Darth Nihilus

Several weeks ago: Now, Dak was in much more comfortable lodging outside the city, but the pain still remained. He had shrugged it off somewhat for the past few weeks, but only by avoiding the Hall and those that stayed in it. The letter his grandmother had given him still stayed in a pocket on the dark cloak he had taken to wearing, but he had read it so many times now he hardly ever looked at it anymore. He had, in fact, memorized it, and it said this: My dearest grandson, Dak, I know that you and I did not see eye-to-eye all the time, and not a minute of the short time I have left is spent without regretting that. However, as I lay here, dying, I find that things are much clearer to me, and that secrets I held so dearly all my life are not nearly so important now. So, in this space, I will tell as much as I am able to, if only to set my weary heart to peace. First off, my dear boy, you are mistaken about many things about your parentage, and in fact, I know very little myself. All I know, Dak, is that I have lied to you all your life about it. There is no easy way to tell you this, so I will be blunt. You, Dak, are not a Shadeaux, nor are you a half-elf, or a human, or even a Mopag. To be quite truthful with you, I don't quite know what you are. You were a foundling, my boy. Your parents, despite my warnings, took you, a baby found in the forest, into their family of deception and evil, and that eventually led to their unhappy demises. I can't tell you much more, my boy, but I hope you can find the truth for yourself. I want you to know this, though; you being a foundling makes you no less my grandson, and I still love you as I did your father, as a son. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, my boy. The letter was not signed. Dak angrily wiped an unbidden tear from his eyes as he stormed into the hall, his eyes filled with grief and pure rage, beginning to cloud over with red for the first time in some time. Then, he saw the other Heroes, staring at him, and the anger faded again. He seemed to shrink as his shoulders slumped and, suddenly, he felt his legs crumpling beneath him. He leaned against the wall for a moment, trying to hold himself up, then just gave in and fell to his knees on the ground, a single tear trickling down his face and hitting the floor. OoC: Sorry about quoting that, but it was quite some time ago now, and this part of Dak's character growth would seem incomplete without it.

Dak the Stalker, Assassin HP 27/27 -- Ether N/A Power 26(28 for ranged attacks) Level 16½ *Immune to Asleep* Gold: 103 Equipment: Black Sword (WP:10, lightning-elemental), Fauxthril Shield (SP:7, not suitable ), Trendy Handbag (protects wearer from whatever bad effect was last inflicted to someone else in a battle), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, not suitable) Inventory: Lute (WP:8, suitable for minstrels), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Stag Shield (SP:6, immune to bound), 5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, Remedy, 3 Meads, 2 Venoms, Nostrum, Mythril Shard, Bedroll, Shovel, Aquamarine ...Been putting this off for far too long.

Dak finally wandered back into the hall after what had seemed like an eternity, despite the fact that he had made rather good time both on the way to his grandparents' village and on the way back. Feeling rather numb, he walked into the reassuringly familiar surroundings of the Hall and practically fell backwards against the nearest wall, barely registering the other Heroes as he did. One did stand out - a man that he had not spoken to since he had left the Hall the first time.. one of the few, too few, people that Dak actually counted as a friend, or at least as a worthy companion in battle. "Guts..." Dak formed the word silently, feeling altogether too weak to speak. His eyes remained half-closed as he watched Guts, who appeared to be preparing for battle. As he did, his mind managed to slip to the events of the past week, most notably the day he had arrived at the farmhous that had been his home for quite some time.. He had ridden in, cloaked in black with his weapons on his belt, despite the fact that he was quite sure there was no danger here. His grandmother had looked up to greet him, although she seemed ready to turn away when she saw his garb. "So, you've done it then," she stated, with an edge of sorrow in her voice. "You've followed in your parent's footsteps." "Indeed I have, although, as I see it, I had little choice." "He died today, Dak. Hours ago." Sorrow coursed through Dak once again. His grandfather, who had been both mentor and protector to him for so many years, had passed from this life, mere hours before Dak arrived. How could he have let this happen? How could Dak have become so unsure of his purpose that he would let one of the few people he ever truly cared for in his life die without him? Dak had known it was coming, ever since he had recieved the letter several days ago, back at the Hall. He had left nearly at once, but had stayed for nearly an hour longer to speak to a group of other Heroes. And now, his grandfather was gone. Dak hoped, bitterly, that the gods were happy with the creation of their tool. He had known from day one, his parent's death, that this was part of some larger plot by the celestial beings. He was, in some way, significant to the gods, and they were going to make sure he went through enough hardship to turn him into a useful tool. This was merely the latest of their mad schemes to make him controllable. He shrugged off his grandmother's arm as she attempted to comfort him; he was beyond the point of grief now. No, now he was fueled by rage, and despite that being what he knew the gods wanted of him, he was determined that he would be no pawn of theirs, now or ever. He turned away and headed back for his horse, considering several ways to stop the celestial plans for him. Killing himself would probably bring an end to the torment, but that could, quite possibly, be the celestial "plan" for him - he could be the lynchpin in a complex social web that would collapse if he died. He didn't know exactly how his death could cause something important, but the possibility was still there. Several other possibilities popped out at him - he could attempt to kill the gods, but that would be a mission he would never come back from, and killing a god was likely impossible. For the moment, the best ideas Dak seemed to have for action was to, quite simply, do nothing - continue with his life as a Hero, and attempt to undermine the gods in any way he could while doing it. Admittedly, it did not seem like a very effective course of action, but it was the most viable he could think of at the time. "Dak!Wait!" he heard his grandmother shout, and he turned to face her. "There's something you should see," she said simply, and turned back towards the farmhouse. Dak turned reluctantly from the horse and followed her, heading back into what was, by all measures, his childhood home. -- The memories heading to a point that was far too painful, Dak snaps himself back to the present. Attempting to push further memories from his mind, Dak gets up wearily and walks out of the Hall, hoping to find somewhere safe to stay until more permanent lodging for him could be found.

That makes no sense, but is hilarious just the same.

I'm back, and so is Dak! Expect a new post in the Hall in the somewhat near future, depending on how long it takes me to write a new monologue.

Awesome! That Rogue shot really shows how many people figured out which is the best class... Seriously, though, I knew your minifig collection was big, Sandy, but this is just more than I could ever imagine... But anyway, to give this post some sort of purpose (other than expressing awe), can I have two pictures: One of all the Heroes from Quest #20, and one of the three musketeers vampire "hunters", Dak, Dyric, and Guts. Doesn't matter where they are, just want to see the old gangs back together again

"I'm sorry, but I must decline at this time. I have to take a trip to my grandparents' house for my grandfather's funeral. I will be more than happy to take you up on that offer afterwards, however." With that, Dak stretches and says, "It's been extremely enjoyable meeting all of you, and I hope to see you again soon, but I have a funeral to attend. I hope I will see you all when I get back to the Hall." Those being his final words to the party at the table, he walks away, and out of the Hall. OoC: Sorry Zakura, but I'm taking a vacation from the 25th to the 4th of June-ish. An Arena battle probably would take longer than that, and I won't have Internet access.

"It was no insult. I know full well how my family destroys those who they dislike. Why should I not do the same, but for the right reasons? Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, but sacrificing your own strength for that small bit of extra damage to your foe? I only fulfilled one Quest as a Black Knight, and even then with difficulty. " I do believe he probably deserved that. " "A pleasure to meet you, Madam Mizuki. " Dak says, bowing to the woman the monk had introduced. "Our monk speaks very highly of you." "No harm done in having the same name. I trust, however, that, in the future, Sir Drake and his demon will refrain from knocking down doors?" Dak says, seeming just a bit more imposing as he glares at the two. "Yes, I must admit I prefer being an Assassin, not only because of the immense power to kill I now wield, but also because there are so many Assassins that I have great companions that can help me on this path. There are so very few Black Knights, and they are so solitary in nature, that there was quite a bit of loneliness in the path."

"Others would defend their family, but I must agree with you. What I have seen of my family is neither honorable nor fair, save for the children of Lord Shadeaux. I agree, although Black Knights do have their uses, against Angelic enemies especially."

"Thank you, Sir Docken, for the kind words, they truly honor me. My decisions relating to the path of Black Knight were mainly influenced by my parents, who always steered me towards their respective paths of Rogue and Knight. I now see, however, that the skills of Assassin are much more suited to my... unique capability for destruction. I found, early on in my career as a Hero, that death seems to hold no sorrrow for me, however much I wished the contrary. Perhaps it is my upbringing which is to blame, though I remember little of it." "Aye, I had, and still have, in a way, such a thing. It is less of an alternate person within myself, as this "Drake" seems to have, but rather a concentration of pure malice that builds up inside me when I am in a stressful situation. I suppose it is because I have ceased to display much emotion for quite some time. This "disorder", as you call it, could simply be an outlet for emotions that I normally keep hidden. Mizuki, you say? I must admit, I had not heard of her until now. I will certainly speak with her. Perhaps you could point her out for me, if she is in the Hall of course."

"Aye, I am that Dak, though my... troubles seem to be plaguing me less since I gave up the ways of the Black Knight. Yes, I am related to the Shadeaux family, how else would I get this surname?" "Thank you, sir. I, too, don't recall ever meeting you, but I have heard much of your exploits in my time in the city. Truly, it is an honor to meet a hero as respected as you, Sir Docken. I wish I could say the same for that witless brawler who just attempted to knock the door off its hinges."

Dak had been watching the dispute between the strange-looking monk and the two Raiders for a while now. Without warning, he stalked up behind them. "Now, now, gentlemen, there's no need to fight, is there?" Dak said, and just for an instant his irises transitioned from their usual brown to deep red. "I don't believe I know any of you, so let me introduce myself. My name is Dak Shadeaux, but I am more commonly known these days as "The Stalker". Perhaps you have heard of me?" Dak says with a smooth bow and a smirk.

I haven't updated my sig inventory (probably should get around to that actually ) since before I started Quest #...34 I think? The "Save My Brother" Quest. Other things that I got on that Quest and never updated into my sig include 100 GP and a Lute, which I am also selling. My sig also says I'm still a Black Knight, even though I switched classes to Assassin. EDIT: It also says I'm only Lvl 15, even though by the end of that Quest I was Lvl 16.5.

Dak comes back from his training with the Copper Fox and posts a small note on the wall near the Quest Board before sitting down. The note reads: Selling two items: a Lute (WP:8, suitable to Minstrels) and a Stag Shield (SP:6, immunity to Bound-effect when equipped) To buy these items, make an offer to Dak Shadeaux.

The party really wants to break that bridge, apparently.

Dak walked into the Training Hall again, relishing in the familiar sights, sounds, and scenery. It had been many months since he had come here for the first time, wishing to train in the ways of the Black Knight. Those skills had served him well, but they had not been enough in the end. As a Black Knight, Dak had survived on the streets of Eubric, but only by fleeing and keeping hidden. Eventually, he had learned that it was not only looking out for yourself that kept you alive, but utterly destroying your enemies. Thus, Dak walked into the hall a changed young man, and the Copper Fox noticed. "You no longer wear your heavy armor," said the Veteran, eyeing Dak's new apparel. "Aye, I do not," said Dak. "I find that light armor is more suited to what I do now." "Yes, I've heard the rumors, my boy. "The Stalker," eh? Not the most flashy of names, but it does its job. And, by just the name and your change of clothing, I assume you wish to become either an Assassin or a Raider." "Aye, I wish to become an Assassin. During my... absence, I found that it is better to slit your enemy's throat before they have the oppurtunity to kill you than to save yourself and not others." "And a little pocket change is always nice, right?" grinned the Fox. "Yes, that too." "Well, you certainly have the mindset of an Assassin, but you don't have a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longbow. How do you intend to solve that?" "I intend to buy one from the Market after we have finished." "Very well. I will train you, but be warned - the power to take another man's life instantly is not one that should be taken lightly, nor a skill that comes easily." "I am ready." "But are you truly, I wonder?" What followed was a brutal day of training with either the Veteran or one of his assistants while he helped another Hero, but by the end of it, Dak was ready to destroy his enemies. Dak the Stalker, Level 15 Assassin HP 27/27 -- Ether N/A Power 26(28 for ranged attacks) Level 16½ *Immune to Asleep* Gold: 103 Equipment: Black Sword (WP:10, lightning-elemental), Fauxthril Shield (SP:7, not suitable ), Trendy Handbag (protects wearer from whatever bad effect was last inflicted to someone else in a battle), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, not suitable) Inventory: Lute (WP:8, suitable for minstrels), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Stag Shield (SP:6, immune to bound), 5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, Remedy, 3 Meads, 2 Venoms, Nostrum, Mythril Shard, Bedroll, Shovel, Aquamarine EDIT: OOC: Fixed my stats after checking the last Quest I did, which was "Save my Brother." I believe these are correct, as I haven't bought anything or participated in any Quests since.

Well...actually, I have no answer to that one. The Sand Queen or Byblos, I suppose. And yes, they attacked Dak first, but he still was pretty brutal.

I can't believe I've made it this long without anyone scolding me for the senseless murder of 3 orcs in the Hall topic. Seriously, if Schazerhade or Cronk find out, Dak is dead.

A young man, cloaked in black, wanders through the night. Alone and seemingly vulnerable, he seems an easy target for those men and creatures that stalk the night streets of Eubric, and one unfortunate group of savage red Orcs decides to take advantage of this, much to their later regret. The first, a heavily armored brute with a mace and a shield, grabs the shoulder of the figure. He spins the young man around and thrusts his visage into the young man's face, only for pain to register dully in his brain. Turing slowly downard, the orc manages a gargle of surprise at the blade now sticking out of his chest, then slumps to the floor with a wet thump. Green blood stains the cobblestones as the figure wipes his blade clean and continues on his way. The orcs stand momentarily in shock, staring at their dead comrade. However, one is foolish enough to seek revenge, nocking a longbow and firing an arrow at the figure's back. In the space of a moment, the young man whips around, and a flash of a blade can be seen. The arrow falls to the ground, sliced neatly in half. Two more orcs advance with daggers and fists, prepared to destroy the figure. One rips the young man's hood away, revealing a face long thought dead. "No..." whispers the Orc. "Yes." grins Dak, or, as he has become known, the Stalker. "Miss me?" One orc gives in to blind terror and rage and throws a punch into the Stalker's face, and, to his unending surprise, connects. His surprise turns to dismay, however, when his arm is caught by a black-gloved hand with iron spikes set into the knuckles. A crunch is the last sound the orc makes as his neck is broken with a well-placed punch. The dead orc's comrade has fled, and now only two of the group remain. They are the archer, quivering with fear, and a shaman, new in Eubric, who has no idea why this man is so feared. The archer gives in to his terror and runs like the other, but the shaman remains. He has killed many that appeared fiercer than this "Stalker". Surely one so young will not pose a threat? With this confidence the shaman reaches into the Stalker's mind, only to be horrified by what he finds. So much death, so much destruction.... are the shaman's last thoughts before he frantically tries to withdraw from the Stalker's mind, only to feel a strength and willpower tempered by pain pull him back in. As he descends into madness, the shaman wonders how his village will feel when they discover his fate.... Ten minutes later Dak walks into the Heroica Hall after a long absence, his eyes searching the tables. Not many familiar faces, but, for now, he would not question the whereabouts of his acquantances from his last visit to this place. Checking his pack for the necessary items, he takes a seat near the door, constantly watching the comings and goings of the Hall. Dak the Stalker, Level 15 Black Knight HP: 30/30 -- Ether: N/A SP:12 -- Power: 25(27 ranged) GP: 3 Equipped Artifacts: Trendy Handbag, Heavy Armor Weapons: Black Sword (WP:10, lightning-elemental), Grogsmas Throwing Knife (WP:12), Throwing Knife (WP: 5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Fauxthril Shield (SP: 7) Items: 5 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixer, Remedy, Pheonix Essence, 3 Meads, 2 Venoms, Nostrum, Mythril Shard, Bedroll, Shovel, Aquamarine OOC: Credit to Sandy for making the awesome fig!

Been back a while, I just haven't posted or logged on. But thanks anyway. To your comments about the class: Murderous came from my lack of ideas for a third Job Trait, so I just used a nerfed version of Assassin's unique job trait. The Critical Hit I created is actually one of my (in my opinion) better ideas, because it fits the character so well by whittling down the enemie's health quickly. Also, it may not be useful against minions, but just think what it could have done to one of Endgame's bosses... Come to think of it, against bosses it is rather OP. Might have to change that.

Oops. Fixed now. It never happened, 'kay?

I just had an idea for an Expert Job Class, but since I don't host quests, this one is just an idea for someone else to build on. Master Rogue Health: +? Ether: N/A Equipment: The Master Rogue can use any equipment suitable to Rogues. Job traits: Flee (see Rogue) Invisible(no free hits can be dealt to the character until they attack), Murderous (Any hit has a 1/36 chance of assassinating the enemy struck, determined by two rolls of the die) Battle style: Lone Thief - The Master Rogue uses his/her own thieving prowess and quick strikes to take down a foe. SHIELD: Shower of Gold - the Master Rogue deals a powerful blow to the enemy, dealing 2 times their weapon power added to their level in damage, and stealing gold equal to 2/3 of the damage dealt (rounded down). The Master Rogue also becomes immune to Free Hits for the remainder of the round. Example: Dak (Lvl 30) hits Skeleton with Dagger (WP:10), dealing 50 damage and stealing 33 gold, and becomes invisible, stopping any Free Hits from touching him. (30 + 10 + 10 = 50, 50 x 2/3 = 33.33333...) CRITICAL HIT: Ending Blow - The Master Rogue strikes the enemy, dealing their weapon power added to 1/3 of the enemy's remaining Health in damage. Example: Dak (Lvl 30) once again strikes Skeleton(30/30 HP) with Dagger (WP: 10), and leaves the Skeleton with 10 HP. (30 / 3 = 10, 10 + 10 = 20, 30 - 20 = 10). HIT: The Master Rogue deals damage equal to their weapon power added to their level. MISS: Stealthy Retreat - The Master Rogue misses their attack, but immediately switches to the Back Row for the remainder of the round. DAMAGE: The Master Rogue is struck with the enemy's attack. If this is player's first strike against the enemy, the remainders of their invisibility cause only 3/4 of the damage to be dealt. SPECIAL DAMAGE: The Master Rogue is struck with the enemy's special skill. Of course, this "Master (class)" template can really be applied to anything, but I rather like what I've come up with to expand the Rogue's abilities. Any thoughts/comments? EDIT: Just realized a similar idea has been posted before. And here I thought I was being smart.

Not sure if it's worth posting on here, as everyone else seems to have quit (I never see anyone on anymore!), but Kabam just released a new dungeon, the Forest Maze, on Testing. Not sure where Draconis went, but the Maze seems like a decent low-level dungeon. You can see a playthrough here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikMClyb7DW4& . Also, T6 abilities are now being sold in the Nexus.

Thanks, everyone. (Sorry about the late reply, BTW - I didn't even check this thread when I first posted, and I haven't been on EB since.) And @ the Grogsmas gift, just when I was thinking about selling my throwing knife, I get a new one! Thanks, everyone!