gregorypenman

[gregorypenman]

Two Hearts, Two Worlds Apart

               It was with a heavy heart and sorrowful sigh that Gregory did leave Azeroth. Beathas knew he’d be going to the planet to fight the hellish beings of the Legion but even still, he could not bear the thought of leaving her behind. He would have rather she came with him to be at his side as they slew fiend after fiend in righteous glory. His beauty, the only woman he could trust and show full, unrelenting love to could not join him. She, as a mage of the Kirin Tor and as a representative of an unknown noble house of Westfall, could not forsake her obligations for him and he knew this very well.

               The teleporter beamed a shining glimmer of light that brought them to the fel-fire landscape of the Once faithful Draenic world. It lay a nightmare of its former self. Meeting with Jeca and Juhla on the Vindicar, Gregory swallowed his pain and anguish and joined them in their attack to save their home. Hopefully his actions upon the planet would be enough for the lover he left behind to forgive his absence.

               Demon after demon fell before the youthful paladin, each claiming their master’s fire would sweep his world in a cleansing wave. He threw them upon deaf ears. Jeca, being always observant, saw that Gregory’s mind wandered as he looked upon Azeroth. His mind was not on the people or the blue of it’s glow but on the sapphire gaze of the woman he loved. This choice he had made, this burden he bore would see them never again as one but as separate for their paths forked too greatly for anything to show of their love in their future and this realization pained him still.

               His master, a woman of war and great suffering, suffering that even the paladin who grew to be a weapon of the light’s will could not understand, barked at him to fall back. The demons had been dealt with and their ship had come to recover their diminishing numbers. At the Vindicar Jeca grew furious with his blinding mind and began to bring him back to the battle field. An ultimatum was made, either he forget his hold ups on Azeroth and fight as if his life depended on it or he go home with overwhelming shame to not only himself but his people. Gregory understood and, while difficult, cleared his mind of his burdens on the world and focus on those on Argus.

               Fighting was the only thing that kept his mind from Beathas, but when the day came to a close and the quiet of sleep came soon, he would offer a prayer to her that she be safe and if he dies upon this rock, she not mourn his death but press on and be the strong, clever, independent elf that he fell in love with all those many months ago. After every prayer, he would call her name and shed a tear for her safety.

[gregorypenman]

Faith Actually

Racing to Stormwind on his Master’s Motorbike, Gregory thinks on the past couple of nights. He had come to Gracewell Manor to speak with Lord Grifyn Redsteel about their plans to bring a force of their own to Argus and help with the fight against the Burning Legion. A feast was prepared for guests to enjoy while they calmed their nerves. It was a pleasant dinner, meeting new friends in Ms. Livingston, a Harvest Witch, and Emirdelle the sister of Liyne. Conversations began and all seemed well.

Gregory thought about how things had turned. How he felt himself grow evermore enraged by his friends, specifically Lord Grifyn. He could not say if it were jealousy that this man had been given so much for doing so little, or if it were that He did not have the choice of a normal life that his friend did. The things he said, the arguing and fight that had broken out as they compared pains. Gregory knew Grifyn and he had different lives and neither would understand the other’s plight. On that night, however, it was as if through his rage and frustrations that he wanted to punish Grifyn for something he had no control over. A short exchange of harsh words and the two were now trading blows. Their druid friend, Liyne, steps between them and attempts to quell the fighting. It was useless thus he grabbed the pair of men by their collars and dragged them out of the house.

Now outside, the fire and shade that covered Gregory’s judgement became clear when he felt a familiar force tugging at his mind. A hot, searing pain came over him as he took notice of the magic and with a rip, a pain went over the paladin like fire burning him inside out. For a moment, he felt raw agony and in a second it was gone. He could remember the feeling as if night and day. One moment burning rage and the next cooling calm. A weight lifted from his shoulders and clarity came to him at last.

This feeling was short lived as an explosion came soon after from where Grifyn had been standing. The force of the blast sent the three men flying back and knocking out Gregory and Grifyn. The night ended with the other’s having to calm Liyne down from his feral worgen curse and sending him to sleep off his frustrations. The rest followed.

The next day Gregory awakes in the early evening, having overslept due to enjoying his first night of actual rest. Prior to this, he could only remember nights of terror and nightmares. He jumps out of the bed and prepares for the day. Before he could get his armor on, the party from last night enters. There is a report of a disturbance that requires the Lord’s attention, but everyone decides to join him. On the way, the group discusses the events of the night before, agreeing that there was a malicious force causing havoc among them. When they reached the sight of the disturbance, the theory is solidified with the presence of a shadowy essence among the corpses of the carriage men who later were revealed to be working for the criminal group, the Ensemble. The investigation helped them to clue more about the shadow they fought, though they were still unsure about what it was, how it works and if the Ensemble were hired or are the masterminds behind this. At least these were Gregory’s thoughts.

Gregory and the others spoke more on their feelings. Grifyn bringing to the conversation that he felt something was missing from within himself. Gregory shared in this. He knew his mental state had been change. He did not feel angry or as if he had to prove himself. He could not think of a moment during that day where he wanted to put on his armor or pick up his weapons. However, he also had this feeling of dread as he could not remember the faces of his parents, something that haunted him for most of his life. The rage that lived within him came from the night he watched criminals break into his home and slaughter his family. Even Mother Linda’s magic could not hide, not fully, the pain and damage of that night. Yet, here he was, unable to remember their faces or more accurately unwilling to. This realization bothered Gregory which brought him back to the dirt road leading to Stormwind City.

Quickly, he ran to the Cathedral to find his mother and explain to her the situation. She agreed to use her mastery of the shadow to see into his mind and look for any abnormalities. A moment later and she could find nothing. All his memories remain, all of who he was mentally was there. She could only discern that he himself has learned to cope and live with his demons. She could not find anything in his mind, but that was not what bother the Priestess. She felt her son had grown weaker and his aura dimmed greatly. Whatever happen to him, she felt she needed to know. Without his fury fueling his faith, Gregory had become a shadow of his former self.

[gregorypenman]

Boiling Point

Much still plagued the mind of the young paladin. Many terrible thoughts swam through his head with each passing day. Who is this Death Knight Lillian’s acquaintance spoke of and what did they know of Commander Anzel’s death. Lillian herself had been struggling with visions of an enemy long since passed and lashing out with maliciousness toward those around her. Mother Linda was able to keep the squiring paladin from being overcome by the stress of her mind but only time can tell for how long. This thought weighed heaviest upon the soul of Gregory for she was one of few family he had. Then there was the Mad Wizard. The man who had caused much pain in the Sapphire Crusade. His escape pushed many into a state of boiling fury, but, with no way of finding him, they would have to sit in wait.

Gregory, now settled on the Kanters farm with what remained of the Sapphire Crusade after the Wizard campaign, took to finding missions on the mission board of Stormwind in hopes that his plan could finally go into play and the Sapphire Crusade could start rebuilding. While he prepared for new adventures, the holy squire received a note from his good friends and former Crusaders, Arthur and Jaylhe. They reported being well but they could not rejoin. They had their own trials to complete and thus would be absent for the while. With a short summary of events, he responds swiftly and continued on with his own endeavors. Just as it is for those who seek to bring the Light’s grace to dark places, evil took form. A gaseous ball of green appeared in the sky. Visible from all continents of the world. Terrible things were soon to come.

Not long had passed before the populous had fallen to panic. Doomsayers resurfaced with validation to their cries and crime rose to new levels as the panic gave ample opportunity for looting and killing. Azeroth’s new moon was not just a sign but a direct link to demonic chaos. With the planet, later to be discovered as Argus, looming in the sky, Demonic gateways became more plentiful. The Sapphire Crusade rushed to action to push back these invading horrors, keeping any of these devils from taking any land and keeping the already frantic masses from their destructive force.

The Life of the Crusade had become a wall to prevent Demons from taking Home and Kingdom. Standing at the side of other like-minded heroes, they fought with all their might. As the week progressed, less and less of the demon incursions occurred and gave the heroes of Azeroth a needed break. However, Gregory was not ready to stop. The Crusade needed work and if it not be demons, he would take anything that would provide for his people. A mission came through of missing persons in Duskwood. The reward was small but the job was taken regardless. Investigation of the disappearances led the Crusade on a hunt for madness. The people who had been missing were indeed kidnapped and taken to be used as parts to golems of blood, flesh and bone. The kidnappings happened all across the Kingdoms until the Crusade managed to corner the madmen responsible. Their plea for an ear revealed their intentions were to save Azeroth. To use the bodies of the men, women and children they took to create creatures to combat the demons from the hell that loomed above. They sought justification for their actions as the means would do so for their ends. The Sapphire Crusade, with the aid of their allies of House Redsteel, brought their project to a swift end.

A month goes by. The world still remains in the sky and Gregory is visited by his master. He had been sitting near his hearth reading a letter before Jeca, the woman who had taken the paladin as her student, entered to inform him that she would have to leave him to join the fight on Argus. With a heavy heart, Gregory hugged his mentor and friend and saw her off. Emotions began to fill him, growing heavier with each passing memory. The Wizard, lost friends, a world of fire threatening innocents, the people he could not save, his family, even the memory of his mother and father crashed unto him like a tsunami that threatened to cull all his calm and bring on chaos. He could not stay at the Kanters farm for fear he may cause strife. Reluctantly, he rummaged through Jeca’s garage and found the keys to her motorbike laying on her desk. He took the bike and rode it to Stormwind where he would meet with the person who sent him the letter he was reading before he had to wish his master farewell. Upon reaching the town of Goldshire, he sent a letter to Grifyn to meet him in the park in two days.

The day had come and both men, along with their company, had gathered in the park. A moment goes by before the person who had arranged the meeting arrived. A gnome researcher named Erinetty Fizzlebang who claims to be studied in demonic anatomy and power offered her services to the Crusade as she’d been told of their exploits against the demon invasion. Gregory, with his growing fury and emotional instability, did not trust the gnome, but after a ceremony to insure she were not a demon herself, he agreed to work with her. Grifyn and Greogry now spend their time working together to build a force to take the fight to the demons. The Legion will not prevail.

[gregorypenman]

Friends and Foes Aplenty

The battle between mother and son left Gregory with an ill feeling in the pit of his stomach. His actions against his mother gave him perspective on many things. The man of justice is not so in control of his emotions and his rage is very much a liability among his comrades. The vision shown to him by Linda also gave him clarity of his situation. With much deliberation, he has concluded that things could be much, much worse.

With a relaxed mind and a step forward, Gregory sets to work on the Sapphire Crusade once more. He begins his efforts with looking through his ledgers and bank statements for the expenses of maintenance, supplies, equipment, and debt to the nobility to whom he rents his lands from. It had been many weeks since he last taken a job. Even if he were able to procure a bounty from the wanted ads of the city, he had no man power to complete the job. With the fight against the dark wizard draining his funds, and his friends Arthur and Jaylhe still missing, his hands had become tied as his back now made a home upon the chair of his study. For days, he pored over the documents and receipts of the necessaries to keep the Stronghold active and he had come to the conclusion that if they continued the fight, if they did not take jobs, they would have to disband the Sapphire Crusade.

Realizing this, Gregory swallowed hard and made the call to the remaining members of the crusade. When all were in attendance he spoke with purpose and clarity. He informed them that the Crusade would disband if things continued the way they have. Without gold or resources, the organization would fall. Lillian, one of the veteran member and Quartermaster of the Crusade, spoke up to offer her family’s fortune to help keep the crusade alive for as long as needed to bring the wizard to justice, find Arthur and Jaylhe and rebuild their coffers. Gregory accepted the offer, but only an amount equal to two months. The crusade must maintain itself through its exploits to be truly worthy of remaining an organization.

With the matter of coin out of the way, the group now had to focus on the more important matters. Arthur and Jaylhe’s rescue is paramount, but while they rest in Dalaran, they are relatively safe, though Jaylhe was turned to a wraith-like being while in the “safety” of the magical city. It is a debate he has often with himself of their safety and though he worries much about his friends, there is nothing he can do. The struggle in the Kingdoms had hand-cuffed him to obligations. Arthur and Jaylhe were very much on their own.

The group decided to focus on the wizard and finding a means to track him down. Beathas and Lillian both offered the aid of scouts. They would have their associates scout the last place the wizard was seen and search of clues. Beathas would call to her sister, Cassa Moore, and Lillian would find the aid of a woman named Zoemi. Gregory agrees and the two set out to recruit their respective person. An hour later, Gregory is met with a shadowy figure stalking him in the meeting room. Feeling the air of unease, he reached for his weapon. Before he could place his hand on the hilt, Zoemi makes herself known and greets the man as the “scout” Lillian had sent. An aura of unholy energy pulsed from the woman, some kind of maliciousness in her form. Gregory chose to ignore the feeling as Cassa made her way into the room.

With the two gathered, Gregory explained the situation and their mission. Zoemi, being a curious sort, decides to ask question about Lillian and her late husband. Gregory explains that Stephenn had died on the shores of Westfall a year ago. This information struck Zoemi as she reacted in a way that led Gregory to believe she knew something. However, try as he would, the rogue remained silent on the matter. This would bring an air of suspicion to the mixing auras.

The conversation continued as the two women got to know each other. Zoemi was very open about herself when it came to her occupation. She spoke of a group called the Riders of Pestilence and of their Leader a Death Knight known simply as “The Prime”. She regaled them with hints of a man named Rhett Verran and how the Riders related to him. Though she gave information, most of it was vague and hard to interpret in any logical way. What she did say that caught the attention of Gregory was that it was perhaps possible that the Death Knight that leads her group is the one who killed Stephenn. This information, true or not, has given Gregory enough reason to do research on the group. He would start first with the common name, one that everyone seemed to know. He would search for information on Rhett Verran.

The scouts set out on their mission the next day, and they would come back with letters, lists, blue prints and other assorted items that could be useful or scrap. With their job done, the women took their leave. Zoemi, who had by this point asked to be called by another name, Subtlety, paused and asked a curious question. She asked Gregory if Stephenn, the former commander of the Sapphire Crusade, had any special abilities. After answering in the affirmative, the woman vanished.

Stress would swell in Gregory at this new development. However, his mind came to ease when his master walked into the room. The two sat and Gregory updated her on the happenings. How the crusade was struggling for funds, how the wizard was still no closer to justice than he was in the beginning of this campaign, the potential disbanding of the Sapphire Crusade and the information of a potential perpetrator in the murder of Stephenn Anzel. Though she had not much to say on the wizard and her stomach turned from the idea of finding Stephenn’s killer, she was able to offer comfort in the form of economic relief. Captain Jeca Kanters offered her air ship, the Couldbuster, to Gregory as a new base of operations and some of her families cultivated food stock as rations, free of charge. This offer would be a welcome one as it would aid in keeping the Crusade alive.

Gregory could not find the words to thank his master for her kindness. He felt she was a miracle of the Light sent to aid him in his hour of greatest need. After a few hours of conversing, Jeca took her leave. Gregory promptly went to write a letter to Grifyn about the new developments, hoping he would understand the circumstance.

Mentioned: @lillian-aherys @rider-of-slaughter @capjec @jaylhe @beathas-starflare @cassamoore 

[gregorypenman]

Dear Mother, Dear Son

Feeling the pressures of his position and the isolation he thrusts upon himself, Gregory suffers in silence as he sits in the meeting room of the Sapphire Stronghold. Dressed still in his armor from the battle earlier that night, he contemplates his losses. The harshness of the campaign continues to take its toll and those around him who do not understand his plight only fuel his fury. Once a man who reveled in solitude, now felt its stinging embrace.

As the young paladin sat in his sorrows, he did not hear as Linda, his mother, entered the room. Shrill was her voice and harsh were her words as the scorn of a forsaken parent took its form.

“To what shame has my child befallen me? To what misdeed do I owe appreciation for no words from this son of mine?”

She moves to the paladin and pokes him in his golden head.

“Naughty child you are, seeking to press insult upon his mother. What have you to say for yourself, hmm?”

Gregory grit his teeth as she prodded against this thinning patience. His head remained low and his arms dangling by his side as he sat in his chair in uncharacteristic defeat.

“A life long sacrificed to raise such a disrespectful boy. What love I have given, what joy we shared. I suppose it means you care naught?”

Her questions and guilting, usually met with apologize and embraces, were turned to wood that fed the fires of contempt and rage. Gregory took no more the words of his mother and through his despondence, he lashed out.

“Foolish woman! Have you no eyes to see me in such dispirited nature?!” Gregory pulls forth the arms gifted to him by his master and held them against his mother.

“Among the ignorant majority, I had prayed you the understanding one. If you will not allow me my solitude, I will take it.”

Mother Linda narrowed her eyes to the speech of her son and with a screech, she sends out a shaking spell that sent Gregory stumbling back in fear.

“I see your rage has returned to its full effect. The bloodlust we worked so hard to banish. Come then. Show mother what experience has wrought.”

As she spoke her hand began to glow a shining gold as she prepared for combat. Gregory, regaining his composure, shouts in vengeful fury as he charged Linda with unstoppable force. Linda, seeing the danger, rushes to the exit of the building and into the courtyard where the newly repair fountain rested. The paladin chased her, being no more than a few feet behind before she turned to him and let loose a smite of holy energy. Gregory’s armor took the brunt of the attack though his arm burned with the righteous fire.

“You are every bit the child who could not maintain his temper. The darkness of your past, the gruesome vision of your blood spilling from your father’s throat. This is the agony I sought to protect you from.”

She continues her assault as Gregory held his shield up to protect against her attacks.

“My darkness?! I was but a boy barely in his fourth year. You lied to me, you cheated me. Nightmares are all I know. Failure is my only constant!”

Gregory calls for the light to empower his blade before slashing the air and sending a light blade toward Linda. She calls then for a shield the absorbs the attack but was not prepared for the bash from her child’s shield.

“You claim motherhood, but you raised not a son. You saw a weapon, a tool of the righteous gold. What so do I owe you for the companion of dread?”

He stabs into her robes as she flees around the fountain.

“Never has my love for you been a question. You held within such rage and pain. I did what I thought was right. Found for you an outlet for your fury.”

“My fury was never exhausted! My fury only grew from the mental blocks of my past! My fury only grew when I joined this failing order!  I’ve lost so many I’ve loved! My fury is justified!”

Mother Linda stood stunned for the moment. Her poise shook at his words. He was right. She did not help his rage, but fueled it with war. A tear rolled down her cheek as she moved to meet her child. Seeing her open, Gregory charged her, blade held at the ready. As he brought his sword down, he found himself rooted in his tracks. Mother Linda had shackled him with chains of light.

“You speak with truth, Light of my life. I have given you nothing but reason to kill. I cannot fix the damage I have seen fulfilled, but I can show you something and pray.”

With these words, she placed a hand on Gregory’s forehead and chanted a shadow spell. With a harsh scream of pain, a vision was given to her son. A vision of a possible future should he lose himself to his bloodlust. His friends strewn across a field, dead or dying. Blood painting the grass and blades and at the very end stood the paladin, on his knees and waiting execution. The axe came down on his neck and before he could be beheaded, he awakes from his vision, laying alone in the courtyard, tears sweat and shaking from the experience. He sat for an hour contemplating what he had saw. I was not until Beathas came that he snapped out of his trance.

Gregory saw the battle-scarred courtyard for the first time and knew fully what had happen. He knew he had to speak with his mother and that their relationship would be changed forever. The fury living in his heart would never truly go away, but what he does now with this rage will mean the difference of life and death. The difference of Dark and Light.

@lillian-aherys @rider-of-slaughter @grumpdargon @moxie-bravo @miriredsteel

[gregorypenman]

The Mad Wizard: Part 5

It had been many weeks since the last report had been sent out by Gregory. Since then, much has taken place. The paladin, suffering greatly from his role as commander of the Sapphire Crusade, had taken to isolation from the others and focused his time and energy on tracking down the evil wizard who plagued him and his friends. He would not rest until the enemy had been brought to justice.

In his absence, all seemed calm as there had been no news of the wizard’s activities. While Captain Pyrestone and Arthur Arkarium were relatively brought back to safety, the two were still in the grasp of danger. The Captain’s body and soul continue to be separate as there was no means to bring her together again and Arthur’s tattoos remained a mystery to all. Though their afflictions were not a major threat, in other words not the issue of the public, they weighed heavily on the mind of Gregory.

A month earlier, Gregory had sent Jaylhe away to collect herself after her outburst and destruction of Sapphire Crusade property. Her frustration and sorrow warranted a need for time off. With Arthur and Jaylhe both gone, Gregory had made the decision to put the rest of the Crusade on leave, leaving only himself still in the fight.

Doctor Dewfall, at the call of his sister, summoned the forces of Redsteel and the Sapphire Crusade to a luxury home near the territories of the Blood Elves. According to the witch, Cierce, this was a summer home she and her mother used from time to time. However, during the time of the mission, it had become a base for the wizard the party had been hunting. With this knowledge and the guiding eye of the witch, the group set forth to retake the home.

The heroes were stopped at the entrance by a group of thugs supposedly hired by the wizard to keep the place guarded. After a moment of “witty” banter from the rogues, combat ensued. The heroes made quick work of the hired swords, leaving most of them alive to be taken into custody by Stormwind’s law. The group pressed on with haste to meet with the wizard.

One horror after the other came at them as they walked through the halls of this palace like place and through trials and tribulations, they succeeded. Finally, coming to the final room of the palace, they were met with one last obstacle. Something no one could have imagined. The last line of defense of the wizard’s army was none other than the mother of Doctor Dewfall who has become a mind controlled puppet.

Stunned at the sight Cierce stumbles back before collapsing. The Doctor places himself between her and his mother, defending his sister from the incoming attack and calls for the party to surround the area. At his command, they did so. A battle engages and the heroes are pelted with a barrage of arcane energy that near shatters their defenses. The doctor’s mother seemed nearly impossible to defeat, but they had come too far to fail now. With a call to the light, Gregory empowers his shield, the Kanters’ Legacy, and sends it flying into the arm of the mind controlled mage. The shield manages to stop several arcane missiles from harming him and the others as well as ending her constant attack. It was with this window that the doctor stepped in to sedate her and end the encounter. In the distance, an explosion is heard and a man on a flying contraption can be seen fleeing the scene. The Wizard had gotten away again. However, this time the heroes had won and have rescued the doctor’s mother.

With mission successful and everyone out of the hands of the wizard, Gregory focused on a matter that had been troubling him but had not the time to address. Jaylhe had been gone for a while and had not once sent word of her status. Feeling responsible for her plight, he took to meeting with her brother in his office in Dalaran, hoping to shed light on her disappearance. The meeting ended with both men confused as to the whereabouts of the enchantress and an agreement to notify the other with any developments.

Returning to the Sapphire Headquarters, Gregory sat at the top of the steps with his head hung low in exhaustion and frustration. Though their mission was successful, the cost was high. Arthur, a man he’d considered a brother, had been taken from him without even so much as a goodbye and worse still, has no memory of their time spent together over the year serving the Light. Captain Pyrestone, a party neutral to the events who had been commissioned to join their ranks as a captain of a ship, had her life torn to pieces, and Jaylhe, the second in command of the Sapphire Crusade and more important to Gregory, his adoptive bratty sister, had gone missing.

Feeling the intense lose, Gregory took in the situation in his isolation. He dared not go to his beloved sister and former master Lillian Aherys for fear of upsetting her and his lover, Beathas, had been busy with her work as a teacher of the arcane arts. Feeling the cold hands of sorrow taking hold, he thought on of his master, Jeca Kanters. Her wisdom would keep him from falling into the deepest pit of despair and help him to keep strong in his times of pain.

Feeling his spirits lift, he brought his head up and took a deep breath. In the distance, he could see two familiar faces by the newly repaired fountain which had once been reduced to gravel by Jaylhe’s anger. Arthur and Doctor Kanters seem to have stopped in for a visit. Excited, Gregory rushed to meet them. Arthur, still unsure of who Gregory or why the paladin knew the mage, had come to Gregory under the passive orders of Jaylhe who had contacted the mage sometime after her disappearance. He explained that Jaylhe had been made into a wrath-like creature by some form of malicious magic and needs help. However, he could not find her and hopped that Gregory could assist in a location spell. Without hesitation, Gregory agreed and the two were off to find their friend, Angela in tow as she were the one with the most experience with this kind of power.

The three found Jaylhe hiding in Dalara, but fear had kept her at a distance. After a while of talking and getting nowhere, Gregory gave Angela to Arthur to hunt for Jaylhe and find a way to save her. In the meantime, Gregory would try to find a way to reverse the magic that had effected his friends by hunting the wizard that had cursed them.

One week passes and Gregory has had no luck in finding the wizard, nor has Arthur reported any news on Jaylhe. To make matters worse, while everyone had gathered at the Sapphire Strong hold for a quiet get together, Doctor Kanters rushes in with news that Ceirce had been kidnapped by the evil wizard Ruthkar. Gregory, filled with the fury of the Light and fueled by the sorrow in his heart, hurried all who had gathered to arms. He would see the wizard brought to justice. The heroes arrive at the workshop of the wizard, and make haste to meet with him. Across a bottomless pit stood the madman and a squirming sack. Leading the charge, Gregory rushed forward around the circular room. The group were met with hindrances in the form of summoned experiments who the wizard brought forth to buy him time to perform his ritual. As the heroes came close, he smiles and tosses the bag into the void of the pit before vanishing into a portal.

From the pit came a horrific being of darkness and evil. A being that brought Doctor Mahlar Dewfall to his knees. The ritual performed by Ruthkar had turned his sister into a monster. The heroes readied for combat as the monster had come into full view. Grifyn Redsteel commands the others to use non-lethal means if at all possible. It was at this that Doctor Kanters’ inner magic took form and met the beast head on. As this new form held the beast at bay, she commanded the others to enter it to find the host and undo the magic. They do so and find themselves in a land of shadows. Gregory and the other soldiers stood ready to face what would come at them while Mahlar and, for some reason, Mirianda Redsteel, the Lady of House Redsteel and cousin-in-law to Grifyn Redsteel, and Auralaith, Priestess of House Redsteel and Grifyn’s Lover, were chosen to meet with the hosted form. While the three were taken, the others fought on against twisting shadows that outnumbered them ten to one.

The fighting seemed endless until suddenly a chime of angelic tones came through the shadow and with a warm brush, an aura of holy light filled the room. This brought an end to the shadow and transported the heroes out of the realm of darkness. Everyone had gotten out safely, Doctor Mahlar holding his sister in his arms, cradling her in his protective embrace. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone save Gregory who had brought his exhausted form to the spot where the portal had been that Ruthkar used in his escape. A frustrated roar exits his body as his anger and helplessness builds. He flings his greatsword, the Sapphire Crusader, into the darkness below before falling to his knees and breathing heavily. He could not believe the wizard had escaped again. This was a lesson in ill preparedness. He would not be caught off guard again.

Demanding a portal from Beathas, Gregory set back to Stormwind to prepare for the next encounter with Ruthkar. He would not let him escape again. First, he would need to find a way to bring Jaylhe and Arthur back then he would have the strength he needed to face the foe. He needed supplies. Thus, he went to the apothecary of the Mage District to stock up on needed reagents. His actions in that moment made some of the people present upset. However, explain as he did, they would not understand the hell he is in. Gregory, once again, returns to isolation. Preparations needed to happen and he would not be weighed down by the ignorance of others.

@lillian-aherys @rider-of-slaughter @grumpdargon @syliune @moxie-bravo @miriredsteel @letdownsahoy

[gregorypenman]

The Mad Wizard: Part 4

To all Redsteel Patrons and Sapphire Crusaders,

 This is an update to our current events. Recently we have found ourselves at war with an evil Wizard and his henchmen. Our mission was simple: Storm the mansion, recover Doctor Dewfall’s mother and defeat the foe. However, we’ve grossly under estimated our enemy.

A string of misfortune followed us at every turn as we pressed forward in our efforts. Our Allies Captain Angela Pyrestone and Officer Arthur Arkarium had been taken captive. The captain’s soul has been placed in a sword and body made to fight as a puppet for the enemy and Officer Arkarium’s body tainted with magical tattoos. We have also been unable to reach the doctor’s mother in any of our campaigns.

Our wounds are great, but we have been able to turn the tides. The captain’s soul and body are now within our protection, though we are still working toward combining the two into one. Officer Arkarium has been taken out of commission under specific orders and we’ve been able to free a large portion of the prisoners held within the labs of the Mad Wizard.

We must continue our assault. Doctor Dewfall and Captain Pyrestone fate rest on our success. The enemy is wearing down and the Scales of fortune are on our side. We cannot allow this madness to continue.

May the Light bless you all.

Signed: Commander Gregory Penman

[gregorypenman]

The Mad Wizard: Part 3

Time passed slowly as the Crusade pondered their recent blow. Arthur had been taken and there was naught that could be done to save him. Jaylhe’s emotions manifest in jittery and cold aggression while Gregory fought to maintain his fury. Both wanted their brother returned and they knew the person who could help.

Once again, the Crusade found themselves face to face with the childish elven witch, Cierce. It had happened that the woman was on her way to investigate a lab belonging to her late father, Werados. This lab was one that he used to experiment with his transmutation of blood and flesh and souls. The team of Redsteel and Crusaders walked through the lab with sickened expressions as words of mistrust and heat passed through the air like daggers. Beathas, however, remained herself the ever level headed as she followed neutrally with Cierce to understand more her abilities. Auralaith and Grifyn too found a stable mind within the horrors as they repeatedly attempted to calm the ever-growing paranoia that festered within Gregory. Enormous vials of plasma lined the perimeter of the lab, each more gruesome than the last. Eventually, the party would find the machine that the witch’s father used to separate soul from body. A machine that made flesh and bone into liquid for study and torture.

Investigating the machine brought with it stomach turning gore as all about it had been painted crimson from use. The investigation had been cut short as a voice echoed out from a distance. With caution and burnished weapons, the heroes and the witch follow the muffled sounds. Within a box atop an Altar-like pedestal came the sounds. Beathas took to opening the container. Her movements slow and careful, a hint of fear for what may come. When the top had been lifted, an echo of rage and fire burst out. The voice, a familiar one. They knew this voice and it was unmistakable. Angela’s voice was coming from the sword that lay within the chest. In disbelief, the party took to leaving the compound before the enraged pirate’s screams could call for an alarm.

Another week goes by and the heroes of Redsteel and the Sapphire Crusade have figured out more on this evil they face. Angela’s soul had been transferred to the sword as punishment for her transgressions against her controller. The visions beheld by the Crusaders were her attempting to lead them to their goal, but, thanks to Gregory’s mental training, she was discovered. The pirate being separated from her form, however tragic, also meant that her body would be weakened. This proved to be welcome, albeit terrible, news for their mission. They now had the guide they required to continue their mission unhindered. Without hesitation, the party of Jaylhe, Gregory, Grifyn and Angela set out to find more of what they could to combat the enemy. Their search brought them to an old cave where Werados had kept his more volatile creations. It was here they would find the answers they sought.

It was not long before the heroes were once again face to face with an enemy. Before them stood the one who had kidnapped Arthur and controlled Angela’s body. Ruthkar, a follower of the man who Angela calls Tenendrin, paused their advance as he stood guarding a door. A brief back and forth of threats and promises take place before their combat. A large mass of corrupted flesh blocked the way to the master of the cave but it did not stay long. Ruthkar used Grifyn’s love for priestess Auralaith to antagonize him into foolishly striking out. However, the young lord used the fury of this heinous act to quickly dissolve the monster in a glow of blinding light. Ruthkar was vulnerable for the moment and Gregory made way toward the evil wizard. He did not get very far as the hands of the dead held his ankles and snared his advance. Grifyn followed as well and too did he find himself trapped behind newly crafted flesh beasts. Jaylhe offered the two soldiers cover fire from the rear as she spouted harshness at the robed man who, in-turn, took to flirtatious dark humor.

Seeing the target so close, Gregory felt he could not allow him to escape. With raised shield and Angela’s sword form in hand, the paladin begged the light for a blessing. He called for a means to bring their foe to justice and the Light answered. A beautiful ray of Holy energy radiated from his shield and sword and with one call to arms, it burst forth, incinerating all evil in its path. The horrors burn to ash and Ruthkar found himself singed slightly by the righteous power. With a snarl, the man teleports away, leaving the door behind him free to enter.

Within the room lay Arthur. Tortured to near death and azure tattoos covering his body, he groaned in pain. Grifyn helped him to his feet as Angela warned the others that any contact with magic or magical persons would result in unexpected backlash. With Arthur back in their protection, they left the darkness of the cave and made way home.

[gregorypenman]

The Mad Wizard: Part 2

Recovering from their first defeat since reviving the once dormant organization, the Sapphire Crusaders stand stalwart against this new threat. Eager to return to battle, Gregory, along with Beathas, his lover, approached the only other person who could have information on Angela’s kidnaper. Cierce, doctor Dewfall’s sister, had sent the heroes to die amidst the decay and traps that lay in wait within the torn home of damnation. Offering no information, working upon assumptions and seeming to care little for her mother’s rescue, Gregory saw this meeting with this careless woman to be one of ill fate. The Paladin had never met a person who would so easily take the lives of others as a game to be played when boredom had struck dire.

As expected, the woman spoke in circles and insults. Unwilling to be helpful regardless of what lay at stake. The stink of elven condescension and misguided superiority wafts from her aura like a musk so foul only fel could rival it. Her words grew ever the more irritating as the meeting continued, showing more and more of that aging childishness the immortal races inhibit when carrying self-control. The young paladin’s attempts, however harsh in tone, to keep the conversation focused on the mission were met with insults and deviating dialogue.

The conversation made way to no useful paths. The only increment of intelligence gained from the elven woman was that the man the heroes faced was not Weredos, but an apprentice using his likeness. Cierce, feeling no need to aid any further, even showing no remorse when her mother’s mention came to light, took her leave. Beathas, being an elf herself, tried her hand at speaking to the woman, but still she offered no useful chatter. The pair, along with their allies, would have to look elsewhere.

Searching records and speaking to any who have had previous encounters with this Weredos person, the Crusade gathered just enough information to attempt a second attack on the mansion. Armed with knowledge, the heroes set out to find their comrade and save the doctor’s mother. However, unbeknownst to the other Crusaders, each of the commanding officers had been shown premonition. These visions had taken their toll on the warriors, bringing them to a weakened state of mind though they showed no physical changes.

The mission began and as they crept through the home of their enemy, these visions began to take their effect. It began with Jaylhe when she came across ethereal prisoners. People who seem to be made of glass or fog. The mage commander, at the sight of these ghastly creatures, wavered slightly. She pressed on nonetheless and the group found themselves at the prison experimentation area. A man in dark robes stalked the room as slaves worked to complete experiments. Howls of pain and screams of terror filled the halls as the prisoners were tortured. Plans were crafted as the Crusade lay in hiding, waiting for the moment to attack. That moment passed as Arthur flung himself into battle without warning at the sight of an elvish woman. Something about her sent a fire in the magi and without thinking, he sprang at the strange old man. This action sealed his fate.

Upon charging foolhardy toward the robed figure, Arthur was met with a kick to his chest. A woman dressed in dark blue leather stood before him, silent and sturdy. Angela had returned, but not as a friend. Before anyone could contemplate the goings on, the pirate captain launched into a flurry of attacks. While Arthur held his own against the mind controlled captain, the others set forth to deal with the master of the locks. Prepared for battle, Gregory attempts to deliver a downward slash unto the enemy, but his attack was blocked. Not by shield or ward, but by deceit. The man his blade sought to deliver justice to was not the man he slew. An innocent life fell to the Light’s champion, a magic of transference saw the wrong man judged. This, however, did not pause Gregory. As a soldier, this was to be expected. Mourning the loss of the innocent, he collected a key from the body before rushing to help Arthur and the others take on Angela. It would be a short encounter as with the master fled, so too did the rogue.

The pair’s escape was not without its reward. In his weakened state, Arthur was dragged into the shadows. The Crusaders could do nothing to prevent this, and though it pained them to leave their comrade, they had no choice. With much reluctance to retreat, they did just so, taking with them any prisoners they could. Another defeat at the hands of a terrible foe

[gregorypenman]

The Mad Wizard: Part 1

A moment of quiet recuperation finds the Crusade after their previous encounter with the Roguish association of misguided criminals, the Ensemble. A few weeks go by as the Crusaders enjoy peace among their ranks. Fulfilling obligations and partaking in their own indulgences. Suddenly, a meeting is called by one of the Redsteel family’s physicians, Doctor Dewfall. Without Hesitation, Gregory made way as the Sapphire Crusade’s ambassador.

The meeting saw three factions brought together. These factions were: House Kyles of Westfall, House Redsteel of Elwynn and the Sapphire Crusade. Doctor Dewfall made clear his point to the gathered, telling them first of recent happenings. Captain Jeca Kanters, Gregory’s current master in martial combat, had been freed from a curse that had plagued her for nearly two years. However, the curse could not be cured thus was transferred to the doctor himself. He explained that his sister, an alchemist of questionable intent, had sought him out for aid in finding their mother who had been recently kidnapped by a wizard who shared training equal to that of her own. To the group, he expressed that he could not tackle this endeavor alone and needed their help and when this information was explained to his sister, she took it upon herself to transfer the curse from Jeca and onto the doctor. This would be their agreement and insurance should any of the heroes feel overly heroic.

the factions were, of course, willing to put forth effort into helping the good doctor recover his family and his health. Though, Gregory held a distain for the doctor’s sister as she was the woman who had cursed his master from the beginning all those many months ago. He felt the righteous fire of the holy Light radiate about his form, ready to sear the mischievous woman but, at the doctor’s request and plight, he restrained his actions.

A week went by before the first encounter with the enemy had reached the Crusade. With little preparation on the part of their informant, the heroes rushed to their aid. The grandness of the mansion was awe inspiring. Though dusted and near rotten to almost wavering structural integrity, it held an awesome aura about it. Angela, with her husband, and Emillea stood out front awaiting the Crusade. House Kyle or any representative of it would not be present. Gregory thought to himself perhaps for the best, less casualties if things go awry. Arthur and Gregory were the first Crusaders to respond, Jaylhe showing up later as back up should they require it, and it wasn’t long before it was necessary. Angela, a familiar presence in the halls of the crumbling manor, led the way as she regaled the task force of her history as a prisoner in the moss encrusted walls.

The group headed inside a holding chamber filled with diseased and dying animals, a sight that would turn even the strongest stomachs. Before the group could make remarks, a whinny of fury and sorrow filled the air as it echoed from the other side of a nearby wall. The heroes investigate and find themselves face to face with a twisted horror. The thought came to Gregory, perhaps another Ensemble experiment. A monster crafted by the criminals to be used in malice. However, the craft had been too practiced, years-worth of it. His thoughts cleared his head as the monster charged the warriors. The beast’s attack was unsuccessful in catching all of them, however, it did manage to knock Angela unconscious. The fury of the shadow filled her husband as he conjured a spell to sear the hide of the beast. Arthur took the opportunity of the monster’s back being toward them to also burn the beast with arcane fire. Both men managed to bring the beast to an explosive end with minimal effort. Gore flew through the air, threatening to spoil the heroes in crimson mess. They all took cover just in time to prevent the plagued blood from catching them. Emillea would see they would need more aid. She rushed toward the exit to seek backup while the rest moved forward.

Jaylhe, who had joined the party just when reinforcements were required, stood guard over Arthur as Gregory moved in to investigate the chambers further. Johnathan, Angela’s husband, went to look after his wife who now lay unconscious. A male elf came crawling from the dust and dirt, clean and well dressed for a man in a prison. This prompted wariness among Crusaders. The two magi join Gregory, Arthur seeking questioning and arrest along with Gregory while Jaylhe sought a more level approach. I mattered little as they were then sealed into a magical bubble of arcane make. Runes and Lay energies filled the room as the air within the bubble began to thin. Arthur approached the elf and took hold of his hand where a strange crystal was housed. With a slight of magic, Arthur attempted to free the hand from its parasite, however, the mad Wizard Werados came forth as a magical head in a bubble to first kill the elf using the magic in the crystal and taunt the heroes. Struggle as they would, there seemed to be no freedom.

Arthur mentioned there may be a feed of some kind fueling the barrier from the outside of it. Johnathan went to work searching. Fearing for his wife’s safety, he placed her on his back as he went on to look for the key to the Crusade’s freedom. It was a few moments before he found the catalyst. He could lift and destroy it on the ground, but his burden was too great with his wife laying helplessly on his back. With much reluctance, he put the matron of Pyrestone down, lifted the crystal, weakened it with his shadow spells then smashed it to bits. The Crusade was freed, but shaken from their ordeal.

As Johnathan turned to check on his wife, he found her standing, eye glazed and movements jittery. Without a word, she vanished into the shadows. Werados cackled as he claims his prize. The Pirate noble, once prisoner to his home, returns. Defeated, the Crusade with their companion retreat to regroup and fight another day.

[gregorypenman]

The Blood of Shadow

The heroes find themselves trudging through dampen soil, muddied from the constant rain. Ahead, perched ominously atop a dead-scarred hill, rests the forsaken home of nobles long past. Made vacant by war and crumbling to the elements, a howl of terror and pain sweeps through the cracks in the walls and broken windows. The cobble on the ground had been chipped and pebbled as moss grows around weeds and fungi, collecting a colony of insects and small animals who congregated with intent to feast upon the pecking order. A broken statue, shattered at the shoulders and robed in tattered cloth, watched over the courtyard as its unwilling guardian. Drawing near to the mansion brought with it an unnatural coldness that rattled the bones down to the marrow. At the front, the wooden gateway to hell.

The door opens. Passing through the great doorway, barely fixed upon its hinges, produced a shrilling creak as dust and cobweb spilled on those who stood too closely to witness the hatching of the once proud entrance to the foyer of magnificence and piety, now the portal to damnation, coupled with uncertainty and fear. Mold painted the walls and ceiling, offering an air of bated breath and hacking coughs. The floor carved of now rotten wood, decaying from the years of water damaged and unkempt disorder. The heroes would find no pause to their advance here, save for any who would find the wisdom to press on no further.

The courageous and foolish alike make tracks on the sawdust flooring of the disheveled mansion, finding that with each step came the groans of weakened architecture as they moved purposefully toward the next room beyond an iron gate.

Moving through the bent and twisted metal bars saw that any rumor of this place had not been without merit. Ghosts and ghoul stammered throughout the room, no sense of direction or path among the broken tables and overturn shelves. This place looked to be that of a ballroom, once ready to be filled with high society and the wealthy, now housing the damned. The drooling geist, some covered in fungus while others wrapped in a weak layer of pink skin, shamble about slowly looking for scraps of what remain of past excavators. Six unholy creatures have claimed this room as their own and upon the heroes’ arrival, the creatures of hell, acing upon their instinct, charged fully into combat. Emillea, a paladin of the Redsteel, took point and with a call to the holy Light, brought down a pillar of righteous flame that consumed the terrors. This brilliant attack weakened their foe greatly, but the bile and pus of the unfortunate creatures spilled forth upon hero and damaged furniture. The other party members rushed forth to finish the enemy off. The mages Jaylhe and Arthur cast their spells from the rear while Gregory cut his way into one of the burning monsters. The final party member, Tindryst a Death Knight and ally of Doctor Dewfall, decided to conserve his energy as his companions would see to success.

 Victory over the monstrosities came not without its curse. The bile and corruption of the beasts and setting weigh heavily on even the most stalwart champion. Torches burned bright along the hall, offered the illusion of safety as the burning light chased away the darkness. Sinking deeper into the mansion, it calls to the heroes to venture further. What truly drives them? Valor or curiosity? It matters little as they went.

A deviating room filled of valuables of knowledge and worship made itself known. Books and holy relic of familiar sects littered the ground and walls, occult symbols and drawings scattered among the dirt and stone. These items seemed to hold magic, perhaps blessings? Or would curses find life? The heroes would find out soon as they dug through the items, looking for anything of use. Jaylhe, ever the curious and eager, produced a wand from the filth and held it firm for inspection. The trinket, however, did not take kindly to being disturbed and thus a surge of corrupted magic over took the mage, giving her a mild illness and weakening her slightly. Arthur carefully inspected the parchments and drawings until he found one he recognized. A symbol of greater wisdom which when absorbed granted the timid wizard amplifications to his casts. Gregory lifted a book of the Holy Scripture. The librim held in it a small portion of holy energy that awaited release. As the pages flipped open, the blessing radiated onto the paladin, offering his strength a much welcome boon. Emillea and Tindryst opted to forgo any rummaging as they were uncertain of the curiousness that any of these items would befall. Once the party had readied themselves, they marched further into the dark abyss.

Leaving this room brought the heroes to Yet another space of impending darkness. However, this one held no cruelty. The howls of damnation and the morose calls of the undead paled to a silence behind these walls. Respite, or trap? The party chose to rest their weary bodies among the quiet and collect their mettle and catch their breath. Gregory turns to Emillea, seeing her uncertainty and stress building as the mission continued. He reached a hand out and beckoned her to join him in brief prayer. The lady knight agreed and the two knelt in front of one another, hands held together, and prayed. Holy energy stirred in the young paladin as he sang a prayer of protection for his companion. He shimmered with Light before the energy transferred from him to her, offering a blessing to calm his ally. Jaylhe also decided to offer comfort to their new friend the Death Knight. She reached around her neck to unclip her jewelry and hand it off to him. The necklace is a treasure, taken from the slug monster’s pile from their previous mission. She felt the magics within the charm would offer the Death Knight an increase to his power and hopefully a protective wall the others can rally behind. As the group offered comfort to one another and took their rest from the evil that lurked outside the dome of safety, they were revitalized and ready to continue their mission.

Freshly rested and renewed, the heroes Follow the tracks of gnawed bones, ripped flesh, and partly filled packs. These discarded materials brought the heroes to a room filled the broken remains of their predecessors. Among them sat a beast of otherworldly terror. A creature unlike any witnessed in the past. Its pink skin and patches of hair made it seem as if it once personified humanity, but what has become of him? Bloated and pulsing as it dined on the remains of humanoids who looked much like the heroes who have come stumbling upon its discovery. Their task was clear, this malformed insult to nature must be destroyed. Turning at an alarming speed, the creature wasted no time in attacking with large meaty claws. Jaylhe, disgusted not by the creature, but the process to which it would have taken to create it, stood ready at the back as it charged. With an incantation and her fury, she conjured a cage of ice spears that stopped the monster in its tracks, pinning it in place so that her allies may bring the sorrowful, beast to a merciful end. The beast was swiftly destroyed by the heroes and cremated in holy fire. As the bulbous monster burned after its death, the heroes turned away from it to move on, hoping to end whatever madness would born such corruption.

Another room of riches, relics and symbols presented itself to the heroes, minor enchantments and trinkets of varied races lined the shelves and hung from hooks. Troll voodoo sacks, Harpy hex bags, Arakkoa shadow vials, and the like. Weapons against the coming storm, or hindrances awaiting foolish adventurers? Again, they pore over the items in the room, looking for anything that can be used against the darkness. Arthur with his attunement with magic finds a wooden staff carved from the branch of the world tree. The weapon still held much power in it and even holding it gave the mage an increase to his potential. Jaylhe took for herself a locket to which she pocketed before moving to Arthur. Tindryst and Emillea this time decided to join the adventurers in scavenging and found for themselves a tapestry enchanted with a protective spell for the Death Knight and earrings teeming with arcane magic for the Paladin. Gregory pinned a medallion onto his chest guard which seemed to produce a thin aura of energy around his person.

Fully armed and ready, they group moves to the final room. This space brought to light a nightmarish sight as the walls lined with cages filled with deformed monsters much like the ones faced previously. A burning anger and crippling carnage pulsing from each of them. Their jailers carrying on as if nothing had been the matter. In the middle of it all, a dark crystal smoking with evil intent. The obvious source of these experiments. Stepping into the room, the heroes could feel their bodies tingle with an itch, the crystals effects striking them instantly. This alerted the Ensemble, and the shadowmancers were quick to attack, releasing the monsters to join the ensuing fight. Waves of enemies bore down on the heroes as barrages of shadow bolts pelted the champions of the Light. The paladins and Death Knight took the front, protecting the mages as they fired the enemies too far out of range for the melee trained allies. The Knights of Death and Light used their skills to keep any charging beast or dagger wielding cultist at bay.

With each fallen foe, the rest began to grow in strength. The crystal now focuses its power to less and less targets which granted more and more power. A shadow bolt frees its way past the party and into Jaylhe, causing her to collapse. Gregory turns to help his Second in command to her feet as the Tindryst and Emillea close the gap. The young commander prays to the Light to heal the enchantress. The Light answers and the woman is back on her feet and ready to fight. They both enter combat once again but the enemy not grew even stronger as they continued to be cut down.

Tindryst took it upon himself to leave the group’s side and enter the fray as a solo fighter. Holding his own, the Mages and Paladins began to work their magics and blessings respectively to bring an end to the nightmare. Crafting a ball of ice and arcane, the mages let loose a bomb on the remaining flesh beasts that had grown to worrying size. The monster vaporized in moments. On the other side, the paladins call to the Light for its favor, combining their strength and will to create a pillar of righteous flame that engulfed the area and burned any and all in its path.

The chamber grew silent and when the smoked cleared, they were all that remain. Tindryst returned to the group, gore and frost all about his person. With the threat destroyed, all that remained was the crystal. Jaylhe and Arthur went to work in destroying the crystal as Gregory looked on, worried that this was not the end. They have yet to find the mastermind behind this evil.

[gregorypenman]

Fungal Grave

A week has gone by with the Crusade hard at work to find their target. A lead comes to them in the form of a small village in northern Redridge. The letter sounds urgent and the details of the happenings match those of what escaped the Island. The azure heroes left no time for hesitation as Commanders Gregory and Jaylhe, Officers Arthur and Lillian, and their companion Lady Breiana Fairfax, set out to the village.

A short portal later, the group of crusaders found themselves face to face with a graveyard, where the happenings were said to mostly take place. Damaged and decaying trees decorate the desecrated lands. Pulsing mold and growing fungus paved the stone and poisoned soil, leading out towards the crumbling grave stones and tombs. Creatures born of nature and warped by necromancy were said to now call this blackened place home.

Crossing the field of collected mortality proved to be taxing as from the tainted bark came foul beasts of earth and blood. Plant-like creatures, festering from an itch for death, surround the heroes in seconds as the living mushrooms and pollen-like creatures stumbled into place. Clouds of poisonous spores fogged the area and quick action must be taken. The heroes were overwhelmed and fighting would lead to their suffocating from the noxious gases. With no other choice,  the team ran.

Freeing themselves from the blistering carnage of the fungal foe, the heroes dodge swiftly into the caves ahead. A dampness took over, as the air became harder and more unpleasant to breathe. Down the Warrened cavern lay diverging paths, optional halls for the heroes to explore if they feel themselves adventurous. Curiosity: A blessing and a curse.

The first of the separating tunnels housed a slumbering threat, yet unaware of the intruding party. Around it, gold and things of use to make this expedition purchasable. A nest of treasures ripe for the taking should anyone foolish enough endeavor to collect. Seeing the use in the items for future need, the heroes set forth to challenge the beast for its riches.

Greed is a heavy burden. A lesson to be learned on this day. The monster, flaring with unbridled fury and foul smelling odor, lashes out at the heroes, seeking an end to the disruption of its once peaceful sleep. Stepping upon massive hind legs, the beast lifts its great morphless form, equal to that of a slime or slug, and slams down, creating a fissure underneath the party. The waking monstrosity wastes no time in entering combat. While the heroes dealt with the shaking cavern and falling rocks, the monster spawned insects the size of cattle to aid it. All at once, the monsters carry out their malicious intent upon the heroes, sending claws and acid at the Crusaders. The beasts would grasp the upper hand, and continue their onslaught. However, the magi would not stand for being feed for these insectoids and with a moment to focus, Jaylhe and Arthur used their magics to freeze and burn the coming waves of winged beasts. With a glorious incineration, the bugs were no more and the path was clear. The heroes took what they required before exiting the room.

The heroes press forward with one path successfully explored. However, two remain to claim a quizzical mind. A shrine, an altar of the shadow and gods of old, smokes with frightful intent. Purification may lead to desired results. Gregory did just so, with the help of Lady Fairfax who held the vial of holy water. The pair were able to cleanse the blackness from the Altar and from its newly brightened energy, a blessing was bestowed to the party. From here, the party would enter the last room and within, meet with an unpleasant surprise.

Hooded men with the familiar insignia, such like those of the Island, roam within the room. Open creates filled with dark trinkets, fetishes and blackened candles lined the perimeter. A ritual would soon take place if the heroes did not stop it. The hooded men were made aware of their presence when a fungal spider screeched an alarm. It wasn’t long before shadow bolts filled the air. Thinking quickly, Lillian offered a shield to absorb the brunt of the attack, giving Arthur, Jaylhe and Lady Fairfax the focus they needed to cast their spells and offer proper opposition to their foe. Gregory, rather than charging in with righteous fury, opted to aid Lillian in strengthening her shield. Their team effort saw that the enemy was quickly dispatched and anything malicious or dangerous had been destroyed, save a few things collected by the Crusaders to delivered to the Kirin Tor for research.

Their long trek through the darkness of the cave came to an end and upon exiting the hellish cavern, dusted with disgusting fungus, our heroes found themselves staring at a distance toward a mansion. The house teemed with chaotic energies and the feel of fear and sorrow. Whatever these roguish criminals had planned, it would be found within the Blood Manor.

[gregorypenman]

The Island

With Gracewell safe from the cursed water and twisted monsters born of it, the heroes of House Redsteel and the Sapphire Crusade set out to find the source of these eldritch nightmares. Their melee in the forests surrounding the Manor gave them what knowledge they required to face their new foe. The monsters did not possess the ability to transfer the curse, nor did the water effect the flora. The chemicals and magic used in the concoction had been specified to direct contact to flesh and blood. Larger creatures looked to have been immune to the curse as bears, wolves, and deer were found unchanged. Squirrels, rabbits, and frogs, however, sprout from tall grass, and bush, with extra appendages, eyes, claws and sharpened teeth. This realization concluded the magic to still be in its infancy, someone recreating magics of a terrible history.

Research on what potion could be found pointed the heroes to Westfall, a land shaped to poverty and elemental cruelty that birthed criminals as an unfortunate result. Gregory and Hadwyn scouted the lands for any abnormalities. Though fel-tainted by the war, Westfall carried its old, dusted charm. No panic of monsters, or guard out of place. Business carried on without change, a welcoming sight to be sure. The pair head to the beach to investigate further, finding little to conclude that this curse had been crafted in humble beginnings. Upon reaching the course grounds of sand and stone, the Crusaders found a party of three adventurers looking out to sea with confusion. The glory seekers spoke openly to one another of a cave out in the middle of the water and its bounty of treasure that lay within. Unfortunately, they lacked the means to reach it. Failed in their adventure, they turned to walk away from the ocean, passing the two, blue cladded, warriors.

Later that day, Gregory called in favor from the young Lord Redsteel in the form of his soldiers and one from Captain Pyrestone, asking for her ship. With the small army and vessel, the group made way to the smoky, shaded Island.

The ship drew near to the fog covered landmass surrounded by the sludge like shadow. From the fog grew morphing aquatic life, taking the form of hellish monsters. Sickening was the sound of their howls, but frightening is the sound of their claws as they climbed to board the ship. Disgusting fish-like monstrosities pounce upon the heroes, ready to kill. The heroes showed no pause for fear as they met the creatures head on. Magic and steel waved back and forth upon the deck of the ship, sending the bodies of the fish-like creatures to their doom. Black blood and rancid corpses littered the boards of the ship as the monsters were cut down as quickly as they entered the fray.

With the monsters dealt with, the heroes would find it opportune to make landfall. Hidden among the sandstone and salted rocks was a cave of menacing darkness. More of the howling creatures could be heard from within, as well as the foreboding sound of a heartbeat.

Entering the cavern presented a stench of death and rot. Along the walls and floor scrapped blood splatter leading to the corpses of men and women cladded in armor. Perhaps a group who first attempting to do away with the hideous creatures. Their satchels and equipment look fresh and new. Their supplies still useable. Potions of health and mana, elixirs of strength and mind, magically enriched meals. All things needed for success. The heroes, though reluctant at first, looted the corpses of their items to be put to use. These fallen heroes would see their death’s avenged.

As the heroes move on to find the source of the disturbance, the howls growing stronger as well as the foul smell. The room ahead had been scattered with runes, magic and dying elementals which granted a sight of desperation. Weak stomachs and faltering hearts would crumble at the sight. Cloaked men and women in hooded garbs worked on vials and chemicals, crafting the cursed water and in the middle of it all, an elemental tainted by corrupting shadow. Surrounding it are other cloaked individuals filling it with their destructive magics, the sound of which was like that of a beating heart. Pinned to their robes is the insignia of the Ensemble. A gold coin with skull and cross bones. It was not long before the robed foes noticed the heroes and took action. Shadow bolts and crystalized shadow daggers came in plenty.

The heroes took action as they separated to cover the room. With broad shields and heavy firepower, their attack was swift and forceful. Blows and slashes being traded from both side, warriors of Light taking the siphoning burn of shadow magic and still pressing on while the shadow fiends diminished in their strength. The heroes found no contest against their might and the enemy fell with a whimper.

Free from the shadowmancers, all prisoners of these foul magics were rescued and sent out to return from whence they came. The Elemental chained in the center of the room took its time leaving as it felt the desire to reward the heroes for their selfless deed. The aquatic guardian led the heroes to its treasure, opening its locks and chains before taking its leave.

With treasure in hand, and the island’s dark secrets solved, the heroes set their focus now on finding the mastermind behind this corruption. Whether it be a demon or a mortal seeking to spread madness in the wake of the Legion’s landing remains to be seen.

[gregorypenman]

Frightful Forest Fight

Haunted by fragmented shadows thought forgotten in fermenting hatred, the Sapphire Stronghold fell under horrific incursion. Mutant creatures of putrid flesh and sharpened claw flood into the Hamlet, bloodthirsty and acting upon pure primal instinct. Beathas, being proficient with her training in the arcane, took to crowd control as she aided the Redsteel Honor Guard in evacuating the area of civilians. Gregory stood against the raid of tainted wildlife, purging the leading brutish monsters with Holy Light and pushing the rest out of his home and into the green of the forest. Though successful in causing a retreat, he stood alone and soon, found himself surrounded.

           The nightmarish beasts made no hesitation in their attacks. Razor-like nails and gnawing maw raked with terrifying enthusiasm. Fighting with the will of the righteous crusader, Gregory held the monsters at bay, though his defenses quickly began to wane as the foe attacked with Barbaric savagery. Desperation claimed the young paladin and with options running thin, he called to the Light for its blessing. Heeding its servant’s call, the Light bolsters Gregory’s strength, protecting him in a shield of Holy energy and repelling any attack against him. Temporary salvation from the unrelenting force of these monsters. However, it is only temporary. Soon the blessing will subside and Gregory will meet his end.

           The shield fades and the monster bear down to deliver a decisive blow. At the last moment, before the creatures made contact, intervention by Votto, charging true into battle with massive swords held at the ready, saves the paladin as he cuts down a pair of monsters, causing the rest to retreat from his ally. With a quick smile to Gregory, Votto stands ready to fight. As the paladin join his friend’s side to combat the evil before them, jolts of arcane flash forth from the distance behind the heroes, serving as the cause of death for one of the mindless eldritch abominations. Arthur, posed with hands held in front and smoked with arcane residue, joins the fray. He too takes a place with the others in their fight, readying his magic in a collection of mana within his palm. Commander Jaylhe’s message to the Sapphire Crusade had reached and the trio stood ready as the horrors regaining their position. They attack quickly and with great determination.

Arthur leads the charge with a series of conjured mana mines scattered through the field ready to burst upon contact. With this insurance, Votto and Greogry charged in to cut through any enemy that would miss the cunning mage’s traps. Like a metallic whirlwind, Votto sweeps through the foe with ease. Though he would find injury in cuts and slashes, his massive form and combatant’s spirit ignores the pain and carries on, retaliating with stronger cuts and slashes of his own. Gregory pauses his attack, watching as Votto’s steel made the perfect offensive wall in combination with Arthur’s mana mines. The duo complimented each other, one keeping the attention of the cruel twisted beasts while the other casts freely upon them. Gregory offered aid to his allies not with sword, but through prayer. As Arthur and Votto fought, the Holy Light would find their forms and offer blessings against the evil. Votto’s wounds healed as quickly as they were made and Arthur’s attacks amplify with holy energy. The men grasp victory as these monster falter to their might.

With success within the heroes’ wake, Lillian and Hadwyn come running out from the darkness of the trees and bushes, breathless and reeling in frustration. Behind, a horde of the fiends rush toward them with salivation and burning rage. One of the larger monster break from the pack to attack the newly arrived pair but found only a shield of magic to claw on as Arthur quickly manifests a protective barrier on the two. The shield disappears after one attack but it was all Lillain and Hadwyn needed to thrust their blades forward to impale and end the monster’s life.  Four best yet remain and as they pressed upon the paladins, Votto charges in with a fierce battle cry, decapitating one monster and pushing its body into the others, giving Lillian and Hadwyn time to recuperate. Hadwyn stands at Votto’s side, ready to fight beside his Husband while Lillian joined Gregory in prayer, increasing the Light’s energy as it supports the others in combating the scourge of creatures.

The Crusaders, through team work and glorious valor, triumph over the nightmare invading Gracewell. The five fighters gaze upon the field and see monsters strewn across the ground, defeated. They had won the battle, but the war continues. With the threat neutralized, the warriors return to the Stronghold to well-earned rest and to plan. These monsters were crafted, not by nature or evolution, and the Sapphire Crusade would find those  responsible.

Mentioned: @rider-of-slaughter @lillian-aherys @grumpdargon @beathas-starflare @jaylhe @lazy-torterra

[gregorypenman]

The Whole Sapphire Crusade family ready to mobilize then relax!

@lillian-aherys @rider-of-slaughter @syliune @grumpdargon @moxie-bravo @lazy-torterra

[gregorypenman]

A Nightmarish Experience

Dazed and absent minded, Gregory stands in full plated armor upon the field of battle. A fel-fire ball comes whizzing past his head, causing the idle paladin to come to his senses. Around him he hears the clattering of men and women fighting against a demonic foe, green fire and scorched earth defiled the land as the sky burned a terrible shade of Malachite. Before him, an endless wave of demons come rushing to meet the defenders, cutting them down with no effort. As the Crusader attempts to bring his sword to the ready, he feels his movements hindered and slow, as if he were chained to his position. Firmly planted in place, he could do nothing but watch as every one of the soldiers fell to the might of the Burning Legion.

The paladin fell to his knees, watching with horror as the devils bled the saviors of Azeroths dead and gained ground. It was not long before he was surrounded by the ocean of foul smelling horrors and darkness taking him from the world. Knelt down and arms wrapped around himself, Gregory opens his eyes to see the darkness. A room so void of light he could not see his hand before him. Again, he turns to find any sign of an exit. It was a hopeless endeavor but not completely without reward. Turning to face the opposite direction, Gregory sees a dim spotlight in the distance. He runs it with hope in his heart the it may be a way out. Unfortunately, upon reaching the light, it showed not an exit, but two men fighting, one broken and bleeding underneath the other who laughed maniacally as they delivered brutality. Gregory pushes the man off of his victim to see that the victim was himself, near death and praying desperately for life. He then turns his attention to the insane one and looked on with horror to see that this man, who so willingly caused harm to another, was also a mirror image. Gregory slowly backs away from the two as they lay on their backs praying and laughing respectively. He stumbles and falls backward into a hole, screams of panic leaving his throat.

Opening his eyes, the paladin sees the ceiling to a house, woodwork with finely crafted pictures of nature etched into it. He slowly stands and inspects the room, not taking long to see Beathas, his beloved, sleeping in a bed, wearing her bedtime clothing. She awakens and slowly moves to a sit then holds her arms out for an embrace. Gregory leans into a step but is bumped out of the way by Hector who comes into the room with heavy footsteps leading to Beathas who then wraps her arms around him, placing a kiss on his cheek. Gregory feels his heart sink and further deepen as Hector climbs into bed with her. He could not allow such disrespect and rushed to pull back the covers only to find a hideous creature of tooth and claw staring at him with empty, cold eyes. Stunned with shock, Gregory could do nothing but watch as the monster used its wet claw to slice his throat. Again. Gregory falls back, blood splatting onto his face as the room went black.

Gregory awakes to find himself falling down a well. The bricks and moss covered walls fly past him at great speeds as he descends. The paladin felt as if he’d been falling for quite some time as he grew more impatient to hit the ground and be released from this hell. He got his wish and slammed into the floor of the well, however death did not take him. He felt no pain and no blood lose or broken bones afflicted him. He stood up and looked around to see his friends and family surrounding him. All the people he had met and loved closed in on him as their features morphed into horrible creatures of ancient myths. When they were finally upon the paladin, they lunged at one another to create a mass of flesh and spikes. The gruesome display lasts only a moment before it melted away to reveal Mother Linda, the mother Gregory knew. Without hesitation, the boy rushed to his mother and held her in his arms, feeling comfort at last from this hellish place. Though, it was not to be so as within her caress, a spike came forth, impaling both he and her. Gregory looked down to where the spike had punctured with wide eyes and gasping breaths. He tried to speak but he could produce no sound. He falls limp as the light leaves his eyes.

A deep inhale and a jerk forward brings Gregory out of his nightmare. He lifts his head and looks around, breathing heavily and sweating at the darkened room, his eyes darting to each shadow crafted by the moonlight. He gasps as he feels movement to his side, glancing to his left to see Beathas as she fidgets some in her sleep, her arms wrapped around his bicep. With the sounds of silence, he rests his head back and looks at the ceiling’s woodwork, appreciating the finely crafted pictures of nature etched into it as he tried to remember the dream and what it could mean.

@lillian-aherys @rider-of-slaughter @syliune @grumpdargon @moxie-bravo @breiana-fairfax 

[gregorypenman]

Meditation tips

Lord Grifyn,

Over my training as an arcane mage I have been instructed to what seems to be no end on meditation and the necessities of it from various magi, religious teachers, and general people who wished to find themselves relaxing or gain an inner peace. While I cannot give you every single lesson over a hundred years of learning, I can give you the ones that helped me.

While this is irrelevant perhaps, it should help to know that arcane requires a firm handle on discipline and control, as it is an addictive and volatile magic. I know that it can be frustrating to not have that grasp when trying to gain ground in an unfamiliar situation. Hopefully these tips can help you find your footing.

1. You need to be relaxed, prepared, and willing to put some time into this. Find a comfortable space of your own that suits your needs. For example, if you need a quiet setting to focus try the chapel, while some prefer a touch of background noises and may opt for outside near the sparring area. Wherever you chose prepare to be there for some time, setting aside at least 30 minutes to an hour. Bring some water or tea, eat before, go use the restroom, all those things that would disturb your focus beforehand. It sounds silly but you cannot focus real well if all you can think about is your stomach growling out for food. Tell people who may need you that you will be occupied for the next 30-60 minutes and cannot be disturbed, unless it is an emergency of course.

2. Once you are comfortable, close your eyes and think about what you are trying to control. In my case, I literally picture a purple ball of arcane in my hands. In yours, it’d be a ball or glow of Light, or however you wish. Picture it floating in your hand, being guided as you move it this way and that, it growing in power as you will it to or shrinking as you want it to dim. “Forcing” is not a good term to use, as that implies the magic came against its will. As you want the magic to come to you naturally, you want to motivate it, and picture yourself conjuring it with ease. Imagine it warming your core and giving you a feeling of satisfaction to watch it happen because you urged it to do so.

3. Continue this, experimenting with other visualizations. Perhaps picture yourself wielding the Light in battle and being victorious. Whatever idea or thought that drives you to learn this, whatever aspirations you have, use it to motivate and drive your ultimate goal of control.

4. Once done, congratulate yourself and smile! Silly, perhaps, but also key as it reinforces that you want to do this again to gain the discipline needed. Practice meditating once a day, even twice if you feel up to it. Repetition is key to helping you gain your control. 

Feel free to ask me any questions, or voice concerns.

Sincerely, Beathas Starflare

Miss Aura,

As well as giving you a copy of the tips I gave Grif, I wanted to add some things that may help him that you can try as well.

See if he would like to meditate with you. Having someone there who wont judge you or simply put, loves and cares for you, is a good way to instantly let your guard down and relax. Plus that way you can insure he actually attempts to meditate, and guide him through it if he gets frustrated.

If he doesn’t allow you, that’s also ok. It is odd to sit in a silent room for a stretch of time and not talk, touch, etc. If he does though, peer over to him occasionally, see if he is conjuring the Light. I was told some magi would emit a soft purple energy from their hands or chest, even their entire body as they meditated. They were actually flowing arcane energies as they thought to control and master it but sadly they had no recollection of it. Who knows if it actually occurred or was just something our archmage told us as motivation, but… I don’t think of it as being too far out of the realm of possibility.

As if I really have to say this but continue be a calming presence as he does try to do this. You are an exceptionally calm and collected person I have noticed, and this would be nice to have around as he may get frustrated or annoyed that it doesn’t work instantly. Encourage him to keep at it. Give him rewards for doing his daily meditations, something that would motivate him to do it again tomorrow. After a while you wont need to give him the rewards as he will do it on his own hopefully.

Feel free to ask me anything or update me on his progress or set backs.

Yours truly, Beathas Starflare

((For @auralaith and @bastard-of-redsteel to add to @miriredsteel tips! Those at the rp: @grumpdargon @gregorypenman Edit because I can’t tag it seems))