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JollyDoc's Serpent's Skull-updated 11/6/2011
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<blockquote data-quote="JollyDoc" data-source="post: 5611582" data-attributes="member: 9546"><p><strong>Arioch</strong></p><p></p><p>RUNNING SCARED</p><p></p><p></p><p>Lord-Hunter Thixon, Hellknight of the Order of the Gate, strode into the Great Hall of Citadel Enferac. Seated before him was Vicarius Giordano Torchia, General of the Order, and his high council. Various other members of the Order were seated around the room, but none of these were worthy of Thixon’s attention, let alone respect.</p><p></p><p>The Hellknight bowed before Giordano, declaring, “I came as soon as I received your message. What is thy bidding, my master?”</p><p></p><p>Giordano steepled his fingers, softly drumming them together. “Based on information obtained from our Infernal contacts, we have learned that the former Hellcaller Deneth has fled to the Shackles Isles. Using powers learned here amongst his brothers of the Order of the Gate, Deneth is using dark powers to wreak havoc there. If the other Hellknight Orders catch wind that one of our own is freely committing such crimes it will reflect badly on Citadel Enferac and the Order of the Gate. At best, this would diminish our reputation and prestige. At worst the other Orders, already suspicious of our Infernal contacts and ties, may institute a pogrom against us. The Apostate must be dealt with, and it must be done quickly. Are you the man for the job?”</p><p></p><p>Thixon pursed his lips, nodding slowly. “Of course my lord. I will begin the hunt immediately. Do you want me to return him here to the Citadel?”</p><p></p><p>The Vicarius looked from one side of the council to the other. Clearing his throat, he responded, “The Council and I agree that Deneth should be eliminated where he is found. He is too dangerous, and too likely to find a way to escape once captured. His head should be sufficient proof of death.”</p><p></p><p>The knight grinned darkly, showing his teeth. “Excellent my lord. Now if you will excuse me…”</p><p></p><p>Giordano raised his hand, interrupting Thixon. “We have also decided that we would like for you to have companion on your journey. Arioch, present yourself.”</p><p></p><p>From the throng witnessing the meeting, a lone half-orc stepped forward, dressed in the uniform of one of the Hellcaller acolytes. The half-orc bowed before Giordano and the Council, then turned and offered the same to Thixon. “I would be honored to assist in handling the Apostate Deneth.”</p><p></p><p>“My Lord!” Thixon spat. “You know I don’t need help in this, let along from one of Deneth’s Hellcaller apprentices. This…” Thixon cut Arioch with his narrowed gaze, “boy has no business on this mission and will only serve to hinder its success.”</p><p></p><p>Giordano waved his hands, dismissing Thixon’s protestations. “Lord Knight, you are among the most trusted of our Hellknights, and you are more than capable in handling Deneth. However, Arioch has completed his Hellcaller training and his proficiency as a summoner is formidable. His knowledge of planar creatures and Deneth himself will be of use to you. You will take him with you.”</p><p></p><p>Thixon grunted, but bowed. “My lord.” He turned an about-face, and began to head out of the chamber. Arioch shuffled quickly after him.</p><p></p><p>As the pair passed the chamber doors, Thixon cut a quick glance at the young half-orc. “I swear, boy, if you slow me down I will gut you myself and find someone to blame it on.”</p><p></p><p>Arioch gulped, but nodded.</p><p>______________________________________________________________</p><p></p><p>The Hamatula, known to mortals as a barbed devil, grabbed both of Thixon’s arms, and pulled both limbs towards him with its massive otherworldly strength. With a quick kick to Thixon’s chest, the fiend ripped both of the man’s arms out of their sockets and sent what was left of the Hellknight’s body flying through the air. Thixon gurgled, his eyes open wide in shock, and then fell silent.</p><p></p><p>As Arioch watched Thixon die, the summoner was overcome simultaneously with fear and the realization of failure. The two Hellknights had spent the last month-and-a-half scouring The Shackles looking for signs of Deneth. The trail had finally led to an abandoned warehouse in Port Peril, where Thixon and Arioch believed that they had the summoner cornered, but in reality they had walked right into his trap. Now, there was a powerful devil between Deneth and his former apprentice.</p><p></p><p>Deneth chuckled, and raised a hand to stay the barbed devil from slaying the young half-orc. “Arioch, my old friend. My, it is so good to see you. I would offer you the chance to free yourself from the manacles of the Hellknight codes and continue your tutelage under me, but I know that you wouldn’t do that…plus I would always fear that one day you would betray me. So, instead I will offer you a choice: Flee now, and I will give you a minute’s head start before my friend here starts to hunt you, or die where you stand.” Deneth’s eyes flicked over to the devil, still holding Thixon’s bloody stumps in its claws.</p><p></p><p>Arioch reviewed his options within a split second. While he, to, was able to summon creatures from the Outer Planes, the only beasts that would answer his call were so small and weak that they would be no more than gnats to Deneth and the fiends that he had at his disposal. The half-orc knew that he would die within seconds should he choose to initiate combat. The other option would be to run for his life. While this might keep him alive for a longer period of time, he would be seen by the Order as either a traitor, a deserter, a coward, or some combination of the three. The Council would always ask why Thixon died and he survived, and regardless of the answer, the questions would be enough for the Order to torture him, followed by hanging. </p><p>The latter choice at least offered a small chance of survival, and Arioch took it. He turned, and ran as fast as his feet could carry him. As he made his way into the city streets he remembered the boat that he and Thixon had purchased passage on from the coastal town of Quent to Port Peril. He had been told that they were going to be staying in port only long enough to resupply, and then they would leave tonight for the Mwangi Expanse and later the capitol city of Sargava. This might give him a chance to get off of the island before Deneth and his underlings found him and made sport of tearing him limb from limb.</p><p></p><p>Arioch turned towards the city harbor, hoping that the Jenivere had not yet left port.</p><p>___________________________________________________________</p><p></p><p>His heart still racing from the night’s events, Arioch crept into his cabin aboard the merchant vessel, and closed the door behind him. He sat down on his cot and rubbed his hands across his shaved pate. After a few seconds, the half-orc sat up straight and began concentrating, using his summoner’s training. Arioch extended his thoughts through the barriers between planes, searching for one individual consciousness. Minion, I call you to my side.</p><p></p><p>The response came back. And I will answer the call.</p><p></p><p>A small mote of light appeared in the room, and grew until it took up a space of about three feet. Stepping out of the disc of light was what appeared to be a small reptilian humanoid creature, similar to a kobold but wearing robes similar to Arioch’s. The eidolon looked to his master and bowed. The extraplanar being spoke to the summoner telepathically, “What can I do for you, master?”</p><p></p><p>Arioch shook his head. “I really don’t need you to do anything tonight, Minion. I just need someone to talk to. I’m…well, we’re in a real jam here. Thixon is dead, and Deneth is still alive. We’re fleeing The Shackles on board a merchant ship headed south, and the Council is certain to label me a traitor or coward. Either way, they’re going to want me dead.”</p><p></p><p>The eidolon shrugged. “Perhaps, or perhaps they are going to assume that you are already dead. When they use their magic to find out what happened, do you think they are going to ask about you, or do you think that they are going to ask about Thixon? If they learn that he is dead, they are most likely going to assume that you are too.”</p><p></p><p>Arioch blinked. “But what happens when I return to the Citadel?”</p><p></p><p>Minion shrugged again. “Well…I thought that was simple. Don’t go back. It’s not like you were that popular with them, being a half-orc bastard and all.”</p><p></p><p>The summoner sat back on the cot. This wasn’t something he had previously considered. They were heading away from Cheliax and the Citadel. The Order would have little reason to chase him all the way to Sargava. Perhaps he could start anew there, continuing his studies and further developing his magic. One day, after his powers had matured, he might could even challenge Deneth more fully, and then return to the Order as a conquering hero. All questions of his loyalty would be answered when he handed the Apostate’s head to the Council.</p><p></p><p>Arioch nodded at Minion. “To Sargava, then.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="JollyDoc, post: 5611582, member: 9546"] [b]Arioch[/b] RUNNING SCARED Lord-Hunter Thixon, Hellknight of the Order of the Gate, strode into the Great Hall of Citadel Enferac. Seated before him was Vicarius Giordano Torchia, General of the Order, and his high council. Various other members of the Order were seated around the room, but none of these were worthy of Thixon’s attention, let alone respect. The Hellknight bowed before Giordano, declaring, “I came as soon as I received your message. What is thy bidding, my master?” Giordano steepled his fingers, softly drumming them together. “Based on information obtained from our Infernal contacts, we have learned that the former Hellcaller Deneth has fled to the Shackles Isles. Using powers learned here amongst his brothers of the Order of the Gate, Deneth is using dark powers to wreak havoc there. If the other Hellknight Orders catch wind that one of our own is freely committing such crimes it will reflect badly on Citadel Enferac and the Order of the Gate. At best, this would diminish our reputation and prestige. At worst the other Orders, already suspicious of our Infernal contacts and ties, may institute a pogrom against us. The Apostate must be dealt with, and it must be done quickly. Are you the man for the job?” Thixon pursed his lips, nodding slowly. “Of course my lord. I will begin the hunt immediately. Do you want me to return him here to the Citadel?” The Vicarius looked from one side of the council to the other. Clearing his throat, he responded, “The Council and I agree that Deneth should be eliminated where he is found. He is too dangerous, and too likely to find a way to escape once captured. His head should be sufficient proof of death.” The knight grinned darkly, showing his teeth. “Excellent my lord. Now if you will excuse me…” Giordano raised his hand, interrupting Thixon. “We have also decided that we would like for you to have companion on your journey. Arioch, present yourself.” From the throng witnessing the meeting, a lone half-orc stepped forward, dressed in the uniform of one of the Hellcaller acolytes. The half-orc bowed before Giordano and the Council, then turned and offered the same to Thixon. “I would be honored to assist in handling the Apostate Deneth.” “My Lord!” Thixon spat. “You know I don’t need help in this, let along from one of Deneth’s Hellcaller apprentices. This…” Thixon cut Arioch with his narrowed gaze, “boy has no business on this mission and will only serve to hinder its success.” Giordano waved his hands, dismissing Thixon’s protestations. “Lord Knight, you are among the most trusted of our Hellknights, and you are more than capable in handling Deneth. However, Arioch has completed his Hellcaller training and his proficiency as a summoner is formidable. His knowledge of planar creatures and Deneth himself will be of use to you. You will take him with you.” Thixon grunted, but bowed. “My lord.” He turned an about-face, and began to head out of the chamber. Arioch shuffled quickly after him. As the pair passed the chamber doors, Thixon cut a quick glance at the young half-orc. “I swear, boy, if you slow me down I will gut you myself and find someone to blame it on.” Arioch gulped, but nodded. ______________________________________________________________ The Hamatula, known to mortals as a barbed devil, grabbed both of Thixon’s arms, and pulled both limbs towards him with its massive otherworldly strength. With a quick kick to Thixon’s chest, the fiend ripped both of the man’s arms out of their sockets and sent what was left of the Hellknight’s body flying through the air. Thixon gurgled, his eyes open wide in shock, and then fell silent. As Arioch watched Thixon die, the summoner was overcome simultaneously with fear and the realization of failure. The two Hellknights had spent the last month-and-a-half scouring The Shackles looking for signs of Deneth. The trail had finally led to an abandoned warehouse in Port Peril, where Thixon and Arioch believed that they had the summoner cornered, but in reality they had walked right into his trap. Now, there was a powerful devil between Deneth and his former apprentice. Deneth chuckled, and raised a hand to stay the barbed devil from slaying the young half-orc. “Arioch, my old friend. My, it is so good to see you. I would offer you the chance to free yourself from the manacles of the Hellknight codes and continue your tutelage under me, but I know that you wouldn’t do that…plus I would always fear that one day you would betray me. So, instead I will offer you a choice: Flee now, and I will give you a minute’s head start before my friend here starts to hunt you, or die where you stand.” Deneth’s eyes flicked over to the devil, still holding Thixon’s bloody stumps in its claws. Arioch reviewed his options within a split second. While he, to, was able to summon creatures from the Outer Planes, the only beasts that would answer his call were so small and weak that they would be no more than gnats to Deneth and the fiends that he had at his disposal. The half-orc knew that he would die within seconds should he choose to initiate combat. The other option would be to run for his life. While this might keep him alive for a longer period of time, he would be seen by the Order as either a traitor, a deserter, a coward, or some combination of the three. The Council would always ask why Thixon died and he survived, and regardless of the answer, the questions would be enough for the Order to torture him, followed by hanging. The latter choice at least offered a small chance of survival, and Arioch took it. He turned, and ran as fast as his feet could carry him. As he made his way into the city streets he remembered the boat that he and Thixon had purchased passage on from the coastal town of Quent to Port Peril. He had been told that they were going to be staying in port only long enough to resupply, and then they would leave tonight for the Mwangi Expanse and later the capitol city of Sargava. This might give him a chance to get off of the island before Deneth and his underlings found him and made sport of tearing him limb from limb. Arioch turned towards the city harbor, hoping that the Jenivere had not yet left port. ___________________________________________________________ His heart still racing from the night’s events, Arioch crept into his cabin aboard the merchant vessel, and closed the door behind him. He sat down on his cot and rubbed his hands across his shaved pate. After a few seconds, the half-orc sat up straight and began concentrating, using his summoner’s training. Arioch extended his thoughts through the barriers between planes, searching for one individual consciousness. Minion, I call you to my side. The response came back. And I will answer the call. A small mote of light appeared in the room, and grew until it took up a space of about three feet. Stepping out of the disc of light was what appeared to be a small reptilian humanoid creature, similar to a kobold but wearing robes similar to Arioch’s. The eidolon looked to his master and bowed. The extraplanar being spoke to the summoner telepathically, “What can I do for you, master?” Arioch shook his head. “I really don’t need you to do anything tonight, Minion. I just need someone to talk to. I’m…well, we’re in a real jam here. Thixon is dead, and Deneth is still alive. We’re fleeing The Shackles on board a merchant ship headed south, and the Council is certain to label me a traitor or coward. Either way, they’re going to want me dead.” The eidolon shrugged. “Perhaps, or perhaps they are going to assume that you are already dead. When they use their magic to find out what happened, do you think they are going to ask about you, or do you think that they are going to ask about Thixon? If they learn that he is dead, they are most likely going to assume that you are too.” Arioch blinked. “But what happens when I return to the Citadel?” Minion shrugged again. “Well…I thought that was simple. Don’t go back. It’s not like you were that popular with them, being a half-orc bastard and all.” The summoner sat back on the cot. This wasn’t something he had previously considered. They were heading away from Cheliax and the Citadel. The Order would have little reason to chase him all the way to Sargava. Perhaps he could start anew there, continuing his studies and further developing his magic. One day, after his powers had matured, he might could even challenge Deneth more fully, and then return to the Order as a conquering hero. All questions of his loyalty would be answered when he handed the Apostate’s head to the Council. Arioch nodded at Minion. “To Sargava, then.” [/QUOTE]
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