The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-05-06 - Morvule Prepares (log)

Ahead of Ulstram's arrival in Wehnimer's Landing, Morvule summons those aligned with Luukos to the hidden shrine in the Coastal Cliffs outside of town on 5/6/02. There, they bleed upon the altar, giving strength in their sacrifice. Morvule, who does not appear but can be heard repeatedly, indicates that he will be moving soon to claim a relic he has long sought. The sacrifice accepted, he instructs those gathered to seek out allies of the past, sharing that the alliances made when the relic, the Griffin Sword, was shattered are now being remade. They are to seek those aligned with Sheru, Mularos, and V'tull.

Later that same night, black energy is seen racing along the Griffin Sword's length and pooling into the ground.

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

You hear the faint thoughts of Nevrek touch your mind:
"We meet at the shrine."

You focus your mind on Nevrek and think:
"I will be there."
Roundtime 5 seconds.

[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.
Also in the room: Najani who is kneeling, Pollie who is kneeling, Geheyi who is kneeling, Lord Nevrek, Dispater who is kneeling, Lord Dajamar
Obvious exits: south.

Dispater nods to Nevrek.

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 a sinuous red fang-shaped mark on his neck, and many thin locks of braided silver hair bound with tiny black leather cords around each end.
He has moderate bleeding from his neck.
He is bleeding profusely from the neck.
He is holding some acantha leaf in his right hand and a bronze-edged black leather prayerbook adorned with an emerald green serpent coiled across its cover in his left hand.
He is wearing an emerald-inlaid skeleton key suspended from a thin bronze chain, a silver pentagram earring, some earrings, a gleaming onyx nose ring, a web-draped deep red spidersilk cloak edged with grey silk trim, a long black velvet formal jacket, a snake-etched bronze medallion, an arcane glaes spider pendant, some deep black mithril alloy brigandine, a sturdy black leather toolbelt, an onyx-inlaid black leather scabbard, an onyx-inlaid black leather thigh-sheath, some elegant black velvet breeches, and a pair of soft black leather boots with heavily padded soles.

whisper nevrek I..attempted to contact one within by other means, but that proved fruitless.  Twice now I have seen other faces within the shrine.  The elf who has just entered is one; the other's face I did not see..
You whisper quietly to Nevrek.


[The other person is someone aligned with Liabo, Galesmight.  He manages to spy on some of what happens and later calls for reinforcements.  His player shares a log of what he saw on the forums the next day, taken from his perspective while hiding.  Henceforth, the recently expanded secret wing of the hidden shrine is exposed and no longer considered a safe sanctuary.]


Nevrek says, "Najani."

Najani turns to face Nevrek.
Najani bows to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "Prepare the Blood Burst incantations."

Najani nods.

Dajamar smiles slightly
(Dajamar whispers slightly...'excellent')

Najani gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

Nevrek says, "High Priest Dispater, if you vould, steal the spell."

Najani closes her eyes for a moment.

You see Dispater ArchDevil the Human.
He appears to be in his 90's, has long, straight black hair, violet eyes, and dark skin.
He has a dark ophidian mark on his neck, and a tattooed symbol of Luukos on his arm.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a blackened enruned wight bone in his left hand.
He is wearing some blackened rolaren brigandine, an ancient swirling black cloak, a shadowy black weapons harness, a veniom-worked black silk gem pouch, a deep black leather knapsack, some zombie skin boots, a coiled emerald serpent pendant, a supple night mare hide pack, a silver ring, a glass amulet, a glowing amulet, and a gold ring.

Dispater gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Dispater gestures at Najani.
  CS: +316 - TD: +39 + CvA: +25 + d100: +11 - -5 == +318
  Warding failed!
As Dispater concentrates and begins chanting, a luminescent aura lashes out to encircle Najani.
Najani gasps in agony as the aura completely envelops her.
The aura grows brighter then disappears in a brilliant flash.  Dispater seems to glow with power.

Najani pants.

Nevrek nods to Dispater.

Dispater gestures at Nevrek.
  CS: +279 - TD: +135 + CvA: +2 + d100: +62 - -5 == +213
  Warding failed!
A ragged wound rips open Nevrek's jugular, which begins spurting blood.


[This process of Najani preparing Blood Burst, Dispater stealing it, and then him casting it on others repeats several times over.  Pollie heals Najani each time she is injured as part of it.]


Nevrek kneels down.

Najani moves to a kneeling position.

Dajamar nods.

Nevrek says, "Alisaire."
Nevrek asks, "I thought you to be joining?"

You become visible again.
You nod to Nevrek.
You say, "There was another, whose face I did not see.  He.. left afore I could get a better look."

Dispater glances at you.

(Nevrek leans over the channel before him, letting the wound at his neck pour blood into it, which slowly makes its way to the slab.)
Nevrek asks, "Another?"

Dispater frowns.
Dispater glances at Dajamar.
Dispater says, "Perhaps you should be doing this.."

Geheyi says, "Artha."

Dajamar smiles slightly

You see Lord Dajamar Nasci'Serpente the Giantman Prelate.
He appears to be in his 90's, has long, braided black hair, green eyes, and pale skin.
He has a dark ophidian mark on his neck, and a leering black demon tattoo on his neck.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing an emerald Luukos symbol, a crimson-eyed dark grey lizard, some heavy black silk robes, a ruby studded black brocade longcoat, a fine steel chain bracelet, a Luukos crest, a silver-etched black ora armband, a pair of serpent-shaped bracers, some heavy black leather gloves tooled with images of serpents winding around the fingers, an ebony spidersilk satchel, an ebony spidersilk pouch, a skull-runed obsidian scabbard, some ruby studded black trousers, and some soft-soled dark boots.

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock, "Faithful sssservants, doubtlesssssly the others have told you what you musssst do.  It is required to gather power for the tassssk.  To watch your blood flow brings a ssssmile to my lips."

(Dajamar nods slowly)

You say, "Eii.  I did not see him leave.   Nor enter this part.."
You take a few steps back.

Geheyi gasps.

Dajamar bows his head respectfully)

Najani places a hand over her heart.

Nevrek says, "It is our duty and privilege to serve."

(Pollie bows at the sound of the soft rasping voice)

(Alisaire murmurs a forced phrase, then sinks to one knee.)
You kneel down.

Dajamar says, "prepare again, Sorceress....the task must be completed"


[More blood bursting by proxy.  Dajamar takes over for Dispater.]


(Nevrek works his fingers within the wound at his neck, widening it and keeping its flow constant.)
Nevrek says, "Sustain yourselves vith the Acantha, servants, so that your blood may flow continuously."

(Pollie leans forward allowing the blood to flow in the channels)

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock, "But, disssscipline musssst be disssspenssssed among your ranks.  There has been failure."

Dispater raises an eyebrow.
Dispater glances at you.

Dajamar gestures at you.
  CS: +253 - TD: +81 + CvA: +2 + d100: +26 - -5 == +205
  Warding failed!
A ragged wound rips open your jugular, which begins spurting blood.

You clench your jaw.
You tilt your head down.

Nevrek says, "I am unfamiliar vith the failure, but my ears are yours for the using."
Nevrek hangs his head.

A dark green luminescence rises from the ground, wrapping around Dispater's ankles and seeping into his skin.

Nevrek places his hand on his bronze medallion.


[More bloodbursting and rounds of healing for Najani.  Everyone else eats acantha leaf so they don't die as blood continues to flow from wounds.]


Dajamar says, "she is overtasked with the taking"

Najani says in Dark Elven, "Please express my apologies."
Najani slowly empties her lungs.

Dispater's skin begins to crawl with emerald green energy, resembling maggots worming across his flesh.

You glance at Dispater.

Dispater smiles.

Small bits of dust slowly drift about the chamber, flickering briefly in the dim torchlight before they dance back into the shadows.

(Nevrek kneels over the channel at his feet, emptying his life's blood toward the slab, his eyes narrowed in concentration.)

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock, "Disssspater, had you not lead the foul priestess Kadesha here, you would have been among my ranks as a High Priesssst.  You bear the mark of a Priest until ssssuch time as your mistake has been atoned for."

(Pollie leans forward farther, her wound opening and flowing freely)

Dispater frowns.
Dispater says, "How might I atone for my deed?  I did not know she was here for her invisibility."
Dispater mutters under his breath.

Dajamar gestures at Najani.
  CS: +277 - TD: +39 + CvA: +25 + d100: +34 - -5 == +302
  Warding failed!
As Dajamar concentrates and begins chanting, a luminescent aura lashes out to encircle Najani.
Najani gasps in agony as the aura completely envelops her.
The aura grows brighter then disappears in a brilliant flash.  Dajamar seems to glow with power.

 * Najani just bit the dust!

Dajamar gestures at Geheyi.
  CS: +253 - TD: +41 + CvA: +17 + d100: +22 - -5 == +256
  Warding failed!
A ragged wound rips open Geheyi's jugular, which begins spurting blood.

 * Najani drops dead at your feet!


[Their deaths were unintended but useful.]


Nevrek says, "Push the Sorceress's body into a channel."
Nevrek snaps his fingers at Najani.

>look slab
The massive slab of dark granite appears to be little more than a huge chunk of rock that was brought here and left to rest evermore, its top surface only partially smoothed and riddled with dark red stains and many small chips and flaws.  A circle of heavily tarnished bronze is inlaid into the center of the slab, and the sinuous curves of a serpent are rendered around it in a raised inlay of metallic scales.  Though the metal has suffered by centuries past, the emerald eyes are utterly clear and radiant.

(Dajamar leans down to pull Najani to a channel)

(Geheyi strains to lift Najani to the slab, where her blood might feed Luukos.)

Nevrek nods to Geheyi.

You hear the ghostly voice of Najani say in Dark Elven, "My Lord..."
The spirit of Najani sighs softly, raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

Dispater trembles.
You notice a vein pulsing in Dispater's forehead.

(Alisaire leans forward slowly, staring downward as her blood begins to fill a channel.)

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock, "Do as you have done all your life.  I watch always, as the Great and Powerful Masssster does.  You will know when the time has come."

Dispater nods.

Nevrek says, "Lift the sorceress's legs.  Her heart beats no more, only gravity can pull the blood from her now."

(Pollie prays quietly as her wound conitues to feed the channels)

(Geheyi leans forward, the better to pour forth blood into the channels in the slab.)

In a flash of light, the emerald green glow disappears from Dispater's skin.

(Nevrek digs his fingers into the wound at his neck, pulling and tugging, covering his arm in his own blood as it drips into the channel.)
Nevrek says, "And here does the blood flow, and the blood flows to the slab, and invigorates.."

(Dajamar bows his head in reverence)
Dajamar kneels down.

The channels begin to fill with blood, mixing with the ash and bones inside.

(Geheyi leans forward to pour forth ever more blood for her Lord.)

(Pollie leans forward more, encouraged by the scene)

(Alisaire's face pales somewhat from the bloodloss.  She keeps her head down and remains silent, still watching the red filling the channels.)

(Dajamar lays his torn forearm above the channel beneath him, tearing at the wound to cause it to flow freely)

A faint, ghostly hiss emanates from the corpse of Najani.

Nevrek asks, "Who needs to bleed?"

Dispater raises his hand.

Nevrek says, "Prepare, Dispater."
Nevrek removes a longsword wrought of silvered eahnor with an engraved urglaes hilt from in his black leather scabbard.

Dispater hangs his head.

A flickering green glow slithers along the floor, toward Nevrek.  Within moments, it wraps around his boots and seeps inside.

Nevrek cocks his head and examines the boots.
Nevrek asks, "Are you ready, Dispater?"

Dispater nods to Nevrek.

Nevrek nods.
Nevrek swings an urglaes-hilted longsword at Dispater!
  AS: +287 vs DS: +221 with AvD: +37 + d100 roll: +1 = +104
   ... and hits for 2 points of damage!
   Slash to Dispater's shield arm.
   Strike trims off a few fingernails.
Nevrek stares at Dispater.

The wall of force disappears from around Dispater.
Dispater nods to Nevrek.

(Geheyi bends almost double over the channels, her face ashen but determined.)

Nevrek swings an urglaes-hilted longsword at Dispater!
  AS: +287 vs DS: +121 with AvD: +37 + d100 roll: +94 = +297
   ... and hits for 52 points of damage!
   Slash to Dispater's left hand!
   Several fingers fly!
   He is stunned!

Nevrek nods.

(Dajamar inclines his head)
(Dajamar holds his hand over a channel)

Nevrek says, "Dajamar."
Nevrek turns to face Dajamar.

Dajamar says, "I am prepared"

Nevrek parries with Dajamar a bit.
Nevrek says, "Stop moving."
Nevrek says, "It only hurts a moment."

Nevrek swings an urglaes-hilted longsword at Dajamar!
  AS: +277 vs DS: -2 with AvD: +41 + d100 roll: +32 = +352
   ... and hits for 132 points of damage!
   Shot shatters shoulder and severs left arm!
   He is stunned!

(Dispater raises his left hand over a channel and clenches a fist, causing blood to gush forth.)

A pale white energy begins to flow up from the blood-filled channels, rising in the air and dispersing like steam.

Nevrek surveys the area.
Nevrek says, "Bleed, my fellows... bleed.."
Nevrek put a longsword wrought of silvered eahnor with an engraved urglaes hilt in his black leather scabbard.

(Geheyi cranes her neck over the channels, letting the blood from her jugular vein flow into them.)

(Dajamar leans groggily over the channel, his blood pouring freely)

Nevrek grins slowly.
Nevrek kneels down.

(Alisaire clenches her jaw, now shaking from the continual bloodloss.  She watches the others with a detached expression before turning her gaze downward once more.)

(Pollie watches as her blood joins that of the other faithfull.)

(Geheyi shivers with shock as more and more blood flows from her body into the channels.)

(Nevrek slips his fingers into the wound at his neck and starts to pry it wider, working blood from it in gushes of red.)
Nevrek says, "Sustain yourselves, my fellows... it is not time to die, but time to bleed."
Nevrek says, "A dead body makes no blood."

(Geheyi cuts her left wrist lengthwise. More blood pours forth into the channels.)

Nevrek continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Nevrek places his hand on his bronze medallion.

(Pollie shifts her neck allowing the wound to refresh, flowing strongly again)

Nevrek gazes with interest at a dark granite slab.
Nevrek grits his teeth.

(Geheyi rubs away the clotting blood, causing the blood to gush afresh.)

(Nevrek stares intently at the channel at his feet as his blood trails down it toward the slab.)

You stare at a dark granite slab.
(Alisaire murmurs something, eyeing the channels as they fill with blood.)

(Pollie shifts the body so that the blood that has pooled flows.)

Nevrek surveys the area.
Nevrek says, "Perhaps the sorceress should be raised so that she may bleed."

Pollie gently rolls the lifeless body of Najani over.

Dispater glances at Najani.

Nevrek says, "Yes.  Let us do this."

Blood oozes along the floor in slow trails, the soft *drip-drop, drip-drop* echoes quietly around you as it trickles into the numerous channels.

(Dajamar sways slightly as his blood flows from the wound where his arm once was)

You glance at Najani.

Geheyi nods.

Dispater clenches his fist.

Nevrek says, "Najani, grab the acantha on the floor vhen you are able."

Pollie says, "THe blood has slowed from her"
Pollie says, "tend her neck before you raise her"

Nevrek says, "It is beyond my skill."

You see Najani Umani'Nref'ao the Dark Elf Sorceress.
She appears to be in her 30's, has short, straight silver hair, brown eyes, and black skin.
She has a black hand tattoo on her neck, and a black serpent tattoo on her finger.
She appears to be DEAD!
She has moderate bleeding from her neck.
She is bleeding profusely from the neck.
She is wearing a reinforced shield, an ora-plated deathstone clasp, a glittering blue starstone necklace, a blue black glaesine orb, some flowing robes, a ripped black leather backpack, a celestial blue keepsake pouch, a beaded suede astrolabe pouch, some inky black silver-barbed sandals, and an ebony spidersilk cloak.

The severity of that injury is beyond your skill to do anything.

Dispater says, "Mine as well."

Nevrek says, "Just unstun her, fast."
Nevrek nods to Dajamar.

Undulating bumps begin to punctuate Nevrek's skin, and a dark green aura rises up around him for an instant.

Dajamar says, "I cannot"

Nevrek grits his teeth.

(Dajamar holds up one hand)

You remove an oaken wand from in your grey leather satchel.
You say, "I will unstun her."
You nod to Dispater.

Dispater sighs.
Dispater says, "I suppose.. under the circumstances, a resurrection will be forgiven."

Nevrek says, "If you are not dealing vith the body, make certain your blood is freed from its flesh to the slab."

Dispater gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Dispater gestures at Najani.
A silvery translucent thread extends from Dispater encompassing Najani's corpse.
Dispater appears somehow different.

You hear the ghostly voice of Najani say in Dark Elven, "My only wish is to serve. I am an empty vessel."

Dispater continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Dispater hangs his head.

Wavering torchlight plays across the stone slab, and a lifelike greenish glow flickers in the emerald eyes of the bronze serpent inlaid on its pitted surface.

(Nevrek scratches at his neck, tearing at the wound with his fingernails, his eyes narrowed in pain.)

(Geheyi digs at her wounds, making them larger and causing the blood flow to increase, increase, increase...)

(Dajamar allows the blood to flow in silence, his gaze locked upon the emerald eyes of the serpent upon the slab)

Dispater gestures and utters a phrase of magic.

You lean on your scythe.
You stand back up.
You nod to Dispater.
You glance at an oaken wand.

Nevrek says, "Ready your spells."

Dispater says, "Master, grant an humble follower the ability to bleed, once again."
Dispater closes his eyes for a moment.

Nevrek says, "Ready yourself, sorcereess."

Dispater gestures at Najani.
Dispater suddenly looks very drained.
A bolt of soft white light streaks down from the sky bathing Najani in it.
A brilliant glow forms around Najani, lingers for a moment, and finally fades.  Najani awakens looking somewhat confused and seriously drained.

You wave your oaken wand at Najani.
[d100 = 79 + skill bonus 0 + mod 10 - spell lvl 8 = 116]
The glazed look leaves Najani.
Roundtime: 3 sec.

Nevrek points at some acantha leaf.

Najani blinks.
Najani moves to a kneeling position.
Najani picks up some acantha leaf.

The bumps in Nevrek's skin begin to beat every moment blood pours out from his wounds.

Najani says, "Thank you, thank you."
Najani bows.

(Alisaire slowly sinks to her knees once more as she tilts her head over one of the channels.  The blood continues to pour from it.)
You kneel down.

Dajamar glances at Pollie.
Dajamar asks, "can you heal yourself?"
Dajamar asks, "to sustain everyone?"

Dispater clenches his fist.

(Pollie leans forward again, her face showing no pain as her blood flows)
Pollie says, "Yes"
Pollie nods.

(Najani leans over the channels in the floor and squeezes her throat, furling and unfurling her fingers as the blood pours out.)

Slowly, the wavering tendrils of white energy rise up from every channel.

(Nevrek does not seem to notive the odd behaviors of his skin, being enthralled by his task of loosing blood from his veins.)

Najani coughs.
Najani leans forward.

(Geheyi gazes with interest at the blood flowing into the channels and onto the floor.)


[The process of eating acantha continues.  Collectively, they start to run low.  Pollie occasionally takes some bloodloss and heals.]


Nevrek begins to twitch.
(Nevrek's head jerks into a sudden twist as a sharp scowl crosses his face.)

As the shifting tendrils of energy rise up before you, they begin to coalesce into a large, ghostly visage.  With a keening wail, it slams into the slab and sinks into the depths of the bronze circle.

(Nevrek works his fingers deeply into the wound at his neck as if trying to dig the blood out of his body.)
Nevrek gazes with interest at a dark granite slab.

Najani smiles strangely as she rubs her throat clawing at the deep gash.

Geheyi gasps.

You stare at a dark granite slab.

(Pollie lowers her gaze from the ghostly figure)

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "Your blood has been given, the power is taken."

(Alisaire drops her gaze slightly, turning it to study the rivers of blood that continue to flow.)

(Nevrek takes a deep breath, his normally ebon skin looking more pale and ashen than black.)
Nevrek says, "Out blood is yours, and at your disposal, as you require."

(Najani prostrates herself low before the slab.)

Wavering torchlight plays across the stone slab, and a lifelike greenish glow flickers in the emerald eyes of the bronze serpent inlaid on its pitted surface.

Dispater closes his eyes for a moment.

(Dajamar bows his head in reverence)

 * Najani just bit the dust!

 * Najani drops dead at your feet!


[Her second death is due to bloodloss.]


Nevrek gazes heavenward.

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "Through your ssssacrifice, will I make the preparationssss.  Heal yourselves or die as you may."

Dispater gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Dispater gestures at Najani.
A luminescent web briefly forms around Najani, then fades into the body.

You think to yourself, "It is a great price I pay for you.."
You close your eyes for a moment.

Nevrek begins to twitch.
Nevrek grins slowly.

Dispater asks, "Have you adequate power, through our sacrifice, now?"

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "I do.  Time is all that I need now.  Within the next few nightsss, the relic will be ours."


Dispater smiles.

(Alisaire stares at the channels, listening quietly, but making no move to withdraw from where her blood continues to flow.)

Dajamar removes a scaled Luukos mask from in his spidersilk pouch.
(Dajamar lays the mask upon Najani's face )

The spirit of Najani sighs softly, raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

(Dajamar drops his head in prayer, his lips moving silently)

Nevrek surveys the area.
Nevrek asks, "Are ve stable?"

Dajamar gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Dajamar gestures at Najani.
Dajamar suddenly looks very drained.
A bolt of soft white light streaks down from the sky bathing Najani in it.
A brilliant glow forms around Najani, lingers for a moment, and finally fades.  Najani awakens looking somewhat confused and seriously drained.

Najani sits up.

You glance at Nevrek.

Nevrek begins to twitch.
(Nevrek paces slowly around the slab, surveying the area and its occupants.)

You stare at a dark granite slab.

Pollie asks, "Do any wish thy wounds taken?"


[All present begin healing their wounds, through herbs or via Pollie.]


(Dajamar bows his head reverently...his ashen lips moving in quiet prayer )

Nevrek says, "Let us prepare."
Nevrek says, "The night is in its prime."
Nevrek says, "I suspect there is more to be done, more to see."

(Dajamar nods slowly)

(Alisaire slowly rises to her feet, then takes a step backward from the channel before her.)
You lean on your scythe.
You stand back up.

A hissing voice rises from the cold rock, "There will be more, sssservant.  The eyes must be open during the next few nights."

Nevrek gazes with interest at a dark granite slab.

Dispater mutters under his breath.

Pollie says, "Yes Lord"

Geheyi stands up.
Geheyi says, "Yes, Lord."

You tilt your head down.

Slowly, the bumps on Nevrek's skin fade away, but the emerald green aura flares around him brightly.

(Nevrek shudders slightly, his eyes apparently pained.)
Nevrek gazes heavenward.
(Nevrek's arm twitches suddenly.)

(Pollie lowers her head and utters prayers quietly.)

(Alisaire keeps her gaze turned downward, but remains silent.)

(Geheyi bows her head, murmuring prayers of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of the Undead.)

(Dajamar continues to pray silently before the granite slab)

Nevrek just left.
Nevrek just arrived.
Nevrek says, "I looked around, and all appears to be clear."

The sound of quietly dripping water drifts faintly through the chamber, echoing in the shadows before fading into silence.

Pollie places her hand on her Luukos symbol.

(Nevrek rubs at his arms, his brow furrowed in thought.)
Nevrek says, "Let us be pleased vith this night's happenings."

Najani places a hand over her heart.

Nevrek says, "Let us hope for the rest of the night to go as planned."
Nevrek says, "You kneel and stand in silence."

Pollie says, "We have been instructed to keep our eyes and ears open for the next few nights"

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "Nevrek, you are the highessst in the ssssect of the military.  The protection and ssssecrecy of the shrine's locale fell upon you more than any.  The ssssecrecy of the shrine is no longer.  You will sssserve as an Initiate of War for thissss, until you are fully ready."

Nevrek says, "As it is villed."

The mark upon Nevrek's neck begins to bubble and boil as if liquid.

Nevrek begins to twitch.
Nevrek tilts his head back.

You shift your weight.

Nevrek says, "I avait further command, Your Lordship, and to prove myself vorthy again."
Nevrek says, "Vhen time comes."
Nevrek kneels down.

Dajamar seems a bit less imposing.

(Pollie touches her neck wincing slightly at the bubbling. )

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "Should we ssssucceed, we will reap the victory not won in ages passsst here.  Remain discreet, there is much paranoia in your sssstreetssss."

Nevrek hangs his head.
Nevrek closes his eyes for a moment.

(Alisaire studies the channels in silence, head bowed as she carefully listens.)
You kneel down.

Nevrek asks, "Pray tell, Your Lordship, vhat preparations are to be made for the future?"

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "You will all know when the time to claim what is ours is come.  The Great and Powerful Masssster has decreed it perssssonally.  The forces of the Order await my command, thissss will be known as our age when we are triumphant."

Dajamar smiles slightly

Geheyi nods.

Dispater nods.
Dispater nods to Nevrek.

Nevrek begins to twitch.
Nevrek mutters bitterly.

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "Gather allies of the passsst.  Even now the alliances made when the relic was shattered are being re-forged.  Bade them to pay homage to their Massssters.  The Jackal, the Painlord, and the Berserker."

(Pollie nods quietly)

Nevrek says, "As is commanded, as it vill be."
Nevrek surveys the area.

(Dajamar casts side glances at Geheyi and Pollie, nodding slightly)

Geheyi nods.

You think to yourself, "So it shall be then.. And the opposition shall fall, to the very last..  Ah, no wonder he returned you, servent of the Jackal..  And now, will we both fight side by side in this?"

A hissing voice rises up from the cold rock around you, "The passsst awakens to devour the future.  Your blood, your ssssacrifice, has sssserved its part.  I leave you now, to make preparation."

Nevrek gazes with interest at a dark granite slab.
Nevrek says, "May the emerald light guide."
Nevrek hangs his head.
Nevrek places his hand on his bronze medallion.

(Alisaire nods slowly to the words, yet remains silent while she kneels.)
You tilt your head down.

Najani bows.

(Pollie bows her head touching the floor.)

(Dajamar whispers quietly, 'we await the time to act...')

The torches above flicker slightly, their crackling flames adding to the centuries of accumulated grit on the walls.

A cold presence rushes past you, then the chamber settles into its normal stillness once again.


[What follows is discussion about who to reach out to among those devoted to other three, with a number of characters named as either ally or enemy.  Midway through the discussion, a large group of Liabo followers arrives and attack everyone.  The entire thing devolves into PvP and eventually those aligned with Luukos leave as they are fewer in number, lower in level, and sick of being killed repeatedly.]


A hissing voice rises from the cold rock, "Leave them.  They will join the corpses that will litter about your feet when it is time, sssservants."

Wavering torchlight plays across the stone slab, and a lifelike greenish glow flickers in the emerald eyes of the bronze serpent inlaid on its pitted surface.


[Some of those aligned with Luukos reconvene later, elsewhere, to further discuss with whom to share these plans.  Several key individuals are identified to approach first.  Among them are Setzier and Pyrocite, who have been marked by Draezir.]


[A Quiet Path]
A stray breeze trails through from the north, carrying with it the scent of lavender and, oddly, grilled rolton.  Though many might ponder this strange combination of fragrances, the truly remarkable aspect of this quiet path lies in the regal beauty of the ancient trees whose branches reach out overhead, offering welcome to all who pass.  You also see a shaded path, a grey stone walkway and a roped-off clearing.
Also here: Lord Loxik,Setzier, Lord Nevrek, Lady Sayori, Lady Pyrocite, Grhim
Obvious paths: north, south.

Nevrek says, "Ve must speak, in private.  All of you."
Nevrek snaps his fingers.
Nevrek points south.
Nevrek says, "Inn."

Setzier raises an eyebrow.

You sigh.


[At a Wayside Inn table.]


[Rustic Rose Table]
The weathered tabletop is carved with faint images of rose vines.  The etching is so skillfully done that even the dewdrops on the rose petals can clearly be seen.  You also see a badly damaged iron box.
Also in the room: Grhim, Setzier, Lady Pyrocite, Lord Nevrek
Obvious exits: out.

You see Grhim Anyukal the Dark Elf Wizard.
He appears to be in his 30's, has unkempt, long white hair, grey eyes, and pale skin.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a black crescent moon amulet, a black Sheru symbol, an onyx jackal head pin, a pair of claw-tipped gloves, a jet black cloak, some burnished tooled black leathers, and some knee-high black leather boots.

You see Lady Pyrocite Burnweed the Half-Elf.
She appears to be in her 110's, has long, straight white hair, blue eyes, and lily white skin.
She has a jackal-shaped mark on her ankle, a black chain tattoo on her arm, and a tattooed symbol of Sheru on her thigh.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a gold-edged black vultite longsword in her right hand.
She is wearing some thigh-high crimson silk boots, an enruned veil iron anklet, an onyx-trimmed scarlet leather thigh-sheath, some black claw-tipped gloves, a serpentine black ora wristlet, a silk-lined black velvet satchel, a ruby-eyed ora jackal armband, an enveloping misty black cloak, a dark crimson leather sack, a heavy roa'ter skin satchel, a silver-tooled black leather scroll satchel, some scaled black steel armor, a gem-encrusted steel girdle, an antique silver armband, a sinister ebony weapon sling clasped with a carved ruby jackal's head, a blackened iron Sheru symbol, a ruby amulet, a gold-veined crimson glaes symbol inlaid with a black vaalin jackal's head, a black crescent moon amulet, a blue black glaesine orb, an onyx jackal head pin, some deathstone earrings, and a thin silver diadem etched with delicate onyx runes.

You see Setzier vonEvenlore the Dark Elf.
He appears to be in his 110's, has unkempt, long black hair, dark eyes, and pale skin.
He has a black jackal's head mark on his neck, and a band of dark sigils encircling his wrists.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a silver hoop earring, a mottled black spiny-tailed lizard, a dark myklian scale harness, a glassy black mica amulet, a black rapture cloak, an ancient black amulet, a crimson vaalin unholy symbol of Sheru, some fitted battle leathers, an ornate blackened ora ring, a dark studded leather bag, a tightly-woven dark alloy belt, a pair of deep black leather pants adorned with silver studs around the waist, and a pair of shadowy black leather boots with slender eahnor clasps.

Nevrek says, "Right, then."
Nevrek says, "This vill be relatively short."

Grhim asks, "Who is that?"

You see Sayori and her group including Azorack approach the table.
Lady Sayori and her group arrive at your table.

You see Lady Sayori Nrsimhadeva the Human.
She appears to be in her 40's, has unkempt, long golden blond hair, dark eyes, and very dark skin.
She has a swirl of black spots tattooed across on her shoulder, and a sleeping demon tattoo on her chest.
She is in good shape.
She is holding an embossed black leather knapsack in her left hand.
She is wearing a stylish orange cap, a misty blue glaesine orb, some black claw-tipped gloves, a gold charm bracelet, a black lace bodice, a smooth black onyx locket, an elaborate dark bronze medallion, a red crested lizard, a fine velnalin hide satchel, a deep crimson silk sash, an onyx-trimmed scarlet leather thigh-sheath, a pair of black spidersilk stockings laced through with silver in a web design, and some stylish vruul skin boots.

You see Azorack Adamantine the Human.
He appears to be in his 40's, has shoulder length, wavy sandy blond hair, grey eyes, and dark skin.
He has some minor cuts and bruises on his right leg, and some minor cuts and bruises on his left arm.
He is wearing a dark brown scarf, a snake-twined sanguine hand amulet, a feeble siren lizard skin harness, a copper-trim umber suede longcoat, a dark russet sash, a leather-cased ivory drinking horn, a steel grey pouch, some silk-lined black leather pants, some knee-high faded leather boots, and some light leather.

You survey the area.

Nevrek says, "His Lordship, or, rather, His representatives, vith to recover the Griffon Sword."
Nevrek says, "The Luukosian effort seeks to renew the alliance of old vith the Sheruvian faction."
Nevrek surveys the area.

Setzier says, "Ah yes.  Dajamar has spoken to me about this."

Nevrek says, "Ve speak first vith the original parties."
Nevrek says, "Then ve look to other Lornonites who may haff something to offer to the cause."
Nevrek says, "Amasalen, for instance."

Setzier rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Setzier nods.

Nevrek says, "Assistance is not needed right this moment, of course, but ve ask that all be ready vhen the time comes."

Grhim nods.

Nevrek says, "Anyone you might recommend from the V'Tull and Mularos serving sects vould be of falue."

Grhim rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Sayori says, "I know of one little girl."
Sayori smirks.
Sayori just gave a lustrous onyx Andelas symbol a smooch.

Setzier says, "There are not many of V'Tull's around."

Nevrek raises an eyebrow in Sayori's direction.

Pyrocite says, "Perhaps Naamit, if you can find her."
Pyrocite nods to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "Certainly Naamit, if afailable."

Azorack says, "Brakkhen.."

Grhim says, "Perhaps Sepher."

Nevrek says, "I hope to haff at least a single person to represent each of the original alliance."

Setzier rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Nevrek begins to twitch.
Nevrek says, "Again, I'm not looking for any sort of commitment, or to set a time for action, or any of that."
Nevrek says, "You surely vill need to appraise all that happens on your own."
Nevrek says, "It do ask, howefer, that you prepare yourselves for entry should you enter."

Setzier says, "His Lordship and Luukos have always had an alliance of sorts, however..."
Setzier says, "We'll of course have to seek out the High Priest, and make sure The Sheruvian Order is behind this."

Nevrek says, "Of course.  It is recommended, actually."

Pyrocite nods.

Sayori gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Nevrek says, "Anything to add..."
Nevrek ponders.

Setzier rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Nevrek says, "No, that is all that comes to mind."
Nevrek says, "I did say this vould be short, afterall."

Setzier nods.

Nevrek says, "Do prepare yourselves and consult necessary authorities."
Nevrek says, "They expect vickedry to be visited upon them."

Grhim says, "I suggest we all be careful."
Grhim says, "During a time such as this the masses can become...quite unruly."

You say, "And..quiet until further information is available."

Pyrocite says, "Then they shall die earlier."

Nevrek says, "It is quite possible this vill happen."
Nevrek says, "They are paranoid and at arms."

Sayori asks, "It will be delicious, can you imagine the excitement?"

Setzier says, "I might suggest, if you see fellows of the faith whom are having a hard time dealing with the onslaught of..."
Setzier says, "Righteousness, give a hand or have them move their faith to secretcy."

Nevrek asks, "Self-righteous zealots?"

Setzier nods to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "The place is no longer a secret."

Setzier asks, "Place?"

Nevrek says, "Yes."

Setzier says, "I was speaking of Lornon follower's faith in general, not a place."

Nevrek says, "Kadesha intruded, and Dispater vas unable to deal vith it."

Azorack asks, "Indeed?"
Azorack raises an eyebrow.

Setzier furrows his brow.

Nevrek says, "Psh, ve are of Luukos' fold.  The vorst they can hand to us is a blessing."

Pyrocite says, "Those itch."
Pyrocite stares off into space.

Azorack chuckles.
Azorack places his hand on his sanguine hand amulet.

Nevrek says, "Ve are disgusted by vhat they fisited on the sacred place this night."

Setzier says, "Merely a suggestion, I know some of the younger faith cannot protect themselves, and we'll need all of the Lornon faith available."

Nevrek says, "There is more to it than that."
Nevrek says, "To shed blood there is not a bad thing."
Nevrek says, "Our blood, their blood, no matter."
Nevrek says, "They defeat themselves by killing us there."
Nevrek says, "The disregard for the sacred is the only vound."
Nevrek says, "The secrecy of the place is gone, yes, but ... this is no matter."
Nevrek says, "Vhat ve need do, now, is mask the true nature of this place."
Nevrek says, "It vill be pondered."

Setzier furrows his brow.

Nevrek raises an eyebrow in Setzier's direction.

Setzier says, "You confuse me still, as I'm not speaking of any place."

Nevrek says, "I haff moved from that."

Setzier says, "So I noticed."

Nevrek says, "I speak that their persecution of us is defeating themselves."
Nevrek says, "They visit a place vhere the blade gains another edge."
Nevrek says, "That edge vill cut them deeper."

Setzier nods.

Nevrek says, "Ve know this, ve persevere."
Nevrek says, "All involved haff steeled themselves for this task."

You shift your weight.

Nevrek says, "I leave you now to make vhat preparations you might need to make."
Nevrek says, "I thank you for your time, all."
(Nevrek inclines his head to the gathered.)

Sayori nods to Nevrek.

Setzier says, "I'm sure we'll be in touch."

Nevrek turns around.
Nevrek strides away moving out.

Grhim says, "Those that refuse to practice proper secrecy will be dealt should be dealt with accordingly."
Grhim asks, "That is where your concern lies Priest Setzier?"

Azorack nods.

Setzier rubs his chin thoughtfully.

You say, "Mm.."
You nod.

Sayori scratches her fingernails on a long table.

Setzier says, "My concern lies with the younger of our faith who cannot protect themselves.  Were it to save their lives, and remove the onslaught we are about to feel, they should move their faith into secrecy and remove all acknowledgement and ornamentation from their persona to hide it."

Azorack says, "They will know what danger comes."

Sayori smirks.
Sayori says, "Some of us have already learned that little trick."
Sayori says, "Out of necessity."
Sayori manages to offend an inordinate number of gods with an especially vitriolic spasm of oaths.

Setzier says, "The followers of Liabo, if these events lead into a union of the Lornon, will rally against all Lornon followers."
Setzier nods to Sayori.

You say, "Discretion is always advised for such.. instances."
You nod to Setzier.

Grhim says, "In all honesty there are those of us whom are recognizable despite any hiding of symbols of faith."

Setzier says, "Some, however, aren't accustomed to the war, however."
Setzier nods to Grhim.
Setzier says, "And if you can..."
Setzier says, "In any event, be aware... of yourself, and... those 'like' you."