For two years the Fimbul winter has racked, Midgard, the land of men. Famine is widespread, thievery and murder have become second nature, and hope seems to be but a fleeting fancy. Sigurd, King of Prontera, means to see that his people do not go quietly into the end. He is determined that his people not become casualties in a war between the gods.

Sigurd has sent out a call for heroes, heroes to protect Midgard in its current plights and in its final moments. And so waves upon waves of would be heroes have flocked to Prontera to answer the King's Call. Our story begins at the arrival of one such wave of heroes.

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The city of Prontera was bustling in the chill afternoon breeze. The fervor created by the Kings summoning of heroes had brought a new life to the winter torn city. Pink faced vendors yell from their stalls, calling upon traveler and citizen alike, touting the opportunity to share the warmth of a small flame and the chance to look at wares. It was almost as if the city had regained its hope. But underneath it all ran a current of fear. Fear of the wrath of the gods. That their King would so boldly state that Midgard would not fall in the coming Ragnarök would surely not go unnoticed by the Gods. But the citizens loved Sigurd, their King. And they rallied to him, fear or no, pressing on in the every deepening winter.

[All characters are currently in or near the city. You are among the last heroes to answer the Kings call. Please make haste through the city toward the Castle, where you will all partake in an audience with the King.]

Deep in a cold cave, Kayn couldn't figure out where he had come from or to where he was going. But he wasn't alone. Within the cave there were blurry figures around him. The small flames within the caves torches couldn't produce enough light to really show any of those close by. These figures suddenly jerked in a direction pulling out their weapons. Kayn turned only to see a horde of goblins rushing him. They seemed so far away... but before he could so much as reach for his own weapon, they were upon him. Kayn dropped his twin bladed staff and glanced down to see a pike from his chest... and a goblin on the other end almost frantic from happiness from its actions as Kayn's blood spilled freely onto the cool hard floor of the cave.

Just then, Kayn jerked his eyes open... it was a mid-day. He was awakened by two traders on their way to the castle. Neither of them noticed Kayn as he lay comfortably between the branches of a tree. Kayn shook off what he had just seen and waited a good deal till the two traders had passed. He leaped from the tree and made sure to cover up with his cloak... pulling his hood as far over his face as possible to hide his elvish features. The white hair, golden eyes, and pointed ears are too much of a give-a-way to his Dark Elven heritage. Kayn began to walk towards the castle... passing his dreams as nothing more than an unnatural happenstance.

Once Kayn had made it to the castle, he briskly walked by all the vendors without given them as much as a glance... despite their desperate attempts to grab his attention. If they only know what he was, they wouldn't be asking in the first place. It's funny how much they don't care for money depending on whom it comes from. Kayn really wonders if these souls are truly worth fighting for... But regardless, Kayn pushes forward towards the kingdom.

Rainesroth pulled the ends of his large green scarf closer together in his arms, using them as a make shift cloak. He definitely wasn't used to the cold climate of Midgard quite yet, and wasn't sure he ever would be. In fact, if Lacryma hadn't forewarned him of such conditions he'd probably have been caught completely off guard.

Fortunately, Raines had brought his heavy scarf, some woolen mittens, and some extra thick leggings. Still, the scarf made a poor cloak for the elf that had never had to wear long sleeves a day in his life.

He cuddled into the scarf as best he could and continued shuffling along down the street. At least it seemed like shuffling to him. BY the looks he was receiving from the citizens of Prontera he might have been Waltzing down the street.

Raines twitched his ears against the cold and closed his mind, really not wishing to over hear any of the comments people might have. He knew that while elves weren't hated amongst humans, the younger race did seem to carry a prejudice against anything that was different from them.

Regardless of feeling welcomed or not, Rainesroth continued on his way, perceiving his mission to be more important than stares and possibly dirty whispers.

The great castle of Prontera loomed ahead of him, seemingly thrusting defiantly into the sky. It was time Raines took his chance to be defiant as well.

“Here I am. The great city of Prontera. I never though I’d find myself in a place like this.â€

Ã

Such a strange place this is. The cold is unbearable, but all of these wierdos are running about like it is nothing. I can't fathom the mindset of imbeciles. What could possibly be going on that would make everyone act so strangely? If one more person tries to sell me another useless weapon I will incinerate them with a bolt. All of the so-called "top of the line" merchandise is pathetic. Then again, where I'm from, we have infinitely better materials. Can't remember the last time I even needed to sharpen this spear of mine. Almost sad to see how these humans have to play with scrap, if it didn't make me laugh. My superiority is so very clear... maybe too much. I don't want to bring attention to myself. I have very simple plans that must be carried out and I won't allow any of these apes to ruin things for me. I'll lurk in the shadows for now, watching the events that will come to take place. Places don't get this lively unless if something big is about to happen. Things should get entertaining soon.

Crowds of would be heroes began to mass outside of the castel gate. Hoarse laughter, random cheers, and the shuffle and clank of nearly a hundred armored bodies filled the air.

A cold wind swept over the city walls and down upon the huddled mass, chilling most into silence just as the large front gate swung open. A near giant of a man, almost 7 feet tall, with broad shoulders and long blonde hair stood within the gateway.

He was clearly Sigurd, in full armor except for a helm, shining like a silver knight. A massive broadsword was strapped to his back, the mere weight of the blade looked like it could crush a man.

Sigurd had 5 men at his rear, all near enough to enter a fight if need be, but none close enough to step in should Sigurd be ambushed. The King seemed to show no fear.

Sigurd step forward, his hands held wide, "Welcome fellow warriors! Welcome to Pontera! Welcome to Midgard!" His voice boomed across the area, echoing off every nook and cranny, strong and resolute.

"I am glad you all answered the call. I will not waste your time. All would be heroes must past 2 simple tests before continuing from this point."

Sigurd waves his hand through the air and then closes his plated fist, "Test one begins now!"

An aura of fear and dread falls over the crowd, spreading like wildfire through the ranks of the would be warriors. Most shiver and tremble, some wet themselves. None are left unaffected.

"Do not be ashamed my friend!" Sigurd's face seems to fill with honest love and compassion as he looks through the crowd. "The foe we face is not a mortal one. Its power is beyond comprehension. I do not look down upon those of you without the stomach to face it. Indeed, you prove yourselves to be more intelligent than myself. For you understand the fear of death."

Sigurd chuckles and beams a wild smile at the crowd. "That is a good thing my friends, for we will need strong men to be alive in this world after we face the Gods. Go back to your homes my warriors, protect them, and live. Live for the day that will be won."

The crowd cheers, their moment of fear and shame lost within the love for their king. And like a wave on the surf they break, some walking coolly, some rushing away, clearly ready to be home with their loved ones. Within a matter of minutes a mere five warriors are left.

"Congratulations warriors, you've passed the first test. I will give you a moment to prepare before we begin the second test."

Sigurd looked as majestic as everyone made him out to be, as it seems. Kayn, while towards the front of the crowd, blended in as much as possible, still hooded and cloaked as best that could be managed. Kayn was off to the right of the crowd, and could easily see the majority of everyone present. The semi-circle of would-be warriors consisted of several men, a few women, and none of which looked like they've seen much in terms of battle. Some shifted around where they stood, looking uneasy... "Are these truly the hands of those who are to save our future?"

Just then, Sigurd spoke. After a few kind words, he made some gesture with his hand and at that moment, Kayn instinctively reached for his hood... of which was still perfectly around his head. He felt as though the world saw him for what he was... looking at him with malice, hate, and ill judgment. He then witnessed flashbacks of his dream he had just moments before entering the town... but this time, it felt so much more real. He could feel cold steel in his chest, the warm blood soaking his clothes and running down his body. Kayn reached for his chest, only to find that there was no spear in it... and that he was just fine. Looking around, he could see that most of everyone looked as though that had just seen a ghost. In fact, they were scared witless. What had Sigurd just done? But before he could even understand, Sigurd chimed in with an assuring voice. And even with such a speech, the majority of these so-called "heroes" left without so much as a word.

Kayn looked about him and only saw four others. "Really... so this is it."

"Congratulations warriors, you've passed the first test. I will give you a moment to prepare before we begin the second test."

Prepare? I assumed one would have done that before even coming to the castle. Well, there is one thing that can be done. If I am to travel with these people, there'd be no way to conceal what I really am. So still with a twinge of uneasiness, Kayn reached up to his hood and pulled it back. His white long hair flowed freely down his back. His pointed ears could easy been seen now. "No sense in hiding it any longer..."

Rainesroth had stood on the outskirts of the crowd, unwilling to sacrifice his sense of smell for the chance of warming up with body heat. He continued to try to cuddle his scarf without much avail.

Sigurd made a grand entrance soon after, and Raines had to admit he was impressed by the human. He did indeed seem to be someone that could defy the God's.

And when the wave of fear flooded over the masses, Raines to was afflicted. His stomach sank instantly and his skin flared. He shrugged off the scarf, letting it fall down his back to catch on his quiver. His eyes narrowed and his vision dimmed. And all he could see before him was a great fire, consuming everything in its wake. Raines could have sworn he was next, but then it was all gone, lifted as Sigurd released the enthralled crowd.

Rainesroth stood wheezing as the mass dispersed around him. He managed to catch his breath after only 4 others remained.

"Congratulations warriors, you've passed the first test. I will give you a moment to prepare before we begin the second test."

Suddenly, Raines understood what had happened. Sigurd had instilled the fear of the Gods into the crowd, weeding out those that would be unable to make a stand.

Then, one of the four remaining men lowered their hoods, revealing that was, in fact, a Dark Elf. Raines scoffed out loud, his ears twitching with cold once again, "Trust a Dark Elf to know no fear." He glances at the other 3 men. "Any other surprises amongst us?"

The king overflowed with confidence and fearlessness, but Ã

Seems that the reason for the commotion was because of this king that summoned for warriors. As I look at him, I must say, he looks nothing like his underlings. Such distinguished features, powerful stance, impressive armor, charismatic voice. If I had not known better, I would have guessed that one of Odin's own were amongst us. Even those who cowardly fled away seemed to have no regrets. Not bad for a human. At last, there were only four warriors left. Only four to stop Ragnarok? You have got to be kidding.

Sigurd speaks again, staring at the last bunch while doing so. Near the end of his speech he looks at my direct. Me? How does he even notice my presence? He expects me to join in this futile effort? Never thought of doing anything like that before. My self appointed role is a watcher. To view the events and record as they take place. More importantly, I wish to see those who have so wronged me, in the past, burn. Even as the gods die, I will remain there to watch. But lately I've been rather bored. Perhaps I can amuse myself for a little while. Waiting and watching is only interesting when something exciting is happening. I should at least see the man out. Might proof worth while.

I step out of hiding and approach the remaining group. As I do so, one of them pulls down his hood. A gosh darn elf! By reflex, I raise up my spear to hurl it at him. I almost toss the thing before returning to my senses. Now is not the time or place. I'll kill him some other time.

The commotion continued for a while longer when it suddenly halted. Bryce’s eyes opened and drifted to the giant of a man, whose presence overshadowed any warrior in the room. How the hell do you even get that big Bryce thought. Siguard’s voice echoed through the place with such force the gods had to have noticed. In a matter of moments the crowd was reduced to 4 others. It’s been what seems like forever since I’ve felt such intimidation as this. The atmosphere thickens as if the remaining 5 were holding the weight of the world on their shoulders. In a weird way it’s exciting.

Siguard’s voice booms out again, but this time it was directed at the last few warriors. Bryce rises to his feet trying to hide his shaking knees and pulls his sword from his side, sheath and all. He takes a few steps towards the others. “The first was a mental test. I’d bet this one will either be physical or how well we can work together.â€

After a few moments of shifting actions and comments from the five warriors Sigurd's composure snaps and he begins to laugh so hard he sounds like a breighing mule. After a few moments of this raucous laughter it becomes apparent that he is having trouble stopping and breathing.

One of the guards takes a few steps further, and in a very nonchalant manner, slaps Sigurd's back with enough force to send the King to his needs. At this point Sigurd continues to laugh, though, noticeably more controlled and with breathing.

A few moments pass as Sigurd regains his composure and rises to his feet. Still slightly chuckling, he addresses the warriors. "I'm sorry for my behavior, it's just..... This has to be the most pathetic grouping of individuals I have ever seen!" His face cracks with a huge grin and before anyone can make a reaction he bellows out, "TEST TWO! DON'T DIE!"

The five guards that had been at Sigurd's back now leap into action, each one suddenly wielding a spear and charging toward each of the warriors.

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BATTLE ENGAGED!

Opponents: Sigurd's Guard

5 Guards

Stats: Unknown

All wielding spears
with light plate and chain armors

Terrain: Open Courtyard

Objective: Defeat all opponents or survive 6 turns.

P.S. Just to keep things a little straight in the begining. 1 guard for each player. Each guard is running towards their respective opponents. Doesn't have to stay like that, but that's how it's starting.

It wasn't long that Kayn sat under the scrutinous eyes of the warriors around him before their mumbles were broken by the sharp laughter from the behemoth of a man standing before them. It was strangely awkward to see just a random soldier walk up and actually lay a hand on his king. But Kayn couldn't ponder on such trivial matters, because as soon as the king could speak again, that same soldier locked eyes with Kayn and made a mad dash at him with spear in hand.

Kayn ripped his weapon from his back immediately and leaped forward slightly into the air, leaving his cloak to flutter casually to the ground. Kayn's attempt if not to land a blow, was to lock weapons with him, and hopefully overpower him. This would not only give him a base knowledge of his enemy, but would possibly set up for an attack afterwards.

Raines cocks his head at the odd scene unfolding before him. The King seems hysterically amused. And the guards are apparently on very close terms with their king.

Unfortunately, before Raines can analyze the situation any longer, the King has started the "second test", and the guards are moving to engage the 5 warriors.

Raines' hands are a flurry of motion as he whips his bow from under the long tassels of his scarf, notches an arrow, and lets it fly at the guard running for him.

As the arrow hurtles through the air, Raines immediately plants his feet and tenses his legs for evasion while reaching for another arrow.

First was the look. There was no mistaking the look the guard gave Ã

Bryce can only look on in confusion as the king erupts in laughter. One of the guards breaks rank to help the king. “Is this guy serious?â€

I calm myself down from my near burst of rage and ready myself for what this king has to say. Out of all the nerve, this man starts laughing at us. How dare he make light of myself. I should severe his head from his body for such an act. Doing so wouldn't prove so fruitfull, though. I'm curious of this guy's plans. Not long after his outburst several guards begin to guard at us. One, in particular, appearantly had an eye for me. I begin to grin and make a rather short reply. "Fine. I'll toy with you for a bit."

In preparation I go into a rather cocky stance, holding my spear with the blade to the ground. All cosmetic. Not only is this stance cocky, but also shows that the wielder doesn't really know what he is doing. However, that is exactly the plan. In looking like I have no idea what I am doing, that will lower the enemy's guard. As he charges at me I will simply side step dodging the blade then I shall do a sweeping kick to knock him flat to the ground. This will give me a perfect opportunity to finish him off quickly with a thrust into his back with my spear.

@ Kayn - The guard leaps forward to meet you head on. Your weapons clash together and the guard is thrown off balance, tumbling to the side and receiving a gash across his right shoulder for his attempts.

He rolls to his feet in a rather flawless manner considering his was just thrown aside, and he immediately moves to re-engage you. For a brief moment his eyes shine with something akin to respect and amusement. However it's quickly replaced by a deadly gaze and a spear aimed for your throat.

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Attack Success - Normal Strike
Guard 1 takes 4 damage
Guard 1 - 6/10 HP
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@ Rainesroth - Your arrow streaks through the air, slamming into your opponents shoulder, finding its way between the plates of his shoulder armor. He grunts noticeable and flashes a beaming smile at you. Then, he disappears, arrow included. Without smoke or mirrors or any other sort of trick the man simple disappears from view.

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Attack Success - Carefully Aimed Attack!
Guard 2 takes 3 damage
Guard 2 - 4/7 HP
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@ Ã

The clash of Kayn's weapon with the guards was the first bit of combat that Kayn had seen in quite some time. It was actually quite exhilarating. With a good deal of force, he was able to overpower the guard sending him flying. Durring this time, Kayn was able to ready for the guard's retaliation... or at least he though. The guard hit the ground rolling and almost sprung back into a battle-ready possition. But before the guard was even able to attack, Kayn leap far back well away from the range of the guard's spear.

As Kayn in mid-air, he summoned in the spot he was to land, a portal. This was the training of many years in the forest in solotude. The portal was transparent and covered with a haze. Kayn then focused to put another one just like it just out of the guard's peripheral vision. Upon landing, can thrust his weapon into the haze shouting, "Portal Strike!"