The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2003-04-18 - The Pommel Found (log)

The Miscere'golab rises above Ta'Illistim on 4/18/03, created by Morvule. The Miscere'golab is a massive conflagration of the entire force of undead armies laying seige to the city, merged together into a single entity - tentacled, many-eyed, and flying. Maluverre, who until now had largely been a neutral observer and advisor to any willing to speak with him, acted on behalf of his home, offering use of his airship to carry members of the Resistance aloft; from the airship, they were able to descend from several ladders onto the Miscere'golab. Ulstram had foreseen a dire need in the weeks beforehand and had three crystal swords made in advance, which were given to Kadesha, Kinshack, and Tebon. Those blades were wielded in the confrontation. Undead bodies detached themselves regularly from the creature as they sought its weaknesses, with wave after wave besetting the heroes. Eventually, they were able to shatter crystals placed around its body. Maluverre, in a desperate move, brought everyone within the Miscere'golab through its maw , where the three crystal blades are used to destroy its heart. Maluverre is then able to bring everyone safely out and back to the city before it falls apart entirely.

But this was all a diversion. As the creature rose, supporters of the Dark Alliance scoured the city as they had been previously instructed, using their own dark thought channel to communicate with one another without raising any suspicion. Its purpose was twofold: to keep Ulstram and his supporters distracted, and to cause enough alarm to flush out the elf rumored to have obtained the third shard. Maimara finds him first, within the catacombs beneath the city. He is a squatter, covered in filth, and the pommel - imbedded into half-melted stone - is a bauble he holds in a sack. She attempts to barter with him, and he accepts her half of the trade but refuses his own bauble in return. She kills him. The supporters of the Dark Alliance snatch up his sack containing the pommel and retreat to their dark sanctuary, and wait. [[Naamit (prime)|Naamit] confirms the pommel's authenticity via loresong. Eventually, they hear a faint whisper from Morvule, who has overextended himself alongside the other Four with the night's battle. The Four need time to recover, and in the meantime, Maimara must continue to hold onto the shard.

This log has been heavily edited. Special thanks to Naamit for filling in many missing parts. There are two different ESP channels featured in it. Those referencing "faint thoughts" are from the general (now Realm) ESP channel used by everyone, while those referencing "dark thoughts" are from a channel only accessible by Dark Alliance supporters who have been given access to their sanctuary.

The Miscere'Golab Rises

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Look for him!"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"The elf!"

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Will do."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"He will emerge with the shard."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Yessss."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Kill him if you find him carrying it."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Any word on what he looks like, save like a beggar?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"That's quite a large ... whatever that is..."


A sibilant voice echoes across the surroundings, "Yessss... become as one, through you will we fuel the herald of destruction!"
 
Loud rumbles shake the area as the enormous ball of flesh hovering in the sky grows thousands of tentacles along its underside in an instant -- each sprouting with a deafening *BOOM!* sound.
 
The ground beneath you violently shakes and rumbles causing you to fall down!
Roundtime: 8 seconds.


You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"The Miscere'Golab.."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"They're still there"

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"They're outside the library"
 

The arms of the massive creature in the sky snake outwards as they grow at dizzying speeds.  Its twin six-fingered claws open and begin to flex, the curved talons glinting like crystalline towers.
 
The malformed head of the beast rises up on a bubbling column of sinuous flesh that makes up the now-completed neck.  After a moment, the city-sized skull of the behemoth starts to get wrapped in threads of flesh that begin to form muscle.


You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"What an absolutely horrific looking beast"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"It is lovely, isn't it?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Eryael was not kidding."


Far above, the musculature of the massive creature's head is complete, and a layer of thick skin forms quickly over the exposed flesh.  After a moment of silence, a trio of eyes opens upon the behemoth's skull, staring outward with horrible awareness.  The bestial maw of the behemoth opens and the earth heaves as it releases a deafening roar!
 
The ground beneath you violently shakes and rumbles causing you to fall down!
Roundtime: 8 seconds.


You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Beautiful."


Nearly blotting out the sky, the now-completed creature slashes its six-fingered claws through the air and stares toward Ta'Illistim.  Throwing its head back to let loose yet another deafening cry, its six massive wings beat in unison and it begins to slowly but steadily head toward the city.


You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"Nobody look up."


You hear the dark thoughts of Aramana echo in your mind:
"Look up at the stars, just for a moment."

>l stars
You gaze up into the sky and see a broad field of lights...
Five stars form a distinct T-shaped pattern within the brilliant sparkling ocean of their sisters.  Their rhythmic twinkling is very faint, and it has nearly faded away into the blackness of night.

Hovering within the sky a few miles away from the city of Ta'Illistim is a massive creature -- six mountain-sized leathery wings along its back flap slowly to keep it adrift.  A humongous maw like that of an alligator's is lined with rows of jagged teeth the size of houses, and its chest resembles that of a well-muscled humanoid.  Its two arms end in strange, six-fingered talons, but below the waist, thousands of intertwined tentacles writhe and spasm like headless serpents, and two coiled crimson and green tentacles seem to serve as another pair of hands for the beast.  Three eyes are set into the creature's enormous skull, the third positioned in the middle of its forehead, slitted like that of a reptile.

Across the behemoth's body, 5 small indentations are visible, all shining with a rippling incarnadine light that seem to energize the beast.

Also amid the twinkling lights is a comet, burning with a noticeable intensity as it travels the endless expanse.  A wavering tail of cerulean blue trails behind it, resembling a massive serpent gliding through the black pool of night.


[The comet is related to the War of Nations storyline, which is happening concurrently at this point.]


You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Ah, it's coming..."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"By the First it's lovely."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Amazing."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"It won't hurt US, will it?"

A colorful flare rises into the air high above Ta'Illistim.
A colorful flare rises into the air high above Ta'Illistim.
A colorful flare rises into the air high above Whistler's Pass.

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"Our safety is immaterial."

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"We find the objective."

You hear the dark thoughts of Rekarth echo in your mind:
"Best not to dwell on that."
 

Streamers of magical fire and other spell-bursts alight on the creature's skin as the mages of Ta'Illistim hurl their magic at it -- but nothing appears to be bothering or stopping it.
 

You hear the faint thoughts of Eponyne echo in your mind:
"Good evenin', Illistim."

You hear the faint thoughts of Xanthias echo in your mind:
"No, no it's not!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ostan echo in your mind:
"This is a bad evening."

You hear the faint thoughts of Tierus echo in your mind:
"The flesh creature says differently."

You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"Kill the source, then the creature will fall."


[The Dark Alliance supporters check off one part of the city after the next via their dark thoughts channel, searching and re-searching the city and its nearby environs for any sign of the elf believed to carry the shard.]


You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Heh, it's Maluvrere."

You hear the dark thoughts of Aramana echo in your mind:
"They are all getting onto that airship to fight the thing."

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"I see the airship."

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"They are loading."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Should we stop it?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"Ignore it."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"They might have the elf!"

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"Keep on the objective."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Thrassus is on the airship.. heh..."
 

Suddenly, you spy the sleek form of a grey airship rapidly heading toward the creature in the sky!
 

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Ulstram and his crew have left the library."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Where to?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Are they on the airship?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"I don't know"

You hear the dark thoughts of Aramana echo in your mind:
"On the ship, to fight it."

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"They are engaging it, we must hurry."


You hear the faint thoughts of Regyy echo in your mind:
"My gods what is going on!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Leondal echo in your mind:
"Look at the stars above.. you will see it"

You hear the faint thoughts of Rabenwolf echo in your mind:
"Sit underneath your desk and cover your head"

You hear the faint thoughts of Murp echo in your mind:
"Then kiss yer ars goodbye."


Abruptly, the massive creature's skin begins to bubble and boil as if it were liquid!  Slowly, it returns to normalcy -- but you notice thousands upon thousands of specks crawling across its skin, resembling tiny, grotesque fleas.


You hear the faint thoughts of Eravior echo in your mind:
"Even if they kill it the carcass still might flatten us."

You hear the faint thoughts of Ostan echo in your mind:
"Just throw some rocks at it, it'll go away."

You hear the faint thoughts of Rabenwolf echo in your mind:
"T'will be a day sung about for ages"

You hear the faint thoughts of Sodrotordos echo in your mind:
"If one lives to sing."


You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"What is wrong with it?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Unholy fleas.."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Disgusting..."

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"It is a composite of all the invaders, I think."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Thrassus says that the prophet is not on the airship."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Maluverre is on board the ship."

You hear the dark thoughts of Nevrek echo in your mind:
"I just saw a naked dark elf, of all things."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Stop streaking"

The Pommel is Found

Nearly half an hour after the Miscere'golab has risen, an elven vagrant is sighted in the catacombs beneath the city. Maimara finds him first and, speaking with him, offers a trade. He takes her gems readily but refuses to give her his end of the bargain. It is a fatal mistake. The bag he carried is claimed and immediately secreted off to the Dark Alliance supporters' dark sanctuary.

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Catcombs"

You hear the dark thoughts of Dispater echo in your mind:
"They are clear, or he is there?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Maimara, is he there or are the catacombs clear?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"I have him."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Catacombs."


The airship in the sky darts easily upward from the beast's torso and swerves just above its bony shoulder.  The faint silhouette of a rope being dropped down can again be glimpsed.
 

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"I got him."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Come to sanctuary. Now."


Shadows race across the deep black pendant and envelop you...
[A Dark Chamber]
A vast dome arcs overhead, the dark beams that reinforce the ceiling wrought with a myriad of twining patterns.  A large central design has been engraved upon the floor, its borders crafted of lustrous silver singed with black runes.  Several arched doors are set into the far southern wall, and a long hallway stretches north.  You also see a large pool of oil ensconced by a border of dark crimson.
Also here: Alisaire
Obvious exits: north

Naamit fades into sight from the surroundings.

Maimara just arrived.

You see Maimara Andriatti the Inquisitor.
She appears to be a Half-Elf Pariah from Ta'Vaalor.
She appears to be mature and short.  She has haunted twilight-hued eyes and supple porcelain-hued skin.  She has hip-length, silky midnight black hair streaked with lustrous silver highlights.  She has a delicately sculpted face, a slender nose and expressive pink lips.  She has a waif-like form emphasized with long, slender limbs.
She has a faint scar on her neck, a black-lined lunar eclipse tattoo on her waist, a sleeping demon tattoo on her leg, and a tattooed symbol of Mularos on her ankle.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a veniom-inlaid rolaren tower shield in her left hand.
She is wearing a clear glass amulet, a spherical deep black pendant, a delicate silver collar, a flowing floor-length silk cloak clasped at the throat with a ruby pierced-heart, a sprig of bleeding-heart, a royal blue carved arrow pin, a twilight grey leather weapons harness, an aged dark ritual robe, a twilight-hued laced corselet inset with overlapping vultite tassets, an opal studded black ora handflower, a thorn-etched white gold censer, a crimson-edged dagger embossed prayerbook, and some thigh-high silver laced boots.

Naamit blink at Maimara.

Alisaire grins slowly.

Dispater fades into sight from the surroundings.

Maimara says, "I killed it."

Naamit slowly asks, "Where was it?"

Maimara says, "The catacombs."

Alisaire just opened a small bag.
Alisaire removes a pommel-shaped half-melted rock from in her small bag.

>look rock
The rock appears to be shaped like that of a pommel, its surface marked with trails of now-hardened melted rock that resemble runny candlewax.  At the bottom, however, a flawlessly-cut deep blue sapphire sparkles amid the black rock - and at its border, you can catch the hint of more precious stones imbedded into a lustrously-shining metal.

Alisaire says, "Maimara killed him."
Alisaire says, "She was the one who found him as well."

Maimara says, "He tried to cheat me."

Alisaire grins at Maimara.
Alisaire says, "Fine job.."


You hear the faint thoughts of Xanthias echo in your mind:
"I'm up here in this thing.  Where is everyone else?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ostan echo in your mind:
"Up in what thing?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ooeytooie echo in your mind:
"Look! up in da sky! Izza bird! Izza Plane! No! What da heck it be?"


Dispater offers Maimara a dragonseye sapphire.

Maimara accepts Dispater's dragonseye sapphire.


[This is the sapphire that Maimara had given the elf in trade.  He kept it but did not give her his half.  It was retrieved from his corpse.]


Alisaire nods to Naamit.
Alisaire offers Naamit a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

Sakket says, "we were suppose to kill him if any sign of stone was on him"

Rekarth fades into sight from the surroundings.

Maimara asks, "May I present it, to my Master?"

Naamit slowly says, "I would to sing to it."
Naamit accepts Alisaire's half-melted rock.

Maimara put a dragonseye sapphire in her floor-length cloak.
Maimara says, "And, I did."
Maimara nods to Sakket.

Naamit slowly says, "If you don't mind..."
Naamit raises an eyebrow in Maimara's direction.

Alisaire says, "Sing to it."
Alisaire grins at Naamit.

Dispater furrows his brow.

Aramana fades into sight from the surroundings.

Nevrek fades into sight from the surroundings.
Nevrek surveys the area.


You hear the faint thoughts of Murp echo in your mind:
"I'm helping to steer the airship."

You hear the faint thoughts of Murp echo in your mind:
"Start flapping your arms."

You hear the faint thoughts of Shikel echo in your mind:
"Xanthias, is there room for more people to get up there and help?"


Maimara asks, "That is it -- is it not?"

Naamit slowly asks, "Maimara, do you mind if I sing to it?"

Nevrek raises an eyebrow.
Nevrek asks, "Vhat?"

Naamit gazes thoughtfully at her half-melted rock.
Naamit points at a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

You hear the voice of Rekarth say, "More than likely."

Maimara says, "Find out what you may."

Naamit nods.
Naamit slowly says, "It seems to be..."

Alisaire says, "It has a sapphire within."
Alisaire says, "Look.."

Naamit slowly says, "The rock appears to be shaped like that of a pommel, its surface marked with trails of now-hardened melted rock that resemble runny candlewax.  At the bottom, however, a flawlessly-cut deep blue sapphire sparkles amid the black rock - and at its border, you can catch the hint of more precious stones imbedded into a lustrously-shining metal."

Aramana leans forward.

Nevrek furrows his brow.
Nevrek glances at Alisaire.

Dispater smiles.

Alisaire carefully inspects her small bag.
Alisaire asks, "Su'a?"
Alisaire taps a small bag.


[Naamit begins to loresing to the stone.]


Nevrek asks, "Vhat did you find?"
Nevrek peers quizzically at Alisaire.

Alisaire says, "Maimara found the fellow.  He was going to trade a stone with her, but didn't give his for hers."

Nevrek says, "There are no thoughts on the amulet... I do not think a beacon vent off."
Nevrek says, "Morvule is not here, either."

Naamit stares at her half-melted rock.

Maimara says, "I killed him."

Alisaire says, "He tried to cheat her, so she killed him."
Alisaire says, "And he had the stone."
Alisaire grins slowly.

Nevrek says, "Ulstram vould haff noticed."

Aramana says, "If this is not it, we need to keep looking..."

Nevrek nods to Aramana.
Nevrek says, "Better to be safe."
Nevrek says, "I am going back out."

Alisaire asks, "Can you find anything from the song?"
Alisaire peers at Naamit.
Alisaire asks, "What does it tell you?"

Aramana says, "They should all know when a piece is taken."

Dispater says, "There cannot be many deserting elves with pommel shaped rocks.."

Maimara says, "I will make a commune... Eryael will come..."

Nevrek says, "Think your findings."
Nevrek removes a spherical deep black pendant from his neck.

Naamit closes her eyes for a moment.
Naamit nods to Alisaire.

Alisaire asks, "Is it it?"
Alisaire stares at Naamit.

Nevrek asks, "Commune?"
Nevrek grins.

Naamit slowly says, "It shows me of dwarves"

Alisaire grins slowly.
Alisaire quietly says, "It is."


You hear the faint thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"It has been found."

[She accidentally thinks on the open ESP channel instead of the one accessible only by Dark Alliance supporters.]


Dispater begins to twitch.

Maimara says, "Oh, no."

Nevrek says, "They're in a battle."
Nevrek says, "If they're so entrenched that they cannot come and see the actual, Found piece."


You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Morvule."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"We have it."


You hear the voice of Rekarth say, "Surely this thing is it."

Dispater says, "That battle is a distraction."
Dispater waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.

Nevrek says, "Vell."
Nevrek says, "Some of us need to return to the streets.  Ve must be thorough."

You hear the voice of Rekarth say, "I suspect that Morvule and the others are busy commanding their creation."

Nevrek says, "If this vas the piece, I think ve vould haff had a fisitor by now."
Nevrek says, "If this vas the piece, Ulstram vould haff sensed it."

A slow chant rises from somewhere in the building, the sounds of the many voices rising as one echoing about the chamber before fading into silence.

Aramana says, "Aye, aye, but we must know it is what we sought."
Aramana nods to Nevrek.


[Naamit continues to loresing to the stone.]


Nevrek says, "If Ulstram sensed it, people vould be talking about it."
Nevrek says, "Since he'd mention something."
Nevrek says, "Anyhow."

Naamit shifts her weight, trembling slightly.

Aramana says, "They are on that ship now, though."
Aramana says, "He is not with them."


You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Eryael."


Nevrek asks, "Oh?"

Aramana says, "He is wandering the streets, he could not go with them."

You hear the voice of Rekarth say, "It is encased in rock.  Perhaps that blocks whatever senses he possesses.  He did not know the elf had it."

Nevrek says, "Bah, no matter.  Some of us need to go back out there, just to be safe."

The half-melted rock pulses red briefly, and tugs Naamit's arms towards Miamara.

Naamit tries to pull Maimara towards her.

Nevrek glances at Naamit.
Naamit slowly says, "Touch it with me..."
Naamit reaches out and hold Maimara's hand.
Naamit shows Maimara her half-melted rock.

Maimara says, "That is it...."

Naamit slowly and deliberately empties her filled lungs.
Naamit slowly says, "I will sing to it later."
Naamit offers Maimara a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

Maimara accepts Naamit's half-melted rock.


You hear the faint thoughts of Regyy echo in your mind:
"SOmone said they found the beast?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Eravior echo in your mind:
"Maybe I should fire this ballista"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ooeytooie echo in your mind:
"Do it!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Eravior echo in your mind:
"Ram the airship into one of it's eyes."

You hear the faint thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Blades born of crystal blood... Do you truly think they will work against the Miscere'Golab?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ostan echo in your mind:
"Fools, all of them."

You hear the faint thoughts of Ooeytooie echo in your mind:
"Ooey magic sword bring it down!"


Aramana fidgets.

Nevrek narrows his eyes.

Alisaire offers Maimara a small bag.
Alisaire says, "Keep it safe."

Maimara accepts Alisaire's small bag.

Naamit ponders the meaning of Maimara's existence.
Naamit kneels down.

Dispater says, "That rock is not to leave this sanctuary.."
Dispater nods.

Maimara says, "I will not move from this place."

Alisaire nods to Maimara.
Alisaire removes a pale yew arbalest from in her dark wool cloak.

Nevrek says, "I am going back out."

Maimara says, "Until They come for it."

Dispater nods to Nevrek.

Nevrek says, "Think your findings, or if they come."

Maimara indicates her half-melted rock with a smile.

Alisaire smiles at Maimara.
Alisaire says, "Well-done."

Maimara says, "A commune would be beneficial."
Maimara says, "Magics do not work, here."

You hear the voice of Rekarth say, "There is no need to bother any arkati with this business.  Everything is well in hand."

Naamit places her hand on her black satin girdle.
Naamit shifts her weight, trembling slightly.
Naamit stares at Maimara.

Maimara glances at a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.


You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"Master... if you listen."

You hear the dark thoughts of Maimara echo in your mind:
"It has been found."


Naamit blinks at Maimara.

(Aramana grinds the claws of her left boot across the floor space in front of her.)

Dispater kneels down.
Dispater closes his eyes for a moment.
Dispater hangs his head.
Dispater continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Alisaire takes a few steps back.

You hear a low, deep voice growl throughout the chamber, "It is known, and we will come.  However, our energies are diverted towards the Miscere'Golab."

Aramana grins.

Alisaire grins slowly.

You hear the voice of Rekarth say, "I could have sworn that I said that."

The Battle Continues

The followers of the Dark Alliance wait, some within the sanctuary, and some going back out into Ta'Illistim's streets. They briefly engage with Ulstram, who emerges outside of the Library Aies amid a sanctuary. He seems utterly unaware of the shard being found. Meanwhile, the defenders progress on the Miscere'golab.

You hear the faint thoughts of Shikel echo in your mind:
"There is a portal opened in the Library Courtyard"

You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"We need live healers up here!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ooeytooie echo in your mind:
"Where that?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Taelia echo in your mind:
"where is the portal?""

You hear the faint thoughts of Starna echo in your mind:
"the library, on Erissian Var"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"We've got plenty of bodies down the brown rope."

You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"Fighters around legend age... we need you on the red tentacle, the twisted rope. Come in and go through the hole and up. Follow it around to our position."

You hear the faint thoughts of Cerridween echo in your mind:
"Are rumors of an airship true?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Songowl echo in your mind:
"look at the sky"

You hear the faint thoughts of Cerridween echo in your mind:
"Well that doesn't look too good, I was inside and just now saw it.."

You hear the faint thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Did you only just notice that now, Songowl?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Songowl echo in your mind:
"no, I was aboard when it took off. I returned to the earth when it was etermined that my talents weren't applicable there"


The pulsating red glow flickering within the massive creature's right claw suddenly flashes brightly, then abruptly goes out!  The surroundings shake as the beast lets out a scream that echoes for miles around!


>look stars
You gaze up into the sky and see a broad field of lights...
Five stars form a distinct T-shaped pattern within the brilliant sparkling ocean of their sisters.  Their rhythmic twinkling is very faint, and it has nearly faded away into the blackness of night.

Hovering within the sky a few miles away from the city of Ta'Illistim is a massive creature -- six mountain-sized leathery wings along its back flap slowly to keep it adrift.  A humongous maw like that of an alligator's is lined with rows of jagged teeth the size of houses, and its chest resembles that of a well-muscled humanoid.  Its two arms end in strange, six-fingered talons, but below the waist, thousands of intertwined tentacles writhe and spasm like headless serpents, and two coiled crimson and green tentacles seem to serve as another pair of hands for the beast.  Three eyes are set into the creature's enormous skull, the third positioned in the middle of its forehead, slitted like that of a reptile.

Across the behemoth's body, 5 small indentations are visible, several of them shining with a rippling incarnadine light.  It appears that 1 of the lights have been snuffed out completely.

A small airship, looking more like a tiny luxury model rather than a standard large merchant vessel continually circles around the beast, deftly avoiding its striking tentacles and arms.

Also amid the twinkling lights is a comet, burning with a noticeable intensity as it travels the endless expanse.  A wavering tail of cerulean blue trails behind it, resembling a massive serpent gliding through the black pool of night.


You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Hrm.."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Naamit?  You are certain?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Certain of?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Sing to it in full; hear its song and make certain that that is the true stone."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"I did."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"You heard its full song?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"I saw its full history."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"And it is definitely the stone?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Sakket echo in your mind:
"yes"

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"Good.  The blind elf does not seem to sense anything untoward.  Perhaps his power has waned."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"I saw it crafted by dwarves, then blessed by priests... There was a time of great chaos and then peace. It resided in a frontier town a time..."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Then there was a ceremony, a festival - The blind elf was there. A great fire came and a battle ensued"

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"And the sword was again shattered."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"I see.."

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"It ended there."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"There was nothing more?"

You hear the dark thoughts of Naamit echo in your mind:
"Nothing more."

You hear the dark thoughts of Alisaire echo in your mind:
"It must be it.. Excellent.  He is as blind in mind as he is in sight."


The slitted third eye of the massive creature floating above suddenly explodes -- shortly after, the crimson light shining within dims and goes out!


You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"Anyone else shatter the orb in it's palm yet?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"Legend-age fighters, a bit above and below, we're doing well on the red tentacle -- twisted rope -- but could use some more. Follow it around to our position."

You hear the faint thoughts of Cheat echo in your mind:
"whatch out on that red rope"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"Anyone else even made headway on their limb yet?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Winowyll echo in your mind:
"what limb are you talking about, Fizzan?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"Anything. We took the arm out- shattered the orb there."

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"2 lights are out already. One is the brown rope..."

You hear the faint thoughts of Desorceri echo in your mind:
"Anything I can do to help?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"yeah, find the rope you can climb and kill everything."

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"Hey, got another one!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"Good work, everyone."

You hear the faint thoughts of Cheat echo in your mind:
"easy for ye to say Fizzan.....let's see ya go down dat crimson rope!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"If I was old enough, you can guarantee I would."


[The supporters of the Dark Alliance briefly try to break the sanctuary around Ulstram, or to find some way to kill him, since they no longer have any pressing business with the pommel recovered and with Ulstram still apparently unaware of what has transpired beneath the city streets.  They are unsuccessful.]


[Ta'Illistim, Erissian Var]
The facade of the Library Aies towers above, clad in grey-blue granite.  Brightly burning torches on either side of the doors illuminate heavy bas-relief murals carved into the walls surrounding the doors, each depicting scenes of scholars in study and discussion.  Formal garden plantings march in neat rows along the path leading to the ironwork front gates, nodding in the slight breeze like tiny drunken soldiers.  The sound of water tumbling in the fountain echoes softly off the massive stone wall.  You also see a fine iron longsword, a fine iron longsword and a fine iron longsword.
Also here: Desorceri, High Lord Varamond, Prospera, Yviara, Maphiston, Querthose, Sakket, Cappurnicus, Purplenyte, Alisaire, Great Lady Lauralinn, Thrassus, Ulstram
Obvious paths: 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 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 black velvet cloak trimmed with golden knotwork, a lustrous deep golden amulet, a fine silver chain bearing a gold-inlaid onyx key, some long flowing white velvet robes embroidered with golden spirals, a supple white leather pouch and a pair of white leather sandals.

Querthose says, "Let the Dark Alliance have their foothold in this world.  Let them balance the power."
Querthose says, "The liabo has too strong a grip in this world, those of the lornon suffer for it"

Ulstram says softly, "They get what they deserve."

Querthose says, "You who seeks to maintain an unfair power in this world are truly blind"
Querthose says, "It takes everyone in this world Ulstram"

Ulstram says softly, "There is a balance, you just cannot see it."

Querthose asks, "What balance is there in Sepher's head on the gates of Vaalor?"
Querthose asks, "What balance is there in me being added to lists and being refused healing when I've never raised a hand against anyone?"

Laucyr says, "Ah, Ulstram."
Laucyr gazes up into the sky.

Ulstram smiles.

Querthose says, "The intolerance bred by your control..."
Querthose says, "That is the true evil"
Querthose nods.

Ulstram chuckles softly.

Ulstram says softly, "So little do you know."

Querthose says, "Then enlighten me, Prophet of Lorminstra"

Ulstram says softly, "The end."

Ulstram resumes his unseeing watch of the sky.

Querthose asks, "Is this my wisdom?"
Querthose says, "I thank my stars that I follow the Holy Lord Luukos instead of a blind elf and his merchant goddess"

Ramladu somberly says, "If I am to die tonight in battle, I wish to know."

Shikel tiredly says, "We all must die at some time."

Ulstram cocks his head at Ramladu.

Ulstram says softly, "I only see what the visions grant me."

Querthose says, "But I pray for your soul Ulstram, I pray that Luukos will show you wisdom"
Querthose says, "Perhaps even forgive your trespasses one day"

Ulstram chuckles.

Aetheri says, "I've been pulling dead people off left and right."
Aetheri asks, "Any suggestions mi'lord?"
Aetheri says, "I can't overpower them myself."
Aetheri says, "Their numbers are too numerous"

A few elven scholars wander about the garden, discussing the merits of a treatise on herbal tinctures.

Naamit sings a melody.
The surroundings respond to her piercing voice, disrupting the normal flow of mana.

Fizzan gazes up into the sky.

Ramladu somberly says, "We sure could use a couple elven commanders up there."
Ramladu somberly says, "Lovely city Naamit, but I am afraid it soon to be destroyed through the creatures death.  Will you let your city be destroyed?  "


[Naamit's Song of Noise permeates the area.]


Ulstram smiles quietly to himself.

Ulstram says softly, "You're trying too hard, bard."


[Naamit continues singing, to see if it is enough to disrupt the sanctuary present.  It isn't.]


Thrassus winces.

Naamit glares at Ulstram.
(Naamit mutters something at Ulstram.)

Querthose says, "It must be very difficult to be you Ulstram.  Knowing you have failed once again"

Ulstram says softly, "There has been no failure."

Querthose says, "Oh? I suppose someone else lead Siwas to the first piece"
Querthose says, "I suppose Alisaire handed the second piece over to Lorminstra"
Querthose asks, "And where is the third piece Ulstram?  Do you hold it?"

Lassitar grimly says, "two pieces....merely battles....but the war isnt over"

You hear the voice of Alisaire quietly ask, "Is it not?"

Ulstram smiles.

Querthose says, "The war is over, now you fight for your very lives"
Querthose says, "Your souls"
Querthose says, "Everything"


[Naamit continues to sing.  It remains ineffective.]


Naamit clenches her fist.

You hear the voice of Alisaire quietly say, "The war was over when the first shard was tainted."
You hear the voice of Alisaire quietly say, "When Siwas was torched."

A few elven scholars wander about the garden, discussing the merits of a treatise on herbal tinctures.

Lassitar grimly says, "if it was over, someone would be victorious...no one is yet"

Querthose says, "She will never have her sword"

Ulstram says softly, "The war is far from over."

Lassitar nods to Ulstram.

You hear the ghostly voice of Rabenwolf ask, "did we win?"

Querthose says, "You lost, horribly"

You hear the ghostly voice of Rabenwolf say, "feh"

Ulstram inquires quietly, "And you know what I see, madam?"

Querthose asks, "To whom do you speak Ulstram?"

Asarious asks, "Cleric needed?"

Sakket glances at Rabenwolf.

You hear the ghostly voice of Rabenwolf say, "please"

Sakket raises a hand while murmuring a soft orison...
Sakket gestures at Rabenwolf.
Nothing happens.

The disruption of the noise in the area easily keeps the spell from working.

You hear the voice of Alisaire amusedly ask, "What do you see, if my words seem false to you, blind elf?"

Ulstram whispers a faint prayer, and a tendril of golden light flows out from his ebonwood staff and encoils Rabenwolf.  In a matter of a second, Rabenwolf is once again standing.

Rabenwolf bows to Ulstram.

Lassitar grimly says, "you the man"

Sakket squints.

Rabenwolf says, "most kind, Prophet"


[Naamit's song continues.  Ulstram is immune.]


Ulstram says softly, "As I said, you try too hard, bard."

Asarious says, "augh"
Asarious says, "Who's singing noise"

Yviara points at Naamit.
Yviara says, "The bard"

You hear the voice of Alisaire quietly say, "The Banshee.."
You hear someone laughing softly nearby.

Briah bows deeply at the waist, honoring Ulstram.

Ulstram lifts his unseeing gaze back towards the sky, a smile perpetually on his lips.

Thaxius gazes up into the sky.

Lassitar asks, "What is going on up there now?"


[Through it all, there are occasional updates via the general ESP channel.]


You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"What two portions are not yet defeated?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Wakim echo in your mind:
"the eyes, down the black rope"

You hear the faint thoughts of Murp echo in your mind:
"Aye, we poked one of the eyes out."

You hear the faint thoughts of Fizzan echo in your mind:
"And the red rope, I'm guessing?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Wakim echo in your mind:
"but there are three eys, still working on the other two?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fraction echo in your mind:
"We've taken out 2 eyes."

You hear the faint thoughts of Jhaina echo in your mind:
"Are the orbs the eyes?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Eramon echo in your mind:
"Has anyone had any luck as of yet on the Crimson rope?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Mazerak echo in your mind:
"on the ship "

You hear the faint thoughts of Starsnuffer echo in your mind:
"everything on the crimson rope is dead"

You hear the faint thoughts of Jhaina echo in your mind:
"I'm all alone here and I can only do so much."

You hear the faint thoughts of Cheat echo in your mind:
"ahhh...was that everyone who climbed down the crimson rope is dead?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Mazerak echo in your mind:
"Outside the gate is completly clear all the way down the road..."

You hear the faint thoughts of Rekarth echo in your mind:
"The troops were needed elsewhere."

You hear the faint thoughts of Jassrainna echo in your mind:
"we need help in red tentacle"


Ulstram says softly, "The time for the Blades of Three is near."

Bweler says, "An my part is done..."
Bweler sighs.
Bweler says, "Alas if only I had done more..."


You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"Yay!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Blysz echo in your mind:
"the roads are clear now?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Songowl echo in your mind:
"yes. All of the invaders went to create that benehmoth in the sky"

You hear the faint thoughts of Blysz echo in your mind:
"wonderful!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Songowl echo in your mind:
"well, if you consider a massive flying conglomoform as 'wonderful'"

You hear the faint thoughts of Drabbo echo in your mind:
"is it dead?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Maluverre echo in your mind:
"All those on the beast, come back.  We're about to do something rather silly, and we wouldn't want you to miss out on it."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kultug echo in your mind:
"Is it about to fall? "

You hear the faint thoughts of Drabbo echo in your mind:
"portal is closed, keep us updates"

You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"We are headed into its heart."

You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"We are moving on, we are flying into its maw!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"We are trying to jump on, but we can't make it."

Within the Dark Sanctuary

Maimara stays within the dark sanctuary throughout the entire battle, the pommel safely hidden on her person. She waits. And waits. And waits. Hours pass. Other supporters come and go regularly, standing guard or keeping her company while within it, or seeking other diversions when without.

[A Dark Chamber]
A vast dome arcs overhead, the dark beams that reinforce the ceiling wrought with a myriad of twining patterns.  A large central design has been engraved upon the floor, its borders crafted of lustrous silver singed with black runes.  Several arched doors are set into the far southern wall, and a long hallway stretches north.  You also see a large pool of oil ensconced by a border of dark crimson.
Also here: Dispater, Alisaire, Maimara, Lady Aramana, Lord Rekarth
Obvious exits: north

Alisaire fades into sight from the surroundings.
Alisaire hangs a spherical deep black pendant around her neck.

(Maimara clutches Dispater's arm.  Her nails dig into his skin.)

Alisaire removes some fragrant orange scented tea from in her dark wool cloak.
Alisaire offers Maimara some fragrant orange scented tea.

Maimara accepts Alisaire's orange scented tea.
Maimara says, "Thank you... yes."

Aramana says, "I hope the thing crashes down upon the city."

Alisaire quietly says, "Drink.. drink, relax."
Alisaire grins at Aramana.
Alisaire quietly says, "They will not find you, not here."

Maimara just opened a small bag.
Maimara glances at something inside a small bag.
Maimara nods.
Maimara just closed a small bag.

Alisaire quietly says, "You are with your friends--and with your allies."
Alisaire smiles at Maimara.

Maimara takes a drink from her orange scented tea.
Maimara says, "I don't fear any who are here... but."
Maimara says, "Ulstram... and them."

Alisaire shakes her head.

Maimara asks, "How can they not care about it?"

Alisaire says, "They will not come here."
Alisaire rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Alisaire says, "I think I know what it is."
Alisaire says, "The stone.."
Alisaire says, "It is imbedded in that rock."

Aramana raises an eyebrow in Alisaire's direction.

Alisaire says, "That black rock surrounding it."
Alisaire says, "Perhaps it has a sort of ah... field that it lets off."

Quiet footsteps echo along the halls, then fade away into silence.

Maimara asks, "So.. that they can't find it?"

Alisaire says, "It would make its detection more difficult."
Alisaire shakes her head.
Alisaire says, "That, and.."
Alisaire surveys the area.
Alisaire says, "This place."
Alisaire says, "It is in Illistim, but within another plane."
Alisaire says, "I doubt he can detect much through that rift."

Maimara says, "I hope not."

Aramana says, "Perhaps. Aye, perhaps the stone blocks detection."
Aramana says, "Otherwise it would have been known when the first dwarf layed hands upon it."

Maimara takes a drink from her orange scented tea.

Alisaire says, "It melted the rock about it."
Alisaire says, "A casing."
Alisaire says, "No doubt it imbibed some powers to it, to protect it."
Alisaire says, "Perhaps to protect it from detection."

Aramana says, "You know..."
Aramana says, "If they do not know we have it."

Alisaire grins slowly.
Alisaire says, "We can leave this city."

Dispater says, "I believe they still search for it."

Maimara says, "I hope Maluverre has a fainting episode in that ship, and it falls into the Dragonspines, and burns with all the little people in it."
Maimara forces a grin and laughs nervously.

Aramana says, "We could leave and go off looking for the next piece and they would not even be here."
Aramana nods.

Alisaire begins chortling at Maimara.
Alisaire cocks her head at Aramana.
Alisaire says, "But we know not where to begin to look for the last."

Quiet footsteps echo along the halls, then fade away into silence.

Aramana says, "I am sure the High Priests know where we should go."

Alisaire quietly says, "Mm..."
Alisaire asks, "Maimara?  You said that Eryael spoke of potential this morn?"
Alisaire grins at Maimara.

Maimara says, "He said... that tonight should be grand."

Alisaire chuckles.
Alisaire says, "He was right."

Quiet footsteps echo along the halls, then fade away into silence.

Maimara shifts her weight.
Maimara says, "I never thought that this would be... boring."

Alisaire chuckles to herself.

Rekarth raises an eyebrow.

Alisaire quietly asks, "The waiting?"

Maimara takes a drink from her orange scented tea.
Maimara says, "I am afraid to get too comfortable."

Rekarth says, "I have seen a remarkably large amount of waiting since this business began."

(Alisaire glances northward momentarily.)
Alisaire quietly says, "You could sit and enjoy the view."

Maimara asks, "View?"

Alisaire nods to Maimara.
Alisaire says, "From the window."
Alisaire smiles.

(Maimara stands agape for a moment, then hurries northward.)


You hear the faint thoughts of Drabbo echo in your mind:
"updates!?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Teveriel echo in your mind:
"We are inside the beast's maw."

You hear the faint thoughts of Harrin echo in your mind:
"what's in tha maw.. how's tha fight'n there..?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Fredireck echo in your mind:
"anymore creatures out of south gate?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Jadow echo in your mind:
"invasion over?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"we are inside the gullet of the beast"

You hear the faint thoughts of Zerkaz echo in your mind:
"Did I hear someone sayin the road is clear?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Qikir echo in your mind:
"it is"

You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"Kill the beast's heart."

You hear the faint thoughts of Teveriel echo in your mind:
"The road is clear, yes."

You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"Thank you, keep things sane down there."

You hear the faint thoughts of Iaz echo in your mind:
"all in the heart, go through the portal"

You hear the faint thoughts of Iaz echo in your mind:
"the beast is going to explode"


[A Long Hallway]
Diffused light filters down in thick, amber waves from the high ceiling, casting wavering shadows across the area.  A long rug stitched with sinuous thorn-shrouded vines is layed across the cold, black metal floor, while arched windows line the narrow hallway.  The varying scent of different incense mingle with one another, and fractured echoes of voices hang in the air.
Also here: Naamit, Lady Aramana, Lord Rekarth, Alisaire, Maimara who is sitting
Obvious exits: south, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest

(Alisaire glances around the chamber absently, her eyes resting on Aramana and Rekarth briefly.)

(Aramana continues to stare fixatedly out the window, he eyes lighting slightly as she peers into oblivion.)

Rekarth falls to the ground!
Aramana falls to the ground!
Alisaire falls over!
The ground beneath you violently shakes and rumbles causing you to fall down!
Roundtime: 8 seconds.

Maimara exclaims, "No!"
Maimara exclaims, "They're coming~!"

Alisaire shakes her head.
Alisaire moves to a kneeling position.

Rekarth stands up.

Maimara stands up.
Maimara exclaims, "They're coming!"

Alisaire quietly says, "They are not coming.. it is.. tremors.. the beast.."
Alisaire firmly says, "Maimara."
Alisaire firmly says, "They are Not coming."

Maimara flinches.

Alisaire calmly says, "It is the beast.  The Miscere'Golab."

Aramana stands up.

(Maimara's nostrils flare, and her face is ashen.)

Rekarth shifts his eyes to Maimara.
Rekarth gets an odd look on his face for a moment.

Alisaire quietly says, "It.. it nears the city.  It is dying."
Alisaire quietly says, "The distraction has served its purpose, and now its end has come."

Aramana nods to Alisaire.

Alisaire smiles at Maimara.
Alisaire quietly says, "It did you well."
Alisaire quietly says, "You did all well."

Maimara asks, "Will they come, now?"

Alisaire shakes her head.
Alisaire says, "They will not come."
Alisaire says, "They do not know of this place."

Maimara bites her lip.

Rekarth says, "They know of neither its location, nor its existence."
Rekarth says, "And even if they did, they would have to brave that to get here."
(Rekarth gestures at the window.)

Alisaire smiles faintly.
Alisaire nods to Rekarth.

Maimara shivers.

Alisaire removes some fragrant orange scented tea from in her dark wool cloak.
Alisaire offers Maimara some fragrant orange scented tea.

(Maimara turns away from the windows.)

Alisaire touches one finger to her lips.
Alisaire says, "Shh.."

Maimara accepts Alisaire's orange scented tea.
Maimara sits down.
Maimara takes a drink from her orange scented tea.
Maimara stares at the tea in her hand.

Alisaire smiles at Maimara, shifting her weight slightly to keep one eye on the hall to the south.

Rekarth falls to the ground!
Aramana falls to the ground!
Alisaire falls over!
The ground beneath you violently shakes and rumbles!
Roundtime: 11 seconds.

Alisaire sighs.

Maimara whimpers.

Alisaire quietly says, "Watch your tea."
Alisaire moves to a kneeling position.
Alisaire looks over at Maimara and shakes her head.

Rekarth stands up.

Alisaire touches one finger to her lips.

Maimara tightens her grip on her orange scented tea.

Alisaire quietly says, "It is only the beast.."


[They continue to calm Maimara.  And guard her.  And watch her should her resolve fade.]


You hear the faint thoughts of Laucyr echo in your mind:
"We are back, out of the beast."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kevralynn echo in your mind:
"Ha ha! Justice has been brough upon the foul!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Querthose echo in your mind:
"Yup, guess you showed us"

You hear the faint thoughts of Juspera echo in your mind:
"Nice flying!"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kevralynn echo in your mind:
"Yeah, it appears Maluverre made it"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kadesha echo in your mind:
"and to the Dark Alliance, all I gotta say is.. Neener neener"

You hear the faint thoughts of Mekthros echo in your mind:
"Stunning."

You hear the faint thoughts of Nithili echo in your mind:
"Yeah where is the piece of the sword?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Harrin echo in your mind:
"Sylvarraend road tis clear.. there's yer scout'n report.."

You hear the faint thoughts of Winowyll echo in your mind:
"I think it's the eloquence of our generation that speaks for themselves."

You hear the faint thoughts of Teveriel echo in your mind:
"Well done, Maluverre, everyone."

You hear the faint thoughts of Andaras echo in your mind:
"Typical dwarven style, childish and simplistic."

You hear the faint thoughts of Nanna echo in your mind:
"Is the invasion still there?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Mekthros echo in your mind:
"The creatures at your Gates have departed, unfortunately."

You hear the faint thoughts of Tebon echo in your mind:
"Atoyoz, Xanthias, status of tha roads?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Taug echo in your mind:
"gates just opened"


[A Long Hallway]
Diffused light filters down in thick, amber waves from the high ceiling, casting wavering shadows across the area.  A long rug stitched with sinuous thorn-shrouded vines is layed across the cold, black metal floor, while arched windows line the narrow hallway.  The varying scent of different incense mingle with one another, and fractured echoes of voices hang in the air.
Also here: Naamit, Lady Aramana, Lord Rekarth, Alisaire who is kneeling, Maimara who is sitting
Obvious exits: south, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest

Naamit's taper gives a last feeble flare as it is consumed and vanishes.

Alisaire gazes thoughtfully at the arched windows.


You gaze through the arched windows and see...

[Black Abyss]
You can see nothing but darkness - stretching on for an infinity.
Obvious paths: none


Rekarth begins drawing a faint, twisting symbol as he utters an arcane invocation in hushed tones...
Rekarth gestures at some arched windows.
The magic fizzles ineffectually.
Rekarth snaps his fingers.

Alisaire cocks her head at Rekarth.
Alisaire asks, "Trying to plane-walk?"

Rekarth says, "It was a thought.  Although perhaps not a very good one."
Rekarth gazes thoughtfully at the arched windows.

Alisaire begins chuckling at Rekarth!

Maimara takes a drink from her orange scented tea.

Alisaire smiles at Maimara.

Aramana says, "Ulstram believes the piece to still be in the city."

Alisaire asks, "Su'a?"
Alisaire chuckles to herself.
Alisaire says, "It .. well.."
Alisaire says, "It's sort of.."

Maimara laughs!
Maimara exclaims, "It's been hours!"
Maimara says, "How daft is he."

Aramana says, "Taken by a dwarf, stolen by V'Tullians."

Maimara giggles.
Maimara clasps her hand over her mouth.

Alisaire laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Alisaire asks, "Robbed by an Illistim and then finally found by a Mularosian?"
Alisaire grins wryly.

Aramana snickers.
Aramana says, "That part he knows not."
Aramana says, "He says it is alone."

Maimara says, "Right."
Maimara says, "My arse."
Maimara asks, "This... this *is* it, right?"
Maimara says, "I mean, it looks like it, but."

Alisaire says, "Naamit said that she heard its song."

Maimara asks, "You can't fake a loresong.  Right?"

Alisaire rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Aramana says, "Nothing left to do for the rest of the evening."
Aramana laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Alisaire asks, "May I see it again, Maimara?"
Alisaire cocks her head at Maimara.

Maimara just opened a small bag.
Maimara removes a pommel-shaped half-melted rock from in her small bag.
Maimara offers Alisaire a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

Alisaire furrows her brow.
Alisaire leans forward.
Alisaire accepts Maimara's half-melted rock.
Alisaire leans back.
Alisaire examines her rock, staring at it intently from all possible angles.  Having acquainted herself with its inner workings, Alisaire gives a satisfied nod.

Rekarth says, "I would hesitate to suggest anything as impossible."
Rekarth says, "It is, however, unlikely."

Alisaire furrows her brow.

Maimara says, "Highly."

Alisaire slips her gloves easily off her hands.
(Alisaire lightly traces a finger across the surface of the sapphire.)
Alisaire says, "This sapphire.. it is the right shape--and huge."
Alisaire asks, "And see here?  Near the base?"
Alisaire indicates her half-melted rock with a smile.

Maimara nods.

(Alisaire motions toward the half-hidden stones at the sapphire's base.)
Alisaire says, "I think those are the diamonds."
Alisaire furrows her brow.
Alisaire says, "Curious thing."
Alisaire knocks on a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

Aramana leans forward.
Aramana stares at Alisaire.

Alisaire says, "I think the stone it imbedded itself within was neatly melted by the impact."
Alisaire shows Aramana her half-melted rock.

Aramana tilts her head down.
Aramana sniffs at Alisaire.

Alisaire asks, "See?"
Alisaire glances at Aramana.
Alisaire asks, "Su'a?"

Maimara shifts her weight.

(Alisaire turns the stone over in her hands, examining its base.)

Aramana says, "It smells like those quillions did."

Alisaire furrows her brow.
Alisaire says, "It looks like melted wax."
Alisaire chortles softly at some secret joke.
Alisaire says, "It must have been falling fast to make such a mark."

Aramana says, "There is an odd scent to it, but that may just be the metals."

(Alisaire rights the rock again, letting the faint light of the chamber play off of the blue sapphire.)
Alisaire knocks on a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.
Alisaire turns to face Maimara.
Alisaire offers Maimara a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

Maimara takes a drink from her orange scented tea.
Maimara accepts Alisaire's half-melted rock.
Maimara put some fragrant orange scented tea in her floor-length cloak.

(Rekarth returns his attention to the contemplation of nothingness.)

Maimara removes an ash-handled silver skinning knife from in her leather weapons harness.
(Maimara knocks gently on the rock with the hilt of her knife.)
Maimara says, "I wonder how brittle it is."
Maimara holds a pommel-shaped half-melted rock up to her ear.

Alisaire says, "We can always find out."
Alisaire chortles softly at some secret joke.

Maimara says, "Eh."
Maimara says, "I think it best we just wait for Them."
Maimara says, "Mayhap They do not wish us to harm it."
Maimara put an ash-handled silver skinning knife in her leather weapons harness.
Maimara idly picks at a pommel-shaped half-melted rock.

Alisaire nods to Maimara.
Alisaire smiles faintly.

A very faint chill fills the air, barely detectable.

Rekarth surveys the area.

Alisaire breathes almost without making a sound.

Maimara tilts her half-melted rock side to side, making the light play off it.

Alisaire slides some cuffed bronze suede gloves on over her hands.
Alisaire removes a pale yew arbalest from in her dark wool cloak.

Maimara says, "I wish I knew what was going on outside."
(Maimara suddenly stops moving, and looks up, her eyes nervously scanning the area.)
Maimara put a pommel-shaped half-melted rock in her small bag.
Maimara just closed a small bag.
Maimara removes a small bag from her belt.
Maimara put a small bag in her floor-length cloak.
Maimara just closed a flowing floor-length silk cloak clasped at the throat with a ruby pierced-heart.
Maimara squints.
Maimara asks, "What's going on?"

A sibilant voice begins to speak, but it's very faint and scratchy - as if it's speaker could not muster enough strength to talk.

Alisaire blinks.

Maimara's face turns slightly pale.

Alisaire searches around for a moment.
Alisaire furrows her brow.
Alisaire asks, "Morvule?"

Maimara asks, "What is it -- what is wrong?"

Aramana nods to Alisaire.

Rekarth seems to be waiting for something.

You hear a cold, sibilant voice hiss, "It... is... genuine.  We... cannot... come to you... now.  Ssssustaining... ssssuch power... weakenssss."

Aramana asks, "Is there anything we can do to lend strength to you?"
Aramana tightens her grip on her stiletto.

Maimara exclaims, "You have to! They'll find us and kill us!"
Maimara wails!

You hear a cold, sibilant voice hiss, "We will... ssssee you... ssssoon."

Aramana touches Maimara.

Alisaire touches Maimara.
Alisaire shakes her head.

You hear a cold, sibilant voice hiss, "We are not... dead.  Merely... recovering."

Rekarth glances at Maimara.

Aramana says, "We will stay here and wait."

Maimara buries her face in her hands.
Maimara trembles.

Alisaire quietly asks, "When?"

You hear a cold, sibilant voice hiss, "The fruitssss of ours... and your labor... have been ssssuccesssssful.  We..."

Alisaire quietly asks, "She will be guarded til then.  But when?"

The voice is cut off, and the chill in the air fades.

Loresong

The pommel's complete loresong, as provided by Naamit.

You sing:

    "Rock with sapphire sticking out
     What have we now to find out?"

Images begin to swim across your vision as you sing, moving too fast to be very clear.

You see a great undertaking going on across the land, dwarves pounding a lump of heated metal into a blade, skilled craftsmen creating other fine pieces.  As they flash past your eyes, you notice one of them faintly resembles the rock in your hand.
Suddenly, the images unravel as your song comes to an end.

Roundtime: 8 sec.


You sing:

    "Dwarves find rock, know not what it is
     Soon to be ambushed by our own very troops"

As your entrancing melody flows toward the half-melted rock, several visions begin to blossom within your mind...

Priests and other members of the clergy crowd around a blade of magnificent construction in the halls of a temple.  One man, bearing the look of a paladin, kneels in the middle of the crowd.  Slowly, he picks up the blade from its resting place upon a black obsidian altar set with a key of pure gold and raises it above his head, the blade flaring with a blinding golden glow.

Though the priests and clergymen seem to be in awe, a faint, deceptive smile plays across the lips of the warrior as he gazes up at the sword he holds.

The images fade away as your song slowly ends.

Roundtime: 11 sec.


You sing:

    "Rock of sword, pommel's part
     Soon Lorminstra shall depart."

The rumble of thunder echoes in your mind as you begin to sing, and soon images flash past your vision...

Great storms roll across the land, unnatural in their fury.  You feel a horrible tearing sensation as if your very being was ripped into different parts and thrown to the wind.

Abruptly, the scene and the pain fade away.

Roundtime: 8 sec.


You sing:

    "Ripping soul from flesh so real
     Rock show now what I soon will feel."

The sound of battle booms in your mind as you continue to wrap the magic of your song around the rock...

Great wars rage in a small frontier town, the citizens fighting against hordes of creatures aligned with the Dark Gods.  Scaled beings and other monstrosities run rampant along the countryside.

You get a strange feeling deep in the pit of your stomach as you watch the scenes unfurl.  Slowly, a feeling of completion comes over you as the battles fade away into darkness.  As you drift in the sea of nothingness, an intense feeling washes over you, and suddenly the void is filled with a blinding white glow, giving way to a magnificent vision of the Griffin Sword, its form whole once again and set in a white stone near a beautiful domed temple.

Your song slowly comes to an end, a peaceful feeling surrounding you.

Roundtime: 9 sec.


You sing:

    "Blasted town with blasted sword
     Rock show all that I've not heard"

As your song's magic wraps around and draws out the last memory of the rock, your senses begin to slip away from you for an instant...
You watch transfixed as people walk by a domed temple, some stopping by a large sword set in a glowing white stone.  Time seems to move by in an almost nauseating blur as people come and go.  Hours, days, months and years flashing by in seconds.

Then as suddenly as it started, time seems to thicken as you watch a frail elven man with scars across his eyes begin to perform a ceremony around the Griffin Sword with a large crowd of people gathered.  Slowly, the sword rises up into the air with the man as the crowd prays, and the entire square is filled with a golden light.

You feel intense sensations of cleansing, as if an ancient, terrible scar was being healed.  Abruptly, pain shoots through you like lightning as a crackle of blackness swirls around the golden column of light bathing the sword.  The form of a scaled man appears in mid-air, and soon after both the blind elf and the Luukosian are locked in a fierce battle, the Griffin Sword being wielded with an uncanny precision.  The battle rages on as storms gather around you, and the inevitable triumph is tantalizingly close.  Just as the sword descends in a vicious arc toward the scaled man, he raises his eyes and grins.  A flash of blackness is the last thing you see before you feel a horrible tearing sensation dominating every fiber of your being.

Another surge of intense pain explodes within your mind as the sword suddenly shatters, its pieces flying off with amazing speed over the horizon in different directions.

The vision comes to a close as the roar of a fire burning echoes in your head.

Roundtime: 9 sec.


You sing:

    "Sword broken in pieces as it is now
     Rock lay furrow, 'pon my brow"

You learn nothing new about the rock.