The assassin slid through the shadows on his way back to Castle Ahriman. Poor information had led him to wait in ambush for an enemy that never showed. Dissapointed, he want only his bed and dreams of war.
As he was about to leave town for the hidden entrance to his home, Marley heard the distinct sound of blade of flesh. It was a sound that could not be muffled or hidden from his ears. Battle! He rushed into town to find a crusader, sirus, sitting dazed on the ground. A druid was attempting to ensnare him, and the warrior, Duragon, was standing with a smirk over Sirus. Marley waited for the druid to finish her dirty task, but wind whispered past his face as a mage flew by in the shadows and roused the crusader. Sirus tried to flee but the tainted assassin gave chase and stunned him yet again with the flat of his blade, inviting the druid to continue her curse.
Finally, with the crusader ensnared, the three tore into this zealot. Tore the flesh from him. Always quick with his blades, Marley landed the killing blow. Tradition demanded that he got his choice of Sirus' gear. Another crusader fallen. Ahriman's will imposed. Blood spilled.
We've suffered heavy damages. Tirus and Kacus have both been bested by unskilled warriors. They remain silent on the subject. I can only assume it was their growing arrogance that costed them, and us. Spirits are dangerously low. We need something. We are still the force of power here. But the men need a fire lit under them. We need something to boost moral. Things need to change. I'll have to think on this further...
Tha halls of Castle Ahriman were quiet. The Tainted Ahrmy had suffered several defeats. Key members of the Shade were temporarily incapacitated. Ranec showed a willingness to fight, but was just not up to it. The men were concerned for their brethren. They were shamed by the losses also. Tirus stood up angrily. Some turned to look at him, but said nothing as he stormed out the door. Spirits were low.
Tirus could not heal his fallen brethren. That is another sphere of magic alltogether. Unfortunately, though, this was not the only problem that needed to be dealt with. The Shade's armoury had suffered heavily in the losses. The losses needed to be replaced. Rashly, Tirus decided to raid the dwelling of the Satanist's and loot their armoury. It was said they were all away, so it should be easy.
Upon navigating through the cursed woods that acted as a barrier (it is very easy to become lost in there), Tirus unlocked a hidden door. He had acquired the key from a rather nasty beast in the woods. After gaining entry, he quickly sought out the storerooms. The armour he found wasnt worth picking up. It was shoddy and weak. Although, what can you expect from men who worship a god that doesnt exist. While walking throught the maze of chambers that served as the Ninth Circle's homebase, The mage came upon the warrior of "Satan" called Silence. He appeared to be in a drunken stupor. Grinning, the hobbit raised his hands and brought fire down on the massive fighter. Silence offered little resistance and was bested quickly. Tirus stripped him of his useful affects and left the body there as a warning.
"This is Ahriman's Kingdom."