Ardrylls Story
Shake It Up
5 Lumnea:
Last evening, fate brought down a terrible blow upon the City of Ta’Illistim. The quakes plagued the city all day long, their occurrences becoming more frequent and violent as the night settled in. Many buildings in the city crumbled to dust, or were buried in rock. The citizens and others who call her home spent hours digging out those trapped and searching buildings for survivors. Just when it seemed like those working hard in the mud and dirt were making headway, a large quake struck the foundations and collapsed the Keep on top of their Beloved Mirror. Working hard and fast, the Mirror was found unconscious among the rubble. Digging continues, but not many are thought to be alive in such destruction. Wounds to her body were quickly healed, but she remains unconscious. Lord Caylio has taken her to Cysaegir. Survivors are encouraged to take refuge in Cysaegir. ~GM Valyrka
As the cities recovered from Vindicto’s attacks, Ta’Illistim was rocked by a series of small earthquakes that caused minor damage to the city. Citizens and officials were perplexed as to the cause of the earthquakes because no one had observed the path of the magical blast wave that was unleashed as Vindicto was destroyed. As the earthquakes increased in frequency and power a number of learned scholars and mages are consulted to ascertain the cause of the quakes. Sadly, before the cause can be determined and counter measures implemented, a massive earthquake rocks Ta’Illistim causing extensive damage to the city. A number of building are collapsed and many citizens are killed in the aftermath. As adventurers are contributing to rescue efforts and attempting to dig out those trapped under rubble, the strongest earthquake yet hits Ta’Illistim with great force and caused the Ta’Illistim Keep to collapse with the Argent Mirror, Myasara, buried underneath the rubble with many others. Adventurers work feverishly to save the Mirror and after many long hours she is found alive, but in an unconscious state.
With the majority of Ta’Illistim in ruins and fear of more earthquakes to come, most of Ta’Illistim evacuated to the town of Cysaegir in order to tend to the wounded and provide the necessary care for Myasara in hopes she would recover. The Aelotoi were more than happy to return the favor of offering aid and succor as the Elves of Ta’Illistim had once done for them. As the days passed and the dead were accounted for, a vigil was organized by the Lady Issalya to mourn the dead and offer some comfort to those who survived the recent disasters. Bareth, an Aelotoi Priest of L’Naere, was chosen to lead the vigil and offer prayers for the dead and hope for the living. A number of officials were in attendance including the Lord Caylio (the Mirror’s husband), King Qalinor of Ta’Vaalor, and even the Faendryl sent an ambassador, Lictor Ardryll.
Kidnapped!
12 Lumnea:
Lady Ardtin and the Council of Thrones have issued a dire statement earlier this evening. With heavy hand we must report the events of last night. Members of the Sapphire Guard went to relieve those guarding the Argent Mirror in Cysaegir, they arrived to find her protectors unconscious and the door to the chamber battered open. Within they found Lord Caylio prone on the ground with a large knot on his head and a bloodied knife in his hand. There was no sign of the Mirror save for her empty bed and the struggle within and without. Since this time there has been no word from the Mirror or those responsible for taking her. Those wounded in the attack are being seen to by our healers, but have not been able to report as to what happened thus far. We on the Council vow to not let this stand and will do everything in our power to find those responsible for this heinous act. ~GM Valyrka
A few days later, Ta’Vaalor is attacked by undead and the adventurers that were aiding the refugees of Ta’Illistim rush to defend Ta’Vaalor before it falls to the undead horde. The weary forces of Ta’Illistim, already exhausted from days of aiding its citizens, musters itself to assist the Crimson Legion of Ta’Vaalor as well. This leaves Cysaegir nearly defenseless though and the Mirror is abducted while still in her unconscious state. Ta’Vaalor is saved, but Myasara is lost and the citizens of Ta’Illistim are dealt yet another crushing blow that threatens to swallow them in despair.
Ta'Vaalor Falls!
20 Lumnea:
Embarking upon an inspection of the Ravelin in search of Argent Mirror Myasara, His Majesty King Qalinor the Sovereign Commander of the Crimson Legion sent multiple requests to local heroes to join him to pursue these rumors. When it became evident none were answering the King's call, His Majesty, along with a handful of personal guards, went on alone. They had nearly reached the remote fortress when the group was beset by bandits. Utilizing stealth, cunning, and sheer numbers, the bandits prevailed leaving only one stunned guard alive. He reports, "They hit us hard and fast. Smoke. Explosions. The works. His Majesty fought valiantly but was greatly outnumbered. One of them caught a lucky blow and knocked him on the head and they carried him off. I followed when I regained my senses, but they seemed to have vanished." A dispatch was received shortly thereafter in Guardian keep demanding the surrender of Ta'Vaalor to the undead in exchange for the life of the King and the Argent Mirror. The missive indicated that His Majesty would be held alive along with the Argent Mirror as long as Ta'Vaalor remained under undead control. Valuing the lives of the two monarchs, and in hope of one day bringing them home, the Fortress capitulated to the demands. Ta'Vaalor is no longer safe and should be treated as such. Undead have begun to roam the streets and justice has been suspended under the new rule. ~GM Mazreth
Qalinor vows to search for the Mirror and quickly organizes a small force to scour the surrounding environs of Lake Fear, thinking that the abductors must be hiding away in the forests. As the day ends, the king does not return to Ta’Vaalor and worry begins to gnaw at the hearts of everyone that he to has been lost. That night, another horde of undead mass in front of Ta’Vaalor, but a figure appears to demand the surrender of the fortress city. If Ta’Vaalor and Ta’Illistim are not surrendered by midnight, Qalinor and Myasara will be killed. With all of the recent misfortunes, hope is in short supply and the cities are surrendered without much resistance.
As the invasion forces march through the city of Ta’Vaalor it is discovered that the one leading this army of the damned is none other than the Faendryl Ambassador, Lictor Ardryll. At his side is the dark elven warrior, Auvreaian, who had been so unfairly treated at the hands of the Crimson Legion and its king. Also present, is the half-krolvin ranger Brinret, who had once plotted to assassinate the Mirror of Ta’Illistim. Lictor Ardryll proclaims that Ta’Illistim and Ta’Vaalor will henceforth be ruled by him and the cities administered by his two overlords, Auvreaian and Brinret. Auvreaian would see to the administration of Ta’Vaalor and Brinret to the administration of Ta’Illistim. That not being shocking enough, it is declared that the undead will be considered equal citizens in both cities and have the same rights as the living.
Welcome to Ta'Ardryll
27 Lumnea:
Welcome to Ta'Ardryll Under the brilliant leadership of Lord Ardryll the city of Ta'Illistim has been reborn as a more open and inviting place, Ta'Ardryll. Those of all races and states of living are welcome in Ta'Ardryll. Law has been suspended, as we are all adults able to look after our own affairs. Order is kept under the watchful eye of Lord Ardryll's chosen representative, Overlord Brinret Ithillote. No area of the city is off limits to non-elves at this time and all are treated equally. If you have any issues in our fair city please do not hesitate to reach out to Overlord Brinret. Please be aware that we are working to restore structures damaged in the recent quakes as quickly as possible. All Hail Lord Ardryll, All Defend Ta'Ardryll Lord High Inquisitor Brinret Ithillote, Overlord of Ta'Ardryll
News From the East
28 Lumnea:
News has been pouring out of Ta’Illistim since last evening, following in the wake of shopkeepers and citizens fleeing the city. They bring word that the city has been overrun with undead, and that the Faendryl Empire has invaded. Others telltale that the Krolvin are the ones who have attacked. With no clear information on what has taken place, and no word or sighting of anyone from the ruling factions, it is believed they have either been slain or taken captive. And the city itself is a loss, with undead roaming its streets slaying anyone they find. ~GM Valyrka
The New Crimson Legion
11 Koaratos:
Rather impressive, he mused to himself looking over the companies of soldiers standing at attention. He chose the most inopportune time and setting, high noon in front of the Keep, with waves of heat radiating from the stones of the fortress. "On behalf of Lord Ardryll, I've been requested to perform a general inspection of your forces. Worry not, those of you still interested for searching for your cowardly King after this may go in search.", Auvreaian intones with only a slight amount of irony. The slight tensing of hands on hafts for those standing at attention bearing polearms is evident, and it leads to a slight chuckle as Auvreaian walks along the companies, baiting any of them to strike at him. For this event a visible leader was required and so the mysterious shape armor had been set aside for a more substantial set of platemail bearing his own sigil of a blood eagle in flight, polished to a slight glisten as the Warlord made minor corrections to stances and positions of bodies. The slow, systematic pace takes no small amount of time as the soldiers of the Legion stood awaiting their turn to look at their new oppressor. The whispers were that Ardryll spent most of his time in Qalinor's chambers, leaving the more broken city in spirit to his second-in-command the Overlord Brinret, and that for their arrogance and stubborn ways, they were punished by having their forces controlled by this "monster", a combination of two of the things Vaalorians hate the most, dark elf and troll. Battalions of soldiers already inspected stand by tense, as in their ways prior they normally were allowed a more relaxed position once their inspection was completed. Not today, however. At the front of the Keep a sudden flash of darkness flickers and then dissipates leaving another dark elf standing where Auvreaian did prior to beginning his inspection. "I do have the honor of introducing you to my Mate, the Lady of the Wraithenmist and Queen of Shadows, Cassae.", Auvreaian's voice booms in stark contrast to his calmed demeanor amongst the soldiers. "In all things, she is your better and you will answer to her as you do to me!", he adds while glancing over his shoulder at her before moving on with his task. Finally, Auvreaian moves to the front of the Crimson Legion, looking them over in full a final time. "I would like to take this time to call forth the guard captain who defended the Victory Gate against the undead forces of the Lich.", he demands. "Front and center!", the command is given with a flat tone as the aching bodies of the Legion attempt to glance at the lone soldier who breaks ranks and heads to the front. "Captain, what is the procedure for calling for aid when your city is under duress?", Auvreaian intones with a look of utter contempt on his face as he glances over the lone soldier. "Procedures were followed exactly as instructed, sir!", the guard captain replies sharply, "You were there to see it, sir.", he adds with a bit of menace in his tone. "Where in your procedures does it state while your gate is under attack you are to attack innocent civilians who are moving into the city for safety?", Auvreaian replies and before any retort is made, the black and crimson tones of Auvreaian's gauntlet becomes a blur and the captain crumples to the ground from the force of the blow of his backhanded haymaker as it connects. "If the sight of this captain on the ground angers you, raise your weapon and sound off!", Auvreaian roars as he steps over the barely stirring solider. The symphony of warcries is nearly deafening as banners and spears raise almost in unison. "Then you all know the feeling of injustice, and the next time you think to attack or harass someone not of your kind, remember this guard captain. He is now truly a member of the Crimson Legion from the mark on his face, and if I hear of any other acts of injustice done by you on your patrols or in this city, you will join him! This is the new order of things in this city, and as Viceroy my task is to ensure the safety of all its inhabitants. Any questions among you?", Auvreaian asks with his hands on the hafts of his twin morning stars resting on his waist, the query hanging in the air. Only to be answered by silence, the Warlord nods once and turns his back to the Legion to stand next to his Mate. "All hail Ardryll!", he yells out while gazing among the riled up soldiers. The response lacks some of the voices from prior, though the majority echo the reply. Moments later, streaks of darkness extend from the ground by Cassae's feet and encircle random soldiers among the Crimson Legion. "Looks like we have some volunteers! Those marked by my Mate for not acknowledging the ruler of this city, seize them!", Auvreaian bellows as he clenches his fist. "Our new set of volunteers will be provided to the Overlord of Ta'Ardryll to aid in the clearing of rubble in his city and restore the town's economy. To show our unity in this matter, these soldiers will wear their full set of armor while working to assist. Take them into custody and fit them with ankle chains and prepare for their transport." "The rest of you are dismissed.", Auvreaian says before extending his arm to his Mate, and together move inside the Keep. A lone figure stands at the top of the Keep, pleased by the display. ~Auvreaian
Life cannot help but go on and the overlords set to work. Brinret organizes the citizens and forces of Ta’Illistim and begins to clean up the debris from the earthquakes as well as beginning reconstruction. Auvreaian orders the Crimson Legion and citizens of Ta’Vaalor to gather aid for the beleaguered Ta’Illistim, but his methods are less than benign when it comes to the legion. The legion balks at being ordered to perform manual labor to aid the city of Ta’Illistim and threatens to rebel against its new ruler. Auvreaian crushes these dissidents and force marches the Crimson Legion to Ta’Illistim; having them whipped the entire way by undead overseers with no sustenance or rest along the way.
After a few weeks, Caylio contacts various adventurers and asks them to aid him in searching for the Mirror and King Qalinor. He reasons that if the pair can be saved, the citizens and forces of the two cities will rise up and overthrow Ardryll’s forces. Adventurers agree and plans are set in motion to begin gathering intelligence and discreetly searching the environs of Ta’Illistim and Ta’Vaalor.
The resistance catches a break after a time and hears rumors of Qalinor being held in the town of Ravelin. Caylio and a small group of adventurers set forth to search the town of Ravelin and verify the truth of these rumors. The party does indeed find Qalinor alive and well in the town of Ravelin, being held in a house there. The party frees him and make their escape, but shortly after leaving the city, Qalinor is revealed to be an undead imposter and attacks the party. Apparently the rumors had been nothing more than a trap put in place to ensnare the resistance and put an end to it.
However, when the fake Qalinor was found, it spread like wildfire through Ta’Vaalor and the Crimson Legion rose up to challenge its overlord and undead oppressors. The resistance rallied to aid the Crimson Legion as they fought to retake the city and in the process, the real Qalinor was found alive. Apparently, a few members of the keep’s guard had been able to ascertain his location and were merely waiting for an opportunity to present itself so that they might act. With the real Qalinor found, the Crimson Legion and resistance rallied around the king and fought fiercely to free the city. The battle was fierce, but in the end, Ta’Vaalor was freed from Lictor Ardryl’s forces. Auvreaian managed to evade capture and retreated into the Wraithenmist.
With Ta’Vaalor and its king free, the resistance fears that Myasara will be harmed as a consequence. Caylio and Qalinor quickly organize the remaining forces of the resistance, now bolstered by the Crimson Legion, and formulate a plan to free the city of Ta’Illistim and hopefully save Myasara. A small party is assembled to infiltrate the city via the Hall of Patrons using a power granted to members in the Order of Voln. As the party searches the city for Myasara, they come under attack by undead forces. With the plan in ruins, the resistance and Crimson Legion attack the city of Ta’Illistim in the hopes of forcing Ardryll to reveal his hand and force a confrontation whereby he might reveal Myasara’s location.
Ardryll must have felt backed into a corner at this point as he does indeed make an appearance in the Hanging Gardens of Ta’Illistim with Myasara in hand, along with Auvreaian and Brinret. The Mirror had recovered from her unconscious state and implored the assembled forces to disregard her safety and save the citizens of Ta’Illistim in her stead. Auvreaian was still bitter towards Qalinor and his mistreatment at the hands of the Crimson Legion and challenges him to a one on one duel. As all eyes are on the spectacle of Auvreaian versus Qalinor, Brinret takes the opportunity to disappear from view. The contest is a dizzying blur of swordsmanship, but Qalinor succeeds in the end and dispatches the dark elven warrior. Suddenly, an arrow shot from the shadows to strike Ardryll in the chest, causing him to lose his hold on Myasara. Seizing this opportunity, Caylio unleashes a magical onslaught fueled by months of his anger and frustration, reducing the lictor to ash that drifts away in the wind.