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Post by Alcorad on Dec 23, 2005 15:57:08 GMT
"...wall upon wall, battlement upon battlement, black, immeasurably strong, mountain of iron, gate of steel, tower of adamant... Barad-Dur, fortress of Sauron ~Excerpt from The Return of the King~ The first building of Barad-Dur when Sauron came to Mordor took six hundred years to complete. The Last Alliance beseiged Barad-Dur in II 3434, and the Tower was taken and destroyed by the forces of Elendil and Gil-Galad who both perished in the seige, in II 3434. Though Barad-Dur was destroyed, its foundations were left in place. For much of the Third Age, Sauron's stronghold was not in Mordor, wich was ruled in his stead by the Nazgul. In III 2941, the White Council sent their forces to drive him from Mirkwood, and he withdrew to Mordor once again. There, he began the rebuilding of the Dark Tower. Barad-Dur was constructed through much of the personal power of Sauron as through stone and mortar; when the One Ring was destroyed in Orodruin, this power was lost and the Tower destroyed.
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 23, 2005 19:30:28 GMT
The sun was setting behind the silent peaks of the Ephel Duath. Mordor had been silent since Sauron's downfall and naught could be heard save the empty winds of Rhun moving ashes ever further across the barren Plateau of Gorgoroth. The Land of Mordor was naught but a sad song of days past and what could have been. Naught but a memory in the suns woeful gaze.
The final streams of sunlight were fading as Arien made his descent below the Mountain peeks, pulling the sun into the seas. As darkness fell upon the ancient land an ominous sound echoed over the horizon for in the distance could be vaguely seen, the strange form of a rider garbed in black, hunched over atop his steed. The horse was mighty in stature, perhaps similar to the Fell Steeds of Old that still bred in shadowed valley in the gaze of Barad-dur's ruined foundations. Perhaps this rider had been a traveler, weary and tired, who had taken the Fell Steed of Mordor for himself. Perhaps it was a servant of old returning to see that which had passed into forgotten glee, a spectacle to the men of Gondor. Both could not be further from the truth.
The creature trotted slowly forth, over the ashen desert kicking up the black dust into the wind which carried it North in a spiraling frenzy through the rocken shadows of decay and hardship. Still amongst the dust could be seen the old whips wielded with cruelty by the Black Uruks during the days of the slaves that toiled on the harsh Gorgoroth. Through the shadows cast by the rider's dark cloak, a toothy smile revealed itself as only one feature of its master. The figure turned his sharp gaze towards the stray articles that the creatures in the service of Sauron cast aside amidst their fear during the downfall of Barad-dur. This fear only wetted Alcorad's appetite, for that was what he was called in the tongue of men. That was the name he chose to adorn himself in at his coming to the white shores of the Grey Havens.
Long had Alcorad roamed Middle Earth as a wanderer? A dark shadow on the wall that preyed upon its victims by bringing out fear and weakness in their hearts and then consuming their body and soul. Alcorad was an Annatar. A being of Aman born under the ever-present light of Illuvitar the creator. At the moment of Alcorad's creation he was given abilities meant to be nurtured by the greatest of the Valar, Melkor. Melkor's mind was not one to nurture but to corrupt and as Alcorad pledged his services to his master, he was deceived, given promises of power higher than any of the other Valar. He was told of a great alliance constructed out of those who were worthy to overthrow the Valar and take dominion over Arda, that land which was born of the music of the children of Illuvitar. As Melkor was chastised by all the Valar, he became jealous and full of greed wishing for nothing to do with his kin and only wishing for domination. It was when the Valar realized such ill feelings, that Melkor was no longer counted among them and he and all of his followers were pulled away to Arda to continue their work within the walls of Utunmo, Melkor's greatest of forts. There Melkor’s insidious designs were set forth across the land with Sauron at its forefront, Melkor’s most trusted lieutenant. However while Sauron made himself the face of Melkor’s darkness over the lands of Beleriand, Alcorad was the hidden shadow behind it all.
As the centuries passed into ages and Melkor’s war against Middle Earth began to fail, Alcorad began to fret that he too would be cast down from his blissful position at Melkor’s side and fall into obscurity. Nay. It would not be so. During the final moments of the War of Wrath, Sauron and Alcorad disappeared from the face of the Earth, unseen by mortal eyes but while the new age began and Sauron once again walked freely among the race of men, Alcorad concealed himself deep within the caverns of the world along Melkor’s most deadly beasts, the Valaraukar. Many made their home deep below the pits of fire below Orodruin and fuelled the insidious mountain with their malevolent acts yet even they could not bring the darkness forth to the world as Sauron had when he entered into the Land of Shadows on the plain of Numenor’s forgotten empire. Alcorad began to realize the true potential of Orodruin and immediately after Sauron’s second downfall at Dul Guldur, Alcorad ascended up to the world above only to find that Sauron’s dark servants had staked their claim over Mordor. Alcorad withdrew into nothingness, becoming only an animal in the darkness of the world that preyed on the souls of the beautiful and immortal, hoping to quench his thirst. Ages passed and Alcorad’s appetite only increased, his thirst for power no longer quenched by murdering the appealing. He wanted more than their living souls, he wanted to dominate them, body and mind. It was only after Sauron’s complete downfall during the destruction of the ring that he saw his opportune moment.
Alcorad now turned his powerful gaze north towards Barad-dur’s ruins and spurred his horse onward into a gallop. The beast reared up its head as it drew nearer to the Dark Tower of old and flames spouted wildly from its nostrils. Alcorad reared back his cloak and his black hair fell down his back and billowed in the wind with the cape of his cloak. An ominous sense of nearness became apparent as the beasts heavy hoof beets changed from the dull thud that had thus been sounding as Alcorad made his way across the ashen plain, to the clash of the creature’s horse shoe against the steel of the Ghash Road. A mysterious cloud was revealing itself. A growing shadow has emerged from the mist and took the form of a veil of fumes rising from the cone of Orodruin.
Darkness once more engulfed Mordor. The dark sorceries of Alcorad had been recognized, Orodruin was calling to its new master. But the new lord of Mordor could not control his operations without a mighty stronghold and the ancient stronghold of Sauron would suite his needs rather nicely. Alcorad dismounted his beast and tethered it to a pillar rising from the broken form of old Lugburz. He entered below the decrepit ruins and began to trace his hand along the ruined walls, scanning everything with his dark crimson eyes. As he moved along further, he traced across something and paused, turning a sharp glance towards carvings of the stone and mortar. There amongst the decay was a lone shard. “Here we are.” he said darkly, allowing a sinister smile to cross his face. He reached down with one gaunt hand and wrapped his long fingers around the stone. Eying it carefully he fit it into one of the carvings that seemed to be lacking something and immediately his eyes danced alive with light and fire as the tower began to shape and a pillar of fire reached up into the heavens from Mount Doom. The clouds turned to a great funnel above Barad-dur and massive arms of light reached down taking hold of the tower and pulling it into the sky. The decay rose from the ground and fit together as Alcorad’s body swayed violently and his body was pulled upwards towards the sky, dancing with shadows and sinister light. The tower became engulfed in a spiraling shadow that brought the darkness in the sky to itself and veiled the land of Mordor with a vile barrier that sealed it from the watch of wary eyes. Floor after floor, battlement after battlement, layer after layer, Alcorad’s powers strained to bring about the return of the Dark Power and unlock the keys to Sauron’s empire. The shadow of Barad-dur rose over the horizon and once more the land of Mordor was restored to its former dark identity. The rivers of magma flowed down from Mount Doom once more and filled a mighty moat around Barad-dur under the Ghash road. Even the smallest of articles were brought forth and the gothic torches that had once lined the walls of Sauron’s stronghold were alight once more. His insidious throne resurrected from the ashes, was in one piece and sat menacingly before Alcorad awaiting its new master. The new Dark Lord approached slowly a smile of utmost satisfaction engraved across his face. As he seated himself the dark bond was forged and Alcorad took dominion over Mordor. Mount Doom spat its flames high in acclamation. Alcorad had taken the throne.
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Post by khaldun on Dec 23, 2005 20:18:48 GMT
Khaldun-Nasser surveyed the throneroom with his dark eyes. So this is the seat of the greatest power of middle earth he thought, stepping foward. "I am Khaldun-Nasser, ruler of Rhun. I seek an alliance between our realms." he said in a deep voice, looking at Alcorad evenly.
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 23, 2005 21:21:26 GMT
Days had passed since Alcorad's dark arrival and it was surprising news to him that already word had reached Rhun's captiol of the power rising in Mordor. He furrowed a brow and allowed a slight smirk to dawn upon his lips as he eyed the Easterling lord carefully. A warrior of such high calibur as this would make a fine meal for me. he thought silently taking notice of every trait that Khaldun-Nasser adorned. but then I would not be able to make use of the Easterlings armies. he concluded.
He looked Khaldun-Nasser over one final time before raising his chin up to face the warrior and confront his worth. "And why should the Lord of Mordor grant thee passage from his tower let alone grant alliance to thine lands?" Alcorad furrowed a brow and licked his lips in slight hunger reconsidering his initial proposition, allowing one of his sharp kanines to pass over his lower lip. "What tells me that you will be loyal. Speak quickly, mortal. I have no time for games."
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Post by khaldun on Dec 23, 2005 21:34:34 GMT
Khaldun raised an eyebrow. "Mordor and Rhun have always been allies, I was allied with Sauron while he ruled." he crossed his arms "my men and I have killed enough good people to fill the lake of Rhun with their blood, I am loyal to the darkness." Khaldun wondered why Alcorad was looking at him with hunger, but thought nothing of it. He could sense that Alcorad had a deep power within him, but Khaldun wasn't afraid- he didn't really care. He believed that the character of a man is determined by two things. His honor, and his battle skill. He did not doubt this of Alcorad, but he did not now what kind of man he was.
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 23, 2005 21:46:21 GMT
Alcorad grimaced as Khaldun-Nasser reminded him of his old cohort, Sauron, and narrowed his eyes. "No longer shall that name be uttered in these halls! Sauron squandered his abilities on a trinket and sacrificed everything to deceive those who's hearts are so easily corrupted. Even though his powers were elevated to epic proportions his ambitions were flawed. Because of his stupidity, his entire empire fell. Because of his stupidity darkness almost became a word void to the men of Gondor and Rohan. Although I can say that because of his stupidity I rose to power to put this land to use how it was meant to be and appease my master, Melkor. Do not let your definition of power be dominated by some concious image of Sauron the Deceiver. Nay. You have not yet seen power."
"As for alliance with thine realm, I shall say this. If you give support to my campaign against Middle Earth, then I shall support you with your wars against your enemies, however deception will be answered with swift reprehension as the penalty of true death. Their shall be no return to Namo's halls for any who attempt to use me as a tool. Take that advice and heed it well."
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Post by khaldun on Dec 23, 2005 21:53:00 GMT
Khaldun laughed "Easterlings love war, if I am not defending my country everything is in order then I shall campaign with you." he narrowed his eyes "also remember that I am also not a tool, nor am I foolish. Power does not impress me, conquering realms does. Right now my men and I are ready to assemble and march to war."
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 23, 2005 22:00:23 GMT
Alcorad furrowed a brow and smiled darkly, his sharp teeth shining as a thin film of saliva settled over them. "Ready for war?" he questioned in a mocking tone. "Do you meen to tell me that you march to conquer another region immediately? Foolishness. Patience is the key, Khaldun-Nasser. Mordor shall not begin its battle until all of the peices are set and we are ready to claim our first pawn in this game, for it is to light as it is to evil. There is no equal identity on this world. There is only power and those who seek it."
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Post by khaldun on Dec 23, 2005 22:05:20 GMT
"Foolishness"
Khaldun's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his scimitar. "I said that we are ready for war, not that we were going to march into battle this instant." he said through gritted teeth. such arrogance! he thought. The easterling slowly took his hand off the hilt. "Do not forget that everyone, even Mordor, needs allies to fight in this war."
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 23, 2005 22:13:31 GMT
Alcorad merely laughed in a condescending fashion turning his dark eyes on Khaldun-Nasser and focused them into a cold glare. "Then may it stay that way." he said angrily "and know that I am well aware of need for allies for I am not so cast aside aid in war but in my domain there may be no petty contradictions to my will for those who present them shall only find the harsh cruelty of my blade.
"Know that thine alliance is accepted but also that I have no more time to spare on this increasingly droll conversation. Return to man your readied armies and do not tarry. I have preperations to make."
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Post by khaldun on Dec 23, 2005 22:21:27 GMT
Khaldun grinned, he knew that he touched a nerve. He walked out of the throneroom. A bit short tempered, that one, but he will make a good ally. He still needs to pass a few tests though; we will see. he thought.
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 24, 2005 1:32:12 GMT
As Khaldun-Nasser passed through the doors of Barad-dur Alcorad smiled in grim satisfaction. "Fool." he muttered quietly. "but then again they are all fools."
Alcorad stood and walked over to a gothic veranda beyond the shadowed alcoves on one side of the throne room. The wind was blowing harshly at the tip of Barad-dur and Alcorad's dark cloak and long hair billowed furiously in the wind but it was as if he was unphased. His eyes scanned everything below. Already he could see the fires of industry begin to light as if by some unseen force, the orcs continued their work as if the downfall of Barad-dur had never occured. Large flames appeared to be naught but candle lights from the throne of Lugburz. All seemed so small save the ever-growing storm in the dense black clouds and the constant spasms eminating from Mount Doom. That was his next stop.
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Post by Jadyis on Dec 24, 2005 3:57:28 GMT
The sword slid from the Orcs back with a wet sound, Jadyis raised the blade and looked at it with a frown as black orc blood now stained the steel. It would be a waste of her energies to use her abilities against these creatures, they were so mindless and easy to kill anyways. Reaching down she tore a rag from its back and wiped her blade with it, stepping over the corpse as she went. Sheathing the sword she continued her journey. The last Orc had been one of many that hadn't given her the knowledge she sought, so like the others it had fallen to her blade.
Pausing, she raised her head to take in the rest of the tower This is going to take all night if one of these insects doesn't start talking she thought to herself continuing forward. Hearing the sound of footsteps, she turned slightly her face not revealing any surprise as another Orc rushed forward, its blade held high. As it charged Jadyis simply sidestepped it bringing her knee into its gut as it went, causing it to stumble. Catching it as it when she wrapped her arm around its neck and held her sword pressed into its back "Where is your master?" she hissed into its ear. The Orc grunted un-intelligably and Jadyis merely rolled her eyes, another loss. Driving her blade through its back and out its chest she let it drop to the cold stone floor.
"Usless" she sighed tossing her hair back behind her shoulder. Perhaps if she kept going she could find something of use to her.
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Post by Alcorad on Dec 24, 2005 5:26:26 GMT
Alcorad had been returning from the Vale of Fell Beasts when an orc burst through the doors of the throne room and flung himself upon the floor before Alcorad's feet. "An intruder, moi lord!" Alcorad raised a brow and kicked the orc in the gut, unsheathing his blade and slashing the creature across the back. Its agonizing scream only infuriated Alcorad more and he lifted the orc up and dropped him from the balcony of the veranda. He watched as the useless creature fell from his grasp and became naught more than a nameless pool of black blood littered with flesh and bone. Alcorad did not smile. The death of his orc servants did not wet his appetite as would any other being such as an elf or a man.
He walked away from the veranda and summoned forth another servant from the cruel audience of beasts that now surrounded his throne. "Find the intruder. Bring them to me. Failure is not an option." The creature shook its head furiously and scurried from the great throne halls down to locate the intruder. Alcorad seated himself slowly in his throne and kept close watch on the doors, waiting for results.
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Post by Jadyis on Dec 24, 2005 16:49:14 GMT
There were many footsteps, Jadyis turned to listen. They were running, and coming in her direction. It would appear that at last her presence had been noted as though the trail of dead orcs and goblins she had left in her wake would be very hard to follow. Turning towards the sound she slowly unsheated her sword and listened. More sounds from the other direction, she turned slightly they were coming from behind as well, perhaps they were not as mindless as she thought but still very foolish indeed to try and corner her.
Several orcs came into sight, charing towards her. Jadyis features of posture did not betray her in the least, no look of fear or surprise crossed her face. More came around the corridor from behind her. One stepped forward to speak in the basic tongue "Come with us" Jadyis raised an eyebrow "Well, then. Perhaps you are clever enough to find your master. Take me to him" The Orc laughed "Drop your weapon and come with us"
Jadyis shook her head slowly "I will not be doing that either" her patience was wearing thin, she did not have the desire to remain in this dank corridor and have a battle of wits with a inferior creature. The patience of an Orc behind her had grown thin and it lunged forward at her turned back. Jadyis spun kicking upwards catching it and sending it crashing into the wall with a sickening crunching as several of its invertrbae were shattered. Jadyis grinned and sheathed her sword "Perhaps I will not need this as well. Now do as I command lest you meet a similar fate" The Orc reached out to grab her arm to lead her and a moment later the arm hung loosely at his side held in place by a few loose tendons. The Orc screamed in agony grasping its nearly amputated ampendage "I will not ask again" Jadyis said coldly.
The Orcs lead her to the throne room of Alcoard and this time none even attempted to get close to her. Pushing her way through the Orc as it prepared to the doors, she had no time for great ceremony she burst through the doors and strode into the room. Jadyis eyes came to rest on Alcoard upon his throne "Greetings"
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