About DM AzounDieties Elven Dieties:
Aerdrie Faenya
Deep Sashelas
Erevan Ilesere
Hanali Celanil
Labelas Enoreth
Solonor Thelandira
Corellon Larethian
Dwarven Dieties:
Moradin Soul Forger, Dwarffather, the All-Father, the Creator Alignment: LG Domains: Artifice, Earth, Good, Law, and Protection Holy Symbol: Moradin is the head of the dwarven pantheon. He is married to Berronar Truesilver, and counts Gruumsh and Maglubiyet among his most fierce foes. Moradin charges his followers with the task of removing the kingdoms of orcs and wiping out the followers of Gruumsh. He is upset if they flee from their foes or kill their fellow dwarves. Abbathor
Berronar Truesilver
Clanggedin Silverbeard
Dumathoin
Vergadain
Gnome Dieties:
Garl Glittergold The Joker, the Watchful Protector, the Priceless Gem, the Sparkling Wit Alignment: NG Domains: Community, Artifice, Good, Protection, Trickery Holy Symbol: gold nugget Garl is depicted as a handsome, golden-skinned gnome with sparkling gemstones for eyes. He wears a flowing silk cloak and usually a substantial amount of gold decoration. Baervan Wildwanderer
Flandal Steelskin
Urdlen
Segojan Earthcaller
Halfling Dieties:
Arvoreen The Defender, the Vigilant Guardian, the Wary Sword Alignment: LG Domains: Good, Law, Protection, Glory, and War Holy Symbol: Arvoreen is the halfling deity of protection, vigilance, and war. He is also known as "The Defender." Brandobaris
Sheela Peryroyl
Yondalla
Cyrrollalee
Urogalan
Realm Dieties:
Sunar Greater God of Light, Life, Creation and Protection Alignment: Chaotic Good Domains: Glory, Good, Liberation, Protection, and Sun Holy Symbol: Flaming Sword against a blazing sun Ethos: Sunar is often referred to as the Sun God. Sunar stands for all that is good and healthy in the world. As a greater god he strives for the creations of the world to embark on their own journey and in such values personnal freedom. His followers adhere to his teachings often times intervening or seeking to end slave markets. Sunar is depicted as an attractive human man with long blonde hair, golden eyes, and wearing a kilt of various yellow colors. Images of Sunar in battle depict him in the same simple garb wielding a two handed sword its blade made entirely of flame. Marysta
Ereion
Kalidor
Gormath
Terial
Yarthym
Hymmerath
Brythis
Ardoniel
Minotaur Dieties:
Verlon Greater God of Protection and Honor Alignment: Lawful Good Domains: Law, Good, Nobility, Protection and Strength Holy Symbol: Silver Minotaur head with white horns Ethos: Verlon leads the Minotaur pantheon and is often referred to as the “Father of All”. Verlon is depicted as a regal minotaur in plate mail crafted of adamantine wielding a might two handed sword name Goldarth. The teachings of Verlon tell of the greatness of honor and that this greatness is achieved through acts of kindness, mercy, justice and fairness. Trikara
Kovorok
Kemore
Minotaur Race History:
The Minotaur people have always lived peacefully. They lived in an area they called the Great Plains, took only what they needed from the land and always gave thanks for its gifts. Some gave praise to the spirits of the land, nature itself, or their Gods. Their faith in whatever it was never faltered. And it was for this unerring faith that their Gods did notice. They challenged their creations regularly and were pleased to succeed at every challenge. One even earned a place in the heavens alongside them. Kovorok exemplified the deities’ ideals of Honor, Strength and Fairness. Today many still speak of the Trials of Kovorok as lessons to their children. One of the more famous stories was the Trial of Strength. Kovorok rested from a days hard work near a lake, he washed the sweat from his body and slumbered the rest of the day. He awoke at night fall, a voice in his head, “You will be tested this night.” As he looked about to ready his gear he found it was all missing. He had only himself, no gear, no weapons, nothing. A howl broke the silence of the night and from the brush emerged an enormous wolf. The wolf began to stand on its rear legs and take on a more humanoid form, it reared its head and let loose a ferocious howl. Kovorork braced himself for the monsters attacks and those attacks did come. It clawed at him and bit him, leaving wounds that would fell any man. He took the pain and howled back in rage. He struck it with his fists, gorged it with his horns but saw no damage done to the beast. He looked back at the lake and remembered the strength of water, the strength his people shared with the land. And so Kovorok grappled the beast taking all of its attacks as they unleashed. He carried the beast to the lake and submerged it. Kovorok felt the beast struggle and felt the strength leave its body. He looked to the stars as its final movements came and howled to the heavens, “In my strength I give you Honor and in my Honor you have given me strength!”[i/] During the God War the Minotaur people encountered great strife. They first met the race of Orc, a war like race, who wished to bring them into their culture. The great leaders of the tribes declined this and some disagreed with that choice. Those in disagreement joined the Orc in the conquering of the lands and were cast out from the great tribes. Then they returned many years later with those Orcs to wage war on their own. The battle was immense and brought great carnage to the land. The outcasts with help from their new comrades the Orcs almost vanquished their peaceful kin and it was in this dire time that Kovorok decended from the heavens. He entered the battlefield, ”Verlon has sent me here to end this struggle! You must all find peace!” At his words the tribes stopped their battle, but those outcasted continued to fight. Kovorok doubled his fists and slammed them to the ground shattering it and creating a great chasm. He looked over the chasm, at his outcast kin, and then Verlon came. He stood over the chasm, hovering in the air, ”You have forsaken out gifts and for this we mark you! If you wish to be no more than beasts, then so shall it be!” With his words the outcasts fell to the ground and when they stood, they stood on hooved feet. “You shall never find peace and your life forever torn with struggle!” Verlon disappeared from the battle leaving those outcasts now cursed. The [i]cursed ones rose and driven by battle lust attacked their Orc allies. Kovorok turned to those still loyal, “Go now to the sea, find refuge there and know peace.” And so the tribes moved east till the land ended and they could only see water. With knowledge imparted to them by Trikara they crafted great vessels and journeyed across the sea. Some Minotaur historians believe not all the tribes left, some stayed in hopes to redeem their cursed kin, and some stayed to slay any that may survive past the battle with the Orcs. Much is still debated to this day.
Clan Mithrilshield:
Clan Mithrilshield, its name derived from the rare metal known as mithril that they produce; however they are more commonly known for iron ore, gold, silver and few gems; their major export being iron. The clan itself is large, even by dwarven standards, and contains the most elaborate halls. King Hyrnor Mithrilbeard leads the clan along with a council of five. The major faiths of the clan include Moradin, Berranor, The Keeper of Secrets Under the Mountain and Clanggedin. Its hold is located several days travel into the mountains and at least four days travel from the mountain pass. The clan has had a history of conflict with the mountain giant tribe as well as other various monstrous humanoids found within the range. Roughly three generations ago they established a treaty with the humans of the Furp Kingdom, dealing mostly with trade goods and weaponry. Attacks in their lower caves have caused the dwarves to shut their outer doors. Initially the attacks were small and irregular though recently they have increased in frequency and at the sight of their old familial enemy, Duergar, they have put their focus there. Shutting down all trade with the Furp Kingdom and locking themselves within their halls. Scouts still patrol the outer area of the hold keeping an eye on the giant tribe and other enemies in the mountains.
The Great Plains:
The Great Plains, bordered on the west by the Bockard Mountains, to the south by the Livng Marsh, on its east the chasm made my Kovorok and just beyond the Kingdom of Raj, to its north the Kingdom of Argothia and just slightly more east the Vikar Mountains. It is known to all that these plains are the home of the Minotaur tribes. Continuing in their old traditions they survive giving thanks for nature’s bounty. Most of the tribes that remain, travel the plains regularly calling no one place home, and most having forgotten about the separation of the tribe from thousand years past. Some of the shamans still pray for their lost kin, not knowing the expanse that they developed and grew. Over a thousand years ago was the split, the tribes that roam the plains had chosen to stay – to hunt down their vile kin. Having chased most from these lands, proof today sheds light on most of the cursed ones going south to the Living Marsh. Content to establish borders of their tribal lands they lived on in harmony. This harmony was ended 50 years ago and now the tribes find themselves in a state of war. The Living Marsh itself seems to grow with any new ground its inhabitants take for long periods of time. Though they have found they are not alone in this struggle and have often found themselves alongside the men from Raj. Their tribal banners alongside the Spear and sword crossed on a red background, and in addition the banner of Argothia; a Mithril Hammer on a silver backing. They have found allies in the race of men, elves, dwarves, the little folk, and some of their bastard children. As true to their beginnings they have judged their new allies by actions and in turn those allies have proved themselves worthy. The Living Marsh has produced lizard men, men of dark hearts, orcs and forced them to fight even their own dead that have fallen in battle. Rumors persist among the tribes that some ancient evil has awakened in the marsh that is pushing these creatures to war – much to those vile beings delight.
The Great Elf Kingdom:
The Great Elf Kingdom, located in the Elven Woods, houses the capital Seldarne. Seldarne is a typical elven city in that it is comprised of homes and building constructed within and around the existing trees. It is believed that to fully cross the breadth of the great city it would take a full days travel on foot. The elves here typical to their nature are very aloof and standoffish choosing to not mettle in the affairs of their neighbors. In honesty they have more to worry about in their own homeland. They keep a tight control on their borders and are known to punish intruders severely. Those fortunate enough to return after crossing their domains borders often times recall nothing of the event. Many outsiders belief the elves use magics to erase the minds of those they release. The truth in this is kept secret by the elves of the kingdom. Knowing they couldn’t keep outsiders away forever they established the city Kelsinko. It is here that they entertain foreign dignitaries and hold court with ambassadors of the other races. It is a well known fact that those ambassadors and dignitaries actually have no dealing with King or Queen of the kingdom and instead deal with their vassals. Most political decisions involving their neighbors taking days or weeks to be resolved as messages must be sent back to Seldarne for approval and/or guidance. A few days travel east of Kelsinko is the elven port town sharing the same name. The elves did this intentionally as a test to outsiders. If one came to the port and believed that to be the capital of the kingdom the elves were content to not know anything further, nor share anything either. Most only make it to the city of Kelsinko with advanced knowledge of the difference. Elves from the kingdom also share its secrets with a resolve that one learns with such a long life and often times elves that travel beyond the kingdom are well into their 300 years of age. The elves here contain a dark secret that the noble houses all agree would be a great stain on their kin if it were to get out. Seldarne was founded during the Time of Faith, it is rumored Corellon helped with the planning and development of the city. The elves here prospered well sharing their life with the woods in equal harmony. The darkest part in elven history happened here as well. During the God War Lolth began her revolt, her views and will spread like a plague among the elves and even some of the woods itself. Near the end of the God War Corellon came down from the heavens and became directly involved in the battle that pushed Lolth to the mountains and sent those following her into the underdark. Now in the Time of Affirmation dark things have began to stir again in the kingdom, mainly on its western border alongside the same mountain range Lolth and her faithful had escaped into. Queen Liryana, a renowned Oracle, has for seen the shadow growing and has shared these dreams with her consort the king.
Pilaxious:
Made of an odd white stone the city of Pilaxious stands out against the plains. The main keep of the city completely walled and all the buildings within the keep and the city itself crafted from this same white stone. Its origin is lost to scholars and many a dwarven craftsman has come to attempt to identify it. Most craftsmen and scholars have come to the simple conclusion that its creation and shaping was done through great magics long forgotten. The earliest recordings of the city date back to the Time of Faith placing the city itself at least 2,000 years old. Its age not being the oddest thing about it, nor its white stone; more it’s King havening never changed. King Pilaxious sits atop his throne, his appearance of a middle aged man, and true to the legends in the past 1,000 years he has not visible changed. Because of this oddity many rumors exist about him. The elves belief he has strong elven ancestry or that he was cursed with such long life for a long forgotten crime. The rumors have become such second hand hear say that most pay no attention to them and continue about their daily business. Under the belief that the King was either cursed to live such a long life or perhaps an elven mage that altered his appearance to that of a man has brought about the large elven population. The rest of its population is made up of Half-elves, Halflings, few Dwarves and even fewer Gnomes.
The Kingdom of Furp:
About 1500 years ago Furp was founded. Its three leading families: McFrelsi, Vivaldane and Raken all came from Umari. Before the founding of Furp they were known as: McKruegen, Vivalda and Thaker. McKruegen was the royal line and held the throne but when the oldest son, Hervis, took the throne from his father he began a more dictator ship style rule. This caused his younger brother, Merrin, to lead a small revolt which in turn led to the splitting of the Kingdom. Once Merrin found others in the high houses agreeing with his point of view and disliking the new rule, they set out east to establish a new kingdom attempting to regain what once was Umari’s founding principals’. With the rise of the Kingdom of Furp the three leading houses altered their names to escape what King Hervis turned the Umari Kingdom into. McFrelsi still holds the throne and is the only royal line, though there is no law in place preventing any of the line from marrying common folk. Vivaldane held true to their roots and took over much of the merchant cast in the new kingdom and some speculate there are members of that house still in contact with their true family back in Umari. Raker, originally Thaker -slave traders and masters of the sea, abandoned the slave trade but took to handling the ports and founding the two southern cities in the kingdom; Drokara and Modark. Currently Lord Gregor Raker rules in Drokara, a gift from McFrelsi for their large part in founding the city. Five other noble families grew in the kingdom: Fenigenn, Braastros, McFennen, O’Donall, and McTrunen. The families respectively handle: Currency (to include most money lending organizations), Merchants (though normally governing rules of newer merchants or outsiders of the kingdom wishing to establish merchant casts in the kingdom), Laborers (as well as a large portion of the soldiering cast), Farmers (as well as many of the outlying small towns and the mayors of those districts), and Legal matters (this would include judges, laws of the lands, amendments to its laws, Royal decrees, and strong military leaders- generally the officer core). Since the founding of the kingdom and its sub cities, towns, and districts there has been an uneasy peace; mostly because of the constant threat from the Kingdom of Umari. To date there has been attempts at dethroning the McFrelsi line, though assassination attempts are not unheard of; most of those originating from their westerly neighbor. With most of the common folk the knowledge of the founding houses and the roots is unknown, save for themselves and privileged scholars. The Flamed Dagger
The Journal:
Entry 1 The Festival of Blades today was outstanding. I could not think of a better send off. Perhaps the planning of this trip was scheduled to tie into this event. The honors for Kalav were equally spectacular; Kergoth was the finest weapons master I’ve had the privilege to witness. His display paid great homage to the craft and showed what dedicated practice can achieve. I think he will go far in the order. Though much of its doings are at a loss to me - after paying my due respects to Shiran and saying my goodbyes to my family; it will be nice if I am able to come home to visit. I have been told the journey will be a long one, but it will be shortened by the Minotaur vessel The Sea Bull; her speed being boosted by magic’s from the priestesses of Shiran. Today has proven to be a good day for travel, the seas calm and the winds at our back. I am excited to see the Elven lands; I’ve been assured by our Captain that we will be stopping there for a few days. I’ve taken the time to learn select phrases from the ambassadors to be sure not to offend any elf I may come across. I do wish I had spent more time in study for their language but I was advised to be more fluent in other dialects, namely human and draconic. Draconic I thought was an odd request but after having had some correspondence with Yesrin, I am to replace him in his duties, I understand the importance of it. It would seem I will be meeting a Dragon! And I will be the emissary for our people as he was in relations dealing with him. I am truly excited for this mission after having spent my whole life in study it is truly an honor to get out into the world and practice my skills. I have found it hard to write this, and I do apologize to myself, being at sea. It seems my body does not want to grow accustomed to this method of travel. Had I only seen the place once before I would’ve just shortened the journey with a snap of my fingers. But at least after more than a month at sea we have arrived at Kelsinko. Its beauty is something to behold, though I’m saddened to learn it is only an “outer” city for the elves and regrettable the capital Saldarne is too far inland for us to visit. Though I think I may return her on the trip home and take some time to myself to see the great city. I have sent word to my Uncle of our short stop and apologized for my inability to provide an unknown visit. Some of the dignitaries I’ve spoken with here in Kelsinko tell me he joins the royal court regularly, so it is good to hear that relations with elves are still strong. The Kra Kingdom, true to dwarven style its walls, security and fortifications appear they will last for an eternity. Their stubborn nature is true to heart and from personal experience I must say you may never find a more loyal friend. I had told Gorn of my coming this way and was excited to see him on the docks waiting. Our stay was short but we did have time for a short tour. Some of the crew came along and shared in the pleasantness of the city. There was an order about everything that seemed peaceful. And the dwarves strict beliefs seemed to go hand in hand with that of the crew; in fact I do believe that do to having a friend here I may have strengthened relations with the dwarves of this city and the crew that regularly makes this trip. Already my skills as a diplomat have proven themselves. We have been sent below decks, well at least those of us with less fighting experience have. It appears our destination is located in the human kingdom of Furp who is currently warring with their westerly neighbors. I now find myself wishing I had spent more study with sea magic’s, or at least the practiced hand with water activities. We are sailing south of Umari – Furps un-agreeable neighbor – and have been warned that battle may take place with any number of their vessels. Apparently it is a land campaign as well as sea. I must admit I will feel a great relief once we arrive at Drokara and make our way inland to the Seacoast Mountains. Entry #2 I must say the people of Drokara are friendly; though I cannot count how many times I’ve been mistaken for an elf. Apparently there are not too many in these lands. No matter, I had been warned to be prepared for such misconceptions. We have met our dwarven escorts, all of them from the Mithrilshield Clan, they are a friendly people as well and just as thorough as their cousins in Rant. We shall be spending the remainder of the day here then moving out at dawn to go into the mountains to the outpost. I have spoken with Yesrin as well and all is in order for arrival. I must say again that I am thrilled for this assignment. I’ve heard the travel will be a few days into the mountains so I may not write again till our arrival there. The Secret Hold, the Minotaurs named it, I believe in honor of one of their deities. The craftsmen-ship has no comparison. I must confess that I am amazed at its beauty and the lack of magics used in its creation. All save for the entrance. The main doors were grand indeed, but the bridge to cross the chasm is not visible. I can see how this place could be overlooked with one just passing along the upper trails. The main hall; its pillars of the finest obsidian and the detail to the works is a true credit to the craftsman at hand. I shall have to inquire who all was involved in the creation of this place. Yesrin is pleased with my knowledge and my previous studies, he has assured me I will spent ample more time in study and in particular to fey magics. Apparently the humans of Furp have not explored Havenwood, a wood on their northern border, and we are to assist in the task. There are several rumors of the wood, some ancient fey court ruling the wood, and some old temple to Sunar located within. Today was a truly blessed day; I can now say I’ve had the pleasure to meet a dragon, and not just any dragon a Bronze Dragon. He is still young, at least by dragon standards, and Yesrin has introduced him as Kalver. Apparently his name is much longer but Kalver being the most pronounceable in most languages. We had to access his hold by magical means, apparently no one, even Yesrin, knows exactly where is ‘chamber’ is. But he is friendly that is for sure and is as full of questions about me and the mortal races as I have of him. I do hope he will be joining us on our expedition. It has been several days since I could last write. I have been too busy with my duties and for that I apologize. Yesrin has gone, back to True Valley, and I must say I do miss the beauty of the valley. I do grow tired of these stone mountains and their mundane appearance. Ah, just a decade to serve here, then back home. I imagine the experiences I will be able to share when I return, and be able to share with you. It is one of the reasons I’ve kept this journal, I hope that at the end of this ordeal I will have enough coin to begin work on our own home. And with as much as I miss the home I’m thinking more and more…how do you feel about living outside the city? Perhaps near the woods or the lake? I’ve found something interesting in an old tome; it has brought me back to an earlier thought. If the expedition is to go on into Havenwood I will encourage Kalver to join us. The tome references an ancient Wyrm being involved with the downfall of the temple. And from Kalver I’ve learned that Wyrm is a title given to elders of the dragon races; to add more in most cases it is a dragon who has lived past one thousand years! Imagine what he has seen? Of course if it is a vile dragon, I’ve also learned there are as many vile ones as good ones, I suppose he would not like to indulge in discussion. Entry #3
Finally some clarity to my earlier entry; the dwarves have been warring with a mountain giant clan within the range and just recently have been ‘probed’ (Thoryms’ words not mine) by an older enemy from deeper underground. He has remained steadfast in the secretiveness of this old enemy. General Inaara has promised a small contingent of a military force (I believe about twelve soldiers) to the dwarves. He wants to keep peaceful relations with them, and doesn’t want to send more to their aid until they become more forthcoming with information. Kalver and I have begun works on some defenses, well certain defenses I should say. Currently I am the only one, other than my predecessor, that knows how to get to Kalver and we plan to keep it that way. I’ve begun defenses for certain areas of the ‘Keep’, namely I’ve been able to put some use to craft albeit with the help of Rendor Forikson the Minotaur High Priest. I have high hopes the golems will all be in place and functional within the month. I’m going to entrust the key to bypass them with Kalver as I cannot envision a better protector. I’ve informed General Inaara of this and am glad to say he is in complete agreement. It has been a busy month; the soldiers have not returned and the golems are in place. Sir Brisco Fireheart also arrived today, a holy warrior from the human kingdom of Furp. His purpose here I’m not sure of but I’m not privy to all the finer details of this place. He is a pleasure to talk too and is curious of me and our ways as I am of his. I hope to have more time to discuss things with him though I feel I may not be able too. General Inaara has tasked me specifically with finding out what I can about this threat to the dwarven clan. I have found something disturbing to me; I think it is relevant to this ‘threat’. It seems, if I’ve interpreted the tomes correctly, that during the God War the elves had a large group of their population abandon their beliefs and follow someone named Lolth in a civil war. The end result was Lolth losing the battle when the elven deities themselves intervened on the battlefield chasing those who abandoned them into the underdark. The texts refer to this off-shoot of the elven race as Drow. Two of our soldiers have returned with a small dwarf contingent. Apparently the dwarves were escorts for our men. I was pleased to be invited to the debriefing. And I am equally stunned by what was said. The remainder of our forces that went where all deceased, fallen in combat. The enemy is in fact these DrowI found record of and apparently the dwarves went through a similar civil war as the elves. Duergar or Dark Dwarf was their respective branching; apparently following some dark deity named Abbathor. If I understand things correctly there are working with one another attempting to get something from the Mithrilshield Clan. Thorym will not say what they are after just that it’s something they gave a God Oath to protect. General Inaara has sent more soldiers both of our peoples and the Minotaurs. It seems dark times have come. Perhaps there was some insight the General had when he had me focus on those defenses. I find myself now wondering what those Golems are guarding and when, if I will ever return home to you. I pray to Shiran every day for her blessing and to return home safely. It has been many days since I wrote last, things have gotten worse and better. I say worse because of the ‘state’ we are in. Constant patrols and checkpoints, magical barrier tests and searches for traces of hostile magic’s. What feats are these Drowand Duergar capable of? The better news is the Giants have been contained to one area in the mountains and have broken off all of their attacks. The dwarves truly have mastered fighting this larger race. I assisted in the last push and I must say their tactics are sound and effective. I imagine the General has learned something from witnessing their tactics. Entry #4
A strange visitor came today, a human, dressed in dark robes. He introduced himself as Gargatha; myself, Thorym and Brisco were all present for his introduction to General Inaara. He seemed out of place as if he didn’t belong and from a few things he said…well they didn’t make sense to me and I’ve begun pouring over many tomes to get an understanding of him. I’ve found nothing. And more disturbing was when he left and after; he seemed to study the main hall on his way out and things were darker when Brisco informed General Inaara of the man’s ill intent. I asked Brisco how he could know such a thing and all he responded with is “Sunar has shown me this.” I have been busy of late and it has been a month since last I wrote. I have been involved in the fighting in the caverns, it is important that the food supply is secured. We have secured the outer doors as well and none are allowed to leave per the generals’ orders. Gargatha has failed to return though some of the wards have been triggered and I’ve felt something/someone attempting to view me when I’m with Kalver. I believe it to be magical scrying and am glad I’d already enacted measures to counter it. I have read of them and now have participated in one. I found out he was scrying, he was after something that Kalver had; perhaps it was the key I made. What does it protect? I confronted him atop a mountain – I’m not sure where – and I admit there was a risk involved in the teleportation but I felt it had to be done. The spell battle was difficult, I thought I had the upper hand but he began to produce magics I have never seen or heard of. There was something else about his power. I honestly feel that if Kalver had not shown up I would not be writing this now. Entry #5 I have successfully scried back upon Gargatha it would appear he is behind most of our troubles, to include those with the dwarves. I know he has under his employ two demons. One is an ancestor of the fallen minotaurs or perhaps even one of the first. I have relayed all the information I have to the general and informed him to expect an attack of various sorts on the compound. I apologize for the short entry but there are many preparations I must attend too. I pen this in safety and with my last words. They successfully breached the compound. This mage has more of a force than I had originally thought. He came with the demons, one a succubus who wielded spells to aid her comrades…no minions in battle. Their attack force was different; grey skinned orcs and all with a symbol burned or scarred into their foreheads. It was a single line and arrows pointing in all directions coming from it. They took the first level of the compound quickly. I do not know how long that battle was, the General instructed me to fall back to the temple level with Brisco. We made our stand in the temple we shared with the Minotaurs. The demon came quickly with a small army of orcs and a demonic goblin; a Barghest. The priests fell most of their spells having no effect on the demon and then Brisco made his stand. I did my best to keep the orcs off of him and help in combating the demon but I must admit I was ill prepared for this confrontation. The last of the battle I recall clearly; Brisco held his blade in a defensive stance and called out to Sunar. I admit I’ve never witnessed such divine intervention before in my life. The room seemed to freeze in time; Brisco turned to me and bade me to take his blade. And as I did I saw him fade, he faded and the blade began to glow. I know he is the blade and I know it was his sacrifice that let me escape for my spells had been exhausted. I rest from my injuries now in Kalvers home, if only he were here, perhaps he could tend to my wounds. I miss you my love and I regret we shall not meet again in this life. But know that if you ever are able to read this I await you in the after. Be at peace, we made a valiant stand and the secrets I know understand we kept are safe. The enemy will not find Swiftblades’ tomb…
Turn Around Island:
Seliphas knew he had slept a long time, the exact amount escaped him, but what embraced him was the sudden breeze caressing his wings… ********************************************************************* The wings only fluttered at first, a mere movement, and yet enough to let the kobolds know they had found their fallen master. As the last bit of dust fell from the cavern ceiling they could make out the large shape, and from its’ own glow they could see the red tint on the beasts scales… ********************************************************************** He smelled the air, his eyes still closed, a smell he knew…vermin true, however loyal-faithfully to the end. And there was something new in the air…something he did not know…no wait, it was something he had forgotten. ********************************************************************* The great dragon suddenly raised its head almost striking the ceiling and let out a tremendous roar; the cavern walls shook, loose stone fell and the ground shook as the beast stirred. The kobolds knew their master and despite his fearful presence remained; instead they all came out of hiding and bowed before the beast. Seliphas looked down on the kobolds, “What has happened in my absence?” The kobolds shuddered in his voice, save for one; Gorgoo stood, “Braxiphius has awoken master, a befouled flower has awoken him.” The red dragons’ eyes narrowed; befouled flower? The phrase sparked his curiosity and his mind began to wonder how long had he been asleep? “You who lead; what is your name?” The kobold bowed before his master, “Gorgoo.” The kobold stood straight as the wyrm flared his wings, “Forever loyal to the great Seliphas!” “Speak and tell me what has transpired in my absence.” Gorgoo did as he was bid. He told his master of the absence of the counsel, the absence of the mortal faithful, and in this fallen celenree. Seliphas was very interested in this celenree, he remembered their kind, how the gods had touched them; how they helped in stealing their faithful. Seliphas was a beast of a different time, he lived when mortals worshiped his kind-some did so out of fear and others out of respect of the monstrous wyrms. He learned from Gorgoo how times had changed, how man had forgotten of him and his kin. This lack of memory didn’t worry or anger him; his thoughts ran of those mortal races running in fear of his presence again. Yes he would regain his followers, re-establish his territory, and he knew he must be quick about it. But what of Braxiphius, “How long has the murk dweller been awake?” The great wyrm shuddered and his form slowly began to shrink altering in appearance to that of a man. “He has not moved from his swamp, though the swamp has moved.” The man stopped and turned toward Gorgoo, “his swamp has moved?” Gorgoo bowed, “Yes master, the foul flower has started new events, and he aims to take the trial of the stars.” Seliphas smiled, looked beyond the kobold to the cave system that entered his chamber and began to walk; he would see the outside again. “He is not alone in this task; there is another, a man mage. He thinks to use the other to achieve the same goal.” Gorgoo smiled as he followed his master, he knew Seliphas enjoyed such chaos, and he knew as time passed Seliphas grew hungry again – hungry for flesh. The man – Seliphas – stepped out into the open air and inhaled, “Be ready for my return. I hunger and wish to see what has happened to my island.” The man’s form shifted, growing; at first in size then altered, a tail, leathery wings, elongated neck holding his draconic head. It was his true form and a form that was feared by all. Seliphas spread his wings, tested them against the air, and then with a jump was in the air flying. Gorgoo looked on as his master flew away, he knew he had made the right choice in searching him out, he knew it was time for the great red wyrm to awaken… ***********************************************************
The crowd cheered and Herphys held his hands aloft to calm them, “We have won our war!” He allowed the cheers to continue, “And now with this!” He turned his hands to the matching pillars at the center of this construct, “We will open a gate to the mainland and bring fear to the nations of man!” The hobgoblins howled releasing their savage roar and chanters calling out his name. He enjoyed it and it was this feeling of power that reminded him that he didn’t care what may come through the portal; with that mage in the cave he was certain his people would go stronger. A quick silence came over the crowd as the mage- clothed in black robes completely hiding his features, all but the staff that helped to support his frail frame-appeared beside Herphys. The hobgoblin didn’t flinch, he was used to these appearances, “My people are ready and your construction is complete as you detailed.” The mage turned looking over the construction, “Good, good.” He moved to the center pillars and began to cast. The words at first were low but soon they changed to being a thunderous roar, the mage released his staff-it stayed standing on its own- and lifted his arms to the sky. His hood flew back showing his long grey hair, as his arms raised his sleeves lowered revealing his skeletal hands. Herphys watched on as the sky above darkened and began to fear what was happening as that deeper darkness began to envelope the mages hands, then the pillars, finally the air between the pillars. As the air solidified in darkness between the pillars a thunderous clap echoed through the camp and sent out a concussive force knocking all down; except for the mage and his staff. The hobgoblins regained their footing and Herphys began to see small shadowy shapes emerging from the portal, they had no real form, they just seemed to scurry on the ground then vanish into the forest. The mage stopped chanting and regained his composure. He stood before the portal and lifted his staff and began to chant again; at its conclusion he slammed the staff to the ground. Slowly another form emerged from the black portal; at first it was spider like legs though more purplish in color and their size, their size…whatever this creature was Herphys knew it would be the size of many giants. Its body began to emerge and it was then that he could look no more; the fear cascaded through the entire encampment even waking the beaten elf slaves. When the sky was back to normal the fear was gone and so was the mage. Whatever the mage had brought through Herphys knew it was something to fear…but as he and his were still alive he knew that as long as they kept the portal safe the mage would keep them safe.
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