Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Riverdarke, the Secrets Beneath

Within the rolling plains of the peaceful land of Minecraftia lies a small city called Riverdarke, the name being from the founder, James Riverdarke, who lead displeased citizens of Aitherican city to this frontier. All has been well, and the city has recently expanded, but something threatens this wonderful peace. The amount of monsters in the night has increased, and trade has gone down enough to cause panic, and rumors of the nearby ruins of Necrosis, an Ancient Minecraftian civilization, have drawn in those who seek to unveil the treasures within, as well as an ancient weapon that could change Minecraftia as we know it. Riverdarke is in danger, and only a few select heroes can save this peaceful town. Are you those heroes? Find out in Riverdarke, the Secrets Beneath.

Rules:
Same as the others.

Fasntar looked to the city in the distance, checking his map again to see if this was his destination. Satisfied with his answer, he continued onward to the brightly-lit keep. The door was guarded by two giants made of metal, Iron Golems. (Yes this is a Minecraft Rp) "Halt, stranger," The one on his left boomed, "Who are you and what is your purpose here?" "I am Fasntar Loraethius, and I am here to see the Jarl (Skyrim mixed) about the recent problems occurring near here." The golems looked at each other before nodding and signaling the men above to open the gate. The large metal grate opened with a screeching that resounded across the valley. Fasntar entered the great arch before the gate was closed again to prevent intruders from entry. The rain pounded on his weather stained cloak as he approached Riverdarke keep, home of the current Jarl, Jonathan Riverdarke, who was the grandson of James Riverdarke. The heavy doors swung open, granting him access to the well-kept keep. The heir was asleep on the throne, not noticing the heavy rainfall pounding outside. The doors clashed, waking Jonathan from his slumber. "Another person approaches, my Jarl." The previous Jarl, Jacob Riverdarke, said to his son. "Ah, a fine day for a visit, is it not?" The Jarl beamed, still unwary of the outside weather. "No, my Jarl," The Snow elf spoke as he uncovered his head, "I happen to hear and see much better than most. While they see only a small storm, I see a storm of the ages approaching, which is why I have come. Fasntar Loraethius, at your service, my Jarl." He bowed and rose, keeping his excellent posture in the process. "May I stay the night at the tavern and speak with you in the morning, Jarl Jonathan?" He inquired. The Jarl stood from the throne, walking to the Snow elf and placing his hands on his shoulder. "You are welcome to Riverdarke, friend," He said, "But stay away from the large house, as it is under construction." The Snow elf thanked him, then turned to walk out the door, striding to the Shady Tree inn near the entrance. He ordered a red wine and drank alone in a booth, waiting till sunrise.

Nearby the village, an obsidian door barred entrance to an ancient ruin that Rhzond desired to enter. The rumors of treasure were too great to resist, but the door stood in his way. "Again." he said, frustrated. The crew set another gunpowder block before the entrance and lit it. The powder exploded, but again, the door still stood closed. Angered, the Mustaigonian told the crew to store the powder for later and try the picks again. The blue diamond picks had barely chipped the surface, leaving only a small dent in the five days they had spent here, toiling to open that blasted door. Rhzond had even used his people's technology to pry the obsidian from its hinges, but every attempt was all in vain. "Forget it," The scholar declared, "We'll pick this up after the sun rises." He and his crew retreated to their tents, their only shelter from the rain that still poured in the night.

Meanwhile in a forest near the village, Phoenixheart was staring out the window of her small yet cozy home, watching the rain. She sighed a bit at the rain. It wasn't that she hated the rain, she actually found it quite soothing, it was that she wasn't able to go out in it, lest her powers be dulled. She was starting to grow quite restless being cooped up in her house. She quietly sighed and was about to go to bed for the night when she heard a scratching sound at her door. She cautiously went to the door and peeked out to see an injured wolf soaked and shivering on her doorstep. She stared curiously at the wolf for a moment before noticing its injuries and bringing it in to tend to them.

The morning had come and the rain gave way to clouds, still blocking the sun but not it's warmth. Fasntar made his way to the keep, prepared to speak with the Jarl.

"That Mustaigonian is causing trouble," The Jarl complained, "His explosions are disrupting our farms, poisoning our well water with gunpowder, and causing wild animal casualties beyond number." He sat upon his throne, Jacob Riverdarke by his side. "If I may interrupt, my Jarl." Jacob inquired. Jarl Jonathan gestured his approval. "I noticed a lone cabin within the woods nearby. Perhaps they can help us with the problem we currently face." The Jarl looked his father, nodding his head. "Yes," he agreed, "Fasntar, go to this lone cabin and ask the inhabitant if they can aid us." The Snow elf looked confused. "Am I not enough to solve this problem? Must you throw away the man who already came to aid you for someone you didn't even know about until your father told you about them?" "Did I ask your opinion," The Jarl asked, "No? then get on it at once!" He sent the elf grumbling out the door and to the gate, going to the forest that spanned on the right of the keep, shading the floor with dim light. The door was recently scratched, by what was all but unknown to him. He knocked, half expecting a crazed lumberjack or something less favourable.

The dawn having broken, the crew started their sixth day at wearing away the volcanic glass, still without success. The Mustaigonian began thinking of new ways to open it to the wonders inside. If this stupid gate would open, the treasure and powerful weapon of the Ancient Minecraftians would be his. Rhzond knew that it was near impossible to force it open, but that it could be opened through a certain incantation, which he had learned was in the possession of the heir of James Riverdarke, the Jarl who sat upon the throne. He had, however, refused to give it to them, claiming his father told him to keep it safe from foreign hands. If he was to enter the ruins anytime soon, that scroll would have to be acquired. Rhzond called his workers to the head tent, explaining his plan to steal it from under the Jarl's eye. They would have to wait for nightfall, however, before it could be exacted.

Phoenixheart had woken a little bit before sunrise and checked on the wolf that had shown up at her doorstep last night. The wolf's injuries seemed to be healing nicely and it was currently wandering around the young phoenix's house, sniffing curiously at everything. When the wolf noticed Phoenixheart, it approached her, its tail wagging slightly. Phoenixheart smiled at the wolf and gave it a tentative pat, her wings fluttering slightly. The wolf then went off, found an old faded orange collar and brought it to the young phoenix who stared curiously at it for a moment before putting it on the wolf. "Well, then... guess we'll have to think of a name for you..." Phoenixheart said to the wolf. She tucked a strand of her wild bright red braided hair behind her ear as she thought and after a few moments said "Hmmmm... how about Autumn?" The wolf seemed to like the name. It was around that time that there was a knock on the door and Autumn gave off a warning growl to whoever was on the other side. Phoenixheart shushed the wolf before going to the door and tentatively peeking out to see someone she had never met before. Her red and green eyes scanned the stranger with a mixture of wariness and curiosity as she shyly asked "U-um, can I help you?"

"Greetings, my lady," He introduced, "I am Fasntar Loraethius, an adventurer and sorcerer. I have been told that you could help Riverdarke, despite my already proposed help. The Jarl sends his regards, and desires to see you as soon as possible. Is that a wolf behind you?" He stared at the wolf behind her, which looked better than normal wolves he had seen on the road, which attacked him. Fasntar disregarded that fact, not wishing to upset the balance surrounding them.

Phoenixheart listened to the stranger now known as Fasntar with wide, curious eyes. She wondered what she could possibly help with. She nodded in confirmation that there was a wolf behind her and quietly responded "I-I'm Phoenixheart and yes, that is a wolf behind me... her name's Autumn..." At the mention of her name, the wolf trotted over to where Phoenixheart stood and sat beside her, staring back at Fasntar. Phoenixheart absentmindedly scratched behind the wolf's ears as she continued to speak "I found the poor thing soaked, shivering, and injured on my doorstep last night so I decided to bring her in and fix her up..."

"I see," he said, "I hope she recovers. In the meantime, will you help the city of Riverdarke?" He looked back to the city, a short walk from the gates, though also very confusing to find the front gates if you weren't careful. He could see another district in the distance being raised from the ground, despite the ruins beside it. They were natural innovators, creating wherever they went.

Phoenixheart thought for a few moments, vaguely wondering what exactly the city could need help with. Her wings fluttered slightly as she thought. After those few moments she nodded her head and quietly replied "A-alright, I'll help..." Autumn stood from her sitting position besides Phoenixheart and stretched a bit. It seemed the wolf wanted to come along too.

"Good," He said, "I just hope this will get Jarl Jonathan off my back. After you."

The Jarl was surprised that the inhabitant was a girl. This would not change anything, but he expected more like a hero or great warrior, but she would have to do. Fasntar, on the other hand, knew that many heroes came from humble or simplistic beginnings. "Welcome to my court," The Jarl beamed, "I hope that your journey was a safe one, mrs..." He paused, waiting for an answer. "I believe her name was Phoenixheart, Jarl," Fasntar interrupted, "And her pet wolf, Autumn. They are the ones you sought, are they not?" "The ones to replace me." He said to himself. "Yes," Jarl Jonathan replied, "I believe so. Now to more important matters. We have recently been hearing much of the Mustaigonian scholar, Rhzond Balzarf. He's been trying to access the nearby ruins of Necrosis, as you may have heard. Fasntar, go with her and make that racket stop." He returned to his throne, satisfied with his demand. The Snow elf was shocked that the Jarl was thick enough that he wouldn't take what he originally had and use that, instead going to great lengths to find someone who hadn't asked to help. Not that he held it against her, as she had no idea of the problem at first and didn't even live in the city. "Yes, my Jarl." He grumbled, quietly saying a curse that would have him eaten by a troll.

Night had come by the time the last visitor was inside the gate. The perfect time to act, Rhzond thought to himself. He signaled his men to exact the plan as directed. They opened the window, snuck to the throne while the Jarl and his guards slept in their quarters, and took the Scroll of Entry from the mantle. This was done without a single flaw. They returned it to Rhzond, knowing they were one step closer to their goal.

Phoenixheart nodded in understanding and quietly headed to the city with Fasntar and Autumn. The wolf was content to stay right by the young phoenix's side as they walked. She quietly listened to the Jarl speak, getting the feeling that he expected someone else.She was about to give her name when Fasntar interrupted, so she quietly nodded in confirmation that it was her name. Autumn, who was sitting attentively by Phoenixheart's side perked her ears and stared at Fastnar questioningly when she heard her name. Phoenixheart was a bit confused as to why the Jarl called on her for such a simple-seeming task when there was already someone who had volunteered to help, but she tried her best to brush it off.

With the scroll in his possession, the doors could finally be opened and the weapon and treasure would be his. Rhzond decided to wait for a while, making the careful observations that would be imperative to the opening of those obsidian doors.

As they left the keep, a scream and a crash was heard from within, the curse having worked and the Jarl being eaten by the monster. A smile of satisfaction crossed his face before quickly being replaced by a frown, the troll having gone bezerk. With a mighty icicle hurled at the creature, it fell dead upon its face, the magic ice having gone through its heart. With that finished, the three adventurers walked to the entrance with confidence, not caring for what lay afore them.

Phoenixheart jumped slightly at the sudden crash and scream. Autumn immeditaely shifted to a defensive position in front of the young phoenix, giving off a growl towards the troll, ready to fight it if it got too close. Both Phoenixheart and Autumn calmed down a few moments later when the troll was struck dead by an icicle. Having recovered from the shock, both phoenix and wolf headed to the entrance with Fasntar.