The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2005-09-07 - The End (log)
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Starting late evening on 9/7/05, the events of the Griffin Sword Saga's conclusion continued well after midnight into 9/8/05. The four leaders of the Dark Alliance have obtained all four parts of the Griffin Sword after slaying Ulstram. They also abducted both Kendryth and Ablen, sacrifices for their ritual to completely corrupt the reforged sword. The four have locked themselves within the innermost sanctum of their floating Black Temple as they complete their ritual. Prior to doing so, they have instructed all supporters of the Dark Alliance to gather in the hidden Temple of Luukos beneath Solhaven, where they are to await further instruction before entering the Black Temple themselves.
The day before, Maluverre, Volierre, and Sylvirria completed a ritual of their own that each had independently started many years before. The end result is that Sylvirria has ascended to serve as an Angel of Eternity, a servant of Gosaena, and in her final moments before departing to the Void, she intends to stop that which she has foreseen. She gathers those who would try to stop the Dark Alliance and speaks to them, and afterward Maluverre ferries them aboard his airship to the Black Temple floating above the Dragonspine.
This log has been very significantly edited. It is primarily from the perspective of Alisaire on the side of the Dark Alliance, however there were portions that were not visible from within the scrying orb provided to its supporters during the evening's events. The scrying orb had to have its focus moved via GM intervention, and sometimes that movement was delayed - or the orb reset entirely to focus on the Black Temple's Nexus. In order to more completely feature what happened that night, some portions of the log have been spliced from Raelee's perspective on the side of the Resistance.
Prelude
But first, a brief recap of the past few hours and days, including what was relayed to the Dark Alliance supporters from Morvule before he joined the other three High Priests..
Mekthros says, "Evening." Mekthros points up. Mekthros says, "They're attacking tonight." Mekthros asks, "How much do you know?" You say, "Not enough." You say, "I've had a task to attend to, and it keeps me occupied." Mekthros says, "An angel of Gosaena has appeared, as expected." Mekthros says, "She's trying to restore the balance." Mekthros says, "Which, at the moment, means destroying Alliance." You ask, "Because the Resistance is destroyed?" Mekthros says, "Not yet." Mekthros says, "The Four are sealed in the black temple, purifying the blade." Mekthros says, "But when the Four emerge with the complete blade, they will be." Mekthros says, "Lord Morvule has asked us to give consideration to which baronies and countries we would like to rule." Mekthros says, "And outlined a plan for global dominion." Mekthros says, "The angel is the only thing stopping us, at this point." Mekthros says, "Black temple is sealed completely, but for one entrance." You say, "I would hesitate to second-guess him, but that does seem a slight bit premature until everything is complete." Mekthros removes a spherical deep black pendant from in his hooded leather cloak. Mekthros says, "This." Mekthros says, "The pendants will open the skyway soon." Mekthros put a spherical deep black pendant in his hooded leather cloak. You ask, "Do they currently lead still to the sanctuary?" Mekthros says, "As far as I've checked perhaps two hours ago." Mekthros says, "Ablen and Kendryth are in the temple being sacrificed to purify the blade." Mekthros says, "When the doors of the temple open, it will indicate that reforging was successful." You say, "I knew of their capture, but not of that rather pleasant aspect of it." Mekthros says, "We are awaiting instructions on what to do once we arrive in the temple." Mekthros says, "Either way, tonight will mean an eternity of darkness, or failure." You say, "Rather poetic." Mekthros says, "This angel is the avatar of Gosaena, apparently." Mekthros says, "She can see the past, present, and the future." Mekthros says, "She combined with Volierre and Maluverre to share their vision." You ask, "Maluverre?" Mekthros says, "Ah, yes." Mekthros says, "Maluverre has long been an emissary of the Right Hand." Mekthros says, "The Order of Gosaena." Mekthros says, "He visited the temple of the three pools, much like Volierre did." Mekthros says, "And when he did so, he became the Keeper of the Present." Mekthros says, "And Volierre, the Keeper of the Past." Mekthros says, "But the first person to visit the temple became the Keeper of the Future." Mekthros says, "Its name is Sylvirria." Mekthros says, "And it is the angel that now threatens our plans." You say, "Curious." You say, "How is it that this one has ah.." You ask, "Resurfaced?" Mekthros says, "Ulstram was turned back by Lorminstra, in a fashion." Mekthros says, "He assisted in her awakening. She was sealed away by the Order centuries ago." Mekthros says, "Maluverre and what was left of Ulstram undid her sleep." You think to yourself, "Troublesome." Mekthros says, "That's everything of interest." Mekthros says, "We go to the temple tonight to assist in the final "transmogrification" of the sword." Mekthros says, "According to Lord Morvule." You say, "The sooner, the better."
Within the Temple of Luukos
Supporters of the Dark Alliance gather inside the hidden Temple of Luukos beneath Solhaven, as directed previously by Morvule. Around this same time, Sylvirria speaks to those who are brave - or insane - enough to try one final attempt to stop the Four from completely corrupting the Griffin Sword and presumably ending the world. This entire section captures only what the Dark Alliance supporters saw.
[Temple of Luukos, Dome] The high domed ceiling of this room opens up into a large, expansive room ringed by massive black marble columns twined with spirals of bronze. Shallow steps descend toward a massive emblem of Luukos carved into the precise center of the floor, the wavering light of many crimson candles set onto the steps casting the area in a hazy, golden amber glow. A circle of closely-spaced arched doors surrounds the chamber on every angle, each looking identical to the one next to it. Obvious exits: out A cold, dark voice murmurs, "I am the Hand of The Four. You know me. All know me. I was instructed to give you this." A black orb appears upon the ground. A cold, dark voice murmurs, "I am the *original* wielder of the sword. And I have something I must do. That is all I was instructed to do with you." [It is initially not active. When it finally activates, several minutes later..] Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Black Temple, Nexus] Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose. Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest [The Dark Alliance supporters continue to gather in the Temple of Luukos, watching the events unfold. They spend hours spelling each other up, watching, and waiting, all believing that they are also intended to go to the Black Temple at a certain time, due to the instructions previously given them and how prior divided group sessions in the storyline unfolded in the past. But that never happens. Instead, they merely watch, impotent, unable to say or do anything other than converse with one another.] You hear the faint thoughts of Maluverre echo in your mind: "Should you wish to, ah, join me upon a rather disastrous course of events, do feel free to board the Willow outside the Silent Temple." You hear the faint thoughts of Maluverre echo in your mind: "We are moments from leaving. Those who have an urge to fight, I will provide you with the means to go where you must." You hear the faint thoughts of Maluverre echo in your mind: "The Willow is outside the temple of the Silent Lady." You hear the faint thoughts of Maluverre echo in your mind: "We are leaving." You hear the faint thoughts of Maluverre echo in your mind: "Farewell."
Within the Temple of Gosaena
A long time passes with no activity visible through the scrying orb. That is because Sylvirria has gathered those who would try one final stand against the Dark Alliance to her, within the heart of Solhaven's Temple of Gosaena. She is recently ascended as an Angel of Eternity, a servant of Gosaena bound for the Void. But she has one thing she wishes to do before leaving forever: she wants to stop that which she has foreseen, and all the death that would come from it.
[Temple, Inner Sanctum] A heavy granite slab dominates the northern wall, its mottled grey surface rough and unadorned. Standing before the slab, a low altar at her feet, is a life-sized grey marble statue of a woman, her voluminous outstretched wings flowing up nearly to the ceiling then sloping down in a cascade of intricate feathers to her sides. Rows of tall pillar candles cast the chamber in a dim, shifting glow, the wavering candlelight doing nothing to drive off the faint chill that pervades the utterly still air. You also see a pair of arched mistwood doors. Obvious exits: none You see Lady Sylvirria Azarielle' the Angel of Eternity. She appears to be youthful. She has half-lidded misty grey eyes and pure marble-white skin. She has waist-length, purple-sheened deep ebon hair flowing down her shoulders in a smooth, glossy wave. She has a delicate face, a sharp nose and high cheekbones. She has a pair of arched black-feathered wings sprouting from her back. She is in good shape. She is holding a glittering white crystal scythe twined with lustrous golden knotwork in her right hand and a sharply-curved black crystal scythe wrapped with sinuous threads of silver around the shaft in her left hand. She is wearing a pair of silver shoulder pauldrons curving down off her shoulders into twin sharp points, a pair of bell-sleeved pure black robes trimmed with pale grey designs, a pair of tarnished silver gauntlets overlapping each finger with curved talons, and a pair of soft leather ankle-tie sandals. As the mist covers the entirety of the chamber, a vague silhouette comes into view, eventually resolving itself into the image of a black-winged woman. Sylvirria lightly steps down the altar. Sylvirria says, "I return. There were... many things to... think upon." Sylvirria's eyes shift briefly from black, to grey, to white, and then back to grey again. Sylvirria says, "But I will tell you what I know." Sylvirria says, "The Cycle is but a trial, and I was the one to be tested." Sylvirria says, "I do not deign to know the will of the Silent Lady. There have been but a rare few as I am, those who are..." Sylvirria says, "...gifted..." Sylvirria glances at her hands for a moment. Sylvirria says, "... with eternity." Sylvirria says, "Nor am I among her True Angels. Would that I were, not a sound would fall from my lips. Nor would you see me, or wish to gaze upon me if you could." Sylvirria's eyes shift to pure black for a moment, then return to the misty grey hues. Sylvirria says, "However, what occurred last night brought me closer to such a... state." Sylvirria says, "But I can still touch the mortal world in ways they cannot, I am not wholly at the whims of fate. ." Sylvirria says, "My time is passed, but I will act as a mortal woman once more..." Sylvirria glances at her hands once more, then raises her head to gaze across the crowd, seemingly looking *past* them and at something far different. Sylvirria says, "I will make my decision, for good or worse, and I will be judged upon it." Sylvirria says, "The Four have pulled back their minions for a sacrifice the likes this world has not seen for eons. This will allow them to perform the final step they require for the Subjugation of this plane." Sylvirria says, "My counterpart will allow you passage upon his vessel. He still yet lives, and thus, he, as you, can influence this world." Sylvirria says, "Go there. It is waiting for you, outside." Sylvirria simply lowers her head and fades away. [Everyone travels to Maluverre's airship.] >go airship [Small Airship] A small arched door leads in to a small cabin located on-deck, its roof traced with twining patterns of stone-grey ivy carvings. A short distance away, the sharp drop of the stern is guarded by curving railings of ornate design, and specks of silvery-bluish light peek from underneath the ship from the many scales of pure veniom plating its underside. You also see a small mistwood gangplank. Obvious paths: north, west >go door [Small Airship, Cabin] A large window bordered with crimson eahnor allows an unfettered view of the surroundings on nearly all sides - the massive bow of the ship being directly in front of you. A large pattern is inscribed upon the mute grey wood of the deck, the contours of the silver coalescing into an arcane design. A semi-circle of comfortable velvet cushions surrounds a translucent dome set into the center of the design, its surface humming faintly with power. You also see a small winding staircase half-hidden by an open hatch on the floor. Obvious paths: south, out You see Maluverre Sil'Andruthile. He appears to be an Illistim Elf. He appears to be mature. He has almond-shaped foggy grey eyes and fair skin. He has long, silky silver hair brushed with a trio of bone-white streaks. He is in good shape. He is holding a long pale grey staff chased with intertwined opal patterns in his left hand. He is wearing a pair of soft-soled shoes, a set of soft grey silk robes wreathed with pale white designs, and a pair of eahnor-rimmed spectacles. Maluverre says, "I merely provide you with the means to go where you must." Maluverre says, "Generally speaking, when one heads towards a massive object created by those who would see you dead, it tends to be disastrous." A pall of silence settles over the area. Maluverre says, "We will be leaving momentarily." The airship suddenly ascends into the sky. Sylvirria stares out the window, towards the black temple in the sky as it rapidly approaches. Maluverre quietly maneuvers his hands across the dome. Sylvirria stares out the window, towards the black temple in the sky as it rapidly approaches. The DragonSpine mountains slowly appear beneath you, and with them, the black temple draws closer and closer -- its surface like a bloody miasma filled with shards of razored rock. The temple looms in the window, taking up the entirety of it as the detailed curves and lines of the temple can be glimpsed -- a black morass of shifting shadows and jagged stone. Sylvirria says, "Good. I will be there when you make landfall." Maluverre says, "...yes." Maluverre quietly says, "Goodbye." Sylvirria nods. Sylvirria slowly dissolves into a faint grey mist. The airship makes a sweeping curve, and in a few moments, hovers above a ledge upon the black temple. Maluverre says, "You are here." Maluverre says, "I will descend the gangplank." Maluverre just went out. [The southern interior room, for posterity.] [Small Airship, Bar] A small bar takes up the end of the cabin, its top crafted of a sleek, highly-polished black marble. Above, a large emblem bears the image of an ancient willow tree, its silhouette adding a touch of somber elegance to the area. Several plush crimson velvet couches are placed along the sides of the cabin, and small tables for two are spaced evenly at its center. Obvious exits: north [Now that the gangplank is down, everyone moves outside onto the airship's deck and down the gangplank.] [The Black Temple, Entrance] The sky intermittently shifts from a sheerly alien sky to blazing sunrise and starless void in a hazy panorama of dizzying images. The dark floor underfoot shifts and ripples like a shadow in a flame with waves of irreality, and the massive towering form of the temple rises before you -- a twisted, black construct bedecked in spiked towers and shifting architecture that swirls and reforms itself constantly like liquid. Massive black ora doors tower to the north, immovable and silent. You also see a sleek veniom-scaled airship. Obvious exits: none Sylvirria quietly hovers mere inches from the ground, the tips of her wings sweeping against the black floor. Sylvirria gazes across the black temple, and clenches her crossed scythes in her hands -- instantly, they fade out of existence. Sylvirria says, "I cannot venture with you, nor can any of those who bear the mark of the Cycle." Sylvirria says, "It is not our time. Our time has passed, long, long ago." Sylvirria says, "This is your time." Sylvirria says, "I can only provide you with what is necessary." Sylvirria curls her wings about herself and lower her grey eyes, which swirl briefly with streaks of both white and black. Time seems to *ripple* for a moment, and suddenly a sickle appears in her hands. You see Lady Sylvirria Azarielle' the Angel of Eternity. She appears to be youthful. She has half-lidded misty grey eyes and pure marble-white skin. She has waist-length, purple-sheened deep ebon hair flowing down her shoulders in a smooth, glossy wave. She has a delicate face, a sharp nose and high cheekbones. She has a pair of arched black-feathered wings sprouting from her back. She is in good shape. She is holding a ripple-edged pale grey sickle in her right hand. She is wearing a pair of silver shoulder pauldrons curving down off her shoulders into twin sharp points, a pair of bell-sleeved pure black robes trimmed with pale grey designs, a pair of tarnished silver gauntlets overlapping each finger with curved talons, and a pair of soft leather ankle-tie sandals. Sylvirria gazes over the surroundings, her muted grey eyes shifting to black, white, and shades of grey as she surveys each face. Sylvirria gazes over the surroundings, her muted grey eyes looking past all, until she centers on one person -- Charna. Charna blinks. Sylvirria says, "You." Charna hesitantly asks, "Me?" Sylvirria says, "You have seen me when I have slept." Charna nods to Sylvirria. Charna flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks. Sylvirria says, "You know what will become of this world should we do nothing. The wasteland. The earth, parched and red with blood." Charna bites her lip. Charna places her hand on her translucent crystal. Charna says, "Tha' final vision." Charna nods to Sylvirria. Sylvirria says, "You are among the grey -- the moons dance an intricate balance upon your mind." Charna smiles slowly. Sylvirria asks, "Will you accept this task?" Sylvirria offers Charna a ripple-edged pale grey sickle. Charna quietly says, "I will do my best." Charna accepts Sylvirria's pale grey sickle. Charna smiles up at Sylvirria. Sylvirria says, "Then it is bequeathed upon you, Moon Maiden." Charna curtsies to Sylvirria. Charna takes a deep breath. Sylvirria crosses her arms over her chest, and immediately, her scythes wink back into existence. Charna slowly says, "I will, Lady." Sylvirria says, "Come, then. I can open the way for you." Charna moves to stand behind Sylvirria. Sylvirria crosses her scythes across her shoulders and lowers her head. Sylvirria raises her twin scythes, and a grey light enshrouds you... [Everyone is brought into the Nexus of the Black Temple.]
Within the Black Temple: Pain
As the sanctuary of the four leaders of the Dark Alliance, the floating Black Temple was built according to their aspects. Everyone arrives at its central Nexus, from which branch four hallways. Each hall leads to a smaller temple within the Temple, also according to each of the Four's aspects. There are a pair of locked and magically warded doors located in the Nexus that lead to its inner sanctum, the Altar of Darkness. These doors would remain locked until those opposing the Alliance master each of the lesser temples and their trials.
The first trial faced is within the Temple of Pain, which is Eryael's aspect. Within his Temple of Pain is a Nexus, with four halls branching off of it. Each of the hall has different varieties of torture devices with captives already placed within, and interacting with them leads to very gruesome consequences. However, doing so is the key to solving the trial. With each limb pulled off, each woman dropped into a vat of boiling water, each man burned alive, the crystal in the central chamber becomes more and more energized. Once it is fully powered, the tortured victims heal instantly from the brink of death, and a relic is obtained.
Any italicized portions are what was seen on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, back within the Temple of Luukos.
Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Black Temple, Nexus] Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose. Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest Sylvirria raises her twin scythes, and a grey light enshrouds you... [A VERY long host of people materialized from nowhere, arriving within the Black Temple's Nexus. They begin spelling up, with several referencing Charna leading them to victory. The Dark Alliance supporters have no idea why, as they were not privvy to the events unfolding in the previous section. As the trials are down the different branches of the Nexus, and because there was a delay in the orb's focus shifting, much of what happened during the first two trials was obscured from the Dark Alliance supporters. They were only able to see the Black Temple's Nexus until midway through the third trial and thus were unaware of the progress being made outside of certain moments that occurred within the Nexus.] Charna just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely. [The Black Temple, Pain] The marble floors converge to form a pale, undecorated stone, its glossy contours diffused by the strange light permeating the area. Tall, ridged arches rise to the southeast, the lights from beyond the threshold bathing the area in a subtle, ethereal glow that softens all edges and keeps everything out of focus. Ivory thorns curve through the surrounding architecture, giving bloom to deep incarnadine rose blossoms -- the only brilliant dash of color upon the pristine environment. Obvious exits: northwest Charna steps through a series of ivory arches. [Everyone follows.] As you step through the arches, a bright light surrounds you, and all you can smell is the sickly sweet scent of rose blossoms... [Temple of Pain, Threshold] An expansive desert spreads outward, the raging winds of the vast expanse obscuring the forms of fields and fields of pikes in the distant dunes -- each holding a screaming victim, their wails heard even here above the howling winds. To the east, a haven of green lies, its towering ivory columns wrapped with shrouds of thorny vines and delicate rose blossoms. The sickly sweet smell of the flowers mingles with the scent of exposed organs -- creating a grisly aroma that hangs over the area like a fog. Obvious exits: east, out [Temple of Pain, Nexus] Situated between a grouping of pure ivory columns, this central chamber is overgrown with lush vines and blossoming roses, their scent cloying and heady in the air. A simple ivory altar adorned with swirled edges sits in the center of the garden, a recessed groove within its pristine surface holding a perfect crystal orb, its incarnadine interior roiling like the heart of a storm. Thorn-riddled vines twine about the base of the altar, twitching and shivering as if alive. Obvious exits: northeast, southeast, southwest, west, northwest [There are four chambers inside, each focused on different aspects of torture.] [Northwest from the Temple of Pain's Nexus:] [Temple of Pain, Pillars] A single pillar rises to the northwest, its fluted, pristine surface unmarred by any blemish or defect. Chained to the ivory pillar is a ragged man, his clothes nearly falling off his obviously starved frame. Torches burn steadily around the man, highlighting his ribcage through his loose skin. You also see a sleek steel lever. Obvious exits: east, southeast, south [Northeast from the Temple of Pain's Nexus:] [Temple of Pain, Pillars] An elven woman hangs high in the air against a massive ivory pillar, her delicate wrists bound by cold steel above her head. The pillar is wrapped with intricate bits of glistening wire, which dangle around its base like tiny spider legs. The curls of the wire traverse the length of the pillar to find their ends in the elven woman's face -- each tipped with a hook buried in the muscles of her head. You also see a sleek steel lever. Obvious exits: south, southwest, west Kilthal pulls on the lever, and immediately, the curls of wire become taut, completely vacating the flesh of the elven woman's face from her skull and exposing the musculature underneath just as it tenses in a horrible, wailing scream that pierces your ears with its horrible, sustained pain. As the elf screams, a hazy red energy permeates her body and rises up, flowing toward the southwest and sending out thrums of power. After a moment, the screams die down, and the elf looks completely healed, though the hooks still remain within her flesh. She gives a drowsy, fearful look downwards, then slumps into unconciousness once more. [There is debate about what to do - to continue these tortures, or to stop. But these are trials based off of Eryael's aspect..] Eponyne exclaims, "Stop!" Arnaster exclaims, "Don't touch the buttons and levers!" Xanith says, "People, I did not come here to torture an elven woman." Briah says, "You don't understand. This is the only way.." [Southwest from the Temple of Pain's Nexus:] [Temple of Pain, Pillars] A rippling pool of black water stands before a massive white column of ivory, its surface roiling and bubbling with wisps of boiling-hot steam. Intricate steel chains wrap around the pillar, forming a beautiful knotwork of metal that binds a helpless woman above the pool, her frail body mere feet away from the boiling cascade. The chains are gathered at the base of the pillar and connected to a small lever. You also see a sleek steel lever. Obvious exits: north, northeast, east [Southeast from the Temple of Pain's Nexus:] [Temple of Pain, Pillars] A massive ivory column rises to the southeast, its flawless surface glistening against the heat of the desert sands. Wrapped about the pristine column are intricate patterns of gleaming chains, their edges honed to a razored edge. Dangling in the embrace of the chains is a bedraggled woman, her sobs barely heard. Set before the column is a spoked obsidian wheel. Obvious exits: north, west, northwest Hakwea turns the spokes of the wheel, and immediately the chains go taut, pulling the woman's extremities outwards and fully snapping them off after a moment or two. As she writhes and cries out in agonizing pains, her stumps wiggling and gushing blood, her body is permeated by a hazy crimson energy that rises from her body and flows to the northwest. You hear a thrum of power to the northwest. As the woman falls silent, the chains rise up once more to place her arms and legs at the joints where they were severed. Within moments, the muscles rejoin and are instantly healed, though she remains in a blissful unconciousness, her sobs occasionally punctuating her otherwise peaceful slumber. [Back in the Temple of Pain's central chamber..] [Temple of Pain, Nexus] Situated between a grouping of pure ivory columns, this central chamber is overgrown with lush vines and blossoming roses, their scent cloying and heady in the air. A simple ivory altar adorned with swirled edges sits in the center of the garden, a recessed groove within its pristine surface holding a perfect crystal orb, its incarnadine interior roiling like the heart of a storm. Thorn-riddled vines twine about the base of the altar, twitching and shivering as if alive. Obvious exits: northeast, southeast, southwest, west, northwest Celery blinks at the rosewhip in his hand. Celery says, "The rosewhip is pulling me back towards the center of the temple." The rosewhip in Celery's hands pulses briefly. Something pulses outside, in the nexus of the Black Temple. The orb appears fairly dull and dead. Niaouli says, "The orbs dead." [They have persevered through the trial. Celery finds a rosewhip hidden within the orb. It is brought outside of the Temple of Pain and back to the Black Temple's Nexus.] [The Black Temple, Nexus] Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose. Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest (Celery walks around, holding out the rosewhip infront of him.) (Celery holds the rosewhip out towards the symbol.) The rosewhip continues to pulse in Celery's hands, and the insignias beneath resonate with the same hue. Celery says, "This whip.." Celery says, "It's doing something.." Celery says, "It came from the orb and pulled me here." The rosewhip continues to pulse in Celery's hands, and the insignias beneath resonate with the same hue. Charna recites: "I am feelin' ah STRONG need ta' be 'ere." Celery offers Charna a pale ivory rosewhip. Celery says, "Here.." Celery says, "I don't like that thing.." Celery says, "You seem to know what you're doing." Charna accepts Celery's ivory rosewhip. Raelee says, "The insignias in a circle." Raelee nods to Charna. Charna says, "I feel like it needs ta' be dropped in tha' insignia." Charna places the ivory rosewhip within the groove beneath the incarnadine rose symbol, and its whiteness suddenly melts into the insignia, incorporating itself into the overall design within mere seconds. The temple rumbles and quakes briefly.
Within the Black Temple: Rage
The second trial faced is within the Temple of Rage, which is Zerroth's aspect. Zerroth's Temple of Rage is much smaller than the other three, but his trial is very straightforward: kill or be killed. As it so happened, they kill the game first. After a crash, the bloodshed continues. Within the primary chamber of the temple, enchanted weapons are placed in a ring around a pool of lava, and with each combatant struck down, their blood flows into the blades. When enough blood had been absorbed, a second relic is found.
Any italicized portions are what was seen on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, back within the Temple of Luukos.
Charna just moved quietly southwest, with her group following closely. [The Black Temple, Rage] The cold black marble resolves into the jagged columns of basalt, their surfaces giving off plumes of hot steam. The faceted, black angles of the igneous rocky spikes form strange tribal patterns upon the walls, their primitive appearance only further enhanced by the angry red glow bathing the area from below. An immense arch rises to the southwest, its surface rimmed in spiked tangles and sharp edges -- a deep incarnadine light laced with waves of heat rippling beyond the threshold. Obvious exits: northeast Charna steps through an immense arch. [Everyone follows.] Heat washes over you as you step through the arch and are engulfed in the bloody light... [Temple of Rage, Threshold] Black basalt columns rise like monstrous tentacles into the cavernous ceiling, and the angry red light of lava flowing beneath the floor filters in through hair-thin cracks that hiss with steam and heat. The air is blurry and sticky, punctuated by wisps of steam that lap at the air like hungry predators. The stench of sulphur hangs heavy in the humid air, and faint rumblings of the earth ripple along the ground. You also see a dark steel breastplate, a dark centaur, a twisted black falchion, a black-twined dark steel scythe, a V'tullian savage that appears dead, a V'tullian savage that appears dead, a V'tullian warrior that appears dead, a V'tullian savage that appears dead, a V'tullian savage that appears dead, a twisted black falchion and a black-twined dark steel scythe. Obvious exits: north, out A V'tullian warrior is suddenly surrounded in a sickly red aura that seeps into her body. The aura seems to consume her, and soon nothing is left. [Combat. There are V'tullians and dark centaurs.] [Temple of Rage, Magma Chamber] A massive ring of bubbling lava encircles a dark steel altar devoid of any markings, its rippling crimson light dancing across the reflective surface in angry waves. Staked into the craggy ground in a circular border around the ring of lava are weapons of all types -- each dripping with an everlasting stream of blood that flows steadily into the fiery chasm, sending a sickly sweet smell through the chamber. Stalagtites hang like daggers from above, and hums of power reverberate outward from the altar. Obvious exits: south The surroundings boil with red-hot lava as V'tullians rise up to the call of battle! [More combat. The game crashes. There is too much rage in that particular battle.] Nevrek whispers, "Grandious intermission." You quietly whisper to Nevrek, "Quite so." Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Black Temple, Nexus] Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose. Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest [....in other words, nothing of the events unfolding. This entire time, the Dark Alliance supporters have only been able to view the Black Temple's Nexus and saw nothing of what happened within the Temple of Pain or the Temple of Rage.] [Meanwhile..] [Temple of Rage, Magma Chamber] A massive ring of bubbling lava encircles a dark steel altar devoid of any markings, its rippling crimson light dancing across the reflective surface in angry waves. Staked into the craggy ground in a circular border around the ring of lava are weapons of all types -- each dripping with an everlasting stream of blood that flows steadily into the fiery chasm, sending a sickly sweet smell through the chamber. Stalagtites hang like daggers from above, and hums of power reverberate outward from the altar. Obvious exits: south >look weapons You glimpse the bloodied weapons surrounding the altar, and each seem to pulse as each corpse is absorbed by the hazy red energy. The surroundings boil with red-hot lava as V'tullians rise up to the call of battle! [More combat. The game holds this time.] The body of the warrior suddenly melts and bubbles into nothing, causing a hazy red mist to rise upwards and sink into one of the bloodied weapons surrounding the lava pool. Ravenous tendrils of shadow suddenly burst forth from the darkness, streaking towards the V'tullian savage to consume it in a gory feast of toothy shadow maws and barbed tentacles! A V'tullian warrior is suddenly surrounded in a sickly red aura that seeps into his body. The aura seems to consume him, and soon nothing is left. The body of the warrior suddenly melts and bubbles into nothing, causing a hazy red mist to rise upwards and sink into one of the bloodied weapons surrounding the lava pool. One of the weapons suddenly blasts out a massive column of incarnadine energy to bathe the altar in the center of the lava in a sickly red light! The body of the savage suddenly melts and bubbles into nothing, causing a hazy red mist to rise upwards and sink into one of the bloodied weapons surrounding the lava pool. One of the weapons suddenly blasts out a massive column of incarnadine energy to bathe the altar in the center of the lava in a sickly red light! Suddenly, the incarnadine beams of hellish energy combine upon the altar, bathing it in a fiery glow that ripples across its surface -- setting several runes alight! As the light grows and expands, the altar suddenly explodes with fire, sending out several glowing trails past the pool of lava and onto the ground! A massive obsidian sword-blade suddenly *tinks* on the craggy basalt ground. The body of the warrior suddenly melts and bubbles into nothing, causing a hazy red mist to rise upwards and sink into one of the bloodied weapons surrounding the lava pool. One of the weapons suddenly blasts out a massive column of incarnadine energy to bathe the altar in the center of the lava in a sickly red light! Suddenly, the incarnadine beams of hellish energy combine upon the altar, bathing it in a fiery glow that ripples across its surface -- setting several runes alight! As the light grows and expands, the altar suddenly explodes with fire, sending out several glowing trails past the pool of lava and onto the ground! Ulial exclaims, "Sword-blade!" Ulial says, "Let Charna have it, she can return it to the insignia." Briah picks up a massive obsidian sword-blade. Briah offers Charna a massive obsidian sword-blade. Charna accepts Briah's obsidian sword-blade. Speaking gratefully to Briah, Charna says, "Thank ye." [Back to the Black Temple's Nexus.] [The Black Temple, Nexus] Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose. Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest As Charna places the obsidian sword-blade below the symbol of the black greatsword, its edges flare to life with a deep red glow that permeates its core and melts it into the overall pattern of the insignias. The temple rumbles.
Within the Black Temple: Fear
The third trial faced is within the Temple of Fear, which is Draezir's aspect. The Temple of Fear has a central Nexus, with three hallways branching off from it. Each hallway has two doors leading to two different chambers. Each chamber has its own puzzle, with six total puzzles to complete in order to progress. Due to how this trial was set up, with six different chambers scattered around and with various groups or individuals working independently within them, it is presented out of chronological order. Any comments or actions regarding specific chambers are placed according to the location, not to their sequence in time. The first chamber with the shadow being chased by light-producing spells seems to have been completed last, as it took the longest time to solve - significantly longer than any of the other chambers.
There are six puzzles in total. In the first, they have to cast spells of light to drive a creature around the room until it faces a mirror and is forced to stare at itself. The second room holds the echoes of mad whispers within their minds, which ultimately lead to the retrieval of a cube of shadow. In the third, a clockwork contraption enchanted with darkness demands an eye as sacrifice, while in the fourth a heart is made to beat again through sorcery. A series of sigils are inside the fifth room, which have to be activated in a specific order. And in the sixth and last, the stars outlining the Jackal constellation have to be traced precisely. Completing them all yields the third relic.
Any italicized portions are what was seen on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, back within the Temple of Luukos. A very long time has passed at this point for the Dark Alliance supporters, with little to do but watch a largely unused portion of the quest area. People would occasionally pass through it, spell up, or engage in OOC conversation there, but otherwise there was limited engagement. Eventually, the image in the orb finally starts to shift for them as a GM adjusts its focus, and they can finally see some of what is going on midway through this trial.
Charna just moved quietly south, with her group following closely.
[The Black Temple, Fear]
Crystalline structures form an angular webwork of pure shadow whose interiors reflect glass-like shards of starlight. The strange structure seemingly grows out of the dark floor, its towering spires and jagged angles forming a central arch whose interior is filled with liquid shadows. The blackness within swirls, the vague silhouettes forming beckoning gestures against the darkness.
Obvious exits: north
Darkness swirls in the arch.
Eiadh steps into the shadows surrounding the black arch and is engulfed in darkness.
[Everyone follows.]
You step into the darkness and feel cold to the very core as it washes over you...
[Temple of Fear, Nexus]
Blackness surrounds the domed chamber upon all sides, while huge patterns of overlapped triangles mar the smooth marble underfoot. Rising from the floor is a column of black crystal, its form crowned with a massive obelisk formed of the same glossy, shadowy material. An opposing column descends from the center of the circular, domed ceiling, and veins of incarnadine crystal spread out from the central apex above and into the darkness beyond. You also see a writhing blackness, a writhing blackness and a writhing blackness.
Obvious exits: north, southeast, southwest, out
Mitheirien drops to her knees in utter despair! Overcome by the pure evil emanating from the writhing blackness, Mitheirien's arms fall slack at her side and her eyes grow wide with an overwhelming look of fear!
Overcome by the pure evil emanating from the writhing blackness, Neyana's arms fall slack at her side and her eyes fill with paralyzing fear!
[Combat.]
[North of the Temple of Fear's Nexus:]
[Temple of Fear, First Point]
The smooth, glossy pattern of the largest triangle upon the floor reaches its northernmost point here, and two doors branch off to the left and right of it. Dim torchlight wavers back and forth across the chamber, casting glittering sparks that twinkle like starlight across the various faceted black crystals growing from the walls. Bands of sigils are seared into the floor along the inner edges of the triangle, two large angular ones most prominently set before the doors. You also see an engraved black ora door and an engraved black ora door.
Obvious exits: south
[Chamber #1, accessed from the First Point:]
[Temple of Fear, Chamber]
The shadows surrounding the chamber shift and waver of their own accord like a living entity, and eyes intermittently shine in the blackness only to disappear once more. Faint rustling noises echo from the edges of the room, while a large obsidian mirror stands in the center of the room, flanked by a number of candles and stained with a series of spiraling sigils. A series of pedestals is set throughout the room, each containing a single unlit candle.
Obvious exits: out
Ulial exclaims, "Wait!"
Ulial says, "We need to do this in the correct order."
Ulial says, "First, Fire spirit! We need one person to cast this."
Missoni utters a light chant and raises her hands, beckoning the lesser spirits to her aid...
A bright burning sphere of spiritual fire drifts into the northern corner of the room, and a loud growl is heard as something in the dark flees its presence!
You hear something scuffle over towards the northwest.
Kabriel says, "Then light."
Nindy traces a sign while petitioning the spirits for cognition...
A pulsing beam of pure light strays outwards into the northwestern corner of the room and you hear a loud, shrieking wail as something in the dark flees its presence!
You hear something scuffle over towards the south.
Ulial asks, "Do we know the third spell?"
Cappurnicus gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to his aid...
A bright burst of light briefly illumines the western corner of the room, but is quickly overpowered by the cloying shadows and has no effect.
Suddenly, the sphere of fire burning unhindered in the north is snuffed out by the shadows, leaving you in darkness once more as faint noises echo from the north.
Ulial says, "No, that was wrong."
Ulial says, "Let's try again."
[Eventually, for the Dark Alliance supporters..]
The image in the orb shifts.
Gazing into the orb, you see...
[This room! Hooray! It stays on this room a long time. A loooong time.]
Mekthros says, "They're still trying to figure this out."
[Also eventually.. They get the puzzle.]
A bright burst of light rises upwards and hovers over the west, exploding in a spectacular array of white brilliance as it converges with the lights burning throughout the room! With a howling scream, the creature of darkness is exposed to the light -- its horrible features and shadowy body rippling in incomparable pain! It turns to flee and suddenly encounters the mirror, its own horrible visage looking back at it.
What follows is absolutely chaotic -- the world seems to *bend* around you, and as you shut your eyes the painful, dizzying sensations fade, you open them again to find that the shadowy creature is now trapped in the mirror and being dissolved before your eyes!
The crystal veins upon the ceiling suddenly pulse with incarnadine hues as they flow towards the massive triangle outside!
[Chamber #2, accessed from the First Point:]
[Temple of Fear, Chamber]
The walls shift and bleed with fractured images as shadows converge and shift across their uneven surfaces. Screams, shrieks and moans echo from the images as they sweep across the walls in a frenzied cacophony of madness. Within the center of the room is a slab of obsidian --a strange, amorphous shadowy triangle hovering mere inches above it, its slick surface roiling like water.
Obvious exits: out
An amorphous shadowy triangle suddenly shifts and melds into pure shadow, then reforms once more, this time taking the shape of an amorphous shadowy sphere as its quivering surface ripples and undulates.
Jolena quietly says, "The orb and the talon..and the sphere."
Draacon asks, "What are you talking about?"
Jolena quietly says, "The voices.."
Bristenn reaches out to grab the shadowy sphere, and suddenly its surface blazes with dark energy!
... 15 points of damage!
Veins in hand burst!
He is stunned!
Subarashi recites:
"Er, in case you haven't already, I've finished the room with the shifting object...sorry to disturb."
[Southeast of the Temple of Fear's Nexus:]
[Temple of Fear, Second Point]
The second point of the massive triangle engraved upon the floor reaches its end here, between two doors set to the east and west of it. It is in turn overlapped by smaller triangles in a tangle of arcane angles bordered by sigils of all shapes and sizes. Crimson veins of crystal arc along the ceiling, flowing over and beyond the thresholds of the the two doors. You also see an engraved black ora door and an engraved black ora door.
Obvious exits: west, northwest
[Chamber #3, accessed from the Second Point:]
[Temple of Fear, Chamber]
The room is dark save for a single shaft of light illuminating a black ora pedestal set in the center of the floor, its edges chased with incarnadine patterns. Atop the pedestal is a single crystalline eye, its faceted depths glittering like drops of blood in the darkness. To the side of the glimmering eye is a strange, tiny wire-like construction, its thin, razored fingers grasping at the air as it moves on its own.
Obvious exits: out
[Chamber #4, accessed from the Second Point:]
[Temple of Fear, Chamber]
Shadows shroud the area in darkness, save for a single altar set in the middle of the room -- its black ora surface adorned with a grisly black heart slick with blood ensconced by a grouping of black crystals. The crystals appear to be hollow, their interiors filled with a roiling shadowy liquid that appears to be circulating through the translucent veins of the macabre muscle.
Obvious exits: out
Kediaq gestures at a grisly black heart.
Dark red droplets coalesce upon 's skin. The sanguine liquid is visible for only an instant before it evaporates away.
Hakwea says, "Well I filled the heart up with blood."
Hakwea says, "Blood burst worked to fill the heart up with blood."
[Southwest of the Temple of Fear's Nexus:]
[Temple of Fear, Third Point]
The third point of the massive triangle upon the floor reaches its end here, near two black ora doors situated to the east and west of its sharp curve. Faint hums of power resonate across the chamber from the northeast, the latent power in the center of the circle thrumming the floor quietly. Spidery sigils are engraved alongside the overlapped triangles within the borders of the larger pattern, a few of them resembling a simplified jackal. You also see an engraved black ora door and an engraved black ora door.
Obvious exits: northeast, east
[Chamber #5, accessed from the Third Point:]
[Temple of Fear, Chamber]
Shadows shroud the entirety of this chamber save for one flickering torch set in the center of the room. From the dim, crimson waves of light it casts, the silhouettes of several other torches can be discerned in the blackness. The darkness is palpable -- shifting and roiling around the light in a vain attempt to extinguish it completely. You also see a dark steel sigil, a glimmering silver sigil, an amorphous shadowy sigil, a whorled golden sigil, a twisted red sigil, a black jagged sigil and a warped black sigil.
Obvious exits: out
Eiadh reaches out to push a glimmering silver sigil, which alights softly with faint tendrils of essence as she does.
Wisps of energy coalesce around the sigils as they seem to reset and become as they originally were.
[Eventually..]
Eiadh reaches out to touch a dark steel sigil, which alights softly with faint tendrils of essence as she does.
Suddenly, the candles around the room are snuffed out in an instant -- and the darkness lurches forward, convering and flowing into the form of a hovering black orb comprised completely of shadow. As soon as the darkness recedes, the candles once again alight, highlighting the black surface of the orb as it ripples quietly in the air.
As Kilthal touches the dark, roiling orb, it suddenly shoots straight up into the ceiling and becomes fused with the crystals above, setting them alight with waves of energy that flow outwards towards the massive triangle engraved on the floor outside! A tremendous *BOOM* of energy heralds the release of the latent power!
[Chamber #6, accessed from the Third Point:]
[Temple of Fear, Chamber]
Darkness roils throughout the room like a living miasma, shrouding the glittering miniature stars that float within the shadowy void of their own accord. The miniature cosmos shifts subtly with each passing moment, revealing tiny stars twinkling in the darkness of a mock night sky. A simple black pedestal stands in the center of the room, its sleek stone form holding an ancient tome aloft. You also see a blazing pure white star, a dim white star, a blazing red star, a flickering pale star, a rippling blazing blue star, a deep blue star, a tiny pulsing white star, a tiny brilliant white star and a black star.
Obvious exits: out
>read tome
In the Common language, it reads:
Follow the Jackal's steps from left to right.
And it is you that shall possess the secrets of the night.
As Perigourd touches the dark, roiling orb, it suddenly shoots straight up into the ceiling and becomes fused with the crystals above, setting them alight with waves of energy that flow outwards towards the massive triangle engraved on the floor outside! A tremendous *BOOM* of energy heralds the release of the latent power!
Caecilia says, "I rubbed each star until the glowed. First star. Second star and so on."
[Back to the Black Temple's Nexus with an amber-eyed black jackal head of onyx, the third relic.]
[The Black Temple, Nexus]
Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose.
Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest
As Charna place the black jackal head beneath the insignia of an amber jackal's eye, its own eyes resonate with an amber glow that melts the entire head and incorporates it into the symbol, its edges casting a strange phosphoresence.
Within the Black Temple: Death
The fourth and final trial faced is within the Temple of Death, which is Morvule's aspect. At this point, the GM controlling the scrying orb for the Dark Alliance supporters is keeping up with the overall pace of progress through the temple and shifting it accordingly. Fortunately for that GM, there really is only one room of interest within the Temple of Death once the trial got started.
The Temple of Death appears empty at first, devoid of any threat or puzzle. Only a large serpent statue at its heart stands out, coiled around a massive gem. But things would not remain empty and quiet forever.
Any italicized portions are what was seen on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, back within the Temple of Luukos.
Charna just moved quietly north, with her group following closely. [The Black Temple, Death] The surrounding architecture flows out of the walls in spiked whorls, resembling a twisted cariacture of writhing serpents forever entwined in a tangled mass. Rippling candlelight casts creeping shadows across the floor, the darkness writhing against the ophidian designs inlaid upon the flawless marble. The northern end of the room is dominated by two cyclopean columns incised with serpentine spirals, their massive forms serving as the fangs of a huge serpent carved of obsidian, its maw framing an immense doorway. Obvious exits: south Eiadh steps through an immense doorway. [Everyone follows.] As you step through the doorway, a horrible vision of being eaten alive flashes through your mind for the briefest of moments... [Temple of Death, Threshold] Crumbling stone architecture decorates the area, the macabre statuary bereft of its fine finishes and left only with an elegant appearance of decay. Water pools on the floor in muddy waves, rippling around the bases of a circle of smashed stone columns. At the heart of the columns lies a gargantuan pitted statue of an emerald green serpent, its languid coils curled around a massive gem. Obvious exits: north, south [North, from the Threshold:] [Temple of Death, Upper Echelon] Crumbled stairs rise up to a dais of black marble, its surface pitted and crushed as if by a massive weight. The ceiling rises high into darkness, the expansive chamber reverberating echoes across the vast stretch of rooms beyond. Serpentine patterns criss-cross along the walls, intertwining in broken designs. Obvious exits: northeast, south, northwest [Temple of Death, Upper Echelon] Shadows shroud the area in darkness, their wavering forms racing across the crumbled architecture in sweeping ripples of blackness. Nestled within the heart of the dark room is a massive viper's head crafted of black obsidian, its once mighty neck crumbled off at the base. Its fangs are open in an eternal hiss, water now pouring forth from its mouth in a torrent that tumbles down the stairs to the south. Obvious exits: southwest, west [Temple of Death, Upper Echelon] The massive tail of a crumbled statue lies in half-ruins on the floor, its sleek obsidian scales scattered across the circular chamber in a disarrayed pattern. Primitive paintings on huge stone slabs that were once held aloft upon the expansive walls lie shattered upon the ground, their bold angular lines depicting striking serpents. Obvious exits: east, southeast [South, from the Threshold:] [Temple of Death, Lower Echelon] Shallow ivory-hued steps descend into the darkness below, their surfaces slick with moisture and crumbled from ages long past. Wet, sloshing sounds echo from down below as water tumbles past, and the unmistakable scent of rot and decay wafts upwards from the cloying darkness. Obvious exits: north, southeast, southwest [Temple of Death, Lower Echelon] A massive asp's tail crafted from once beautiful ivory coils around several crumbled statues, their faces long decayed away by the passage of time. The entire chamber has an appearance of elegant ruin -- the faded tapestries, the watery stains upon the wall and the shattered skulls upon the floor combine to impart a sense of macabre decay. Obvious exits: west, northwest [Temple of Death, Lower Echelon] A massive ivory asp's head looms overhead, its elegantly ruined finish only enhanced by the gloom overhead -- shredded tapestries, extravagant paintings are all marred by decay in this once grand temple. Set before the massive statue is a primitive altar, its pitted surface stained by the blood of countless sacrifices. Obvious exits: northeast, east Gazing into the orb, you see... [Temple of Death, Threshold] Crumbling stone architecture decorates the area, the macabre statuary bereft of its fine finishes and left only with an elegant appearance of decay. Water pools on the floor in muddy waves, rippling around the bases of a circle of smashed stone columns. At the heart of the columns lies a gargantuan pitted statue of an emerald green serpent, its languid coils curled around a massive gem. Obvious exits: north, south Railien says, "This is like the temple in Solhaven." Thrassus says, "That is where Ulstram died, I think." The temple rumbles as you hear a loud, hissing shriek from somewhere nearby. Aellie says, "Um guys..." Aellie says, "Sometin is..." [Something is coming to the first room of the Upper Echelon.] [Temple of Death, Upper Echelon] Crumbled stairs rise up to a dais of black marble, its surface pitted and crushed as if by a massive weight. The ceiling rises high into darkness, the expansive chamber reverberating echoes across the vast stretch of rooms beyond. Serpentine patterns criss-cross along the walls, intertwining in broken designs. You also see a massive winged wyrm. Also here: Myrisa, Mckissack, Railien, Kediaq, Sylayn, Oravia, Eilithyia, Mirille, Kilthal, Kinshack, Khistian who is lying down, Godefroy who is lying down, Glimmin who is lying down, Lady Eiadh who is lying down, Nodyre who is lying down, Missoni who is lying down, Perigourd who is lying down, Lord Nindy who is lying down, Ashmoreth who is lying down, Subarashi who is lying down, Calean who is lying down, Lady Wylynna who is lying down, Neyana who is lying down, Galenok who is lying down, Avenquil who is lying down, Niaouli who is lying down, Constellous who is lying down, Ichiko who is lying down, Glatt who is lying down, Lord Oweodry who is lying down, Tagerung who is lying down, Imagestar who is lying down, Lord Kembal who is lying down, Lady Reygne, Alleatha who is lying down, Yendor who is lying down, High Lord Svardin who is lying down, Adyr who is lying down, Lord Nordred who is lying down, Lord Marclar who is lying down, Rhandi who is lying down, Nanna who is lying down, Briah who is lying down, Avaia who is lying down, Great Lord Kabriel who is lying down, Drinin who is lying down, Radamanthys who is lying down, Celery who is lying down, Trewlos who is lying down, Nuadjha who is lying down, Drethron, Rakus who is lying down, Lalasa, Lady Lysistrata, Yarx who is lying down, Laleena who is lying down, Lady Nauriel who is lying down, Gnimble who is lying down, Kairyu who is lying down, Lord Hrvac who is lying down, Kateerina who is lying down, Twiggs who is lying down, Keloin who is lying down, Gaerit who is lying down, Mourdeyan who is lying down, Great Lord Radeek who is lying down, Sylviana who is lying down, Aevryl who is lying down, Journeyman Gulltrie who is lying down, Lady Tymberra who is lying down, Innez who is lying down, Renowned Lord Zabarieth who is lying down, Wylde who is lying down, Lady Nitezor who is lying down, Kylinarr who is lying down, Great Lady Akysha who is lying down, Draacon who is lying down, Malikary who is lying down, Cryheart who is lying down, Great Lady Krystala who is lying down, High Lord Peritta who is lying down, Renowned Lady Kadesha who is lying down, Koleph who is lying down, Lord Thurandur who is lying down, Daiyana who is lying down, Cappurnicus who is lying down, Lady Endarya who is lying down, Stormyrain who is lying down, Bristenn who is lying down, Xatier who is lying down, Shirkon who is lying down, Ulial, Lord Numarahk who is lying down, Lady Beramun who is lying down, Veiss who is lying down, Violenttmoon who is lying down, Keraa who is lying down, Lady Mandy who is lying down, Aprildawn who is lying down, Lord Fulmen who is lying down, Great Lady Athanecia who is lying down, Great Lady Entress who is lying down, Sheelanagig who is lying down, Nilandia who is lying down, Silverphenix who is lying down, Hakwea who is lying down, Axhinde who is lying down, Lord Oguo who is lying down, Spaewife who is lying down, Justlamann who is lying down, Thoranios who is lying down, Lord Astrait who is lying down, Adene who is lying down, Fartreie who is lying down, Renowned Lord Chazym who is lying down, Tsin who is lying down, Chivalrous, Vrairdrick who is lying down, Great Lady Aryleste who is lying down, Lady Kinda, Joph who is lying down, Mordja who is lying down, Khena who is lying down, Augie who is lying down, Jolena who is lying down, Washee who is lying down, Stunseed who is lying down, Lady Eleana who is lying down, Airemet who is lying down, Aellie who is lying down, Lady Aeraelena who is lying down, Trallos who is lying down, Mitheirien who is lying down, Lord Keemac who is lying down, Lord Zosopage who is lying down, Charna who is lying down Obvious exits: northeast, south, northwest
The Wyrm
The fourth trial within the Temple of Death is a boss fight - a massive winged wyrm. It takes an exceptionally long time to kill - close to an hour - and also causes a second game crash. It takes some time for them to determine the wyrm's weaknesses. Certain spells are effective only at certain times, and only the largest of weapons can do anything to dent its stony scales. Midway through the fight, the wyrm retreats to coil around the remains of a huge statue, using it to defend itself. Battering both statue and wyrm, they eventually prevail to find the final relic, the creature's heart.
The vast majority of the combat has been omitted. Any italicized portions are what was seen on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, back within the Temple of Luukos.
The image in the orb shifts. Gazing into the orb, you see... [Temple of Death, Upper Echelon] Crumbled stairs rise up to a dais of black marble, its surface pitted and crushed as if by a massive weight. The ceiling rises high into darkness, the expansive chamber reverberating echoes across the vast stretch of rooms beyond. Serpentine patterns criss-cross along the walls, intertwining in broken designs. You also see a massive winged wyrm. Obvious exits: northeast, south, northwest >look wyrm The is a massive creature, its huge, innumerable scales dwarfing that of the largest tower shields and a single tooth able to skewer a row of giantmen. Its sleek emerald body coils and writhes, and two webbed wings grow forth from its back, their talons sharp and the hue of deep obsidian. Its huge eyes survey the area, regarding you as merely ants from its high perch, its long fangs dripping with a mixture of blood and saliva. A massive winged wyrm growls and lashes about menacingly! A massive winged wyrm lets out a shrieking hiss as it spreads its wings wide and uncoils its massive body from around the room, rearing up as its slitted eyes gaze down balefully at you! Nindy says, "Uh." Ulial exclaims, "Wyrm!" Charna says, "Oh, he's big." A massive winged wyrm suddenly beats its wings rapidly, sending howling gales of air at you! [Everyone is knocked to their feet by the winds!] A massive winged wyrm lets out a shrieking hiss as it spreads its wings wide and uncoils its massive body from around the room, rearing up as its slitted eyes gaze down balefully at you! A massive winged wyrm hisses and lashes its gargantuan head about, opening its maw and rearing its head back as it prepares to strike! A massive winged wyrm suddenly dives forward, its gigantic maw open as it snaps and screeches! [The wyrm's teeth scythe across everyone!] [Game crashes, mid-battle with the wyrm. It was just too big. It is now past midnight.] Gazing into the orb, you see... [Temple of Death, Threshold] Crumbling stone architecture decorates the area, the macabre statuary bereft of its fine finishes and left only with an elegant appearance of decay. Water pools on the floor in muddy waves, rippling around the bases of a circle of smashed stone columns. At the heart of the columns lies a gargantuan pitted statue of an emerald green serpent, its languid coils curled around a massive gem. You also see a massive winged wyrm. Obvious exits: north, south Yarx swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Perigourd swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Glatt swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Beramun swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Kilthal swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Celery swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Kerl swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Eilithyia swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Drinin swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Guarden swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Kinshack swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Bristenn swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Briah swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Kateerina swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Bristenn exclaims, "Bring it down!" A massive winged wyrm whips back and forth like a cyclone as it gains its bearings once more! A massive winged wyrm lets out a shrieking hiss as it spreads its wings wide and uncoils its massive body from around the room, rearing up as its slitted A massive winged wyrm suddenly beats its wings rapidly, sending howling gales of air at you! [Many are knocked to their feet by the winds!] [Small weapons are found to be ineffective, but weapons the size of a claidhmore or larger do seem to work - or at least they sometimes stun the wyrm.] Svardin swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! The force of the blow rattles a massive winged wyrm and it is stunned! Eilithyia swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! The force of the blow rattles a massive winged wyrm and it is stunned! A massive winged wyrm whips back and forth like a cyclone as it gains its bearings once more! A massive winged wyrm suddenly swipes its huge tail across the floor! [Many are swept off their feet!] A massive winged wyrm curls upwards and bears its huge fangs! A massive winged wyrm hisses and lashes its gargantuan head about, opening its maw and rearing its head back as it prepares to strike! [The attacks with larger weapons continue.] Briah swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! The force of the blow rattles a massive winged wyrm and it is stunned! A massive winged wyrm whips back and forth like a cyclone as it gains its bearings once more! A massive winged wyrm hisses and lashes its gargantuan head about, opening its maw and rearing its head back as it prepares to strike! A massive winged wyrm suddenly dives forward, its gigantic maw open as it snaps and screeches! [The wyrm's teeth scythe across many!] [More attacks. And then...] Kerl swipes at the wyrm's chest and bashes at its massive scales! Suddenly, the massive plate of scales on the massive winged wyrm's chest explode in rippling light! The wyrm beats its massive wings and takes to the air as its black gem-like heart is exposed, gliding over the area with a deafening, hissing shriek! Rakus turns to face a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. Bristenn says, "Now it's pissed." Xanith points at a void-black crystal heart in a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around whips its huge scaled tail about high in the air! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around circles over the area upon its massive wings, bearing its huge, bloodied fangs as it prepares to strike! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around sweeps through the air and descends, its gigantic maw open as it snaps and screeches! [The wyrm's teeth scythe across many!] A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around's shadow washes over you as it continually loops and circles above on its huge wings! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around circles over the area upon its massive wings, bearing its huge, bloodied fangs as it prepares to strike! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around sweeps through the air and descends, its gigantic maw open as it snaps and screeches! [The wyrm's teeth scythe across many!] Charna says, "Tha' heart..." [The wyrm is susceptible only to certain spells, when they target its exposed heart. Disintegrate is one of the first discovered.] Hakwea gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around screeches with a deafening, sibilant roar as a piercing grey light strikes the core of its black-faceted heart! Calean gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around screeches with a deafening, sibilant roar as a piercing grey light strikes the core of its black-faceted heart! Avaia gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around screeches with a deafening, sibilant roar as a piercing grey light strikes the core of its black-faceted heart! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around growls, sending vibrations through the room! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around suddenly roars out loud, flames licking its curved fangs as a torrent of fire begins to pour out of its mouth! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around unleashes a torrent of flames that bathes the area in sweltering heat and fire! [The flames bathe many in their caustic embrace!] A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around whips its huge scaled tail about high in the air! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around circles over the area upon its massive wings, bearing its huge, bloodied fangs as it prepares to strike! It seems like it would be a prudent idea to duck about now. Cappurnicus ducks his head down as the wyrm bears its teeth! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around sweeps through the air and descends, its gigantic maw open as it snaps and screeches! [The wyrm's teeth scythe across many!] Radamanthys gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around thrashes wildly as shadowy fire blazes deep into its black-faceted heart! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around suddenly roars out loud, flames licking its curved fangs as a torrent of fire begins to pour out of its mouth! Hrvac gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm that is flying around screeches with a deafening, sibilant roar as a piercing grey light strikes the core of its black-faceted heart! Suddenly, the massive winged wyrm screeches out in harsh pain as its faceted heart bleeds with reptilian blood! After a moment, the blood is absorbed back into the heart and the wyrm swoops towards the center of the area and is gone! [The wyrm lands, coiled around the statue.] Radamanthys gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue thrashes wildly as shadowy fire blazes deep into its black-faceted heart! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue whips back and forth like a cyclone as it gains its bearings once more! Veiss gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue thrashes wildly as shadowy fire blazes deep into its black-faceted heart! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue unleashes a torrent of flames that bathes the area in sweltering heat and fire! [The flames bathe many in their caustic embrace!] Missoni gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue screeches with a deafening, sibilant roar as a piercing grey light strikes the core of its black-faceted heart! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue spreads its wings from behind the huge stone tail, hissing a sibilant warning as buffets of strong wind begin to whirl through the air! [Some strike at parts of the statue that the wyrm uses to shield itself.] Krystala gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. Krystala's spell hits the tail of the statue that blocks the heart of the wyrm! Avaia gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. Avaia's spell hits the tail of the statue that blocks the heart of the wyrm! The statue's huge stone tail becomes a bit unsubstantial, and a shrill noise pierces the air as pieces of it simply disappear into nothingness! Cappurnicus gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. Cappurnicus's spell hits the tail of the statue that blocks the heart of the wyrm! A stream of fire hits the statue's huge stone tail, causing a few chips of stone to fall off. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue beats its wings from behind the tail of the statue, sending howling gales of air at you! [Many are knocked to their feet by the winds!] A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue suddenly slithers across the statue, winding its massive coils about it until it seems like a shroud of scales -- and then it rears its head upwards and hisses as it coils around the huge stone tail of the statue! [And then, the heart changes color...] Kraiz gestures at a black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue screeches with a deafening, sibilant roar as a piercing grey light strikes the core of its black-faceted heart! A black-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue suddenly lets out a deafening, hissing roar as its heart bleeds with shadowy hues like a torrent of rushing water -- then the oily blackness fades away revealing a faceted heart of brown hue! Cappurnicus says, "The heart." Subarashi chants a reverent litany and clasps her hands while tightly focusing her thoughts... Subarashi gestures at a brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. [The statue's concealing tail taken care of, they determine that its stone head needs to be taken care of next.] Perigourd exclaims, "Bash the head!" Athanecia bashes at the huge stone head with her white vultite broadsword! Ashmoreth bashes at the huge stone head with his vultite longsword! Silverphenix bashes at the huge stone head with his sonic claidhmore! Bristenn bashes at the huge stone head with his leather-wrapped claidhmore! Yarx bashes at the huge stone head with his grey rolaren axe! Briah bashes at the huge stone head with her blued steel claidhmore! Railien bashes at the huge stone head with his rolaren krolvin falchion! Aellie bashes at the huge stone head with her hafted vultite axe! A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue suddenly roars out loud, flames licking its curved fangs as a torrent of fire begins to pour out of its mouth! It seems like it would be a prudent idea to drop down on your stomach about now! Cappurnicus gestures at the statue's huge stone head. A stream of fire hits the statue's huge stone head, causing a few chips of stone to fall off. Nilandia waves a twisted wand at the statue's huge stone head. The flames engulfing the statue's huge stone head leap higher! A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue curls its head around the tail of the statue and unleashes a torrent of flames that bathes the area in sweltering heat and fire! [The flames bathe Many in their caustic embrace!] A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue spreads its wings from behind the huge stone tail, hissing a sibilant warning as buffets of strong wind begin to whirl through the air! A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue beats its wings from behind the tail of the statue, sending howling gales of air at you! [Many are knocked to their feet by the winds!] [With the stone head and tail gone, the statue's left and right coil also need to be taken care of. Washee bashes at the left coil with his bastard sword! Perigourd bashes at the right coil with his vultite bastard sword! Cappurnicus gestures at the statue's right coil. A stream of fire hits the statue's right coil, causing a few chips of stone to fall off. The boulder rattles a brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue and it is stunned! A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue beats its wings from behind the tail of the statue, sending howling gales of air at you! [Many are knocked to their feet by the winds!] A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue curls its head around the tail of the statue and unleashes a torrent of flames that bathes the area in sweltering heat and fire! [The flames bathe Many in their caustic embrace!] [And then... finally....] Neyana gestures at a brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue. A brown-hearted massive winged wyrm curled around a statue screeches in pain as a sandstorm coalesces and swirls into its brown-faceted heart! Laleena falls to the ground! Nindy falls to the ground! Fartreie falls to the ground! Axhinde falls to the ground! Zosopage falls to the ground! Kerl falls to the ground! Trallos falls to the ground! Kilthal falls over! Hrvac falls to the ground! Bisco falls to the ground! Wylde falls over! Celery falls to the ground! Adyr falls over! Ezili falls to the ground! Tymberra falls to the ground! Arwen falls to the ground! Oravia falls over! Myrisa falls over! Tayvin falls to the ground! Avaia falls to the ground! Aryleste falls over! Perigourd falls to the ground! Oguo falls to the ground! Nanna falls to the ground! Krystala falls to the ground! Endarya falls over! Subarashi falls to the ground! Briah falls over! Nodyre falls to the ground! Mckissack falls to the ground! Yarx falls over! Malikary falls to the ground! Thurandur falls over! Guarden falls to the ground! Calean falls to the ground! Ashmoreth falls to the ground! Mirille falls over! Rakus falls to the ground! Kateerina falls over! Charna falls over! Senvelen falls over! Khistian falls to the ground! Xanith falls to the ground! Kinshack falls to the ground! Xatier falls to the ground! Keraa falls to the ground! Keloin falls to the ground! Niaouli falls over! Glatt falls to the ground! Washee falls to the ground! Caecilia falls to the ground! Radamanthys falls over! Spaewife falls to the ground! The ground violently rumbles and shakes without mercy! Exttior falls to the ground! Neyana blinks. Neyana melodically asks, "What did I do?" Ulial asks, "It's gone?" Jolena says, "It's gone." Nodyre deeply asks, "Where is it?" Kembal says, "Destroyed." Neyana melodically asks, "I killed it?" Bristenn says, "I do believe it has been owned." Cryheart says, "Up everyone." Ulial asks, "Someone get the heart?" Perigourd taps a void-black crystal heart, which is in his left hand. [They take the heart back to the Black Temple's Nexus to place it alongside the other relics on the insignias.] [The Black Temple, Nexus] Gargantuan doors crafted of shadowy ora rise to the south, their edges wrought with a creeping blackness that writhes and contorts in an ever-renewing spiral dance. Sconces line the walls flanking the massive entryway, their exquisite incarnadine highlights brushed with dashes of silver. Beneath the doors is a circle of immaculate insignias -- their cold, precise lines forming four symbols -- a three-headed serpent, an amber jackal's eye, a jagged black greatsword and a tattered incarnadine rose. Obvious exits: north, southeast, south, southwest The temple rumbles as pieces of it crumble away. Drethron softly asks, "Um, crumbling?" Thurandur says, "Temples falling apart." Kediaq exclaims, "But we're in it!" Laleena says, "Lovely." Silverphenix says, "That's a...bad sign." Thurandur says, "We running out of time." Charna places the crystal heart in the groove beneath the three-headed serpent insignia, and it suddenly melts into a shadowy blackness that incorporates itself into the insignia. The doors suddenly open with a *THUD*, blackness pouring forth from the threshold like a torrent of shadowy water as a truly unwholesome feeling washes over you. Charna just slipped quietly through some gargantuan doors, with her group following closely.
The End
The final trial completed and all four relics placed upon their respective insignias within the Black Temple's Nexus, the doors leading to its innermost sanctum are flung open. The last barrier between the four leaders of the Dark Alliance and those who would stop them is gone. Meanwhile, the supporters of the Dark Alliance continue to watch and to spell up over and over. After all, they were told to gather, to wait, and to be ready.
As the heroes pass through the Black Temple's doors, they enter its Altar of Darkness, where the four leaders of the Dark Alliance have just finished completely corrupted the Griffin Sword. Ulstram's influence still lingers around those who have stayed true to his cause; a golden light flares around them, pushing the four priests backward, away from the group and from the sword. Darkness threatens to creep inward. The golden light holds. But something is wrong. A shadowy crack appears in the barrier, and the one person remaining with a link to the sword steps through: the lich Morfell, who in life wielded it but who in undeath serves the Dark Alliance. He draws out the now-corrupted blade and raises it to finish everything. He did not count the interference of Gosaena. Charna, wielding the sickle given to her by Sylvirria, meets Morvule's attack. The blade is destroyed - unmade - and so is Morfell. It is the end.
Any italicized portions are what was seen on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, back within the Temple of Luukos.
The image in the orb shifts. Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Altar of Darkness] A massive altar rises above you, shallow steps ascending to the base of its black, cyclopean mass. Crimson jewels resembling a smattering of blood evicted violently from its owner sparkle at the base, forming complex, interwoven sigils that pulse with a hellish, bloody glow. Above, a sheerly alien sky ripples and undulates with liquid shadows, thousands upon thousands of taloned, scaled hands pushing at the darkness, straining to descend upon the altar in a ravenous orgy of unmitigated armageddon. You also see the Griffin sword. Obvious exits: none >look sword The sword is utterly permeated by the blackness flowing around the altar -- its once pure veil-iron blade is now stained blacker than a starless night, and its quillions have been twisted into the shape of batwings. Its hilt, once pristine alabaster, has been blackened to resemble cracked bone, its dark surface shot with a tangle of crimson veins. Its pommel juts outward in a ring of razored talons, their edges glistening as they continually pour forth a neverending fount of fresh blood. [The Resistance arrives.] Morvule hisses, "They're here." Draezir scowls. Morvule hisses, "What issss... tha.." Suddenly, a rippling barrier of light explodes over the chamber as a vague silhouette of a violet-eyed elf superimposes itself over your vision! The four priests are knocked backwards by the barrier, and a rippling golden light caresses you as a dome arcs over the chamber. The golden light pulses outward, keeping the darkness at bay -- but the darkness continues to creep inwards. The sword suddenly glows with an intensely bright light! A haze of shadow cuts a swath through the golden shield surrounding you, and in an instant, a huge, hulking figure steps through, his form drenched in shadows that swirl around him like bats. The golden shield crackles and hisses in response to his presence, and then reforms as he steps completely through and raises his shadowed eyes towards the sword. You see Lord Morfell Destrieder the Grand Paladin of Darkness. He appears to be an Arch Lich. He appears to be mature. He has reptilian emerald green eyes and dead white skin. He has long, billowing white hair flowing about his face in wispy tendrils. He has a large incarnadine jewel bleeding shadows from its faceted interior melded into the flesh of his forehead, and a series of jagged inky black brandings along his neck which writhe and squirm as if alive. He is in good shape. He is wearing a shadowy cloak shrouded in a dark haze, a pair of shadowy gauntlets wreathed with razored blades, a massive black ora sheath, and a suit of spiked shadowy plate rippling with living darkness. With a wave of a gauntleted hand, a wave of darkness spreads across the room, forcing all to their knees as a consuming silence washes over the area like a thick, choking haze. Bristenn says, "Hell." Morfell says, "Ha..." Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Altar of Darkness] A massive altar rises above you, shallow steps ascending to the base of its black, cyclopean mass. Crimson jewels resembling a smattering of blood evicted violently from its owner sparkle at the base, forming complex, interwoven sigils that pulse with a hellish, bloody glow. Above, a sheerly alien sky ripples and undulates with liquid shadows, thousands upon thousands of taloned, scaled hands pushing at the darkness, straining to descend upon the altar in a ravenous orgy of unmitigated armageddon. You also see the Griffin sword. Also here: Lord Morfell, Caecilia who is kneeling, Kraiz who is kneeling, Lord Kembal who is kneeling, Neyana who is kneeling, Mikahu who is kneeling, Great Lady Geminischild who is kneeling, Khistian who is kneeling, Perigourd who is kneeling, Mitheirien who is kneeling, Subarashi who is kneeling, Fartreie who is kneeling, Avenquil who is kneeling, Radamanthys who is kneeling, Keraa who is kneeling, Ezili who is kneeling, Nodyre who is kneeling, Tagerung who is kneeling, Missoni who is kneeling, Silverphenix who is kneeling, Nilandia who is kneeling, Lord Nindy who is kneeling, Drinin who is kneeling, Lord Marclar who is kneeling, Ichiko who is kneeling, Alleatha who is kneeling, Lady Kinda who is kneeling, High Lord Svardin who is kneeling, Renowned Lady Kadesha who is kneeling, Niaouli who is kneeling, Lord Zosopage who is kneeling, Nanna who is kneeling, Hakwea who is kneeling, Keloin who is kneeling, Rhandi who is kneeling, Calean who is kneeling, Briah who is kneeling, Yarx who is kneeling, Lady Lysistrata who is kneeling, Lord Oweodry who is kneeling, Lady Endarya who is kneeling, Renowned Lord Chazym who is kneeling, Tsin who is kneeling, Lord Hrvac who is kneeling, Constellous who is kneeling, Shirkon who is kneeling, Vrairdrick who is kneeling, Violenttmoon who is kneeling, Yendor who is kneeling, Ulial who is kneeling, Sheelanagig who is kneeling, Cappurnicus who is kneeling, Great Lady Athanecia who is kneeling, Exttior who is kneeling, Aevryl who is kneeling, Lumaco who is kneeling, Trallos who is kneeling, Airemet who is kneeling, Sylviana who is kneeling, Lord Keemac who is kneeling, Lady Eleana who is kneeling, Lord Thurandur who is kneeling, Veiss who is kneeling, Draacon who is kneeling, Letisha who is kneeling, Journeyman Gulltrie who is kneeling, Washee who is kneeling, Kateerina who is kneeling, Lady Auroraline who is kneeling, Adyr who is kneeling, Kairyu who is kneeling, Augie who is kneeling, Justlamann who is kneeling, Jolena who is kneeling, Xatier who is kneeling, Lady Mandy who is kneeling, Cryheart who is kneeling, Stormyrain who is kneeling, Twiggs who is kneeling, Great Lady Entress who is kneeling, Rakus who is kneeling, Laleena who is kneeling, Kylinarr who is kneeling, Aprildawn who is kneeling, Great Lady Aryleste who is kneeling, Lady Tymberra who is kneeling, Gaerit who is kneeling, Journeyman Hircine who is kneeling, Lady Nitezor who is kneeling, Lady Stormcare who is kneeling, Charna who is kneeling, Spaewife who is kneeling, Trewlos who is kneeling, Great Lord Kabriel who is kneeling, Guarden who is kneeling, Malikary who is kneeling, Lord Nordred who is kneeling, Avaia who is kneeling, Mourdeyan who is kneeling, Celery who is kneeling, Aellie who is kneeling, Glatt who is kneeling, Wylde who is kneeling, Lord Fulmen who is kneeling, Axhinde who is kneeling, Lady Nauriel who is kneeling, Great Lady Akysha who is kneeling, Bristenn who is kneeling, Lady Beramun who is kneeling, Joph who is kneeling, Raelee who is kneeling, Oravia who is kneeling, Sylayn who is kneeling, Mckissack who is kneeling, Eilithyia who is kneeling, Mirille who is kneeling, Railien who is kneeling, Kediaq who is kneeling, Senvelen who is kneeling, Godefroy who is kneeling, Myrisa who is kneeling, Kilthal who is kneeling, Daiyana who is kneeling, Lord Astrait who is kneeling, Nuadjha who is kneeling, Great Lady Krystala who is kneeling, Innez who is kneeling, Kinshack who is kneeling, Lord Oguo who is kneeling, Bisco who is kneeling, Thoranios who is kneeling, Koleph who is kneeling, High Lord Peritta who is kneeling, Ashmoreth who is kneeling, Drethron who is kneeling, Tayvin who is kneeling, Lady Arwen who is kneeling, Kerl who is kneeling, Lady Aeraelena who is kneeling, Xanith who is kneeling, Lady Eiadh who is kneeling Obvious exits: none Morfell says, "Ha... Morvule thought you would try something like this. Thankfully, I've got a connection to the sword none of them has..." Flames lick at the Griffin sword! Morfell grasps the sword, causing the blackness above to scream and writhe fitfully as it reaches for the blade. Morfell says, "And now it will all be for nothing... you'll die here." Charna waves a ripple-edged pale grey sickle around. Charna raises her pale grey sickle and brings it down in a sharp arc towards Morfell, who swings the Griffin Sword downward as if to shatter it and her, and suddenly the curved blade of the sickle begins to pulse rapidly with a dim grey light, and sounds begin to become muffled until a complete and utter silence overtakes the area. As the edges of the two weapons meet, time slows to a crawl, a mere series of images following one another as you feel the very fabric of reality blur and slice around you. A bright light burns into your eyes, forcing you to shield them as a radiating warmth surrounds you. Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Altar of Darkness] A massive altar rises above you, shallow steps ascending to the base of its black, cyclopean mass. Crimson jewels resembling a smattering of blood evicted violently from its owner sparkle at the base, forming complex, interwoven sigils that pulse with a hellish, bloody glow. Above, a sheerly alien sky ripples and undulates with liquid shadows, thousands upon thousands of taloned, scaled hands pushing at the darkness, straining to descend upon the altar in a ravenous orgy of unmitigated armageddon. Obvious exits: none [The Dark Alliance members are unable to watch the next scene begin, as it takes place in a different room; their scrying orb does not immediately shift focus to it. Some use their faction pendant to visit the tiny portion of the Black Temple that was always accessible to Dark Alliance supporters. There is no change to it, and no way to reach the events unfolding.] 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. Obvious exits: north >north [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 laid 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. Obvious exits: northeast, southeast, south, southwest, northwest You peer northeast and see ... [A Small Shrine] The lingering scent of rose hangs in the air of this chamber, and crimson-hued tendrils of incense twine about slowly before fading away. A lithe statue of pale ivory marble melds out of the far northeastern wall, depicting a man with his hands bound above his head and a faint, twisted smile on his face. A small altar is erected before the man's feet, and a large crimson orb pulses with crackling energy atop it. You also see a metallic silver orb. Obvious exits: southwest You peer northwest and see ... [A Small Shrine] Tiers of deep black candles line the walls of this small shrine, casting everything in a dim, lurid crimson glow. Flowing out of the wall is a massive serpent crafted entirely of black ora, its seemingly infinite coils wrapped tightly around a colossal orb crackling with incarnadine wisps of energy. A small altar lies below the serpent's eternal gaze, while the floor is covered with shallow grooves that form sinuous designs. Obvious exits: southeast You peer southeast and see ... [A Small Shrine] Large torches are inset into the walls, casting a bright glow across the area with the fury of their flames. Flowing out of the southeastern wall is a large statue of a man with completely black eyes, his face snarling viciously as he holds a massive, jagged sword with both hands - the blade's tip ready to be plunged down toward a small altar. A crimson orb flickering with tendrils of essence is placed atop the altar, pulsing like the steady beating of a heart. Obvious exits: northwest You peer southwest and see ... [A Small Shrine] Heavy, sweet-smelling smoke fills the air, rising up in a cloying shroud from the numerous braziers placed throughout the area. The room is starkly empty, save for a massive black marble statue of a jackal-headed man and the small altar set before his cold, scrutinous gaze. Sinous gold filigree winds its way up through the floor and across the base of the altar, coalescing in a circular, concave groove its center. Within the confines of the groove is a crimson orb, its wisps of energy rising like steam. Obvious exits: northeast [Returning to the Temple of Luukos..] You raise your deep black pendant and find yourself enveloped in darkness... [Temple of Luukos, Dome] The high domed ceiling of this room opens up into a large, expansive room ringed by massive black marble columns twined with spirals of bronze. Shallow steps descend toward a massive emblem of Luukos carved into the precise center of the floor, the wavering light of many crimson candles set onto the steps casting the area in a hazy, golden amber glow. A circle of closely-spaced arched doors surrounds the chamber on every angle, each looking identical to the one next to it. You also see a black orb. Also here: Avidleigh, Uniana, Lord Teylarun, Great Lord Kaelael, Siwas, Divid, Laakshmi, Thrassus, Hadya, Pyrocite, Rekarth, Dispater Obvious exits: out [Meanwhile, everyone else gets to see..] You feel the very essence of you, of your body, mind and soul, stretched to the width of a hair. The blinding light is gone, replaced only by darkness - the very blackness of non-creation. You float for what seems like years in the vast sea of nothingness. Nothing moves, nothing stirs... nothing lives. You feel a pulling on the very core of your soul, the feeling of drifting becoming more focused toward something inevitable... [Adrift in Darkness] You can see nothing but darkness. Endless, utter darkness. Obvious paths: none The crimson rain of blood pounds down upon the surroundings, casting everything in a haze of moody red. A vast, misty white light appears in the distance. The ethereal quality of its rays are nearly blinding in the intense darkness. The vague silhouette of a gate can be faintly glimpsed in the illuminated mists... Suddenly, a woman whose black wings trail below her feet appears in front of you. Her eyes are clear and focused, and her face is set with a look of one who has embraced their own destiny. You see Sylvirria Azarielle' the Angel of Eternity. She appears to be youthful. She has half-lidded misty grey eyes and pure marble-white skin. She has waist-length, purple-sheened deep ebon hair flowing down her shoulders in a smooth, glossy wave. She has a delicate face, a sharp nose and high cheekbones. She has a pair of arched black-feathered wings sprouting from her back. She is in good shape. She is holding a glittering white crystal scythe twined with lustrous golden knotwork in her right hand and a sharply-curved black crystal scythe wrapped with sinuous threads of silver around the shaft in her left hand. She is wearing a pair of soft leather ankle-tie sandals, a pair of tarnished silver gauntlets overlapping each finger with curved talons, a pair of bell-sleeved pure black robes trimmed with pale grey designs, and a pair of silver shoulder pauldrons curving down off her shoulders into twin sharp points. Sylvirria says, "The Sword is no more. Its existence is voided." Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Edge of Eternity] Blackness surrounds you -- no stars, no light, only a vast void of silence. Also here: Sylvirria, Ulstram, Caecilia who is kneeling, Kraiz, Lord Kembal who is kneeling, Neyana, Mikahu, Great Lady Geminischild, Khistian, Perigourd, Mitheirien, Subarashi who is kneeling, Fartreie, Avenquil who is kneeling, Radamanthys, Keraa, Ezili, Tagerung who is kneeling, Missoni, Silverphenix, Nilandia, Lord Nindy, Drinin, Lord Marclar who is kneeling, Ichiko who is kneeling, Alleatha, Lady Kinda, High Lord Svardin, Renowned Lady Kadesha who is kneeling, Niaouli who is kneeling, Lord Zosopage, Nanna, Hakwea, Keloin, Rhandi, Calean, Briah, Yarx, Lady Lysistrata, Lord Oweodry, Lady Endarya, Renowned Lord Chazym, Tsin, Lord Hrvac who is kneeling, Constellous who is kneeling, Shirkon who is kneeling, Vrairdrick, Violenttmoon who is kneeling, Yendor, Ulial who is kneeling, Sheelanagig who is kneeling, Cappurnicus, Great Lady Athanecia, Exttior, Aevryl, Lumaco, Trallos who is kneeling, Airemet who is kneeling, Sylviana who is kneeling, Lord Keemac, Lady Eleana who is kneeling, Lord Thurandur, Veiss, Draacon who is kneeling, Letisha who is kneeling, Journeyman Gulltrie, Washee who is kneeling, Kateerina, the body of Lady Auroraline who is lying down, Adyr who is kneeling, Kairyu who is kneeling, Augie who is kneeling, Justlamann, Jolena who is kneeling, Xatier who is kneeling, Lady Mandy who is kneeling, Cryheart, Stormyrain who is kneeling, Twiggs who is kneeling, Great Lady Entress who is kneeling, Rakus who is kneeling, Laleena, Kylinarr, Aprildawn, Great Lady Aryleste, Lady Tymberra who is kneeling, Gaerit, Journeyman Hircine who is kneeling, Lady Nitezor, Lady Stormcare who is kneeling, Charna who is kneeling, Spaewife, Trewlos who is kneeling, Great Lord Kabriel, Guarden who is kneeling, Malikary, Lord Nordred who is kneeling, Avaia, Mourdeyan, Celery, Aellie who is kneeling, Glatt, Wylde, Lord Fulmen, Axhinde, Lady Nauriel, Great Lady Akysha, Bristenn who is kneeling, Lady Beramun who is kneeling, Joph who is kneeling, Raelee, Oravia, Sylayn who is kneeling, Mckissack who is kneeling, Eilithyia, Mirille, Railien, Kediaq, Senvelen, Godefroy who is kneeling, Myrisa, Kilthal, Daiyana, Lord Astrait, Nuadjha who is kneeling, Great Lady Krystala who is kneeling, Innez, Kinshack who is kneeling, Lord Oguo who is kneeling, Bisco, Thoranios who is kneeling, Koleph who is kneeling, High Lord Peritta who is kneeling, Ashmoreth who is kneeling, Drethron who is kneeling, Tayvin, Lady Arwen, Kerl, Lady Aeraelena who is kneeling, Xanith who is kneeling, Glimmin, Lady Eiadh Obvious exits: none Slowly, a golden-white light sparks nearby until it spreads out, filling the area with its brilliance. You see Ulstram Chanerser the Elven Prophet. He appears to be the soul of an Illistim Elf. He appears to be of an undeterminable age and taller than average. He has almond-shaped, dark violet eyes and fair skin. He has long, straight white hair that flows in thin wisps down past his shoulders. He has long sharply-curved pointed ears. A golden-white light enshrouds him, making it almost too blinding to look. Thin tendrils of light waver about his misty, transparent form as he floats serenely above the ground. Sylvirria says, "You have helped me complete the Cycle, and for that, there are no words with which to give thanks. I can only... let the power of fate be your reward." [All heroes present find that they are now wearing one of the memento pendants.]] Sylvirria nods to Ulstram, her eyes seemingly matching the blackness of the void. Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "You have done well, my friends. Our journey has finally come to an end." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "Through the pain, suffering, and sorrow... your steadfast vigilance has shown true." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "The Sword is where it should be, where it was destined to be. Out of harm... out of reach." Sylvirria says, "... to the void ..." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "Through the trials, we have lost many..." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "Close friends... family..." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "My Ward and the Golden One have also been claimed by the Dark Alliance's journey." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "Shed not a tear for them, they knew their plight... their path. They did it with a strong heart, and with your help." Two brief images -- one of a fair-haired man and one of a steely-haired man -- drift by in the darkness before fading away. Their smiles are ones of content. Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "And so to shall I leave you. But never will I stray far from your hearts, your prayers... This is what must be." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "Thank you, my friends. For your help, your laughters, your prayers..." Sylvirria says, "We must leave you. Go, and live. Live unfettered by fate's strands and designs." Ulstram's voice echoes out from the golden-white light, "Farewell... my friends." Sylvirria says, "I will see all of you, once more, when I lead you into eternity." Sylvirria says, "Because of you, I have been embraced by the Silent Lady. All because... of you." Sylvirria raises her twin scythes and brings them down sharply, *ripping* into the blackness of the void itself as a bright light begins to flare upwards from her form... The void around you collapses, and you see light all around you... [Lots of people just vanished, teleported out and back to Solhaven's Temple of Gosaena.] [Temple, Inner Sanctum] A heavy granite slab dominates the northern wall, its mottled grey surface rough and unadorned. Standing before the slab, a low altar at her feet, is a life-sized grey marble statue of a woman, her voluminous outstretched wings flowing up nearly to the ceiling then sloping down in a cascade of intricate feathers to her sides. Rows of tall pillar candles cast the chamber in a dim, shifting glow, the wavering candlelight doing nothing to drive off the faint chill that pervades the utterly still air. You also see a pair of arched mistwood doors. Obvious exits: none Gazing into the orb, you see... [The Edge of Eternity] Blackness surrounds you -- no stars, no light, only a vast void of silence. Obvious exits: none You think to yourself, "At least the view is pleasant."
Unfortunately, there was no further interaction on the side of the Dark Alliance supporters, with none of the usual temple NPCs controlled by a GM to relay anything. Those who watched the events unfolded via the scrying orb merely wandered around both hidden temples in frustration and eventually logged out, having no opportunity to do anything else.
Epilogue
In the early morning hours following the storyline's conclusion, everyone could glimpse briefly the results in game. It heralded the storyline's memento, a thin silver crystal pendant, which anyone could obtain regardless of whether or not they participated. They were only available as one per account for about a week or two following the conclusion.
For a moment, you glimpse a beautiful tapestry of silver threads -- glimmering and shifting as they ceaselessly weave back and forth in an intricate, eternal dance of incomparable beauty. Then the brilliant silver pattern fades away, leaving you with only a profound sense of change. [Around the same time, a news item announced that a storyline memento could be obtained by praying at any temple's altar.] You quietly whisper prayers under your breath, focusing your mind upon Luukos and their teachings. Suddenly, a silver thread winks into existence and wraps itself around your neck, resolving itself into the form of a thin silver crystal pendant which sparkles briefly.
Meanwhile, the sickle that Charna had wielded loses all power, its single task complete.
Speaking to Charna, Godefroy says, "Keep it safe. I can have some of my archivests speak with you about preservative methods and such, if you like." The sickle in Charna's hands suddenly seems to age immeasurably.