RP:Confrontation & Crowning

From HollowWiki

Part of the Snow Maiden Arc



Jarl's Throne


Upon entering the room you see three frost giants. Two of the frost giants stand next to a blue-steel made throne, their armor shines strangely in the light, and their weapons remain drawn at all times. Both of the guards watch you closely should you try to attack or cause trouble, and the looks within both of their eyes clearly show they are skilled warriors. Their weapons consist of a large war axe, measuring three humans in length, the axes glow constantly and a cold chill can faintly be felt from their aura. The third frost giant, known as the Jarl, or leader, sits quietly in his throne. The muscular built giant watches you, and beside him he rests a massive two handed blade, which hums quietly in the surrounding air. The Jarl's armor is deep blue, trimmed in white, and his helmet is scarred with the various blows he has accepted in battle. His skin is equally scarred and among the flesh you can see between the plates of his full-plate armor, you can see old healed wounds. Either you have come to ask the Jarl for something or you have wandered in by accident. You should leave to the south.




Characters

  • Gunnar.
    • Frost Giant, Champion of Frostmaw.
  • Satoshi.
    • Kit Vampire, Ice Magus.
  • Kasyr.
    • Vampiric tiefling, paladin.

Chapter 6 (Final)

Satoshi doesn't 'wander in by accident' like others, her stride is too regal and determined for one aimlessly moving about. The feline's fully in her newly acquired role as Avatar of the Frostmaw legend, carrying herself imperiously from uplifted chin and right down to twin tails elegantly curved behind her. And to add to the appearance, strutting beside her is the foretold of snow gryphon, with dappled wings half-flared and golden eyes throwing a fierce gaze at the guards. That gaze is equalled by Satoshi's own amber-flecked one, albeit hers is for Ezezil alone. "You've been ignoring me." It's not a question, but a simple statement in a frosty voice that's easily heard in the throneroom, despite the feline's severely lacking size. With her words comes a sharp drop in temperature, the mage's silently stirring temper pouring magic into her voice.


Kasyr s' presence in this place comes in stark contrast to that of his fledgeling. Whereas she strives to draw attention to herself, for a purpose the tiefling can't fathom as of yet- the tiefling chooses discretion as his ally. With steps measured, so as not to make a sound, and an illusion veiling his careful entrance- Kasyr serves as the perfect guardian to the supposed 'avatar'. Really, the hybrid can't make heads or tail of the situation or what people mumble when the feline goes by. All he knows is that the familiar tugging in his soul is coaxing him to come to this place and watch. ...It sure would have been nice if he wasn't a fugitive.


Gunnar ~~ Ezezil sits within his massive throne, the muscular Jarl's stern gaze narrowing upon the site of the Ice Magus known as Satoshi. Word of this one had already spread to his ears, and the rumors of this supposed "Snow Maiden" have done great damage to the Jarl's already depleting support and loyalty of his kinsmen. Aged well now, the former Champion turned Warrior King has stayed in his position by eliminating all threats to his throne. With Vornir gone, and Gunnar leading the warbands against the exiles, Ezezil was free to focus on reestablishing his control over Frostmaw one again. But this feline, this outsider, may ruin everything. So as she makes her entrance, the Jarl leans back in his throne of blue-steel and smiles. This threat would be dealt with here and now. The Frost Giant's booming voice responds to the feline. "One cannot ignore that which does not exist." Ezezil's eyes, silvery-hued with hints of cerulean, stare down the Avatar as he continues with. "This is my kingdom wretch, take your tricks and be gone."


Satoshi allows a fleeting smile to play across her features at the Jarl's words before she looks sidelong at the gryphon, addressing the unblinking predator in a flippant tone, "Did you hear that? Clearly, we're but specters." The light mood vanishes then, as suddenly as it came on, replaced once more by a stately expression and lofty tone. "If one can ignore that which does not exist, than I can ignore you and your claim to the throne of Frostmaw. You've strayed from what was originally directed. You're no longer fit to remain here. You, and each Jarl prior, were warned." The feline's words are careful, measured, as much to retain the mindset of the Snow Maiden as to keep the stolen accents of certain others from cropping up uncalled for.


Kasyr positively shivers. The empathic resonance in this place- the tension that rested so thick in the air... It was a rewarding enough experience in itself. And then there was the free entertainment that came in the form of the Jarl and the feline 'cooly' debating. The only thing that could possibly make this any better was....well, likely mindless slaughter and a free meal. But then, the feline wasn't quite as homicidal as the tiefling was. So, the stil veiled tiefling simply tosses his arms up in the air, stretchs out, and goes on to simply fold his hands up behind his head and carry on watching the antics that ensue.


Gunnar ~~ Ezezil twitches at Satoshi's words, his right hand grasping the hilt of the mythical sword that has been passed down from each Jarl for as long as one could remember. Satoshi's words rang true, and the Jarl knows this. The sword was a gift from the Snow Maiden, as a token of trust. So long as the Jarl stays true to the pact made with the Snow Maiden, the sword would always carry him to victory. But over the years Ezezil has become corrupt with greed and pride, and has forsaken his oath, and his people. A bitter look of disdain marks his battle worn visage now, anger flooding his veins as he replies. " You do not rule, and by the pact only another Frost Giant may make a claim to ~my~ throne!" The anger is clear in his voice now, his eyes narrowed and his teeth clenched. The two guards, loyal soldiers to the Jarl, shift as they await the order to kill this supposed Snow Maiden. Ezezil shoots them both a look, and a devious smirk crosses his face as he says. " You have no power here 'Snow Maiden'."


Satoshi blinks just once as a sharp gleam comes into her eyes, that same light a cat carries when it's cornered a particularly elusive rat and is nearing the end of her game. "I'm aware of the pact, 'Jarl' Ezezil. Unlike yourself, I'm not a fool." The feline's gesture is subtle then, a hand shifting to barely graze her gryphon's wing in silent signal. As taught by Satoshi, Frostwing rears up onto her hindpaws, silver and black rosette'd wings outstretched and the talons of a snowy-owl rending the air as an ear-splitting screech issues from her black beak in a fierce battle-cry--a battle-cry arranged as a dramatic effect as well as a call to the ally waiting just paces outside the door. The Jarl's challenger.


Gunnar emerges through the twin doors leading into the Jarl's Throne Room, the Champion of Frostmaw making his way with a swagger best defined as confident to stand beside the feline. The guards, shooting one another a look, seems to shift uncomfortably. Stormbeard's eyes never leave the Jarl, no emotion is visable upon his battle scarred visage, though below the surface brews an anger that nears its boiling point. If one knew the history of the Frost Giant race, they would come to realise that Gunnar has no armor on. The reason behind this is simple, in this battle it was just your skill with your chosen weapon that determined the winner. A fight to the death. And its a clear sign to the Jarl as to why he is here. By Frost Giant law, the only giant able to challenge for the throne of the Jarl is either of his blood, or the champion who has earned this right by proving himself in battle. With the Jarl's sons having been killed by the outcast knight known as Parsithius, the only legitimate challenger left is Gunnar. And quite a challenge he will be. The Frost Giant is quite a sight, being young by his kind, Gunnar is a harbinger of destruction. His massive frame is supported by muscles toned to perfection, his arms bulging with every twitch he makes. Scars from various battles riddle his body, and he is proud of every one. In each of his hands he holds a weapon. In his offhand is the axe gifted to him by the former champion Vornir, known as the Axe of Northern Winds. In his main hand is his fabled warhammer, sheathed in the electrical current that has given it the nickname, the Warhammer of Western Storms. These deadly weapons are well known thoughout Frostmaw, and in the hands of the champion, they double in lethality. No words are exchanged as Gunnar simply stands there, the near twenty-two foot tall Frost Giant ready for the battle that is about to commence. If Kasyr thought the air was riddled with tension before, Gunnar just tripled that tenfold.


Kasyr s' only action is a simple one, the hybrid ever so carefully shuffling forward, so that he could take a place behind the feline. Whilst all these challenges did seem altogether straightforward, the tiefling did have a certain familiarity with underhanded tricks- and whilst the culture of these people made the likelihood of such a thing unlikely- the tiefling didn't particularily want to take the chance. Moreover, it allowed the still cloaked hybrid to simply be near his beloved- to soak in the particularily volatile emotions in the air, and provide her with what little reassurance that he could- if she had developed that instinctive ability to determine his proximity.


Satoshi nods solemnly to the Champion as she takes a slight step back, conceding the floor to Gunnar even as she once more addresses Ezezil--despite the enraged Jarl having eyes only for his challenger. "As I said, I'm aware of the pact. Here is your challenger. One who remembers the old ways, and one supported by the people of Frostmaw. Unlike yourself." The 'avatar' pauses then, shooting a cold glare at the two guards that shuffle anxiously in place. "You know the rules. This is not your fight. Interefere, and you face more than just myself." The bristling gryphon trembling in excited readiness beside her is the obvious part of the threat, the lesser--and more dangerous--being, of course, the tiefling that's stationed himself directly behind her. A flick of her ears back toward him is her silent signal that she's aware of his presence, and grateful for the reassurance, as always.


Gunnar ~~ Ezezil's eyes never once leave Gunnar, the Jarl's right hand fully grasping the leather-bound hilt of his sword as Satoshi's words befall his now deaf ears. The Giant stands, still an impressive sight for his age, and unstraps the breastplate he wears and lets it fall before him. The loud "clank!" echoes in the room, which has fallen silent in preparation of the battle to come. In a matter of moments Ezezil is standing in front of his throne, unarmored in accordance with the laws of his people, and ready to face his challenger. "You treacherous dog, I shall display your head on a pike before the gates for such disrespect." The Jarl spits towards Gunnar, his thick saliva flying towards his opponent. With a thunderous roar the Jarl erupts into action, launching towards the Champion with his sword drawn, yelling towards him. "Die you damned fool!" With strength accumulated over the years Ezezil thrusts his blade towards Gunnar, hoping to drive the mythical blade into the heart of his young adversary.


Gunnar Stormbeard reacts to the Jarl's rather foolhardy lunge with frightening speed; his left hand is sent forward with unsurpassed celerity and strength, the flat side of Vornir's Enchanted Axe meeting the broad side of Ezezil's sword in a quick defensive parry. Gunnar's main hand then uncurls like a snake, striking hard and fast at the aged giant's face, crushing his nose and spilling the fallen king's blood upon the ice covered floor. Without hesitation the Champion of Frostmaw carries through on his defensive attack, and spins upon his heel swinging both his weapons about in a flurry, feinting with the axe to open up Ezezil's defense and drive home the powerful blow of his warhammer. The feint is successful, as the Jarl raises his sword to deflect the killing blow of the axe, and has the unfortunate chance of seeing the massive hammer as it nears the end of its collision course. The electrical current that shrouds Gunnar's warhammer hits first, the powerful shock of the legendary weapon causing the Jarl to have fits of seizures before the actual hammer hits him hard in his left rib, cracking several ribs, and causing one to puncture his lung. The aged Jarl is sent to one knee before the Champion, and Gunnar cocks back his warhammer for the final killing blow before Ezezil calls out to his loyal guards. " Men! Kill them! Do not let them escape! Gunnar is a traitor! The woman is an imposter! Don't let them kill me!" The two guards leap into the fray, one charging towards Gunnar, while the other barrels towards Satoshi, axe raised high as he prepares to land a killing blow.


Kasyr doesn't even bother flickering into view. The only thing that might betray the tieflings presence, is the simple appearance of a mithril mesh glove dropping out of thin air, to land on the ground beside the feline- as the hybrids less-than-visible left hand rests 'pon the 'Avatars' neck. Not a moment thereafter, a brilliant flash of light would erupt from the felines right- the tiefling making no effort to veil the telltale sign of Emperas manifestation. And what a wonderous entrance it makes! With the glove veiled as it is- it would almost appear as though the five thin wires that burst out from behind Satoshi had emanated from the felines back; each one poised to encircle about the limbs of the frost giant attacking the felines chosen champion. And all it takes is a subtle tug to promptly tighten the loops and dissect the man, bringing the giants life to a bloody dismembered end. Which, simply leaves the other to play with Satoshi, while she was in touch with the hybrids reserve of energy. What fun.


Satoshi fights her own instinct at the sudden charge, striving to retain her regal demeanor throughout and avoid a reflexive flinch away. And her determination pays off as the first guard is dispatched with seemingly no effort from herself, playing into the illusion. And the second is met mid-assault by the gryphon, owl talons and leopard claws flashing out to latch upon his armored chest as her beak descends to begin tearing into his face. Satoshi's guardian doesn't prevail however, as the guard only falters long enough to wrap a blunt hand around the savage animal's throat, crushing it with a single flex of powerful muscles before hurling her body away to crumple uselessly against the wall. It's a sorry mistake on the giant's end, as Satoshi is no creature to stand idly by as one of her 'pets' is killed. Bristling with the surplus of tiefling-supplied mana and her own storming fury, the feline raises an open hand at the bloodied guard, crying out a single command before clenching her fist suddenly closed in a violent gesture. In answer to magic-satuarated word and hand movement, the guard's armor of enchanted ice abruptly condenses inwards with the ease of a crumpling tin can, the sound of flesh and bone being crushed under the tremendous force a prelude to the eruption of blood that stains the former protective gear crimson. Satoshi watches with cold satisfaction as the once-giant drops in a multilated mess, crushed as he'd crushed her gryphon. When she speaks, voice trembling with rage, the words are obviously for the Jarl despite her refusing to take her gaze off the guard's corpse. "I warned you..."


Gunnar stands before the Jarl, whose pathetic attempt to gain the upper hand was thwarted as easily. Stormbeard looks to the Snow Maiden, then back the the former Jarl, who has now paled considerably, and says. " You are unfit to rule." Before Ezezil can reply, Gunnar raises his weapons up in a mighty arch above his head,and brings down his instruments of death to end the existence of the former Jarl once and for all. Vornir's Axe severes the head of the treacherous bastard, as Gunnar's Warhammer connects with his hovering skull and unleashes its powerful electrical current. The aftermath of the small explosion is horrific, as bits of electrified skull and brainmatter is sprayed across the room causing a pink mist to hover briefly about the chambers. Gunnar Stormbeard stands now, covered in the remians of his fallen adversary as the Jarl's limp body falls before Satoshi. A single ring, emblazened with the symbols of frostmaw rolls to lands before Satoshi's feet. The Champion stands now, looking off into the distance as blood cascades down his massive frame like rain. And after a moment is taken to savor the tatse of this victory, the Champion's icy-hued stare finds the feline and a smirk forms upon his blood stained lips. " It's done."


Riss descended from his perch after the conflict was over with, the effects of gravity slowed by a cushion of air that provided safe landing. "Well, well. Looks like you all've had your fun, eh?" he asked with a snicker, scheming eyes hidden behind sheets of orange glass. "But, if he was a ruler, surely he has just a few more of those loyal guards. Won't you have to deal with them, too?" Oh, he was hopeful! Lips, blued by the relentless climate, took the form of a mischievous grin; it was, by all means, enticing, and sought to lure out the not-so-upstanding sides of present company.


Kasyr simply steps back from Satoshi, and scoops up his glove, pulling it back within the magical veil he'd provided for himself. From there, the tiefling simply slips it on and moves to exit stage right. Or rather, he simply moves to sneak out the front door, so that he can drop the illusion of invisibility when someones head is turned, and properly waltz in. And really, heads will turned, when a hole is punched into a wall outside. Improvised distractions for the win. ...Even if it does slow down carefree entrances.

Satoshi heaves a shuddering sigh to quell her temper as she stoops to retrieve the ring, hefting the 'giant's trinket' into her arms and offering it out to the bloodied Gunnar. "This is rightfully yours, Champion. You were the victor, despite his ignoring the pact's laws." That said, she glances toward Riss to give a brief nod of greeting before looking back to Gunnar, allowing him to answer for his people and their loyalties. Kasyr's entrance is given the same quick acknowledgment, albeit with a flash of a grateful smile for her tiefling as well. And a few hard blinks as she notices the quickly gathering crowd of Frost Giants just outside the door--brought about by sighting the 'Snow Maiden' early, hearing the sounds of battle, and the tiefling's abuse of a wall. Despite the large number of bodies present, not one of the citizens of Frostmaw speaks, waiting expectantly as Champion and Avatar have their exchange over the defeated Jarl.


Gunnar said to Satoshi, "Nay lass, I refuse the honor. My people look to you now, and ready or not, I'm passing the torch to you. I, as rightful heir to the throne, bestow upon you my title as Ruler of Frostmaw. I'm a warrior, and my place is on the battlefield, not on a throne. You lead my people into a new age, and I'll serve you with honor and pride, "Snow Maiden"." As these words pass from his lips, the frost giant eyes the ring held in her hands. With the spike that protrudes behind his axe, Gunnar takes the ring from the mage, and carefully places it on her head. Oddly enough it fits fine, and the ornate ring, engraved with the symbols of Frostmaw, makes a fitting crown. " Besides... its looks great on you."


NOTE: This RP is not fully finished, as it was waiting on Admin Approval for the conclusion. The approval has been obtained and Satoshi is officially the crowned ruler of Frostmaw. Additional posts will be added by the RPers involved to give this RP the finishing touches, as soon as they're able to. However, consider the approved status change official and completely IC, as only the details of the end of this event are unknown.