House Stygian

The long journey through Desolace with House Stygian, and the refugees they saved from Teldrassil, was tiring. They had encountered Horde along the way towards Feathermoon, but nothing that would stop Stygian from getting the refugees to safety, and no Horde were going to stop Dardillien from getting to Feathermoon, not after receiving a letter from his sister via one of her imps saying she was going to Lordaeron to lay siege to Undercity. He needed to get back to Stormwind as soon as possible. 

Stygian eventually made it to Feathermoon, unfortunately not unscathed, Dardillien being among the ones injured having taken a bullet to the leg.  However, the worgen was not going to let that hinder him, as with any Gilnean he was proud and stubborn bordering on reckless, and he kept his injury to himself. It had been explained to him those in Stygian who needed to return to Stormwind could via a portal.

 I can just take a portal back to Stormwind, have father remove this bullet in my leg, and tell him about Alyssa.. What is she thinking going to Lordaeron..  Dardillien thought to himself as he approached Lady Illayia Caliat, one of Stygian’s arcanists.

“Where may I find one of the portals to Stormwind?” He asked.

“From me.” She answered.

“Oh, of course. Whenever you plan to open a portal to Stormwind, please let me know. I need to get there as soon as possible.” The worgen stated, hiding the pain he was in.

“I may do such now. I am not limited to one portal an evening.”

“That would be much appreciated, Lady Illayia.”

“Very well, let us find an appropriate place to do such.” She led Dardillien out of the building where Stygian was currently going to hold in Feathermoon. The Ren’dorei then began channeling her arcane power in her hands until finally ripping open a portal in front of her.

“Thank you.” Dardillien said giving her a nod as walked by and entered through the portal.

City of Darnassus, Teldrassil; Tuesday, July 31st; ??:??

Ashy air blew hot on a convection breeze, carrying with it a storm of embers from the blazing boughs above. In the streets, chaos reigned. 

Mozelle was practically blind as she tried to figure out what was going on; the smoke stung her eye to tears, and it was hard to look up with all the sparks dancing through the air. She winced with a hiss, readjusting the pack of medical supplies on her back.

Who knew it was so easy to burn a World Tree?

At least she’d had the sense to dampen her mask in the water and tie it over her lower face.

Makeshift bucket brigades thronged the loose streets, but it was like fighting an avalanche or an earthquake — futile. The death toll mounted by the minute as the fires raged over the elven city. Those who did not try to help, ran. Some to the Temple, some deeper into the city, some towards the portal to Rut’theran. The constant thrum of noise was disorienting.

Wasn’t it always fire? It was fire or it was water. Such merciless things, yet so necesary for life. How cruel.

But this was life. The rush of hot smoky air, alight with a million sparks as the power balance of the world shook on its axis, the panic of yelling and screaming, the pounding pulse racing in her chest and sweat and ash mixing on her skin. 

To be the prey was a much greater thrill than to be the predator.

Severely injured, I crawled toward a boulder, dragging the body of one of the Argent scouts sent here weeks ago. Blood was pouring through my left sleeve as I fell to my back behind cover. “Shit!” I said sharply trying to find the energy to heal my wounds. The clacking and buzzing of the creatures were echoing off of the cavern walls, it was hard to tell if they were returning or finding something else to prey on.

Silithid tracks had led us to this network of tunnels but we underestimated their new strength. They were faster and stronger than the hives we were familiar with from years ago. We weren’t very far into the caves when several emerged out of the walls to ambush us, herding us further in.

I tried to feel for a pulse in the body we found as we hustled away from the creatures, tears began to escape my eyes as I found he was barely breathing. There were more troops further in but I couldn’t assist, not in my current condition.

I checked this paladins tags. “Come on Baker, stay with me.” I took a few deep breaths, the lantern at my hip casting shadows on the eerie tunnel walls. I unbuckled most of his excess armor and tossed him over my shoulder. I was exhausted, I couldn’t feel the pain in my legs anymore so I made the trek back up to the surface.

— One week earlier —

My fingers played with the ring hanging at my hip as I stepped out of the consulate to the morning sunshine from the east, “Good morning, Sara. I hope you’re seeing this beautiful sunrise as well.”

“Paragon.” A loud and confident voice came from the bottom of the steps.

I looked in the direction of the voice and a clean shaven, silver haired man was standing there in full paladin regalia. Lord Knight Randal, the head of the chapel I was raised and trained in.

I jokingly grunted in disgust. “Don’t call me paragon, no one does that but you.” A smile spread on my face.

“Is that any way to treat me? I haven’t seen you in years!” He laughed and approached with his arms out for an embrace. I met him halfway to accept his greeting.

As we released from our hug, he eyed me over and put on a slight frown. “Still wearing Sara’s memories. She would have wanted you to move on by now, let her rest in peace.”

I glanced to the spaulders I was wearing, they were Sara’s from the war in Northrend, I wore them for her. I didn’t have any reply for him.

“You can feel it though, can’t you? The undeath seeping from its cracks, sapping your magic. That armor wasn’t meant for you”

Shaking his grip from my arms, “Its fine, I’ve been fine. What are you doing so far south anyway?”

Randal let out a heavy sigh. “Jaqii, my heart is filled with pride when word of your deeds reach the chapel, I wish we could have been reunited under better circumstances.”

I took a small step back and invited him up to the porch as he continued speaking.

“It’s silithus.”

My heart sank

“We had over 20 Argent paladins and priests there running exercises with the Cenarion Circle when the sword fell. At first our fear was that they had all died, so we sent a scouting team to see if anything other than information could be recovered. However we haven’t had any contact with them since they entered silithus. That was two weeks ago.”

I listened and waited for the reason he was now present before me.

“Of course the Horde is there, but Alliance intel is reporting new and massive movements consisting of silithids. We have been allowed to proceed with an expedition to assist in figuring out what the hell is going on. We need your help, Paragon.”

“I have a new home, Randal. A new family.” There was worry in my voice, I didn’t want to make excuses.

Randal closed his eyes and hummed, “I’m not asking you to leave your family, your friends need your help though. If not a paragon, then as our nightingale. Very few have left the Argent who were as skilled and resourceful as you.” He looked up to the consulate. “This house is lucky to have you”

I leaned against the railing, conflicted on the choice I needed to make. It should be easy, I need to say yes. “I will go,” I answered trying to sound confident and looked to the Lord Knight.

He smiled in relief and continued on, “I’m glad. Someone else will be very happy to see you as well.” His demeanor changed from that of worry to slight playfulness. “Do you remember that wolf pup you left with us, Songs?”

My heart lifted, I rescued Songs from a burning camp the scourge had left their mark on. He had a melodic howl that was so cute and soothing. We also guessed he probably belonged to the Warsong clan so we named the pup accordingly.

Randal could see the excitement in my face. “We raised him to be good and strong. I think you will be surprised how big he’s gotten since you left. A proper steed for someone with your history.”

“Thank you, Randy. I didn’t expect for you to take care of him for so long.”

“I think both he and I were always waiting for your return. He belongs with you.” Looking back out to the road, “We have a caravan heading to the silithus/un’goro border right now. It shouldn’t take more than a few days to rendezvous.”

“I’ll gather my supplies,” I turned to enter the Consulate.

Randal walked down the the bottom of the steps and called back to me. “Two hours, I’ll be at the gates.”

— Present —

“Come on, come on.” I was rhythmically speaking to myself as I reached the sunlight of the cave entrance and heard swift and heavy footsteps approaching.

Songs, my wolf was still there. “Oh thank god.” The creatures haven’t come up to the surface. I set the paladin down as Songs came up and layed beside me. I dropped to me knees and leaned against the soft fur, trying to gather my thoughts and what I needed to do next. I didn’t have the energy though.

I looked to the leather satchels hanging off of Songs and one was untied, open. I could see my armor from when I fought for and defended the Argent under the title of Nightingale, so many years ago. I sighed through a bloody smile, “Damn you, Randy.”

I reached under my arm and undid the clasp to let Sara’s spaulders drop to the dirt, feeling the weight disappear from my shoulders. Leaning into Songs, I stood and dropped the sack of armor to the ground.

Removing a few more pieces of my current armor, I stretched out my bloody limbs. Looking down at the equipment that used to belong to Sara, I apologized in prayer, hoping she would accept.

“I wish you were here, this would be so much easier.” Several tears ran down my cheeks. “Please give me strength.”

Picking up an armor plated dress, I draped it over me. Twisting and adjusting, the padding and links fell into their place. As I buckled on my shoulder plates, I began to feel a surge of holy power that I haven’t felt since Northrend.

When Sara died again, my rage and anger fueled my strength as I wore her unholy armor. Without that anger I slowly became weaker and weaker as the full strength of the light no longer flowed through me.

I thrust Sara’s blade deep into the dirt and grabbed an ornamental sword that Randal had left with his supplies nearby. Strapping it to my back and pulling up my hood, I began to pray out loud. Asking for forgiveness for my stubbornness, for the lives that were lost because of me while I had wandered from the path.

A weight was pressed against my head, a pair of hands laid upon me.

Sara

I felt an enournous surge of light flow through my body as my wounds closed and my energy was restored. Sara had heard my prayer and forgiven me.

The unconscious paladin was at my feet, I knelt down to him and laid my hand on his chest, pulsing light through me into his body. His breathing became stronger and evenly paced, Baker would be ok.

As I approached the entrance to the caves, I picked up Sara’s ring that was hanging off of the belt I had removed and tied it to the hilt of my sword. I re-entered the caverns with complete confidence, stronger than I’ve been in a very long timed.

Dardillien sat on a bench in the park underneath a tree, thinking.  How many days had it been since he saw Eralyne? Four? Well, he saw her the day before very briefly, he didn’t have much time to talk with her as his services were required by House Stygian.  The House was having a sale at it’s magic shop and he was needed as a guard to make sure everything went smoothly, which it did save for one customer before they closed up shop.  On his way to the shop he had run into Eralyne, and the two talked along the way, she seemed different… he quickly found out it was because she had been busy the last few days. She, along with a mage, someone he had not met yet but Eralyne said was helping her, had been busy collecting the remaining fragments of her soul.  This was why Eralyne seemed less sad and more enthusiastic, when he saw her the day before.

As he sat on the bench he pulled out a communicator, one he had planned to give to Eralyne, that way should she ever need to contact him she could.  He worried about her, it had been days and they had no means of communicating outside of being in person, when they met she seemed to really need someone to talk to and he had promised to do that.  He promised to be there for her, and now he was seeing that promise through.  

Luckily for Dardillien fate seemed to bring Eralyne to him, just like the night they met, as the beautiful elf walked up to him whilst he was sitting on the bench. The two spent hours together, he gave her the communicator like he wanted to, and then he got to know her better and see just how much she had changed since acquiring more fragments of her soul.  Before she was sad, quiet, and shy, but now she was more upbeat, kind, and straightforward… very straightforward.  She made it no secret she wanted to go from being friends to something more, what started off with just holding hands turned to holding each other close, and eventually kissing, her cold no longer as bothersome as it once was. 

Dardillien didn’t want to rush things with Eralyne, but felt she wanted to because she hadn’t been in a relationship before where she had someone love her and care for her, she had only known loneliness for the longest time, and he didn’t want to take the joy she felt with him away.  He also couldn’t deny that he enjoyed the small amount of time they had spent together.

“At this rate, you are going to grow tired of me in a week.” Dardillien said playfully as the two embraced each other.

Eralyne smirked, “I won’t… listen, unfortunately I do have somewhere to be.. however, tonight, I have a surprise for you.”

“Oh really? Well I can’t wait to see what it is.  I hope it is a puppy, I have never had one.” He laughs.”

“We’ll see… farewell Dardillien.” She gave him a peck on the cheek before departing.

The day went by as normal for Dardillien and he found himself anxious to see Eralyne again, something he wasn’t anticipating.  He truly enjoyed her company. Just as he wasn’t anticipating his feelings towards her, he wasn’t anticipating the the gift she had gotten him… as he stood waiting outside of his apartment Eralyne approached in her beautiful black dress, he furrowed his brow as she approached him with a smug smile. As he was about to ask her what she was smiling about he noticed it… a tiny wolf pup trailing behind her, sniffing the ground..

Dardillien looked between the pup and Eralyne and then laughed, “I didn’t actually mean it when I said I wanted a puppy… I was teasing you.”Eralyne smirked and kissed him as Dardillien watched it walk around sniffing the ground at their feet, “He is cute though, where did you get him?”

“I went to Dalaran.” 

“Well thank you, I guess it is the thought that counts.  I will be sure to take good care of him.” Dardillien smiled at her before he knelt down and began petting the pup as it tried to sniff his hand.

The Stygian Sorcery Shoppe

Featuring a rotating stock of reagents, draughts, and other mystical goods curated by House Stygian. Come on down and visit for all your sorcerous needs!

When: Friday, May 18th @ 5 PM PDT (server time)

Where: Mage District of Stormwind City, OOCly in the Essential Components building.

Dardillien sits in the House Stygian consulate waiting for Lady Illayia Caliat, the Ren’dorei Arcanist for House Stygian, to arrive so that he can pick up the Familiar Stone he had asked her to infuse with Void magic.  He sits anxiously awaiting while other members of the house sit outside on the porch casually chatting…

One Week Ago

Dardillien and Illayia stand in the house she looks at him curious as to why he asked her to meet him.

“I was wondering if you could tell me how Familiar Stones work.  I have limited knowledge on magical object, but my understanding of one is that when used one can bind a familiar to one’s self and it does ask you ask of it.” Dardillien asked as Illayia pursed her lips and then nodded.

“In the short and simplistic manner, yes, that is as a familiar stone does. Though once bound to such, the familiar takes up on traits similar to your own, takes to your personality, and some cases, a mental link with you.” 

Dardillien nods and pulls the Familiar Stone he had acquired from a Rogue Wizard out of his back and holds it out, “So if you could you use your powers to infuse the void into this stone, would it allow the familiar to be able to harness the void? And with that power potentially be able to conceal me with the void or shadow magic?”

Illayia rose a slender brow at this request before grinning briefly, “Void magic is not something to be so easily given, Mister Ward.  You see, for me to infuse such magic into the familiar stone at a safe and manageable level for yourself it may be able to impart shadows on you, but it would not be powerful.”

“I know it is dangerous, but I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I didn’t think I could handle it.  I need to be able to conceal myself in open spaces, on missions for House Stygian this could prove crucial.”  He also wanted to be able to conceal himself while out hunting criminals, but he left that part out.

Illayia gave a low hum before nodding her head, “Such is possible, Mister Ward.  Though I will tell you this. I will impart only so much void magic into this stone, and it will take some time, three nights I would imagine, maybe more.  Once I am done, and you have bounded yourself to the familiar, it will only be so strong as a reflection of your own will and strengths.  The familiar will have the capability of what you seek; however, it is a part of you.  Do not expect to be a master of blending to the shadows without practice.”

Dardillien smirks, “Lady Illayia, I am a worgen, I have had to train my will and strength over the last several years, I think I will be fine. I do greatly appreciate this.”

Illayia takes the stone from Dardillien, “And I am a Ren’dorei who knows the allure of the Void. I pray her siren song is not too sweet.”

Present

As Dardillien continues to wait anxiously Illayia walks into the consulate.  He stands and gives her a bow before addressing her before she greets him in return.  She gets straight to business as she holds out her right hand, empty.  Rotating her wrist and arm so that she circles her hand, a smooth and familiar stone rested in her palm.  It is pitch black, similar to an onyx stone.

“With the amount of magic infused there should be no side-effects that would strain you otherwise from a familiar such as this.  You should spend time getting to know whatever it is you call forth.” Illayia says as she hands the stone to Dardillien.

He studies the stone curious what she did to it in the week she had it, “So I have nothing to worry about then as far as the Void magic the familiar will have?”

Illayia shakes her head, “No.  The familiar itself holds that burden, and since it is an entity of magic, it will feel no undue stress.  Remember, you are tapping into its well of power.  You will need naught more than practice to strengthen the link between you two, this is a very particular partnership.”

Dardillien smirks as he looks at the stone and then back to Illayia, “You have out done yourself Lady Illayia, thank you.” 

Illayia simply nods then explains he should try not to lose the stone as it is what binds the familiar to himself.  Dardillien thanks Illayia one more time before leaving, he couldn’t wait to summon the familiar.  After leaving the consulate of House Stygian Dardillien spent the evening with his sister, Alyssa, and the two went to get drinks.  The night flew by and after walking his sister home safely Dardillien returned to his apartment to finally summon the familiar.

He pulls the stone out of his bag and looks it over one more time, Wait.. I probably should have asked Lady Illayia how to summon the familiar.. damn. He pursed his lips as he placed the stone on the table and wondered how to use it. 

He placed a hand on the stone, “I summon you, familiar!” He looks down and watches as nothing happens.  “Come forth!” Still nothing.  Dardillien takes his hand off the stone and begins pacing around wondering what he is doing wrong…. suddenly the air begins to grow thick and a pulse bursts from the stone causing to to flip and spin on the table.  Another pulse emits from the stone, Dardillien able to feel it as it hit his body like a wave.  Suddenly a blast of shadows comes from the stone surrounding it and growing larger.  The shadows fill the room before more pulses come from the stone, the shadows then begin forming into a shapeless entity with glowing eyes. The shadows grow before finally everything gets pulled back into the stone leaving a small familiar floating on the table, a dark shade of purple magic as it looks around examining it’s surroundings.

Dardillien moves closer to the familiar drawing its attention.  You must be the one who summoned me. I look forward to our new partnership… Dardillien heard inside his mind as he stared at the familiar before finally smirking.

You! Yes you! You’re formally invited to join The Order of Amberstaff at their Muffin Party on May 12th, 4pm - 6pm [Server] at the Hero’s Welcome in old Dalaran.

A selection of muffins and other goodies will be scattered all around as well as different types of drinks. So come, mingle and make friends! Menus will be available in due time, just knows we will likely have your favorite muffin.

ALSO! We welcome anyone that is willing to help out in being things such as servers and/or entertainment. Contact @zarainari-lightbloom if you are willing to take on the task.  

“Mozelle Deliond. Henceforth ya’ will be a Dame o’ House Brooke an’ House Stygian. A golden wolf, adorned wit’ our honorary rose. 

“Ya’ may rise, Dame Mozelle Deliond.”

— Natalie “Miso” Brooke, Countess of Rosevale | @thestoryofmiso

A salty coastal breeze blew over the beach, the air lilted with the sound of waves lapping against the shore and the distant chittering of insects. Mozelle drew in a deep breath as she stared out over the moonlit waters. A dull ache fluttered through her still-healing knee but she ignored it.

Once, very long time ago, she had dreamed of being a paladin; a Knight of the Holy Light, of the Alliance, with a sword in her hands and her allies alongside her, faceless in their gilded helms. Those dreams had withered and died on the vine as she was talentless in the Light and truly unsuited for being a paragon of virtue and justice; the wilds and the shadows were where she ended up, for so long skulking.

But she was a knight now. A knight who knew a dozen different ways to kill a man and make it look like an accident. A knight who knew a half dozen vendors of crime. A knight who knew secrets and sins the world preferred to forget.

How unvirtuous.

How ironic.

THE 11TH MONTHLY BLOODSPORT BRAWL!

The Collective welcomes all to come and partake in a night of violent indulgences. Leave all concepts of honor, chivalry, and fairness at home and join the city’s best fighters as they vie for the crowd’s affections and the blood of their foes. In the pits, there is no place for weakness.

Fights are single combat ladder advancement. The only victory condition is to make your foe bleed, in any way that you are able. No weapons are permitted within the pits, and armor must be only from the waist down. Waist up, cloth is the only permissible covering. Leave the fancy swordplay and shells of steel to the nobility’s honor guard. Down here, we know that the only true test of a fighter is their own grit.

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE, OR IF YOU ENJOY A LITTLE MAYHEM AND VIOLENCE LIKE WE DO, THEN COME AND JOIN US DOWN AT THE STORMWIND DOCKS (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE) ON SATURDAY THE 28TH AT 8 BELLS. FIGHTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHOW FIFTEEN MINUTES EARLY TO ENSURE A SPOT. GOLD PRIZES ARE ON OFFER TO THE FIRST AND SECOND PLACE VICTORS.

OOC:

Combat is single elimination ladder, and fights are handled with base d20 rolls. Each fight will be moderated, assuring fairness and keeping things smooth, as well as answering any questions for new fighters/players. Several fights take place at the same time throughout the event, so spectators are welcome to amble around and choose the fight they most wish to watch at any given time.

To sign up, speak to or whisper Nayleen (in game toon name) on the night of the event. If you wish to reserve a spot, message @enigmatic-elegance on tumblr, but be certain that if you can’t make it to let them know as soon as possible so we can predict accurate fighter numbers.

All scores will be updated in real time, and a full ladder will be available to all on the day of the fight to follow the winners as they move up the rankings.

The pits demanded blood for another month, and the fighters who came out were more then happy to oblige! Men and women from many walks of life took up the call of brutality, shed their glitz and glam, and enjoyed the thrill of the fight! From the cries of spectators to the crack of bone, only the strong were left to stand!

In the end, one man stood above it all! Pavoran Starfury of The Sable Sun Company! Dyelthia of The Coldwall Collective being a worthy runner up! The full final ladder with scores can be viewed ->HERE<-.

WE HOPE TO SEE ALL OF YOU AND MANY MORE AT THE NEXT BRAWL, HOSTED ON THE 4TH SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 8PM ST! ALL OF US IN THE COLDWALL COLLECTIVE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR PARTICIPATION.

The Stygian Sorcery Shoppe

Featuring a rotating stock of reagents, draughts, and other mystical goods curated by House Stygian. Come on down and visit for all your sorcerous needs!

When: February 23rd @ 5 PM PDT (server time)

Where: Mage District of Stormwind City, OOCly in the Essential Components building.