The Telling of Lanik thru the Centuries
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Of course. When you your possessed, everyone does better!
Hopefully he can not be possessed..... or you know actually gain more land.
Chapter 6: To Shreds you say?
“I told you to listen to me, but no. You had to be brave. You HAD to listen to the priest. What good is your Epithet if you don’t follow it?” Count Grgur mumbles intensely to himself. Not knowing where he is, or what is around.
“I shall never make this mistake again. It is you and I now. Only we can stand together for eternity. I must listen.” As Count Grgur continues to speak to himself, he can hear rustling outside of his room. This doesn’t bother the count, for he is severely injured. The world around him is darkening and he doesn’t know what to do any more. The only person he can trust is himself, and the demon inside. “What can I call you demon?” Count Grgur inquires to himself. The demon thinks for a bit, and mumbles his name, “Ryuk”.
As the Count regains his ability to stand, he calls for his spymaster. The Count isn’t in any shape to know who he talks to, but he knows he must give this order. “Listen to me Phillip,” The count says “I want you to murder the Bishop. That bastard took my eye. He needs to be destroyed!” The spymaster listens and contemplates the request. “Are you sure about this my lord?” The count has bandages on both of his eyes, but he knows what must be done. He turns to Phillip and says “I want that man dead, in the worst way possible!” The spymaster smiles and says, “It will be done. I will attempt to shred the priest!” The count is pleased and falls back in the bed and says “To shreds you say?” As the spymaster walks from the room he quietly says “To shreds my lord….. And my name isn’t Phillip.”
Count Grgur has tried many times to kill the priest. Even with the support for two other Barons, the priest lives. Count Grgur is starting to believe the Bishop might actually have divine protection. As unlikely as that is, the Count continues to manage the realm. He is still injured from the mutilation of his body, but he lives still. It has been two years since the operations, and for the past year and a half Count Grgur has had an infection. Nothing has been able to cure him, but the Count continues to believe he can survive. With the help of Ryuk, the count maintains his normality. The Count was even able to see his rival and heir become a brilliant strategist. Only time will tell if Nicholas will be able to lead the realm into the future.
Count Grgur is happy with his life for now. He has healed from the infection, and he can continue his day. Ryuk and the Count have been managing the realm decently well. No wars have been called for the county of Krain, but Bavaria is in the midst of a civil war. A Karling has overthrown Tassilo, and now the ancentry of Tassilo wants the Kingdom back. The Croatians from the south are attacking a neighboring county, but Bavaria cannot protect itself. The counts must defend themselves, or let the pagan’s siege down the holdings. The coffers are empty, the troops are small. Everything is looking bleak. The priest pray on the weak, and attempt to spread their false teachings. They are still believing the world is flat, and have even spread false information about the count.
One unfortunate night a priest stops by the court. Ryuk and Grgur are alone in the hall discussing the plans for their future. How will they raise an army to defend Krain, what can be done? As the priest approaches Grgur he can hear the priest chanting “To the almighty, save this man. To the Almighty, save this man!” Grgur is starting to feel the heat of his blood boil. Something inside him is trying to get out. “To the almighty, save this man. To the almighty, save this man” the priest continues. Count Grgur can feel an even stronger pull on him. He yells out in pain and lashes at the priest. The priest stops in his tracks and yells “You are not of the right mind! Let that demon out and be saved!”
“You know nothing of me priest! I shall control this man to the day he dies! You have no authority here!” Ryuk screams from Grgur. The doors in the hall slam shut. Thunder is heard, but it is not raining. Not a cloud in the sky that night, but somehow lightning flashes around. The priest is looking stunned by what he see. “You have picked the wrong man to approach priest. You will not live to see the sun” Ryuk threatens. The priest continues to chant, and as he says “save this man” a flash of lighting sprays the sky. The priest see Grgur standing in front of him. Count Grgur moved with the speed of lightning. He can is in front of the priest, ready to strike.
Another flash of lightning allows the priest to see the wall behind Grgur. A shadow appears, but it isn’t a shadow of a man. No, it is a shadow of a beast. A beast that Grgur was about to become. As the thunder strikes, and the lighting continues to flash the priest realizes this man can not be saved. The man in front of him is no longer even a man. The count was an animal. An immoral, priesting hating beast that no one can stop. Count Grgur smiles at the priest and says “Ryuk and I have a plan. Ryuk has given me the power to defeat my enemies and destroy anyone I see fight. We shall be together forever!”
One last thunderous roar is heard, but this time it wasn’t from the sky. It was from Count Grgur himself. The Count howled straight into the priests face and pounced on the man. Even if someone was there, even if they had a silver sword. No one could stop the Count. Grgur is tearing the priest apart, Limb by limb, blood by blood, the priest is no more. The Count stopped tearing the priest apart to say “We must never be apart Ryuk. We must stand together, and tear these people to shreds.” Ryuk smiles inside the count and devilishly asks “To shreds you say?”
Well I haven't and will not bring it up, but the original King of Bavaria is dead. He was actually deposed of by a Karling. So the Karling's rule Bavaria, but its like a cousin to Charles.
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Chapter 7: The Feast
Count Grgur has created many enemies. Most of these enemies are from the church, but not all. Count Grgur is a cruel, possessed, werewolf that has five children of his own. His children are everything to him. He wants to love Nicholas with everything he has, but the rivalry they have created is stifling their relationship. Most nights they are unable to talk to each other. Barely looking each other in the eye and just cruel grunts as they pass by. These unfortunate encounters have left Grgur with the desire to amend this relationship. His heir needs to know that he loves him; for Nicholas is the future of Lanik.
A plan hatched by Grgur to amend the schism of Nicholas’ and his relationship. A feast will be held in a fortnight. This feast will bring all of the Lanik family together. Otto will bring his new African Princess to the feast. Nicholas will show off his beautiful daughter that was just recently born. While Charlotte, Roxanne, and Caroline will learn valuable court etiquette. Bringing the entire Lanik family together will be the panicle achievement for Grgur.
As the feast arrives Count Grgur is meeting all of his beloved guest. Shaking babies and kissing hands like a good count should. Count Grgur is getting strange looks, but he chalks this up to it being close to the full moon. Count Grgur has been giving out a pungent fragrance every month when he is about to turn. It wasn’t until Daphne arrived that the count realized what he was doing. Shaking babies! The Count couldn’t believe himself.
“I thought it was damn funny myself” said Ryuk.
Count Grgur ignores his demon and goes about his day, grabbing for a glass of wine.
Daphne was looking very unpleasant tonight. She has started to loath the count. Grgur no longer spent late nights with her, instead he goes about on his own for long walks. Sometimes returning late at night, or never returning at all. It would be days before she would see her husband again.
Count Grgurs werewolf senses have come in handy. His heighted sense of smell has allowed him to smell the immediate danger that he was in.
“Poison” Count Grgur says. “But who would poison us?” Ryuk inquires. As the Count starts looking around, he realized who gave him the wine. It was right after he was done shaking the babies. It could only be one person.
It was the Countess Daphne herself! Grgur was in disbelief that his loving wife wanted him dead. He has done nothing but love Daphne since she arrived to court, and yet. Yet it has become a loveless marriage that could lead to Grgur’s death. As Count Grgur realizes this, he see his son talking to Daphne. Nicholas is looking very displeased and Daphne is visibly shaken. “What are they talking about?” Grgur inquires. “It could only be our demise Grgur.” Ryuk whispers back at Grgur. As Grgur continues to inspect the two, he realizes that his son is nothing more than a snake. His rival for the County of Krain. “It must have been him! That punk ass brat must want me dead!” Grgur thinks to himself.
“If it wasn’t for my hated for Bishop Prohor, I would imprison my scheming wife!” Grgur says to Ryuk. “Well I can take care of that, just think of the man’s face and write his name on this parchment.” Ryuk explains to Grgur that Ryuk is able to eliminate someone with just a face and a name. It would even look like an accident. Grgur is in disbelief that this is just now becoming knowledge. “Why would you tell me this now?! Why the hell didn’t you tell me this when that bastard took my eye from me?” Grgur yells to himself.
“I found it more fun to watch you struggle. It is a game I play with myself” Ryuk starts laughing uncontrollable at Grgur. Grgur has never been so frustrated, but he did as Ryuk told him.
With the Bishop dead, Grgur is free to get revenge on his wife.
“Why? Why have you done this to be?” Daphne pleads toward her husband. Count Grgur is in the dungeon looking at his distressed wife. The dungeon life isn’t working out for Daphne. She has lost most of her hair, looks malnourished, and has become increasingly annoying to everyone around her.
“You ask why? Why?!” Grgur begins “You have provided me with many reasons to be upset with you. You haven’t provided me with a child in six years. You aren’t spending time with me anymore. We use to spend countless nights looking at the stars. Now when I approach you, you run away. Looking at me like I am possessed. Looking at me like I am not the person you married.”
“You aren’t! You have something inside of you, something evil.” Daphne says forcefully to her husband. “You ate a plate Grgur! A Freaking plate in front of me. I don’t understand how you can say I don’t want to be around you. I have sent multiple priest to you. Multiple people to help you….”
“Help me?! Help ME?! Grgur Priest-Hater Lanik? I destroyed those priest. Those “Holy” men. They mean nothing to me. They tried to separate me from Ryuk. You wouldn’t understand about what is inside of me. You have been distancing yourself from me, and now I can’t take it anymore. You tried to have me killed!” Grgur is yelling at this point. Daphne is in tears.
“I did, you have become a monster. Nicholas is right, and you need to be stopped!” Daphne yells at the top of her lungs. She hopes her voice will echo around the dungeon and someone will help her.
“It is no use my dear. It is the full moon tonight. I have sent everyone away for their safety. It is just you and I tonight” Grgur says in a harsh tone. His voice is changing, and his arms are becoming visibly more hairy.
“What are you?” Daphne pleads.
“I am your worst fears. I have stayed away from you once a month out of love. But the love is no more. You… You… will…. Be….. Devoured.” Grgur’s change is taking place. Grgur’s arms are becoming long, breaking the bones and extending as if hooked to a stretching machine. His legs are becoming bow legged, hinging at the joints. Grgur’s jaw dislocates with a pop. Teeth begin to grow out the bottom of his mouth. Canine teeth clearly becoming visible. Teeth capable of ripping someone’s arm off. Long brown hair has grown on Grgur’s body. He is no longer recognizable. Where Grgur use to stand is now a nine foot tall beast. A Beast that looks hungry. Only Daphne is around, and nothing can escape the dungeon of Krain. Tonight, Daphne and Grgur will be together for one final time.
Either Grgur's name will go down as a dark legend to terrify the youth with, or else scrubbed thoroughly from the pages of history.
Chapter 8: The Lanik Men
The following month has been a troubling time for the Lanik family. Rumors about Countess Daphne are rampant, people suspect the worst, but understand why she had to die. Her method of death is questionable. Some say she died of heart break after her husband caught her attempting to murder him. Other say she escaped Count Grgur’s wrath and made it to her father. But we know the truth. We know that it was just Grgur and Daphne in that dungeon. Grgur the werewolf.
After the disappearance of his mother, Nicholas has been hunting more often. Going to the country side in order to get away from his father. His father is a crazy man, not even waiting a month before remarrying. He married some woman half his age, and many people believe it is for looks and not love. This has made Nicholas so angry, that he has become careless.
Nicholas is hunting otters. Otters in the rivers of Krain are vicious. They can be seen eating the heads off of fish and chasing the local cattle. These land and sea serpents are a deadly combo. They have been known to kill lesser men, but Nicholas. Nicholas is a man of manly behaviors and no otter can destroy him.
Well little did Nicholas know, rabies are not otters. So technically he was not destroyed by the otters. But the heir Nicholas has been killed.
Long live the heir of Otto! Otto is a striking young man. A decently religious man, trained in the good book. Surely Otto will be able to lead the county.
Nope, Otto is down for the count as well. In the span of four months Count Grgur has lost his first wife, his first son, and his second son. It is a dark day for the Lanik family. The next living member of the family is Grgur’s first daughter Charlotte. Who fortunately is not married. Grgur was searching for a husband for Charlotte, but none seemed suitable for his daughter. Grgur even consulted Ryuk, “What should we do Ryuk?” Ryuk thought about it and said, “Well she might lead this country, so you want a matrilineal marriage. This way any sons will be yours…. I mean your dynasty. Sorry, forgot you weren’t Peter, the last man I possessed.”
“By hell, you are right! I will find her the best husband, and I will go to my new wife’s chambers….. If you know what I mean” Grgur says devilishly.
The countess has given birth to a new son. Count Grgur is happy that is line will continue, and he knows the perfect name for the new boy. “You are my blood. You are my star, and you are my sun. You shall have a strong name, and you will replace my first son. So therefore, from this day till your last. You shall be known as Nicholas Lanik of Krain.”
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Grgur really is a piece of work. The picture for the new Nicholas isn't showing btw.
Yeah Grgur is kinda possessed. Thanks you for telling me, it is fixed.
Modern historians will put it down to severe mental illness. The truth? Too fantastic to contemplate.
And you're welcome.
And you're welcome.
Chapter 9: Prisoners of War
The Bavarians are finally finished with their revolts. After decades of feuding, one man has cemented his spot on the throne. King Tassilo III has long been dead. He lost the crown to the Karling Karl ‘the Usurper’ back in 780 AD. King Karl has been responding to constant threats to the Bavarian realm. The Slavs to the south, the pagans to the east, and a bigger stronger Karling to the west. Even the mighty Kingdom of Lobardy has started destroying Bavaria. It is unknown how long Bavaria can last, but for once. For once, Bavaria is on the offensive. It is time to reclaim the Bavarian lands.
Count Grgur is in the high court room when his friend Mayor Tvrtko approaches. Tvtrko greets the old man, “Oh my great Count, and I bring you an offer that would be difficult to refuse.” The Count looks at Tvtrko with suspicion. The Count barely knows the Mayor’s name. For every mayor comes and goes, and they never really leave family. “And what offer do you have Tvrtko? I am ruling efficiently, but money is always great.” Count Grgur replies confidently. “I offer to buy a portion of your county for ten years, in exchange for the right to taxation. I will also offer you 150 gold.” Tvtrko is confident in is delivery. How can anyone refuse such a great offer?
The Count thinks about this and states, “Your offer seems fair, but I must decline. The great County of Krain is never for sale. It is a strong and illustrious county with a strong history. I have come to love this land with all of my heart. I have lost a wife, and two sons in this land. How could I ever give up on the land for all that we’ve been through together? Krain is my home, Krain is my life. I must decline.”
The court was amazed by the Count’s response. No one believe the count was good at anything but learning, and a few military amazements. If anything, the Count has become old and senile. Respect lost long ago after his wife went missing.
The Bavarian holy war was finished, but this wasn’t enough for King Karl. The King is now on a rampage. Attacking any pagan that he sees. His next target seems to be the County of Brno. Can King Karl pull it off?
With the victory of Bavaria over the pagans, many believed King Karl was better than any previous King. King Karl has brought new lands to the realm, and has defended his vassals. Unfortunately for King Karl, the Lombards have taken notice to his warmongering. The Lombards have decided it was time to attack Bavaria! With their levies weaken, the Lombards attacked.
The gates slam shut as the Lombards invade. Count Grgur is standing atop his keep, watching the siege machines be built. The count feels powerless. He doesn’t have the vassals to raise help, he doesn’t have the power to call allies, and he doesn’t have the money to hire mercenaries. Everything is looking bleak for the count. The count knows he must ride to the capital of Bavaria, only the King could save his county.
As Count Grgur sneaks out of the county, he gives his wife a kiss. He has cherished his new bride. She has been the new love of his life, and the only reason he is still alive. He hugs the kids, and sneaks out amongst the night. Count Grgur knows he needs to bring reinforcements before the Lombards invade.
As the Count arrives to the King’s court, it is clear that a military campaign is underway. Grgur can see strategist viewing maps, court physicians preparing the seed of the poppy, and priest giving prayers to everyone who will listen.
As Grgur approaches his liege, he can see in Karl’s eyes what the answer will be. “I know why you have come Grgur, but I will be unable to help. Our forces are spread thin. The pagans have harassed our troops, the supply lines are small, and we are unable to spare troops for your effort.” The King tells Grgur was a sadden look. Grgur pleads with the King, asking him for any force possible, but it was to no avail. The King has made up his mind, and with his mind made up. The fate of Grgur’s family has been sealed.
The Lombards sieged down my county. The one daughter that wasn't captured was married normally to someone else, and as such was not in the county. Dark times lie ahead of us.
Chapter 10: The Final Howl
If there is one thing that Grgur knows, it is that he loves his son. Nicholas has had a deep impact on the count. From the first Nicholas who protected the dog and attempted to murder him, to the new and improved Nicholas. The Count knew that his son was important. His son is the heir to the county and will need to be taught in the ways of administration and war. This means Nicholas needs to be released. No matter the cost, no matter the person. Nicholas must be rescued.
The battle for Krain rages on. The King of Bavaria hasn’t abandoned Grgur yet, but the outcome is looking bleak. The Lombards outnumber the Bavarian forces four to one. Count Grgur is incapacitated in grief. The Bavarian King can not muster anymore forces to combat the Lombards. Nothing can stop the forces of Lombard now.
The war is over and Count Grgur has a new overlord. No more will Krain be under Bavarian rule. No more will Krain be undefended from the Pagan hordes. Krain is now under the protection of a unified Italian peninsula. Unfortunately for Grgur, he is being extorted by his new overlord. He must pay 20 to 40 ducats for his children and wife to be released from the dungeon. It isn’t a good impression of his new overlord, but Grgur loves his family. He unhappily pays for all of his family.
Spending money on the family is bringing stress to Count Grgur. Grgur has spent countless months negotiating with the King of Lombards’ regent for the release of Grgur’s family. It wasn’t just his children and wife that he needed to get released. His nephew and nieces were also captured by the evil liege. With all of this time being spent on negotiation, Grgur has ignored Nicholas’ training. He isn’t as great as Nicholas the first, but he has still become a tough man.
Count Grgur is alone in the hills of Krain. He has been spending his down time studying the stars. He feels this is bringing him to his youth all those years ago. When Grgur was a twenty four year old Count, finding out about love for the first time. His Observatory was his home, his savior in the time of darkness. Speaking of the darkness, Grgur knows what approaches in the stars.
The moon. The enemy of Grgur. The Moon approaches. Nothing has been the pain of Grgur’s life more than the moon. He is at the mercy of the celestial bodies every month. Losing all control. Losing his mind. Even in less control than when Ryuk is in charge. The moon is the enemy, and Grgur is the target. Now Grgur must change into the beast that killed his wife. The beast that killed all those priest long ago.
Grgur begins his transformation. Turning into the beast of the country side’s nightmare. The beast that haunts the night and sends children to their grave. Werewolf Grgur howls in the moon light. It is time to hunt. Grgur can smell bodies around and he sets out to find his prey. Lurking between the bushes near the river’s edge, Grgur can see bodies moving. The slow movement of men attempting to camp for the night. These men are filling cantinas, setting fires, and preparing tents for the long night ahead. None of the men are aware that the ferocious Grgur lurks just beyond the trees.
Werewolf Grgur can smell the scent of every person in camp. He knows how many are there, and he knows how many men he can take on at once. Luckily for Grgur, the men are starting to fall asleep. Some making their way to relieve themselves before they lay down for the night. It is here that Grgur decides to attack. Here he will make his ambush on the men of the camp. The target acquired. The scent known. Grgur waits for the right moment to ponce. Grgur charges his enemy! Tearing and slashing the lone man. The poor guy caught with his pants down, and now being mauled by the wolf.
Yes Count Grgur has murdered his own son. The second Nicholas has died just after coming to age. A skilled warrior, but not skilled enough in the art of supernatural creatures. Werewolf Grgur has killed his son.
The men of the camp heard the screams and have come running. They see a monstrous wolf attacking the heir to the county. Nicholas is no longer defending himself. He is limp and unresponsive to the wolf’s bite on his leg. Nicholas has been destroyed, disemboweled, and slashed to death.
The men charge the wolf. They stab the creature with all of their might. Most of the swords are useless, but one man. One man had a silver blade that his father gifted him. This one man believed in the creatures of the night. He believed that his father saw something attack a priest so many years ago. This silver blade is going to be the death of Grgur.
As the slashing continues, the wolf howls. He is crying in pain, knowing that his time is near. Grgur howls one final time. He has been killed, but sadly. The heir has been murdered. Grgur gives out the final howl of his life.
