Death of a Tyrant [Archive] - Diablo 3 & Diablo 2 Forums

St Anubis

12-02-2008, 01:36

This is my first fan fiction for Diablo 2. The reason I started on this is because I was extremely bored in my math class and decided to write a story about Diablo, while only half listening to the professor. I decided to start with a story that spans Act 1. I have more than what I posted, but I have to go to work. I will finish later tonight. Comments welcome!:grin:

The people hushed as the beautiful lady walked past. She had brown skin, exotic to the people of the North. her hair was so black it seemed to absorb the very light that hit it. she wore simple clothes, mostly cloth, that seemed to provide little protection from the elements. They left even less to the imagination of what was below. whispers floated in the still, humid air. The peasant/soldiers in the Rogue Encampment gawked at her appearance, some laughing, others admiring. She ignored them. She had a purpose and it did not involve mere mortals. She approached a hooded figure who looked like the leader of the camp. The figure was dressed in a purple robe with mystical symbols sewn into the seams. When the exotic woman stopped in front of the robed leader, the hood fell back revealing an old, yet strong, female face. The robed lady stared into the exotic woman's unnaturally blue eyes, seemingly searching her soul. then, after what felt like a lifetime, she nodded and extended her hand. "I have been expecting you Sorceress," she said.

The sorceress bowed her head, accepting the woman's hand. "You must be the seer, Akara I was informed of you by the priestess of my order. I am here to end Andariel's tyrannical rule." There was a collective gasp from the crowd of peasants surrounding them. Hurried whispers spread the proclamation throughout the camp.

"Here is the key to the Sanctuary, the entrance to the catacombs is inside. On the bottom level is the throne room of Andariel. Be wary of her minions. They are scattered throughout the land ransacking villages and burning crops," said Akara handing her a large key with a skull engraved on the handle. "You may gather all the resources you need in this camp. Good luck, and may the gods be with you."

"Thank you Akara," said the sorceress. "And to all of you, I am a sorceress from the South. My faction does not usually meddle in the affairs of others, but Andariel is sending her forces into our territory. I will destroy her minions. I will banish her. I am Sahkmet, she shall fear my fire!" As she said this her hair starting whipping in an unseen breeze and, some say, in her eyes a lightning bolt flared.
[To Be Continued]

St Anubis

18-02-2008, 22:07

here is the next segment. it finishes out the intro and starts chapter two:

The crowd cheered at her declaration. But out of the throng stepped two men. One was the size of a horse, the other was exceptionally smaller and had an unhealthy pale sheen to his skin.

The large man, obviously a warrior, was dressed in heavy chain mail with boiled leather underneath. On his back were two medium-sized axes, both with a razor sharp edge, yet one seemed to be covered in a green slime. The man was around seven feet tall, had to be five feet wide and, what skin was visible, was covered in menacing tattoos. The look on his face said he was intrigued by the sorceress. The other man was terrifying to behold. His boiled leather jerkin was covered in bones. The helmet under his arm was made of a giant skull with the jaw bones forming a face guard. His shoulders were capped with two similar thick skulls, his torso was covered in sturdy rib bones from various monsters and demons, some even seemed human. The crowd made a conscious decision to not stand any where close to him, and in return, it didn't bother him at all. The sardonic grin on his face told Sahkmet he was more amused than his warrior friend.

When the people noticed the two step forward they quickly quieted. the warrior spoke, "What makes you think Andariel is going to fall so easily?"

Sahkmet met his steady gaze and answered evenly, "I never said it would be easy, I just said it will get done.And if I fail, my order will send two more, then four more, then eight more. Mark my words the Maiden of Anguish will be sent back to Hell where she belongs."

The thin man started laughing a creepy, raspy rattle. "Okay, sorceress, so you are determined. What would you say if someone offered to help you?"

"That depends on the nature of the help. If said person wanted to reap the rewards of following me into battle then that person will end up burned on a stake. But, if he were to actually assist me in slaying the foul beast, then I will gladly share with him the glory and wealth," replied Sahkmet.

"Well, in that case, we would like to help you," said the giant man with a dark smile.

"Other than your apparent size, how could you help me? And why would you help me?" asked Sahkmet suspiciously.

The big man stood up straight and his eyes glazed over as he relived his story. "Andariel's minions have taken over the steppes my clan calls home. They have killed what game they can, and burned the fields chasing away the rest. They killed my wife and son. I have nothing to live for but vengeance."

"And she is living in the catacombs where my brotherhood have lived with the dead for thousands of years. We have not been disturbed for a millennium, then we hear fighting above us. The people in the sanctuary are defending it bravely. But it is not enough. We hear a deep unworldly voice say ‘For your loyalty, Andariel, you may rule this land,’ then her minions attack us. We are outnumbered five to one. We lose many of our brethren, but some, like me, escaped with our lives." said the pale man with a deadly look in his eye.

"Well that certainly explains things..." Sahkmet said ominously. "I will happily accept your company on this harrowing journey. What are your names?"

"I am Raven, son of Ravenclaw, leader of the Eagle Talon Clan of the Eastern steppes," the big man said as he respectfully bowed his head.

"I am Otus, leader of the Priests of Rathma, third faction. Skilled in the arts of Necromancy, Master of Bones." The crowd gasped as, out of no where, an army of skeletons appeared in their midst. The crowd panicked, women fainted, kids cried. It took several moments to calm the crowd, they only began to quiet down when the dead army walked to Otus and stood respectfully behind him.

She looked like she was trying not to scream in pure terror. Her eyes were wide and she swallowed loudly, “I am impressed. When will you two be ready to travel?” replied Sahkmet shakily, walking closer to the pair.

“We were just heading toward a nearby village overrun with demons when we spotted you talking to Lady Akara. We decided to wait and see what you had to say. I am glad we did,” said Raven with a smile.

“Well, I am glad also. Which village were you going to?” the sorceress inquired politely, staring deeply into the eyes of the Necromancer.

“T-the village of T-tristram. A f-friend of mine is supposed to be holed up there, held c-captive by a p-possessed blacksmith named Griswold.” stuttered Otus. He quickly averted his eyes and busied himself with dusting off the skeleton warrior behind him.

“We will set off in the morning then.” said Sahkmet, addressing Raven. She turned away and joined Akara in her tent.

Chapter 2

The unorthodox party started out just before dawn the next day. The people of the Rogue encampment gathered around to see them off. Sahkmet lead the group into the hostile land known as the Blood Moor. It was not long before the party found signs of Andariel’s minions. “Shhh,” said Raven. There was a faint grunting sound and a solid smack. “There! Hear that? Fallen, we must tread carefully. While Fallen may be weak alone, groups of them can overpower even me...” He pulled out one of his axes and strapped on his huge shield. Sahkmet let him take point as they continued down the trail. Suddenly, a high-pitched squeal filled the air and a little red demon charged fearlessly toward Otus on the right flank. Raven spun around and blocked the surprise attack with his golden shield and Otus quickly conjured a bone, shaped like a spear, and decapitated the stunned creature.

“Thank you,” said Otus as he started to flay the dead demon.

“What was that?!” exclaimed Sahkmet.

“That was a Fallen. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen one before...” said Raven incredulously. He briefly glanced at her while he watched Otus expertly collect the skin and fold in neatly into his pouches. Then Otus started to remove the bones, keeping only the thick, strong ones.

“I know what a Fallen is, I meant that attack.” she replied defensively, still with a shocked look on her face.

“T-that was called a Bone Spear. Ad-advanced studies in N-necromancy provides the a-ability to conjure a s-spear of bone and l-launch it towards a t-t-target.” Otus said nervously.

“The reason he is collecting the skin is to make leather armor. Otus is a master leather worker and with one demon’s skin can make a fine pair of gloves. If he saves up a few he can even make body armor. Would you like him to make you one?” offered Raven.

“No, thank you, I do not need crude armor to protect me.” with a disgusted look Sahkmet took point again, “let’s go, we have a long way to go. Akara told me of a cave we need to clear out somewhere around here.”

Otus was visibly depressed. Raven walked over to him and clapped him on the back. “Come on, give her a break. She’s just not used to you yet. Over time she won’t be so grossed out. I was the same way, remember?”

“That’s not the problem.” said Otus with a sigh, “I have spent my entire life in the catacombs, living with the dead. I have mastered my Art. There is none more powerful than I. Yet every time she looks at me I lock up. I can’t breathe, I can’t speak. Never have I stuttered like that before. Why does she have to be so pretty? When those icy blue eyes look at me I lose all track of thought. What is wrong with me?” he asked desperately.

“There is nothing wrong with you. I had the same feeling when I met my wife for the first time. You are falling in love with her. While I’m not sure she feels the same towards you, I know that if the gods meant it to be, then, over time, she will come to feel the same.” said Raven encouragingly.

“You are a true friend Raven.” smiled Otus. He stood up a little straighter and walked a little faster to catch up.

Soon they found the cave Akara told Sahkmet about. "In here is a group of zombies. they have been known to eat small children, but Akara said there is a price on the leader. Corpsefire is what they call him. He is the most deadly one in there. let's be careful." informed Sahkmet.

[To Be Contintued (again :undecided:)]

I would finish this but there are 4 pages of writing right there and too much more adventure. Plus I have to work again lol.
o and yes i plan on finishing out Andariel. I also have another story coming. the defense of the sanctuary. look for it on forum posts near you!!