Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181 
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Sept 29, 2015 9:06:48 GMT -8
Harenhall 
Castle Harenhall was, until recently, just a pile of rubble marring the hillside upon which it once sat. However, as of late, it has begun to rise again. Scaffolding has slowly risen up around the area, and shadows can be seen moving through the windows, shuffling about as if mindless or half-dead, according to those who have gotten close enough to see. Any who have tried to enter the castle have not returned, and so the identity of whoever is building the castle back up is unknown. It is certainly a great mystery.
Harenhall was once lovingly nicknamed "The Dreadhalls" in its time of glory, named as such for the Von Haren family and their army of Dread Knights that once walked its halls. The Von Haren family was a family seemingly cursed to wield dark, dangerous powers, necromancers all, their power apparently inherited through blood. With this power, they controlled a massive tract of cold, yet fertile land, with thousands upon thousands of subjects. Although one might at first think that this era was one of tyranny and disparity, historical texts speak of the reign of the Von Harens as a time of peace and prosperity, with even the poorest commoner able to fill their belly every night, and every town flourishing with trade and agriculture. All the Von Harens asked for in exchange was unbending, unwavering loyalty. The penalty of denying this was to be sacrificed, the souls of the guilty used to enhance the strength of the Von Haren family. Unfortunately, the Von Harens apparently went extinct during the cataclysm, and their home turned to rubble.
Interior 
Harenhall is a massive citadel. Even the gatehouse is massive in size, and one feels as if they're being watched as they enter, despite the castle being apparently uninhabited. The plaza leading up to the castle's main hall is overgrown with thistle and nightshade, and the fountains which once glistened splendidly with water shooting toward the heavens have run dry, vines clogging their openings and wrapping about their lengths. The main hall itself is massive, once the meeting place of nobles and kings, now empty and desolate. Nowhere is the grandiosity of the citadel more evident than the looming throne room, on its own the size of a great cathedral. The throne room and the looming throne itself has been carved entirely out of one massive black onyx stone, every pillar and railing and glimmering step flush with one another, seamlessly connected. The throne is carved in such a way to loom over the observer, upon a dais with several steps leading up. The back is fashioned into the ribs of a skeletal being, and each armrest is shaped as a spine leading up to a skull leering out at the observer. In the center of the throne room, a great fountain spews green light from its center, the light swirling about before collecting in a pool of ectoplasm beneath. Any cleric or paladin worth their marbles will feel extremely uneasy in this room, and sense a great many souls collected in the pool. The castle is possessed of a great many hearth rooms, and the main banquet hall is almost as big as the throne room itself, a fountain at the head of the table depicting a gargoyle spitting black, corrupted water into a bowl that it holds, although the bowl never overfills. To each side of the massive red oak table in the center, black onyx pillars loom over the observer, curved inward as if the huge stone gargoyles at the top supporting the roof on their shoulders are peering venomously down at the tiny humanoids.
The entire castle is a bit of a labyrinth to anyone unused to navigating it, its dark interior broken only by the occasional plaza or open stable. If one finds their way below, they will come across a huge dungeon, impenetrably dark, stretching for what seems like kilometres in every direction. Screams still seem to echo from the depths of the dungeon, cells and oubliettes that one may never discover still filled with the anguish of the dead. If one is lucky, they'll be able to find the Von Haren family archives splitting from the dungeon, a huge room carved into the stone, massive steel bookshelves stretching for leagues above. These present their own sort of maze through what seems like millions of ancient books, many of which have been lost to time, though wonderfully preserved in this near-sterile environment. A study is connected to the archives, separated by a heavy black iron door. Within, three lavish, yet ancient cushioned chairs sitting about a long-dead hearth, though iron torches shaped like hands hold perpetually burning disembodied green flames burning within, whispers of the damned echoing from the flames. It would appear to the trained observer that the torches are powered by souls. Twelve people lost their lives just to provide light to a noble's study. A waste of life to some.
All in all, Castle Harenhall is both a nightmare and the explorer's dreamscape, although it may not be entirely uninhabited... |
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Aesa Jojora, the One-Handed
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 40
Physical Description: Aesa Jojora is a well-built woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She lost her hand in a battle against the forces of Domrius and his Alquen military forces.
Clothes and Equipment: Aesa carries a steel sword shield; the shield is strapped around her forearm since she has no left hand.
Registered: Sept 19, 2015 13:33:15 GMT -8
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Post by Aesa Jojora, the One-Handed on Sept 29, 2015 13:42:13 GMT -8
Aesa and her band of warriors, along with those Varan mercenaries who had retreated from the Battle of the Phoenix and the Lion, made their way back into Asgeir. They wanted no part of the needless bloodshed cause by the forces of Zaltos and Jorech. It had been quite a journey and the warband was relieved to reenter their homeland of Asgeir.
That is, until they reached the domain of Harenhall. Over the ridge the army of approximately 1,200, all nobles and loyalists of the fief of Valland, paused as Aesa brought her mount to a dead stop.
One of Aesa's captains, Varuut, came riding beside her. "Something wrong, m'lady?" He was an older man, with a great white beard and a balding head, but his eyes spoke wisdom, as did his counsel.
Aesa was silent at first, peering at the Dreadhalls. Finally she spoke. "Who's taken control of the Dreadhalls?"
The captain looked curiously at the castle. Indeed someone was... renovating it? By then the entire force had noticed the obvious changes in the keep. The captain spoke up again. "Not sure m'lady. I advise caution."
Aesa looked on eerily, unsure of what to think. "Indeed. No other Varan but the Von Haren's themselves would dare enter that keep, and they're dead. Something isn't right. Ride with me?"
"Aye."
"Good. Signal the men to keep marching. Their weary souls know the way from here." Captain Varuut blew his horn and the men set out northward, heading back to Valland. Aesa and Varuut, however, headed to the keep.
The duo paused some distance away from it, as many Varan were superstitious and the two of them no different. "Who's there," Varuut called out. "Anyone?"
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Harenhall Hordes
New
Roleplay posts: 3
Physical Description: The undead creatures that inhabit Harenhall are numerous and range from tiny imp-like abominations to great bone dragons. Beware that which lurks in the depths...
Registered: Sept 29, 2015 16:04:25 GMT -8
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Post by Harenhall Hordes on Sept 29, 2015 16:16:04 GMT -8
A faint skitter can be heard as a something retreats behind a gargoyle that rises up above the courtyard through which the two enter, but otherwise, all is quiet. There is no response from the castle, but the pair will begin to get an uneasy feeling as they pass through the open gates, as if they're being watched. Their unease is likely not abated when they see a freshly-killed corpse lying within the courtyard, the Varan treasure hunter still clutching onto a broken shortsword, its face perpetually twisted into an expression of agony. His thick leather armour has been torn apart, and his chest torn open to bear his innards to the world. He apparently lacks any vital organs. Blood from the corpse is pooled around it and splashed onto the dried up fountain which it lies nearby. Its killer is nowhere to be seen, but the smell of drying blood is fairly fresh in the air, and four clawed footprints, faintly animalistic yet somehow...humanoid streak away from the corpse and straight up a nearby wall into a window above. It is deathly silent. Not even birds dare go near the courtyard.
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Aesa Jojora, the One-Handed
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 40
Physical Description: Aesa Jojora is a well-built woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She lost her hand in a battle against the forces of Domrius and his Alquen military forces.
Clothes and Equipment: Aesa carries a steel sword shield; the shield is strapped around her forearm since she has no left hand.
Registered: Sept 19, 2015 13:33:15 GMT -8
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Post by Aesa Jojora, the One-Handed on Sept 30, 2015 13:03:22 GMT -8
Aesa gets uneasy as she approaches the keep. At first, it's nothing to do with the strange paranormal effects of the area, it's merely her intuition. "I don't like this," she reiterated to Varuut, who nodded in agreement. "Dead men in a supposed dead keep? Someone - or something - is here. We go no further." Aesa's mount seemed to plant his hooves into the ground, not dare entering the courtyard. Varuut's horse did the same, though the man seemed to have some more resolve than the lady.
"Is anyone there? This keep rightfully belongs to no one but the Von Haren. Trespassers are welcome nowhere in Asgeir, and to tread on any brothers grounds without proper permission is to tread on the respect of Varan everywhere. Show yourself, trespassers, or may the spirits of the fallen Von Haren haunt you forever!" Varuut seemed to be specifically talking to whoever it was inside the keep.
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Harenhall Hordes
New
Roleplay posts: 3
Physical Description: The undead creatures that inhabit Harenhall are numerous and range from tiny imp-like abominations to great bone dragons. Beware that which lurks in the depths...
Registered: Sept 29, 2015 16:04:25 GMT -8
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Post by Harenhall Hordes on Sept 30, 2015 13:34:35 GMT -8
At first, there's no response to Aesa's call, and her voice simply echoes off the walls into oblivion. After a few moments, however, a twisted, emaciated and bony ghoul with milky white eyes suddenly drops from the window of the gatehouse behind them, falling upon its face at first but quickly rising and turning to face the Varan with a hungry stare. Its jaw unhinges suddenly, and it lets out a piercing, high-pitched scream, black viscous spittle stringing from between its long, razor sharp fangs.
As the scream fades into darkness, the two Varan might begin to think they're safe from other ghouls. However, before long similarly-shaped ghouls spill out of the windows and from atop and behind gargoyles, scampering down the stone wall using their sharp and durable claws. The ghouls all close in on the Varan, sprinting on four legs at them with reckless abandon, ready to rend the Varan to shreds with tooth and claw. This might be a tight spot, even for the two trained warriors; it's estimated that there are about 20 ghouls in total facing the Varan warriors. Perhaps not a horde, but certainly enough to cause problems.
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Aesa Jojora, the One-Handed
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 40
Physical Description: Aesa Jojora is a well-built woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She lost her hand in a battle against the forces of Domrius and his Alquen military forces.
Clothes and Equipment: Aesa carries a steel sword shield; the shield is strapped around her forearm since she has no left hand.
Registered: Sept 19, 2015 13:33:15 GMT -8
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Post by Aesa Jojora, the One-Handed on Sept 30, 2015 14:06:14 GMT -8
The horses neighed and whimpered, pulling itself back to get away from such creatures. "Easy, girl," Aesa commanded, but to no avail.
"Go m'lady," Varuut hollered. Both warriors quickly turned around and high-tailed it away from the keep to a safe distance.
"By the gods! We should send word to Stormhold of this disrespect to Harenhall and the Von Haren!"
"Nay my lady," Varuut shook his head and even laughed a little. "I believe... we should send word to Stormhold that the Von Haren have returned."
Aesa looked at Varuut with dread. "You can't be serious."
"Aye, m'lady. That's Von Haren magic in there. We should just leave'em be."
Aesa nodded, though her mind wasn't sure what place it was in, and the two warriors left to catch up with the rest of the army.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 18:14:24 GMT -8
[Enter from Gauldin, on the roads to Harenhall, and the lands of Ulfang Von Haren] Ulfang's black stallion trots along the dirt road between a sea of green pine trees, the melody of nature permeating the forest as birds sing to one another, wild boars dig up roots, and Timberwolves run through the woods, paying no mind to the travellers. The sunlight filters through the trees, warm against one's skin, giving a pleasant contrast to the chilly Northern air, which makes one's breath steam. It is obvious now why Ulfang wears that fur cloak of his so religiously. Ulfang looks back to Azure with a smile. "We're only a day's ride away now, my dear," he tells her. It had been a long and arduous journey of a full three months. When an Inn could not be found, they were forced to share a small tent, putting one another in close quarters, though Ulfang had to admit he found it rather pleasant. He had felt Azure slipping, and so while they were on the road, he had been secretly grasping the jewel and siphoning pieces of his soul into it, in order to keep her from disappearing forever. What a shame it would be to lose her so soon after meeting her. Luckily, they had run into some highwaymen who foolishly attempted to steal their mule-drawn cart, and Ulfang had taken their essence for the inconvenience, so the draw didn't make him so tired as it might have. However, he does appear noticeably more gaunt now than when the trip began, as if he's not eaten in a few days. He hopes Azure didn't notice, as she'd been rather taken aback by the proposal the first time. Regardless, he would rather sacrifice part of himself than lose her forever. That spoke volumes of his growing attraction. |
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 18:29:54 GMT -8
Azure had indeed been slipping away as the magic in the Jewel faded, slowly but inexorably. There were odd benefits to this, as she could now feel temperature to a degree, as well as textures, but it still felt like there was a layer of numbness between her and whatever she touched, although that failed to lessen the pleasure she took nestled into his side on the nights when they shared a tent. On top of that, her emotions had begun to come more easily, and were far more easily identifiable. It was this that let her realize just how deeply she had come to care for her Master, and how terrified she was at the thought of dying. All things which she hid well - the length of time she'd had no emotions whatsoever made it simple to keep up that mask. What had surprised her was the revelation that she was being sustained, somehow. And the closer they got to their destination, the more of the puzzle she began to decipher.
And not just the puzzle of how she was still in existence. The riddle of how to release herself from the Jewel and live again was becoming clear, as well. Which was almost unfortunate, because if she was translating the ancient speech of the Old Gods woven into her prison correctly, it was not going to be a pleasant experience for anyone involved. She was hesitant to reveal this information to Ulfang, but at the same time, it needed to happen quickly - she could see that he was not well. She also knew it would have to come out soon after they reached his home. Their home. That thought brought a smile to her lips, where she sat perched behind him on his horse, her arms wrapped around his waist and her face nuzzled into his back.
"Are you happy to be going home, Ulfang?"
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 18:39:22 GMT -8
"Indeed. It has been too long since I saw it. I imagine it'll be fully reconstructed, by now. The finishing touches were being put on it when I left. I imagine the people have returned to my lands, as well, with the revelation that my fief was once again being cared for. Now I must start building my little kingdom again, with living recruits. Undead are useful, but they can't do certain things that require a living being's touch," responds Ulfang, musing at his future prospects.
"Of course, first we must focus on bringing you back to life! I sense we do not have a lot of time left to do that. Whatever happens, though, I vow that I will not let you disappear," he continues. It would appear that they are approaching a checkpoint on the road ahead, one that Ulfang's light frown would suggest was not there when he left. He draws his great sword from upon his back. If there's a checkpoint, it means organisation, and not necessarily loyal to him.
"Prepare yourself, dear one, it would appear that there are people here that were not before," says Ulfang, his voice somewhat more quiet now.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 18:53:07 GMT -8
Azure wasn't sure what to expect when it came to Harenhall. She had seen many different types of domicile, thanks to the many Masters and Mistresses she'd been tied to over the ages.. everything from dank caves, to grand libraries, and even once a flying castle. "If I were to return to the Jewel for a time, I think it would halt the degradation process, at least temporarily.. I can do so while you see to the affairs of your realm. I will gladly wait, to afford you the time to make your home as it should be." While still not ideal, and not something she particularly wanted to do, it would serve several purposes.. at the top of the list being preventing Ulfang from weakening himself further, followed closely by allowing her to finish deciphering the magic of the Old Gods. She would be forever grateful to that unknown time magus for scanning her prison and allowing her to access the magic woven into it.
Feeling Ulfang move, she leaned back a bit, and saw him retrieving his sword. That caused her to tilt to one side, peering around him at what lay before them. Azure thought quickly as she spotted the people ahead, and heard Ulfang's words of warning. She was diminutive enough that they likely hadn't seen her, from that distance and hidden behind his bulk, as it were. Acting in an instant, her corporeal form dissipated, becoming no more than a consciousness tied to magic and thinly-spread water that hovered behind Ulfang. Her voice whispered in his mind, so as not to alert the potential threat to her existence. I am still present. Give the word, and I will act as needed.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 19:22:24 GMT -8
Ulfang wants to tell her how unnecessary that would be. How he desired her to remain with him. However, now is not the time, and he gives a slight nod back to Azure. He approaches the gatehouse slowly, and when they get close enough, a voice rings out. Female, but strong-sounding.
"Halt! You are entering the lands of the Von Haren dynasty! What is your business?" it implores, much to Ulfang's surprise. Clearly, the people had been busier than he had expected.
"I am Ulfang von Haren, Lord of these lands!" he responds. The gate swings open seconds later, and an old, white-haired malitiaman astride a powerful snowy-coated horse rides out to meet him, dressed in old yet strong and well-made steel armour, with a longbow strung along his back and a sabre on his hip.
"Ulfang!" he says, cordially, "It has been too long, brother!"
Ulfang blinks in surprise.
"Ulfgar? What are you doing back?" he asks, incredulously.
"I heard that our lands were populated once again, and I thought I would come help you rebuild! When I got here, you were gone, so I figured I would temporarily lead the towns as a sort of...mayor, for lack of a better word. I hope you don't mind, I took some of your undead to help us defend the borders. We are short on people and supplies."
Ulfang eyes him with just the slightest hint of mistrust.
"You remember I tried to kill you with the rest, right? I only spared you because you were the only one to leave willingly," says Ulfang, skeptically.
"Ah, what is past has passed. We are family, that is enough. Come, now, the Dreadhalls have been completed and the first Dread Knights are being trained and equipped as we speak," says the man, turning the horse about and stroking his long beard.
This was certainly a surprise. Ulfang had heard that Ulfgar had died in an attempt to take over a castle in Medan, washed away by history like so many others. And now, he has returned an old, yet still clearly capable man. Perhaps he would make a valuable ally.
Ulfang's thoughts are broken by Ulfgar's gravelly voice. "This is not entirely charity, mind! I wish to be your Marshall, and help control our army," he says.
"All in time, brother," says Ulfang, distractedly, before murmuring back to Azure, "You may come out, now."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 19:31:22 GMT -8
Silent and ever watchful, Azure closely observed as a female voice addressed Ulfang, only for his response to draw out another man on horseback. She could immediately see the similarities in their facial structures, which surprised her. And the reason was soon discerned by the address of brother. Interesting, indeed. No longer wary, but immensely curious, Azure remained non-corporeal as she listened to the conversation between Ulfang and his brother, all the while keeping her senses tuned for any sign of threat. In the end, it turned out to be completely unnecessary, and she was pleased when Ulfang bade her return to corporeal form.
Gathering her scattered components, she popped back into existence, seated behind him once more, with her arms again curled about him. Nothing was said to the other man as she eyed his brother thoughtfully, her ears twitching and hands splayed against his chest. No doubt this Ulfgar would be confused by the sudden appearance of a pint-sized, blue-haired Elf behind his brother, but Azure was reserving the right to wait until she had been spoken to, before speaking to him. The only person she trusted was currently held in the circle of her fair-skinned arms. "Is this brother of yours trustworthy?" Quietly spoken, she once again nestled her face into his cloak. She was coming to appreciate the feel of it against her cheek.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 20:40:43 GMT -8
Lucky for the pair, Ulfgar is facing the other way, so Ulfang doesn't have to explain anything. Ulfgar leads the two through the border town, a small, yet busy-seeming settlement with Varan folk walking through the roughly cobbled streets, carrying out various tasks. Music wafts through the air from a tavern nearby, carrying with it the sound of laughter and joymaking. They pass through a marketplace, with stalls filled with goods lining the streets.
"Ah, the town of Greenvale, where the Von Haren legacy was born. We used to come here as children and play in the streets, do you remember? The merchants would always give us sweets for free, much to our parents' dismay," says Ulfgar wistfully. "That was so long ago. Now look at us! Two old men, wizened by time."
Ulfang nods. "Aye, it did seem less chaotic in those days. I suppose that's what all old folk say, though. The past is always better," he responds. He places one of his hands over Azure's and gives it a light, affectionate squeeze, something he's taken to doing as late.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 20:55:44 GMT -8
As they entered the village proper, Azure raised her head from its comfortable lean against Ulfang's back to peer about at all they passed. Her ears twitched, hearing the music and the laughter of the people enjoying it. She had observed similar scenes before, but never before had it drawn a smile to her lips as it did now. She knew these people would likely not accept her - she was too different, too strange, would still be so even if she came to live again - but she cared little for that, as they were Ulfang's people. The mental image of a young Ulfang running through these streets, accepting forbidden treats from the merchants, made her smile widen, and she turned her head to hide the expression in his cloak.
The hand coming to rest atop hers elicited an immediate reaction, that of her own shifting just slightly so that she could stroke the tips of her fingers gently across his, a silent reciprocation of the tender gesture of affection. It then returned to its former resting position as she listened to the pair converse. Ulfang seemed ready enough to trust his brother, at least for now, and as such, she would only be slightly suspicious. Her eyes closed as she fixed one ear toward their discussion, instead turning her main focus inward, and along her link to the Jewel. There was still much to be puzzled out, and they had little time in which to do it.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 21:49:29 GMT -8
After a few minutes, they're out of the town, and the cobbled streets turn to dust once again. However, after scarcely half an hour of a brisk canter, the road becomes paved with stone again, this time in well-cut black onyx bricks. This is the Black Road, the two-mile long stretch of road leading up to Harenhall. Its spires can already be seen on the horizon, stretching up into the sky as if to touch the heavens themselves. It's beautiful, and ominous, and scary, all at once.  Ulfang smiles at the sight of his home, squeezing Azure's hand gently again and nudging her. "My dear, our home. Look at it. Beautiful, is it not? Once a seat of power in Aesgir...soon it will be again," says Ulfang, his voice touched by admiration. Ulfgar doesn't hear him, but he does spur his horse into a gallop, calling back, "Whoever arrives last cooks dinner!" Ulfang blinks in surprise, then grins widely. "Hang on, dear, I wouldn't want you to fall off," he says, before giving a loud, "hyah!" and spurring his powerful warhorse into motion, the beast sprinting forward with a loud whiny. |
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 21:57:07 GMT -8
Lost in her attempts to completely decipher the magic of the Old Gods, Azure was abruptly pulled back to reality by the pressure of his hand against hers again. Raising her head, she looked up at Ulfang, then followed his gaze toward the looming towers ahead. Our home. His words raised that wonderful feeling within her again, the one she had yet to identify but that she relished nonetheless, given it was always inspired by the man before her. There were no gleaming pinnacles, no crystal minarets or golden towers.. but it called out to her nonetheless. "Home..." That single word was spoken softly, with reverence. "Never have I seen a more lovely sight."
Seeing Ulfgar take off like a shot, she instinctively curled her fingers to grasp onto Ulfang's shirt, and just in time, too, as he followed his brother with alacrity. She held onto him tightly, the wind streaming through her robes, teasing across her skin, sending her hair whipping out behind them like a banner.. and for the first time, she laughed, a light, musical sound. She hadn't even realized she could laugh. But the joy within her as they sped toward his home, her home, their home, would not be denied. Nor did she want to deny it. Life was within her grasp, at last... And with it, all the things she so longed for.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
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Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 22:18:45 GMT -8
The race goes on for about half an hour, Ulfang and Ulfgar neck and neck the entire time. The thing that breaks the stalemate is Ulfgar's looking over and seeing the deep blue hair flowing in the air, which surprises him enough that he gets distracted and nearly runs his horse into a ditch. He had a girl riding behind him? Where did she come from?
This distraction causes Ulfang to win, riding up the hillside and passing through the portcullis, a sable blur until he pulls back on the reins, his stallion sliding to a stop. Ulfgar arrives moments later to a smug-looking Ulfang.
"I do hope you are a good cook, brother!" he laughs. Ulfgar snorts in response.
"The last laugh will be mine; my cooking is terrible!" he jests in response. He eyes Azure, then, addressing her.
"Good afternoon, young lady. Where exactly did you come from? Well, no matter. I am Ulfgar von Haren, as I'm sure you heard. Who might you be?" he says, his voice suspicious but still cordial.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 22:27:42 GMT -8
Azure very nearly laughed again as Ulfgar spectacularly lost, but managed to suppress her mirth. When they came to a stop within the keep's walls, she found herself looking up at the stone around them. This was not what she had expected, but.. it suited Ulfang, and she was pleased. Turning her head to look at Ulfgar as he joined them, she blinked at his questions. One was easy to answer, the other.. not so much. She cast Ulfang a look, then turned her gaze back to his brother. "I am Azure. I.. came from the Royal Academy of the Arcane, in Gauldin." ..Well it was sort of the truth. "I am..."
She hesitated, unsure how to describe herself. What was she? She was not Ulfang's slave, his servant, his minion, his lover... In the end, she settled for offering a shrug, and the closest thing to the truth she could muster up under the circumstances. "I am Ulfang's." His what, she couldn't specify, but no doubt the man himself would explain to his brother if he felt the need. Had she been capable, she likely would've blushed, and not for the first time, she was glad she didn't have that ability.
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Ulfang von Haren
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 181
Age: 82
Physical Description: -------------------------------
Ulfang is a bear of a man. He towers over most he meets, and his figure is muscular and powerful, wonderfully preserved despite his age. He has been the head of House Von Haren for over sixty years. While he lacks the immortality of a vampire, he has been able to sustain his health and vitality seemingly indefinitely through his study of the black arts. His hair is snow white and grown long, complemented by a short white beard curved about his jaw. He has a strong jawline and intensely arched eyebrows, as well as one deep, piercing pale yellow right eye. His other eye is milky white, presumably blind, but this only adds to his intimidating visage. His body is covered with scars, material evidence of an existence filled with battle and hardship. He has a deep, strong voice, the sound of which is enough to scare the life out of the living.
----------------------
Clothes and Equipment: When in battle, he wears heavy, ornate black plate armour, the shoulders of which are sculpted into the shape of ravens with bizarrely glowing green eyes. The fingertips of the gauntlets have been forged and sharpened into bladed points, to be used as tertiary weaponry should he lose both of his blades. His primary weapon is a cursed, broad greatsword named "Fang", which draws the very life from the enemies it fells and feeds their souls to its master. His secondary weapon is a mundane steel arming sword, used primarily in close quarters. Outside of battle, he generally wears a heavy hide-and-fur overcoat over a thick leather jerkin, complimented by black trousers and heavy black boots.
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Registered: Jun 27, 2015 11:08:07 GMT -8
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Post by Ulfang von Haren on Feb 11, 2016 22:47:31 GMT -8
"Ah, Azure is my close companion, one for whom I hold a great deal of affection," says Ulfang, building off her explanation.
"Oh, so it's like that, then," responds Ulfgar with a sly grin. "Ulfang, you dog. I had no idea you were a hit with the young ladies. Well, Azure, in that case it is very nice to meet you. Should I start calling you my sister-in-law now or would you prefer I wait?"
Ironically, Azure is a few millenia older than Ulfang, but his cheeks flush lightly nonetheless. Why, he does not know -- his brother teased like this all the time -- but he does know that his brother is being embarrassing as usual.
"It is not like that...certainly not yet, anyway," responds Ulfang with a grumble.
"Oh, of course not," says Ulfgar, his tone clearly indicating he doesn't believe it. They both fall silent, then, leading the horses into the stables. Afterward, they enter the second set of gates leading into the courtyard proper. While it's no longer overgrown with thistle and nightshade, the courtyard still seems rather barren, as there is no planted greenery. However, the fountain in the center is a resplendent contrast to the dull courtyard, the mouths of four great dragons sat atop a plateau, curled about each other spewing gouts of water into the giant round basin below. The fountain is fairly high off the ground, supported by a large pillar that has carved into it a comprehensive visual history of Ulfang's family.
The brothers pay it no mind. Clearly it was a common sight to them, despite its clearly unique construction. The eyes of many unblinking black-skinned ghouls stare down at the trio as they enter, identifying the brothers as their masters and the woman as a guest. As such, they don't move, simply following with their soulless eyes, baring their teeth instinctually every once in awhile.
When they enter the house, a loud bark echoes through the main hall, and a massive black dog-like...thing nearly knocks Ulfgar over in its excitement, running up with its short, furless tail wagging excitedly, its panting labored as usual yet excited, its exposed jawbones open with its tongue lolling out. It looks up at Ulfgar with glowing red eyes full of compassion, and the older Von Haren kneels down to scratch his head.
"Thorvald! Did you miss me? I bet you did," says Ulfgar as he scritches his hellhound, the dog's ears twitching happily as it whines and flips over onto its belly.
Ulfang looks on with a grin.
"He's still moving after all these years? And his lack of decomposition is remarkable! Brother, your abilities surely have improved!" he says. He turns to Azure and smiles, introducing the dog.
"Azure, this is Thorvald, our family pet from long ago. Ulfgar took him when he left. I didn't expect him to still be around now."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 10:25:16 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2016 22:58:06 GMT -8
To have his affection for her so blatantly stated surprised Azure greatly, but she hid it with ease, simply nodding in agreement with his explanation of their.. relationship, such as it were. The insinuation that she would soon be his brother's wife made a blue brow arch, but, once again, nothing was said. She hardly anticipated such a thing would happen: Ulfang would likely take her as a lover, a mistress, yes, but wife? A girl with no family, no wealth, nothing to offer him? He would do better to find some other noble of his homeland and wed her, to produce his heirs, as was only befitting a man of his station. All this Azure knew, and yet the knowledge caused a painful twisting sensation in her chest.
Following Ulfang and Ulfgar wordlessly into the depths of the keep, she examined the fountain curiously, before her gaze swung up to skim across the watching ghouls, and finally fell to the.. rather large, and very obviously dead, dog that came bounding up to greet the two men. As Ulfang introduced the undead canine, Azure stepped forward, hesitantly extending her hand toward the creature. Animals tended to like her, for some reason, but she had her doubts about one such as this. "He is.." She struggled to find an appropriate descriptor for the dog other than dead, and came up short. "..friendly." Which was perhaps just as odd as anything else she could've said.
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