Innistrad Part One: Vampires of Stensia

[Reaver]

She knew she should have just gone to the tavern, that staying out to talk with some locals was a mistake, a mistake that was confirmed as a squad of vampiric Falkenrath guards approached. She was a bit impressed by how fast the curfew was being enforced and how fast they circled their group. For her own benefit, Carina adjusted her belt so her crossbow and silver morningstar was hidden by her fur cloak, not wanting to offend them with her silver weaponry or seem like a threat. After all she had no plans to fight them since she had broken their law. But just because she wasn't going to fight them didn't mean she couldn't try to save everyone. For Carina, she saw this as a chance to placate and serve the vampires while showing humans that vampires could be just as reasonable or in this case, as base as any human. However before the clergywoman could act, the man known as Eondor stepped forward. She had hoped that he would have tried to explain things or at the very worst make up a reason why they were still out but instead he seemed to go for a far out plan.

Nevertheless Carina played along, trying her best to smile and show off her assets like the girls she's seen at bars that are trying to entice men. "This plan is stupid! You should have let me talk." She quietly hissed back, angry that someone was pretending to trick her out. All it took was one of them calling his bluff and demanding a sample now and she would be in a far worse place than she had planned.

[Argonaut]

Eondor, Carina, Yugure:

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The vampires stare at the three of you for a moment, before walking up and pushing Eondor down and into the dirt. "Don't you know who we are, human? We're Falkenrath. We don't pay for things, we take what we want. That includes your blood..." A sinister grin crept over his face as the vampire leaned down, his jaw unhinging to reveal his three inch long, razor sharp fangs. A reptilian hiss escaped his lips, and his eyes became as black as the night. The remaining four vampires chuckled, getting closer and closer to the two girls, some even starting to undo their belts...

Suddenly, in a flash of silver, the vampire standing over Eondor finds a silver dagger sticking out of his mouth. The vampire has a moment to look down at the protrusion before the pain even registers, and it sends him stumbling backwards, hissing and clawing at his moth to try and remove the dagger. The four other guard's divert their attention from the girls, and before they even have time to ready their halberds are several other similar daggers sticking out of their foreheads. Black blood oozes down their faces as their eyes roll back, falling to the ground. The lead guard writhes and screams into the dirt road, finally pulling out the silver weapon, the blade covered in glistening black ooze. Standing further down the road behind you, a hooded figure approaches, and the wounded vampire screams at him. "You traitor! Olivia Voldaren will have your fangs for this! This is treason, this is..." Is all the vampire manages before the cloaked figure bends down to plunge a wooden stake into the vampire's forehead. As soon as the live wood pierces the vampire's skin, he explodes into a flurry of grey dust and ash. Standing up, the figure sighs, and turns to face you. From under his hood, you can see his incredibly pale skin, and when he talks his fangs are exposed.

"You three have been spoken for. Sorrin Markov requests an audience with you." The name Sorrin Markov seems to quiet the wind itself, the trees suddenly still. He's an incredibly old, powerful vampire, rumored to have been the first in all of Innistrad. He hasn't been seen since roughly the time of Avacyn's dissapearence though, shutting himself up in his estate on the edge of Stensia. If a vampire like that wishes to speak to you, it's wise not to turn down the invitation. The vampire assassin begins to walk away, not even bothering to make sure you all follow him to Sorrin's manor.

Garian:

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The vampires listen to your story, and seem to believe you. The guard drops your equipment, and they all look at each other for confirmation before speaking.

"There's no such fuckin' job, mate."

The vampires assume their stances, halberd points far in front of their bodies to protect themselves in case you try to jump them. They make their way into your living room, their smirks revealing their three inch long fangs. One of the takes a step forwards, and heaves his halberd down to lop your head off, when suddenly a small wooden stake is jutting out from his skull. The vampire has only a moment to drop his weapon and scream in pain before he explodes into a cloud of black ashes. The other two are too shocked to notice the black figure leaping down from the ceiling, pouncing on one of the vampires and proceeding to claw at his face. With one of them occupied and the other a pile of dust on your floor, there's only one vampire left, and he seems incredibly distracted by his friend being mauled for some reason.

Josiah, Marcor:

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Your questions barely register with Talon, himself too angry and the crowd too loud for them to mean anything to him. He reverts his attention to the would-be-mob, grinning as he riles them up even further. "Pitchforks and torches is what we need! Pin them down, and burn their scalps off! I wanna see their black blood boiling on the ruins of Markov Manor! Grab your tools and torches, men! Tonight, the humans fight back!"

With a hearty cheer, the patrons of the bar march off, Talon and his men taking the lead. You can still hear them outside, and through the window you see several torches being lit. With the bar now empty, you're both left alone with each other, the mob slowly creeping away from the tavern and growing quieter and quieter.

[That_One_Guy]

Garian sighed, so much for bullshitting his way out, and turned towards them, pulling out his Silver blade and was about to fight them when the dark figure proceeded to attack them, leaving him bewildered. Who was this person attacking these vampires? But he didn't leave time for the thought to sink in as there one one left. He used this moment to attack, going for the weak point of the vampire's spine at the neck, since he was turned away from him.

[Harcin]

Well shit, Markov? Eondor is fairly certain that he hadn't pissed off any vampire royalty yet, least of all him. At least his plan didn't have to work now, he hadn't really had high hopes for the girls to be particularly combat-oriented. Then again, now that Markov wanted them, he realized he may have chosen the wrong women to hit on.

Eondor drops the act of the sleazy businessman, however keeps his arms around the ladies; he already chose to flirt, might as well continue. He looks to the fine women he has already encircled and nods after the assassin, "Shall we?"

[Nobudi]

Yugure smiled... right before she buried her elbow into his side. Hard.
She eyed the mysterious cloaked figure.
Sorrin Markov. A monster with a name that carried weight.
What did he want with them?
She had no idea, since she was very sure that her House was considered extinct.
... With barely a thought, she murmured to the other, "I don't know about you two, but I'd rather face a monster who'd parley then those guard again."

[Harcin]

Eondor flinched back at the rough hit, letting out a quick exhale and removing his arm... from her at least. Couldn't fault a man for trying, right?

"Well I prefer my blood on this side of my skin, and my organs in their current arrangement, so I think this is probably a better deal. Though calling him a monster when we're walking right behind someone who clearly works for him might be getting off on the wrong foot."

[Syndos]

Josiah shrugged as they left, and then he got up and put away his dishes after cleaning them up some, he considered going outside. If only to follow the mob and try to protect as many people from a stupid death, or at the very least help them take down some vampires. He however had no intention of setting foot inside of the mansion, it was after all enemy territory, he would need a hell of a good reason to go there.

[CrimsonNutcase37]

Marcor sighed when his words didn't register and the mob left. Idiots, they would be nothing more then dried corpses on the floor and filled bellies for the vampires they went to combat. Watching his new friend left the table, Marcor grumbled, before swiping all the cheese and bread that was left, stuffing it into his mouth and got up, refilling his mead before following Josiah and the mob, tankard in hand while he chewed

[Reaver]

"It would be very apt to not call any vampire a monster, especially ones that are keeping you alive. We are lucky that Markov took an interest in us when he did or we would be in serious trouble. Your attempt was admirable Eondor but let me take the lead next time." Patting his hand before gently removing it from her waist. Carina wasn't interested in a relationship. Most men started running once they learned that she was part of a vampire-supporting church and that ones that did stay usually tried to kill her, she was pretty sure that her companions would fall into that group once they learned about her faith. Besides how could she think about two humans when she was about to meet Sorrin Markov, a great vampire lord? Carina knew that this is what she and her church needed, the backing of a vampire lord with resources. Then the church would be able to spread it's faith which would unite humanity and the supernaturals.

"Lets just hope we make a good impression, I'd prefer to stay on Markov's good side. Having a Vampiric ally has many benefits that we probably don't even know yet."

[Argonaut]

Eondor, Carina, Yugure:

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The hooded vampire walks swiftly, never taking your own pace into account. With his long black cap, he almost glides through the night and into the thicker and thicker fog. You're making your way to Markov Woods, one of the few areas in Stensia even vampires refuse to go. Supposedly an old vampire graveyard where the Markov's buried all who opposed them, more and more ghouls have been reported to pour out of the woods at night, and even the occasional demon.

Your guide stops at the very edge of the wood, looking up at the tall and imposing trees blocking out the sky. "This is where I leave you. I have many more to collect before the night is through. Make your way to Markov Manor. He is expecting you shortly, do not leave Lord Markov waiting." Turning abruptly, the vampire breaks into a sprint as he runs away from the haunted trees, back the way you all came from. In front of you, a worn path winds it's way through the trees, the fog being nearly impenetrable no more than a few steps into the forest. You hear the dead trees rustle and shake, mixed in with what sounds like deranged and sinister laughter.

Garian:

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You swing at the vampire's neck while he's distracted, hoping to make this a quick and clean fight. Unfortunately for you, you're not so lucky. With inhuman speed the vampire whips around and ducks under the blade, and delivers a swift punch to your gut, causing you to stagger back a step or two. Baring his fangs and hissing, the vampire gives you no time to recover as he raises his halberd to his waist and charges you, hoping to spear you right in the gut.

"Pathetic human. We'll have your blood for this!" He spits at you as he runs.

Josiah, Marcor:

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

You meet the mob outside, who have already captured their first vampire! His hands bound to his chest and his mouth leaking blood, it appear's they've torn his fangs out of his mouth. As soon as Talon arrives, he issues some orders and the vampire is chained to a tall wooden pole. Screaming for his life, the vampire is forced to watch as the humans pile wood at the bottom of the pole, and dump pitch over it. Talon holds up a lantern and addresses the crowd, his voice just barely carrying over the cries of help from the defanged vampire a few feet above his head.

"Tonight belongs to the humans! No more will Stensia sit idly by and let these demons control us! Tonight, with Avacyn as our witness, we take back our homeland!" He's met with almost ear shattering applause as he tosses the pattern onto the pile of wood and pitch, immediately setting it ablaze. Despite his efforts, the fire climbs closer and closer to the vampire, who continues to scream as the flames lick his boots. Talon meanwhile, turns his attention to the outskirts of town, leading the mob towards Markov Manors.

Behind you, a deep voice calls out. "By the Moon, the humans are revolting!" Three vampire guards have stumbled upon you, the bonfire's flames reflecting off of their black and red armor. "Get the others, let Olivia know! She'll have our hides for this, for sure..." One of the vampires turns and runs off, the other two bringing their halberds down and gritting their teeth at you two. They seem hesitant, and rightly so with one of their own burning behind you two. Thier hesitation gives you the opportunity to strike first!

Sven:

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After arriving in Stensia, you found yourself very little work. The humans and vampires around these parts had no use for skaabs, and the almost weekly inspections on your house for skaab building equipment put a serious detriment on your practice. Even worse was the vampire's fear of a revolt, causing them to limit the amount of metal you were allowed to work in any given day. With very little metal to forge, you found it to be too much of a hassle anyways. Unemployed and hungry, you fell into grave robbing. While not exactly your finest hour, your clients paid decent enough and took care of most of the body smuggling. Tonight, under the cover of darkness, you stood over the grave of another mark, having just brought up the coffin when you hear the sound of footsteps behind you.

Turning around, you first notice your buyers are nowhere to be seen. You've been sold out! You half expect the approaching footsteps to be those of the Falkenrath, here to arrest you. That is, until you hear the intruder's maniacal laughter and hear their high pitched voices.

"Tibalt said there would be blood tonight!" "We'll feast on your bones, human!" The two demons hiss, their skin glowing red in the night. Their sharp claws and long, jagged teeth tell you they certainly mean business, and their hungry looks tell you you won't be getting away easily.

Karl:

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

You find yourself deep withing Markov Woods, the only part of Stensia free of vampires. Here, you've made your home, simply for the privacy these woods provide you. No vampire dares set foot within the forest, either for fear of the various ghouls and demons who live in it or out of fear of Sorrin Markov himself, the oldest vampire in all of Innistrad who lives in the very centre of the wood. Either way he hasn't bothered you yet, and neither have any unwanted geists. Until tonight of course, when while returning to your home from an unsuccessful hunt, a skaab wanders across your path!

Noticing you, the zombie turns his attention towards you and lets out a low, gruntal moan. As his mouth opens, bright green slime gurgles out, showing this is no ordinary skaab. Both alchemy and demon magic have come together to create this particular atrocity, and it's now moving with surprising speed towards you! It's hands outstretched to grab you, it continues to leak ooze as it lurches closer at an alarming rate.

[someguy626]

Sven looked towards the two demons, listening to them cackle about how they were going to eat him "Really now.." Sven paused drawing the enormous war hammer off his back. "is that right?" He didn't have time to waste on these pit fiends, by the looks of them they were low class demons, not all that scary in relation to what else is out there in the world, but still deadly all the same. Heat wouldn't have much of an effect on these hellspawn but enough blunt force trauma to the skull usually causes death for most beings. "well then lets not wait for the corpses to rot then shall we? Besides, I'm sure I could find some interesting buyers for a skabb made with demon parts". Sven slammed his war hammer into a tombstone sending a chunk of rock flying towards the demon, he then charged forwards again, swinging his hammer horizontally in an attempt to bash in the side of the skull of one of the demons.

[Syndos]

Josiah leaps back putting distance between himself and the vampires, as he quickly draws his bow. The silver tipped arrow gleaming in the night, as he breaths in as he draws the arrow back, focusing in on a weak point in the armor, aiming for vitals. He exhales as he finds the mark he is looking for, which is in the throat it should be enough to slow the vampire down. Then he begins to draw another arrow, with the other vampire he thinks Marcor can easily handle it.

[RavenLord]

Karl looks at with disgust at the abomination in front of him, plans to terminate this monster forming in his head already. When zombie turns to face the hunter, all plans involving close quarters combat are discarded. The green ooze leaking from the things mouth poses an unknown threat, making close combat perilous with high risk of having that ooze splash onto him. Thus young hunter is left with the option of fighting from range. When the walking corpse starts its charge, Karl draws his repeater crossbow.

"Zombie, an unknown variant possessing greater agility. Aim for the kneecaps, limit it's movement, don't let it get close. Failing that, dodge to right and counter attack from behind with crossbow, again, aim for the kneecaps."

With his moves calculated, Karl pulls the trigger.

[That_One_Guy]

Garian watched him charge with the pike and attempted to sidestep the pike, riding it on the side, which hopefully will barely miss him, and then strike the vampire in the chest while he least expects it with the silver blade, one hand on the pike shaft itself so he couldn't pull it back or, if he did, throw him off balance/

[CrimsonNutcase37]

Marcor scowled as the captain talked, not liking what he was hearing at all, his expression growing from upset concern to anger when they brought out the defanged, terrified vampire and tied him to the post, pouring pitch and wood at his feet. He may hold no love for vampires, it was true, but no one and no thing deserved a public burning. Especially when it was sentient enough to show fear and terror. He was surprised that the vampire had been captured by humans, he must be either young or weak, though to have ripped his teeth out was sickening.

The second the mob was gone, Marcor took his axe, ignoring the vampiric guards as they showed up and instead began to use the flat-edge of his axe to push the burning wood away from the pole as best he could, or at least, till he could safely reach the pole, grabbing the wooden pole and began to lift, intending to rip the wooden pole with the defanged vampire on it from the very ground.

[Nobudi]

Yugure looked at her companions, unease painted on her face.
Pursing her lips together, she murmured, "Shall we get going?"

[Harcin]

Of course, dark, scary woods. What kind of vampire kidnapping would be complete without dark, scary woods? Well, he supposes he's in it for the long haul now.
Looking a bit deeper into the woods, and putting on a voice a bit more confident then he would really feel, "I suppose so"

[Reaver]

Carina gave a small bow of respect for their guide and savior. A vampire had a lot to risk by attacking garrison vampire guards and apparently even more by going through the Markov woods if the stories were to be believed. She looked at both of her companions gauging how they were dealing with this increasingly bizarre situation before clicking her tongue to quietly catch their attention. "We don't have anything to fear from the Lord Markov. No vampire would go to such lengths to acquire a meal, he wants of for something bigger. He could want to make us vampires like him to have more followers but then why would he choose us? If you two don't want to go, you can run but I plan on seeing this through.... It's hard to explain."

The clergywoman clutched her furs tighter as she began to walk the path, being careful not to trip over anything or cause too much noise. The sinister laugh she had heard echo in the forest was still in the back of her mind, she knew that letting her guard down could be lethal around these parts.