Methinks this wasn't blasphemous, it sounds rather canon, in fact.
I remember there's a passage somewhere that states that your anger shall never do right by God, so a demon tempting a priest into a murderous rage seems rather them-like.
Secondly, the demon diddn't *Quite* recite the lord's prayer properly. Although all the parts were there, it went over "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us" twice. I'm not sure if that would be ENOUGH of a loophole, but it IS a loophole.
As for the priest, I think you did a bang-up job on him.
You can't spell Slaughter without laughter
All your gonna do is just farm behemoths anyways.
My thoughts on November 30.
Me likey. 
"If I had Force powers, vacuum or not my cape/clothes/hair would always be blowing in the Dramatic Wind." - Tenzhi
Characters
Astounding job.
And although I cannot say that a God might exist, even in the CoX Universe, it is entirely possible for some higher entity-Perhaps a Super Intelligence-to do such things. It would explain why Netherak is vulnerable to such seemingly and otherwise useless attacks.
And I agree with Shadowdeep. The Demon tricking the priest into a rage is classic. The taunts were just the silver lining. I don't know many prayers, not being a religious man myself, but I recognized most of what was said. Simply amazing job.
Doesn't Netherak have wings though? They were missing from his description. Also, why would Netherak even bother with a job like this? Sure, my 'truly evil' characters would also go out of their way to do something like this, (I only have two of them) but why would Netherak bother to attend an entire service, and then just sit there for ten minutes without taking action?
It seems to me, it would have gone over better had he just walked in mid-sermon and delivered a nasty taunt to finish a line spoken before slaughtering everyone in the room.
Mind you, what you've written here is fabulous. I cannot compliment you any more on just how amazing this is. I'm just wondering why you decided to write it in this particular sequence?
You know, I'm not quite sure whether I should actually explain to you why, or if I should just laugh. 
Ah, what the hell, I think I'll just laugh. And quit copying me.
"If I had Force powers, vacuum or not my cape/clothes/hair would always be blowing in the Dramatic Wind." - Tenzhi
Characters
[ QUOTE ]
Me likey.
[/ QUOTE ]
QFT
I never would have thought of using that kind of demon in a RP.
Interesting.
More story will be needed, for further analysis of course
Global - @El D
Servers - Protector
Yay! People like me!
Anywho, to address some comments:
Shadowdeep: Amusingly enough, I got all the lines that Netharak recited from the song I put up in Putfile for just this purpose. How would it actually have gone?
Diov: The thing that I have with Netharak is that he's basically immune to holy attacks. The biggest problem he has with them is the light component that inevitably accompanies the attack really messes with his shadow armor. Also, Netharak only has wings when he's broken free of his seals and ascended to his true Doom Lord form. And then he gets more cool stuff like a larger size, a green flaming sword made of some black metal that can reshape itself according to his will, the ability to cast some handy spells, and a much, MUCH shorter temper. I'll answer your question after I poke Devious.
Devious: Why do you think I had Netharak wait? I'm interested in your answer.
El_D: More story, eh? Well, I DID download an entire track of these sorts of songs. Heh heh. I still find it hilarious that the songs that most remind me of Lord Netharak are songs about God or [censored] in Latin.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
Nice, man. Just nice.
The reason I think he sat in the pew for so long though: He could have wanted to get to know the priest through his work befor ASing him, He could have just been bored and wanted to do it in private without people screaming bloody murder, He could have wanted the priest to see that no matter how long he stayed in a house of God the holy power wouldn't hurt him.
I do not know my reasons for posting, but post I must. ~~Build
"We can't stop here, this is bat country."
--Johnny Depp
"I ain't bi-curious, I'm a man. Why do you think I'm wearing this tight spandex and got all these muscles?" Meatwad
Quite an excellent read.
It also smacks of sequel.
My Stories
Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
There's actually a point of contention in the Lord's prayer, with two versions existing, one in the gospel of Matthew(6:9-13), and the other in Luke(11:2-4).
Yes I knew of the two versions before I went to Wikipedia to look up where they were.
Anyhow, I'll give you the version I was taught, as all the versions are similar.
"Our Father, Whom art in Heaven,Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory,
Forever and Ever,
Amen."
For more information, Clicky!
You can't spell Slaughter without laughter
All your gonna do is just farm behemoths anyways.
My thoughts on November 30.
I dunno...trespases and sins are somewhat synonyms, so not close enough for contention in my book. 
Also: Mars. That's why.
"If I had Force powers, vacuum or not my cape/clothes/hair would always be blowing in the Dramatic Wind." - Tenzhi
Characters
K, Khell. His answer is, 'Diov's an idiot so I'm insulting him on general principle.' Can I have my answer now please?
Diov, you're not stupid, you just lack a healthy amount of common sense. The answer is the same as Mars: because it's cool. Or more specifically, because Khell, like Ess, Ascendant, and (at least I like to shore the delusion 
) myself, knows his drama.
"If I had Force powers, vacuum or not my cape/clothes/hair would always be blowing in the Dramatic Wind." - Tenzhi
Characters
From a CoX standpoint, someone in the mass might have had superpowers. Taking on the preacher solo might have been the only option.
From a real world standpoint, there's a couple of quotes from scripture, such as "Whenever you gather in prayer, I shall be there among you" that would mean said demon might end up getting spanked by GOD.
Authorverse, guess we'll have to wait on an answer
You can't spell Slaughter without laughter
All your gonna do is just farm behemoths anyways.
My thoughts on November 30.
Dramatics. Yes. That's the answer. Yep. Certainly not something more mundane that just looks like dramatics. Uh huh.
Anywho...
[ QUOTE ]
but he did count more than a few Destined Ones among his flock
[/ QUOTE ]
That's certainly a good reason why Netharak wouldn't have wanted to start a fight in the middle of a sermon. There's also the fact that he fell asleep about 3/4ths of the way through and only woke up ten minutes after everyone else had left. No, Netharak does not snore.
But it's really the drama, though a fight in the middle of a screaming crowd of normals would have been entertaining, especially because Father Darron would have had to defend everyone while Netharak could be as indiscriminate as he wanted.
And does it seem to be the general consensus that people want more Lord Netharak?
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
Hell yes.
Just something that I've been wondering ever since I read this: any reason you're using Warcraft background (sargeras, burning legion, and all that)?
[ QUOTE ]
And does it seem to be the general consensus that people want more Lord Netharak?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yarly.
You can't spell Slaughter without laughter
All your gonna do is just farm behemoths anyways.
My thoughts on November 30.
[ QUOTE ]
Just something that I've been wondering ever since I read this: any reason you're using Warcraft background (sargeras, burning legion, and all that)?
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, since the Burning Legion is an extra-dimensional force, I figured that it wouldn't be that hard for one of their number to stumble (or in this case get summoned) to Earth. That and the fact that I think the Doom Guard from Warcraft 3 are really [censored] cool.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
Very interesting concept. I hadn't really thought about how some of the demons in other worlds would function in CoX.
And yea verily, bring more Netharak.
[u]The Demon's Prayer[u]
Alternate name
Warning: Contains extremely blasphemous materials. If you suffer from Bible thumping, heart attacks, or the illogical idea that the author endorses the views put forth by his own characters, please do not read any further.
Amen.
With the conclusion of the service, most of the worshippers hastily left out of the front and back doors to the small church. While Arachnos troops hadnt performed a raid in the last month one could never be too sure how Lord Recluses mood could change. A firm believer in the superiority of science over all things, Lord Recluse was the closest one could get to being a Scientologist without being a member of that cult. As such, Recluse generally disapproved of people openly practicing religion in the Rogue Isles but didnt do much about it. The worst that could happen would be a party of Wolf or Crab Spiders interrupting mid-service to arrest the preacher and random members of the attendees. They were usually released from the holding cells within a few days with no harm done but occasionally some people who were taken never came back. But that was fairly standard for the Isles. That said, however, no one wanted to take the risk and so the church emptied quickly enough, leaving behind the head priest, a heavily cloaked individual in the middle pews, and a small family that was discussing plans for a wedding with the priest.
Of course I would be willing to administer your vows, Sharon, said the priest, a kindly old man who managed to keep in good shape despite his years. His white, almost bleached hair, was pulled back in a pony tail that went down to his shoulders and he wore a small pair of spectacles that he needed to read. He wore a simple black robe with a silver cross hanging from a chain around his neck. The cross was tarnished slightly from age but was obviously lovingly cared for.
Thank you so much, Father, bubbled the portly blonde woman as she hugged the taller man at her side tightly. Dan and I are so very honored that youll do this for us. I mean, a man of your cali-
Please, please, replied Father Darron with an indulgent smile. I am no more capable than any other man of the cloth. Now why dont you two run along while I close up? Duty calls and all that.
God bless you, Father, said Sharon one last time before she literally dragged her fiancé out of the doors. The man managed to exchange wry grins with the priest before he vanished through the door.
The last members of his congregation gone, Darron glanced at the large, hunched form still sitting in the middle of the church. He didnt recognize the person from his previous sermons but he did count more than a few Destined Ones among his flock and it wouldnt be right for him to pressure the other man to leave just yet. After all, part of the reason why he was in the Rogue Isles was to redeem those that others thought beyond redemption. It did bother the priest slightly that the villain hadnt revealed his face, but aside from a vague feeling of unease that persisted as he went about cleaning up the inevitable detritus of the day he paid the other man no mind. He made sure to leave the row of pews that the stranger was in for last and was rewarded for his patience when the man got to his feet about ten minutes after the service had ended and walked up the aisle toward the lectern where Father Darron was counting up the days donations.
Greetings, my child, said the priest as he looked up into the lowered hood of the stranger. Apparently the villain knew some form of magic as the shadows within the hood were impenetrable to the priests eyes. Do you need something from me?
Yes, actually, came a growl from under the hood. Something about the mans voice caused the sense of unease Father Darron had felt before to return full force. Keeping a smile on his face, the priest none-the-less lowered his hand toward something he kept nearby for just such a reason.
I confess that I am somewhat confused by your religion, continued the large man in the same growling tone. Or at least how so many mortals can be duped into following it.
They are none of them duped, answered Father Darron as his eyes narrowed slightly. And while most of them may not be true believers they at least all share the same desire the same comfort of believing in God and His salvation.
And that is the part I do not get, replied the villain as he crossed his arms to the accompaniment of a metallic rasp. Father Darrons eyes narrowed a bit more in response. How could they believe in something that doesnt exist?
That is why they have faith, my friend. Now Im going to have to ask you to leave now. I was too polite to say so beforehand but the church has closed for the day. I have urgent business elsewhere that needs attending too.
I believe the business you have right here is quite important enough, Father, said the man, almost spitting out that last word. Especially since this business shall be your last act.
I do not take kindly to threats, young man, replied Father Darron with steel in his voice. I am quite capable of protecting myself should you try to harm me.
Harm you? asked the man with what seemed to be a laugh. I am not here to harm you. I am here to kill you.
With a sound like the exhalation of a long held breath, the strangers cloak dissolved into wisps of black mist that were sucked into the dull orange runes that dotted the blood red armor that was revealed. A similarly colored cape with odd looking characters picked out in orange lightly brushed the floor. But although the runes were distressing, what with their alarming tendency to shift slightly while Darron looked at them, the most worrisome thing was the wolf-like head with its wide grinning mouth full of teeth and burning green eyes. Literally burning, in fact; a small part of Father Darrons mind wondered just how this thing could see with flames covering its eyes. But then the priest snapped out of his shock and smoothly drew a gleaming silver sword from its hidden sheath in the lectern.
Demon, Father Darron spat out, the reason for his uneasy feeling finally dawning on him. There was a demon right here in the middle of his church and standing not two feet from him. Another small part of his mind rebuked the rest of it for screwing up so badly. How is it possible for one such as you to enter this place?
Straight to the point, eh mortal? replied the demon with an even wider grin. It seemed to show no concern that the priest was now armed with a weapon that he clearly knew how to use. The arrogance of demons had always been their greatest flaw, one that Father Darron took continual advantage of. And here I was thinking a great demon slayer like yourself had seen everything there was.
Im more experienced than you might think, beast, said Father Darron as he backed away from the lectern, sword and Bible in hand now. Though I admit that I had not expected a demon powerful enough to tread on this holy ground to blatantly challenge me in Gods house.
You have not seen a demon like I before, Father, replied the creature as it casually batted the lectern away, sending the thick oaken stand crashing into the wall. I am Lord Netharak, Doom Lord of the Burning Legion and exempt from the pathetic bindings that limit the otherworldly forces of this world. I spit upon your god and laugh at the mere thought that his disciple can challenge a chosen of Sargeras!
A demon is a demon, shot back Father Darron as he flipped the Bible open with one hand and showed it to Lord Netharak. Now be purged by Gods holy word!
Brilliant light shone from the pages of the Bible as though the sun itself was shining through them. The beams of light played over the entire church before narrowing their focus and burning into and through the foolish demon, disintegrating his body into ash and casting his treacherous soul back to whatever pits it had come from.
It that the best youve got? Lord Netharak laughed as he emerged from the beam of light, one arm held up to shield his eyes from the brightness. I hardly think some singed hair was what you were aiming for with that light bulb of yours.
Father Darron gaped as the demon as the Bible shut on its own accord, cutting off the last beams of light and returning the room to its former level of light, which seemed almost like twilight in comparison now. But the demon slaying priest recovered quickly enough and scowled deeply at Netharak.
Whatever vile trickery Satan has given you this day will not be enough to deter Gods vengeance, beast, spat out the old man as he lifted his sword toward the heavens, tip almost poking the ceiling of the small church. By the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost you shall be cleansed from this place of worship!
*-*-*
It had been a fairly gloomy Sunday in the Rogue Isles so far. The news had said there would be rain throughout the whole day but it had never shown up, leaving heavy cloud cover hanging in the sky for the whole day. Things didnt look like theyd clear up any time soon, so the people of the Rogue Isles prepared for a drearier than usual Monday.
The ray of sunshine that suddenly burst through the clouds and illuminated a section of Cap au Diable for a brief few seconds went unseen by the vast majority of the populace. The ones that had seen this odd phenomenon wondered what kind of hero or villain had done it before going about the rest of the day in an oddly cheerful mood.
*-*-*
The results of this ray of light in the confined area of the church was a bit more spectacular , forcing Lord Netharak to shield his eyes once again and curse the annoying habit of holy men to render his shadows all but useless. But when the light dimmed and Netharak saw that the sword Father Darron was holding was now on fire, the demon figured that maybe he didnt need his shadows for this fight.
I can do that too, Netharak growled as a scimitar of pure green felfire sprung into being in his right hand. Now, I think you said something about cle-
Netharaks taunt was cut off as Father Darron lunged forward at a speed the priest had never before shown to possess. The demon was barely able to deflect the first blow and had to resort to summoning up a second sword to keep his defenses from being penetrated. The fury the priest was displaying had caught the demon by surprise though he really should have been expecting it; humans always had the most distressing tendency toward fanaticism, yet another reason why he couldnt wait to burn this entire diseased planet to cinders.
Is that all you have, mortal? taunted Netharak as he steadily retreated, beating back blow after furious blow with his swords and unable to get a single strike in retaliation. Should I not be dead by now? Struck down by your god for my temerity, my insolence? Should you not be fighting harder, mortal? Stop fooling around and really come at me!
At Lord Netharak talked, he began stepping up the power of his blocks until Father Darrons sword was bouncing back more often than it was slashing in for an attack. This allowed Netharak to begin his own offensive, unleashing an onslaught of attacks that demolished the insides of the church. Lord Netharak didnt seem to care how often he missed or how often he hit a pew instead of Father Darron. The fires of the demons eyes burned ever brighter as he entered a fighting rage that would soon see the entire building destroyed in a fiery cataclysm. Father Darron could see this and summoned up a brilliant burst of light that blinded the demon for a crucial second or two, allowing him to retreat out the back door.
Roaring in anger, Lord Netharak followed, bursting through the doors and smashing them to flinders in his rage. Now in an alleyway, Netharak looked up along a fire escape to see the priest climbing the last few feet up onto the room of the adjacent building.
Running so soon? Lord Netharak roared as he tensed his legs and then launched himself up into the air, landing with a small explosion of dust on the edge of the roof. I thought you priests had righteousness on your side. Why run, then?
This is a bit more dramatic, dont you think? Father Darron replied, the bad joke making him feel a bit better. In all his long years he had never fought a demon that so easily ignored the effects of his holy blade. Made of blessed Damascus steel, cleansed in holy water, and inlaid with the Lords Prayer in silver on the hilt, Father Darrons Avenger had never failed him before. The fact that it was doing so now seemed to lend credence to the demons story. And if this demon really wasnt from Hell, then how could he be fought?
Having second thoughts? Lord Netharak asked with a snort as though reading Father Darrons mind. Maybe you should just give up then, accept your death like a good little martyr. I promise to make it quick and relatively painless.
Ill never surrender to your kind, Father Darron quickly replied. Though I may die this day my soul shall ascend to Heaven and become one with God. That is the most I can ask for and the best fate I can wish for.
Then allow me to speed you on your way! shouted Netharak as he charged, heavy tread pounding against the roof and swords held extended out to either side.
Darron stood fast as the demon charged; holding his sword before his face as he calmly read the prayer written on its hilt from memory. Once Lord Netharak got close enough, Darron sprung through the air in a perfect front flip, lashing out with his sword as he passed over Netharaks back. Landing in a crouch, Darron quickly jumped up and spun back around still chanting his prayer.
That hurt, growled the demon as black blood slowly seeped from a moderate gash on the back of his head. Although Im sure it would have slain one of the lesser breed.
Giving Father Darron no time to reply, Lord Netharak charged again and this time they clashed once more. Flaming steel met solid green fire in a deadly dance that would have seen lesser men cut into chunks with their souls destroyed and lesser demons quickly cleaved and banished back to the darkest pits of Hell. But Lord Netharak was no earthly demon and the holy strength Father Darron was bringing to bear did not daunt the Doom Lord, rather it gave the demon an idea.
Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, they kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, recited the demon in a deep voice, toothy grin returning. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Blasphemy! Father Darron shouted, enraged beyond all measure, the fact that this demon was reciting the word of God was just too much. This bastion of contempt and arrogance, of blasphemy and evil screamed to be wiped from the face of the earth and obliterated from human memory.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, continued the demon, defiling the words as he spoke them. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory! Forever and ever, amen!
Father Darron let loose an incoherent scream of anger and hatred as he threw everything he had into the fight, the Bible he was holding shining brightly in response to his holy anger. Such a righteous anger filled him that he didnt even notice when Lord Netharak had lopped off both of his arms. Just as Lord Netharak had planned, the priest had been so consumed with anger and hatred at this unexpected and unconsidered blasphemy that he had thrown caution to the winds, giving the demon just the edge he had needed to end the fight. Just as the realization that he had lost blossomed in Father Darrons mind, the demon smoothly scooped up the dropped sword and impaled the priest upon it.
E nomine patris et fili et spiritus sancti! Netharak shouted triumphantly as he lifted the sword up into the air, tip facing the cloud covered heavens. Netharak stared into the priests eyes as the man died and licked some of the blood that was flowing down the sword.
Lord Netharak roared as he channeled his own fire through the sword, wreathing the entire thing in sickly green flames that swiftly devoured the corpse stuck upon it and started melting the sword like a candle. He said only one thing to speed the priests doomed soul down to Hell.
Amen!
OOC: Comments are welcome, as always, especially regarding what and how Father Darron talked. Since I last visited church when I was 10, I'm afraid I don't have much memory of how things work in there any more.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.