The Dark

This is a GM storyline that took place in the Platinum Instance during 2014. The official title is "The Dark".

Baronial Coronation Delayed 03/11/2014 01:35 PM CDT

All was going to plan, but then rumors started spreading. Lord Kuligar was seen going to the Silver Mines night after night. And nothing made sense of it. Until you added in the discovery of something rare and precious! Something that would divert all attention to Talador! So it only makes sense that the coronation would be delayed now. If the rumors were true, that is. But that didn't explain the vivid nightmares many complained about. Now to wait till Olaesta! Oh the bother!

Word from the Earl 04/12/2014 11:47 AM CDT

With the festivities underway, Earl Jovery of North Hendor makes preparations with for the baronial coronation. At Kuligar's request, the Hero of Talador wishes to be Azorlak's executioner on the day he is to be appointed ruler, which is the 30th of the month, at roughly the Hour of Tonis. Until then, merchants slowly arrive in Talador.

Azorlok Captured! Hero to be Appointed Baron! 04/09/2014 12:12 PM CDT

Months have passed since Azorlok's capture, and with the hero of Talador to be appointed Baron, a celebration during the month of Olaesta was to be had in Kuligar's honor! Knowing the north struggled many long months during the Lornonite rising, Grand Magister Pylasar of the Hall of Mages in Chastonia has opened a portal so the adventurers of Elanthia may join in the revelry! The portal is located just south of Wehnimer's Landing in Lower Dragonsclaw. Please join us for the Baronial Coronation at the end of the month!

Chapter One - Talador

04/30/2014 10:22 PM CDT

The Baronial Coronation began promptly at 8pm, residents, officials, and delegates from around the land gathered in the courtyard, for the anxiously anticipated execution of the Avatar of Sheru. Kuligar appeared piqued, but he remained calm and collective, as one would expect from a soon-to-be Baron of Talador. The Sheruvian Azorlok screamed within Doggoroth Keep's dungeon, as he was nailed to a wooden sunburst and escorted into the courtyard. The lower portion of the famished Avatar's face was covered by a blackened steel mask, and the pitiful flesh that was displayed before those gathered was a pale resemblance of the power that Azorlok once honed.

Kuligar didn't hesitate to act, and his demeanor shifted from cool and collective, to one of a man bent on power. Clutching the tongue of Naja, he announced he'd cleanse Elanith by summoning the nightlyngs from their plane. Kuligar produced the Lance of Finality, a weapon crafted from black alloy, and plunged it into Azorlok's chest. An inky black fluid poured from the fallen Avatar, and shout into the sky, creating a shadowy maelstrom.

Kuligar's mortal skin was shredded, and a winged shadowy beast emerged, which fled into the garrison behind a writhing wall of shadow. Adventurers were met with hordes of nightlyngs, and eventually destroyed the barrier and dispatched the beast. The tongue of Naja fell to the ground, but before anyone could recover it, the maelstrom sucked everyone into a temporal rift. People began finding themselves in Shadow Valley near Wehnimer's Landing.

Once back to Lower Dragonsclaw, it was discovered the portal had collapsed and there was no way to Talador. An Estorian knight that arrived for the Baronial Coronation found his way to Wehnimer's Landing, where he spoke of the maelstrom. He stated that Earl Jovery of North Hendor was already sending troops to vanquish the nightlyngs and stop the maelstrom in Talador. But shortly after his arrival, another portal opened, a beast similar to Kuligar appeared. The knight fell in battle, and once the shadow-encased being was slain, the portal was closed.

A bandit arrived with news of the tongue, but suspicions arose, and the bandit was killed. Zherr quickly motioned adventurers to find him under Moot Hall and explained the trouble of Talador is likely not one to plague the Landing for some time, but expressed concern for River's Rest. He hinted to take note of the weapon Kuligar used.

Adventurers then led a party to Wraithenmist, where they sought after the Queen's Tower, only to find a pillar blocking it off. A clue to what's to come? Or a dead end? That's for you to decide.

Credits

GM Wyrom