The Vvrael: A Chronicle - Revision history

GS4-XERAPHINA: updated template for new required parts

2024-03-22T22:47:45Z

updated template for new required parts

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 22 March 2024
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	{{creative-work \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| type = short story \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}		{{creative-work \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| type = short story \| author = Frijthof Schoun \| date = 2015-01-06}}

	You wish to learn about the [[The Vvrael\|Vvrael]]? That is a long story that goes back many ages. Come sit with me at the hearth, and though I am no scribe or bard, I will tell you what I know.		You wish to learn about the [[The Vvrael\|Vvrael]]? That is a long story that goes back many ages. Come sit with me at the hearth, and though I am no scribe or bard, I will tell you what I know.

ZHOUY1: use updated template

2018-05-25T23:43:13Z

use updated template

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:43, 25 May 2018
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	{{~~short~~-~~story~~ \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}		{{creative-work \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| type = short story \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}

	You wish to learn about the [[The Vvrael\|Vvrael]]? That is a long story that goes back many ages. Come sit with me at the hearth, and though I am no scribe or bard, I will tell you what I know.		You wish to learn about the [[The Vvrael\|Vvrael]]? That is a long story that goes back many ages. Come sit with me at the hearth, and though I am no scribe or bard, I will tell you what I know.

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	==External Links==		==External Links==
	* [http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/beaconhall/Vvreal.htm Beacon Hall Lecture - Frijthof Schoun]		* [http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/beaconhall/Vvreal.htm Beacon Hall Lecture - Frijthof Schoun]

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Vvrael: A Chronicle, The}}

VANKRASN39: /* Epilogue */ log format

2017-05-04T19:19:30Z

Epilogue: log format

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 4 May 2017
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	Lorminstra then gave a small orb to each of the surviving Chosen, with which they could travel to the Shrine at will. Within the orbs can be seen visions of the creation of the Shrine by the Arkati. I set them forth below in their entirety as reported to me, as they are quite beautiful and inspiring:		Lorminstra then gave a small orb to each of the surviving Chosen, with which they could travel to the Shrine at will. Within the orbs can be seen visions of the creation of the Shrine by the Arkati. I set them forth below in their entirety as reported to me, as they are quite beautiful and inspiring:
	<~~div~~ {{~~log~~}}>		<pre{{log2}}>
	"Your eyes cloud over as a vision begins to flood in, cascading out of the small orb like a tidal wave. You see an immense mountain encased in vicious cold and savaged by roaming storms that carry death in their howling song. At the top of the peak, huge slabs of granite rise slowly up out of the snow, lifted by the mind power of a group of four individuals. The tall, lithe beings stand back to back, facing each of the four compass directions with a globe of power encircling them like a glowing sphere. Their faces are set in concentration. They stand motionless as a huge shrine rises into the clouds, granite slab settling on top of granite slab. Finally, the magic pulses a last time throwing reflections into the clouds, and as light settles back into the grey overcast sky, a monumental shrine stands majestically, topping the mountain like a gem."		"Your eyes cloud over as a vision begins to flood in, cascading out of the small orb like a tidal wave. You see an immense mountain encased in vicious cold and savaged by roaming storms that carry death in their howling song. At the top of the peak, huge slabs of granite rise slowly up out of the snow, lifted by the mind power of a group of four individuals. The tall, lithe beings stand back to back, facing each of the four compass directions with a globe of power encircling them like a glowing sphere. Their faces are set in concentration. They stand motionless as a huge shrine rises into the clouds, granite slab settling on top of granite slab. Finally, the magic pulses a last time throwing reflections into the clouds, and as light settles back into the grey overcast sky, a monumental shrine stands majestically, topping the mountain like a gem."

	"Your eyes cloud over as a vision begins to flood in, shooting out a snaking finger of images, which spread themselves across your sight like a panorama. A vast shrine sits atop a blizzard-wracked mountain, piercing the shifting clouds disdainfully. A group of four individuals stands before the temple, as silent and rigid as the building's ramparts. They send out an unwavering stream of power, which flickers over the structure like static electricity. Suddenly, immense wings descend from out of the clouds supporting a drake so large, it dwarfs the mountaintop. The energy immediately stops and the four entities nod, in perfect unison, to the leviathan crouched over them. Snow and wind then seem to pause motionless in the air, and in the next heartbeat, the dragon melts down into the shrine in a blurred funnel as the elements resume their onslaught. Four shapes silently fold into flat images and fade into nothing."		"Your eyes cloud over as a vision begins to flood in, shooting out a snaking finger of images, which spread themselves across your sight like a panorama. A vast shrine sits atop a blizzard-wracked mountain, piercing the shifting clouds disdainfully. A group of four individuals stands before the temple, as silent and rigid as the building's ramparts. They send out an unwavering stream of power, which flickers over the structure like static electricity. Suddenly, immense wings descend from out of the clouds supporting a drake so large, it dwarfs the mountaintop. The energy immediately stops and the four entities nod, in perfect unison, to the leviathan crouched over them. Snow and wind then seem to pause motionless in the air, and in the next heartbeat, the dragon melts down into the shrine in a blurred funnel as the elements resume their onslaught. Four shapes silently fold into flat images and fade into nothing."
	</~~div~~>		</pre>

	Leaving the Chosen with her final tokens, the lass departed, with a final epitaph for the fallen: "Risper was a brave soul who sacrificed herself so that the world would live on. Risper and Terate's sacrifice should never be forgotten."		Leaving the Chosen with her final tokens, the lass departed, with a final epitaph for the fallen: "Risper was a brave soul who sacrificed herself so that the world would live on. Risper and Terate's sacrifice should never be forgotten."

VANKRASN39: /* The Finding of the Sixth Stone, and Mount Aenatumgana */ log format

2017-05-04T19:19:14Z

The Finding of the Sixth Stone, and Mount Aenatumgana: log format

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 4 May 2017
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	Then, at last, the sixth Stone was found, and the way to the very base of [[Mount Aenatumgana]] was discovered. This milky-white Stone itself gave instructions to the Chosen that would help them in their task. One of the Chosen, the bard Krackenstar, sang to the Stone, which produced this vision, as recounted by Lord Krackenstar himself:		Then, at last, the sixth Stone was found, and the way to the very base of [[Mount Aenatumgana]] was discovered. This milky-white Stone itself gave instructions to the Chosen that would help them in their task. One of the Chosen, the bard Krackenstar, sang to the Stone, which produced this vision, as recounted by Lord Krackenstar himself:
	<~~div~~ {{~~log~~}}>		<pre{{log2}}>
	You see before you a huge man seated upon a stone throne. His hair and beard are grey, and his skin wrinkled. Hunched are his shoulders, as if they were burdened by a great, unfathomable weight. Upon his brow sits a six-tined crown fashioned of pure gold, its exemplary craftsmanship accentuating his imposing presence. Though he would appear to be as old as time itself, the years seem to have only taken their toll on his body, for his piercing eyes burn with a profound wisdom.		You see before you a huge man seated upon a stone throne. His hair and beard are grey, and his skin wrinkled. Hunched are his shoulders, as if they were burdened by a great, unfathomable weight. Upon his brow sits a six-tined crown fashioned of pure gold, its exemplary craftsmanship accentuating his imposing presence. Though he would appear to be as old as time itself, the years seem to have only taken their toll on his body, for his piercing eyes burn with a profound wisdom.

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	He pauses a moment to let the words sink in before continuing, "Those who are not chosen shall be tasked as well. For them to aid in this time of need, they shall have to learn the lessons of the stones, and use them to invoke the magic of the Crown."		He pauses a moment to let the words sink in before continuing, "Those who are not chosen shall be tasked as well. For them to aid in this time of need, they shall have to learn the lessons of the stones, and use them to invoke the magic of the Crown."
	</~~div~~>		</pre>
	All the Lands stood in taut anticipation as the Chosen prepared themselves for the final battle in the Shrine that would determine the fate of our world.		All the Lands stood in taut anticipation as the Chosen prepared themselves for the final battle in the Shrine that would determine the fate of our world.

VANKRASN39: /* The Role of the Arkati, and the Shrine of the Drake */ log format

2017-05-04T19:18:52Z

The Role of the Arkati, and the Shrine of the Drake: log format

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:18, 4 May 2017
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	The Arkati became aware of the presence of the Vvrael as soon as the stability of the [[Veil]] was threatened. Setting aside their differences, the pantheons of [[Liabo]] and [[Lornon]] joined their powers in an effort to seal the Veil and keep the Vvrael from our world. Powerful as they are, they were only successful in holding closed the Rift, blocking the Vvrael but not forever sealing them from our dimension. It became clear that they could not hold the Rift against the Vvrael indefinitely. The Lady [[Lorminstra]], a devout servant of the Emperor Drake in days of old, recalled the might and powers of her master, and recalled the great shrine that the Arkati had built to honor him in the aftermath of the Ur-Daemon war. This Drake was seen in a vision by Lord Strendor Soulrester, who recounted the experience thusly:		The Arkati became aware of the presence of the Vvrael as soon as the stability of the [[Veil]] was threatened. Setting aside their differences, the pantheons of [[Liabo]] and [[Lornon]] joined their powers in an effort to seal the Veil and keep the Vvrael from our world. Powerful as they are, they were only successful in holding closed the Rift, blocking the Vvrael but not forever sealing them from our dimension. It became clear that they could not hold the Rift against the Vvrael indefinitely. The Lady [[Lorminstra]], a devout servant of the Emperor Drake in days of old, recalled the might and powers of her master, and recalled the great shrine that the Arkati had built to honor him in the aftermath of the Ur-Daemon war. This Drake was seen in a vision by Lord Strendor Soulrester, who recounted the experience thusly:
	<~~div~~ {{~~log~~}}>		<pre{{log2}}>
	Many Drakes had perished in the titanic battles with the Ur-Daemons who even now strained the veil, seeking to return to consume all the world. The Drakes, mighty Lords and Masters all, trembled in newfound weakness and fear. But not all!		Many Drakes had perished in the titanic battles with the Ur-Daemons who even now strained the veil, seeking to return to consume all the world. The Drakes, mighty Lords and Masters all, trembled in newfound weakness and fear. But not all!

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	The Shrine was built atop the tallest mountain in the land, on Mount Aenatumgana, the Top of the World. Within dwelt the Great Drake for long ages, and perhaps still dwells, and within was a [[Eyes of Koar\|dimly-remembered artifact]] that could be the means to seal the Veil forever.		The Shrine was built atop the tallest mountain in the land, on Mount Aenatumgana, the Top of the World. Within dwelt the Great Drake for long ages, and perhaps still dwells, and within was a [[Eyes of Koar\|dimly-remembered artifact]] that could be the means to seal the Veil forever.
	</~~div~~>		</pre>

	===The Choosing of Lorminstra's Champions===		===The Choosing of Lorminstra's Champions===

SPYRIDONM1: Fixed links

2015-06-02T06:15:07Z

Fixed links

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:15, 2 June 2015
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	Far to the north, near Icemule Trace, a new path was discovered that led across trackless snowfields and up into the mountains. There, in a cave on the mountainside, the remains of Ardo and his party were found. The bodies, all but one, were dismembered and piled about the cave, faces set in looks of abject terror. Only Ardo was untouched, sitting frozen against the wall with his arms clutched about him, holding in his hand a small pin that he had bought in Icemule as a gift for his fiancee, whose name could still be read on the tattoos of his arms -- Belle. In the spent ashes of the fire at Ardo's feet the second Stone was found by Lady Nanna, this one a clear crystal. This Stone was claimed by the Chosen Merry.		Far to the north, near Icemule Trace, a new path was discovered that led across trackless snowfields and up into the mountains. There, in a cave on the mountainside, the remains of Ardo and his party were found. The bodies, all but one, were dismembered and piled about the cave, faces set in looks of abject terror. Only Ardo was untouched, sitting frozen against the wall with his arms clutched about him, holding in his hand a small pin that he had bought in Icemule as a gift for his fiancee, whose name could still be read on the tattoos of his arms -- Belle. In the spent ashes of the fire at Ardo's feet the second Stone was found by Lady Nanna, this one a clear crystal. This Stone was claimed by the Chosen Merry.

	As the weeks went by, two more stones were found, and claimed by the Chosen. A dull gray Stone, found in the upper Trollfang Forest by a young adventurer named Fryzz, was claimed by the Chosen Heathyr, and a flawless silver Stone, found in [[~~River’s~~ Rest]] by Marilyna, was claimed by the Chosen Nyte.		As the weeks went by, two more stones were found, and claimed by the Chosen. A dull gray Stone, found in the upper Trollfang Forest by a young adventurer named Fryzz, was claimed by the Chosen Heathyr, and a flawless silver Stone, found in [[River's Rest]] by Marilyna, was claimed by the Chosen Nyte.

	Then one night, a night that will never be forgotten for the horror and destruction that it brought on the inhabitants of Icemule Trace, the fifth Stone was found. This Stone, of [[veil iron]], was found by Lady Rayyne, of whom Terate the Forsaken had become enamored. After finding the veil iron Stone within a box in a small crevice beside the mountain trail north of Icemule, Rayyne gave it to her love, and a terrible attack followed. A rift appeared, along with swarms of Vvrael witches and warlocks. The Chosen, and everyone around them, where attacked by these minions of the Vvrael, killed, and dragged into the rift. Terate, however, did not kill. To the astonishment of all, he traveled in and out of the rift, rescuing the dead and even attacking the minions of the Vvrael. "It is like attacking ourselves," he was heard to say, in anguish. By these acts Terate confirmed that some vestige of the elf he once had been still remained, that he was still a Chosen, and that he could defy the Vvrael, at least for a time.		Then one night, a night that will never be forgotten for the horror and destruction that it brought on the inhabitants of Icemule Trace, the fifth Stone was found. This Stone, of [[veil iron]], was found by Lady Rayyne, of whom Terate the Forsaken had become enamored. After finding the veil iron Stone within a box in a small crevice beside the mountain trail north of Icemule, Rayyne gave it to her love, and a terrible attack followed. A rift appeared, along with swarms of Vvrael witches and warlocks. The Chosen, and everyone around them, where attacked by these minions of the Vvrael, killed, and dragged into the rift. Terate, however, did not kill. To the astonishment of all, he traveled in and out of the rift, rescuing the dead and even attacking the minions of the Vvrael. "It is like attacking ourselves," he was heard to say, in anguish. By these acts Terate confirmed that some vestige of the elf he once had been still remained, that he was still a Chosen, and that he could defy the Vvrael, at least for a time.
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	Once all of the Stones of Virtue had been found, it remained only for the storms shrouding Mount Aenatumgana to clear, so that an attempt could be made to gain the Shrine at its top. Many weeks passed, and anticipation grew. The attacks of the Vvrael minions became more frequent, and more intense. They struck without warning, and no part of the lands was spared.		Once all of the Stones of Virtue had been found, it remained only for the storms shrouding Mount Aenatumgana to clear, so that an attempt could be made to gain the Shrine at its top. Many weeks passed, and anticipation grew. The attacks of the Vvrael minions became more frequent, and more intense. They struck without warning, and no part of the lands was spared.

	Still, these attacks paled beside the ferocity of the final days before the Shrine was opened. After days of almost constant attacks in all quarters of the Lands, during which the sky rained blood, terror and destruction were a constant presence. At last, the storms on Mount Aenatumgana quieted and a trail was found leading up the mountain. That night, in the midst of the fiercest attacks yet seen (the lodge at [[Pinefar]] was the scene of the most desperate hand-to-hand fighting that I, a veteran of ~~the~~ [[~~Bregandan~~]] war, have ever witnessed, reaching even to the innermost hallways of the Lodge), Terate appeared. One by one the Chosen where summoned to Pinefar by the Lady Lorminstra. Immediately, parties set off for the summit of the mountain, fighting their way through the hordes of the Vvrael’s servants and wild beasts driven to madness and fury by the storms and unnatural energies coursing through the ether. Many joined the Chosen, to aid and protect them on the dreadful climb, and many died.		Still, these attacks paled beside the ferocity of the final days before the Shrine was opened. After days of almost constant attacks in all quarters of the Lands, during which the sky rained blood, terror and destruction were a constant presence. At last, the storms on Mount Aenatumgana quieted and a trail was found leading up the mountain. That night, in the midst of the fiercest attacks yet seen (the lodge at [[Pinefar]] was the scene of the most desperate hand-to-hand fighting that I, a veteran of [[The Bregandian War\|Bregandian]] war, have ever witnessed, reaching even to the innermost hallways of the Lodge), Terate appeared. One by one the Chosen where summoned to Pinefar by the Lady Lorminstra. Immediately, parties set off for the summit of the mountain, fighting their way through the hordes of the Vvrael’s servants and wild beasts driven to madness and fury by the storms and unnatural energies coursing through the ether. Many joined the Chosen, to aid and protect them on the dreadful climb, and many died.

	At the last, Terate transported the last of the Chosen directly to the door of the Shrine. What stood before them was a monument immense in size and of extraordinary beauty. Columns marched across the facade, their tops almost lost in the clouds, framing a colossal door. Beside the door, a shining gold crown was mounted in bas-relief. Fashioned of solid gold, the magnificent crown was decorated with images of winged drakes rendered in exquisite detail. Between each of the dragons, words were engraved: Truth, Piety, Humility, Faith, Courage and Honor. Aligned with each of these was a heavy golden tine extending from the edge of the crown.		At the last, Terate transported the last of the Chosen directly to the door of the Shrine. What stood before them was a monument immense in size and of extraordinary beauty. Columns marched across the facade, their tops almost lost in the clouds, framing a colossal door. Beside the door, a shining gold crown was mounted in bas-relief. Fashioned of solid gold, the magnificent crown was decorated with images of winged drakes rendered in exquisite detail. Between each of the dragons, words were engraved: Truth, Piety, Humility, Faith, Courage and Honor. Aligned with each of these was a heavy golden tine extending from the edge of the crown.

VANKRASN39: correct veil-iron to veil iron

2015-01-17T19:27:15Z

correct veil-iron to veil iron

INIQUITY at 17:46, 6 January 2015

2015-01-06T17:46:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 6 January 2015
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	{{~~essay~~ \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}		{{short-story \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}

INIQUITY: /* new */

2015-01-06T17:40:28Z

new

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:27, 17 January 2015
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	{{short-story \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}		{{short-story \| title = The Vvrael: A Chronicle \| author = Frijthof Schoun}}


	You wish to learn about the [[The Vvrael\|Vvrael]]? That is a long story that goes back many ages. Come sit with me at the hearth, and though I am no scribe or bard, I will tell you what I know.		You wish to learn about the [[The Vvrael\|Vvrael]]? That is a long story that goes back many ages. Come sit with me at the hearth, and though I am no scribe or bard, I will tell you what I know.

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	As the weeks went by, two more stones were found, and claimed by the Chosen. A dull gray Stone, found in the upper Trollfang Forest by a young adventurer named Fryzz, was claimed by the Chosen Heathyr, and a flawless silver Stone, found in [[River’s Rest]] by Marilyna, was claimed by the Chosen Nyte.		As the weeks went by, two more stones were found, and claimed by the Chosen. A dull gray Stone, found in the upper Trollfang Forest by a young adventurer named Fryzz, was claimed by the Chosen Heathyr, and a flawless silver Stone, found in [[River’s Rest]] by Marilyna, was claimed by the Chosen Nyte.

	Then one night, a night that will never be forgotten for the horror and destruction that it brought on the inhabitants of Icemule Trace, the fifth Stone was found. This Stone, of [[veil-iron]], was found by Lady Rayyne, of whom Terate the Forsaken had become enamored. After finding the veil-iron Stone within a box in a small crevice beside the mountain trail north of Icemule, Rayyne gave it to her love, and a terrible attack followed. A rift appeared, along with swarms of Vvrael witches and warlocks. The Chosen, and everyone around them, where attacked by these minions of the Vvrael, killed, and dragged into the rift. Terate, however, did not kill. To the astonishment of all, he traveled in and out of the rift, rescuing the dead and even attacking the minions of the Vvrael. "It is like attacking ourselves," he was heard to say, in anguish. By these acts Terate confirmed that some vestige of the elf he once had been still remained, that he was still a Chosen, and that he could defy the Vvrael, at least for a time.		Then one night, a night that will never be forgotten for the horror and destruction that it brought on the inhabitants of Icemule Trace, the fifth Stone was found. This Stone, of [[veil iron]], was found by Lady Rayyne, of whom Terate the Forsaken had become enamored. After finding the veil iron Stone within a box in a small crevice beside the mountain trail north of Icemule, Rayyne gave it to her love, and a terrible attack followed. A rift appeared, along with swarms of Vvrael witches and warlocks. The Chosen, and everyone around them, where attacked by these minions of the Vvrael, killed, and dragged into the rift. Terate, however, did not kill. To the astonishment of all, he traveled in and out of the rift, rescuing the dead and even attacking the minions of the Vvrael. "It is like attacking ourselves," he was heard to say, in anguish. By these acts Terate confirmed that some vestige of the elf he once had been still remained, that he was still a Chosen, and that he could defy the Vvrael, at least for a time.

	When this attack was over, Terate fled with Rayyne from the confusion of the Temple (to which he had been transporting the slain), seeking solitude at a nearby tavern. He returned the box with the Stone to Rayyne, asking her if she was certain that she wanted him to have it. She gave it to him again, "with all her love," affirming her faith in him, the elf, the Chosen. Terate's defiance of the Vvrael, particularly in giving up the Stone which they so avidly sought, did not go unpunished. He became wracked with pain during a visible internal conflict. At last he raised his head and stated simply "It is finished." The Vvrael had won ... or so it seemed. Terate killed everyone he encountered in Icemule that long night, with the sole exception of Lady Rayyne.		When this attack was over, Terate fled with Rayyne from the confusion of the Temple (to which he had been transporting the slain), seeking solitude at a nearby tavern. He returned the box with the Stone to Rayyne, asking her if she was certain that she wanted him to have it. She gave it to him again, "with all her love," affirming her faith in him, the elf, the Chosen. Terate's defiance of the Vvrael, particularly in giving up the Stone which they so avidly sought, did not go unpunished. He became wracked with pain during a visible internal conflict. At last he raised his head and stated simply "It is finished." The Vvrael had won ... or so it seemed. Terate killed everyone he encountered in Icemule that long night, with the sole exception of Lady Rayyne.
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	The fourth Stone was of purest silver and its song told the story of [[Voln]], the champion of Lorminstra. The Loresong told of several people standing within a village square, their hands bound to stakes behind them. A priest walked down their line, wearing brown robes with a green serpent embroidered upon the back, and holding a dagger with a twisted blade in his right hand. Stopping at each of the prisoners, he asked them an inaudible question. Some of them would nod in response, and were cut free. Others shook their heads and the priest drew his dagger across their throats. The priest then stopped in front of a boy. Leaning forward he asked, "Will you pledge your soul to the serpent?" The boy simply glared at the priest, hatred burning hot within his eyes. After a moment, the priest sighed and moved his dagger upwards and across the boy's throat. Impossibly, the blade did not pierce the tender skin! The boy's eyes widened with comprehension, and his hands broke free of their bonds. Snatching the dagger from the stunned priest, the boy dispatched his would-be executioner. A booming voice then reverberated across the square, "Go forth, my loyal and immortal son. It is your destiny to be my champion against the [[unlife]]!" From this story it was deduced that the silver stone was the Stone of Faith.		The fourth Stone was of purest silver and its song told the story of [[Voln]], the champion of Lorminstra. The Loresong told of several people standing within a village square, their hands bound to stakes behind them. A priest walked down their line, wearing brown robes with a green serpent embroidered upon the back, and holding a dagger with a twisted blade in his right hand. Stopping at each of the prisoners, he asked them an inaudible question. Some of them would nod in response, and were cut free. Others shook their heads and the priest drew his dagger across their throats. The priest then stopped in front of a boy. Leaning forward he asked, "Will you pledge your soul to the serpent?" The boy simply glared at the priest, hatred burning hot within his eyes. After a moment, the priest sighed and moved his dagger upwards and across the boy's throat. Impossibly, the blade did not pierce the tender skin! The boy's eyes widened with comprehension, and his hands broke free of their bonds. Snatching the dagger from the stunned priest, the boy dispatched his would-be executioner. A booming voice then reverberated across the square, "Go forth, my loyal and immortal son. It is your destiny to be my champion against the [[unlife]]!" From this story it was deduced that the silver stone was the Stone of Faith.

	The fifth Stone was veil-iron, bearing the engraved image of a sword and the worn letters A ...ram.... This is the Stone given to Terate by Lady Rayyne. The song of this Stone tells of the final charge of the [[Sabrar]] at the [[Battle of Shadowguard]], during the Undead War. As the undead forces seemed near victory, the Sabrar, elite cavalry of the [[Vaalor]], made a final desperate charge into the heart of the undead army, lead by [[Taki Rassien]], wielding the veil-iron sword [[Aramier]]. A final duel between Rassien and the Arch-Lich [[Dharthiir]] left both dead. Not one of the Sabrar survived the battle. From this story it was determined that the veil-iron stone was the Stone of Courage.		The fifth Stone was veil iron, bearing the engraved image of a sword and the worn letters A ...ram.... This is the Stone given to Terate by Lady Rayyne. The song of this Stone tells of the final charge of the [[Sabrar]] at the [[Battle of Shadowguard]], during the Undead War. As the undead forces seemed near victory, the Sabrar, elite cavalry of the [[Vaalor]], made a final desperate charge into the heart of the undead army, lead by [[Taki Rassien]], wielding the veil iron sword [[Aramier]]. A final duel between Rassien and the Arch-Lich [[Dharthiir]] left both dead. Not one of the Sabrar survived the battle. From this story it was determined that the veil iron stone was the Stone of Courage.

	The sixth and final Stone was milky white. Found by Lenthorn in Icemule Trace, it was claimed by the Chosen Beldin. As already described, it evoked images of an ancient and wise ruler, wearing a crown of gold, who gave counsel on how to prepare for the final conflict with the Vvrael. From the story of the stone it was deduced that the milky white stone was the Stone of Piety.		The sixth and final Stone was milky white. Found by Lenthorn in Icemule Trace, it was claimed by the Chosen Beldin. As already described, it evoked images of an ancient and wise ruler, wearing a crown of gold, who gave counsel on how to prepare for the final conflict with the Vvrael. From the story of the stone it was deduced that the milky white stone was the Stone of Piety.
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	At the last, Terate transported the last of the Chosen directly to the door of the Shrine. What stood before them was a monument immense in size and of extraordinary beauty. Columns marched across the facade, their tops almost lost in the clouds, framing a colossal door. Beside the door, a shining gold crown was mounted in bas-relief. Fashioned of solid gold, the magnificent crown was decorated with images of winged drakes rendered in exquisite detail. Between each of the dragons, words were engraved: Truth, Piety, Humility, Faith, Courage and Honor. Aligned with each of these was a heavy golden tine extending from the edge of the crown.		At the last, Terate transported the last of the Chosen directly to the door of the Shrine. What stood before them was a monument immense in size and of extraordinary beauty. Columns marched across the facade, their tops almost lost in the clouds, framing a colossal door. Beside the door, a shining gold crown was mounted in bas-relief. Fashioned of solid gold, the magnificent crown was decorated with images of winged drakes rendered in exquisite detail. Between each of the dragons, words were engraved: Truth, Piety, Humility, Faith, Courage and Honor. Aligned with each of these was a heavy golden tine extending from the edge of the crown.

	One by one the Chosen placed their Stones in the crown: the crystal Stone of Truth, the milky white Stone of Piety, the dull gray Stone of Humility, silver Stone of Faith, the veil-iron Stone of Courage, and the reflective glass Stone of Honor. As the last Stone was set in place, the aura surrounding the crown exploded, sending a dazzling wave of light streaming outward. The light enveloped the group, leaving them momentarily blinded. When their vision cleared, they found themselves within the Shrine. With an evil grin and a laugh, Terate immediately headed into the depths of the Shrine. Overcoming their shock, the Chosen immediately followed, fearful of what would happen if the Forsaken reached the Eye of the Drake before they did.		One by one the Chosen placed their Stones in the crown: the crystal Stone of Truth, the milky white Stone of Piety, the dull gray Stone of Humility, silver Stone of Faith, the veil iron Stone of Courage, and the reflective glass Stone of Honor. As the last Stone was set in place, the aura surrounding the crown exploded, sending a dazzling wave of light streaming outward. The light enveloped the group, leaving them momentarily blinded. When their vision cleared, they found themselves within the Shrine. With an evil grin and a laugh, Terate immediately headed into the depths of the Shrine. Overcoming their shock, the Chosen immediately followed, fearful of what would happen if the Forsaken reached the Eye of the Drake before they did.

	===The Final Conflict, and the Death of Terate===		===The Final Conflict, and the Death of Terate===