The Crimson Moon (storyline)/Chapter 1 (summary)

An Invitation for a Moonlit Dance

06/28/2011 03:35 PM CDT

Strange winds blow this evening and all who have interest in the Rising of Lornon storyline are encouraged to be around this evening around 10:30 pm Eastern. This is a rough starting time so please keep that in mind if you accept our invitation to come dance with us in the blood-hued moonlight!

Another Sacrifice

06/29/2011 10:00 PM CDT

Last night after the crimson moon became active, Myriamie was patrolling the Vipershroud when she was kidnapped and taken to a Luukosian altar. As the rest of the people took up a search for her, Taeghan sensed the torture inflicted on her through his bond to her. Nilandia also attempted to make contact with her, only to be met by another entity forcibly and painfully silencing her efforts.

In time, Hanos located Myriamie's body and gave directions to finding the hidden temple in the area. He saw to her while the others fanned out and searched the temple. Two of the cultists who had participated in the torture were located. Myke attempted to kill them, but was instead killed by Naja. Taeghan would later kill the cultists.

The people in the temple soon left, only to be confronted by Naja leading various snakes. It was a quick skirmish, and everyone was brought back to the Keep. There, Hanos bristled at the barrage of questions and comments aimed at him, but still revealed some information he had.

- The gnomish seer, known OOCly as Yuratlya, has been poisoned with a rare snake venom. She is not dead, but is not doing very well. - Hanos searched for sign of the Scribners, who may provide crucial information in locating the Dark Requiem, a scripture believed by some to be the words of Sheru which contains the prophecy that may be coming to pass in the crimson moon. - Hanos set up a meeting this Friday night at midnight outside Ta'Illistim that may be a lead on the Scribners.

After what Hanos considered continued badgering, he left for the Voln monastery, possibly not having shared all he knows.

As always, copies of the report are being sent to various cities, the captain of the Sapphire Guard, Lord Urmeil, the city of Nydds, and any of her other regular contacts.

The Meeting

07/02/2011 10:08 AM CDT

Last night a group met with a "young" half-elf named Ydgo, who opened a portal that lead them to a meeting with a Scribner (the name escapes me at the moment) he agreed to give us the Dark Requiem if we give him something of value in return. He requires the lid of a destroyed urn. The group searched through out the catacombs and found nothing, after a long evening of searching Delcian grew tired and was starting to fall asleep while on his feet.

While in a sleepy haze Delcian began to see images that lead the group to a shrine where they found a shard of the urn and dust that had recently been disturbed by an orc, after searching the area it was decided that a bard was needed.

The bard sang to the shard and saw the event that lead to it's destruction, he also sang to the dust which revealed that an orc had recently been there and did in fact have the lid the group was looking for. The group gave chase but the trail went cold as they reached impassable terrain.

The group decided it was best to wait till morning when the trail might be easier to see in the light.

Recovering the First Shard

07/03/2011 12:43 PM CDT

To remind of recent events, the Liaboites are searching for a text called the Dark Requiem. They were led to a group known as the Scribners, and on Friday night they were finally able to meet with one. The Scribner, notable as being dead but also holding Ronanite proclivities, demanded the lid of a destroyed urn in exchange for receiving the text. Clues were uncovered to its location, but the trail became impassable from difficult terrain, halting progress.

The afternoon of July 2, the treasure hunter Khlat met with people at Hearthstone and revealed that he knew of a mountain climber that might help with getting around the obstacles.

Later that night, adventurers met with the mountain climber, who provided giant spiders with huts on their backs to help the climb. Exiting, they broke through a barrier of brambles before moving on. In an outcropping, a shard of what is assumed to be the urn lid was recovered. Jackals and serpents also attacked the group after the shard was located. With nothing else found, the group returned to the Landing.

During the climb, however, there was significant strife among those present. Jesphian attacked Jaired, only to be killed later during the chaos of the skirmish with the jackals and serpents. Shilarra also was noted to be quite waspish along the way.

Not long after the shard was recovered, the gnomish seer (known OOCly as Yuratlya though her name has not been given in game so far as I know) appeared in the park. She had been disturbed by the great distress she sensed from other people that night and ventured out of her bed, despite still suffering from the snake venom she had been poisoned with.

As people arrived, Yuratlya began to address some concerning their weaknesses that may be hindering them. She advised the people to take advantage of the resources they had at their disposal. She noted that the people had a Keeper though they did not use her. When pressed for the identity of this Keeper, she indicated Nilandia, whom she had earlier referred to as a Keeper of Knowledge, and said that she had only recently discovered her need after walking the path for months.

Yuratlya also told those gathered to trust those around them and work together, for they had until then continued to work as individuals rather than as members of a group. She told them to listen to their instincts, and not to be afraid to make a decision of the course to take, for no perfect path lay before them. She then departed with Fjalar, who sensed that she was in danger and acted to protect her.

Crimson Whispers

07/08/2011 12:26 AM CDT

Blood red eyes peer at you from the gnome as he glances your way. You could swear he bears fangs. A faint whisper reaches your ears, the voice deep and almost gutteral as it says, "You can't avoid your fate.. you will be broken soon enough. Talking to the Priest will not help, it is an excersise in futility." A shudder of cold washes over your skin. The voice continues, insistent and unwavering, "Look at how he mocks you. He does not understand, he is wrapped up in his own goals. A priest? A priest would sympathize, attempt to comfort you, not snap fingers at you as if you were a child. You can find comfort here with us.. give in." The voice comes again, this time low and with a lulling affect as it whispers, "Yes...." "He does not understand, none of them do. There is no help. Not even your precious Brinret has stayed for you. You are alone. We will comfort you. We will not bark at you when you fear, we will embrace your fears. Together.. " comes the voice. "See, he mocks you. Yet this is your friend. Consider it, Shilarra.. you know we are right.." and then it fades.

The Ritual

06/30/2011 10:51 AM CDT

Player Log

You are slugged over the head hard and your surroundings blur as a bag is put over your eyes.

You think to yourself, "Taeghan!"

You sense that Taeghan is thinking about you and you feel the warmth of his affection.

You successfully command your resistant muscles to remove a silvery blue rolaren longsword from in your dupioni silk cloak.

Oddly, your surroundings grow blurry. You feel a tickle on the back of your neck, and without any warning, you suddenly feel extremely dizzy. Stars pass across your vision, which is shrouded in shadow. Then, a light appears ahead of you. Your vision clears, and you find that you are nowhere near where you were just moments ago.

[The Scales of Truth, Altar]
Centered on a semi-circular stone dais is an ebon marble altar, serpents crafted from gold seemingly slithering up the sides. Heat fills the room from a dozen stone braziers that are placed about, flames rising from their centers. Crafted into the back wall is a huge mosaic, its colorful tiles gleaming in the fire's glow. You also see a pile of offerings and a shadowed corridor.
Obvious exits: none

Aibri eyes you for a moment, circling you slowly.

Aibri says, "You will do nicely on that altar there.."

Aibri says, "But..tsk tsk with the longsword."

Myriamie tries to twitch her arm to swing her sword.

Aibri waves a hand at you and you feel better for a moment.

You growl ferociously!

Aibri says, "I'd rather have you coherent all things be told."

Aibri ties you down quickly to the altar and grins.

Aibri says, "Angry thing aren't you."

You ask, "What do you want with me?"

Aibri says, "Oh.."

Aibri chuckles.

Aibri asks, "What I want?"

Aibri says, "I want you to feel."

Aibri nods to you.

Aibri asks, "I want you to feel, and I want your bonded..yes the shield of Ronan is it?"

Aibri grins slowly.

You say, "...feel? I feel plenty. You can let me walk out now. Mission complete."

Aibri says, "I want him to feel very moment."

You nod slowly.

Aibri chuckles.

Aibri says, "Not quite so fast.."

Aibri mockingly says, "M'lady."

Aibri makes a contemptuous half-bow.

You frown at Aibri.

Aibri makes a snapping motion and several cultists begin to file in.

You say, "If you want someone to feel, it will be you. Feeling Taeghan's sword when he finds me."

Aibri says, "You see, your bond.. with the Shield.. is unique."

Aibri says, "And it provides special..pleasure to my Lord."

Aibri says, "To know that what you feel? He will feel too."

Aibri grins at you.

Aibri says, "And so here we are.."

Aibri says, "Really you should feel blessed."

(Myriamie's frown deepens.)

Aibri nods to you.

You uncertainly ask, "The bond?"

Aibri says, "Oh yes.. see you thought you'd get away with so much from that bond."

Aibri chuckles.

Aibri asks, "You thought we didn't know?"

Aibri touches your cheek with a cold, taloned finger.

Aibri grins slowly.

You furrow up your face and wince.

Aibri says, "Oh we knew.."

You say, "We did get away with it. It kept me safe from you."

Aibri says, "And though it perplexed us initially..sneaky sneaky girl that you are."

Aibri says, "It then made us aware of how very vulnerable you two are at this time."

Aibri chuckles.

A wavering blur suddenly appears, coming together into the cohesive form of Abran.

Abran hisses.

You glance at Abran.

>look abr
You see Abran the Luukosian Cultist.
He appears to be a Human.
He is shorter than average and appears to be wizened with age. He has sparkling pale grey eyes and olive skin. He has chin length, shiny grey-brown hair streaked with silver. He has a square-jawed face and a crooked nose.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a gold-encased emerald medallion, some braided green leather sandals, some layered copper-hued linen robes edged with malachite scales around the deep cowl, and a polished golden-hued emerald ring.

>look ai
You see Aibri the Luukosian Priest.
He appears to be a Human.
He is average height and appears to be burdened with age. He has hooded ale-brown eyes and ashen skin. He has a bald head. He has a haggard face, a beak-like nose and a small goatee.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a gold-encased emerald medallion, some cowled black damask robes edged with tiny copper scales about the hem, a polished golden-hued emerald ring, and some copper sinew sandals.

Aibri says, "Yes well.. you aren't safe from me now are you child."

Aibri chuckles.

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

Abran slowly paces to his left, moving in a circle around you.

A wavering blur suddenly appears, coming together in the cohesive form of Deirhge.

Abran raspily says, "Now what do we have here..."

You say, "My mind is safe. Taeghan shields me as well."

Aibri flickers a forked tongue for a moment, and then nods.

Deirhge gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Aibri says, "Oh its not your mind I want."

Aibri grins at you.

(Myriamie glances around as the room fills up.)

Abran raspily says, "Yesss, thisss will be good."

Aibri says, "But you'll see soon enough."

Abran nods slowly.

You think to yourself, "Taeghan... where are you?"

Abran bows to Aibri.

Deirhge shrilly says, "You have herss."

Deirhge cackles!

Abran raspily says, "Yess.. thiss will be pleassing."

Aibri grins.

Aibri says, "Yes and we will soon have him as well thorugh their..bond."

Aibri asks, "So are you ready dear?"

Aibri peers quizzically at you.

Abran laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

Aibri says, "You are about to experience something wonderful."

You say, "...bring your best."

Aibri chuckles.

Speaking to Abran, Aibri says, "I like her. I really do."

Myriamie steels herself, uncertain what she's preparing for.

Speaking raspily to you, Abran says, "Oh we sshall. We sshall."

Abran nods slowly at Aibri.

Aibri calls to his brethren, directing them to encircle the sacrificial stone slab where the victim lies.

Deirhge shrilly says, "She is perfect."

Abran raspily says, "I like when they fight."

You squirm.

Abran snorts a derisive laugh, sneering in mockery.

You say, "You'll get a fight."

Abran glares at you.

You narrow your eyes.

Abran raspily says, "I hope sso."

Abran grins coldly, his eyes reflecting no emotion.

Aibri says, "Abran, do bring the smoking herbs so she is somewhat drugged for this. It helps if she doesn't squirm..so."

Aibri says, "She just needs to inhale a bit."

Abran nods slowly.

Aibri watches over Myriamie with an almost protective gaze, a slight smile curving his thin lips.

(Myriamie stares back at Aibri defiantly.)

Abran raspily says, "I ssshall obtain them."

Aibri grins, smoothing back Myriamie's hair.

You flinch.

Aibri winks.

As Abran softly chants a phrase, his form wavers slightly. Within seconds, he has completely disappeared.

Deirhge ponders.

You evenly say, "They will find me. Whatever you do to me, they'll find me. Alive or dead."

Aibri says, "Do tighten the bonds please."

You say, "And you will pay."

Aibri nods at Deirhge.

Aibri says, "Oh I'm sure they will find you."

Aibri chuckles.

Aibri says, "I don't mean to keep you from them forever."

Aibri winks.

A wavering blur suddenly appears, coming together into the cohesive form of Abran.

Aibri says, "Only long enough so that he.. your bonded that is.. feels it."

Aibri winks at you.

Aibri says, "Just long enough so that he understands."

You frown.

Aibri grins slowly.

Aibri says, "Ah here we are."

>think Taeghan?
You concentrate on projecting your thoughts but something seems to be blocking them.
You sense that Taeghan is thinking about you and you feel the warmth of his affection.

Aibri says, "Just wave them near her face."

Deirhge moves towards Myriamie and tightens the bonds holding her.

You glance away.

Deirhge shrilly says, "You will not leave here..."

You say, "I may not."

You say, "But your miserable life will be worth even less than it is after you do whatever you plan."

Abran walks over slowly towards Myriamie, a slow smile spreading across his lips. He lifts up a smoking basket of herbs and places it just below her nose as he says, "Breathe in deep.".

As the herbs are waved near your face, you cannot help but inhale for survival purposes and feel the effects almost instantly. Your vision blurs and your limbs become heavy, numbed. Everything seems to be in a haze suddenly.

Abran laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Aibri says, "Yes...that's it."

Abran raspily says, "Yess... take it in."

Aibri gives an odd giggle, and his eyes flash with yellow flecks of amber.

You slowly say, "You'll be paid... well..."

Aibri absently says, "Yes.. yes.. just breath."

You hold your breath.

Abran raspily says, "It isss payment enough to ssserve him."

Aibri pinches Myriamie's nose and forces a gasp.

Deirhge shrilly says, "Paid? We will be paid for our service to him."

Abran nods at Aibri.

Abran agrees with Deirhge.

Aibri says, "Oh yes, the prophecy will come and then.."

Aibri says, "Well then you will all truly see."

You think to yourself, "Nilandia... do I hear your voice? Nil..."

Aibri says, "Lets get on with this."

Deirhge shrilly says, "Do it."

As Aibri calls to his brethren, they encircle your form while you lay upon the sacrificial stone slab, barely conscious. Try as you may, you are unable to break free of your drugged state of mind.

Abran grins coldly, his eyes reflecting no emotion.

You think to yourself, "...Taeghan..."

Abran says, "Yesss," as his eyes widen with delight.

Aibri gazes down into your face as he withdraws a pinch of viridian powder from his pouch, dusting your form with the fragrant granules. Your mind slips further into a drugged state as you inhale of the powder, and the sound of the cultists chanting remains dulled in your ears.

You think to yourself, "...Nilandia..."

Abran chants a short but reverent orison, asking for death and eternal servitude to come to his enemies.

Deirhge sways back and forth, her eyes gleaming with a feverish tint.

The shadows flicker with candlelight as the variety of candles lit about the chamber gutter in and out from the occasional breath of air. Smoke lingers along the walls, slithering against the darkened surface much like tiny snakes.

Myriamie tries to force her limbs to move, to drive the fog from her mind.

Aibri quietly murmurs, "Brethren, we gather this night in praise and worship of our Lord Luukos, the Great Deceiver, the Taker of Souls. We raise our voices in prayer to Him with each breath we are given this eve."

Abran chants a short but reverent orison, asking for death and eternal servitude to come to his enemies.

Abran bursts out in triumphant laughter!

An eerie whistle echoes outside as the wind pierces the entrance to the chamber, echoing against the walls and threatening to gutter the candles. Soft hissing sounds resound throughout the chamber as hot wax encounters moisture from the chilled wind.

Abran raises his hands in worship.

You shiver.

Your senses are heavily dulled from the effects of the drugs introduced into your system by the cultists. Your skin prickles nonetheless, chilled by the events happening around you as much as from the stirring of the wind in the ritual chamber. The sound of your heart beating in your chest is thunderous, and though you valiantly try, your eyelids will not raise for your command.

Deirhge cackles!

The cultists continue to chant in their symphony of prayer, the sounds mixing together until they sound much like a chorus of hissing serpents as their prayers rise throughout the chamber, resonating from its walls with an almost violent sensation.

Abran continues to chant, his eyes glazing over as his speech becomes more raspy with each word.

You think to yourself, "The locket... Taeghan"

You sense that Taeghan is thinking about you and you feel the warmth of his affection.

Deirhge joins her voice in worship, the words mixing with the chorus.

The hissing fills your mind, creating chaos and fear where nothing had been before due to the heavily drugged state of your body. Your heart races from anxiety, your nerves twitch and your inner voice screams for release from this torment as the chanting continues relentlessly. Suddenly, the voice of the Priest rises above the chanting and you feel your back arching of its own accord, offering your chest to the sacrifice!

Deirhge shrilly says, "Yess."

The Priest calls out to one of his brethren, beckoning him above the chaotic chanting of the cultists. The cultist moves forward, producing a slender black snake from within his robes to hand to the Priest. The Priest nods, letting the reptile curl over his fingertips as if walking a coin from knuckle to knuckle. He then murmurs beneath his breath and drops the snake to Myriamie's chest!

You think to yourself, "TAEGHAN!"

Aibri loudly shouts, "Lord of Lies, we offer this soul to You! We give of this being all that he is to Your command! We pray that You find Yourself pleased in this offering and take of it as You will!"

Aibri gazes heavenward.

Abran chants a short but reverent orison, asking for death and eternal servitude to come to his enemies.

You sense that Taeghan is thinking about you and you feel the warmth of his affection.

Abran raspily says, "Yesss... take it Masster, take it."

Deirhge shrilly says, "Take her, for your glory, use her as you must."

Abran hisses.

The cultists are joined by the Priest now as the chanting reaches a feverish pitch, echoing off of the walls of the small chamber with such force that it seems their very words may gutter the candles and render the area in complete darkness! Wind howls outside of the room, shaking the doorway and screaming as if in representation of the helpless victim laying beneath the snake.

Abran chants a short but reverent orison, asking for death and eternal servitude to come to his enemies.

Abran sways back and forth.

You think to yourself, "...the locket... Taeghan... off"

Deirhge moves in rhythm with the chanting, her body swaying from side to side.

>look dei
You see Deirhge the Luukosian Cultist.
She appears to be a Human.
She is average height and appears to be youthful. She has dark-rimmed vivid blue eyes and olive skin. She has long, curly bright red hair hanging in a tangled mass. She has an angular face, an aquiline nose and sunken cheeks.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a gold-encased emerald medallion, some layered copper-hued linen robes edged with malachite scales around the deep cowl, a polished golden-hued emerald ring, and some braided green leather sandals.
Your fear triples into a state of complete chaos as you violently fight back with all of the mental power you possess against the invasion of your body by the serpent. Unfortunately, the drugs have rendered you helpless and you can only lie there in your arched state, experiencing every inch of terror as the snake slithers into your open mouth and down your throat. Its scaly form makes its way past your tightened throat muscles and into your chest as pain washes over your body until it feels almost unbearable!

Aibri cackles deep in his throat, his voice rising in chilling laughter.

Abran snorts a derisive laugh, sneering in mockery.

The Priest's eyes blacken and appear as liquid pools of smoke as he withdraws the ritual dagger and raises it high above the victim. The chanting abruptly stops and a deafening silence overcomes the chamber as the Priest brings down the dagger into the victim!

A driving pain shoots through your chest as the Priest brings his dagger down into your chest, carving through the flesh and into the cavity where the snake has stopped its journey. As you gurgle on your own blood, the light begins to fade and your senses are reduced to the rapidly fading sensations of tugging within your chest as the Priest rips into it and retrieves the serpent, covered in your thick blood but still alive. You vaguely recall the image of the serpent being handed carefully to a nearby cultist who licks at the scaly invader briefly, then takes it away from the ritual. Then there is darkness and nothing else.

Even in your state, you feel Taeghan's thoughts turn to concern as he realizes you are dead. You may even detect a note of alarm.

Deirhge cackles!

Abran snaps out of his trance and glares at the body before him, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

Hanos screams!

The snake is taken from the temple as Myriamie collapses upon the slab, lifeless.

You fearfully ask, "...what did you do to me?"

Hanos exclaims, "What is this MADNESS!"

Deirhge shrilly says, "Yes.."

Aibri glances at Hanos.

Aibri exclaims, "Go!"

Abran raspily says, "It isss done."

Aibri says, "Go my brethren! This deed is done."

Speaking amusedly to you, Aibri says, "And he felt all of it."

As Abran softly chants a phrase, his form wavers slightly. Within seconds, he has completely disappeared.

Deirhge shrilly says, "For him.. for his glory."

Aibri just went through a shadowed corridor.

Hanos reaches back and throws his fist in the air, energy crackling from his arm.

Hanos yells, "Leave this place!"

Hanos strides over to stand before Deirhge.

You softly say, "But he's strong..."

Deirhge reaches up and touches her emerald medallion, thumbing its surface briefly as a deep, sibilant hiss fills the air. The image of a slitted yellow eye appears before her, shimmering as several serpents of varied size rush forth from its depths and open up a pathway within. She steps into it and disappears.

Hanos growls ferociously!

Speaking quietly to Hanos, you ask, "...help me?"

Hanos glances at you.

Hanos says, "I will help you.."

Hanos strides over to stand before you.

You urgently ask, "Is he safe? Taeghan? Did you see him?"

Speaking sadly to you, Hanos says, "I did not..."

Hanos says, "You have been given to them."

Hanos exclaims, "I will claim you back!"

You say, "Please... please help."

Hanos kneels down.

Hanos touches you.

Hanos closes his eyes for a moment.

Hanos prays over Myriamie's body as the sense of evil begins to fade from the area.

Speaking to himself, Hanos says, "Blessed be, that the tyranny and evil be removed from this place. The passing of evil will be taken."

Hanos slowly empties his lungs.

Speaking weakly to you, Hanos says, "It took much of me to clear this place...I will return you as quickly as I can."

You quietly say, "...they drugged me. I don't really understand what happened."

Hanos puts Myriamie's hands over her chest in a pious pose.

Nilandia's group just came through a shadowed corridor.

Taken

08/08/2011 08:15 AM CDT

Player Log

Delcian was taken from Helga's Tavern in the evening, after being tortured for a time he was found stunned outside of the North Gate. As others found him and tried to heal him he died while reaching for Taeghan.

For now Delcian is recovering from his wounds both physically and mentally as he tries to come to gripes with his deformity.

Mithogras [General]: "If you don't know where you are m'lord, where were you before?"

Delcian shudders.

Vaein [General]: "Delcian, can you hear anything near you?"

Pain streaks through your mind as you attempt to think, and the effort is almost crippling.

Isanae [General]: "Do you smell anything?"

Taeghan [General]: "Or smell anything?"

You loudly say, "Gah, damnit."

You [General]: "It hurts to think....It's cold here."

[Darkness]
There is nothing but ink-dark blackness. There air is ice cold and a feeling of malice dominates the very air. There is no way out and no indication of a way in. No walls, no floor, no ceiling - just ink-black darkness.
Obvious exits: none

You think to yourself, "Ronan do not abandon me, protect me from this...aid me."

The sound of scraping metal echoes in your ears, sounding as loud as if it were right against your eardrum. Faint laughter resounds once more, though it sounds both far away and near at the same time. The endless darkness is incessent.

You demand, "Who's there!"

Taeghan [General]: "Hold on, Priest."

Giggling is heard and a small, shadow being, what can only be described as a small girl.. comes skipping towards you in faint, shadowy illumination. Only her form is illuminated, and only enough so that it is blurred and more dark than light. She giggles, her pigtails of shadow bouncing.

Isanae [General]: "They are coming to find you Delcian!"

You [General]: "There....it's....she's a child."

Taeghan [General]: "Who is, my friend?"

You softly say, "Little girl.."

Isanae [General]: "A child lead me to my kidnapping and thing in my head, be careful!"

You softly ask, "Hunney, my name is Delcian did they grab you as well?"

Her flounced dress shifts in shadow each movement she makes as she nears you. The silence is so deafening that her footsteps sound as anvils with each step she takes. She grins widely, her eyes sparkling with white light in her shadowed face. As she nears you, she reaches out and with a single finger draws a line over your nose. Pain sears your body, pain of such an intensity that you have never experienced it before! Your flesh is on fire and her touch is eating at your skin! Her giggles echo your anguished screams as you stare in horror, unable to shrink away.

Hishinta [General]: "Anyone else hear that."

Delcian screams loudly as he tries to break free of the invisible bonds.

Isanae [General]: "Yes!"

Myriamie [General]: "No..."

Taeghan [General]: "Hear what?"

Avanti [General]: "I just heard a scream from the glacier."

Mithogras [General]: "What?"

Isanae [General]: "A scream."

Jeresheva [General]: "We heard it in the Landing."

Taeghan [General]: "We're looking."

You [General]: "She hurts....Taeghan!....please Teaghan... help!"

You quietly say, "Please....please let me go."

The girl does a twirl, skipping about your form and dragging her nail along your face as she goes. Each touch strips flesh from your face, dropping it in melted goo to the floor as she draws a line of agony across your cheekbone and eyelid to your ear. Laughter resounds in the darkness in response to your pleas, followed by her giggles.

Myriamie [General]: "Delcian. Fight them. Close your mind off to them. We're coming."

Taeghan [General]: "We are trying."

Isanae [General]: "Delcian hold onto your faith!"

Jeresheva [General]: "So much pain..."

Shilarra [General]: "We are coming."

Delcian screams loudly, his cries turing to soft whimpers as he struggles in vain.

The giggling shadow child stops, whispering softly in her child-like voice, "Where is your shield now, priest?"

You pleadingly stammer, "P-please.... no more."

Myriamie (Focused) [General]: "Hang on. We're coming. Just hang on."

You softly say, "I will tell them to leave....they won't find you, jus...."

You pleadingly say, "Don't..."

The shadow child gives you a pout, and then shrugs, skipping off into the shadows with her pigtails bouncing once more. The relief floods you as the pain is given a momentary pause and you are left in the ink-black darkness once more, your body encased in cold.

Isanae [General]: "We have reports of more screams and giggles in the Landing!"

You weakly say, "Ronan....please...."

Taeghan (Focused) [General]: "HOLD ON!"

Isanae [General]: "I have all assembled with me in the Keep, what should we do?"

Myriamie [General]: "Can you tell where they're coming from?"

Shilarra [General]: "Delcian keep the faith we are looking for you."

Delcian's eyes close as he tries to fall into trance.

A deep, angry voice booms through the darkness, startling you and shaking your every bone to its core. "Ronan is not HERE!" it shrieks, and then silence and pain is all that is left.

Mithogras [General]: "Keep alert?"

Delcian forces out the pain and the voices focusing on the mist, and Ronan.

Yonaton [General]: "I will tell bad stories of your home town, Delcian, if you do not fight and speak up."

Delcian whispers a soft prayer.

Isanae [General]: "Not good."

You think to yourself, "Ronan, my strength in peace and war, I humbly beseech Thee to look with favor upon me. "

A chant fills the shadows, echoing in the childish and innocent voice of your tormentor. "The Priest will scream, the Priest will fall. The Priest will succumb, He can't handle it at all! The Priest has no shield, the Priest has no sword, The priest is not fit to serve his lord!"

You [General]: "Ronan.... is not here today."

Myriamie [General]: "Delcian, don't you give up. Do not."

Jeresheva [General]: "Do not give up!"

Myriamie (Focused) [General]: "We're coming for you. You have to stay strong."

Yonaton [General]: "Fight, Delcian!"

You say, "I do not need my shield...I have Ronan."

Isanae [General]: "Cholen is always with me! And Ronan is always with you! You don't give up or I will put you in a dress and make you dance!"

After several moments, the silence is broken by a startling sound of metal scraping against the floor. Though you are suspended in darkness, unable to touch or feeling anything but the cold air, the sound is recognizable. It grows louder with each passing moment and seems to be nearing you. Before long, brief shadowy illumination shines down upon a bucket of dark, bubbling liquid. The smell is acidic and overwhelming, burning the hairs of your nose.

Vaein [General]: "Hold strong, Delcian. The Night is your masters realm, use it to your advantage."

Taeghan (Focused) [General]: "We are coming. Hold that thought close and dear."

You pleadingly say, "Wait....no...please."

You fearfully exclaim, "Please don't!"

Myriamie [General]: "Isanae, have you heard more screams? Can you get a fix on where they were?"

The skipping of the girl proceeds her arrival, and she does not giggle this time, only comes to a silent stop before you, standing next to the bucket. She grins silently and takes ahold of your trembling hand, patting it gently with her own.

Isanae [General]: "The screams were upon the wind."

Jeresheva [General]: "It has been quiet since the shadow children dissapeared."

Taeghan [General]: "We are well on our way to Icemule, though we shall be returning to the lands near Wehnimers soon."

You fearfully say, "Please child....don't do this."

You quietly say, "You don't have to do this...."

Yonaton [General]: "Ha! I am going to thump on your citizens, Delcian. What think you of that?"

The girl's grin widens and you are able to finally see that her teeth are not teeth, but fangs and razorsharp at that. They drip with a foul substance and her tongue is forked as it snakes forward and licks at your fingers one by one. Suddenly a hard grip is given and she yanks your hand down, plunging it into the bucket of acid as you shriek and struggle to no avail.

[Voln - Sadrieli] "Is it normal to hear crying and giggling in the graveyard?"

Isanae [General]: "The creams are worse."

Isanae [General]: "Pain and anguish."

Isanae [General]: "They are everywhere."

Myriamie [General]: "Where are you?"

Delcian screams loudly as acid hits flesh, he flails akwardly trying to pull away from the bucket.

Your hand is held in the acid, the horrifying burn of it all nonstop as your flesh melts from the bones and your blood boils. You are almost unable to bear it and after a moment, find yourself slipping into darkness from the sheer agony of it all.

You [General]: "Acid!...Taeghan please!"

Delcian fights the urgh to pass into blissfull darkness.

Taeghan [General]: "I am trying! I cannot sense you!"

Myriamie [General]: "Delcian we're coming. We're trying to find you."

[Darkness]
There is nothing but ink-dark blackness. There air is ice cold and a feeling of malice dominates the very air. There is no way out and no indication of a way in. No walls, no floor, no ceiling - just ink-black darkness.
Obvious exits: none

Isanae [General]: "Don't you dare give up on us!"

You think to yourself, "Taeghan has failed me....Ronan forsaken me...."

You loudly exclaim, "No!"

You loudly exclaim, "I am not alone!"

Isanae [General]: "Ware shadows of little girls, they sing of his plight like a rhyme!"

Yonaton [General]: "Delcian! Hold your pain and fear in! Give them nothing to feed on! Be storng, friend!"

You forcefully say, "They will find me....and they will kill you.."

Isanae [General]: "Again with the chant, the words now are: Oh how it burns, the caress of his failure. Oh how it aches, the agony of his betrayal! The priest will fall, The Priest will tumble! The priest will find this night that he is humbled!"

Yonaton [General]: "You are little in mind and manner. The priest will fare well and it will be you, who caves to weakness."

Giggling erupts from every corner of the darkness, as the girl finally releases your hand which is now nothing more than strips of singed flesh hanging from bone. The chanting erupts once more, melodically singing - "Oh how it burns, the caress of his failure. Oh how it aches, the agony of his betrayal! The priest will fall, The Priest will tumble! The priest will find this night that he is humbled!"

Hishinta [General]: "Do not let them be right! Prove them wrong, Delcian!"

Taeghan [General]: "Yonaton? Where are you?"

Jeresheva [General]: "Howls near the keep."

Delcian tries to raise what is left of his hand, the pain stoping him before the magic can.

Yonaton [General]: "I am on my way through."

The shadow child leans in close, mopping at your sweat-covered brow with a piece of her soft cloth dress. She whispers soothingly, "Are you humble yet Priest?"

Isanae [General]: "Howls near the Keep, staying outside as long as we feel it safe."

Mithogras [General]: "Tread with care!"

Myriamie [General]: "Beware the jackals, and get weapons blessed just in case."

You forcefully exclaim, "Ronan..my strength in peace and war, I humble beseech thee to look with favor upon me!"

Isanae [General]: "I can not bless, if jackals come I will lead all within the walls."

Delcian continues his prayer as he praises Ronan even when deserted.

The soothing smile abruptly averts to that of a grim strength and the child nods, leaning back from you and removing the cloth from your brow. She turns, walking away quietly and leaving the bucket behind. You are left once more in darkness and icy cold air.

Delcian swallows hard as he licks his dry lips.

Mithogras [General]: "No sign yet."

Isanae [General]: "Those gathered with me are joining in praying to Ronan to grant Delcian the faith and strength he needs."

Isanae [General]: "Delcian if you can hear us, we are praying."

Jeresheva [General]: "Stay strong, chosen of Ronan, our thoughts and all of strength is with you. Fight this madness!"

Silence is interrupted by the sound of the air moving about you as your body is suddenly turned slowly into an upside down position, hovering just over the bucket. You stare in horror at the liquid as it bubbles just mere inches from your head, your very fate suspended in unseen hands.

Myriamie (Focused) [General]: "If you can give us any clues to your location, it would help us. We want to find you. Your Shield is looking for you."

Myriamie (Focused) [General]: "Can you hear anything at all?"

You quietly say, "You don't have to do this."

You softly say, "This doesn't have to happen."

Delcian tries to push away the fear and slip into meditation.

A quiet, ice-cold voice whispers directly to your mind, stating, "Your God.. Your God is not here today, Priest." Immediately afterwards, you are turned and your face is dropped directly into the vat of acid. Flesh burns and sizzles, dripping from your bones immediately as your scream is lost in the blood gurgling in your throat from the attempt to breath in your own liquid flesh.

Delcian opens his mouth to scream only to have the acid rush in and burn away his tongue, his body jerks and flails to no avail as he prays for the release of death.

Only a few seconds pass before the area is suddenly ripped into by a blast of silvery light and a shriek of pain that can only come from those undead fills your agonized mind. Your body is freed and cradled, dropping you into the comfort of unconsciousness as you are whisked away.

You think to yourself, "Ronan, take me beyond the gate. My soul is yours."

The touch on your mind is cold, yet not foreign. The embrace is familiar and comforting. Your mind is cradled and held close as the whisper of night reaches your pain-ravaged mind, "Rest, as you are in My hands now, my faithful."

[Night's Embrace]
The darkness here is comforting and welcoming as it cradles you in its embrace. You float in silent contemplation, your mind secured and protected by the silvery pinpoints of light shining like stars.
Obvious exits: none

You think to yourself, "My lord...is this the Ebon gate? Has my time come?"

Delcian slips into the embrace and comfort of unconsciousness.

As you languidly float in the comfort of darkness, you are given this thought - "You have done well, my faithful. When the time comes, I will always be here with you." Afterwards, you are slowly dropped from the darkness and into the normal light of night.

You feel yourself being pulled away...

[Wehnimer's, Outside Gate]
Citizens, merchants and assorted dregs of society jostle against you before the great wooden gates of Wehnimer's Landing. Harried guards and militiamen try to keep the chaos to a minimum, but it is hard to keep track of those entering, let alone leaving, this large trading post. A dirt path encircling the wooden palisade of the town leads east and southwest. Nailed prominently to the wooden wall beside the gate is a sign you really should read. You also see the Shilarra disk, a rickety black plank shack and a Wayside Inn.
Obvious paths: north, east, southwest, northwest

You have severe head trauma and bleeding from the ears, snapped bones and serious bleeding from the neck, and a completely severed right hand.

You think to yourself, "Taeghan..."

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.
The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Philnia.

A vacillating forest spirit floats in, following Philnia.

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.
The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

You weakly say, "Taeghan..."

High Lord Brinret just slipped quietly through the wooden gates, his group following closely.

Brinret peers quizzically at you.

Myriamie kneels down.

Taeghan kneels down.

Taeghan reaches over and gently rests his hand on your shoulder.

Myriamie frowns.

Mithogras winces.

Speaking to you, Myriamie asks, "...what did they do to you?"

Brinret seems to lose an aura of confidence.

Myriamie flinches.

(Delcian reaches up weakly.)

Speaking to you, Taeghan says, "My friend..."

You weakly say, "Taeghan..."

Mithogras says, "The burns..."

Speaking quietly to you, Taeghan says, "I am here."

Lord Yonaton just came through the wooden gates.

Brinret says, "His face..."

Jeresheva just came through the wooden gates.

Taeghan nods slowly.

Lady Isanae just came through the wooden gates.

You close your eyes for a moment.

Jeresheva's face turns slightly pale.

Inium just came through the wooden gates.

Lord Vaein's group just came through the wooden gates.

Isanae kneels down.

Speaking to you, Taeghan asks, "What...who?"

Sadrieli just came down the southwest path.

Sadrieli just went through the wooden gates.

Brinret clasps Shilarra's hand tenderly.

Myriamie hangs her head.

Jeresheva flinches.

Sadrieli just came through the wooden gates.
It seems you have died, my friend. Although you cannot do anything, you are keenly aware of what is going on around you...

You mentally give a sigh of relief as you remember that the Goddess Lorminstra owes you a favor.

...departing in 14 mins...
* Delcian just bit the dust!

Vaein groans.

Jeresheva groans.

Isanae blinks.

Hishinta gasps.

Kunri just came through the wooden gates.

Taeghan roars!

Inium groans.

Taeghan bows his head and chants a short prayer, causing night black and silver light to momentarily coalesce in front of him.

Brinret put some aloeas stem in his black leather scrip.

Myriamie frowns.

Jeresheva snarls menacingly!

Inium searches around for a moment.

Taeghan snarls, "NO!"

Hishinta casually observes her surroundings.

Jeresheva melodically says, "I could not help him...."

Defenders Come to Assist

08/13/2011 04:01 PM CDT

Late this afternoon, a temple guard was spotted outside the trail to Voln near Wehnimer's Landing. Shortly after, several paladins of various faiths began showing up, occupying the area as well. The warriors of faith continued amassing, in Lower and Upper Dragonsclaw, and some moved on to fight the Illoke in the Badlands. While their cause seems related to the recent struggle against the Lornonites, their orders are unknown.

Tacked to the Wehnimer's North Gate

08/19/2011 03:50 PM CDT

Under cover of the crimson moon, a young boy rushes to the north gate of the city and removes a parchment from within his bag. Carefully unrolling it, he pauses a moment, catching his breath as he leans against the gate. A few passing locals give him a strange glance, considering his age and the time of the night during these dangerous times. The boy merely smiles, his eyes giving an unusual sparkle that the close observer would notice as magical in nature. After a few moments or rest, the boy completes his task and the result is a thick parchment, smudged from the elements' effect upon it and tattered at the edges, nailed securely to the exterior of the north gate of Wehnimer's Landing.

Giving the parchment a brief read, the boy nods and pulls his cowl over his face, disappearing into the crimson-hued shadows of night with very little effort. A nearby local man, having watched the curious occurance from the safety of the Wayside Inn, wandered out after the boy had gone, and took a look at the notice. Widened eyes were the response to what was read, and hurried footsteps into the city quickly followed as he too, disappeared into the misty, crimson-shadowed streets.

"The Shadows await their payment and are growing restless. If you have the required exchange, make your way to the designated spot this coming Day of the Huntress, the 26th day of the month, at half past the tenth hour. As usual, the boy awaits you."

On pale blue paper

08/22/2011 11:24 PM CDT

Player Log

>The paper's high quality and obvious expense, the ink's rich color, the beautiful blend of elven handwriting and human curvature in the letters will simply be ignored by those with the ability to appropriately understand the simple words:

"The Marshal's father is Palestra.
"The Light and Shadow shall yet mix.

"Charl bless, always:
"Nixandrea Peyroux Dagon Nalfein"

>The paper is otherwise unmarked, save for the green pin holding it tightly to the North Gate of the Landing. Nixxi is beyond reach from her usual haunts.

"Whut? Mis Nix? Ah ain't seen 'er today. Nut like 'er," the fisherman of Mist Harbor acknowledges uncomfortably. "Usually 'ere at least f-four times a day. Usually more." He frowns. "Nut like I was, y'know.. watchin'.. er anything. Just.. yup."

>The subject is then changed towards the weather and the coming winter.

Blinded by the Light

08/24/2011 07:43 PM CDT

[Solhaven, Mid-Morning]

Recovering a bit more each day, she has finally reached a point in the healing process where she gets up daily and walks without assistance. The days are hot and bright, even as she wanders past the docks where the breeze from the sea brings a bit of relief from the humidity. She savors them, though. Too long she felt no heat in her flesh as the venom's effect took hold of her very core. Many healers labored over her in an effort to help, and most of them brought some little bit of comfort, truth be told. But noone had been able to decipher the source of the poison. Various herbalists and alchemists came to look at her, conversing with the healers and studying her in great detail while she lay fighting internally. There was never a conclusion made, only conjectures and possibilities. She was not sure that it would ever be figured out, but she had managed to beat it and that was what she cared about at the moment. Sometimes, the path of her life took her down dark roads, but never quite as dark as this. Still, she clung to her convictions and the faith that she was on the right track, as she'd been directed her entire life.

As a child, she'd been deemed 'marked' by the locals as one who would foretell of prophecy. This was such a mixed declaration for her family, and for her, if she were honest. On one hand, it was amazing and exciting to know that you could be the vehicle for the Arkati, and indeed even for the more mystical powers that are not spoken of except with others who have the gift. On the other, it was a lonely life and filled with obstacles and difficulties that noone could help her with. She would have to be strong, and perservere to make it down the path chosen for her. There would be those who scorned her, called her demoness and declared her a fake, or worse, a harbinger of evil. There would be those who did not understand, and by nature, people always fear what they do not understand. If she were honest, sometimes she did not understand either. But she did not need to understand. She just knew it would be what it would be, and that is what she was meant to know. Rather subjective, but honest. And if she were nothing else, she could be called honest. She never lied, and she never tricked. She always gave the news she had to give without anything coloring it. Sometimes, she could not say everything at once, as it was not given to her in that fashion. But she never withheld, nor lied. It just wasn't how it worked. Convincing others of this was no easy task. And so she enjoyed these moments when she could walk outside in the sun, away from the darkness that had been with her most of her life.

A group of men and women robed in sanguine silk with emerald lining crossed through her path, stepping past her with ease as they chatted amongst themselves. A quick flick of her eyes took in one's appearance in its entirety and she noticed the pewter pendant shaped into a stylized wisp of smoke. Further down, her gaze took in the thin emerald band on the woman's finger, engraved with the same wisp as the pendant. Another quick glance noted that the others wore the same things. "Ivasians.." she thought to herself, and nodded as she continued on her walk, though now not quite as leisurely as before. "They have come into the light in full, it seems." she murmured to herself and her companion, the guard sent with her by the church, shot her an inquisitive glance. "Oh, nothing. Just an old woman's ramblings." she said, forcing a smile to her wrinkled visage as she hobbled on. Once she reached the healers' abode, she nodded to the guard, who nodded in turn and took his leave of her once she was safely to the steps. As she closed the doors, another group passed nearby - this one smaller than the last and comprised of three young women and a single young man - their robes of crimson linen chained with onyx-set bloodjewels and their black scimitar-shaped medallions dangling from their necks. Though, she noticed, one of them was clad in something different - the young man she realized - he was clad in a pristine ivory robe with bloodjewels edging the sleeves and a blackened steel chain suspending a glass-encased petrified heart. "Oh. They are now mixing together openly as well.. Yes, I need to get to my notes." she thought to herself, closing the door behind her as she watched the group walk away from her window, none of them concerned about being seen in the slightest.

The Light Sworn

08/24/2011 09:44 PM CDT

Player Log

Delcian's group just went through a graceful Liabo marble arch.

[The Shrine of Dreams]
Stars surround you, twinkling brightly as far as the eye can see. Or so it seems, until you look more closely, and realize that the walls and ceiling of this room are made of rocks pieced together in such a way that bits of light flicker through the crevices, giving the illusion of being beneath a starlit sky. Pinpoints of light reflect off of the polished black marble floor, adding to the sensation that you have entered the heavens themselves. You also see a graceful marble altar with a shallow font on it.
Also here: Journeywoman Sadrieli, Evandre, Lord Myke, Shilarra, Lord Vaein, Delcian
Obvious exits: out

Evandre glances around the room.

Shilarra turns to face a graceful marble altar.

A dusky pure silver lynx saunters in.

Delcian says, "The Shrine of Dreams."

Shilarra bows to a graceful marble altar.

Sadrieli bows to a graceful marble altar.

Shilarra gives a dusky pure silver lynx a bite of her haphip root.

Vaein shuts his eyes for a brief moment.

Myke smiles fondly as he surveys the room.

Vaein takes a deep breath.

Shilarra put some haphip root in her leather jacket.

A dusky pure silver lynx emits a surprisingly deep growl!

You gaze heavenward.

You take a deep breath.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Myke takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around him.

Delcian kneels down.

Delcian closes his eyes for a moment, as his fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

Shilarra removes a tiny pink pearl from in her leather gempouch.

You kneel down.

Myke walks towards Delcian.

Myke takes a few steps to his left.

Shilarra carefully places a tiny pink pearl on the floor.

Sadrieli dips her fingers in a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

Myke kneels down.

Shilarra takes a few steps to her right.

Myke just opened a ornate eonake tome case.

Shilarra kneels down.

(Rhyssa folds her hands before her and bows her head.)

Sadrieli kneels down.

Delcian tilts his head down.

Vaein shifts his weight.

Vaein kneels down.

Sadrieli tilts her head down.

Vaein folds his hands in his lap.

Shilarra tilts her head down.

Myke removes a white dreamstone from in his eonake tome case.

Myke reverently places a white dreamstone on the floor.

Myke just closed a ornate eonake tome case.

Delcian recites:

"Ronan, grant us vision in this dark time."

Myke closes his eyes for a moment, as his fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

Evandre kneels down.

Evandre closes his eyes for a moment.

Evandre closes his eyes for a moment, as his fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Delcian recites loudly:

"Remember your faithfull, and trust in us to make the proper choices."

You close your eyes for a moment.

Vaein whispers, "Never have I seen a religious ceremony of this world in action.."

Rhyssa smiles slightly.

Delcian recites:

"In your name we pray for guidance, patience and stength. "

You quietly whisper to Vaein, "Perhaps I should take you to a temple sometime."

Sadrieli loses the flickering silver energy surrounding her.

Delcian recites:

"Strength of mind, body and soul."

Delcian removes some jet black prayer beads etched with silver edged longswords from his neck.

Delcian wraps his steel prayer beads around his hand with a look of intense devotion on his face.

You place a hand over your heart.

Delcian hangs some jet black prayer beads etched with silver edged longswords around his neck.

Delcian clasps his hands in a reverent gesture.

Vaein cocks his head.

Delcian tilts his head up.

Delcian stands up.

Delcian turns around.

Delcian pulls the cowl of his organdy cloak lower over his face in an attempt to shut out the world around him.

You tilt your head up.

Delcian pushes the cowl of his organdy cloak off of his head.

Shilarra tilts her head up.

Delcian removes a blue-edged white silk mask, revealing his face.

Shilarra cocks her head at Delcian.

Vaein glances up.

(Evandre peeks an eye open.)

Evandre glances around the room.

You glance down.

Delcian calmly says, "Tonight...tonight we were met with a force that was larger, better trained and honestly more dangerous then any other we have faced before."

Delcian calmly says, "We saw the outcome, some still feel the sting of our failing."

Evandre appears to be less protected.

Delcian says, "However we must take this experiance as a chance to grow."

Myke looks less calm and refreshed than a moment ago.

Delcian says, "It is time for those who would serve Liabo to move to the front of this conflict."

You nod.

Delcian says, "It is time to make choices...tough choices."

Evandre nods firmly.

Vaein gently rests his hand on Myke's shoulder.

Delcian says, "Tonight I pledge myself fully to eradication of Lornon."

Shilarra casts her vote with an emphatic "Aye!"

A dusky pure silver lynx settles into a comfortable sitting position.

You gaze at Delcian.

Delcian loudly says, "For those that would join me in this I pledge myself to you."

Sadrieli tilts her head up.

Vaein is admiring Delcian.

Delcian says, "No longer will this mask cover what was done to me."

Delcian exclaims, "Let the world see me...and us...for what we trully are!"

Vaein's entire body tenses as he clenches his fist.

Shilarra declares, "I pledge as well to join you and stand by your side in the eradication of Lornon!"

You nod in agreement.

Sadrieli lets out a scream of rage.

Shilarra blinks.

You glance at Sadrieli.

Delcian takes a moment to observe Sadrieli.

Delcian smiles.

A dusky pure silver lynx emits a surprisingly deep growl!

Delcian says, "Apparently our young initiate feels strongly."

Shilarra looks charged with power.

You softly say, "My life has always been pledged to that will distroys Light and Life... I will continue this path, till the end of my life."

Speaking sullenly to Delcian, Shilarra says, "I did not do so well keeping you safe, I will endevor to....never let that happen again."

Myke says, "For those that live in fear, their very lives harvested. For those who would be bound against their will by those who would abuse the strength they wield. I pledge to stand amongst all who would fight back against Lornon. To protect those with not the strength the do so themselves, and to educate those who would live in fear for not knowing the powers that protect them even when they realize it not."

Myke scowls.

Myke stands up.

Speaking to you, Delcian says, "Those who serve the crimson moon would see us all dead...or worse, turned into the very undead we seek to free."

Vaein says, "Just as Lornon tried to strike us down, so shall vengeance be done Delcian. For what they have done to you, these people, myself. For everything they have done, I will fight at your side until Justice is served."

Delcian nods at Myke.

Delcian nods at Vaein.

Speaking to Delcian, you say, "I'm aware... my trail was not my choice... but I choose to follow it... no matter the consquences or end."

You stand back up.

A dusky pure silver lynx's tail darts back and forth sharply as he purrs.

Delcian reaches into his organdy cloak, producing a twisted ceremonial dagger from within.

Evandre says, "There's a vision. Fer each an' every soul, there's a great image waitin' to unferl. Ah pledge t'oppose those who would sully the tapestry o' life with their own twisted visions an' pervert what will be."

Delcian nods at Evandre.

Delcian says, "Then by our vows, our actions...."

(Delcian draws the blades of his dagger across the palm of his hand.)

Shilarra taps a cord-tied hide ankle sheath that she is wearing.

Delcian slowly says, "And by blood, let our bond be sealed."

Delcian offers Myke a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Myke accepts Delcian's ceremonial dagger.

(Myke grips his palm around the blade of the dagger and slips it free with a trickle of blood filtering out from his knuckles.)

Myke says, "For Liabo."

You accept Myke's offer and are now holding a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Vaein glances between Myke and yourself.

Delcian picks up a white dreamstone.

(Rhyssa exhales slowly as she turns her palm up, pressing the edge of the dagger along her palm, dark blood trickling out around it.)

(Delcian grips the dreamstone tightly, his bloody hand making the gem slick.)

Vaein blinks.

Vaein has accepted your offer and is now holding a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Delcian offers Myke a white dreamstone.

Myke accepts Delcian's white dreamstone.

Myke tightens his grip on his white dreamstone.

Myke rubs a white dreamstone in his hand.

You accept Myke's offer and are now holding a white dreamstone.

Delcian says, "Tonight is our first step towards freedom for all."

(Rhyssa curls her fingers gently around the stone, turning it slowly along the wound.)

(Vaein looks a bit confused for a moment, glancing between Rhyssa and Mike and then back to Delcian. After a a second he quietly lays the dagger against his palm and pulls lightly, a faint red trickle dancing across the blade.)

Vaein offers Sadrieli a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Sadrieli accepts Vaein's ceremonial dagger.

Vaein has accepted your offer and is now holding a white dreamstone.

Vaein's entire body tenses as he tightens his grip on his white dreamstone.

(Delcian pulls a strip of cloth from his cloak and wraps it around his hand tightly.)

(Sadrieli holds her palm out, and grips the dagger tightly, dragging it deeply across her palm, with no readable expression.)

(Vaein presses the dreamstone into the fresh wound on his hand, digging deeply into the skin.)

Vaein offers Sadrieli a white dreamstone.

(Rhyssa examines the wound in her palm for a moment before folding her hand shut tightly.)

Sadrieli somberly says, "I shall eradicate undead and those who could create them at every opportunity, even if it cost me my life. Lornon shall not prevail, or gain half a step of footing. I will do all I can to serve and support Liabo and Lord Ronan, as well as His Chosen."

Myke says, "Courage, Faith, and Perserverance. Defend what is dear to you with all of your ferocity. Move forward, and never stop. Never hesitate to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Never look back from the light that Liabo sets before us."

Delcian nods approvingly at Sadrieli.

Sadrieli accepts Vaein's white dreamstone.

Vaein nods slowly.

Vaein's entire body tenses as he clenches his fist.

Sadrieli offers Shilarra a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Shilarra accepts Sadrieli's ceremonial dagger.

A dusky pure silver lynx emits a surprisingly deep growl!

(Shilarra draws Delcian's dagger across the palm of her hand watching the blood flow for a moment before vowing not to rest till all the undead are freed, she pauses a moment before grabbing the lynx's paw and drawing the blade over it as well.)

Shilarra offers Delcian a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Sadrieli smiles slightly as the coolness of the dreamstone gem eases her fresh wound the smallest degree, she seems calm and full of resolve.

Delcian accepts Shilarra's ceremonial dagger.

Delcian offers Evandre a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Sadrieli grips her white dreamstone a little tighter.

Evandre accepts Delcian's ceremonial dagger.

Vaein shuts his eyes for a brief moment.

Shilarra flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

Vaein stands up.

Sadrieli offers Shilarra a white dreamstone.

Shilarra says, "Am sorry I thought I was last."

Shilarra accepts Sadrieli's white dreamstone.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Evandre says, "No rest 'til those less fortunate can rest easy."

(Shilarra presses the stone against her palm closing her eyes for a moment before doing the same to the massive cat.)

Shilarra offers Evandre a white dreamstone.

(Evandre decisively cuts into his palm with barely a flinch. Blood quickly begins to pool along the seam of the cut.)

Evandre accepts Shilarra's white dreamstone.

Evandre offers Delcian a twisted ceremonial dagger.

Delcian accepts Evandre's ceremonial dagger.

Delcian slips a twisted ceremonial dagger into an inner pocket of his organdy cloak.

Evandre gazes in awe at a white dreamstone in his hand.

Evandre tightens his grip on his white dreamstone.

Evandre offers Delcian a white dreamstone.

Delcian says, "Others will join our cause, but let us never forget the unity we have here this night....Never forget that it was on this night that the war against apathy began."

You softly say, "For those that cannot defend themselves... and those that lost their lives trying to protect that which is right."

Speaking to a dusky pure silver lynx, Shilarra says, "You fought bravely Taj."

Shilarra's dragonmist crystal, which is set against her forehead, dims and then suddenly brightens again as silver sparks swirl within the gem.

Delcian accepts Evandre's white dreamstone.

You close your eyes for a moment.

Vaein nods.

Vaein says, "For those that can not defend themselves, they shall be defended."

Shilarra seems a bit less imposing.

Shilarra nods in agreement at Vaein.

You smile at Vaein.

Delcian kneels down.

Delcian reaches out and touches his steel prayer beads.

Myke says, "Liabo, guide our minds, bodies, and spirits."

Delcian continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Myke kneels down.

Delcian chants a short but reverent orison, asking to be granted a peaceful sleep.

Myke continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Myke bows his head and chants a short prayer, causing bright white and muted black light to momentarily coalesce in front of him.

Shilarra beseeches her deity for some divine assistance.

Evandre continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Delcian loudly exclaims, "Ronan hear us!"

You kneel down.

Delcian raises a hand while murmuring a soft orison...

Vaein kneels down.

Delcian gestures.

Delcian gets a frustrated look on his face.

Vaein folds his hands in his lap.

Vaein shuts his eyes for a brief moment.

(Rhyssa folds her hands again, bowing her head.)

Delcian says, "We pledge ourselves to what is right, and pray you will look with favor upon our mission."

A dusky pure silver lynx's tail darts back and forth sharply as he purrs.

Shilarra murmurs, "Mother protect us, assist the Dreamer and his Choosen in this fight to ward off the darkness which has seeped into the lands."

(Delcian places the dreamstone on the altar.)

Delcian drops a white dreamstone.

You place a hand over your heart.

Myke continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Delcian says, "We have fought, and bleed together."

Myke says, "Lord Voln, Lady Lorminstra, grant us the strength to protect the souls of the innocent."

Vaein continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Delcian continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Sadrieli continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Delcian raises his steel prayer beads adoringly to his lips.

Sadrieli continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Sadrieli continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

A dusky pure silver lynx emits a surprisingly deep growl!

You take a deep breath.

A cloudy dragonmist crystal traced in silvery wisps on Shilarra's forehead glimmers in the ambient light, swirling with liquid flecks of silver, gold, and vivid crimson.

Myke continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Evandre continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Delcian nods.

Delcian slips a blue-edged white silk mask into an inner pocket of his organdy cloak.

Delcian stands up.

Delcian turns around.

You tilt your head up.

Shilarra asks, "Does anyone need anything to leave as an offering if they wish?"

Evandre closes his eyes for a moment, as his fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

Delcian looks over at Shilarra and shakes his head.

A dusky pure silver lynx twitches his whiskers.

Myke closes his eyes for a moment, as his fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

Cool water washes over your fingertips, and for a moment you are carried away on the wings of a dream.

As your eyes close, you envision a cobblestone lane, with moonlight washing everything in a pale, silvery glow. Candles flicker in the windows of cozy houses nestled against each other along the quiet street, and the world seems utterly tranquil. The clatter of hooves causes you to look up just in time to see a youth riding away atop a magnificent white steed.

Somewhere nearby, something howls, sending an unearthly chill down your back. Then, moments later, silence.

Shilarra closes her eyes for a moment, as her fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

You shudder.

Delcian dips his fingers in a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

Shilarra stands up.

Delcian smiles.

You glance at a shallow font on a graceful marble altar.

You take a deep breath.

A dusky pure silver lynx scrambles back up onto his feet.

Vaein continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Vaein stands up.

Sadrieli closes her eyes for a moment, as her fingertips touch a shallow font on the surface of the altar.

You stand back up.

You frown.

Delcian says, "The Arkati will answer when the tme is right."

As Shilarra scratches the pure silver lynx behind the ears, the feline tilts his head into Shilarra's hand.

You softly say, "They always do."

Delcian says, "Say what prayers you wish to say, and when you are finished I shall be outside."

Vaein shifts his weight.

Delcian just went out.

You take a few steps towards a graceful marble altar.

Vaein glances at a graceful marble altar.

Myke continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Shilarra bows to a graceful marble altar.

Evandre stands up.

Evandre just went out.

Sadrieli stands up.

(Rhyssa folds her hands, once again, bowing her head as she stands in seeming silence for a few long moments.)

Journeywoman Sadrieli just went out.

Vaein nods slowly.

Lord Vaein just went out.

You take a deep breath.

Rhyssa smiles slightly.

[Beyond the Shore of Dreams]
Tears spring unbidden to your eyes as you bask in the serenity found here behind the waterfall. The music of water rushing over the stones surrounds you, easing away the cares of the world as you ponder the liquid wall enclosing this room on two sides. Moonlight angles down from a break in the rocks on the northern wall, illuminating the fine spray of droplets floating through the air so that you are in the midst of a small sea of swirling silver stars. You also see a graceful Liabo marble arch.
Also here: Lord Vaein, Journeywoman Sadrieli, Shilarra, Evandre, Delcian
Obvious exits: out

You join Delcian.

An ebon shadow swirls through a cloudy dragonmist crystal traced in silvery wisps on Shilarra's forehead, momentarily casting her countenance in darkness.

Lord Myke just arrived.

Myke nods.

Myke joins Delcian's group.

Evandre joins Delcian's group.

Your surroundings blur into a white fog . . .

An Exchange Concluded

08/27/2011 05:45 PM CDT

The evening of August 26, a group of people met with a Scribner once more to make an exchange that had been promised before. They first met Ydos, a boy whose eyes betrayed a greater age. Ydos held a brief discussion with those present, including an attempt to get Delcian to acknowledge that there was room for grey in his black-and-white world view. Delcian refused.

Ydos opened a portal to a sanctuary where the group met with the Scribner Ningrint. Both Ydos and Ningrint were not named in game so their names would most likely not be known. In a brief meeting, a half-circle shard that had once been the lid of the urn Caden used to keep himself young was given to the Scribner. The lid had contained an inscription that was of interest to the Scribners, who themselves were dead and appeared intrigued by magic that could keep a person young.

In return for the shard, Ningrint gave the group an ancient tome said to contain the Dark Requiem, a prophecy written thousands of years ago by a zealot who believed himself the vessel of Sheru. It is believed that the Dark Requiem prophecies a series of events that are now unfolding under the crimson moon, culminating in the rule of Lornon over Elanthia. These events follow a specific order, but if the series is disrupted or prevented, the final rule of Lornon is also prevented. The book just received is believed to be the only copy of the prophecy, so possession of it is quite significant.

Despite the presence of Caden, the exchange went off without a hitch. Ningrint informed the group that the tome was very fragile and must be translated. He then promptly vanished without answering any more questions.

The group left the area and immediately vanished into a major sanctuary to plot their next move. As they were discussing, the seer Yuratlya was heard on the thought networks, and they went to meet her. She had recovered enough for make short trips on her own, and said that her ordeal after being poisoned with an exotic snake venom had also partly restored her physical sight. Tonight, she had sensed a lightness in the mists and had ventured forth to see what had happened.

Nilandia took a seat at Yuratlya's feet, and the seer observed that she had many questions she wished to ask. Nilandia nodded her assent, and asked a question concerning a darkness unacknowledged, and how she could help it be seen. Yuratlya replied that the crimson moon reveals the truths about everyone, but not everyone will wish to see them. Nilandia should instead worry more about her own darkness, rather than helping others to see their own. Yuratlya also said that what is done in shadow shall always come to light, and those who perform dark acts shall see them for what they are, even if they believe them otherwise.

Though many held suspicions of the Yuratlya's motives and trustworthiness, it was confirmed to her that the book had been obtained after she had pointed out that she had been the one to tell them about it. A discussion ensued concerning whether she could be trusted, as the seer had claimed that she has no agenda for darkness or light. This discussion, and others, continued after she had departed.

Hanos Vs. Myke - Brawl at Moot Hall

08/31/2011 12:17 AM CDT

Player Log

Master Hanos just arrived.
>
Hanos strides over to stand before you.
>
Hanos steps towards Myke and extends his right foot, catching Myke square in the jaw before driving his knee into the Giantman's neck, pinning him to the ground!
>
Speaking angrily to you, Hanos roars, "Why would you let your allies jump into the Seer like a pack of jackals!"

>raise eyebrow
You are still stunned.

You manage to make a faint wheezing sound.

Speaking to you, Hanos exclaims, "You are a tyrant in the times when we need a leader!"

Speaking to you, Hanos exclaims, "If you do not change how you act, you will lead this world into peril!"

You beseech Voln for some divine assistance.
Your petition to Voln has been heard and you feel a renewed freedom as a restricting force is abolished from you.
You are no longer stunned.

You mutter, "I do.. m-more than you realize. You call me.. a tyrant? You strike me, your ally?"

You say, "What are you even t-talking about.."

Hanos snarls and jumps back, his hands quickly moving into an aggressive position.

(Myke shakes his head, clearing out the cobwebs.)

You sit up.

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "You are watched. Never forget that."

You say, "I don't lead anything, Hanos. Except my little band of Warders in trying to clear this town."

You say, "None of this cryptic-ness out of you."

You say, "Speak plainly."

You stand back up.

You dust yourself off.

Speaking bluntly to you, Hanos asks, "Are you intelligent enough to decipher this book?"

You see Master Hanos.
He appears to be a Human.
It is difficult to properly see his features as the hood of his cloak is pulled down over his face.
He has some minor cuts and bruises on his right hand.
He is wearing a vultite aegis, a floor-length dark leather cloak with a deeply cowled hood, a close-cut

thick ebon wool skullcap, a dusty brown linen shirt with rolled sleeves, a narrow plain canvas pouch, some

fitted charcoal leather pants with faint wrinkles, and a pair of supple leather boots.

You say, "The book? I don't know the language it was written in.. I'm not a scholar, Hanos."

You say, "I was a damned slave. It took forever just to learn to read common for me."

You make a horrendous warthog-like noise.

(Myke rubs his jaw.)

Speaking firmly to you, Hanos asks, "I am not smart enough....YOU are not smart enough...Why would you not utilize the person who is capable?"

You say, "I've been doing everything I can. I know who can, damn it, but I can't just make decisions for everyone, I have to convince them."

You scowl at Hanos.
>
Speaking to you, Hanos says, "You need to convey like you gripe."

You say, "I am not a tyrant, as you stated."

You growl ferociously!

Speaking to Hanos, you say, "I know who can read the damnable book, but I must make all involved realize it and accept it or we're just going to descend into infighting."

Speaking loudly to you, Hanos roars, "Now is not the time to dally, get her the damn book! None of you are capable of defending it should Azorlok come forth and claim it."

You say, "Alright! Fine! I will speak to the carrier, and it will be arranged..."

You glower darkly at Hanos.

You say, "But if you ever think to strike me again for your frustrations, I will give you something to be sore about."

You turn to face Hanos.

Hanos clenches his fist until his right palm crackles with pure energy.

You say, "Because hear me now..."

(Myke clenches his own fist, a dim white radiance illuminating it with wisps of white flame.)

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "You are not ready for me yet, Warder."

Speaking to Hanos, you say, "I swore to Sarrah that I would lead the Warders into the light from what was, and YOU are vastly underestimating my determination and capabilities, Hanos."

You say, "I'm a Warder, you know what that means. Don't question my resolve or direction."

You point at Hanos.

You say, "Ever."

Hanos twists and rotates his wrist, forming the curves of a large shield edged in energy.

You bite the tip of your thumb, drawing blood while your other hand clenches into a fist. You rake your thumb across your knuckles, rubbing a streak of crimson over the runic tribal markings as you chant a solemn prayer under your breath. As you cease your chanting, you draw your fist a back and assume a

martial stance.

You slowly pace to your left, moving in a circle around Hanos.

Hanos glances at you.

You say, "My fight is with the cultists, I suggest you save your energy for Azorlok."

Hanos moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Hanos slams his fist into the shield, causing the energy to shatter and dissipate.

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "Good. You only needed to be woken up, not removed."

You say, "I will rally Liabo. I will retrieve the codex. And I will lead the Warders to victory."

Hanos smirks.

You fold your arms over your chest.

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "Then act. The time for bickering is done."

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "You know that your...Chosen...are not what they seem...You've seen this."

You say, "I have faith their purpose will reveal itself in time. The chosen are such for a reason."

Speaking to you, Hanos asks, "Are you one of the jackals, or can you change before it is too late?"

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "Sometimes you need more than a kick to the face. Don't make me come forth without reason again."

Hanos says, "Handle yourself accordingly."

You say, "I'm still not clear why I am so..."

You say, "Vital to this."

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

Speaking to you, Hanos says, "Because you are a catalyst. Either your aid will damn this place, or the flames you can create will cleanse."

(Myke looks down at his hand, flexing his fingertips momentarily.)

Hanos says, "Get the Seer the book and stop all this nonsense."

You nod firmly.

Hanos walks off towards the Voln Monastary.

The Black Serpents Coils

08/31/2011 08:54 PM CDT

[Dark Cavern]
The tunnel opens up into a wide, circular chamber. The craggy rock walls curve overhead into the darkness, their surfaces blackened through the years by the large torches set within them. A large slab of granite sits in middle of the room, ringed with dark stains, ageless dust and charred stubs of wax. Deep channels are carved into the stone floor, their crude yet sinuous routes weaving a radiating serpentine pattern around the slab. You also see a trail of blood.
Obvious exits: south

A quartet stood within the cavern. Three stood in layered copper linen robes edged with green scales on their cowls, emerald medallions adorning their necks. The fourth stood in moldering black robes which consumed him entirely with the other trio facing him.

"I don't know about this," one of the robed figures spoke up in a hesitant voice.

"I did not asssk what you thought," the black-robed figure stated in a flat, raspy, and hissing tone. Stretching a scarcely visible jaw riddled in scars, there was a sickening pop and briefly a scarred and forked tongue pushed into sight along the edge of his lower lip. One of the robed figures flinched.

"But there's no way this isn't just pushing them further. We've no shortage of sacrifices, willing or.. otherwise," came a stern female voice from one of the copper-robed figures.

The third chimed in with a youthful masculine voice, "I can't do this. We've too many other options. I won't do this."

Silence reigned as the dark figure shifted, limping to a corner of the granite slab. Tracing a scarred, bent fingertip over the bronze serpent gracing the surface.

A soft and sibiliant hissing began to rise in the corners of the room. The trio of robed figures each began to glance around, only one of the trio managing to feign a look of calm. The concern was readily apparent on the faces of the other two. Like the beating of a pulse the soft swell of the serpentine chorus rose and fell. From the faintest of hisses tickling the edge of the senses to a crowding, confining swarm, the hissing rose. A blackened and splintering yellow fingernail scraped the edge of the slabs inset image, and the hissing came to a stop.

The fingertip bent inwards. As broken as the finger looked the gesture seemed impossibly paintful. An equally disgusting thumbnail scraped against the fingernail and a dirt brown-black bloodclot shook loose from under the nail with a flick.

"I trussst we can continue with lesss disssent amongsst ourssselvess, now?" With only a brief pause, the raspy voice continued, "Now go.. Retrieve what you have been inssstructed to. Take your par-ssselss to the ssshrine we have prepared. Do not quessstion me again."

The three copper-robed figures filtered out uncomfortably without another word.

Survival

09/01/2011 09:03 AM CDT

Brooding.. he'd been brooding for days. It was somewhat enlightening and he had to admit.. pleasurable. He rubbed the scar on his cheek, left there by the demon several nights before. Why.. why must pain always be mixed with pleasure. He took out his idle and rubbed it. His fingers running over the edges in gentle reverance, but nothing.. no reaction. He sighed, heavily. So much had happened. So much truth, so much deception. She had come. The one promised. The one that would be willing. She was a dream in alabaster.. a midnight blue on black. All she did was smile and he knew. She was chestnut and flowers. Justice. Had it come full circle? Was it all for naught? The sleeper was probably right, he thought to himself. Damned. He saw her again, several times over the passing days, always, she was alone, nothing but a smile.. a hint.. of promise.

"Lady, how is your night?", he said

"It is well", she replied, "And your's m'lord?"

M'lord, the world sent chills down his spine at that word. The promise, the hint, the.. offering.

"I am well.."

Turning he left, fear rising in his throat. "I won't give in. I won't!" Knowing, even as he thought it, that the odds were he would. He was marked. He knew it. An open door, a conduit.. and no one had bothered to shut it. He'd been abandoned by the sleeper, the one he felt he could trust, but who had given up. He was running out of options.. running.. always running. Would he stand and fight? The dog had spit on him, SPIT... wasn't something he would let go. Anger welled up in him, and something very quiet inside him, whispered, given into it. Use it.

He was turning, turning and running, and that's when she found him again.. and blackness enveloped him.. sweet sweet blackness...

Children at Play

09/01/2011 12:46 PM CDT

. . . He handed the last of the small handfuls of coins out and showed them the picture so artfully crafted by his subordinate.

"This is her. Find her, and tell her she is needed. I presume she will know who asks for her."

The swarm of children look at the picture, leaning over one another with enthusiastic nods or a tongue tucked into a cheek with concentration as they look at the woman's image. After a few nods, the small group of children begin to filter off into the town.

"Well, this is the easy part.." He sighed slightly and reached up to massage his tired eyes.

He didn't even want to begin to consider the argument that might follow.