OOC: Hi! >_< Sorry this took so long. I have my entry in at last. This is why Nogare couldn't show up yet. I'll edit so you know how the stats are going, okay? ^_^ For now, enjoy the narrative. I put a LOT of work into it...

IC: Silence. Pure, calming silence. He read the glyphs of the walls around him with closed, idle eyes. His mind traced the runes and writing of the temple, though he knew exactly what they said. He was also hearing every foot fall in the chamber, and based upon the speed, power, and form of walking behind each step, Nogare could read the minds and intentions of everyone in the room - who was in danger, which goddesses the people within were praying for in the other chambers outside of the sapphire-glowing chamber whose platform in the middle of the vast hall whose massive pillars surrounded him, cross-legged, calm, and in deep thought, meanings of life compared to the very patterns of folks’ strides - the patterns perhaps of their lives - and the echoing morality which reflected upon himself. He could feel the presence of the goddess Nayru, from the glowing statue above him. In truth, however, he was waiting for the Lady Impa to finish her prayers in one of the rooms of prayer. The voices of mostly Ancient Hylian echoed in the grotto-like chamber, the most quiet of which was Impa’s. Nogare didn’t focus on what she was saying, for it was between her and Nayru to speak of.

Then a wall went between Nogare and Impa, but he could sense no one approaching the chamber. He focused around the only movement that wasn’t stealthy - their cloaks, moving behind the man like a tattered banner, carried with cruel confidence. Nogare’s eyes flared open, and with a graceful yet quick motion, he snatched Belegcam from his lap, and made for the chamber where Impa no doubt was so lost in her prayer that she was unaware of their approach. Nogare strode to the entrance, making sure not to rouse attention, gracefully and casually, with only a hint of haste. Whoever he was, he didn’t act or look the part to merely pray to Nayru. His intentions were far less innocent, and he knew it. He was there because of Impa.

Only when Nogare had entered the chamber did the tip of his silver cape rise past his waist in haste. He ran like the wind, but he couldn’t get there in time. The cloaked man had drawn a dagger, and had his arm around Impa’s throat. With a deep, snarling voice that echoed off the walls of the chamber, he threatened, “Not a step closer, Greyblade, or she dies.” He turned so his back was no longer facing Nogare. The man’s face was still covered with darkness, but Nogare could see his face. Deep scars across his face spelt glyphs, and his eyes were glowing red orbs. His hands were gloved, no doubt to hide. Whoever, or whatever this cloaked fellow was, it was for some order anyone with any morality at all would not join. Nogare stayed where he was, not daring to move. Not yet, anyway. He said nothing, expecting an explanation without a word.

Noticing, the cloaked fellow jeered, “Where are my manners. I am Siath, son of Kral, the Knight of the Dark Order. My father is unmatched in combat, and he has trained me well. Nothing will stop us, son of fools.” Nogare stared at Siath, and wished he could pull his dagger out of his boot and hit him. He could, if he could just reach it. “No doubt you’ve heard of the Dark Order.”

“Never.” Nogare almost sighed. Yet another enemy of Hyrule which he had to deal with. Siath hid a look of irritation, as if he were offended by the Hero’s words, but Nogare knew he was trying too hard not to show it. “What do you want from Hyrule? Perhaps we can arrange something.”

“Arrange?!” Siath looked like he was going to spit at Nogare’s boots, should he have been close enough. “You can’t arrange any agreement with us, Son of Grey. I’ve seen what you do in your agreements. In the end, whatever you agree, you take it back without breaking an oath, and stab us in the back. It won’t work this time!” The assassin looked at Impa, and curved the corner of his mouth up. “What I want, though, Hero, is what King Xertol - the True Lord of Hyrule, not your inglorious and worthless Harkinian,” he said the name with disgust. “What King Xertol wants is for the world to bow to Him. He deserves all that is great. He deserves everything. Every soul shall kneel to him. Every Hero will serve under him. If he killed everyone in his path, and they were out of the way…” he expression softened, admiring the thought, “What a beautiful world this would become. Imagine! Hate would be overrated! Glory would be at everyone’s disposal! Hope would remain for Hyrule! The light of hope is hard to withstand, and Heroes like you make it too bright to see. Darkness is what we need - adjust, and the world would be able to live in darkness. A darkness where will have to see light again.”

The monk smiled as he finished his speech. So this is our newest enemy…Nogare observed grimly. So many enemies, and so little hope. “So what are you doing here to further help Xertol’s cause?”

“THAT IS KING XERTOL, HERO OF WORMS! AND I AM BEGINNING WITH CAPTURING ONE OF THE SEVEN SAGES!”

The tension eased with the news, and he allowed himself to sigh of relief, and a dim smile. The expression startled Siath, for his eyebrows twitched, confused. Nogare smiled, and said, “You’re a fool yourself, Siath. You wouldn’t dare harm Impa, if you’re mission is to capture her.”

Siath swore, and announced, “Then I’ll have to kill her, and disobey my orders!”

“So much for your unconditional loyalty to… King Xertol, if you are willing to disobey his orders.” Grey’s son stepped forward.

Staggering and worried, Siath stepped back a pace. Then he threw Impa aside, letting her strike the floor. “My orders can wait then. I’ll have to deal with you first.”

Nogare looked him up and down, and knew immediately of Siath’s little trap. He couldn’t take Nogare alone, so a group would charge in to help him. “I wonder why they sent you, Siath. You seem so worthless. I certainly wouldn’t charge you with the responsibility of capturing the Sage of Shadow if I had to.” Nogare turned his back on Siath, and knocked aside a dagger held by a stealthy assassin, who would be hard to detect by many others. The dagger hit the ground, and Nogare finished the man with another swipe of Belegcam. Two others entered the room, all with similar appearance - black cloaks and dark-red daggers in hand - and began to fight Nogare. They certainly knew how to fight with daggers, Nogare noted quickly, for they were able to block many aggressive and unpredictable attacks, and counter with intensity. He stepped between them, and used either end of the spear to spar with his opponents. Occasionally if the need arose he would alternate sides. Finally he had disarmed them both, and finished them without a moment’s pause. Siath had already made for the door, but between him and the door was Nogare, who was eyeing him with the look of a killer.

At first he looked scared, but then he smiled, and drew his sword. “Oh, Nogare… You are quite the fool. And all this time you thought I was making a fool of myself. All is going according to plan. You were able to save Impa, but what everyone in this vast and accursed temple does not know is that outside, there is a fight going on. We’re everywhere, Nogare. The Dark Order will never be stopped. There are a few adventurers outside, and they may be able to stop a few of us, but we are as bad as the Dark Army and the Exiles. We’re worse. We’re few, but powerful. So, I ask you this, Nogare; will you leave, and perhaps save a few people outside, or will you stay and keep me from completing my mission. We’ve won, either way. Either we slay a few thousand people or we take the Sage of Shadow. What will you do?”

Nogare felt a pang if defeat. The halls were vast, and no one could know that the rest of the city was under siege in the opposite side. At least twelve miles stood between the Temple of Nayru and the Gate. He could never have known. They planned this well. He really had no choice. He pointed his spear at Siath, and slashed at him.

They fought like furious demons. Impa made a barrier at the doorway so Siath couldn’t escape alive, and gave Nogare a few spells of shielding. But Siath was a worthy opponent. He had come, knowing he was going to die, but this brilliant distraction, to hold Nogare while he could, while the rest of North Castle was defenceless. Siath was well-protected, with wards and spells protecting him beforehand, which was hidden from even Nogare. Perhaps Nogare was fighting one of the best of the Dark Order, but there were more, and he knew it.

A half hour passed. The room itself was practically ruined before they reached the climax of their duel of skill and wits, steel clashing against the holy bark which was made into Belegcam’s stem. Siath was getting tired, and the Hylian Knight took immediate advantage of it. Nogare stepped forward, and he unexpectedly tripped over a piece of temple debris. Siath made a triumphant, savage exclamation, and made an attack at Nogare, who was off balance. Or so the son of Kral believed. Nogare knew where his footing would be before he pretended to trip, and slashed past Siath’s defences. He pulled his spear out before the cloaked man could counter in a final attempt to defeat Nogare in a draw. He fell back, sprawling in pain.

But among his squeals and moans Greyblade’s son caught hints of laughter, which almost startled him. With his last rasping breath, Siath muttered, “So very unpredictable… You’ll see… that…” he gagged and spat blood on the glowing azure floor of the chapel before he spoke on; “You’ll see that our order will be similar. May death greet you before this battle is over.” He fingered the Hero before passing into the void of oblivion.

Impa broke the barrier, once she knew for sure that she was dead. “Thank you, Nogare. But stay no longer! You must reach the Gate before it’s too late.”

Nogare never took his eyes from Siath’s corpse. “It may already be…” tearing his eyes from him, he stared at Impa. “Come! We must get you to the Keep, where you will be safe until we conquer the Enemy.”

He hurried outside, Impa struggling to keep up with the young Hero, and by the time she had caught up with him, he had already gathered a wagon, with two packhorses to drive it. One hand on the wheel, with the other he beckoned to the Shadow Sage. “Come quickly!” She climbed in, hastily closing the back door before the wagon jolted into a racing drive.

As he drive, keeping his hands steadily on the wheel, he called back, “Impa! Do you have any will potions? I may need a few.”

“I have three, that’s all.”

“Give them to me. When you’re in the keep again, you can gather more.”

“Of course, Nogare.” She put them beside Nogare on his seat, knowing he need both hands to drive.

It was ten minutes past when Nogare saw the smokes of the battle rising over the buildings, and he got closer to the keep, he could see the great effects of the fight. Buildings were ripped apart, many on fire, volleys of arrows making their furthest marks only minutes ahead. Just there, the keep stood, standing tall beside him. Impa was already opening the back door when Nogare was just slowing down. At a full stop, she jumped out. “Hurry! Make for Harkinian! Give him news what has happened! Tell him especially of the Dark Order! Farewell!” He pushed on the pedal of the wagon which snapped out the reigns, and the horses made for the city gates.

Above, dark clouds gathered. All elements were a circle around those fighting within. He knew that someone was fighting inside because of the gaps within and the silhouettes of people off the clouds above. They’d have to settled the score with whoever their fighting on their own. Somehow, though, he recognized the way the elements were gathered. He couldn’t ponder it, though. Whoever was fighting in there would have to put down that barrier in order to escape, or else the caster of that phenomena would have to be killed. For now, though, his stand would have to be at the gates. The damage done around the gate was unbelievable. And the gate was wide open…

He heard an Exile yelling orders, and realized a volley would be sent at him that would kill his packhorses if not him if he wasn’t careful and smart about countering it. He needed them to live at least until he reached the battle itself. He picked the will potions Impa had given him, and stood up, careful that the wheel would remain going forward. As quickly as he could, he jumped onto the horses - one foot on each - and slashed the reigns of the wagon, taking both reigns connected to the horses themselves in his left hand. The wagon crumbled behind him as it tumbled to ruins with the balance of the horses’ speed. By now the volley had already been ordered. He focused on where the arrows where, knew what power lay buried within (which was none at all), and how hard it would hit him should he miss, then made his move. With three spins over his head, he knocked the arrows aside, as if they were chopped up in a bladed fan. Sure that no more would come, he charged on. For packhorses, they were pretty brave, to go this close to battle and death. He saw a good many brave adventurers fighting at the frontline, among them were General Kasei, and Goron he had not yet met, and wished to be introduced to should they both survive the day. He was close enough now! This was his chance!! “For Hyrule!!” he echoing voice bounced through the battlefield, and a chorus of cheers followed it! “Nogare has entered battle!” many applauded. He dived off the horses, blocked pikes that were aimed at him, and began his battle. Exiles fell around him as his Hylian wit and his Sheikah speed worked together, destroying all who threatened his king’s city. He was just sure to keep away from his the other adventurers who stood their ground at the gate, for even as a Blade they would want to get in their way…

OOC: I knew I was writing up a big entry for Nogare, but wow...

Okay, here we go with the stats again. Thanks everyone for being so patient and not sending any hate mail or making lies about me! ^_^

Oh, and one more thing: I'm making this exception once, because Pabru is likely not aware of the circle of mixed elements of pure magic surrounding the fighters there. I can picture Kumori getting into the fight, but... I'll have to improvise with Pyraline ...]

Wow, that was priceless, when Pyraline came out, yelling, "Have at thee, knaves!" I believe the Dark Ages called up and asked for their lingo back XD. I've read that twice - once yesterday to read through the posts to see what's happening, and the second just to lol again.

Uh... And for the stats... I don't know if I can allow Alpha to be saved. I mean, it's only been 2 rounds so far... >_>...I can't allow Alpha to be turned back yet, can I? ... Well, I won't ask, since Alpha's answer will be "Yes!!!"... My gut's telling me no ^_^. NOT TILL NEXT ROUND!! SORRY!!

IC: The magician smiled. So someone wanted in on the fight. "You may enter!" he called with a booming voice over the spinning elements around the battlefield. A cap opened, and allowed Pyre in. This would be so simple. Only five opponents. One of them was a fairy, so really only four! He planted down his magic staff, casually ready for anything.

Aiden's Awareness = 6 (Dice Roll) + 3 (INT) = 9
Predetermined number = 15
Aiden watched her foe, and caught no immediate magic spells, so indeed before she would jump in front of Alpha, she would take advantage of the pause, and slash at the magician.

Aiden and Kuro were the first upon him.

Kuro -> Magician via melee = 5 (AGI) + 10 (Dice Roll) = 15
Magician: 15 (DEF) + 4 (AGI) = 19
MISS!

Aiden -> Magician via melee = 17 (Dice Roll) + 6 (AGI) = 23
Magician: 15 (DEF) + 4 (AGI)
DMG: 2 (STR) + 5 (Deku Dagger) = 7 DMG
Successful hit!

Kuro's valiant attack served useless, for the magician blocked it with a wave of wind, redirecting him. As he turned from the spell, however, his casual look on the situation could not stop the motherly battle fury of Aiden, to stop this cruel beast of a human. To the magician's, and perhaps Aiden's own amazement, she did not merely graze him with the tip of the dagger; it bit like a mad dog into his shoulder, and with a bark of pain he fell back, a fleshy chunk of his shoulder loose on his arm. Cold blood sprayed, and he was forced to retreat a little. He would heal it later. For now, he needed to watch for the hylian yonder.

Pabru -> Magician via melee = 5 (AGI) + 12 (Dice Roll) = 17
Magician: 15 (DEF) + 4 (AGI) = 19
MISS!

The wizard, clearing having seen the attack coming reused that tiny piece of wind and swung the attack aside, but the sword itself had nearly sliced him as good as Aiden had.

But now, he needed room to heal. He needed to shoot everyone back. Now.

He waved his staff around him, closed his eyes, and echoed a dark rhyme with all the passion within him. "Light spawned from the darkness, from the stratus in the sky! Fear and doubt forever in those who thus defy!! A missing Sheikan Eye in those who thus accused the laws of the Gods Almighty, tormented and abused!" As he said this, from what was the North (though from their position it was hard to tell which way was which, with the spinning barrier around them) lightning struck, flicking and flashing, thundering and echoing, cracking the sky like a sword of terrifying light, before fading into the dark clouds above, summoned by the souls he called upon as Gods Almighty. The light seemed to be getting closer, closer...

Closer...!

There was a rippling crack which threatened to deafen the heroes' very ears, and a flash of light so bright and sudden it threatened to burn out the sight in their eyes and stop their hearts from beating, and the air suddenly tasted of smoke...

And in an instant, the most intense shock of lightning electricuted reached out like a claw from the staff, now aimed at the group as a whole, holding them in their places, yet they shook from a constant stream of electricity, and he coughed from the scent of smoke and burning flesh, but the thought again made him smirk.

Pain, after all, was the funniest thing when it was to those who have betrayed he thought as his stream continued to keep his enemies where they were.

Magician -> Pabru, Alpha, Aiden, Kuro, Kumori via Lightning...
Pabru: 5 (Dice Roll) + 1 (SPI) = 6
Alpha: 1 (Dice Roll) + 6 (SPI) = 7
Aiden: 5 (Dice Roll) + 2 (SPI) = 7
Kuro: 14 (Dice Roll) + 1 (SPI) = 15
Kumori: 15 (Dice Roll) + 3 (SPI) = 18
CRITICAL DAMAGE!!
DMG: (10 + 3) + 8 = 21

(OOC: I can tell you're all going to lose this fight. Just know that it's too late to leave. )

Finally, he decided to release the spell. The adventurers' vision was weak, but soon it would be easier to adjust to the darkness of the world once again... and to defeat this foe!

"Now wasn't that just shocking!" he cackled, unable to keep a straight face, watching the bold heroes and heroines shaking helplessly and overwhelmed on the concrete pavement. "Now at last we have something in common; a shocking experience. Know this, fools: your act against me will cost you your very lives. Soon, little bard, you will see that putting yourself at risk for this Shadow Folk will not be worth it, no matter what becomes of me or you. You can't win. You'll regret living more than if you die here, should I fail. If not, I suppose I survived this day for the good of the world, and what the Mighty Ones would have wished. Believe me: the shock hasn't even hit you yet compared to what's headed your way!" It could only be imagined what cruel, sick Mighty Ones could be worshiped by this twisted freak of a human. By now his arm was almost entirely healed - it would just be perminently scarred. Should he survive the fight, he realized, though still grinning in spite of it, he would have to admit to his company that he had recieved that scar from a little girl with a grudge who demands cold hearted magicians to turn their opponents back into humans.

Which gave him a hilarious idea...

The little girl was almost finished. Maybe just one more little tap with the tip of his staff and she'd be a corpse and out of the way. Tormenting her with her last moments would be just too humourous. He smiled. Whether by Kumori's tap on Alpha's shoulder or by the flick in the magician's eye, Alpha was turned back into the Shadow Folk he was. "There, little bard. You're precious little Sheikah buddy is back to normal, and is about to die just like you. Doesn't that just make you warm and fuzzy inside? Hm!" With his grunt he pointed his staff at the helpless Aiden, and worded the spell that sounded all too familiar...

POLYMORPH -> Aiden

She was turned into a Cucco with the blink of an eye, useless and crippled. Perhaps if she died and the spell didn't have to wear off, he could cook her. The thought was removed quickly, but he kept it at the back of his mind, for it did seem like a good idea...

"Now, what do you think, Shadow Folk? Should I turn her back? Your places are reversed now! Let's see if your friend will give a DAMN about you now!" He smiled and let the battle of emotions start up, and concerned himself again with the battle again.

OOC: Don't try to poke her to turn her back, that would take away the coldness of this guy and replace it with foolishness, which he is really not at all. ^_^ We follows stats. What is this whole thing with poking someone and they turn back about anyway, Alpha?

IC: Beyond the arena of magic, out in the gate, the frontline of Exiles was smothered. None dared save their friends or the wounded for fear of the adventurers destroying them, which at this rate seemed inevidable. The only option was to fight, and die trying. The slightest scratch would be worth their death even, should they come close to the opportunity, although the killing frenzy displayed made that appear impossible. Red, blue, and green spatters of blood sprayed into the air, and by that the commanders of the army could tell where the adventurers were.

An echoing boom reached the ears of everyone. "FOR HYRULE!" Soldiers cheered at the entry of the Hero of Hyrule, who had taken the place of Link after his departure from Hyrule. Folk chanted, cheering the name of their hero. "NOGARE HAS ENTERED BATTLE!" Krin cut through the Exiles around him and glared back for a split second to catch a glipse of Nogare, to be sure that no one was being tricked. When he saw the spiralling block that was Belegcam, he knew it was him, and he returned to his fight. He and Silna were now fighting back to back. He couldn't see how Silna was doing, but he was sure that she would be fine for a while. The thrill of Nogare's entrance died quickly as Exiles attacked left and right. He called behind him, "We've cut through at least eight lines of them! If we are sure not to -" he grunted to heave his sword through a moblin's thick neck, and ripped it out sideways to cut off the head of a second one. "-to die here, and to finsih of the archers. Another... I don't know..." his voice clenched as he blocked an overlooked attack. "Maybe 13 more lines, and we'll be there. Once the achers are taken out, you go for the gate, hear?"

His eyes burned, his expression frozen in place. He jabbed and sliced his holy spear left and right, forward and back, and every other direction he needed to to be sure that he slew quickly, and without slipping. When Exiles granted him space, he declined the offer, closing in on them, felling them without a moment's mercy, unwilling to pity until the battle was done. His eyes raced, and he spun to see what was behind him often (and his spinning, as it happens, made his strikes more accurate) (OOC: It's true! You have better reflexes and you can make more accurate moves when you're dizzy!), and blocking violently and swiftly. None dared look into his deep blue eyes, for within them was a blizzard, freezing them in place, in sheer horror. You would become cold when you stared at his eyes when he was in combat. A glare like that was always the last thing Nogare's enemies would see before being felled by his holy weapon, and falling into a dark, burnice void. He no longer bothered to count how many he slayed, but he could only ever imagine in a fight like this that he killed innumerable men. He had much glory for it, but he knew that there were many among the adventurers who could beat him in a duel in a matter of slices. He was pleased, at least, that they were on his side... the right side.

While all this was happening, a lizalfos dived at the maddened Goron not too far from Nogare's position, with the courage of the best of his kin. With a snarling hiss which represented an angry battle cry, he jumped from a pile of dead lizalfos, and made a dive for Shigure's throat.

Exile -> Shigure
Exile: 11 (Dice Roll) + 2 (AGI) = 13
Shigure: 15 (DEF) + 4 (AGI) = 19
MISSED!!

A screaming curse escaped from his mouth, over his serpent-like tongue, and drew back, hopeful to at least try to get another blow in (but he likely wouldn't with the ball and chain threatening to mash him into jelly).

Exile -> Silna
Exile: 12 (Dice Roll) + 2 (AGI) = 14
Silna: 19 (DEF) + 4 (AGI) = 23
MISSED!!

Silna's gracefully block redirected the Stalfos' halberd, leaving his entire side open for attack!

Kasei -> Exile
Kasei: 18 (Dice Roll) + 1 (SPI) = 19
ONE HIT KILL... AGAIN!!

The General's fiery prison closed and shrunk. It started big enough to fit the enemy, closed, and soon was no bigger than a golf ball. It's ashes spilled upon the ground.

But one came from behind - a cold-blooded Lizalfos - with an axe raised high, aiming right for Kasei's skull!

Exile -> Kasei
Exile: 8 (Dice Roll) + 2 (AGI) + 10
Kasei: 16 (DEF) + 4 (AGI) + 20
MISSED!!

His confidence in the strike fell to nothing! Kasei moved aside, leaving him to stumble forward, into the crowd, right into a pike head-first!

Luna -> Exile
Luna: 10 (Dice Roll) + 6 (AGI) = 16
Exile: 3 (DEF) + 2 (AGI) = 5
ONE HIT KILL!!

Luna's dagger cut the Stalfos to the marrow! It struggled from shock and its wound, but soon its soul left the body, unable to contain the damage done. His nearby friends had an eye of fury, burning with hate and anguish, and leapt for the kill!

Exile -> Luna
Exile: 7 (Dice Roll) + 2 (AG) + 9
Luna: 14 (DEF) + 6 (AGI) + 20
MISSED!!

Luna dodged and blocked every attack that was thrown at her, with good skill, considering she was only a thief.

And so the calamity of the gate continued, the walls glowing from the sillhouettes of fire, blood spattering everywhere as if buckets and buckets of them were being tossed above them.

And at last, from behind, the footsoldiers from the barracks at last arrived!!!!

"Lo! we are reinforced!" cried Krin with barbaric glee, with a snarling smile as he finished his intense spar with a skilled lizalfos, cleaving him right in half from head to toe! "Eraem!"

"Captain!" the knight of the gathered battalions cried in triumph, and an instant later clashing with the forces of darkness.

Another volley came, and Kin and Orpheous were left to avoid them without cover. (-5 HP each). Some of the footsoldiers who colided were mowed down from the hail of arrows, but most had heard the order to raise their shields. Shigure, Kasei, Silna, and Luna all did their best to find cover (using Exiles as shields, dodging, blocking, etc). A spin-attack from Belegcam, and a whole lot of them went in all directions like a fountain, some slicing into Exile forces, and the order was still to keep shields up, so Nogare didn't worry about friendly fire.

Destruction. Corruption. Lives of learning, study, love, and mortal understandings were reduced to nothing as the very lives of the people were utterly crushed and stolen. Soon their bodies filled the street. This day would not end without every soul crying or bleeding.

The face, a blur. It clicked only with Orpheous. He was the only one out of the party of three who could actually remember who the man to whom the face belonged to use to be. It was Nogare, Nogare had come to assist them. Then the volleys hit, and he fell, hard and fast.

As Silna gracefully (its true, she is the epitome of grace) dodged the sharp halberd, she noticed the Stalfos' unguarded side. She sliced towards it, using both her daggers, hoping to possibly crush the ribs and cause the skeletal frames, be enchanted or not, to fall as a pile of bones on the ground.

Finishing the movement. She realized who Krin had called back too. Nogare. Orpheous had mentioned him as a great warrior and hero of the old timeline, a thing she couldn't possibly remember, as she wasn't in it. But she had seen him a few times in this one. She could only hope he was as skilled in this one as Orpheous claims he was in the last.

Simon Grendel helped up his master. Orpheous shook off the pain and then realized what his plan had been. He called out, "Shigure," as loud as he physically could, and being an orator, that was fairly loud. Not being able to take the time to wait for a response, he knew the Goron would be ready. He threw the scroll with the mage's weak point in the direction of the Goron.

Simon guarded his master, putting himself between the exiles had his master as they ran foward after Orpheous had made the throw. They needed to get closer to the scene of the fight with the magician.

OOC:
Current Health and Spell Power
Orpheous: 43 HP, 39 SPL
Simon: 28 HP, 33 SPL
Silna: 42 HP, 38 SPL

Modified Stats, General Info, and Equipment
Orpheous
Race: Human
Sub-class: Scribe
Level: 12

Stats
IN SIG
EDIT - AGI: base (1) + Leadership L1 (3) = 4
EDIT - DEF(rating): base (2) + Racial (3) + Tunic (10) + AGI ( 4) = 19
EDIT - SPI: base (3) + SoN L1 (3) = 6
EDIT - INT: base (3) + Human Intelligence L2 (2) + Leadership L1 (3) + SoN L1 (3) = 11
EDIT - SPL: base class (3) x level (12) + SPI (6) + SoN L1 (3) = 45
EDIT - HP: base class (20) + Exception Health L2 (30) + SPI (6) = 56

Talents:
L1 Leadership
L2 Hylian Intelligence
L2 Goron Strength
L1 Life
L2 Train:Boomerang
L2 Elemental Burst
L1 The Quill is Mightier than the Sword
L1 Epic Poem
L2 Exceptional Health

Equipment:
Deku Staff
Gerudo Training Gloves
Bomb Bag
Deku Boomerang
L1 Tunic
Life Scroll
Fire Scroll

Damage:
IN SIG
EDIT - Magic: base class (3) + level (12) + INT (11) = 26
Bombs: base (5) + str (3) = 8

Simon
Race: Human
Sub-class: Scribe
Level: 10

Stats
Str: base(1) + Goron Strength L2 (2) = 3
EDIT - Def (rating): base(2) + race (3) + agi (5) + L1 tunic (10) = 20
EDIT - Agi: base (1) + Deku Agility L1 (1) + Leadership L1 (3) = 5
EDIT - Int: base (3) + Hylian Intelligence L1 (1) + SoN L1 (3) + Leadership L1 (3) = 10
EDIT - Spi: base (3) + SoN L1 (3) = 6
EDIT - Hp: base (20) + exceptional health L1 (10) + spi (6) = 36
EDIT - Spl : base class (3) x level (10) + SPI (6) + SoN L1 (3) = 39

Talents
Goron Strength L2 (included in stats)
Deku Agility L1 (included in stats)
Hylian Intelligence L1 (included in stats)
Exceptional Health L1 (included in stats)
Train: 2H Sword L1
Train: Boomerang L2
Elemental Burst L2
Shield L1
Epic Poem L1

Equipment:
Deku Boomerang
Bomb Bag
Deku Staff
Deku 2H Sword
Fire Scroll
L1 Tunic
Gerudo Training Gloves

Damage
Staff: base (9) + str (3) = 12
2H Sword: base (14) + str (3) = 17
Boomerang: base (4) + str (3) + Gerudo Training Gloves (1) = 8
EDIT - Magic: base class (3) + level (10) + INT (10) = 23
Bombs: base (5) + str (3) = 8

Silna
Race: Human
Sub-class: Ranger
Level: 12

Stats:
Str: base (2) + goron strength L3 (3) = 5
EDIT - Def(rating): base (1) + agi (7) + L1 jerkin (12) + race (3) = 23 *
EDIT - Agi: base (3) + deku agility L1 (1) + Leadership L1 (3) = 7
EDIT - Int: base (3) + Hylian Intelligence L1 (1) + Leadership L1 (3) + SoN L1 (3) = 10
EDIT - Spi: base (1) + Zora Spirit L1 (1) + SoN L1(3) = 5
EDIT - SPL: base class (2) x level (12) + SPI (5) + SoN L1 (3)= 32
EDIT - HP: base (30) + exceptional health L1 (10) + Spi (5) = 45
* +2 to defense rating if shield is equipped that round (WHICH IT IS RIGHT NOW)

Talents
Goron Strength L3 (included in stats)
Deku Agility L1 (included in stats)
Hylian Intelligence L1 (included in stats)
Zora Spirit L1 (included in stats)
Exceptional Health L1(included in stats)
Train: 2H Sword L1
Train: Bow L1
Elemental Burst L2
Life L2
Duel Wield L1
Calm Beast L1
Track L1
Leadership L1

Equipment:
Deku Dagger x 2
Deku Shield
Deku Bow
Ammo Bag
Bomb Bag
Gerudo Training Gloves
L1 Jerkin
Fire Scroll
Life Scroll
Deku 2H Sword

Damage
Dagger: base ( 5) + strength (5) = 10
2H Sword: base (14) + strength (5) = 19
Bow: base (9) + strength (5) + Gerudo Training Gloves (1) = 15
EDIT - Magic: base class (2) + level (12) + INT (10) = 24
Dagger w/duel wield L1: base (5) + strength (5) + Duel Wield L1 (5) = 15
Bombs: base (5) + str (5) = 10

NOTE: Sorry about not removing the bonuses, I'm not sure what's still in play.

The sounds of battle cut across the city, and Leth heard them. He knew not what the source was or why it was here, but he knew one thing. He needed to be there. He quickly sized up the building in front of him, calculated a route up the wall via footholds and handholds, and scaled the wall. He was soon at the top, and he began to run across the roofs, leaping from building to building towards the sounds of battle. He had almost reached it when he heard a sound - a sound that brought hope and joy to him.

"NOGARE HAS ENTERED BATTLE!"

He skidded to a halt on the top of a roof, his ranger's cloak flapping behind him. He scanned the chaos before him, looking for his old friend... there! Nogare was doing exactly what he had invisioned him doing: hacking and slashing his way brutally through the enemy hoardes. Leth almost called out to him, but he realized that doing so would be a very stupid idea. It would distract Nogare and bring attention to himself. He was perfectly safe right now, up on top of the rooftops. He would stand out against the sky, though... he swung himself down onto the side of a large hotel, standing on the balcony. His cloak had somehow turned the same dark shade as the wall behind him. I'll never know how that works... he thought, remembering for a moment his old master presenting him with his cloak.

"I used it once, long ago," He had said, "and I hope it serves you as well as it served me." Leth had been a bit skeptical, but his master continued, "It somehow manages to conceal you, when you need to be hidden the most. It will prove it's worth, I'm sure."

Leth's mind was brought back to the present by the loud clash of steel on steel. He had to help his friend, but he would do so secretly... He nocked an arrow to the string on his bow, and pulled back, aiming for one of the archers. They would have to go first, their volleys were getting annoying. He released the arrow, and as soon as it had left the string, he leapt on to the next building, firing another arrow. He repeated this many times, making sure to stay on the move, so the enemy would not know where the attack was coming from...

"Quite shocking indeed," Alpha mutters as his form reverts to its normal state, that of a black robed Sheikah kneeling, his staff lying on the ground nearby. His hood drawn, it is almost impossible to see . . . but if one's sight could pierce through that dark veil they would realize that the Mage is struggling . . .

Struggling to contain his laughter.

He sits there for several moments, sparks still flitting around him at regular intervals, even though the Thunder spell has long since ended. "Quite refreshing as well," he says louder as he reaches out for his weapon, sparks still coursing about him as he lifts it from its resting place. His eyes glitter as he mutters two more words:

"Rohtric Carrse."

The electricity he had gathered in his body, stayed there by his mastery of Lightning, immediately rushes out of him and into his rod - every volt that had struck him now being converted to his use, as evidenced by his staff lighting up with a dazzling white glow. Honestly, while the attack had certainly harmed him, it should be obvious now that such a great voltage only serves to further empower one who has an affinity for the electric element.

"Turn her back if you want," he mutters at the man's attempts at taunting him. This wizard apparently doesn't understand the Sheikah very well . . . actually he doesn't seem to understand Alpha at all. Aiden is now too weak; whereas she could have simply attacked him and reverted him to normal with minimal harm, if he strikes her in an attempt to change her back she'll likely die - at the least, she fall unconscious. No, in Aiden's case it's best to just let the time limit expire. Until then there's nothing Alpha can do to help her . . . and that is what the wizard fails to grasp. Alpha can't do anything to help Aiden, so he sees no reason to even consider the option. So the taunts simply won't work on him. If the wizard is going to turn her back, he will; if he isn't, he won't. It's out of Alpha's control, so he simply doesn't care.

What he does care about is finishing this battle, difficult though it will likely be. He thinks for but a second, trying to decide on the appropriate tactic. Does their opponent have a weakness . . . ? He can't really tell for certain, but he does know that the man seems quite fond of magical spells . . .

Invisible strands of energy begin pulsing out from the Sheikah, silently traveling to his companions as they recover from the blast. He is sending out a new aura, one which will empower his allies and aid them by reinforcing their spirits. [Leadership L1 - Boost SPI]

The Battle was long and hard for Kasei, he had to keep on his feet. One moment, he was incinerating an opponent, the next, some enemy was coming at him with a bladed weapon! He dodged, of course, but it didn't mean he wasn't getting impatient with the flow of battle. It's not like their gaining ground, he thought, they just aren't losing any ground either, they just keep coming, in a boring stalemate. He thought, as he weaved in and out of opponents. Through the shouts of battle, though, a cry did reign true to Kasei's ears:

"NOGARE HAS ENTERED THE BATTLE!"

Cheers erupted everywhere, and Kasei smiled. Finally, something to break up the monatomy of this fight. He mused, and then proceded to create a fireball, one that he flung at his nearest foes.

OOC: I'll edit this in a bit. I've been sorting out the stats and activity in this topic and all my other ones, making the hard work of looking back way more immediate! Each of my posts from now on won't take a month at a time. For this one, however, our heroes in the front line are getting close to the climax of the battle... ^^...

SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE LEFT THOUGH!!! MOST ARE LABELED 'IDLE' IN THE NOTES!! They certainly are missing out on a lot here... ...

I'll get back to this ASAP, but the stats are extensive. 16 figures to keep track of for stats, health, location, activity, and all the rules set stuff to follow on top. This is a very dimensional event, you may have noticed... At least two parts to battle in - gate and magician - plus others whenever they may come up, like the alleyway, the street, the rooftops, etc.

^^ Until next time!

IC: ... NOGARE HURRY UP AND EDIT YOUR POST I WANT TO REPLY TO THIS TOPIC BECAUSE ITS COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OOC: Um, hey, sorry about this. This has been dragging on for a year, and we have way too many more to go... So, I'll just cut right down to the near-end of the event. You have one last move to make, then it inevitably has a final closing. After that happens, the ending will come, and after a while Eves of Betrayal part 2 will come out, when i'm prepared to start it up. I'm really going to try harder on part 2... So, without any further ado:

IC: hours had passed since the first Exile volley cry had unleashed, and North Castle Courtyard felt as if it was breathing its last. The miltary had been hacking away at the Exile at the frontline, held back by the adventurers ere their arrival. Nogare, now present at the scene, knew well that their first wave would not hold much longer. He longed to order a second wave to assist them... but he knew that, if the tide turned, they would be able to single-handedly wipe out this threat...

The battle wore on like time itself. Around him, General Kasei, Orpheous, his lover Silna and apprentice Simon, the Goron Shigure, Kin, and Luna stood their ground valiantly against the Exile threat at the gate, with the captain Krin with them. Leth provided archery from the rooftops, countering the waves of Exile fire from the top. And far behind them, in an arena of composing elements, Alpha, Kuro, Aiden, Kumori, and Pyralin fought against the powerful magician... Nogare put the thought out of his mind, not letting the thought of what was happening get to him... the chaos of the battle was enough to make the courtyard howl with ghastly winds and men at arms losing their lives. The foundation of the city were torn from its roots and thrown asunder, arrows wept into the city, killing civilian and warrior alike in the fray.

But at last, the line had been broken through. As the forces of good drove the Exiles backwards, the adventurers hurried up the stairs to the wall to close the gate. There awaited a powerful Stalfos Knight, knowing they'd arrive sooner or later. They fought him, and the adventurers stood victorious. Quickly, one of them hurried to the gate winch to close the city gate, and stop the wave of Exiles. Archers from there were able to bring down those retreating, and down below in the courtyard, the last of them were left to be finished off. (OOC: This is the part where you go and kill Exiles to your heart's content ).

Against the magician, at last, the powerful magician, the source for the ripping of the city, was nearly finished...

The magician looked up at you, half furious and half astonished, his cackling and mocking ended. He knew he was breathing his last... his staff was hard to hold... the elemental barrier was growing weaker and weaker, until at last all could see them standing over his defeated, crumbled form. The wind became nearly motionless, and all around them, the debris of ruined homes and shops in piles of ashen firewood and clay. Nearly silence...

"... You... aren't as weak as I'd anticipated... I'm impressed. That was..." - he coughed in an effort to spit out the blood of his wounds - "... entertaining... I should tell you what I know about the darkness that rises against you, then, as a token of respect..." he leaned forward, trying to make his mouth move...

But a thunder-crack rescaped his lips instead, and with all the strength he could muster he shot a splintering flash of power in their directon!

OOC: Sorry for subtly. I hope that's enough to satisfy... Have fun with the last action-posts . After this the storyline starts to take place, and you'll learn the reason for why all of this happened... DUM DUM DUUUUMM!!!