Family Business (GM/Evelyn)

[Mathew Amtrum]

His business in the lower territories was complete for the time being.  He had informed the powers that be what he would do to stem them from sticking their nose in his business.  War was coming to shatter the piece they had worked and died to create decades ago.  Lines were already drawn and armies formed and posturing to each other.  There was little of value for the Dragon and God of War to build from down below.  It was true he could blow the horns of war and his call would be answered.  That was never in question.  But the people below were weak and content with the peace they had gorged themselves off of.  His army would be forged from the fires of the Deadlands, where the war had never ended.

The war-torn ruins of what was once civilization was a nostalgic sight, one that sent tingles down his spine.  He had retired when the wars ended, but in truth, he missed this, the smell of distant fire in the air, the chill of the air dancing like the cold hand of death.  The ruins and wreckage here were fresh however, these were not distant memories of a war long past and relics waiting for rebuilding.  The destruction and devastation here continued and was neverending.  This was his temple, and while Spike had been sent a bit to the east to set up their camp he was taking Evelyn with him for her to see the family business.  It was time for her to see first hand just what life was like for her Father when he was her age.

And so Mathew would venture deeper into the deadlands, his armor of choice was a suit and tie.  His face shaven and clean, he thought it best to portray the image that most contrasted this land.  All the better to get their attention. 

[Evelyn Amtrum]

So this was the North. They'd been told they would be heading into the Deadlands, warned the war never ended, but seeing it fresh for herself was something else entirely. Evelyn was quiet at first as they walked through the lands, taking in the life she had never known. No hardship, no bloodshed, no lives cut short or homes destroy until all that remain were smoke and smoldering debris. Whatever remains of civilization and the past were down south were from the. This? This was what her parents had dealt with, what part of the family name was known for. What bought the life she lived when her father was War.

It left her feeling colder than the chill in the air that clung to everything like a frosted breath held for too long. Her crimson eyes kept sweeping over the area as she walked alongside him, stunned into silence and unable to keep from doing so with damage so fresh.  Her chest felt heavy as the image burned in her memory.

She was glad that Arianna had been spared this.

[Sir Galahad]

There wouldn't be much in this area. The way one would describe the Deadlands would be to say that the name was too terribly fitting, as everywhere they looked was an arid wasteland. However, there seemed to be something off in the distance. Possibly a settlement of some sort. It was hard to tell because there was something REALLY shiny glimmering in the middle of the settlement or town. Whatever it was.

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew was content to let the silence continue and to let this sink in. It was what she was born from, and what would happen again should the Conqueror have his way. If she was going to survive the coming war, she was going to need to know it.

[Evelyn Amtrum]

And so the silence continued: it didn't feel right to fill it with empty words. At the sight of something shining in the light, she slowed, nodding towards it as she kept going.

"Looks like something's still standing." It was easier to focus on an item, or anything that might be alive, than who or what didn't. Was there any sign of smoke rising in the air or other signs of destruction from the settlement?

[Sir Galahad]

The settlement was still too far off to tell, the sun was making it difficult to see anything but a bright reflection.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Something."

There was still no telling what it was, but there was only one way to find out. And so he continued onward.

[Evelyn Amtrum]

On that, they agreed, so Evelyn would head towards the mystery something as well.

[Sir Galahad]

As the got closer to the settlement they would be able to see more easily that the town was in goodish condition. No smoke or fires, nor did it look there had been. However as they continued the shiny glare would be able to form a shape. It would be a GIANT Helmet, the entire town seemed to be built around it. The helmet was shiny and black and seemed to have no damage or mar on it at all. It was truly a sight to see.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Unusual Helmet."

Was all he'd remark as he continued his way toward it!

[Evelyn Amtrum]

That was a funny way of saying "unnatural". Without a mark on it, it stood out like a sore thumb and reflected like to the point it was blinding despite the dark color. At least there was one village that looked relatively well off, at least compared to the others. Eve was starting to get an idea why they might be all the way out here.

"What's even big enough to have it in the first place?"

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Who knows. Could be any number of things."

A monument, part of a killer death-bot, the remains of a Qi user that grew to stupid heights. He'd need to get a closer look at it.

"No backing down now."

He'd continue onward!

[Sir Galahad]

As the two approached the town they would hear and see people atop the entrance of the gate into the town. They were shouting something but what they couldn't quite make out, with the exception of one word, "Intruders!" Before they could get any closer to the town the gates would open and men in makeshift armor would come pouring out of the gates surrounding the Amtrums.

"HALT! Who are you and what do you want?!"

SPOILER: Click to show

15 soldiers

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew held up a single hand as he continued toward the men surrounding them. Pulling on his coat with a smile.

"Mathew Amtrum. Hero of 244, Uncrowned Killer King, Jarl Amtrum, The Conqueror of the Dragon Slayer, Pharaoh of the Sun God Ra, Ares God of War, and The Earth Dragon, and I've come to speak to your leader."

[Evelyn Amtrum]

She took note of the hand and the fact that a scattering of soldiers came forward, ill equipped but determined.

"Evelyn Amtrum. I've come to observe."