Star of Khar'ta (storyline)/saved posts

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2216
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 05/01/2012 12:27 AM CDT
Subject: Twinkle, Twinkle, Blue-Green Star

For the last week, adventurers in and around Wehnimer's Landing have reported seeing a speck of bluish-green light, twinkling in the night sky every hour or so. In the last few nights, the light has appeared to have gotten brighter. A few local scholars and priests in the frontier town were questioned about the light, but none could offer whether it might be the herald of something good, or a bad omen indicating peril on the horizon.

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2221
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 05/05/2012 12:10 AM CDT
Subject: Falling Sky in Wehnimer's Landing!

On the eve of the Day of the Huntress, the 4th of Ivastaen, the twinkling blue-green light in Wehnimer's Landing night sky began to grow in size, and became brighter with each passing moment. Soon the light intensified before a bluish-green sphere appeared, glowing as it fell from the sky! The brilliant sphere landed near the Coastal Cliffs, leaving a huge crater in the ground and sending quakes trembling through the entire area.

Local adventures eventually located the crater, and soon saw a forest gnome named Murley come crawling out of the hole, coughing and wheezing as he held up a green crystal orb for all to see. Murley told those present that he was a visiting farmer from Grawood Farmstead in the Empire, and that he had seen the light land near where he was walking and climbed down into the crater and found the orb. The orb itself was flawless and emerald green, with azure light churning within it. After answering as many questions as he could, the gnome was encountered by Mayor Walkar who had arrived to witness the disturbance. Later the strange orb was given to the Mayor to have the town archmage Pherantyr, and the museum curator Glethad, examine it and try to learn its origin, if any.

The mayor informed those present that whatever the town officials learned about the orb from the sky, would be shared publicly as soon as possible.

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2227
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 05/10/2012 01:25 PM CDT
Subject: The Orbs Origins!

After long hours, and sleepless nights, the curator Glethad, and archmage Pherantyr believe they have discovered the true origins of the green orb that fell from the sky, leaving a crater along the Coastal Cliffs.

The item appears to be an ancient relic, but no further details were given. Instead, the artifact is set to go up on display in the Wehnimer's Landing Museum, and over the next few days the curator Glethad will be holding a presentation in the museum to describe in full detail the history of the orb.

The curator will announce when his presentation happens, and invites all who are interested to attend.

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2264
Author: GS4-VALYRKA
Date: 05/17/2012 05:39 PM CDT
Subject: Ancient Elven Artifact Revealed

It has been reported that The Argent Mirror has received word of an elven artifact, the Eye of Ta'Ashrim, being held in the Wehnimer Landing Museum. It is rumored that she has sent Caylio Javilerre and a group of Illistim scholars to the frontier town to investigate and confirm its origin. The Argent Mirror was heard saying that the if the artifact was indeed genuine, then it should be returned to the elven city-states to be studied and kept safe.

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2264
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 05/21/2012 11:48 AM CDT
Subject: Factions Descend on Wehnimer's Landing

The Argent Mirror has sent an envoy to Wehnimer's Landing to inspect the new relic in the museum, while a reformed pirate, turned merchant captain from Brisker's Cove has recently docked his ship in town. Meanwhile, a handful of black row boats and krolvin scouts have been reported being encountered along the Black Sands near town. The Wehnimer's mayor has spoken out, addressing some of the citizen's concerns…

Mayor Walkar, of Wehnimer's Landing, made the following statement:

"Many have written to me, or expressed their concern over the growing attention this green orb has brought our town. Rest assured, we are fully capable of protecting the relic, while preserving our relationships with our allies. The town council and I have welcomed the Argent Mirror's envoy, and have established comfortable accommodations for them during their stay. Their scholars, and guards, will have access to the artifact, but will be accompanied by members of our own militia at all times while on the museum grounds."

"The captain, named Thanden, who sailed into port with the flag of Brisker's Cove, is to be afforded the luxuries our town has to offer, in accordance with our Merchant's Guild policies, which are extended to all visiting imperial merchants. Given his past as a pirate, and once a wanted criminal within the Empire itself, I strongly urge the captain that he and his crew be on their best behavior. We welcome business from the empire, but will not tolerate deception of any kind."

"In regards to the krolvin, I will tell you this. They are a race of miscreant creatures, never to be trusted, never to be given mercy. They are no allies to any nations. Extend a hand to a fallen krolvin, and no sooner will you find his dirk lodged in your throat. Perhaps the bodies of their scouts staining the Black Sands red will be enough warning to them. We will respond to any krolvin threat swiftly and with incredible might, enough to chill even their arctic blood."

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2283
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 05/27/2012 01:08 AM CDT
Subject: Wehnimer's Attacked! Relic is Stolen!

On Feastday, the 26th of Ivastaen, a new wave of krolvin warships and raiders reached the Black Sands beach near Wehnimer's Landing. Brave heroes and defenders charged to meet the invaders, creating piles of krolvin corpses and destroying some of their ships. Some krolvin scouts had infiltrated the town, trying to work towards the museum but were finally pushed back. Further chaos ensued, when shadowy cloaked figures were witnessed inside the museum, before a fiery orb exploded in the building's lobby, creating a giant wall of fire that cut off the heroes from the second floor lobby. A few local adventurers, along with members of the Sapphire Guard and Wehnimer's militia stood watch over the green crystal orb, before a cloud of black fog moved into the area, obscuring much of the display area. Those standing guard were soon killed or wounded by cloaked figures, and it was reported that Glethad, the museum curator, was seen being forced by the same mysterious figures to disarm the magical wardings protecting the relic. The museum fire was finally put out, and the heroes rushed upstairs, but too late to stop the figures from escaping with the orb and the curator.

It was then learned that once the artifact had been stolen, the ex-pirate Thanden's ship had left port from the North Docks and sailed away. Furthermore, a member of the Argent Mirror's envoy to Wehnimer's Landing was discovered to have slipped out of town, heading back towards the Nations to deliver a message to the Queen herself. In light of the orb having gone missing, Mayor Walkar ordered Caylio, the Argent Mirror's Loremaster, to be apprehended, along with his entire envoy. The elven messenger was wounded and captured by local heroes near the Glacier, where guards dragged him back to town for questioning. Councilman Khylon, the steward of the town's militia, ordered a number of ships to depart immedietely from town, in pursuit of Thanden's ship, while word was sent to other coastal towns in an attempt at locating the ex-pirate. The krolvin threat along the Black Sands was then defeated, but local seafarer's reported a number of war ships still a day or two from town.

Mayor Walkar tiredly appeared late into the night, to address concerns of the townspeople, "With the artifact stolen from our museum, and our curator kidnapped, we can spare no room for assumptions. To that end, I ordered the arrest of Caylio and the remainder of the Argent Mirror's visiting envoy. They have been detained and will be questioned over the next few days, to determine if they held any involvement in the orb being stolen. I would hope they would understand my decision in this matter, and if the investigation finds them innocent, then we would benefit from an allied attempt to locate the true thieves. To ensure all possibilities are covered, we have also seen to it that pursuit has been given for Thanden's ship, and word has been sent to the Empire. He'll find no safehaven, should he be guilty. Our archmage, Pherantyr, is currently working on a magical defense to be established along the Black Sands to aid us in any further krolvin raids. Even with all of this, we cannot be certain the artifact has even left the town. I ask every citizen, every hero, keep your eyes and ears open. We will not allow this relic to fall into the wrong hands for long, nor will we allow its power to be used for destructive purposes. It was ours to protect, and it will be ours to retrieve."

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2293
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 05/28/2012 11:41 PM CDT
Subject: Archmage Pherantyr Provides Magical Defenses

Even with the orb's disappearance, reports have come in that krolvin warships are still en route to Wehnimer's Landing and could arrive any day. In response, Archmage Pherantyr, has magically constructed some white obelisks near the Black Sands, where the krolvin have attacked before. The magical towers will assist against any krolvin waves that arrive on the shore, as witnesses tell of already seeing cerulean bolts of plasma vaporizing the occassional sea nymph.

Krolvin Ship Report

Interrogation aboard the 'Gzadmor gno Prozd' on 06/01/2012 12:06 PM CDT

As with a couple of other people earlier in the week, Sarvia and I were kidnapped by krolvin slavers last night and taken aboard the krolvin warship "Gzadmor gno Prozd" (The Pain of Night).
I thought it might be useful to share the account, even if there's not much new information...

We'd made our way out to the Black Sands as a new wave of krolvin landing vessels approached the beach. However, Sarvia and I were quickly captured by krolvin slavers and within minutes found ourselves confined deep within the belly of a krolvin warship. We couldn't move, but we could speak. The darkness was complete and we could see nothing at all. I sensed that we were confined to some sort of slave holding area, as I could hear the occassional sharp crack of a whip and the subsequent agonized screams of the tortured. The smell was also something I'd rather not recall.

After what seemed like far too long, we were again seized and this time taken to a room with more light. This appeared to be a map or chart room of some sort, and the signage about the area confirmed the vessel to be "Gzadmor gno Prozd". There were rolled up maps and some musty tomes atop a table, which sat in the center of the room, but try as I might I couldn't get a closer look at them. What was of greater interest to me were the two prominent charts tacked to one wall, depicting various sea routes to Wehnimer's Landing as well as Teras Isle.

Footsteps soon approached and within moments we were confronted by Czag'Dubra Krentuk himself. He had mismatched red and yellow eyes, coarse stark white hair down to his shoulders, and otherwise reminded me of a smelly ape. He also wielded a bloody longknife which to my eye may have been fashioned of elven bone. He wasted no time in interrogating us about the orb's whereabouts, referring to it as the "Star of Khar'Ta" and "my star". Amidst insults and torture, he demanded that we reveal the orb's location. Specifically, he asked if the "mirror elves" or "pirate lord" had it. I told him that the star was in my pants, but I don't think he bought it. Fairly shrewd, for being a krolvin I guess. We bantered a bit more, but he quickly grew tired of our reluctance and killed us both. Minutes later, slavers dumped our bodies outside the gates of town.

- Ravashaak Une-Makhar

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2312
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 06/02/2012 10:44 AM CDT
Subject: From the Mayor to the Mirror

Mayor Walkar, of Wehnimer's Landing, made the following statement addressed to the Argent Mirror of Ta'Illistim:

"We were greatly dismayed when we learned of the krolvin's true intentions in their attack two nights ago, when their warriors stormed our prison and killed members of the Sapphire Guard that were being held for questioning, and kidnapped the remaining elven scholars back to their ships. The horror did not end there, as just last night the bodies of those scholars washed up on the shore of the Black Sands. I bear the full responsibility for the deaths of the envoy, as it was under my command that they were originally detained. For what small worth it may be, I was faced with chaos in our town, and with so many parties interested in the artifact that was stolen, I did not want everyone to slip away. I know now my judgment not to trust the envoy was a mistake, a regret that will haunt me forever. It was my duty to ensure the relic's protection, and the protection of the envoy, of which failure was the outcome of both. The Loremaster Caylio was kept guarded in a location away from the remainder of the envoy and has been released, unharmed, and safely on his way back home. I offer my deepest condolences and apologies to the Argent Mirror, and hope that despite this tragedy, we can come together to locate the stolen relic, and unite against the krolvin that shall not escape justice for their crimes."

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2314
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 06/02/2012 12:05 PM CDT
Subject: The Orb Hunt Continues!

After the massacre of the Illistim envoy in Wehnimer's Landing, and the subsequent capture and murder of their scholars, the Czag'Dubra Krentuk and his krolvin fleet have been reported to be sailing away from town. Lord Juramis recently returned to Wehnimer's Landing, where he was offered political sanctuary by Mayor Walkar, after his warehouses and ships were destroyed in Brisker's Cove. Juramis had been investigating the power behind the "reformed" Captain Thanden, and while he suffered loss to his storehouses for his questions, he did learn that a powerful political noble in the imperial territory of Seareach hired the pirate to steal the orb and bring it to his benefactor.

It is rumored, that Thanden never returned to Brisker's Cove and may have decided to keep the orb for himself, if indeed he is the true thief. With the elven scholars dead, and the krolvin fleet on the move, the Mayor of Wehnimer's Landing fully believes the pirate-turned-captain is in possession of the relic, and based on further intelligence, may be en route to Teras Isle. There is reason to believe, that those who view the artifact as the Gale Stone, consider it to be of dwarven origin, and requires their role in its activation. To that end, the town officials have sent a warning to the denizens and their allies on the rock, alerting them to keep an eye out for the pirate, who is now declared wanted in Wehnimer's Landing.

Juramis slinks in

Mayor Walkar,

Former Councilman [[Juramis]] came to the Landing last night after fleeing Brisker's Cove with only his life, a single ship, and information about who is behind the theft of the relic. He asked me to make a personal plea on his behalf for sanctuary and hoped the bulk of his past actions on behalf of the Landing and its citizens would hold some influence over the few acts that resulted in his banishment.

I support his request as he seems keen to regain the favor of his home and its citizens and appears to be sincere in his desire to assist us against those who assail the city. He awaits your good office's decision.

KG Svardin Odinsmane, The Drakes Vanguard.

A letter on wings

Honorable Mayor Walkar,

Many citizens of Kharam Dzu and other cities managed to free the curator Ghelad. We also came across the merchant, Juramis, who attempted to aid the group in seeking out Thanden. While we were in town, an assassin kidnapped Juramis, who was subsequently killed. He stated later the assassin was sent by Count Tramini, of the county of Seareach. Juramis stated, "the Lord of Seareach. He pardoned Thanden and gave him the Dirty Knave. I have no doubt of this now." He also stated, "Thanden was sent to steal something from the Landing, is what I was told by now dead men. He double-crossed nobles in Seareach, and they may very well think I've joined with him now."

Thanden's ship was burnt and has sunk to the bottom of the Bay, as a result of the rescue of the curator. I would advise to hae guards near the Landing wharf, in case he stole away on the Star.


sincerely,
Sir Cryheart Thaxin
Order of the Silver Gryphon

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Kharam Dzu
Message #: 819
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 06/12/2012 11:57 AM CDT
Subject: The Star Bringer

Last evening, on Teras Isle, hundreds of krolvin stormed the beaches and invaded the town of Kharam-Dzu, searching for the pirate named Thanden, who all believed to be in possession of the Star of Khar'ta.

Finding himself caught between the heroes on the Rock, and the krolvin raiding the town, Thanden tried desperately to escape, but found himself cornered at every turn. In the end, it was a deadly spike thorn from the halfling ranger Hoy, that took Thanden's life in the middle of town. As adventurers gathered to see the dead pirate, another wave of krolvin arrived, some of them dragging off his corpse amidst the chaos.

Soon the krolvin retreated from Kharam-Dzu and returned to their ships along the Greymist beach, setting sail from the island. Not long after, the mutilated corpse of Thanden was found abandoned outside of the town's gates, brutalized and his hands torn off. Glethad, the Wehnimer's Museum curator who Thanden had kidnapped, has been safely rescued and remains on Teras, where he claims he will stay for a few days to rest and heal, before returning to Wehnimer's.

With the death of Thanden, and the temporary capture of his corpse, it can only mean that the green orb has fallen into the hands of the krolvin leader, Czag'Dubra Krentuk. While the krolvin fleet has left Teras, it is still unclear where they may travel next. Regardless, their fleet could now be accompanied by the power of the ancient relic, and Krentuk, the krolvin warlord, will have taken on the new name of Czag'Herndrok. The star bringer.

Category: Cities, Towns and Outposts
Topic: Wehnimer's Landing
Message #: 2346
Author: GS4-KENSTROM
Date: 06/14/2012 08:23 PM CDT
Subject: Wehnimer's Landing Prepares for War!

This evening, the curator of the Wehnimer's Museum left Teras, but not before stopping to talk and thank the denizens of the Isle for their heroics in rescuing him from captivity. Glethad, the curator, warned fellow adventures that the krolvin fleet, led by Czag'Herndrok Krentuk, would likely return to invade Wehnimer's Landing.

Based on the krolvin cultural lore behind the Star of Khar'ta relic, it was once used during their expansion onto the arctic island of Glaoveln. The curator reasoned that because the green orb landed near Wehnimer's Landing, the krolvin would consider its location an omen for where to begin their next great conquest.

Warning eventually reached the Mayor of Wehnimer's Landing, who immediately set about preparing for war with the krolvin, should their ships set sail for the town. Many speculated that should the krolvin come, it would likely take a week or more for them to arrive.

A letter finds a way

Walkar,

I believe you've noticed all the snow around Landing. Thanden has been put to rest, and was ill advised on the orbs use. Believing that Dwarven blood, would activate the orbs magic. The orb is now in krolvin hands, and they probably have bonded with the orb. I know the orb controls the weather but do we know how the orb is going to power the upcoming force?

Krolvins believe where the Star fell, is where they should expand and dominate. My worries is a greatly charged armed force. Are the towers on the beach enough to stop the adversaries from breaching the walls closer to town? Could they reverse the magic on these towers and use it against us?

I have also heard there were elf scholars shuffling around town. Are they here to help? I would've imagined, them sending troops to help corner off Thanden before the orb fell into the wrong hands. Nations sent no troops to aid alot of Tera's and Landing soldiers. I specifically see trouble on their claim and their demeanor on this situation. If they are helping. Could we find a way to destroy this thing before Landing is burned to the ground?

Orsu

No dogs in sight

Early in the evening a few less elite Krolvin fighting forces were discovered, particularly scouts, near Wehnimer's Landing.

Mayor Walkar arrived to state that there would be no diplomacy, the Krolvin or the landing would prevail. Obviously he expressed confidence that the landing would be victorious. Just as I am sure Krentuk is spurring his troops claiming the Krolvin will prosper. Almost makes you wonder if both sides claim the Arkati are on their side which side actually gets the Arkati. Or since several revel in destruction and chaos, if they're split. But I digress.

In between a lot of very fidgety heros, a few pearls of wisdom (the town IS being attacked from the ocean, expect lots of really bad sea puns to spring forth (spring, get it?)) were gleaned. One - Walkar suspects the orb to be responsible for the snow in the landing. Two - twenty or thirty people standing in close quarters in a small mayor's office makes for not the best of olfactory experiences. What WERE they feeding that darned dog? Three - The town mage whose name I will never get correct except it begins with 'P' will be placing additional obelisks (oh sure, THAT I can spell) on the docks to help ward off incoming Krolvin ships. Four - A dispatch was sent to the Argent Mirror in Ta'Illistim asking for aid. Doubtful it will arrive. Five - conspicuously absent were comments about aid requested from the Empire or Icemule Trace. Five and a toe (since I am now out of fingers) - The mayor intended to return later in the evening. If this occured, my tush had already begun counting sheep. Even more important, the last arcs of fire that had been hurtled into town ruined Inurtia's gown, heaven forbid!

Also spotted in town was the former town councilman, Juramis. It seems his brigandine, the Sailfish, was spotted back at the North Dock. He had eluded several Krolvin ships and braved the weather to return to the landing to tell Walkar that the Krolvin were coming. Juramis asked people 'why' would the Krolvin seek out the orb. Many formerly unknown experts in all matters Krolvin came to light and stated unequivocably it was all about a further conquest. My guy didn't know any Krolvin history so nodded knowingly as all the lore was spouted. (read that nodded like a blithering idiot, but he's good at it.) Juramis seemed to be suffering ill-effects from his sea voyage, and was hustled off to the Frith's Inn to rest. Having been fed strong drink on an empty stomach did not appear to aid his condition. He reiterated that Walkar must be informed of the impending Krolvin arrival. After giving the imploration to pass the word to Walkar, he stumbled off for rest.

-notta Inurtia-