The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-02-13 - Within the Luukos Shrine (log)

The Vishmi'irkha have just been defeated as part of another questline. In it, Lorminstra had come to the aid of Elanthia to permanently banish the creatures, relying on the goodness in the hearts of many to accomplish the task. Krissella, who was especially distraught about the lack of goodness in the hearts of some, decides to bring the golden light that had banished the Vishmiir to the hidden Luukos Shrine outside of Wehnimer's Landing on 2/13/02. It does not go as planned. Several of Luukos' devout arrive, having plans to meet of their own, but they have to deal with her and Gahread first. Morvule finally steps in when the two refuse to leave, having worn out his patience; he has big plans to discuss with the Luukosians, which he does not wish to do with those not of the fold present. These events continue to foreshadow the formal start of the Griffin Sword Saga.

This log is from Alisaire's perspective. It has been edited.

[Underground, Hidden Wing]
This appears to be a small shrine of some sort.  Against the east wall is an altar with tarnished religious symbols on it.  The covering is tattered and the three pews here are dry and rotted.  For the first time you notice that the thick dust on the floor is punctuated by shallow footprints, leading you to think that this place is not as abandoned as you first imagined.
Also in the room: Krissella
Obvious exits: west.

Krissella gently rubs the surface of her crystal shard, causing a bright golden glow to flare up briefly around its sparkling surface.

You blink, but no one can see you.

You see Krissella Tr'Baren the Sylvankind.
She appears to be in her 30's, has long, straight golden blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin.
She has a primitive circle tattoo on her neck, and a black chain tattoo on her ankle.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a bright golden crystal shard in her right hand and a rolaren-bound cherrywood long bow in her left hand.
She is wearing some twilight blue leather armor, a large sack, a clear glass amulet, a crystal amulet, a sparkling lapis-inlaid bluebird, a mosaic gold and lapis locket, a luxurious white fox-fur cloak with a fetching ermine-trimmed hood, a lapis-inlaid mistwood bow case embossed with a pale gold samite quiver, a fur-trimmed moonlight blue bodice, a delicate golden beaded chain, a frosty white pouch, a gold-etched instrument case, a midnight blue fur-trimmed skirt, and a pair of white fur-lined boots.

>look altar
The altar stands about waist high and is covered with a tattered cloth.  A rotting book holder, tarnished oil lamps and small sacrificial pots hold their place on the altar top.

Krissella gently rubs the surface of her crystal shard, causing a bright golden glow to flare up briefly around its sparkling surface.
(Krissella blinks, eyes tearing as the shard glows brightly.)
Krissella gently rubs the surface of her crystal shard, causing a bright golden glow to flare up briefly around its sparkling surface.
(Krissella whispers, "No more darkness...")
(Krissella glances around again, licking her dry lips.)
Krissella glances at a bright golden crystal shard.
Krissella put a bright golden crystal shard in her white pouch.

Krissella removes a delicate mistwood mandolin accented with black opal and dragonsbreath sapphire-tipped pegs from in her instrument case.
Krissella furrows her brow.
Krissella closes her eyes for a moment.
Krissella nods.
Krissella picks up her mandolin and strikes the opening chords of a joyful tune.

The song modulates into a higher key, Krissella demonstrating her skillful fingerwork as her makes the transition.
Krissella elaborates on her melody until it becomes hopelessly complex, sounding almost like a riot of harmonic metal birds in full song.
(Krissella with shaking hands, does her best to play a light-hearted joyful tune, although her face is tight with strain.)
With skilled fingers Krissella switches from strumming to fingerpicking, creating a joyous cascade of vibrant tones.
Krissella shifts her weight, trembling slightly.
Krissella's harmony dances about the melody, intertwining about it with pure, shining notes.

You are visible again.

Krissella gasps.

You nod to Krissella in greeting.

Krissella suddenly stumbles for no apparent reason.
With a final joyous flourish Krissella stills her fingers on the mandolin, allowing the final bright chord to fade into silence.
Krissella stares at you.
Krissella says, "What..."

You say, "An odd place to choose wherein to combat darkness.."

Krissella says, "I..."
Krissella glances at a small altar.

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

Krissella says, "This is... where... the first time..."
(Krissella stumbles over her words.)

You say, "I'm always stumbling on the most unexpected folks in this place, it seems."
You peer quizzically at Krissella.
You ask, "The first time...?"

Krissella says, "That... I saw darkness here in Landing..."
Krissella says, "When the Lord Armaxis tricked me..."

You cock your head at Krissella.

Krissella glances at a small altar.

You glance at a small altar.
You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Krissella says, "I heard a soft voice... one of laughter and light..."
Krissella says, "It told me it would show me something of great beauty..."
Krissella says, "I followed it... here..."

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Krissella says, "And he came out... and... hurt me... and cut me... laughing of how the beauty was in the blood..."
Krissella shudders.
Krissella closes her eyes for a moment.

You glance at a small altar.
You ponder.
You say, "Not the beauty you anticipated.."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Krissella says, "Lady Atania came... and magicked me away before he could do more harm."

You nod to Krissella.

Krissella says, "But, I've always been afraid of this place since."
Krissella shudders.

You ask, "Have you ever come here since that time?"
You cock your head at Krissella.

Krissella looks over at you and shakes her head.

(Alisaire murmers, "How long has it been since that time?")

Krissella says, "Three moons."

You nod.
You ask, "And so now.. you return?"
You cock your head at Krissella.
You ask, "Why did you come back to this place, if it holds such painful memories?"

Krissella says, "It was the first place I thought of... the first darkness... I feel so helpless... so hopeless.  There is nothing I can do against... what happened to me when I was young."

You tilt your head down.
You nod.

Krissella says, "Nothing I could do to combat the darkness in New Ta'Faendryl..."
Krissella says, "But if I could bring light..."
Krissella glances at something inside a frosty white pouch.
Krissella put a delicate mistwood mandolin accented with black opal and dragonsbreath sapphire-tipped pegs in her instrument case.
Krissella removes a bright golden crystal shard from in her white pouch.

You hear the voice of Nevrek say, "..Sylvan..."

You say, "Mmmm.. I see now."

You hear the voice of Nevrek say, "..Surely.."

Krissella's face turns slightly pale.

Nevrek says, ".. you are in the wrong place."

Krissella suddenly stumbles for no apparent reason.

A dark vysan just floated in.

Nevrek cocks his head at Krissella.
Nevrek glances at a dark vysan.

You glance at Nevrek.

Nevrek touches one finger to his lips.
Nevrek says, "Shh.."
Nevrek points at a dark vysan.

>look
[Underground, Hidden Wing]
This appears to be a small shrine of some sort.  Against the east wall is an altar with tarnished religious symbols on it.  The covering is tattered and the three pews here are dry and rotted.  For the first time you notice that the thick dust on the floor is punctuated by shallow footprints, leading you to think that this place is not as abandoned as you first imagined.  You also see a dark vysan who appears rather calm.
Also in the room: Lord Nevrek, Krissella
Obvious exits: west.

You see Lord Nevrek Araknathalin the Dark Elf.
He appears to be in his 60's, has short, braided silver hair, grey eyes, and black skin.
He has many thin locks of braided silver hair bound with tiny black leather cords around each end, and a sinuous red fang-shaped mark on his neck.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a coiled bronze serpent ring, some black claw-tipped gloves, a gleaming onyx nose ring, a soft deep red spidersilk cloak edged with grey silk trim, a long black velvet formal jacket, a bronze medallion, an arcane glaes spider pendant, a bleached white shirt, a neat red sash, some genteel ash-grey pants, and a pair of soft black leather boots with heavily padded soles.

Nevrek glances at you.

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

(Krissella looks about ready to faint.)
Krissella tightens her grip on her crystal shard.

Nevrek says, "Of all the places to bring such a lovely skull."

Krissella moans.

(Nevrek veritably quakes in anger, his face contorting into a twisted sneer.)

(Krissella lifts her shard defensively in front of her.)
Krissella gently rubs the surface of her crystal shard, causing a bright golden glow to flare up briefly around its sparkling surface.

Nevrek says in Dark Elven, "This has no effect on me, girl."

Krissella says, "L-light... to darkness...."

Nevrek says in Dark Elven, "You, you are able to speak coherently."
Nevrek glances at you.

>whisper krissella That one.. he's the one who wished you for a paperweight?
You whisper quietly to Krissella.

Krissella nods to you.

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Nevrek says in Dark Elven, "Identify your reason for coming here."

You say in Dark Elven, "My reasons are my own..."

Nevrek says, "Do put that crystal avay, it has no power ofer me.."

You ponder.

(Nevrek slowly strides over to the shrine's altar, then turns stiffly on his heel to face Alisaire and Krissella.)
Nevrek says, "In His Lordship's Halls, you must haff purpose."
Nevrek says, "This purpose is to be named."

(Krissella looks determined through her fright...)
Krissella says, "I already did."

(Alisaire leans slightly on her blade, first glancing over at Krissella, then returning her gaze to face Nevrek.)

Nevrek asks, "To bring your silly bit of rock here?"

Krissella says, "To bring Light to Darkness."

Nevrek says, "You seek the wrong darkness, girl."
(Nevrek directs his gaze to the floor, frowning.)

Krissella says, "There is no such thing as the "wrong" darkness... it is all Darkness."

Nevrek says, "The argument, vhile haffing merit, does not apply here."
Nevrek says, "You are in the wrong place."

Krissella says, "I was hurt here... this is the right place and the right time."

Nevrek says, "If you seek to vork against the Void, you know whose name to speak."

(Krissella stands her ground though she quakes in fear.)

Pollie just arrived.

Nevrek looks over at Pollie and shakes his head.
Nevrek says, "These people are not of the fold."

Krissella says, "The ceremony has already taken place..."

Nevrek asks, "Ceremony?"
Nevrek asks, "You do ceremony here?"

Krissella says, "The Vishmiir banished..."

Pollie rubs a glassy black mica amulet.
Pollie suddenly disappears.

Krissella says, "But the greed of others..."

Nevrek says, "And you say the name of the Void.."

Krissella closes her eyes for a moment.

Nevrek says, "You infoke the name of the Void and dare to bring it here."

Krissella says, "The thralls are still here... it failed."

Nevrek scowls at Krissella.

You say, "They are gone, for now.  Their name reaches them no longer.."
You shrug.

Nevrek raises an eyebrow.

Krissella says, "Failed because of the Darkness and Greed that still exist."

You ask, "The Vishmi'irkha have been sealed away once more, but for how long?"

Krissella nods to you.

Nevrek says, "Then a new question arises."
Nevrek asks, "Vhy are you still here?"
Nevrek says, "You commit heresy against His Lordship performing rituals of this nature here."
Nevrek glances at you.

Krissella says, "Because I will n-not run from one such as you."

Nevrek says, "I'd recommend it."
Nevrek says, "I should hand your spleen to you this instant."

Krissella glances at a bright golden crystal shard.

Krissella put a bright golden crystal shard in her white pouch.
Krissella removes a delicate mistwood mandolin accented with black opal and dragonsbreath sapphire-tipped pegs from in her instrument case.

>whisper krissella You are not safe here..
You whisper quietly to Krissella.

(Krissella strides right up to Nevrek, mandolin held tightly in her hands.)
Krissella stares at Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "I am going to make myself clear, now."
Nevrek says, "Leave or your lives are forfeit."

>whisper krissella You should go now, Krissella.. Even I cannot help you here.
You whisper quietly to Krissella.

You glance at Nevrek.

(Krissella lifts her voice in a song of triumphant joy and hope as she runs her fingers over the strings of her instrument.)
Krissella picks up her mandolin and strikes the opening chords of a joyful tune.

Nevrek stares at Krissella.

Krissella walks her fingers up the neck of her mandolin, making a bright run into the sunny chorus.

Nevrek sighs.

Embellishing on the simple melody, Krissella skillfully conveys a measure of the joy she feels while playing.

Nevrek says, "I vill not ask you again."
Nevrek removes a longsword wrought of silvered eahnor with an engraved urglaes hilt from in his spidersilk cloak.
Nevrek says, "Leave this place, Now."

You glance at Nevrek.
You say, "Krissella.."

Krissella elaborates on her melody until it becomes hopelessly complex, sounding almost like a riot of harmonic metal birds in full song.
(Krissella continues her joyful song, voice crystal clear and defiant.)

You hear someone uttering a phrase of magic.

Nevrek says, "I vould be more than happy to harvest that beautiful skull from your slender neck, sylvan."

You say, "Krissella, you should leave.  Now."
You glance at Krissella.

Krissella walks her fingers up the neck of her mandolin, making a bright run into the sunny chorus.

As Nevrek touches his urglaes-hilted longsword, he narrows his eyes and smiles to himself with a satisfied look.

Embellishing on the simple melody, Krissella skillfully conveys a measure of the joy she feels while playing.

Nevrek says, "I'fe nefer been as hesitant to spill blood as I am now."
Nevrek says, "If you test me, I assure you, it is not I who vill fail."

Krissella elaborates on her melody until it becomes hopelessly complex, sounding almost like a riot of harmonic metal birds in full song.
With skilled fingers Krissella switches from strumming to fingerpicking, creating a joyous cascade of vibrant tones.
Krissella's harmony dances about the melody, intertwining about it with pure, shining notes.

Nevrek gazes heavenward.

>whisper krissella Krissella.... If you stay, you must walk that road.. for good or ill.
You whisper quietly to Krissella.

(Krissella scurries around Nevrek to circle the altar, her fingers flying over the strings as she plays chord after joyous chord.)

Nevrek shakes his head.

Umrae just arrived.

With skilled fingers Krissella switches from strumming to fingerpicking, creating a joyous cascade of vibrant tones.

Nevrek gazes heavenward.

You glance at Umrae.

Umrae leans on her staff.
Umrae shifts her eyes to you.

Nevrek says, "So be it."

Nevrek raises his urglaes-hilted longsword in triumph!
Nevrek swings an urglaes-hilted longsword at Krissella!
  AS: +262 vs DS: +37 with AvD: +39 + d100 roll: +74 = +338
   ... and hits for 95 points of damage!
   Incredible shot clean through the throat severs the spine!

 * Krissella drops dead at your feet!

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

 * Krissella just bit the dust!

You grimace.

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

Nevrek glances at you.

Umrae asks in Dark Elven, "Mmmm, sacrafice?"

Nevrek says, "No."

You hear someone chuckling.

Nevrek says, "The infidels refused to leave."

Umrae narrows her eyes.
Umrae says in Dark Elven, "This is not wise, Alisaire."

>whisper krisella Do you wish for me to keep you..?
You whisper quietly to Krissella.

Nevrek says, "Please take your friend and leave."
Nevrek nods to you.

You glance at Umrae.
You say in Dark Elven, "You know why I come here."

The ghost of Krissella whispers, "No."
You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "No, Lady. Do not."
You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "Please."

You nod to Krissella.
You say, "As you wish.  I know how the raise can be."

You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "It is not that..."

(Nevrek stalks around Krissella's body, his longsword in hand.)

Umrae leans on her staff.

Nevrek says, "This, sylvan, is the penalty for commiting foul ritual in His Lordship Luukos' shrine."
Nevrek says, "Light in the Darkness, indeed."
Nevrek says, "The light is extinguished."
Nevrek stares at Krissella.

You hear someone uttering a phrase of magic.
The area becomes darker.

Nevrek says, "Your light."

You survey the area.

You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "But rather that he wishes me to leave...' her spirits hovering over her body. 'My light cannot be extinguished...'"

Nevrek snorts.

Umrae laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

The body of Krissella suddenly slides west.

You rub your chin thoughtfully.
You blink.

Umrae narrows her eyes.

You hear someone mutter fools.

Nevrek narrows his eyes.

Umrae shifts her eyes to you.
Umrae asks in Dark Elven, "Who did you bring here?"

You say in Dark Elven, "I brought only myself.  She was here when I arrived."

Nevrek raises an eyebrow in your direction.
Nevrek asks, "You are saying you are not affiliated?"

You say in Dark Elven, "I was as surprised to find her here as you."
You nod to Nevrek.

The body of Krissella just slid into view.

Nevrek says, "My apologies for grouping you two together."
Nevrek glances at Krissella.
Nevrek asks, "Who brings the body back?"
Nevrek begins to twitch.

Umrae narrows her eyes.

You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "As I was saying... my flesh can be killed..."
You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "My light never extinguished."

Umrae shifts her eyes to Krissella.
Umrae says in Elven, "Foolish child..."
Umrae says in Elven, "It can be."

You cock your head at Krissella.

Umrae narrows her eyes.

(Nevrek lunges forward and drives his longsword into Krissella's already gouged neck, widening the wound further.)

You survey the area.
You glance at Nevrek.

The ghostly laughter of Krissella echoes through the room, sending a shiver down your spine.

Nevrek asks, "Your flesh ... eh?"

Gahread fades into visibility.
Gahread asks in Elven, "Perhaps you'd like an identical wound?"

You blink at Gahread.

Umrae shifts her eyes to Gahread.

Nevrek smiles in amusement at Gahread.
Nevrek says, "She is the one who sins in this hallowed place."

The walls begin to ripple with an emerald glow.

You say in Elven, "I hadn't realized that this was such a gathering place.."
You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

Umrae kneels down.

Gahread chuckles.

(Umrae bows her head to the altar.)

Someone hisses in the shadows.

Nevrek asks, "How dare she, this heathen sylph, come here to commit blasphemous ceremonies in this, His Lordship Luukos' shrine?"
(Nevrek's arm twitches suddenly.)
Nevrek tightens his grip on his urglaes-hilted longsword.

The glow flows down onto the floor and coalesces into the form of a darkly robed figure.

You see Lord Morvule Thinevael the Luukosian High Priest.
He appears to be very old, has emerald slit-pupiled eyes, and dark green scaled skin.
He has a series of wavy ophidian marks upon his neck.
He is holding a dark wooden staff swirled with a sinuous spiral of black ora in his left hand.
He is wearing some dark flowing robes, a carved emerald Luukos symbol set upon a disc of bronze, a gleaming bronze ring set with a glittering red gem and a long deep-hooded cloak.

Gahread blinks.

Nevrek kneels down.
Nevrek hangs his head.

Pollie suddenly fades into view.

Dajamar fades into visibility.
Dajamar kneels down.

Umrae says in Elven, "My Lord."

You take a few steps back.

Morvule hisses, "Leave this...sss plassse."

Pollie curtsies to Morvule.

Gahread stares at Morvule.

Morvule says, "To me...sss...ssservantssss of the Masssster.  To me."

Pollie says, "My lord priest"

You glance at Morvule.

Morvule extends his hands.

Dajamar joins Morvule's group.

Nevrek joins Morvule's group.

Pollie joins Morvule's group.

Umrae stands up.
Umrae joins Morvule's group.

(Alisaire murmers, "And again...)

Nevrek glances at Gahread.

You see a wave of energy emanate from Gahread toward Krissella.  It coalesces around her body and then seeps in, leaving a glow around the body.
Gahread raises an eyebrow.

Umrae narrows her eyes.

You check your footing.

Morvule hisses, "Know the prisssse for walking afoul of the Great Massster."

(Nevrek's face contorts into a twisted scowl, his eyes fixed to Gahread.)

Pollie grins.

A wave of emerald ethereal ripples moves outward from Morvule.

Gahread is buffeted by the emerald ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
   ... 30 points of damage!
   Acid dissolves the knee ligaments.  Gahread's tibia passes his femur in a 
very unpleasant manner!
   He is stunned!

You are buffeted by the emerald ethereal waves, and knocked to the ground.
You are pinned in place, unable to move.
Roundtime 20 Sec.
   ... 30 points of damage!
   Acid causes some lower back troubles.  Large holes do that.
   You are stunned for 6 rounds!

Pollie cackles!

A hollow, resonating growl echoes from the spirit of Krissella.

Umrae smiles softly.

Dajamar smiles slightly, the fingertips of his free hand touching his symbol lightly

Morvule hisses, "Now go, lessst I allow the ssss...servants to do what they will with you."

Pollie softly kisses her Luukos symbol, murmuring to herself.

Your veins throb and your blood sings.
You move to a kneeling position.

Gahread stands up.

You glance at Morvule.

Umrae just touched a coiled snake ring.

Nevrek says, "The price one pays for heinous acts in the halls of the Lord Luukos is a steep one."

Gahread asks in Elven, "Is it my turn now?"
Gahread stares at Morvule.

Nevrek says, "Should you decide to test this place again, be sure your soul can handle the toll."

You lean on your scythe.
You stand back up.

Nevrek scowls at Krissella.

Pollie grins at Morvule.

You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella ask, "Bringing Light? Bringing Joy? These are heinous acts?"

Morvule simply stares back at Gahread with utterly emotionless slitted eyes.

Nevrek snorts.

Gahread ponders.

Morvule hisses, "Tesss..st not my patience, mortal."

Pollie says, "Noone wishes your blasphamy here, got defile the witches shrine"

Nevrek says, "You take your joy and your light back to Liabo's path, sylph."

Gahread asks, "Mortal, is it?"
Gahread says, "We are all mortals here, I think."

Dajamar raises an eyebrow.
Dajamar says, "do not think, Elf..."

Morvule hisses, "Little you know.  Very little."

Umrae laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Pollie says, "It might hurt you"
Pollie smiles at Nevrek.

Dajamar says, "you are not properly equipped...it seems"

>whisper umrae Your priest strikes down those who bear no ill will toward his order?
You whisper quietly to Umrae.

You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "I follow no Arkati..."

Nevrek smiles up at Gahread from his kneeling position, his eyes narrowed in contempt.

Umrae whispers, "He told you to leave."

Gahread snaps his fingers.
Gahread grins.

You hear the ghostly voice of Krissella say, "But it is Darkness such as this that brought the Vishmiir."

Morvule makes a sweeping gesture toward Krissella, and her body disappears.

Gahread blurs into a white fog and vanishes!

Nevrek glances at you.

You glance at Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "You.. you haff a different reason for being here."

You say, "..I do."

Nevrek says, "Do state it, before you are grouped vith the defilers."

Morvule hisses, "I leave the sss...sss..."

Dajamar bows to Morvule.

Morvule hisses, "Shrine to you...sssservants of the Great Masssster."

Umrae kneels down.
Umrae bows to Morvule.

You say, "I came here seeking one of your order.. but he is not here."
You survey the area.

Nevrek says, "May the emerald light guide, Lord High Priest Morvule."
Nevrek bows to Morvule.

Pollie says, "Thank you for answering my pleas"
Pollie curtsies to Morvule.

Dajamar says, "May his coils embrace you, High Priest"

Morvule slowly fades away in a flash of emerald light.

You check your footing.

(Nevrek slowly rises, his eyes lowered to the floor.)
Nevrek stands up.

Dajamar leans on his staff.
Dajamar stands up.

Umrae leans on her staff.
Umrae stands up.
Umrae closes her eyes for a moment.
Umrae tilts her head down.

(Nevrek raises his gaze to Alisaire, then twists his longsword in his palm into a tight spin.)
Nevrek put a longsword wrought of silvered eahnor with an engraved urglaes hilt in his spidersilk cloak.
Nevrek asks, "Whom... do you seek?"

You shift your weight.
You say, "One who I met in the freeport south; I have found him here once since then."
You ponder.

Umrae says in Elven, "She seeks Rumpkin."

You glance at Umrae.

Umrae shifts her eyes to you.

Nevrek raises an eyebrow in Umrae's direction.

You nod to Umrae.

Nevrek furrows his brow.

Umrae says in Dark Elven, "Me and Alisaire, have spoken before."

The sense of peace and security passes away from the area.

You nod to Umrae.
You say, "We have."

Pollie cocks her head at you.

You glance at Pollie.

(Dajamar drops to a knee before the small altar for a moment, then stands and fades into the shadows)

You hear the voice of Gahread say, "A pity..."
You hear the voice of Gahread say, "The Luukosian seems to have vanished."

Umrae asks in Dark Elven, "Did you not learn, fool?"

(Nevrek gazes intently at Alisaire, studying her with great scruting.)

You hear the voice of Gahread say, "And I had a little present for him too."

Umrae tilts her head down.

Gahread fades into visibility.

You nod to Gahread in greeting.

Nevrek glances at Gahread.

Pollie shakes her head.

Gahread nods to you in greeting.

Pollie gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

Nevrek says, "Your leg looks none the better."

Gahread asks, "Perhaps one of you would take it to him instead?"

Pollie gestures.
A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.
Pollie rubs a glassy black mica amulet.
Pollie suddenly disappears.

Umrae narrows her eyes.

Nevrek says, "Gahread, this is a battle best left afoided.  Think of your other leg."

Gahread grins at Nevrek.

You see Gahread Tempestas the Dark Elf.
He appears to be in his 80's, has long, braided white hair, blue eyes, and dark skin.
He has some minor cuts and bruises on his right leg.
He has a mangled right leg.
He is holding a quartz-mosaic inlaid rolaren shield in his left hand.
He is wearing a gold ring, a red leather sack, some full leather with a swirling vortex tooled on the shoulders, a pair of storm grey spidersilk pants, a glass amulet, some ora-edged sable leather boots, a high-collared silver-threaded cloak, a grey cloud amulet, a twilight grey backpack, a storm grey leather wand bandoleer, and a chalk dusted components pouch.

Gahread says, "Think of the wonders I can show your scaled friend."

Nevrek says, "The mind svims vith the potential."

You hear the voice of Pollie say, "I doubt there is much you can show him"

Gahread chuckles.

Umrae leans on her staff.

Gahread asks, "How about the inside of a void?"

Nevrek examines his fingernails.
Nevrek asks, "Oh... I am.. sorry... vas that it?"

You hear someone yawn.

Gahread removes a plain silver chest from in his grey backpack.

Nevrek says, "I need to time my shocked gasping better."

Gahread asks, "And what a pretty little present I have here?"
Gahread shrugs.

Nevrek says, "A silly little box."

Umrae narrows her eyes.

Gahread just opened a plain silver chest.
Gahread glances at something inside a plain silver chest.
Gahread just closed a plain silver chest.
Gahread shrugs.

You glance at Gahread.

You hear someone yawn.

Gahread put a plain silver chest in his grey backpack.

Nevrek surveys the area.

Gahread says, "If I cannot deliver it properly..."
Gahread glances at a small altar.

Nevrek sighs deeply.
Nevrek asks, "Vhat is it you must deliver?"

Gahread says, "Perhaps some kobold offal will properly express my thanks to your friend."

Nevrek gazes heavenward.

You hear someone mutter witt.

Nevrek says, "Oh, I see."

Gahread raises an eyebrow in Nevrek's direction.

Nevrek says, "Perhaps you missed my inquiry."
Nevrek asks in Dark Elven, "What is it you seek to deliver?"

Gahread says, "My present for your master."
Gahread says, "If you'd like, I can offer it to you instead."
Gahread shrugs.

Nevrek says, "Present."
Nevrek says, "Umrae, if you vould."

Gahread smiles faintly and nods to Nevrek.

Umrae bows to Nevrek.
Umrae moves to stand in front of Gahread.
Umrae raises an eyebrow.

Gahread asks, "This one?"
Gahread glances at Nevrek.

(Nevrek pulls his gloves more tightly onto his hands, nodding to Gahread.)
Nevrek says, "She vill take this .. present."

(Alisaire stands still, leaning slightly on her blade, watching.)

Gahread says, "As you will."
Gahread shrugs.
Gahread removes a plain silver chest from in his grey backpack.
Gahread drops a plain silver chest.
Gahread gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

Pollie suddenly fades into view.

Gahread picks up a plain silver chest.
Gahread glances at Pollie.

Nevrek raises an eyebrow.

Umrae seems to be waiting for something.

Gahread asks, "You're still here?"

Pollie says, "of course"

Nevrek grins slowly.

Gahread asks, "Don't you have some wounds to steal?"

Nevrek says, "I'fe another idea, actually."
Nevrek asks, "How about you take your present.. and hold onto it for a little vhile?"

Pollie asks, "Have you ever seen me do such?"

Nevrek says, "Surely you'll meet High Priest Morvule again."
Nevrek grins slowly.

Umrae leans on her staff.

Gahread says, "Oh, I hope so."
Gahread grins at Nevrek.
Gahread says, "I truly hope so."

Pollie says, "if I steal a wound it is meerly to hurt infidel out to rush to meat my lord"

Gahread says, "I have a score to settle with that one."

Umrae nods to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "If you vould kindly excuse us, Gahread, ve must remove the taint of earlier, contrary ceremonies."

Gahread leans against a small altar.
Gahread says, "Of course."
Gahread nods to Nevrek.
Gahread put a plain silver chest in his grey backpack.

Nevrek surveys the area.

Gahread seems to be waiting for something.

Nevrek asks, "So you're just.. going to stand there?"

Gahread says, "Well, you need to do something, don't let me stop you."
Gahread examines his fingernails.

Nevrek gazes heavenward.

Pollie rubs a glassy black mica amulet.
Pollie suddenly disappears.

Umrae shifts her eyes to Gahread.

Gahread removes a burnt scroll from in his silver-threaded cloak.

Nevrek shakes his head.

A luminescent lash of emerald energy whips out from the wall and slams into Gahread's skull, melting it beyond recognition.

 * Gahread drops dead at your feet!

The air calms down around Gahread.
The powerful look leaves Gahread.
The silvery luminescence fades from around Gahread.
The deep blue glow leaves Gahread.
The light blue glow leaves Gahread.
The bright luminescence fades from around Gahread.

The white light leaves Gahread.
The very powerful look leaves Gahread.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around Gahread.

 * Gahread just bit the dust!

You blink at Gahread.

Umrae laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

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

Gahread issues a ghostly curse on his own mortality.

You hear someone chuckling.

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

You hear someone chuckling.

You survey the area.

Umrae says in Dark Elven, "You were warned to leave."

Pollie fades into visibility.

Nevrek says, "Now, perhaps, you'll ... show a bit more respect vhen you step in here, Gahread."
Nevrek shakes his head.

The energy seeps into Gahread's body and within moments he is gone.

You blink.
You take a few steps back.

Pollie chuckles.

You hear the voice of Dajamar say, "how...utterly...moronic"
Dajamar comes out of hiding.
Dajamar put a silver-edged black rolaren backsword in his concealing greatcloak.
Dajamar points at Haxley, ruining his hiding place.

Pollie asks, "Did you dispatch the idiot,  Lord Priest?"

Haxley gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Dajamar says, "do not"
Dajamar stares at Haxley.

Nevrek says, "It is amazing how much room ve give infidels to retract their 
posturings, and how often they fail to desist."

Haxley asks, "Do not what?"
Haxley blinks.

You glance at Haxley.

Pollie gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

Lord Haxley just went west.

Nevrek says, "No need for that at the moment, Pollie."
Nevrek says, "If Haxley plans to use that blade he is holding, so be it."

Umrae leans on her staff.

(Dajamar gazes up a moment...a look of boredom crossing his face)

Nevrek says, "It is so hard to be a fair man vhen such situations occur."
Nevrek gazes heavenward.
Nevrek places his hand on his bronze medallion.

Umrae nods to Nevrek.

Dajamar says, "I believe things are well in hand here, War Acolyte..."

The sense of peace and security passes away from the area.

Nevrek gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Nevrek gestures.
Nevrek appears to be keenly aware of his surroundings.
Nevrek says, "Hm.."

Pollie gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

Nevrek says, "I do hope the ..Ronanite?.. does not return."
Nevrek says, "Haxley.. blade in hand.."

You hear the voice of Dajamar say, "some will never learn...."

Nevrek says, "Death echoes in this place."
Nevrek says, "He vould be foolish to step here and tempt Him."

You hear the voice of Dajamar say, "but perhaps he will chronicle the death of the other fool..."

Nevrek grins slowly.

Umrae grins.

You hear the voice of Dajamar say, "and it will serve as a warning"
You hear the voice of Dajamar say, "May the emerald light guide the faithful"

You shift your weight.

Nevrek glances at you.
Nevrek says, "You.. you are proving a curious one."
Nevrek loses some awareness.

Pollie says, "Or draw more fools to learn the masters power"

You say, "Perhaps.."
You nod to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "You stand here, and are struck.  Still, you stand here, saying only you haff intended to meet someone."
Nevrek says, "Someone who has efaded you for now."

(Alisaire shrugs nonchalantly.)

Nevrek says, "Blood is shed, still you stand."
Nevrek says, "Bodies fall.  Still you stand."

You say, "..I do."
You nod to Nevrek.
You shift your weight.

Nevrek asks, "Your reasoning?"

(Alisaire glances at the floor momentarily, studying it.)

Nevrek asks, "Did you intend to stay here until you find the one you seek?"

Umrae leans on her staff.

You say, "I intend to stay here until I..."  She pauses, blinking.  "..Until I find what I'm looking for."
You nod to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "I sense..."
Nevrek grins slowly.

Pollie whispers, "moruvle only attacked gahread"

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Nevrek asks, "Dajamar?"

You cock your head.

Nevrek says, "A shame."

Umrae tilts her head down.

>whisper pollie ..I noticed.
You whisper quietly to Pollie.

Pollie cocks her head at you.

Nevrek asks, "Do you know vhat it is you seek?"
Nevrek peers quizzically at you.

You blink at Nevrek.
You ask, "What do you mean by that question?  Do you mean this shrine, those in it, or....?"
You ponder.

(Nevrek turns suddenly, then stalks toward the altar.)
Nevrek stands in front of a small altar.
Nevrek turns around.

You say, "..I am not entirely certain; intuition guides me up until now."

Pollie rubs a glassy black mica amulet.
Pollie suddenly disappears.

Nevrek says, "Your intuition could lead you to something you should not discover."

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Nevrek says, "The entire curiousity and killed cats thing."

You say, "I don't fancy myself a feline."

Nevrek says, "Hm."

Umrae leans on her staff.

Nevrek says, "I vould adfise you to stop looking."
Nevrek says, "Until you know vhat it is you seek, do not look for it."
Nevrek says, "Not here."

You tilt your head up.

Dispater just arrived.
Dispater nods to Nevrek in greeting.
Dispater put a blackened enruned wight bone in his black weapons harness.

(Nevrek renders a sharp nod to Dispater.)
Nevrek says, "Greetings, Lord Dispater."

You glance at Dispater.
You nod to Dispater in greeting.

Dispater smiles at you.

Nevrek says, "Umrae, this is Dispater."
Nevrek says, "He is among the oldest of servitors to His Lordship."

Umrae nods to Dispater in greeting.
Umrae nods to Nevrek.

Dispater chuckles.

Umrae says in Dark Elven, "I met him this morning."
Umrae smiles at Nevrek.

(Nevrek nods slowly.)

Umrae tilts her head down.

Nevrek says, "As .. for you."
Nevrek cocks his head at you.

You glance at Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "I can respect a search for knowledge, but you are digging for this treasure on dangerous ground."

You say, "Nothing is gained without a price."
Alisaire smiles faintly.
You say, "And the greater the risks.."
You say, "..often the greater the rewards."

Nevrek hangs his head.
(Nevrek shakes his head, then raises his gaze to meet Alisaire's.)
Nevrek says, "I'll put it another vay."
Nevrek says, "Your time here, tonight at the least, must come to an end."
Nevrek says, "Now."
Nevrek says, "There are things that the faithful must attend to."
Nevrek says, "Things not for your eyes."
Nevrek says, "I ask you to accomodate my request and stay my hand."
Nevrek says, "Respectfully."

You say, "...Very well."

Nevrek cocks his head at you.

You nod to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "My thanks."
(Nevrek renders a sharp nod to Alisaire.)

You say, "A pleasant eve to you all."

Nevrek nods to you.

Umrae nods to you.

Dispater nods to you.

(Alisaire nods quickly to all present, then turns sharply on her heel.)