The Kingdom of Belrow
Committed
Roleplay posts: 86 
Player's online availability : Most days
Registered: Apr 10, 2016 2:54:12 GMT -8
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Post by The Kingdom of Belrow on Apr 10, 2016 20:19:56 GMT -8
Standing clearly above all over buildings the obelisk is several stories high. Containing no windows from the outside it looks like a massive black rectangle reaching into the sky with a black crown on top.
Past the ornate silver doors lives the government heart of the empire. Several floors of administration, tactical management, embassy. At the the very top, the throne room itself, where the Overlord himself sits on his thrown.
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The Kingdom of Belrow
Committed
Roleplay posts: 86
Player's online availability : Most days
Registered: Apr 10, 2016 2:54:12 GMT -8
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Post by The Kingdom of Belrow on Apr 12, 2016 1:23:42 GMT -8
Arriving at the steps of the towering building, Malgus quickly dismounted and awaited the living to do the same.
"This is ... the centre...of our great...city." Malgus said, gesturing skyward towards the top of the tower. "It ascends over four hundred ... meters into the sky, and descends .. for over three hundred meters ... below. I will... guide you... to the door... then we will have to part...ways. Please... follow me."
Not waiting to see if they we're following him he began to ascend the small flight of stairs towards the Obelisk. Completely oblivious to the two menacing black statues of grand dragons guarding the main gold leaf gate into the tower.
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Post by Land Tillers' State on Apr 12, 2016 9:59:22 GMT -8
A'Shen and his guards weren't quite as oblivious, but they were impressed. The black statues were works of art, as was the tower itself. "It looks just like the wizard tower back home" one of the guards said.
As they approached the gate, A'Shen turned to shake hands with Malagus once again. "Thank you, it was a pleasure to get to know you." It really was. After such a brief time the Land-Tillers already felt more at ease around the undead.
"Once we go through the gates, where do we go? Are there any special customs we must adhere to?"
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The Kingdom of Belrow
Committed
Roleplay posts: 86
Player's online availability : Most days
Registered: Apr 10, 2016 2:54:12 GMT -8
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Post by The Kingdom of Belrow on Apr 12, 2016 15:14:17 GMT -8
This ambassador is a lot more friendly then Malgus expected he would be. Maybe his people might be accepted after all.
"We have certain customs...yes...but we...alow the living...a little leeway. Once you enter...you will be greeted...by an awaiting delegation...that will take you to the overlord. Be respective to him...bow a little. Most important of all... what ever you do...do not stare to long into the archway." Malgus explained slowly. "Farewell, ambassador.... May we meet again. I would greatly enjoy... talking about this...wizards tower you have."
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Post by Land Tillers' State on Apr 12, 2016 19:31:25 GMT -8
A'Shen bowed slightly to Malgus. "Agreed. Perhaps one day records of our friendship will be including in your library."
As Malgus left them, they entered the doorway and sought the delegation. They would then allow themselves to be led to the hall of the overlord.
As per Malgus' instructions, they bowed slightly and avoided making eye contact with the above archway, thought they could not help but the briefest of glances.
"Overlord of Belrow, I am A'Shen, ambassador of the Land'Tillers' State from across the desert. I come seeking friendship, trade, and knowledge of the outside world. My convoy is already in the market place, getting to know your people. We come bearing gifts of medicinal herbs, precious stones, and what little gold we can offer." A'Shen would hold out a bag of said items to one of the Overlord's guards (if he had any).
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Post by Ralakor Overlord of Belrow on Apr 13, 2016 2:12:10 GMT -8
He was told of the living enter his lands several days ago. He was suprised at the quickness that the delgation was sent. His city only rose from the desert sands barely a month ago. News much travel faster in the new world then in the old one. The ambassador must have been warned earlier to avert his eyes from the arch way. Although, he of course saw him take a quick look. All the living did, and such they were changed forever.
For behind his thrown of black stone and ancient sigils. Lies what was their salvation, and now their curse. Created from the same black stone as the rest of the city, except this one glowed a dull green, radiating him in its light. That was not the main feature of the Arch, but what laid inside it. For it was far from empty. Inside, a silk smooth veil could been seen, with faces and bodies writhing around, transparent. Talking, and screaming silently.
Behind him lay the very souls of his people. Those that did not have bodies lay in constant agony inside the Arch. Both a prison, and a life boat. The living were never the same once they realized what was inside the Arch.
Speaking from his throne he leaned forward and began his speech he had prepared. This would be interesting, for unlike his noblemen. He could not speak, not in the traditional sense. Instead, he spoke directly into their minds.
"I welcome you to my kingdom, ambassador. I have sent my own envoy in return. You are the first to come to us and for that we thank you. I can see from the compatriots that you fear us, but I must applaud you for you courage for coming anyway. Your gifts are of no use to the dead, for we do not hunger after such material things. You may keep your gold, but we shall give the food to those that live among us."
He sat back, awaiting for the ambassador to get over the small inconvenience of being talked directly into your mind.
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Post by Land Tillers' State on Apr 13, 2016 9:07:36 GMT -8
A'Shen raised his eyebrows at hearing the being's voice in his head. He had no such powers, and psionics in the Land-Tiller's tribe were rare (though they did exist). "Do you two..." He looked over at the guards. They nodded. They could hear it too. The guards were a bit more sensitive to magical energies. Even as mages they found Ralakor's power intimidating.
"I understand. If your people do not live, and have no need of wealth, then what is it that your people could use? If we're going to become friends, we'd like to be able to offer something useful to your people. Our specialty is food and farming... our culture relies heavily on magic and our connection to the earth... Also if you don't mind me asking, who are the ones who move about in the archway?"
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Post by Ralakor Overlord of Belrow on Apr 13, 2016 21:46:29 GMT -8
The overlord looked at the ambassador. This one was blunt and straightforward. Strange choice for an politics, but he could not complain. He tired of playing the endless games with the nations of old. Thinking carefully on how to phrase and answers to the two questions he once again, spoke into their heads.
"As for your first question ambassador. Their are two that we desire. One must be constant, while the other one off. The most pressing request is that of food. Although the dead have no need to eat, as you have noticed, we do house a sizable amount of living in these walls and among our other cities. Right now the living are paying prices that are exorbitant. The second most pressing concern is that of ships. Long ago our people had a great navy, as you can see, we have long since lost it. Yet if we are to communicate and trade with other coastal cities we must once again have a fleet."
Ralakor then stood up from his throne, slowly and carefully, letting the tattered red robes he wore fall, and walked behind his throne, towards the Arch. Placing his his hands behind his back he spoke, facing away from the delegation.
"The second question is a bit harder to explain. For you see, a very long time ago, my high mages and I struck a bargain to save ourselves from destruction. It was the only way to survive," Ralakor sounded more like he was trying to convince himself then A' Shen. "When we die, instead of passing onto the next plain of existence, we were anchored to the earth. To this arch." The overlord turned back towards the delegation speaking once more. "and so, in this Arch, lies the very souls of my people, all my people, all those that have ever lived, tens of thousands of them."
He then back round and sat back down in his throne. He enjoyed watching the livings faces when they are told the history of his people. Everyone reacted differently.
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Post by Land Tillers' State on Apr 13, 2016 23:26:11 GMT -8
"And so... that is why you are the way you are... incredible..." A'Shen stood in absolute awe. He was amazed. Never did he imagine a people so tenacious, and having such a strong will to survive. To be willing to go this far was almost absurd, but commendable.
As predicted, not everyone's reactions were equal. One of the guards was terrified at the idea, and the other one was disgusted. Still, they said nothing.
"I wish there was something we could do to help. Our tribe wields powerful magic, but it is mostly elemental in nature. Necromatic magic has a strong stigma against its use. Hmm..."
He turned away from the arch and looked at Ralakor. "Food, as expected. Food will not be a problem. We could send a small convoy once a week without... tooo much trouble." A'Shen was careful to avoid saying that such a burden would be, in fact, quite light. "The ships may be another matter. Our civilization is land-locked. We do not have a navy. However, because of the river that runs through our lands, we do have some knowledge of basic ship construction. We can give you several primitive galleons which should at least meet the requirements for sea travel."
One of the guards whispered something in A'Shen's ear. The ambassador nodded and then returned to Ralakor. "We noticed that your city guards have access to relatively strong enchanted weapons, and that some of your people wear metal jewelry. One of our weaknesses lies in metal working, and our knowledge of enchantments is but passable. Perhaps in exchange, you could share with us some of your knowledge of enchantments, along with some of the metal items themselves."
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Post by Ralakor Overlord of Belrow on Apr 14, 2016 16:50:22 GMT -8
Ralakor was pleased with this deal, but he decided their was another way.
Delving once more into the delegate's mind he replied. "Our mines are vast beneath the surface, you shall gain your metals in return for food. Yet I must regrettably inform you our knowledge on enchantments are our greatest held secret. It was the only thing that allowed us to survive the Great War. My librarians would never allow them to be shared. We shall send you envoy of already enchanted gear, but the knowledge to create it must remain with us. To your offer of building our ships, that will not be necessary. We contain the knowledge needed to create our own. We just.." He gestured towards the outer wall, "lack the resources to make them now."
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Post by Land Tillers' State on Apr 14, 2016 17:38:48 GMT -8
A'Shen nodded. "That seems fair, although, we treat our forests with great respect, we have methods of quickly growing certain trees. We can spare enough wood for several ships. When we return with the lumber, then we will take some ore."
The guards nodded, impressed at both their own diplomat and the agreeableness of the undead overlord.
"I... suppose if that will be all, then we should sign our treaty immediately. Afterwards perhaps we can get to know each other's histories better... Is there anything else you'd like to add?"
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Post by Ralakor Overlord of Belrow on Apr 14, 2016 21:33:36 GMT -8
The treaty was quickly signed between the Overlord and the delegate. Ralakor had not written in a very long time, so his writing was not the best, he simply signed his initials in his native tongue.
Looking up from the paper after it was signed he said to the A'Shen. "Now that the treaty is signed I would like to invite you to the mantle. The very top of this tower, from there I will tell you our history."
Gesturing towards the door to his small throne room he lead the party to the way up. To past the time, he began his story. "We do not remember much of our history before our change." He raised his hand and stared at its bony mass as lead them to the staircase that would lead to the top. "What we do know, was what was written in our scrolls and tomes. We were a jealous race. We lived in a land that was good, our crops grew and our people prospered but we were jealous of our neighbors."
They had reached the staircase now. Very slowly they began the journey to the top. "For what reason, we do not know, but we made war with them for it. Although our powers and magic, at first gave us the edge but we underestimated them.They soon began to rally a defense, and they where pushing us back towards our own lands. They destroyed our cities, and killed tens of thousands of us."
They had reached the top of the tower now, the sun beating down on them. Able to see in all directions the view was stunning. Walking over to one of the sides of the black stone blocks the raised up around them, giving off the impression of a crown Ralakor continued. "It was then that our great mines had found something. Deep below the surface lay a being of great power, it had no real shape and it had slept, but the constant death around him had awoken it. We revered him as a god." Ralakor clenched his fist sharply. It told us that if we gave it a shape, it would bring us victory and in our desperation we obliged, from their he gave us the knowledge to be immortal, and in our arrogance we followed his plan."
He turned back towards the ambassador. "It was a trick, it was no god. Only a creature of the time before. Once we were in these bodies, he had complete control over our souls. We lost all memory of who we where before, he used us, nothing more then puppets to kill every other sentient being on this land, so that it could feast on their souls. Unwilling subjects we slaughtered, unable to speak, or scream we were passengers in our own bodies. We destroyed everyone. We tore down their buildings and monuments, so that nothing would remain."
Ralakor then turned around, once again staring into the endless desert. "This place was one a fertile land and in our arrogance and innocence, we destroyed it. Eventually, some of us were able to break free of his grip, we tore his body that we had created into fragments and hid them around the world, so that they may never combine. Then we retreated to our remaining cities. We put ourselves to sleep, so that once we awoke, their would be others living again. So that we could ask their forgiveness for what we had done. What we had been forced to do." He finally turned towards A'Shen began to approach him. "This state is our punishment, as long as the creature lives, our souls are anchored to that Arch, and the creature can not be killed by any means we can devise."
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Post by Land Tillers' State on Apr 14, 2016 22:21:13 GMT -8
A'Shen's face went through several iterations of horror, understanding, and sorrow. When Ralakor finished his story, A'Shen was astounded, and saddened.
"I see... I am truly sorry. It sounds like something that could befall any nation... Perhaps someday we can help you find and destroy this creature. But that will be for another time."
A'Shen looked to his guards for affirmation.
"Our story is rather simple. We have lived in our lands as long as we can remember. We are a tribe which consists of many clans, and we strive to live as one with the earth as much as possible. We do not know our origins so well, only that we are bound to the earth."
A'Shen would know nothing of Va'nei the Earthwarden and how she helped the Land-Tillers found their civilization, how the elves, half elves, and humans once lived together before the elves became secluded. This was knowledge thousands of years ago, and the current humans who lived there were far removed from it.
"An important aspect of our history however lies with the chaos mages. They are beings who wield the magic of the earth itself and bring balance. Our last chaos mage died about ten years ago, and the appear every few hundred years."
A'Shen would go on to list the different clans and their specialties.
"Recently we have begun to open up our lands. We are now allies with several nations, including Isra and the Phoenix Imperium, though the later seems to have died down in activity as of late. Hmm... Anyways, we have found that our farming methods are vastly superior to even the more advanced civilizations, so of course, the first thing we offer in trade is food and farming techniques."
After a moment of silence, A'Shen bowed to Ralakor. "It was an honor meeting you and learning of your people. You can expect convoys from us soon. For now, we'd like to continue exploring your city."
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Deleted
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Registered: May 4, 2024 2:32:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2016 9:59:13 GMT -8
The Goraian Ambassador and her small party of three traveled through the underground city, in quite awe at the way it functioned between the dead and the living. Fairuz, proud of her ancestry and of her home country, continued to wear garb that was as colorful as Sakand, but more modest, not showing off nearly as much skin as would have been the case had the roles been reversed. The members that traveled with her were in more muted colors, one with a dark cloak over his head to obscure his face from those that looked their way.
The party arrived at the base of the Obelisk, and Fairuz' charming green eyes traveled up its line and back down again. A few words were murmured to her by the only other woman in the party, and Fairuz turned and laid a comforting hand on the woman's clothed arm, giving it a gentle squeeze accompanied with a gentle smile on her aristocratic face.
After, she turned and approached the doors and guards, announcing herself in her smooth and composed voice. "I am Ambassador Fairuz of the Kingdom of Goraia on behalf of Lord Zephidel. I would like to speak to King Ralakor, that we may open our borders to each other for trade and good faith."
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The Kingdom of Belrow
Committed
Roleplay posts: 86
Player's online availability : Most days
Registered: Apr 10, 2016 2:54:12 GMT -8
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Post by The Kingdom of Belrow on May 30, 2016 6:26:49 GMT -8
The Goraian Ambassador and her small party of three traveled through the underground city, in quite awe at the way it functioned between the dead and the living. Fairuz, proud of her ancestry and of her home country, continued to wear garb that was as colorful as Sakand, but more modest, not showing off nearly as much skin as would have been the case had the roles been reversed. The members that traveled with her were in more muted colors, one with a dark cloak over his head to obscure his face from those that looked their way. The party arrived at the base of the Obelisk, and Fairuz' charming green eyes traveled up its line and back down again. A few words were murmured to her by the only other woman in the party, and Fairuz turned and laid a comforting hand on the woman's clothed arm, giving it a gentle squeeze accompanied with a gentle smile on her aristocratic face. After, she turned and approached the doors and guards, announcing herself in her smooth and composed voice. "I am Ambassador Fairuz of the Kingdom of Goraia on behalf of Lord Zephidel. I would like to speak to King Ralakor, that we may open our borders to each other for trade and good faith." The undead guardians ignored the living party. There bodies still and emotionless like the two massive black stone dragons that guarded the stairs to the closed bronze gate. Smaller then the one from the wall, this one had the etchings a shadowy form being torn apart of seven small humans on top of a pile of bodies on its front. The only sound a almost human like shriek as the hot desert air bellowed past the twisting corridors and hulking black towers of Kalkador. After almost a minute of waiting the great bronze doors began to swing outwards, strangely silent for something of its size and material. From these bronze gates emerged a figure clocked in exquisite white robes. As it walked closer to the party it it was observed that although its skin was as dried and husky as the rest of its kind this figure most definitely was a woman. "Greatings travelers." The undead woman as she decended down the steps to met the foreign party. Everything about her intoned that she was female, the walk was slow and lustious, her voice, although husky and as halting as the men it had a civilized tone to it. "I am Yaresh Ral'kan, high priestess of ... the dead. Unfortunately our Lord is currently...fighting in Aaden against...the slaved but I...can attend to any needs you...require." She gestured to the party. "Please...come into the Obelisk, let us get your ...pink flesh out of this heat." |
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Deleted
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Registered: May 4, 2024 2:32:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2016 17:27:20 GMT -8
Her party behind her shifted. Even Fairuz began to feel... as if they'd been slighted. There was no answer from the guards, no outward change that they'd even heard or would even acknowledge what the statuesque ambassador had requested.
She was almost, almost about to turn away when there was a sudden movement that had Fairuz vanishing her doubts to watch as a beautifully garbed undead woman came forward, cloaked in flowing white.
It was still somewhat of a shock to be around all of these undead, although Fairuz handled herself very well. Her stomach clenched, but she bowed her head with respect to the priestess as she spoke.
"I thank you for your time, Yaresh Ral'kan," Fairuz said, trying her best to mimic the woman's name. The names of those that were within Belrow seemed at least similar to the languages of Sakand. It was perhaps a reason why the desert heat did not seem to bother the ambassador and her retinue.
Fairuz turned and gestured to her party, and walking beside Yaresh, she led them into the Obelisk.
"I must make my most humble apologies. I had not known that the Kingdom of Belrow was at war. I should have scheduled my visit for a more convenient time." It was very much a rookie mistake, and Fairuz already knew that the knowledge would displeased Lady Zaiyandorel and, more importantly, Lord Zephidel, greatly to know that Fairuz had gone ahead with a diplomatic visit when there was no monarch upon the throne. "Is there any way that I might offer the assistance of myself or of the Kingdom of Goraia?" she asked.
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Yaresh Ral'kan
New
High Priestess of The kingdom of Belrow
Roleplay posts: 2
Registered: May 31, 2016 23:43:49 GMT -8
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Post by Yaresh Ral'kan on May 31, 2016 23:59:28 GMT -8
Her party behind her shifted. Even Fairuz began to feel... as if they'd been slighted. There was no answer from the guards, no outward change that they'd even heard or would even acknowledge what the statuesque ambassador had requested. She was almost, almost about to turn away when there was a sudden movement that had Fairuz vanishing her doubts to watch as a beautifully garbed undead woman came forward, cloaked in flowing white. It was still somewhat of a shock to be around all of these undead, although Fairuz handled herself very well. Her stomach clenched, but she bowed her head with respect to the priestess as she spoke. "I thank you for your time, Yaresh Ral'kan," Fairuz said, trying her best to mimic the woman's name. The names of those that were within Belrow seemed at least similar to the languages of Sakand. It was perhaps a reason why the desert heat did not seem to bother the ambassador and her retinue. Fairuz turned and gestured to her party, and walking beside Yaresh, she led them into the Obelisk. "I must make my most humble apologies. I had not known that the Kingdom of Belrow was at war. I should have scheduled my visit for a more convenient time." It was very much a rookie mistake, and Fairuz already knew that the knowledge would displeased Lady Zaiyandorel and, more importantly, Lord Zephidel, greatly to know that Fairuz had gone ahead with a diplomatic visit when there was no monarch upon the throne. "Is there any way that I might offer the assistance of myself or of the Kingdom of Goraia?" she asked. Leading the party into the black Obelisk out of the heat Yaresh replied. "There is nothing... that you can do. The war has been won. Our armies...will be returning any day now. If you remain long enough...you may even see them arrive. As for your apologies...they are not needed. I am one of the seven...any dealings you may of had with my lord...you may have with me. Our goals are all the same here in Belrow." She lead them into the main foyer of the Oblisk. It was dark here, the only lights emanating from ghostly green torches on the polished black walls. The ground floor was sparse except for a giant spiral staircase that lead above and below. Its central pillar made of the small black stone. Every minute a pulse of green electric energy would flow from above and descend the pillar like lighting. "I shall take your party...to one of the Kal'badors. It is one...of our meeting places. Said Yareth and she began to ascend the staircase. Please...follow me. It is several...levels above." |
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Deleted
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Registered: May 4, 2024 2:32:44 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2016 7:20:06 GMT -8
"Then my congratulations instead of my apologies," Fairuz said in regards to the Belrow(ish?ian?an?) victory with Aeadan to Yaresh with a small smile. She took the time to quickly glance about the dark chamber. It was hard not to notice the inner column. Still, she forced her attention back upon the undead priestess. "I am sure that I will be here to watch their victorious return. There is much about your country that I would like to acquaint myself with."
"I see," Fairuz said, in response to Yaresh being acknowledge as one of the seven. Seven what? Fairuz wasn't entirely sure. Reading material on Belrow was not very widespread, and she was sent from Goraia presumably because of her composure under pressure.
And the task of dealing with the undead face-to-face certainly required a level of calm.
Fairuz followed closely behind Yareth. "Forgive my curiosity, but what was the conflict about?"
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Yaresh Ral'kan
New
High Priestess of The kingdom of Belrow
Roleplay posts: 2
Registered: May 31, 2016 23:43:49 GMT -8
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Post by Yaresh Ral'kan on Jun 3, 2016 21:31:47 GMT -8
(sorry for the late reply, been studying for semester finals)
Yaresh led the small party up the stairs. Past several dark floors guarded by bronze clad dead. There were no etchings on the walls here, no seams of bricks layed ontop of each other. Just the same smooth black stone, reflecting the pulsating lighting of the central pillar.
"The nation of Aaden... was under control by dark... magics. It had turned the entire ...population to undead puppets. Our lord and ...several regiments of guardians and constructs... were sent to reinforce the living as... well as the last remaining royal member... in reclaim the main city."
Eventually they reached a floor more brightly lit the the ones they had passed.
"Here is the diplomats floor." Yaresh gestured, "As of yet, you are... the second nation to... come to us. The first being the Land Tiller State, who are... also located on this floor. Please, follow me."
She led them down the hallway, past several archways that led into large antechambers. Finally at the end of the hall was a large bronze leafed gate, currently closed it was over two meters high and able to fit three people abreast. Pushing on it Yaresh opened the gate into the meeting place, the Kal'bador. It was a large room, exiting on the ground floor the visitors saw clearly that it was a room meant for debate. Surrounding a central platform slightly raised from the entrance floor were series's of terraced blocks, made out of the same black stone they were made to be sat on. To look down at the main central platform.
"Now," Yaresh said facing the party. "What is it talk about?"
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