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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 16:53:16 GMT -7
An Introduction
It seems so long ago now..That summer.. I was no more than ten years of age, working the land of my parents farm east of the orc mountains..
I remember how hot it was that day, and how the sun setting on the mountains cast a hundred colors into the sky... I remember the sillouttes the sun cast on the figures moving towards us... I remember the look on my fathers face as he told me to run and hide.
Crouched in the barn I could hear the voices..My father's. My mother's. The orc raiders that had come down from the mountains. Voices became screams, then became the clashing of swords, and then silence.. For hours I stayed hidden in that barn untill i was able to swallow my fear, rise to my feet, and step out from the shadows...
It was now early morning, the sun had risen just enough for me to find the blood stained ground where my parents lay slumped. As i moved closer I could see the handle of the orc's dagger still driven where the thief had left it, in the chest of my father..
Red hot anger burned inside me as I set fire to my home and land, the dagger buried into my family now clenched tight in my fist. I left everything I knew in flames and started off for the mountains..
In those days I was known as 480volts, and had no idea of the Jurny to come..
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 16:55:09 GMT -7
The Undead (UAC) Years had passed since that day on the farm, I was a young man now, without clan or family I wandered the lands of Shade in search of what I needed to survive.. It was on my way to the town of Gloomy Vale when I met the creature _UNHOLY_
The creature was not man or beast, nor was he dead or alive, he was something in between. I drew my sword and began to strike, but stopped when the creature spoke.
He told me the story of the dark lord Chaos, of the undead army Chaos desired, and of the great powers promised to those who would choose this path. The creature must have noticed my eyes light at the word "power".. He said to me in a whisper,"If you choose the path, I will walk with you."
I parted ways with the creature but I could not part with the words he hauntingly spoke. As I stepped into Slythra that evening I could hear his voice echoing in my mind...Great power..
It was in the town of Slythra I removed my armor and laid my sword down next to it. I headed into the mountains south.
I thought back to the fire that consumed my home many years ago, and with fists clenched I stared into the eyes of the dragon.. Now fire would consume all that was left of me.
And from the ash would rise the undead creature_UNTORN_ and the Undead Army of Chaos would form.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 16:56:21 GMT -7
Brothers The creature _UNHOLY_ was unable to keep his promise and no sooner than he appeared he was gone. Once again, and in new form alone I traveled the lands in search of power..
In those days the number of undead were small and most mortals either feared or despised us. You could hear the whispers of war against "our kind" in every tavern and Inn. It was in the town of Xian Ra that I met two warriors without fear and without hatred.
The warrior Chaotica was leader of a then small clan named CTC. He was strong and wise and the respect between the two of us quickly turned to frienship.
G-3 was his second in command. He was as twisted as he was powerfull and we became fast friends. Whether fighting monsters or busting chops in the tavern, G-3 was a kindred spirit in every sense of the word.
And it was there in Xian Ra hunting demons where a brotherhood started and the flag of the UAC was lowered. In it's place I would carry the flag of my new brothers of the CTC
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 16:57:27 GMT -7
Lich So many mysteries surrounded the new form I had taken.. For years I hunted and grew stronger but I had not seen the "great power" promised to me by the creature so long ago.
But the land of Shade was changing and soon whispers of rewards for the most loyal servants of Chaos could be heard in the dark corners of the taverns and Inns.
And so once again fire would be my judge as I stood bare staring into the eyes of the great beast... The fire. So many times it has washed over my past and taken away the old.. So much of it still burning inside me. Not knowing what this new baptism of flame would bring I closed my eyes as the breath of the dragon exploded onto me.
And it was that day Chaos saw fit to draw from the ash not the undead creature _UNTORN_ but a new creature.
And this new Lich would be known as the JURNYMAN
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 16:58:32 GMT -7
SOC and Brotherhood With the arrival of the Lich the once whispers of war now became louder... The mortals, intimidated by this new form began to gather and plot, and an alliance was formed against their new "enemy".
Once again I was in new form, The weapons I had become so skilled with now taken from me and in there place was a new power. Magic. And as I learned, I could feel it's power course through me and I became much stronger than ever before...
And the few would become many as more and more mortals sought their power through the plunge of fire and the path of the undead..
In an effort to unite the new undead hordes and strengthen the army of the Dark Lord I raised a new Flag beside the battle torn symbol I have long carried of my brethern..
And so the Soldiers of Chaos (SOC) was born. And a family grew larger.. For this was not an alliance of clans but a brotherhood of warriors.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 16:59:29 GMT -7
First Strikes And so lines had been drawn and sides taken...
Nearly every clan in Shade was now openly pronouncing it's alliegences to one side or another and you could smell the tension and coming blood in the air..
Chaotica and G 3 knew that relying on anyone but brother would be a mistake, a great downfall."We have no allies" was the message clearly sent to all by the great leaders. It was clear to us also that the best defense was a crippling offense.
And so that night in the town of Byrendall a great strike was ordered. A team of brothers went forth to attack and kill and send a clear message to the alliance against us that we were not to be tread upon.
As the battle dwindled i stepped into the tavern of the town and stood upon the table center of the room raising our flags, our very hearts, high and gave a warning to all. Death would follow those who drew sword or spell against us.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:00:35 GMT -7
First Strikes Cont. Days later in that same tavern Chaotica, G 3 and myself were resting from the day's hunt, when a figure stumbled through the door and fell to his knees..
The latern light shone on his face as he fell and I knew the man as brother. We sprang up to his aid and when he came to he told us what had happened.
He was hunting the mountains and caves of the orc, near Ok Tan, collecting gold and items to sell there... As he came out of the cave entrance into the clearing he was met by alliance members, a trap, and nearly killed.
Just then another brother burst through the door with word that the men were still there, and that they intend to kill any brother who attempts passage.
I turned to the corner of the tavern where my second in command, Cyric, always sat. He had been the first besides myself to take up the flag of the SOC and without a word he rose, drew sword, and we headed for the mountains...
I could see the light of the entrance, that same entrance where my brothers blood had spilled.. Once again I turned to Cyric and once again I had to say nothing. We stepped into the clearing ready to fight..
The trap that was set was gone, save one man. With Cyric and myself to fight off it was a lop sided battle, Cyric ran the man through and he lay dead at our feet.
__________________
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:01:26 GMT -7
Mayhem In the days following those first strikes there was mayhem throughout Shade. All sorts of shames and misdeeds from both sides of the line began, a frenzy and madness brought on by blood thrirst and rage...
It seemed there was no stopping the dishonor that would befall each of us engaged.. Looking back now, regret seems to light... Grudges on both sides would live on and take from us some of the fire that made us great..
It was not through our own doing that a halt came to our shame. The Great Sorcerer Grimm, who had watched in growing disapproval, descended on the town of Byrendall with a warning of his own..
All powerfull, the threat was not just that of death, but of banishment from this realm, if the misdeeds did not end. We all knew the sorcerer was not to be taken lightly. He has THAT kind of power..
Forced peace brought on reflection and the tensions and rage began to subside.. For most of us.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:02:35 GMT -7
The Hearts of Men That's where you find the the substance of a warrior..
The eyes are the windows..
I learned early on, a gaze into those windows can tell all about the warrior behind them..
Those hearts of gold always ready with a heal and a helping hand.. Those hearts of stone who are quicker to show their backs than their eyes.. Hearts of greed always lurking, waiting for their next con in the pubs..
Hearts of courage who give you full view of their own windows, never looking away.. Hearts of fear who's windows shake and cast down at the sight of yours..
Anyone who takes up the sword will sooner or later realize it's not just the windows around you that must be gazed upon but one's own. May those who find this journal gaze deep inside themselves and find the heart they desire.
But there will always be warriors who stare inward and find their heart lacking..
As for my own... I've stared deep inside that furnace, as have others, and come short of an answer. For whatever the subtance may be, it burns to bright to see, and too hot to approach.. Save one.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:04:01 GMT -7
An Elder Tale With the breath of war slowing in the land of Shade new conquests took center stage.. Brothers G3, Chaotica, and Rak began extensive exploration of the Chaos volcano, and the mysteries within..
This was also the time of the hunt of the greatest beast in Shade. The elder dragon.
If my memory serves me it was Rak that I first saw with the Black Plate mail of the Dark Lord Chaos.. A treasure taken from the death blow of the mighty creature..
Soon Chaotica and the others would carry treasures of equal power and rareity.. The dragon eye sword.. The spear of the Slayer.. The Platinum Plate Mail of the Slayer..
But it was the desire for the Black Plate that sent me towards the great volcano time and again..
__________________
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:04:46 GMT -7
An elder Battle All was going along as planned that night.. Bullgod and I were making potions and hiding them in the corners of the lair, just out of sight of the great beast..
When we had enough to make a go i headed down to where the behemoth stood it's guard.. I'd get his attention and lure him to where Bullgod laid in wait..
He was faster than any of the dragons before, and he possesed power that was uncomparable.. The beast knew spells that could cripple a man in a single cast..
I kept the beast's attention focused on me as Bullgod summoned his own spells, and gradually he began to weaken the monster..
It seemed all would go to plan, but then from the ladder entrance came a third warrior..
For reasons unknown this warrior started to block the path I was traveling, and began to move around the room erratically, becoming a danger not only to himself, but to us as well, as the beast now was scrambling and casting his spells at will..
Without a word Bullgod and I gave a warnig to the warrior by way of a cast of Acid Rain..
It seems the great beast too heard this unspoken agreement, and sent a cast of Soul Grip that rendered the warrior dead..
That night not only would the warrior fall, but the great beast as well.. And I would draw from the ash of the monster the treasure that I sought.
__________________
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:05:47 GMT -7
Second Blow
quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by JURNYMAN Forced peace brought on reflection and the tensions and rage began to subside.. For most of us. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But for some there would be no peace.. Hearts of honor turned, and poison would course through their veins where blood once flowed..
With the alliance now gone by the wayside those turned hearts found homes in new clans, and began to spread their poison where they could..
And so it was with forced hand another blow was sent, and for a second time a warrior would lay dead at my feet.. Trapped and out numbered and sent to limbo..
But this action would not stop the poison, only strengthen the resolve of the turned heart..
Soon after a new order of the alliance would come together, and the Council of Light would form, with a vow of honor among warriors that they would follow..
But for some, grudges and hatred would rule over honor and the dogs of war would come for them once again..
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:06:47 GMT -7
THE SEAL Hunting and exploring the Volcano did not just bring treasures to our brothers, but also knowledge. A seal designed by the great Sorcerer Grimm had been placed inside the inferno, locking inside it the lord Chaos. It was learned that this great magic could be broken, and the dark lord could be freed. And so the brotherhood set out on one of the most difficult and dangerous tasks ever put upon the land of Shade.
The triumph of the breaking of the seal, as well as the courage of the men who risked all for it, is already a matter of record and has been told by a much greater pen than my own. Those seeking knowledge of this feat seek the writings of Shade's great bard Jagan, and her true stories of this great brotherhood.
The period of time following the seal breaking was one of great wonder and prosper. The town of Bal Rak, previously surrounded by flame, was now at the reach of those who dared the volcano. Inside, new weapons, armor, and spells that would change the nature of hunting. The elven forest would be discovered as well as the great crypt, which held mysteries of it's own.
The respect and honor of my great brotherhood had reached new levels. Pride swelled within each of us who carried the flag, and many began to join the two clans to be a part of it.
__________________
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:07:51 GMT -7
Fade to Black The mornings following the breaking of the seal were the hardest for me. I took leave from battle, staying at the Inn at Byrendell in an attempt to recooperate from the wounds suffered in the firey maze of the Chaos Volcano.
Mornings I would wake and head out through the swamp to smell the dank mist of the fog on the water, to watch the rising sun slowly burn it away, and to feel the heat of the day on my flesh as I trained... Slowly my strength was coming back to me..But something was missing..
The sun had reached it's highest place in the sky when I looked down into dark swamp water and found that something..
I did not recognize the reflection that stared back at me from the still water. Surely the grey, scarred flesh of the souless creature in the water could not be me. A flash of memories of fire and flame, of standing before Chaos himself, of the rebirth, sunk it's reality into my charred flesh..
But that face..That face could not belong to me.. Once again flashes of bloodshed and war.. Of struggle and loss... I placed my hand on my face.. In perfect time the beast placed his hand onto his wisdom disfigured face as if mocking me..No. It couldn't be. But it was...
And the eyes.. Black pearls without the shine...without the soul that blazed inside...seemingly without life.. As I stared into the black mirror in disbelief I could feel the last cinder of fire that burned inside me extinquish.. The very sun in the sky seemed to evaporate as a chill clenched me to the bone...
I sheathed my weapon and turned away from the creatures reflection, heading back to the town where I came from, never looking back.. I didn't have to.. I couldn't get the image out of my head.. I prayed for another bath of dragon's fire.. One that I could not rise from this time.. One that would lay to rest this hollow shell...
But this day there would be no baptism of fire.. There would be no gentle goodnight..
For what was to come would not only breathe the fire back into me but fan it into a raging inferno..
__________________
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 17:44:29 GMT -7
The Final Chapter
Night fell upon the land of Shade as I stood alone just outside of the laterns light of the town of Byrendell. Still shaking from the horror of the reflection in the swamp that day, I clenched my eyes shut as if trying to squeeze the very image from my mind. The silence of this desperate moment was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. My power had grown to such proportion that I need not see the warriors and creatures that approached me any longer, I could FEEL them and know their intent. But what I felt through the blackness on this night was unlike anything I have felt before. I stared into the light from the town cautiously waiting for the approaching footsteps to enter into view.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 18:05:20 GMT -7
Final Chapter Con't
She stepped into the light and everything black inside me exploded into flame. All the power I had gained, all the strength of my body, ALL THAT I AM, reduced to speechlessness, to breathlessness with just one gaze from her eyes. As she approached me and began to speak it was all that I could do not to tremble before her. Her voice was soft and kind and it spoke to me in ways like no other I have heard. Her eyes shined on me and the warmth of them took the coldness of my form away from me and I felt as if, dare I say it, as if I were ALIVE. Her presence soothed the haunting images of my war-torn memories and I was bathed once again in flames, flames of love and devotion. Flames of love and compassion. It didn't take long for me to realize my every desire was to stand always in the flames of this new fire but the cold reality of what I was made this impossible. Or was it?
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 18:36:14 GMT -7
Final Chapter Con't
I knew if there was a way to be found that I would once again have to seek dragon's breath to find it. So one night in the town of Slythra I began my now much to often ritual. I could already feel my flesh charring as I removed my armor and headed to the mountains to seek the beasts that wait so readily to send me to my maker. And once again I rose from the ash and stood before my Lord, The creature known as Chaos. But this time I recieved no acknowledgement of my service to the Lord, no offers of new form or to rejoin my soulless brothers in the lands of Shade, for he knew why I had come before him this night. He sat in silence, his gaze of ultimate power cast down on me in a black stare as he waited for me to speak. I knelt before him and began to tremble in fear, but a fire rose within me, the fire given to me by her, and I stared into the blackness of my father and rose to my feet to speak. "I have served you well Master and have grown your army strong. I have shed blood for you on every inch of Shade's soil and have stood in the dragon's inferno as self sacrifice to you more times than I can count. I have traveled into the mouth of Hell to free you from your restraints. I have left my very soul in a pile of ash for you. I stand before you now with one request. Make me flesh Lord. Make me flesh and bone so that I may have a mortal life". This request would be both denied and granted as the Lord Chaos in all his power and rage ripped my my form apart.. Ripped my soul apart in a toturous rage that seemed more nightmare than reality.. I awoke naked in the mountains powerless and frail, and in human form.
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Post by jurnyman on Aug 28, 2005 18:55:23 GMT -7
The Final Chapter Con't
In the merry tales we tell children before bed this is where the mighty hero would take his love for a bride and live happily ever after. But this is no tale, and I no hero. The events that shaped this life had taken their toll. My mind had become warped from the power I once had, from all the pain and bloodshed and it quickly became obvious that my sanity would slip from me through the porous flesh of this new body. My soul, shattered beyond repair, twisted beyond reason, could never be held within a shell of blood and bone. I would never make it out of those mountains alive. Father knew that and I could hear his evil laughter from the sky as the sun beat down upon me. Let those who find this diary learn from it. Let it be a lesson of courage and brotherhood. Let it also serve as a warning to those who live for the burnings of fire. God bless all those who bore witness and stood beside me.
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yelosnow
Knight's Fury
Master of Monkeys
LVL 10 ~SLAYER~ {SOC} LVL 10 UNDEAD {CAT}
Posts: 119
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Post by yelosnow on Aug 31, 2005 8:42:12 GMT -7
wow!!!! the Diary of a Madman is awsome!! good show brother Jurnyman... a true warrior! bard! leader! and friend! i salute you Jurny as a brother in arms! i only fought by yourside for a short time in compaired to others, yet i felt your influence greatly! thank you for enriching my gaming experience in shade!
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Post by RAIVEN on Mar 27, 2006 2:09:03 GMT -7
I pulled this story out of obscurity on the Shade board today. Perhaps someone reading it will find their way here and the final chapters of this story.
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