The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-05-15 - Ulstram Prepares (log)

Ulstram has finally emerged from within the Temple of Lorminstra, after having deliberated for days with the priests within. On the evening of 5/15/02, he tells those who begin to gather outside that the ritual to cleanse the tainted Griffin Sword will take place the next day. He expresses confidence in being able to cleanse the taint. He asks those gathered to spread the word, because he expects there may be resistance by Morvule and his undead forces. Moreover, assistance may be needed to infuse more mana into the area around the sword to help fuel his ritual.

This log is from Alisaire's perspective. It has been 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 the Jolena disk, the Hammerrhead disk, a silver coin, a scratched steel trunk, an enruned fel coffer, a field mouse who is sitting, the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone and a wrought-iron gate.
Also here: Lady Kevralynn, Great Lord Hammerrhead, Kalivatican, Earthdiver, Ulstram, Volsix, High Lady Kadesha, Lady Sheka, Kaeynne, Thaumatous
Obvious paths: south, east, west.

You see Ulstram Chanerser the Elven Prophet.
He is of an undeterminable age, has long, straight white hair, pointed ears, and fair skin.
He has jagged scars marring his face where his eyes should be.
He is in good shape.
He is holding an embroidered white silk handkerchief in his right hand and an ebonwood staff inlaid with slivers of ivory in his left hand.
He is wearing a slender white-gold circlet inlaid with a cabochon onyx, a fine silver chain bearing a gold-inlaid onyx key, a black velvet cloak trimmed with golden knotwork, some long flowing white velvet robes embroidered with golden spirals, a supple white leather pouch and a pair of white leather sandals.

Ulstram says softly, "It was a long struggle, but some good has come of it."

Kevralynn says, "Tis good to see ye m'lord Ulstrum."

Sheka asks, "some good?"
Sheka snickers.

Ulstram says softly, "Upon the morrow, I shall perform the cleansing ritual, to remove the darkness from the Sword."

Murp nods.

Kadesha bites her lip.

Volsix nods.
Volsix asks, "With the sword remaining in the stone?"
Volsix says, "I asked simply to have a better idea of how the ceremony will work."

Ulstram nods.

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword will remain in the stone."

Kevralynn says, "I can see no reson why it should leave."
Kevralynn says, "Though there be no better weapon to kil Morvule with..."

Kadesha asks, "Ulstram may I ask a question?"

Ulstram nods in Kadesha's direction.

Kadesha asks, "there has been  no known sight nor sense of Morvule, and well, anyone know where he slithers?"

Ulstram says softly, "The Serpent followers are near, some closer than you wish them to be."

Ulstram says softly, "But they will be of no bother once I have cleansed the Sword."

Volsix nods to Ulstram.

Sayuye surveys the area.

Kadesha says, "the followers are not whom I was concerned with sir"

You think to yourself, "IF he can cleanse the sword, as he calls it."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
You think to yourself, "The dwarf Kadesha takes too much of an interest in Morvule.  ..Yet it is not just those of Liabo who have noticed his lack of visibility.."

Ulstram touches the handkerchief once again to his brow.

Ulstram says softly, "I will inform my Ward of the ritual upon the morrow, so that preparations can be made."

Sayuye gazes with interest at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Sheka asks, "What time on the morrow?"
Sheka cocks her head at Ulstram.

Kadesha asks, "be a time abouts sir?"

Ulstram says softly, "Time matters not, it will be when it is."

Thaumatous says, "...good. Somethin' bein' done. Sentry duty's alright an' all, but..."

Volsix asks, "Ulstram, what might ye be able to tell me of things that have ocurred involving the sword acting on its own?"
Volsix peers quizzically at Ulstram.

Ulstram inquires quietly, "Acting on its own?"

Volsix says, "Thrice in my presence it has shaken and stirred, and twice begun to glow. One of those times quite brightly."

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword cannot act on its own.  Only when the darkness is being pulled by like forces would it seem to be."

Volsix says, "The times it has stirred the runes glowed, I assume it was Morvule and his forces."

Kadesha furrows her brow.
Kadesha says, "then the dark forces have been trying something"
Kadesha frowns.

Kismia's face turns slightly pale.

Kevralynn asks, "When aren't they?"
Kevralynn rolls her eyes.

Ulstram nods in Kadesha's direction.

Galesmight nods to Kevralynn.

Kevralynn says, "Fools."

Kadesha says, "I dont mean their puppet rabble, theyd not even bother the wards"

Sheka says, "You're even slower than this monk is."
Sheka begins chuckling at Kadesha.

Ulstram says softly, "With hope, the morrow will bring an end to this, and what I have foresaw."

Kevralynn nods to Ulstram.
Kevralynn asks, "What time will the ceremony be at m'lord?"

Volsix says, "But what of the time it glowed brightly? I reached for it as I spoke to a friend and it slowly began to glow brighter and brighter, and then stopped once I touched it."
Volsix says, "It was odd."

Sheka says, "Perhaps more will happen on the morrow than you expect."
Sheka sneers at Ulstram.

Ulstram says softly, "Sometime tomorrow, most likely after the sunsets."

Kevralynn nods.

You ask, "What preparations are needed for this ritual?"
You cock your head at Ulstram.

Galesmight asks, "Well if they are stronger in darkness then why not in light Ulstram?"

Kadesha says, "yes, Sheka, perhaps my sword might slip an accidently remove your toungue"

Sheka cackles!
Sheka asks, "Again, murdering one?"
Sheka sneers at Kadesha.

Kadesha says, "never did have real good aim"

Sheka says, "No. You never did."

Ulstram says softly, "Do spread the word of the ritual tomorrow, I will need many... eyes in case the Serpent followers attempt something, as I'm sure this news will reach them."

Ulstram nods in Krissella's direction.

Galesmight says, "Well yes since they are here now."
Galesmight snickers.

You say, "Such little faith in the gathered.."
You smile at Ulstram.

Ulstram says softly, "I have faith in those who are not tainted, Milady."

Ulstram smiles at you.

You say, "Of course."
You nod to Ulstram.

Kevralynn says, "Well said."
Kevralynn says, "I still believe the Silver Gryphons should be present."
Kevralynn shifts her weight.

Kismia nods to Kevralynn.

Kevralynn says, "They seldom are seen these days."
Kevralynn sighs.

Ulstram put an embroidered white silk handkerchief in his leather pouch.

Kadesha says, "They will get word Kevralynn, I will send the alert to Onoir"

Sheka says, "Thank you for you most interesting news."
Sheka nods to Ulstram.
(Sheka's eyes glitter brightly.)

Ulstram smiles quietly to himself.

You think to yourself, "This.. ritual.  It might provide a bit of amusement, regardless of the source."

Kadesha says, "ok Sheka go away now and tell your dark allies, if you have any whod listen to you"

Ulstram says softly, "I'm sure your patrons will be thankful for the news you bring."

Ulstram nods to Sheka.

Sheka says, "I'll make sure not to tell the traitor, Achillea."

Kevralynn says, "Bring them all Sheka."
Kevralynn says, "I can't wait to roast some snake."

Galesmight asks, "Can I get your word on that?"
Galesmight peers quizzically at Sheka.

Sheka nods to Galesmight.

Galesmight says, "Prolly better than some other folks here."
Galesmight nods to Sheka.

Ulstram leans most of his weight upon his staff.

Kevralynn laughs!
Kevralynn says, "She has done more here than ye seem to have been."
Kevralynn says, "In fact she seems to be at the forefront of the whole offensive."
Kevralynn says, "Which is quiet sad really."
Kevralynn says, "Makes me even more sure of victory."
Kevralynn softly kisses her Huntress symbol, murmuring to herself.

Kadesha says, "let the Lornonites fight jealously with each other, it is better for us"
Kadesha nods to Kevralynn.

Ulstram raises an eyebrow.

Kevralynn nods to Kadesha.

Sheka says, "To fight amongst yourselves."
Sheka nods to Kadesha.
Sheka sneers.

Kevralynn says, "I'd always prefer to kill em though."
Kevralynn sticks out her tongue.

Sheka squints at Kevralynn.

Kadesha says, "maybe they will kill each other and save us the trouble"

Ulstram nods.


[Various people are whispering to Ulstram throughout this.  Many of his actions are in response to those whispers and not to the ongoing taunts.]


Sheka says, "We are not like you hypocrites of Liabo."

Kevralynn chuckles.
Kevralynn says, "We can hope, though I'm sure the Huntress would prefer Her own form of retribution be brought upon them."

Murp asks, "what is Morvule doin' with those souls he seems to be harvesting?"
Murp peers quizzically at Ulstram.

Kadesha says, "bah, released souls don't go to Morvule, nae believe a word that snake says"

Ulstram says softly, "The Serpent Follower is..."

Ulstram says softly, "He's planning on twisting them into something horrendous."

You give your eyebrow a little workout.

Murp rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Kevralynn gasps.

Galesmight asks, "Are they not already?"

Kadesha says, "only the souls he already has though, those released, he looses"

Sheka asks, "How know you what his intentions are?"
Sheka cocks her head at Ulstram.

Ulstram says softly, "I have seen it in my visions of what is to come.  But that shall change once the ritual is complete."

Kevralynn nods to Ulstram.
Kevralynn says, "They are doomed to fail."
Kevralynn says, "My Lady see's it also."

Kismia peers quizzically at Ulstram.
Kismia says, "Do tell us what you've seen."

Kadesha says, "Jastev is a more reliable advisor then Luukos is, Sheka"
Kadesha nods.

Sheka says, "If one needs to rely on the advice of the depressed."
Sheka nods to Kadesha.
Sheka smirks.

Volsix removes a crystal-clear amber key medallion from in his grey leather duster.
Volsix squints at a crystal-clear amber key medallion.
Volsix offers Ulstram a crystal-clear amber key medallion.

Ulstram cocks his head.

Ulstram slowly reaches his hand out towards Volsix.

Ulstram inquires quietly, "What is this for, Milord?"

(Volsix places the medallion in Ulstram's hand.)

Thaumatous says, "Nothin' is ever sure. Nothin'. An' if ye folks will excuse me, I'm headin' fer the Rest, as I imagine they'll be interested in puttin' some bodies between this ritual an' whatever's bein' massed out there..."

Ulstram glances down at the key medallion in his hands.

Volsix says, "Thank ye for your help."

Ulstram smiles quietly to himself.

Ulstram says softly, "You need not give me tokens for my help, I wish to save lives and stop what I have seen coming."

Ulstram says softly, "Perhaps a little of the Lady's Light will touch her upon the morrow."

Volsix says, "I give ye tokens for your advice then."
Volsix nods to Ulstram.

Kevralynn says, "The time for Justice is at hand..."
Kevralynn softly kisses her Huntress symbol, murmuring to herself.

You hear the voice of Murp say, "hopefully it will shine in her eyes."

Kevralynn says, "Oh, I'll see to it."
Kevralynn grins.

Kismia says, "You're more optimistic than most."

Ulstram smiles.

Volsix says, "I hope that she will not be the only one to be touched by the Lady's Light.."

Kadesha says, "I think for her, the Lady gonna need ALOT of light"

Galesmight says, "I doubt that."
Galesmight says, "There are many who see eye to eye."

Ulstram says softly, "I must go prepare for the morrow.  My Ward will be around earlier than I to make sure safety is remained in check."

Kevralynn bows to Ulstram.
Kevralynn says, "We will be ever watchful."

You ask, "Are there preparations that are needed afore tomorrow eve?"

Galesmight says, "Good question .."
Galesmight nods to you.

Kismia asks, "Aye, any preparing we need to do?"

Ulstram says softly, "Some of my own.  I only ask that you spread the word to those whose interest is in saving this Sword."

Ulstram says softly, "The more, the better."

Galesmight says, "There will be plenty."

(Volsix quietly rests a hand on the hilt of the Griffin sword.)
Volsix says, "My every waking moment is spent here guarding the blade. I will inform all I know, friend and family alike."
Volsix nods to Ulstram.

Ulstram slowly nods his head.

Kadesha says, "I shall send word to Phoenix and Onoir both"

Murp says, "hope that Wardsman can handle Morvule"

Kaeynne shakes his head.
Kaeynne says, "I doubt it"

Ulstram says softly, "Rest well, then, and gather your strength.  I know not what they will attempt to do when those who are tainted give them word."

Kevralynn nods to Ulstram.
Kevralynn says, "Rest well too m'lord."

Galesmight says, "Could come tonight."

Ulstram says softly, "May the Lady's Light guide your vigilance."

Ulstram moves foward and enters the temple, his staff touching the ground just ahead of him.

You think to yourself, "May the Light guide.."