T
The Underdark Rises
Guest
Original poster
Valerna, The sol Vampiress.
Dark and dreary clouds shrouded the once crisp cerulean skies, as the warmth of the sun seemed absent in this realm. Defiantly it stood; a tower of onyx as black as night itself. Against the contrast of darkness it blended perfectly with it's surroundings; denying the glimpse of it's presence to most. Nothing seldom the outline could be witnessed, as bolts of lighting danced across the heavens providing brief periods of illumination. A thin fog blanketed the earth, as the treacherous terrain flattered the ominous grip that did clench the land firmly. Insipid tales were woven, as the trees and wind uttered but a single name, Valerna. The frigid embrace of a constant gust, carried with it clouds of dust that limited visibility. This tapestry of bane could be felt by all, pulsating across the battered earth. Jagged rocks, and ruins of what once was spoke undeniably of the fragile nature of life. Once a settlement dwelt here; only to remain lost to the annexes of history as their tranquil existence was snuffed out in a single instance. The grinding mechanical shrills birthed from the machines of war, spoke of an industry preparing for the inevitable confrontation. Steel friction against steel; it's hoarse whisper lingered in the stale air. It was a gospel, a testament to the coming storm and the change it will bring about. Despite the nefarious visage; those under the rule of the onyx queen dared not complain. Her sense of justice and laws showed no clemency, carrying with it a rigid and stern sense of justice. But from this almost unrelenting code of ethics, peace now settled after the ash rested.
Feral cries of the Gnolls pierced the expected banter, as the clamoring of shields banging proved quite intimidating. Those of flaccid hearts would find themselves shaken, perhaps maddened by the imagery painted by such disturbances. Beings once separated, now were uniformed. Under a single banner they marched, fending off their nature to disembowel one another. Such an alliance may seem brittle, but truth be told the fire that forged them would prove far more enduring than most may suspect. The delusion of power and fear; often wrought with it strong chains to bind. The fact that beings once at war now stood as brothers and sisters, would serve as a harrowing reminder of the influence that led them. Even from afar, her cold and ever vigilant gaze could be felt surveying the entirety of the realm.
The spiraling fortress was magical in nature, it's resonating frequencies undeniable even to the untrained eye. It's vibrations caused friction within the molecules of one's own inner being. Like a stubborn tree with roots firmly planted in ground, no matter the opposition thrown it's way; the structure remained standing firm. The hearts of it's sentries and inhabitants proved unwavering, their resolve knew no falter. This was the strength of Valerna, this was her gift to the new world order. For in order for the harvest to bloom, it must be nourished with the blood of those unable to adapt to the change of the times.
Ivory toned skin stood out against the blacken throne room, as eyes of crimson peered intently into molten orb. This artifact granted her deep insight, not only did it pierce the influence of distance. But it also made clear the plucking of fates strings, and desecrated the barrier of time. Many who dared peer into it's flaming core, would see nothing but a beautiful spectacle. But her eyes, eyes adorned with black veins strained and saw the truth of the orb for what it was. Her bodice was defined, decorated in ornate attire. Rich velvet and amethyst colored fabrics clung tightly to her enamoring yet defined frame. In the eyes of most it seemed unnatural, as if designed and contoured for her very body alone. Resembling another layer of skin, as oppose to a form of attire.
Luscious lips contorted, as a grin dared to stain her picturesque face. Here within the epicenter of her dreams, she felt at ease but never complacent. The threat of assassination or death proved ever constant. Naturally her arrival stirred quite a few bee hives, some queens were bold enough to send soldiers into her bosom. Those that didn't face a gruesome and morbid death; became one with the flock against their will. As the Illithids branded them as property of their porcelain toned queen; consuming what little freewill such drones possessed with relative ease. If the dangers did not hail from the outside world, than it could be found conspiring against her from the inside. But despite facing foes from both sides, she somehow managed to maintain her mental fortitude. As well as the unification of her troops.
Talons drummed against the steel handle of her throne, a seat forged from the melted blades, and armors of her victims. Some of which still bare the crusted blood of those that once claimed ownership of them. "My queen..." A watery, other worldly voice was uttered from swarthy embrace, as a lanky figure levitated down from the ceiling. This skinny being was an Illithid by the name of Jurn, one of her generals. Most would cringe at the sight of slime trailing from tendril mouth, but his tentacle and monstrous appearance was always a b=momentary comfort to the ash vampiress. "Speak quickly Jurn, you are disturbing my meditation." She hissed, like a snake her tongue flailed as feral pupils honed in on the man. "Our informant has sent us word, another comes for your head!" He boasted, his heart swelling with pride at the success of his network.
Valerna however was not so easily moved, she hated the court games that came with her rule. And truth be told only permitted the existence of this network so Jurn may feel of use to her. After all; she knew she could fend for herself against most assailants. Some might chalk this mentality up to arrogance, however she preferred to see it more along the lines of confidence merited. "Why do you trouble me with an anthill? It doesn't matter how many drones they send, how many assassins or mercenaries...in the end they can't avert their fate. Be gone Jurn! Go back to your devices and projects! Feel empowered by your network of cries; but do so far from me!" She barked, the color from his skin flushing as he offered a bow and casually melted into the shadows from which he came. "Forgive me my grace..." His watery voice fading as the distance between them grew.
On the inside she was smiling, her shriveled heart racing with excitement as she thought of the many ways to kill her soon to be guest. It had been a while since she had tasted blood, days since she consumed the energy of another's body with her precious tendrils resting within the folds of her palms. "I wonder dove, from what nest did you take flight? What message do you carry for me this eve..." She spoke, as blood colored eyes drifted toward the nocturnal light that was the outline of the moon; longing for it's pale glow to infiltrate the curtain of clouds that adorned the heavens. Tongue traced the outlines of her full lips, as she could only muse over what was to transpire this eve...Assuming of course the information was accurate; something that was never certain.