RP:An Introduction And A Bit Of Zombie Killing

From HollowWiki

Part of the The God of Undeath Arc


This is a Mage's Guild RP.


This is a Warrior's Guild RP.


Summary: Per Lionel's instructions for the new Warrior's Guild recruit, Caltarok, the dragon-in-human-form meets with Khitti in Cenril for a training session. She informs him of Alithyk Caluss' unrelenting zombie horde that plagues Cenril and that the training for that day would be to take out a pack of the undead. In doing so, Caltarok expresses his interest in joining the Mage's Guild as well and Khitti brings him into the guild with the intent of aiding him further with his magic in the future.

Wharf To Pier, Cenril

Khitti || It had been intended, originally, for Khitti to show up at the Halloween party on that mysterious ship that’d shown up near the Tranquility, at Cenril’s wharf. But, fate intervened and she was left to wonder just what the hell had happened there, when she saw the fires coming from not just there, but several other parts of the city that night. It turned out that the drow matron Gevurah’s hunch had been right. Now, instead of taking her shifts at her bakery like a good store owner, she was left to try to cull the continued masses of zombies that lurked throughout the port town.

Khitti || It was there at the city’s wharf, where the whole thing began with the Halloween party, that Caltarok would find the former templar, both swords out and alight--the gladius with her strange acidic shadows and the harpe with a bright, rainbow-y light. It hadn’t been long after Lionel had given Caltarok an introduction to the Warrior’s Guild that she found out she was to be the one to train him. Khitti silently questioned this. Something always seemed to go wrong when she took someone under her wing. But, she said nothing about it and returned a letter to Vigilanti Semper, addressed to the newest guild recruit, that he was to meet her there in Cenril. As she waited, she hacked and slashed at the zombies that clawed at the air for any piece of her that they could get a hold of, teeth gnashing at the strange outfit (a “dress-of-plates”, which was essentially a black, two piece silk dress with true silver plates sandwiched between the fabric) she wore, but finding no way to get through.


Caltarok having finished his tasks in Frostmaw and in the Xalious mountain range proceeded towards Cenril to meet up with Khitti. Excitement spurred him to be as quick as possible, so he had allowed his transformation spell to slacken just a bit to regrow his natural wings and allowed scales to briefly cover his human form. He had flown as quickly as possible from the Xalious mountain range towards Cenril to meet up with Khitti. Though it was only over a week since he met with Lionel and just prior to that hearing the rumors from traders about the dreaded party; he hadn't expected to find the carnage left in the wake nor the smell of death and rot raising from the city. He whispered to the sprite Slyphrena, "Before I drop the mirage and return to the human form… can you help keep me afloat on small gust of wind? I rather not land until we find Khitti and understand what is going on. The smell is not right…"

Caltarok || Getting the promise from the wind sprite, Caltarok once more began the transformation that returned everything about him back into the frail form of a human dressed in leather armors with a green cape covered in brush flowing behind him. Although, he knew that Khitti was an ally and part of the Warrior Guild. He had not yet reveal; nor plan to; of what he truly was until more trust was built between him and the guild and he knew their stance towards dragon kind. Limited in the dimming light, Caltarok moved quietly over the buildings of Cenril from her western gate with his bow drawn. He flew slowly to the south east scanning the grounds as best as he could to locate Khitti based on the description he was given. But it wasn't till he got closer to the pier that he could make out the rainbow light as a beacon, he angled towards it to find a woman floating and attacking something on the ground. He called out to her when near enough and using small amounts of magic to make his voice carry to her and to bring any reply back, "Are you the flare guardian? And would you like any assistance?"


Khitti || There was a slight reprieve in the attacks that gave Khitti a moment to look around the area for the source of the voice, booted feet turning somewhat on the stone walkway that led to further onto the pier. Crimson brows furrowed somewhat when she couldn’t find it right away. Was she hearing voices again? It wasn’t Amarrah… and it wasn’t Tenbatsu Kaji. Sure, she knew the guild’s newcomer was on his way, but the seemingly disembodied voice had caught her off-guard. “Indeed, I am the Flare Guardian, but I prefer not to be called by my titles. It makes one feel less like a person at times,” she said, giving another quick look around. It never occurred to her that maybe she should look up, but she didn’t. And it wouldn’t matter much anyway as the sun was slowly going down and Cenril’s torchlamps were being lit. “I’m Khitti… and if you’re the one I’m to be training, it’s probably best for you to come out of hiding before more of them show up again. It’s only a matter of time…” Just as she said that, another zombie wandered up. This one hadn’t seemed to give a damn about Khitti at all. In fact, it was rather busy eating what Khitti called a skyrat (aka a seagull) that it’d somehow managed to catch amongst the chaos. The redhead stared at it for what seemed like forever… and then summoned up a ball of dark purple shadowflames, tossed it at the zombies, and watched as it tried to screech as the flames engulfed it, but could not, thanks to a mouth full of bird.


Caltarok glad to having finally found Khitti began a slow descent to land casually next to her. All the while he keeps his bow steady and drawn ready to release an arrow at a moment's notice. Once his feet touched the ground, keeping an eye out for danger, "Indeed, I am the new recruit, Caltarok. Please forgive me m'lady Khitti. I wasn't sure how to call you when we met. I am not much skilled with a sword at the moment, but I am a fair shot with the bow. But not sure it would do much against… well whatever these creatures are that stink of death and rot. But what… happened here?" Whispering softly, he thanks the wind sprite for her assistance before she flutters away and disappears.


Khitti smirked somewhat as Caltarok made himself known, “Just Khitti will do. You’ll find in time that I’m no lady.” For the moment, now that the seemingly human recruit was on guard, Khitti let her own down, to give her body a rest from the fighting. “Long story short, a demi-god by the name of Alithyk Caluss is hellbent on turning everyone and everything into undead. Several months ago, he had two of the holy trees attacked. Currently, the Eternal Druid’s tree in Kelay and Xalious’ tree in Xalious are in the process of dying. Recently, on Halloween, there was a party on a weird ship nearby. A whole mass of guests turned into zombies thanks to Caluss and attacked everyone else. Anyone that didn’t get off the ship was burned, but… that wasn’t the only attack that night. People are still getting bit and sick and turning and because the city is so big it’s just neverending.” The adrenaline was starting to wear off and Khitti sighed, rubbing at her eyes. “Some people think that they might be able to be cured but… I have been in an undead invasion like this before and I honestly don’t know if there’s a point. Or time. Maybe for the ones that are still sick, but… they turn so quickly.” She frowned somewhat, putting her swords back in their proper places on her back for now. “Normal training can be boring, so I thought to have you come here and help with this. What abilities do you have? How new are you to weaponry? When the next inevitable attack comes, I need to know how much to watch your back.”


Caltarok nodding with understanding as Khitti explains everything and somewhat kicking himself for not noticing the Xalious tree was fading when he went to it last. He pauses at the question before responding, "I am okay with my sword enough to use it to fend off wild animals… but not confident that I could use it to battle any sentient being and come out alive. As for my bow, I am a decent shot and maybe can hit most targets by 300-400 paces out. I do have some magical abilities that the sprites taught… but not anything that be overly useful in battle except… hmmm…". He pauses a second considering what he can do with the sprites assistance and drawing a small inspiration from Khitti's actions with the last zombie, "Maybe I can light the arrow on fire in flight as fire seemed to be effective. Beyond this, I have little control. But Pyra and Slyphrena can act somewhat on their own… Slyphrena especially for some odd reason that I don't know."


Khitti listened intently as olive-green eyes shifted away from Caltarok to keep an eye out for any movement. There was something… something that always stayed at the very edge of her peripheral, but it wasn’t a zombie. The shadow elemental that had been stalking her for several weeks now was watching, always. It studied her. It was confused as to how someone from this plane of existence was capable of wielding the Shadow Plane’s magic without it killing her. Little did it know, it -had- before. “Fire is good. Besides light and holy magic, and dragon’s blood, fire works just as well against undead,” Khitti said, returning her attention to the other human and offering him a faint smile. “Do not worry about us getting overwhelmed. I’m quite adept at dealing with this sort of undead. Take your time. Breathe. Focus your thoughts on the fire as you let loose your arrows. See the fire and will it into being. If this serves to not work well in aiding you, we can opt for a more traditional setting very soon. This was merely a ‘kill two birds with one stone’ situation.” Something that was definitely not the shadow elemental scurried around near the old dilapidated coral castle nearby. “Hmm. Stay here. I’m going to round them up and bring them to us. Be ready!” Without delay, the redhead was gone, her shadow-stepping ability taking her closer to the castle momentarily, a ‘bamf’ sound and a wisp of shadows left in her wake. Purple flames could be seen in the distance, placed strategically around the horde to corral them, like a herder with their sheep. “Come on! You want dinner don’t you?” She screamed at them obscenities galore, getting their attention as they shied away from the fire, and when she shadow-stepped again some yards away, they followed. Like the pied piper, she led the zombies back to the wharf--and back to Caltarok.


Caltarok twitched nervously and almost loosed the arrow at the mention of dragon's blood. He knew he had a strong dislike for the undead and for anything that disrupted the natural order of life… but the casual mention of it. But before anything further could be said and hoping his reaction went unnoticed as Khitti began to coral the zombies towards them. Caltarok called upon the fire sprite, Pyra as he drew the tension again on his bow and took what Khitti instructed into practice. "Pyra… keep them contained…" With no further instruction, the sprite took the instructions and flew off in a shape of a small hawk made of flames to dart amongst the zombies to cause confusion. Caltarok began to release one arrow after another towards the creatures as quick and as accurately that he could. Each time, his magic rippled and flare. Igniting a few arrows completely to the point they became a fireball with the shaft burning away completely other times they failed to ignite altogether or with a fire not strong enough to keep ablaze. The accuracy of the spell turned into about every 3rd or 5th arrow properly igniting only on the head of the arrow allowing the shaft to drive the attack home in either the chest or head.


Khitti probably would’ve been a little more tactful if she knew Caltarok was a dragon. Maybe. Her interactions with dragons were usually hit or miss. But, the way she said it, there didn’t seem to be animosity towards his kin, and perhaps the mention was just for knowledge’s sake. When she returned from the castle, her short range teleportation brought her right behind Caltarok, giving herself a moment to retrieve her swords again. “You’re doing well. It might not seem like it, but for some it can take quite a while to be able to manifest magic onto weapons. It’s one thing to conjure it in one’s palm, where you can recite the incantation or use the somatic gestures needed to do so. But, to do so on a weapon and keep there for even a few moments, it can prove to be rather difficult.” She was very much about positive reinforcement, but the words she offered were brief as she too went after the zombies. “I shall have to let you try out my black ice bow one day. If you like it enough, and if archery becomes the thing you prefer most, perhaps the guild could commission one for you, as they did for me,” she said to him casually as she decapitated one zombie, while using the hook on her harpe to grab ahold of another and keep it at bay momentarily before it too lost its head.


Caltarok chuckles at the suggestions, "I just take whatever method is most effective and will keep me alive the longest. Bows are fine and all… but they have their limitations…" Almost as if fate was trying to accentuate his meaning, he finds that he is down to his last two arrows. Forgoing the magic and chance of wasting the shots, he knicks himself briefly while Khitti is distracted charging in to coat the arrowheads with some of his blood. The scent of it draws some of the zombies attention but it is a calculated risk as he fires the blood coated arrows at the zombies. The arrows graze two zombies as they stumble in the path of the shots igniting them as the dragon blood mixes with the tainted blood before the arrows lodge into the shoulder of two more zombies. Wasting no time, Caltarok stows his bow quickly and unsheathes his iron short sword moving slowly towards the fray with the sword held into of him slightly angled to cover his front side.


Khitti || “You sound a bit like me, then. It depends on the situation really, if I know what I’m getting into ahead of time. Some days, I don’t even opt for a weapon at all and will use my magic instead.” As the two of them and his sprites thinned the horde, Khitti started to do a little less attacking and a little more watching of his skills. “Other days, I will bring everything, because fate is not exactly kind to me.” Ever so carefully, she evaded a couple zombies, sidestepping around them to give them a push in Caltarok’s direction. “I do envy those that can dedicate themselves to one weapon, though. The former guild leader, Queen Hildegarde, favors a shield and spear. Lionel? He’s used a sword as long as I’ve known him. The exact sword has changed, of course, but still. I’ve never been able to settle on any one thing and to be honest, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Being a jack-of-all-trades can come in handy, but…” She shrugged, still sidestepping around zombies and sending them towards the dragon-in-human-form as he picked them off.


Caltarok every so often gets his sword to ignite but never for long as he takes upon each opponent side-stepping and parrying until he can deal a direct hit. When the blade glows red on its own due to the heat from his magic, he stops goes with removing of body parts and searing the zombies with his sword. "I will probably focus solely on my bow and the sword along with my magical prowess. As I expect a long life, I should be able to obtain some mastery with the bow and sword… as for the magic. Can anyone but the gods say they have true mastery of magic?" Though being slow and deliberate each offensive strike, he begins to grow winded from the stress of the constant magical output and from the battle. "I think though having a working knowledge of each weapon and their limitations allows one to somewhat counter them better. Much like understanding how the wolves or frost giants hunt in Frostmaw; allows one to plan how to dispatch them."


Khitti || “I expect it is possible to get pretty damn close at least,” Khitti said, with regards to magic. “I’m an instructor, in both the Necromancer’s Guild and the Mage’s guild--and I suppose I’m an instructor of sorts in my own guild, the Devout’s. Not everyone is suited to become a mancer and fully specialize in one sole type of magic, I guess, but it doesn’t hurt to try. I am unable to tap into arcane magic, like the rest of the mages in Xalious, without the help of runes and sigils, but the manner in which it’s conjured is the same as my own shadow elements. Much like I told another guildmate the other night, I am willing to help those that wish it. For sixteen years I was lost, when it came to magic and weapons and all of that. I don’t wish to see that for anyone else. Especially in a place like Lithrydel, where we have things like this going on almost every day. She gestured with her gladius towards a zombie that lurched towards her, before taking to dismantling it entirely. If a necromancer happened to show up before things were properly taken care of with the bodies, she was at least going to make them work for it, if they so chose to claim the parts for themselves to make something new. Eventually, the horde was eliminated and Khitti sighed. “I think that’s enough for tonight. The guards can deal with anything further.” With her swords resheathed, she headed over to the edge of the pier, where she’d left some belongings, and withdrew a bottle of whiskey from her satchel. “Are you alright? Not hurt or anything?” The bottle was uncorked, a long drink taken, and then it was offered to Caltarok in case it was needed.


Caltarok || Seeing the enemies thinned out and finally dispatched; he sheathes his sword and begins taking deep breaths to regain his wind and some of his strength. Declining the whiskey this time, Caltarok reaches for his water bag and takes a slow draw of the water before responding, "Quite a work out that was. But I guess I can see what you mean about magic and maybe focusing on one attribute. For myself, well… I can summon sprites to assist me and I have some abilities with elements including light and darkness. Not sure I am reaching into the arcane magic all that as I reach into myself and some of the mana around us. Perhaps though, I should visit the Mage's tower to study some of their books?" He checks himself for any injuries beyond where he nicked himself. "No major injuries. Only a nick from hasty actions with my arrows thankfully. Though how did you perform those quick steps? I presume it deals with the shadow magic you called it? Seems to be extremely useful."


Khitti shrugged at Caltarok, taking another swig of her whiskey before shoving it back into her bag. “Focusing on one type of magic isn’t always the right idea. I -wish- I could actually access arcane magic like everyone else seemingly can. Being able to use all kinds makes you more versatile. You need to be able to adapt to a situation and with your being able to use both the elements -and- light and dark magic, I expect you’ll be able to be ready for everything,” she said, offering the new recruit a faint smile as she slung her satchel over her shoulder so that the bag came to rest on her hip. “And it’s called “shadow-stepping”. It’s got other names, I’m sure, but that’s what I call it. I know a couple other people with similar abilities, but theirs isn’t like mine. My magic--the dark stuff anyway--comes directly from the Shadow Plane.” As Khitti spoke, she spied a couple of Cenrili guards and she waved at them to get their attention. “Shadow magic is just a subclass of necromancy. There’s several. I like to refer to it all as “the dark arts”, because not everyone’s keen on raising the dead and all that other stereotypical necromancer stuff.” The guards took their time coming over, but Khitti was in no rush it seemed, as she kept her attention on Caltarok, “Do you… want me to assist you? Both the Mage’s and Necromancer’s Guild are always accepting people, but that doesn’t mean you have to join if you’d prefer not to. I’m not as well adept at using my light magic, but we could learn together. And regardless, I’ve access to loads of material from several different guilds, so I could even just help with research or something similar. You don’t have to decide now. Take some time to think about it.” When the guards finally made their way over, the former templar offered a nod to the both of them. “The two of us took care of another horde. Keep an eye out for more. I’ll deal with more in a few days, but if help is needed in the meantime, do contact the Warrior’s Guild and the Necromancer’s Guild.” The two nodded at Khitti, then headed off again to continue their patrol.


Caltarok considers Khitti's words carefully noting the undertone about magic prowess. He knew as a member of the celestial dragon race that he was blessed with strong magical ties and some natural instinct on how to use certain attributes and spells. But to be like Khitti and limited in what he could do, he could imagine somewhat the helpless that could be felt in some circumstances due to his childhood and watching hunters kill off his family and friends. He smiles faintly in return, "Perhaps in time I could deal with anything… but beyond my awareness of them; I am really helpless in calling upon them. If not for Pyra and Slyphrena; I doubt I could do what I did today at all." He watches and listens to Khitti provide instructions to the Cenril guards and by how promptly they respond to her direction as he mule over her other words. "I would love any assistance that you can provide me, Khitti. I had thought to enroll at the Mage's tower for instruction at least and to learn how to control my magical abilities. Maybe even instruction on spirits… seeing Pyra and Slyphrena are so different… not in attributes… but in how they act too. But I defer to you on what we should focus on there as I know as a new recruit to the Warrior's guild there is probably much needed to get me ready for the trouble that Lionel mentioned… and for whatever else this demi-god seems to be doing."


Khitti || “Well, we can work on what you -can- do. The archery and lighting your arrows or sword on fire with your magic is a good place to start. And please, don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if you have to draw on the magic of your friends here for help. I had to do the same myself for quite a long time--from two separate beings. Only just recently has my magic been made well and truly my own. But--” Khitti said, offering the new recruit a faint smile. “--for now, I think we both should get some rest. When you’re ready, we’ll continue your training properly. There’s places in both the Mage’s Guild tower and Vigilanti Semper where it’ll be safe to work on your magic. Welcome to both guilds, by the way! I’ll get the paperwork taken care of and have you added to the Mage’s Guild roster.” With that said, Khitti gave Caltarok a slight wave and headed northwest, towards her bakery.


Caltarok waves in returns and gives thanks to Khitti as she heads off. Unsure if should follow or not, he holds his place for a few minutes before heading into Cenril and towards the western gate, "Thank you, Khitti. I look foward to it all. I will head to the west and take lodging just inside the forest. I appreciate you handling the paperwork for me with the Mage's Guild as well. I look forward to our training and working with you again.