the barge was heavily laden with pig iron ingots but the swift moving current was with them going down stream. Even the fresh rush of melting glaciers the long down river journey had taken many days. Ever the circumspect planer Kael had been at the bow the whole time making new charts of the river. That was the reason he saw the smoke rising in the distance first. Faintly he heard something, was it a laugh? He closed his eyes. The world twisted, and turned like a Rolodex spinning and spinning faster and faster. He concentrated and something… else slowed time for him. There, like reaching out a finger he stopped it. Slid between the pages and wrote himself onto them. He opened his eyes. He was standing at one of the traveler's clearings in front of a small tent. It was cold, very cold. A reaching unnatural cold that springs from a thrill down your spine rather than the actual temperature. A small cry rose from the tent, an infant. Kael wasn't wearing his jerkin and trousers anymore. He wore the robe. The place looked twilit though it wasn't quite yet noon. The sun was high in the sky and still the place was darkened. Cold. Great scythe firmed in his hands. He felt them, and there they were. Their dark forms seemed to coalesce from the air, as though distilled from the ambient evil of the place.
Kael grinned, he spoke in a voice not quite his own. "Well what is this? Corborosins? here? and they've bred as well… what a mighty being that fellow will grow to be…"
The third tried to attack him from behind as a surprise. If it had been just Kael he would have succeeded. the other two tried to rush in but without warning Doom separated from and wrapped Kenka in his embrace. "Not so fast servants of my brother or he dies again, permanently this time"
Kona and Seria stopped short "Who are you?!" they demanded as Kael began to circle their right. Grim appeared by Doom. Three more half reaper-servants came with him. Time had clearly stopped and the nearby plants withered.
"we are The Reapers. It would seam Old Death didn't tell you how things work He has become greedy here and interfered in my domain." said Grim.
"That is my game Death show yourself now. I have claim to some in this place but you have none you greedy old haggard" stated Doom
Old Death appeared between his two servants Kona and Seria and carried little Muerto. "This place becomes too prosperous with the work of Giver and Life. I seek to complete what we started." Death spake unto them
"begone and leave your servants you've overstepped your bounds. It is not for us to decide the end of time. not even the Lord Coveinant may do that." They responded in unison.
He left and his three servants fainted. Diminished though not powerless, their bolstered power striped of them. Now forced as the other reapers were to draw off their own energy rather than Death's
The Reapers and their human servants all disappeared leaving the three Brigands asleep in the clearing. The baby Muerto giggled at the suddenly shiny and happy day.
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The year 2200
-Aerobike: This bike was made to go across land faster that any other vehicle. Also known as a Hoverbick. Said to be able to cross the USA in 1.5 Days. only 5 exist now.-
Ren hug her son at the Inn they where staying at. Trace then walked up to the and said "I've paid for a week. I'll be back before then". "Where are you going?" She asked. "something has been calling me. I need to find out what it is…" Trace said. He then kissed his wife and left the Inn. He exited the town and contacted Zero. "You have anything I can use to get somewhere fast?" he asked Zero via Radio. "Yea. Let me teleport it to you." He said. An aerobike showed up beside Trace. "Whoa." Trace said. He then got on and headed down the road.
_Trace will be ok. Shadow's power is Ice.
The bike showed signs of braking. Zero must have found it somewhere. Where is Zero, Though Trace. He was only armed with a sword. Trace comes up to a mountain about 200 miles away. He rode the bike up the mountain, but as he reached where was headed up there, It snapped in two. "Wha?" Trace said. He jumped off of it as it flew off a cliff and exploded. "Ahhh Damn it!" Trace said. He got up and walked up to what looked like an ice statue. "is this what is calling me?" He asked himself. "Yes, my reincarnation. I'm what called you here." said a ghostly voice. "Who said that!" yelled Trace as he looked at the statue. "You are looking at who is talking foolish boy. I'm the spirit in the statue." it said. "Ok… what's your name then…" Trace asked. "My Name is Shadow Nakasa. The last hero of the war." Shadow said. "Wha? I don't get it. If you are a hero, then why are you here?" Trace asked. "Hehe. Ok. I'll tell you my story. At the wars end, the world was covered in radiation. No one would survive, so I came here and used my power to put the world into an ice age. I also absorbed most of the radiation. Thus my body froze into ice." Shadow said. "Wha? So that's your body?!" Trace said. "Yes. Now take my sword and my power will be yours." Shadow said. "But without that body, you will disappear!" said Trace. "No i won't. You will be my body. My soul will become your soul but I will have no control. You will still be you. I will also teach you how to use your power. Now! Take the sword." Shadow said. Trace pulled the sword from shadow's ice body. Both the sword and the sheath came off as the ice crumbled. Trace then screamed in pain. All of the powers and knowledge pored into him, and then he fell into the snow. He slept soundly.
*Two days later, Cojo arrives back at Glacia, Crizo and Demon Eye have been breaking at the ice*
Cojo, it is about time. Tri-reaper formation.
*the three get next and touch the tips of their Zampaktos*
Cojo: TRI-
Crizo: REAPER
Blast!!!!
*A large blast of pure energy forms and melts the ice. The vapor clears, the is a small machine part in the hole*
Return to Kaeltown, I will faze with the byvalve. Cojo, I want you to head a little north, I just lost Trace's bio sig.
*they all head to where they need to go. Cojo heads north, Crizo heads to the docks, and Demon Eye grabs the part and fazes with it to Kaeltown. Demon Eye pops up at a town meeting*
*in a trembling, shocked voice* Nice to see you guys again. Sorry about the inconvense *He walks out but is stopped by Carl and Xu* What? You guys can see me?
Carl: Yes we can. And you disserve this for abonding me again. *he swings, there is a tear in his eye. He swings right through*
Xu: Brother! You just swung right through him.
Carl: I know. You truely are dead, I am sorry, I could see you since you first appeared.
I understand, after I left you at your anceistral home for your ceremony, I have know you had the ability to see me at all times. Xu, go home now. You're brother and I have some matters to attend to.
*Carl nods and Xu leaves. They both head to the outpost*
Kael stood upon the nearly finished parapet next to his architect. Since the removal of the suit Trace had become a new man. No longer slow-witted or sluggish of tongue he was now quite intelligent and knowledgeable. Where once he had been dismissed as a hulking simpleton warrior, people noticed his simple grace and sharp cutting gaze.
The watchtowers were finished now and kept a twin watch over the town and the surrounding countryside. A lesser advance tower downstream kept an eye on the approaching traffic from the river. After returning from his trip to the far north Kael had given Trace the job of managing all the town building projects.
It was why they were talking right now
"of course Trace do as you see fit. It will be difficult but a real sewer system will benefit us all. The new cement from Glacia should serve nicely, yes?"
"Indeed Kael it will. I think it would be best to build to main tunnels under the roads. Since we're already laying down the road foundations we may as well put the sewer in at the same time."
"How are you going to handle Cojo and your son?"
-Thanks Imshard. Iwas going to put how he got off the mountain but this is much simpler.
"Well…" Trace said. "Cojo is still my brother and I'm taking care of his son. I'm not sure at the moment. Cojo did get me off that mountain." Trace said. "What where you doing there anyway?" Kael asked. "Something called me, Let's just leave it at that. Now where is it going to be let out at?" Trace said. Just then Wolf walked up to them. "Hello Kael, Hello Trace. I swear you look just like Shadow Trace" Wolf said. Wolf saw Shadow's sword ajuren Trace's waist. He wanted to ask where he got the sword but didn't. "So what are you two up to?" Wolf asked.
"Just discussing how we are going to handle the refuse in the city. You know we finally completed designs on a pumping system Wolf. Your kitchens will finally get that running water you asked fo–."
He was interrupted by a deep rumble from beneath the ground.
Kael's eyes went wide. "No, not now! Gentlemen I must go. An old matter needs tending to." He phased away. Phasing was something Kael never did unless someones life depended on it. Trace and Wolf looked at each other in alarm. They knew something was terribly wrong, something Kael knew about and hadn't told them. A great crack sounded and a massive circular fault appeared on the castle grounds in the grass briefly, then disappeared.
"Whoa. What just happened!" Trace said. "Kael might need our help" He said as he started to go after him. Wolf grabbed his arm and said "I need to ask you something". Trace looked back and saw wolf had a stern look on his face. "Where did you get that sword Trace?" He asked coldly. "Well.. I.. Kael needs.." Trace stammered. "Don't change the subject! Tell me where you got that Sword!" Wolf said, almost yelling as he did. Then he saw ice forming on his arm. "If you don't let go…" Trace said and Wolf's grip lessened. Wolf then let go and Trace ran after Kael. "Shadow, you sly dog. I can't believe you have been reincarnated. hehe." Wolf said to himself as he followed Trace.
That was too close. Truly how wise it it to keep that kind of danger caged here anymore with the re-birth of humanity within its reach?
Kael emerged from the old hatch and barred it securely behind him. No outsider had yet to set foot inside the old shelters. Too many old secrets harbored there. Trace was approaching at a run Wolf not far behind.
"It is handled my friends, do not concern yourselves."
"but Lord Kael what…?"
"A family matter and a thing best left buried Trace. I will ask you only once to forget this happened." Kael responded
Wolf squinted his eyes and a bit of his were-self could be glimpsed. His words came out as a low growl.
"You don't allow anyone but those of the Five families down there Kael, what are you hiding!"
Kael made a point of taking the holding strap off of his sword and laid his hand on the hilt.
"Nothing that concerns you or any other who did not dwell 'neath the earth here during the long winter." Kael intoned and shifted into a ready stance.
Wolf and Trace's keen ears became aware of many men in the nearby watchtowers cycling the bolts on their rifles and cocking their guns. They didn't have to look to know that every last one of them was aimed at the duo.
Stand down Kael. *Demon Eye walks up* I see you still hold it here after I told you to kill it. That thing was my last option and I wanted it dead. I will be gone for three days, I just wanted you to know. Upon my arrivial I will have a surprise for you all. I can't say much but Carl and I have to take care of a few things. MEN PUT YOUR GUNS DOWN NOW. *the gaurds do so* I suggest you two head back and get to work. Wolf I will need ten pounds of meat, bone included, when I get back. *he turns away and heads towards a waiting Carl* We can go now.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kona: How dare that Grim defy our master!!!
Seria: We don't have much chose, Lord Coveinant rules over our juridictions and He has personally taken care of this area. We best not anger him.
Kenka: I want to kill more.
Kona: Hush you. Because of you that Grim servent found out about us.
*As they talked a calm, queit chill comes over them*
Death: I see you have not done as I have told you to. I want that creature as my new zampakto, ever since Coveinant destroyed my last one I have only been able to collect souls through you. Now hurry.
DEEEAAAATTTHHHH.
Death: Huh. Lord Coveinant?
Leave my area alone or you will lose all your rights as a shicaku (death god in Japanese lore).
Death: Yes my lord. Now get to work you three. *he fazes away*
-Shadow had the power to control souls and form them into new things. He could also understand what animals said. Now Trace has these powers.
"Err ok cov." Wolf said. He then ran to his shop. Trace stared at Wolf, then turned back to Kael. "I understand. I won't ask anymore about it. Now, Like I asked. Where are we going to put a runoff at? This is an important thing we need to consenter." Trace said. Trace was not keeping his eyes on Kael; he was looking at all the souls that were around the place. Some would talk to one another, some where watching him like the guards where. Then there was some who wanted to go up to Trace. They all could see his power, and he knew it. Later that day, Trace was on his own when a soul came up to him and said "Hello king of souls. Form me to your will." Trace looked confused and said "wha?" "You don't know how anymore? Let me teach you Master." said the soul. The soul then explained to Trace what to do…
No Lord Coveinant, I hold the key to doom not you. Our generational stalemate with you will continue a little longer. Kael resented it when others gave orders to his men. especially when the men were members of his family. If it didn't mean the death and destruction of all I've ever built or cared for I'd let it loose just to see the look on your face Kael sighed and looked around Trace and Wolf had gone about their business and the guards had gone back to their tasks. He took a sapling and set it over the hatch. Then took a few years of its life to accelerate its growth. The tall tree would make an excellent tamper proof seal across the ancient blast door. Nobody would be going down there unless Kael knew about it.
A new day dawned and his senses told him things of import were occurring. He went about his daily tasks of building a city.
*Three days later Carl walks back next to a man in a white cloak. (yep) The two walk towards Trace's newly rebuilt cabin*
Carl: Are you sure of this? He has become stronger since we left.
I am sure, I only agreed to reincarnate Shadow if he promised not to manipulate souls, that's my job.
Carl: Good luck master.
*the figure steps up to the door and knocks. Trace steps to the door*
Trace, we need to talk. We should go to the outpost. *Trace didn't talk but followed*
Trace or should I say Shadow Nakasa. We had a deal and your breaking your end of it. You also know something about Ren, don't you.
-Imshard, I'm going to start but it won't amount to anything just yet. Anyone who want's to know what I'm talking about, just ask. Just don't get in the way of this.
"heh. Shadow is not here, Cov. I don't know about any deal he made." Trace said. Trace put his hand on his(Shadow's) sword. "Look. I got stuff to do." Trace said as he walked away. Dead Carl grabbed Trace's arm and said "You aren't going anywhere". "Let me go!" Trace said. Trace pulled away from Carl and prepared for battle. "We don't have time for this." Cov said and Carl and Cov walked back into town.
-I'm putting a stop to any more non-terrestrial forces. Players make do with any supernatural powers, abilities, and devices they already have. This is a post-apocalypse story not dragon ball Z. Free-telling is fine but I gotta steer this back within limits.-
***Intro to new players,
Kaeltown is a boom-town in a world that has just finished recovering from a nuclear winter. Technology is roughly equivalent to early renaissance Europe with a smattering of basic technology left over from the before the cataclysm 200 years previous. Map of Kaeltwon and detailed universe rules available in the first post. Look forward to hearing from you***
[my new one is the black smith Giru (Guy-ru)]
*Carl is walking back to Kaeltown with a man in a white robe, Wolf is waiting with a cart of meat*
Wolf: Hey Carl, where is Cov?
*the man throws his robe over the meat. The robe is removed and there is nothing but bone and a lone weapon crystal feather. The man removes his hood, it is Demon Eye*
What up Wolf. I'm alive again. I can't get into details but I need some armor crafted, where is Giru?
Wolf: At his shop of course. What happened to your last one?
It's buried in the ground incased in crystal.
Wolf: Oh.
Carl: Can we move on, Master.
Wolf: When did this come around.
Since I helped complete his ceremony.
Carl: Don't ask loanthrope.
Wolf: Fine, mathusila. (quick notice, when Werewolves and Vampires call each other this it is an insult of the highest manner, ie flipping the bird is a respect guesture compared to this)
Knock it off you two. Let's get back before I get hungary again.
*they all maove towards Kaeltown, with Demon Eye in the middle. Wolf and Carl are glaring at each other*
Kael's glared the captain down, as he glared back. They stood at the tariff dock with the river watchtower shading them from the hot afternoon sun.
The short man broke the silence.
"I refuse to pay yur little tax Kael! time was when anybody wit a raft could pole all the way from ClearWater Crossings to the ice wall and see nigh a soul. Now you think you got the right to stop me? An ask fer me goods as well? wit nigh in return but a pass through?"
Kael sighed inwardly but kept his exterior passive.
"Times change riverman, Clearwater tariffs their traffic too and the ice walls are breaking. The tax covers the cost of your stopping to reprovision in along our banks and don't tell me you won't 'captain'. Now you can compnsate us for suffering your presence or you can turn that rig of yours right around and go back down the river."
The angry boatman spluttered a little and handed over a coin purse whilst muttering curses under his breath. The barge was released and the tower's ballista withheld its shot.
Kael decided to take the long way around the town. He enjoyed seeing the rabble of tents and shacks and hordes of new people giving way to businesses and homes. He reached the main gate with its newly finished guard towers. Then he saw something that froze his blood still. Coveinant in the flesh, walking towards him. But he's dead!
(sorry shard, I though this might open up some story possiblities)
Rough version, size is not acurate, but it is essencially what we need. Trade central is just that, a city where all trade is tried to be regulated. River Port is an access town that maintains truce and is essicially a treaty town.
___________________________________________________________________________
*the small group walks up*
Kael, how goes it? What? I told you I'd have a surprise when I got back.
Wolf: He sure did, and he cleared me out of a week's worth of meat.
I said I was hungary. Sorry Kael, I have to get some new armor from Giru. Even I won't rob my own grave.
*in a shop next to Kreid's tavern. There is a bell chimes*
Giru: Sorry, I'm going out of business. I have run out of crystals feathers to make my wares.
What if I give you more?
Giru: MASTER?!
Yes Giru, I need a new armor, one greator than my last.
Giru: Greator than your last, I'm going to need twice as many feathers.
Here are all my feathers on my right wing. It must be stronger and able to hold more.
Giru: Fine, these will work. it will be done in three days sir.
Also give Queylin some training in metal/crystal infusing. You are getting on in years and I still have about 300 hundred under my belt.
Giru: What do you know?
You're on my current fate list, I'll give two weeks to teach her. Good bye my old friend.
*Demon Eye leaves the store with a small tear in his eye
-Demon Eye has five students in Kaeltown: Kael (former), Carl, Kreid, Giru, and one of the elders of the village. They all have some knowledge from the old times, they each call him master when they are alone with him, also they each have a few years to live, except Kael and Carl-
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