The Dusk of Daukhera (storyline)/saved posts

Journal entry: a visit to the bonfire

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1966
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 02/04/2019 09:54 PM EST
Subject: Journal entry: a visit to the bonfire

Journal

4 Fashlanos 5119

Knocking the ice chips off my boots and dusting the snow and frost from my gloves, I passed through the East Gate today and sauntered toward Town Center, feeling grounded and pensive from my peaceful exploration of Pinefar over the weekend.

After sitting by the bonfire for a few moments, I was greeted in what looked to be surprise by fellow travelers and a few citizens. "Hibbits!" they exclaimed, their faces spreading into delightful smiles. I swear to the Goddess that I've never seen them in my life - maybe in passing, then forgetting as one loses the taste of yesterday's breakfast to the passing of time.

Once I made it clear I knew none of them, they made a few odd assertions. Something about a queen, Dog Hair? Don't quite remember. Told me I had a spell on my eyes and a weird aura. Strange since I don't practice magicks, and never have. Accused me of being a lich. Offered to kill, protect, and escort me. What kind of escorting they think I'm after? I had to get outta there quick, so I made off like a halfling chasing a tart oven. Never had strangers in this town behave in such a way.

Icemule might just be changing for the worse... I did hear rumors at Nine o' Cups, after all. But nothing about a queen or magicks or liches, but a group, a market, and its interests in the Trace. Maybe I've written too much; not such a good idea after all that raucous by the bonfire.

Made me quite sad to learn of the death of my dear friend Nihala. Still need to take some time to mourn her, perhaps find and mark a grave. They said there's nothing left of the body. I'll have to share what I have of hers with the town if they stop acting so oddly toward me. I'm glad I found this black gem tucked away that she gave me more than a decade ago, too. It's a beautiful one. Got that interesting glow, like nothing I've ever seen.

~ H

The Return of Hibbitts

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1967
Author: ENESTRIE
Date: 02/04/2019 11:44 PM EST
Subject: The Return of Hibbitts

Overcome with emotion, I rush into my home and fall to my knees.
Grasping my symbol, I pray to Lorminstra for a steady mind as I recall the events of earlier.

Mayor Tawariell sent a courier with an urgent message to come to Town Center as I was leaving the temple.
I arrived at a small gathering, and in their midst, I saw Hefty Hibbitts; rather, a hazy shell of what I remember as Hibbitts.
We last saw him in a terrible state some months ago, clouded by shadows, and emaciated.
This before me this eve is different. Most telling is the faint black aura which emanates from within his very form.
As I gazed into his eyes, I no longer saw guilt and pain. I saw nothing.
My heart leaped into my throat at the sight of the cloudy white film over his eyes.

Tawariell whispered, "He reeks of death. It hurts my soul. Ya can see signs of th'veil all o'er him."

As we questioned Hibbitts, he knew none of us. It was as if he had no memory of prior events.
Finally, he rallied at Nihala’s name. He was distressed to hear of her death. He asked, “how did she pass?”
We attempted to remind him of the events surrounding her passing. Nothing jogged his memory.
As I related her sacrifice to save the town, he simply said, “that is the kind of person she was”.
Hibbitts mentioned he had made a 3-day hike back to Icemule. He did not tell us where from, although we questioned him at length.

Worried for his safety, we attempted to get him to a quieter area.
He finally agreed to allow Kobane from the Town Guard to accompany him to his home.
Sadly, both Kobane and Scout Hailleus who was tracking in secret lost him on the way to his home.
He simply vanished.

He did say he would visit with us later.

As I pray to Lorminstra I beg for insight into what has happened to him. He has yet to reveal where he has been.
I beseech Lorminstra for the reason behind his return after all this time.
I pray for the darkness within him. Sorcery is evident. I pray to Lorminstra for an understanding of the sorcery affecting Hibbitts.
I ask for revelation of from whence it came, or from whom it came, even as the Queen's name roars through my tired mind.
With a prayer on my lips for our town’s safety, I lay down somewhat relieved that my husband who is away will not be subjected to
my fitful tossing and turning.

It will be a long night.

Impending visit (IC)

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1973
Author: OUTZENB1
Date: 02/18/2019 02:09 PM EST
Subject: Impending visit (IC)

18 Fashanos, 5119

Unexpected visit from a crone by the name of Tanaarin created a bit of a disturbance in town today. Claimed to be looking for more Friends (but didn't seem to be trying too hard at it). Things degenerated into the usual posturing, but by way of her we have a message stating that Daukhera has deigned to pay a visit later this evening. The encounter was mostly unproductive, but did discover (thanks to invoking a gift of Voln) that she was not typical undead. This I write in the sense that she is not one of the usual curse-of-Luukos hungering dead variety. Possessive-entity hybrid? The legendary phylactery containing the owner's lifeforce? Something else entirely? More observation and study will be needed to determine anything further.

Then, there is my trump card. Do I dare show It openly? Its power is yet not fully formed yet, so it is hard to say if It will give her pause, but there may be only one way to find out. Besides, It, too, has a hunger of its own...

From the personal journal of Kobane

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1974
Author: DETHKLOK
Date: 02/19/2019 12:45 AM EST
Subject: From the personal journal of Kobane

-From the personal journal of Guardsman Kobane Tiravellian Faendryl

I have made it known that I am a Friend of the Queen. I believe this is in the best interest of Icemule Trace. Violence is not always the best option.

After the hubbub at Town Center, I followed Daukhera and her minions on North Road. Tanariin informed the Queen that I am a Friend, and Daukhera grabbed my hand and allowed me to accompany them. As we began searching for the undead snake Skaylz, the minions began complaining of pains in their stomachs and chests. As we continued down Demons Lane, the pain in the minions seemed to increase.

We moved down Banshee Lane, searching alleys for the snake; and the minions' distress increased more. We stopped at Wraith Road, and the Queen's minion Figil suddenly grew ill and fell over! He grasped at himself, wailing about a burning Essence in the area. The Queen picked him up and we stepped away.

As we moved away further down Wraith Road, the pain in the minions seemed to subside. Queen Daukhera noted that perhaps the Sorcerers Guild was built over top of something. Her minion Figil added that maybe it was the blood of ancestors. The Queen finished by saying that something was absorbing the necrotic power of her family's final resting place in the mountain.

I was given my leave to report my findings to the Town and her Mayor, which I have since done. All these things I ponder as I write this, wondering what is next. Some of the townsfolk seem displeased at my actions, and lack of inaction in regard to the actions of these Mhoragian, but I do not believe violence is the answer. Patience will help us now more than anything.

-KTF

Journal entry: an observation near the West Gate

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1982
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 02/24/2019 06:45 PM EST
Subject: Journal entry: an observation near the West Gate

Journal

24 Fashanos 5119

Shuffling wearily along from one of my longer hikes through the beautiful, albeit dangerous, forests of Pinefar, I look forward to a night of rest by the bonfire, though I am reticent to visit the one in Town Center given that I was treated as some sort of weirdly dark celebrity last time. I shudder to think what could befall me upon a second visit. The mixture of snow and ice crunches loudly beneath my feet as I approach the West Gate of the town, though I am suddenly frozen in my tracks. A shrill, almost childish voice catches my ear, and a sense of dread consumes me for fear of attracting attention to myself. I step behind a convenient jutting glacial edge and peer into the dusk, squinting to make out what transpires just a few hundred feet before me.

A figure adorned in robes of pitch-black essence and an immense, dark crown with wild hair and gleaming nails, a writhing, rotting snake coiled contentedly by her side, is arguing fiercely with what looks to be a group of men in hooded garments, their faces well-concealed. Should I go help her, I ask myself? As I start to move, my assistance seems unnecessary. She quickly accepts a huge stack of parchments from them and shrieks, "I need a lot more than this, you imbeciles! I've yet to uncover Bonefrost and the townfolk try each day to undermine me! I need PROOF, and I grow weary of your DEALS!"

After a moment of hushed arguing and some hand-slapping (and chortling from the group of... outlaws, perhaps?), she reaches up with her long-fingered, claw-like hand and plucks a glowing black bone from the haphazardly-placed crown upon her head. I blink, trying to clear my eyes, and slide even further behind the glacier, taking cover. I am frozen in place. I know not what to do, how to help, or even if this exchange of goods is pertinent in some way. Should I tell someone? Nihala was my only confidante. I trust none of that lot in town... they treat me so strangely. I slink into the shadows and return to my well-hidden cave a few miles up the Northern Slopes, where a single night's rest is both evasive and fitful. Visions of hidden openings and widening maws on the streets in Icemule Trace haunt my ever-more-lucid dreams.

~ H

Safety Concerns and Solutions for the Townfolk of Icemule Trace

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1983
Author: ENESTRIE
Date: 02/24/2019 07:31 PM EST
Subject: Safety Concerns and Solutions for the Townfolk of Icemule Trace

In light of recent events involving the mass slaughter in our town,
Mayor Tawariell has asked me to scroll a reminder for anyone in the
immediate area of Icemule Trace.
If you are able to cast Minor Sanctuary in Town Center while there, please do so.
It will not stop the Queen, however, it will stop Minions and other creatures from attacking
innocent adventurers there for rest and help.

Our beloved Voln Ice Garden was almost breached last evening as well so be mindful.

Here are a few options for safety:

House White Haven grounds are always open.
The House itself is open during invasions.
The ICICLE Citizen's Tent is 3 South of Town Center
and can be used for shelter by Icemule citizens.
Taverns and Tartifacts Bakery provide tables and shelter as well.

If you see any suspicious activity please report it to Mayor Tawariell Adrenae, any member of the Mayoral Council,
Guardsman Kobane Tiravellian Faendryl, Icemule Town Guard, or any member of the Icemule Town Guard.

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1985
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 02/24/2019 09:48 PM EST
Subject: Re: Safety Concerns and Solutions for the Townfolk of Icemule Trace

Without warning, a slow, almost graceful shower of burning parchments floats downward from somewhere above, drifting across the town in erratic, swaying movements, akin to a falling leaf or a snowflake caught upon a breeze.

The fire that consumes the fragile paper is an unnatural, pale green color. A soft yet malevolent giggle can be heard for the briefest of moments. A whisper reaches the ear of every Icemulian denizen: "No one is safe anywhere upon the bloodstained and tormented lands of my ancestors."

One particular corner of brightly burning parchment catches your eye. It reads, "In light of recent events--" before the sickly green fire consumes it completely, eradicating the words of caution without a care.

A Letter to Guild Master Stark

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1986
Author: OAKDIVINE
Date: 02/25/2019 07:58 PM EST
Subject: A Letter to Guild Master Stark

As Icemule settles into its evening bustle, Tawariell sits at her desk, tapping quill to lips in a thoughtful manner as she stares pensively at a sheet of parchment for a moment before writing...


From the Desk of the Mayor
Clovertooth Hall
Commerce Burrow, Sylvan Hollow
Icemule Trace
Volnes, 25 Fashanos 5119

Greetings to you, Guild Master Stark,

As you may be aware, our beloved Icemule is amidst troubled times as of late. We have had a fair amount of sorcerous encounters, all of which are brought about by a temperamental Daukhera and her puppets. Recent events have led us to a deeper investigation into the matter which is why I write to you.
I humbly request that myself and a few others be allowed into the guild, with your guidance of course, that we might garner further information useful to the situation. It is my understanding that your profession oft calls for secrecy, as it were, especially pertaining to the art of your craft. It is not our wish to intrude or pry, but merely to better understand our supposed adversary. I am quite happy to elaborate on our goal or offer explanation to any questions you may have once we are face to face.
Please send a return missive at your earliest convenience. Your time and consideration are greatly appreciated.

Cordially,
Tawariell Andrenae
Mayor


A final once-over of her words and the half-Sylvan nods in satisfaction, slipping the folded sheet into a cream-hued envelope. “See that this is sealed an’ sent out as soon as ya can manage, please..” She hands it to a curt-looking winged administrator standing at the doorway who adds it to the sizable stack of letters and paperwork she carries. With a roll of the eyes and a mutter better left unheard the administrator closes the office door, leaving Tawariell to gaze out the bay window, watchful of town center.

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1990
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 02/26/2019 10:52 AM EST
Subject: Re: A Letter to Guild Master Stark

A town courier dashes into Clovertooth Hall's bureaucratic wing and hands a blackened, sealed parchment to the office administrator before racing off. With an annoyed sigh, the aelotoi breaks the seal and scans the contents of the letter.

Mayor Tawariell and concerned parties:

I extend cordial greetings to you and the council. I have heard your request. I lament that I am unable to allow anyone who does not practice sorcery entry into the guild at this time. Given the nature of that which has occurred of late just south of our building, I will instead send an apprentice to speak with you and address any questions you may have this coming Day of the Huntress, 1 Charlatos, at 11pm sharp. Please let me know if this time is not amenable to you and your cohort. To preemptively quell any rumors, I can assure you that the guild has little to do with the affairs of this self-proclaimed Queen as far as I know.

Regards,
Guildmaster Stark

Journal entry: Friends and Minions

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1988
Author: DETHKLOK
Date: 02/25/2019 08:34 PM EST
Subject: Journal entry: Friends and Minions

25 Fashanos 5119

We had quite the busy weekend. My new-found Friends, Queen Daukhera and her Minions decided to lay waste to the town, after their snake got away from them and burrowed into a blanket of snow south of the Sorcerers Guild entrance. I do not condone the actions of my new Friends, but there's not much I can do about that at this time. Many laid their lives down in defense of the town, and for that I am grateful. I am also thankful to the folks to travelled north from Wehnhimer's Landing to assist with the defense, and the healers amongst them. It troubles me that we almost lost our Sanctuary at Voln, but we were able to safely fall back to the Great House of White Haven. By the end of the battle; which was hard-fought by the group led by Mayor Tawariell, I did my best to get the fallen safely to White Haven.

Back to this blanket of snow. There seems to be a key symbol etched into its' frozen surface. I threw every spell I know at the snow, much to the ire of the Halfling Deputy; and to no avail. The snow merely glowed with a warm aura then quickly cooled. I employed the aid of a long-time friend and locksmith, a fellow Faendryl known as Phelicidea. She informed by that the symbol does not represent an actual key, but a place where a key might be used. It is my belief that if we were able to clear the snow somehow, a door will be revealed underneath. I have expressed this to the Mayor, and eagerly await to see if any town resources can be put to this task.

My thoughts also keep wandering to the Truefolk knows as Hibbits. It saddens me that he is so disturbed by the attention he received from the folk who were merely concerned for his safety. In my own travels up the Northern Slopes, I have noticed a cave there that constantly has fresh tracks outside the entrance. The firepit within was still warm and smoldering upon my last visit. I shall have to keep an eye on that place.

-KTF

An Invitation to Daukhera

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1989
Author: OAKDIVINE
Date: 02/25/2019 08:51 PM EST
Subject: An Invitation to Daukhera

The Aelotoi administrator turns from the office door to face a young halfling courier who sits on the couch in the reception area. He fidgets, clearly anxious to be on the move with his business. The administrator’s stern amber gaze regards him for a moment before turning attention to the stack of paperwork in her arms. Twitching amethyst wings in annoyance she takes a moment to carefully sort and see that everything is accounted for. Amidst her shuffle a piece of gilt-edged vellum flutters to the floor. Picking it up the administrator pauses in her work to read…


From the Desk of the Mayor
Clovertooth Hall
Commerce Burrow, Sylvan Hollow
Icemule Trace
Volnes, 25 Fashanos 5119

To Her Majesty Queen Daukhera,

I would like to formally extend an invitation to you for the chance to hold audience with myself, my Advisors and the Council that we may perhaps meet and engage in civilized discussion. Clovertooth Hall has a newly built dining room I find suitable for such occasions if you allow us to host dinner, or a conference room, if you prefer something more private. There will be proper decorum aplenty, of which you are so fond.
Please send a return missive at your earliest convenience with a time and date of your choosing. We look forward to your response.

Cordially,
Tawariell Andrenae
Mayor


A hum of surprise emits from the Aelotoi, but she says nothing- only hefts the stack of paperwork onto her desk and tucks the vellum into an envelope. Quick work with wax and signet and the missive is sealed then shoved with other letters into the hands of the waiting courier. The administrator stares at him pointedly and he gives a small start before whisking through the archway as fast as his furry feet will carry him.

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 1995
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 03/01/2019 02:29 AM EST
Subject: Re: An Invitation to Daukhera

A simple, unfolded parchment flutters down onto the aelotoi administrator's desk, having materialized mid-air just moments before.

It reads:

'Mayor' Tawariell:
What indication have I given that I have any interest in these 'play' politics whatsoever?
The land is mine, and because the town is upon the land of my people, the town is mine.
What role does 'diplomacy' play in slaughter and exile?
The time has come to pay a price, and soon you will see the evidence.
Now I can't be bothered with letters, as I have much negotiating and preparation of Bonefrost at hand.
Please send further communiques, if you 'must' (sigh), to my minions.

The note bears the wax seal of a crown of bones.

Concluding the Dusk of Daukhera

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 2002
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 03/25/2019 04:39 AM EDT
Subject: Concluding the Dusk of Daukhera

The faithful minions report that Queen Daukhera is desperate to maintain control of her "town" after the insubordination of Icemule's residents and the destruction of her beloved sign. She sends word that the patch of enchanted ice on Magical Burrow, Wraith Road grows weak and may shortly cease to contain the ruins of her ancient civilization of necromancers and whatever may remain inside...

Town officials, once under her enchantment, are now swaying toward the side of the Mayor and democratic government again, and encourage all citizens and visitors to break through the barrier and conquer or destroy what might be found there!

Rumor has it that Daukhera's minions will be passing out even more clues to her history, though it is still uncertain how she has come of them. (She was spotted making shady deals with bandits at the west gate. Dare we say the Far Market has been involved all along?)

If you receive a clue, hold onto it and be prepared for the final battle and a series of magnificent discoveries!

OOC note: the Daukhera finale will take place this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday March 29-31 around normal Necios Time, about 10:30pm eastern. (I reject the initialism NST, and all who use it shall be bolted!) Come for a bit of adventure, some puzzle solving, plenty of critter slaying, and a truly touching finale in which most, but not all, shall be revealed! Did someone say prizes for participation? I didn't, but someone said it.

Quick thanks to GMs Coase, Flannihan, Galene, Quilic, Tamuz, Tivvy, and Serannyse for their help designing, approving, organizing, and QCing. Equally quick thanks to GameHosts Auttaja and Sirilida for their helping hands.

Journal entry: It feels like an epilogue

Category: Cities, Towns, and Outposts
Topic: Icemule Trace
Message #: 2009
Author: GS4-NECIOS
Date: 04/02/2019 09:54 PM EDT
Subject: Journal entry: It feels like an epilogue

Journal

2 Olaesta 5119

Today, I gently lowered myself through the jagged opening in the ground on Wraith Road. With no memory of the past... lifetime, it feels... I needed to at least take a bit in before they showed me the way out. The ice is chipped from traffic and beginning to cave in on itself. Looks like a good chance the tiny passage will collapse before too long. As I descend into the dankness and let my gaze fall upon runes and symbols, I think of the trinkets that were found, the withered dark flower in Queen Daukhera's palm, even the husk of essence outside Clovertooth. Are they were preserving? I'll have to remember send a note to the mayor to decide and gather them up quickly.

With incredible effort and little success, I push to remember who am I and what I did before the ghost of one powerful sorcerer took me over to save his daughter and grant peace to this town that I only think I remember. This is like one of my walks; I know I like walking, letting my feet and hands explore the texture of the natural world as my mind bubbles over, a churning cauldron with a recipe inside that doesn't quite make sense yet. I struggle to remember the leathery touch of the tome that I passed to a woman they call Nihala Winterberry. My dreams of late are filled with creeping mists behind me and my hands somehow bound by shadows. All these ponderings run through brain, body, and blood as I run my fingers gently along the cold bone and stone walls of the Mhoragian necromancer ruins.

As I am about to whisper "dark flower" to the enchanted door blocking my path, a tall figure slinks out of the shadows silent as a jaguar and equally cunning.

"Who... who are you?" I ask, stepping back, as if I had mistakenly entered someone's house. I cast a bit of light magic to see him more clearly. The man before me is a wild-eyed clean-shaven highwayman, and it looks like he isn't alone.

"Who am I?" He chuckles. "Who are you seems the more ironic question, Hibbits. We met before. I represent the Far Market, and we're doing some... archaeology."

Of course I remember nothing, but feel helpless and even more so perplexed. He continues in a darker tone, "There are powers and artifacts hidden here that are worth all of Icemule, and we've come to reclaim them." He smirks, then looks at the same door I was about to pass through only seconds before.

"RE-claim them?" I clarify. He nods with arrogance and a touch of aplomb. "Daukhera's family wasn't the only Mhoragian clan expelled before the second settlement of this glacier." Just then, the ground quakes a bit, and the sound of an axe against rock echoes from behind the door. A quick smile dances across his lips.

"I... understand..." I lie blatantly, because obviously I don't, and I'm immediately aware that I shouldn't be here unaccompanied; I turn one foot westward, back the way I came, as I pretend to acknowledge whatever story is trying to sell me. "The m-m-ayor," my voice trembles, "perhaps s-s-he, she'd like to know about this..." I stammer as I take two unsteady steps toward the way out.

Several voices from the shadows laugh in response. "Tawariell and her council know of the Far Market. Some in our ranks have remarked she's approached them on more than one occasion to form an underground trade guild here. Fitting for a gambling town, no?" He pauses, scratching his chin repeatedly despite his lack of facial hair.

He then snaps, "I think you've learned enough, old man. We've got some relic finding to do. Go write your books or journals about Daukhera, and let us handle the digging. We might even be generous enough to share our finds for a large fee!" He chortles then, oddly, spits on the ground in contempt. He then snaps a finger.

I'm immediately dragged back out of the cave by two masked, muscular journeywomen through the opening. My poor bum is plopped onto the cold snow, and for what feels like the third time, I'm left alone and wondering with less answers than before during my wandering.

~ H


OOC Notes:

Thank you for participating in the Daukhera storyline arc. Minion Sirilida and Minion Figil also send their gratitude, as they thoroughly enjoyed abusing many of you consequence-free!

Bonefrost and Darkflorria will be open through Sunday, April 7 at 11:59pm, at which point the entrance will collapse and the area may never again see the light of day. For those who did not get souvenirs, there are three in the throne room: a magic item in the bones with a limited supply (and it will vanish once that supply has been exhausted), and two zesty souvenir toys in the dust. You may only grab one from the bones and two from the toys. You may end up with two of the same you, so feel free to swap with others as you want. There was a small glitch with these treasure piles during the finale, but it has been fixed. These souvenirs can not be used as alter fodder, and can not be altered in any way. They have been marked as such, so no trying to be tricky with merchants.

If the Mayor's Advisory Council wishes, I will be creating an art installation for the story in the Wing of Peace Accords in Clovertooth, and I'll let Mayor Tawariell know when it's ready in case she wishes to have a public unveiling and reception.

Last, for the next long while, I'll be retreating behind the curtain to work on town improvements, some surprises, and the next story. You'll still see Hibbits around some, though, as he talks to people and struggles to remember the bossy, tart-hating Halfling Deputy Mayor that he was. Possession is no joke. :)

Talk soon!