The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-05-16 - The Sword Shatters (log)

Concerned about the growing taint felt within the Griffin Sword, on 5/6/02 Ulstram gathers those who would support him outside of Lorminstra's Temple in Wehnimer's Landing, where the sword lays embedded within white marble following the events of the first Griffin Sword War. There, he begins a ritual to purge the taint, his hands resting instinctively on the sword hilt; golden light surrounds both Ulstram and the sword, and they rise into the sky, the sword sliding free of the marble. Suddenly, Morvule, the High Priest of Luukos, arrives, demanding that Ulstram give him the sword. Ulstram refuses, and Morvule strikes. The two meet in combat in the sky above, and in the ensuing battle, the sword is shattered into four pieces, which are flung far and wide. Ulstram collapses on the ground, and Morvule descends to gloat - joined by the other three High Priests of the Dark Alliance: Eryael of Mularos, Zerroth of V'tull, and Draezir of Sheru. After they depart, Ulstram finally stirs, still stunned by his failure. An injured Kendryth arrives, saying he was delayed by an ambush, and he, too, is shocked by what has unfolded. They tell those gathered to watch for the four shards, and to listen for the sound of drums - the sign that the armies of the Dark Alliance are nearing. Both Ulstram and Kendryth retire to regain their strength.

This log 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 the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone and a wrought-iron gate.
Also in the room: Drenius, Great Lady Morgaine, Valkos, Earthdiver, Velguth, Marex, Great Lord Rothran, Arnth, Lord Ratolin, Kalaman, Pollie, Lord Jonty, Lady Amberain, Ulstram, Lord Lazerath, Lady Siwas, Volsix, Apprentice Nayna, Macillus, Lady Ashenath, High Lord Clintmire, Lady Scheree, Purplenyte, Loarna, Dalboz who is kneeling, Lady Cassundera, Goldstr, Lord Demonicos, Zacciwie, Lady Celeina, Great Lord Kabriel, Achillea, Renowned Lady Sraven, Kylisie who is kneeling, Morgiest, Bristenn
Obvious exits: south, east, west.

Ulstram slowly walks out of the temple, his staff touching the ground just ahead of him.

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 wearing a pair of white leather sandals, a supple white leather pouch, some long flowing white velvet robes embroidered with golden spirals, a black velvet cloak trimmed with golden knotwork, a fine silver chain bearing a gold-inlaid onyx key and a slender white-gold circlet inlaid with a cabochon onyx.	

Goldstr bows to Ulstram.

Ulstram says softly, "So many here, this is good."

Ciresa asks, "..Hello there.  Here to remind us of our impending doom?"

Volsix says, "Greetings Lord Prophet. I am here for the ceremony, as I said I would be."

Ulstram smiles softly.

Morgiest says, "Shed us some light please Lady Sraven."

Ulstram says softly, "Before we begin, I will ask that we regain a bit of silence."

Ulstram says softly, "If you have any pets, or animals here, I will also ask that you move them away, or put them to sleep.  The ritual might harm them."

Ulstram cocks his head.

Clintmire says, "I left me goats in the pasture this evening"

Ulstram says softly, "Unfortunately, my ploy didn't work as much as I hoped... there are some who are tainted among you even this early."

Ulstram frowns.

Achillea smirks.

Celeina asks, "Tainted?"

Sraven says, "i can remove them"

Ulstram looks over at Sraven and shakes his head.

Ulstram says softly, "There will be of no bother."

Dalboz rubs the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Dalboz softly kisses his V'Tull symbol, murmuring to himself.

Ulstram inquires quietly, "Are there any questions before I begin?"

(Morgaine stands between Dalboz and the Griffin sword.)
Morgaine scowls.

Arnth asks, "Any chance I could convice you to join the dark side?"
Arnth peers quizzically at Ulstram.
Arnth ducks his head.

Ulstram glances at Arnth.

Arnth says, "Joking."

Bartain asks, "If the ceremony fails...what of these visions your paladin spoke of?"

Songowl says, "I thought that wasn't til sundown"

Celeina asks, "This is sundown, is it not?"

Ulstram says softly, "It cannot fail."

Achillea says, "it must fail"

Kabriel says, "What will you expect of us, Ulstram...perhaps that may help some people here."

Songowl says, "oh, you're that prophet, hm? well, if you're here.."

Ulstram says softly, "When we begin, I will need your help intially."

Celeina asks, "How so, prophet?"

Ulstram says softly, "You'll see."

Pyrocite says, "This should be amusing."
Pyrocite raises her hand to her crimson glaes symbol, touching the image of a black jackal's head.

Morgaine says, "If any try to intervene to stop the ceremony, I will bind them."
Morgaine says, "That means you, V'tullian."

Dalboz glares at Morgiest.

Pyrocite says, "Oh, I won't intervene. We won't have to..."

Songowl asks, "I just have a curiosity... what certainty is there that such a proceeding would be successful?"

Ulstram walks slowly over towards the Temple, and places his hand against it.  Carefully, he lays his staff against it.

Ulstram says softly, "Please, silence will be needed.  Too much noise, and I will not be able to hear key moments in the ritual."


[Everyone has been spelling up non-stop.  Because of the scroll, this means that everyone also keep asking and re-asking why a crowd has gathered.  So were the days before NPCs spoke in monsterbold..]


Ulstram says softly, "Let us begin."

Ulstram steps toward the sword, his hands instinctively grasping the hilt.  A bright white glow suddenly flares to life around him as he raises his head toward the sky.

(Volsix steps up near the sword, quietly watching from nearby Ulstram.)

Ulstram says softly, "The taint... it is here... small, but it must be cleansed.  Infuse your power into the area... and lend your prayers to me so that it might be clean of all impurity."


[Much kneeling and praying.]


The Griffin Sword begins to flicker rapidly with a golden glow as Ulstram murmurs prayers under his breath, and runes of the same hue rise up from the ground to match the bright pulsings.

A column of sparkling white light descends from the heavens onto the Square, and Ulstram remains unmoving as the pillar of nearly blinding light narrows straight down to the sword and himself.

Celeina gasps.

(Pyrocite steps back from the light, growling.)

Faint threads of multi-colored essence begin to drift from the crowd in the square, flowing into the pillar of white light ensconcing the sword and Ulstram.

Faint threads of deep black essence drift by you, but dissolve as they reach the circle of golden runes protecting the Sword.

Pyrocite scowls.
Pyrocite closes her eyes for a moment.

Bristenn stands up.
Bristenn removes a pure white vultite longsword from in his silver-bound sheath.

Ulstram can barely be heard now as a deep thrumming noise pulses outward from the Griffin Sword's blade, and slowly, inch by inch, the magnificent weapon rises from the stone in an aura of bright light that surrounds Ulstram as they both rise into the air, the scintillating column of white light enshrouding them sparkling with a sheen of gold.

Purplenyte's jaw drops.

Bristenn beams!

Pyrocite hisses.


[Various reactions are shown in those gathered - shock, fear, horror, amusement, and joy.]


Zacciwie says, "Protecters of the sword, do not lose strength. Release all your power into the area and flood it with goodness"

The Griffin Sword's light shines brightly down onto the Square, its brilliant glow casting the area in a soft white light.  A look of worry passes over Ulstram's face briefly as something dark flashes across the night sky, but his fervent prayers are ceaseless, and the Sword continually grows brighter and brighter under his power until it becomes hard to even glimpse at it.

Celeina says, "So bright..."

Opalina closes her eyes for a moment.

Suddenly, streaks of darkness rise up from the ground and swirl around the column of light protecting Ulstram, the inky black tendrils fluidly rising up to form the figure of a scaled being right in front of the blind man.  Though his face is unmoving and emotionless, Ulstram raises his head as if to gaze at the scaled being.  The column of light flickers and fades away within seconds.

Pyrocite laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Lord Hercules just arrived.

Amberain growls ferociously!

Ulstram's voice echoes toward the ground below, "You cannot have it, you who prey on the weaknesses and frailties of innocents.  You will never hold it again."  The Griffin Sword flares brightly in response, its very glow causing the air around you to blur and distort with power.

Bristenn exclaims, "Pray, brave Liaboans!"

Kabriel says, "Ronan guide me..."

Morvule's voice echoes toward the ground below as a stiff, cold wind blows through the area, "It was given to ussss long ago, priesssst.  We return for it.  You cannot hope to stop ussss.  Plasssse it in my hand, and you will be sssspared."

Pyrocite smirks.

(Siwas glances up, startled.)

Ulstram's voice echoes toward the ground below, "Spared?  We will be spared, but countless others will be victims of your lies, your cruelty, and your perversion of the Great Cycle.  No, I would not be spared, I would be damned if I bequeath you with the sword.   I would be a coward to cheat the Great Cycle.  I would be just like you."

Sansil nods to Ulstram.

Kabriel says, "Ronan...guardian of the night...watch over us now...in our hour of need..."

(Dajamar turns a slightly amused look upon Ulstram)

Suddenly the sky erupts in battle as Morvule strikes at Ulstram, and soon they weave in and out of a spiralling blur of strikes and retreats.  The Griffin Sword flares brightly as the old man heaves and wields it with the skill of a master swordsman, but the serpentine creature gracefully avoids each strike with the quickness of a snake.

Siwas blinks.

Celeina says, "Oh dear."

In one blurring motion, Morgiest snatches a snow-white rolaren hollow mace from his scabbard, brandishing it for all to see.

Goldstr stands up.


[Many rise and prepare for battle themselves.]


As the battle ensues, you hear the mixed voices of both Ulstram and Morvule, "You have not removed the taint, foolissssh you are, blind you are..."  Followed by, "I soon shall, Great Deceiver!  Mark my words, your destruction will be averted!  What I have seen will NOT come to pass!  I will make sure of it!"

As the battle rages on, you catch a faint glimpse of a tiny, flickering black crack harbored within the blade of the Griffin Sword.  It seems to be growing bigger as every strike is made.  Morvule's eyes flash with a sickly, reptilian pleasure.

Bristenn says, "It is as if they have lit the heavens ablaze.."

Bartain says, "pray"

Ulstram makes a particularly large swipe at Morvule, and the serpentine being suddenly raises his hands toward the heavens.  A swirling cyclone of utter blackness descends and rapidly coalesces around Ulstram, his form being lost in the darkness within.

Kerl frowns.

Bristenn clenches his jaw.

Dajamar says, "excellent..."

Zacciwie says, "Oh no..."


[Much more kneeling and praying.]


From your vantage point, you can glimpse the Griffin Sword from within the heart of the blackness, its blade completely saturated with the darkness of the shadowy vortex.  No glow emanates from its form, and shadows whirl around it in a frenzied dance.  Morvule smiles widely as the darkness grows heavier.

Demietria says, "he lost"

Jonty frowns.

Kabriel says, "Ronan...defeat the darkness...take back your night..."

Volsix says, "This cannot be.."


Suddenly a brilliant glow explodes from the depths of the darkness, rising up to form a column of gold-streaked white light.  The two cyclones of darkness and light begin to swirl around and mix with one another violently, and intense winds buffet the area as two forces clash.  The Griffin Sword disappears in the violent twists and turns of the maelstroms.

Bristenn says, "He's not done yet."

Celeina says, "Oh gods no."

Pyrocite says, "Ronan cannot help you here."

Opalina exclaims, "the sword!"


[Many react, most in horror but several in joy.]


From over the screaming gales of wind, you hear the voice of Ulstram yelling, "No, I will not let it be taken!  It will not be!  These people have fought too hard, have seen too many dead!  You will fail, Deceiver!"  Suddenly the Griffin Sword is tossed from the tumultuous currents of blackness and light, and it begins to shiver intensely, every single line of its form glowing a pale white as darkness crawls across its blade.

Volsix says, "Dear Gods.."

An intense, echoing BOOM resounds across the area as the Griffin Sword suddenly explodes in a ball of brilliant white fire streaked with darkness.  From somewhere above, you hear Ulstram yell, "No!", but it's soon cut off by the deafening explosion.

Bristenn screams!

Dajamar smiles wickedly

The maelstroms of black and white recede into the heavens, and you see four faintly sparkling trails in the sky, each pointing toward different directions.  The sky seems eerily still, but then the ominous rumble of thunder echoes overhead.

Shanasa sobs.

Ulstram suddenly appears on the ground in a flash of white light, his from hunched and bent over.

Kerl frowns.

Songowl groans.

Volsix says, "The sword has been torn to pieces once more"

Ulstram says quietly between labored breaths, "It split... It split... he could not stand up to the power of it whole, and the darkness was too great, it split... I do not know where it is... its power is drained... its empty... must not be filled... must not be filled..."  He collapses on the ground, and becomes silent as blood leaks out of his mouth.

Kerl says, "it has shattered yet again"

Bartain says, "Just like before..."

Morvule appears in a flash of sickly emerald light.

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 a long deep-hooded cloak, a gleaming bronze ring set with a glittering red gem, a carved emerald Luukos symbol set upon a disc of bronze and some dark flowing robes.

Pyrocite nods to Morvule in greeting.

Dajamar says, "My Lord Morvule"

Morvule hisses, "You've angered me greatly, and you have ssssealed your fate.  We will find these piecessss assss we did in timessss long past.  Let it be known that our journey beginssss with your destruction.  Let it be known the ancient alliance hassss been reforged."

Morgiest snarls menacingly!

Morvule hisses, "Witness, you pitiful mortals, the Harbingerssss of your doom.  Know that you brought them for not relinquishing what issss ours.  Come, my allies, the time for maskssss issss no longer."

Grhim smiles ever so slightly.

Volsix growls ferociously!
Volsix says, "I'll end ye"

Zacciwie glares at Morvule with a murderous glint in his eyes, his lips tightening into a cool sneer.

Eryael rises from the ground in a tinge of pale white smoke, a wry, strange smile on his otherwise expressionless and delicate face.

You see Eryael Ladrinyth the Mularosian Pain Lord.
He appears to be in his 20's, has long, straight platinum blonde hair that falls to his waist, warm violet eyes, and delicate pale skin.
He has faintly visible scars across his exposed skin.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a soft white cloak trimmed in dark burgundy velvet, some light grey ankle-tie sandals, and a loose-fitting white robe hemmed with pale grey silk.

Huka says, "We will defend it with every drop of strength we have."

Vaktof says, "we gotta find it first."

Eryael asks in a soft voice, "Time to play with these beautiful little people, Morvule?  I'll enjoy them immensely... so many lovely, unmarred faces..."

Ieyasu says, "this might be bad"

Huka says, "Shall we not sleep til it is in it's rightfull place."

Zerroth suddenly appears, ensconced in a bloody glow as he glares darkly around the area.

You see Zerroth Wetchir the V'tullian Berserker.
He appears to be in his 100's, has ragged tendrils of deep black hair, solid crimson eyes, and pale alabaster skin.
He has numerous dark markings branded deeply into the flesh of his face.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a massive serrated black ora sword in his right hand.
He is wearing a suit of heavily stained black plate set with curved shoulder-spikes, a tattered deep crimson cape, a dark iron-bound sheath, and a pair of ragged black leather boots reinforced with stained iron.

Zerroth says in a gruff voice, "Slaughter is at hand.  Battle comes.  Blood to be shed in Master V'tull's glory!  Your blood!"

Kerl says, "we've seen your like before and we'll see it again"

Bristenn clenches his jaw.

Kabriel says, "You shall not have it."

The air undulates around you as shadows rise up to form a distinct humanoid-like shape.  Slowly, Draezir walks out of the shadows towards you.

You see Lord Draezir Moltoniron the Sheruvian High Priest.
He appears to be very old, has long, braided white hair, slate grey eyes, and tanned skin.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a whorled black ora staff capped with a flickering crimson orb in his left hand.
He is wearing a faded leather satchel, some heavy black velvet robes sewn with runes the color of warm blood, an intricate crimson vaalin unholy symbol of Sheru, a narrow black ora sheath inlaid with crushed rubies and some dark leather boots.

Pyrocite cackles!

Siwas takes a few steps back.
Siwas's face turns slightly pale.

Draezir simply stands amid the Square, a grin upon his face.

Grhim says, "High Priest Draezir."

Demonicos says, "The four.."

Bartain exclaims, "It is the four!"

Pyrocite says, "We stand together again, at last."

Vaktof says, "search out across the lands and find them.... bring the four together to regain control."

Morvule hisses, "Know now the facessss of your end.  None of you will sssstop what now marchessss toward your town.  None of you will sssstop what will march to every corner of the continent.  None of you will sssstop ussss from reforging the ssssword.  You have no hope, you have only War, Pain, Terror, and Death.  We go now, my alliessss."

Morvule's eyes flash a bright viridian shade, and the air around him begins to waver in a hazy blur.  Flickering wisps of green energy slither along the ground before him.

Suddenly, the crackles of energy explode around you in a flash of brilliant light that completely obscures your vision!  As the light fades away, you realize that Morvule is nowhere in sight.

Purplenyte's face turns slightly pale.

Feywynd bites her lip.

Kabriel growls ferociously!

Amberain says, "oh my goodness"

Volsix says, "The sword must be found."

Celeina says, "It will be found. It will."

Kabriel says, "It is not yet over."

Huka says, "We will remember your words and repeat them as you fall to our hands"

Pyrocite says, "My night, could not be any better."
Pyrocite says, "I think I shall prepare a sacrifice."

Volsix says, "Four different directions.."

Celeina says, "I worry for the other towns."

Kerl says, "have faith Landingers.  They will fall again as they did in earlier times"

Morgiest says, "Aye. Lord Kerl. They shall."

Goldstr says, "aye kerl"

Ulstram slowly stirrs.

Kabriel says, "Say what you will, but the balance is to be preserved...the sword was rendered because the balance was strong...that means that this battle has not yet been won."

Ulstram lifts his head up towards the stone, as if gazing at it.

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword.... dear Lady the Sword..."

Valicar says, "they come. Be ready."

Songowl exclaims, "the sword was disassembled, NOT destroyed!"
Songowl says, "this makes things that much more difficult"

Arwen says, "History seems to be repeating itself."

Siwas says, "The pieces will be found, Songowl."

Pyrocite asks, "But by whom?"

Siwas says, "Those who should have it, of course."

Achillea asks, "so where was your Wardsman?"

Ulstram slowly rises up, his face never removing from the stone.

Kabriel says, "ENOUGH!  Supporters of Liabo, do not bicker against those of Lornon...for they did not win today either.  But neither did we.  So let us hope that we can still preserve the balance."

Ulstram quickly moves in a circle, his face gazing off into all directions.

Ulstram says softly, "I..."

Pyrocite says, "Failed."

Ulstram says softly, "I cannot sense the Sword."

Amberain says, "ye helped as much as ye could"

Dajamar says, "you have failed....less than prophet"

Arwen frowns.

Bristenn's entire body tenses as he tightens his grip on his white vultite longsword.
Bristenn growls ferociously!

Volsix says, "How will it be found..."

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword is empty, and without the holiness it once had... I cannot find it."

Nevrek says, "This is curious."

Ulstram says softly, "It wasn't a nightmare then... it was another vision."

Ulstram lowers himself into a sitting position.

(Nevrek leans casually against Lorminstra's temple, absently dragging a gloved finger around the perimeter of the bronze symbol at his neck.)

Kabriel asks, "What should we do, Ulstram?"

Songowl says, "as for you, prophet, your failure not only disappoints, but your arrogance in thinking that your actions could right this wrong has perhaps begun us on the path to our doom"

Ulstram says softly, "I had what I thought was a nightmare, as I rested last night."

Ulstram says softly, "I thought it was nerves from performing with such an ancient relic."

Pyrocite says, "Isn't that a pity..."

Kabriel says, "None of us can fault you for what has happened this evening..."

Songowl says, "I am not interested in how hard he tried, but in results."

Villhi asks, "How are you, elf?"

Nofret asks, "So the sword is destroyed?"

Lesorel says, "Broken."

Ulstram says softly, "But it must have been a vision of what was to come... the ritual failing."

Kabriel says, "We may not have the sword, Ulstram...but nae, neither do they.  Not yet."

Nevrek says, "To think, I vas just coming here to bless the blade, and to find it now shattered."
Nevrek says, "This pleases."

Ulstram says softly, "The pieces of the Sword must be found before the Dark Alliance does."

Ulstram sighs.

Volsix asks, "But where?"

Kabriel says, "Ye fought against mighty odds, my lord Prophet..."

Bartain says, "I asked ya of what to do after if it failed. Now it has. The time has come around again."

Kieanna asks, "What do we do now?"

Ulstram says softly, "What I came to stop has come to fruitation..."

Ulstram says softly, "There will be many dead... many lost..."

Nevrek says, "But, dear blind prophet, surely if you cannot See that this is for the best, you can Feel it."

Blardo asks, "Where are we to look for the shards Ulstram?"

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword split into four directions, the original four pieces what once began its history."

Nofret says, "Blade, hilt, pommel and quillions."

Bartain says, "As it was before"

Kabriel says, "And neither did those of Lornon get their hands on the sword...consider that much a blessing."

Ulstram says softly, "The Dark Alliance will send their armies searching for the pieces."

Kabriel says, "Then those of the Light, must as well."

Lesorel asks, "What do you see, Ulstram?"

Xanorath says, "What are we waiting for? Lets go find the pieces."

Bartain says, "And many will die because of failure. Not blaming you good sir, for there was much disturbance here."

Ulstram says softly, "The pieces are void of everything."

Ulstram says softly, "They have no holiness... no darkness."

Kabriel asks, "So in essence...they start anew?"
Kabriel peers quizzically at Ulstram.

Ulstram nods to Kabriel.

Opalina says, "they are empty"

Kabriel nods to Opalina.

Ulstram says softly, "They must be attained by the Light, and not allow the Dark Alliance to desecrate them again."

Kabriel asks, "Will the taint return if they even touch the hands of someone of the Dark, milord?"

Kaosll smiles evilly as his eyes turn as black as the midnight sky and his armor begins to looks as if it is bleeding. sure signs of a possesion by the god V'tull

Ulstram says softly, "I only saw three of the pieces.  Into the East, South and West they went... I did not see the fourth."

Kabriel asks, "If these pieces are brought back together...then they must be reforged?  Should we bring them to you, Ulstram?"

Ulstram says softly, "Yes, the pieces must be brought back here at all cost."

Elidan exclaims, "the Sword is gone!!"

Siwas says, "Yes, Elidan, it is."

Elidan exclaims, "What a dark day!"

Huka asks, "Do you think they have reached other towns?"
Huka says, "Or should we look closer"

Ulstram says softly, "I know not how far they'll travel."

Ulstram says softly, "The power behind what shattered it was great."

Lorinnia asks, "The blade was made on Teras was it nae?"
Lorinnia says, "Nae sure where the rest was created"

Grhim says, "You all shall continue to trust this blind fool, whom would defy Lornon."
Grhim laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Kendryth staggers in.

You see Kendryth Tulurin the Human Paladin.
He appears to be in his 100's, has deep black silver-streaked hair, dark steel-grey eyes, and tanned skin.
He has minor bruises on his neck, a fractured and bleeding left arm, some minor cuts and bruises on his right hand, minor cuts and bruises on his abdominal area, and minor bruises about the head.
He is bleeding slightly from the left arm.
He is wearing a suit of golden golvern plate traced with dark rolaren filigree, a pair of dark leather boots reinforced with plates of rolaren, a billowing white cape heavily worked with patterns of golden knotwork, a massive white-gold sheath, a dark golden golvern shield inlaid with a lustrous white-gold crown, and a small golden crown pendant.

Ulstram frowns.

Nayna says, "hes hurt"

Kendryth says, "They set up an ambush."

Ulstram says softly, "I though the ploy of saying the ritual would be held after dark would keep the Dark Alliance away, as their servants would surely tell the news... that is why I began early."

Ulstram says softly, "But alas..."

Achillea grins slowly.

Ulstram inquires quietly, "Ward... what happened?"

Pyrocite says, "If you're going to die, please refrain from bleeding on my boots."
Pyrocite glances at Kendryth.

Kendryth says, "Do not test me, witch.  I am in no mood to deal with your kind tonight."

Pyrocite smirks.

Ulstram turns his face towards Kendryth, as if gazing at him.

Kendryth says, "They set up an ambush, a distraction to keep me away, my Lord."

Ulstram frowns.

Siwas says, "It seems you fell for the distraction. Your liege was almost slain here in front of the Temple."

Ulstram says softly, "I had wondered where you were... I did not think they would have you."

Pollie says, "It was a spectacular battle"

Elidan asks, "any empaths able to treat Kendryth's wounds?"

Kendryth says, "I'll be fine."

Kabriel asks, "What happened, Sir Kendryth?"

Kendryth says, "They intentionally brutalized some innocent... they lured me, and there were many of them.  Many of them to fight through.  I knew what it was, I just wasn't fast enough."

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword has been shattered, and the cycle is renewed, Ward."

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

Volsix says, "And when it rains, it pours.."

Songowl says, "it knows.."

Hercules says, "Eh, it's a good day to die."

Ulstram says softly, "The only advice I can offer as to where they are... search, and search everywhere.  If you hear war drums near, then they surely have located a piece and are marching to it."

Nofret says, "No day is a good day to die. A good day to make your enemy die, I would go along with."

Pyrocite says, "You are wise as always, Nofret."

Kendryth asks, "They're too far away, I've had scouts out.  My Lord, do you have the strength to scry tonight among your chambers?"

Kerl says, "Kendryth, you have failed your charge, under suspicious circumstance at best."

Ulstram says softly, "I cannot locate the pieces, Ward.  They are empty, void of everything.  I cannot sense them without the holiness they once had."

Kabriel says, "But with that emptiness comes hope, Lord Prophet..."
Kabriel says, "For now that they are empty, they can be reforged without the Taint..."

Feywynd asks, "Seems to me that alot of Lorminstra's power was invested into the sword, is it possible that she will not be able to show us favor for our deeds any longer?"

Ulstram nods to Feywynd.

Sraven asks, "Ulstram will infusing mana into areas reveal  pieces of it?"

Ulstram looks over at Sraven and shakes his head.

Bud exclaims, "even in the darkest day there is always a glimmer of hope!"

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword offered much to this town... protection was one of them."

Songowl says, "the sword's protection was a crutch that the towners have grown too comfortable with"

Celeina says, "The air of vulnerability permeates us now, quite thoroughly at that."

Ulstram says softly, "The blade, the pommel, the quillions and the hilt."

Siage asks, "So this prophet, a mere mortal, intervened in an area beyod his means, and destroyed the Griffon Sword?"

Ulstram says softly, "The Sword is not destroyed."

Ulstram says softly, "Merely disassembled because of the Dark Alliance's interference."

Songowl says, "it shall not be reassembled. It is too dangerous an object to be allowed to exist"

Cryheart asks, "we hae any idea where they might be?"
Cryheart turns to face Ulstram.

Ulstram says softly, "I only saw three pieces, and they were headed into the east, the south, and the west."

Ulstram says softly, "How far into those directions, I know not."

Cryheart frowns.

Kendryth says, "Were it destroyed, the dark forces would come in droves either way.  If it was left alone, they would seek to take it for their own.  We had no choice."

Kerl says, "we seek a pommel of finest sapphire... a hilt of red veined alabaster... a carefully folded blade... and quillions in the shape of Griffin's wings"
Kerl says, "find those and we shall assemble what we have assembled before"

Siage asks, "the dark ones once held the pieces, and they were wrestled from their grasp, why not let them do the work, and then reclaim them?"

Ulstram says softly, "Your safety."

Ulstram says softly, "If the Dark Alliance reassembles the sword, and desecrates it again, things will get beyond worse."

Lorinnia asks, "So we are looking for a pommel, a hilt a blade and quillions?"

Trissanna says, "I wonder how far they could have actually gone."

Kendryth says, "I will send more scouts, my Lord.  Their armies will not get to us."

Celeina says, "Tis best we not waste time. The dark priest said the armies march... they will descend upon us at quite the unexpected moment."

Siage says, "It would seem, that with the sword gone, this city would be of little consequence to the so labelled Dark Ones, they can gather the pieces and reforge it without our interferance."

Ulstram says softly, "With the Sword gone... darkness can once again enter this town... and this temple.  The Sword held it at bay, but now..."

Kendryth says, "They are angry and bitter they did not have it at this junction.  They march for pure twisted pleasure now."

Kendryth shakes his head.

Kendryth says, "We'll be ready."

Kabriel asks, "Ulstram...one more question...do you know the strengths of any of the Four that appeared today?"
Kabriel peers quizzically at Ulstram.

Ulstram says softly, "From what I have seen in my visions... they are greatly strong.  The damage they cause... the lives they take..."

Songowl says, "..is nothing compared to what they would be capable of in possession of that sword"

Ulstram says softly, "They will stop at nothing to attain the pieces."

Kendryth seems to be clenching his fists in an unusually tight manner.  After a few moments, he wipes a speck of blood off the corner of his cheek.

Kendryth says, "My Lord, I ask permission for your leave."

Ulstram nods to Kendryth.

Ulstram says softly, "You can leave, Ward."

Kendryth says, "I am sorry.  Rights must be wronged, including my own."

Kendryth quietly strides off.

Skoal says, "hello all"
Skoal says, "did i miss anything"

Ulstram steadies himself on his staff, and rises to his feet.

Sraven asks, "Ulstram can you give us any help or advise in how to look for the pieces?"

Trissanna asks, "Could the explosion have sent the pieces the length of the continent?"

Ulstram says softly, "The only advice I can offer is to search everywhere."

Ulstram says softly, "If you hear war drums in the distance, the Dark Alliance's army is near... and onto a piece."

Clintmire says, "M'Lord Prophet, rest assure that those faithful will dedicate our days to returning the pieces of the sword."

Ulstram says softly, "After... I have regained strength, I might be able to track the Dark Alliance's armies... and use them to find the pieces."

Bartain says, "Then keep us in your thoughts good prophet. Pray that we find the pieces first."

Kabriel says, "I am sure the Orders of this town will support you through your endeavors Ulstram."

Ulstram says softly, "I must go and regain my strength... when I have more information to offer as to where they lie, I will return and speak to those who wish to defend the Sword again."

Kerl says, "The hilt is constructed from red veined alabaster, carved and polished to perfection.  Platinum and gold braids inlay the grips.  Ruby encrusted platinum rings crown and boot the hilt. It is specially designed to fit any hand perfectly."

Morgiest turns towards Ulstram and renders a sharp salute with his rolaren hollow mace.

Bartain says, "Rest well good prophet. We shall not fail you."

Caranorn says, "may the Lady guide you"

Kabriel says, "Rest well, Ulstram."
Kabriel says, "Ronan guide your path."

Ulstram moves slowly, more than usual, into the temple, his staff touching the ground just ahead of him.

Thaumatous says, "Heh. Divination turned out right. There's na more problem with the sword bein' tainted 'cause there ain't no sword..."

Kerl says, "The blade, forged on Teras many moons ago, is of a special folded style of an unknown alloy."

Kerl says, "The quillions are crafted of fine gold and gilded with platinum, rubies and diamonds, carved into the shape of Griffin wings that spread elegantly from hilt to blade.  The connecting ring that sits upon the hilt and tang is carved into a Griffin head on both sides, with eyes of beautiful emeralds."

Kerl says, "find those, and the town will be safe again"