher power must rise to make its place in the other powers... So were the laws of the strong.
I stood in the doorway of my tent, relishing the taste of the fresh air that filled this army camp. We had been training for days, training for some unknown cause, one that was said to be revealed quite soon. Men had joined this army to protect, for peace had been promised to the countries of our kingdom, if only we could erase this unknown menace. My eyes traveled across rows of shining soldiers, dressed in white plate mail. A symbol of a blazing white sun was imprinted on a billowing flag, the symbol of the newfound followers of light. I smiled, fingering the sword held at my side. This very blade would strike at the heart of the evil that had threatened us, and I would use this blade to protect family. Not just my own, but the families of so many others... My eyes turned to watch the wizards pratice their holy arts, watched them speak ancient words... And watched as pure white magicks flowed from their old fingers... It was amazing. The whole camp radiated with peacefulness.. But that would soon end, for a command to ride out had been spoken the morning before... Now we would find out what the threat to our way of life was...
So at the end of ten years, this army rose forth, and made its way to Taren's realm. The forest had been named by a few people in the army, and the name soon spread to other corners of towns and armies... Realms of Darkness... That was the name of the forest that had been fortified as Taren's stronghold. That was the one that held Taren's army, that was the place that they would have to destroy... And so they marched, until they reached the borders of the forest. Word had been heard of another army coming straight for them, so they decided that they better strike as quickly as possible. Unknown to them, the other army had been commanded to go into hiding... Only for a while... To be used later... So, in a rush, they attacked, not taking time to rest...
The army marched on, neat rows of shining soldiers marching to the loud beat of the drum. On they went, to the last battle of mankind. They were the last hope for the people, they were the last hope for the light. Each soldier was suited in white platemail, a bow slung over each back, a sword sheathed at each side. Some rode on gallant white horses, that tossed their heads back and forth in anticipation of the upcoming battle. They had a look of confidence on their faces, almost covered by the pure white helm that rested on the head. Each one of these men were emotionless warriors, knowing that anger or hate would never help them in this battle. They knew that love or kindness would kill them in this battle. They knew that fear and humbleness would strike them down if it was let loose. More rows of white soldiers appeared, now holding knarled staffs in each hand. Long white robes covered their tall and slim bodies, white beards wove their way down the chest of each one of these white wizards. They knew they were too few, but their white magicks would be able to help them in the midst of battle. They knew that they would be able to strike the shadows down with a outburst of power. They knew how to counter what they would fight. The whole army approached the dark forest, the Realms of Darkness that the king rested in. They watched this shadowed place with cautious eyes, knowing that something would soon happen, that something may attack at this very moment. They knew that inside those trees, the very essance of night awaited. They knew that the night itself awaited their swords and bows. But they were ready, and they were sure that they would triumph. Seven Generals rode in a small group, unnatural warriors gathered to fight this menace... They headed straight for the forest, and they had no fear.
They would fight with bravery,
they would fight with passion.
They would love once again,
they would trust once again.
They now had a hope,
they now had a life.
They would enter the battlefield as heroes.
They would enter with a thirst for victory.
they would never fall back to run.
They would never leave alive.
A black void in the space of the heart, allowing none to enter, none to leave. Memories and hopes died, were crushed by the darkest of nights as the shadows came, and one by one the shadows devoured them. Victoms saw the red eyes in their dreams for days, and the fierce gaze haunted them even when they crossed over to the dead. What was this man, who weilded a sword so dark, who sucked the very energy from the souls of men and women alike. He was ever growing, becoming more and more powerful for each victim that his blade impaled. He was mighty, he was unstoppable, he was the King of Darkness. He WAS the darkness. And yet the armies of light came, and fought this man. The man fought, his blademaster skills and control over the very shadows of the earth killing and winning. And yet, the weariness engulfed the man, and he slept. During this sleep, he was turned back by one betrayer, a man by the name of Raphiel. The betrayed's powers were scattered to a region where the powerful ruled, and wandered. They were locked away in artifacts that would never feel the flow of time. The man himself was evicted, sent out into the dark of night to die. And yet he lived. He has returned, with the slightest of memories, searching for the artifacts that he so desprately wants. The ones that shall return him to his throne, to become the King of Darkness. The ones that will remind him of what he is, and what he was. He knows he needs these artifacts to survive, yet he doesn't know what they will bring. He has changed, not knowing the things he did, just knowing that he doesn't want to do them all over again. He strives to protect, to protect himself and the people from his old soul, the one that lies dormant within the tightest confines. The soul leaked through though, the Lich King unknowingly loosening the man's control, the control that the man must have to hold back the old self of many years ago. Yet, the bonds loosen, with every fight that is won, with every body that bleeds. So the man has accepted the destiny that his old soul will break free, but sworn to kill the one who carved this destiny, who loosened the control for the first time. The man has found the locations of the artifacts, and slowly sets out to find them. His memory would be rekindled for every artifact found, every power regained. He would become the darkness once again, in order to kill the Lich. And so he goes, working in the darkest of nights, trying to hold back the soul for as long as possible, yet trying to regain his power. He doesn't know what he wants, he only knows two things. He would be the killer, the blademaster, the dreamwalker... He would be the darkness. He would become the King of Darkness once more, and kill the Lich and bring his power to a halt. Taren Solther, the King, would be reborn. And nothing could be done to stop it. Taren doesn't know that once he unlocks his old self, once he turns back, he will become the red-eyed fiend that once was.
But when he changes, his cause will also change too. Blood must be spilt, and death to the weak would come as swift as lightning. The lich king would be no threat, for the Lich king was a mere speck in the distance. Other reasons are hidden behind a veil of shadows, other reasons are nestled in the darkness that haunts the hearts of men. Even now, another army is being raised. The army that was formed in the past, that was commanded to go into hiding... It is returning... Death to the weak.
For the army of the Dark Rose...
(Last few paragraphs were added from RPing. Anything to do with the Lich was not orginally in the history, but was adfded as the events unfolded in RP.))
