The scene begins as the sun illuminates the central palace. Aria is starting to wake up from her bed. " This is going to be a long day," Aria says as she hears a knock on her bedroom door. "Come in Aria replies. Suddenly, she is shocked by who enters. "Hello, little Aria," Alianna says in a gentle tone. " Mother? What are you doing here?" Aria says as she jumps off her bed. "Can't you even say hello to me? We haven't seen each other in a while." Alianna replies. " You must be joking, you left me alone in the reflection hall, do you have any idea what I had to go through?" Aria replies. " Bhaal has already told you it was part of his test. What more do you want from me?" Alianna says. " I want you to be my mother for crying out loud, so what if I am talented, I am more than just a tool, I am your daughter, I look up to you and when you sent me to the meditation hall I thought …." Aria pays as he pauses for a moment and starts to cry. "what are you doing Aria" Dream mentally asks. " I am trying to guilt-trip my mother. She may be a mage assassin, but at the end of the day, she is still a mother," Aria says mentally to dream. "Damn, I can't believe how good your acting skills are." Dream says mentally, seemingly shocked at Aria's performance, as Alianna comes to hug Aria. " I am sorry, Aria, it's my first time being a mother. I will try my best to be there for you." Alianna replies. "By the way, I have brought you something to congratulate you on becoming Bhaal's direct disciple. Close your eyes." Alianna says as she places a soft item on Arias' hand. As Aria opens her eyes, she observes that her mother has given her a stuffed toy of a cute black teddy bear. " Thanks so much, Mom," Aria says to Alianna. "That's right, I am still a kid, let me just take it and pretend I like it." Aria mentally says as she takes the stuffed toy, but observes her mother is wearing white gloves, which she does not usually wear, but Aria does not think much of it.
Suddenly, Liza enters the room with several cloths in her hands. " Ooh, Lady Alianna, forgive me for my outburst. I did not know you were here," Liza says as she politely bows. "Don't worry, Liza, thanks for looking after my daughter, I was just leaving. Aria, once you finish, come to the central palace's main dining room today. All the Crimson Bloods together with their mothers are going to be having a meal with the family Patriarch, I mean father. "Alianna says as she leaves the room. " Morning, my lady, did your mother give you that toy?" Liza asks as Aria places it on her bed. " Yes, she did, she gave the stuffed toy as a gift for becoming Bhaal's direct disciple," Aria replies. "Then she must have really worked on it, I think she sewed it herself, from what I have seen, she has been learning how to sew from her personal maid, Angela," Liza replies as she brings Aria the clothes she was previously carrying. "She learned how to sew just to create me this stuffed toy," Aria mentally thinks as she looks at the stuffed teddy bear. " Wait, Liza, what's up with the military style outfit ?" Aria says as she looks at the outfits she has been given. The outfit is a striking military-style uniform predominantly in a vivid, deep red hue. It features gold accents and embellishments, including epaulets on the shoulders, decorative braiding, and buttons that add a regal and commanding presence. The jacket is tailored and fitted, with intricate gold trim on the cuffs and collar, and a row of medals and badges on the chest, signifying honor and achievement. On closer observation, there is only one medal made from a shining metal called mithril that appears to have the symbol of Bhaal, a skull with 12 teardrops. A sash runs diagonally across the chest, further emphasizing the formal and authoritative tone of the attire. The pants are made from the same deep red fabric, with subtle gold piping along the sides for a refined touch, with a hole to accommodate Arias' tail. The outfit as a whole exudes power, with the bold red color and detailed gold accents creating a striking, unified look. " This uniform is usually won by Crimson bloods together with their mothers when they are sending off Bhaal on his various expeditions. Once you finish preparing, just head to the central palace's main dining room for your meal afterwards. There will be a short break, then the send-off ceremony will begin." Liza says as she bows and leaves the room.
After Aria finishes preparing and wearing her outfit, she heads for the central palace dining hall. As she approaches the dining hall, she meets up with her mother and walks together, entering the dining hall where they are welcomed with the gazes of the crimson bloods together with their mothers who have already taken their seats. The dining hall is an opulent and grand space, exuding luxury and elegance. It features high ceilings adorned with intricate moldings and large, sparkling crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, shimmering glow over the room. Tall, ornate columns with gold accents frame the space, adding to its regal atmosphere. The walls are decorated with lavish drapes that cascade from tall windows, allowing soft natural light to filter in, complementing the warm ambient lighting from elegant wall sconces. The windows are large and arched, further emphasizing the grandeur of the hall. A long, sumptuous table stretches down the center of the room, set meticulously for a formal gathering. The table is covered with a pristine white cloth, and a lavish centerpiece of red and white flowers runs along its length. Each place setting includes fine china, gleaming silverware, and crystal glassware, all arranged with precision and care. Surrounding the table are matching, ornate chairs with upholstered seats and carved wooden details, inviting the crimson bloods and their mothers to sit together in comfort and style. As Aria and her mother head to take their seats, the eyes of the other wives are directed towards Aria. As they sit looking at each other, one of the wives, a beautiful black haired human, sparks a conversation. "Hello, Lady Alianna, you took your time getting here," the black haired lady says. " Apologies, I had several matters that required my attention, Elena," Alianna says. "Hmm, you and your little rank of silver mage assassin, do you think you have any right to be here?" Elena says as she furiously stands. Clearly, there is a deep hatred between the wives. Aria observes that, unlike her mother, who has only two medals, comprising bronze and silver. The other wives each had a bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and adamantite medal, except for Elena, who, aside from all this, had one other medal made of mithril, which was similar to her own medal. "Hey, I suggest you sit down, show another act of disrespect towards my mother, and I will take the issue with my father. If that happens, whose side do you think Father will take if he finds you are showing disrespect toward the mother of her direct disciple?" Aria says to Alianna. "Insolence, do you know who I am?" Elena says as she bangs the table and releases her knight aura momentarily to suppress, Aria. "I don't need to know who you are; anyone who disrespects my mother isn't worth remembering," Aria says as she releases her mana to cover her body and easily defends Elena's suppression. "Impossible if she is able to disperse my aura suppression she must be at least a 3rd class mage even Alianna who is as talented 5th class mage finds difficulties when using this technique but on the other hand she controlled her mana so precisely that I couldn't even find an sign of weakness truly a formidable talent, It is not wise to provoke her especially her being Bhaals direct disciple, I should probably give her something to show my sincerity otherwise in the future she might grow to be quite the thorn." Apologies, my lady, I went out of line. Lady Alianna, I deeply apologize for my previous outburst. As a sign of my sincerity, please take these two 2 level enchantment rings of the princes." Elena says as she uses her aura to telekinetically move the rings toward Aria and Alianna, respectively.
"Wait a minute, Aura users can use telekinesis?" Aria mentally says as she takes the ring. "Thank you, Lady Elena, for the thoughtful gift. I and Aria love this gift, isn't that write little Aria" Alianna say seemingly gesturing Aria to answer. "Yes, mother, thank you Elena for the beautiful rings," Aria replies. From a flashback from Alianna's, we learn that the ring of the princess is a type of ring which were originally crafted to protect the sons of King Castter De'wess, though the identity of the one who uttered the enchantment is unknown. History records that the rings remained within that family for at least thirteen generations, though they were all apparently lost within the space of one. Enmity between the king and the family of the creator may be to blame. Nevertheless, this is a highly sought-after item, especially for mages, since it provides an invisible, limited protective shield for any normal ranged weapon. Suddenly, Bhaal enters the dining hall. He is wearing a black futuristic armour and on his hand a black katana-like sword with a red glowing light near the edges of the blade. Bhaal's armor is a sleek, futuristic, and intimidating suit of battle gear, primarily black with intricate angular plating that gives it a highly advanced and menacing appearance. The armor features a high-tech design with sharp lines and layered plates that provide both protection and agility. Red accents and glowing lines run throughout the armor, emphasizing its deadly and aggressive aesthetic. The helmet is faceless, with a smooth, reflective visor that glows faintly red, adding to the sense of mystery and danger. A dark hood drapes over the shoulders, adding a sinister, shadowy element to the ensemble. The armor's design suggests a combination of advanced technology and dark mysticism, making it perfect for a formidable warrior like Bhaal. The black sword he wields is equally striking, with a glowing red edge that complements the red highlights on his armor.
"We pay respect to the Lord," Aria, the other crimson blood, and their mothers say in unison. "Greeting everyone," Bhaal says as he sits on a large chair which has been placed at the front of the table, allowing him to see both those who are sitting on the left and right. As they sit, each of them introduces themselves. Seems, this is a custom among the family. The member sitting on the left began first, " I, Thalia Shadowwolf, mother of the crimson blood Riven Shadowwolf, pay respect to the family patriarch." Thalia, the blue-haired human lady, says as she takes a seat with her daughter, Riven Shadowwolf ." I, Seris Mistborn, mother of the crimson blood Lorcan Mistborn, pay respect to the family patriarch." Seris, a blond-haired human lady, says as she takes a seat with her son, Lorcan Mistborn. "I, Kaela Nightfire, mother of the crimson blood, Darek Nightfire, pay respect to the family patriarch." Kaela, a black haired human lady, says as she takes a seat with her son, Darek Nightfire. Then the members of the right begin "I, Lyra Ironwolf, mother of the crimson blood Varyn Ironwolf, pay respect to the family patriarch." Lyra, a black haired human lady, says as she takes a seat with her son, Varyn Ironwolf. "I, Elena Stormfury, mother of the crimson blood Kadan Stormfury, pay respect to the family patriarch." Elena, a black haired human lady, says as she takes a seat with her son, Kadan Stormfury. And finally comes Alianna's turn, "I, Alianna Von Sindra, mother of the crimson blood Aria Von Sindra, pay respect to the family patriarch." Alianna says as she takes a seat with her daughter, Aria Von Sindra.
" Let us begin. First, thank you all for coming. As you all know, Cyric has grown to be quite the thorn on my side so far. He has killed 283 Deathstalker agents thanks to his newly acquired weapon, God's bane. How he got it, we don't know, but he has done too much damage to be left unchecked. From the new intelligence we have received, we have learnt that he is now working with the Harpers inorder to stop my plans. From the harpers we have interrogated, we have learnt of two key figures: a powerful monk, spell caster, sage known as Gorion, and their leader, the legendary Sage of Shadowdale known as Eliminster. Together, they may be a challenge, but I have recently learned that they have recently split up and each gone for separate missions, leaving Cyric alone. This is the only chance we have to cut the dragon's head while his subordinates are away. I know this is risky, but we have no other choice. Your duties as of this moment are to protect the fortress till further notice. Do I make myself clear?" Bhaal says as he releases some of his aura. " Yes patriach."All of them say in unison. "Very well, let's have one meal before I leave," Bhaal says as he rings a nearby golden bell. After several moments, the door is opened and various chefs and maids come in to serve Bhaal the crimson bloods and their mothers. The lavish feast for Bhaal, the Crimson Bloods, and their mothers is a grand display of opulence, with long tables laden with roasted meats, fresh fruits, and exotic delicacies from distant lands. Silver and gold goblets overflow with fine wines, fruit juices, and crimson-colored drinks, while fragrant spices fill the air as they enjoy their meal with their father. After they are done, the servants wash their hands and quickly clear ot the table, leaving the room once they are done."We will meet after an hour for the send-off ceremony. For now, you are free, but before that, Kedan follows me," Bhaal says as he begins to leave with Kedan, who follows him, leaving the others in the room who later leave one by one. Bhaal and Kedan go to his private residence, where Bhaal goes straight to the point and says "I am going to give you a powerful artifact to aid you in the battle to come. I would have given it to Aria, but she is still too young and inexperienced. In Aura manipulation, so you are the most suitable, know that this ring can't be removed unless you are killed. The ring has a unique ability of increasing your aura reserve meaning you will be able to use more aura techniques than what you are normally capable of," Bhaal says as he hands over the golden ring which looks similar to the one Aria has. "Thank you, father, I will not let you down," Kedan replies as he takes the ring and places it on his hand, but unlike Arias' golden ring, this ring does nothing when he puts it on. Suddenly a flashback begins to from bhaal memory of the time he gave Aria a similar looking golden ring ("remember never release any info concerning this ring to anyone, whenever you want to hide it existence just momentarily imagine it becoming a tattoo and it will disappear gaining the appearance of a tattoo same goes for when you want it to transform it a ring from being a tattoo"). "Very well, you may leave," Bhaal says as Kedan bows in respect and leaves the room. Suddenly, Irenicus and Amelyssan, who were hiding their presence, appear next to Bhaal Irenicus, wearing his unique golden mask, while Amelyssan was wearing her black veil, both hiding their faces. " My lord, are you really going to use him as a decoy?" Amelyssan asks. "He may be talented, but compared to Aria, there is no comparison," Bhaal says. "I hope the teleportation gates are ready. We begin the ceremony in one hour," Bhaal asks Irenicus. "Yes, my lord, everything is ready," Irenicus says as the scene shifts to Aria and her mother, who are currently on a balcony observing the activities of the family's military.
Bhaal's army is a truly powerful and formidable force, composed of dark, heavily armored warriors and creatures that radiate malevolence and deadly intent. Leading this terrifying horde are formidable commanders and generals, dressed in ornate yet terrifying armor that combines regal authority with deadly menace. These leaders oversee their respective armies of 500 members with commanding confidence, ready to unleash chaos upon their enemies. Their armor, decorated with blood-red sigils and intimidating designs, serves both as protection and as a symbol of their command over death and destruction. These figures serve as the strategic brains behind the army's relentless advance, inspiring their troops with a sense of inevitable victory. Bhaal's infantry, marching in tight, unyielding formations across the estate. These foot soldiers are clad in dark armor and spiked helmets, carrying an arsenal of weapons such as spears, swords, and shields. Their disciplined march and unwavering stance reflect their readiness to storm enemy lines with ferocity and precision. Their presence underscores the military might and organized chaos that Bhaal's forces wield as they prepare for war.
Adding to their terrifying might are monstrous allies, fearsome beasts that serve as both guardians and weapons of destruction. One massive, horned black dragon perches atop the central palace, its scales shimmering with dark energy. From Alianna, Aria learns that this dragon is Bhaal's personal mount. In battle, it unleashes acid breath and devastating assaults, striking terror into the hearts of opponents. Next to it are various riders on wyvern, currently practicing various military drills. These monstrous creatures exemplify the terrifying scope of Bhaal's army, which combines both humanoid warriors and monstrous beasts to overwhelm their foes. Lastly, the Dark Knight Legion, the ace of Bhaal's army, comprised of towering figures clad in spiked black armor adorned with glowing red accents and sinister symbols that signify their unholy allegiance. These fierce warriors wield massive swords and weapons, standing resolute and intimidating, their glowing crimson eyes hinting at the dark power that fuels their relentless resolve. Their presence alone instills fear and awe among allies and enemies alike, embodying the brutal efficiency and ruthless nature of Bhaal's forces. Throughout their ranks, banners and symbols bearing Bhaal's sigils of a skull with 12 blood droplets flutter ominously in the wind. These dark, blood-red banners, emblazoned with symbols of death and chaos, serve to unify the army under a common purpose and strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
As the hour drew near, a deep, resonant bell echoed across the sprawling family estate, its ominous sound reverberating through the skies. The massive bell crafted from darkened steel rang out with a thunderous peal that could be felt in the bones of all within the estate. Its toll signified that the moment of the ceremony had arrived, awakening a palpable sense of anticipation and foreboding among those present.
Within the estate, the air was thick with a mixture of tension and reverence. Members of the family, clad in their finest yet most intimidating attire, robes embroidered with blood-red sigils, armor adorned with dark gemstones, began to gather at the main courtyard. The estate's grounds had been transformed into a grand assembly area, with banners fluttering ominously in the wind, bearing the sigil of Bhaal a skull with twelve blood droplets illuminated faintly by flickering torches and enchanted flames. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of impending chaos, as if the very air crackled with the energy of the dark purpose they all shared. Guards in imposing armor, bearing blood-red standards and wielding deadly halberds and swords, took their positions along the perimeter, their vigilant eyes scanning for any signs of disturbance. The guards' armor gleamed with a wicked sheen under the torchlight, their presence adding an aura of discipline and menace to the gathering. Some of the guards carried tall banners, their fabric rippling with the symbols of death and chaos, while others stood at rigid attention, as if ready to defend the estate from any intrusion. At the center of the gathering ground, a raised platform had been prepared, adorned with dark drapes and symbols of Bhaal. There, the family patriarch would stand, ready to deliver the ceremonial words that would mark the beginning of the sacred send-off ceremony. Around this central point, the assembled members of the family, including the normal bhaalspawns and their mothers, formed a semi-circle, their faces a mixture of solemnity, pride, and unwavering loyalty, and at the front, the crimson bloods and their mothers, who sat on lavish chairs specifically designated for them. As the final toll of the bell faded into silence, a hush fell over the assembly. All eyes turned toward the platform, waiting for the family leader to step forward and begin his speech.
"My Warriors, today we stand on the precipice of destiny. The time has come to unleash our wrath upon those who dare defy my will. I, Bhaal the Lord of Murder, the bringer of chaos, and the eternal master of death, command it. You are not merely soldiers; you are the harbingers of destruction, the instruments of my divine retribution.
The banners you carry, blood-red sigils of death and chaos, are not just symbols. They are the embodiment of your purpose: to sow chaos, to extinguish hope, and to remind the world that Bhaal's will is unstoppable. As the wind catches these banners, let it carry your resolve and your fury to every corner of the battlefield. Our enemies tremble in fear, for they know that when we strike, it will be swift, relentless, and final. Their cries will be silenced beneath our boots, and their hopes will be shattered like glass beneath the weight of our wrath.
Today, you march not just as warriors, but as agents of divine punishment. The monsters and beasts that accompany us, our draconic allies and wyvern riders, are extensions of our wrath, unleashing acid, fire and terror upon those who dare to stand in our way. Their roars and flames are a testament to the chaos we bring. With them by our side, no fortress is safe, no army can withstand our fury.
Remember, every step you take is a step closer to victory. Your swords are blessed with the darkness of death; your shields are impenetrable as the void. The unholy symbols you bear are a reminder that you serve not just me, but the inevitable end that awaits all mortal life.
So, go forth with unwavering resolve. Let your hearts burn with the fire of vengeance. Let your spirits be unbreakable, and your minds focused on the chaos you are destined to create. Victory belongs to those who dare to embrace the darkness, and today, that victory is ours for the taking.
May the blood of our enemies paint the ground beneath our feet. Rise now, warriors, your time to carve your legend into the annals of history has come. Let chaos reign!" Bhaal says as all within the meeting ground shout in exaltation, except for Aria, who seems shocked by his father's speech but nevertheless pretends to be applauding. Suddenly, Irenicus appears and begins chanting"Porta Abrasum, Aperi Viator, Itineris Clavis, Lux et Tenebris. Transitus Fortuna, Obscura Via, Veni, Vidi, Vado Ad Finem." and several large magic runes appear across the gathering grounds, after which various teleportation gates open and the soldiers begin their match, being headed by Bhaal, who has hopped on his massive black dragon. The scene ends as Bhaal, together with his army of around 3000, departs from the portals, leaving the crimson bloods, the rest of the bhaalspawn, their mothers, the red scarved elite core, several guards, and lastly the maids and servants of the house within the gathering grounds, and after a while, all of them begin to depart.