The Ethereal Plane

Lightning struck the tower pinnacle, and briefy the city's main square was drenched in light. A violent storm was brewing around the city of Magelan, of the world of Ralon on the choas planes. All around the city the guard, dressed in mail of shadowy black, were attempting in vain to surpress the riots that where in place. People had taken the oncoming storm as a sign from the gods, to rise up and overthrow the evil Maraj who ruled their city.

" The foolish mortals have taken our bait, their city is in choas my Dark Lord Iekkob"

The bodyless voice echoed around the dim moon-lit entrance chamber of the great palace.

Suddenly, with a blaze of flame and inpenitrible black smoke, a figure appeared. Slowly becoming less hazy the figure walked towards the base of the stairs, leaving scorched foot prints in the shining marble floor. As the the figure reached the thresh-hold of the crystal staircase, one of the statues that lined walls lazily walked towards him. The statued man was no longer a granite grey but shrowded in black and dark crimson robes.

" My Lord Iekkob " The voice sounded again, but it was no longer bodyless. The statued man spoke it, softly, stealthily, yet clearly.

" I am pleased, Liwl, you have fooled these pathetic mortals well. The planes of choas are now aptly named thanks to your teachery."

The one named Liwl smiled at his apparent Dark Lord, who had now come into full focus, his cloak burning fiery red to match the embers glowing in his eyes.

" Thank you my Lord, I did as you instructed. Every temple, every priest, believed me their deity and followed my orders without question "

" Yes...that is what worries me. As weak minded as those who dwell upon the Ethereal Plane are, they would have sensed an intrusion in one of their temples. Especially by you Liwl, they are especially suspicious of the God of Assains and Thiefs. "

For a moment he gazed upwards towards the top of the stairs, almost caustiosly. Then it passed, an air of confidence and power grew about him, and he grew in size as he, with a great sweep of his cloak, transcended the great staircase in one leap. He was closely followed by Liwl, who had climbed the stairs quietly, quickly, making sure to stay in the shadows.

" Hey you ! Peasant ! What are you doing inside the palace ! " shouted a guard of the palace, armoured in shining gold mail.

The Dark Lord looked at the man running towards him, drawing his schimitar, and laughed. The sound pierced the air, and as it did the guard stopped. With a look of great pain he fell to the floor, blood now pouring from his skin. He lay there squirming, spasming with pain. The Dark Lord stopped laughing, gazed upon his victim, and with a slight movement of his hand incinerated the body.

" My Lord, I have found the door ! " shouted Liwl, from the far left of the landing.

" Open it Lwil, quickly, we cannot stand for these delays. I fear the Ethereal Planes will know of our plans shortly. "

Acting with lightning speed Liwl drew two daggers from inside his cloak, and struck the lock. The very palace shook and with a bolt of lightning he was thrown against the wall at the other side of the landing.

" As I suspected, Rezarf you value your God of Time very much. You understand the power she wields......Liwl GET UP ! "

Liwl obdentialy jumped to his feet and followed his master the Dark Lord to the door, now shimmering with arcanic runes.

Iekkob drew forth a staff of sort, decorated with skulls of many different races, and tapped the door softly.

BOOM

The door flew off its hinges, flying through the room it was guarding.

" I see you are here Iekkob. I must say I was expecting you when I heard what was happening outside the palace. "

Through the smoke and dust the slender figure of a young woman walked towards the Dark Lord.

" You are smarter than Rezarf gives you credit, Yholl. Are you sure you will not join me, the God of Time will aid my campaign well. "

" You now where my alligance lies. Go back to the Nine Hells and plot with your Daemon servants ! The Gift of Time will only aid Good. " Shouted Yholl, her eyes glowing brightly. " Now leave, you cannot harm me here, you of all people know you can only harm an Ethereal Being on the Ethereal Planes. "

" True, but then I do not wish to harm you. You only inherited the power of Time because your predessor lost his powers during the Time of Troubles. And now you to shall walk with the mortals. "

Iekkob laughed, that shrill piercing laugh again, and before Yholl could react he had thrust his hand outwards. A beam of light appeared between his hand and Yholls chest, and slowly a sphere of glittering gold moved along it towards him. Yholl let out a scream as the sphere entered the Dark Lord.

" It is done Liwl, the God of Time is banished to the mortal coil. And so is the only power Rezarf could use to stop me. "

" But sir, why did you not just take the power of time for yourself....or one of your loyal servants. " said Liwl bowing, his long nose almost touching the floor.

" Beacuse my...loyal servant " he laughed again, and the mortal Yholl fell wimpering to the floor " I cannot use powers designed for good, and I cannot allow anyone, ESPECIALLY, a loyal servant to posess a power that can stop even me. "

And with that he disapeared. Liwl looked around at the debrey around the floor, and the wimpering mortal who was once the powerful God of Tme, and with a swoosh of his shadowy cloak followed his master into nothingness.

With the defeat of Yholl and the power of Time being lost, the planes of motal existense erupted into choas.

This is a preview of the whole essay

With the defeat of Yholl and the power of Time being lost, the planes of motal existense erupted into choas.

The Dark Lord Iekkob, his Ethereal Allies, and his Daemon servants corrupted the people and creatures throughout all the mortal planes. Armies brought together under his name and lead by his Daemon servants cut through the realms of good, destroying all that was not dark and evil. The Gods of Good had lost strongholds on all the planes but one, the Prime Material. It was here where good outnumbered evil. The Humans, Elves, Dwarfes, and other civilised beings, all held nobility and honour above all. They worshipped Gods who would keep the peace and provide for them. And thus it was here were the Gods of the Ethereal planes had decided to place their strongholds after the people of the other planes lost their beliefs.

Rezarf himself however stayed on the Ethereal Plane, watching the carnage on the mortal planes. He saw his followers, the strongest and greatest in number of all followers, being slaughtered. He also saw the other Ethereal beings orgainising their followers on the Prime Material. Sirch, the God of the Justice and Honour, was gathering his followers in the City of Knights; Amme, the God of Love and Beauty, had followed him. The Gods of Nature, Silvanus, Raat, and Ezo, had sent their Druidic followers into hinding throughout the forests of the planes. Whilst the lesser Gods joined their follwers together to produce armies of huge proportions.

What he did not see, however, was Iekkob and Rehcturc, the Orcish, Troillish, Goblinoid, and Demi Human, High God, marshalling the races of evil secretley. Iekkob had decided that the races of darkness on the Prime Material were strong and vast in number, enough so to be united and form a army of evil under his banner that would lay siege to the plane. The Drow, the Dark Elvish People, had being chosen to lead this great assault on the Prime Material and were being rallied by their evil God Xela. And the Gods of Death (Ydrof), Assaisans and Thiefery, Murder (Iemaj), Pain (Odracir), Lies (Elags), the Undead (Ycul), and Greed (Kamij), had all gathered their followers to the cause of Iekkob.

Finally, on the 23rd of Enuj, the forces of evil gathered. Their number had swollen to 5 million on Dimrallen, the largest continent on the Prime Material. And it was here that Iekkob stood before his mortal troops and addressed them.

" My great forces of evil, you are my pride and joy. But you are still leaderless. By my command the Drow as a race shall lead you, but you need a leader. A mortal of great strength and will, of great evil and power, and so I leave command of my armies of destruction with the Drowish King Priddle. You shall lead my forces as they sweep across Dimrallen and the Prime Material. You alone will be in charge, you alone will suffer if you fail. Go now and reep HAVOC ! "

And the armies of Dark did, under Priddle the followers of the Ethereal Beings of Good fell in great numbers. The Gods themselves foought alongside their followers, but none could stop Priddle. His great sword spilt the blood of thousands, and the Prime Material to fell into choas. The great forests of Hudia and Sudenlessar were burned down, the walls of the capital cities of Kandel, Telandor, and Avor were breached and the cities pillaged, and the Host Tower of the Arcane was defeated and its mages slaughtered. Only the City of Knights was able to hold out against the oncoming dark, even Rezarf's towered city of Gloril fell as did his avatar form during the battle...leaving him banished to his Ethereal Palace.

And it was here where Rezarf called a grand council of the Gods of Good. They all gathered with some urgency into Rezarfs great palace on the Ethereal Plane. Their number had not been affected by the choas on the mortal planes, only Yholl had fallen during these dark times, and thus the palace was full of the Avatars of Good.

" Please, join me and take a seat in the council chamber, my friends. " said Rezarf, he was dressed in shining robes of Gold and White. And a great sword hung at his side, decorated with glowing ancient blue runes.

And so they sat. Rezarf at one end and Sirch his supposed equal at the other, with the lesser gods sat apropetely. Amme, Silvanus, Raat, Ezo, Elechim (the God of Athletic Prowess), Yadand (the God of Mortal Strength), Yug (the Academic Deity), and Yamelleb (the God of Bards) sat closest to Rezarf and Sirch.

" We all now why we are here Rezarf. What we do not know is what we can do to solve it ! " shouted an iritated Receneps (the God of Joviality), after the council had been in session for almost an hour.

" Yes, I agree ! What are we to do Refazrf......my muses can only give bards insparations for tales of woe and defeat. What are we to do ! "

" All our forests have been burned down! I was once known as mother nature, but whats left of my followers abandon me for better protection ! "

Sirch stared down the table at Rezarf, as if waiting for him to speak. But Rezarf did speak, he did not move. He just sat there staring back down the tabel at Sirch, apparently in deep thought.

Finally as if bored of waiting for Rezarf, Sirch stood up and addressed the bickering Gods.

" You all know what must be done. " he spoke calmy, slowly, as if very sure of himself. " We must assemble our armies of Solars and Angels and set them upon the mortal planes to do battle. "

" Your Crazy Sirch ! "

" Your a fool "

The shouting continued, Sirch remained standing arguing his point. Soon the noise of the arguing Gods became to much and interupted Rezarf thoughts.

" Quiet !!!! " his voice boomed throughout the palace. The other gods, including Sirch, returned to their seats and fell silent. For the next few minutes an air of anticipation filled the room, the other Ethereal Beings waited upon the Rezarf. Finally he stood and spoke.

" We must address this logically..." he paused as if waiting to be interupted. " The Dark Lord Iekkob for some reason wants control of the mortal planes, why? "

" Because hes power mad. " stated Yug rather flatly

" No that is not it " Rezarf continued " He despises the mortals, he believes (quite rightly) that he is beyond them. Despite being one of the most powerful beings of our kind he does not wish followers....no the reason is something other than power...but what? " He sat down again. Clearly contemplating, but in a worried way.

Discussion and arguement broke out again. Sirch was trying to asemble supporters towards his plan to use the Ethereal Solar forces, Ezo and Raat were trying to find safe haven for their remaining followers, and Eol (the God of Wisdom) was conferencing Yug and Elechim.

" BY THE NINE HELLS !!!!!!!!! "

Rezarf lept to his feet drawing his glittering sword. His cry had echoed throughout the palace, and once again turned the other Gods towards silence.

" Quickly we must e.." he began

But before he could finish a a figure appeared before them, dressed in robes of scarlet red, carrying a staff of fire. The Gods stood staring, fear encrouched upon their faces slowly etching away the suprise. Some backed away, others drew weapons from their sides, and others dived for cover under the great oaken council table.

" Iekkob ! " Rezarf was the only one of the Ethereal beings not turned to fear, he stood facing the Dark Lord sword drawn.

" Yes it is I, my dear friend Rezarf. I see you have pondered my plan to completion. What do you think of it? "

at finishing he let out the same shrill laugh, but this time it simply faded without effect...the Ethereal beings were not affected.

" I take it we cant leave Iekkob....no.....your Priddle made sure of that by killing our Avatars, very clever. "

" What is going on ! " demanded Sirch

Iekkob glared at him for a moment, then shaking his head began to explain.

" God your slow, the lot of you. No wonder you rely on Rezarf for protection. We..."

" Silence you evil fiend. My powers are equal to those of Rezaaaaaaaaaa....."

Thud

With a swift movement of his hand Iekkob had thrown Sirch across the room and into the heavy stone wall. He lay their seemingly unconsious, but twitching slightly, his glorious golden cloak drapped unevenly around his battered body.

" As I was saying, " Iekkob resumed calmly " We all know that Ethereal beings can only be killed on the Ethereal Plane...Yes? " He looked round, and everybody nodded.

" Yes, but what does...oh I see...Oh my word ! " exclaimed Amme

" Yes it means your all going to die, and your powers will be switched to me and my loyal followers ! The Gates of Hell will soon open, your ancient seals are broken. Without Time on your side I cannot be stoped. My Daemon forces will soon pour onto the Ethereal Planes, and this fool " he pointed his finger towards the semi concious Sirch who was attempting to clamber up to a standing position " has sent a large majority of your Solar forces to defend the City Of Knights. You are doomed...mohahahhhahahah. "

And with a swish of his cloak he was gone, the Dark Lord had left. His laugh still echoed through the minds of the stupidfied Ethereal beings. All but Rezarf looked to stunned to move, he helped Sirch to his feet and then spoke.

" Gather all the Solar and Angelic forces you can. " he decreed " And move with great haste to the Gates of Hell, we must fight him. "

"Sir! Our forward scouts report the seals on the Gate have been broken, but it has yet to be opened. "

" Good work Colonel, gather your forces and prepare to march on the Gate. We cannot let the creatures of the Nine Hells lose on the Ethereal Plane. "

" Very Good, Rezarf my liege. "

And so it was.....The combined Solar and Angleic forces of the Gods of Good marched towards the Gates of Hell. Each God defending the Ethereal Planes was armoured and battle ready, for Ethereal Powers alone could not stop other immortals. Rezarf was dorned in glittering white plate mail, and held in his hand the legendary great sword Mikil; Sirch marhced alongside side him in golden mail crafted for him by Deah Neequ (the Elvish God of Craftsmen) and carried with him a long sword of Lighting; Amme was suited in light chain mail of heavy crimson and brandished two Rapiers of solid light; and the fearless Semloh (the God of Battle) lead the legions of Ethereal light adorned in his armour forged from the skin of Daemons, carrying his huge two handed battle-axe over his shoulder.

Their forces numbered light, with only 200 Solar warriors and 300 Angelic fighters (as Sirch had sent 2000 Ethereal Guardsmen to the Prime Material from whence the could not be reclaimed in time). The did however know their Godly forces outnumbered those of the Dark Lord's. 15 Human Gods marched alongside Rezarf, aswell as 5 Elvish, 4 Dwarfish, and 2 of the Halfling race, but they all knew only Rezarf alone could face up to the Dark Lord Iekkob.

The marched forward with vigour and purpose, covering the ground very quickly. Whilst the heavenly light shined down upon them from the ever clear skies of the Ethereal Plane. Their shields, swords, and armour glinted and shimmered in the light. Their brightly coloured helms clinked, and their boots ruslted as they marched.

The holy sound of the immortal troops marching to become mortal filled the canyons and hills as they passed. And as the grew ever closer to this possible doom the expressions on the faces of the Ethereal dwellers began to change, their brows grew furrowed and their eyes slender, they knew what was awaiting them was eternal nothingness if they failed....though for a lot they knew the void called for them even if they were victorious. Rezarf's expression, however, never changed; his face radiated steely deterimation and unquestionable belief, and this seemed to lift the downheartend soldiers of good.

" HALT ! " Semloh gave a great cry and raised his hand, and the legions behind him began to stop. He moved to Rezarfs side, and they both stood deathly still. They gazed ahead for what seemed like an eternity for the forces of good, they all could sense the great evil emiting from the Gate but were not sure why they had halted so close to their journeys end.

" Ummm.... Rezarf " for once Sirch did not sound sure of himself "Why have you and Semloh halted our army? "

Neither of the two answered him, so he joined them staring......waiting.

A loud hissing filled the air, the troops readyed themselves for battle. Shields were swung from backs, swords drawn from sheaths, and helms repositioned. Only Rezarf and Semloh did not move, the only apparent change was that they now seemed to b consetrating hard...staring forwards with a purpose.

Suddenly, very quickly, the unmistakable figure of the Dark Lord appeared. He was wearing no armour, only a robe of pure red and orange that seemed to be alight, and he carried no weapon, save for the staff of fire. He walked forward a few paces, bowed to Rezarf and Semloh, and started clapping.

" Bravo my dear friends. It seems there are some Stayers of the Light less gormless than your friend Sirch. I am proud of you Rezarf, you have done well to sense my concealed army. But I am afraid I must say......NOW MY FIENDS KILL THE HARVANGERS OF LIGHT AND GOOD !!!!! "

He gave his arm a dramatic spin and pointed towards the bemused Ethereal Gods. They were looking from side to side, and some even took a shifty look behind them. Then out of no where a huge army of Daemons and other foul beasts of Hell appeared from behind Iekkob, charging forward. At the front of their lines where the Gods of Evil, and High Daemon Beast of Hell. The legions of light held their ground, drawing their swords and staying their shields.

Crunch.

The oncoming wave of Darkness had hit the barrier of light. The Solar, Angels, and Ethereal Beings held firm.

Daemon after Daemon fell against the Solar Warriors. The Gods of Light and Evil were locked in combat, fighting to put each other into the void that awaited. Iekkob however slowly walked forwards towards Rezarf and Semloh, who stood together as Sirch had flinched at the oncoming wave and retreated to the lines of light.

The occasionaly Daemon ran at Rezarf and Semloh, but with a blood curldling thud they fell as the Battle God swung his great axe. And likewise for Iekkob, though it was his glare that seemed to fell the majority of Solars and Angels approaching him. He approached the two leaders of light and spoke clearly heavenly through the choas.

" Come my friend Semloh, you are the God of Battle, are you afraid to face me in combat. "

Semloh growled a heavy growl, and bellowed as he charged towards the Dark Lord.

" I AM AFRAID OF NO FIEND !!!! "

Semloh swung his great axe as soon as he was in ranged of Iekkob. It was swung with great power, great strength, and incredible speed. For a fraction of a second it seemed to be a clean swing, looking to take the Dark Lords neck, but with timing and uncanny speed the calm, almost complacent, Iekkob raised his staff and defelected the blow. He then thurst his hand outwards and the invisible force pushed Semloh to the ground, about a metre away. He jumped to his feet, but the Dark Lord was their, and he was knocked down by a heavy blow from the staff. The Battle Gods forehead burned and blead as he lie gasping for air on the hard floor. As he looked up he saw the staff decsending towards his chest, he closed his eyes and accepted his fate. The Dark Lord smiled and withdrew his staff from the Gods chest, feeling Semlohs power draining into him. He looked at Rezarf and continued towrds him.

Rezarf turned his gaze from Iekkob, and moved it across the battlefield. His eyes feel upon the figure of Yug diving in front of Amme, and taking the spear of Ydrof through the chest. Sirch was battling against Liwl valiantly his sword moving with speed to deflect the two lighting quick daggers of Liwl, but in vain as he was sliced with blood gussing accuracy by Elags from behind. Elechim had drawn her katana and buckler and was slicing through the ranks of the Daemon High Lords, only to be beheaded by a Harkul King, and lost to the void. Yadand, thanks to his great strength, was holding his own and Xela lay dead at his feet, the Drowish Gods entrails spilling along the floor as her summoned Drow Kings fought to protect her body; but even he fell to the skillful spear of Ydrof. Amme shrieked with anger and launched herself at Rehcturc, her beautiful hair billowing as she ran. The God of Orcs, and so forth, lunged without skill his great two handed sword thrusting forward. Amme deflected the thrust with her first Rapier and dislogded Rehcturc head with the second. Iemaj was quick on the action, he disimbowled a Solar Warrior, and thrust his short sword into the Amme's back...her squeal covered the battlefield...curdling the blood of the Ethereal Troops.

Rezarf turned his gaze back towards Iekkob, who had stopped only 2 metres away from him waiting for his attention.

" Do you see now Rezarf, your cause is noble but pointless. My hordes of Daemons are slaughtering your Ethereal forces. The Gods who fought beside you are fallen deities. Where as my allies are strong, enhanced by the inheritance of the powers of your Gods of Good. "

" I see nothing you wish me to Iekkob, you are evil. That is all I wish to know. And understand me... good shall outlive evil. "

" Look around you, my friend. Your army is all but routed and once your powers are mine I shall rule supreme on the Ethereal Plane. "

" No....you wont. I shall stop you Iekkob, your were once my friend and for that reason I am truly sorry. "

Rezarf sighed heavily and thurst his hand forward, attempting use the unearthly force to throw Iekkob down.

But he did not move, the Dark Lord simply laughed.

" You should know better Rezarf ! Neither of us can use our Godly powers...this shall be a mortal fight. "

And with those words he leaped the remaining distance between them. Rezarf's sword flashed upwards, thrusting towards the Dark Lords chest, but was swiped away by the staff of fire. The had engage in a battle, where upon one would become supreme and the other would enter the void to be forgotten.

" You shall not be victorious Iekkob ! "

Rezarf shouted as he fought, warnings of his un-utterable belief in the power of good bellowed from him.

" The light shall prevail over the darkness. "

The glorious sword glinted and shone as it's Ethereal owner used it to perfection. It hummed in the air, slash after thrust, after stab. Each was timing and speed to perfection. But the Dark Lords staff deflected every blow, with a sudden blaze of fire and embers as the two weapons smashed against each other. The Dark Lord fought his equal opposite, as did Mikil (the sword of Heavenly Light) as it was pitted against the staff of Hells Fury. Each as evil and righteous as their owner, the weapons blazed with their owners hatred for each other.

The two most powerful immortals on the Ethereal Plane fought and fought, even as the battle drew to a close. Daemon forces were hunting and slaughtering the last of the Solar warriors and Angelic Fighters. Good and light shone only from its last carrier, Rezarf. He fought valiantly, though the Dark Lord fought supremely.

Rezarf slashed downwards at the Dark Lords chest, but the staff caught the blow and deflected the sword. With speed yet unseen in the battle, Iekkob swung the staff of evil around and thrust hard. Rezarf fell to the floor, gasping for air, blood pouring from the open wound in his chest where the blow had landed. Mikil slipping from his grasp had fallen away.

" I have won my old friend. Goodbye. "

" You have beaten me but you have not won Iekkob. I have seen your path and you shall lead the way to the void before me. "

The Dark Lord raised his staff and plunged it downwards, towards the Ethereal heart of Rezarf.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The shout echoed around the battlefield, Daemons cringed, Solars weapt, and the whole Plane shook with the sound of death. Storms crashed through the mortal Planes, as the powers gathered by this one of the most powerful immortals transended into a new host.

The Dark Lord looked down, and through his chest stuck Mikil thrust from behind. The sword of Light radiated as the blood of evil itself ran down its glimmering blade. It was withdrawn and its wielder watched as the lifeless body of the Dark Lord fell to the ground, blood gushing from the weeping wound in his chest. His entrails slithered along the beaten grass and his eyes stared in fear as the void engulfed him.

" Thank You " gasped Rezarf " Light has prevailed because of youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu !!!!!! "

Rezarfs head rolled away across the battlefield, severed from his body, by the sword of Good. His corpe twitched as his Godly essence raced from it and into its knew host, and then it lay still...dead. Rezarfs head had come to rest on the body of the Dark Lord, his eyes looking eeriely into the Iekkobs, his mouth parted into a smile...his profecy had become truth.

" Hahahahahahah "

A Dark laugh filled the battlefield. It's owner stood proud and tall above the fallen bodies of the two most powerful Gods. As the dust cleared the Daemon forces turned their watchful gaze, and saw the figure of a Drowish King his enormous weapon held in front of him. The Daemons, Gods of Evil, and remaining Ethereal troops bowed and chanted.

" ALL HAIL PRIDDLE RULER OF THE ETHEREAL PLANE "

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