Brentonus: Beginnings

[Gradrel]

You tell Anume 'Mistress, p-p-permit me to make an inquiry?'

Anume tells you 'Ask.'

You tell Anume 'Brave men speak of the G-g-gods as if they were naught but slightly more powerful mortals. P-p-penitent men speak of the Gods with r-r-reverent awe, knowing themselves worms at your f-f-feet.'

You tell Anume 'I believe in the Demon Lord, and the f-f-forces of Chaos. I am closer to the latter, to be sure.'

Anume tells you 'Little good will it do the brave but foolish if all that is left is a pair of smoking boots.'

You tell Anume 'What I am k-k-keen to know, is if the Gods actually have any interest in... saving us.'

Anume tells you 'Saving?'

You tell Anume 'Or are we merely going to be left to f-f-fend for ourselves?'

Anume laughs at you mercilessly. Hmmmmph.

Anume tells you 'Perhaps some god of the light might have such funny ideas.'

Anume tells you 'But you are ALL here for my entertainment,willing or not.'

You tell Anume 'Entertainment, you say. And what is it that e-e-entertains you about us?'

Anume tells you 'Pain, suffering, despair, agony.'

Anume tells you 'Best of course if it is self-inflicted. Inner turmoil can be such fun.'

You tell Anume 'Well, I've got p-p-plenty of that to spare! H-h-ha!'

You tell Anume 'P-p-permit me to ask, then. Do you allow mere m-m-mortals to serve you? To consciously p-p-provide for your entertainment?'

Anume tells you 'Of course, every god likes his most fervent worshipers.'

You tell Anume 'Then allow me to introduce myself. I am B-b-brentonus. Your biggest f-f-fan.'

Anume tells you 'You do not even believe in my absolute power,so you are hardly my biggest fan.'

You tell Anume 'My m-m-most humble apologies, Dark Mistress, if that is what I imp-imp-implied.'

You tell Anume 'I merely was sp-sp-speculating about the beliefs of others, and seeing what you could t-t-tell me.'

You tell Anume 'I assure you, I am y-y-yours.'

Anume tells you 'I'm no priest, best ask one of those.'

You tell Anume 'Someday, Dark Mistress. Someday v-v-very soon, I will p-p-prove it to you.'

You tell Anume 'You will see my d-d-devotion.'

Anume tells you 'I will see.'

Malchaeius looks well upon you and grants you knowledge.

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Brentonus smiles unpleasantly, his crooked teeth splitting his acne-ridden face.

Thranithiwyn nods slowly.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Greetings, fire giant.'

Thranithiwyn says 'Greetings.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'How g-g-goes it?'

Thranithiwyn shrugs his massive shoulders.

Thranithiwyn says 'Well enough.'

Thranithiwyn says 'And yourself?'

You nod.

Brentonus says, again with that unpleasant grin, 'It goes well enough.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'I have a question f-f-for you.'

Thranithiwyn nods at you in agreement.

Brentonus reaches up and pops one of the pimples on his face. He promptly sticks his fingers in his mouth and sucks off the ooze.

Thranithiwyn grimaces painfully at the thought.

Thranithiwyn says 'What is it you want?'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'I was wondering, quite simply, whether or not you b-b-believe that the Gods have ultimate power.'

Thranithiwyn raises an eyebrow.

Thranithiwyn says 'I do.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'M-m-most excellent.'

Thranithiwyn says 'I am a prophet of Malchaeius, I have accepted it long ago.'

Thranithiwyn nods.

Thranithiwyn says 'And yourself'

Thranithiwyn raises an eyebrow at you.

Thranithiwyn says 'Do you believe this also?'

Brentonus taps his pimple-laden chin. 'I believe that there are many p-p-paths to salvation. But that all of them will require a plea to those above.'

Thranithiwyn nods emphatically.

Thranithiwyn says 'Aye.'

Thranithiwyn says 'The gods guide us all.'

Brentonus says with a ponderous look in his eyes, 'That is why I f-f-find it so strange that there are those who have the gall to even go so far as to claim the gods don't e-e-exist!'

Brentonus smiles unpleasantly, his crooked teeth splitting his acne-ridden face.

Thranithiwyn snorts derisively.

Thranithiwyn says 'They are fools.'

Thranithiwyn says 'Even with proof I have known some to blindly spit in the eye of Lord Malchaeius.'

Thranithiwyn says 'While his arms is stretched out against them so they do so to their death.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'F-f-fools say you. People in need of some... education, say I.'

You grin evilly.

Thranithiwyn grins evilly.

Thranithiwyn says 'There are many ways to educate.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Th-th-that there are.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Well, I a-a-apologize for holding you up. I'm sure you've some b-b-business to be about.'

Thranithiwyn says 'Hrm.. I must wait until daybreak now.'

Thranithiwyn mutters something quietly to himself.

You frown disapprovingly.

Thranithiwyn says 'Hrm..'

You nod.

Thranithiwyn nods.

Brentonus gives a half-hearted attempt at a salute, but accidentally smacks his face, causing pimple juice to fly everywhere.

You nod at Thranithiwyn.

Thranithiwyn snickers softly.

Thranithiwyn nods at you in agreement.

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You tell Rhahernrt 'P-p-pardon me, dark master. M-m-may I speak with you?'

Rhahernrt tells you 'Wwuw wu wu wu wuwt?'

You tell Rhahernrt 'I wish to sp-sp-speak with you.'

Rhahernrt tells you 'yuhs make its across dem desolatin places an YuHs can.'

You tell Rhahernrt 'Which? N-n-near your home? Or are you speaking of south of the F-f-ford?'

Rhahernrt tells you 'ff fo fo ford...'

You tell Rhahernrt 'I will see what I can d-d-do.'

*After a bit of effort...*

Within Dischord

You stand within the Spires of Dischord, the farthest point of life in

Southern Thera. The fortress is cold, and deathly still, save for the

occasional clicking of bony feet on the icy floor. Large walls of ice

surround you, but despite their crystalline appearance, the halls are dark,

and forboding, as if some unnatural presence were expecting your entrance

here...

[Exits: north east south west]

A strange, deathly key is lying here.

(Translucent) (White Aura) Jermus is sleeping here.

Rhahernrt the Mighty Swinger of Axes is here.

(White Aura) Drakken the Angel of Arcana is here.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'G-g-greetings.'

Rhahernrt says 'Sso WuTChu wannnt...'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'I wish to speak of alliances, power, and the G-g-gods.'

Rhahernrt says 'AnnDs?'

' Is now really the time?' echoes from the crystal at Drakken's side.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'First and foremost... with you as my witness, I s-s-swear allegiance to the Dark Mistress Anume. As one of her servants, I am yours to c-c-command.'

Rhahernrt says 'DeN mehs WitNeszssSz...'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'S-s-second, I wish to offer you m-m-my personal service. If you wish it, I am y-y-yours, second only to Anume herself.'

Rhahernrt says 'Kay den.'

Rhahernrt says 'Yuhszs ghet outTa here befFeR dem undead wighT Comme kill Yuh.'

Rhahernrt says 'Yuhh go appLy tuh despair.'

You tell Rhahernrt 'It w-w-will be done.'

*After my trek back to Miruvhor*

You give a Cultist 30000 gold.

You are now a member of Despair.

A Cultist says 'Welcome to the halls of Despair Brentonus.'

[Despair](Inductee) Brentonus: 'And so it shall b-b-begin.'

[Gradrel]

Brentonus attempts to convince Caidon to retire:

---------------------------------------------------

Caidon bows deeply.

You nod at Caidon.

Brentonus smiles unpleasantly, his crooked teeth splitting his acne-ridden face.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'G-g-greetings.'

Caidon says 'I am Father Caidon. '

Brentonus extends an emaciated, pale hand. 'I am Brentonus.'

Caidon swiftly floats forward and shakes your hand.

Caidon says 'What did you need?'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'I wished to speak to you about your p-p-presence in this realm.'

Caidon places his hand upon his medallion and listens patiently.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'You are clearly a strong m-m-man, to make three Nexians leave so abruptly. A Knight of the C-c-crown, yes?'

Caidon says 'My strength comes from God but yes I am a knight.'

Brentonus nods, tapping his acne-covered chin ponderously, which causes a few of the larger looking pimples to burst.

Caidon rubs the medallion upon his chest absently.

Brentonus coughs up some phlegm which he wipes on his pant-leg, and then says, 'So, you are a G-g-god fearing man?'

Caidon says 'Fear? I have no fear of God. He is my creator. My guide.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'B-b-but is it not also right to fear him? He created you, and he could w-w-wipe you away like so much water off a floor.'

Caidon says 'Only the deities of darkness require fear.'

Brentonus says with that unpleasant grin, 'Yes, he has l-l-lifted you out of squalor... but that does not mean he c-c-cannot put you right back.'

Caidon smiles happily.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Tell me, then, sir C-c-caidon, what it is your G-g-god asks of YOU.'

Caidon says 'I am here to watch over his flock.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'To p-p-protect them from the wolves, so to speak?'

Caidon says 'Many times.'

Caidon nods.

Caidon says 'Too many times.'

You ponder the question.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'And what will h-h-happen if and when the wolves should triumph?'

Caidon says 'The devout will find their place in God's realm.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'And those that are found w-w-wanting? Will they too be guaranteed the sp-sp-splendor of the afterlife?'

Caidon shrugs helplessly.

Caidon says 'I am but a man walking the path before me.'

Brentonus nods, and says with an innocent look on his face, 'Let me p-p-propose this. Might it not be better to have a bit of... f-f-fun while you walk this earth, than to h-hope that you will one day be raised above?'

Caidon says 'I have plenty of fun.'

Brentonus finishes with a grin. 'One might s-s-say that you should laugh w-w-with the sinners, for the saints are quite boring.'

Caidon says 'The retirement plan is not so great though.'

The Vanguard snorts derisively.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Let us pretend for a moment that there is peace on A-a-aabahran. Let us pretend that everyone merely has what they desire, and w-w-wants and needs no more.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Doesn't that sound B-B-BORING?'

Caidon says 'Peaceful. Then perhaps I could try to catch a few fish and read book.'

Caidon says 'Or go for a nice walk.'

Caidon shrugs helplessly.

Caidon says 'Lots of things to do.'

Brentonus frowns faintly. 'I'd say it sounds incredibly dull. You know as well as I that c-c-conflict is the spice of life.'

Caidon says 'I would much prefer fresh fish and a good book.'

Brentonus continues to frown, but nods. 'Let me cut to the chase.'

Caidon looks you up and down.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'What I propose is this. By p-p-protecting your flock, as you say, you are making it very difficult to breed conflict, to sow chaos, and to plant the seeds of malcontent the world over.'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'I propose you t-t-take a vacation. Just a couple of decades or so. By the time you get back, I'll have h-h-had my fun, and there will be p-p-plenty of protecting for you to do.'

Brentonus says with a grin. 'Everybody wins! W-w-what do you say?'

Caidon says 'I have been thinking about settling down.'

Brentonus smiles, a dark glint in his eyes.

Caidon sniffs at you slightly.

Caidon says 'You have the stink of the demonlord on you.'

Brentonus says confidently, 'There's no better time than now! Real estate is down, benefits are up... hey!'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'I don't stink!'

Caidon says 'For now I must go to chapel.'

Caidon says 'I will be keeping an eye on you young man.'

You frown disapprovingly.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Well...'

Caidon closes his eyes momentarily.

Caidon steps through a gate and vanishes.

The Vanguard steps through a gate and vanishes.

You tell Caidon 'I will draft up a lease on a retirement home, in case you change your mind.'

You tell Caidon 'I'll sp-sp-speak with you soon.'

[Gradrel]

Brentonus and Rhahernrt decide to burn down the Halls of Hope.

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[Despair](Inductee) Brentonus: 'G-g-greetings, master Rhahernrt.'

[Despair](Elder) Rhahernrt: 'yehhh...'

[Despair](Inductee) Brentonus: 'A-a-anything you need done, at present?'

[Despair](Elder) Rhahernrt: 'YEhh, buRnnn DoWNn DUhHh Clan hHOope...'

[Despair](Inductee) Brentonus: 'It s-s-shall be done.'

*After some brief travel...*

Gregan the Hope Clanguard yells 'Alert! The guild is being attacked by Brentonus!'

You fail to blind Gregan the Hope Clanguard.

You draw your weapon.

You wield a Frigid Staff adorned with a black heart.

You fade into existence.

Your colour spray LACERATES Gregan the Hope Clanguard!

Gregan the Hope Clanguard has a few scratches.

*Gregan is slain, and in we go.*

The Chapel

This small room is most likely dedicated to prayer. A small wooden altar

rests against one wall, laden with thick perfumed candles, and large brass

braziers burn fine insence in each corner. Two small pews face the altar,

each with a folding humility bench resting before it.

[Exits: west]

A small extinguished torch is here.

Rhahernrt the Mighty Swinger of Axes is here, sitting astride a warhorse.

A Gharnizon walks in.

Brentonus smiles unpleasantly, his crooked teeth splitting his acne-ridden face.

You get a torch.

Rhahernrt says 'Hooldszs toOorsjhH uhHpsSs...'

Brentonus pulls out a flint and, after a few failed attempts, sets the torch alight.

You light a torch and hold it.

Rhahernrt folds his large arms.

Rhahernrt says 'DehmM Drapess ovEr der..'

Rhahernrt points at a very beautiful pair of drapes on the side wall, overlooking Saint Andres.

Brentonus walks over to the drapes and, swinging the torch like an axe, lights them on fire.

With a woosh and crackle, the hole east side of the room crackles with burning fire, and Rhahernrt cackles along with it!

Brentonus spins around and throws the torch, causing it to land on the altar.

Rhahernrt yells 'DEhmmmM hhoope gonnnnA Be tOrCHhesSzddZSs!'

Rhahernrt kicks the ashes about, starting books, scrolls, and other furniture on fire

The altar bursts into flame, and the light is reflected on Brentonus' eyes, resulting in an eerie twinkle.

Brentonus says with a strangely deep, dark tone. 'Yes. Burn. BURN!'

Rhahernrt yells 'demm vbURnnedsSs!'

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Now for the Q-q-quartermaster.'

Rhahernrt brings his arm up above his head, lightning a finger on fire from his banner.

Brentonus points west.

Rhahernrt runs his finger along the pews.

You grin evilly.

The Quartermaster

In this large room, lay the clan's supply of arms. Numerous racks of

assorted weapons line the hewn stone walls and a small forge lay in the far

northern corner. An iron anvil rests on the ground beside a trough of cool

water and a rack of tools that have seen quite a lot of use.

[Exits: east]

Rhahernrt rides in.

Brentonus takes up a pair of tongs and lifts a burning coal from the bellows.

Brentonus says with a nasal wheeze, 'Burnt by their own f-f-flame.'

Rhahernrt hefts a chair of burning fire he grabbed from the pew side, and throws it into the forge.

Rhahernrt yells 'yEh yehH YEhHh!'

Brentonus drops the coal in a barrel of tempering oil that rests off to one side - flames roar to life, and the room fills with a dark black smoke.

Rhahernrt breathes in deeply, obviously used to such an environment.

Rhahernrt dusts off his hands.

[Despair]: 'A Clan Quest has been handed out. The first to complete it shall have the reward.'

the Clanmaster has given you a quest!

You have to find a dwarf miner in The Cavern of Shudde M'ell and return to the Clanmaster within 3.0 days.

Brentonus grins nastily, trying to ignore the smoke he has created. 'Yes. They will have n-n-no home to come back to.'

[Despair](Elder) Rhahernrt: 'nnOow YuHhZsz ghoo hEhlp ClanmMaosta...'

[Despair](Inductee) Brentonus: 'W-w-will do.'

[Gradrel]

Learning about the forests with Gradrel:

---------------------------------------------------------------

You tell Gradrel 'G-g-greetings.'

You tell Gradrel 'Might I s-s-speak with you for a brief moment?'

Gradrel tells you 'What is it?'

You tell Gradrel 'Well, s-s-sir, I merely wanted to talk to you about your f-f-forests.'

Gradrel tells you 'What about them?'

You tell Gradrel 'I wish to know what it is a-a-about them that you love so much, and why it is you p-p-protect them so fervently.'

Gradrel tells you 'Do you not know what the forests provide?'

You tell Gradrel 'I know they p-p-provide food and shelter, but that c-c-can be provided by the work of men.'

Gradrel tells you 'Gaia has provided you with life.. Do you not return Her favor?'

You tell Gradrel 'G-g-gaia? Who is G-g-gaia?'

Gradrel slaps you stingingly.

Gradrel tells you 'Do your research, and then speak to me on the forests.'

Brentonus winces, rubbing his cheek.

You tell Gradrel 'I a-a-apologize, sir, I meant no offense.'

You tell Gradrel 'The f-f-forests are just not something that have ever been truly m-m-meaningful to me, and as a result, I know little a-a-about them.'

You tell Gradrel 'P-p-perhaps you could enlighten me, t-t-that I may have more respect for them?'

You tell Gradrel 'W-w-wait... this Gaia. Is she the same as the E-e-earth Mother?'

Gradrel tells you 'Yes.'

You tell Gradrel 'Then I d-d-do know of her!'

You tell Gradrel 'So G-g-gaia gives me life... are you suggesting t-t-that Gaia's life is tied to the forests?'

Gradrel tells you 'Yes.'

Gradrel tells you 'It is Her lifeforce.'

You tell Gradrel 'Well, let me ask you t-t-this, then. Perhaps since G-g-gaia gives me life, in return, is it possible to curry favor by strengthening h-h-her own lifeforce?'

Gradrel tells you 'Of course.'

You tell Gradrel 'Interesting. V-v-very interesting. So if I rid the forests of pests that would harm the E-e-earth Mother, then I can become f-f-favored by Gaia?'

You tell Gradrel 'Very interesting.'

Gradrel tells you 'It will take more than that.'

You tell Gradrel 'M-m-more? Such as?'

Gradrel tells you 'Her forests were destroyed to make room for the cities you walk through.. Her creatures will slain for the skins you wear around your body.'

Gradrel tells you 'Destroy the cities.'

You tell Gradrel 'Now, what I must ask of you is this. Those t-t-touched by the Demon Lord or the Mistress of Death... Why is it y-y-your men hate them so?'

Gradrel tells you 'They are unnatural.'

You tell Gradrel 'Are they n-n-not also given life by Gaia, and only s-s-strengthened by the other Gods?'

You tell Gradrel 'But you have said that Gaia would grant me greater strength, if I destroyed the cities. Would that not also m-m-make me unnatural?'

Gradrel tells you 'Trust me, there is a difference.'

You tell Gradrel 'It a-a-appears the only difference, to me at least, is f-f-favoritism. Meaning no d-d-disrespect, sir.'

Gradrel tells you 'You are so very wrong.'

You tell Gradrel 'C-c-can you point me in the r-r-right direction then?'

Gradrel tells you 'I suggest you continue your research.'

.

You tell Gradrel 'I w-w-will, sir. It seems the forests have i-i-indeed conducted my interest.'

*Later, on his own...*

Before the Great Tree

You stand at the perimeter of the largest, most incredible tree that

you have ever laid eyes on. It has gold-flecked leaves that are the

size of small horses, with thick roots supporting a massive trunk that

is easily twice the size of the grand fortress of the Templar Knights

of Renhorden. It seems to stretch endlessly into the sky, and you

wonder why you did not see it towering above all the other trees in

the forest. You long to inch closer, but cannot seem to move beyond

an invisible barrier that keeps you about a hundred yards away. You

see movement and lights in and about the tree, but there seems to be

no way you can get closer to it.

[Exits: south west]

Casting his eyes about, Brentonus settles down cross-legged on the forest floor.

Brentonus frowns faintly. 'So... this is the Emerald F-f-forest... Never have I seen it, at least not in more than p-p-passing.'

Brentonus runs a hand across the bright green blades of grass, stopping at the enormous roots of the great tree before him.

Brentonus closes his eyes. 'I c-c-can feel the life. The p-p-power flowing through the tree. I can hear whispers, though I cannot make out what they are saying.'

Eyes snapping open, Brentonus says to himself, 'There is a great strength, in the f-f-forest. A great power, waiting to be... t-t-tapped.'

Brentonus grins deviously. 'And who b-b-better to tap it?'

Brentonus pats the tree, as he would a dog. 'Yes, my f-f-friend. You will make a great gift to A-a-anume.'

Brentonus continues: 'I will offer her not o-o-only the strength of the Earth Mother herself... b-b-but also the souls of all the creatures I'll no doubt have to k-k-kill to obtain it.'

Brentonus looks upward, closing his eyes once more, as that nasty grin once again crosses his face.

Brentonus whispers softly. 'Thank you, G-g-gradrel. without you, I never would have known what this place was c-c-capable of.'

Fingering the hilt of “Inferno” the Bane of Trees, Brentonus stands up and walks away, chuckling softly under his breath.