Forums

Slightly edited for readability. The Forum   The newly built Forum is Maelbrim's premier meeting area.  It is a large circle, its boundaries marked by columns and its ground laid with marble.  Here is where public deals are struck, orations are given, and a great deal of spectacle takes place.  It was ground zero for the catastrophe that was summoned to this land, but there are no signs of that devastation now.  What had once been a ruinous crater is now a symbol of life and a flurry of activity.  The King's Square is due east, the Northern Commons to the north, the Southern Commons to the south and Green Square to the west.  A fountain has been placed in the middle of the square, a true masterpiece of art.  Just north of it, a white marble statue has been erected, depicting a very hairy, square, small person.  Must be a dwarf.     Some graffiti has been surreptitiously placed here, depicting a White Wolf. [Exits: north east south west]      A short note is here.      A set of Imperial banners stand proudly around the commons.      The official Tribunal Roll Call has been posted here.      The statue of a dwarf stands here proudly, hewn in white marble.      A large marble fountain carved in the likeness of a regal-looking illithid is here. A Caravan bearing crests of Valmiran is here. (White Aura) A Marshall of Maelbrim stands here, enforcing the Law.   Baudry walks in.   Baudry looks at you.   l baud A halfling stands before you, no taller than a sturdy fence post.  His small form is dense and muscular, and his neck is as thick as his head.  Light brown hair, short and wavy, clings to his head like the gentle undulations of a sunlit field of dry wheat.  His forehead is broad, and his eyebrows jut out slightly like a shelf above his eyes.  His jawline, sharply defined, bears no hair or stubble.  His hazel eyes are flecked with tones of gold and green like sunlight filtering through autumn leaves.  A nose, small yet angular, is perfectly suited to his proportions at the center of his face.  His mouth is small and rests slightly open, revealing large, yellow teeth like clumps of sulfur in a dark cave.   His skin is lightly sweaty and bronzed, its warm hue stretched taut over his short and muscular frame.  Broad shoulders, disproportionate to his height, give his body a near square appearance, which is accentuated by the sharp corners of the snug canvas tunic that hugs his torso.  The weave on the canvas is of high quality, and the stitching around the hems has been done with a fine gold wire, giving a slight iridescence to an otherwise ordinary garment.  Held up with a simple black cord around the waist, he wears a pair of simple trousers, dyed a rich brown, which fall neatly to his ankles.  Hairy feet, bare and calloused, are planted firmly to the ground beneath him, each toenail thick and yellow like his teeth.   Baudry currently holds the title of Master Questor of Aabahran. Baudry is in excellent condition. Baudry stops using the Arctron. Baudry says 'Yer should put that cabasa up.' Desci makes a grand show of riffing on his cabasa. Baudry utters the words, 'bahhrzhgruiqz'. Baudry closes his eyes and seems to enter a deep trance.  Baudry's movements seem less accurate.  You say 'No-can-do, little man. Busker's gotta busk.' Baudry utters the words, 'bahhrzgspzcandus'. Baudry closes his eyes and meditates briefly. Baudry says 'Yer don' wan break ther law.' You say 'There is no statute within the walls of Maelbrim that forbid busking, good sir!' Baudry says 'Ther Empire considers er a weapon. Either ya git out, or yer goin' ter jail.' You say 'I'd know, I'm a Herald. It's our business to know these things.' Baudry wields the Arctron and holds it high. Baudry tightens his grip around the Arctron. Baudry utters the words, 'gpaeaxeaiqzf'. Baudry meditates briefly and begins to move in a strange alien way.   Baudry looks at you. You say 'For what crime? Living an honest bard's life? How dare you accost me thusly!' Baudry utters the words, 'bahhrzyajudig'. Baudry closes his eyes and meditates briefly.   Baudry says 'Yer past ther allotted time. Make er choice.' Baudry looks at you.  lull  Baudry's eyes roll back into his head as he collapses into a deep sleep. You parry a Marshall of Maelbrim's attack. You dodge a Marshall of Maelbrim's attack. A Marshall of Maelbrim is in excellent condition.  Desci:  [100] <954/954|404/866|504/504> 13:00 42660 M 37029 flee A Marshall of Maelbrim parries your attack. You dodge a Marshall of Maelbrim's attack. A Marshall of Maelbrim's spear charge LACERATES you! A Marshall of Maelbrim is in excellent condition.  Desci:  [94] <904/954|404/866|504/504> 13:00 42660 M 37029 Your skin feels soft again. A Marshall of Maelbrim is in excellent condition.  Desci:  [95] <912/954|411/866|504/504> 14:00 42660 M 37029 A Marshall of Maelbrim parries your attack. Your uncanny muse wounds[5/20] a Marshall of Maelbrim. A Marshall of Maelbrim parries your attack. You block a Marshall of Maelbrim's attack with your weapon. You dodge a Marshall of Maelbrim's attack. A Marshall of Maelbrim has a few scratches.  Desci:  [95] <912/954|411/866|504/504> 14:00 42660 M 37029 You flee from combat! Rift Road   This street, leading from the Forum to the west to the Dragon Gate to the east, has been named to remind people of the catastrophe that destroyed Rheydin, Maelbrims' predecessor.  Even though the Rift and the following explosion are but a memory told to small wicked children, the catastrophe shall never be forgotten.  The street leading east, ultimately to the Savant Tower, has been chosen to remind the populace who caused the Rift that triggered the explosion that took out a large chunk of the city.   The Palace can be seen to the north. [Exits: north east west]   ...   <912/954|411/866|493/504> 14:00 42660 M 37029 Further into the Dragon's Teeth   You've walked for what seems like miles. The Dragon's Teeth mountains still rise all around you, and you have even harder terrain ahead, so it seems. The wind has picked up, and ice and snow are all around you. It seems this is the only path through the mountains. [Exits: west up] An army Staging Camp has been built here.   <912/954|411/866|491/504> 14:00 42660 M 37029 You are now WANTED!   <912/954|411/866|491/504> 14:00 42660 M 37029 u Within the Dragon's Teeth Mountains   You are now deep within the Dragon's Teeth mountain range. Rock is all around you, and the snow here comes to your knees in certain drifts. It is chilly, and bleak up here. The desolate winds from the Blasted Lands now blow through the canyons here with a cold sigh of misery. [Exits: east down] An army Staging Camp has been built here. You say 'Desci the Libertine! I like it!' Baudry rides in.   <954/954|510/866|504/504> 20:00 42660 M 37029 You yell 'Help! Baudry is trying to cut me apart!' Baudry's critical strike misses you. Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! You parry Baudry's attack. You parry Baudry's attack. The Arctron tears into your nerves. Your uncanny muse mauls[6/20] Baudry. Your uncanny muse devastates[8/20] Baudry! Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [94] <898/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! The Arctron tears into your nerves. Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. A bulloak cabasa tears into Baudry's nerves. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [80] <770/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 You dodge Baudry's attack. Baudry's shock MASSACRES you! Your uncanny muse misses[0/20] Baudry. Your uncanny muse decimates[7/20] Baudry! The Shroud of Undeath seems to emit a dark aura at Baudry. You drain the strength from Baudry's legs! Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [73] <703/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry wounds your chest. Baudry's critical strike *** OBLITERATES *** you! Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [58] <562/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 You parry Baudry's attack. Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! The Arctron tears into your nerves. Baudry dodges your attack. Your uncanny muse misses[0/20] Baudry. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [46] <439/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 You block Baudry's attack with your weapon. Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. Baudry dodges your attack. A bulloak cabasa tears into Baudry's nerves. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [39] <381/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's critical strike misses you. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [39] <381/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's shock MASSACRES you! You block Baudry's attack with your weapon. The Arctron tears into your nerves. Baudry dodges your attack. Your uncanny muse misses[0/20] Baudry. A bulloak cabasa tears into Baudry's nerves. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [32] <312/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 You parry Baudry's attack. You dodge Baudry's attack. You parry Baudry's attack. The Arctron tears into your nerves. Baudry parries your attack. A bulloak cabasa tears into Baudry's nerves. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [32] <312/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry wounds your chest. Baudry's critical strike LACERATES you! Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [27] <264/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's shock MASSACRES you! You sure are BLEEDING! You dodge Baudry's attack. The Arctron tears into your nerves. Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [20] <196/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 You block Baudry's attack with your weapon. You dodge Baudry's attack. You block Baudry's attack with your weapon. Baudry dodges your attack. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [20] <196/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's thrust LACERATES you! You sure are BLEEDING! Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [15] <146/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 You dodge Baudry's attack. You dodge Baudry's attack. Baudry's shock MASSACRES you! You sure are BLEEDING! The Arctron tears into your nerves. Baudry blocks your attack with his weapon. A bulloak cabasa tears into Baudry's nerves. Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [8] <78/954|524/866|504/504> 21:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's chop MASSACRES you! You sure are BLEEDING! Baudry has a few scratches.  Desci:  [2] <20/954|536/866|504/504> 22:00 42660 M 37029 Baudry's shock DISMEMBERS you! Baudry stops short of a killing blow. As you lose your consciousness you see a swarm of guards surround you quickly. West Cell   You stand in a small, dark cell.  The walls are moist and carry distinct marks of blood, and the air is thick with fear and stench of over occupants. A bit of straw covers the ground and serves as a bed, with a small bucket doubling as food pot and sanitary device.  Cries of remorse fill the air mixed with occasional shuffle and clank of guards.  North of you a magical barrier crackles, preventing any escape.     'Slandren wuz here 1578 PC.' has been scratched into the wall. [Exits: north] Your sentence has been set to Normal for 20 hours. [HERALD] a feminine bouncer: 'Desci's sentence has been set to Normal for 20 hours.' [HERALD] a feminine bouncer: 'Contacts report of Desci's arrival in Val Miran Jail.'   <238/954|0/866|126/504> 22:00 42660 M 37029 [HERALD]: 'Not enough support to activate The Eternal Library.'   Baudry rides in. Baudry says 'Now I kin appreciate some above-board smarm and sass.'   Baudry says 'What yer did was beyond thar.' You say 'This won't be the end of our tale, little man! You've not seen the last of Desci the Libertine!'     You stand up. aff You are affected by the following: Spell: incarceration  : for 18 hours Spell: mounted        : for 34 hours Baudry says 'I was hopin' we could be friens.' Baudry tightens his grip around the Arctron. You say 'You have a talk with your Empire on their stance against a hard day's work, and we might come to an arrangement.' Baudry says 'Now yer'cn apologize fer puttin' me ta sleep and disobeyin' ther laws, and I kin go easy on ya.' Baudry says 'Er I can put yer in here ter rot.'  You say 'I'll do no such thing. You had it coming, you did.'  Your sentence has been set to Extended for 47 hours.. [HERALD] a feminine bouncer: 'Desci's sentence has been set to Extended for 47 hours..'  You say 'I can take it! You'll rue the day you trifled with Herald!' A squad of guards surrounds the cell and quickly escort Baudry out. n A magical barrier crackles as it stops you. Baudry tells you 'Whenever yer feel like apologizin' m'ears are open.' You tell Baudry 'I'll make sure to shout it so you'll be able to hear it all the way down there.' Baudry tells you 'Appreciates ya. If yer'd show yer consideration in other ways... like ther laws... mebbeh we kin be friends.'  Baudry tells you 'Yer choice. M'arms'r open.'  You tell Baudry 'I await the tender embrace around my shins.' Baudry tells you 'Mebber it'll keep 'em warmer then ther bugs yer pickin' up in ther jail. ' Baudry tells you 'When yer out, make sure ter head down to ther Eredeni river'n check yerself fer ticks and mites'n the like.' reply Guh, only goes to show the lack of care and respect your kind have for honest citizens! They can't hear you. West Cell   You stand in a small, dark cell.  The walls are moist and carry distinct marks of blood, and the air is thick with fear and stench of over occupants. A bit of straw covers the ground and serves as a bed, with a small bucket doubling as food pot and sanitary device.  Cries of remorse fill the air mixed with occasional shuffle and clank of guards.  North of you a magical barrier crackles, preventing any escape.     'Slandren wuz here 1578 PC.' has been scratched into the wall. [Exits: north]  

Taunting going on over an hour while we spar with armies. In all this time only one bastallion was able to get capturedI enjoyed it! but both went through a ton of armies. To whoever the player of Talindra, I enjoyed it, thanks for the conversation instead of just silent back and forth with armies. Had to cut it short as work calls.   [15:52:02] You told Talindra 'This is fun! Watching all those mortal souls being  sucked into the Gateway! Keep sending more!' [15:52:44] Talindra told you 'I have resurected every one of my fallen Crusaders .  I am a healer you know.' [15:53:04] You told Talindra 'Your a liar too, no mortal can ressurect tens of t housands in a matter of days.' [15:53:10] Talindra told you 'They rise and march home to rest and come back to  fight for the Castle.' [15:53:49] Talindra told you 'Ah, but have you ever met another Guardian healer? ' [15:53:51] You told Talindra 'It is not one or two, it is over 1500 crusaders ea ch wave. Your mind is not so powerful. You might save a couple dozen at best. Th at leaves tens of thousands going into the Gateway.' [15:54:53] Talindra told you 'Yes perhaps in my younger days sure... not now tha t I have risen to a level of enlightenment that you shall never achieve.' [15:54:54] You told Talindra 'So you are saying that your mind is more powerful  than any of the Gods of light, sounds a bit blasphemous to me.' [15:55:30] Talindra told you 'You think that is a task to powerful for the God o f Light?' [15:56:05] You told Talindra 'Are you saying your gods allow these mortals to fa ll into the Gateway without a healer around, when they could prevent it without  any effort?' [15:57:31] You told Talindra 'Ahh the silence says it all.' [15:57:37] Talindra told you 'I do not speak for the Gods, they are on a higher  plain then myself.' [15:57:54] You told Talindra 'Or lies spread from your lips like honey from a be ars pot.' [15:58:25] You told Talindra 'Is this like the Southern Road being held by Knigh ts alone for thousands of years because of you?' [15:58:27] Talindra told you 'You think you are on the same plain as the Gods?   Foolish gnatt... ha!' [15:59:04] Talindra told you 'I would watch my tough speaking like that... you c ompare yourself to the immortals... wow...' [15:59:07] You told Talindra 'I am no where near as powerful as a God. Don't wan t to be... would be boring. I want plunder and wealth beyond imagine!' [15:59:38] Talindra told you 'Ah yes back track your words like the coward you a re... kt all makes sense now.' [15:59:56] You told Talindra 'By calling your lie on holding the Southern road is  putting myself on the level of immortals? Ha! Your ego is bigger than your rump!' Talindra tells you 'Is it your ears or your eyes that you have trouble with?' [16:00:20] You told Talindra 'I am not a healer, I do not speak to do what the G ods themselves cannot do.' [16:00:23] Talindra told you 'Oh we will take the Southern road back in time...' [16:01:34] You told Talindra 'You are the one claiming to resurrect tens of thou sands in a matter of days, yes?' [16:01:59] Talindra told you 'The only corpses here are those of Demons... ' [16:02:23] You told Talindra 'Because the others were devoured by vultures. Haha !' [16:02:30] Talindra told you 'I saw my crusaders rise and drop their old armor a nd march off to the castle.' [16:02:52] You told Talindra 'Ohh, you watched them become undead and just stood  by... how pitiful.' [16:03:50] Talindra told you 'Ha... you have never seen the power of a healer eh ?' [16:03:51] You told Talindra 'You mix lies with proclomations of being so powerf ul as to ressurect countless dead.' [16:04:20] You told Talindra 'I have seen a healer run without what we know of a s mana. You claim to have an unlimited source?' [16:05:00] Talindra told you 'Not unlimited but im sure more then you can fathom , and my mind heals very quickly.' [16:05:31] You told Talindra 'Heals do not stop death, especially in the face of  a Gateway that pulls the soul.' [16:05:44] Talindra told you 'Oh but it does.' [16:06:14] You told Talindra 'Your lies are bottomless, what happened to the cod es of the Castle and truth bound?' [16:06:36] You told Talindra 'Is it so hard to admit that you simply enjoy watch ing thousands of Crusaders die?' [16:06:52] Talindra told you 'I have only spoken the truth... It is you whose mi nd is warped.' [16:07:30] You told Talindra 'Now now, I am not claiming to do what the Gods the mselves cannot do.' [16:07:53] Talindra told you 'Again, death does come for us all... just not toda y, and never for my Crusaders.' [16:08:19] You told Talindra 'The blood of Garas upon my dagger says you do not  save all Crusaders.' [16:08:29] Talindra told you 'I find it funny that you believe the Gods have lim itations.' [16:08:32] You told Talindra 'I am but one, the Horde is countless.' [16:09:08] Talindra told you 'I know nothing of this name or your so called bloo dy dagger.' [16:09:29] You told Talindra 'If they had no limitions, explain why they do not  stop the undead and gateways from running the world. Their power is boundless.' [16:10:12] Talindra told you 'Again, I am sure they have their reasons, I do not  pretend to know what a God thinks.' [16:10:41] You told Talindra 'You mean you intentionally pull blinders over your  eyes so you may speak falsely without remorse?' [16:11:20] Talindra told you 'No, I do not consider myself a God, and I am sure  they each have their own reasons for what they do or do not do.' [16:12:00] You told Talindra 'Ohh, I am certain they allow the Continuum and the  Nexus to flourish for a good reason. I mean why else would they allow souls to  be devoured right?' [16:13:01] Talindra told you 'I have no clue why they allow it to exist, but I a m sure there is a reason... a balance of light and dark?  Perhaps...' [16:13:53] You told Talindra 'Ahh, so there must be death to be a balance... yet  you claim to resurrect countless thousands and disrupt that balance?' [16:15:50] Talindra told you 'It is not my job to create balance, it is my job t o protect life... and I am very good at it.' [16:17:08] You told Talindra 'You are delusional. Consumate of the mad cow disea se I declare!' [16:18:17] Talindra told you 'Hum... strange disease... I have never heard of th is... you sure thst is something of this realm?' [16:19:06] You told Talindra 'Indeed, have you never read history on how the Min otaurs went mad... har you are beret of education as well.' [16:19:46] Talindra told you 'I have not, please point that tome out to me.' [16:20:50] You told Talindra 'Ahh well, perhaps one day you will read of the Lun ar Triad and the mad king Minaus who fell into the Chaos.' [16:21:21] Talindra told you 'I look forward to it... what book is that?' [16:30:05] You told Talindra 'Ahh, the suffering is so wonderful, makes you feel  alive doesn't it?!' [16:30:39] Talindra told you 'I see no suffering...' [16:31:10] Talindra told you 'Did you find that book?' [16:31:11] You told Talindra 'Oh you are blind to suffering too, I get it.' [16:31:54] Talindra told you 'No, I here, I hear a fiddle being played from the  tavern... sounds like a good time.' [16:32:04] Talindra told you 'No suffering anywhere.' [16:32:37] You told Talindra 'Oh, those who you supposedly resurrect just flop d ead without any pain... jee jaw your brilliant.' [16:33:07] Talindra told you 'Ah yes, it is Ulmelr and his fiddle...' [16:33:46] You told Talindra 'I believe insanity has come with age elf.' [16:33:56] Talindra told you 'Pain is trivial... they spring back to life with a  glow and a warmth that most never experience.' [16:34:27] You told Talindra 'That moment between is called suffering, regardles s of how you delude yourself.' [16:34:57] Talindra told you 'I have met som insane ones in my day.... mostly fr om your tower.' [16:35:18] You told Talindra 'You mistake me for a Savant? Ha!' [16:35:53] You told Talindra 'I reside in a Fortress, not a little tower.' [16:35:54] Talindra told you 'No I have much more respect for them... what your  hole in the ground you call a drark castle...' [16:36:15] Talindra told you 'A fortress... ha... not much of one...' [16:36:25] You told Talindra 'Come test it's walls then.' [16:36:51] Talindra told you 'Oh you dont want me to do that.' [16:55:58] Talindra told you 'Did you find that book yet?' [16:56:08] You told Talindra 'I did.' [16:56:45] Talindra told you 'Wonderful, I would very muchike to read it, what i s its number I will go to the great Library now.' [16:57:13] You told Talindra 'Find it yourself you or you that lazy?' [16:58:34] Talindra told you 'Nver have I been lazy, just assuming since I have  read most of the great books and have never seen that one... it may exist only i n your delusions?' [16:59:21] You told Talindra 'Yar, you keep believing that just like you believe  there is no suffering in death and that you can resurrect tens of thousands of  Crusaders in a day.' [17:00:01] Talindra told you 'I beleive what I see with my eyes...' [17:00:10] You told Talindra 'Keep believing yer' gods of Light allow the Contin uum and the Gateways for a good reason. Har har!' [17:00:38] You told Talindra 'So ye' seen your god before you believed in them e h?' [17:01:36] Talindra told you 'I speak to my God every day, but know I knew from  the moment I took my fist breath that he existed.' [17:02:03] You told Talindra 'So ye' see with your breath? Must be awful in the  mornings.'

Mansion of Malevolent and Western Underdark have been updated. 

[CHURCH] items have been adjusted.

The Floating Gardens   Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here.  The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful.  A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene.   [Exits: west]      (Magical) A magical spring flows from the ground here. The sound of someone whistling a merry tune wafts in from somewhere nearby. Riona is sitting here, deep in thoughts. The whistle meanders through the gardens, almost passing her by unnoticed. After a few moments, she blinks her eyes and looks up, eyes scanning her surroundings. Every now and again, the whistling stops, and a cheerful voice hums to itself, 'Dum dee dum... Hmm hmm hmm'. On and on the merry tune goes... Riona rises to her feet and starts moving over towards that voice. She is cautious, wary as she approaches whoever is over there, and yet an amiable smile lingers on her lips. A man in black flies in. A man in black whistles merrily to himself. A man in black says 'Oh, hello!' A man in black says 'I didn't mean to interrupt' 'Good evening,' Riona replies, curtseying low before the black man. Riona shakes her head. 'Not at all, not at all.' A man in black says 'I was just wandering about and...' An enormous, exaggerated grin spreads over the man's face. A man in black says 'Ah!' A man in black says 'You have seen it!' A man in black says 'There's no mistaking that look' A man in black rubs his hands together with glee, 'How wonderful!'. Hands clasped in front of herself, Riona tilts her head slightly to the side and gives the man in black a long, scrutinizing look, her gaze sweeping over his form. You say 'Seen what?' A man in black says 'Come, now' A man in black says 'You know what I mean, there is no mistaking it' The odd fellow can barely contain himself, and does a little skipping jig on the spot. Riona arches a slender eyebrow. 'I have seen much.' A smile creeps up on her face, widening at the man's spontaneous dance. A man in black says 'You have seen It, and It has seen you!' Riona nods her head slowly. A man in black says 'Did It show you things?' In a much higher pitched voice, the man exclaims, 'It showed me things...'. Riona hesitates for a moment, eyes narrowing into thin lines, and then her jaw drops. 'You.. you have seen It as well, then?' Riona asks, 'What did It show you?' A deeper voice, now... and you are not even sure you saw the man's lips moving, 'Oh yes! Such things...'. A man in black says 'Such...' A man in black says '... things' An almost child-like voice, 'I didn't know what most of them were!'. A much deeper, drawling grate, 'But It showed me anyway...'. Riona steps in closer to the man and grips his shoulder firmly. Excitement streaks through her voice and her eyes gleam with anticipation: 'Tell me.' 'Tell me!,' Riona urges again. A man in black says 'It... showed me things' A man in black says 'He didn't want to see' A man in black says 'I mean, I didn't want to see' A drawling, high-pitched whine, '...But It showed him, anyway!'. You suddenly notice that tears are streaming down the man's face. Riona's grip tightens, fingers digging into the man's shoulder. 'It demands much of us. Too much, I fear. And yet...' A man in black pulls at his hair, and cries out 'I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE!!' Blood suddenly starts trickling from the agitated man's nose. 'Hush, hush. I will make things right.' Riona's voice is a soft, comforting coo. Noticing the blood, she reaches down into her satchel, pulling up a sharp, gleaming kris. Wiping the blood on the back of his hand, the man starts to fidget and chuckle to himself. Softly, Riona says, 'This will all be over soon.' A man in black says 'Oh my!' Tears of blood begin to freely flow from the man's eyes... His ears are already soaked red. A man in black says 'Heh heh heh heh...' The mans limbs and torso have begin to bulge unnaturally... 'What you saw was not meant for your eyes.' There is a hint of sadness of Riona's voice, laced with... envy. A man in black says 'Hehehehe!' The man coughs out some words, his mouth filled with blood, 'You see It, and It sees you...!' A man in black says 'Heahehahah!' The man's head has begun to expand grotesquely, bulging out in disgusting balloons. The suddenly laughter seems to take Riona by surprise. She takes a step back, suddenly seeming quite doubtful. Then, a grim expression settles on her features. A man in black says 'Uuh seee it, it ssesss uuuu!' Riona steps forward to the man, grabs him by the wrists, and plunges her kris towards his chest. 'Shush-shush-shush. Things will be alright.' Blood and bits of clotted flesh have begun to pool and gather around the rapidly decaying creature's feet. As the blade pierces the mans chest, he explodes in a disgusting river of blood and clotted gore! You are completely covered, the muck is in your eyes! An Immortal has transferred you. The Void   Nothing. A lot of it. Are you even here? Who is you? You feel a pull tearing at your soul, urging it to go on. What awaits? Damanation, Salvation, Rebirth? Who knows. [Exits: none] Riona jumps back, muttering to herself. She begins wiping her eyes clean from gore with her hands, trying to restore her vision. A cacophony of whispers set to babbling all around you. The voices. She has heard them before, and she will hear them again. Every word spoken known by heart, every syllable a miracle untold. Riona merely smiles. A disjointed voice, somehow both high and low, exclaims blandly, 'It sees yooooooou...', before fading into the nothingness. 'It sees all.' Riona steps into the void, meandering through the nothingness. There is no destination, yet she keeps walking. The blackness pulses, you feel as though you are upside down. Space and time, shrunk to a knot. Riona has been here before, but it is different now. Or perhaps it is -she- that is different now. Flashes of indistinct images come unbidden into your mind. From somewhere nearby, yet infinitely distant, mad laughter rings out. Riona clutches her head and falls to her knees, gasping loudly. 'Agh.' Riona slowly climbs to her feet again and presses onwards. Further. Towards the laughter. Sudden visions assault your mind's eye..! You see prone corpses, splayed like fleshy marionettes upon bare wooden boards. Their flesh a dull yellow, gleaming with sweat and blood. Eyes wide, mouths in exaggerated gapes ... their flesh stripped - pricked, poked and slashed to death. 'The dead pile high.' Riona's eyes flutter closed, her body tensing as more visions sweep through her mind. One of the corpses, a woman, burbles, 'You have seen It'. Your vision swimming, a stinging pain begins to build behind your eyes. The metallic stink of spilled blood is thick in the air. Riona turns her head to stare at the phantasm woman, eyes wide and lips stretched in a wide smile. 'I have s-' Her reply is cut short at the sudden pain. Riona blinks her eyes a few times, grimacing, trying to subdue the pain with the force of her will. You feel suddenly overcome... as though to look fully upon the grandeur and terror of realms beyond normal consciousness and reality is too much. '-seen it. I have seen It.' Riona's words are sluggish, her voice strained. She stumbles, but manages to keep herself on her feet. Somehow, through the blackness, shapes begin to form... A strange cacophony of inhuman, alien gurgling can be heard. A pillar of rock, uncarved and jagged, rises out of the solid shadows in the distance. Riona turns around in the darkness, then turns again, trying to find the source of the noises. Every time, a different direction, space itself contorting around her. And then, the pillar! The half-breed begins moving towards it. Out of the unimaginable blackness, shapes begin to form about the pillar... Riona moves in closer towards the shapes, trying to make sense of them. Gangrenous, uncanny and unheard of... a throng of unnamable things squirm and flop rhythmically about the pillar. Webbed feet, bulging sacs and rubbery tentacles strain and cavort in an ecstacy of delight about the pillar. It would be natural to recoil, to shy away from such horrific things. And yet Riona stares with fascionation, inexplicably drawn to them. She steps forward, reaching out with a hand... The mass of thronging monstrosities throw their webbed and tentacled limbs skyward, crying out joyfully... terribly, in unison to their long dead Gods. The gurgling, mad shriek builds in volume, reaching a mind-shattering crescendo! Although you can barely see, suddenly you are among them. Riona falls to her knees, her eardrum rupturing. She presses her hands against her ears, tiny flecks of blood trickling between her fingers. She screams a silent, voiceless scream. Slippery tentacles and clicking mandibles tug clumsily at your clothes and exposed flesh. About your left leg you feel the bone-shattering grip of a spiny, wet tentacle. The nerve-rending scream continues unabated, the pillar now gone. The tentacles grip tightens... Riona's eyes dart around in frenzied panic, her voice sore from the scream that never ends. She finally gasps, out of breath, desperately trying to suck air into her lungs. Riona tries to pull herself free from the tentacle-grip, pulling her leg, hands trying to unwrap it. Your lungs are sucked dry, your eyes feel as though they are filled with sand... Consciousness begins to fade... There it is. That tiny crack. A fracture on Riona's mind, a chip in her sanity. In the blackness, you somehow perceive the stink of rotting meat... From... somwhere else, a sound barely reaches you. The furious, deafening roar of a monstrous beast. The roar grows louder, louder and louder still! White circles begin to flash and circle in your vision. Is this the end? Riona continues to struggle, although her efforts grow more futile by the second. Darkness surrounds her, demands her. She turns to the roaring sound, watching, waiting. The Floating Gardens   Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here.  The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful.  A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene.   [Exits: west] A monstrous, slavering bear towers here. Strangely, the darkness seems to have abated. Towering here before you is the largest bear you have every seen, its hackles bristling with primal anger. Even on all fours it is well over seven feet in height and raised on its hind legs it would surely be at least double that. The sheer size of the beast is sublime to behold - it dwarfs the largest of giants and looks as though it could stop a landslide in its tracks. Despite its monstrous frame, it seems capable of great speed and moves with a terrible, fearsome purpose. Shaggy, brownish black fur covers the bear's entire body, spiked and shuddering with an ancient and unfathomable fury. Its snout is encrusted with dried blood. Set in a permanent snarl, the creature's elongated jaws boast a terrifying and ragged set of fangs, yellowed and dripping with saliva. Rank, stinking breath rattles through this horrible maw, turning to steam as it meets the air. A set of powerful forelegs, twined with rope-like muscle, extend from the bear's broad shoulders. They are each tipped with razor sharp claws that look as though they could fell an oak with one blow. Its back legs are similarly armed, and tear up the ground with each step. A pair of feverish, yellow-green eyes sit on either side of the beast's snout, holding in their depths the memories of a time before men walked the land. These mysterious and haunting orbs regard you with a mixture of suspicion and contempt. A guttural growl echoes deep in the bear's throat as it notices you staring at it. Shagarh is in excellent condition. Shagarh lowers himself back to all fours. Riona collapses to the floor, her body trembling, hands shaking. Glowering at you with distaste, Shagarh growls 'You runts should not toy with forces you cannot understand'. Shagarh says 'You almost let It free' A loud roar can be heard from far above. 'No.' Riona shakes her head firmly from side to side. 'No, no, no. This was.. something else.' Shagarh says 'It is older than you could possibly comprehend' Shagarh says 'It would gladly devour this world, if It had the chance' Riona slowly steadies herself, taking a deep breath and then another one. She gets up again, taking control over her mind once more - expelling fear, and doubt, and terror from it. Shagarh suddenly stops and sniffs at the air, a low growl rumbling in his throat. A frowning halfling walks into the floating gardens. Rygothran steps out from his cover. 'It loves us,' Riona objects, looking up at the gigantic Bear-God. Shagarh says 'Bah, what do you know?' Shagarh looks at Rygothran. Rygothran stares at Shagarh. Shagarh says 'You should tell your followers to stop poking their noses where they don't belong' Rygothran snaps his fingers and says 'You smell of rotting meat.' Riona glances over at Rygothran. The mere sight of the Potentate of Avarice fills her with strength, standing a little bit taller now, confidence returning to her posture. Rygothran walks towards the fountain, 'Why do you bother my High Priestess?' Shagarh says 'This cheap black magician was blundering around in It's nether' Rygothran climbs up onto the fountain, turning to face you. Shagarh says 'If not for me, you'd have a batty dullard serving as your high priestess right now' The halfling says 'She does as she pleases, as a Queen is wont to do.' Riona glares at Shargarh defiantly. Rygothran grins, showing his gold capped teeth 'Perhaps you should tend to your flock of arrogant sheep?' Shagarh says 'Arrogant they are' Shagarh says 'But at least with the good sense to keep their bodies and minds where they belong' Rygothran says 'Do they?' Rygothran grins once more, taping a finger against his chin 'Do they truly?' Rygothran says 'We shall know soon enough, I think.' Shagarh says 'That we shall, Wyrm' A soft, mirthful chuckle bubbles from Riona's lips, gaining in volume at Rygothran's comment. 'Heheheheh-HEH HEH-heh.' Shagarh says 'You see? She is still yet affected' You say 'Do they truly? That is the question.' Rygothran says 'I wonder, bear, what it is you want here.' Rygothran claps his hands together 'Perhaps a deal to be made?' Shagarh says 'I do not deal with your ilk, Wyrm' The halfling flicks a coin into the fountain. 'No?' Rygothran says 'It could be fun.' Shagarh says 'If I want something, I take it by force of arms' You say 'Your men think more of their own standing than the ideals you espouse. To build halls for hunters, to rally men far and wide to go chasing after beasts instead of becoming one with the host.' Shagarh says 'You are ancient, I will grant you. But so am I.' Rygothran clicks his tongue and says 'Well, she has a point though.' You say 'And the Warlord? He makes deals with us, his sworn enemies, for his own gain.' Shagarh turns to face you, his feral yellow eyes narrowing dangerously. Shagarh growls. Shagarh says 'My legions have their faults' Shagarh says 'But they know their place, at least' Rygothran says 'Perhaps you and I can make a wager, bear?' Rygothran says 'A wager about your warlord.' Shagarh says 'Your kind would destroy the world out of foolishness' Shagarh says 'What wager?' You say 'And your kind has forgotten their purpose, Shagarh. The proud host of Athaekeetha, was that not from whence you came? And this, the men that follow you now? They seek nothing but glory for themselves.' Rygothran points to you 'My High Priestess will get your Warlord to aid the her in the taking of Miruvhor.' Rygothran says 'Aid his greatest enemy.' Rygothran taps his fingers on the fountain 'So.. if he does, what do I get?' You say 'The Khan, and his hunter's association. The Warlord? He has reached the peak of his hill, but is blind to the mountain beyond it. He is.. stagnate, and he turns to me and my lord for aid when all he needs is the power of his own arms.' Rygothran smiles at you 'She speaks truth. You see why she is mine, right?' Shagarh says 'I'll wager you my left eye' Rygothran says 'Ah, your left eye.' Rygothran says 'The eye of a bear.' Rygothran says 'Do you want his left eye, Riona?' Rygothran says 'A fine trophy, to present to Decimus.' 'Indeed.' Riona nods her head, a dark, wolfish grin claiming her lips. Shagarh says 'What will you wager?' Rygothran says 'You may have one of my most prized possessions.' You say 'An eye for an eye? Is that not the way of the world?' Shagarh says 'I don't care for your possessions' Shagarh says 'I'll take your left hand' Rygothran says 'My left hand.' Rygothran sits upon the fountain for a moment, waving his feet back and forth. Rygothran peers at you 'Yes?' Riona turns to Rygothran - a queen looking lovingly at her king - and smiles. 'Of course.' Rygothran nods at Shagarh 'You will recieve my hand, should I lose.' Shagarh says 'Indeed' Shagarh says 'Then the bargain is struck' Rygothran slaps his hands together 'Great!!' Rygothran sniffs the air. Rygothran says 'Well then, I would stay but..' Riona's gaze flits between Rygothran and Shagarh, a mouse between these two lions. Ah. Mortals - ever the playthings of Gods. Rygothran says 'You smell.' Rygothran looks over at Shagarh once more. Shagarh wanders off with a grunt of disgust. Shagarh walks west. Rygothran giggles, suddenly holding a golden chalice. You say 'The eye of the Beargod himself. How... exciting.' Rygothran says 'All yours.' Riona approaches Rygothran and reaches you out for the chalice, raising it to her lips. Rygothran says 'I like my hands.' Riona nods and says, 'We can not lose.' You feel a divine presence guide you to new found experiences! You earn 10 rp points! You say 'A foolish wager. Is not Greed our domain? Is not Guile our territory? I.. pity them.' Rygothran shrugs and laughs 'I am sure the bear is many things, cunning is not one.' You say 'Then we must labour to find that which the Black Warlord can not resist. Something to amplify his physical prowess, to make him an unconquerable soldier.' You say 'Something he simply can not resist. And then, Miruvhor will finally be mine, and the eye of the Beargod yours.' Rygothran taps the side of his face with a finger 'Well, I have an idea. I think it will be... very beneficial for you.' Riona smiles her sweetest, most pleased smile. 'Delightful. Just delightful.' You say 'What is it you are planning?' 'It is in the works' Rygothran grins, bearing his teeth. 'Now, now, my Queen, some things are meant to be a surprise.' You nod at Rygothran. Rygothran says 'You will be pleased.' You say 'I shall keep busy at my own endeavors, then.' You say 'And... Rygothran.' Rygothran says 'Yes?' Rygothran takes a long pull from a golden chalice. 'There is something,' Riona mumbles, her gaze distant, lost in the haze of memories, 'Something old, lingering outside time itself. It calls to me. I must pursue it.' Rygothran nods and says 'You are capable. We would not be here if you were not. I trust you to handle your affairs.' You say 'Let us speak soon again.' Rygothran holds up a finger 'But be warned, if I am not here to stand in between you and the bear, it is best to avoid confrontation.' Rygothran nods to you and jumps off the fountain. You say 'I understand. I will not antagonize him needlessly.' Rygothran smiles at you 'So lovely.' The halfling walks out of the floating gardens. The Floating Gardens   Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here.  The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful.  A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene.   [Exits: west]      (Magical) A magical spring flows from the ground here. The sound of someone whistling a merry tune wafts in from somewhere nearby. Riona is sitting here, deep in thoughts. The whistle meanders through the gardens, almost passing her by unnoticed. After a few moments, she blinks her eyes and looks up, eyes scanning her surroundings. Every now and again, the whistling stops, and a cheerful voice hums to itself, 'Dum dee dum... Hmm hmm hmm'. On and on the merry tune goes... Riona rises to her feet and starts moving over towards that voice. She is cautious, wary as she approaches whoever is over there, and yet an amiable smile lingers on her lips. A man in black flies in. A man in black whistles merrily to himself. A man in black says 'Oh, hello!' A man in black says 'I didn't mean to interrupt' 'Good evening,' Riona replies, curtseying low before the black man. Riona shakes her head. 'Not at all, not at all.' A man in black says 'I was just wandering about and...' An enormous, exaggerated grin spreads over the man's face. A man in black says 'Ah!' A man in black says 'You have seen it!' A man in black says 'There's no mistaking that look' A man in black rubs his hands together with glee, 'How wonderful!'. Hands clasped in front of herself, Riona tilts her head slightly to the side and gives the man in black a long, scrutinizing look, her gaze sweeping over his form. You say 'Seen what?' A man in black says 'Come, now' A man in black says 'You know what I mean, there is no mistaking it' The odd fellow can barely contain himself, and does a little skipping jig on the spot. Riona arches a slender eyebrow. 'I have seen much.' A smile creeps up on her face, widening at the man's spontaneous dance. A man in black says 'You have seen It, and It has seen you!' Riona nods her head slowly. A man in black says 'Did It show you things?' In a much higher pitched voice, the man exclaims, 'It showed me things...'. Riona hesitates for a moment, eyes narrowing into thin lines, and then her jaw drops. 'You.. you have seen It as well, then?' Riona asks, 'What did It show you?' A deeper voice, now... and you are not even sure you saw the man's lips moving, 'Oh yes! Such things...'. A man in black says 'Such...' A man in black says '... things' An almost child-like voice, 'I didn't know what most of them were!'. A much deeper, drawling grate, 'But It showed me anyway...'. Riona steps in closer to the man and grips his shoulder firmly. Excitement streaks through her voice and her eyes gleam with anticipation: 'Tell me.' 'Tell me!,' Riona urges again. A man in black says 'It... showed me things' A man in black says 'He didn't want to see' A man in black says 'I mean, I didn't want to see' A drawling, high-pitched whine, '...But It showed him, anyway!'. You suddenly notice that tears are streaming down the man's face. Riona's grip tightens, fingers digging into the man's shoulder. 'It demands much of us. Too much, I fear. And yet...' A man in black pulls at his hair, and cries out 'I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE!!' Blood suddenly starts trickling from the agitated man's nose. 'Hush, hush. I will make things right.' Riona's voice is a soft, comforting coo. Noticing the blood, she reaches down into her satchel, pulling up a sharp, gleaming kris. Wiping the blood on the back of his hand, the man starts to fidget and chuckle to himself. Softly, Riona says, 'This will all be over soon.' A man in black says 'Oh my!' Tears of blood begin to freely flow from the man's eyes... His ears are already soaked red. A man in black says 'Heh heh heh heh...' The mans limbs and torso have begin to bulge unnaturally... 'What you saw was not meant for your eyes.' There is a hint of sadness of Riona's voice, laced with... envy. A man in black says 'Hehehehe!' The man coughs out some words, his mouth filled with blood, 'You see It, and It sees you...!' A man in black says 'Heahehahah!' The man's head has begun to expand grotesquely, bulging out in disgusting balloons. The suddenly laughter seems to take Riona by surprise. She takes a step back, suddenly seeming quite doubtful. Then, a grim expression settles on her features. A man in black says 'Uuh seee it, it ssesss uuuu!' Riona steps forward to the man, grabs him by the wrists, and plunges her kris towards his chest. 'Shush-shush-shush. Things will be alright.' Blood and bits of clotted flesh have begun to pool and gather around the rapidly decaying creature's feet. As the blade pierces the mans chest, he explodes in a disgusting river of blood and clotted gore! You are completely covered, the muck is in your eyes! An Immortal has transferred you. The Void   Nothing. A lot of it. Are you even here? Who is you? You feel a pull tearing at your soul, urging it to go on. What awaits? Damanation, Salvation, Rebirth? Who knows. [Exits: none] Riona jumps back, muttering to herself. She begins wiping her eyes clean from gore with her hands, trying to restore her vision. A cacophony of whispers set to babbling all around you. The voices. She has heard them before, and she will hear them again. Every word spoken known by heart, every syllable a miracle untold. Riona merely smiles. A disjointed voice, somehow both high and low, exclaims blandly, 'It sees yooooooou...', before fading into the nothingness. 'It sees all.' Riona steps into the void, meandering through the nothingness. There is no destination, yet she keeps walking. The blackness pulses, you feel as though you are upside down. Space and time, shrunk to a knot. Riona has been here before, but it is different now. Or perhaps it is -she- that is different now. Flashes of indistinct images come unbidden into your mind. From somewhere nearby, yet infinitely distant, mad laughter rings out. Riona clutches her head and falls to her knees, gasping loudly. 'Agh.' Riona slowly climbs to her feet again and presses onwards. Further. Towards the laughter. Sudden visions assault your mind's eye..! You see prone corpses, splayed like fleshy marionettes upon bare wooden boards. Their flesh a dull yellow, gleaming with sweat and blood. Eyes wide, mouths in exaggerated gapes ... their flesh stripped - pricked, poked and slashed to death. 'The dead pile high.' Riona's eyes flutter closed, her body tensing as more visions sweep through her mind. One of the corpses, a woman, burbles, 'You have seen It'. Your vision swimming, a stinging pain begins to build behind your eyes. The metallic stink of spilled blood is thick in the air. Riona turns her head to stare at the phantasm woman, eyes wide and lips stretched in a wide smile. 'I have s-' Her reply is cut short at the sudden pain. Riona blinks her eyes a few times, grimacing, trying to subdue the pain with the force of her will. You feel suddenly overcome... as though to look fully upon the grandeur and terror of realms beyond normal consciousness and reality is too much. '-seen it. I have seen It.' Riona's words are sluggish, her voice strained. She stumbles, but manages to keep herself on her feet. Somehow, through the blackness, shapes begin to form... A strange cacophony of inhuman, alien gurgling can be heard. A pillar of rock, uncarved and jagged, rises out of the solid shadows in the distance. Riona turns around in the darkness, then turns again, trying to find the source of the noises. Every time, a different direction, space itself contorting around her. And then, the pillar! The half-breed begins moving towards it. Out of the unimaginable blackness, shapes begin to form about the pillar... Riona moves in closer towards the shapes, trying to make sense of them. Gangrenous, uncanny and unheard of... a throng of unnamable things squirm and flop rhythmically about the pillar. Webbed feet, bulging sacs and rubbery tentacles strain and cavort in an ecstacy of delight about the pillar. It would be natural to recoil, to shy away from such horrific things. And yet Riona stares with fascionation, inexplicably drawn to them. She steps forward, reaching out with a hand... The mass of thronging monstrosities throw their webbed and tentacled limbs skyward, crying out joyfully... terribly, in unison to their long dead Gods. The gurgling, mad shriek builds in volume, reaching a mind-shattering crescendo! Although you can barely see, suddenly you are among them. Riona falls to her knees, her eardrum rupturing. She presses her hands against her ears, tiny flecks of blood trickling between her fingers. She screams a silent, voiceless scream. Slippery tentacles and clicking mandibles tug clumsily at your clothes and exposed flesh. About your left leg you feel the bone-shattering grip of a spiny, wet tentacle. The nerve-rending scream continues unabated, the pillar now gone. The tentacles grip tightens... Riona's eyes dart around in frenzied panic, her voice sore from the scream that never ends. She finally gasps, out of breath, desperately trying to suck air into her lungs. Riona tries to pull herself free from the tentacle-grip, pulling her leg, hands trying to unwrap it. Your lungs are sucked dry, your eyes feel as though they are filled with sand... Consciousness begins to fade... There it is. That tiny crack. A fracture on Riona's mind, a chip in her sanity. In the blackness, you somehow perceive the stink of rotting meat... From... somwhere else, a sound barely reaches you. The furious, deafening roar of a monstrous beast. The roar grows louder, louder and louder still! White circles begin to flash and circle in your vision. Is this the end? Riona continues to struggle, although her efforts grow more futile by the second. Darkness surrounds her, demands her. She turns to the roaring sound, watching, waiting. The Floating Gardens   Magicly infused into the wood, exotic plants grow out of the ship itself. Flora from all over the lands thrives here.  The smell of fresh flowers and clean air is both refreshing and delightful.  A running fountain in the likeness of Galvatar Xebonn lies directly in the middle of this breathtaking scene.   [Exits: west] A monstrous, slavering bear towers here. Strangely, the darkness seems to have abated. Towering here before you is the largest bear you have every seen, its hackles bristling with primal anger. Even on all fours it is well over seven feet in height and raised on its hind legs it would surely be at least double that. The sheer size of the beast is sublime to behold - it dwarfs the largest of giants and looks as though it could stop a landslide in its tracks. Despite its monstrous frame, it seems capable of great speed and moves with a terrible, fearsome purpose. Shaggy, brownish black fur covers the bear's entire body, spiked and shuddering with an ancient and unfathomable fury. Its snout is encrusted with dried blood. Set in a permanent snarl, the creature's elongated jaws boast a terrifying and ragged set of fangs, yellowed and dripping with saliva. Rank, stinking breath rattles through this horrible maw, turning to steam as it meets the air. A set of powerful forelegs, twined with rope-like muscle, extend from the bear's broad shoulders. They are each tipped with razor sharp claws that look as though they could fell an oak with one blow. Its back legs are similarly armed, and tear up the ground with each step. A pair of feverish, yellow-green eyes sit on either side of the beast's snout, holding in their depths the memories of a time before men walked the land. These mysterious and haunting orbs regard you with a mixture of suspicion and contempt. A guttural growl echoes deep in the bear's throat as it notices you staring at it. Shagarh is in excellent condition. Shagarh lowers himself back to all fours. Riona collapses to the floor, her body trembling, hands shaking. Glowering at you with distaste, Shagarh growls 'You runts should not toy with forces you cannot understand'. Shagarh says 'You almost let It free' A loud roar can be heard from far above. 'No.' Riona shakes her head firmly from side to side. 'No, no, no. This was.. something else.' Shagarh says 'It is older than you could possibly comprehend' Shagarh says 'It would gladly devour this world, if It had the chance' Riona slowly steadies herself, taking a deep breath and then another one. She gets up again, taking control over her mind once more - expelling fear, and doubt, and terror from it. Shagarh suddenly stops and sniffs at the air, a low growl rumbling in his throat. A frowning halfling walks into the floating gardens. Rygothran steps out from his cover. 'It loves us,' Riona objects, looking up at the gigantic Bear-God. Shagarh says 'Bah, what do you know?' Shagarh looks at Rygothran. Rygothran stares at Shagarh. Shagarh says 'You should tell your followers to stop poking their noses where they don't belong' Rygothran snaps his fingers and says 'You smell of rotting meat.' Riona glances over at Rygothran. The mere sight of the Potentate of Avarice fills her with strength, standing a little bit taller now, confidence returning to her posture. Rygothran walks towards the fountain, 'Why do you bother my High Priestess?' Shagarh says 'This cheap black magician was blundering around in It's nether' Rygothran climbs up onto the fountain, turning to face you. Shagarh says 'If not for me, you'd have a batty dullard serving as your high priestess right now' The halfling says 'She does as she pleases, as a Queen is wont to do.' Riona glares at Shargarh defiantly. Rygothran grins, showing his gold capped teeth 'Perhaps you should tend to your flock of arrogant sheep?' Shagarh says 'Arrogant they are' Shagarh says 'But at least with the good sense to keep their bodies and minds where they belong' Rygothran says 'Do they?' Rygothran grins once more, taping a finger against his chin 'Do they truly?' Rygothran says 'We shall know soon enough, I think.' Shagarh says 'That we shall, Wyrm' A soft, mirthful chuckle bubbles from Riona's lips, gaining in volume at Rygothran's comment. 'Heheheheh-HEH HEH-heh.' Shagarh says 'You see? She is still yet affected' You say 'Do they truly? That is the question.' Rygothran says 'I wonder, bear, what it is you want here.' Rygothran claps his hands together 'Perhaps a deal to be made?' Shagarh says 'I do not deal with your ilk, Wyrm' The halfling flicks a coin into the fountain. 'No?' Rygothran says 'It could be fun.' Shagarh says 'If I want something, I take it by force of arms' You say 'Your men think more of their own standing than the ideals you espouse. To build halls for hunters, to rally men far and wide to go chasing after beasts instead of becoming one with the host.' Shagarh says 'You are ancient, I will grant you. But so am I.' Rygothran clicks his tongue and says 'Well, she has a point though.' You say 'And the Warlord? He makes deals with us, his sworn enemies, for his own gain.' Shagarh turns to face you, his feral yellow eyes narrowing dangerously. Shagarh growls. Shagarh says 'My legions have their faults' Shagarh says 'But they know their place, at least' Rygothran says 'Perhaps you and I can make a wager, bear?' Rygothran says 'A wager about your warlord.' Shagarh says 'Your kind would destroy the world out of foolishness' Shagarh says 'What wager?' You say 'And your kind has forgotten their purpose, Shagarh. The proud host of Athaekeetha, was that not from whence you came? And this, the men that follow you now? They seek nothing but glory for themselves.' Rygothran points to you 'My High Priestess will get your Warlord to aid the her in the taking of Miruvhor.' Rygothran says 'Aid his greatest enemy.' Rygothran taps his fingers on the fountain 'So.. if he does, what do I get?' You say 'The Khan, and his hunter's association. The Warlord? He has reached the peak of his hill, but is blind to the mountain beyond it. He is.. stagnate, and he turns to me and my lord for aid when all he needs is the power of his own arms.' Rygothran smiles at you 'She speaks truth. You see why she is mine, right?' Shagarh says 'I'll wager you my left eye' Rygothran says 'Ah, your left eye.' Rygothran says 'The eye of a bear.' Rygothran says 'Do you want his left eye, Riona?' Rygothran says 'A fine trophy, to present to Decimus.' 'Indeed.' Riona nods her head, a dark, wolfish grin claiming her lips. Shagarh says 'What will you wager?' Rygothran says 'You may have one of my most prized possessions.' You say 'An eye for an eye? Is that not the way of the world?' Shagarh says 'I don't care for your possessions' Shagarh says 'I'll take your left hand' Rygothran says 'My left hand.' Rygothran sits upon the fountain for a moment, waving his feet back and forth. Rygothran peers at you 'Yes?' Riona turns to Rygothran - a queen looking lovingly at her king - and smiles. 'Of course.' Rygothran nods at Shagarh 'You will recieve my hand, should I lose.' Shagarh says 'Indeed' Shagarh says 'Then the bargain is struck' Rygothran slaps his hands together 'Great!!' Rygothran sniffs the air. Rygothran says 'Well then, I would stay but..' Riona's gaze flits between Rygothran and Shagarh, a mouse between these two lions. Ah. Mortals - ever the playthings of Gods. Rygothran says 'You smell.' Rygothran looks over at Shagarh once more. Shagarh wanders off with a grunt of disgust. Shagarh walks west. Rygothran giggles, suddenly holding a golden chalice. You say 'The eye of the Beargod himself. How... exciting.' Rygothran says 'All yours.' Riona approaches Rygothran and reaches you out for the chalice, raising it to her lips. Rygothran says 'I like my hands.' Riona nods and says, 'We can not lose.' You feel a divine presence guide you to new found experiences! You earn 10 rp points! You say 'A foolish wager. Is not Greed our domain? Is not Guile our territory? I.. pity them.' Rygothran shrugs and laughs 'I am sure the bear is many things, cunning is not one.' You say 'Then we must labour to find that which the Black Warlord can not resist. Something to amplify his physical prowess, to make him an unconquerable soldier.' You say 'Something he simply can not resist. And then, Miruvhor will finally be mine, and the eye of the Beargod yours.' Rygothran taps the side of his face with a finger 'Well, I have an idea. I think it will be... very beneficial for you.' Riona smiles her sweetest, most pleased smile. 'Delightful. Just delightful.' You say 'What is it you are planning?' 'It is in the works' Rygothran grins, bearing his teeth. 'Now, now, my Queen, some things are meant to be a surprise.' You nod at Rygothran. Rygothran says 'You will be pleased.' You say 'I shall keep busy at my own endeavors, then.' You say 'And... Rygothran.' Rygothran says 'Yes?' Rygothran takes a long pull from a golden chalice. 'There is something,' Riona mumbles, her gaze distant, lost in the haze of memories, 'Something old, lingering outside time itself. It calls to me. I must pursue it.' Rygothran nods and says 'You are capable. We would not be here if you were not. I trust you to handle your affairs.' You say 'Let us speak soon again.' Rygothran holds up a finger 'But be warned, if I am not here to stand in between you and the bear, it is best to avoid confrontation.' Rygothran nods to you and jumps off the fountain. You say 'I understand. I will not antagonize him needlessly.' Rygothran smiles at you 'So lovely.' The halfling walks out of the floating gardens.

Bracad told you 'Greetings.' Bracad told you 'We trust you are well?' You told Bracad 'I'm having a bad day.  A horrible day' Bracad told you 'That is unfortunate.' Bracad told you 'Anything we might do to aid you?' Bracad told you 'Or make your day better?' You told Bracad 'Sure, find a way to remove my ears' Bracad told you '....' Bracad told you 'An odd request, for us.' Bracad told you 'Why would you wish your ears removed?' You told Bracad 'I tried to have Achistad do something about it.  That never happened.  So, I'd rather just not hear them anymore' Bracad told you 'Do something about what?' You told Bracad 'He was suppose to come purify our estate, but of course, he wasn't allowed' You told Bracad 'I'm tired of all the whispering' You told Bracad 'Sometimes it feels like I'm just talking to myself' Bracad told you 'The whispers are your own voice?' You told Bracad 'Of course not!  I'm not crazy' Bracad told you 'You mentioned you feel as if you are talking to yourself, hence why we asked our question.' You told Bracad 'Venni threw me out of the bank thinking I was talking to myself.  That's why' Bracad told you 'Which estate might you be referring to? One of you and or your families?' You told Bracad 'The Zelcharis estate of course.  We are Miruvhor nobility' Bracad told you 'Indeed. You hear the whispers in your estate? Could it be just the... discussions of your staff?' You told Bracad 'No, I'm not crazy.  They aren't following me around all over whispering' Bracad told you 'Then where do you hear this whispering?' You told Bracad 'In the very things I want removed, my ears!' Bracad told you 'Oh my. This does sound serious.' Bracad told you 'Not to invite negative thoughts but, what if removing your ears does not make the whispering go away?' You told Bracad 'How can I hear whispering without ears?' You told Bracad 'Now you sound crazy' Bracad told you 'We profess, when it comes to magic, we have more limited experience and knowledge. However, we have witnessed terrible and strange afflictions from it.' Bracad told you 'If this is such an affliction...' Bracad told you 'We certainly would not wish it on you or anyone, but such a step as removing your ears may not be a cure.' You told Bracad 'My father's a clergyman.  If it was magic, I'd know it wouldn't I?  No, it's these stupid ears' Bracad told you 'Ahh. Well, that certainly adds to the mystery then.' Bracad told you 'Have you encountered others who are similarly afflicted. Perhaps in your family?' You told Bracad 'You're kidding, right?  Tell me you're kidding.' Bracad told you 'Kidding?' Bracad told you 'We are confused.' Bracad told you 'On such a serious topic, we would not jest.' You told Bracad 'I'm not going around asking people if they hear whispering.  That would get me locked up in the asylum' Bracad told you 'Ahh, we see. Your point is not lost on us... now.' You told Bracad 'I'm just frustrated.  Ignore that.' Bracad told you 'Well. We are not unwilling to help you. However, we feel it prudent to understand. You must understand, we are no surgeon. Although our aim is precise.' You told Bracad 'Damnit!  They were at least quiet for a while' Bracad told you 'Quiet. That is good...' You told Bracad 'But it is not quiet....' You told Bracad 'I'll find a scalpel myself!' Bracad told you 'Well, perhaps you did not hear us?' Bracad told you 'We offered to do it, but offered a word of caution.' Bracad tells you 'wEh ahhreh nOo sSsurGeoOonnn.' Bracad tells you 'thaough WEh ahhreh quitEh preCisse with our aaim.' You tell Bracad 'Hard to tell if your talking or the whispers.  You'll slice them off?' Bracad tells you 'Dao thheh whHIZszpers ofFer tao zjuT oofFf yaouR EAhRsSz?' You tell Bracad 'They did!' Bracad tells you 'hmMmmmmm.....' A small, nearly invisible, creature on Uricharis' shoulder whispers 'So, a little slice here?' into her ear. AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!! You tell Bracad 'I was just going to get mab's blade.  I heard it was nice and sharp' Bracad tells you 'szsHAhRp..... yeZSs.' Bracad tells you 'ahhlThoOouhHghh aimMInNngh Aht OonesSz Hhehaad mmahhY bE quhHIite tHhE sjhahllEhnge.' Bracad tells you 'YOu caouLd easSzIiLy TaKe mmore Thaan yaour earsSs..' You tell Bracad 'Oh yes, a surgeon's knife!' You rest on a large marble fountain. Bracad tells you 'hrMmMphH. szseemsSz the GoOolden drahgonNn iZSs NnO loonNnger ahhpaort Of thhe kuueZSst.' Uricharis sits calmly, almost serenely calm and places the torch on the ground. A small, nearly invisible, creature on Uricharis' shoulder whispers 'This will be entertaining' into her ear. You tell Bracad 'Hrmm?  What dragon?  Are we after dragons now?  I thought we were lopping off ears?' Bracad tells you 'we aaREh..' Bracad tells you 'apPAREhnTly..' Bracad tells you 'whehREh ZSshawll we mEEt youhH?' Uricharis continues to turn the tip of the surgeon's knife over the torch, making it red hot. You tell Bracad 'I'm just sitting here heating up this surgeon's knife' Bracad tells you 'Where?' You tell Bracad 'Right where I was, silly.  I came back to Maelbrim' Bracad nods. Bracad looks at you. Bracad nods. Bracad says 'It is well to see you.' The red hot tip of the surgeon's knife begins to glow as Uricharis continues to turn it over and over. Bracad says 'Please. Let us help you.' Uricharis looks up at Bracad.  'I can't keep heating this forever' Bracad nods. Uricharis stands up and stamps out the torch over which she was heating the surgeon's knife. You stand up. You stop using a surgeon's knife. Uricharis flips her wrist and extends her hand towards you, holding the HOT end of the knife. Bracad stares at you, the shapes in its eyes coalecsing into dagger like shapes. Smoke is rising from Uricharis' fingers as she says 'Gonna take it or let me burn? Bracad reaches out and takes the knife.  You give a surgeon's knife to Bracad. Bracad wears a necklace with a lion charm around its neck. Bracad's eyes harden as bloodlust overtakes it. Uricharis pulls back her hair to show her ear clearly.  'We can start here! Bracad slowly examine's the knife, taking its time to examine the blade. Bracad nods. A small, nearly invisible, creature on Uricharis' shoulder whispers 'This will be really entertaining' into her ear. Uricharis grimaces and says 'Hurry!  Before it starts yapping again! Producing a small unassuming bucket, Bracad gestures to you to sit. 'Here. Uricharis quickly clamours over and plops down on the bucket. Uricharis tilts her head to the side and braces herself. Standing before you, the creature seems to slightly shrink in size and gets in your face. Bracad asks, 'Your ears. What do you want done with them, after? 'I don't care'  Uricharis exclaims 'Just get rid of them Bracad nods. Bracad says 'Very well.' Uricharis starts tapping her foot, obviously impatient. With a mechanical precision, Bracad grabs the top of your head aligning it straight. He aligns on your left ear and makes a deft slice. Catching the ear, Bracad tucks it away and places its hand on your head, against aligning it. Wincing in pain, Uricharis squirms and holds her head up straight in your grasp. Blood burbles out of the wound left from where Uricharis' ear was sliced clean off.  You swear you hear 'We were right!  That was entertaining!' come from the burbles. Bracad says 'If you are not able to hear after this.... Watch our hands.' Uricharis grumbles and then screams.  'Quick!  Quick, the other one too! Nodding at you, Bracad ensures alignment, slicing again, the searing blade separates flesh with deft percision. Bracad standing back, both ears in hand. Bracad tucks them away beneath its frame. Blood now streaming down both sides of her head, Uricharis cries tears, but has a serene almost insane smile upon her face. Bracad nods. Bracad says/mouths 'The deed is done. Uricharis leans for a moment on the fountain, steadying herself.  'It's clear' she breathes. Uricharis looks up to you with a weak smile. Bracad says in a volume barely above a whisper, 'And... your hearing? Bracad looks at you, a strange... desparation? in its eyes. Uricharis squints at you, looking specifically at your lips.  'Hearing?' she questions. Bracad nods. Bracad says slowly, mouthing each word, 'Hearing, yes. You understand? A little wriggly maggot appears in the bloody wound on the right side of Uricharis' head.  'That was really entertaining.  We'll have to repay you for that Uricharis blissfully smiles as if she hears nothing at all. Tilting its head to the side, observing the maggot, Bracads' focus seems lost. Bracad says 'Theres...' Uricharis squints at your lips again, trying to understand what your saying. You say 'Can you hear me?' You say 'It is really hard to read your lips.  I can't even tell if they're lips or not' Taking notice of your question, Bracad repositions itself to look at you. 'Yes. Bracad nods its head. A little wriggly maggot appears in the bloody wound on the right side of Uricharis' head.  'The deaf trying to talk.  This is priceless!' Blood begins to leak down across Uricharis' sashes.  'I'm going to have to clean up Uricharis looks down at herself, smiling wistfully almost oblivious to the pain. With a strange delicate, but precise movement, Bracad plucks the Maggot from your head and produces it before you. Bracad says 'Here' Bracad says 'Maybe this is the... voice?' Uricharis looks at you carefully, looking at what you're presenting, but not -seeing- it. The wiggling maggot says 'You know, she's not going to see us, right?' it says as it then chuckles at Uricharis. A frown shown on Bracads face. Bracad looks at the maggot. 'Hrmm. Are you... of the Nexian thing? Uricharis climbs off of the bucket and walks a few steps closer to you squinting her eyes at your hand and then looking at you strangely. The little maggot you plucked from Uricharis says 'Nexian?  Please, don't insult us' Uricharis looks at you strangely as if you are talking to yourself. Uricharis tries to says 'Are you O.K.? Taking a moment, Bracad reflects on the situation. Glancing at you a flash of concern. Then back at the maggot, 'We mean no insult. *Just now understanding you chopped off a girl's ears, in public, right in front of the marshall in the forum?* Bracad nods at you in agreement. The wriggly little maggot suddenly pops out from your grasp in a puff a smoke and reappears resting on Uricharis' shoulder. The wiggly maggot says 'You've done your part.  Now, shoo!' then begins crawling back towards Uricharis' head. Bracad nodding at Uricharis, 'Where do you come from. What... is your purpose here? The wiggly maggot stops for a moment and then turns to you saying 'Wouldn't you like to know?' then continues on its path back to Uricharis' blood earstump. Seating itself back inside Uricharis' ear, the wiggly maggot whispers 'I'm sure you'll find out' Bracad says 'We aided you. Yet you see no reason to give us this?' A little wriggly maggot appears in the bloody wound on the right side of Uricharis' head.  'Aided us?  Please, you just entertained us' Uricharis' smile hasn't faded at all during this entire conversation. Bracad motions towards your ears. A finger gesture, moving along the ground in a worm-crawling fashion. Bracad stands upright. Gesturing a slice across its neck. Uricharis scrunches up her face, but maintains her smile and mouths the words -worm- before she asks 'A worm? Bracad nods at you in agreement. Bracad again gestures at your ear. Uricharis looks at you strangely for a moment.  'Are you alright?' she asks as she stands here bleeding from both earstumps with blood running down her sashes. Bracad sighs. Bracad nods. A little wriggly maggot appears in the bloody wound on the right side of Uricharis' head.  'You really think she's going to listen?  That's hilarious' Bracad fishes around in its packs, producing a large amount of sterlized cloth. Uricharis looks at you oddly, perhaps she is woozy from the bloodloss. Picking up some of the cloth, Bracad looks at you, with a half outstreched hand filled with cloth. It asks, 'May We Help? Looking at your strangely, Uricharis asks 'Help?  Why would I need help?' as she backs away from you slightly. A little wriggly maggot appears in the bloody wound on the right side of Uricharis' head.  'This is priceless!  Priceless I tell you!' Extending one of its fingers down to the blood dripping from you, a drop formed on the tip, Bracad presents it to you. 'Help. You hear an odd munching sound coming from Uricharis.  It sounds squishy and moist, almost as if something is eating something. Bracad gestures dabbing the cloth at its own ears. Uricharis looks down at the blood on the cloth and then wideyed stares back at you.  'What are you trying to do to me!  Get away' she screams as she leaps over to the other side of the fountain. Uricharis shouts 'I'll' then stammers 'I'll call the guard you brute! Bracad stands, holding its hands up. 'We mean no harm. Bracad shakes its head. Uricharis glares at the Marshall with pinpoint eyes and says 'You see he's trying to hurt me, don't you!  Look at him! Bracad says 'Friend... friend.' Uricharis cowers on the other side of the fountain, maintaining her distance from you. Bracad stops using a surgeon's knife. Bracad wields the Stormbringer. Uricharis now even backs away from the fountain further as you wield a large mace. Bracad looks down at the ground before you. Uricharis screams at the Marshall 'What good are you!  You see he's menacing! A little wriggly maggot appears in the bloody wound on the right side of Uricharis' head.  'Just priceless!  I'll have food for days!' Looking up at you,Bracad draws an ear forth from its chest plate. It whispers into it. 'Hear us you. Your enemies are not what you think. Bracad tucks the ear back into its place. Uricharis feels a drop of blood on her arm and looks down to see blood on her bracelets 'My god, what did you do to me!' almost oblivious to your explanation Bracad turns and stalks off. Bracad flies west. Uricharis points to the west and screams 'You're just going to let him get away!? Screaming again, Uricharis exclaims 'Useless.  Every last one of you!

The Growing Disdain of the Urban World Kael Thornshadow had spent the better part of his life roaming the wilderness, defending its sanctity and fostering a deep connection with its untamed spirit. The forest had become his sanctuary, a realm of tranquility and balance. However, as he ventured beyond its borders, he found himself facing the stark contrast of the sprawling cities that dominated the landscape. Kael's journey began when he received a request for aid from a neighboring city named Aridon. The city's outskirts were suffering from a sudden blight, and its once-thriving fields were withering away. Intrigued by the plight of those affected, Kael embarked on a journey that took him from the heart of the forest to the urban labyrinth of Aridon. As he entered the city gates, the stark change in atmosphere was palpable. The air was thick with the scent of industry, and the sounds of carriages and bustling crowds drowned out the gentle melodies of the forest. Towering structures of stone and steel obscured the sky, casting shadows that seemed to suffocate the natural light. Kael met with the city's council, composed of affluent merchants and influential bureaucrats. They implored him to use his mystical connection with the wild to heal the land. However, he sensed a different motive beneath their  concern was less for the land itself and more for their profits. As Kael delved deeper into Aridon's affairs, he uncovered a web of corruption that had crept into the heart of the city. The council's members were exploiting the blight to manipulate food prices and amass greater wealth. The very land he had come to save was a pawn in their sinister game. Disturbed by the city's disregard for the natural world and the people's wellbeing, Kael's initial curiosity transformed into a brewing anger. His sense of duty to help remained, but he felt an increasing disconnect from the inhabitants of this urban landscape. Kael decided to take matters into his own hands. He ventured beyond the city, seeking the guidance of the forest spirits. In a secluded glade, he communed with ancient entities that had witnessed the rise of civilizations and the fading of empires. They revealed to him the true extent of the damage caused by the greed of men, the imbalance that had infected the city like a disease. As he returned to Aridon, Kael found himself in a precarious position. The council had caught wind of his investigations and had labeled him a troublemaker. They sought to silence him, viewing him as a threat to their power. In his quest for justice, Kael delved even deeper into the city's underbelly. He discovered secret passages, hidden alliances, and the harsh reality that many within the city's walls were victims of the council's manipulation. The once-thriving markets were now dominated by monopolies, and the oppressed masses had no voice. As he moved through the city, Kael witnessed scenes of suffering—families struggling to afford basic necessities, children forced to labor in hazardous factories, and people who had lost their connection to the natural world, their spirits dulled by the city's unrelenting demands. One fateful day, Kael witnessed a scene that shattered his patience. A pristine garden on the outskirts of the city was razed to the ground to make space for a factory. The callous disregard for the beauty and life that once thrived there ignited a fiery rage within him. Unable to hold back his anger, Kael confronted the council in a heated exchange. His words echoed with the pain of the forest, the cries of the creatures, and the whispers of the spirits. The council's response was dismissive, their arrogance fueled by their grip on power. With his heart heavy with sorrow and anger, Kael withdrew from Aridon. As he returned to the forest that had always been his solace, he made a vow—to stand against the encroachment of cities and the corruption that accompanied them. The wilderness had revealed to him the true balance of life, and he could no longer stand idle as cities stripped away that balance. His hatred for cities was not for the people themselves but for the systems of power that governed them, systems that exploited the land and the very essence of life for personal gain. He saw cities as engines of destruction, places where the soul of the land was traded for coin and where the bond between humanity and nature was severed. Kael's rebellion was not one of violence but of enlightenment. He ventured to villages and settlements, sharing his experiences and urging them to resist the lure of urban expansion. He became a storyteller, recounting the tales of the forest's magic and the devastating consequences of unbridled urbanization. His words resonated with those who had witnessed the erosion of their own lands. Slowly but steadily, a movement began to form—a movement that sought to protect the land, to live in harmony with nature, and to challenge the unchecked power of cities. Kael Thornshadow's path had led him from the heart of the wilderness to the heart of the city and back again. His hatred for cities was a reflection of his deep love for the natural world, a love that had been both tested and strengthened by his encounters. As he continued to champion the cause of balance and preservation, he became a beacon of hope for those who believed in the inherent harmony of life and the enduring power of the wild. And in the end, his story became intertwined with the very fabric of the land he had vowed to protect.

Kael Thornshadow was born in the village of Silverbrook, a small settlement known for its tight-knit community of woodsmen and hunters. From the moment he could walk, Kael displayed an uncanny connection to the natural world. He often disappeared into the woods for hours, returning with tales of secret clearings, hidden streams, and peculiar animal behaviors he had observed.   Kael's encounter with the legendary forest beast came during a hunting expedition with his father and older brother. The creature, known as the 'Emerald Warden,' was said to be a guardian of the deepest parts of the forest. In their attempt to prove themselves as worthy hunters, Kael's family inadvertently crossed into the Warden's territory. Kael was left gravely injured after a fierce battle, and he fled deeper into the forest to escape.   Collapsed and fading, he stumbled upon the enchanted grove. There, he met the spirit that granted him the gift of transformation. The ritual of this magic was etched into his memory  the mingling of his blood with the sacred earth and the whispered incantations of the spirit.   In solitude, Kael wrestled with his new abilities. His transformations were chaotic at first, driven by emotions he struggled to control. It was during this time that he encountered the reclusive hermit, Aric, who sensed the [Hit Return to continue] turmoil within him. Aric had once been afflicted by a similar curse and had managed to master the duality.   Under Aric's guidance, Kael learned to embrace the dual aspects of his being. He trained to shift between his human and werebeast forms with intention, developing a greater understanding of the triggers that led to his transformations. Aric taught him meditation, mindfulness, and the art of channeling emotions to maintain control over his animal instincts. He stands as a harmonious fusion of human intellect, natural intuition, and beastly prowess, ready to defend the wild places he calls home while navigating the complexities of his own inner duality.

Lockbox items have been changed. I think it's hard enough getting these items so I'll try to provide a list at some point. Notable changes until then: Cutting dwarves some slack, the water whip is now air.  Sorry avians. "Get Out of Jail Free" card is now rare.  Still in debate if it should be removed entirely. Greedy gauntlets has a lucrative prog attached. Shiny ball has a small chance to cast cure serious instead of cure light. With some exceptions: Items in the plain steel lockboxs are all level 30. Items in the lockbox with enamel fittings are all level 45. Items in the beautifully engraved lockbox are all level 60. Low list item are common. Medium list items are rare. High list items are unique.

I recently inquired about these and told them they are not available at this moment. Perhaps @Kassieti could chime in?