Post by Setg on Jun 15, 2007 7:03:46 GMT -5
Ok, this is going to be my continuation of an RPG that was started way back in December by the General. Persoanlly I loved it and it had great scope but there didn't seem to be too much interest at the time, so with The General's permission I will try my hardest to continue the story in a fanfic. Please note I take no priase for the first few pages, this was all done between the RPers of the time.
EDIT:Ok, I re-read the whole story so far and to try and continue all the different stories may become confusing and cumbersome, so I'm selfishly going to continue with my character (Trakkard) as the main basis of the sory and try and interlink some of the other major chacters into the story.
Ravnica is a city built on rules and order, and yet at the same time delved in chaos and corruption. As legend has it, the Guilds were once at war, fighting with one another over control over the the magical continent upon which Ravnica is now built, until a the Guildpact was created, giving each Guild a peace of the land as well as birthing a set of Rules that formed them into one massive city.
However, nothing lasts forever. At the 1000th anniversary of Ravnica being formed, one of the Guild Leaders decided to betray the others, and wage a war that would destroy Ravnica. Szadek, The Lord of Secrets, a Vampire and the leader of the Dimir Guild raised a massive army of Undead, with which he intended to wipe out Ravnica and rebuild it as he thought it should be. He failed. The remaining 9 guilds rose up against him, and despite his immense power, Szadek was defeated and locked away for eternity as punishment. The City was rebuilt and a new order was formed on top of the the old Guildpact. As time passed, the guild of Dimir was all but forgotten, and is now considered a myth.
Things do not always go as planned, however. Nearly 2000 years later, Szadek has been released, and has made his presence known in more than one way. Namely in his attempt to murder Mat'Selesnya, the leader of the Selsnya Guild, who brings life to all of Ravnica. The city is now slowly crumbling, and Szadek is returning to power, once again attempting to eradicate the Guilds and take control once more. The remaining 9 guilds must once again ban together in order to stop Szadek, and save Ravnica.
The Guilds are as follows:
Guild: The Golgari
Leader: Jarad
Information - Life and Death. The Golgari are a Guild that has made its home in the ruins of old Rav. Lead by the Devkarin Elf, Jarad, they dabble in minor magic, but mainly consist of Necromancy. What the Hunters kill, the Necromancers reanimate, unless the creature is to be used as food. The Elves of the Golgari are those that have fallen away from the Conclave, and have become something much differant.
The Elves are typically pale and lithe, and their eyes are completely black. The Females are usually the Necromancers as well as Hunters, where as the males are not Necromancers, but Carnomancers. Rather than having control over the dead, they have control over Insects, which come in a nasty variety of shapes and sizes. The Wurms, the largest of which tower over buildings, are no differant than any other insect and are an extremely powerful weapon.
Other races exist in the Golgari as well, but I will give you the freedom to make them.
Guild: Boros
Leader: Razia
Information: The Law of Ravnica. Lead by the Angel, Razia, the Boros are in fact the most Righteous of the Guilds, pure and uncorrupt. The predominant species in the Guild happen to be the Angels, of which enforce the law of Ravnica alongside Humans, of which are called Wojek(Police). The Boros uphold the law with dignity and strength, and never question their angelic General's.
The Boros also specialize in Fire, using it as both a weapon and a fuel source for their weapons. Although Wojek use mainly enchanted swords, the Angels use Swords that are wreathed in flames, some of the higher ups, such as Razia, even possess the ability to manipulate flame and use it as a weapon. It is rarely a good idea to cross the Boros.
Guild: Selesnya Conclave
Leader: Mat'Selesnya
Information: The Life of Ravnica. Lead by Mat'Selesnya, the Conclave is a highly religous faction, which respects all forms of life no matter how evil or desructive. They hold a high place among the Guilds for their kindness, as well as their power. Mat' herself is the source of which fuels all of Ravnica's life and power, and without her, the city would succumb to an eternal darkness.
The Selesnya mainly consist of Humans, Elves, Dryads, and Loxodons. Loxodons are a race of Elephant humanoids, who are mostly composed of Clerics and sometimes, Guards. The Elves are distinct from the others for their choice in steeds, Wolves. The large Wolves are often given to the Elf at a young age, so they can grow and learn together, the most famous of which happens to be Tolismir.
Guild: The Izzet
Leader: Niv-Mizzet, The Firemind
Information: The Inventors of Ravnica. The Izzet are possibly the most distinct among the guilds for their sheer intelligence as well as technology. They supply Ravnica with some of the most conveniant inventions of their time, including a water system, energy sources, as well as basic schools for those who wish to learn. Despite their mostly "frail" appearance, the Izzet are not to be trifled with.
Consisting of species from Goblins to Minotaurs, the Izzet are mainly Wizards, the most powerful of which being the Guild Leader, Niv-Mizzet. A Dragon Mage, Niv-Mizzet is considered to be the brightest mind in Ravnica, but something more of a Legend, as the only one he seems to spend time with is Razia, the Angelic Leader of the Boros.
Guild: The Gruul
Leader: Borborygmos
Information: The Muscle of Ravnica. The Gruul are the most primitive of the Guilds, consisting of no technology past a Club or an Axe. When it comes to intelligence, the Gruul do have the short end of the stick, but when it comes to strength, they are never lacking. Not only are they the main laborors of Ravnica, they are Terraformers, so to speak. They destroy rubble, debris, and worn out land so the Golgari can reform it, and create a new more habitable land source.
The Gruul, however, also do not play well with the other Guilds. Their Leader, Borborygmos the Cyclops, encourages savage and unruly behavior, often causing racous in the streets of Ravnica. Much like the other Guild Leaders, Borborygmos is rarely seen. The main races that exist in the Gruul are Ogres, Humans, Goblins, and *Viashino.
*Viashino are a race of Reptillian Humanoids
Guild: Orzhov
Leader: Teysa
Information: The Economy of Ravnica. Once respectable and religous, the Orzhov guild has become twisted and corrupt. This is due to Teysa's rise in power, where as it was once headed by a man who's concern was for the people, rather than money. Now it is the exact opposite. The Orzhov, despite being corrupt, is a neccesary evil in Ravnica, as it is the backbone of economy and without it, the City would more than likely suffer horribly.
Using a facade as a Church, the Orzhov often make money through giving protection to those who need it, for a fee of course. They also pay Golgari Carnomancers to lure Wurms to the surface and help the Gruul destroy old buildings, where they create new ones. They are allowed to do business, sometimes illegally, in any form they please short of Murder. That rule is more often broken than upheld, which is why they hold a very strained relationship with the Boros.
Species within the Guild mainly consist of Humans and Thrulls, which are kin to Homunculi.
Guild: Rakdos
Leader: Rakdos
Information: The Magic of Ravnica. More of a Cult than a Guild, the Rakdos is despised by the Boros for their satanic and barbaric ways. Lead by the Demon Lord, Rakdos, the Guild is often the cause of Death in Ravnica, however, they do serve their purpose within the City. The Rakdos and their Barbaric ways not only generate quite a bit of Magic for Ravnica, but they fuel each Guild with something differant...some of which, are not always good.
Most of the Rakdos species consist of Half-Demons, Humans, and Trolls. Little is known about the guild.
Guild: The Azorious Senate
Leader: The Senate
Information: The Diplomats of Ravnica. While the Boros enforce the law, the Azorious senate creates the law. They are more droning in than the other Guilds, less functioning, and overall the smallest of them all. Consisting mainly of Senators and other political figures, the Senate is snooty and sometimes, unjust.
Every now and then, they will create a ridiculous law that is only there to satisfy themselves and their obsessive compulsive tendancies. Some find the Senate to be useless, where as others actually see it as much like the Orzhov. A neccesary Evil.
It mainly consists of Humans.
Guild: The Simic
Leader: Matthias Virtue
Information: The Knowledge of Ravnica. Much like the Izzet, the Simic covet knowledge as power. However, they differ from the Izzet in the fact that rather than creating inventions, they create creatures. They use various forms of science and magic to create new life and species, some of which are used to benefit Ravnica, others of which are created merely for the sake of research and testing abilities.
Although the Simic do have a place in Ravnica, Guilds such as the Conclave and the Boros look down on them for taking on the roles of Gods. The leader of the simic, Matthias Virtue, a Human Wizard, is possibly the most well known Wizard in Ravnica. Mainly because his creations are so bizzare that even some of the Simic dissaprove of them. An example being Matthias' personal bodyguard, Exruciator, an Avatar of Pain.
The sky of Ravnica was beautiful, despite the smoke tainted areas, and from a view on the outside, the City was a diamond amongst coal. A menagerie of differant shades of blue, red, purple, orange, and yellow twisted to paint a vista of magnificance. The Spires on the buildings in Ravnica scraped the very same sky, slicing through the white, billowing clouds. Indeed it was a beautiful City, and at a glance, one could not tell the turmoil and war that took place within it's walls.
None had a better view of the sky in all of Ravnica, then Niv-Mizzet. Stretched lazily out along a strip of his castle, his scales reflected the sunlight that warmed his large, reptillian body, giving him a sleek, luminescent appearance. Like a reflection being seen in disturbed water, the mirror like scales rippled with every movement, every breath he took.
Predominantly Red, Niv-Mizzet also had tainted blue scales that ran down the length of his spine, as well as borders along the outside of each individual scale. His head was wide, framed by two golden eyes that burned with intelligence beyond compare. Like unto a frilled lizard, a fan like structure of bone and thin tissue formed a blue and red frill that surrounded the entirety of his head, slightly flatened, as to not hinder his vision.
A similar, but more spine like frill traveled from the base of his skull down to the tip of his tail, partially hidden behind the two massive wings that gave Niv-Mizzet the gift of flight. Yawning luxuriosly like a pampered cat, Niv-Mizzet rose to his feet, the mighty, yet nimble talons digging into the stone surface of his perch. Below him the city hustled and bustled, and he could smell the tense fear that aromated from the masses below.
He didn't blame them. The tenth Guild, Dimir, had been unleashed upon Ravnica, as well as Szadek himself. Murderous and vile, the Dimir guild was as corrupt as the Orzhov, as violent as the Gruul, and yet as cunning as the Izzet. True the Vampire Lord was not yet at full power, but in fact, still in a weakened state. Being imprisoned for thousands of years would do that. Still, the stain he and his Guild left upon Ravnica was one that was not going to be easily removed.
Day after day, more murders were commited, some of them being Wojek, the Boros police that gave order to Ravnica. Investigator after investigator was sent in to track down the culprits...as Niv-Mizzet calculated, only 82.36% of them ever came back. Most were found dead in their homes...others merely vanished without a trace. The Dimir were truly bothersome indeed. Rumors had reached Niv-Mizzet as well, rumors of another Undead Army massing.
He did not enjoy the idea of that. Niv-Mizzet had been around the first time Szadek had attempted such a scheme, amassing the husks of the dead against the remaining 9 guilds. It was nearly impossible to stop the tidal wave of the Walking dead, for each soldier that the Guilds lost in battle, Szadek reanimated to serve his twisted will.
Niv-Mizzet had also imprisoned him, along with Razia and Mat'Selesnya, himself. They were the Paruns, those two, and he. The original creator of the Guilds, as well as the first signers of the Guildpact. Niv-Mizzet had actually wrote the pact, and on several differant items, so their history, their laws, what they had fought for would never be lost. Yet with Szadek rising in power once more, that was all threatened.
His talons clicked against cobblestone as he stalked down the hallways of his keepy, lost in his train of thought, until he arrived in the main chamber, near the the large opened doorway. True, most would be worried about thieves, as the door to the keep never closed. But what was the point in that? Nivix, Aerie of the Firemind, his Castle, was levitated in the air, and could only be accessed by those with wings. True a thief could easily train a Pterron, but that would be troublesome...
Perhaps to a group of thieves, they saw challenge, opportunity, and some of the most magnificant creations that were worth more than their petty lives. But they were disuaded, as they knew Niv-Mizzet's tolerance, or lack there of, for thieves. They may have seen challenge, opportunity, and wealth in his possessions, but Niv-Mizzet saw breakfast, lunch, and dinner in them.
Fanning his wings twice, Niv-Mizzet pushed the matters of the Dimir Guild from his mind. Sitting lightly on his haunches, forelegs supporting him fully, he waited. Afterall, it would not be proper for the Guild Master to be flustered when he was expecting company of an important sort, now would it?
****************************************************
Azreal was crouched on a building, high above the city streets as he watched the horrid creature move by. He had been tracking it for about three weeks in an attempt to have it lead him to other half demons but to no avail. All it seemed to do is kill and rape and kill and rape.
Was it waiting for a sign to meet with another? Did it have a hidden motive that Azreal just did not pick up? These and other questions bounded through his mind as he watched the thing move in and rip another Innocent woman and her baby to pieces.
The wind blew extremely hard as his anger built and he jumped from the building into the dark back ally, near the docks. The creature, of course, smelled Azreal as soon as he came up wind. It turned and with a horrid look on its face began to shreak utter nonsense. UN-affected by the half demons attempt to scare him, Azreal threw his heavy black cloak off, revealing his glorious shining armor which nearly blinded the stupid thing. It readied itself as Azreal unsheathed his sword and pulled his shield from his back.
It slowly moved toward him with somewhat of a makeshift Axe. He reared his arm behind him and brought the Axe down to him. Azreal threw the arm with the shield across the Axe, sending the half demon stumbling from the block, and followed up with a terrible strike to the temple. The blow to his head nearly knocked the half one down but he regained his equilibrium only to be given yet another mind shattering blow to the head. When, this time, it stumbled back wards, Azreal then ran the creature through the stomach and stared, emotionless into its eyes. The red glow that was once there began to fade as the very life left its body like rats a sinking ship. With one final ditch effort the half demon began to strike at Azreal, who stood much taller resulting in only hitting his waist. He forced it to its knees and removed the sword from its mid section. He took a step back and put his shield on his back. Azreal then gripped his flaming sword with both hands and swung as hard as he could at the jugular veins of the half demon but as if he knew what he was doing the whole time he leaned back, watching the blade move past him and his angel attacker stumble over all the unused energy from the attack. The demon stood and charged at Azreal and pushed him to the ground and began to run as fast he could knowing that if the angel got the change he would vaporize him in a second. The demon took three large running strides and Azreal turned in great anger, his eyes glowing a bright pearly white, and pointed his open hand at him like a gun. It glowed white for a moment and a jolt of pure white energy exploded from his palm and pierced the half demon's chest and burned into a building but stopped before entering the room. The demon hit the floor with a wet squish. Azreal calmly walked to the half demon, now definitely dead, and leaned it against a wall. He then picked up where he left off and beheaded the creature, its head rolling around on the ground.
Then as if he set it on fire, the body exploded into flames and evaporated right before him. "One thousand eight-hundred thirty one" he said as he smiled and walked to where his cloak layed. He slipped it back on, to vanish from mortal eyes, and then with his massive white feathered wings, jolted into the air, to give his report on the Half-demon he encountered.
****************************************************
Trakkard stormed into his chamber, swinging the door so hard it smashed into the wall, the sound reverberating around the circular chamber with intensity. making Ganaal. his feeble second in command jump. He stormed over to his desk and sat down, his dark ebony cloak billowing behind him as he moved.
"Such a fool, such a god-forsaken fool!" growled Trakkard.
"Wh-who?" queried Gaana lquietly. He had seen his leader in moods like this before, and now was the time for avoiding confrontation.
"Borborygmos," he growled. "We Gruul could be the leaders of all the guilds, but the fool seems content to want to smash and destroy and cause mayhem."
"Have you tried to reason with him?" queried Gaanal nervously.
"Of course I have fool!" spat Trakkard, "but he's a cyclops, and you know they never listen to reason, it's a known fact., ignorant fools."
"Maybe, maybe someone else should be the leader of the Gruul then." Gaanal suggested tentatively.
Trakkard looked up from his desk at Ganaal, the words playing through his mind. He walked over to his chamber door and closed it firmly.
"Are you talking about killing our leader, usurping his authority?" questioned Trakkard quietly.
"It seems to be a rational solution, we just need to make sure no-one else knows." smiled Ganaal.
Trakkard walked over to his compatriot. He had looked after Ganaal for years and made him his second to keep him safe. Although annoying, he had his valuable times, such as now.
"Ganaal, Ganaal, my old friend," smiled Trakkard, "You always were too smart for a Gruul." he chided
He was still smiling when he thrust his clawed hand deep into Ganaal's chest, twisting his talons until he found his heart and shredded it with his claws. His friend gasped in suprise, his last breath affording him his last question for this world.
"Wh-why?"
"As you said, old friend," Trakkard intoned grimly, "No-one must know."
As the life escaped from Ganaal's body, Trakkard laid it on the stone floor and allowed himself an evil smile. There were plans to be made...
A short time later, Trakkard pulled his cloak around him as he entered the busy streets. It was a reflex action, for he did not feel the cold or the warm. He had disposed of Ganaal's body earlier. He knew of a spot just outside of the city walls where the Wuurm tended to congregate freely.
He had disposed of the body there, the Wuurms feeding on the carcasse until nothing remained. He had also had to dispose of a Wojek that had seen him near the area, his glaives seperating the poor soul's head clean from his body before he had even time to scream. It would not do to arouse suspicion, now of all times.
He made his way through the cobbled pathways, breathing in the scent of the area as he went. Other Generals in the Gruuld army, indeed in the other Guilds as well, who aspired to have their accomodation higher up, with gleaming spires and spotless walls. Trakkard felt more comfortable down in the streets, with his people.
The Gruul were not a clever race, they were more fighters than thinkers but they had their place in Ravnica. Without the strength of the Gruul, the buildings would not be as high, or as sturdy. In fact, it was the strength of the Gruul which helped repel the Undead when Szadek lead his army against the Guild Founders.
As if by instinct and the thought of the Guild Founders, he looked up at the sky, and saw the faint outline of Nivix, home of Niv-Mizzet leader of all the Izzet. The dragon lived in the sky, away from the other guilds, which kept him safe from the wars and chaos that was starting to overtake Ravnica.
Trakkard felt the anger raise in him. It was down to Borborygmos that most of this chaos was taking place. The Grull leader was a cyclops, a race known for their savagery, lack of intellect and love for destruction. He had attained his place as Gruul leader by being one of the most powerful cyclops ever, and by also being only one out of a handful of Gruul who had survived the Undead assault. Taking him out would not be an easy task. It would require timing, skill and ruthlessness, traits which Trakkard had in abundance.
He pushed the heavy iron doors open, and made his way into the main chamber of the Gruul. As he walked through the chamber, most of the races bowed in respect of him. he had achieved the rank of High General, second only to Borborygmos in the Gruul, and he made sure respect was duly given to his title. He entered the Generals' Chambers, nodding to his compatriots; fellow Viashino, a few Ogres and humans. orcs did not have the skill or knowledge to become Generals, their brawn was much more suited to foot soldiers.
He strode through the chamber and rapped on the door to Borborygmos's inner sanctum. He had recently retreated back to this sactum, had dissapeared from public view, letting Trakkard and the other Generals perform the daily tasks.
The door opened, and Ka'sha let him in. The human had been Borborygmos's assistant and confidant for many years now, and both Borborygmos and Trakkard both respected his opinions in matters of war. As the door closed behind him, Borborygmos looked up, his steely gaze from his eye falling on Trakkard. Trakkard managed to hide the contempt he felt.
Borborygmos had grown bloated and lazy recently, and Trakkard was embarrassed by his leader's sloth.
"Ah Trakkard, my friend, what news?"
EDIT:Ok, I re-read the whole story so far and to try and continue all the different stories may become confusing and cumbersome, so I'm selfishly going to continue with my character (Trakkard) as the main basis of the sory and try and interlink some of the other major chacters into the story.
Ravnica is a city built on rules and order, and yet at the same time delved in chaos and corruption. As legend has it, the Guilds were once at war, fighting with one another over control over the the magical continent upon which Ravnica is now built, until a the Guildpact was created, giving each Guild a peace of the land as well as birthing a set of Rules that formed them into one massive city.
However, nothing lasts forever. At the 1000th anniversary of Ravnica being formed, one of the Guild Leaders decided to betray the others, and wage a war that would destroy Ravnica. Szadek, The Lord of Secrets, a Vampire and the leader of the Dimir Guild raised a massive army of Undead, with which he intended to wipe out Ravnica and rebuild it as he thought it should be. He failed. The remaining 9 guilds rose up against him, and despite his immense power, Szadek was defeated and locked away for eternity as punishment. The City was rebuilt and a new order was formed on top of the the old Guildpact. As time passed, the guild of Dimir was all but forgotten, and is now considered a myth.
Things do not always go as planned, however. Nearly 2000 years later, Szadek has been released, and has made his presence known in more than one way. Namely in his attempt to murder Mat'Selesnya, the leader of the Selsnya Guild, who brings life to all of Ravnica. The city is now slowly crumbling, and Szadek is returning to power, once again attempting to eradicate the Guilds and take control once more. The remaining 9 guilds must once again ban together in order to stop Szadek, and save Ravnica.
The Guilds are as follows:
Guild: The Golgari
Leader: Jarad
Information - Life and Death. The Golgari are a Guild that has made its home in the ruins of old Rav. Lead by the Devkarin Elf, Jarad, they dabble in minor magic, but mainly consist of Necromancy. What the Hunters kill, the Necromancers reanimate, unless the creature is to be used as food. The Elves of the Golgari are those that have fallen away from the Conclave, and have become something much differant.
The Elves are typically pale and lithe, and their eyes are completely black. The Females are usually the Necromancers as well as Hunters, where as the males are not Necromancers, but Carnomancers. Rather than having control over the dead, they have control over Insects, which come in a nasty variety of shapes and sizes. The Wurms, the largest of which tower over buildings, are no differant than any other insect and are an extremely powerful weapon.
Other races exist in the Golgari as well, but I will give you the freedom to make them.
Guild: Boros
Leader: Razia
Information: The Law of Ravnica. Lead by the Angel, Razia, the Boros are in fact the most Righteous of the Guilds, pure and uncorrupt. The predominant species in the Guild happen to be the Angels, of which enforce the law of Ravnica alongside Humans, of which are called Wojek(Police). The Boros uphold the law with dignity and strength, and never question their angelic General's.
The Boros also specialize in Fire, using it as both a weapon and a fuel source for their weapons. Although Wojek use mainly enchanted swords, the Angels use Swords that are wreathed in flames, some of the higher ups, such as Razia, even possess the ability to manipulate flame and use it as a weapon. It is rarely a good idea to cross the Boros.
Guild: Selesnya Conclave
Leader: Mat'Selesnya
Information: The Life of Ravnica. Lead by Mat'Selesnya, the Conclave is a highly religous faction, which respects all forms of life no matter how evil or desructive. They hold a high place among the Guilds for their kindness, as well as their power. Mat' herself is the source of which fuels all of Ravnica's life and power, and without her, the city would succumb to an eternal darkness.
The Selesnya mainly consist of Humans, Elves, Dryads, and Loxodons. Loxodons are a race of Elephant humanoids, who are mostly composed of Clerics and sometimes, Guards. The Elves are distinct from the others for their choice in steeds, Wolves. The large Wolves are often given to the Elf at a young age, so they can grow and learn together, the most famous of which happens to be Tolismir.
Guild: The Izzet
Leader: Niv-Mizzet, The Firemind
Information: The Inventors of Ravnica. The Izzet are possibly the most distinct among the guilds for their sheer intelligence as well as technology. They supply Ravnica with some of the most conveniant inventions of their time, including a water system, energy sources, as well as basic schools for those who wish to learn. Despite their mostly "frail" appearance, the Izzet are not to be trifled with.
Consisting of species from Goblins to Minotaurs, the Izzet are mainly Wizards, the most powerful of which being the Guild Leader, Niv-Mizzet. A Dragon Mage, Niv-Mizzet is considered to be the brightest mind in Ravnica, but something more of a Legend, as the only one he seems to spend time with is Razia, the Angelic Leader of the Boros.
Guild: The Gruul
Leader: Borborygmos
Information: The Muscle of Ravnica. The Gruul are the most primitive of the Guilds, consisting of no technology past a Club or an Axe. When it comes to intelligence, the Gruul do have the short end of the stick, but when it comes to strength, they are never lacking. Not only are they the main laborors of Ravnica, they are Terraformers, so to speak. They destroy rubble, debris, and worn out land so the Golgari can reform it, and create a new more habitable land source.
The Gruul, however, also do not play well with the other Guilds. Their Leader, Borborygmos the Cyclops, encourages savage and unruly behavior, often causing racous in the streets of Ravnica. Much like the other Guild Leaders, Borborygmos is rarely seen. The main races that exist in the Gruul are Ogres, Humans, Goblins, and *Viashino.
*Viashino are a race of Reptillian Humanoids
Guild: Orzhov
Leader: Teysa
Information: The Economy of Ravnica. Once respectable and religous, the Orzhov guild has become twisted and corrupt. This is due to Teysa's rise in power, where as it was once headed by a man who's concern was for the people, rather than money. Now it is the exact opposite. The Orzhov, despite being corrupt, is a neccesary evil in Ravnica, as it is the backbone of economy and without it, the City would more than likely suffer horribly.
Using a facade as a Church, the Orzhov often make money through giving protection to those who need it, for a fee of course. They also pay Golgari Carnomancers to lure Wurms to the surface and help the Gruul destroy old buildings, where they create new ones. They are allowed to do business, sometimes illegally, in any form they please short of Murder. That rule is more often broken than upheld, which is why they hold a very strained relationship with the Boros.
Species within the Guild mainly consist of Humans and Thrulls, which are kin to Homunculi.
Guild: Rakdos
Leader: Rakdos
Information: The Magic of Ravnica. More of a Cult than a Guild, the Rakdos is despised by the Boros for their satanic and barbaric ways. Lead by the Demon Lord, Rakdos, the Guild is often the cause of Death in Ravnica, however, they do serve their purpose within the City. The Rakdos and their Barbaric ways not only generate quite a bit of Magic for Ravnica, but they fuel each Guild with something differant...some of which, are not always good.
Most of the Rakdos species consist of Half-Demons, Humans, and Trolls. Little is known about the guild.
Guild: The Azorious Senate
Leader: The Senate
Information: The Diplomats of Ravnica. While the Boros enforce the law, the Azorious senate creates the law. They are more droning in than the other Guilds, less functioning, and overall the smallest of them all. Consisting mainly of Senators and other political figures, the Senate is snooty and sometimes, unjust.
Every now and then, they will create a ridiculous law that is only there to satisfy themselves and their obsessive compulsive tendancies. Some find the Senate to be useless, where as others actually see it as much like the Orzhov. A neccesary Evil.
It mainly consists of Humans.
Guild: The Simic
Leader: Matthias Virtue
Information: The Knowledge of Ravnica. Much like the Izzet, the Simic covet knowledge as power. However, they differ from the Izzet in the fact that rather than creating inventions, they create creatures. They use various forms of science and magic to create new life and species, some of which are used to benefit Ravnica, others of which are created merely for the sake of research and testing abilities.
Although the Simic do have a place in Ravnica, Guilds such as the Conclave and the Boros look down on them for taking on the roles of Gods. The leader of the simic, Matthias Virtue, a Human Wizard, is possibly the most well known Wizard in Ravnica. Mainly because his creations are so bizzare that even some of the Simic dissaprove of them. An example being Matthias' personal bodyguard, Exruciator, an Avatar of Pain.
The sky of Ravnica was beautiful, despite the smoke tainted areas, and from a view on the outside, the City was a diamond amongst coal. A menagerie of differant shades of blue, red, purple, orange, and yellow twisted to paint a vista of magnificance. The Spires on the buildings in Ravnica scraped the very same sky, slicing through the white, billowing clouds. Indeed it was a beautiful City, and at a glance, one could not tell the turmoil and war that took place within it's walls.
None had a better view of the sky in all of Ravnica, then Niv-Mizzet. Stretched lazily out along a strip of his castle, his scales reflected the sunlight that warmed his large, reptillian body, giving him a sleek, luminescent appearance. Like a reflection being seen in disturbed water, the mirror like scales rippled with every movement, every breath he took.
Predominantly Red, Niv-Mizzet also had tainted blue scales that ran down the length of his spine, as well as borders along the outside of each individual scale. His head was wide, framed by two golden eyes that burned with intelligence beyond compare. Like unto a frilled lizard, a fan like structure of bone and thin tissue formed a blue and red frill that surrounded the entirety of his head, slightly flatened, as to not hinder his vision.
A similar, but more spine like frill traveled from the base of his skull down to the tip of his tail, partially hidden behind the two massive wings that gave Niv-Mizzet the gift of flight. Yawning luxuriosly like a pampered cat, Niv-Mizzet rose to his feet, the mighty, yet nimble talons digging into the stone surface of his perch. Below him the city hustled and bustled, and he could smell the tense fear that aromated from the masses below.
He didn't blame them. The tenth Guild, Dimir, had been unleashed upon Ravnica, as well as Szadek himself. Murderous and vile, the Dimir guild was as corrupt as the Orzhov, as violent as the Gruul, and yet as cunning as the Izzet. True the Vampire Lord was not yet at full power, but in fact, still in a weakened state. Being imprisoned for thousands of years would do that. Still, the stain he and his Guild left upon Ravnica was one that was not going to be easily removed.
Day after day, more murders were commited, some of them being Wojek, the Boros police that gave order to Ravnica. Investigator after investigator was sent in to track down the culprits...as Niv-Mizzet calculated, only 82.36% of them ever came back. Most were found dead in their homes...others merely vanished without a trace. The Dimir were truly bothersome indeed. Rumors had reached Niv-Mizzet as well, rumors of another Undead Army massing.
He did not enjoy the idea of that. Niv-Mizzet had been around the first time Szadek had attempted such a scheme, amassing the husks of the dead against the remaining 9 guilds. It was nearly impossible to stop the tidal wave of the Walking dead, for each soldier that the Guilds lost in battle, Szadek reanimated to serve his twisted will.
Niv-Mizzet had also imprisoned him, along with Razia and Mat'Selesnya, himself. They were the Paruns, those two, and he. The original creator of the Guilds, as well as the first signers of the Guildpact. Niv-Mizzet had actually wrote the pact, and on several differant items, so their history, their laws, what they had fought for would never be lost. Yet with Szadek rising in power once more, that was all threatened.
His talons clicked against cobblestone as he stalked down the hallways of his keepy, lost in his train of thought, until he arrived in the main chamber, near the the large opened doorway. True, most would be worried about thieves, as the door to the keep never closed. But what was the point in that? Nivix, Aerie of the Firemind, his Castle, was levitated in the air, and could only be accessed by those with wings. True a thief could easily train a Pterron, but that would be troublesome...
Perhaps to a group of thieves, they saw challenge, opportunity, and some of the most magnificant creations that were worth more than their petty lives. But they were disuaded, as they knew Niv-Mizzet's tolerance, or lack there of, for thieves. They may have seen challenge, opportunity, and wealth in his possessions, but Niv-Mizzet saw breakfast, lunch, and dinner in them.
Fanning his wings twice, Niv-Mizzet pushed the matters of the Dimir Guild from his mind. Sitting lightly on his haunches, forelegs supporting him fully, he waited. Afterall, it would not be proper for the Guild Master to be flustered when he was expecting company of an important sort, now would it?
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Azreal was crouched on a building, high above the city streets as he watched the horrid creature move by. He had been tracking it for about three weeks in an attempt to have it lead him to other half demons but to no avail. All it seemed to do is kill and rape and kill and rape.
Was it waiting for a sign to meet with another? Did it have a hidden motive that Azreal just did not pick up? These and other questions bounded through his mind as he watched the thing move in and rip another Innocent woman and her baby to pieces.
The wind blew extremely hard as his anger built and he jumped from the building into the dark back ally, near the docks. The creature, of course, smelled Azreal as soon as he came up wind. It turned and with a horrid look on its face began to shreak utter nonsense. UN-affected by the half demons attempt to scare him, Azreal threw his heavy black cloak off, revealing his glorious shining armor which nearly blinded the stupid thing. It readied itself as Azreal unsheathed his sword and pulled his shield from his back.
It slowly moved toward him with somewhat of a makeshift Axe. He reared his arm behind him and brought the Axe down to him. Azreal threw the arm with the shield across the Axe, sending the half demon stumbling from the block, and followed up with a terrible strike to the temple. The blow to his head nearly knocked the half one down but he regained his equilibrium only to be given yet another mind shattering blow to the head. When, this time, it stumbled back wards, Azreal then ran the creature through the stomach and stared, emotionless into its eyes. The red glow that was once there began to fade as the very life left its body like rats a sinking ship. With one final ditch effort the half demon began to strike at Azreal, who stood much taller resulting in only hitting his waist. He forced it to its knees and removed the sword from its mid section. He took a step back and put his shield on his back. Azreal then gripped his flaming sword with both hands and swung as hard as he could at the jugular veins of the half demon but as if he knew what he was doing the whole time he leaned back, watching the blade move past him and his angel attacker stumble over all the unused energy from the attack. The demon stood and charged at Azreal and pushed him to the ground and began to run as fast he could knowing that if the angel got the change he would vaporize him in a second. The demon took three large running strides and Azreal turned in great anger, his eyes glowing a bright pearly white, and pointed his open hand at him like a gun. It glowed white for a moment and a jolt of pure white energy exploded from his palm and pierced the half demon's chest and burned into a building but stopped before entering the room. The demon hit the floor with a wet squish. Azreal calmly walked to the half demon, now definitely dead, and leaned it against a wall. He then picked up where he left off and beheaded the creature, its head rolling around on the ground.
Then as if he set it on fire, the body exploded into flames and evaporated right before him. "One thousand eight-hundred thirty one" he said as he smiled and walked to where his cloak layed. He slipped it back on, to vanish from mortal eyes, and then with his massive white feathered wings, jolted into the air, to give his report on the Half-demon he encountered.
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Trakkard stormed into his chamber, swinging the door so hard it smashed into the wall, the sound reverberating around the circular chamber with intensity. making Ganaal. his feeble second in command jump. He stormed over to his desk and sat down, his dark ebony cloak billowing behind him as he moved.
"Such a fool, such a god-forsaken fool!" growled Trakkard.
"Wh-who?" queried Gaana lquietly. He had seen his leader in moods like this before, and now was the time for avoiding confrontation.
"Borborygmos," he growled. "We Gruul could be the leaders of all the guilds, but the fool seems content to want to smash and destroy and cause mayhem."
"Have you tried to reason with him?" queried Gaanal nervously.
"Of course I have fool!" spat Trakkard, "but he's a cyclops, and you know they never listen to reason, it's a known fact., ignorant fools."
"Maybe, maybe someone else should be the leader of the Gruul then." Gaanal suggested tentatively.
Trakkard looked up from his desk at Ganaal, the words playing through his mind. He walked over to his chamber door and closed it firmly.
"Are you talking about killing our leader, usurping his authority?" questioned Trakkard quietly.
"It seems to be a rational solution, we just need to make sure no-one else knows." smiled Ganaal.
Trakkard walked over to his compatriot. He had looked after Ganaal for years and made him his second to keep him safe. Although annoying, he had his valuable times, such as now.
"Ganaal, Ganaal, my old friend," smiled Trakkard, "You always were too smart for a Gruul." he chided
He was still smiling when he thrust his clawed hand deep into Ganaal's chest, twisting his talons until he found his heart and shredded it with his claws. His friend gasped in suprise, his last breath affording him his last question for this world.
"Wh-why?"
"As you said, old friend," Trakkard intoned grimly, "No-one must know."
As the life escaped from Ganaal's body, Trakkard laid it on the stone floor and allowed himself an evil smile. There were plans to be made...
A short time later, Trakkard pulled his cloak around him as he entered the busy streets. It was a reflex action, for he did not feel the cold or the warm. He had disposed of Ganaal's body earlier. He knew of a spot just outside of the city walls where the Wuurm tended to congregate freely.
He had disposed of the body there, the Wuurms feeding on the carcasse until nothing remained. He had also had to dispose of a Wojek that had seen him near the area, his glaives seperating the poor soul's head clean from his body before he had even time to scream. It would not do to arouse suspicion, now of all times.
He made his way through the cobbled pathways, breathing in the scent of the area as he went. Other Generals in the Gruuld army, indeed in the other Guilds as well, who aspired to have their accomodation higher up, with gleaming spires and spotless walls. Trakkard felt more comfortable down in the streets, with his people.
The Gruul were not a clever race, they were more fighters than thinkers but they had their place in Ravnica. Without the strength of the Gruul, the buildings would not be as high, or as sturdy. In fact, it was the strength of the Gruul which helped repel the Undead when Szadek lead his army against the Guild Founders.
As if by instinct and the thought of the Guild Founders, he looked up at the sky, and saw the faint outline of Nivix, home of Niv-Mizzet leader of all the Izzet. The dragon lived in the sky, away from the other guilds, which kept him safe from the wars and chaos that was starting to overtake Ravnica.
Trakkard felt the anger raise in him. It was down to Borborygmos that most of this chaos was taking place. The Grull leader was a cyclops, a race known for their savagery, lack of intellect and love for destruction. He had attained his place as Gruul leader by being one of the most powerful cyclops ever, and by also being only one out of a handful of Gruul who had survived the Undead assault. Taking him out would not be an easy task. It would require timing, skill and ruthlessness, traits which Trakkard had in abundance.
He pushed the heavy iron doors open, and made his way into the main chamber of the Gruul. As he walked through the chamber, most of the races bowed in respect of him. he had achieved the rank of High General, second only to Borborygmos in the Gruul, and he made sure respect was duly given to his title. He entered the Generals' Chambers, nodding to his compatriots; fellow Viashino, a few Ogres and humans. orcs did not have the skill or knowledge to become Generals, their brawn was much more suited to foot soldiers.
He strode through the chamber and rapped on the door to Borborygmos's inner sanctum. He had recently retreated back to this sactum, had dissapeared from public view, letting Trakkard and the other Generals perform the daily tasks.
The door opened, and Ka'sha let him in. The human had been Borborygmos's assistant and confidant for many years now, and both Borborygmos and Trakkard both respected his opinions in matters of war. As the door closed behind him, Borborygmos looked up, his steely gaze from his eye falling on Trakkard. Trakkard managed to hide the contempt he felt.
Borborygmos had grown bloated and lazy recently, and Trakkard was embarrassed by his leader's sloth.
"Ah Trakkard, my friend, what news?"