Bloodmoon Chronicles

[PsychedelicFuzz]

All had been peaceful, well, peaceful except for the petty humans and their petty wars, for a hundred years. The clans of blood-drinkers and lycanthropes maintained an uneasy truce; many integrated with humans and hid their true nature, while still others kept to their own in remote villages. One fateful day, all that changed.
It began in a remote village, when four people bearing the mark of the wolf were found dead, the bodies drained of blood. Naturally, the werewolves retailiated, even though the targets of their revenge denied any involvement or knowledge. Thus began a war, carried out in the shadows among the unsuspecting humans, but neither the vampires or the werewolves are aware of outside forces watching and revelling in the chaos.


Beorn
It has been about four weeks since the attack in the tiny village of Crossel. It was a real shame, Beorn thought to himself. He knew two of them, both always good for a pint and a bowl of soup in exchange for a song or two, and more importantly, he could talk openly about his lycanthropy without being judged or branded a monster.
That same day, a village elder was identified as a vampire and lynched. It was about that time Beorn decided to be moving on.
"Just seems kind of odd. Came out of nowhere" thought Beorn as he wandered into the tavern. He threw his last few coins to the barkeep for some ale, and took his place in a dark corner. He removed the lute, his constant companion from his back and began to coax a quiet, haunting melody from its strings, when he noticed a battered and dazed man in deep conversation with a coat rack.

 

[DarkTalon]

Lathrol

La throl Sudenly fet the presence of the man that entered . The bar keep a tall lanky man walked up to Lathrol

"you might want to leve Befor that man find out that you have killed and run off all the town but me"

Lathrol looked up at the bar keep through drunken eyes " he is one of them . one of the ones that You said did this to me " points to his neck. " He must die like al the other Vamps And Wolfs."

"No My boy go now therewill be other times " The bar keep waljked ofer to Beon andwispered to him " Help Hes kill all er' kind here. He has the mark of the Vampire"

As the bar keep wispers to Beon Lathrol Gets up and leavs.

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn

Beorn assured the barkeep he would look into things, and followed this drunken stranger into the night. The signs of violence and the smell of blood were everywhere. Not just any blood, werewolf blood. He persued the stranger into a dark alley.
"Damn, I lost him."
There was no trace of the stranger, except for a pile of carcasses, some of them wolves, some humans, and something else. He bent down over one of the bodies, and commenced looking for the head that had probably been attached to it at one time. He located the head and picked it up. Its eyes were still open, locked in a gaze of horror.
"Poor bastard"
He cradled the head in one arm and pulled back its lip. The teeth confirmed his suspicions. It was a vampire, and there were several more of them here. He shuddered, then did his best to close the eyes before returning the head to its owner before continuing off into the night.

 

[Vixandra]

Melora Ste Claire

Melora looked up at her Grandmere. "I request permission to leave the courts to hunt the rogues."
Queen Claire looked at her grandchild. "As you wish child. Though it will be dangerous."
"My Queen, after the training I have received from you and your guardsmen, I believe I shall return to you safely," Melora said, face and voice blank of anything other then a cold pleasentness. One did NOT show feelings at the Vampiric Court.
"Go child. Arm yourself and do have a bit of fun." Queen Claire studied her manicured nailes for a moment. "Oh, and if you find any of the wolves-turned-vampires, do tend them. If they are swable bring them to us. Otherwise kill them. That is all."
"As my Queen wishes," Melora said, bowing from the waist as low as she could without falling. At the queen's command she rose and left silently.

That was a fortnight ago. Now Melora, armed with her magical sword- Bella Nocturna Muerte or Beautiful Night Death, and a few other fun things she roamed, looking for those who were changed and killing a few rogues or other bounties. Their eyes, the only token of a vampire that never rotted or died, clicked together in her pouch as she moved. The clinking was rather comforting though she could silence it with a spell if need be.

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn
Beorn continued through the empty village looking for the drunken stranger. The unintelligible rants and cryptic symbols scrawled everywhere in blood would lead straight to him.
As he wandered into another alley, he felt something grab his ankle. He kicked it off and went on, but knew whatever it was was following him.
All of the sudden, he heard a weak, laboring voice whisper "die you flea ridden bastard" and turned around just in time to avoid a forecful but not well aimed thrust from a silver sword. The weapon began to give off a faint light. It, and it's wielder knew Beorn's secret. The pale-skinned figure hissed and flashed his fangs, and then fell to one knee, clutching at a gaping hole in his chest.
"Great, a vampire. all i need with this other lunatic on the loose," Beorn thought to himself.
"You mangy savages killed my family, and one of you, one with a mark on his neck, did this to me" Said the figure as he withdrew his hand from the wound and licked the blood from his fingers. "Your kind are all the same. Even in human guise you are animals, killers. I may not get the murderer before I go, I'll take one of you with me nonetheless."
"Poor fool," replied Beorn, "I'm afraid that's not going to happen."
The swordsman made a wild swing , but Beorn caught his hand, and then with a swift strike, the bone of the creature's forearm snapped. Knowing that wouldn't slow him down long, Beorn pulled the blade from the vampire's now limp, weak hand and thrust it through his heart. The creature let out a gasp and fell. Just to be certain, Beorn retrieved the blade, and lopped off it's head before laying the weapon reverently across it's chest.
"Better get away from here" thought Beorn, "Someone else is here, I can smell it,..... and what the hell is that clicking noise?"

 

[kamalw1]

Alistair was walking through a town when he hear a commotion coming from an alley not too far away. He sniffed the air and smell the distinct scent of a vampire. Alistair smiled, baring his fangs. He began walking towards the sound of the commotion, thinking about how good it would be to meet another vampire. As he approached the alley, he sensed another vampire nearby, and this one he recognised from the vampiric Courts. "Well, if she is here, then something special must be going on" he thought to himself. Alistair decided to jump up to the roof of the little building and watch the alley from the rooftop. He silently walked along and saw the vampire in a scuffle with another person, but this one looked human. He watche as the vampire was quickly dispatched of and was giong to act when he heard a clicking noise and decided to wait and watch what happened.

 

[Vixandra]

Melora

She wasn't really looking for anyone at the moment, though she could sense another of the courts nearby. She smiled, tossing her silver braid over her shoulder. This quiet provincial little town might be fun after all.
It was then she smelled it- fresh blood, lots of it. Her tongue slid over her lips as if scenting the air. She shrugged, drew her sword and kept going. If someone had gotten themselves killed it was no problem of hers, but best to be careful.
She came up through an alleyway and almost stumbled onto the dead vampire, a human standing above him. She looked at him- he didn't look like he was having fun.
A glance back at the body made her smile happily.
"That's one of my bounties! What do I owe you for the eyes?"

 

[DarkTalon]

Lathrol

Lathrol Was on his way out of town Whe sudenly he stoped in his traks "One more be for I go"
His eyes shimerd almost cat like and with a quickness never seen by wolf or vamp alike as if moving through the shadows him self, Lathrol crept upon his new pray. In side an abandon shop Hid A young 18 year old wear wolf. Lathrol steeped in "Come out come out where ever you are" The Boy paniced and jumped up to run. Befor the boy could get any where Lathrol Drew his cross bow loaded and short A silver airow . As it pireced the wolfs back the young wolf let out A loud Howl of pain that even the people in ally behind the building could here. Than Lathrol Riped the head off of the boy. Lathrol pulled his coller up on one side Hiding his Mark of the wolf Than turnd the leave the shop and town

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn

"If you want the eyes, take them.....You're one of them, one of those heartless innocent-killing vampires aren't you, just like the one that killed my friends and started this whole thing" said Beorn with a slight snarl, just enough of a growl to let her know he wasn't human, and definitely wasn't in the mood for another fight.
"I don't want anything in return except for you to put your blade away and leave me alone. I've got bigger fish to fry. If this war wasn't enough, some lunatic is going through here killing everyone, humans, werewolves, vampires...I was told he killed everyone in this town."
Beorn walked past her and out of the alley as if she was a mere distraction. Shame though. She was beautiful, and looked like she could handle that blade of hers.
Suddenly, Beorn heard a howl, a loud, painful howl. One didn't need to speak wolf in order to know the lunatic was at it again.
"Damn it, that's another one, so if you'll excuse me...."

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

dbl post.

 

[The GrandMage]

Chase Walker, Werewolf Mercenary

He had left home last week. With the oncoming news of war he had left. He was tall, and muscular, in fact, he was strong for a werewolf. Not abnormally so, but more than average. A friend had dropped by to see him off, and had left throwing curses over his shoulder.

He wore his armor, even though he rarely got chances to anymore. But it wasn't the armor, or even the bastard sword that were his prize possessions. It was the cloak made of wolf skin. He had grinned and waved at the friend he had had for years as he ran off, and Chase had moved on. War was brewing, and it was time to go.

To go where was beyond his knowledge. but he knew it was time to take up his trade. And what trade was that? He was a mercenary, a hired sword. Somewhere in this war, he would make a profit. The sword, his main weapon, was made with silver, and was effective against werewolves. He had a few knives that were useful, but his sword was his life.

And the deaths of others.

Bloo was everywhere in the town. Death lingered in the air, begging to the scavengers to come out and go among the dead, and take what the would. He snorted, and felt it. There was a werewolf nearby. A howl came up in the night, and he turned, running until he came upon the body. It was but a boy! He shook his head. What had happened here? Was this a part of the war, or a massacre?

He frowned. More and more things about this just weren't adding up. But it was war, and he was paid to fight, not to think, so instead, he began looking to see who had done this.

 

[Vixandra]

Melora

Well isn't he just sweet as pie, she mused sarcastically. She tilted her head to listen to the wolf howl- when one grew up listening to them one learned a bit of the language.
"That doesn't sound good," she remarked then looked at the creature before her. "What do you mean he's killing everyone? That'll never do! We won't end this war by killing more wolves! Damnit, he better pray his ass isn't one of ours. Care for some company?"
She'd lowered her sword, though hadn't put it away. With a killer stalking about she wasn't about to drop her guard.

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn
"You don't seem like a 'typical' vampire, so I guess I can trust you.
Things will definitely get ugly, so i hope you don't have a weak stomach, and I mean exactly that, some lunatic is going around killing everything, and naturally the wolves and vampires blame each other. It's as if someone is trying to escalate this war."
He lead her to the building from which his keen wolf ears told him the howl originated.
Beorn studied the scene for a moment. A young boy lay on the ground, a silver crossbow bolt sticking in his back.
"He's a wolf....and there's another one around. See those, fresh boot-prints in the blood, and they wreak of werewolf. This town is getting too crowded for my taste, and i'm not quite sure our friend is still here anyway."
*points to a symbol scraweled in blood on the ground near the village gate*
"The nearest town is about two days' walk from here. Traveling together would be a little safer. You never know what could be lurking out here at night" said Beorn, trying his best to sound indifferent.

 

[The GrandMage]

Chase Walker, Werewolf Mercenary

He felt it again, a werewolf, in the area. He turned back, heading back towards the village gate. He came out of an alley, near the area where the boy had been killed. There were two people there. He stepped out so they could see him, his hands away from his sides so they could see them. In the middle of this, it wasn't right to raise suspicions.

"Hey, either of you two know what happened around here?"

 

[Vixandra]

Melora

"You'd be amazed what I can stomach," Melora said with a smile. She followed him up one street to another and onto the scene. Melora knelt next to the body, her gloved hand touching the blood in the footprints.
Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, the tracking spell she'd been taught weaving around her. "In the name of Ino Phelora, beloved Goddess of Blood, I form now this covenant. Show me the way this traitor has gone and in your name his blood shall spill."
The bloodied footprints glowed for a moment, flashing in the dark night. "Ah, working those damn temple maidens was good for somehting at least."
A new man came onto the scene, hands raised asking if they knew what was going on. Melora looked up at him then over at the man she'd followed here.
"I've no idea what's going on other then a lot of blood in this town and someone new on my hit list. I'm the Hunter Melora Ste Claire and am after the ones who killed those werewolves."

 

[DarkTalon]

Lathrol

He sat whatchin them talk than he noticed A symble in the sand apeer Taped the cross around his neck that he picked up a twon over That shilded traking spells. He stood up and jumped down from the roof top. Befor they could see him he Cut his stumic opend And pull His coller up so that no one could see hi scars. He than walked towards them stumbling like he was drunk and wounded "Help !....Mmmm monsters .... every where Let me out of this town Th...Their k.k.kkillllling every one and thing." He said as he ran towards them And stairt Past them out the gate. Slowly he incresed his paest til he was soon move as if he was one with thje shadows. He soon came to txhe town of Mordan At the city gate there was a symble in sand . After looking around he decided to Rest fore a day or two and have his clothes washed and minded.

 

[kamalw1]

Alistair watched the discourse between Melora and the werewolf from his perch. When they went off, he followed behind them, travelling on the rooftops. He was approaching where they were when he saw the bleeding stranger walk up to Melora and the guy, no, now there were two men, with her. When the stranger ran off and left the city gates, Alistair jumped down from his rooftop and approached the three people. "Mistress Melora, if it pleases you, I would like to offer my assistance in this hunt," he said as he knelt in front of her, a sign of respect.

 

[Vixandra]

Melora

"What the- hey! Wait! We can help you!" Melora yelled after the running madman. He kept going and she shrugged. No skin off her nose if the poor idiot died. But still- a live survivor might be able to give information at his attacker so it would be forth giving chase.
Before she could suggest that though, the vamp she'd felt appeared, kneeling befoe her offering his help.
"Alistair, you know how I hate ceremony, now get up you rapscallion," she said fondly. "I don't want to know if Grandmere sent you. But I am pleased to see you and always welcome you by my side."
She turned to the new comer and the werewolf. "So, moonhowler, know where this beastie we're hunting is? I doubt its a vamp because I can't sense him and the only three I can't sense that I know of are Grandmere, my creator Saslyn and the other... well he's trapped in an eternity crystal spell that Grandmere and I cast that only she can break."

 

[The GrandMage]

Chase

He watched the man who had run off, and shook his head. He turned to the woman, a vampire, huh? He stepped forward, his hands gripping on his heavy belt. He looked her over, licking his tongue across teh bottoms of his teeth.

"You lookin' for help in yer hunt, lady? I just happen to be a Mercenary without a job at the moment, and,..." He looked over his shoulder, at the road the wounded man had run down. Like it was likely. He'd referred to the attack as from 'monsters'. The meant human. But the way he acted,....

"Well, you never know, I could be helpful."

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn
"Fools, that was him!!!
A normal wounded man couldn't run that way. That's the man I saw in the tavern, the one the barkeep told me about, and probably the man who killed my friends and started the whole war. "
"He's got to be a vampire. I saw the marks on his neck."
To Melora: "I'm Beorn, just a humble bard, (bows in her direction) and if you're looking for a werewolf killer, we have something in common."

To the newcomers: "I guess two extra blades couldn't hurt, and at least our numbers are even in case anyone (shoots suspicious glance at the new vampire) tries anything funny."

"We'd better get going. The next town is two days walk, but we're not sure how fast our friend is moving. At least now we're sure he's gone."

*Beorn glances at the trail of blood leading out of the village. Next to the symbol drawn in blood on the ground was a new one scratched into the soil. It was similar to the first, but not identical, and it hadn't been there before. "Strange," thought beorn,....."almost like a question and an answer"*

 

[DarkTalon]

Lathrol

As he rest and cleans up He shaves his stubely face and cus and grums his long un kept hair. He than puts on hi newly minded cloths And fixes it so that His scars are hiden. He places his custum cross mow on the left in side of his nee legth oreintel cote. He than Places A set of twelv Solid wood bolts in the right then a set of twelve silver bolts right under the wood ones. He buttens the cote up And looks in the miorrer His reflection is tranceparent but he looks like a noble now All cleen and Groomed his fetures are now littel mor cut and still desinguished.

 

[Vixandra]

Melora

"Well, that just makes my night," Melora said sarcasticaly. "I've no aversion to hunting alongside a bard and a wolf. Come, Alistair, we shall join these two. Did you bring my carriage and steeds by chance? When I left Mikare and Hitari were resting after the message run I did to Lord Vellin."
Mikare and Hitari- how she loved those two nightmares- she'd found them as colts, chianed together with mithral links, unable to flee the humans who'd killed thier mothers and placed them in a freak show. Melora had destroyed the entire show, slaughtering the humans who'd harmed the nightmares though she'd let the innocents go. She was the only vampire in the courts to control two of the favored steeds of Vampires and other night creatures. Now the two grown nightmares- or rathe a nightmare and a nightstallion, served her with total loyalty though they'd listen to Alistair and Queen Claire if it came down to it.
"Daylight's coming soon- I can taste it."

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn
"Then we should find some shelter for the day. I don't smell our friend around anymore." "Do you," he asked this new wolf.

The newcomer looked trustworthy, probably more beacuse he was a wolf than anything he said. Another set of heightened senses, maybe another set of claws if these vampires got overzealous. Beorn would hate to have to fight the woman, Melora. She seemed independant, not blinded by her blood ties.
He wasn't so sure about the other though.

Beorn could sense the impending dawn too. He looked up at the waning remnants of the moon and nervously fidgeted with the flute hanging around his neck.
"A couple more days....."

 

[kamalw1]

Alistair looked at Melora and smiled. "You know I brought your two favored nightmares. What else would m'lady get around with?" Alistair whistled and the two creatures came trotting out from the shadows. "I also think I may know of a place where we can take shelter from the coming day." Alistair guestered for the others to follow him as he led the way to an old building that looked like it had been abandonned a long time ago. When they were all inside, he pulled out a pinch of the magical powder from his pouch and recited an incantation. He then blew the powder into the air and watched as a magical shade covered the building, filling in the chinks and holes that existed in the wooden structure. He nodded to Melora and then found a place to sit down and rest.

 

[PsychedelicFuzz]

Beorn

"Fairy Dust, how cute"
Beorn takes the lute from his back, and proceeds to draw from the object a slow, brooding melody, almost dirge-like, but more angry. He played as if he were the only person in the room; for him it was meditation to be in his corner, hunched over the instrument, eyes closed, breathing deeply, becoming absorbed in the music.

He stopped for a moment.
"I would volunteer to keep watch, but our friend is gone, and everyone in the town is dead."
He then went back to playing, but this time it was different, almost happy. He continued on as the others prepared to settle in for the day.