The Imprisonment of Drokmar

I was talking with Grylok about something between him and Zyneste, when suddenly…

Gylostri bows deeply.

You tell someone 'Hmm... so he claimed a mission of vengeance after the death of Saunic?'

Grylok tells you 'I beat him silly and he ran off in awful shape.'

Gylostri says 'I am rather impressed by your translation.'

Geoffram jumps several feet into the air. 'Ahh!'

Gylostri says 'It indeed seems as though our two causes are linked.'

Gylostri smiles happily.

Gylostri says 'Fly over closer, Sir Geoffram.'

Grylok tells you 'Then we agreed to a challenge to straighten out the mess, but he left the realms.'

Geoffram mutters something under his breath. The words 'sneaky' is caught.

Gylostri chuckles politely.

Gylostri says 'Indeed, we are a quiet people, especially so underwater.'

You nod.

Gylostri says 'So, a Titan is Trapped Beneath the Sea.'

Gylostri says 'How intriguing.'

Grylok tells you 'I do not wish to violate our non-aggressive pact and penalize all of my fellow warmasters for a personal vendetta.'

Gylostri says 'But unfortunately, this Titan has caused much destruction.'

You tell Grylok 'I am certain him leaving the realms is just a misunderstanding -- I will speak with him about it though, if that will satisfy you.'

You nod.

Gylostri approaches a bit closer.

'The weather patterns alone will take years to correct.' Geoffram frowns faintly.

Gylostri says 'At least.'

Gylostri says 'We luckily, are an ageless people.'

Gylostri says 'But like the sea...'

Gylostri says 'We can often be Vengeful.'

Gylostri says 'I cannot guarantee the safety of this Titan once we remove him.'

Gylostri says 'But that is a matter set by the war council, not me.'

Grylok tells you 'Thank you. I have had time to recollect my thoughts and I harbor no aggression against the crusader, providing he does not slay my pets in the future.'

'Well, I would say the best solution is to free him as quickly as possible.' Geoffram says softly. 'I will speak on his behalf before your War Council, if you believe it will help.'

Gylostri says 'We shall see.'

Gylostri says 'More importantly now is finding it, then freeing it.'

You nod.

Gylostri says 'Your scroll indicates that you believe he is caught beneath the Cay.'

Grylok tells you 'I appreciate it.'

Gylostri says 'I cannot disagree, considering it has been the hub of all the watery chaos.'

Grylok tells you 'How have you been otherwise, Geoffram?'

Gylostri says 'We will have to dig rather deep.'

Gylostri says 'I suggest you gather a few experts.'

You tell Grylok 'I am well. I have been working to free the Lord Drokmar from his imprisonment.'

Grylok tells you 'The Nexus appears to be quiet these days.'

Gylostri says 'And get a few of these.'

Grylok tells you 'Where is he imprisoned?'

Gylostri gives you an sea-elven rebreathing mask.

'Digging will not be an issue -- I have a certain penchant for explosions, and I believe I can make short work of whatever barriers we find.' Geoffram smiles. 'With caution, of course, to preserve our safety and that of the Cay.'

You tell Grylok 'Beneath the Sea Elven Cay.'

Gylostri says 'But of course.'

Gylostri nods.

Grylok tells you 'Have the Saughin imprisoned him?'

Gylostri says 'You've gained my trust in your intelligence.'

You tell Grylok 'I do not think so -- I think he has imprisoned himself.'

You say 'Well, that only leaves the question of when to begin.'

Grylok tells you 'Odd..'

Gylostri says 'I agree, we should begin as soon as possible.'

You say 'I can have Grylok and Delest here within half a day.'

Gylostri says 'But it is silly to find him and not have a means to free him.'

You say 'But sir, I believe we DO have the means to free him.'

Gylostri says 'Indeed?'

Gylostri says 'What will be required?'

You say 'I, along with two of the strongest hearts I know, can certainly break through what I believe to be a cage of his own making.'

Gylostri says 'If you believe that you can do it...'

You tell someone 'Can I borrow you at the Castle, Brother of War?'

Gylostri says 'I shall assemble a digging party.'

Grylok tells you 'Sure.'

You say 'If not, then we shall at least see what we are up against.'

Gylostri nods.

You say 'But I have faith, and more importantly, Hope.'

Gylostri says 'Indeed.'

Gylostri says 'I trust you.'

Gylostri says 'I shall meet you in the Cay.'

You say 'I will be there.'

[sIGIL] (Sigil) Geoffram: 'Delest, are you still in the Cay?'

[KNIGHT] (Page) Delest: 'Currently, yes.'

You buy the Light of Hope.

You have lost 500 crowns in service of SIGIL.

Grylok rides in.

A large mammoth walks in.

A large spotted leopard walks in.

You nod.

Grylok stands at attention and gives a brisk salute.

You say 'I need your help, my friend. We go to the Cay with Sage Gylostri, in an attempt to free Drokmar.'

Grylok joins your group.

Grylok nods.

Grylok says 'Count me in.'

We arrive at the entrance to the Sea Elven Cay

Grylok says 'I won't be able to enter the city..'

Grylok says 'Unless you have a cloak.'

Grylok says 'I cannot remove my mask or helm.'

Grylok says 'Only the eel-skinned cloak.'

Grylok says 'And you cannot touch it.'

Grylok frowns.

You say 'I will have Gylostri bring it out to you.'

You say 'After we slay the Lord.'

Grylok nods.

You say 'Wait here.'

I head down into the Cay to meet Delest and Gylostri

You beckon for Delest to follow -- sure hope they do!

Delest chuckles politely.

Delest now follows you.

Delest joins your group.

You say 'Thrilisitha, have you seen Gylostri?'

You tell Gylostri 'We are here.'

You tell Gylostri 'Although we shall need an eel-skin cloak for Grylok.'

Gylostri appears in a swirling mist.

Gylostri now follows you.

Delest bows deeply.

You say 'Rest here. I shall take the lead against the Lord.'

We kill the Sahuagin Lord to get a cloak for Grylok

You nod.

You say 'Can you bring Grylok the cloak, m'Lord?'

Gylostri gets an eel-skin cloak fastened with a coral brooch.

Gylostri says 'I can.'

You nod.

Grylok nods.

Grylok says 'Do you have the cloak?'

You say 'Grylok, do you think you could leave your pets for the time being? I'd hate for them to get caught in any crossfire.'

Grylok is zapped by an eel-skin cloak fastened with a coral brooch and drops it.

Gylostri gives an eel-skin cloak fastened with a coral brooch to Grylok.

Grylok frowns.

Gylostri says 'Ahh, this shall not work.'

Gylostri says 'My hands shall ruin it for you.'

Gylostri sacrifices an eel-skin cloak fastened with a coral brooch in the name of Knowledge.

Grylok snaps his fingers.

Grylok says 'It seems I am fated to stand behind.'

You say 'Perhaps when we discover the Lord, Gylostri will be able to bring you there.'

Gylostri says 'It is possible.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Is getting down there a problem?'

Grylok sheathes his blades forcefully, obviously displeased with the turn of events.

You say 'There should be an air pocket, in whatever cove Drokmar is trapped in.'

Gylostri says 'Our biggest problem is that we don't know where we are headed.'

Grylok says 'I do hope so.'

Gylostri says 'Things seem calm for now, but perhaps a sign will reveal itself.'

Delest sits down and thinks deeply.

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'It was here before....'

'Ordaran provides.' Geoffram says softly. 'Perhaps Thrilisitha will know something.'

Upon your entrance, a MASSIVE rumbling takes over the entire area, jostling each member of your party to and fro.

Grylok tries to hold his balance.

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Or is it just that one cannot swim?'

Grylok says 'I cannot wear the barrel or mask, as my current equipment is stuck to my body.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Ah.'

Gylostri's digging party is swallowed up as the grounds quake and an enormous ROAR is heard. The Sea-Elven brigade is lost to the sea.

Gylostri gasps in astonishment.

You frown disapprovingly.

Gylostri races to the quaking grounds to save them.

Grylok watches on, his arms crossed. 'That cannot be good.'

Delest shakes his head.

The grounds close up at Gylostri's approach.

Grylok winces in agony.

Gylostri says 'DAMMIT!'

Gylostri wails in anger.

Gylostri says 'Another set of my men lost!'

Gylostri says 'Damn this beast.'

Floating near to Gylostri, Geoffram closes his eyes and concentrates. 'Ordaran provides, Gylostri.'

Delest whispers, 'Again, feel so small...'

Gylostri swats you away with a bit of force.

Gylostri looks toward you.

Gylostri says 'Bah, I am sorry.'

Aiming his staff at the ground that swallowed up Gylostri's men, the crystal atop Geoffram's focus begins to glow.

Gylostri narrows his eyes.

The grounds quake and tumble once more, another wail is heard in the distance, as if coming from the quake.

A beam of arcane light SLICES into the ground, carving a line into the sandy beach as Geoffram directs his staff in a slow circle that encompasses the area.

Grylok watches, eyes wide with interest. 'Look the ground is dividing once more! Keep at it Knight!'

Gylostri says 'Yes, keep at it.'

Gylostri says 'Another beam!'

You are cheered on by Grylok... you feel so loved!

Grylok says 'Perhaps if you two work together?'

Grylok nods at Delest.

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'If you wish to tap my own power, Sir Geoffram, you may.'

'Ordaran provides,' Geoffram says softly. The light from his staff pulsates stronger.

Delest nods in enthusiastic agreement with Grylok.

Gylostri says 'Help him, Deleste!'

Grylok says 'Two is surely better than one!'

'Deleste -- prepare a fire shield. Make it strong, right over the center of that circle.' Geoffram says, beginning to perspire from the concentration involved.

As he bows his head, Delest's staff begins to glow a dull red which quickly intensifies.

Delest is surrounded by a sphere of flames.

Grylok shouts over the hum of magic 'MELT THE EARTH!'

As the ground splits, Gylostri moves closer and says, 'Prepare yourself. Something wicked this way comes!'

As Deleste's shield of fire settles over the circle, Geoffram bows his head and the sand suddenly turns to a sheet of glass -- and EXPLODES in a loud shatter! Propelled upward into Deleste's fire shield, it turns into a fine mist.

Grylok yells 'TONGAR GIVE US STRENGTH! HUUAH!'

Gylostri says 'Ready yourselves!'

'Ordaran...' Geoffram pants with the effort, still focusing on the circle of ground. 'Provides...'

Grylok rides in.

Grylok nods.

Grylok says 'Keeping my pets at a safe distance.'

Grylok cracks his neck, tilting his head from side to side.

At another nod from Geoffram, a bolt of lightning lances out of the sky, causing the remainder of the earthen barrier to part -- revealing Gylostri's crew of diggers!

Grylok says 'I think I can see them!'

Grylok says 'You there! Are you alive?!'

As the ground quakes and opens a vile creature appears and swallows up Gylostri's crew in one swoop.

Grylok gasps in astonishment.

The Demoninicon arrives from a puff of smoke.

Battle ensues and we triumph over the Demoninicon

Grylok cheers and sings... he is just BURSTING with joy!

You get a soul tear.

Delest beams broadly at nothing in particular.

Gylostri says 'What other foes might be here?'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Though still blind. A gyvel or three? I burned through five.'

'A foul creature, to be certain.' Geoffram says.

Grylok says 'You'll find that soul tear useful Geoffram.'

Grylok nods at you in agreement.

You say 'I intend it for Delest, actually.'

Delest beams broadly at nothing in particular.

Grylok says 'I do not use potions, Delest. I had hoped you would say that Geoffram.'

Grylok says 'Sleep and Geoffram can dispel you.'

Delest beams broadly at nothing in particular.

You nod.

Grylok says 'That worked, good.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Whose were these?'

Grylok says 'Where are the men?'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Sir Geoffram?'

Gylostri says 'They have fallen.'

Grylok nods at Delest.

You say 'Mine -- do not worry, Delest.'

Gylostri says 'But now we've opened the ground.'

Grylok says 'Turned to the dark servants perhaps..'

Delest winks suggestively.

'Gylostri, my heart weeps for the loss of your men.' Geoffram sighs. 'That said, I think we've found our sign of where we need to dig.'

Grylok says 'They gave their lives for the King.'

An eerie calm takes over the area as the center of the earth is opened. Gylostri nods at Geoffram.

Gylostri says 'Indeed.'

Grylok says 'There is great honor in what they did.'

'Shall we proceed?' Geoffram asks.

As Gylostri approaches the crack, he is thrown back by an amazing wall of force.

Grylok says 'We owe it to them to do just so pixie.'

Gylostri tries again and is thrown back once more.

Gylostri raises an eyebrow.

Grylok rubs his chin. 'Hrmm.'

Gylostri says 'I cannot proceed.'

Gylostri says 'Grylok, try next?'

Grylok says 'There appears to be some sort of forcefield.'

Grylok sheathes his weapons.

Grylok nods.

Grylok nears the wall of force but is also thrown square on his back. The feral growls in pain.

Grylok says 'No good.'

ONLY ONE.

[PRAETORIAN]: 'Recruit Zyneste has joined the fray.'

Gylostri raises an eyebrow.

Gylostri says 'Did you hear that?'

Grylok says 'Did you hear that? Aye..'

[sIGIL] (Sigil) Geoffram: 'Zyneste -- to the Cay with all haste.'

Delest boggles at the concept.

Grylok says 'Only one.. but WHO?'

[PRAETORIAN] (Recruit) Zyneste: 'Yes Sir!'

Gylostri says 'Deleste, give it a try.'

'I was told once, by the voice of Drokmar, that I was chosen. That I was the one.' Geoffram says. 'It must be time.'

THE GLIMMER.

Delest raises an eyebrow.

Grylok nods at you in agreement.

Grylok says 'Perhaps you are the chosen to enter.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Glimmer? What glimmer?'

Grylok shrugs helplessly.

Delest boggles at the concept.

You say 'He named me Glimmer of Hope. I must face this Titan alone.'

Grylok says 'I surely do not glimmer with all this dirt on my fur.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'I see.'

Grylok nods at you in agreement.

Geoffram places his staff in a strap on his back -- knowing weapons will be of no good where he goes -- and proceeds toward the cavernous opening.

Grylok says 'By Tongar Geoffram, be careful.'

Gylostri says 'Wait.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Do you wish an extra staff, Sir Geoffram? Just in case?'

Grylok glances at the crusader. The feral offers a polite nod.

Zyneste enters on weary legs, rubbing sleepiness out of his eyes 'What is the meaning of this?

Gylostri says 'How do you know you are prepared for what will come?'

Gylostri says 'Are you truly ready for this?'

'I do not know I am prepared, my Lord Gylostri. I have only Hope.' Geoffram says softly, eyes forward.

Grylok says 'We'll find out soon enough. There is no other choice.'

Zyneste blinks and opens his eyes wide 'Gylostri! Grylok, welcome!

Gylostri says 'Then onward, Glimmer of Hope.'

Grylok says 'Wait.'

Grylok sheers a lock of fur from his chest. 'Take this for luck.'

Delest takes Zyneste aside and speaks softly, 'Something massive is afoot, Sir Steelclad.'

Grylok hands the fur to the pixie.

Accepting the gift, odd though it is, Geoffram nods.

'Ordaran provides,' Geoffram intones softly. 'Ordaran...' The last words are swept away as he walks straight into the opening.

An Immortal has transferred you.

Within the Vortex

Reality seems to shimmer about you, pulling you into a swirling vortex of

crackling energies. There is no ground beneath your feet, no walls around

you. There is no evidence to suggest even where you came from. Your inner

energy seems to be seeping from your body, draining you beyond your

comprehension or understanding. Raw magical energy tears at you,

threatening to unwind the fragile threads of your very existence. You float

helplessly in the swirling vortex of magic, struggling against the

inconceivable power surrounding you. Even so, you could swear you hear a

faint voice over the turmoil about you...

[Exits: none]

An Immortal says 'WHO GOES THERE?!'

'It is I, Geoffram. Captain Commander of the Blackwatch Guard, Sigil of the Castle, and Glimmer of Hope.' Geoffram intones in a soft, but firm voice.

The world around you rocks and quakes as a shadowed figure rages toward you. This must be Drokmar.

An Immortal says 'YOU?!'

An Immortal says 'You are HERE!'

Drokmar slowly fades into existence.

'I am here, Lord Drokmar. Here to help, as I may, as Ordaran allows.' Geoffram says.

As Drokmar reveals himself to you, he ceases to struggle. The area is calm and devoid any sealife.

Drokmar takes in a deep breath, that nearly sucks you into his nostrils.

'I brought you something, my Lord. Something I believe you lost, long ago.' Geoffram smiles.

Drokmar speaks in a defeated, sullen tone. 'Whaaat?'

You give the Light of Hope to Drokmar.

'The Light of Hope be with you.' Geoffram intones, his voice growing in volume. 'The Light of Hope... is yours.'

Drokmar holds the light of hope high, casting a luminescence around the entire area.

The towering titan before you is a vast expanse of muscle

and glory. His glistening purplish-blue skin radiates even

in the faintest of lights. With each movement, particles of

coral and algae drop from his mammoth frame. His

musculature is exaggerated to nearly mythical proportions,

and he wears only a few pieces of armor, including a

massive breastplate engraved with a menacing bleeding

fist.

Dragging the ground are gargantuan black chains, broken

at the bottoms. They are clasped to his godly wrists which

seem to slowly drip blood that radiates with an unnatural

brightness.

Drokmar is in excellent condition.

Drokmar is using:

the Light of Hope

a shimmering plate of holy vengeance

'Typhoon', War Hammer of the Righteous Tide

Two MASSIVE chains are revealed as Drokmar holds the light.

Drokmar says 'BUT, LOOK.'

Drokmar tugs against the chains, bleeding from the wrists.

Drokmar frowns.

'The key to your chains is not power or force. Do not pull against them.' Geoffram cautions.

Drokmar pulls even harder and wails in agony as his wrists bleed even more.

Drokmar says 'THEN WHAT?!'

'Surrender, Lord Drokmar, but not to Despair.' Geoffram bows his head. 'Surrender to Love. To Faith. To Hope. To the Light. Let it embrace you. Let it fill you. Let it FREE YOU!' Geoffram's words reach a shout.

Drokmar breaths deep and lets out a deep groan. He falls to the ground.

Drokmar closes his eyes. 'Love...? There is no love here.'

'I do not pretend to know what happened to you, Drokmar. And perhaps I never will...' Geoffram frowns faintly.

Drokmar says 'I do.'

Drokmar sighs.

You say 'Then tell me your story. Tell me, if you will, that I may know your pain.'

Drokmar stares at you, his eyes larger than your body. With each blind, water swirls with force.

Drokmar says 'Long...'

Drokmar says 'Long...ag...'

Drokmar says '…Go.'

Drokmar says 'I was like you.'

Drokmar says 'A Knight.'

Drokmar says 'But I was different.'

Drokmar says 'I was an Avatar of Sirant.'

Drokmar says 'I was a proud warrior, stoic, and strong.'

Drokmar says 'I faced minion after minion after minion of DArkness.'

Grylok tells you 'Are you ok?'

Drokmar says 'Be they Chaos or Death.'

You tell Grylok 'I am fine. Ordaran provides.'

Drokmar says 'Be they Crypticant or Virigoth.'

Drokmar says 'Names long forgotten.'

Grylok tells you 'Good good.'

Grylok tells you 'Zyneste and I have put the past to rest.'

Grylok tells you 'Do be careful.'

Drokmar says 'All Aabarahn was one day startled....'

Drokmar says 'For something that had never been seen came to our planet.'

Drokmar says 'The first of the GIANT slabs of starstone.'

Drokmar says 'This was a great mystery to all of Aabarahn, and each faction wanted to know of it.'

Drokmar says 'Warmaster, Savant, Chaos, Conclave...'

Drokmar says 'Justice.'

Drokmar says 'And KNIGHT.'

Drokmar says 'It was we who fought longest and bravest.'

Drokmar says 'It was we who secured the stone.'

Drokmar takes in a deep breath.

Drokmar says 'How I regret it.'

'Why?' Geoffram queries. 'What happened?'

Drokmar turns away briefly.

Drokmar says 'Are those of your castle greedy?'

'Those of the Castle are men. They are not Gods.' Geoffram sighs. 'But they are strong, and they prevail over the predilections of lesser men.'

Drokmar Speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' then indeed, they are susceptible to Greed.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' we were no different.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' our strongest priests and mages did what they could to secure the power of the stone, and indeed they began a great experiment.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' Could they imbue the power of the stone into a mortal?

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' the result...

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' was wonderful.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' and later...horrible.

'You are the result?' Geoffram arches an eyebrow as he speaks his question.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' it was I who was chosen by Sirant to subject himself to the experiment.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' indeed I am.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' at first, my power was unimaginable.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' I slaughtered drow and duergar by the thousands.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' I massacred whole villages and towns.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' goblins, orcs....

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' all feared the righteous vengeance of the Light.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' but in that...

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' I lost myself.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' the stone drove me mad.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' only through millennia of this prison have I come to my sense...

Drokmar breaths in deep once more.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' This PRISON.

Drokmar smashes the ground causing a jet stream to rush to the surface.

'We all lose ourselves, sometimes.' Geoffram says. 'Even I, a Sigil, have turned to draw the blood of my foes in times where it was not needed.'

Drokmar narrows his eyes at you.

'But there is one thing each of us has that our foes do not.' Geoffram bows his head with a smile.

Drokmar raises an eyebrow.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' what is that, Geoffram?

'Hope. The knowledge that Ordaran, and Irumeru, and Sirant, and all the rest provide for us -- because we believe.' Geoffram's smile broadens. 'So you see, my Lord... you are not lost and you need not be imprisoned.'

You say 'Because you too have -- and shall always have -- HOPE.'

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' the force that has put me here is BEYOND HOPE!

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' DO you know who built these CHAINS?!!!

Drokmar settles down in a downtrodden defeat once more.

'Nothing is beyond Hope.' Geoffram says quietly. 'And yes, I suspect I know who built those chains.'

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' Did you know a mortal can survive in the Nexus?

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' In my rage, I rushed into a gateway.

Taken aback slightly by the odd shift, Geoffram arches an eyebrow before schooling his face back to peace.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' you've no doubt seen them.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' in my rage, I rushed into one.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' for a moment, I felt every fiber of my being pulled into a myriad of directions.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' but the power of the stone kept me whole, and I waged holy war in the nexus itself.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' the Rift as it is called had never seen a force such as me.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' I battled countless demons, and they pushed me back through another gateway.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' and here I arrived.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' here they trapped me.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' here they bonded me.

Drokmar tugs lightly at the chains.

[sIGIL] (Sigil) Geoffram: 'Lend me your prayers, Brothers. We shall need all the strength Ordaran can provide.'

[PRAETORIAN] (Recruit) Zyneste: 'Yes Sir!'

'Drokmar...' Geoffram sighs sadly. 'Your tale would make the strongest heart weep. But there is something you do not see in your tale, that I see.

Drokmar looks up at you, dejected.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' what can that be?

'Starstone has many wondrous properties.' Geoffram says softly. 'But there is one thing stronger even than starstone.'

'Starstone does not pick up a sword and charge at a demon; it does not cast the fires of hell on a squad of vampires.' Geoffram continues.

Drokmar rises slightly, sitting more erect.

Drokmar leans in closer to you and narrows his saddened eyes.

You say 'It is only a tool. Starstone cannot overcome one thing, I said. One thing alone is stronger.'

'The Human Spirit.' Geoffram smiles. 'And you have a strong spirit -- this I know, for I have felt its tug. Starstone can only control you if you let it.'

A rattle fills this otherwise soundless area as the Drokmar's chains begin to shake.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' but my spirit...

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' is broken!

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' here I sit forever!

'Alright, enough.' Geoffram says softly, a fire filling his voice.

Drokmar peers into you, his eyes begging you for something more. The chains continue to rattle furiously.

'I didn't go through fire and flame, I didn't lose men, to have you sit here cowed and broken by your own sorrow.' Geoffram glowers faintly. 'You are a man, not a puppet. And moreso, you are a KNIGHT.'

In his most forceful General-voice, Geoffram snaps. 'Now stand up, Soldier.'

Drokmar leans in closer, bringin himself to his enourmous feet.

Drokmar's chains are rattling and clanging about uncontrollably.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' WHY?!

'You have Hope. You have Light. You have Love. These things and more, you have, for your service to Sirant and the Crown.' Geoffram says in a near shout. 'And you will NOT give them up!'

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' WHY?!

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' WHY SHOULD I STAND?!

'Why?' Geoffram growls. 'Because the world needs you. Because the world needs men LIKE you, to stand against the tide of evil that threatens to overwhelm it.'

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' WHAT CAN I OFFER?!

'All it takes for evil to triumph,' Geoffram snaps, 'Is for good men to do nothing. You were an Avatar -- a guiding force, the Hand of the bloody Light!'

Drokmar tugs at the chains once more in a burst of anger.

Drokmar speaks in a sullen, defeated tone, ' I AM NOT ANY MORE.

'Arms, at attention!' Geoffram shouts. 'You listen to me well, Drokmar, Knight of the Crown, Avatar of Sirant, Tempest of the Light.'

Drokmar takes a soldierly position, standing fully erect.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone ' But...

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' If I stand....

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' Can I count on you to carry on what I once started?

'You can count on me, my Lord.' Geoffram says softly. 'And my men after me. And their men after them.'

You say 'You are the bridge, my Lord, that spans the gaps of Time to ensure the Castle will stand. Why, you asked. Why. Because it is your duty.'

Drokmar's chains begin to crack.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' But you cannot do it.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' you are a sigil.

You say 'Not because it is what you want, or what you desire, or what you yearn for. Those things will come and go. But because it is what you were MADE for. Because it is what you NEED. Because it is what the world NEEDS.'

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' They do not need me.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' they need the Righteous Fire of the Light.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' YOu are the glimmer of Hope, Black Watch Commander...

'I will become what I have to, in order to serve Castle and Crown.' Geoffram intones softly.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' but are you too the Righteous Fire of the Light?

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' TELL ME NOW?!

'I am what I need to be. I am what the Light needs me to be. I am what Aabahran needs me to be.' Geoffram says.

You say 'I am the Righteous Fire of the Light.'

Drokmar's ancient chains brighten with a blinding light and DISINTEGRATE.

Drokmar frees his arms with a HUGE rush, causing a massive underwater torrent that blows you away.

Drokmar walks home.

Drokmar has transferred you.

The Dune Sea Shallows

You are afloat on the great Dune Sea, the westernmost sea in Aabahran.

You are in the shallows, presently, but further to your west lies the deep

blue reaches of the Dune Sea, and unexplored country. Small waves lap at

your boat, but far on the horizon the chop of whitecaps can be seen visibly.

Sea salt fills your nose, and the sound of seagulls crying overhead can be

heard.

[Exits: east west]

Drokmar the Unchained Leviathan, Raging Tempest of the Light is here.

'Come with me, Drokmar.' Geoffram extends a beckoning hand. 'Come home with me.'

Back to the Cay to pick up the others

Wading in the Surf

Departing the warm sand of the beach behind you, the cool water is a

welcome experience. Gentle waves lap against your ankles, and nothing but

water lays ahead of you. Looking down, you can discern a plethora of tiny

fish darting about, and small seashells embedded in the sand beneath your

feet. A few yards from the shore, you can see a small figure reclined in a

wicker chair, resting in a few inches of water.

[Exits: east west]

( 2) A magical spring flows from the ground here.

(Glowing) (Humming) A sleek long staff bejewelled with many rubies in the middle is here.

(Charmed) (White Aura) Zyneste's Demon Hunter stands here.

Zyneste the Righteous Eye of God is here, sitting astride a warhorse.

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

Gylostri the Elder Sage of the Sea-Elven Cay is here.

A scantily clad gnome is here, wearing a HUGE straw hat.

You beckon for everyone to follow.

You say 'Come.'

Delest boggles at the concept.

Delest beams broadly at nothing in particular.

Delest now follows you.

Zyneste says 'I have embarked upon Crusade.'

You say 'To the Castle.'

We arrive in the Castle

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' this smell.

Drokmar speaks in a slightly more invigorated tone, ' after so many years it smells the same.

'Welcome home, Drokmar. Welcome home, Brother.' Geoffram smiles broadly.

Drokmar smiles happily.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' HERE I AM.

Delest must like Drokmar a great deal to beam at him so broadly!

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' you have freed me, Geoffram.

Zyneste yells 'I'll only be a moment. I'd just need to wipe off this blood.'

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' you have taken on quite a task.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' you have freed me on the promise...

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' that you shall be the Righteous Fire of the Light.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' scribe your last scroll as Sigil, Sir Geoffram, for you will rise as the true Praetorian your spirit holds.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' your road will be hard. But this is a promise you have made.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' and I expect you to burn the world of evil down.

Zyneste raises his voice with conviction ' praise thee o praise thee! Lord Drokmar is free!

You say 'It will be done as you say, Lord Drokmar. The Righteous Fire of the Light will burn brightly, for all of Aabahran to see.'

Delest nods in enthusiastic agreement with Zyneste.

Drokmar smiles happily.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' I shall meet you all shortly.

You nod.

Delest places the butt of his staff on the ground and takes a knee.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' indeed, I am exhausted from this.

Drokmar smiles happily.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' but I know...that I can count on you.

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' for I have Hope. Once again.

'For Hope. For the Crown. For the Light!' Geoffram shouts triumphantly.

Delest echos: 'For Hope. For the Crown. For the Light!'

Zyneste raises his voice with conviction ' hah!

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' I rest now, FREE.

You say 'Rest in peace, Drokmar. For there is a long battle ahead.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'And for Sir Geoffram for undertaking this quest.'

You say 'And you will need your strength.'

Drokmar speaks in a loud, triumphant tone, ' thanks you to Sir Geoffram, Righteous Fire of the Light, Commander of the Black Watch Guard.

From under the bulky casings of armor Zyneste bellows ' yes, indeed a job well done Sir!

'We all will,' Geoffram says quietly.

Drokmar stands at attention and gives a brisk salute.

You raise your hand in salute to Drokmar.

Drokmar leaves in a swirling mist.

You nod.

You say 'It is done. Our Lord and Regent is free.'

Zyneste raises his voice with conviction ' a grand day this is!

You nod.

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'I had hoped that my prayers reached you. It appears that they did.'

Delest beams broadly at nothing in particular.

'I must find a scribe to see that word of this reaches the people of Aabahran.' Geoffram says. 'I will rejoin you shortly.'

Zyneste ruffles his hands by his ears 'And did I hear this right? You are to join the ranks of the Praetorians?

You nod.

You say 'I am.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Fitting, I'd like to say.'

Zyneste nods 'Indeed.

You say 'Rest, the two of you. We will all need our strength in the days to come.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Perhaps this also means that there will be one less Sigil in the Castle.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Or perhaps that the number shall not change.'

Delest raises an eyebrow.

You smile at him.

You say 'Perhaps it will be so.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Know you how many hold the line, Sir Geoffram?'

You say 'There are two Praetorians, two Sigils, and two undecided.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Soon three Praetorians. Perhaps I should take up the defense where you left off?'

You say 'Perhaps so. It is your choice.'

Delest agrees absolutely.

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Which I shall not act in haste about.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Sir Steelclad. It is to this I wished to speak with you about. But unfortunately my time here ends.'

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Perhaps when we are both free once more?'

Zyneste nods 'Certainly. Blasted Gyoubu!

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Then I shall take my leave with your permissions.'

Zyneste nods, his dark-brown, wavy hair fluttering upon the winds '

Delest speaks with a slightly ethereal voice, 'Then I shall. Blessed day, this is.'

Delest bows deeply.

[KNIGHT]: 'Page Delest has left the fray.'

Zyneste raises his voice with conviction ' bless his soul.

Geoffram: The Freedom of Drokmar

To: Knight Herald Saunic Grylok Regalis Immortal

Salutations and the Light's Blessing,

It is with great joy that I share the news of the freedom of the

Lord Drokmar, Regent of the Knight Castle, the Unchained Leviathan,

Tempest of the Light.

From the depths of the Sea Elven Cay, Lord Drokmar has arisen new

and whole to serve the Light once more. This freedom comes with

the promise that a Knight would take up the path Drokmar himself

once trod -- the Righteous Fire of the Light. Named by the Lord as

the one to carry out this task, I too shall rise up and proceed in

a new destiny.

And so I greet you no longer as a guardian of the Sigil. Instead,

I greet you as a member of the Praetorian Guard.

The days ahead will be long and filled with turmoil. But know,

my friends and brothers, that there is one who will stand by your

side throughout it all. And know that you have Hope and the Light

with you, always.

Praise be to Drokmar! Praise be to the Castle! Praise be to the

Light!

In Service to the Light,

Geoffram Galanosis

Captain Commander of the Blackwatch Guard

Righteous Fire of the Light