Shadows of History 7, The forces grow
Dec. 7th, 2006 07:17 pmOf course I am all over the place now since the Shadows of History are supposed to alternate with the Spark in Darkness and now my order is all over the place.
Ilatheril: You could just switch to us
Rick: You want a piece of me, faerie boy?
Kyernath observed the 37 victims hanging from the posts erected for that purpose. He allowed his mind to drift, thankful that their low moans and broken minds were far quieter than the endless screaming the irritated him with when he first started working on them 3 months ago - and even that was preferable to the mad rambling when the first began to crack.
His mind dwelled on his dual pleasure and frustration. He had faced Camaalis and been defeated. That had been considerably annoying, especially since he had raised his army to aid them in the face of the growing chaos that threatened them all. At least, by defeating him, Camaalis had proven its strength - but to waste it on an ally for a false ideal of morality? Noble sentiments spoken in eulogy are useful to no-one.
He had managed to survive and flee the country, which had obvious benefits he had to consider, but his survival also proved Camaalis’ weakness. They had an enemy, one they apparently considered dire for numerous foolish reasons, yet they could not even stop him when he was in their own territory and almost helpless? Kyernath shook his head, the bones woven into the strands of what were once hair clicking as it wisped around him at the slight movement. It proved their weakness, weakness they had allowed by losing what it meant to be Camaalis.
And now they had let him establish a new base and start building up his forces - it was beyond foolish. Either Camaalis was so weak it could not spare forces to remove him or matters had devolved so completely that even Camaalis action in Norway could spark a magical conflict. How could they have let things go so completely?
The stone arm of his chair shattered in his clawed grasp. He ignored it and considered his current situation.
Strife in Norway-Denmark made occupation here sufficiently secure and gave him an opportunity to rebuild his forces - between the ongoing ripples of Protestantism and the endless turmoil between Norway-Denmark and Sweden that seemed eternal after the Kalmar union breathed its last. It also helped cover up some of his acquisitions, though he doubted anyone would notice is half of the isolated hamlets of the country disappeared. Still, to be secure he had his agents spread throughout the land and beyond (the naval tradition of the people being very useful) to ensure a regular supply of material. Soon he would have an army big enough and powerful enough to take action - and then Camaalis would either be defeated to be reforged under his rule, or they would be forced to return to their roots and do what must be done for the sake of the world.
Screams broke his concentration. he roused long enough to see the hanging victims writhing in agony. He watched with mild interest as their bodies were twisted, their forms melting into a new shape as the daemons possessing them reshaped the flesh into something more fitting to the daemons. The souls finally screamed their last and parted from the flesh, leaving the bodies to the exclusive control of the Infernal forces.
He rose from his chair and pulled the souls to him, splitting them from their tortured spirits, capturing the souls in gems for future use. Souls could be useful. The tortured, wounded spirits would be useful as well. He caught them on the edge of fading, forcing Necromantic energy into them until they pulsed and glowed - spectres, entities of pure hate and suffering - and powerful warriors.
He allowed himself a cadaverous smile as he collected the flesh and bone shards from around his new corporeal daemons, even the blood stained polls they were tied to - all could be useful in his creations
Even if it took decades, Kyernath would build an army and save Camaalis - even if he had to destroy them to do it.
Ilatheril: You could just switch to us
Rick: You want a piece of me, faerie boy?
Kyernath observed the 37 victims hanging from the posts erected for that purpose. He allowed his mind to drift, thankful that their low moans and broken minds were far quieter than the endless screaming the irritated him with when he first started working on them 3 months ago - and even that was preferable to the mad rambling when the first began to crack.
His mind dwelled on his dual pleasure and frustration. He had faced Camaalis and been defeated. That had been considerably annoying, especially since he had raised his army to aid them in the face of the growing chaos that threatened them all. At least, by defeating him, Camaalis had proven its strength - but to waste it on an ally for a false ideal of morality? Noble sentiments spoken in eulogy are useful to no-one.
He had managed to survive and flee the country, which had obvious benefits he had to consider, but his survival also proved Camaalis’ weakness. They had an enemy, one they apparently considered dire for numerous foolish reasons, yet they could not even stop him when he was in their own territory and almost helpless? Kyernath shook his head, the bones woven into the strands of what were once hair clicking as it wisped around him at the slight movement. It proved their weakness, weakness they had allowed by losing what it meant to be Camaalis.
And now they had let him establish a new base and start building up his forces - it was beyond foolish. Either Camaalis was so weak it could not spare forces to remove him or matters had devolved so completely that even Camaalis action in Norway could spark a magical conflict. How could they have let things go so completely?
The stone arm of his chair shattered in his clawed grasp. He ignored it and considered his current situation.
Strife in Norway-Denmark made occupation here sufficiently secure and gave him an opportunity to rebuild his forces - between the ongoing ripples of Protestantism and the endless turmoil between Norway-Denmark and Sweden that seemed eternal after the Kalmar union breathed its last. It also helped cover up some of his acquisitions, though he doubted anyone would notice is half of the isolated hamlets of the country disappeared. Still, to be secure he had his agents spread throughout the land and beyond (the naval tradition of the people being very useful) to ensure a regular supply of material. Soon he would have an army big enough and powerful enough to take action - and then Camaalis would either be defeated to be reforged under his rule, or they would be forced to return to their roots and do what must be done for the sake of the world.
Screams broke his concentration. he roused long enough to see the hanging victims writhing in agony. He watched with mild interest as their bodies were twisted, their forms melting into a new shape as the daemons possessing them reshaped the flesh into something more fitting to the daemons. The souls finally screamed their last and parted from the flesh, leaving the bodies to the exclusive control of the Infernal forces.
He rose from his chair and pulled the souls to him, splitting them from their tortured spirits, capturing the souls in gems for future use. Souls could be useful. The tortured, wounded spirits would be useful as well. He caught them on the edge of fading, forcing Necromantic energy into them until they pulsed and glowed - spectres, entities of pure hate and suffering - and powerful warriors.
He allowed himself a cadaverous smile as he collected the flesh and bone shards from around his new corporeal daemons, even the blood stained polls they were tied to - all could be useful in his creations
Even if it took decades, Kyernath would build an army and save Camaalis - even if he had to destroy them to do it.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-12-07 11:04 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-12-11 10:06 pm (UTC)Of course, that isn't including the appearance changes he has deliberately accepted in order ot increase his power or grant him enhanced characteristics.
Skeletor in tight pants? Thank you for that mental image!
And the entire Infernal realms are LOOKING at you. And it's a WTF? look. I hope you know that.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-12-11 11:51 pm (UTC)My point stands that while the powers a person takes in can change them, usually there's always something they can do about it. But why worry about looking like gollumn's second cousin when you have a world to take over. And so the once proud and vain will wind up looking like ten miles of bad roadkill and not care.
Do you ever wonder if Morningstar still looks as good as he's alleged to be? Or do you think he would look like that bloke from the movie Constantine? Not that one is due less respect for how they look for commanding all manner of evil. I just have yet to see a fair example of someone who doesn't wind up looking fugly by the time they actually get somewhere with thier power.
Just some hoursduvers for thought.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-01-11 08:10 pm (UTC)True, there are steps he could take (but he would reduce his power) but usually, by the time you're hunting that kind of power I don't think you're even human enough to care. After all, most Marauders aren't snappy dressers, right?
Personally I think Morningstar has either really let himself go (y'know how a bad break up can affect some people) or still looks fine because it's part of the job description.
Ah, there is an instinct in all people that wnats evil to LOOK evil. Personally I'm inclined to think evil should look hot (of course, that's quite popular too - part of mankinds hang ups about sex=evil)