The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-05-10 - The Call (log)

Just as had happened two days before, powerful undead suddenly start amassing around a central area. This time, it is the Sheruvian Monastery near Wehnimer's Landing. They suddenly scream in unison, "The Call!" Morvule again emerges to encourage the local defenders and Order of Voln members to release them. Except a strange vortex forms, causing the undead souls to ascend to the storm churning above and be absorbed into its shadowy interior. Those attempting to quell the invasion die in large numbers throughout its duration, and those attempting to attack Morvule directly are instantly struck down. The Griffin Sword shakes violently, as if something is attempting to pull it free, and a growing shadow is glimpsed within its glow. Blood rain falls from the sky, and Morvule departs, saying that if the town surrenders the sword to him, they will no longer die.

Later, Ulstram and Kendryth both briefly speak with the growing crowd outside of the Temple of Lorminstra. They advise caution while Ulstram confers with the other temple priests. The town defenders are told to be mindful of snakes, but also to be cautious of allowing themselves to fall into the domains of the gods of the Dark Alliance through hasty or hateful actions.

This log is from Alisaire's perspective and shows none of the actual invasion. It has been heavily edited.

[Wehnimer's, Erebor Square]
The dome of a large temple rises before you.  The circular building is surrounded by marble porticos and teak columns.  A promenade leads to two pillars, through which you can peer into the inner sanctum.  You observe priests, acolytes, monks and worshippers engaged in various rituals of devotion.  A locked almsbox is securely bolted to an iron pole alongside the pillars.  You also see a wrought-iron gate and the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Also here: Zacciwie, Lord Calean, Lord Demonicos, Delyorik
Obvious paths: south, east, west.

(Delyorik nods his head in reverence towards the sword.)
Delyorik closes his eyes for a moment.
Delyorik says, "A'teilia kaitlana"
Delyorik closes his eyes for a moment.
Delyorik slowly empties his lungs.

The sky begins to fill with huge clouds, dark and grey on the bottom, pale and white atop, their puffy crowns ascending towards the heavens.

Zacciwie says, "Uh oh..."
Zacciwie says, "Last time the undead attacked it rained...ang the time before that too"

You ask, "Hm... then perhaps they come again..?"

Calean nods.

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

Zacciwie says, "Possible"

You ask, "For the sword, or is the threat in Solhaven again this time?"

Zacciwie says, "I don't know. I believe a High Priest of Luukos is gathering undead"

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Arcs of lightning streak across the dark clouds and a hail of crimson rain begins to pour down.

(Teveriel listens silently, listening to and absorbing the information, frowning grimly.)

You see Lord Teveriel An'duin the Elf Swordsman.
He appears to be in his 50's, has long, straight golden blond hair, grey eyes, and fair skin.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a burnished eahnor bastard sword in his right hand.
He is wearing a crystal amulet, a golden Koar symbol, a flowing blood-red cloak held at the shoulder with a vaalorn clasp, a deeply etched ornate vaalorn breastplate, a veniom threaded harness, a Vaalor crested vultite shield, a gold and ruby-inlaid armband, a gold engagement ring, a black leather belt, a sturdy dark leather gem pouch, a pair of soft black leather pants, some tall doeskin boots reinforced with intricately etched vaalorn plating, and a gold ring.

>whisper teveriel These are dangerous times.
You whisper quietly to Teveriel.

Teveriel whispers, "They are indeed."
 
A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

The clouds begin to slowly swirl around the Monastery, numerous voices wailing in unison as the winds around you pick up.

You tilt your head up.
You squint.
The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Teveriel says, "Damn this foul rain.."

Volsix says, "Morgaine was right.."
Volsix says, "They are doing exactly as she suspected."

Charna asks, "Where are they attacking?"
Charna peers quizzically at Volsix.

Volsix says, "They are attacking the monastery"

Zacciwie says, "Sheruvian Monastery"

Volsix exclaims, "LEave them be! It is a trap!"
(Volsix shouts over the rain.)

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

Volsix says, "You do not understand, Morgaine and Demonicos told me the other day of something they had witnessed.."

Charna peers quizzically at Volsix.
 
Volsix says, "On the Potter's Field, the souls of the released were not ascending."

Wails of torment and pain echo around you, each screaming out, "The Call!  The Call!  The dead rise, we are yours!"
 
You furrow up your face and wince.

Charna flinches.

(Teveriel frowns darkly.)

Volsix says, "They were being blocked and sucked into the vortex of souls, like a net."
Volsix says, "The Luukosian's WANT us to release the undead, because then they will not be bound to the area."

Rimmaell says, "Morvule's work I assume"

Charna raises an eyebrow.

You say, "Dangerous times.."

(Reallia pulls her hood tighter over her head.)

Volsix says, "They will be free to join "The Call" to Luukos' army."
Volsix says, "We are helping them by releasing undead."

Rimmaell says, "Morvule soummoning souls"


[Many people die at once.]


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

Dragolyn says, "great, just what we needed"

Mordic says, "uhoh... here we go"
Mordic says, "dropping like flies"

Gerron says, "me heard some voices on me way to the krag slopes"
Gerron says, "twas about the call"

Calean says, "Rising Souls in the chamber"
Calean shivers.

Rimmaell says, "stand steady, or spit in there face wit yer last breath"

Charna frowns.

Mordic says, "hmmm... sounds too powerful for me"
Mordic says, "dang"

Volsix says, "I told you all it was a trap."

Charna says, "Is there nothing we can do"

Rimmaell says, "Morvule is amassin the undead souls for some purpose"

Rimmaell says, "first potter's field"
Rimmaell says, "now the monastary"
Rimmaell shakes his head.
Rimmaell says, "tis not good"
 
A whirling vortex descends upon the Monestary, and the sound of tortured screaming resounds in your mind as spirits begin to rise up toward its dark depths.
 
Gerron blinks.
Gerron shakes his head.

Teveriel shivers.
Teveriel grits his teeth.

Mordic says, "crap crap crap"
Mordic says, "not good"

Rimmaell says, "not at all"
Rimmaell says, "m'thinks defendin this sword be the distraction"
Rimmaell mutters under his breath.

Mordic says, "yep"

You say, "It may be.."
You nod to Rimmaell.

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

You shiver.

(Teveriel lifts up his head to stare at the sword in its stone prison, his hair and face soaked with the vile crimson rain.)
Teveriel frowns.

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Codac says, "nice weather"
Codac grins.

Gerron says, "aye"
Gerron ponders.

Codac says, "seems a storm is blowin in"

Rimmaell says, "tis no natural storm "

Teveriel says, "A storm like no other."

You shake your head.
You tilt your head up.
You squint.

Rimmaell leans against the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Codac gazes up into the heavens.

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

Gerron says, "nae, me would nae say like nae other"
Gerron says, "tis similar to the one that happened during the Potter Field events"

Teveriel says, "The same unnatural storm, sir."

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Codac asks, "everyone here knows about infusing the mana here right?"

Thaykros asks, "eh?"
Thaykros glances at Codac.

Teveriel raises an eyebrow in Codac's direction.

Mordic says, "nope"

Gerron raises an eyebrow in Codac's direction.
Gerron says, "nae heard about such a thing"

Codac says, "The Priest casted a ward on the sword the other night"
Codac says, "he informed us to infuse mana to keep the warding up"

You look at Codac and shake your head.
You say, "I have no mana to share for infusing.  My share is not good."

Thaykros says, "nor is mine"

You nod to Thaykros.

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

Volsix says, "Dear Gods"
Volsix says, "Morgaine managed to cast on Morvule."

You ask, "Where is he?"
You cock your head at Volsix.

Volsix says, "At the Monastery"
Volsix says, "Do not attack Morvule."

Volsix says, "Merely casting on him resulted in her being poisoned to death, instantly."

Gharon says, "eek."

You ponder.
You say, "He is powerful."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Thaykros asks, "why exactly are we saving this sword?"
Thaykros says, "it's not that great.."

Artha says, "Because 'twas the target of the last war"

Teveriel says, "Because -they- want it."

Codac says, "cause we wouldn't want the sword going to the wrong hands"

Artha says, "the sword is obviously a very powerful weapon"
Artha says, "just rubbing it prepares your own weapon for use against the undeath."

Odelon slings a small black vultite target shield over his shoulder.
Odelon rubs the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Odelon's serrated-edged blade flashes briefly, throwing off bright white sparks.

Rimmaell asks, "ye not aware of this sword's history?"
Rimmaell raises an eyebrow.
 
Souls continue to rise from around the Monestary, their misty white forms disappearing into the dark clouds overhead.
 
Gerron gazes up into the heavens.
Gerron shudders.

Rimmaell swears in a fluid mixture of common and elven that would make a spike-thorn take pause.

Thaykros says, "I am..it's jes, it's nae that great"
Thaykros shrugs.

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

(Gespry pulls his cloak tighter around his body)
Gespry mutters under his breath.

Rimmaell says, "perhaps the effect we use it for is not that impressive"
Rimmaell says, "but I don't think y'grasp how powerful it would be in once weilded in th'wrong hands"
Rimmaell says, "Phoen pity th'ignorant"
Rimmaell gazes up into the heavens.

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

Rimmaell says, "I'd deal with th'rain rather than Morvule attemptin t'take the sword at this moment"
Rimmaell chuckles.
 
Gerron grins.
Gerron nods.

You hear the faint thoughts of Renwyn echo in your mind:
"How does the battle fair?"

Wails pierce the air as thousands of souls ascend into the dark clouds and are lost in their shadowy recesses.
 
Gerron gazes up into the heavens.
Gerron frowns.

A pained expression crosses Rimmaell's face.

Teveriel whispers, "To know in your heart that there is nothing you can do to stop it.."
Teveriel shakes his head.

You nod to Teveriel.

>whisper teveriel I would go to the monestary, if I had the power to enter, but..
You whisper quietly to Teveriel.

The Griffin Sword suddenly begins to shake wildly, then abruptly stops.  A single wisp of shadow rises from it as its the stone's pale white glow returns.

Gerron blinks.

Gharon says, "ummm"

Rimmaell swears in a fluid mixture of common and elven that would make a spike-thorn take pause.

(Teveriel's eyes widen as he turns to the sword.)

Volsix blinks.
Volsix just touched the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
(Volsix grasps the Griffin sword by the hilt.)

You stare at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
You say, "See?  The sword is safe."

Volsix nods.

Teveriel says, "So it seems.."

Alisaire smiles slightly, nodding to herself.
You say, "Even that shadow cannot harm it."

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Edaarin wraps his hooded cloak tightly around himself, as if to keep out the cold.
Edaarin leans against the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

You hear the voice of Skoal say, "infuse the mana"
Skoal comes out of hiding.

You say, "There seems no need.  There is no threat to the sword, not now."
You say, "The shadow has retreated, and quickly.  It cannot touch the blade."

Rimmaell says, "sword be doin some strange things"

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

(Teveriel shakes his head dourly.)
Teveriel's entire body tenses as he tightens his grip on his eahnor bastard sword.

(Volsix runs his hands over the sword, inspecting it for more shadowy points or anything else.)
Volsix says, "They tried to wrench the sword free just now."

Teveriel says, "And they failed."

Volsix says, "It began to shudder and shade, and a wisp of shadow rose up and off of it, then I grabbed the hilt and it felt still, so I Assume they stopped."

The last of the souls rises toward the dark clouds swirling around the Monastery, and slowly they fade away into nothing.
 
Edarin blinks.
Edarin says, "Hmmm."
Edarin says, "Gone."

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

Reallia asks, "Can anyone here commune?"

Haxley scowls at Reallia.
Haxley asks, "Do you really want Luukos visiting?"

Reallia glances at Haxley.
Reallia asks, "And why not?"
Reallia asks, "Does he scare you?"
Reallia raises an eyebrow in Haxley's direction.

You lean back.

Haxley says, "No."
Haxley smirks.

Kieanna exclaims, "Scares me!"

Reallia asks, "Then why are you afraid?"

Haxley says, "But I don't want him getting this sword."

Volsix asks, "Why?"
Volsix peers quizzically at Reallia.

Reallia smirks.

Edarin asks, "Anyone else see the souls leave the Monastery?"

Maphiston asks, "Who can see anything in this blasted rain?"

Volsix says, "If you can call this 'rain'."
Volsix says, "It's blood."

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

Haxley says, "Those souls are going to be the shocktroops for this one."
Haxley grumbles.

Volsix asks, "Who is it you wanted to commune with?"
Volsix peers quizzically at Reallia.
 
A cold, sibilant voice speaks over the ominous booms of thunder,  "Give up while you can, hand the ssssword to me, and you will die no longer."
 
Reallia says, "Fash'lo'nae."
Reallia blinks.

Gespry says, "not a chance"

Reallia exclaims, "Hah!"

Teveriel glowers.

Turinrond says, "feh, I ain't givin' up nuttin"
Turinrond grins drunkenly.
Turinrond squints at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Edarin curses darkly, his eyes narrowing in spite.

Haxley says, "You know...THAT I believe to be a lie, Scaly."
Haxley smirks.

Rimmaell says, "I spit in yer face wit m'dyin breath afor that appens y'foul gutter trash"

Reallia asks, "Indeed, someone tell me, what purpose does this sword serve?"
Reallia glances at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Haxley says, "It has some sort of tie to Lorminstra.  A powerful one."

Reallia asks, "Can you explain a bit further?"

Volsix asks, "I'm just wondering, how dumb is Luukos?"
Volsix asks, "How can we hand over the sword when we can't remove it from the stone?"
Volsix points at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Snoogle says, "purdy dumb"
Snoogle nods to Volsix.

Turinrond says, "me kin kill snakes fer ya. I charge ya one silver"
Turinrond leans on his waraxe.

Haxley grins at Turinrond.

Reallia says, "Let him figure that out."
Reallia nods to Volsix.

Kabriel says, "The Griffin Sword was the reason we had a war many years back."

Volsix says, "If we could we wouldn't, but we couldn't if we wanted to."

Reallia asks, "And therefore?"
Reallia peers quizzically at Kabriel.

Rorac asks, "Why don't we just give them the sword?"

Kabriel says, "The first war was fought in order to preserve this sword."

Reallia says, "I say we get rid of it."
Reallia smirks.
Reallia says, "Or give it to the Krolvin."

Volsix says, "You're just full of good ideas."

Haxley says, "Yes, of course.  Give it to the Krolvin so that Lorminstra dies and no one can get further deeds."
Haxley shrugs.

Teveriel says, "For whatever reason the Serpent wants the sword, we cannot let him have it."

Kelandria rubs the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
The sword begins to shine with brilliant white light.  After a moment the rolaren falchion in Kelandria's hand is bathed in a pure white glow that appears to seep into the weapon.

The skies are stained a dark red from the haze of bloody rain pouring down.
 
Kieanna screams!

Haxley gazes up into the heavens.

Snoogle growls ferociously!
Snoogle says, "I jus cleaned dis dang cloak.."

Ulstram, identified as a prophet and priest of Lorminstra, visits those gathering outside of the Temple of Lorminstra. He does not speak for long, saying only that he had arrived after sensing some sort of "taint" within the sword. He assured them that he would return to speak again later, after conferring with the priests of the local temple.

Kendryth, his guard, tells those gathered to be wary of snakes, and to keep their ears and eyes open. I missed nearly all of the action here except these brief clips.

Kendryth says, "Mestanir.  That doesn't matter anymore now."

Kendryth says, "Only the struggle and the justice Lord Koar can bestow."

Ariond asks, "You've come here to help us against Luukos?"

Kendryth says, "I've come to help you against the foul darkness that slips ever-closer.  But I am not the one who can help greatly, I only escort he who does."


[Later.]


Kendryth says, "Give in to your rage, and you serve V'tull.  Spill blood and cause death, and you serve Luukos.  Give in to your fear, and you serve Sheru.  Be wracked by the pains and sorrow of this struggle, and you serve Mularos.  Do not let it be.  You are stronger than any of them when you have no doubt."

[Later.]

Kendryth says, "Farewell for now, good citizens.  I will see what I can find, and I know you will, too."

Kendryth slowly walks off, his white cape softly billowing behind him.