StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Posted: **2009-04-22 01:30pm**

Nal is a cold one. I do think he's not finished with Lania, as he seemed a bit too particular in choosing her to just discard her as she seems to believe.

I'm very happy to see this story updated.

Posted: **2009-04-28 04:45pm**

Krazad stirred and slowly regained consciousness. His whole body hurt. It was as if he had been dipped in acid. He opened eyelids that felt as if they were weighed down with lead and managed a croaking rasp.

Two witches helped him to a sitting position and one held a waterskin to his lips. She squirted a small amount into his parched mouth, wetting it, and then squirted some more. Two more squirts and his throat felt like something other than a desert.

The witch with the waterskin retreated and came back with a bottle. She removed the stopper and gently poured a sip into his mouth. The fluid was warm and sweet and his pain ended almost immediately. She poured more into his mouth and he drank greedily. Strength returned to his limbs. He was as weak as a child but no longer helpless.

Raiza was looking down at him. The paleness of her skin and the lightness of her hair revealed to all that much of her blood was not Khaduli, but the power of a witch was far more important than the purity of her blood. Black skulls tattooed on her cheeks showed her devotion to the Maw and the power of her sorcery. Bone charms woven through her hair and to her human hide tunic clicked together as she moved.

"Prepare two slaves for a feast," he whispered. "Collect the juices. Give the excess meat to others, but their blood is mine."

"See to it," Raiza ordered a pair of junior witches. "And inform the King of Tribes that the Carnivora has awakened."

"How long?" asked Krazad.

"Eight days," said Raiza. "Was it the outlander?"

"Yes," said Krazad. "If it was not for the blessings of the Maw, I would be dead." Cries of dismay came from outside, followed by the sound of heavy blows. Low weeping could be heard.

"He has been busy," said Raiza. "We are eleven now."

It took a moment for Krazad to get the reference. "Who?"

"The Narhongay."

Krazad grunted. The Narhongay had lost their two most capable magicians in the last three years, one to the infirmities of old age and the other to the battlefield. The Narhongay were not the largest or the smallest tribe of the Khaduli, but they were among those who possessed the fewest magicians and so had suffered heavier losses than others, included their now reduced covens. Of all the tribes, only one had been weaker in magical might. "Small loss. The god will devour all."

"He will," replied Raiza, "but the King of Tribes does not agree."

"This outlander is too strong and too cunning to be taken lightly," said Krazad. "Tell the King of Tribes I will speak with him tonight."

"As you wish Carnivora."

"Now leave me." Screams of pain and the sweet smell of roasting human flesh drifted into Krazad's tent. His mouth began to water. Raiza bowed and left his tent.

"I will eat your living heart outlander," Krazad whispered. "All that you are will become mine and then even the gods will tremble."

Posted: **2009-04-29 01:25am**

Well, this chapter reminds us that Nalifan's still got an set of battles ahead of him.

First, there's the knowledge that Carni-boy is still around. He doesn't strike me as the type to fall for the same trick twice. And he's got a real mad on now to eat Nalifan - body and soul.

Second, there's the reminder that Nalifan - assisted by some of the locals - just dealt with part of the threat. There's still 11 tribes of cannibalistic magic-using nomadic warriors still to be dealt with. As an added bit of suck, we learn that the one that was destroyed had the next to weakest one in terms of the magic it had access to. Plus, the new part seems to indicate that it was pretty much in the middle when it came to its size; and (IMO) it implies that the skill of it's warriors was also "middle of the road".

Third, although it's a few parts back now, we know that the Stupid Prince isn't quite so stupid, since he's got a cunning plan that will deal with the horde and put him on the the throne sooner rather than later. Or, rather, he isn't stupid in the way I though when he was first introduced. Beings that can make - and keep - these type of deals aren't generally nice folks, and they certainly expect to make a profit from the deal in question. Even if it goes as planned, the people of the kingdom - and maybe even the prince - might be better off with the cannibal horde...

Finally, I'm still shaking my head over the fact that Nalifan can permenantly "burn" the connection between a faifthful worshipper and a god. (BTW, can the victim later re-establish the connection with their chosen god, and/or a different one, or are they out of luck for life?) I take it that Nalifan keeps that ability to himself as much as possible, since it's probably one of the few things that would get the worshippers of all the gods on his case?

After all, in the Forgotten Realms you either faithfully worship a god and get rewarded no matter what in the afterlife (Well, unless you worship an evil god and really screw the hellhound. Although, 4th Ed FR suggests that even then you might make out alright, Fzoul did, after all.), make a deal to avoid judgement (normally with a demon, devil or being from the Far Realms), or you are in for an eternity of pain.

Which reminds me, a few stories back, Nalifan basically indicates that it doesn't matter who he worships - or even if he worships a god - or what he does in life, because his afterlife is assured. It seemed to imply that he'd still have power in the afterlife, and that it was due to him being able to case Epic spells. Could you give us more information on this, as well as teling us if this was from D&D source materials or something that you came up for the Nalifan universe.

Thank you for the story.

Posted: **2009-04-29 03:12am**

TheClueless wrote:
Finally, I'm still shaking my head over the fact that Nalifan can permenantly "burn" the connection between a faifthful worshipper and a god. (BTW, can the victim later re-establish the connection with their chosen god, and/or a different one, or are they out of luck for life?) I take it that Nalifan keeps that ability to himself as much as possible, since it's probably one of the few things that would get the worshippers of all the gods on his case?

After all, in the Forgotten Realms you either faithfully worship a god and get rewarded no matter what in the afterlife (Well, unless you worship an evil god and really screw the hellhound. Although, 4th Ed FR suggests that even then you might make out alright, Fzoul did, after all.), make a deal to avoid judgement (normally with a demon, devil or being from the Far Realms), or you are in for an eternity of pain.

That's not at all true. Souls get waylaid and lost on the way to judgment all the time. The witch in question still ended up on the right plane, just not the right place in the right plane. As a magical feat what Nalifan did was much less impressive than the Level 9 Soulbind spell.

Posted: **2009-04-29 08:51am**

Imperial Overlord wrote:
"I will eat your living heart outlander," Krazad whispered. "All that you are will become mine and then even the gods will tremble."

Why do I get this picture of Krazad eating Nalifan's heart adn starting to gloat, only to clutch his stomach and have Nalifan burst out ALA Alien style?

Posted: **2009-04-29 09:49am**

Forget Aliens. I will never look at Nalifan the same again....

Posted: **2009-05-04 04:42pm**

"So," said King Elois lazily, "your pet wizard has news for us?" The big man lolled in his chair. It wasn't quite noon and he had already had three large cups of strong wine. He wasn't drunk yet, but he wasn't completely sober either. The rest of his council pretended to ignore it. Their king's temper was always volatile after he had been drinking and he was too inclined to see enemies even when there were none.

"Yes," said Alyssia, who was struggling to remain calm. "Master Gest?"

The wizard was seated at the far end of the table. Every seat was filled with a noble, most of them high nobles and he was simply a commoner, and a northern commoner at that, with the queen's patronage. The queen's patronage in a realm where all the queen's power came from the king. He stood nervously, his fingers toying with his beard. He realized what he was doing and placed his hands flat on the table.

"My lords and lady," he began, "I have received a sending from Duke Ericorn's wizard Marcossa. He reports that their campaign was a complete success and that one of the Twelve Tribes of the Khaduli was completely crushed. They are returning now."

"And my daughter?" rumbled the king dangerously.

"She is victorious and unharmed," said Varnar Gest. "Furthermore I am told that the wizard Nalifan proved himself to be a mighty sorcerer."

"I think that he destroyed a Khaduli tribe with less than a thousand men tells us that much," said Duke Ericorn dryly. "That or everyone who has ever fought the Khaduli was a fool. Thinks for the news, Master Gest." Marcossa had, of course, reported the news first to Therasa before contacting Gest. The details that Gest had left out, the full extent of Nalifan's accomplishments and ruthlessness, had also been relayed. It was the best news that Ericorn had received in months.

"Thank you Master Gest," said King Elois, dismissing him with flick of the hand. "Is there any other business for the council?" No one spoke. "Then you are dismissed." The various councilors and high nobles got to their feet and headed for the door. Duke Ericorn remained seated when the last one exited the room.

"Something on your mind?" Elois asked. "Mother, I'm thirsty." Sir Balimor, a knight of the Kingsguard, picked up the flagon and refilled the king's cup. He resumed his spot behind the king and next to his colleague of the Queensguard.

"Yes cousin," said Ericorn. "Your son."

"What about my son?" said Elois with a frown. He brought the cup to his lips and took a heavy draught.

"You know about your son. He and his friends," a remarkable amount of contempt was loaded into that word, "have moved up from raping servants."

"She's just a whore."

"The whore of the only man to beat the Khaduli," said Ericorn. "Not a nameless servant girl. People noticed. They are talking. People who matter. They're getting bolder. Who next? Women of quality? Nobles? Not to mention that he's done plenty of damage to the reputation and authority of the only commander to beat the Khaduli."

Elois sighed. "Perhaps he is getting out of hand."

"He already has," said Ericorn. "What kind of king will he make if he continues like this? He might still get the crown, but how long will he hold it?"

"Is that a threat?" Elois asked darkly.

"You know better. How many nobles are going to stay loyal to a king who rapes their wives and daughters? Such sicknesses are not cured by giving him more power."

Elois sighed. "I'll speak to the boy."

"You'll need to do more than that."

"I said I'll speak to him! I am your king! You're the one they didn't give a second glance!"

"Yes, your majesty." The room was deathly quiet. Then Ericorn spoke again. "Only one of those boys is your son, majesty. You may wish to do more than speak with them, or their fathers."

"Get out," said Elois.

Ericorn rose, bowed, and walked away; leaving King Elois alone with his silent wife and guards. The king glared at them and drained his glass. "More wine," he snarled at the blank, accusing faces.

Posted: **2009-05-04 05:23pm**

Ah, shitty royalty trying to downplay the depredations of their vile spawn, what would palace coups do without you.

Posted: **2009-05-04 05:40pm**

Crazy theory time Spoiler

Posted: **2009-05-04 07:03pm**

SITB wrote:Crazy theory time Spoiler
Ericorn is the behind the man talking with the prince, the whole deal here is Ericorn plan to descredit the king and his son in order to either have himself ascend to be king or letting the princess ascend to the throne and have his son marry her to take so he would effectively take over the kingdom.

If that happens then Nal would have free reign to unleash unholy revenge against them?

Posted: **2009-05-04 10:56pm**

SITB wrote:Crazy theory time Spoiler
Ericorn is the behind the man talking with the prince, the whole deal here is Ericorn plan to descredit the king and his son in order to either have himself ascend to be king or letting the princess ascend to the throne and have his son marry her to take so he would effectively take over the kingdom.

I have... serious doubts on that score. First, I deduced the general nature of the man talking with the prince about five minutes after the relevant chapter was posted (confirmed by the good Overlord), and have what I feel is a good deduction on the specific being as well, though he wouldn't go that far.

Spoilers follow.
Spoiler

Posted: **2009-05-05 10:24pm**

How did you figure that out, Rogue?

Posted: **2009-05-06 01:15am**

Spoiler

Posted: **2009-05-06 07:25am**

I have... serious doubts on that score. First, I deduced the general nature of the man talking with the prince about five minutes after the relevant chapter was posted (confirmed by the good Overlord), and have what I feel is a good deduction on the specific being as well, though he wouldn't go that far.
<snip>

Well, in my defense I did state it was a crazy theory rather then an actual guess.
Spoiler

Posted: **2009-05-06 04:36pm**

Cheering crowds lined the streets as knights of Vanyard returned home. Vendors hocked pies and pastries as pick pockets worked the crowd and priests and priestesses murmured blessings. A hastily assembled procession of priests of the Son marched ahead of the knights. They wore white tabbards over armour and had faces streaked with red paint. Hands gloved in red leather held ceremonial weapons while boys carried censors and swung bells.

"They love us," said Darmira.

"Of course they do," said Nalifan. The drow waved to the crowds. "Hope is a powerful drug. We've done the impossible."

"And you know how to use this to your advantage."

"Smile. Wave. Good girl. Of course I do. These Khaduli are tough. Ezgay confirms that the tribe we took out was one of the weakest. Their survivors will join the other eleven. They're going to give us ten different kinds of hell and I'll need every resource and dirty trick I can muster."

The parade wound through the streets before leaving Vinmark and approaching the palace. The king and queen stood in front of the main hall, surrounded by the great nobles of the land. "Heroes," shouted out King Elois, "be welcome home. Your people love you and your victory will be remembered for all time. Make yourselves comfortable. Tonight, we feast in your honour!"

A great shout went up. Darmira and Handren dismounted and knelt before the king, who took their hands and raised them up to another round of cheers. Nalifan remained, smiling down from horseback. Marcosa nudged his elbow. "His grace, Duke Ericorn, needs to speak with you as soon as possible. It is most urgent."

Nalifan nodded, still smiling. "I'm going to have to press the flesh and receive accolades. Let the duke know as soon as that's over, I am at his disposal."

Mothers and fathers greeted their sons and brothers embraced brothers. Old comrades and casual acquaintances welcomed their friends home. Nalifan worked the nobles and soldiers, smiling and shacking hands while laughing at jokes and promising more victories to come. It was an hour before he managed to slip away.

The drow was admitted to Duke Ericorn's quarters. The duke was pacing in front of the hearth. Therasa was lounging in a chair. There were no servants or guards in attendance. "I knew this wasn't going to be a happy visit," said Nalifan. "Shall we start with the worst?"

Ericorn's gaze darted to Therasa. The spy shrugged. "Your mistress was attacked," said Ericorn. "She lives, but was seriously injured. Scarred."

"Sargard, of course," said Nalifan. "Raped? Yes, of course she was. How did she take it? Oh, not well from the expressions on your faces."

"You don't seem that surprised," said Ericorn.

"As I said, you didn't call me here for good news. I suppose Sargard had a number of high born accomplices? Yes, of course he did. Your worried about me running around and starting a civil war by murdering them all in a bloody act of vengeance. Don't."

"You're a cold one," said Therasa.

"You have no idea," said Nalifan. "Now, tell me what is going to happen?"

"The king will discipline them," said Ericorn. "He will impose something not directly related upon them or their fathers. They will know why they are being punished, but they won't lose face. They'll settle down. For a while."

"Because it won't be enough," said Nalifan. "I understand. There is only so much he can do while shielding his own son and averting a civil war. You're worried I might go on a killing spree. Rest easy."

"I didn't take you for the kind of man to let something like this go," said Ericorn.

"I cannot harm the prince and I cannot jeopardize the safety of the kingdom by starting feuds," replied Nalifan. "It has nothing to do with what I want or do not want. I am bound and so it must be."

"And yet you don't seem angry."

"Survival takes priority over revenge," said Nalifan, brushing aside the question. "Now, I need your support to assume command of the army."

"You'll need more than my support."

"Yes," said Nalifan, "but you are where I need to start."

"It's rather simple," said Ericorn. "I may not be bound, but I want to live. You have my support. There are other issues though."

"Such as?"

"The statues of the Mother are weeping blood."

Posted: **2009-05-06 05:41pm**

Yeah, that's not ominous at all.

Posted: **2009-05-07 02:05am**

SITB wrote:
I have... serious doubts on that score. First, I deduced the general nature of the man talking with the prince about five minutes after the relevant chapter was posted (confirmed by the good Overlord), and have what I feel is a good deduction on the specific being as well, though he wouldn't go that far.
<snip>
Well, in my defense I did state it was a crazy theory rather then an actual guess.
Spoiler
Besides, the main reason I thought that speculation was because the Duke and his son appear too reasonable to be anything but villians. It seems that Imperial Overlord is (perhaps unintentionally) setting Ericorn and Handren to be likable, so I speculated it was done so that when (presumably) the eventual betrayal will comes it will "unexpected".

Y'know the whole "They are nice therfore they must be up to something" thing.

Yes, that did occur to me. Spoiler

Posted: **2009-05-07 02:30pm**

"And that means what exactly?" Nalifan asked.

"That depends on who you ask," replied Ericorn.

Nalifan threw up his hands. "Lolth's fangs! What a ridiculous way of doing things. Are you all insane, or is there some racial trait that makes all human crave cryptic, nonsensical answers?"

"That was a rhetorical question, I trust?" replied Ericorn.

"Yes," said Nalifan. "Please continue."

"Apparently there is a relevant divide over a certain point of religious dogma which is responsible for much of the uncertainty in interpretation. I can have my spiritual adviser explain it."

"Sometime soon," said Nalifan. "Miranna is well I trust? And the queen?"

"Yes," said Ericorn, "both of them are well. I hear you picked up a new concubine."

"She isn't a concubine. She's a resource."

"Has she said anything I should know?"

"Yes," replied the drow. "But it isn't a priority. Send Therasa for the priest."

The spy raised an eyebrow. "I'm a page now?"

"You would make a lovely page," replied Nalifan. "I can just picture you, standing bright eyed at attention in a tight fitting tunic with your hair covered by one of those cute little caps. I would difficulty resisting bending you over the nearest table and having my way with you."

"I thought you weren't that interested," she replied.

"You're growing on me. Now go."

Therasa's eyes darted to her lord. Ericorn nodded and she left. "What did you want to discuss in private?" the duke asked.

"The royal succession."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Handren gasped and shuddered in orgasm and then collapsed across his lover's back. For a moment he just lay there, sweat cooling on his flesh. "By the Three, I've missed you," he whispered.

"I noticed," said Ralsen as he pushed the prince off of him. Handren went with the motion. "How did your time with the princess royal go?"

"Wonderful. We're a perfect match. She just as interested in men as I am in women."

Ralsen rolled his eyes. "Everyone knows she's fucking her hand maids," he said. "She's not the first and not the last. That doesn't mean she isn't interested in men."

"Trust me," said Handren, "the only man she's interested in is the elf and that's because she thinks he might give her an army."

"Still, political match. You can fuck anyone you want on the side, including certain members of the Royal Guard and you won't have to worry about her giving you a cuckoo."

"Sure," said Handren. "Except she's as secretive as a bull in rut. By tomorrow every man who can lift a sword in thirty miles of here will know that she's a dyke. And the day after the Triad will know."

"What was it like?"

"What?" Handren asked.

"The fighting. I never thought you would beat me into a real war."

"There wasn't much," said Handren. "Nalifan slaughtered them like sheep in a pen until they was nothing left but easy meat. We rode over what was left. He's a bad one, by the Three. Cold as a glacier and too damn smart by half. We have a dragon by the tail with this one."

"Speaking of dragons, mine is stirring again."

Posted: **2009-05-08 04:31am**

"The royal succession."

Excellent.

Posted: **2009-05-08 08:25am**

Heh... Of course.. the princess would be a much better ruler to keep the kingdom safe than the prince... so of course Nalifan has to take steps to see that SHE gets the throne... its part of his Gaes of course (the fact that he will probably be able to gloat about it to prince is merely icing ont he cake.)

Posted: **2009-05-08 02:34pm**

Skyfox120 wrote:Heh... Of course.. the princess would be a much better ruler to keep the kingdom safe than the prince... so of course Nalifan has to take steps to see that SHE gets the throne... its part of his Gaes of course (the fact that he will probably be able to gloat about it to prince is merely icing ont he cake.)

Gloat? Nalifan doesn't seem to have that need.

But regarding the princess, she would probably have to kill her brother to secure her right to the throne. So much the better.

Posted: **2009-05-08 09:22pm**

I'm simply amused that the Princess adn the Duke's Son are both gay, and therefore would be 'unworthy' of the throne by the laws of their Religion.

Posted: **2009-05-09 11:55pm**

LadyTevar wrote:I'm simply amused that the Princess and the Duke's Son are both gay, and therefore would be 'unworthy' of the throne by the laws of their Religion.

Not terribly unknown even in real world medieval period. As long as they marry and produce an heir no one really cares.

Since Nalifan seems to like the princess a great deal more than the rest of the nobles he could quite easily run his entire war effort through her turning her into such a publicly popular figure the church leaders will ignore her personal life after she produces an heir as a political expedient.

The Princess seems just headstrong enough that if Nalifan coaches her just right she'll take over the place a week after he's gone just to keep her idiot sibling away from the throne. She certainly seems to be a great deal brighter than most of her peers.

Posted: **2009-05-11 05:16pm**

Rogue 9 wrote:Yes, that did occur to me. Spoiler
But as Ericorn says, he wants to live. Even if there's a backstab coming, it certainly won't be prior to the Khaduli's defeat. I'm about as certain as I can be (which isn't very certain when it comes to IO's writing) that the duke is sincere. Betraying Nalifan at this juncture would be the height of foolishness, and Ericorn himself has outlined the reasons why; it seems unreasonable to assume that he doesn't know why it's a bad idea when he's enumerated why it would be a bad idea himself. Betraying Nalifan at a later juncture would also be stupid, because if he defeated the Khaduli, who were certain to destroy the kingdom, his vengeance upon Ericorn would surely be fatal if he is not covered by the binding against harming the royal family, and would be massively unpleasant even if the duke does enjoy such protection.

Spoiler

Posted: **2009-05-11 05:35pm**

SITB, you're not giving Ericorn enough credit. He's much more devious than that.

StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Be Careful What You Wish For (Nalifan)

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