All: You slip through the trees as silently as the wind, as naught but a cold whisper of death, moving quickly and quietly towards your objective. Three days prior, the leader of your group received a tip from an informant that a caravan of holy relics was to depart the Sanctuary of the Angels. The caravan is supposedly a slow procession of monks and priests, guarded by a regiment of holy knights. Also traveling with the group is an Archangel, who appears to be leading the guard regiment. His shining white armor and bleached feathers seem to glow with radiance, even as the sun sets.

Your leader holds a map of the procession’s planned route, stretching from the Sanctuary of Angels to the Temple of Life. He bought this map off of the informant for a hefty sum of silver, right before slitting the traitor’s throat.

You come upon a narrow point in the path, where there is a sharp curve and very little visibility. You scatter amongst the trees and wait to ambush the caravan. You have orders from the leader of your group to remain hidden and unheard until he gives the order to attack.

OOC to All: Welcome to your first official Shadovar Concordance mission. Your objective is simple: kill everyone on the caravan. Loot the gold and other valuables and then disperse before any reinforcements show up. The holy knights are powerful paladins who have trained in the art of combat for many years; they are not to be harmed or killed unless I say so. This is especially true of the Archangel; he is a particularly tough foe. You will need to take him on as a group.

Your rewards will be based off of your realistic writing, post quality, teamwork, and how well you follow the rules. Remember that if you godmode or powerplay, your rewards will be drastically cut. You will have to move a cohesive unit to accomplish your tasks; charging into this fight without a plan will mean swift defeat.

Your leader for this mission will be Annihilate.

Good luck!

The shade found comfort in the shadows of the trees. He enjoyed the feeling that no one knew what was about to happen – that their presence had gone unnoticed and that the band of Shadovarine at his sides were ready and willing to participate in the festivities. Indeed, it was a joyous day, and as he crouched in the darkness of the maple trees he celebrated the joining of the two most nefarious guilds in Arda with the coming bloodshed.

He licked his lips in anticipation, and took a tight hold on his steel blades at his hips. Sweat-drops rolled down his forehead as they waited, and his mind rolled back to the briefing just a short time before the caravan came close. The scene was still fresh in his mind.

“Patience,” he said over and over again; his voice calm, his fingers trembling, and his eyes cold and heartless. The guild members seemed to be ready to jump on the opportunity even as they heard word of the slaughter, and even he was on share though he would never admit to it. No blood had even been shed yet, save for that of the informant, and everyone was eager to hear the plan as he unfolded the map and laid it across an old petrified tree stump. He had explained how the road would be coming to a very critical juncture, and while it was imperative they attack then and there it was a very likely spot for an ambush. Chances are the knight protectors would be suspecting it.

However, the appearance of the Knights, and the Archangel particularly, made things that much more dangerous. He encouraged them to take their lives quickly, precisely and with finess. It just made things more interesting for them, and he encouraged them to stay in close formations when the battle started for a tactical advantage, as well as keep on the move and not let themselves be trapped in a corner. They needed to route the Archangel away from the rest of the group, take down the knights separately, and move in for the kill. It was a difficult task with their limited numbers, but the chances of doing it successfully were a bit better than average.

Thankfully, to the convoys credit, the group did not have to wait very long before they came into view. They moved up the road quickly, and the sight of them made the shade clench his weapon’s hilt even tighter. He wore a dark color cloak and matching clothes beneath to hide within the grow around the trees, and his hair and goatee were neatly groomed and out of his face. He had marked a place in the road by twisting a branch very subtly so only they would notice. His orders were not to attack until the first wagon in the caravan had passed the point, and he was very adamant about that.

Taking a deep breath he flexed his fingers and closed his eyes. Within his mind he thought of a silent prayer to his fallen Goddess, but he whispered not a word. Some things were better left unsaid, and as the line of wagons came closer and closer down the road he couldn’t help but let the thought pass out of his mind.

No distractions.

It was time for the deep breath before the plunge.

Without any real purpose Kaz found himself traveling quite a bit. Though the path before him was uncertain, his past was soaked in the blood of opponents who had tried to best him and failed. Lately however he found himself a bit troubled with the fact that none of his fights seemed to pleasure him. His past fights hadn't been a challenge at all and he hoped that the larger scale fight soon to come would be different.

He had slowly heard news of a new group rising. Along with the rumors came a name, The Shadovar Concordance. By the name it suggested that it was an evil group. Knowing that the forces of light wouldn't stand idly by while something like this was forming he sought them out first. He knew that the opposition to the group would be great. He didn't really care much if the group was able to form he only knew that whatever was sent after them would be his best challenge to date. For if the "other" rumors were true this new guild was led by a god! Not that he really believed that, all that mattered was that the forces of light believed it. They would send only there best to take on a group supported by a god. And it was those people they sent, he was interested in fighting.

So he choose to spend a great deal of effort to track down this group. From several tips he was at last able to find one of them. In fact he was able to find on of it's leaders. Not a god though had the appearance of someone quite strong and capable it was through him that Kaz offered to join. Upon his joining however he had let it be known why he was joining and it didn't seem to be much of a problem. In fact soon after his joining a urgent mission came up. Upon hearing was they were to face he quickly offered his services. Not only to prove himself but he was looking forward to this fight greatly.

Though the details of the mission were not divulged, he was given a location and a time in which to be there. That was all that was needed at the moment, he would be given more information on site.

Which is where Kaz found himself at this time, hidden in the underbrush along with two others and the leader of the mission. Though the other two he didn't know in any detail the leader was in fact the one he had approached about the guild in the first place, one had come to be known as Annihilate. Though he had serious doubts that it was his true name he didn't press the matter, after all a persons name wasn't the most important thing on his list. Sitting before an old petrified tree stump a map of the area was laid out upon it. It was at this time that they learned of the mission, that a caravan of holy relics would be coming through on it's way to the temple of life. Guarded by holy knights and even an archangel he knew that however this turned out he would have the time of his life in this fight. They also wanted them to stay in close formations for an advantage suggesting that the knights were heavily trained. This was looking to be more of a challenge then he thought, which was all the better.

The wait for the caravan wouldn't be long. But even so he made a point to find a place to hide long before the caravan was spotted. The bells attached to his spiked hair could give his position away. He would need to remain completely still till given the order to attack. His Katana was at in hand and his mace strapped to his side if needed. It would be his strength and his ability to take a hit and keep going that got him through this alive, perhaps not in one piece but he was sure it wouldn't come to that.

Waiting he kept his eye upon the leader, once the order was given he would follow suit and attack with the others.

Sargtlin crouched in the shadows of the maple trees surrounding him, giving him protection from piercing eyes. He made sure not to move his boots any, so that they would not crack any sticks or make any noise. The hood of his cloak covered his white hair as he crouched. He waited for his prey to appear, though he was not the only hunter for once, for this was the first of the united guild the Shadovar Concordance. Part of the new guild was the Marauders, which he had been part of before it joined with the Covenant as he had been told. Their mission had been briefed to all those who were with him, waiting to hunt their prey. The leader of the mission was the one known to many as Annihilate.

His hand gripped the hilt of his ice sword in one hand, the blade that he had deigned Erthetril, while the other hand gripped one of the soft leather straps of his rune shield, though both were covered as much as possible as he could by his cloak, so as not to give off any reflection from them. He moved as little as possible, for he knew stealth would be imperative before attacking, but when it came into the main fight he would need some protection, which is why he had brought his armor along. He crouched in eager readiness, for he was wanting to fight the paladins and the Archangel that he had been told were guarding their original target: a caravan with gold and valuables on it.
"So we wait, though we must not move before the right time, or we could be put in an even more dangerous position." he thought as he gripped his sword hilt.

He knew that this mission would be extremely dangerous as well, though he didn't care that much about that, for he was eager to fight the soldiers guarding the caravan, though they were the main danger. He had been told in the mission briefing that the paladins and the Archangel were very skilled warriors. He knew that the Shadovar warriors would need to stick close to each other and support each other to make sure they took as little damage as possible. He suspected that if the paladins were as skilled as he had been told, then they would expect an ambush.

It was not long in the uncomfortably tense waiting before the caravan and it's guards came into view. His grip on his shield and sword tightened at the sight and his heart started to beat faster in his chest.
"And soon it will begin, though I hope that none of our units move before Annihilate's order." he thought as he had to restrain himself some, though he knew charging out without support would have been suicide. He waited, barely breathing as he waited for his orders to charge, waiting to strike.

They had kicked him out. Him. Nathaniel. They hadn't said it upfront of course, they were far too nice for that. They had simply suggested he might be happier elsewhere. Nevermind he went to all that trouble helping to save some woman and her child. Nevermind he was allies with most of the members. Apparently being drunk wasn't a quality they admired. Not that he cared, mind you. He'd fully intended to leave after he ran into those accepted. Wings and red eyes would haunt his nightmares for weeks to come, no doubt. Infernal wretches! They were a plague; could no one else see that?? Worse still, all were equal in that little community. Nathaniel did not believe in equality. He believed in proving your worth to get the best foothold. If all were equal then they were no better than the wretched animals!

It had taken many swigs of ale to keep from wanting to massacre the small group. Many more before it started to sound like a bad plan. Finally, when he could afford no more drinks, he let his mind wander. Like a hapless butterfly it followed the currents set out for it, touching subjects with its feather-light caress before moving on. Eventually it was smushed into the ground, wings rupturing and white-orange innards oozing out between the black exoskeleton. He'd settled on a topic. An important topic. One that couldn't be slithered around.

He needed allies.

True, he has tried for Phedre's Elite. And yes, he held the fearsome lupine female, Ita, as an amicable acquaintance. (He hesitated to claim her an ally, when she would just as likely aid him as cleave his skull in two.) However, his army was not yet large enough for that to be enough. He needed a way to filter in more allies. The more he had, the greater a risk he could pose. For to attack Nathaniel one would incite the wrath of various others. It was an old tactic, but one that had yet to fall into uselessness.

The natural reasoning was to find another guild. One that could back him. But what guild could possibly allow him to grow, while also acting accordingly? Nathaniel could begrudgingly accept certain policies and beliefs, indeed such was shown with Phedre's Elite. So long as the dolts were too thick-skulled to realize his undermining of them, it served him well. But he couldn't just throw his lot in with any group. There were others who would call him out, those who would know his mannerisms and declare him a traitor. Was it not what had happened in the Keepers?

Nathaniel knew not how his train of thought had landed on the Marauders. Nor was he certain what vixen had whispered about them in his ear. Still, that gored butterfly dragged its half carcass over to the dandelion just the same. The Marauders. Bringers of chaos. Evil, by trade. Not quite as notorious as the Shadow Covenant, and yet word had it their leader was a rising star. Someone who could be big. That along piqued his interest. Though he cared not for useless engagements in notorious activity, chaos wasn't something he'd mind. In his younger days, he'd killed a few being in the street, so as to frame those who called enemies. If he could spread chaos, then he could rise as a leader to help stop it as well.

Stop it? Did he want to stop it?

Yes! Of course he did! ...Didn't he?

No. No, chaos was good. It helped him think, eased his head aches. No, he enjoyed the chaos.

But... what did that make him, then? If he so liked it?

With a snarl he had knocked his mug over, arm shooting out sideways in frustration. Effectively ending the mute conversation. Apparently he wasn't eager to reason out just what the answer might be. Perhaps the mirror frightened him more than he realized...


Now Nathaniel was hunched in the dark forestry, along with the rest of the group. He had indeed found the Marauders, who had actually joined with another group. They were evil, vicious. Everything the rats whispered of and more. Yet, he couldn't help but feel it was important to embrace this necessary evil, to attain his goals in the long run. Once he achieved what he wanted, he could merely do away with their wicked ways. Better yet, perhaps he could reform them. Yes, that thought comforted him.

He didn't blink when they slit the informant's throat. In fact, he was vaguely surprised the man was given as clean a death as that. He failed to shy away from the one known as Annihilate as well, holding his ground while giving respect to the clear leader. And when he heard that the caravan was guarded by an Imperial Angel, he most certainly hadn't grinned in pure delight. His hand had trembled a little in anticipation, and he'd felt himself breath the air just a little faster through his nostrils.

Nathaniel wanted to claim its head. Angels were just as bad as any other race. No, they were worst. For they wore the flesh of humans, yet held none of their flaws. They were like dragons, though they hid their evil well. They could inspire men to tears for their beauty, if not to death in envious jealousy of those perfect wings. An Imperial Angel? That was even better. The pick of the crop. Killing it would be like killing a dragon, as far as he was concerned. It would prove, once and for all, that he was utterly committed to the task fate had laid before him. It would also show that no man with wings was better than a human.

The knights? He wasn't as eager to kill. He knew they had to be, and accepted their fate as it was. There would be no changing their ways -- especially if they'd seen the beauty of an Angel and sworn to it. No, they had to be disposed of. It was not unlike that old saying; every great movement requires a few martyrs. These knights could fill that role nicely.

Nathaniel willed every muscle to be still and his lungs to claim no more air, falling motionless as he waited for the command. Distantly, he could hear the creak of the caravan, as it slowly drew closer in this pitched night.

Annihilate: The caravan draws close, rounding the bend in the road and coming within only ten yards of your position. Your battle instincts tell you that now is the opportune moment to strike.

OOC to All: Remember to wait for Anni's order before beginning your assault. Teamwork is key in defeating this regiment. Work together and follow Anni's lead.

You may now continue with the topic.

Every breath and every heartbeat drew the caravan closer, and every sweat drop made the anticipation in the air more and more palpable. He took deep, long breaths, calming his shaky hands, but he could not help that feeling of apprehension that was buried deep inside of his stomach. While he had been involved in many raids and ambushes, they were not his favorite. Annihilate did not like stealth – while he favored armed combat over magic, he simply did not care for assassination or secrecy. It helped to get things done in a pinch, but there were others ways, and every time he participated in a planned assault he felt a wave of uncertainty. It was that he did not trust the people around him, he simply did not like fighting in a group. This, however, had to be done – they needed what was on those wagons to continue to fund the guild.

Annihilate watched intently as the first of the knight protectors crossed his mark. He looked to where he knew Kaz, Nathaniel and Sargtlin were positioned he nodded. “Kill them!” he barked, and then he turned and exploded from the tree line. Both blades blazed from their sheathes, blood-stained steel glimmering in the setting sun. He startled one of the Knights, who appeared no more ready for the attack than the Archangel, and he charged with no regard for the lives of the knights. He expected the other warriors to be close at his sides, and so he raised his blades and attacked with all of his pent up anger.

The knight turned to face off with the charging shade, curiosity on his face. His expression was priceless as the raging berserker came in, weapons raised, and all he could do was bring his shield to bear as the first of Annihilate’s blades came slicing downwards at his head. The blade came to a screeching halt as it cut down the front of the shield, and the Knight called out in a powerful voice, “You will pay for that, cur!” his voice burned in Annihilate’s mind as the Knight drew his own long sword, and threw his shield arm out to dislodge Anni’s sword. The Knight’s sword came slicing out from beneath his shining shield, but it missed the shade completely.

He dropped to one knee and ducked his head low. The blade passed over his head harmlessly, and Anni turned and rotated, and kicked his leg out as he swept low across the ground. The blow connected with the back of the Knight’s knees as he put all of his force behind the mid-chest level slash, and he dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. Moments later, Anni was quickly up and moving, and kept the formation as they moved on. Deep inside of him, within the cold steel of his black heart, a dragon had awoken. With the fires of chaos brewing within him it could not be contained, and with his focus on the battle at hand there were no restraints on his hatred. All of the drama and stress on his mind was vented out in this interaction, and it empowered his muscles and drove him further and further. He didn’t think, he didn’t see, he didn’t hear – he just acted. Pure instinct was driving him now.

However, just as he thought he was about to move on, the first Knight was up and coming after Anni, and he would’ve been skewered except that the Knight, in a howl of rage, charged back at the shade – a familiar move – and he swung with disregard at the shade’s neck. Annihilate turned quickly, and in reaction dropped to his knee and turned his blood stained longsword up – tip leveled at the Knight. As the Knight pressed in, the blade was aimed at his stomach – perhaps perfect to slide right between the plates of his armor.

If he had hated this sort of combat so much why was he now doing that very same thing. What was he doing? He was hiding like some stupid assassin waiting for the slaughter. Waiting for an attack was one thing but setting up an ambush to surprise the enemy in this matter upset his stomach to no end. He swore that he wouldn't be doing something like this again in the foreseeable future.

Only a few tenace moments passed till the caravan was in view. And the he wished he could just charge out in plane sight but he resisted the urge. He knew that if he did that this mission would be an utter failure and the others seemed to want what this caravan was carrying. To him however it mattered little for he was here for the battle and nothing else. If that helped them get what they wanted then good for them.


The caravan was close, the moment to attack was sure to come in mere moments. Looking to Annihilate he waited in anticipation for the order to attack. What seemed like agonizing moments was only seconds.

"Kill them!" he heard Annihilate bark. At last the order was given. Quickly jumping to his feet and Kaz rushed out to meet the enemy along with the rest. Since giving the order himself Annihilate was a little ahead then the others, so he did his best to keep up. He also made a mental note that they were spoused to stay close and fight as a unit.

Kaz rushed to face one of the holy knights. In the time it took him to get to him Annihilate had passed one and began a fight with a second. Keeping close with him and the others Kaz's knight was only a yard or so away. He was close enough to help the others if needed but far enough to give them their own space and so they didn't collide with each other. This was the moment he had waited so patiently for, he only hoped that these knights were so greatly trained as they were spoused to be.

His masterwork katana in hand he saw this fight as a sort of contest. Who would be the first to kill a knight? He would make sure he was the first to score a kill. Lashing out with words as well as his weapon in hand he shouted at the holy knight as his attack went in for the kill. "Die you filthy scum!" The attack however didn't land on it's mark. Much like with Annihilate's opponent his attack was deflected by a shield as well. Unlike the other knights this one seemed either unwilling or unable to speak as not a sound escaped from his mouth expect his heavy breathing.

Though the knight didn't speak that didn't mean he would just sit there while a large brute was attacking him without putting up a fight. Kaz standing a six feet eleven inches tall towered over the knight but neither that or his fearsome appearance deterred him from making a counter attack. With each of his movements came a soft jingle of his bells. If the opponent was smart he would use that to his advantage some how, if he was even listening that is. Thinking to try and catch him off guard however Kaz choose the time in which the counter attack was coming to make a pre attack. Still holding the hilt of the katana in his right hand he twisted his wrist to the right while bringing his arm across his body. He then brought his weapon up to slash across the mans upper chest and left shoulder. What could be a devastating hit was close to hitting it's mark. And being so close in proximity to each other he doubted it would miss that mark, or at least that was his thought process during the swing.

Sargtlin felt the unpleasant tenseness around him growing as the caravan came closer and closer, from him and he assumed from the others with him. He did not imagine that the others did not feel at least somewhat tense. He knew by that point that they would need to fight together, but he wasn't sure how much he could trust his companions. He knew that Annihilate was a very capable fighter, and he had served him before, but he did not know about the other two party members. As he was beginning to feel some of the pain from his uncomfortable position as he heard the noise of the caravan growing closer. He spotted one paladin in the group that was closer to him, the one whom he had chosen as his first target.
"Don't worry, I will try to kill you as fast as I can, for we still have work past one knight to do." he thought as he chose the man to be his first target. Fortunately for him he did not have to wait very long before he heard Annihilate's voice lash out their order, the order that would mark the beginning of bloodshed, on one side or the other.

“Kill them!”

Those words that cut through the silence awakened his lust for the fight to begin, his lust to throttle each one in turn, or to take his sword or knives and gracefully slide them through the knight's throats. A devilish smile flashed across his ebony skinned face as he pushed off of the ground with his legs, thrusting his weight forward to assault his intended target.
"Prepare to die." he thought as he charged forward at his full speed. One downside of him wearing his armor was the fact that naturally would move slower than his companions and saw that Annihilate and one of his other companions were already fighting by the time he prepared his attack, but he moved fast enough for his taste.

He raised Erthetril into the air as he lunged at his target, his shield hand firmly joining his right hand to grip the hilt of his ice sword to swing it down even harder. As he did he saw the knight turning his head around and drawing his long sword, thought he had been wise enough to keep his shield out and at the ready. He felt his sword crash into the man's shield, sliding off of the shield that the man had held at an angle to let it glide off. He was not entirely surprised, and when he felt the blow miss it's intended target he let go of it with his left hand to grip it only with his right. As he did he took a large step past the man, turning around to face the man who was now ready to fight. As he turned stepped forward to swing his sword diagonally at Sargtlin's neck, though Sargtlin was ready to intercept the man's attack, and ready to counter it. He lifted his shield up to take the blow on it instead of burying into his throat, and as he did he kept his sword's tip lowered to be level with the knight's stomach, thrusting the icy tip straight toward the man's stomach. He wasn't sure if he would wound the man or not, but he planned to try the simple maneuver. He watched in anticipation to see the effectiveness of his attack, though he made sure not to lose focus on the man's sword. Perchance the short range would help it, and perchance slip through armor or at least draw the man's attention away from Sargtlin's shield.

There was an eerie silence. A sort of lingering death, that hung just out of reach from the gallows of the sky. The faint rustle of evening winds sought to rattle this cage, though ultimately failed. Even the groan of the caravan wheels upon dusty earth held to it a sort of monotonous promise; tales of what was to unfold. Nathaniel dared not breathe, nor move. The rustling wind failed to reach him from where he was positioned, and so even his clothing was bared from treachery. It all seemed perfect; surreal, even.

Slowly, around the bend, he saw the caravan carefully arrive. Lined with priests, holy knights and, yes, the Imperial Archangel. The bright white wings shone like earthly stars, and threatened to blind those who watched too long. A terrible fate, for wings as bewitchingly beautiful as those. Nathaniel made a note to see to it the wings were claimed and brought back to the guild, perhaps mounted like some common boar's head. It would no doubt intimidate those who entered, and state at once the purpose and convictions of the Shadovar Guild.

For now, though, he needed to content himself with the orders of Annihilate, the leader of the mission and part of the guild's Triumvirate. Nathaniel felt no fear or anxiety, and instead sated his appetite by drinking the sweet wines of anticipation. This frosted thread inbetween battle, this pent up moment that spurred the orchestra on to climatic crescendo. The chilled air felt good against his face, felt pleasant against his thoughts. His whole body burned with battle fever, building to the deaf drum beat.

Unlike his companions, however, it was not born out of a desire to immediately illicit combat. Nathaniel loved trading blows, enjoyed the feel of flesh caving. But more than that, he loved the mechanisms. The planning, the preening, the surveying and perfecting. From the simple training exercises to remain in shape to the most cunning plot, all of these fed his appetite for battle. It was a shame, he mused, that they could not live as long as the build up. How glorious an endless battle would be... One without conclusion or consequence, just the constant pressure of wills alone.

Yes, that was another thing he failed to have in common with his companions. Nathaniel cared little for brute strength and the test of such physical prowess. His forte laid in the field of cunning, using his opponents weaknesses against them. And, of course, utilizing as many team members as possible. It was for this very reason he had been enjoying this mission. As the groaning of the caravan grew louder, he found the pounding of blood through veins throbbed vividly in his brain. Perhaps they would wait until it passed completely, and attack from behind? Or stay out in this brush, and use long range attacks.

"Kill them!"

Nathaniel need not look to Annihilate to know the command was issued from him, nor did he falter. Though a more silent attack would have been preferable, he was content with this. Lunging from his place of hiding, the moon sought to rain down upon his appearance for the briefest of moments. Plate armor, doused under a black jacket, and a dark red cape that moved as if air incarnae.

The attack was a smooth one, their team emerging from the shadows and flanking the group, rather than racing head on. Nathaniel approached at an angle, aiming for the caravan. As wind whipped against him he managed to outstretch a hand in the direction of the Imperial Archangel. "You've no need for your mind, beast!" A quick motion with his other hand was all it took to throw the spell confuse the way of the other.

Whether it connected or even held an affect upon the other was not to be seen, though. The knights, not prepared for his odd and angular approach at the caravan, more or less made an opening that he was able to duck through. One man stepped aside, content to let the raging buffoon lunge headfirst into the wooden caravan to dull his own senses. Nathaniel was more clever than that, though. The instant his flesh touched against the caravan he seemed to fade, his whole body disappearing into the length of it. It was as if he'd invoked some form of illusion, or teleportation.

Then he lunged out of the other side, his angular approach allowing him to lunge at the pack of knights heading for his allies. Specifically he lunged at one nearby the caravan, rolling low as he departed from the caravan and almost invisible in the black knight. Nathaniel extended his arms with whiplash precision, his wicked longsword swinging out at the back of the knees of the closest knight in hopes of severing the lower regions entirely. The mithril forged blade, complete with custom enlarging barbs that would cause even more damage if they levied in the flesh, would hopefully serve their purpose well.

As for the Imperial Archangel... he had no way of knowing whether the spell had worked or not, and refused to dwell on the subject. Even the hope of it turning the warrior against his allies in a bloodbath was something held a distance from his mind, as his focus and concentration was absolutely necessary if he was to aid in sweeping this area clean of the knights. Hopefully the distraction of the warriors attacking up front was enough for him to be able to manuever behind and attack unguarded flanks.

Annihilate: The knight runs full-on into your attack. Your blade pierces through his tough armor, impaling him completely. However, in the process, your blade becomes jammed in the plates of his armor. It will be especially hard to remove. You also notice that most of the knights seem to be swinging at you; your reputation as the Marauder's old leader precedes you, making you the primary target.

Kaz: Your slash is well-aimed, and hits its mark, but the sword fails to penetrate the knight's armor. He stumbles backwards with a large dent in his breastplate, but he is not injured and continues to charge at you.

Sargtlin: Your blade finds its mark, slipping between the man's plates and penetrating his gut. He drops his weapon and his knees buckle; he's a goner.

Nathaniel: Your Confuse spell is effective and will keep the Archangel stumbling and vulnerable for a short period of time. Your strike for the knight's knees lands and he suddenly finds himself with much shorter legs than he had a second ago. He is bleeding profusely and in such great pain that he is no longer a factor in the battle.

All: Your initial surge shocked and disorganized the enemy troops. They have recovered and are now beginning to fight as a tactical unit. Most of them are swinging at your leader, Annihilate. You should make every effort to defend him while his blade is stuck. However, the Archangel is also vulnerable; now is the best opportunity you have to attack him. You must make a choice quickly.

OOC to All: Congratulations, you have managed to fell three enemy soldiers in your initial surge. Remember to fight as a unit and not as individuals. You should be looking out for your team mates and especially for your leader, who is now in mortal danger.

You may now proceed with the topic.

There was no slow in the shade’s gait, no pause as he collected himself, for there was no time as the blades and axes of knights came slashing out at his head. As his blade impaled the knight he twisted his grip on the weapon, and back-stepped away from the fray. He put the dying knight between himself and another charging warrior, blocking a very deadly slash that collided with the dead warriors back. Anni, roaring madly at this point, placed all of his weight into a powerful kick, which dislodged his blood-stained sword from the dead warriors stomach, and sent the bulk of the dead man crashing into the warrior behind him. The pair fell to the ground, dead man on top, but Anni could not take the time to finish the job. They were suddenly gunning for him alone.

“Sargtlin, to me! Kaz, Nathanial – go for the angel!” Annihilate yelled with authority. His voice a thunderous roar amongst the tumult.

Quickly he turned both swords ready, and he intercepted a downwards slash of one of the knights with an upwards cross slash. His weapons narrowly stopped the blade from cleaving his skull in two. Quickly, he turned his weapons downwards, and slid left blade free. His right held the knight’s sword and place, and with one solid punch he sent the opposite weapon strait into the knight’s helmet – pummel first.

Immediately the shade dislodged from the fray, and rolled. A second knight approached faster than he had anticipated, and again he was denied a finishing move – but he suspected both of the previous attackers would think twice about being so fool-hardy. He just hoped they could finish the fight. The next knight slashed once, twice and then three times, but the shade adeptly dove left and right avoiding the powerful blows. There was no room for him to get hit, and if he was injured they’d be hard pressed on getting out alive. Suddenly, however, clarity blossomed in his mind. A glimpse of the future appeared to him:

He saw himself standing in that exact spot, and as he engaged the current warrior another snuck up behind him. Without warning, and with his attention pulled to one side, the warrior attacked. Anni’s cape was cut in half, and blood ran free as he hit the ground. He was dead.

Suddenly Annihilate dove left, and true to the vision in his mind another of the knight’s appeared behind him. His blade cleaved the air in half at the very spot he had stood. But to his credit he had avoided the blow. The knight he had been squared off against, however, was in perfect line to take the slash. The shade really couldn’t see if he had been hit or not, but he immediately went on the offensive. He lashed out, both blades weaving close circles all around him. The knight was pushed aback by fury of the shade’s offensive attack. Left and right, right and left, the warrior could not match the furious weavings of Annihilate’s two swords. They almost seemed to form a shell around him, and the knight was so stunned he merely back away. He saw no way to penetrate the hellish defense he had formed.

Then, without warning, Anni spun and struck. His left sword cut out like a scorpion’s tail striking the Knight’s shield very hard. There was a dent in the steel, and a new notch in the edge of the Berserker’s blade. The knight recoiled slightly and slashed out with all of his force – too much. He over exerted himself, and stretched his swing too far. Despite the years of training on the knight’s part, he had become scared as the shade fought on – seemingly impervious to all of their attacks. In desperation he swung out, but the shade rolled right beneath the swing. Then, as he came up he took one step toward the knight’s backside, and struck.

Annihilate plunged his bloodied sword strait towards the knight’s exposed back aiming to take some organ – or even his spine with the blow. Either way – as long as he was dead that was all that mattered. One less enemy was one less enemy.