IceHeart

DragonFall - The War of Dragons, Humans, and Leviathans

Quite an interesting premise, shows promise. I'll be keeping a close eye on this.

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

The ranger was surprised to hear Geoffrey behind him and turned his head to see who it was. "Don't be coy with me." He glared but had to adjust himself when Kehah injected herself between him and the servant girl. Her blade pushed against his and he wisely backed up a few paces, making sure he went away from both the intruders.

"Blast it all what's wrong with you two? I'm trying to get easy information here so our side is sure to win!" The ranger peered venomously at the two, unwilling to put his blade away but also not ready to fight fellow confederates. He kept his dagger close to his body as he started stepping around, trying to get a reading on the situation.

The servant girl took a step behind the armored dummy she had been pressed against and watched the ranger closely.

"Look you two," The ranger continued, hoping they would leave him alone. "Its obvious the Lord of this castle is an eccentric and if I can use his rules to my advantage than so be it. Also I don't like being used for this succession war, just cause he doesn't want to use his own resources to figure it out so the sooner this war is over with the better."

From the back of the room, stone sliding on stone could be heard as a section of the wall slid open. From the darkness inside stepped out the masked man with his black and white mask. "Quite the accusation against my lord. Your own attempts to use his rules in a way where only you gain anything and nothing is returned back to this castle is quite undesirable." The figure's tone turned cold on his final word and it felt like icicles had permeated the entire room, making even the servant start to shake.

Taking his tone as a hostile act the ranger reacted swiftly, throwing the dagger straight at the man's head and reached for another from his belt. The masked individual caught the dagger between his fingers with seemingly little effort and with his left hand pulled out a small, compact crossbow from his back. Another dagger flashed out toward the ex-guide, but with the preciously caught dagger, the man threw it into its path and they bounced off of each other, while at the same time he pulled the trigger on the crossbow.

The small bolt slammed into the ranger's chest, knocking him to the ground. The ranger started to gargle blood as his life quickly slipped away. Putting away the empty crossbow, the masked man looked at the three still in the room. "For coming to the defense of the young lady I thank you. You should probably spread word to the others as it would be a shame if I were forced to eliminate more of you before the marrow."

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

As confederates and imperials traveled the halls and walls, certain castle residents were awake as well. Guards patrolled down the center of the castle on all levels, to ensure the first night treaty held. Various servants roamed about as well, keeping things tidy for perhaps the last night they would have a good time to do so. The moon beamed down upon the castle, bathing its outside in a soft, gentle light.

One of the empire's scouts was exploring the castle's out most wall, to see if it would make a decent invasion route for either side. The wall was decently wide, maybe four people wide at best, though, there were turrets spaced along the wall that one would have to get through, the doorways only wide enough for one man at a time. Any major group that attempted to invade the other's territory by the outer wall could easily get held up at one of the turrets and if that happened the troops would become sitting ducks if anyone with long-range weaponry was stationed below.

The scout suddenly broke into a cold sweat as a strange, loud cracking sound could be heard nearby. He quickly turned toward the noise and realized he was staring at one of the castle wall gargoyles. Wide-eyed, he watched as giant cracks were forming at an accelerated pace along its back and wings. Within only a few moments, shards of stone crashed down upon the wall top and a horrible beast burst out of the stone and turned toward the scout.

The gargoyle as matted-gray, with bristling fur, one long horn and one small one on its head, hooved feet, clawed hands, and menacing yellow eyes with a diamond shaped pupil. While the creature was no longer stone and could probably be hurt, they were not called castle guardians for nothing. The scout was not about to find out as he raced for the nearest turret to barricade himself in. The creature snorted and started to run after him.

The quick thinking scout ripped open a small pouch of powder and threw it back at the monster. Taking it face first, the creature started to sneeze, which threw off its stride, and made the creature stumble for a few spaces, giving the scout just enough time to dive into the nearest turret. The creature smashed into the doorway but it was too stockily built to squeeze through, so it settled for trying to grab the man with one of its arms.

As the scout fought off the creature he thought to himself, "What kind of hell-hole is this place! I thought we'd just be fighting those wet-backs! This place must be cursed!" Taking out his sword, the scout started to bat back the gargoyle's arm. The war hadn't even really begun yet but for this particular solider, he was already in a life or death struggle.

---

Meanwhile on the confederacy side a certain maid of the castle found herself getting some unneeded attention from a confederacy ranger. The pretty young maid on the receiving end of the ranger's attentions, was a dark-skinned brunette who had been tidying up what appeared be be somewhat of a trophy room filled various busts, statues, and animal heads on the walls. At the moment the ranger had the maid trapped against an armored dummy as he made his move.

"Well fancy meeting such a pretty thing here. You know I hope you can tell me all about this castle, you've probably dusted every inch of this place and I'm not feeling particularly motivated to find it all myself." The ranger smiled and shoved the maid into the dummy, but the dummy was bolted in place so it didn't move. "I know that boss of yours is all about bribes, probably trying to make some money off of us, but I don't feel like paying. How about you start giving so I won't have to start getting a bit rough with cha?"

The maid tried to run to the side, but the ranger caught her by the wrist and slammed her back into the armored dummy. The maid, looked frightened, but there was a certain darkness in her eye as well. "I d-don't know why you think you can get away with this but if Lord Grimm finds out!" She was stopped there as the ranger covered her mouth.

"Well if you don't recall he also said he was fine with casualties. If I specifically remember it was something like if we are attacked we're free to kill even the Castle's residents. Now ain't that right?" The ranger brought out a nice and danced it in front of the maid's face. "Now, why don't we have a little chat?"

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

Well the collab certainly slowed things down quite a bit, also after this first night is when things should pick up. I've been doing some other stuff too so its not been wasted, well will be better when my slight sickness completely moves on.

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

Its up to you and Ana if you want to go it alone or not. If you want to do a collab go ahead.

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

The first night is upon us. I plan to make it short but there will be a small event before the next day.

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

Primrosa gave a slight laugh at Craggard's words. "Yes, that's the spirit. Soon enough all you fine gentlemen and ladies will trounce their group. Thank you for the compliments but as much as I would like to help plan a strategy it would be best to leave it to you fine folk. Also as it approaches night I really must retire to my room. Have a pleasant evening." Primrosa bowed to the Onyxians then turned to make her way outside the dining hall and toward her chambers near the center and back of the castle.

Lady Grimm found the bell story rather amusing, yet resourceful. The young woman was a true mercenary through and through. The young man was also a rather interesting fellow, with his tattoos and all. He also seemed somewhat lax in his demeanor though he was certain to rise to the occasion if the situation arose.

"Well it has been a most entertaining evening. It is high time for us to retreat to our quarters for the night as should you all." Lady Grimm rose and simultaneously the two dark elves did as well. They stepped from their seats and started to head for the door, though before they did the green armored elf decided to say one more thing.

"Depending on the circumstances, I may have the chance to silence your poisoned blood." Venom oozed from her voice as she spoke. "Course that's only if those empire brats can make it worth my while. Guess you can consider yourself lucky for now." Her piece said their group met up with Lord Grimm and his two daughters as the family joined together.

As they were leaving Lady Grimm could be heard saying, "Now husband, about the new table you owe me." Despite the armor, everyone could tell Lord Grimm was uncomfortable as Lady Grimm started to grill him over what he had did earlier. It might have elicited a few chuckles if everyone were not so on edge after all the events that had transpired.

---

Soon enough the White Rock members were shown to their quarters on the West side of the outer castle. They were mostly servant type quarters, nestled against the far side of the castle. Many of the rooms were large communal type that could house around 10 servants, though there were around 3 nicer rooms that those with money and power among the group quickly claimed for themselves. While they were getting ready for the night a few of the big shots had somewhat ganged up on Geoffrey for his earlier insolence. One in particular, a certain land owner of a rather large portion of one of the major cities was especially affronted.

"We were lucky Lord Grimm did not decide to exact some penalty on us for what you did in the dining hall, not to mention making the decision for us before we could attempt to negotiate better terms." His name was Matthew Arrowsmith and his assets were large enough to have an influence on the merchants guild in the confederacy whenever they visited Tyrin City, in one of the southern states. "You do realize you put us in a rather awkward situation. I hope you're ready to make up for your mistakes."

"Well I have the perfect solution to that." One of tacticians of the group said.

"Do tell."

"You see the owners of this place have given us a rather good opportunity. Because the other side cannot attack tonight, we must quickly get a layout of our side of the castle so we can prepare for battle. Let's send our little firebrand out to scout for us tonight while the rest of us get a good night's sleep, well most of us we really should send probably two other people to scout around as well."

Matthew Arrowsmith considered this, while he wasn't too thrilled at such a light punishment, he would certainly feel the lack of sleep by the morrow. "We'll think of a more fitting punishment later but that will do for now I suppose. Well you heard the man Mr. Geoffrey. Off with you!"

---

The Empire's side was roughly the same, with Lord's quickly taking the best quarters for themselves while soldiers felt right at home in the more cramped quarters. The commanders of the group were very quick to set up camp and set out patrols to map out their side of the castle as best they could. "We need every advantage we can get, if we can memorize the layout of the castle as much as possible we should be able to take advantage of its geography. On castle grounds we should have the advantage in warfare but we'll have to be wary of ambushes and traps after tonight. From what I recall we should essentially have the hallways, the outer courtyard wall, but also an upper story to be wary of. That means there are roughly three ways to invade their side when the time comes, though probably more to be found as we explore. Also keep an eye out for anyone who may be a source of information." The soldiers were quick to respond and readied themselves for the night.

---

Lord Grimm and Lady Grimm sat in front of a roaring fire as they thought about that day. Lady Grimm leaned onto his shoulder, putting her head in place. "They are an interesting group are they not my husband?"

Lord Grimm tilted his helmet to the side, still in full armor despite being alone. "Hmm, they will suffice for our purposes. Considering how quick they were to fight each other their hatred is quite deep. It is quite exquisite really."

"Indeed, I am curious to see to what lengths they will stoop to win this war. Also it will be amusing to see who in the castle decides intervene in their battles. We do have some rather interesting individuals after all."

---

The masked man who had been with them earlier traveled aimlessly down the various halls as if in thought. Pondering his next move. "The games shall be rather enjoyable I think. The question is, to whom shall I visit first?"

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

Wasn't anything major, just Lasik, so my eyes are a bit funky still, but dang is my vision a whole lot better now. Hopefully when it stabilizes I've have super great vision.

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

As relative order was restored to the room, everyone started to relax again somewhat, though most nerves were shattered beyond repair for the moment. Still there were some who quickly regained their composure, or hadn't lost it in the first place, like Lady Grimm. The young woman who had met the elves, Kehah had looked like she was ready to spring into action at any moment, considering the knife she had pilfered during the confusion. She seemed quite level-headed, which was a trait these champions were going to need in spades to survive their time in the castle.

After she asked the question about the letters the man, who had effectively enticed the initial scuffle, placed his seat between the dark elf in green armor and Kehah, inserting himself into the conversation. The dark elves glanced at the intruder but aside from that appeared uninterested. Lady Grimm of course, responded to his introduction. "A delight that you could join us, you certainly inspired quite a bit of sport for our entertainment." She jested. "Although, my husband will probably be even more displeased when I request he buy a replacement for that table."

Her joke give, she then returned to Kehah's question. "As for letters, you may write however; all letters will go through a strict set of regulations. Every letter will be properly examined as we cannot risk any information leaving that may compromise our position, especially since we know not yet who our new-found friends will be. I am sure you can understand us taking such precautions."

---

Primrosa, looked at the carnage as members from both sides quickly retreated to their prospective camps and tried to regain some dignity. Admittedly those on the empire's side had a little bit more to recover from then the less 'ranked' confederates. It now over she decided to make her way over to Craggard, who had been the first 'victim'. "Are you quite alright sire? I hope that rabble with my sister did not cause any permanent harm before the battle could even commence." With a concerned look she tried to see where the man had been grabbed to make sure he was alright.

"Well at least something good came from this," One of the Onyxite soldiers muttered to some of his fellows as Primrosa walked over to them. "I did not expect to see a fine lady like this up so close." Others didn't say so, but generally they agreed.

---

While Lady Esmerelda started to chatter with some of her new 'friends' in the confederacy, Lord Grimm gazed over the long dining room. This would be an interesting time for the castle and for the visitors. "The servants will start to clean up in a moment. From now on, meals will be served in this hall for those who risk coming here." This statement made sense as while no one was allowed to fight inside, outside the hall was another story. "Shorty, you will be escorted to your temporary quarters on opposite sides of the castle. For this first night, my guards will be stationed in the center so you will have no fear of attack from either the White Rock Confederation or the Onyx Empire. This will be the only night however, and after that all will be fair game. Make your plans accordingly."

Castle Grimm [A Fantasy Drama]

Been a little busy this week plus a small surgery so just been a little out of it. Probably get a post up tomorrow.