War Of Myths (DEAD. DECEASED. RESTING IN PEACE.)

The world of Derqkiv is torn by a brutal and reckless battle between two sides: The Traumeris, and The Vennerites. The vicious war between the communists and the dictators has transformed much of the land into inhosptable barren lands, and the conflict must be stopped. A group of Peacekeepers have dutifully taken the responsibility of ending the war once and for all, by any means necessary...

This is my first storybook, so I'm sorry if the intro was a insy bit brief, although I am hoping to get this of the ground and running! In this story you can be any mythical creature within reason.

Of course there are rules:
No godmodding (of anykind, last time we had someone create a 'book of ultimate power' and I don't want a repeat of that)
No sex
Swearing is fine, just don't take it overboard!
Please let's keep the teams equal.

All plot advances must be posted on the discussion thread:
http://www.youngwriterssociety.com/viewtopic.php?f=200&t=94740

Here are the different cults:

The Traumeris:

Spoiler

A union of beings who believe Derqkiv should be ruled by a Dictator (a single ruler in charge of public opinion and economic and political goals). They wish the land to be shaped into a utopia, even if lives are at risk. They follow extreme right-wing policies.

Members:
Lord Regis Voehringer-(Lothbrok)
Darashkk-(EchoingThunder)
Mok T'lar-(roostangarar)

The Peacekeepers:

Spoiler

A coming together of those who want the great war to end, even if they must stoop to the level of conflict as their enemies have. The foundations of the Peacekeepers are shaky, but they hold for now. They believe in founding a republic democracy.

Members:
Perrinni-(Z03Kill3r)
Virgil-(TyrantOfWar)

The Vennerites:

Spoiler

A formation of those who believe in the foundation of a communist society (where all people are responsible for each other) and wish to live in a utopia of freedom and economic responsibility. Their beliefs are, at times, contradictory, however they cannot allow the Traumeris to oppresess the land. They follow extreme left-wing policies.

Members:
Qyrix-(DarknecrosisX)
Taur-(Crow29)

This is the template for characters:

Spoiler

Name:
Gender:
Race:
Cult:
Appearance (Images please!):
Personality:
History:
Other (Up for love?):

If you like what you see, join!

Name: Perrinni

Gender: Female

Race: Light Elf

Cult: Peacekeepers

Appearance:

Spoiler

Equipped with a long bow, a sheath of arrows tipped with paralysing poison, and two daggers.

Elf.png (187.81 KiB) Viewed 389 times

Personality: She is very sincere and full of goodwill, however this positive attitude is only visible to her allies and the innocent. She has no time for the feud between the Vennerites and Traumeris, and although she will aim to capture instead of kill, Perrinni will take a life to protect herself, her allies, and her vision of justice.

History: Born into a grand civilisation built into the heavens of Derqkiv, Perrinni grew up far away from the troubles and petit feuds happening in the land below two hundred years ago. However, as she became a responsible young adult, she watched as the lands became arid and destroyed by the steadily increasing war. No longer could she stand by and allow people to suffer, so she left the great civilation in order to prove her value as an individual to gain entry to heaven in the afterlife. She decided to help forge the foundations of the Peacekeepers and restore peace and allow the people to choose how they are governed.

Other: She is up for love.

Name: Lord Regis Voehringer

Gender: Male

Race: Vampire

Cult: Traumeris

Appearance (Images please!):
Usually wears a black silk suit

Personality: Cold and Calculating in most of his movements, Regis sways between either cool disdain for people or outright insulting. He despises the idea of communist nation, knowing the chaos that would ensue would be bad for business.

History: A member of the closest thing his kind nobility Regis commands considerable power and respect within the community. His clan went to war with another Vampire clan, the costs of the the conflict nearly ruined him until he opened his first business – a brothel. It was a tremendous success, Voehringer opened up a dozen other businesses until he had enough to simply buy out his opponents. The lesser vampires killed their leadership and came over to Voehringer. He continued in this fashion until the majority of Vampires swore fealty to him with the remaining clans kowtowing when he passed by. Using their hypnotic powers Voehringer and his vampires have a small army's worth of docile humans who act as the workforce for his many businesses. For the past century he had owned a large portion, nearly half, of the nation's industry with the majority of businesses which he does not own giving him tribute to stop a takeover. He is called 'The Merchant King' by many and true to his profession he has yet to make any physical contribution to the war, instead providing supply lines and securing merchants to help provide arms and weapons for the cause.

Other (Up for love?): No, he has enough wives as it is. He almost always carries a sabre with him.

Name: Qyrix

Gender: N/A (Most refer to him as male)

Race: Golem (crafted from tungsten)

Cult: Vennerite

Appearance (Images please!):

Spoiler

Minus the sword, Qyrix will use his hands if necessary.

Iron Golem.png (106.33 KiB) Viewed 386 times

Personality: Qyrix is eternally loyal to his master, of which is the highest point of authority around. Despite this loyalty, Qyrix has broken free of his cursed shackles in which Golems are created, and has a unique sense of free will. He cares deeply for his allies, and will quickly throw himself into the brunt of danger if he feels it is necessary. Qyrix is wise, due to his vast experiences, but intelligence is a completely different story.

History: Created by a sorcerer who was dark and cruel, Qyrix was used as a weapon rather than a slave (which Golems were supposed to be used for). However, when he was sent to assassinate a powerful necromancer, the warlock removed the spiritual bounds of the Golem’s forged soul and gave him free will. For all the wrong doings he had done, he sought his redemption in the form of murdering his master. From there, Qyrix lost purpose, and decided to pursue the endeavours of the Vennerites and create a society where all are treated equal and work to their strengths, and not for greed.

Other (Up for love?): He is not up for love, but he does eternally seek someone to call his family, perhaps in the sense of an adopted daughter or son.


I'm guessing I am still a co-runner?

Hi ZO3, have been talking to DNX about rejoining with a new character, I was never really satisfied with the last one. I should be able to get the profile up tomorrow, but due to exams it might have to be friday. I hope you can hold on until then.
Crow

Name: Mok T'lar

Gender: Male

Race: T'lan Imass

Cult: Traumeris

Appearance:


As a T'lan Imass with his two-handed flint sword.



In his Soletaken form, as a two metre high bear. Think undead, so dried out and patchy.

Personality: Cold, distant and generally keeps himself to himself. A strong fighter, he believes that only through a single leader can Derqiv be united. Quiet and reflective, he only says what needs to be said when it needs to be said.

History: An undead Clanless wanderer, Mok's political views came about as a result of seeing the stupidity that is rife with the lower classes, leading him to realise that they are unable to lead themselves. He believes that - for their own benefit - they need a single strong leader to take charge. He has nothing against the Vennerites and the Peacekeepers, but will destroy them utterly if they get in his way.

Other: His sword is unbreakable, as it has part of his soul imbued in it. Can turn into the dust he would have, if he had died instead of becoming undead, allowing him to travel vast distances. When he veers into his Soletaken form, there is a strong smell of spice, as with sembling into his normal state.

Spoiler

Although it may seem that I am copying Italians character, I assure you I am not. I am purely experimenting around.

Name: Vergil

Gender: Male (at least in former life)

Race: Demon (Explained in history)

Appearance:

Spoiler

Vergil.jpg (42.65 KiB) Viewed 299 times

Personality: The phrase "appearances can be deceiving" fits well with Vergil. Despite being depicted as evil and ruthless, he is the opposite, often putting himself into harms way for his friends and those under his command. He does view diplomacy as a first resort, however this does not make him a coward as, if all else fails, he will charge into the thick of battle. He is wise and very hard to provoke, but can be tricked if it involves those he cares about.

History: When he was alive, he was a soldier, kind and compassionate. However when his family was killed by the Traumeris all that changed. He became ruthless and evil, and bartered his soul for the power to kill those who killed his family. However after he had hunted down the killers, and now that his head was a bit more clear, he realised what he had done. When the Demons came for him, he put up no resistance, as he viewed it as punishment for what he had done. However, the transformation did not go as planned. This was a mixture of strong will, and the fact he gave his soul freely. Breaking free from the Demons and becoming a "Fallen Demon," for want of a better title, he joined the peacekeepers and he views it as penance for what he did when alive.

Other: Due to being a Demon, he knows limited magic, including: Healing (Ironic really), can launch dark magic at opponents, short range teleporting (Blink, Max. range 50m), and charge up his sword with his magic. Up for love? No.

Sorry to have had to keep you guys waiting, it has been a busy weekend for me.
Onwards!
Name: Taur
Gender: Male
Cult: Vennerites
Race: Oxman (Do not confuse with Minotaurs)
Appearance:

Spoiler

Taur.jpg (7.81 KiB) Viewed 335 times

The image is only any good as a rough guide, so I am including a full description:
Taur is Tall, around six foot eight, with a barrel chest and broad shoulders. Covered in coarse fur, black on his back gradiating to a dark brown on his front. Heavily muscled, and sporting two grey, curving rams-horn type horns on his head. Wears leather and mail strips from his belt, and sometimes a loose-fitting sleevless shirt. Carries a double-headed axe across his back.
Personality: Taur's age has given him wisdom and nobility above that of many of his peers. He is calm and considered in any and all situations, and is more than willing to give counsel to his fellow Vennerites.
History: Born into a position of influence within his clan, the Sa'tu, Taur rejected the opulent trappings of his family in favour of the rough attire of a peasant. After his family rejected him, he left his mountain home in search of adventure, becoming a warrior with a strong sense of honour. He returned a hero of many battles, and his once neglectful family tried to cash in on his reputation. Angered, he threw all their riches into the river running through the village. He has since defended the village many times, earning him great respect as a military leader and elder.
Other: Like all Oxmen, Taur is deeply spiritual, and believes in the mother river and life after death. He will often pray before combat, and if someone is killed or injured. His beliefs also incorporate a range of ceremonies and rituals.
He is not up for love- he has a mate, Ethyl, who he met and courted after returning to his mountain home.

Name: Darashkk

Gender: N/A

Race: Shadow Dweller

Cult: Traumeris

Appearance:

Spoiler

Ghost 3.jpg (52.25 KiB) Viewed 330 times

Personality: Darashkk is a rash and impatient ghost with very little regard for people around it. It is selfish and spiteful, and loves the taste of blood from a brawl. Despite this however, it does show care for its own people: the Shadow Dwellers, and will offer their undying loyalty (pun intended) to pursue the achievement of a dictatorship within Dirqkiv’s enormous breadth of land.

History: Darashkk simply exists, and has done so for millennia. As the ruler of the Shadow Dwellers, Darashkk is very familiar with the power and success of a dictatorship, and believes it will work on a grander scale. Although it has dreamed of such a government being formed for all its conscious life, it has never truly had the ability to complete a pursuit. Darashkk was there at the forming of the Traumeris, with the first sixteen races to offer their assets towards the cause of a dictatorship takeover.
Since then it has snuck behind the lines in the shadows, tearing those asleep apart from the inside and driving the Vennerites (and innocent people) insane. Although it cares little for the Peacekeepers and regards them little as far as threats go, it will gladly kill them all the same.

Other (Up for love?): Definitely not up for love. As a Shadow Dweller, Darashkk has nightmarish power in the shadows of darkness, and therefore can only inflict severe mental damage (which can lead to physical). It can reveal its physical form when exposed to light, which will begin to kill it in strong concentrations.

Ok, sorry for the delay guys, but I finally got round to starting this all back up. I might be recruiting more people through the story, but we'll see how that goes. Let's get this thing moving again!

Perrinni


I sat in the middle of our hut, crafting a few arrow sheaths on the hard oak table while Virgil was browsing the many writings upon the bookshelf. The night was dark, bitter and harsh, the winter winds had made sure of that. All we had to illuminate the room was a lantern and two candles, and neither the Demon nor I seemed tired.
It was nice that the citizens of Jurgesklug to offer us hospitality as we began our journey to the great plains of Liike to end a predicted conflict between the despicable Vennerites and Traumeris, sometimes I actually wondered if they truly considered the consequences of their petit feud.

My train of thought was interrupted when the musty voice of Virgil drifts through the silent hut. “Are you scared?” I cocked my head in confusion, then turned back to my sheaths and crafting knives.
“Well, I know the dangers of battle, but fearful I am not. Merely aware of the possibilities and hazards we may face. Is it war that you fear?”

The Demon huffed, whether it was in disbelief or simply compliance, I did not know. Regardless, an answer did not come, which did not at all surprise me. The creature of darkness seemed like a soul of more questions than answers, and in some aspects I guess that was a good thing. What struck me as odd about him, however, was that a race so terrible and evil, which he had been born of, fought for the oppression of the land, and too the people. However he had taken his side at the Peacekeepers. Why?

Despite this begging question I hoped the night would pass quickly so we could continue our trek through the dense forest of Taoyl, and continue onto the Great Plains. We were only scheduled to fight there because of the safety of the nearby town of Liike, in which people were neutral. This conflict nearby was clearly an attempt of propaganda for both armies; whichever one would show that allegiance to them would result in survival and benefit. We were to stop any such result and disband the fighting, and further more: keep the peace, as our name suggested.

The single bed in the corner of the room was looking more comfy with every passing second, so I decided to go across and take a nap. I would need to store as much energy for the long journey tomorrow. “Good night,” I uttered as I rested my head against the pillow, and began to sleep.

Qyrix

The cold early-winter air was silent, save for the crunching blades of blue-green; the Vennerites could show impressive ability, but not defy the inevitable. The legion marched in deadly-quiet rhythmic unison, even the wildlife of the forest seemed intimidated, not even the common, incessant chirping of crickets could be heard; just crunching grass and whistling wind. It had seemed that nature had even stood aside for the determined army, for the large, broad-leaf trees had almost lined a columned approach towards the famous Great Plains of Liike, the destination that the Vennerites had chosen to spread their influence.

Qyrix had been moving in a much less strenuous motion, as had all of the heavy infantry units. His close ally Taur had been positioned directly to the left of the Golem, eyes closed, breathing slowly and deeply, his body moving in the same hypnotising rhythm that the advancing force had conjured. As Qyrix had imagined, the Oxman had enveloped himself in the spiritual essence of the ritual progression, the symbol of unity, equality, and worldliness; for they were all living beings, regardless of race or religion or gender. It was truly an emotional experience, and many people all over the land of Derqkiv had not witnessed in first person, as they should do. Qyrix had always known that the Traumeris had not such organisation; they were much too consumed by inhuman and greedy schemes to practice drill.

Qyrix had intended to make conversation, asking his ally as to how he felt about the future conflict between themselves and their fellow soldiers, and the Traumeris force, a conflict as inevitable as the crunching of the very grass that flattened beneath their feet. Physical conflict was a means to be avoided... most of the time. However, as it had been told to the foot soldiers of the Vennerites, it was the Traumeris’ intentions to forcibly assume control of Liike and its inhabitants, to which the Vennerites could not simply sit back and watch, for it would be defying their very morals. Furthermore, the armed force of the community were enlisted to engage the Traumeris legion, and furthermore stop the assimilation of the city of Liike.

Qyrix had been told by Taur earlier that the entire battle was simply propaganda; whichever side won the battle would appear superior, resulting in the allegiance of Liike, as the victorious team would offer protection and superior strength over the losers. Which had made logical sense, and Qyrix wasn’t the brightest of the troops. However, he couldn’t help but feel that Taur had simplified the phrasing for him, after all, the Oxman could have assumed the position of a scholar within the infrastructure of the Vennerite community. Qyrix had tried not to become too involved in the political and economic aspects of his society, he merely served his purpose in what he was competent in: physical labour and, unfortunately, his abilities were required on the field of battle.
So, instead of speaking a word, he cumbered forwards, in silence.

Vergil

I went outside to escape the confines of tent, only to be met with a high pitched screech. Griffins, they have arrived from scouting. One of them landed near me.

"We have spotted the Vennerites. They are approaching the outskirts of Liike, and the Traumeris are closing the gap just as quickly," The Griffin reported.

"Then the inhabitants of Liike do not have much time," I replied, "We must hurry." I hurried back to the tent and woke up Perrini and told her to meet me at the Command Tent. I went back outside and told the Griffin to continue scouting. The tent was bigger than all the other tents and had a map of Derqkiv on a table at the centre of the tent. Surrounding the map was Perrinni, looking irritated from being woken up, and two other generals. One was a dragon, however his stature was much like a humans. The other was a normal human.

"Why did you summon us at this hour?" The Draconian asked, irritation in his voice. This particular Draconian was called Tenebris. Dragons were meant to be calm, however this one proved to be the exception. He was hot headed and quick to anger, but he believes in a better world. That was enough.

"I apologise, but the scouts have returned and have spotted the Vennerites and the Traumeris closing in on each other," I replied, annoyed at his attitude, but then I should not be surprised. "The Vennerites have reached the outskirts of Liike and I expect that combat will begin by the end of tomorrow."

"Where is your proof, Demon?" Something close to anger was slowly manifesting itself.

"What he means, I think, is that the Griffins could of been mistaken?" Perrinni intervened.

"Griffins aren't known for making mistakes, especially with their eyes. Their is a reason we use them for scouts."

"Anyway we cannot go just yet. We are waiting for reinforcements," The human said.

"Then at least let me take a reconnaissance squad," I said, the anger swelling up.

"Denied, Vergil!" Perrinni shouted, "We cannot spare the troops." I punched the table and stormed out. Replaying what happened in his mind, he felt a rush of anger. Perrinni he had nothing against, she thinks she is doing the wisest decision. Tenebris on the other hand. Seething with anger, Vergil decided to take matters into his own hands. Picking up his sword, he started to run. Running straight to Liike and into the night.

Taur

Taur's steady footfalls bent the blades of grass beneath them as he and his fellow Vennerites made their way surely towards Liike. The city was growing ever closer, lights and shadow gradually diverging, becoming separate elements in a cohesive picture. The shapes of the settlement's various buildings became ever clearer; the old Ox's eyes were not what they had been a century ago, but he could still make out the silhouetted figures of citizens as they carried out their various activities.
Behind him, hundreds of like-minded warriors shared the silent march towards the city, following in Taur's footsteps. He heard their nervous chattering, smelled their anxiety on an unfavourable wind as it blew that same scent towards the city, a message to those who might be waiting that the Vennerites were almost upon them.
If the Traumeris had reached the city of Liike already, they kept their presence hidden, and well. Taur studied the outline of the city intently as he approached, scouring the night for trace of the enemy. None was to be found, for now at least.
His gaze drawn inexorably up to the cloudless sky, the old Bull observed a dozen griffins circling the city, undoubtedly watching the Vennerites' movements but making no move of their own. After a moment's consideration, he deemed them to be Peacemakers, the third and final cog in the engine of this war. Wherever either faction went, the Peacemakers followed, trying to bring an end to the conflict by exterminating the aggressors. Taur took heart in their dedication, but wished feverishly for them to better understand the Vennerites' cause, to see the similarities the two parties shared.
The griffins broke formation, wheeling about to disappear behind the city walls. Taur allowed his eyes to linger momentarily on the starlight sky, before they dropped once more to the level of the city, light and shadow becoming ever more separate.

Vergil

Dawn was fast approaching and with it first light. I sat on top of a building, overlooking the chaos that was about to happen. Something moved to my right. It looked like a sliver of darkness. The Shadow Dwellers. The Traumeris were close. The towns militia were assembled, waiting in a ambush. Fighting on two fronts would be tricky, but we had to hold out, just in time for the rest of the peacekeepers to get here. A high pitched shriek cut through the silence and a fiery orange ball flew towards the me. I raised my sword and slanted it diagonally, widthways. The ball hit it and exploded. I lowered my guard. I had channelled my magic into my weapon just in time. Another sound. A war horn. The Vennerites were joining the fray. I jumped off the building and landed with a crash, kicking up dirt and grit and cracking the ground beneath me. I ran, sword in hand, seeking to get back to the ambush point. The militia's leader was waiting for me.

"Both factions have already breached the gates and are now swarming into the town," The militia sergeant said in a rushed whisper.

"No matter, we have the home-field advantage," I said, trying to console him and his men, "Wait till both factions have begun combat and try to flank them." We hid, doing our best not to make a noise. A Oxman, flanked by a multitude of other creatures, lumbered past. They suddenly surged forward and the sounds of battle reached our ears. I ran out of the cover of the building and cut down one of the Vennerites, a Centaur. They turned to me and had me cornered. An Iron Golem, a creature created, not born, suddenly rushed towards me. It had a giant, curved, serrated blade in it's hand that reflected the light, even though there was little of it.

"NOW!" I shouted.