*Astor Balthas

Well... uuuuh... we did it guys, good job killing that large wurm. We outdid ourselves for the siege on this castle and have now open a path northward where the legion of demons await, according to the Yladian.

So yeah, mingle with the singles. The castle is absolutely rekt, about 30% HP left from what I can see. If yall don't mind I am going to claim this castle for YULAN and establish an entire new nation for players.

And so, the siege has come to an end. After Astor finished sending out the mass announcement to all of the players who has helped make the event a success, the opened up his palm menu and went into the guild window where he got an option to summon the guild flag, the pride of his group. With the flag pole resting on his shoulder, the weary commander made his way up to what was once the throne room and sat atop the chair made from smooth rock that was missing half of its form.

Setting his elbow on the throne arm, he leaned his cheek against his hand and smiled with glee. They did it, they actually did it, they betrayed Falderen and carved a new nation from the carcass of Falderen. After about a minute or so, the UI revealed a previously hidden button that said [ Claim Castle ]. Upon pressing the button a new visual no one has actually seen since the game has started popped up, announcing visually that the Yulan Dragons have taken the castle.

Yulan Dragons

​

This is the story of what happens at Castle Dormont in the aftermath...

Megathread rules:

• There is no posting order
• You are not required to stay, come and leave as you please
• If you want to address specific people, tag them with @name
• Pay attention to DM posts!

 

His eyes blacking out almost as if he too had died; he'd remain moving in what felt like slow motion as the beast used Mad Leech to drain his beloved of her remaining health. Lost now in a state of emotion he'd skid drastically across the ground. Tears streaming down his eyes he'd shout, "YOU SON OF A BITCH!" he'd say shouting at the beast TAUNTING it as he stumbled forward some his eyes glowing a deep crimson red; "BEAT ME! BREAK MY BONES! TAKE MY LIFE! BUT TOUCH MY WOMAN AND I CARE NOT WHO YOU ARE.....YOU'RE DEAD....even if I die in the process."

He'd say as his shield rose up once more his sword pointing to the beast charging forth once more, "IM DRAGGING YOU TO HELL WITH ME YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" He'd shout as he screamed out a battle cry and charged in on the beast in attempts to rectify his lover's death; had any mage the ability to do so they might recognize the passion and help the poor man's soul rest some by reviving her. If not perhaps recognizing his insanity and desire to tank on the next attack, "GIVE ME YOUR BEST SHOT YOU PUSSY!" he'd shout again hoping to aggro the beast and gain its much-needed attention.

As he aggroed the beast and gave the openings for folks to finish off the beast. His aggression fading as the beast was slain in the moments that followed. Collapsing beside the beast he'd stab at it some exhausted, "Fucking thing..took my love and child..." he'd say sighing as he threw his blade and shield, "What good are these if I can't even protect those I love..." eyes scanning upward he'd look above, "Tyl...forgive me...Sera I...." he'd seem too caught up with his emotions to notice Sera's resurrection. As such, he'd leave without joining the others for the festivitites. Eyes scanning back to the castle, he was both proud and saddened; he'd done what he thought was right but why did it feel so wrong. Reaching up to the menu he'd log out; clearly there was some contemplating to do.

 

The Wurm had finally fell, it last death spasms causing players to flinch in fear. With it seemed to be the last of the castle defenses if you'd call it that. That left a lot of things to wonder, why was the wurm here, what were the demons doing up north, and how were things going to change with the Falredan betrayal. Roland looked over the wounded players with an empty gaze. He could likely use his alchemy to help with their wounds but potions were just to pricey to spare at the moment.

Instead he moved towards @Astor Balthas who had already claimed the ruins as his own. Well actually he claimed it for the entire guild stating it would become a player controlled area. It was only a matter of time till the other guilds took offense. Roland needed to act swiftly, "Astor" he said trying to pull the man aside, "It will only be so long until news of this travels and Fareldan tries to retaliate. Before that happens we should at least try to launch a diplomatic attempt to prevent an all out war. I am in contact with a Farledan supporter who can grant access to the king, as well as member of the Heros guild who is willing to travel with me. Give me your permission to work on behalf of the guild and I will be on my way shortly before.... things go sour here."

 

It was GOOD to be the king. At least, that was what she imagined. Picking herself up from the ground after a revival was cast upon her, the woman looked around at the chaos and saw the message from Astor... but no sign of the man himself. She checked briefly to see if there was any treasure spewing from the worm but alas... there was not. Sighing, she thought of the next best thing: Being the first to sit her ass in the throne!

Running through the destroyed building, she slammed through a doorway and sprinted at the chair, only to arrive in time for Astor himself to sit and plant an elbow, guild flag waving beside him to show the new rulers of this place. Roland was there, being a worry wart. Smart. They needed thinkers. Well. That wasn't going to stop her, in the slightest... She continued running up, ignoring the man's shock or concern, and jumped fully armored and heavily blood soaked into his lap, kicking her legs up over one of the throne's arms to lounge across the seat, woohing in victory.

"Wooooh woooh! Second to seat the throne!" She smiled and patted Astor's head like he were an adorable child who had earned an aunt's doting praise, glancing around the ruined remains of their new fortress.
"You did well, Astor. Lots of potential with this place... though a lot of work to put into it." Glancing over her shoulder at the flag, she squinted at the wavering thing and frowned.
"...You ever notice our symbol looks like two snakes rutting, in a cloud of 'activity?' We should maybe consider something else, and I should probably get out of your lap before people get the wrong idea. Alternatively,"

Turning, she faced the crowd of survivors, hoping a little silliness and levity after immediate danger might speed their celebration along. Stopping to lick wounds and mope over problems could come later: They just had a big win. They needed to feel that win.
"DOG PILE ON ASTOR!" she shouted through cupped hands, sitting on the man to keep him pinned and victim to the mob.

@Astor Balthas

 

Claire couldn't believe that they had all made it out alive. All her thoughts were spinning much like how the ground appeared to be. Huh. Seems like all the poison hadn't made it out of her system just yet. Glancing down at her hand, she noted that blood was still flowing. Huh. That probably wasn't helping her dizziness either.

People were milling around, a lot of them celebrating, and some people looking about for healers to patch up the worst of their wounds. Claire should probably join them. Did hands have a lot of veins or arteries in them? She never paid attention in biology.

But, well, probably wasn't a good idea to bug the healers right now, not after that intense battle. She took the end of her scarf and wrapped it around the wound, holding her hand close to her chest. That would do for now. In the mean time, she decided to kick back outside of the castle and away from most of the people, sitting quietly in a corner and watching the celebrations around her.

'Still have no idea how this guild system works,' she thought, watching the blooming symbol pop up in the UI over the castle. 'And establishing a new country... External shock to the markets in most cases, but what about in this game? Were vendors in other regions programmed to respond?'

Damn. She wished she had something to write with on her.

 

“Wawaw-ea-waw-a! I’m shooting this thing! Why doesn’t it die!”

It was debatable which trembled more; the rubble-filled ground or the wannabe scientist’s grip on her weapon. The golden lock winced when she heard a shouting man approaching her with hair color much alike her own.

Apparently he wanted help to make up for her huge fumble that led to all this disaster. Her nervous eyes stared at how the rubble on the ground trembled with great sync as she couldn’t get herself to look him in the eyes. When @Astor Balthas mentioned that she would be helping him aim at the monster the shorty widdened her eyes while glancing back to the man. Much to her dismay the mage was already casting his spell, generating heat and fire at his palm, forcing Luca to freak out for a moment while rubbing both of her hands on the back of her head as if trying to somehow find a switch and turn her mind back on.

Thankfully, one of her strengths lied in the ability to think quickly in situations with a lot of pressure. Luca’s jaw dropped for a moment as the heat remembered her of an item she acquired from one of the alchemists back in the vanguard support group; potions, inflammable ones. With her left hand, she aimed Astor’s spell to the worm while fiddling in her inventory menu system with her right, summoning the potion on the spot.

The fireball grew bigger as the mage’s intonation changed. Once the vanguard manage to properly taunt the worm, Luca voiced her cue. “N-NOW!”, and as soon as the pyromancy spell was concluded and activated, Luca tossed her potion right on top of it, increasing it’s size and heat by a notable amount. The large fireball collided with the worm creature, and along with many attacks from other players, the monster was finally slain. In relief, the golden locks lost control of her legs and sat down.

“Hahaha...” For a moment, the shorty, wannabe scientist was unsure how to respond, thanks to a mix of adrenaline, fear and pride. “We… Did it, hahaha! No game beats th-” for some odd reason, she dropped to the ground like a bag of potatoes, losing consciousness in the process. If one were to carefully inspect the girl, they’d be able to see one of the vampire wurms happily sucking away her blood on her right thigh, and in prospect, her almost nonexistent health points.

 

Admist the chaos, a single man can be seen diving through the corpse left behind by the recently slain monstrosity. Given a few minutes of digging, he reappears triumphantly with a round, oblong object in hand. Tucking the object under his arm, he cups both hands and calls out to those celebrating within the throne room.

A small notification window appears for those who attended the event. It's purpose is rather straight forward...

Jack Anders

Hey! HEEEEY! Looks like the thing was a female or something. Not sure how wurms work... That's probably a better question for @Kit ?

Anyway, you all know the drill! ROLL 'EM UP!

Loot

Elder Vampire Wurm Egg - Obtained via Castle Dormont: Keep Invasion (Event). Gives ???. This egg hatches in a two weeks’ time. (Soul Bound)

Rules:

1. Those present for the death of the Elder Vampire Wurm may roll on the egg. Only 1 roll per person (one account per OOC player).
2. Highest roll wins.

Do NOT roll here.
Roll in this thread by 8/2/17 @ 00:00.​

 

Daren was...bewildered, that was until the boss had finally been defeated. Taking a breath his eyes scanned the people that were alive and the people that were dead. Now it was apparent that most of the people here were part of a guild already. Daren and maybe about ten others did not have a guild title under their names so it came to a little shock. For once, Daren was actually disappointed in himself. Sighing slightly, the young man then began to help a few people before walking to look at a portrait. Hmm, maybe he could take this as his prize? Nah, he'd allow the guilds to decide who gets what in return for this successful raid.

Turning around he was about to open his map and go back to one of the villages when he watched the male known as Astor sit on the throne. Well, that was quite interesting. All he knew was that this move would likely spark some kind of disagreement, but maybe the man had been smart of messaged the other guilds about it already? He didn't know. Nor, did he care. Shrugging his shoulders, Daren continued wandering around the area just looking at everything. He was a curious individual that needed more and more information on this world and the people within it.

With a soft sigh, Daren looked up at the ceiling and then spoke to himself. "Well that was interesting and fun, but now what do I do? I don't have a guild...yet." With those words, he decided to leave the confines of the building and went outside for a breath of fresh air. Outside his eyes had spotted several people leaving but also a few people coming. One such person was one of the females that had helped toward the end. With a smile, he approached her @Claire Thalassa .

"An interesting concept isn't it? Taking over a castle within a game. I've never heard of a game that has allowed this." Daren then bowed slightly and introduced himself. "The name is Daren and it is nice to meet you, miss." In reality, he was simply doing this to avoid other people and gather information. Maybe she had some, he, of course, would gladly share what he knew; which wasn't much.

 

Well, that was certainly a way to immerse yourself in a game. The lack of distractions had made it clear to Aeiou how quickly players could be brutally murdered, and brought back before the threads of fate could be cut through. He wondered just how tangled and frayed those threads must be. It seemed that everyone around him was wondering the same, as battle stances quickly eased, others fell to their knees, and some left with not even a glance over their shoulder. Aeiou was one of the survivors who could do nothing but stare in awe.

The adrenaline had passed, and he finally turned his head. Others were gathering together now, mingling and celebrating in their own ways. A flag had been erected, one that Aeiou had yet to see, and by the looks of it, others as well. A small claim to victory. An air of silent, still peace. Aeiou relished in it — didn’t even think to set it back to read the praises and cheers that were spreading. He chose instead to take it all in, watching as comrades patted each other on the back, supports tutted over those who may have pushed it too far in battle, and friends avidly chittered back and forth about the stats on the giant warm that had fallen.

His eyes finally rested on @The Admiral, sitting atop the throne’s new occupant, whose messages had permeated Aeiou’s vision multiple times during the battle — @Astor Balthas. Someone of importance, no doubt. He stepped up and clasped his hands together in front of his chest, giving them one firm shake as a smile snuck onto his lips. He opened his mouth to say something, paused, fiddled with his palm menu, and looked back at the two of them.

”Congraaaatz. You deed it!” The familiar and yet horribly-toned warbled out.

 

Claire's attention was half on cataloguing the various people around her and trying to determine their allegiances, and half on the familiar thoughts of 'oh my god I have to actually do my thesis now.' As such, she didn't realize that @Daren had walked up towards her until the Faerin actually spoke.

"Hello," she said after recovering from her surprise. "My name is Claire. A pleasure to meet you as well."

His polite introduction put her at ease. Returning to some semblance of normality helped calm her nerves after that harrowing battle. Claire involuntarily glanced back over to the body of the wurm still on the ground, then forcibly looked back towards Daren.

"Indeed. I've never seen anything like it. I just wonder what the consequences will be... I can't imagine that whoever developed the game intended for this to happen." Well, if Daren was choosing to talk to her rather than any of the other people around, did that mean he was unfamiliar with anyone else? Or just that he preferred not to socialize with the guilds? She'd have to take some time to get a better handle on the various factions of this world. But for the time being, having literally anyone else to gather information from would work.

"So, are you familiar with the guilds here? Such as Yulan, for instance?" She nodded towards the remains of the castle.

 

With the egg disappearing from his clutches as the notification to roll sounded off, the man let out a weary sigh while taking a look about his surroundings. Though the castle was in shambles and left much to be desired, the dark haired support couldn’t help but weakly smile at the fact that it was theirs. Between the unfurled YULAN banners that decorated these ruined walls and his childhood companion now sitting atop the throne, the physician couldn’t help but stare dumbly and grin.

Slowly meandering over with achy steps, he’d stop at the foot of the stairs leading up to the seat of power. Nodding once at the guild mates around him, the mage then squatted down atop the highest tier while playfully voicing grievances towards the others.

“You know Addy… there’s a time and a place for reckless swings. I'm not sure who was crying more during all of this. You clinging to that Oakheart, or my energy bar? Hahah!” @The Admiral

“There’s also a time and a place for the near future, Roland. And it sure as hell ain’t the immediate present. Why not enjoy the place for a night before sweating bullets? I’ll work out the logistics with you later, promise.” @Roland Rutledge

Pausing a moment to stare at the detective, he’d watch skeptically with the berserker in his lap before finally speaking up. “What'd I tell you man. King of a castle. To think you didn't believe me at first. You owe me a beer.” (@Astor Balthas) A short laugh followed as he’d wave a hand dismissively. The man’s attention had been caught by another familiar figure meandering through the halls.

Standing to grab her attention (@Nalani Rosa), he’d wave once at her after cupping both hands to shout for her attention. Upon her nearing, he’d resume speaking in much softer tones. “Looks like you made it out in one piece there, kitten. How’s Asti holding out?”

 

After helping everyone who needed to revive, Nalani waved to the last adventurer, looking down with a sweet smile at Asti as the lynx looked up at her with a seemingly happy expression, purring in delight. Nalani giggled and crouched down to pet her companion, rubbing her face against hers as she did as well, "We did good, Asti. We did good. I'm proud of you~" She praised, earning more purrs from the feline until she stood back up. She was about to go and make conversation when someone called out to her, and her lips immediately split into a grin.

As @Jack Anders headed over, Asti padded over, obviously tired but happy to see him alive and well. She purred and rubbed against the man legs, then stood up on her hind legs as if looking for praise and salmon for all the hard work she had done the past few days. Nalani just laughed at her lynx, tucking her arms behind her back and smiling sweetly at Jack, her fluffy white tail flicking back and forth with delight, "Tired, but fine. She's been such a big help this whole event, protecting me and others. I'm proud of her~" She replied, watching as Asti continued to beg the man for attention.

"How are you? Are you okay? No immediate injuries?" She seemed a little concerned for a second, as she'd hardly seen Jack the entire event. Every once in a while they would meet up and she would get a glimpse of him for a few moments before moving on. It had been a little disappointing, but getting some time to talk with him after made her happy enough. She knew he was quite capable of taking care of himself, too.​

 

Worm. Dead worms. Everywhere. The scent of blood and sight of so many loses of life. Incredible, glorious, stupendous... there really was no greater tribute to her dark gods and in turn herself who channels their will through her own desires. Yes this mission was tedious, frustrating, and physically stressful for the Dark Lady, however it was all so very worth every second of it. The only downside was that the ones she hoped stayed dead were brought back. Sigh... perhaps it would be left to her to deal with them herself when the time came. If it came. There may still be ways to convert some of these fools. Merkaba simply needed the means to that end.

Now was the time for respite. Even the Dark Descender needed to rest on occasion, and there was nowhere better than the darkness of the night. Merkaba kept to herself as usual. Resting by a destroyed statue at the fortress entrance. A large tree that had been hit by fire magic leaned over her. Swaying some in the night air. The witch sat in the grass gently stroking her silver hair as she kept her eyes closed and her wings detracted. Strangely this peaceful resting figure would not come off the same way to passerby as she usually did. Merkaba for a time may even seem almost approachable if you did not know her.

Her mind went to her plans, to her next step. She had the elves still bound by contract. The Yulan gained what they wanted and now would likely try to find a way to make amends with the Falderen Kingdom. That meant that they would stay out of her way or have to split up their members. Even at their strength that was unlikely. It still was worth baring in mind tough. Valor was simply below her notice honestly. The group's leader did not hold as much distaste for the Dark Lady and thus would be less inclined to cause her grief. She simply had to avoid stepping on the groups toes until she was ready. The demonic forces.... that was her next step. Merkaba's power was derived from their essence... with the proper presentation. It would be simple to arrange a friendship... no, darkness did not have friendships.... vassalship to the evil hordes. That would be her path to greater power and influence in the dark world. Another thing that she must look into as well.... is Falderen. This was merely the beginning of dealing with that nation. The King may or may not be a possible ally if his views or desperation meet certain requirements.

The Dark Descender's pale hand slowly raised up as her red eyes opened and the moonlight shined onto them creating a vibrant glow. Her hand grasped at the night air. Yes... it was becoming truly the time to put things into motion.

 

The beast, which looked like some huge, mutated and carnivorous worm, died under the concentrated assault by all, even those newly resurrected. It felt like a point of pride that the woman (with baby) she just brought back was in fact the one to down and finish it. The way the monster had been bulging before it fell dead had been, quite frankly ominous.

“Yesss!” A hiss full of relief escaped her lips, her tails swayed in satisfaction and seeing that it was the end. She stretched, before glancing at her clothes. The gas did eat small holes in it here and there and no wonder, this was no armour, merely clothes. Sadly it was currently her only set of clothes as she gave away her starter set.

She glanced at Astor, who was typing message and grinned, feeling a sudden rush that came after defeating such monster. As his guildmates came to congratulate and dog-pile him, she chuckled a little, before deciding to heal him and the group a little. Not enough to empty her Stamana bar, but enough to give back some of the health the people lost.

Then she chased away the pop-up notice, after clicking the roll icon, mostly thinking that if she got that egg, she might be able to sell it. This fight only underlined the need of actual armour and weapon for her and that, cost money.

She waited out the dog-pile and when it seemed @Astor Balthas was managing to free himself from one, she threw herself onto him, hands sneaking around the neck, pushing him down, and possibly causing a second dog-pile. “Congrats!” While the keep, the castle, would have to be rebuilt, the first step for the man to become the king was just complete. It was a interesting that she would be a witness to such monumental situation, the beginning of the first steps of the first player king.

 

Watching the guild leader of YULAN ascend to the throne, Amane had to admit that he made a striking sight, even amidst the ruin that was all that remained of the castle. So YULAN now rules a nation, she mused, opening her inventory to pull out several consumables, taking a gulp of the cheap beer that materialised in her hands. She had considered joining that guild once, before Aaron had sent out that mass invitation to every player in his vicinity in Stokbon, his audacity convincing her that he was a leader that she would want to follow. Honestly, she was glad that she wasn't part of the mage guild — though surely there were many benefits to ruling a kingdom, she didn't want any part of it. It stank of too much politics and machinations to her. But Astor seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders, and Jack especially gave her the impression of someone who knew what he was doing, so she wasn't too worried that they'll mess up.

For now, the battle was over, they'd won, and on top of that they had elves as allies as well, a whole race willing to share their knowledge, aid and culture. It was a time for celebrations, and her weariness took a backseat to the triumph that roared through her veins, the kind of euphoric high that came only at the drop of adrenaline, the relief that not only were you alive, but you succeeded. This was the first major battle where she had to coordinate her actions with others, where she played a significant part. When she would finally log out, Amane suspected that she'll crash on her bed, knocked out by pure exhaustion, but also giddy happiness. Perhaps she'll even skip school for the next couple of days, take a break to both consolidate everything she had to do for VALOR, as well as be there for the inevitable train-wreck between their new nation and Falderen.

Longing for someone to share her jubilation with, Amane casted her gaze across the room, looking for a familiar face. To her joy, she spotted @Roland Rutledge lounging near the throne, and made her way over, squeezing past the other players that had congregated between her side of the room and the hall's end. "I'm glad to see that you didn't die," she said when she neared him. "I know I promised you a heal, but throughout the whole time I fought by your side you didn't seem to need one. Nevertheless, sorry about that~" Sneaking a glance at the new ruler of Adecus Forest, she posed Roland a question, taking another swig of beer and shooting him a rather ebullient smile. "So, what do you feel about our newest victory? Personally, I'm feeling pretty hopeful — I believe that Steele has high hopes for a player-run nation, and for the most part I share his enthusiasm. Still, even I can see that several problems might crop out of this, namely those between us and Falderen. If some upstarts just came and stole a good part of my kingdom, I'll be feeling pretty pissed too."