The Blood Cult/Initiations

Louis-Joseph Chénier

Roleplay from Louis-Joseph Chénier

Message sent to everyone in Gaxano

Louis-Joseph was at the spot, the very same place he had sat in ages ago. The springs were still there, still crystal clear, and next to it he could see the rubble that used to be a strong and proud step pyramid, his temple, his very first. He had been so proud at the time, just as he was now, for it was finally the time for things to truly begin. The weather was rather good, the air was a little cool, at this altitude, and the air was dry, a slight breeze whistled through the mountains. This was a grand event for them, the first time it was truly done. For the first time since their founding, human sacrifices were finally going to be held for the gods, and hundreds of followers had gathered. It almost seemed as all the followers of Gaxano had come, but he imagined some from the neighbouring regions had come as well. In front of the shrine, 4 wooden pillars had been erected, and victims captured by the followers had been attached. Louis-Joseph found it a little crude, but he did with what he had, since the altar was probably broken in many pieces and deep under the rubble, if it had not been outright stolen. The atmosphere was for festivities, people was dancing and celebrating all around, far from society, they could perform their rituals untouched. Music was being played, some local music he recognized, being typically dominated by percussion instruments and pipes. This ceremony was to be held in the honour of Arcane, who had, after all, financed this given shrine, and with who he could spread his faith in central Beluaterra, as, after all, he mostly preached different gods in other realms, as while he was a part of the pantheon, the world wasn't his dominion, only Vlaanderen was, and knowing man, he doubted that would change. His priestly robes were slightly dragging on the ground as he approached the to-be victims, and he picked up an flint knife. He turned to the crowd, raising his arms, and shouted: "Friends! Friends, listen to me!" The noise started dissipating and people could be heard telling others to silence themselves. Louis-Joseph waited a bit longer, so that they may hear him. "Friends, followers of the gods as they have shown themselves to me. Today is a grand event, today we fufill our duties, as taught to mankind so long ago by the serpent goddess Hiacaotl, we assume our sacred duties to the gods, and ensure the flow of blood upon this world, so that not all lands are as barren and lifeless as these peaks." There were some whispers in the crowd, and people nodding, Louis-Joseph raised his arm to regain silence. "Today, we honour the Living God, these sacrifices are made to Arcane, who has personally seen to it that our word spreads in this part of the world as it grows in others. With his might on our side, we shall no longer suffer the persecutions of old!" There were some cheers in the crowd, and they seemed to be getting euphoric. "Long have we hid in the shadows! Long have we been to many but a name on paper! Our temple, our very first, the most sacred of all, lies right there, behind you, in rubbles! Cast down by those who want us no good, cast down by those who care but for their church and not the will of the gods and better of mankind! Today, we show we are strong, and with the gods on our side, we fufill our duties!" There were more cheers in the crowd, recent converts are always the most pious, they always have a certain need to show their dedication. He could have used this zealotry for persecution, but did not think it wise. Other faiths were only interesting for him if they wished to discuss theological matters, at this time, he had enough of the religious conflicts. He walked up to the victims, and, one by one, in their cries of agony, he plunged the dagger in their abdomens, slicing to the diaphragm, inserting his hand in the victim's body and ripping out the heart, presenting it to the crowds as it was still beating, the victim dying, the blood squirting a bit everywhere and going down along his arms. Ah he ripped the hearts out, he would put them in a receptacle, which a follower would then bring and place at the altar. The festivities resumed as he left, finally satisfied. He would have loved to remain for more, but he had other issued to attend in the west.

Louis-Joseph Chénier (Teocoatl of the Blood Cult)

First Initiations

Roleplay from LouisJoseph Chénier (4 days, 12 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Zisswii (3 recipients) It wasn't much of a temple, but it was already improvement from the mere shrine the festivities had taken place at last time. This time at least there was a proper altar for the sacrifices, he thought. Once again, local crowds had started to gather around, though the following wasn't as big in Zisswii yet, though there did not lie the importance of the event. This time around, it was time for initiations, it was time for the faithful to show their dedication, a time to come in closer communion with their gods.

It wasn't really a temple yet, and did not resemble a step pyramid. Mostly, it was a wide stone floor with the altar in the middle, a few steps high, with pillars depicting daimons and serpents on the sides. Specially crafted as such, the mouths of these creatures opened wide, allowing the placement of the sacrifices.

Here too, music was playing, there was some dancing, singing. The tunes were not much unlike those of Gaxano, though a slight cultural variance could be detected in the rhythm, and the smaller role attributed to the percussions. The singing was mostly dominated by low-toned men, singing slowly with an effect similar to a choir, with a few women occasionally interjecting parts, apparent improvisation, in a much faster pace which seemed to make the men lose their rhythms and send the groups into laughter. Louis-Joseph liked the music, it brought a lot more soul to the events, made the gods feel a little closer.

Captives were being slowly brought to the location, they were people of apparent different nationalities. Defeated soldiers, captured rebels, he couldn't really tell, and the distinction wouldn't have been that easy anyways, and the clothing did not reveal much in it's current state. They were being attached to the pillars, where they would wait until it was their turn to be offered to the gods. Local strong-arms were keeping them in check as preparations were being made.

Louis-Joseph was in no hurry. While some of the faithful were already here, some had not yet arrived. He spent some time chatting with curious locals as preparations were being done. LouisJoseph Chénier (Priest of The Blood Cult)

Roleplay from Glenn Hyrhion (2 days, 16 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (44 recipients) As Glenn had planned to move to Worvobaen, after thinking all this time during his travels. He had finally decided to dedicate himself to a faith, a faith which reasoned with truth.

Now in Zisswi, he wandered around the mountains for according to the locals the temple of the Blood Cult is situated at the highest reachable peak.

After several hours of walking, he finally reached the temple he was looking for. He could hear some music and people seemed to be enjoying themselves. Although, not what he had expected, he knew that this temple will clearly be grand soon.

He saw some men being tied up, he almost felt pity yet, he knew what was going to happen to them, yet at the same time, he knew it had to be done. He knew that he will have to spill blood to show his dedication and to fully pledge himself to the faith, but the truth is because it is for the greater good.

As he thought to himself "This will not be my first time killing a man, for when I was a knight, it was my duty. Now, as a follower of the Blood Cult, it is my choice."

Glenn Hyrhion (Knight of Pel Mark)

Roleplay from Vistuvis Adriddae (2 days, 16 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (44 recipients) The monsters bellowed in its indistinguishable language. Vistuvi's men struggled to keep the vile being under the shackles and held strong with ropes. A soldier cracked a whip across the monster's hairy back making it groan and growl, snarling and spitting as it did. In front, a few soldiers had their spears pointing at the monsters, and would take no chance if the monsters would have somehow get loose.

In addition to the monster captive, Vistuvis kept close and tied up four prisoners. Three on which he had captured in battle and the other who he taken from Plergoth. All of them kept their heads low in silence, not speaking a word. A single man watched over them, his hand at his scabbard.

Vistuvis was eager to get going. The monster was restrained, but would still put up a problem when traveling towards the temple. "Lets get a moving! We don't want to be late!" He yelled towards his men.

They gathered into a lose formation, then immediately dispersed, gathering up their belongings and possessions. One jerked the rope on the prisoners, who slowly started to walk towards gate of the fortifications. Being exceptionally strong, the monster put up a fight. It groaned and yanked its shackles howling.

Finally, the caravan started to head towards the temple of the blood cult. With their monster and four prisoners, they traveled. Vistuvis smiled. He was making progress. Then his horse bolted forward, towards the pyramidic temple of the blood cult.

Vistuvis Adriddae General of Vlaanderen, Viscount of Worvobaen

Roleplay from Aran Valsorim (1 day, 17 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (44 recipients)

Soon... she will find a new purpose in life, one of dedication and hard earned work. Just over that hill rested a place that will seal her will, bounding it with the others of the same faith. Rationality had no place in her soul now, not when she could here the promises of eternity beckoning her to their resteing place, a place that was not what it seemed to be.

Just over that hill, she could hear the voices of many, all mingling, all excited, all enticing. Was it her imagination or did she hear a tune playing over the slight breeze. Yes! It was music! A nostalgic feeling hit her and she suddenly found herself in front of a splendid view. They were taking out the prisoners. She could see the deep fear they harbored, even at this distance, the cowards. Did they not know that their pathetic lives were being used for the greater good, for the good that their feeble souls did not posses the strengh needed. But there were alternatives, they could always give away their blood, let it flow down the murky ground, in to the earth's core. Their souls were useless masters of richess beyond their understanding, richess this creed knew of, richess of divine value. No ... they did not understand, as didn't many others, but that would soon change, for she would dedicate her life to teach the commoners the right way ... the better way. It was with these thoughts that she made her way down, a new aura enveloping her body and soul.

Aran Valsorim (Noble)

Roleplay from Syn Dhargool (21 hours, 8 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Zisswii (11 recipients) Syn stood there... waiting for the stones to activate... to see the portal open in front of her eyes... though what came was not what she expected.

She hoped for a portal to Sother... a way to get away from this world, and back to where she knew, even though they shunned her there just as well as they did here... but at least there, she could get her revenge.

But instead, the portal formed... like a giant rip in the sky. The tear in the seams of reality poured demons forth like water, and Syn stood in amazement. One might normally think such a change in thought (from going home to bringing demons) would collapse a person's mind, or maybe even worse... send them to hate those that the person worked for. Instead, thoughts ran rampant like overgrowth.

Returning home was one thing. Sure, she could get her revenge however she felt... most likely organizing a banquet, and poisoning all the food with something that can actually kill those that need not eat... but here... she worked with those that would conquer a world. Somehow.. that felt more appeasing. And what would those that would arrest these stones from our hands do with them? Close portals? Surely they could not want these portals opened, and any army worth anything would know that to open one of these portals and try to fight the things pouring out would be utter insanity.

These stones were put here for a purpose. And Syn would make sure they were used properly.

Syn (Freeman)

Roleplay from LouisJoseph Chénier (19 hours, 49 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Zisswii (11 recipients) A great flash lit up the day, the music and the dancing stopped, people started panicking. Nothing could be seen, all was white, and the ground seemed to be shaking with a loud grumbling noise, whether it was the frightened crowds or something else, he could not say. Louis-Joseph was slackened, he wasn't expecting anything so soon...

The flash slowly died down, he could once again see. He had erected the Zisswii temple on the rumoured location of the first portal Arcane had opened in Vlaanderen. Everyone here, the hundreds that Louis-Joseph had gathered since the festivities started, the followers of the Blood Cult, they could all see the illuminating portal, the white smoke, and especially... The daimons flying out.

There was an uncomfortable silence among the crowd, Louis-Joseph hurried to take a place of elevation and gathered his senses, shouting at the crowds:

"Followers of Arcane! Faithfull of Vlaanderen! Rise up, and gaze upon the works of our god! Fear not, for today is a blissful day! For today, the servants of his glory has opened another gateway to his minions, Vlaanderen will now prosper like never before!"

The followers slowly regained their senses a little, though the sight of daimons pouring out of the portal was awe-inspiring for any on-looker.

"With his glory's gate opened, it is time to offer him our offerings to please him and show him our dedication! Bring them out!"

As the captives were brought before him, he could feel the adrenaline pumping in his veins again, the hard beating of his heart, he would fell another by his knife. He called upon his acolytes: though they would probably not all perform the ceremony today, they would watch him and see how it is to be done. He stared at the altar... Finally, things will be properly done, he though. It was a narrow stone prism, with many carvings depicting Arcane and other gods, with slits in the semblance of veins running down it.

They forced the victim, a middle-aged bearded man, short, with terrified green eyes, upon the altar in a way so that his head faced the portal which, leaning down, he could see. As his shirt was removed, the skin of the frail body exposed, Louis-Joseph could even see the heartbeat. He placed his hand on the man's torso and grinned, feeling the blood flow in the man as he drew the flint dagger. He toyed with it a bit as he made sure that the man was well-restrained.

Rising the dagger in the sky, he took his other hand off the man to hold the blade with both. "Arcane, accept these sacrifices in your honour, bring your order upon these lands! May the blood flow freely in your name, glorious Arcane!"

With a quick downwards motion, he plunged in dagger in the man's abdomen, leaving a bloody hole in the man. He jerked the blade up quickly, sending drops of blood flying, and repeated the motion, slicing his way through the soft flesh to the diaphragm, the weak man crying in agony, vainly trying to free himself from his captors. Louis-Joseph plunged his hand into the wound, warm as the blood spilled around it. Burrowing his hands deeper, he could feel the organs, and the man twitching every time he did. Finally, his hands arrived on the prize, and he firmly grasped onto the beating heart, ripping it out with little finesse, sending more of the vital fluids flying into the air as the aorta freely emptied the heart of it's contents. The man had stopped agonizing, and was simply staring blankly as his life faded away from him, Louis-Joseph presenting him his still-beating heart as he faded away. "We offer you the heart of this man, Arcane, take it and give us your blessings!" he shouted to the crowd as he raised the organ, the blood oozing massively down his arms and onto his robes.

He took a small pause, and when deposited the heart in a receptacle presented to him by a faithful, who brought it away. He looked at the acolytes, and offered them the ceremonial blade.

LouisJoseph Chénier (Priest of The Blood Cult)

Roleplay from Glenn Hyrhion (17 hours, 50 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Zisswii (11 recipients) As Glenn was in awe, being present at such a unique occasion. His eyes glowed as he stared deeply within the portal. Another world he could see, he would have just stood there gazing at the swarn of daimons that kept pouring out.

Suddenly he felt someone jabbing him in the ribs. As he looked down, he could see Elder LouisJoseph handing him the ceremonial dagger. Glenn noticed it was covered in blood, as he looked around him, he could see that his companions also had stains of blood on their face and body.

Glenn slowly raised his hands to touch his face, only to notice he also had the flow of life on him.

He then again raised his head to see the cermonial dagger, by which he took and bowed to the elder. He walked steadily but slowly to the altar of sacrifices. As he was on his way, two men disposed of the already dead men the elder just sacrificed for the greater good. Then two other faithful took one of the chained prisoners, a young men, around 15. Black hair, brown eyes, yet you could see that in those eyes stood fear. He was so in shock that hr wouldnt defend himself, he was just as if he was already dead.

He was placed on the alter. As Glenn raised the dagger with his two hands up in the sky, he took one last look at the face of the young man, Glenn wasnt really there either, as if his soul was taken away, no emotions, he was empty. He then swiftly stabbed the boy in the abdomen, the boy suddenly screamed as loud as he could, with such pain and despair. But Glenn didnt hear a single thing as the boy continued to scream as he slowly pushed the blade upwards. Once the cut was at the right size, he rolled up his sleeves. Only to dig deep within the boys inners, seeking for the source. As he finally found it, he raised his arm in the air and said a few unnoticable words.

Then he disposed of the heart in its rightful container. Only to slowly walk towards another one of his "kind". Handing over the ceremonial dagger.

Glenn Hyrhion (Knight of Pel Mark)

Roleplay from Vistuvis Adriddae (17 hours, 24 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Zisswii (11 recipients) Vistuvis stood forward readily accepting the flint knife of the ceremony. His eyes were filled with a greedy anticipation and awe. The recent portal opening coupled with his soon to be promoted, made him feel giddy and he smiled with glee. Nothing could compare with sacrificing his first person. Of course he had killed many people, both on and off the field, but this time it was for a much more ultimate purpose. To serve Arcane and the blood cult.

The next sacrifice brought forward was one of his own prisoners. A human prisoner. He had long disposed of the monster, as it was too much of a hassle to keep. He placed the man on one of the alters, ordering that he be restrained.

Anxiety swept Vistuvis, as he waited until they had disrobed the prisoner revealing a strong muscular body -a body that would have been a great stone mason or a soldier. Yet that was too end.

Using his whole force he gouged a deep whole into the prisoner's body. Tearing and goring, he slashed through various muscles. A thin spray of blood sputtered from the body falling onto the floor, priests and Vistuvis. Allowing for the body to stop squirming, he soon felt the soft organ in the palm of his hand. Then jerked it out, ripping the tender arteries from their place. More blood poured from the still heart onto the stone of the alter.

A grin came across Vistuvis's face. He raised the heart upward and presented it towards LiousJoseph.

Vistuvis Adriddae General of Vlaanderen, Viscount of Worvobaen

Roleplay from Aran Valsorim (12 hours, 30 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in the region Zisswii (11 recipients) The portal opening...such en invigorating sight. Victory was surely at hand.

But there were other matters that needed her immediate attention, like the dagger. A fine piece of art it was, and the newly initiated priest was eager to give it to her. She took it by the handle, feeling it, its value, its sharp end. The blood was dripping from the sharp metal, some of it already encrusted by the edges.

Slowly looking up, she set her passive gaze on the prisoner in front of her. She was a beautiful creature, with wide defiant eyes, while her ragged clothes vainly covered the body of a mature woman. Aran was sure she had noble blood in her, fitting with her noble soul.

Still gripping the dagger, she made her way to the sacrifice, analysing her motionless forme. This one needed a leson in fear before her blood was completely spilled.

She came behind her back, softly putting her head on the prisoner's shoulder, her face lightly touching the pulsing neck. Languidly she traced the jugular vein with her lips, while the prisoner shivered with pleasure or fear. All the while, her dagger hand made its way towards her chest, a thin red line stayed where the knife passed, the sacrifice didn't seem to notice.

But she was humiliated, being touched like this by her enemy, she would rather die. And die she did. With one powerfull bite, Aran had let the blood flow freely down the neck, down the hand that rested on the prisoner's chest to finally let it drip on the dry earth. The woman in her arms was finally panicking, sensing her end. Not wasting any time, Aran finished the ceremony, with immaculate precision, she made a small hole in the sternum, while the captive trashed with renewed vigor. Setting her restrained opponent down, she climbed on top of her and thrust her hand in to the hole. With new strengh she cracked open the chest, while bits and blood settled everywhere.

She saw the prize... the heart!

She yanked out the heart, feeling the texture and the heat. She saw the eyes of her prisoner devoid of life and knew that it was now over. Putting the divine treasure in the ceremonial plate, she passed on the dagger, a new sense of accomplishment warming her body, while her mind went crazy with the coppery taste of blood, still in her mouth, now in her soul.

Aran Valsorim (Noble)

Roleplay from Franz Mueller (12 hours, 17 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (43 recipients) Franz looked through the crowd. It seemed there was one person out of place. Maybe it was the way he was dressed or his bearing. Signaling his captain, Franz ordered this commoner's arrest. His men slowly surrounded him and quietly spirited him away. No need to disturb the Blood Cult priest or the on going ceremony.

Disappearing to the back, Hanz interviewed the prisoner. Maybe he was here as a visitor or maybe he was here to cause trouble. He was unsure, but surely the judge could find out. It seems his name was Ned and he was from some foreign realm in the deep south west.

Your men spread out and quickly apprehend Ned. After some paperwork, he is off to your realm's dungeons.

Franz Mueller (Knight of Bajit)